Bri Books

We're continuing Wine Week on Bri Books! I started the week with episodes about how to select the perfect wine and my wine-shopping hacks, and now we're delving deep into the specific wines and regions. My love for orange wine led me to an NYC wine shop called Orange Glou in 2019, shortly after the shop opened. It's a store dedicated 100% to orange wine! This past November, Orange Glou hosted their second-ever orange wine fair, and it was a roaring success. Hosted at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Orange Glou's founders Doreen Winkler and Jack Won really knocked it out of the park and managed to secure nearly 5 dozen winemakers and importers. It was a veritable who's who of the orange wine world.

A few facts about orange wine:

1. Orange wine is a type of skin contact wine, made from white grapes that macerate on the skin. It's not wine made from citrus oranges!

2. Orange wine was invented in the Republic of Georgia thousands of years ago and was reintroduced to the rest of the world 40 years ago by 2 Italians, Gravner and Radikon, who wanted to explore this winemaking style.

3. Today there are 1,000+ wine producers and wineries that make orange wine along with other styles they're producing.

4. I find orange wine to be fascinating because of the geographical differences in the wines. From South Australia to South Africa, Austria to Alsace, Georgia to Germany, the varieties of white grapes put on display in orange wine are divine.

In this episode, I'm sharing a few of my favorite orange wine importers and orange wines.

1. 5:00: D-I Wine (Alsace): D-I Wine is a natural wine import and distribution powerhouse. I met the founder Brett Taylor (for the second year in a row!), and spent too long gushing over his selection. D-I wine takes a truly DIY approach to natural wine. Their portfolio is stocked with natural and low-intervention wines. They're all about deep partnership with producers who understand and respect tradition. The true gem on the D-I Wine team is George Kalligeros, a wine Somm with a diverse background in the wine industry. He has experience as a portfolio manager, sommelier, and is knowledgable about wine-making. He's currently serving as the portfolio manager of D-I Wine, and in this role, he curates and manages the wine selection for the company, focusing on French natural wines. His expertise expands to Paris, the Rhone, and beyond. One of my favorite selections from D-I Wine is Domaine Brand's Tout Terriblement wine from Alsace, France. A 100% Gewurztraminer, this full-bodied wine has a fresh, yellow and orange-fruit flavor with a hint of sweet lychee.

1. 8:25: Donkey and Goat Winery (California): I'll admit it: the name of this winery pulled me right away. But this winemaker/ proprietor/ hose cleaner Jared Brandt and his tasty drinks charmed me. Based in Berkeley, CA, ared and his co-founder Tracey Rogers founded Donkey and Goat Winery in 2004 in San Francisco after studying the art of crafting natural wines in the Rhone Valley. I tasted the Elen Ridge Vineyard Stone Crusher orange wine made from the Roussanne varietal. It was rich, well structured and the tannins revealed a fresh finish. Donkey and Goat also have a testing room in Berkeley, so I'd say they're probably one of the coolest natural wine operations in the Bay.

2. 10:10: 8000 Vintage Selections (Georgia): The 8000 Vintage Selections table was the party epicenter of the orange wine fair. The team from 8000 Vintage Selections had over a half dozen producers at the ready, with at least a dozen or so bottles to taste from. The founder and CEO Shalva Tevdoradze was an absolute beast. The 8000 Vintage Selections collection is almost exclusively Georgian wines. Winemaking in Georgia dates back at least 8,000 years. Early Georgians made wine at least 6,000 BC when they discovered that grape juice could be turned into wine after being buried in qvevris underground. Kveri is an egg-shaped earthenware vessel made for making, aging and storing wine. It's the oldest way of making wine. This experience completely cemented in me the need to visit Georgia to explore viticulture for myself. Two Georgian winemakers caught my attention: Nikalas Marani and Vellino Wines.

Nikalas Marani: We tasted the Nikalas Marani Rkatsiteli 2020 vintage from a small-scale winemaker with over 100 years of family legacy. Winemaker Zurab Mgvdliashvili's grandfather was a small-scale wine cultivator in the 1920s, during the peak of the Soviet Union. When Zurab Mgvdliashvili took over the property in 2005, he restored everything, and as a tribute to his grandfather kept the old name Nikala's Marani. I'd describe the Nikalas Marani Rkatsiteli 2020 vintage as tropical and balanced with pronounced tannins and fruity aromas of peach, forest honey, and yellow dried fruit.

Vellino Wines: Vellino was founded in 2015 to continue a family business of winemaking. The 26-year-old winemaker makes wines from Kakhetian grape varieties, utilizing knowledge passed down by family and fellow winemakers. I tasted the Kisi 2020 vintage, and the Rkatsiteli 2020 vintage. Beka Jimsheladze did an excellent job with this wine. I can imagine this amber colored wine being perfect with fish, veggies, chicken and cheeses, thanks to its gentle, refreshing notes of citrus. The best part: Vellino Wines in Georgia offers tours!

Wines Mentioned:

• Orange Glou orange wine shop in NYC

• D-I Wine (Alsace), Domaine Brand's Tout Terriblement wine

• Donkey and Goat Winery (California), Elen Ridge Vineyard Stone Crusher orange wine

• 8000 Vintage Selections (Georgia), Nikalas Marani Rkatsiteli 2020 and Vellino Wines Kisi 2020

If you're new to the show (and loving it!), leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify! Please tell me what you're drinking to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Welcome to Bri Books! This week, as we'll be delving into all things literary, starting with a review of the 6 best books I read in 2023.

1. 'The War Before: The True Life Story of Becoming A Black Panther, Keeping the Faith in Prison & Fighting for Those Left Behind' by Safiya Bukhari. This book was probably my most valuable and important read of 2023. It's the true-life story of Safiya Bukhari, and it catalogues her lifelong commitment as an advocate for the rights of the oppressed. Following her journey from middle-class student to Black Panter to political prisoner, her wiritings provide an intimate view of a woman wrestling with the issues of her time, including the legacy of the Panthers, misogyny in the movement, her decision to convert to Islandm, the incarceration of outspoken radicals around the world, her passion for family, and how the struggles of social justice movements have paved the way for the progress of today.

2. 'Mother Hunger: How Adult Daughters Can Understand and Heal from Lost Nurturance, Protection, and Guidance' by Kelly McDaniel. This book came recommended by Myleik Teele, founder of Curlbox and host behind Myleik Teele My Taught You podcast. It's truly a life-changing and life-saving book. It comes with countless insights on so many things. Having parts of this book hit home has been enlightening and healing at a whole new level. With 'Mother Hunger', McDaniel helps women break the cycle of destructive behavior by taking a fresh look at childhood trauma and its lasting impact. McDaniel is the first clinician to identify Mother Hunger, which demystifies the search for love and provides the compass that each woman needs to end the struggle with achy, lonely emptiness, and come home to herself.

3. 'The Yoga Almanac: 52 Practices and Rituals to Stay Grounded Through the Astrological Seasons,' by Lisette Cherreson and Andrea Rice. Sequenced by the astrological calendar, The Yoga Almanac is a practical guide to help you reintegrate with recurring cosmic rhythms, and invite the sacred into your life through learning, movement, breath, and ritual. Featuring 52 seasonally-themed chapters, the Almanac is a comprehensive jumping off point to deepen your relationship to yoga—and to yourself.

4. 'Forbidden Fairways: African Americans and the Game of Golf' by Calvin H. Sinnette.: The emergence of Tiger Woods on the international golf scene brought the world's attention to the African American experience in golf. But before Tiger, names like Ted Rhodes, Bill Spiller, Ann Gregory, and so many others remained in relative obscurity without being given the chance to compete. 'Forbidden Fairways' is not just a history of the African Americans who have been playing golf for over 200 years but a tribute to them as well.

5. 'Spare' by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. Spare. Spare! WHAT can I even SAY about the book that kicked off 2023? For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief. From losing his mother, Princess Diana, as a tween to joining the British Army before meeting Meghan Markle his future wife, Harry spared nothing and no one in 'Spare.'

6. 'Slow Living: The Secrets to Slowing Down and Noticing the Simple Joys Anywhere' by Helena Woods. This is a fantastic book that breaks down how to inject more calmness, stillness, and intentionality into your daily life. A must for 2024 and beyond!

Yes, I try and test a lot of products. But there are some brands in particular that have been knocking it out of the park. I have seven brands, ranging from drugstores to luxury beauty, that I want to introduce you to.

• 1:25: #1: Neuma - Neuma focuses not just on your natural hair texture as it is, but the hair you want to have. It's a sustainable, high-performance haircare range. They recently underwent a full brand refresh and re-introduction. I was lucky enough to attend a launch breakfast with Neuma, and ever since then, I've been adding these new products to my routine. My favorite products: Neuma NeuVolume Styling Spray ($32), which I've been using for months now as a styling product. If you have natural or curly hair and you want your hair to have volume on demand, this is a great product. It's the perfect fix-all for volume. The Neuma NeuStyling Air-Dry Shaper ($32) adds body and shine for easy, everyday air-dry styles.

• 5:10: #2: Kerastase Paris - You've probably stumbled upon this brand in a hair salon. The brand's Nutriative range is designed for dry hair, and it's infused with plant-based proteins that help the hair maintain moisture. I love this range for blowouts/ heat protection. The Karatese Paris Nutritive Nectar Thermatique ($24) is great for medium-thick dry hair. After washing my hair and drying it, I add a few drops of this product. If your'e planning a heat-basd style and want to protect your hair, this is perfect for you. Secondly, the Karatese Paris Plant-Based Beautifying Detangling Blowdry Mist ($40) is closer to a traditional heat protectant, and is a valuable part of your leave-in haircare routine. It's also a great detangler! If you're doing a lightweight heat-based style and want more protection, both of these products should be on your bathroom counter.

• 8:25: #3: OGEE - OGEE is a luxury clean beauty brand, with excellent ingredients throughout. The brand is nontoxic, cruelty-free, and truly beyond 'clean beauty.' I like it because the makeup products almost feel like skin care products. The skincare product I love is the OGEE Elixir Nautral Retinol with 2% Bacuchoil ($88). If you listened to arecent episode of Bri Books, you'll know I shared some retinol and Bacuchoil based picks. Here's a link for where to listen. The OGEE Golden Contour Collection ($136) is a collection of supernatural, ethereal, and warm contour shades that'll add definition and warmth to the face. My favorite shade is TOPAZ, a rosy-peach, and it looks excellent on the apples of the cheeks and all over the face.

• 12:00: #4: La Roche Posay - This brand has been a Bri Books mainstay for a long time. I want to shout out the Niacinimide 10 Serum ($39) and the Effaclar Salycilic Acid Serum ($39). The Effaclar Salyscilc Acid Serum is a super lightweight acid/ treatment serum that helps tp orevent new breakouts. It's great as an overall face treatment, and perfect for clearing up active breakouts. The Niacinimide 10 Serum helps to balance out the skintone, and its' great for all skin (especially sensitive skin!)

• 14:40: #5: Flexitol - If your skin gets dry during the winter, the Eczema Dermitisis Cream and Hand Cream ($16) are perfect for you. Scent-free, these intensive moisturizers are perfect for hard-worked hands.

• 17:00: #6: Nabilah K - Activated Charcoal Fask Mask ($20) is the absolute darling of my collection. A super luxurious, natural and clean beauty brand, so many of the ingredients in Nabila Ki's range are derived directly from nature with lots of essential oils, etc. Bonus: the brand carries a lot of travel-sized products, perfect for the beauty lover on the go. If you're on the hunt for a super luxe yet affordable lifestyle brand to fall in love with, I recommend Nabila K!

• 19:30: #7: Paula's Choice - This brand is known the world over for its effective yet affordable products. Paula's Choice products are essentially divided into five categories: Cleanse, Tone, Exfoliate, Treat and Moisturize. My two favorites are part of the Treat phase (Phyotestrogen Renewal Serum), and the Exfoliate phase (2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $28)). The Phytoestrogen Renweal Serum helps to smoothe the look of my skin, and the BHA 2% Liquid Exfoliant is my go-to nightime treatment for revealing brighter, fresher skin.

I hope you're loving Bri Books! If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Products Mentioned

1. NeumaNeuVolume Styling Spray with Coconut Oil and Avocado Oil ($32

2. Neuma NeuStyling Air-Dry Shaper ($32)

3. Karatese Paris Nutritive Nectar Thermatique ($24)

4. Karatese Paris Plant-Based Beautifying Detangling Blowdry Mist ($40)

5. OGEE Elixir Nautral Retinol with 2% Bacuchoil ($88)

6. OGEE Golden Contour Collection ($136)

7. Niacinimide 10 Serum ($39)

8. Eczema Dermitisis Cream and Hand Cream ($16)

9. Nabila K. Activated Charcoal Fask Mask ($20)

10. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with Salycilic Acid ($28)

11. Paula's Choice Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Serum ($39)

Welcome to 2024 from Bri @ Bri Books podcast! In complete transparency: today is January 15, so consider this amongst the last of your New Year greetings. I'm so thrilled to welcome 2024—there's something about the future of the written word and storytelling that's igniting me at the moment. In the new year, I want to focus on building and maintaining a daily reading practice, and new ways to expand the Bri Books format beyond podcasting (hellloooo, YouTube?!) Furthermore, I'll be incorporating guests into the podcast format this year—get ready to hear some vibrant new voices!

In January, I'll be dropping episodes of Bri Books every weekday. Starting in February, we'll move to a 2x/ weekly cadence. New to Bri Books? Below, I've shared a list of essential episodes from the archives. Consider this your Bri Books Greatest Hits playlist.

Welcome to 2024 with Bri Books! Xox

-Bri

Bri Books Greatest Hits

1. "Heart and Hustle" featuring Patricia Bright
2. "Garden Fresh Cooking" featuring Sandria of @ABeautifulNestTV
3. How to Fall in Love with Gardening this Spring featuring Carla of @GardenPlot.57
4. Building a Diverse Personal Library featuirng Liana Rodriguez
5. Everything You Need to Know About Austrian Wine
6. How to Curate a Wine Menu or Wine Haul
7. Clean Girl Aesthetic Beauty Essentials

Welcome to Bri Books! Ready to get into wine? These 8 books all about the magical world of vino can help. In this episode, I'm sharing the top 8 books for wine lovers (and beginners). Consider this the ultimate wine lover's reading list.

1. 'Volcanoes and Wine: From Pompeii to Napa' by Charles Frankel. This book was probably one of my favorite wine-related reads of 2023. In 'Volcanoes and Wine,' geologist Charles Frankel introduces us to the volcanoes that are among the most dramatic and ideal landscapes for wine making. From California to the Canary Islands and beyond, Frankel gives an in-depth account of famous volcanoes and the wines that spring from their soils. He details each volcano's most famous eruptions, the grapes that grow in its soils, and the people who make their homes on its slopes. This illuminating guide will be indispensable for wine lovers looking to learn more about volcanic terroirs. ($18) University of Chicago Press, Amazon)

2. 'The Wine Savant: A Guide to the New Wine Culture' by Michael Steinberger. 'The Wine Savant' is a punchy, educational, and downright entertaining introduction to all things wine culture. This book is valuable for wine drinkers and oenophiles alike. From three-buck Chuck to priceless Bourdeauxs, this book gives the inside scoop on the key concerns facing a new generation of wine lovers.($10) (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, WW Norton, Abe Books, Penguin Random House Canada)

3. 'Enoteca: Delicious Recipes in the Italian Wine Bar Tradition' by Joyce Goldstein. Renowned chef, author, and teacher Joyce Goldstein explores the origins of enoteca culture and cuisine in Italy, one mouthwatering recipe at a time. With sumptuous color photography throughout, this cookbook expertly pairs classic Italian fare with equally delicious wines, enabling anyone to recreate the enoteca experience at home. ($6) Amazon

4. 'Fire + Wine: 75 Smoke-Infused Recipes from the Grill with Perfect Wine Pairings' by Mary Cressler and Sean Martin. Consider this book your one-stop guide for elevationg your BBQ game and wine knowledge simultaneously. With 75 recipes that pair smoky goodness from the grill with the wines of the Pacific Northwest, this book is the perfect marriage of pitmaster expertise and sommelier sensibilities. With recipes that celebrate smoked and grilled food (and the wines that pair best with them), this wine-meets-cookbook ticks all the boxes. ($20) (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Penguin Random House, Target, Abe Books)

5. 'Movers and Shakers: Advice from the Women Changing the Alcohol Industry' by Hope Ewing. This book is a collection of industry advice and tips, beverage history lessons, and feminist takes on the professional challenges faced by women in the alcohol industry. Hope Ewing dissects how women are paving the way and creating a more inclusive and sustainable world full of delicious drinks. A veteran bartender, Ewing had grown impatient with the surprisingly outdated perceptions of women in the alcohol industry. Entrepreneurial and ambitious, often the first in their fields, the women she knew in the business were leaders, mentors, and trailblazers. In 'Movers and Shakers', Ewing seeks out the ambitious, entrepreneurial women business leaders, mentors, and trailblazers, and shares their stories with us (along with invaluable advice and insights into a wildly and rapidly evolving industry. ($17) (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Thriftbooks)

6. 'VineMeUp: An Activity Book Celebrating The Melanated Wine Enthusiast' by Sarita Cheaves. – Created shortly after the beginning of the pandemic lockdown, Sarita Cheaves channeled her wine knowledge and her love for all things quirky and quizzical into this brilliant and delightful activity book. This book is a compilation of her experience in the wine industry and her commitment to uplifting Black and brown wine experts, influencers, and thought leaders alike ($6) Amazon, ($25) Vinemeupdc.com

7. Natural Wine for the People: Natural Wine for the People: What It Is, Where to Find It, How to Love It' by Alice Feiring. This book is the perfect compact illustrated guide to the emerging and enormously popular world of natural wine, a style that focuses on minimal intervention, lack of additives, and organic/ biodynamic growing methods. In 'Natural Wine for the People,' James Beard Award-winner Alice Feiring sets the record straight, offering an accessible guide filled with easy definitions, tips and tricks for sourcing the best wines, whimsical illustrations, a definitive list to the must-know producers and bottlings, and an appendix with the best shops and restaurants specializing in natural wine across the country, making this the must-buy and must-gift wine book of the year. ($18) - Penguin Random House, Amazon, Kitchen Arts & Letters

8. '99 Bottles: A Black Sheep's Guide to Life-Changing Wines' by Andre Mack. In this entertaining, informative, and thoroughly unconventional wine guide, award-winning sommelier, winemaker, and wine educator André Mack presents listeners with the 99 bottles that have most impacted his life. Instead of just pairing wines with foods, Mack pairs practical information with personal stories, offering up recommendations alongside reflections on being one of the only African-Americans to ever work at the top level of the American wine industry. ($15-$25) (Amazon, Thrift Books, OKSomm, Abrams Books, Bookshop.org)

If you're new to the show (and loving it!), leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Please tell me what you're drinking to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Wine Week Episodes

1. Austrian Wine 101

2. Orange Wine 101

3. 5 Wine-Shopping Hacks

4. 3 Secrets for Selecting the Perfect Wine, Every Time

5. Swiss Wine: Your Ultimate Guide

Welcome to Bri Books! With the holiday season in full swing and 2024 on our doorstep, I'm sharing the 9 best gifts for the wine-lover in your life (or for yourself—I won't tell!) If you're searching for a unique gift for wine-lovers, look no further. In this episode, I'm breaking down the best go-to gift ideas for oenophiles. Spoiler alert: none of these is a bottle of wine. Shocker! Here are the silly, practical, and downright delightful gifts that any Bourdeaux babe or Chardonnay-sipper on your list and in your life. Instead of buying another bottle of vino, consider these cool and unique wine gifts for wine-lovers.

Consider this your go-to wine gift guide for the 2023 holidays and 2024:

1. Argaux "Year of Firsts" Wine Gift Box: This brilliant collection of wine gift boxes are curated to celebrate the birth of a new baby ($85), wedding anniversary,($150-$400), or an engagement ($100-$200). This genius (and thoughtful) gift is a reminder that every milestone matters, and it's the perfect gift to remind the wine lover in your life to savor life's moments, both big and small. The wines are hand-selected by Argaux's team of sommeliers, and the gift sets are customizable.

2. Vinebox 12 Nights of Wine ($150): This exclusive wine sampling set is perfect for wine snobs and beginners alike. The 'Holi-Day collection features 6 reds, 5 whites and 1 rose. the T'was the Night collection boasts 7 reds, 4 whites, and 1 rose—perfect for kicking back by the fire (or by the television.) With a new wine to sip each night, this gift will keep your oenophile entertained for at least a fortnight. Win-win!

3. Recanter Wine Breather Decanter ($50): A unique sommelier-style decanter that grates, serves, and rebottles unfinished wine, this gorgeously designed decanter is the perfect centerpiece for any wine obsessive's table. It's easy to use, cleaning is a breeze, and the stainless steel and silicone topper allows you to flip and secure the decanter onto the wine bottle and rebottle any unfinished wine—without a spill!

4. Stemless Aerating Glasses ($50): The aesthetically-oriented wine lover on your list will swoon over these stemless aerating glasses. Simply pour your wine into the central cell, and watch it cascade into the glass, instantly releasing the wine's full bouquet of flavors and aroma.

5. Bathtime wine holder ($38): Because bath time is a ritual! The casual wine-lover on your list (with a sense of humor) will be tickled by this artfully designed wine holder. It easily suctions to the tub or shower wall, making it perfect for sipping whilst sudsing.

6. Wine glass baseball cap ($18): Looking for a wearable wine-related gift? Look no further than this painfully chic wine glass dad hat/ baseball cap. The wine glass decal will draw smiles from across the room, and will shield you from that post-hangover sunshine.

7. 'The World in a Wineglass' by Ray Isle book ($17): Drawing on his deep knowledge and genuine appreciation for winemaking, Ray Isle takes us on a tour of hundreds of independently owned wineries around thew orld—from France to Oregon to Chile and beyond. The bibliophile on your list will be thrilled with this gift, which brilliantly destigmatizes the world of wine while injecting a bit of wanderlust.

8. Wine puzzle ($38): Step into a daydreamy, imaginative world of puzzling with this 1,000-piece set inspired by red, white, and rose wine. Bonus points if you help the recipient put it together over, you guessed it, a bottle of wine.

9. Wine bottle candle ($75): Okay, okay, I actually really want this for myself! This realistic wine bottle-shaped candle is a complete showstopper. At once romantic and deeply practical (who doesn't love a candlelit meal?), the hostess on your list will love this cheeky gift.

Today I'm sharing everything you need for the perfect Clean Girl Aesthetic autumn beauty look. It's mid-November, and my beauty closet has done its semi-annual turnover. I've put away the summer/ early autumn products and I've pulled out my heavy-duty autumn-winter winners. This episode will be breaking down my 'autumn face,' including a few new picks and my heavy-hitters. We'll start with skincare and move through to fragrance.

• 1:45 - #1: Marianella Royal Kalahari Face Serum with Baobab and Mongongo Oil ($68). This face oil is perfect to use after washing your face. It has 12 beneficial nutrients, and the Baobab oil helps to nourish and strengthen the skin while reducing inflammation. This is probably the most regal-feeling and regal-smelling face serum that I own.

• 2:50 - #2: Fenty Skin Hydravisor Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer ($39). Hydravisor is my favorite sunscreen to put on under makeup in the autumn/winter. It gives shine without looking greasy, and it's the perfect everyday autumn sunscreen--remember, you should be wearing SPF year-round!

• 3:45 - #3: Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer ($47). Laura Mercier's silicone-free primer has an amazing blurring effect for a matte-yet-hydrated look. It's the perfect matte protection for those short winter nights.

• 4:30 - #4: Urban Decay Concealer in shade 70 NN Deep Neutral ($33). This is one of the all-stars in my autumn clean girl beauty aesthetic routine. The concealer comes with a buffing brush on one end of the applicator, allowing you to get an even, airbrushed effect. This multi-use concealer and color corrector gives the skin a natural matte finish for up to 24 hours.

• 5:55 - #5: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation in shade 16 Cool ($49) - This is one of the most hydrating and long-lasting foundations I've used in a long time. It gives the perfect healthy-looking glow and a brighter, smoother complexion. Because it has hyaluronic acid, it aids in brightening the skin and creating a more even complexion.

• 6:55 - #6: Urban Decay Hydramaniac Blush ($22) - This blush is juicy-fresh! It gives the perfect hydrated, dewy sheen, which is my favorite clean girl aesthetic during the winter. It's a vegan formula with marula oil. I love the shade Unhinged, which has a rosy, plum tone.

• 8:00 - #7: Jones Road Mascara ($31) - Jones Road Beauty is a newer discovery for me. It's a great brand for everyday makeup bag essentials. The Jones Road mascara is plumping and volumizing, perfect for highlighting your natural lashes.

• 9:15 - #8: Fenty Beauty Double Cheek'd Cream Blush Duo ($24) - This cheek blush duo in hues Peony Dropper and Mali Boo are perfect for a subtle, glowy, warm autumnal clean girl aesthetic beauty look. It adds the perfect level of shine and light shimmer to my cheeks, it's one of the best cream blushes, and the shades pair well with deep brown skin.

• 10:20 - #9: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Balayage Brow ($28) - This double-ended brow pen helps me sculpt and fill in my eyebrow hairs for natural-looking, flawless eyebrows that stay in place all day long. I love that it's a two-in-one tool, making it easier than ever for me to maintain a low-maintenance brow routine.

• 11:15 - #10: Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray ($36) - The UD All-Nighter Setting Spray boosts the makeup vibrancy without adding shine, and it keeps my skin super fresh-feeling. No cracking or flaking makeup here! If you plan to wear a full-face of makeup, you need this setting spray.

• 12:00 - #11: SuperMush Daily Energy Mouth Spray ($21.60) and Daily Chill Mouth Spray ($21.60). Think of SuperMush as the perfect marriage of superfoods, mushrooms, and inside-out beauty. Mushrooms are super nutrient-dense, are known to positively impact our overall immune system, and encourage healthy gut flora.

• 14:00 - #12: TOCCA Fragrance Wardrobe ($68) - This luxury discovery set is housed in a precious tin case, and features TOCCA's 9 top-selling scents in travel-friendly fragrance sprays. The scents in this set are so luxurious. My favorite scent is the Gia with peppercorn, tangerine and rose. These fragrances always instantly make you want to be on vacation.

I hope you're loving Bri Books! If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Products Mentioned

• Marianella Royal Kalahari Face Serum with Baobab and Mongongo Oil ($68)

• Fenty Skin Hydravisor Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer ($39)

• Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer ($47)

• Urban Decay Concealer in shade 70 NN Deep Neutral ($33)

• Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation in shade 16 Cool ($49)

• Urban Decay Hydramaniac Blush ($22)

• Jones Road Mascara ($31)

• Fenty Beauty Double Cheek'd Cream Blush Duo ($24)

• Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Balayage Brow ($28)

• Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray ($36)

• SuperMush Daily Energy Mouth Spray ($21.60) and Daily Chill Mouth Spray ($21.60)

• TOCCA Fragrance Wardrobe ($68)

Today on Bri Books, I'm sharing a, deep-dive on a beauty brand (and homeopathic powerhouse) I know and love: The Organic Pharmacy, and the 7 best products worth your money. I'm excited to continue our National Skin Health Month storytelling as part of KnowVember, wherein I'm challenging myself to record and publish a podcast episode every day in November.

• 1:45 - The Organic Pharmacy was founded in 2002 in London. The founder, Margot Marrone, is a pharmacist and homeopath. She co-founded the company as a way to evangelize her holistic approach to health and beauty. To me, The Organic Pharmacy products bookend my at-home spa days. The brand is deeply rooted in Margot's knowledge of organic ingredients, nature, and the link between the body and mind. I'm sharing the best toner, serums, masks and dietary supplements from the brand--consider this your 101 class on all things The Organic Pharmacy. You can find The Organic Pharmacy at theorganicpharmacy.com, Skinstore, Dermstore, Bloomingdales and more.

• 4:25 - The Organic Pharmacy Herbal Toner ($65): This super-soothing toner rehydrates the skin. The blend of aloe, green tea and chammomile help to soothe and rebalance the skin. This toner is wonderful after a shower, and sinks into the skin beautifully.

• 5:22 - Antioxidant Face Gel/ Face Serum ($110): This is a very antioxidant rich product. With ginseng, carrot, rosehip and Gotu Kola, it's impossible not to be transported to an apothecary in your mind whilst using this serum. It delivers dewy, locked-in moisture.

• 6:30 - Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($68): This light, easily absorbed formula quenches thirsty skin and locks in moisture. I apply a full dropper of this serum to my face and neck after cleansing and toning my skin.

• 7:30 - Stabilized Vitamin C Corrective Mask ($65), Retinol Corrective Mask ($65), and Four Acid Peel Corrective Mask ($50).

• The Stabilized Vitamin C Corrective Mask ($65) is probably my favorite vitamin C mask of all time. It's packed with stabilised, super potent (yet gentle) antioxidant Vitamin C to deliver brighter, firmer, smoother skin that glows.

• The Retinol Corrective Mask ($65) is an incredible nighttime treatment. This mask is perfect for reversing the day's damage caused by the sun and pollutants. The encapsulated retinol doesn't irritate even the most sensitive skin, and the witch hazel soothese the skin.

• The Four Acid Peel Corrective Mask ($50) is a gentle yet powerful gelly mask that renews and brightens the skin by gently polisihing away dead skin cells. With citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid and tartaric acid inside, this product transformed my dull complexion overnight. It's packed with plant-derived acids from lemon, pineapple, passionfruit and grape. If you need to exfoliate and decongest your skin, this super smooth mask is perfect for you.

• 11:20 - Immune Boost Kit ($142):I take the Immune Boost Day and Immune Boost Night daily--it's the perfect duo to keep my immune system in tip-top condition. The Immune Boost Night helps me get a good night's sleep and the Immune Boost Day helps me fight off colds.

I hope you're loving Bri Books! If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Products Mentioned

• The Organic Pharmacy Herbal Toner ($65)

• Antioxidant Face Gel/ Face Serum ($110)

• Hyaluroniic Acid Serum ($68)

• Stabilized Vitamin C Corrective Mask ($65)

• Retinol Corrective Mask ($65)

• Four Acid Peel Corrective Mask ($50)

• Immune Boost Kit ($142)

Happy Healthy Skin Month! The sun's UV rays don't slow down just because it's winter. Wearing SPF should be part of our daily skincare routines, but it's easy to let this practice lapse during the colder months. In the past, I've recorded an episode about the best SPFs for dark skin, and I wrote an article on Glamour.com about the best SPFs for dark skin according to gorgeous girls. In this episode, I'm reviewing and recapping the best SPFs of 2023 that are perfect for year-round use.

• 1:45: Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Glow SPF30 Spray ($15.99) and Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Pop Lip Gloss ($10.99) - BGSS launched the SPF 30 spray-on sunscreen, and it's without a doubt their most wearable, lightweight sunscreen yet. Packed with jojoba oil, avocado oil, vitamin E, and glycerin, this lightweight spray protects all skin tones with a radiant glow for on-the-go.

• 3:30: Bondi Sands Sport SPFSunscreen Lotion 50 ($13.99) - This sunscreen stood out for me, because of its high protection, reef-friendly formulation, and non-greasy formulation. This is the perfect all-around sunscreen--I basically use it as a full-body moisturizer in the summer and autumn months.

• 5:35: Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 ($55.00) - This invisible, weightless, scentless primer is packed with SPF 50 and hyaluronic acid to deliver a hydrated all-over primed canvas glow along with SPF protection. If SPF is part of your skincare routine, this primer creates a flawless invisible base that allows for perfect makeup application.

• 7:20: L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Invisible UV Fluid ($14.00) - This is the perfect, essential skin-protecting final step as part of your skincare routine. With antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin E, it does a great job removing the appearance of dark spots and fighting sun damage.

• 9:15: Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen SPF 50 Serum ($65.00) - This ultra lightweight, hydrating 100% mineral SPF is the first ever tulip-based sunscreen. The formulation is silky smooth and it goes on with the perfect milky, silky smooth texture.

• 11:15: BIO Heal Panthenol SPF 50 Sun Cream ($28.00) - The perfect mild sun cream for daily use, BIO Heal's Panthenol SPF protects and soothes the skin irritated by UV rays and reinforces the skin's barrier. It's super quick absorbing and doesn't leave behind a trace of white residue or a sticky feel. If you have acne prone or oily skin, you'll be pleasantly surprised as this product doesn't cause irritation. The best part? It blends seamlessly under a full face of makeup.

I hope you're loving Bri Books! If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Products Mentioned

1. Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Glow SPF30 Spray ($15.99) and Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Pop Lip Gloss ($10.99)

2. Bondi Sands Sport SPFSunscreen Lotion 50 ($13.99)

3. Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 ($55.00)

4. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Invisible UV Fluid ($14.00)

5. Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen SPF 50 Serum ($65.00)

6. BIO Heal Panthenol SPF 50 Sun Cream ($28.00)

Welcome back to Bri Books! Today I'm sharing with you everything you need in your autumn weekend getaway bag. November is National Skin Health Month, which makes this week perfect for me to bring to you the best picks for your autumn vacation toiletry bag. We're a couple of weeks away from the autumn-winter holiday season kicking off in earnest. Whether you have family trips, baecations, or a 96 hour jaunt, this episode is breaking down what you need to take with you. Here are 9 products across skincare and lifestyle (spoiler alert: books!) that I recommend you have in your getaway bag.

• 2:00: #1: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($68) and Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator ($78) - I love this cleanser for any and all travel. It's perfect for double-cleansing, and feels super luxe to use after traveling all day long. This cleansing product is the essential first step in my daily skincare ritual. 100% mineral oil-free, this cleanser is perfect for effortlessly removing long-wear makeup, daily grime and surface pollutants, and it delivers a deep cleanse to my skin. I follow up the Cleansing Balm with the Elemis Glow Boost Exfoliator, a super gentle physical exfoliation that sweeps away dead skin cells with skin-softening oils like Elderberry and Starflower.

• 5:15: #2: Saje Natural Wellness Calm-O-Mile Gel Cleanser ($24) - This cleanser is made for sensitive skin, and it's packed with excellent botanicals like ho wood, blue chamomile, and aloe vera. It has a gentle herbal aroma but doesn't cause skin irritation. When I'm getting away, you want to trust that you'll be able to thoroughly cleanse your skin. There's something comforting to me about using my favorite cleanser when I'm away from home--it's like an instant shot of comfort.

• 7:00: #3: Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Cream ($49) - This lightweight cream is perfect for travel, especially for the dry airplane air. It's like a buoyant, bouncy, luxurious gel-cream hybrid. I love to add a touch of the Dew Cream to my foundation or concealer to give my skin an all-over gentle glow.

• 9:00: #4: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced ($185) - This is a next-generation treatment! This corrective cream is amazing and has been clinically proven to improve visible attributes associated with skin aging. This corrective cream is formulated to strengthen your skin at all stages. With wild fruit flavonoids, Glycyrrhetinic acid, and niacinamide, this treatment helps protect against free radical damage and enhances the skin's natural radiance. I also love the A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Eye ($116) which is formulated to combat crow's feet and natural signs of aging around the eye.

• 12:20: #5: Maelove Fade Away Brightening Serum ($40) - This serum is excellent for fighting hyperpigmentation. It's formulated with Kojic acid which is great for reducing the appearance of dark spots. The hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts in this product make it feel super luxe and hydrating on the skin. Having a brightening serum is a great way to supercharge your skincare routine overall. I love using it in the mornings--apply a full dropper to the face and massage into the skin. If you're going away for a weekender, make sure to bring this with you!

• 14:00: #6: Lush Cosmetics Mask of Magnaminty ($33) - this minty, tingly face and body mask is intensely cleansing without being abrasive. The kaolin clay and peppermint oil rid your pores of debris, and the ground aduki beads exfoliate dry skin. I love this for a deep-clean feeling when I'm out of town. There's nothing as luxe as applying a clay mask, posting up in a hotel room bed, and flipping through a good book.

• 16:00: #7: Byredo Mixed Emotions Eau de Parfum ($205) - This fragrance is described as a parfum designed to reflect the tumultuous nature of our time. MOOD! The top notes are black currant and mate. The middle notes are violet leaves and ceylon black tea, and the base note is papyrus and birchwood. I love the woody, herbaceous sweetness of this fragrance. It's the perfect everyday autumn signature fragrance. If you're going on a getaway and want to leave a sultry scent in your wake, this is the fragrance for you.

• 19:15: #8: "The War Before: The True Life Story of Becoming a Black Panther, Keeping the Faith in Prison, and Fighting for Those Left Behind" by Safiyah Bukhari. This inspiring and harrowing memoir from legendary activist and political prisoner Safiya Bukhari reminds us of the sheer joy that comes from resisting civic wrongs. This book is genuinely life-changing and it catalogs what it was like for Black Panthers who were on the ground working as part of revolutionary movements during the upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s.

• 21:30: #9: "Slow Living: The Secrets to Slowing Down and Noticing the Simple Joys Anywhere" by Helena Woods. This is the perfect book to take with you on a getaway, because it encourages you to reach within yourself, slow down, and embrace simple living and mindfulness for peace-induced days. I'm obsessed with finding quiet moments that bring simple joys to my life, and this book comes equipped with countless tips, tricks, hacks and recommendations for how to create routines that enrich your mind and feed your soul.

I hope you're loving Bri Books! If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Products Mentioned

• Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($68) and Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator ($78)

• Saje Natural Wellness Calm-O-Mile Gel Cleanser ($24)

• Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Cream ($49)

• SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced ($185)

• A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Eye ($116)

• Maelove Fade Away Brightening Serum ($40)

• Byredo Mixed Emotions Eau de Parfum ($205)

• Lush Cosmetics Mask of Magnaminty ($33)

• "The War Before: The True Life Story of Becoming a Black Panther, Keeping the Faith in Prison, and Fighting for Those Left Behind" by Safiyah Bukhari

• "Slow Living: The Secrets to Slowing Down and Noticing the Simple Joys Anywhere" by Helena Woods