Depending on your level of interest in the beauty world, the term “gel cream” could mean a few things. A texture? Sure. A product? That too. But if you’re really in the know, your mind probably goes straight to Instagram.
The @gelcream feed, which is run by former magazine editor Yana Sheptovetskaya, is full of artfully shot photos and honest reviews of some of the buzziest beauty products out there. (Each image also includes a look at Sheptovetskaya’s always-perfect manicure.)
What began as a hobby is now a handle with more than 120,000 followers. Unlike the sea of accounts focused on cut crease and contour tutorials, @gelcream is strictly about the products themselves—and whether or not they’re worth it.
With that in mind, we asked the guru herself to handpick five of her favorite, no-brainer beauty buys straight from Saks Fifth Avenue. Check them out below.
1.
Sheptovetskaya uses this Byredo hand cream on her nails and cuticles—two spots that occasionally need extra love. “Because it’s a thicker cream, I use this on those super dry areas. Plus, it makes me very happy to have my favorite scents on my fingertips,” she says.
2.
Thanks to its luxe branding and steep price tag, this iconic jar from La Mer may seem more like a status symbol than an actual product you’d use on the daily. But according to Sheptovetskaya, it’s worth it.
“This was my first serious beauty purchase, influenced by a co-worker who always looked fresh despite the sleepless hours our fashion job required,” she says. Years later, she still swears by this cream. “It heals my occasional milia, any redness, or sunburn. It's my go-to when I need a pick-me-up.” Sold.
3.
Sheptovetskaya is a big fan of this highly-rated lactic acid treatment from Sunday Riley. “I’ve used Sunday Riley Good Genes during my skin highs and lows and it always delivers the best results. It helped fix my skin when I had terrible acne, and keeps it plump now,” she says. “I don’t know anyone who’s tried it and didn’t like it—it’s a classic that helps with so many conditions.”
4.
If mascara is an essential part of your everyday look, you probably have more than one tube and use them for different occasions. For Sheptovetskaya, this pick from Sisley is her go-to for evenings. “When I need my lashes to stand out, this one comes to the rescue,” she says. “One swipe and I look ready.”
5.
Even Sheptovetskaya isn’t immune to good packaging. “I have an uncontrollable obsession with travel-size perfumes, and especially cases—aren’t they a piece of art?” she says. “I have eight different Maison Francis Kurkdjian mini scents that I use with this travel case; I swap them out according to my mood or seasons. My favorite at the moment is Gentle Fluidity Gold. I’ve also been using Aqua Universalis for a while and am excited to switch to Oud Satin Mood. It’s perfect for colder days.”
Ready to shop? Head to Saks Fifth Avenue to check out all of Sheptovetskaya’s top picks, plus plenty more products.