beauty and fashion

When I first got into beauty, I watched every tutorial, favorites video, and must-haves list on the Internet. I was
The post 9 Beauty Products Every Woman Should Own appeared first on The Everygirl. More

Now I’m not saying I’m a trendsetter by any means, but mark my words: Uggs are taking the front seat in your wardrobe this year. The comfortable, cozy footwear option is finally getting the recognition it deserves. And as a self-proclaimed Ugg stan, it feels like my shining moment.A few years ago, I noticed a whole slew of cute Uggs hitting the shelves at trendy retailers, and then I saw a few people styling them for more than just the “leggings and sweatshirt” look for errands and how we wore them in high school. I bought them hoping to get in on a trend early, and finally in 2020, my time has come. 
Upon reviewing Ugg outfit choices as of late (do not dare Pinterest “Uggs outfit”; you will regret the 2008 flashback), I saw a common thread: people think this footwear is only for running errands or wearing with your favorite black leggings. While this is essentially the best and most comfortable way to wear them, Uggs can be much more of a fashion statement than you think. When you style them up, you look less slob and more cool girl. If you splurged on them this year (or years past such as myself), here are a few ways I love wearing mine that look like a full-on moment rather than just my “morning after” ‘fit.
Shop My Faves:

Bailey Button II Boot

These are next on my to-buy list because they’d be perfect to fold-over and wear with leggings!
3 colors available

1. I just hopped off my private jet to Lake Tahoe

leggings / teddy jacket / teddy jacket (straight-size) / turtleneck / gold necklace
For one, the monochrome of this look is *chef’s kiss*, but my #1 way to wear my Uggs is with anything cozy. Uggs are already the quintessential cozy item, so I up that with a few other pieces, like a teddy coat like this. This dresses up that typical “Uggs and leggings” pairing just a bit. I pulled my hair back with a clip because LOL why would I do my hair, and added a little necklace under the jacket for ~visual interest~ (AKA to distract that I was wearing a red bra under this white top like an absolute buffoon). 

2. Just in case the paparazzi are lurking outside my building on my quarantine walk

leggings / camel coat / graphic tee (small business) / beanie
When I looked up celebrity Ugg outfits, I saw a lot like this (namely a very cute old pic of Gigi Hadid). A classic trench-style coat + graphic tee + leggings + Uggs. I even saw this look with the taller Uggs, which I’m going to be honest, I am even considering now. This is the perfect errand outfit when you don’t want to feel like you rolled out bed, but you’re still wearing the most comfortable, warm pieces. And apparently, it is oh, so very paparazzi-worthy. I feel weird without some color in my wardrobe, so a beanie was the perfect addition.

3. The 2000s called: they want their look back

sweater / blue sweater plus-size / straight-leg jeans / necklace (Black-owned brand) 
If you’re not wearing your Uggs with straight-leg jeans, let me introduce you. A few tips: opt for a cropped cut to let your Uggs shine (especially if you have the Minis like me and not the Ultra Mini) without them getting jumbled up under fabric. Also, make sure they are true straight jeans, maybe even something with a slight flair (I have unnecessarily skinny ankles or something and every straight leg jean looks like a flair on me), so they just graze the top of the shoes. This look gives me total 2000s vibes, and I love every bit of it. I’m just a girl waiting for the cute boy from the rival school to notice me in the mall food court!

4. Oooh, festive! 

leather leggings / red turtleneck / red turtleneck plus-size / bag (similar—this is a sustainable version, is on sale, and is on my wishlist!) / hoop earrings (Black-owned brand)
It’s all about juxtaposition, baby. I pair my leather leggings with Uggs more often than I wear them with cute shoes. I just love the cozy, casual feel they bring to an outfit that is usually too dressy for the occasion anyway. This is something I’d wear to go watch movies and drink wine with my quarantine crew—which is basically all I do. For good measure, I keep my hair and makeup polished but subdued. Here, I tucked my straightened hair under the turtleneck for ~vibes~. “I am just such a busy girl, I couldn’t BEAR to pull my hair out of here! Silly me!” 

5. Blogger at the airport—or in 2020, blogger every day

sweatpants (on sale!) / graphic tee option 1 (small business) / graphic sweatshirt / leather jacket / leather jacket plus-size / mug (my current favorite when I’m not sippin’ Starbs) 
I am the worst Sagittarius ever and didn’t enter the airport consciously until I was 22 years old. However, I make up for all that lost time by going to absolutely unnecessary measures to pull off these classic “blogger at the airport” as often as I can. I love dressing up these loungewear pieces, like Uggs and sweats, with a dressier jacket, like leather. I won’t be heading to the airport for quite a while, but I can sure pretend!  More

As a beauty writer by trade, I try a lot of skincare. My bathroom is stocked with too many cleansers to count, enough masks to last me a lifetime, and creams that would entice even the strictest of skincare followers. The last thing I need to add to my routine is more of the same-old, same-old; I want products that are nothing like what I’m already using. All this to say, something has to be really innovative and unique to catch my attention right now.Enter: Exuviance. I’ve seen this brand roaming Ulta for years, but their recent rebrand (so shelfie-worthy) and a whole host of intriguing products drew me to them as of late. And after hopping on a call to receive a customized skincare routine from one of their in-house experts, I’m reporting back on why the experience was so formative, their most enticing products, and how they’ve made their way into my (quite extensive, TBH) routine.

A personalized skincare consultation was the step I never knew I needed.
Hopping on a call to go over my skincare routine and what I want to change about my skin was beyond exciting. I could talk about my flaws for hours, and lately, clogged pores on my nose and chin have been the #1 problem in my life. After finally listening to my dermatologist for a full eight months, my cystic acne is basically at bay (other than some serious maskne). But my pores are as clogged as ever, to the point that getting a facial a month ago, the esthetician literally said, “Is your nose always like this?” I shuddered in shame and am terrified to return.
I relayed this information to David, the amazing Exuviance Product Expert that I worked with on my routine, and right then and there, he came up with an ideal routine tailored to me, including my beloved tretinoin gel that helps me keep my acne in control. He created a full morning and night routine, complete with once and twice-a-week chemical exfoliation to even out my skin tone, unclog pores, and keep my skin bright and clear. Exuviance focuses on a routine that includes products that rejuvenate the skin (such as their peels that I was so excited to try), followed by preventative anti-aging steps, namely sunscreen. These two components are essential for healthy, glowy skin. 

Source: @exuviance

Then, David went in-depth on each of the products, the best tips and tricks to using them, and the order in which I should apply them every day. He gave me different tricks to getting the most out of the products, like using their famous Radiance Serum as a spot treatment, which felt so tailored to my skincare needs and the products I was using. I basically had a skincare expert at the ready to answer any questions and give me recommendations based on what I needed, which even as a beauty writer, I’ve never done before! He even referred to himself as my “beauty lifeline,” which is all I could ever ask for.

Whether beauty products are your hobby or you just don’t want to invest in a whole routine from one brand, it might not always be feasible to entirely morph your regimen to be one brand only. Most of us like variety and giving new products a try here and there. So one of the best parts of my experience talking to David was that he said that once I’d tried the products he suggested, we could come back together and develop a long-time routine based on what I liked and the rest of the products in my routine from other brands. I’m always going to try new things, and he sensed that was the case, which made the experience even better. 
Once this was over, David and I said our goodbyes, and he wrote up everything I’d need to know and sent it to my email so I wouldn’t forget any steps or tips he gave (but of course, I took extensive notes on our call). The products arrived a few days later, and I got started testing. 

code expires 1/31/21

Source: @exuviance

Trying the Routine
Before: 

I obviously started this out with a full skincare routine in motion, but David recommended I pause all of my other products to see how my skin responded to this new routine. I started right after Thanksgiving, so I was dealing with some pretty tough breakouts, especially along my jawline from stress, hormones, and wearing my mask. Basically, these products had a pretty tough job to start with! 
The two products I focused on the most were their most innovative products: the Performance Peel AP25 and the Pure Retinol Correcting Peel. I’ve tried skincare peels before, but nothing like these. The Performance Peel AP25 is one of the hero products in the line and contains a 25% blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) and comes in a two-step form. I used this product on Sunday and Thursday nights, and I woke up with the glowiest skin I’ve had in a long time. I immediately noticed that my acne scars looked better than the night before, and I had much less redness than I do with other peels I’ve tried. The neutralizer really helps to calm the skin and keep it hydrated and soft even after you’ve used such a high concentration of acid. 

The Pure Retinol Correcting Peel is one of the most genius products I’ve tried, maybe ever.
It is so unique, and I’ve never seen something like it on the market. We all know the magic of retinol—it’s amazing for anti-aging, skin resurfacing, and reducing acne. This product, however, offers it in the form of a weekly peel pad, which I used on Wednesdays (David recommended focusing on my peels on Self-Care Sunday and Wine Wednesday, which I loved but was also easy to remember!). It’s formulated with a high-strength level of 0.3% pure retinol, the highest concentration retinol you can find without seeing a dermatologist, which is why it’s best used only once a week. Because it’s such a high amount, I did notice my skin peeling a bit the next day, but it was nothing a nice face wash and my daily exfoliating SkinRise Morning Glow pad couldn’t fix. I already use a medium-dose Retin-A a few times a week for my acne, so this was a great addition to my routine to bump it up once a week. 
Because I was using so many acids, I also really focused on moisturizing and protecting my skin. The Daily Corrector SPF 30 is my ideal daily sunscreen: it’s moisturizing enough for my combo skin that I didn’t need to use a moisturizer before, it sunk in easily without a white cast, and it kept my skin feeling moisturized all day long. SPF is essential for protecting against early signs of aging caused by the sun as well, so I love how easy this product is to add to my daily routine. Exuviance’s line is full of active ingredients that really make an impact on your skin, but that means you have to be extra diligent about preventing sun damage during the day, and this makes remembering to apply every day super easy. 

The Glow After My Night Routine 😍

After trying the routine, my skin looks significantly glowier, and I feel so much more confident in the texture of my skin. I notice a huge change in how my skin feels to the touch; it feels soft and supple, and I definitely have these products to thank for that. However, like I said, I love trying beauty products, so my next plan of action is working with David to come up with a way to incorporate the products I loved into my routine while adding back in some of my other favorites. 

The Products I Loved and Will Buy Over and Over Again

Performance Peel AP25

For all the reasons I mentioned above, this is a new must-have. It’s the first peel I’ve ever tried that seems to do something without seriously irritating my skin and causing redness. I’ll never go back to those now that I’ve tried this! After only a few weeks, my skin feels the softest and looks the clearest it has in a loooong time.

Pure Retinol Correcting Peel

This was the product I was most excited to try, and it didn’t disappoint. I like that you only use it once a week at night, but I noticed a difference just after using it twice. This comes with enough for six weeks, so I can’t wait to see how my skin texture and tone improves.

Obviously, I am wearing makeup in this picture, but I was shook at how good my skin looked. I’m wearing quite a matte foundation with a lot of powder, but you can’t see any dry patches or bumps on my face really at all, except for a few acne spots that were going away. My skin looks and feels so smooth, and I’m thanking the two peels for this!

code expires 1/31/21

SkinRise Morning Glow Gentle Exfoliator

The first time I tried this I knew I had to keep using it. This product is cooling and relaxing to apply, but it makes my skin look glowy, hydrated, and supple, which I especially love in the mornings. I also love using it after Ive used the peels because it exfoliates away any dead or flaking skin. I never want to be without this product in my routine—ever.

Radiance Serum

David explained that this is their “TikTok Hero Product” after it went viral on TikTok when a makeup artist shared it as part of her routine. I personally love the glow it gives me.

Daily Corrector with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35

A good SPF is hard to come by. They can be greasy, cause a white cast all over your face, and make your makeup melt away in just a few hours if they’re not made right. I was so glad that this was made for oily and acne-prone skin in mind, but I was worried it would dry down to a matte finish; oh, the contrary! It gives the most gorgeous glow to my skin and makes whatever makeup I’m wearing look 10 times better. I almost want to keep using this as a primer!

All-Out Revitalizing Eye Mask

Wearing these eye masks in the morning while I’m sipping my coffee before work is a little blissful moment a few days a week, something I usually would only save for the evenings. But I love how these make my under eyes look plump and bright, even after I’ve gotten little-to-no sleep the night before.

Want to win your own Exuviance consultation and skincare regimen? Leave a comment below sharing your favorite way to practice self-care and you’ll be entered to win.

Two winners will be chosen. Giveaway ends January 3, 2021 at 11:59 PM ET. Click here for the complete list of rules.

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

“Oh, lounging around the Christmas tree…” that’s how the song goes, right?At the beginning of this year, I loved getting dressed up as much as the next girl; but by now, we know that 2020 had other plans for our OOTD posts. This year, I noticed an immense need to expand the loungewear portion of my wardrobe. I needed (though some may say wanted) more waistbands that didn’t dig into my tummy and blouses that didn’t hug (suffocate) my chest. 
The good news? Many companies started making cute loungewear. The bad news? A lot of them weren’t making those selections in plus sizes.
Here’s the truth: the hunt to find cute and comfy loungewear in my size was tough. Luckily for us, challenges like that have never stopped a shopaholic like me; I’ve compiled a list of the trendiest and coziest ‘fits you could dream of. Since we’re friends, I’m sharing them with you below—all you have to do is shop them and get cozy.

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There are always a few signs that the new year is coming. Planners stock the shelves. They move all the workout gear to the front of the store. You’re actually considering reading a book instead of binge-watching the new Netflix original. Life feels ever-so-slightly different this time of year. It’s more sanguine, less bleak. Everyone has a bit of cheer in them still, just before we enter the worst-weather days of the year. As you can tell, I’m a fan of the New Year season. There’s change everywhere—just how I like things. But arguably the biggest way to say “new year, new me” without having to actually mutter those cringey words? A new haircut. Our hair is more than just an accessory or a mop on top of our heads; it’s a way we express ourselves. It’s of-the-moment and often shares a bit about who you are to friends, family, strangers, and maybe even yourself (I’ve surprised even myself with some of the hair choices I’ve made over the years). In 2021, a haircut is all of this and more. It’s a way to shed the garbage that was last year… and when you put it that way, well, who wouldn’t make an appointment with their stylist immediately? 
Whether you’re looking to make a major change, wanting to keep up with some trends, or want a little update for a new year, we’ve found 25 ideas to show your stylist for your next appointment.

1. Curtain Bangs

Source: @etchersalon

source: @emmajeanclarke_

Source: @marianna_hewitt

2. Shaggy Bangs

Source: @charlottedalessio

3. Asymmetrical Bob

Source: @soothingsista

4. Mid-Length

Source: @cocobassey

Source: @emmachamberlain

5. Long Face-Framing Layers

Source: @cartercosalon

6. Chin-Length Bob

Source: @kristin_ess

Source: @kimdollxo

7. Long Lengths With Short Bangs

Source: @etchersalon

source: @maneaddicts

8. Above-the-Shoulder Shag

Source: @giadoeshair

9. French Bob With Bangs

Source: @spacebyalexbrown

10. Short With Volume 

Source: @hairbyjordyntaylor

11. Long, Blunt Length

Source: @desiperkins

12. Side-Swept

Source: @strashme

Source: @chrisappleton1

 
13. Chin-Length Layers

Source: @dualipa

source: @raeannlangas

14. Wispy Bangs

Source: @chrisellelim

15. Long With Light Curtain Bangs

Source: @hairinel

source: @melissa.hurkman

16. Medium-Length Twists

source: @chloexhalle

17. Lots of Layers

source: @ahncotran

source: @kristyannehair

18. Wispy Bob

source: @harryjoshhair

19. Short Pixie

source: @charlotteabetts

20. Blunt Shoulder-Length Bob

source: @christaallen

21. Short Curtain Bangs

source: @kathrynnewton

22. Long Twists or Braids

source: @ava

source: @lacyredway

23. Textured Mullet

source: @barbieferreira

24. Layered Pixie

source: @indyamoore

25. Beachy Layers

source: @ahncotran

Source: @nikkilee901 More

If there is one gift to give that is always loved by the recipient, it’s jewelry. I truly don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love to receive a beautiful and thoughtful jewelry gift. It doesn’t even matter if the person is more of a minimalist or doesn’t wear a ton of jewelry daily, I would still bet money that there is something out there that they would love and wear. Classics and everyday staples like chain necklaces, signet rings, and hoop earrings are effortless and timeless, so you know that whoever is receiving them will be able to wear the items for years to come. And the personal factor of something like an initial, monogram, zodiac sign, etc. just makes it that much more special. 
And don’t forget about yourself this holiday season! If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect layered necklace or chainlink bracelet, what better time than now to gift it to yourself or add it to your wish list. 
Keep scrolling for 25 of our favorite necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets to gift or ask for this season:

Necklaces

Earrings

Source: @stellaandhaas

Rings

Bracelets More

In a few short weeks, we’ll all be nestling up in our homes, ready to ring in the Near Year in a way that, of course, is a bit different than we’re used to. But hell, we’ve made it, guys, and that deserves a celebration—even if our New Year’s Eve is spent from our couches.New Year’s Eve attire is usually a dream come true: sparkles, jewel tones, and a lot of fun, and we’re big believers that you can make things feel special just for yourself. Even if the only thing seeing you will be your champagne flute, you deserve to feel elevated and a little bit special at your at-home New Year’s celebration.
Break out your favorite jewelry, throw on something one step up from your go-to sweats (velvet joggers, anyone?), and try one of these combinations out to say goodbye to 2020—good riddance!

1. 

joggers / joggers (plus-size) / top / earrings / slippers

2.

dress / champagne flute / earrings / nail polish

3.

top / joggers / joggers (plus-size) / earrings / nail polish

4. 

top / pants / matching set option (plus-size) / earrings / nail polish

5.

cardigan / jeans / lip cream / necklace

6.

joggers / bodysuit / hair clip / noise maker More

We all know how getting dressed in winter goes: you could strategize your top and pants and accessories until the cows come home, but at the end of all of it, it doesn’t matter. It’s all going to be covered up by a giant, puffy coat.I know that by now our team has complained enough about Chicago winters for you to check out at the mention of them, but if Chicago winters have taught me one thing, it’s that having a cute coat can transform your entire winter. Sure, my black parka will always be hanging by my door ready to swallow me in warmth before I leave the house, but this year, I’ve decided to invest in one “fun” coat too—so when I leave the house, I don’t think about what’s underneath it… I’m just excited to show off the coat itself.
Have a little fun with your wardrobe this winter with one of these coats that are a look in themselves—even if you’re just wearing them to the grocery store, you’ll thank yourself every time you put it on. More