beauty and fashion

Unless you’re somehow a regular in the gala scene, weddings are one of the few events of adulthood that allow you to get dressed to the nines and feel like absolute gold. 2020 can stop a lot of things, but if you’re attending a socially-distanced wedding this fall, it shouldn’t stop that feeling—it just has one teeny, tiny addition: a mask.Instead of dreading pairing a mask with a wedding look, swap your mindset to thinking of it as another opportunity to make a statement with an accessory (if the Real Housewives of New York could do it, so can we). 
Of course, if you’re invited to a wedding anytime soon that you’re thinking about attending, you should only attend if you’re absolutely comfortable. Read up on your state’s COVID-19 guidelines and consider whether or not they’ll be followed at the wedding. Those getting married in 2020 are facing a hard choice in whether or not to keep their wedding dates, but you as a guest should never have to feel uncomfortable in order to attend. 
If you do decide to safely attend a wedding, put away your disposable mask for the night, and instead pair a fabulous fall wedding guest dress with a mask that will actually make you want to wear it (yes, they do exist!). 

Masks More

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!

Pumpkin Powerhouse Resurfacing & Exfoliating Enzyme Mask

Fall is in full swing, and I feel it’s my duty to share that I absolutely love this $12 pumpkin face mask. I bought this last year to see if it would be a dupe for all of the other pumpkin masks on the market (and there are certainly a few). Is this a dupe? I can’t say, but I will tell you that I had a lot of fun with this mask, making it worth the just-over-$10 price point. I loved how soft and smooth my skin felt afterward, and it was the perfect mask to wear while I took a bath. If you’re looking for something fun to add to your skincare routine this fall, try this.

Sunday Riley
C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil

To be fair, this isn’t even remotely close to empty, but I’m throwing it out and figured I would share as a lesson to myself and anyone reading that vitamin C goes bad and to use your products before that. I went to use this on my face a couple of weeks ago and was utterly appalled at the absolutely rancid scent coming from this tiny little container and knew it had to go. I had it for about a year, so that makes sense. As for how much I liked this, it was so-so. It did absolutely nothing for dark spots, but it definitely made me look glowy and hydrated. Had I used it more consistently, maybe I would have noticed better results, but I realized I really don’t like applying vitamin C in an oil format. Instead, I’ve fallen in love with my #1: Maelove Glow Maker

Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Face Moisturizer

This is hands-down the best drugstore moisturizer there is. This is the second tub I’ve gone through, and I’m sure I’ll keep buying it. When I want something reliable that I know works for me and keeps me extra hydrated, this is what I use. It’s a gel-cream, so it feels like nothing on my face (was perfect for the summer), but it’s full of hyaluronic acid which keeps my skin plump and full of moisture. It’s a little expensive for a drugstore product, but I promise, it’s worth every penny.

Milk Makeup
Kush Mascara

My love for this mascarahas been expressed at length, so I won’t waste your time with another love note. But I will tell you that if you want thick, long, dramatic lashes, you are missing out if you don’t try this. Everyone I’ve gotten to try it falls in love with it. I’ve gone through about four tubes since it released, and I know I’ll keep buying it. However, I am also trying to go through my other mascaras for now and want to try some drugstore and clean versions first. But there will always be a special place in my heart (and my collection) for Kush Mascara.

Equilibria
Mint-Flavored Daily Drops

I’ve used pretty much every single CBD product that Equilibria makes—and while they each have their own special place in my routine, the mint drops take the cake. I take one full dropper each morning with my coffee and a splash of oat milk—resulting in a delicately minty drink that soothes my stress and helps me feel more focused to take on the day. I have a subscription for these, so I’m shipped a new bottle every four weeks. I never want to be without them!

Skin Food

I am not a Skin Food stan (as I know some people are!), but there are truly few things that can tackle suuuuuper dry skin quite like this can. It’s very greasy, so I pretty much only use it on the tops of my hands when I’m going to be sitting still. It’s not my reach-for-it-all-the-time lotion, but it IS my reach-for-it-when-my-parched-skin-is-desperate lotion.

Blondage Conditioner

This has been my favorite conditioner in the entire world for YEARS. I use it about once a week, and it truly makes my hair its shiniest and bounciest self. It’s frowned-upon to overuse purple hair products (despite how great they are at banishing blonde brassiness)—but if I could, I’d use this every wash. Whether you’re bleached and beachy or just have some sunny streaks, you will LOVE this conditioner as much as I do.

PFB Vanish
Ultra Triple Action

Now that I’m back to my regular wax appointments, I made sure to stock up on products recommended by my esthetician that will help with any new irritation or ingrown hairs. This post-waxing roll-on serum has been my go-to for care right after wax appointments. It helps soothe any inflammation and helps treat dark spots and discoloration caused by frequent waxing. I noticed less bikini line discoloration, which was a big issue for me when I tried a new esthetician in the past. This is a must if you are prone to having skin issues from waxing.

Freeman Beauty
Cleansing Sheet Mask

I am all in on the sheet mask craze, and Freeman Beauty has a lot of my favorite products for mud masks—and now sheet masks. I use this right before or during a breakout on my face from product build-up. After 15-20 minutes, this face mask leaves my skin clean, but moisturized as well. I love all-things charcoal in my products, as it’s been proven to work for me, and the charcoal in this 100 percent bamboo mask helps clear my pores and preps my face to absorb my overnight cream. My at-home spa nights are not complete without a good sheet mask to top it all off!

Living Proof
Dry Volume Spray

I am my best self with a giant cloud of hair. I want my hair to have a separate zip code and precede me into every room. And there is no achieving this without my beloved Dry Volume Blast. It’s basically a dry shampoo and texturizer hybrid that is perfect to add grit to freshly washed hair or revive falling day five hair. I use it last before I breeze out the door, buoyed by my locks like a hot air balloon.

Shea Sugar Scrub

In the winter, my skin is positively parched and needs a good body scrub + body oil combo to remain in fighting form and not peel off in one go like a snake shedding. I like to use my scrub basically every shower, so I needed an affordable version since I’ve been known to go through a full jar every two weeks. This one is effective, has a light scent that doesn’t linger too long, and tops out at about $9. Win, win, win.

Danessa Myricks Beauty
Waterproof Cushion Liner

I purchased this liner on a whim and thought for sure I’d use it once and give up. Well, that was certainly not the case since I’m out of it. I love that this liner is so vibrant and easy to work with (once you understand how the formula works). I already have this in my cart ready to repurchase this week.

Boy Brow

I was once a Boy Brow skeptic. Could a brow product *really* be that amazing? The answer is yes. I haven’t waxed, threaded, or plucked my brows in over a year. When I want my brows to look done, I add a few swipes of this, and I’m out the door. I already have a backup to my empty, and will always keep one on deck, so I’m never without it.

Nécessaire
The Body Wash: Eucalyptus

This body wash is truly my favorite product I’ve purchased for my skin in years! Normally, I buy (the super cheap) kind from my local pharmacy, but during this crazy summer, I treated myself to something out of the ordinary and I’m so glad I did. I love the smell and texture of this body wash so much. Every time I use it I feel like I’m at a spa. It gives me a much-needed mini break from 2020 reality. I’ve tried to use it very sparingly but as I’m now out, I’m sure I’ll be reordering it again soon.

Nordic-C Glow Boost Essence Serum

I thought it was finally time to get on the Vitamin C serum train after hearing all about the amazing benefits, so I decided to give this one a try. I picked it based on the affordable price point and excellent reviews. Overall, I feel kind of *meh* about it. It feels nice and refreshing and smells good, but honestly I didn’t notice a huge difference in my skin. I’m not going to totally rule it out because I’m not sure if I used it long enough (this small size doesn’t last very long—I had it for about six weeks), but I will say that I replaced it with a different Vitamin C serum to try. Stay tuned to see if I like that one better!

The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

I very rarely run out of and repurchase beauty products because I like to try new things so often (bad habit, I know). However, I DID just repurchase this hyaluronic acid serum. As soon as the air even begins to cool off during the fall, all of the moisture is sucked right out of my skin and I deal with extreme dryness all winter long. This product is one of the few things that really makes a difference and provides my skin with some hydration.

Curls & Waves Whipped Mousse

As a girl with unruly naturally curly hair, I’m always on the hunt for any stylizing hair product. This mousse is hands-down the best curly hair product I’ve tried this year. It keeps my curls in place all day but doesn’t leave your hair with that stiff, crunchy feeling. I will definitely be purchasing this again.

Instant Self-Tanning Mousse

I’m a girl who always feels most confident with a tan. With the cooler weather coming, I started using this tanning mousse whenever I felt like getting ready. The product is only $13 dollars and it feels like a high-end product.

16HR Camo Concealer

I bought this product because of Tik Tok ( oh yes–I went there) and it disappointed me. When I used it under and on my eyes it was very drying. I like creamy, moisturizing concealers and this was not one of them!

L’Oreal Paris
Telescopic Original Mascara

This mascara is my holy grail! I will repurchase this for the rest of my life. It makes my eyelashes long and never ever clumps.

Overnight Facial Peel

Confession: I used to have skincare commitment issues. There’s something about night creams, treatments, and oils that is apparently so alluring to me, I could never settle on just one. That is, until this Overnight Facial Peel found its way into my routine and became my go-to nighttime treatment. Even though it’s formulated with lactic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin A to brighten skin and exfoliate, it feels like putting on a lotion and never dries out my skin. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s non-toxic, vegan, and under $20, so yes, I will be purchasing again. And again and again and again.

BYBI Beauty
Blueberry Oil Booster

I always mention this facial oil whenever I talk about my morning routine because it’s as essential to my day as a cup of coffee or making my bed. Rosehip gets all the attention when it comes to face oils, but let me introduce you to blueberry seed oil, which is the only ingredient in this genius product. The cold-pressed blueberry seed oil helps defend your skin against blue light damage by absorbing blue light before it penetrates the skin. In other words, you may feel guilty for sitting at your laptop from the minute you wake up until you fall asleep for many reasons, but the damage it’s doing to your skin doesn’t have to be one of them. Plus, it contains powerful nutrients like beta-carotene and omega 3, 6, and 9, which have made my skin glow and helped fight inflammation. It’s a little bottle but you literally only need a minuscule drop to cover your whole face so this one bottle has lasted me for six months.

Veil Translucent Setting Powder

I bought this powder over a year ago at Beth’s recommendation in an attempt to find a powder to set my super-dry face, but somehow not make it even dryer (it somehow eats makeup so even though it’s dry, I like to set my face for longer-lasting makeup). This powder is truly witchcraft. It’s the least drying setting powder I have ever used in my life and I don’t think I will ever buy another powder again. It gives a natural finish but doesn’t ever make me look dry or cakey. This is the travel size, and since you need such a small amount, it has lasted me 12+ months. I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t love this—it’s a holy grail for sure.

Living Proof
Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

We have a bit of a dry shampoo rivalry in our office—each of us is partial to a different cult-classic one, and this is mine. I will argue anyone to the death that this is the best dry shampoo on the market, and I could recite a full dissertation on just way that is, but I’ll spare you that and give you a few details. This leaves absolutely no white cast, reside, or weird film, and it’s the only dry shampoo I’ve ever found that can salvage post-run hair. I can’t count how many of these I’ve gone through and I always have one in my bathroom.

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

If I’m being honest, I jumped the gun and ran out of summer about six weeks ago, while the temps were still in the 80s and people had yet to celebrate Labor Day (not that you’d be able to tell from my apartment, which had the AC blasting at a crisp 65 and Folklore playing on repeat).But, ladies (and possibly a gent or two, one of which is probably my dad), according to the calendar, fall is officially here. It’s 57 degrees in Chicago today, the leaves are starting to change, and pedicures are no longer a necessity—it’s closed-toe shoe weather.
Besides Trader Joe’s petite pumpkin-spiced frosted cookies and my “Leaves” candle from Bath & Body, fall shoes are without a shadow of a doubt the best part of the season. Everything from chic, fun sneakers to ultra-cool boots take your basics from blah to “Who is she?” faster than you can queue up Hocus Pocus. But you can save your fears for the spooky movies you’ll watch all season, because we found the most versatile, investment-worthy fall shoes of 2020, all under $100—you’re going to want to see these.

Boots

Source: Mango

Loafers and Flats

Source: Madewell

Sneakers

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Skinny jeans: you know them, you love them, you wore them every day from 6th grade to 9th grade. No matter what denim trends come and go (mom jeans, boyfriend-fit, flared leg, etc.), you know that skinny pair in your closet will be there for you season after season, year after year. And since it is, after all, skinny-jeans-and-booties season, we put together 10 trends that pair perfectly with the slim silhouette to update your autumn uniform for 2020.These outfits are so good (and the trends are so affordable), we won’t blame you if your skinny jeans became second skin by December. Look cute, stay comfortable, and save your money for more important things (like PSLs and renting every Harry Potter movie from Amazon Video)–we’ve got you covered with the cutest, most affordable pieces to pair with your skinnies this season. 

1. Sherpa Jacket

Source: @crystalinmarie

Is there anything cozier? We’d even go so far as to say that the sherpa jacket is the it-coat of the season. Luckily for our skinny jeans, the oversized nature of this fuzzy jacket pairs perfectly with a slim silhouette. Some of our favorite affordable brands are embracing the trend this season with versions that are high-quality and comfortable, but won’t break the bank. 

2. Peasant Blouse

Source: @fashion_jackson

Whether the temperatures are already dropping or you live in year-round sunny weather, we’ll have the peasant blouse on repeat all season long. An ivory top with pretty ruffles, feminine details, and puffed sleeves is the perfect fall piece to wear on its own or under your go-to jacket. The ideal pairing for a peasant blouse? You guessed it: skinny jeans, which balance out the proportions of a voluminous top. 

3. Jean Jacket

Source: @chrissyford

In case you missed the memo, head-to-toe denim is not just a killer Halloween couple’s costume (an ode to 2001 Britney and Justin, of course); it’s a fashion trend. The infamous Canadian tuxedo has made its way into the hearts of fashion girls like Chrissy Rutherford and celebrities like Bella Hadid. Keep your jacket slim fit and in the same wash as your skinny jeans for a sleek, sophisticated, and on-trend OOTD. 

4. Puffed-Sleeved Sweaters

Source: @raeannlangas

Maybe it’s because we’ve been wearing loungewear for the past seven months in a row, but style stars are opting for luxe cashmere and warm knit with interesting details. Puffed-sleeves have become so popular, they just might be the #1 trend of fall 2020. And if you haven’t guessed it yet, the perfect pairing for voluminous details is a slim silhouette (AKA skinny jeans) to balance out proportions. Wear with knee-high boots for extra trend points.

 
5. Trench Coat

Source: @kayla_seah

Ah, the trench coat: the piece that feels just as Parisian-chic as it is minimalist and cool. The lightweight (but warm) outerwear can be worn from the first day of fall until the last day of spring, making it the perfect investment piece. Luckily for our wallets, you don’t have to spend $$$ to score a high-quality trench. Pair the timeless piece with your skinniest jeans, heeled booties, and a simple tee (or knit when the weather gets cold). 

6. Plaid Blazer

Source: @gabbywhiten

Forget boring black basics! This season, we’re channeling our inner Blair Waldorf (everybody has an inner Blair Waldorf) and switching out our plain work blazers for more stylish plaid versions. Wear with dark wash skinny jeans, loafers, and a thin turtleneck for a work outfit formula you’ll want to wear to the office every day (or when you need to look extra professional over Zoom). 

7. Buttoned-Up Cardigan 

Source: @meghandono

Is it just me, or is every blogger, celebrity, and fashion girl wearing cardigans as shirts by buttoning up the front? Maybe it’s because we’ve outworn all of our pull-on sweaters, or maybe the style just looks so cute, but either way, I’m mad at myself that I didn’t think of this earlier. The best part about pairing this trend with your slimmest pair of pants is that you can opt for an oversized sweater to pair with booties, or wear a tighter, cropped cardigan with heels for a date night look. Either will go with skinny fit!

8. Graphic Tee

Source: Wait, You Need This

Skinny jeans are not only the perfect basic pair of pants, but they serve as an ideal background for statement pieces. Graphic tees are one of our favorite go-to pieces to spice up any outfit while staying comfortable, and a pair of skinnies ensure all the attention is on the tee. Throw on a pair of booties and a blazer or jacket for a weather-appropriate OOTD.

9. Bright Colors

Source: @theplussizedprep

That’s right: bright colors aren’t just for summer. As much as we love neutrals and plaid come fall, rich jewel tones are gorgeous for the season. Think emerald green, bright red, cerulean blue, and bright magenta. Look for them in accessories, sweaters, or floral blouses (because romantic florals are in for fall!). 

10. Faux Fur

Source: @stephanietrotta

Starting September 1, all we want is to be warm and cozy. Lucky for us, faux fur is on-trend in a huge way. And lucky for our skinny jeans, nothing goes as well with an oversized fuzzy coat as a slim pair of jeans (but you already knew that, right?). Opt for a ripped pair to make any glam faux fur a little more casual, and wear with a cozy knit to be as warm as possible. 

SHOP OUR FAVORITES:

How are you styling your skinny jeans for fall? More

Have you ordered your first hot drink of the season yet? I sure have, and I’m absolutely living and breathing for it. I’ll be honest: I like fall, it’s great and all, but I live for winter and the holidays. But this year, I’m doing everything I can find the bliss in the cooler temperatures, the spooky movies, and—you guessed it—the fall fashion. But we’re not quite living in a typical fall-fashion world right now, so how do I balance my aching need for cozy clothes with the practicality of saving my money for a rainy day (i.e. when I can travel again!)? I shop the sales. And boy have we found a good one! Our editors are new fans of Verishop, an online retailer carrying both brands we already love (like AGOLDE, Girlfriend Collective, and Vince) and new-to-us labels we’re dying to try. Ready to shop fall fashion as much as I am? These fall must-haves are all 25 percent off right now with the code VERIFRIENDS. Time to get shopping!

use code VERIFRIENDS

PLUS-SIZE FAVORITES More

Of all the fall activities, breaking out the credit card and buying a few new pieces for the season might trump them all. There’s nothing like getting out of the house in the best trends of the year—and with the temperatures dropping, there’s no time like the present.But obviously, this year poses a different issue: how do you allocate your fall funds when you don’t know how much leaving the house the season will entail? Spending a ton of money on trends is probably taking a backseat to spending money on comfortable loungewear—but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a trendy piece or two. 
We’re taking out the guesswork for you and are giving you which trendy fall piece you should invest in based on your zodiac sign—even if you’re only wearing it to grocery shop, it’s worth celebrating the fashion that comes with the best season of the year.

Aries: Fringe

Source: style mba

Aries are fearless and comfortable with who they are, which makes a statement piece the perfect item to invest in for fall. This season’s fringe trend is perfect for them, be it in the form of a chic jacket or versatile bag.

Taurus: Something Preppy

Source: @lillyandgrant

Tauruses love to be dressed to the nines, and overdressing is a part of their nature. With rich colors and textures, fall 2020’s preppy trend is perfect for the self-care sign.

Gemini: Faux Leather Pieces

Source: @thekittyluxe

Geminis are a little wild and even more indecisive—which makes a faux-leather piece the perfect, versatile addition to their wardrobe.

Cancer: Jewel Tones

Source: @fromheadtocurve

These summer babies love to bring the bright, happy tones of their birth month to their wardrobes year-round. Opt for a jewel-toned piece instead of the dark, moody colors of the season.

Leo: Animal Print

Source: @trulyjamie

Leos have a knack for taking an intimidating trend and making it wearable, and the out-of-the-box animal prints of the season will do just that. With zebra prints and even cow prints popping up this season, leave it to a Leo to pull them off.

Virgo: Shades of Nude

Source: @crystalinmarie

Shades of nude that encompass all skin tones are everywhere this fall, and they’re a perfect way for the classically-dressed Virgo to hop in on a trend without needing to get too out of their comfort zone.

Libra: A Bold Print

Source: @thekittyluxe

Libras are known for staying away from the drama, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like to incorporate eye-catching elements to their outfits. Their breezy, life-of-the-party personalities make a piece in a bold print the perfect fall investment.

Scorpio: Plaid

Source: @simplytandya

Scorpios are mysterious and intense, and true to their dark, emotional nature, fall 2020’s grungy plaid trend is a Scorpio’s dream.

Sagittarius: Shearling

Source: @jennytran

Sagittarians are outgoing and happy and down to try pretty much anything, and although they draw attention with their personalities, they also like to draw it with what they wear. A trendy, shearling jacket that they can wear everywhere will keep them from feeling bored by their outerwear this season. 

Capricorn: Tweed

Source: Kathleen Barnes | Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Capricorns are work and goal-oriented, which means anything that they can take from their job to their (virtual) happy hour is what they gravitate toward. Adding something tweed to their wardrobe is the perfect way for the sophisticated sign to reflect their personalities through their style.

Aquarius: Dark Floral Prints

Source: @styleidealist

Aquarians are a little bit zany, and we love them for it. A funky, dark floral print will bring the water sign’s personality shine through all fall long.

Pisces: Colorblocking

Source: @carnationsandlace

Of all the signs, Pisces would never shy away from color, and “neutral” isn’t a part of their vocabulary. They play with trends and make fashion an art, and no trend encompasses that more than colorblocking. Mix it in with your basics for an easy, go-to outfit. More

My very favorite kind of outfit is one that’s made interesting with a juxtaposition: leather and lace, tailored pants with an effortless tee, a dress with sneakers. But the one that’s become my favorite? A structured, smart blazer with a graphic tee.Two winters ago, I went into work with my houndstooth blazer and Clueless tee on, and my coworkers quickly let me know that it was one of their favorite things I had ever worn. I was flabbergasted—it was so easy and effortless, and I had truly thrown it on that morning. But what makes it so special is the juxtaposition: the contrast between a piece that’s so obviously professional and put-together and one that is so clearly, well, the polar opposite. And since then, whenever I’m scrambling for something to wear, it’s become my go-to uniform—completed with mom jeans and sneakers.
It’s foolproof and easy, and this fall, I’ve already worn it more times than I can count. These are my favorite ways to combine it all for a look that’s bound to get you a few compliments—and let’s be real, who doesn’t need that these days?

Graphic tee:
I’ve already gone into how hard it is to find an amazing graphic tee at length, and really, that’s half the battle here. I have about three that I’ve found that I love and wear to death and rotate them into this outfit equally. (Pro tip: the one I’m wearing here is on sale right now!).

Blazer:
First off, you absolutely cannot go wrong with whichever blazer you choose for this outfit. I have a hot pink one, houndstooth one, and this satin one that I’ve chosen to invest in throughout the past couple of years and love them and respect them all equally—so whichever one you have, be it plain or patterned, will do. Looking for a fun, new one for the season? These are some of the best out there:

Mom jeans:
Finding a good pair of mom jeans is like finding a needle in a haystack. My tried-and-true trick is to get a pair from Abercrombie’s Curve Love collection in my regular size for a bit of extra room throughout the thighs. If those aren’t your jam, these ones are editor-approved and loved and come in a wider size range (looking at you to add plus sizes, Abercrombie!).

Sneakers:
Recently one of my coworkers lovingly said that my brand is having too many pairs of similar white sneakers, and I would say this is true. I don’t know when I started living in white sneakers, but it’s happened, and I’m not turning back. They make every outfit look a little cooler while remaining as comfortable as can be—which no heeled shoes can say.

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As I’m writing this, I am nursing a two-month-old scar from a cyst that used to be under my arm. This includes replacing bandages with clean ones on a daily basis, checking for any future cysts in the same area, spot treating my beauty marks, and managing scars that will most likely remain on my skin for months. This routine isn’t new to me, as I have been battling Hidradenitis Suppurativa for over 10 years. Hidradenitis Suppurativa, or HS, is a skin condition that creates painful and inflamed boils under the hair follicles of your skin. Sweat glands are a major trigger area for HS, as bumps form near those areas of the skin and can create an infection, making these bumps painful, bigger in size under the surface of your skin, and full of pus. In many cases, these bumps need to be drained by a medical professional to avoid the spread of the infection, but unfortunately, sometimes scarring is inevitable after the boil is treated. HS is a skin condition that unfortunately has no cure, according to WebMD, as lifestyle changes and treatments can help alleviate regular flare-ups, but they don’t fully cure the condition. 
When I was first diagnosed with HS in my late teens, I had no idea that I was one of the riskier groups to develop this type of skin condition. According to Mayo Clinic, Hidradenitis Suppurativa is most common in African-American middle-aged women who may have a family history of HS. Weight also plays a role, and once I educated myself on HS, I tried monitoring my weight, changing my diet, and adapting a cleaner beauty routine, but I continued to be left with the marks from past and current flare-ups. 
Finding the beauty in my scars from HS was—and still is—a difficult journey. Although the flare-ups are now few and far between and I am more knowledgeable about how to treat my skin, I am now on a personal journey to accept myself and everything that comes along with HS–both on my skin and within. I remind myself regularly of a few affirmations that help me to embrace the beauty scars caused by HS. 

I am not the only one battling HS 
Although it felt like I was fighting a solitary battle with my skin, after doing my research and being more open about my condition, I found out that I wasn’t alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 4 percent of the world’s population suffers with this chronic skin disease, and this percentage is growing, as this skin disease commonly goes untreated or undiagnosed. 
Finding a community online and through other friends who suffer with the same condition (or something similar) was a comfort, connecting with those on how they embrace the long-lasting effects of HS, including the unsightly scars all over the body from where the boils formed. After finding others who struggle with the same insecurities from HS or other relatable conditions, it helped me come to terms with my own visible skin marks and learn to accept them.
I found tips on how to treat discoloration and scarring, including different products specifically designed for harsher blemish marks. I also found the encouragement I needed to live with my beauty marks on a daily basis, becoming more comfortable with my skin and its imperfections. Opening up about my struggles with this skin disease helped me find a whole community dealing with the same issue of embracing their skin and gave me the camaraderie I needed to find confidence in my condition. 

HS does not define me or my beauty 
When struggling with a medical condition that affects your skin, it’s easy to feel embarrassed or ashamed of it, especially when it leaves behind spots, marks, discoloration, and other evidence of what your body is going through internally. Growing up with less than problematic skin, dealing with HS changed my definition of beauty. Where I once took pride in my skin, now with HS, I had to change what pride looks like when my skin was less than flawless. 
According to a 2019 National Institutes of Health study, the psychological effects of those dealing with HS greatly impacts their quality of life the most, including how they see themselves physically and sexually. 
An affirmation I have to continuously remind myself of is that HS does not define how beautiful I am: no matter how many scars I incur, how much pain I may be in during flare-ups, or how visible it may be. These marks are just a small part of who I am, but isn’t what makes or breaks my beauty. 
When actively dealing with HS during a flare-up, I try to practice self-affirmations on a daily basis, treat myself to self-caring spa days, and give myself more grace and patience when showing parts of my body that have scarring or discoloration. When getting dressed for the day, I actively highlight the parts of my body that I love, but make sure not to feel ashamed of those parts that may be affected by HS. Since HS primarily flares up in less noticeable areas of the body like the groin and under the arms, it can sometimes be harder to hide without discomfort, especially during the summer months, so defining my own beauty and embracing how my body looks all over was key to helping me gain more self-assurance. 

My scars are unique—and unique is beautiful 
Since being diagnosed with HS over 10 years ago, I’ve had my fair share of scars, from a treated lesion right in the middle of my chest that never closed after being lanced (which is always mistaken for a dermal piercing!) to a discolored quarter-sized scar on the underside of my right breast. Although these scars do not define me, they make for interesting and unique marks all over my body, marks that I had to embrace and allow others to embrace too. 
Now when I see my scars, especially the ones that are highly visible, it reminds me of how unique my condition and my body is–and how beautiful and resilient I am. My scars and beauty marks reflect my struggles with HS, but also reflect my strength and uniqueness. The shame of a skin condition like HS can sometimes take that confidence away from you, but recognizing and giving praise to the story each beauty mark on your body tells can help you embrace your beauty from the outside in.

Helpful Products for those suffering with HS: 
Here are a few products I found helpful when dealing with or preventing an HS flare-up on my body, helping you to feel more comfortable in your own skin:  

Dr. Bronner Hemp Peppermint Pure Castile Oil

This soap is my go-to in the shower, especially after a workout, to wash and cleanse my body thoroughly. It’s easy for sweat glands to become inflamed and bring on another HS breakout, so it’s great to have this antibacterial soap to get a nice, squeaky clean to your skin. Make sure to follow it up with a more moisturizing soap afterwards!

Bali Women’s Shapewear

Shapewear isn’t just for sculpting your body; it could be a great addition to your daily wardrobe to help with rubbing and chafing in areas like the inner thighs, which could cause a boil to form from the skin-to-skin contact. I wear mine with pants, jeans, leggings, and sometimes as workout gear (so glad biker shorts made a comeback!).

On The Go First Aid Kit

With HS, it’s always great to have a travel-sized pack of bandages, just in case a boil decides to drain on its own or you need to change an already healing bump. I always keep a cute pack of Band-Aids in my bag wherever I go in multiple sizes. This also prevents a breakout from becoming even more infected. More