beauty and fashion

Subterms

    More stories

    • 113 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      6 Brands I’ve Bought From and Loved This Year

      by

      Buying from a new brand can be a little scary if you’ve never tried anything from them before. Maybe their shipping takes a while, or they have a wonky return policy. There’s so much research involved that it seems easier to just buy from the companies you already know and trust. But some of the best items come from brands you’ve maybe never heard of or tried. A few months ago, I vowed to start focusing more on small businesses, especially those owned by BIPOC. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll still buy clothes from H&M, and I’ll never stop shopping at Sephora, but I wanted to see what I could snag from brands that weren’t so big. These are just a selection of the brands I’ve tried recently, why I love them, and my favorite pieces.

      If you’re an eyeshadow lover, it’s likely you’ve heard of Coloured Raine. Their eyeshadow formula is regarded as one of the best because it’s highly pigmented and impactful. They went into Target stores about two years ago, and I’ve been a fan ever since. I recently just purchased a new palette from them, and I have become the meme of the woman who brings a plastic chair to the mailbox to wait for her package. They also have liquid lipsticks and complexion products that I’m dying to get my hands on. Those colors! 

       

      Maelove had been on my radar for a long time, but it wasn’t until I saw their Glow Maker serum described as the better dupe to a Skinceuticals $166 serum all over Reddit that I wanted to try it. I’ve never been consistent with my skincare routine, and this was one of the first skincare products I ever repurchased. I just notice such a difference in my skin when I do and don’t use this product. It adds just the right amount of glow to my combination skin without looking oily or feeling uncomfortable. Plus, I’ve noticed a long-term difference in the pigmentation of my acne scars. The pictures in this story I think really do it justice (I mean, my glow? Give me a break). Watch out for this in many editor empties to come!

       

      I know I said I was talking about small brands, but I’d be lying if I said the majority of my wardrobe doesn’t come from Target at this point. And if supporting small, sustainable businesses isn’t in your budget or you’re plus-size (hello, me!), I don’t see anything wrong with doing what you can, and Target is a favorite. I love that they sell basically everything in an XXL (fits a 16/18), but if I need to size up, a lot of their in-house brands sell plus too. My current favorite for spring and summer has been their Wild Fable brand. Everything is trendy and cute, but the price tag is exactly what I want to pay for those types of pieces. In the spring, I got gorgeous bright-colored sweaters, and I’ve bought a few dresses from this line this summer as well. And don’t worry that you’re getting poor quality since the prices are so good. Some of these prices rival clothes I own from way more expensive brands.

       

      Although CBD was the “it” wellness trend of 2019, it’s become an absolute staple in the mess that is 2020. I’ve noticed the biggest difference in my stress levels, sleep, and chronic pain since I started using Equilibria CBD this year. Everyone’s dosing is different, so I love that Equilibria offers free consultations with a dosing specialist to discuss what will be the best regimen for you. When we originally talked, my main concern was addressing the pain I get with my endometriosis, but a few months later, I spoke with her about needing a little extra help regulating my mood and daily anxiety (a classic tale for many this year, I’m sure). I began taking the Daily Drops twice a day—once in the morning, once at night—along with the Relief Cream and Mindful Soak as needed. I’m obsessed with the Mint Flavored Daily Drops—they actually taste good, and I love mixing them with coffee or my morning smoothie! I even love my Daily Drops as a face serum to help reduce inflammation and redness after using harsh acid exfoliators. Basically, the options with this product are endless.
      Equilibria is a small business based in Chicago (love!) cofounded by two women who wanted to make a product for women. At the core of Equilibria, you can tell they wanted to help women, especially that they market their CBD as good for period cramps, pelvic pain, and more. I have fallen in love with their mission almost as much as I love the products!
      Use coupon code “theeverygirl” for 20 percent off your first order! 

      Equilibria
      Brilliance Box

      The best starter box for someone new to CBD.
      Use coupon code “theeverygirl” for 20 percent off your first order! 

      Equilibria
      Mindful Mineral Soak

      Use coupon code “theeverygirl” for 20 percent off your first order! 

      I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: candles are sometimes considered a beauty product, and for the sake of this article, I am in agreeance. Boy Smells is a small, independently-owned candle line made in Los Angeles I’ve absolutely fallen in love with over the last six months. I snagged Cedar Stack from their Pride collection in which a portion of proceeds go to The Trevor Project. I let it sit on my credenza for about three weeks waiting to burn it because it was just so pretty. The yellow color brightened up my apartment, and the Boy Smells branding is on point. But I finally lit the candle the other day (a little Monday treat), and I fell in love and immediately ordered more. The throw is fantastic—I could smell the candle throughout my entire apartment (not that it’s very big, LOL). I have really grown to love higher-end candles because I love how the scents are layered. This isn’t all hot, sexy man; there’s a hint of sweetness. This candle is so unique, and I can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t love the scent.

      Boy Smells
      Slow Burn Scented Candle

      I’ve never seen a review in which someone said they didn’t love this scent. It was formulated in collaboration with Kasey Musgraves!

       

      I have to really give this one to Katie Sturino of The12ishStyle. Katie (I’m a huge fan of her and Megababe, and it does make it better that she’s an Everygirl too!) does a series on her Instagram sharing how things fit on her size 18 body, and she did one all about thongs. I have always struggled with finding good underwear as a plus-size person. Nothing is wide enough, giving me a major front wedgie at all times. Plus, everything rolls down the second I bend over or honestly even more. She gave really high marks to Parade’s underwear, and I ordered two pairs right away. 
      First of all, the ordering experience was really easy and quick. I love that everything is shown on plus-size models too, so I didn’t have to wonder how something would look on me. I also love that everything comes in plus. There are a lot of brands that offer plus now, but it’s only for select items, which is honestly annoying as all hell. I liked that I could order anything I wanted from their site. They also have a ton of options: High-Rise Thong, High-Cut Thong, Briefs, Cheeky, High-Rise Cheeky, and Boyshorts. Everyone has a different preference for their underwear (I’m a big High-Rise Cheeky girl), so there’s something for everyone. I also love that these are comfortable but also sexy. I’m a big lingerie-wearer, and I feel like I can wear these just as much to be sexy with a partner as I do to go to the grocery store in a pair of jeans. They pass every plus-size underwear test in my book.

        More

    • 150 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      25 Items We Love That Are Still Available at the Nordstrom Sale

      by

      Nordstrom’s annual Anniversary Sale can feel like an Olympic sport—staying up refreshing your computer until midnight to get the things you want, the adrenalin rush when you finally check out and score the pieces you were dreaming of. But the not-so-fun part? When everything on your wish list is sold out before you can get your hands on it.This year’s Anniversary Sale went a little different, with different levels of cardmembers getting access before others. But just because some of the things you had your eye on are no longer available doesn’t mean you can’t still get some of the best items of the sale. From our office’s go-to faux leather jacket (yes, we have all shown up wearing it on the same day) to boots you’ll wear for years to come to cult-favorite beauty products, here are the pieces we love that are still fully stocked at the Nordstrom Sale.  More

    • 75 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      The Best Transitional Pieces From H&M

      by

      I’d argue that there’s no season that the general population rushes toward more than fall. Once July comes to a close, it feels like fall could pop up and wrap us in its chilly, glorious arms any second—but really, that’s hardly the case.The weeks leading up until it’s officially parka season are crucial; there’s only so much time we have to head outside wearing jeans and a light jacket, so we need to do it when it’s possible. To make the most of the season, transitional clothes are here to save the day. From airy but fall-appropriate dresses to jackets made for temps in the high 60s, these are the best transitional fall pieces from H&M.

        More

    • 88 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      Target’s Opalhouse Collection Is a Bohemian Dream

      by

      If I’m being honest, a large majority of the home decor and furniture pieces in my little studio apartment are thrifted—ya girl is balling on a budget, OK? However, when I do shop for home decor, there is one place I look to more than anywhere else: Target. I could wander the home decor section of Target (with my mask on, of course) for hours and not get bored. It gives me a burst of serotonin that few other things do. Target has a few main home decor lines, and all are truly amazing. Some people love Chip and Joanna’s Hearth & Hand collection, some are fans of the classic nature of Threshold, and some look for the sleek modernity of Project 62. For me, however, I find myself buying from and drooling over one line over and over again: Opalhouse. It’s bohemian and colorful yet still rooted in neutrals and full of texture. 
      There are a ton of amazing pieces in the Opalhouse collection right now, so scroll on for the items that you’re going to want to add to your cart ASAP:

        More

    • 150 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      If You Love Meghan Markle’s Style, Here’s What to Buy For Fall

      by

      In a pre-COVID world, we could get style inspiration from celebrities every single day. Shots of their street style and event looks would bombard us day in and day out, leaving us with endless style ideas–but now? Now we’re left with the mere ideas of them.Luckily for us, some celebrity’s signature styles are engrained in our minds, and one of our favorites is—to no one’s surprise—Meghan Markle. We’ve been raving about her classic style since she stepped onto the scene, and while we might not know exactly what she’s wearing for fall 2020, well, we can make some pretty good educated guesses.
      If you’re a fan of Meghan Markle’s style, these fall fashion picks are screaming your name:

        More

    • 113 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      My Honest Thoughts About Dating as a Plus-Size Woman

      by

      When I was 5 years old, I was in love with my next door neighbor, David. (David isn’t reading this, but his sister, Dana, might be. Hi!) He was charming and funny, older than me, smart, close in proximity, had blonde hair, and his mom always let me stay for dinner. The whole package really. I want to say he liked me back—I mean, he kissed me, and I feel like that means like-like, right?—but if anyone was around, he’d never show it. When we’d play a game of Capture the Flag and it was just us two behind the shed, he’d be nice and funny and sweet to me. But the second anyone came around, he called me ugly and fat and made jokes about me. He was only 6 years old at the time, and I’ve forgiven him for all those times I ran home crying after feeling rejected by him, but I have to wonder if even then, he felt embarrassed to admit he liked a fat girl. And this is how most of my relationships have gone over the years. For a long time, I thought I just had horrible taste in men. To be fair, I kind of do (I’m not kidding when I say my dream man is Pete Davidson, and I know that requires a little bit of self-reflection). But after I read One to Watch, a women’s fiction-romance novel exploring plus-size dating, I began to notice that the patterns might have a little more to do with the men than my interest in them. (It’s also important to note that I’ve never experienced this with women before, but I’ve only been on a few dates with girls in my day, so this could be across genders and sexualities. I’m just speaking on my personal experience.) 
      I wanted to believe that being plus-size wasn’t affecting how men were seeing me. Yeah, there are some jerks out there who fetishize larger bodies or who want to try their personal trainer certification on me, but overall, men couldn’t be that affected by my body weighing more than average, right? After doing a deep-dive on my dating history, I think I’ve concluded that the answer here is no and that actually, being plus-size has played a major role in my love life, even after I started loving myself for who I was.
      Since my very first date at 17, I’ve struggled to meet someone who completely accepts me—rolls, flab, fat, and all. Dating is uncomfortable and stormy regardless of your body type, but I’ve noticed a few common themes in my relationships that seem to correlate with being a plus-size woman. 

      People are embarrassed to admit they’re interested in a plus-size person.
      For whatever reason, I’ve experienced a lot of men who are absolutely embarrassed of me. To the point that when I dated a guy a few years ago who kissed me in public, I put up with all of his other abusive tactics because I was so excited to finally meet someone who didn’t deem public appearances with me as a major hit to their ego. 
      First, they’re embarrassed to even admit to themselves that they find me attractive. Is this speculation? Perhaps. But there’s a reason guys are more likely to talk to me when they’re under the influence or behind the guise of a dating app than IRL. A quick search on a porn site (I did the work, y’all) and you’ll see that porn involving plus-size women gets just as many views as porn with thin women, but I’ve never met a guy who would admit that plus-size women is even something they’re attracted to. There’s a stigma around finding a plus-size woman attractive; men have been conditioned by media and society for generations that thinness is what’s beautiful based on what they see, read, and hear, so they might be othered or uncomfortable admitting that their interest deviates from the norm. For sure, being interested in plus-size women is a preference, and I don’t think you’re automatically fatphobic if that’s not what you’re into, but there’s a real societal pressure at play that keeps plus-size women thinking they’re not worthy all the while men are watching us have sex online with no abandon.
      I explored dating men significantly older than me for a long time because I craved the maturity. Young men I find often don’t have the clear sense of self required to differentiate between what they actually feel and what they think they’re supposed to. And while I think this makes a small difference, there’s still something to be said about the power of masculinity and media portrayals because older men often have outdated views of health and beauty standards. Yep, I’m talking a message once that said, “You’re hot, but you’re unhealthy and will probably get diabetes.” I’m actually plenty healthy, but OK 🙂

      My partners treat our relationship like a secret.
      I’ve also found that partners and dates have been embarrassed to be seen with me too. So, they finally allow themselves to take a chance and date someone fat: congrats, here’s your cookie for going against the grain. But they want every meeting in private. They don’t tell their friends I exist, they don’t take me on public dates (I’ve experienced way too many “Netflix and Chill”s for my liking), they strategically move away from me when we’re at bars together. It’s as if being seen with a fat person ruins their reputation and makes them less of a “man.” And just in the same way that women look to height as a security blanket in men, I think seeking women of a certain body type makes them feel inferior and insecure, like they’re not masculine enough if their partner is bigger than them. 
      The first boy who showed interest in me kept our relationship extremely private, ultimately lying to everyone that he’d ever been interested or attracted to me. Our relationship was kept a secret, complete with Snapchat messages that deleted automatically, a short-lived hookup, and me feeling like absolute garbage when he announced he had a girlfriend the same day I delivered handmade Valentine’s gifts to his locker (I will never get over the sheer embarrassment and shame of this one). This all goes back to being embarrassed of me, as if I’m the impulse purchase you took for a spin with joy one day and completely regretted the next. They seem to think there’s a lenient return policy on having feelings for me.

      People festishize my body. 
      So, you see I’ve had my issues meeting guys in real life and on “normal” dating apps like Bumble, Tinder, and Hinge. Then, I tried all the plus-size dating apps. And that was basically a recipe for disaster. The ideas are incredible in theory; a whole community of people who are happy and excited to date a plus-size person. But they were all rife with people who viewed my extra body fat as a kink. 

      …you just KNOW there are gonna be weirdo fetishists on here. Which is why….I almost wish that plus size girls could just *use* normal dating apps freely like everyone else, rather than being treated like a specific ‘kink,’ as it were.
      — Olivia🧜‍♀️ BLACK LIVES MATTER (@myladyteazle) August 14, 2020

      I’ve gotten everything from “I’ve never been with a big girl before, and I really want to try it” (hello, my body isn’t something you can just add to your bucket list, sir) to “Can I use your stomach as a pillow?” to explicit descriptions of how absolutely hot and sexy my rolls are. The worst part is that when I first started dating, I looked at these as compliments. I was so excited that someone was into me that I never allowed myself to feel the discomfort. Plus-size women are made to feel like they’re lucky to have someone be interested in them, so we overlook potential red flags out of fear of rejection. Well, newsflash: I am really f*cking over that. 
      I’m not making plus-size dating seem very fun, and I’ll be the first to admit that I have a lot of trauma and grief to work through over past relationships in relation to my body image. I wish I could end this saying I won’t have this any longer and I’ll only go out with guys who treat me like a princess (heck, just treat me like a regular person, and I’m yours), but it’s not so simple. It’s much more realistic for me to say that I’ll put off dating until I feel confident enough in myself to not allow myself to be treated like this. This is only my experience, and part of being confident and strong is knowing that there are mature, adult people out there who won’t treat me like this one day. I just really wish they’d come a little quicker because I’m getting Carpal Tunnel in my hands from swiping. More

    • 150 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      10 Fall Pieces You Can Wear Even While It’s Still Hot Outside

      by

      Even though we’re starting to rush-order fall candles, make every pumpkin recipe we can find, and dream of cozy knits, the weather doesn’t always get the memo. We appreciate the last of the warm weather (especially since we’ll be in bulky coats and snow boots in a matter of months), but the heat can definitely harsh our fashion mellow. We’re dying to start dressing like Blair Waldorf on the first day of Constance Billard School for Girls, but it’s still 80 degrees, and plaid jackets or cozy sweaters will make us sweat way too much.Not to worry: there are some key fall pieces you can invest in now to perfectly transition from warmer weather into the chilly, cozy temps we’ve been waiting for. Here are 10 fall pieces you can start wearing right now, and how to transition them into the next season.

      1. A blazer
      Source: Fashion Jackson

      A good blazer is as essential to fall as PSLs and a Hocus Pocus marathon, but it can also work for warmer weather with a pair of cut-off denim shorts and sandals. The trick when it’s so hot that a blazer with a minidress or cut-offs feels too hot? Pair with a crop top or drape over your shoulders. 

      2. A silk midi skirt
      Source: @kateogata

      What can’t silk midi skirts do!? Not only are they a favorite in summer, but they’re appropriate for fall too. When the temperatures start to drop, throw on a denim jacket, sweatshirt, or cozy knit for an outfit formula you’ll want to wear for months. PS they also happen to go with booties just as well as they go with sandals in the summer. 

      3. Booties
      Source: Not Your Standard

      Yes, you can rock fall’s favorite shoe with a summer dress or denim shorts. Everyone needs a high-quality pair of booties, so if you’ve been looking for a sign to splurge on that classic pair you’ve been lusting after, this is it. After all, you can wear them the day they arrive in the mail through the first snowfall of the year.

      4. A crisp button-up
      Source: @theyusufs

      A crisp button-up is a staple for autumn because it pairs well with everything from plaid skirts to jewel-toned jackets. Make it work when it’s above 80 degrees by rolling up the sleeves or even tying the ends in a knot for a more cropped look. Make like a fashion girl and go oversized for an I-woke-up-like-this vibe. 

      5. A plaid mini dress
      Source: @ashbegash

      The go-to fall dress you’d rock with tights (à la Blair Waldorf) works just as well on its own while it’s still hot outside. Wear with that chic pair of booties you’ve been dying to wear since last fall, or get more wear out of your favorite summer shoes for perfect in-between-seasons style. 

      6. Dark florals
      Source: Style MBA

      Florals for spring may not be groundbreaking, but florals for fall? Now that’s something Miranda Priestly would get behind. While floral print is traditionally in-style during warmer months, darker, romantic florals have a cold-weather vibe, making standout pieces in vampy hues and big floral prints the perfect trend to work for both summer and fall. 

      7. A knit tank
      Source: @gabrielegz

      It’s like a seasonally appropriate version of the top you’ve been wearing all summer, except you can easily transition it into colder days with a long-sleeve tee underneath or a jacket over. Bonus: a knit tank is my favorite way to fake the look of a sweater-under-blazer look without the extra bulk, making this piece work just as well for warm days as it will for cold. 

      8. A long-sleeve maxi dress
      Source: @waityouneedthis

      Sleeveless dresses might have been your go-to during summer months, but fall begs for long-sleeve varieties. Luckily for our transitional wardrobe (and how freaking hot September can get), dresses are breezy enough to keep us cool when it’s warm, but perfectly transition into colder temperatures. Simply trade in your sandals for booties and throw on a jacket. 

      9. Leather leggings
      Source: @theplussizedprep

      If leggings weren’t a year-round essential before 2020, they are now. Update the athleticwear you’ve been wearing everyday since March to one of our favorite wardrobe pieces: luxe leather leggings. While it’s still warm, pair with tees and lightweight button-ups. Come fall, a cozy knit and leather leggings is going to be the chic stay-at-home uniform you’ll be wearing until spring. 

      10. A thin sweater
      Source: @hillaurenn

      If you’re like me and freeze whenever you’re in air conditioning (no matter how hot it is outside), you know that a thin sweater is a must-have in summer too. Replace a casual sweatshirt for a luxe lightweight knit during outdoor workouts, or pair with shorts while it’s not cold enough for pants. Come fall, it will be your go-to wardrobe essential to layer under any outerwear and pair with pants, trousers, or skirts. 

      What’s your favorite fall piece? More

    • 88 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      10 Foods That Will Boost Skin Glow

      by

      OK, so it sounds cliché to say “beauty starts from within,” but that old-school aphorism is pretty accurate when it comes to skin health (also self-confidence and kindness, but that’s an article for another day). Just like processed foods might cause breakouts, and eating sugar might cause premature aging (haven’t you heard of “sugar face?“), certain foods can have a reverse effect on skin health. McKenzie Jones, RDN, CLT, explained, “Since we are what we eat, it’s no surprise that diet and beauty go hand-in-hand. Foods that promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle also promote youthful-looking skin and can help keep you looking radiant from the inside, out.”Beauty foods may not sound revolutionary now, but I first heard about the beauty benefits of nutrition when I read Eat Pretty: Nutrition for Beauty, Inside and Out in 2014, and my mind was blown (yes, I have always been a huge nerd). After all, why shell out half your paycheck on fancy serums and treatments when you can boost glow from the produce aisle of the grocery store (OK fine, I’ll still be spending $$$ on skincare products, but at least it will double the effort, right)? Add these foods to your grocery list this week and get ready for a major glow-up. 

      Source: @cynthialions

      1. Avocados
      Apparently, that viral avocado café doubles as a skincare mecca, and Instagram’s favorite toast is just as good for your complexion as it is for your feed. “Avocados contain healthy fats (like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated) that work to keep skin flexible and moisturized,” Valerie Agyeman, RDN, my personal girl crush and founder of Flourish Heights, explained. “Monounsaturated fatty acids keep the surface of your skin moist, while polyunsaturated fatty acids guard the skin from sun damage. Plus, they are packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids, which help protect against free radical damage.” In other words, load up on the millennial-beloved fruit (yes, it is a fruit!) for skin hydration and radiant glow. 
      Try it:

      2. Tomatoes
      Pasta lovers, rejoice! A study by researchers at Manchester and Newcastle Universities found that eating five tablespoons of tomato paste daily helped improve the skin’s ability to protect against harmful UV rays, thanks to the antioxidant lycopene (AKA what makes the tomato its signature red shade). You know from your mom telling you to wear SPF that UV-protection does not only help prevent more serious conditions like skin cancer, but can also protect against signs of premature aging and dark spots, making anything that might protect against UV-damage officially a beauty food. Why tomato paste, you ask? Because cooking tomatoes increases their lycopene levels, so go ahead and load up on pasta sauce (but still wear your SPF!). 
      Try it:

      3. Lemon juice
      As if you needed another reason to DIY spa water, lemon juice is packed with vitamin C. Stefanie Wilkerson, RDN, explained, “Vitamin C helps produce collagen, and works as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals that can damage our cells.” Hello supple, smooth skin! Bonus: while it is acidic, lemon has alkalizing effects in the body, meaning it might help balance pH levels. This is beneficial for your complexion, because when pH levels are out of whack, the skin can become sensitive, irritated, or acne-prone. Not to mention that adding lemon makes us want to drink more water (and that’s a huge skincare perk). 
      Try it:

      Source: @kayla_seah

      4. Garlic
      Not only is garlic super delicious on bread, but it can be good for your skin too. Jennifer Irvine, nutritional expert and founder of healthy food delivery service, The Pure Package, told Get the Gloss that garlic is “full of a naturally occurring chemical called allicin, which acts against harmful bacteria when digested. This includes bacteria that can cause acne and other skin infections.” If acne is holding you back from the flawless skin of your dreams, try adding a little more garlic into your diet for potential benefits (as long as it doesn’t bother your stomach, obvi). 
      Try it:

      5. Sweet Potatoes
      Sure, you could apply endless serums and face masks, or you could just nibble on some sweet potato fries. Joking aside, the orange alternative to the classic white potato is an excellent source of beta carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. May Zhu RDN, the founder of Nutrition Happens, explained, “If you’re a skincare junkie, you might recognize the term ‘retinol,’ which is essentially a different form of vitamin A. Vitamin A (from foods like sweet potatoes) helps with skin turnover by promoting the maturation of skin cells.” You know what that means: fewer wrinkles, clearer skin, and a glowing complexion. Good thing sweet potatoes are one of my favorite foods (not to brag or anything). 
      Try it:

      Source: @flourishheights

      6. Blueberries
      You’ve probably heard about the importance of antioxidants for skin glow from skincare bottles or your dermatologist. That’s because antioxidants are one of the most important factors in protecting skin’s health, and blueberries are one of the easiest ways to get them in your diet. The sweet little berry you used to pick during childhood summers is basically the king (or queen!) of antioxidants. They’re believed to have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all common fruits and vegetables, meaning they’re not only incredibly nutritious, but pack major glow-boosting benefits as well. 
      Try it:

      7. Leafy greens
      What can’t leafy greens do? “Both kale and spinach are rich in a variety of potent antioxidants that help reduce skin inflammation,” Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, told Allure. Also, greens like collard greens, spinach, and kale contain zeaxanthin, which is an antioxidant that can help even out skin tone. I know he was a cartoon, but no wonder Popeye had such good skin! (Anyone else notice his flawless complexion? Nope, just me?) Aim for adding leafy greens to at least two meals a day for optimal benefits.
      Try it:

      Source: @josie.santi

      8. Flaxseeds
      Seeds that are loaded with omega-3s and fiber (like flaxseeds) are a staple in plant-based diets, but they’re also great for healthy skin. A study in the British Journal of Nutrition found that participants who ate about half a teaspoon of flaxseeds experienced significantly less skin irritation and redness in six weeks, along with better-hydrated skin. Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills, agreed, “Omega-3 fatty acids help to maintain cellular health, reduce inflammation, and maintain a healthy skin barrier.” Add about half a teaspoon to your smoothie or even your favorite pasta recipe to easily incorporate the superfood into your diet. 
      Try it:

      Source: rawpixel

      9. Fatty Fish
      Luckily for seafood lovers, many nutritionists (and Victoria Beckham) swear by fatty fish like salmon for skin hydration and glow. Rima Kleiner, MS, RD, founder of Dish on Fish, said, “Omega-3s and collagen help retain moisture in the skin, nourishing it from the inside out. Seafood is rich in both omega-3s and collagen. Eating oily fish like salmon and tuna at least twice a week will help lower your risk of dry, cracked skin.” FYI, The American Heart Association also recommends eating 3.5 ounces of fatty fish at least two times per week, but talk to your doctor about what’s best for your diet and lifestyle. Also, opt for wild-caught fish (instead of farm-raised) whenever possible. 
      Try it:

      10. Dark Chocolate
      Now for potentially the best news ever, dark chocolate isn’t just a dessert; it’s officially a beauty food (*buys all the dark chocolate bars at Whole Foods*). According to one study, cocoa’s antioxidants can protect the skin from oxidative stress that leads to premature skin aging. Let your mom know that the chocolate addiction you had as a kid was actually good for you (that is, if your chocolate of choice was at least 75 percent cacao). My personal advice is to opt for as “dark” as you can (like 80-90 percent cacao), to avoid added sugars. Otherwise, satisfy your sweet tooth and PMS cravings while boosting skin glow. 
      Try it:

      What’s your favorite beauty food? More