I really want to start a skincare regimen but don’t know where to start! I have looked through lots of the skincare posts which are great and super helpful, but I’m wondering what the best products and routine for beginners are. Thank you so much!

GREAT question! I would say you need 4 products: a cleanser, moisturizer with spf, eye cream and exfoliator. 

Tula Purifying Cleanser – my favorite, use code LIZADAMS for 20% off!
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream with SPF – apply day and night!
Drunk Elephant Multivitamin Eye Cream – a new favorite and I’m really picky about eye creams!
M-61 PowerGlow Peel – this exfoliator is strong but something that your skin NEEDS to make sure the good stuff is actually penetrating! I would use 3x a week, after you cleanse at night and before you put on your moisturizer! Another alternative would be Sunday Riley’s All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment!

*If you’re someone who is looking for another step for anti-aging then I love Sunday Riley’s A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum! Apply before your moisturizer, after cleansing + exfoliating. If you have dry skin and need some extra moisture M-61 Hydraboost Face Oil or the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil!

I recently received a raise and want to treat myself to something special. If you could invest in one purse, ideally under $1500, what would it be?

I would say a Goyard Tote (I want one! Amy has a great post about purchasing one), something classic like this Gucci bag or this one. I also love the classic stripe on this Gucci bag that is a little pricier. 

I love the small lamp on Charlie’s dresser in this post as well as the personalized step stools. Where did you find them?

The step stools were a gift! But Etsy has a ton of similar options here. Charlie’s brushstroke lamp is by Jana Bek!

Our 1-year anniversary is at the end of July and I’m at a loss of a gift for my husband. We usually don’t do gifts and our initial thought was a trip, but that’s not happening (work, life—ya know!). We typically like to do “tivs” (short for activities) as opposed to gifts, but could go either way for this one. Any suggestions?! How did you and Dave celebrate your 1-year anniversary?

We were a week away from having Charlie for our one year so we woke up early, grabbed coffee and donuts and took Webster to the Indiana Dunes and walked/hiked! It was so much fun but also hard and exhausting haha. A few other ideas (depending on where you live!) – a day date to all of your favorite places you went when you were first dating, get away for a night at a nice hotel in your city (staycation!) or just make a huge cheese tray at home, drink wine and watch your wedding video or look through your wedding album 100x. (:

Kind of a weird question, but what bras do you wear with your bodysuits? I’ve tried a couple of options but looking for something a bit more seamless!

I wear my Natori Feathers bra! I personally can’t wear seamless bras because of saggy mom boob problems – ha!

My second daughter’s baptism is going to be in August and I have no clue what to wear. Any suggestions? My style tends to be a bit more classic and I tend to steer away from bold patterns and colors. Thanks!

I love the style of this dress (it’s an update to this dress that I wore!). This and this are classic options, too!

I am wondering if you have any suggestions for a cute backpack that I can use for work + play! I really love the Tumi backpacks but I was hoping for something a little more cost-effective. I commute via the L every day into the Loop and sometimes go to a workout class directly afterward. I want the backpack to be able to hold my laptop, water bottle and at least a change of clothes. Thanks!

It’s not the most beautiful backpack but I’ve heard amazing things about the space in the Lo & Sons Hanover backpack! This chic Rebecca Minkoff style also has a laptop sleeve. 

I’m sure you’ve covered this or something similar in the past, but, I’m getting married in September and would love some ideas for a gift for my groom. I know if I was going to splurge I would get him a Shinola watch. But, I think I want to keep it more in the under $300 range. I was thinking maybe some cufflinks? I’m having trouble finding a nice pair in this range. I know I want them to be gold or navy, possibly black? We’re getting married at a sailing club. I’d be open to any other ideas/ suggestions as well!

What about these classic circle monogrammed cufflinks? LOVE! I also appreciate a good tie clip. 

Any advice for where to buy new throw pillows for a family room couch? My couch is grey and I have navy in there now but looking to pepper in some pink. Thanks!!

I usually find the best ones a Homegoods, West Elm or Arianna Belle has a BEAUTIFUL shop with custom fabrics!

Submit your questions for next week by emailing carolyn@helloadamsfamily.com with the subject line, “COFFEE WITH LIZ!”