beauty and fashion

Subterms

    More stories

    • 125 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      6 Cozy Outfits That Are Perfect for a Casual Thanksgiving

      by

      Listen, I get it: even those amongst us who get the most possible joy from cute clothes are pretty over anything but sweats this year. What started out as wearing real clothes just for ourselves to work from home in has turned into fatigue and prioritizing comfort over all else—and hell, I think we deserve that.You don’t need me to tell you that this year, Thanksgiving—which usually serves as the holiday with the highest-stakes outfit planning and the runway for proving your family that you are, in fact, the most fashionable cousin—looks a bit, well, different. Most of us aren’t going to put on our usual Thanksgiving look to sit in the house with our immediate family at most, but that doesn’t mean you have to wear your old, stained sweats; we say that the strategy for this year is wearing cute sweats.
      We’ve styled six different outfits that are perfect for feeling a little special come Turkey day, while also ensuring that you’ll be extra cozy. Bonus: there isn’t a pair of jeans in sight.

      1.

      joggers / joggers (plus-size option) bodysuit / mug / slippers

      2.

      sweater / pants / loafers / necklace

      3.

      pants / pants (plus-size option) sweater / slippers / hoops

      4.

      pants / pants (plus-size option) / turtleneck / slippers / necklace

      5.

      cardigan / joggers / joggers (plus-size option) slippers / scrunchie

      6.

      joggers / joggers (plus-size option) / sweater / bow / socks More

    • 63 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      25 Insanely Cute Holiday Ornaments

      by

      Growing up, my mom took a lot of pride in our Fancy Tree. The day after Thanksgiving, she’d trek into the basement, search through a mess of storage boxes, and revive her beloved pre-lit tree for it to make its long-awaited debut. She’d spend hours fluffing it up, trimming it with sparkly whites and golds, and taking steps back with her hands on her hips to admire it from afar. The annual rebirth of Fancy Tree was a symbolic start to the holiday season; it made our house feel like a home straight out of an HGTV commercial.Once Fancy Tree was in business, the real fun began. Enter Fun Tree: our downstairs, faux tree strung with multicolored lights and a collection of ornaments from the time my parents married through my toddler years to the birth of my youngest sibling and beyond. We would put up the ornaments, laughing at the stories behind them, recounting how much we’d grown, and wondering where the time had gone. From a designer’s eye, Fun Tree was a hot mess. To us, it was absolutely perfect.
      Whether you prefer your tree to be a Joanna Gaines-worthy masterpiece or a beautiful mess of memories, there’s always room to add a little piece of the present. We’ve rounded up our favorite 2020 ornaments to add to your collection. More

    • 88 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      The Everygirl’s 2020 Budget-Friendly Holiday Gift Guide

      by

      The magic of the holiday season has been known to transcend time and space. Feeling off in May? Watch a Christmas movie. To us, The Holiday is a classic all year round. Having a bad day? Listen to Michael Buble’s Christmas album on repeat. You can feel the joy and spirit of the holidays regardless of whether there’s snow on the ground or what your tree looks like. It’s a feeling rather than a time or season. If there was anything we needed to close out 2020, it’s the proof that even after an absolute dumpster fire of a year, the holidays are still as joyful and full as ever, and finding your loved ones the perfect gift to show that you’re caring and thinking about them right now is at the top of our to-do lists. This isn’t to say holiday shopping is going to be any easier this year. We all have indecisive dads (seriously, what the heck do you want, Dad?), picky BFFs, new mom friends, and those dreaded people who seem to already have everything. Plus, with potential shipping delays, less in-store shopping, and an amazing push to support many small and Black-owned businesses this year, the holiday shopping experience might take a little more thought than picking up a few go-to gift cards. So of course, we took extra care when creating our annual budget-friendly holiday gift guide to include only the best-of-the-best. We found the perfect gifts for every single person on your list (perhaps including yourself!) so you can rest easy and enjoy the holiday season with one less 2020 worry on your plate. Most of this list is under $100, and for every splurge, we found an inexpensive alternative or similar item. Pop on some holiday tunes, grab your favorite throw blanket, and switch on your twinkly lights—we’re holiday shopping!

      EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODES:
      New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl
      Save 50% on your first month of Obé Fitness with the code TEG50
      Save 15% on all kits at Cooking Gift Set Co. with the code everygirlcooks15
      Save 20% at DIME Beauty with the code everygirl20
      Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20
      Save 10% at Follain with the code EVERYGIRL (Discount does not apply to the following brands: Josh Rosebrook, La Bella Figura, May Lindstrom, One Love Organics, OSEA, Saie, Vitner’s Daughter. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts.)

      Gifts for HOLIDAY CHEER

      1. A Legendary Christmas on vinyl, John Legend2. printed tea towel, Rifle Paper Co.3. plaid button-down PJ top & plaid joggers, Abercrombie 4. french tart baking kit, Cooking Gift Set Co.*5. plaid monogram mug, Pottery Barn6. longwear lip color, Fenty7. faux garland, Hearth & Hand8. merry and bright candle, Tokki9. festive throw pillow, Target10. wreath, Target11. custom pet ornament, Ape Town Animals via Etsy12. marble stocking hangers, Bed Bath & Beyond13. plaid scarf, Mark & Graham14. holiday variety 4-pack chocolate bars, Lily’s Sweets15. custom tree topper, The Letter Loft UK via Etsy

      *Save 15% on all kits at Cooking Gift Set Co. with the code everygirlcooks15

      Gifts for the MINIMALIST

      1. serum set, DIME Beauty*2. edge wine glass, Crate & Barrel3. skin-softening body glow oil, Sol de Janeiro4. cut glass ring dish, Waterford | crystal ring holder, Vera Wang by Wedgwood (budget)5. mini rattan lamp, Simply SUEL via Etsy6. tortoise comb, Violet Grey7. hand pomade, Le Labo8. custom initial necklace, Grace Personalized via Etsy9. washable silk set, Lunya | satin pajamas, Nordstrom (budget) 10. jazz club travel spray, Replica11. maple coaster set, Louise Gray12. calming candle, Follain*13. ruffled marble bowl, Terrain14. Made for Living, Amber Lewis15. handmade porcelain mug, Franca16. the always pan, Our Place 

      *Save 20% at DIME Beauty with the code everygirl20
      *Save 10% at Follain with the code EVERYGIRL

      Gifts for the HOMEBODY

      1. shower wine holder, SipCaddy2. meal delivery gift card, Blue Apron3. What Kind of Woman, Kate Baer4. cozy zip-up, Talbots5. candle accessory kit, Amazon6. honey hair mask, Gisou7. bed desk tray, Target8. pink disco candle, Carlyle Avenue*9. metallic nail polish, Cirque10. pom throw blanket, Pottery Barn11. cbd bath bombs, Equilibria*12. popcorn seasoning kit, Williams Sonoma13. gift card, The Everygirl Online Courses14. glass water bottle, Porter15. popcorn maker, Dash

      *New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl
      *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20

      Gifts for the TRAVELER

      1. The Essential Travel Set, Dermstore2. to-go hand sanitizer, Touchland3. wireless battery case, Apple | portable charging bank, Amazon (budget) 4. leopard mask, VIDA5. weekender bag, Cuyana | renew weekender, Everlane (budget) 6. headphone splitter,  Airfly7. collapsible mug, Stojo8. hard shell travel case, Calpak9. mini dry shampoo set, Living Proof 10. bluetooth remote shutter for phone, Amazon11. de-puff under eye patches, Peace Out12. jetset case, Truffle13. neck pillow & eye mask set, Calpak14. bucket list travel experience, Tinggly15. extra-long cord, Amazon16. sonic toothbrush, BURST Oral Care17. packing cube set, Beis

      Gifts for the WELLNESS GURU

      1. silk pillowcase, Moonlit Skincare2. adaptogenic elixirs, Wylde One3. running jacket, Sweaty Betty4. bum bum body scrub, Sol de Janeiro5. cbd roller ball duo, Equilibria* 6. mini air fryer, Dash7. omega-3 capsules, HUM Nutrition8. classic tumbler, Simple Modern9. mini backpack, Nike10. seamless workout set, Roam Loud11. oversized gua sha for muscles, Amazon12. the sex gel, Nécessaire13. personal vibe, Smile Makers14. level up kit, Obé Fitness*15. Cooking Solo, Klancy Miller

      *New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl
      *Save 50% on your first month of Obé Fitness with the code TEG50

      Gifts for the BEAUTY EXPERT

      1. brow shaping wax & dual ended brow brush, Patrick Ta2. sheet mask boxed set, Lapcos3. best of lip & cheek set, Rare Beauty4. rapid dry hair turban, Aquis5. pink drink firming essence, Sunday Riley via Dermstore6. mini facial toning device, NuFace | microcurrent toning device, Lookfantastic (budget)7. ionic facial steamer, Aira8. glow serum, Maelove9. LED mirror with phone attachment, Nordstrom | LED makeup mirror, Target (budget)10. custom skincare system, PROVEN Skincare11. cleansing oil, One Love Organics via Follain 12. lipstick trio, Charlotte Tilbury 13. Glow, Joanna Vargas14. manuka honey body balm, Advanced Clinicals 15. masters palette, Makeup by Mario 16. holiday hair fix set, Olaplex via Dermstore

      Gifts for the CLASSIC FEMME

      1. embroidered cocktail napkins, Biscuit Home2. face shaping brush, Fenty3. champagne coupe set, Estelle4. matte black sunglasses, Quay Australia 5. tortoiseshell case, Sonix6. classic camel sweater, Talbots7. french pin set, Kristin Ess8. terracotta platter, Monika Hibbs Home9. velvet hair bow, J.Crew10. scented candle, Jo Malone London11. wool beret, Halogen12. mini box bag, H&M13. champagne ornament, Carlyle Avenue* 14. sneakers, Superga15. HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by Elizabeth Holmes, Celadon Books16. leather vanity case, Neely & Chloe17. lip polish, French Girl Organics via Follain*18. fringed scarf, & Other Stories19. name necklace, mint & lily20. seagrass-wrapped pitcher, Serena & Lily

      *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20
      *Save 10% at Follain with the code EVERYGIRL

      Gifts for the TRENDSETTER

      1. stoneware incense holder, Bloomist2. frameable puzzle, Jiggy3. claw clip set, Rise Boutique Supplies via Etsy4. giant scrunchie trio, Shayne5. scented candle, Otherland6. matchbook, Carlyle Avenue*7. initial keychain, Cherrybomb by Amanda via Etsy8. mask with chain, Second Wind9. color pop coat, Talbots10. instant glow kit, Cosmedica Skincare11. roller skates, Impala12. sleep capsules, Rae Wellness13. highlighter intensifier, Rituel de Fille14. lounge set, Amazon15. sunglasses, Privé Revaux Eyewear16. slingback slipper, UGG | faux fur slippers, Amazon (budget)17. milky lip jelly, Tower 2818. camera phone case, Amazon 19. Women Design by Libby Sellers, Quarto Publishing20. birth flower ring, Bijoun Boutique via Etsy

      *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20

      Gifts for MOM FRIENDS

      1. acrylic dry erase calendar, Circle and Square Decor via Etsy2. cozy socks, Barefoot Dreams3. name ring, Grace Personalized via Etsy4. matching hat set, Bitty Brah5. illuminating rose gold serum, Cosmedica Skincare6. gift card, Drybar7. body wash, Nécessaire8. “tired” mug, Little Oak Marketplace via Etsy9. tote insert, Beis10. custom disc bracelet, Baublebar11. pure & glowing set, Tatcha12. collagen & rosewater facial spray, Advanced Clinicals 13. custom embroidered sweater, Cygnet Living14. 10 oz wine tumbler, Yeti15. super eye duo, DIME Beauty*16. goodnight moon baby gift box, Baby Boxy17. La Marca Prosecco, Target18. silk eye mask, Moonlit Skincare

      *Save 20% at DIME Beauty with the code everygirl20

      Gifts for the FUTURE CEO

      1. monogrammed leather laptops sleeve, Mark & Graham | personalized leather laptop sleeve, Etsy (budget) 2. monogrammed leather mouse pad, Extra Studio via Etsy3. silk face mask, Moonlit Skincare4. neck massager, Amazon5. blue light glasses, WearMe Pro6. “we’re in this together” sweater, ellsworth + ivey7. Vanity Fair’s Women on Women, Radhika Jones & David Friend8. leather wireless charging tray, Courant | wireless charger, Verishop (budget) 9. the holiday cookie tin, Milk Bar10. ice roller for face & eyes, Amazon11. The Essential Photoshop Course, The Everygirl Online Courses12. sheet mask, The Aftermask13. “is it Friday yet?” mug, Talking Out Of Turn14. monogrammed phone case, The Daily Edited | monogram phone case, Casetify (budget) 15. acrylic monitor stand, Amazon

      Gifts for the DECOR-OBSESSED

      1. gold monogram mug, Williams Sonoma2. woven baskets, World Market3. pressed floral coaster set, Mica Theory via Etsy4. swiss dot toss pillow, Linen & Ivory via Etsy5. holiday noir candle, Brooklyn Candle Studio6. candlesticks, Threshold7. no-rinse hand cleanser, Carlyle Avenue* 8. taper candles, Brooke & Lou9. wall mirror, Threshold10. gold bar spoon & muddler, Crate & Barrel11. stripe throw, Lulu and Georgia12. faux floral arrangement, Perigold | faux hydrangea arrangement, Wayfair (budget)13. marble frames, Crate & Barrel 14. bust statue, CB2 | diana bust, Wayfair (budget)15. blush pillar candle, Crate & Barrel 16. custom doormat, Black Butterfly Signs via Etsy17. concrete tray, Emily’s Redesign via Etsy18. The New Southern Style, Alyssa Rosenheck | signed copy from a small business

      *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20

      Gifts for the PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING

      1. protective keychain, Gemelli 2. self-cleaning water bottle, LARQ3. subscription, Book of the Month4. mini wireless photo printer, Canon5. desktop ring light, Brilliant Ideas6. poppy manicure tool, Olive & June7. custom illustrated portrait, The Babe Shop8. treat-tossing pet camera, Furbo | petcube camera, Amazon (budget)9. cozy throw blanket, Barefoot Dreams | snug as a bug blanket, Apricot Lane (budget)10. RHONY coloring book, Shop Hello Harlot via Etsy11. UV hand sanitizer, MediPop12. bluetooth karaoke mic, Amazon13. laptop camera cover, Lee London14. digital subscription, Obé Fitness*15. “Luke’s” mug, BethLynn Designs via Etsy

      *Save 50% on your first month of Obé Fitness with the code TEG50

      Gifts for the GUYS

      1. Hot Ones hot sauce pack, The Heatonist2. portable ping pong set, Pro Spin3. scuff slipper, UGG | lonny slipper, DFW (budget)4. workout shorts, Legends5. utility bucket & gear belt, Yeti6. stainless steel water bottle, Tree Tribe7. handmade bar soap, Dr. Squatch 8. 2-in-1 eye moisturizer, Advanced Clinicals9. kick-stand phone case, Amazon10. customizable belt gift box, Anson Belt & Buckle11. bitter sampler kit, Honest John12. waterproof sneakers, Allbirds13. wooden sunglasses, HAVERN Watches14. insulated adventure poncho, ThermaRest15. leaf leather wallet, Tree Tribe16. spikeball set, Target17. Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, Emmanuel Acho

      Gifts for COZY CHIC

      1. bibliothèque room spray, Byredo | home spray, The Laundress (budget)2. cozy knit robe, SKIMS3. Moira Rose mug, All Jolly Gifts via Etsy4. teddy pillow, Pottery Barn5. the popper popcorn bowl, CB26. refillable marble candle, Gilded Body7. coconut bath soak, Herbivore8. ultra soft throw, UGG9. fuzzy slippers, The White Company10. cocktail kit, Terrain11. Venus de Milo bottle opener, Doiy12. lip balm, Summer Fridays13. fluffy socks, UGG14. cozy knit pant, SKIMS15. knit scarf, aerie16. weighted blanket, Amazon17. hot cocoa kit, Food5218. sherpa zip-up, Abercrombie 

      Gifts for our MOMS

      1. hardcover photo book, Artifact Uprising2. bronze & glow set, Charlotte Tilbury 3. beauty butter, 54 Thrones4. Le Labo rose signature detergent, The Laundress5. monogram cards, Augusta Joy Stationery via Etsy6. v-neck sweater, Amazon7. personalized recipe platter, Our Platter via Etsy8. restorative night cream, DIME Beauty*9. artisanal olive oil, Brightland10. bath oil collection, Aromatherapy Associates 11. bracelet Apple Watch strap, Rebecca Minkoff 12. initial necklace, Monday Monarch via Etsy13. flower press kit, Jayson Home14. New World Sourdough by Bryan Ford, Quarto Publishing15. comfort of calm gift set, Equilibria*16. velvet loafer, Birdies17. décolletage mask, The Light Salon

      *Save 20% at DIME Beauty with the code everygirl20
      *New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl

      Gifts for our DADS

      1. The National Baseball Hall of Fame Collection by James Buckley, Quarto Publishing2. under-the-desk bike, Amazon | compact strider, Amazon (budget)3. espresso machine, Nespresso | k-cafe coffee maker, Keurig (budget)4. ancestry kit, 23andMe5. personalized whiskey decanter, Swanky Badger via Etsy6. wood record frame, CB27. open ear headphones, Amazon8. quarter zip pullover, Patagonia | quarter zip fleece, Patagonia (budget)9. deep tissue muscle treatment, TheraGun | massage gun, Amazon (budget)10. protective face mask, VIDA11. bi-monthly steak box, Omaha Steaks12. TV soundbar, Bose13. spun slipper, Deer Stags14. zoom binocular, Nikon | binoculars, Gosky (budget)15. putting green, Amazon16. wifi smart plug set, Amazon17. wood smoked barbecue set, Cooking Gift Set Co.*

      *Save 15% on all kits at Cooking Gift Set Co. with the code everygirlcooks15 More

    • 88 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      16 Solutions for Winter’s Biggest Skincare Problems

      by

      So, it’s officially winter. I’m a winter-lover, dreaming of snow and hot cocoa and movie nights practically every summer night. But what I despise is how my skin reacts to my beloved cold weather. Instead of brimming with happiness and cheer like my insides, I’m struggling with dryness, flaking, irritation, redness, and more. What gives? And what’s worse: this year, I can’t even go to a Christmas market or holiday shop downtown to make up for it. I’m over you, 2020. However, if I have to make the most of it, I will, and this year, it includes finally getting a handle on every beauty issue winter brings. What better use of our time at home than finally figuring out how to manage all those horrific side effects winter curses us with? We pulled out all of our best tips, from editors to dermatologists and estheticians, to help you with every skin ailment plaguing you this season. I sadly can’t tell you how the holidays will go this year, but I can make sure you look damn good no matter what you’re doing.

      Try aloe gel
      This was a recent recommendation from my hairdresser when I complained about an itchy, dry scalp. We already know aloe vera is calming, soothing, and moisturizing when we use it on our sunburned skin in the summer. It does the same for a dry scalp! She recommended I put pure aloe gel on my scalp the nights before I know I’ll shower in the morning and sleep with it on (if you’re a night shower-er, you could also apply it and remove after an hour). I use this time to do a scalp massage with the aloe, focusing it on the parts of my scalp that get the driest. It’s made a huge difference, and a huge container of aloe gel cost me about $5.

       

      Use a BHA shampoo
      If your scalp is dry and flaky, it might be because of product buildup—especially dry shampoo. Although we swear by it for keeping our style intact and skipping washes, stylists and trichologists (they focus on your hair health—trust me: they’re good people) aren’t as big of fans because dry shampoo powder can gunk up your roots and make your scalp feel dry and flaky. To combat it, try a shampoo with a BHA like salicylic acid. This will remove all of that buildup by chemically exfoliating the scalp. Make sure you keep the product at your roots and keep away from your ends as much as possible to prevent any dryness. 

       

      Use a cleansing balm/oil
      Whether you’re double-cleansing or opting for an oil for extra moisture, it’s one of the easiest but most effective ways to combat skin dehydration, as well as the flakes and dry patches that might come along with it. Dehydration often happens if your skin is really stripped from exfoliating acids, retinol, and more, and when you use a harsher cleansing product or scrub your face, you only make it worse. Instead, focus on putting as much moisture back into your skin as possible.
      I recently got a facial, and I fully expected the esthetician to gawk at my clogged pores and give me a regimen for her oiliest of clients, but she actually explained that my skin has been looking dull and clogged because it’s so dehydrated. She recommended taking a break from exfoliators and focusing on moisturizing my skin as much as possible to get my moisture back into my skin and balance the pH levels. Her biggest tip was swapping out my BHA cleanser for something much gentler and hydrating, such as a milky cleanser or a balm or oil. I usually use a cleansing oil to take off makeup, but she recommended even using it again as my second cleanse. She swore by a hydrating cleanser to put my skin back on track—and so far, she’s right!

       

      “Sandwich” your acids with moisture
      In the same vein as above, you want to focus on keeping your skin as moisturized as possible. As most know, acids and retinol can cause a lot of dryness and strip the skin; however, there are ways to still keep them in your routine (my skin freaks when I miss any more than a few days with my tretinoin) without all the irritation. Build your skincare routine around that drying product, making sure to include moisturizing products and ingredients before and after. An easy way to do this is by using a light moisturizer, then applying an acid, and then going over top with a facial oil. You can also do this with hydrating toners, sleeping masks, and more.

       

      Change up your body wash and moisturizer
      As much as I love my shea body butter, when I’m dealing with an eczema flare-up on the body, I have to forgo anything scented and focus specifically on eczema-clearing and soothing products. These are some of my favorites that were recommended by many dermatologists I’ve seen over the years: 

       

      Try niacinamide
      Niacinamide is one of the trendiest skincare ingredients right now—and it’s for good reason. Anything one ingredient can do, niacinamide can probably do better. It can help reduce the appearance of dark spots, protect and repair your moisture barrier, balance the sebum levels in your skin, and reduce texture—but it’s also a powerhouse in reducing redness and calming the skin. It’s an anti-inflammatory, so it can tackle the irritation and redness you might experience when your skin starts to get uber dry. 

       

      Color correct
      If you’re experiencing lots of redness, a quick fix is to use a green color-correcting product. This one from Dr. Jart has been all over Instagram, Tik Tok, and YouTube lately, and the results are wild. Applied to the skin, this product visibly reduces redness temporarily; however, it contains calming ingredients and SPF that make it way more than a color corrector. It turns beige as you blend it in, so some people with light skin tones can even get away with it as a foundation. If you’re looking for something a little lighter weight, this Smashbox primer is a winner.

       

      Exfoliate with an AHA
      This is probably the most effective way to keep KP at bay. Many people notice KP gets worse as the season’s change and especially during the fall and winter. AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid or BHAs like salicylic acid are great for exfoliating the skin and loosening up the dry, dead skin and clearing out the clogged hair follicles in your skin. Many people with KP swear by these products (including me!) and even say they clear up their KP flare-ups in as little as a few applications.

       

      Always blot skin dry after a shower
      To keep your skin hydrated and avoid over-exfoliation (which can cause your flare-ups to get even worse because the area gets aggravated), make sure you blot your skin dry with a towel after a bath or shower instead of wiping or scrubbing at your skin. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference over time! 

      Moisturize with oils—often
      It might not be enough to put your moisturizer on once in the morning and at night. Your skin might benefit from applying moisturizers or oils to the skin often throughout the day. Lately, I keep a moisturizing oil at my desk, so every time I notice my skin feels a little tight or I notice a dry patch, I apply a little extra (and always apply the excess to my hands!).

      Use cool water to wash
      Another recommendation after my most recent facial, as well as something I’ve heard from dermatologists time and time again, was to avoid using hot water or even warm water when washing your face. You can use warm water to first wet your face; however, try to use cool water to rinse the cleanser from your skin. Hot water can be harsh and remove oils from the skin (which is why you usually have to use warm water to remove a cleansing oil or balm), so when you’re just using a milky cleanser or something without a lot of oil, try skipping the hot water. 

      Be gentle when you wash your face
      You should also be really gentle with your skin when you’re washing. Avoid loofahs and other harsh exfoliating products for the face and body; your hands or a soft hand towel can usually clean you up just as much as you need. Also, wash your face just like they would if you were getting a facial. They don’t do circular or scrubbing motions; they’re gentle and soft, usually lightly massaging the skin as they go. This is the same approach you should take on your face every day. Being too rough with your cleanser can lead to even more moisture loss over time. 

      Add a hyaluronic acid to your morning and night routine
      Dermatologists swear by hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occuring acid within the skin, to deeply moisturize every layer of your skin. Luckily, it’s now available in tons of products at all different price points. When your skin is going through it (or always if you have dry skin), don’t forget this step. Use a hyaluronic acid at night and in the morning to keep up your moisture levels all day. Tip: always apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin. HA needs water to bond to and pull into the skin; it basically acts like a sponge when applied. 

       

      Add layers of hydration
      On top of hyaluronic acid, you’ll want to make sure you’re including multiple products in your routine that offer hydration. For really dry skin, it usually isn’t enough to apply a moisturizer and go. If you’re looking to add more to your routine, a toner or essence is a great way to add lots of layers of moisture because you can apply toner over and over again. Some estheticians apply toner between every single step in your skincare routine—even on top of all of your acids and serums. This acts as a “sandwich” as explained above for any acids, but it also locks that moisture into every single step.

       

      Use all of your moisturizing facial products on your lips
      Don’t forget to bring all of those products you use on your face onto your lips! Serums, moisturizers, facial oils, and more should be used on your lips too. 

      Invest in a lip mask
      An overnight lip mask is one of the best things you can do to up the hydration of your lips. Our editors swear by this one from Laneige. One night with this on, and your lips will feel brand spanking new. 

       

      Find a mask-friendly lip balm
      My lips have been getting so dry from being under my mask all the time, but most of my squeezy-tube and tub lip balms are too sticky and get stuck to the inside. So, I put myself on the hunt for the best mask-friendly balms I could bring in my bag to reapply under my mask any time I was out and about (of course, making sure there was no one around when I did so).

        More

    • 113 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      Every Budget-Friendly Piece I’ve Bought for Winter So Far

      by

      This fall has been nothing for me if not a rollercoaster of false optimism mixed in with quite a bit (read: a lot) of cabin fever. For a few glorious weeks here in Chicago, we were able to sit outside on patios and leave our homes (socially-distanced, of course), and it felt like there was light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel—but alas, that was, of course, a mirage.All this to say that, I write about fashion for my job, so I obviously love trends and clothes and figuring out my wardrobe when new seasons come. So when many were on the train of only wearing joggers, as they should have been, my mind played tricks on me and let me plan out some outfits for winter that may not see the light of day (but there’s always next year!).
      From matching sets to fun joggers to some new jeans (I told you, cabin fever!), these are the things I’ve added to my wardrobe for fall and winter—even if it means the only way anyone sees them is if I do an outfit change between every course on Thanksgiving for only my parents to see.

      I ordered this sherpa on Amazon one day when I was freezing cold and hadn’t found a new winter coat I loved yet, and it is quite literally one of my favorite things of the year. It’s more of a sweatshirt-level warmth (it isn’t a coat by any means), but I wear it around my apartment with leggings every single day, and every day it continues to wrap me in a soft, cozy hug and bring me joy. I loved the camel so much I ordered it in black too so I had one in case the camel one was in the wash. This is, by far, my favorite purchase of the past few months—and it’s $30. 

      As I previously disclosed, I did the opposite of what society has chosen to do and made the ill-informed decision to begin my hunt for the perfect pair of jeans a few weeks ago. I placed an order of literally eight pairs in all different sizes from Zara just to be able to try some on, and these are actually so comfortable that I’ve been wearing them for my quarantined life. They’re so soft and comfortable and flattering and wearing them to the grocery store is a joy.
      I struggle a lot with finding straight-leg jeans that fit my body right, but these are amazing. I would definitely recommend sizing up one size in these.

      During my jean excursion, I had only planned on keeping one pair, but these were such a rare gem that I kept them too. I. love. these. jeans. I had to order two sizes up (I literally could not get my normal size above my thighs), but they are also so comfortable and flattering, and I’m a sucker for a raw hem and button fly. If you, too, feel the need to add jeans to your wardrobe this winter, I couldn’t recommend either of these enough (and they are both super affordable).

      I got a targeted ad for this matching set so many times that it felt like it was God’s will for me to have it. I love wearing this on work-from-home days, of which I have worn it four out of my last five. It definitely helps me mentally to not feel super sloppy throughout the day, and this takes me from Zoom meetings to my afternoon nap seamlessly.

      If 2020 did one single thing right, it’s fun joggers. These are a jogger material but are made of corduroy, which defies all explanation and is something I don’t feel the need to question.
      My exact pair is from Gap and is sold out in some sizes, but Nordstrom now has a very similar pair which will hopefully lead the masses to experience this joy.

      If there is one thing that I love above all else in my wardrobe, it is my jackets. I choose them strategically and treasure them, and they are the glue that holds my outfits together—and it’s very rare that one speaks to me in the way this one did. I never would have gotten it based on Zara’s picture of it, but I saw it on a blogger on Instagram and knew I would wear it for years to come. It’s fun and completely unique, and I’m so excited to be able to wear it to death in the future. (Pro tip: this runs absolutely huge. This is an XS, which I never get, and is still quite large).

      This very ’70s print was one of H&M’s gems of the year, and I loved the thought of wearing this with tights and my knee-high boots. I wear my dresses to death but don’t see many I love very often, so I know I’ll be getting a ton of use out of this bad boy.

      This turtleneck makes me laugh in that it makes me feel like I’m wearing Kim Kardashian’s couch dress from the 2013 met gala, but it also makes me a bit fonder of it. I love wearing a thin turtleneck with joggers throughout the day and to have them to wear under jackets, and this was a nice detour from my collection of plain black ones.

      As we know, faux leather is the hottest thing since sliced bread this year, and I took it upon myself to find a pair that was both affordable and high-quality. After much, much trial and error and many trips to USPS to send return packages, I found these. I sized up, but they are such a good fit and are such a fun, versatile addition to your wardrobe that can be worn next year too (and the year after that, and the year after that). More

    • 138 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      25 Gifts to Ask For to Kickstart Your New Year’s Resolutions

      by

      Just because the holiday season isn’t exactly normal this year doesn’t mean you can throw out every goal and idea you have for 2021. Actually, I predict 2021 will be a huge year for setting new goals and resolutions—I mean if we’ll be inside, what else is there to do but crush your goals? As the holidays roll around, your parents, in-laws, significant others, and friends might be bugging you about what gifts you’re hoping to find under the tree this year. And somehow the age-old proverb exists: when someone asks what you want, every single thing you’ve even seen or heard of flies out of your head like magic. Instead of worrying about how you’ll reach all of those health and fitness goals the second the clock strikes midnight on January 1, make it a point to ask for those essential items 2021 you will need early. When it comes to fitness and health, there’s one brand that immediately comes to mind, and you’re probably picturing that iconic swoosh in your head right now too: Nike. They have everything you need for the best workouts, online yoga classes, and lounging days—and they’re perfect to add to your holiday wishlist. Most items are available up to a size 2XL (equaling a 20-22), but they also have a wide range of plus-size options available to choose from. They have tons of items available this year, so we did the hard work for you to find the best pieces. No matter what your resolutions are this year, we’ve rounded up the best items to add to your list for Santa. 

      Make outdoor winter workouts a breeze: 

      Run that 5K in no time: 

      Make self-care an everyday event:

      This post was sponsored by Nike, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

    • 75 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      The Matching Set I’m Living In

      by

      Prior to 2020, my loungewear game was truly and utterly embarrassing. When I got home every day stripped off my work clothes, I’d change into a five-year-old sorority sweatshirt, and even worse, a pair of sweats from some high school sports team. If I was going to spend my money on clothes, it was going to be something I could wear out for the world to see—who cared what I wore when I was at home?Obviously, spending the entirety of 2020 confined to my home changed my mentality on that. After buying a couple of new pairs of sweats and realizing how much better I felt in cute loungewear, I made it a priority to buy a few things I could work in comfortably, but that still made me feel put-together. It didn’t matter if I was the only one on earth who would ever see them, it made all the difference in how I felt throughout the day.
      Pretty quickly, I learned that the loungewear I gravitated toward the most–like the rest of the world—was matching sets. They feel like chic and calculated, and I loved how I could throw on a jacket over and run any errands I needed to—they felt like a look, rather than something I should just be sleeping in.
      My phone and computer also learned quickly that that’s what I was into, and gave me about a billion ads for matching sets throughout the past few months. Most of them I could resist—until a couple of weeks ago, when I kept getting an ad for this one.

      I couldn’t get the image of myself sitting on the couch next to my Christmas tree working away in this set out of my head. It was perfect: the colors, the ribbed details—frankly, I had a feeling it would be the set of my dreams, and to no one’s surprise, I was right.
      When it arrived, I couldn’t believe how high-quality it felt—the material it’s made out of is thicker than it looks, and it makes it ultra warm and cozy. Since I got it, I’ve been working from home in it more days than I’d like to admit, and have debated ordering it in more colors. It’s rare that I find a piece that’s so good I need to shout it from the mountain tops, but I couldn’t keep quiet about this one. Everyone I know should own this, and I hope my sister doesn’t read this, because it’s going to be one of her Christmas presents from me. Bonus: It’s on sale right now, and comes in eight different colors. Trust me: you’re going to want to be living in this too. More

    • 150 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      Meet the Powerhouse Public Health Expert Behind Beauty Company BLK + GRN

      by

      When you add any face mask, deodorant, or body scrub to your BLK + GRN cart, you’re not only buying a top-notch addition to your self-care arsenal—you’re also buying a product that’s non-toxic and made by a Black artisan.Dr. Kristian Edwards, DrPH, the founder of this online marketplace for all-natural beauty and lifestyle products from Black-owned businesses, is on a mission to make living green and shopping Black easier and more transparent. All of BLK + GRN’s products—from makeup to multivitamins to moisturizer—are vetted by Edwards personally, she said, plus aestheticians, dermatologists, makeup artists, and other professionals (since, as anyone who’s explored ‘clean’ beauty knows, just because a concealer or deodorant is made with natural ingredients doesn’t mean it necessarily works).
      Edwards hopes BLK + GRN serves as an educational platform too. Shoppers can get to know the entrepreneurs behind a favorite candle, lipstick, or lotion, and find research-backed information on the benefits of switching to products sans potentially harmful chemicals.
      The idea for BLK + GRN came to Edwards, a professor of public health at George Washington University, after coming across research showing that beauty products marketed to Black women scored lower in potentially harmful ingredients than those aimed at the general public. Because the report found that Black women appear to buy and use more personal care products, this could mean they’re being exposed to more of these potentially dangerous chemicals.

      Source: @blkandgrn

      Edwards felt she had to take action. With the report finding that ingredients in these commonly-found products may be linked to cancer, hormone disruption, allergies, and other serious health conditions, she felt the potential risks were too dire not to. She started by overhauling her own medicine cabinet, seeking to fill it with less harmful products. Around the same time, Edwards read Our Black Year by Maggie Anderson.
      “I was convinced of the importance of Black people, and people in general, supporting Black-owned brands, that every dollar should be a vote,” she said. She combined the two goals, looking for natural products that also came from Black makers.
      After testing boxes and bottles galore of sunscreen and shampoo, discovering lesser-known brands along the way, her mission expanded. “I wanted to create a space to make it easier for people to find them,” she explained. Edwards launched BLK + GRN in 2017.

      Source: @blkandgrn

      What started as a solo operation, with Edwards packing up every order herself from her Maryland home, has grown to a team of six selling more than 90 wares from 71 artisans and counting. Hearing from customers who say ditching toxic products thanks to BLK + GRN has changed their lives keeps Edwards going. So, too, does growing alongside the business owners whose goods the marketplace stocks. “They’ve become family at this point,” she said. 
      As the site has evolved, Edwards said she’s committed as ever to providing information on cosmetics and creators. There’s a BLK + GRN podcast, a blog and resources such as a list of 20 potentially harmful ingredients you won’t see in products on the site (Edwards recommended printing it out and taking it with you if you shop elsewhere). Social media, too, is a way Edwards and her team hope to spread the word on clean beauty. “We always try to talk to customers wherever they will listen,” she said. 
      One such discussion is about the higher prices of natural products. Instead of viewing these products as luxury items, Edwards hopes people see buying better ingredients as an investment in health.

      Source: @blkandgrn

      “What are you worth? What is your value? Is making that choice now better for your health?” she said. “We try not to tell people what to do. We just want them to think about it, we try to get people to have those conversations.” 
      Eventually, Edwards said she’d like to establish relationships with more farmers and suppliers of natural ingredients, so she can connect her artisans more directly to the ingredients they use. 
      She’d also like to start an accelerator program to provide training and capital to Black-owned businesses, which, especially those owned by Black women, are historically underfunded.

      Source: @blkandgrn

      Below, check out some of BLK + GRN’s top-selling products. As Edwards pointed out, just because BLK + GRN’s products are made by Black women, that “doesn’t mean they are specifically for melanated skin. Anyone can use them.”  More