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If I had to choose a favorite TikTok trend of the last five years, dopamine menus would surely top my list. In the age of social media, where so much negativity spawns from endless doomscrolling, users sharing their dopamine menus acted as a beacon of light in what feels like a hopeless “for you” page.
If you haven’t seen the wholesome videos, the dopamine menu trend encourages people to list things that make them happy. The list acts as a source to turn to when you’re having a tough moment. Whether it’s a comfort movie, a joy-sparking meal or a favorite activity, dopamine menus are a great coping strategy to help combat negative emotions. Self care is one of the best ways to pull yourself out of a rut. So, to help bolster your growing dopamine menus, our editors have shared their go-to products and rituals for finding happiness when the going gets tough.
Brittany Burhop Fallon, Director of Beauty
“The Ethereal Glow Balms ($28) that Etienne Ortega launched this year are like my own personal little hype song, but in makeup form. I used them all summer as eyeshadow and highlighter and will continue to even in colder weather. I love every shade, but I think Sunset Bliss is my favorite.
Under-eye patches are also on my dopamine menu. When I’m puffy, which is usually every morning lately because I haven’t been eating so well, I am extremely satisfied when I take off a good eye patch and I look like a new (well-rested and well-fed) person. I recently tried the Matcha and Chai ($6) ones from ESW Beauty and loved them! Those are also my two favorite ‘coffee’ drinks.
I also love the resurgence (and major glow-up) of press-on nails. With two kids and zero time, you’ll unfortunately never find me at the nail salon getting almond-shaped extensions and nail art for two hours, but it’s fun to throw them on in 15 minutes at home when I want to jazz things up. It instantly changes my whole look. Lately, I’ve been loving the imPRESS Nails collab with Kate Spade ($13 each) and the KISS Classy Collection ($8).”
Liz Ritter, Executive Editor
“I was recently introduced to FLEWD Bath Soaks ($32 for 4) and, my goodness, they are good! They promise to help with anxiety, stress, insomnia and more and I can honestly say a long soak gave me the longest night of sleep I’ve had in weeks.”
Tatiana Bido, Aesthetic Content Manager
“My Sunday night routine is all about winding down with some of my favorite products that help me relax and stave off the Sunday scaries. I start by muting my messages and putting on Netflix—something low-effort like Love is Blind—to set the mood. Then, I reach for the Talika Reusable Eye Patches ($70) to refresh my under-eye area and the Canary High Tech Self Repair CBD Serum ($95), which is great for calming my skin. For a mood boost, I take Grande Ashwagandha Gummies to help manage stress.
Since I’ve lost weight, I’m focused on keeping my skin firm, so I use Lendava Body Cream with Retinol ($62). For a hair love moment, I like the Jupiter Renewing Scalp Moisturizer ($35), giving my scalp what it needs while softening my strands. Hydration is key for my dry skin days, so I love the No7 Menopause Nourishing Overnight Cream ($26) to lock in moisture, and Jordan Samuel Skin The Lip Balm ($20) has been in my day-to-night rotation, too. To wrap it all up, I sip on a Kin Euphorics Dream Light Serenity drink ($69)—it’s the perfect way to fully unwind before drifting off.”
Rowan Lynam, Staff Writer
“First up, Saltair Dry Body Oil in Golden Hour ($22)—this smells like late summer to me, and I love how easily it absorbs into my skin for a rich, hydrating feeling. Next, Grace and Stella Eye Masks ($22); literally any version they have is wonderful. I’m a huge fan of the restoring eye masks, plus you get a metric ton per package! If I’m feeling really special, I’ll also use the Byroe Tea Time Peach and Kombucha Tea Purifying Mask ($70). It refines pores and leaves your skin feeling super soft and hydrated. Sleep is honestly my most sacred beauty ritual, and to get the best sleep I do two things. One is use the TheraICE sleep mask ($25) and the other is to have a cup of chamomile tea with honey and lemon. It’s my foolproof sleepytime recipe.”
Isabelle Buneo, Editorial Assistant
“I’ve been in my skin-care treatment era, and the best at-home tool I’ve used is Althaea Skin by Dr. Ava Shamban’s CARA Multi-Modal Tool Kit ($350). The kit comes with a super hydrating activation mask, and the tool features red light, blue light and microcurrent technologies to help clarify and restore youthfulness to the skin. I see a major difference every time I use it.
When I’m really tired and I don’t have the energy to do a full mask session, I love an overnight mask. Lately I’ve been using Environ’s Trio Bio-Botanical Revival Masque ($90). Since using it, I’ve gotten so many compliments on the radiance of my skin, and I can see it too. To me, doing something luxurious is a great way to spark joy, so when I need a boost, I’ll reach for anything from the Shiseido Future Solution LX collection—between the active ingredients and the scent profile, it’s like a mini spa treatment.
