We all have our essentials: The outfit you reach for daily. The moisturizer you replenish every time it runs out. The coffee maker you don’t want to live without.

I talk to enthusiasts and tastemakers, professionals and hobbyists, experts and everyday people alike, to share their favorite things and have conversations around inspiration, creativity, discovery, travel, shopping, and more.

This newsletter is my attempt (and hopefully yours too) to navigate through this overstimulating world of stuff. Personal recommendations are an antidote to the algorithm.

In this space, we'll learn from each other and hopefully, be inspired to buy less, but better. Think of it as a collective journey to filter out the noise and focus on the essentials.

👋🏻 I’m Laura, the Editor of this newsletter. I am also the founder of osmanthōs and a freelance designer. I spend way too much time researching and shopping for products and love to speak to other people who do the same to discover their very best finds.

I sometimes use affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you!). Some brands use affiliate networks and some do not — this has no impact on the recommendations we make. I only recommend products that I and others genuinely buy, use, and love. This helps support the time and effort that goes into creating The Essential List and keeps it free for everyone to enjoy.

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