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      This New Probiotic Skincare Completely Transformed Our Skin

      by

      Some people love to talk about books; some are obsessed with sharing their favorite playlists; others have a favorite recipe to hand out at all times. But if you asked our three editors—Beth, Bianca, and Maddie—beauty is our thing. We love to dish out our favorite products, talk about trends, give recommendations (and take them just as much—often from each other), and try new things. And one of the most common amongst us is skincare. All three of us have different skin types and concerns, from acne-prone to sensitive to oily, but we all have a few common goals in our skincare: it has to be clean, cruelty-free, at least somewhat affordable, and easy to use. So when we saw Beekman 1802 launch at Ulta, it was a clear fit. Our three beauty-obsessed editors gave Beekman 1802’s probiotic skincare line a try to see how it fit into our daily skincare—and these products have become new staples in all of our routines. Read on for our favorite products, how they’ve transformed our skin, and why we all can’t stop recommending this line.

      WHAT WE TRIED
      available at ULTA Beauty

      I was one of the first girls in my class to get boobs, just as I was the first to start getting acne. My hormones have always been a little wacko—thanks, endometriosis!—but I’ve had a hard time finding the right skincare routine for me. I’ve tried expensive creams, recommendations from dermatologists, and every drugstore favorite you’ll ever see, and while some worked and some didn’t, I had the hardest time creating a routine. I’d try a cleanser, get excited about it for a few weeks, and then be over it and try something else. (Not to mention, I had a major issue with drinking a little too much and falling asleep with my makeup on—I know, you have permission to take my beauty-lover license.) 
      Then, the world imploded, and I had nothing to do every night but figure out my skin. I finally had enough of breakouts, dry cheeks, an oily T-zone, and blackheads beyond abandon. So, I hopped on a call with my dermatologist and created a routine that I knew I could stick to. After months of this, I was really excited to add some new products in. I write about beauty products for a living—it’s not feasible for me to use the exact same products every single day and not try anything new. When Beekman 1802 launched at Ulta, it sounded like the perfect fit.
      It can be frightening to add new products to your routine, but I was thrilled to try Beekman 1802 because their products are Clinically Kind—meaning they’re clean, safe, and cruelty-free so you can enjoy good skin without worrying about what’s in your products. I get nervous that a new product will disrupt the rest of my routine or will break me out, but these are filled with probiotic ingredients that help balance your skin’s microbiome (the community of both good and bad bacteria).
      Out of the line, I’ve identified three hero products that have completely transformed my skincare routine. In the morning, my main focus is on hydration. I wear lots of makeup, so I like to make my skin look as good as possible first so my makeup goes on evenly and smoothly. 
      My #1 product in the lineup is the Bloom Cream Probiotic Moisturizer. It’s made with a triple-milk complex (a core ingredient in all of Beekman 1802’s products) that hydrates and soothes irritated, sensitive skin. Whether you were born with rosy red cheeks or love to use retinol or acids (me me me), many of us have sensitive, reactive skin every now and then that needs a little extra something to calm down redness and balance the skin. Bloom Cream is also formulated with Epsom salts, aloe leaf extract, chamomile flower extract, and cucumber extract—all ingredients that are known to calm irritated skin. I use this product before SPF every morning, and I’ve noticed a major difference in how radiant my skin looks and how soft and smooth it feels all day. I’ve actually been skipping foundation lately because my skin already looks healthy and radiant thanks to this product. 

      no makeup, just Bloom Cream 😍

      My acne-prone skin really needs a salicylic acid wash in the evening, but I like something that will gently remove any acids or oils from the night before without drying out my skin in the morning. The Milk Wash Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser has become my absolute new favorite. I love the texture; it comes out like a jelly, but as you rub it into your skin with a little bit of water, it turns into a milky consistency that leaves your skin ulta-hydrated. This is the first cleanser I’ve ever tried that makes my skin feel soft and hydrated after I use it with absolutely no tightness, but my combination skin also loves that it contains a few acids to gently exfoliate. Made with lactic acid (a great natural acid gentle for all skin types), glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and malic acid, this cleanser combines a light exfoliation with goat milk (a cornerstone of all of Beekman 1802’s products) and milk probiotics to soothe tired, irritated skin in the morning. I’ve also tried it in the evening and loved it too; it’s great at removing any excess makeup after I use an oil-cleanser. But I love how soft and supple my skin feels when I use it with the Bloom Cream in the mornings. 
      Like I’ve said too many times to count, I’m known to cover my face in makeup: glitter, eyeshadow, blush, bronzer—the whole nine yards. So at night, I focus on deeply cleansing my skin to make sure I’m not going to sleep with any makeup on. This has had the biggest impact on my skin, especially breakouts. Right now, Beekman 1802’s Buttermilk Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is my go-to. I love a cleansing balm—it’s perfect for taking off waterproof mascara, bright eyeshadows, liquid lipsticks, blush stains, and my favorite this summer, all that sunscreen you applied all day. But this one is special in my routine because it uses all of those same ingredients I love in the Bloom Cream—aloe leaf extract, chamomile flower extract, and cucumber extract, goat milk, and milk probiotics—to calm sensitive skin, which I love at bedtime. The other great thing about this product is that it never gets stuck in my eyelashes or gives me cloudy vision—if you know, you know.

      I like to think of skincare as my thing. Ask me about a specific ingredient, and I can give you a product recommendation. Ask me about a face mask that does just what it claims it will, I’ve got you. Though I like to think I’m pretty well-versed on skincare, my skin is far from perfect. For everything from my hormonal breakouts to the hyperpigmentation aftermath, I’m always trying new things and learning about new and cleaner ingredients (and just trying to have a good skin day at least once a week.)
      I typically like to keep my tried-and-true products in rotation with little deviation from my routine, because the moment I add anything new, my skin will give me a visible, “Now, why did you do that?” With my negative experiences at the forefront of my mind, I was a little nervous about Beekman 1802. However, as I looked into their mission and ingredients, I felt a little less apprehensive. One of Beekman 1802’s key ingredients is goat milk. Now, if someone had told me I was going to be using milk from a goat on my face, I would have given them a firm side-eye. But here we are.   
      Since goat milk is rich in fatty acids and high in vitamin A, your skin is in excellent, moisturizing, exfoliating hands. Probiotic skincare can also be beneficial for those with skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. When it was time for me to give this a try, my skin was going through one of its breakout moments. I still can’t pin down what caused it. However, one thing I know that my irritated, breakout-prone skin always benefits from moisture. With my skincare history in mind, I switched out my foaming cleanser for a jelly cleanser I know calms my skin. Then, I added the Beekman 1802 Milk Foam Calming Bubble Mask to my routine.
      I learned from a dermatologist that you should never throw out your entire skin routine and start with something new. Instead, it’s best to add one new product at a time to ensure your skin doesn’t react negatively to that new product. On the off chance that your skin doesn’t mesh with the new product, you’ll know what the culprit is and can eliminate it. I applied a couple of pumps of the bubble mask to my skin. My experience was sensory overload in the best way.

      As the foam started to show up on my skin, I could feel the sensation too. We all love a fun mask, right? I left it on for 20 minutes, rinsed it away, and followed up with the Milk Drops. Like I said before, I am usually leary about trying new skincare products. But again, the ingredients sold me. Ceramides? Check. Squalane? We love to see it. Hyaluronic acid? Please and thank you. These are the trifecta of ingredients the skin needs to keep the skin barrier protected, hydrated, and plump. 
      I used the dropper to pinch a few drops of product on to my skin and patted it gently. What I liked about this product is how nice it played with my vitamin C serum and tinted moisturizer. The drops didn’t cause any peeling, which I was honestly expecting. The other plus was neither of these products caused any new breakouts. My skin also felt less irritated and looked healthy, even though I was dealing with an active breakout.
      I can’t say these new products gave me perfect skin after adding them to my routine, but what I can say for sure is the calming face mask and milk drops helped my skin start to look and feel like itself again because of the gentle, calming ingredients. I suggest those with sensitive, reactive skin give Beekman 1802 products a try, because it’s nice to reach for a calming product at the first sign of irritation without fear of making matters worse. 

      Over the past few years, my skin and I have been on quite the journey. I’ve never really struggled with acne, but I’ve dealt with just about everything that comes with having ultra-sensitive skin: redness, endless dryness, and what feels like constant irritation.
      But sensitivity aside, my biggest skin concern is my struggle with perioral dermatitis, a rash that I get around my mouth for a reason I’ve yet to figure out. Long story short, perioral dermatitis can be inflamed by just about anything, so I have to be very, very careful about the products I use. Striking a balance between effective skincare that doesn’t irritate my skin can be a struggle—but that’s where Beekman 1802 comes in. 
      Adding new products into my routine can be scary for me, since more often than not, knowing what’s going to irritate my skin versus what isn’t is a shot in the dark. But once I heard about Beekman 1802’s Clinically Kind™ products, I knew the formulas would be safe for someone with skin like mine. Since my skin is so dry and prone to rash flare-ups, one of the things I prioritize most in my skincare is making sure my skin’s natural barrier isn’t compromised in any way (something that can happen from use of acids and harsh active ingredients). Beekman 1802’s products are transformative without stripping my skin like other products do, and have left me with my healthiest-looking skin to date.

      The best product I’ve tried for my skin in 2020 is the Milk Drops Probiotic Ceramide Serum. Milk Drops are packed with ceramides, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and plant enzymes to invigorate dull skin. Usually I’m so preoccupied with avoiding irritating my skin that anything beyond that is a bonus to me, but the Milk Drops have completely transformed my skin for the better. They have helped my skin’s hydration deeper than the surface—my skin feels healthy from the inside out, rather than like I just have a product sitting on top of it. My skin’s overall appearance has gone from dull to radiant, and the Milk Drops actually soothe any irritation—something I’ve found extremely hard to find in a product. 
      The hardest part of my skin’s irritation is that I struggle to find products that actually help it—I’ve always just waited out flare-ups with a bare-minimum skincare routine until it passes. Beekman 1802’s Milk Foam Bubble Calming Mask is a soothing mask that’s meant to calm and cool redness—an absolute dream for someone like me. The first time I used this mask, I was quite literally speechless. After I put it on, it bubbled up into an airy, foamy texture, and when I rinsed it off 20 minutes later, there was a noticeable difference. All sights of redness had diminished, and my skin felt soft and hydrated and calm—three words I normally would never use to describe it. This has quickly become a skincare staple for me; I’ve been using it three times a week, and it’s helped me avoid any major skin disasters. I no longer feel like I need to fear my skin or risk irritation to make a noticeable change in it.

      This post is sponsored by Beekman 1802, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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      All the Fall Nail Inspo You Could Ever Need 🎃

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      If there’s anything that gets me excited for a new season, it’s sifting through Pinterest and Instagram to plan my nails. Oh, yes, you heard me correctly—I plan my nail colors for the season. I never go into a nail salon (with my mask, always) or to order some new nail polishes without knowing exactly how I’ll do them at the least the next month. I’m a trend-follower, and nail colors are the easiest way to get in the fall spirit without going full Halloween PJs (even though I absolutely did that and am wearing them as I write this). This fall, we’re seeing a plethora of fun, gorgeous shades in fashion and beauty, and the easiest way to translate those trends is on your nails. Obviously, we’ll always love the go-tos of warm reds, deep purples, and dark greens, but these shades add that extra pizazz you might be looking for this autumn. Let the season commence! 

      1. Amber

      2. Burgundy 

      3. Almost-Black-But-Not

      4. Ivory

      Turn in your bright summer whites for this creamy shade. I’ve also seen it described as “almond oil,” which I am utterly obsessed with.

      5. Silver

      6. Military Green

      7. Cerulean and Powder Blue

      This is a bit of a wild card for fall, but isn’t all of 2020? This shade and other powder blues dominated fall/winter runways. If you’re intrigued by the trend, a good first step to try is on your nails!

      8. Toffee 

      9. Asphalt Grey

      10. Light Rose More

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      The Outfit I Constantly Get Complimented on—and How to Recreate It

      by

      I love simple outfits with a touch of “wow”—well, that’s what I like to think. My friends would likely disagree as they believe some of the things I put together “do the most.” To the eye, my looks might seem well thought-out, but since I was in my early 20s, I have lived by a few simple fashion rules: line your closet with high-quality basics, invest in alterations, and the most important rule of all, add your own flare with an accessory or two (this includes fun shoes). When I saw the responses to my white button-down and mom jeans on a TEG Instagram post, I was flattered. How could a simple white button-down and denim yield such a positive response? Sometimes it’s the outfit that takes minimal effort that receives the most fanfare. This is how I found the pieces to nail this minimal, flattering look.
      Let’s start with the basics. 

      The denim
      Finding the right pair of denim is the key. You want the denim to hug and accentuate all the right places. As I’ve aged (which I love btw), I have gained weight in my butt, hips, and thighs. My new figure has made finding the right pair of jeans to fit my curves a challenge. Typically, when I find a pair of jeans to fit those areas, I end up with a massive gap in the waist area. Not cute.
      I still enjoy a good pair of skinny jeans, but I have found that the mom jeans to be my latest obsession. What I love about the mom jean is that they are usually made with 100 percent cotton. Not to mention, they are loose in the thigh but hug the butt and waist just right. I tried on at least 15 pairs of jeans from fast-fashion retailers to luxury brands to find my ideal fit. Express jeans so far have been the standouts. Their mom jeans fit me just right and don’t lose their shape (unlike other brands where the denim becomes excessively baggy after a few hours of wear.)
      If you do find a pair of denim that fits perfectly in all but one area, look into alterations. A quick adjustment can make the difference between an ill-fitting pair of jeans and denim that makes you feel your best. 

      The button-down
      I love a good white button-down. However, the fit and fabric must be two things: oversized and unstructured. The oversized, lightweight material makes it easy to play with how you wear your shirt. Having the ability to tuck in, tie, or wear the shirt freely gives you at least three different looks. My favorite white button-downs are from Zara, Madewell, and Everlane. 

      The accessories
      Accessorizing is what makes a look special. You don’t have to be extravagant (though that is also encouraged). I wore a simple gold necklace and a pair of banana earrings I found on Amazon to add my own unique spin to a look featuring two classic pieces. I like to think of gold necklaces are a little pop perfect for any outfit. My gold necklace was handmade by Puerto Rican artisan, Michelle Llavona. 

      Aside from accessorizing with jewelry, shoes can be the shining star
      You can’t see my feet in this photo. However, since I was on a boat in Florida, I swapped my boots for platformed Teva’s. I never thought I’d be a Teva girl, but the orange platforms had me at hello. During the colder months, I wear this ensemble with a pair of knee-high boots over my denim to give the look a little oomph.  
      Wearing classic pieces doesn’t mean boring. If you love prints, wear a pair of leopard booties. Are statement accessories more your thing? Find a pair of vintage earrings you love. Do you like to mix it up? Mix and match all of your favorite statement pieces. When you have a simple canvas, you can have the freedom to explore your creativity.  More

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      The 10 Shoes Every Woman Should Have in Her Closet

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      What makes or breaks a look quicker than a killer pair of shoes? They’re the queen of accessories, the cherry on top of every outfit—and sometimes, they can be just as important as your outfit itself.Shoes are the ultimate investment—if you do it right, you can wear them for years and years to come. You don’t need a million options; you really just need a few that you can wear with a wide variety of outfits. If you skip out on fast fashion and trendy pairs, you can instead choose timeless options that you know you’ll be just as excited to wear when you pull them out of storage next fall, too.
      Build your ultimate shoe capsule wardrobe with these 10 shoes, and you’ll never feel like you need another pair.

      A classic white sneaker has the ability to make any outfit look cool, polished, and effortless. We’ve already talked about how you can wear them with just about anything, and they’re appropriate for any season. Once you get a pair you love, it’ll be hard to put any other shoe on.

      Having a perfect LBB in your arsenal is as important as a good LBD. They can—quite literally—be paired with anything, from jeans and a T-shirt to a business-casual outfit for work. Opt for an ankle-high pair in the heel height you’re most comfortable in.

      The loafer came onto the scene a few years ago and now has us wondering how we ever lived without them. They immediately make an outfit look more sophisticated and put-together, and since they’re completely flat, are a chicer alternative to a ballet flat. If you’re a loafer newbie, a classic black pair is your best bet; if your closet is already stocked with loafers, get a pair in a fun color or print to spice up your basics.

      There’s nothing better than having a chic slide sandal that you can slip on any time the weather’s warm without giving much thought to it. They’re the upgraded, adult version of your Old Navy flip flops.

      Over-the-knee boots go in and out of style as the seasons come and go, but a boot style that’s always a good choice? One that hits just beneath your knee. They can be paired with anything from your favorite Spanx leather leggings to a short skirt, and always add more to an outfit than any short boot could. Opting for a pair in either leather or suede will ensure that they’re timeless enough to be worn year in and year out.

      There’s nothing worse than having an interview or wedding coming up and needing to run out the night before because you don’t have heels to pair with your outfit (just me?). Having a pair of heels (that you can walk in) in a neutral color that you can wear to any and all heel-worthy events is a rite of passage as a woman, and it’s better to get one pair you really love than a poor-quality pair you have to keep replacing (I speak from experience).

      Sometimes you’re getting ready in the morning, and after you throw on all your go-tos, you wish you had a little something extra to spice it up with—and that’s where a statement bootie comes in. They’re as effortless to throw on as your black options, but they take your looks from “I threw this on” to “I strategized this the night before.”

      A good pair of strappy sandals is arguably the most versatile form of warm-weather footwear—you can wear them with anything from denim shorts and a T-shirt to with a dress to a wedding. They’re wearable, versatile, and will add a little “oomph” whenever you need it.

      Even with a great pair of nude heels on your shoe rack, you’re likely to have events pop up here and there where you want a heel that gives you a little something extra—even if you aren’t a heel girl. For events where you’re wearing something neutral and don’t want to look like you’re heading for a meeting, a pair of statement heels is the solution.

      For errands and dog walking and weekends where you don’t change out of a sweatshirt and leggings, a pair of sporty, casual sneakers is your best friend. Luckily for us, they’re no longer hard on the eyes like they were in our middle school days; sportier sneakers are as in as the other nine shoes on this list. Colorful, neutral, patterned—pick whatever makes your heart sing. More

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      23 Drugstore Beauty Products With a Cult Following

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      If there’s one good thing that came out of 2020 for me, it’s my newfound passion for skincare. While staying at home this year, I’ve become slightly obsessed with watching TikToks and Youtube videos describing the best skincare products and practices—and which ones to avoid at all costs (I’m looking at you, apricot scrubs!).One of my favorite content creators, @skincarebyhyram on TikTok, has over 5.9 million followers and has made a name for himself by reacting to celebs’ skincare routines and calling out brands with harmful ingredients. After bingeing his videos (he also has a Youtube channel) and doing my own research, I overhauled my skincare routine to include only the best ingredients and realized that taking care of your skin really does not have to expensive! 
      I have also really enjoyed trying new makeup and hair products while staying at home, especially when they come at an affordable price. I’ve always appreciated drugstore beauty, but in recent months I’ve realized that there are endless amounts of great affordable products out there that people simply swear by. 
      Here are 23 drugstore beauty products that have tens of thousands of five-star reviews and a huge fanbase: 

      Renewing SA Cleanser

      All of CeraVe’s cleansers are extremely popular, but this relatively new one is gaining traction quickly. It’s specifically formulated for problem skin and aims to smooth any unwanted texture.

      Daily Moisturizing Cream

      If you have sensitive skin or any sort of skin condition, this is the lotion for you. It’s incredibly moisturizing, without being too greasy or heavy.

      SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

      Micellar water is the most gentle (yet still effective) way to remove makeup, and I won’t use anything else. Also, this plus reusable cotton pads are a much more environmentally-friendly alternative to makeup wipes!

      Shea Moisture
      Clarifying Mud Mask

      This clarifying mask is awesome for when your skin needs a little extra love. The value is amazing, because this tub is huge—so you get tons of uses!

      The Ordinary
      Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

      The Ordinary made a name for itself with affordability, transparency, and effectiveness. I would say this product is the one I see the most in skincare routines and favorites videos.

      Gentle Skin Cleanser

      I know so many people who swear by this cleanser and won’t use anything else. As the name implies, it’s gentle and great for sensitive skin.

      The Honey Pot
      Sensitive Feminine Wash

      This feminine wash is plant-derived and all-natural, as opposed to other options on the market that may have harmful ingredients. In addition, it has thousands of glowing reviews on Target’s website! More

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      Last Day: Don’t Miss Out On The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

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      Truth be told, sales are my time to shine. I screenshot way too many trends and statement pieces on Instagram to be able to indulge in all of them (because, oops, I already spent my budget on iced lattes and Postmates). Therefore, I wait all year to buy athleticwear, fall jackets, winter accessories, quality basics, and of-the-moment trends until the moment that’s finally upon us: the Nordstrom Sale. The prices (and items) are so good, my closet is about 90 percent Nordstrom Sale steals (and the other 10 percent is probably gifts from my mom). This year, it’s broken down based on Nordstrom Card status (what you spend in a year). The opening dates are as follows:
      August 4: Icon access (cardholders that spend $15,000+ per year)
      August 7: Ambassador access (cardholders that spend $5,000+ per year)
      August 10: Influencer access (cardholders that spend $2,000+ per year)
      August 13: Insider access (all Nordstrom cardholders)
      August 19: Public access 
      The sale will run through Sunday, August 30th.
      Sure, hunting for deals is fun, but you know what’s even more fun? Scoring discounts that someone else already scoured for you (I’m all about big reward for less effort). So here’s our early Christmas present/late Christmas-in-August present for you, our faithful readers. Shop all the best items at the Nordstrom Sale below, and prepare for that post-shopping high after you get everything you want for a fraction of the price. 

      LOUNGING

      SHOES WE LOVE

      CLOSET STAPLES

      COATS

      ACCESSORIES

        More

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      All the Fall Fashion Trends I’m Skipping—and the Comfortable Alternatives I’m Wearing Instead

      by

      I’ll be the first to admit I LOVE trends. I find a lot of comfort in trying new things and wearing pieces before everyone else (it’s a whole thing I’m working on with my therapist, OK). But 2020 hasn’t necessarily been kind to those of us who love fashion. While yes, I can certainly dress to the nines for fun, it’s not as exciting when no one is going to see it or the occasion is just sitting on your couch to binge-watch TV. But I’m not letting work-from-home get in the way of rocking fall fashion trends; instead, I’m shifting my focus to ones that work for this life a little more than the previous one I lived in when I actually left my house. I still love a lot of these trends, but I’m finding new ways to wear them that fit my lifestyle better.

      Instead of head-to-toe leather, try comfortable leather-look pieces.

      source: @ayyonks

      Leather will always look badass, and it’s been a solid trend I’ve pined after for about a year now. But the head-to-toe leather looks consisting of stiff pants and squeaky tops and jackets are not exactly my ~vibe~ when I’m sitting at a desk all day long, only occasionally standing up to get more water. Leather feels quintessentially fall though, so I’m adding that trend into my wardrobe with easy basics that feel comfortable, like my absolute favorite Spanx leather leggings. 

       

      Instead of big puffer coats, try lighter, fur-detailed jackets.

      source: @waityouneedthis

      I’m not saying there won’t be a place for giant sleeping bag coats in winter 2020/2021, especially in cold climates. But for the fall and early winter, I can’t see myself getting into that trend. Hear me out: I love wearing a mask and understand it’s essential for public health, but we can’t deny it gets a little toasty up in there. So, I like to keep the rest of my outfit as breezy as possible to make up for the immense amount of sweat coming from the bottom of my face. I’m swapping light jackets instead for the time being. For one, I’m not going outside that much to really warrant something heavy, and I enjoy the look of a light jacket on video calls and when I’m just lounging at home.

      Instead of ’90s grunge, try ’90s minimalism. 

      source: @twentysomethingplus

      I went through quite the emo phase in middle and high school, so as much as I want to love channeling it through the ’90s grunge trend filled with plaid, babydoll dresses, and chunky boots, it’s a little too close to my All Time Low phase for me. Plus, it just isn’t feasible for my current life in which I only leave my house to see my friends every now and then and to go to the grocery store. However, all parts of the ’90s are here, and I’m all for long knit dresses, shades of brown, and cardigans galore.

      Instead of neutrals, try bright-colored monochrome.

      source: @theplussizedprep

      Don’t get me wrong, neutrals will always have a place in my wardrobe, and I think there’s something special about being able to create a wardrobe full of neutrals, in both basics and statement pieces. But I love a good bright, and fall 2020 is the time to embrace it. Whether it’s sweaters and jeans to see friends, activewear, or a loungewear set at home, I’m incorporating color into my entire wardrobe.

      Instead of cropped blazers, try boyfriend blazers. 

      The cropped blazer trend would be a major part of my wardrobe if things were different in 2020, but they’re just not practical or comfortable for work-from-home. Instead, I’m loving the “boyfriend” fit this season. They’re so comfortable, look put-together for every occasion, and are easy to style. Basically, they’re the WFH-approved version of this trend. More

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      August Empties: Honest Thoughts on The Products Our Team Finished This Month

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      We’re big fans of the YouTube Beauty Community here at The Everygirl. We’re constantly talking about our favorite creators, their best looks, and buying pretty much everything they recommend. The YouTube beauty world is honestly what we have to thank for some of the biggest trends in beauty—we’d never be baking our undereyes or curling our hair with straighteners or using men’s post-shave balm as a primer if it weren’t for the beauty YouTubers who taught us how. Alongside the various techniques YouTube has taught us, the phenomenon of the ever-so-popular “empties video” has truly taken over our subscription feeds. Every beauty YouTuber has made an empties video (if not five), and everyone who even knows just a glimpse of beauty YouTube has seen one. The concept is simple: show everyone what’s in your trash and talk about if you loved it, if you’ll buy it again, and how long it took you to use up. 
      So being the beauty-lovers we are at TEG HQ, we decided to create our own empties series. Every month, all of our editors will share a few of our own empties—from skin, hair, and makeup products to candles and vitamins and home items—and give our unfiltered review on each of the products. Some of them we’ll love and need to repurchase ASAP … and some we’ll celebrate finally finishing them up. If you’ve ever wondered what our absolute favorites (and not-so-favorites) are, this is the right place to be. It’s finally time for our trash cans to shine!

      The Ordinary
      Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

      Ladies and gents, I’ve done it: I’ve finally found the toner of my dreams. I use it every morning and night after cleansing/before my serums. It feels cooling and gentle but packs a punch for mildly exfoliating, moisturizing, and improving my skin’s texture. I’m a huge fan and will most definitely be buying again! Also, it’s incredibly affordable which makes repurchasing a no-brainer for me.

      Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

      When Briogeo first launched at Sephora, I snagged a mini set of their two cult-favorite products: this deep conditioner and their scalp scrub. I used both of them up and bought this full-size before I even finished the mini. I’ve now had this for almost two years and just finally finished it (AKA if the price freaks you out, trust me: it lasts FOREVER). I have fine, thin, short-to-medium length hair that has never benefitted from a deep conditioner. Everything is too thick and goopy, causing my hair to look greasy and heavy (and I’m not talking normal greasy—I’m talking my ends look like they did when I was 11 and didn’t know how to properly remove conditioner from my hair in the shower). This changed everything (I know, a little dramatic, but hear me out). I use this once a week all through my hair for about 10 minutes, and it leaves my hair soft and hydrated without any oil build-up. My hair feels stronger when I’m using this. I am a sucker for new things, so my plan is to try their new Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado and Kiwi Hair Mask next. But if I don’t love that one, I will definitely go back to this.

      Glow Maker Serum

      I have a few products in my life that I’m utterly obsessed with and will always talk about on The Everygirl: my Elysium Naturals Body Butter, Milk Makeup Kush Mascara, and now this vitamin C serum. I wrote an entire review of this product a few months ago, but I’ll give you a short gist of why I love it and why I immediately repurchased when I even got close to the bottom. Once I finally started getting my acne under control, I went pretty hard trying to get rid of my scarring, and I saw this was a cult-favorite on Reddit. I immediately noticed my skin looked glowy and plump, which was enough to make me not even care if it did anything for my acne scars because my skin already looked so good. But as I continued using it every single day with my sunscreen, I really started seeing a difference. My scars aren’t completely gone, but they’re fading, and any time I get a new spot, the scar is much less noticeable than before. It’s easy-peasy to use, and I love it so much that I’ve entirely built my morning skincare routine around it. No matter your skin type or skin concerns, you can benefit from having a vitamin C in your routine, and I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this one.

      Coconut Deodorant

      I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not all that keen on clean beauty. I wish I cared about it more, but I just don’t. Maybe when I’m older and mature and have my sh*t together. But for right now, I’ll take a few toxins here and there. However, I do have underarms that get irritated easily, especially from anything that contains baking soda. I have a hereditary skin condition called Hidradenitis Suppurativa (usually HS for short) with which I get painful bumps under the skin when my sweat glands get clogged or irritated (sexy!), and it can happen under my arms sometimes if I’m not being careful about the deodorant I use. I tried about three different kinds of baking soda-free deodorants before this one, and without a doubt, this is the best. It goes on clear and smooth and never burns (does this happen to anyone else?), and the best part: it lasts for hours and hours. I am absolutely petrified of smelling bad, and I never have to worry that sweat or B.O. will come through with this on. I’ve found that natural deodorants are a really personal choice, but if you’ve tried everything else and all have failed you, give this one a go.

      First Aid Beauty
      KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA

      I’ve had KP (Keratosis Pilaris) for as long as I can remember, and had tried way too many scrubs which never seemed to give me any tangible-enough results in reducing the redness and bumpiness on my skin. Then this baby walked into my life, and I was never the same. Real talk, the smell isn’t the greatest (I’m a Taurus—we’re hypersensitive to this stuff), but that is the LEAST of my concerns when a product works this well. I use it twice a week in the shower while I’m deep conditioning my hair, and scrub it on the back of my arms and sides of my legs (my main KP-affected spots). The consistency is almost like wet, gritty sand, and it honestly feels so satisfying to apply. After rinsing, the texture of my skin is baby-soft, and it actually sustains the moisture for days. Already repurchased!

      Nécessaire
      The Body Wash

      At first, the minimal-chic packaging was what caught my attention. Then, I read about how this body wash is made from plant-derived ingredients, scented using essential oils, and pH-balanced for our skin and went “yes, yes, come hither.” I gotta say, I absolutely loved the feel of this. It went on as a gel and lathered quite nicely, and gave me that squeaky-clean feeling I always crave from a successful shower without stripping my skin of any moisture. I also adored the fresh eucalyptus scent, which was light and subtle (NOTE: this also comes in bergamot, sandalwood, and unscented). My only qualm with this is that I wish there were more of it; I used it up in about a month and was really sad to squeeze out the final few drops! Will I be repurchasing? Definitely—but I’ll wait for the cooler months when I’m not showering multiple times a day.

      Immersion Serum Concentrate

      KLUR’s Immersion Serum Concentrate is one of the best hydrating serums I’ve tried. My sensitive skin drinks this up without any irritation. Not to mention it’s packed with good stuff like vitamins C, B5, and E to help brighten, hydrate, and protect the skin’s barrier.

      Paula’s Choice
      Hyaluronic Acid Booster

      My friend and I were recently talking about how now is the time to take better care of our skin, and she introduced me to Paula’s Choice. I love that their philosophy is smart, safe beauty, so the products are cruelty-free and non-irritating. I really don’t use a lot of skincare products but I’ve heard great things about hyaluronic acid, so I ordered the Booster to try it out. I love how my skin instantly feels so fresh and hydrated after I use it. The Booster has quickly became a part of my daily routine and I’ll definitely order it again!

      Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum

      I’ve tried a lot of Vitamin C serums in my day (gotta get that glow!), but no product has been as glow-worthy as this brightening serum from Versed. Not only is this product totally clean, cruelty-free, vegan, and good for just about any skin type, it’s loaded with ingredients like licorice root and vitamin B3 to brighten skin, reduce the appearance of discoloration, and prevent aging. Oh, and did I mention it’s under $20 and lasts for months? I saw effects immediately, even compared to the other vitamin C serums I have on my skincare shelf. You best believe I’ll be stocking up again (and won’t think twice about it since it’s so affordable!).

      ROSEN Skincare
      Rose Water Face Dew

      I never really got the hype about face mists—until I tried this one. ROSEN Skincare is my absolute favorite skincare brand—and with good reason. This mist leaves you with the most stunning glow (not to mention all-day moisture). It’s the perfect little pick-me-up in the middle of the day, or it works well to seal in the rest of your products at the end of your morning or evening skincare routine. (It’s currently available at Nordstrom, but it’s cheaper to buy it directly from ROSEN!)

      NatureWell
      Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Moisturizing Cream

      When I was younger, my mom always told me to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize, and let me tell you, ever since then I’ve been particular with my moisturizers. I was always a die-hard Cetaphil girl (still am at night time) but those mornings that I’m craving a glowing, moisturized face with the divine smell of coconut I use this. I tend to use it in the mornings after I rinse off my face and sometimes my body if I’m feeling it. The best part is that it keeps me moisturized all day long with no oily feeling on my face, it lasts me MONTHS and I usually buy one every time I’m at Sam’s club because it ALWAYS sells out, but it’s also currently available at Walmart, Amazon, and The Vitamin Shoppe. I’m no Hyram (Tik Tok fans) but if you love coconut and you’re looking for a healthy, moisturized glow, you need this!

       

      Pacific Sunrise Ultra Hydrating Shea Sugar Scrub

      YouTube is usually where I find new products to try out, and after a skincare product roundup from one of my favorite YouTubers, I decided to give a new exfoliant a try: Tree Hut Pacific Sunrise Shea Sugar Scrub in Japanese Yuzu. I usually don’t exfoliate every day in the shower since most exfoliators are meant to be used sparingly on skin, but this scrub was safe to use on almost a daily basis, as the beads are small and not rough on sensitive areas of the body. This scrub is also thick enough to lather on very generously and rinse off without any residue, leaving you with more than enough product to last some time. This affordable scrub is now a part of my new daily shower regimen.

      Equilibria
      Mindful Mineral Soak

      If you’re like me, you’ve probably gone through quite a few quarantine phases. There was baking. There was a moment with excessive daily walks around the neighborhood. There was even a period where we really thought things would get back to normal and we’d all take $49 flights to Paris.
      Currently, I am soaking up (see what I did there?) the bubble bath period of quarantine. At the end of a long day, I love to light a candle, turn on a relaxing playlist, and unwind with Equilibria’s CBD bath salt. It smells fantastic and I have really noticed a difference compared to my other soaking tinctures. I find that I sleep better and feel more energized for my morning workout. Equilibria also has bath bombs, but I love the ability to control the amount with the salts.

      Living Proof
      Perfect Hair Day Shampoo

      I will sing this shampoo’s praises until I can’t anymore. I love it. I love it. I love it. I always buy the value size, which initially feels like a big investment but actually saves you quite a bit of money and lasts forever. Whenever Sephora has one of their seasonal sales, I try to snag a bottle so I can save even more. The formula doesn’t feel too heavy on my hair and adds just a touch of natural volume. I’m truly in a LTR with this shampoo.

      Living Proof
      Restore Repair Hair Mask

      While COVID kept me away from my favorite hairdresser, I found myself looking for a product that would help bring some luster and shine to my locks. A friend recommended this mask to me after it helped her completely revitalize her over-bleached mane. While I love Living Proof and saw the difference it made for my blonde friend, I don’t think it was worth the splurge for me. Because my hair wasn’t damaged, I didn’t benefit from it the same way she did.
      After finishing this, I realized that if shine was all I was after, I could go a much more budget-friendly route. I’m now using this Shea Butter Hair Mask for about 1/5th of the price and I am in love. Plus, my hair smells like the Hawaiian vacation I’m desperate to take.
      Moral of the story? If your hair is damaged and in need of serious repair, splurge on Living Proof. If you’re only looking for moisture and shine, save your hard-earned dollars and go drugstore.

      Texturizing Hair Spray

      This is another of my holy grail products I just can’t quit. It does the best work when you’re trying to revitalize day two hair. The formula absorbs oil and refreshes your ends, acting like a dry shampoo of sorts. The finished product is a tossled and voluminous texture while effortlessly holding your style. No stiff crinkly bits—just natural hold. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

      Juliette Has a Gun
      Not A Perfume Spray

      Full confession: I bought this because it was cool and trending. What can I say? I can’t resist being part of the conversation. But I never expected I would be forcing the cap off to get every last drop out. This not-a-perfume-but-is-a-perfume is cozy and faint; perfect for someone who doesn’t want an overpowering scent. I’ve already repurchased in the bigger size.

      Want more empties? Check out the previous months below! More