Welcome to I Swear by This, an interview series where we chat with our favorite fashion and beauty insiders about the beauty products they use down to the last drop. This week, we asked The Cut's senior shopping editor Bianca Nieves to share all of the products she can't get enough of.
Bianca Nieves was always the one that friends went to for shopping advice. “They would come to me when they needed to find a dupe for something—I’ve always been that friend,” she tells Coveteur. Today, as a senior editor at The Cut’s newly-revamped shopping vertical, she brings her buying expertise to the masses.
“That has always been my thing, but it wasn’t until my third year in New York—I’ve been here for six years now—I did some freelance SEO stories for Who What Wear, then I kind of fell into commerce.” While freelancing, she interviewed for an opening as an editorial assistant at The Cut. “I was technically overqualified, but I met with Lindsey [Peoples, The Cut’s fashion market editor at the time] for like, five minutes.” After Peoples was named Editor-In-Chief at Teen Vogue, she tapped Nieves to join her team. “It goes to show, don’t turn down any interview! That’s also how I ended up here at The Cut. When I saw her email pop up I was like, ‘She remembered little old me?’”
Though testing products is a major part of her job, Nieves is very particular about what she actually buys. “I don’t like to buy stuff at full price, I’ll wait until something is on sale or I’ll leave it on my wishlist until I can find something similar or until I forget about it entirely. That’s my main way of shopping, [I'm] careful and meticulous,” she explains.
Amidst the endless stream of beauty samples, these nine products have Nieves' seal of approval. Here, the editor breaks down her faves.
Instant Angel Lipid Rich Moisturizer
“This was the perfect lightweight moisturizer for summer. Because I have eczema, a product could work [on my skin] for two months then I’ll break out in hives. That hasn’t happened with this, so I’ve been loving it.”
Original Healing Jelly
“I’m a Vaseline, Cerave, ointment girlie—they have never failed me. I started slugging before it was a trend because my dermatologist recommended these products. My face just needed it.”
SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
“I alternate between this and Avene’s Thermal Spring Water Spray. I’ve been using the Avene spray since college and when I got introduced to Tower 28, I instantly fell in love. Last year [my skin] was so red and everything I [applied] would sting, so I'd do a spritz of this in the morning or whenever I felt like my skin was about to act up. It hasn't failed me."
Shower Detangling Brush
“I have very thick hair and I've noticed that if I don't comb my hair in between product [applications] while I'm washing it, there's product residue left behind. This [brush] wonders and it doesn’t pull or tug, which I love.”
Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil
“I’m very much a natural oil girl; whatever’s at the drugstore is just fine. But when my scalp needs extra love, I love applying Ceremonia’s Heritage Scalp Remedy Oil. It makes my hair feel so soft while also cleansing my scalp.”
Hollywood Flawless Filter
“I discovered this when it was up for grabs in the beauty closet at Teen Vogue. I love that you can use this as a concealer and that it doesn't have to go all over your face. I use it under my eyes, on my forehead, on my nose, on my chin then I rub it in with my fingers. I like that you don't have to go through so many steps to give your skin a 'filtered' look. And this plays really well with all of the sunscreens that I use, which is a plus because that’s a step I try not to skip.”
Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer and Daytime Eye Cream
“I have very, very dry skin and I really have to hydrate my face before I apply makeup, otherwise, it creases. I love that even if I've just applied my Dieux moisturizer, I can apply this right after and it’ll look great. It covers up my breakouts so well and it’s fairly affordable.”
C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40
“When I saw that [Ilia] only had three shades I thought, that’s sus. But the whole team at The Cut tried it out and the finish looked great for all of us—it leaves your skin dewy and glowing—even though we all have different complexions. This is a one-and-done product. You don't need a different foundation for different times of the year. I've used it with a tan and without and it still blended seamlessly."
Brow 1980 Volumizing Eyebrow Pomade Gel
“Nobody touches my brows. I had a terrible experience once. But this is currently my favorite brow product. It matches well with my brows and doesn’t leave behind a residue. Even if I sweat, it still stays put.”