Byrdie's Derek Deng Shares His Glowy Beauty Essentials

You can tell so much about someone by the contents of their vanity. If you don't believe me, think about what someone could learn about you based on the contents of your vanity. Then come back here and tell me I was right to begin with.

This is why Byrdie is introducing our new series: Vanity Files. Each episode brings viewers on a walkthrough through a guest's vanity favorites: their go-to SPF, the lip balm they've used since high school, the fragrance that makes them feel most like themselves.

First up was Next Gen NYC's Emira D'Spain, and following in her glamorous footsteps is Byrdie's very own associate content editor, Derek Deng, who has three very important criteria for something to make its way to his vanity: efficacy (does it work?), sensoriality (does it have that ASMR quality?), and ability to spark joy (does it rule?).

Watch the video, then discover more about (and shop!) his Vanity Files selections below, all from Nordstrom Beauty.

La Bonne Brosse Brush

Available in a number of gorgeous colors, La Bonne Brosse's beautiful brushes are made in France with handles crafted from 100% biodegradable cellulose acetate.

"This combines both boar and nylon bristles and helps me disperse all of the products in my hair," Deng explains. It also keeps those gorgeous locks shiny, hydrated, and "just makes [him] feel like a princess."

Miu Miu Fleur de Lait Eau de Parfum

Ripe with notes of mango, coconut milk, and osmanthus, Miu Miu's Fleur de Lait is Deng's go-to every day scent.

"It's so nostalgic. It reminds me of the old tea shops I used to go to growing up," he explains. "A little sweet, but not too sweet."

Parfums de Marly Valaya Exclusif Parfum

And when the affair doesn't call for his every-day fragrance? It's time for this sensual and elegant floral-musky-woody scent.

"Valaya Exclusif is [for] when I want to be a force to be reckoned with. Who doesn't want to smell like a bougie almond croissant?" says Deng. "I walked into the Nordstrom beauty floor one day and literally spent like two hours just sniffing all the fragrances. Best solo date idea, ya'll."

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Armani Luminous Silk is Deng's go-to foundation "for so many reasons," and he is not the only one. Somehow, their reformulation earlier this year made a good thing even better.

"I literally think she's been with me since before puberty," he says, but that skin can speak for itself.

Sulwhasoo Glowing Lip Balm

Now, let's look at the lip lineup. "One thing about me is that I do not play about my lip products," says Deng, who loves this ultra-hydrating Sulwhasoo balm for a little touch up moment. "I like to think of it as, like, a green juice for the lips," he explains of his go-to clear balm, which features a blend of natural butters and ginseng seed oil. "She's glowy but not too glowy, and she's just cute."

Dior Addict Lip Glow Butter in Glazed Pink

Boasting the perfect amount of shimmer and some subtle but super shiny color, Dior's Addict Lip Glow Butter can be used as a hydrating gloss throughout the day or mask at night. And doesn't that sweet little charm really seal the deal?

Westman Atelier Hydrobalm Tinted Lipstick in Cafe Creme

"I used to be a lipstick hater, I'm not going to lie. I used to be lipstick-phobic," explains Deng. Not anymore, though—and these were the lip balms that got him there. Featuring a sheer, buildable tint and pout-loving hyaluronic acid and peptides, these "no-mirror-needed" lipsticks even feature an ASMR-video worthy magnetic cap.

111Skin Cryo De-Puffing Face Mask

Inspired by cryotherapy, these super satisfying masks (they come in a pack of five!) include a powerful tetrapeptide that can increase blood microcirculation, reduce puffiness, minimize dark circles, hydrate, and tighten your skin.

"My reset beauty ritual would be the 111 Skin mask, an episode of Sex and the City, and maybe some tea brewing," says Deng.

And that is why we take his advice.