Brooks Nader [1]'s life is a perfect mix of chaos, glamour, and unapologetic authenticity, and she wouldn't have it any other way. Between starring in her new reality show, "Love Thy Nader [2]," and juggling a busy career, her days are packed with family hijinks, shoots, and everything in between. As Nader puts it, "It's been a total whirlwind! This was a whole new level of vulnerability and chaos, even for our crazy family. The best surprise to me was that my sisters and I haven't killed each other yet. There has been some weave pulled, and blood drawn, but we're still here!"
Through it all, she manages to find the little things that keep her grounded — whether that's a quick swipe of her favorite lip stain, treating her skin to a glow-boosting serum [3], or lighting a candle [4] that instantly makes a hotel room feel like home. Nader believes that "real life is messy, hilarious, fun, sometimes a wreck — that's what makes it beautiful," and her must haves reflect that same spirit: practical, indulgent, and a little fun, just like she is.
Even with her career and personal life constantly in the spotlight, Nader says, "Balance is a moving target . . . I believe in making space for love and fun," and she's figured out how to make her routines work without losing herself. And, of course, a touch of tech helps too, like her Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 [5], which makes everything from scrolling social to online shopping feel effortless.
Below, Nader shares the beauty, lifestyle, and tech essentials she swears by — the ones that keep her glowing, organized, and ready for whatever life throws her way (even if it's a little messy).
Brooks Nader's Affordable Must Have
Nader swears by the Wonder Skin All-Day Lip Stain [6] ($22), saying it's "literally glued to my sisters' and my makeup bags — perfect lips all day!" She uses it on "Love Thy Nader" and loves that its lightweight, long-lasting formula stays put through coffee runs, Zoom calls, and chaotic filming days, so touch-ups are never necessary.
Brooks Nader's Investment Must Have
For Nader, a great purse is a must have, and she explains, "Everyone needs that one bag you reach for 100 times over. For me, it's something chic, durable, and versatile enough to go from filming to cocktails." Her current favorite, the Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Bea [7] ($3,700), is roomy enough to hold all her essentials yet sleek enough to elevate any outfit.
Brooks Nader's Morning Routine Must Have
Nader calls the Clarins Double Serum [8] ($140) her "ride-or-die skin-care step," noting that it's the base of her morning routine before makeup and keeps her skin looking alive even when she's running on no sleep. Packed with plant extracts and antiaging ingredients, it gives her complexion a noticeable glow and plumpness by midmorning.
Brooks Nader's Nighttime Routine Must Have
"This is my at-home glow machine," Nader says of the Omnilux Contour Face Mask [9] ($395), which she throws on at night — or even while answering emails — to keep her skin fresh and flawless no matter how much she travels. The LED therapy helps target fine lines, boost collagen, and speed up skin recovery, making it perfect for late nights and early mornings.
Brooks Nader's Travel Must Have
Nader admits she's "completely hooked" on the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7Smart Phone [10] ($2,000), saying it's sleek, and the big screen makes everything from online shopping to scrolling through social feel luxe and effortless. Its foldable design and large display let her stream, shop, and edit videos seamlessly, whether she's on set or at home.
An additional — slightly cheaper and a little unusual — travel companion she always carries? A candle, a Diptyque [11] one to be exact. "Lighting one instantly makes any hotel room feel cozy and like home," Nader says.
Haley Lyndes [12] is a shopping writer and editor with more than seven years of experience in the publishing space. Specializing in home and lifestyle, she covers everything from furniture and mattresses to beauty products and fitness gear. Her writing has appeared in BuzzFeed, Travel + Leisure, and Real Simple.