Skip to Content
Sunday Shop

Sunday Shop: Smashbox, La Maison du Chocolat, Lolita

Morgan Hines seeks out the best in not only food and drink but style, housewares, and more. Welcome to Appetito’s Sunday Shop!

March, much like the rest of 2025, seems to be flying by. Perhaps that’s due to what I would consider a packed calendar, something I love that also comes with a side effect of speeding time and a little stress here and there.

I’m Morgan Hines, Appetito’s food and style writer. I have experience covering travel, fashion, food, entertainment, lifestyle, health and fitness, and more. I keep my finger on the pulse of what’s fresh, trending, and classically stylish, working to incorporate those elements into my daily life. Now, through Appetito’s Sunday Shop, I’m ready to share those insights with you.

This is meant to be a casual, quick look, but I’m always happy to expand on inclusions. Feel free to email morgan@morganhines.com, if you’re looking for more details on any products, restaurants, or experiences—maybe I’ll even write a follow-up piece.

Cheers,

Morgan

@MorganEmHines

Mile-long lashes: I’ve been testing Smashbox Cosmetics’ Super Fan Mascara that has seen quite a bit of attention on TikTok and wasn’t disappointed. I’ve been using it for about a week and a half and have found the mascara to lengthen my lashes, providing a full, lifted look without clumping.

Midtown dining gem: My list of Midtown dining recommendations is growing. I stopped into Lolita for dinner this month after having brunch at the Mexican restaurant a few weeks earlier. The two-story dining space is gorgeous, beautifully decorated and serves dishes to match. Both brunch and dinner were great, Lolita is a perfect option for a Midtown occasion whether it be post-work drinks, dinner or a Sunday afternoon catch up. Menu favorites included Guacamole De La Casa, Ahi Tuna Tostada and Camarones A La Diabla.

Spring nails: Olive and June, my preferred brand for press-on manicures, has dropped a new collection for spring 2025 dubbed “Wild at Heart” complete with a new manicure system, new press-on sets and new colors. Definitely planning on trying some of the new-release products.

Ultra-luxe, unique chocolate: I spent Wednesday night at Maison Close celebrating La Maison du Chocolat’s Insolite Huître. The evening was a blast. La Maison du Chocolat hosted a black-tie affair complete with decadent bites from oysters to scallops and a burlesque show to honor the specialty chocolate that includes oyster extract. I wasn’t sure what to expect but tasting a piece of the dark chocolate ganache that includes marine notes and mascarpone was experiential. It’s a different combination than my palate was used to but delicate and pleasant. I would recommend trying the new release for a special occasion treat.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Café Maud’s Frozen Aperol Spritz Is a Cool Take on a Summer Favorite

A neighborhood café in NYC's East Village has a frozen version of the ubiquitous Aperol Spritz to help stay cool this summer.

July 25, 2025

How to Make a Cucumber Mezcal Spritz

This cucumber mezcal spritz, bright and botanical with a citrusy twist, may be the most refreshing drink of the summer.

July 25, 2025

Unwind at Vallata’s Aperitivo Hour in Union Square

Vallata’s aperitivo hour near Union Square features Italian cocktails, regional wines, and small bites made with fresh market ingredients.

Playing with Fire Returns to Peasant with New Guest Chef Lineup

Chef Marc Forgione’s Playing with Fire series returns to Peasant in NoHo with a new slate of collaborative dinners, featuring chefs Cosme Aguilar, Ayesha Nurdjaja, the Voltaggio brothers, and Eric Adjepong.

Bay Area Ferragosto at Johnny & Sanny’s in Mountain View

Johnny & Sanny’s brings Ferragosto to downtown Mountain View with lobster pasta, patio music, and festive summer energy.

See all posts