If you know me, you know this…
When I find something that works, I cannot keep it to myself. I am the woman who will tell you about a great moisturizer in the grocery store checkout line. I will evangelize a protein powder to the UPS driver. If a product is truly great, it becomes part of my life and then, inevitably, part of yours.
And since the holidays are officially here, I created a curated list of the things I personally use, love, buy, gift, and will recommend to anyone who stands still long enough. These brands are women-founded, purpose-driven, and offer real value. The icing on the gluten-free cake is that every one of them comes with an exclusive discount for my community.
Consider this your shortcut to thoughtful, intentional gifting. Or, if we are being honest, a permission slip to treat yourself.
You have heard me talk about Purium for years because it works. My entire family uses these products. They are USA-made, organic, vegan, and independently tested. Co-founder Amy Venner-Hamdi is a visionary and her mission of helping people live healthier, more intentional lives is one I deeply admire.
My go-tos:
• Super Aminos: Six tablets equal 12.5 grams of available protein. I take six before and after workouts. I also use them during my intermittent fast to keep energy high without breaking the fast.
• Dark Berry Protein Powder: One scoop gives you 16 grams of clean protein. I mix it with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a high-protein hack.
• MVP Chocolate Protein Powder: For chocolate lovers. Add powdered peanut butter for a PB and J style protein shake with fewer calories.
• Power Shake Greens: The best-tasting green shake I have ever had. I do a 10-day cleanse twice a year to reset.
If you ever wanted to make a healthy shift or upgrade your daily habits, this is a beautiful place to start.
Save 20 to 25 percent on Purium
Shop https://ishoppurium.com/?giftcard=moniquefacini
Veronique is a powerhouse Frenchwoman who rose through the ranks at Estée Lauder, Vera Wang, and Lifetime Brands before creating her own ethical, exquisite fragrance house. Her scents transport you. My favorite is Sur La Plage. It is a beach vacation in a bottle.
To hear the full story of how Veronique built her brand with creativity, courage, and soul, listen to her episode on the Possibilities Podcast.
https://www.moniquedemaio.com/podcast/discovering-joy-a-luxury-brand-executives-perspective/
Her signature perfume vial necklace is one of my favorite accessories of all time.
Use code MONIQUE20 for 20 percent off
Shop https://veroniquegabai.com/
Giella Poblocki is a force. She left big beauty to create a line that is clean, custom, and free of fillers. She created my custom foundation and concealer and I cannot imagine using anything else.
To meet Giella, hear her journey, and learn why integrity is her beauty philosophy, listen to her Possibilities Podcast episode.
https://www.moniquedemaio.com/podcast/clean-beauty-clear-mind-redefining-skincare-with-purpose/
My must-haves:
• Custom blended foundation and concealer
• Eye pencil in Fig which brings out the hazel flecks in brown eyes
• Renouveau 10 percent AHA Glycolic Treatment
• Emu Oil Plus Polypeptide Lotion for plump, nourished skin
• Eye Glam Highlighter
Use code MONIQUE20 for 20 percent off
Shop https://giella.com/
Jodi Scott built Green Goo in her kitchen and grew it into a national, family-run, plant-powered line. I discovered it this year and now cannot imagine my routine without it.
To hear how Jodi built Green Goo with grit, creativity, and purpose, listen to her episode of the Possibilities Podcast.
https://www.moniquedemaio.com/podcast/creating-companies-out-of-nothing-but-passion
https://www.moniquedemaio.com/podcast/behind-the-scenes-from-riches-to-rags-and-back-again
The must-haves:
• Skin Repair Salve: Healed my smashed finger in one week. Yes, really.
• First Aid Salve: A clean alternative to petroleum jelly or drugstore ointments.
• Southern Butter Intimate Body Butter: Experience it. You will understand.
• Plant-Based Face Wash and Triple Rose Vitamin C Serum: My glow boosters.
• Dry Skin Salve: Saved my skin during my Peru hiking trip.
Use code MONIQUE16 for 16 percent off
Shop https://www.greengoo.com/
Created by Katie McDonald, this planner is so much more than a calendar. It is a tool that brings structure, clarity, and self-honoring habits into your day. It is beautifully designed and deeply grounding.
To hear Katie’s transformation story and her philosophy on self-care that actually works, listen to her Possibilities Podcast episode.
https://www.moniquedemaio.com/podcast/practical-self-care-isnt-selfish
Use code MONIQUE15 for 15 percent off
Get the planner https://bnourished.com/
Founder Jennifer Faherty created a 90-day planner based on positive psychology to help you prioritize well-being. This is a daily companion for reflection, growth, and focus. Think of it as a life coach on paper.
To hear Jennifer’s perspective on coaching, purpose, and living a values-driven life, listen to her Possibilities Podcast episode.
https://www.moniquedemaio.com/podcast/embracing-the-pivot/
What I love:
• Two-page daily spread for reflection and goals
• A free companion mini-course coming January 2026
• Five gorgeous color options including sunbeam, peacock, blush, sky blue, linen, and graphite
Use code MONIQUE20 for 20 percent off
Shop The Positive Psychology Planner https://psychpaper.com/
These are the products, rituals, and tools I personally use and love. They are created by brilliant women who lead with courage, purpose, and heart. Supporting them is one of the great joys of my work and my life.
I hope something here brings you joy, energy, beauty, or grounding. Consider this my gift to you.
Happy Holidays, my friends.
With gratitude,
Monique