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      How My Hair Shaped My Identity

      by

      One of my favorite things about my look is my pixie cut. If you asked me to describe it, I would say: short, edgy, and professional. As a disabled woman, it’s effortless and time-effective. I have the advantage of waking up and not having to brush my hair if my bedhead isn’t too visible. Some days I add a little style, but I love having a hairstyle where it’s easy to manage. My ultimate hair goal, however, is to shave my head and have a buzzcut. Jazzmyne Jay, a BuzzFeed content creator, is my inspiration; she’s given me the courage to experiment with fashion. I’ve wanted to do it for a while; I’ve just been waiting for the right time.
      Honestly, I’ve been waiting for an accepting work environment. I want to work in an environment where diversity is valued, where there is an open-mindedness to individuals who have disabilities and endure mental illness, and where there are strong core values and beliefs; where these things are instilled in the company. In the past few years, I’ve been trying to live intentionally. I’ve always been authentic in who I am, but I’ve tried to be more intentional these last few years with everything that I’ve been through. It’s hard to go into spaces where you are accepted, however, you feel that you still have to hold back a part of your identity, or when you have to hide your entire identity because you are not sure of the reaction, especially in this political climate where you’re often discriminated against for being LGBTQ+. 

      In the past few years, I’ve been trying to live intentionally. I’ve always been authentic in who I am, but I’ve tried to be more intentional these last few years with everything that I’ve been through.

      Chopping off all your hair is a way for you to start afresh and emerge a new person. I feel rejuvenated and on lighter feet after every cut. My hair wasn’t weighing me down anymore. Look at it this way: it’s like when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Each haircut is as if I’m escaping from all of the anxiety and the depression that has happened since the last haircut to start a new season.
      Society pushes many stereotypes about the short-haired woman: she’s damaged, she’s aggressive, she’s manly, she must be a lesbian. As a society, we attach so many parts of a person’s identity to their hair: their sexuality, history, gender, and even personality, and when women have short hair, people tend to think of that as almost being political. She’s making a statement. Long hair is depicted as feminine and beautiful, whereas short hair is not. 

      Look at it this way: it’s like when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Each haircut is as if I’m escaping from all of the anxiety and the depression that has happened since the last haircut to start a new season.

      As an individual with a disability (I have cerebral palsy and hemiplegia), I do not have the use of my right arm. Because of this, I have difficulty styling my hair, and what began as a move for more independence became a move for self-expression. I had long hair up until college, when I started getting pixie cuts. In high school, I’d had to ask my family to help me style my hair (ponytails, braids, etc.). On my own, I could get at best pin the bangs out of my face. Disabled women’s hair is just seen as yet another inconvenience in terms of independence, and at times we aren’t even given a choice around our hair length and style.
      When I attempted to pull my hair into a ponytail by myself, I ultimately failed. I had to deal with loose long hair in all weather and environments. I loved my long hair, and it was beautiful, but it was a source of inconvenience and discomfort. I’m never going to fit into a box. I’m never going to fit under a label; I’m never going to be anything anybody wants me to be, I’m always evolving. I’m all about breaking boundaries. Breaking barriers, breaking labels, and allowing myself to be free.
      And that’s what my short hair is to me. More

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      in beauty and fashion

      Don’t Miss It: Sephora’s Holiday Savings Event Is This Week!

      by

      There are so many holiday traditions that I hold near and dear to my heart but none of them quite compare to my longstanding practice of buying “one for you and one for me” while holiday shopping. One of my favorite places to treat my loved ones and myself is Sephora for obvious reasons (their incredibly wide selection of all things beauty, their high product standards, and their one-stop-shop convenience being just a few). This year Sephora is adding one more reason to that list in the form of their Holiday Savings Event where you can find some of your favorite holy grail beauty products, discounted for a limited time.

      Get a head start on your holiday shopping, or, use it as the perfect excuse to stock up on the beauty products you love.

      Plus, you can use your code on multiple orders!

      Not a member? Not a problem. Sign up for the Beauty Insider Program today and you will receive 10% off right away.

      Glow Recipe
      Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm

      If you’re looking for a new holy grail makeup remover and cleanser, this cleansing balm has you covered. It’ll melt away makeup, dirt, oil, and SPF and leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

      MAKEUP BY MARIO
      Master Mattes™ Eyeshadow Palette

      This palette is a makeup artist’s dream and is a must-add to your makeup collection. The formula was made by Kim K’s brilliant MUA, Mario Dedivanovic, and is the definition of glam. This product is buildable to allow for both natural and dramatic looks and has minimal fallout, which is always a plus.

      Youth To The People
      Dream Eye Cream with Goji Stem Cell and Ceramides

      This is the overnight eye cream that you didn’t know you needed. The goji stem cells support skin renewal, the ceramides actively plump the skin, and the vitamin C works to firm the look of skin around your eyes. Wake up feeling refreshed, bright, and ready to take on the day.

      Sunday Riley
      Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence

      This lightweight, peptide-infused essence is exactly what your skin has been missing. It’s great for targeting fine lines, redness, and loss of elasticity. This solution is formulated with peptides to create a firmer appearance and houses some powerful prebiotics (honey and yeast infiltrate) to support your skin’s natural biome. Use it pre-serum and pre-moisturizer and let it work its magic.

      Soft Matte Complete Foundation

      This full-coverage, long-lasting matte foundation is the answer to all of your makeup woes. A natural, transfer-proof, non-oxidizing matte finish that lasts for 16 hours? Now THAT is music to our ears.

      Glow Recipe
      Watermelon + AHA Glow Sleeping Mask

      This twice-a-week sleep mask is at the top of our holiday wish lists. This skin-smoothing mask includes both hyaluronic acid and AHAs to hydrate and gently exfoliate your skin. Pores, dryness, and oiliness, be gone!

      Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30

      This color-correcting treatment with SPF is truly a double threat. Use it after moisturizing instead of foundation to correct redness, conceal blemishes, and protect your skin from UV damage. This skincare product does the job of makeup without the extra added steps… so obviously, we’re sold.

      Sunday Riley
      Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment

      This all-in-one lactic acid AHA treatment is perfect for targeting fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and dark spots. If you’ve been looking for a product that clarifies, smoothes, and re-texturizes the appearance of your skin, look no further. This stuff is the real deal.

      Lip Sleeping Mask

      This lip sleeping mask is one of our staff’s all-time favorites. Apply a layer before bed and let it do its magic while you sleep. You’ll wake up with baby smooth, moisturized lips in the AM, making waking up with chapped, dry lips a distant memory.

      The Dewy Skin Cream

      This rich, creamy moisturizer is luxurious and will make you feel fancy AF. The formula is antioxidant packed with Japanese purple rice which helps to promote a dewy, healthy glow. Add this to your cart for the plump, radiant, hydrated skin of your dreams.

      OLEHENRIKSEN
      Banana Bright Eye Crème

      This vitamin C rich eye cream is the answer to all of your “the bags under my eyes are designer” woes. If you’re looking for a brightening eye cream that combats dryness, dark circles, and signs of aging, you’ll want to pick one of these up STAT!

      Hydrating Hair Treatment Mask

      Fall and winter have the bad rap of being “dry hair” season, but with this hydrating hair mask, that doesn’t have to be the case. Stay on top of keeping your locks luscious by using this restorative deep-conditioning treatment designed to add shine and

      Interchangeable Styling Wand Set

      This three-barrel, interchangeable styling wand set is almost too good to be true. It includes three different wands so that you can create an array of hair looks for any hair length or occasion. T3’s ceramic technology will have you saying “goodbye” to flyaways, mid-day touch-ups, and dull hair for good.

      Texturizing Hair Spray

      If dry shampoo and hairspray had a love child, this would be it. Not only is this texturizing hair spray lightweight, but it also helps add texture and volume while it works to absorb oil and help refresh hair. Hello, good hair days.

      invisibobble
      That’s Crackin’ SLIM Trio

      These Invisobobble hair ties are the perfect stocking stuffer! They hold the hair better than traditional hair ties but don’t leave dents behind when you take them out. They’re comfortable, effective, AND cute, which makes them the perfect solution to any updo.

      Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

      This intensive weekly hair treatment was made for those of us with dry, brittle, and over-processed hair (guilty as charged). Leave this deep conditioning mask on the hair for five minutes to enhance the hair’s hydration and to improve its strength—prepare to be wowed.

      Lisse Luxe Hair Turban

      If you’re looking for healthier hair, start here. This hair turban rapidly brings your hair from wet to damp, helps to cut down on blow-dry time, and controls frizz and breakage. If you don’t already have one of these, now’s the time to pick one up!

      Bumble and Bumble
      Thickening Great Body Blow Dry Crème

      This multi-purpose blow dry formula will help you to achieve the blowout of your dreams. It protects from heat damage, adds an impressive amount of volume, and softens without weighing down the hair.

      Charlotte Tilbury
      Hollywood Flawless Filter

      Charlotte Tilbury, you’ve done it again! This tinted complexion booster is the secret to the highly sought-after, youthful glow we’re forever searching for. Use it as a primer, a highlighter, or mix it in with your foundation to soften and illuminate skin—no filter needed.

      Benefit Cosmetics
      Hoola Matte Bronzer

      This Benefit bronzer is a cult-favorite, and for good reason. It’ll keep your skin bronzed and glowing all year long and is now available in four different shades. Each shade is buildable, blends seamlessly, and will give you a natural-looking, beautiful faux glow, even in the dead of winter.

      Charlotte Tilbury
      Matte Revolution Lipstick

      This matte finish lipstick comes in 16 shades and is going to be our new “take everywhere” product. This long-lasting, buildable, hydrating formula will give your lips the perfect plump while orchid extract protects and smoothes lips for a perfect finish.

      Armani Beauty
      Power Fabric Concealer

      This lightweight, high-coverage concealer will stand the test of time and is perfect for color-correcting and hiding imperfections. This no-crease formula is made with time-releasing oils for long-lasting comfort and coverage. Life’s too short to have cakey concealers, am I right?

      FENTY BEAUTY
      Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara

      Volumize, lift, lengthen, and curl your lashes with just a few swipes of this Fenty mascara and you’ll never look back to any formula ever again. This water-resistant mascara features a flat-to-fat brush that will give you full control in creating the look of your dreams and will change your lash game forever.

      Urban Decay
      Eyeshadow Primer Potion – Original

      If you’ve never tried this OG eyeshadow primer, we’d like to argue that you’re missing out. This primer serves as the perfect base for any eyeshadow look (from natural to dramatic) and will remain crease-free for an impressive 24 hours.

      Charlotte Tilbury
      Mini Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo

      Forget Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, this bronzer/highlighter duo is the absolute perfect pair. This travel-size product will keep you sculpted, contoured, and glowing anywhere, anytime and is definitely worth the purchase.

      Luminous Silk Foundation

      This luminous silk foundation is our idea of a good time. It’s medium coverage, buildable, and will leave your skin absolutely glowing. The flawless, smooth finish of your dreams is just a click away!

      Supersonic Hair Dryer

      If this state-of-the art hair dryer isn’t yet on your to-buy list, we are about to rock your world. Not only does this hair tool protect against heat damage, decrease drying time, increase smoothness, and decrease frizz, but it’s lightweight AF, making styling an absolute breeze.

      Silk Pillowcase – Standard/Queen

      These silk pillowcases are the secret to protecting your skin and hair. While regular, cotton pillowcases don’t allow for any slip and tend to draw in water from both skin and hair, silk pillowcases are a wonderful alternative that will protect and hydrate skin and reduce split ends. Don’t sleep on these bad boys.

      Eyelash Curler

      You may have tried eyelash curlers in the past, but we promise you that this Shiseido curler is an obvious standout amongst all of the rest. This beauty-blogger favorite is at the top of our wish lists this holiday season. Use pre-mascara to open your eyes and create the “is-she-wearing-false-lashes” look of your dreams.

      BUMBLE AND BUMBLE
      Hairdresser’s Invisible Protectant

      This leave-in hair treatment is the ultimate multitasker. It detangles, conditions, protects, and provides UV/heat protection. Did we mention that it smells absolutely incredible? This one-stop-shop product to healthier hair is what your hair routine is missing.

      CHRISTOPHE ROBIN
      Purifying Scalp Scrub with Sea Salt

      This two-in-one scalp exfoliator and shampoo helps to cleanse, remove buildup, and soothes the scalp. The formula includes argan oil for moisturizing and sea salt for purifying—a total match made in heaven. It’ll leave your hair clean and frizz-free with more volume. Sign us up!

      Fenty beauty
      Cheek Hugging Bronzer Brush

      This fluffy brush has a perfect chisel to hug your face for the perfect contour. Use it in addition to your favorite bronzer to bring warmth to your cheeks, temples, and jawline. It’s the perfect solution to a natural, beautifully-blended look.

      Microneedling Dark Spot Brightening Dots

      Dark spots and blemishes, be gone! Place one of these brightening dots onto your dark spot or blemish after cleansing, gently press it into the skin, and wear overnight. The dots’ salicylic acid targets blemish-causing bacteria, niacinamide evens out skin, and licorice extract brightens the complexion. Check, check, and check.

      Charlotte Tilbury
      Gift of Magic Skin Mini Set

      This Charlotte Tilbury skin set is the perfect option to gift to a friend or to yourself. The set includes CT’s night cream, moisturizer, and eye cream to target dryness and dark circles—all of which are SO necessary right now.

      New York Minute Hair Blow Dryer Brush Set

      Hear us out: this set is one that your hair is absolutely craving. It includes Amika’s easy-to-use blow dryer brush, dry shampoo, and an anti-humidity spray, giving you a huge bang for your buck.

      Grande Cosmetics
      Goldie Luxe Lash and Brow Serum Set

      What better way to say “I love you” than gifting someone these luxurious brow and lash serums? These serums are packed with amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E to promote healthy hair growth in as little as 4-6 weeks. Sign us up!

      Laura Mercier
      Mini Stargazer Caviar Stick Quartet

      Who said bold eyeshadow looks have to be complicated? These Caviar Sticks are crayon-like, which makes them easy to use no matter your makeup expertise. These user-friendly eyeshadow sticks don’t require any brushes for application, are super buildable, and last for up to 12 hours.

      Dream & Wonder Gift Set

      This lip mask set includes the fan-favorite Lip Sleeping Mask, plus two limited edition flavors (lemon sorbet and mint choco) that are perfect for on the go lip hydration. Chapped lips? Never heard of them.

      Summer Fridays
      The Hydration Set

      Banish dry skin with this Summer Fridays trio that we’re daydreaming about. This set includes the cult-favorite Jet Lag mask, vitamin C serum, and the lip butter balm that will leave you bright and hydrated. Buy them as a stocking stuffer or for yourself, we won’t judge.

      Pure & Glowing Trio

      This Tatcha three-step ritual is perfect to combat fall/winter dryness and will be your new favorite. The formula for each of the products is buttery, luxurious, and cooling, and will leave your skin hydrated and glowing. If you’ve been wanting to try the Tatcha line, this is your moment!

      House of Gold Hydrating Best Seller Set

      This House of Gold set from Farmacy features their honey-infused best-sellers and will help to nourish your skin all season long. If you’ve never used Farmacy products before, prepare to be impressed. Not only is this kit clean, cruelty-free, and sustainable, but it’ll help to make skin dryness, dullness, and uneven texture a problem of yesterday.

      FENTY BEAUTY
      Glossy Posse Mini Gloss Bomb Set

      This mini gloss set is another great stocking stuffer to add to your holiday shopping list. It allows for the perfect opportunity to sample multiple limited-time, universally-flattering shades of Fenty’s best-selling mini glosses, which nourish the lips and provide an impressive amount of shine. Gift a set to a friend and snag another for yourself, you won’t regret it.

      Shani Darden Skin Care
      Retinol Reform

      This fan-favorite retinol and lactic acid serum is the dual-purpose product your skincare routine is missing. The formula promotes youthful-looking skin and helps with skin cell turnover to improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and blemishes. We’re definitely hitting “add to cart on this one.

      adwoa beauty
      Baomint™ Leave In Conditioning Styler

      This leave-in conditioner is perfect for styling prep, rehydrating, defining, and smoothing all hair types. A tiny bit of this stuff goes a long way and will fast track you to the healthy locks of your dreams.

      BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY
      Hair Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser

      This sulfate-free shampoo is everything. It works up a light, gentle later to cleanse all hair types but works especially well with thick, curly, or textured hair types. The product’s formula includes argan oil, aloe vera juice, and lemon tea tree oil help to soothe the scalp, balance the hair, and promote hydration.

      Original Turmeric Latte Blend for skin glow + debloat

      This superfood blend will be your new beauty routine BFF. Use it by blending into water, coffee, milk, and/or smoothies to support clear, glowing skin and to improve belly bloat. The turmeric is key for supporting immunity and clearing the skin, the coconut promotes healthy fats to improve your inside-out glow, and the ginger helps with gut support.

      FENTY BEAUTY
      Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

      This matte-finish, longwear foundation will be your new favorite. With an impressive 50 shades, buildable coverage, and climate-adaptive formula, it’s the perfect option for both your everyday foundation and for your glam night out.

      FENTY BEAUTY
      Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

      This weightless cream-powder hybrid highlighter melts into skin and is incredibly blendable. It’s long-wear, superfine formula will leave you head over heels in love.

      FENTY BEAUTY
      Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer

      This Fenty cream bronzer is so lightweight, you won’t even know it’s there. Use this to achieve an effortless, natural-looking bronze or soft contour. It’s easy to blend, impossible to overdo, and available in a range of shades for all skin tones.

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

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      November’s ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’ with Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum

      by

      November’s – ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’ – Download Now
      Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Ziga MihelcicHair: Ania Poniatowska at MMG ArtistsProduction: Kelli MaddockFashion Assistant: Sarah Joseph
      Welcome to ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’.

      We would like to thank Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum for the honour of allowing us to present her as our cover star for this prestigious edition. Shooting the cover at sunrise was not only the backdrop for an incredible shoot, but allowed us to share time with a high flyer in all senses and an incredibly intelligent, inspiring individual.
      With special thanks to a dream team for making this happen.

      In terms of beauty and attention to detail, this issue is outstanding. For our cover shoot, we partnered with Boucheron, a fine jewellery house known for timeless creations and an uncompromising attention to detail. In this issue, we interview Boucheron’s CEO Hélène Poulit-Duquesne to find out what’s next for the brand.

      We also have exclusive interviews with our cover star Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum and some of the most prominent fine jewellery houses including Fabergé, Piaget, Chopard, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co. and Harry Winston.
      We champion new and emerging brands as well as the heritage powerhouses in this issue with exclusive interviews from Repossi, Yeprem, Salama Khalfan, Dihn Van and Her Highness Sana Al Maktoum, to the new brand which has been flying under the radar – Lesora.
      We also speak to experts in the field from Founder and CEO of Threads and jewellery industry aficionado Amalia Keramitsis.
      In terms of beauty in this issue, we feature products that harness the power gold and diamonds, from facials to infusions and foil masks.
      In a year that has us rethinking what is of value, timelessness, craftsmanship and attention to detail serve as something worth investing in.
      November’s – ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’ – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Emirates Woman More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Kylie Jenner likened to to popular Lebanese singer in latest photo shoot

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      Kylie Jenner has been liked to Lebanese pop star Haifa Wehbe after releasing her latest Kylie Cosmetics collection.
      The makeup mogul unveiled her latest photo shoot as part of the campaign, which was unveiling her new leopard collection.

      However, it’s some of the makeup looks which are a part of the campaign which has set Arab Twitter alight, comparing her appearance to Wehbe.

      Kylie Jenner or Haifa Wehbe > pic.twitter.com/C8Hp7HQCTw
      — Márru (@asilentnox) October 28, 2020

      KYLIE JENNER TRYING TO MORPH INTO HAIFA WEHBE OUR LEBANESE QUEEN pic.twitter.com/bKL0MAikuJ
      — zuzu (@syriantwelver) October 29, 2020

      @KylieJenner first u wanna look like Kim. Now u wanna look like Haifa Wehbe💀💀 you look more Arab than us Arabs with ur makeup line😭😭
      — hannah mansour (@hannahrnmansour) October 30, 2020

      On a lighter note… Kylie Jenner’s recent photos have taken over Arab Twitter where they are being compared to Leb singer Haifa Wehbe and countless beauty commercials 🌝 https://t.co/N6zfSVlMg5
      — Jasmine Malla (@MallaJasmine) October 31, 2020

      Some others also said Jenner’s new campaign reminded them of  “Arab ad girls”.

      So for non-Arabic speakers basically Arab Twitter is having loads of fun with Kylie Jenner’s new look because it is a stereotypical Arabic/Gulfie makeup look and you see women looking like this on music videos and beauty salon ads 😆😆😆 https://t.co/JRcG0MyGBQ
      — Yousra Samir Imran (@UNDERYOURABAYA) October 30, 2020

      that pic of kylie jenner looking like an arab ad girl is too much for me
      — dess (@horsegrldess) October 29, 2020

      Whatever your thoughts are, it’s clear the 23-year-old managed to get Arab Twitter talking.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

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      in health and weelbeing

      I Washed My Face With Only Honey for Two Weeks

      by

      Hey guys, Josie here. I know I already have the infamous reputation of the crazy Will-Try-Anything-For-Good-Skin Lady, but hear me out on this one…Your favorite natural sweetener and Prince Charles’s favorite tea add-in is actually the secret to the skin of your dreams. That’s right, honey is truly the Taylor Swift of the beauty world — it’s been around forever, and, though there’s been some controversy, it remains the queen of DIY face masks and soothing body lotions (okay so that’s not really Taylor Swift related, but you get where I was going with that analogy, right?).
      Note: not all the sweet stuff on the shelves has the same outcome. Stick to Manuka honey or raw honey — the other stuff (including the cute teddy bear shaped bottle) has loads of added sugar (which will clog pores and lead to breakouts) and less antioxidants. But when you stick to the natural stuff, it’s a game changer. Read on to find out about my experience washing my face with nothing but honey for two weeks.

      Benefits of Honey on the Skin
      It has antibacterial and anti-septic properties, so it gets rid of dirt and bacteria, perfect for both preventing and treating acne
      It’s full of antioxidants and boosts collagen production—two things that are MVPs in preventing aging and boosting glow
      It’s extremely moisturizing and hydrates even the driest of skin.
      Honey is naturally soothing and has healing properties (it was traditionally used on wounds to aid healing!). It also nourishes damaged skin to fade scars (like those pesky acne scars!).
      It works as a clarifying agent because it naturally opens up pores, making them easier to unclog.
      The enzymes work as a gentle exfoliator, sloughing off dead skin cells and leaving you with a radiant complexion.

      My Experience
      So I’ve never had troubled skin per se, but I’ve always been on a constant journey for the glowiest, clearest skin ever (because we all should be dreaming big, right!?). Hormonal acne, pesky blackheads, and dark under eye circles have been the extent of my problems. That is, until this year — as Chicago’s brutal winter arrived, so did the worst skin woes I’ve EVER experienced (not to be dramatic…). It started when I woke up with severely itchy skin, which I innocently blamed on the changing weather. It then became red bumps all over my face, and a puffiness that was definitely not normal.
      I knew it must be an allergic reaction, and, after talking to my dermatologist, got a prescription to keep the inflammation down. It momentarily helped, but the bumps, itchiness, and puffiness still came back every week or so. The worst part was I could not figure out what was causing it — I changed pillowcases, stuck to oils instead of retinoids in my nighttime skincare, and used sensitive wash instead of standard. And still, despite all my efforts and tears, it kept coming back like a Disney Channel theme song that gets stuck in your head. This was my Everest.
      I decided I needed a massive lifestyle change. As someone who believes natural is always better (unless it’s Oreos or Kim Kardashian), I wanted to get rid of everything that might be harmful to skin — which included my trusty face wash. Even the supersensitive replacement I’d been using didn’t count as “natural.” So what could I replace it with? Enter: honey. I’d actually heard a lot of buzz (pun intended) about the stuff made by bees and its benefits for the skin. Face wash had been my security blanket for so long that it felt like a ginormous leap of faith to go without it, but I was excited to test out something so drastic (read: would try anything for good skin).

      I planned to simply splash my face with cool water in the morning, and wash with honey at night. I also used Summer Fridays as an overnight mask (also natural) and massaged it in with a Clarisonic for extra hydration. The honey cleanup was way easier than I thought it would be. Raw honey is much thicker than the regular kind, which made it easy to spread on my skin. I rubbed it in for about a minute, and then kept it on like a mask for another minute or two as I got ready for bed. The first time, I was ready with a roll of paper towels and backup face wash, but with just a splash of water, the honey melted away and washed off like a piece of honeycomb cake.
      The only change up was when I wore makeup — the honey wasn’t enough to take off all mascara and eyebrow gel galore, so I opted for a natural cleansing oil as the first step, followed by the honey. Two weeks and a jar of honey later — my skin has NEVER. BEEN. BETTER. I repeat — I HAVE ALMOST ACHIEVED SKINCARE NIRVANA.

      Let me break it down: the honey did not clog my pores or cause acne as I had worried. I’ve actually remained fairly clear-skinned with a few smaller zits popping up here and there, but not as many as I normally would during a period week, especially, which was a #miracle. But the biggest shock of all… after washing with honey, the pesky, horrible, seemingly permanent blackheads I’ve struggled with on my nose FOR. FREAKING. EVER. popped out so easily, just like that! (not to be graphic)
      Overall, my skin just looks more even-toned, glows, and has actually survived winter, dryness-free. *Knock on wood* but my red bumpiness and itchy skin has not come back since I started washing with honey. To be clear, I don’t think using face wash was the problem. I just think honey is that good that it helped heal and soothe my poor, sad skin. Plus, it came with a lot of other perks too. It truly was a miracle product, and to be totally transparent, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to standard face wash again. Not all heroes wear capes — sometimes, they come in a jar.

      Would you try washing your face with honey? Tell us in the comments below.

      This article was originally published on January 2, 2019. More

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      in beauty and fashion

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

      by

      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!

      TATA HARPER
      Illuminating Moisturizer

      Living in a cooler climate with combination skin requires me to be very diligent about the moisturizers I use on my face. I am a huge Tata Harper fan and have been using this product for 2+ years as my day moisturizer. While pricey, I mix two pumps into my tinted moisturizer daily and find that my skin is both well hydrated and glowing! A little goes a long way and it’s so worth the investment.

      Primally Pure
      Lavender Deodorant

      I made the switch to natural deodorant back in 2017 and haven’t looked back. Primally Pure is the most effective that I have tried, and I set up the automatic subscription so I get a discount while making sure I never run out! The lavender scent is my favorite, but all of them are lovely.

       

      Alchemy Body Shop
      Luna Body Butter

      The season has come where just applying lotion to my dry skin isn’t enough. Having another layer of moisture on my skin will definitely help this fall and winter, and this body butter from Alchemy Body Shop is the perfect first line of defense. Once I hop out of the shower, I apply this vegan body butter while damp and it compliments my lotion so well. It’s so moisturizing, you might want to be beware of sliding out of your towel! It even came with a cute personal note from the owner, which was a great touch. This is definitely a new staple product in my arsenal.

       

      Luminous Ceremony
      Cream Cleanser

      Finding the right cleanser for my skin is a lot more complicated than one would think. The wrong face wash means breakouts and tight, irritated skin, which makes me wonder why I don’t stick to my cream cleansers with calming ingredients. Ranavat’s cream cleanser removes makeup and oil while keeping my skin balanced. Each time I have a breakout or over-exfoliate (which is at least once a month), it’s Ranavat to the rescue. This cleanser will always be in my medicine cabinet.

       

      Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay

      The amount of oil my skin produces routinely shocks even me, so I have to frequently suck some of it out with my beloved clay masks. Of my collection, this Origins one is a fave and frequent repurchase. I slather it all over my face on Sundays, wait 20 minutes, and then hop in the shower and I notice such a difference in the softness and glide to my skin. It’s also great for a quick spot treatment for a really oily blemish you’ve got living rent free. Highly recommended.

       

      Embryolisse
      Face Cream

      At the end of 2018, I went through quite a thing with sir Harry Styles. I mean, I’ve always loved him, but “Fine Line” attached to my soul in ways I can’t even describe. The whole album is rumored to be about his ex-girlfriend, model Camille Rowe. So, I went on a deep dive watching dozens of interviews and videos with her, all to discover that she is a lover of classic French pharmacy products and brands, like Embryolisse. I bought this immediately in an effort to have gorgeous Parisian model skin, and I’m not going to lie, it fits the bill. This is a thick moisturizing cream in a squeeze tube. It has dozens of uses, but my favorites are as a makeup primer (it really grips onto your skin and holds foundations well), a nighttime moisturizer, and as a sleeping mask when applied in a thick layer. I haven’t repurchased yet because I’ve been loving my Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream, but it’s on my list to reorder for the wintertime.

      Gold Pumpkin Scented Candle

      It’s rare that I want a sweet, pumpkin-scones-straight-from-the-bakery scent, but now that I’ve tried this, I know I’ll likely never need another (except ”Pumpkin Chai” by Nest , which I love describing as the most sophisticated pumpkin scent on earth… which might also explain the price tag). This is a pretty small candle, but it actually burned well and for a long time considering. I like sweet scents in my kitchen to make it always smell like baked goods when I step in to fill up my water bottle or peruse for a snack, and this little candle was the perfect treat to light during the day.

      Bath & Body Works
      Leaves Candle

      It is candle season, y’all, and I blew through this guy in a matter of a few weeks. I know there are some Leaves haters out there, but this candle is the most quintessentially fall scent there is. I love a fancy candle as much as the next girl, but when I just want my apartment to smell like there’s an apple pie in the oven (with freshly-picked apples from the orchard, of course) as I’m doing arts and crafts at the counter with cinnamon-scented pinecones, all while a campfire is blazing behind me, I’m going with Bath and Body Works’ “Leaves.”

      L’Oreal Paris
      Wonder Water

      I picked this up at Target after reading Maddie’s rave review on TEG. I absolutely love this product and think it rivals expensive deep conditioners and leave-in treatments on the market at half or a quarter of the price. However, I’ve suggested this to dozens of my friends with thick and even medium hair, and they’ve all hated it and felt like it did nothing. My hair is baby-fine and thin, and I don’t have a lot of it, so if you have a similar hair type, this might be the perfect conditioning treatment for you that won’t weigh hair down but leaves it silky and shiny. I will also note that I go through this—as the name would suggest—like water, but at the price point, I don’t mind reupping my supply every couple of months.

       

      Facial Sunscreen SPF 40

      This is my fourth bottle of I can confidently say I will never go without this in my skincare arsenal. I’ve sung its praises before, but this product makes me actually want to wear sunscreen. It’s non-greasy, goes on clear, and sits perfectly under makeup while keeping my skin hydrated. It also doesn’t hurt that my actual dermatologist recommended it to me and you can buy it on Amazon. If you’re trying to get yourself to be in the habit of wearing sunscreen every day, try this out—you won’t regret it.

       

      Silk Scrub

      I never knew I needed a scrub specifically for the areas I shave, until I tried this Silk Scrub. This exfoliating treatment is gentle, soothing, and smells delicious, and using it has become the moment I look forward to most when I shower. I put it on my underarms and leave on as a mask throughout my shower and then keep it on for a shaving cream when I shave at the end to avoid razor burns and get smoother skin. It has also helped me avoid bad razor burns, nicks, and irritation I’ve always gotten on all ~sensitive areas.~ After years of awful razor burns, it really shouldn’t be this easy to have silky-smooth hairless skin, but alas, Fur Silk Scrub is here to save us all. It’s gentle enough to use on sensitive areas (even after shaving!), buff dead skin cells before shaving for a smoother shave, or it can be used as a scrub and mask underneath hair if you do feel your best with some body hair. I will absolutely be purchasing again because I ran out a week ago and am already missing this amazing scrub. My underarms are just not the same!

       

      Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet

      This Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet perfume has been there for me over the last two years during some of my favorite outings. It’s not cheap (as with most high-end, potent perfumes), so I used it sparingly but, whenever I did, I’d get so many compliments. I’m quite melancholy to see this go because it’s such a perfect light, floral perfume, but I’m still deciding if I’m going to use my money to replace it (which would be a safe option knowing that I love it) or to invest in another scent. Stay tuned!

       

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

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      in beauty and fashion

      3 DIY Products for Natural Hair

      by

      In 2005, I decided to cut off all my relaxed hair and go completely natural. I didn’t have the patience to grow out my natural texture, so I immediately did a big chop. I went from shoulder-length, relaxed hair to two inches of natural hair in a matter of a couple of hours. I actually had no idea what my hair would look like without a relaxer, but I knew I was tired of my dull, lifeless hair. I was unwilling to get a relaxer every 4-6 weeks; to burn my scalp and spend the next few weeks trying to cover up the burn scars. I was ready to explore what was naturally given to me and all that came with my new hair journey. 
      On the day of my big chop, the hairstylist took such good care of my new hair, but now it was my turn to figure out how to maintain my new healthy, natural hair. I was living in Philadelphia at the time, so there were tons of Black hair stores for me to grab some new products. I naively thought I would go in, head to the natural hair sections, and grab what I needed. Who was I kidding? It was 2005, and the only products I saw on the shelves were Carol’s Daughter. I bought what I could and began experimenting to see what worked and what didn’t work on my hair. 
      Those initial products served me well, but as I learned more about natural hair, I knew I needed more from my products. I had spent all my life relying on other peoples’ products to take care of my hair. I wasn’t getting the results (growth, moisture, minimal frizz) that I was looking for, so I began to make my own products with ingredients in my kitchen. I heard from a hairstylist once that “if you can’t eat it, it doesn’t belong on your skin and hair.” I wanted to take care of my hair in the most natural way possible, so I took her statement to heart and began creating simple recipes to support my hair journey. 
      Experimenting with creating my own products allowed me to really get to know my hair. I learned what I needed and how to take care of my natural hair on my own terms. Each week I would spend time creating products to see how they would work on my hair. One week, I would try something for moisture; another week, I would create a styling product; and then another week, I would create something for growth. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but it was important to spend time with my hair. I spent so much time in my younger years manipulating my hair to be something that it wasn’t. When I began to wear my natural hair out and proud, I didn’t want to miss out on experiencing my hair in all of its shapes and forms. Creating DIY haircare products was and is an act of love for me. If you’re like me and feel like you’ve tried every product out there and still aren’t reaching your hair goals, it might be time to try your hand at these DIY natural hair recipes:

      Deep Conditioning Banana Hair Mask
      Bananas are so helpful for your hair. Whether you are looking to add moisture into your strands or trying to grow your hair past your shoulders, bananas have you covered. This is the banana hair mask that I use, but feel free to mix it up to suit your needs. 
      What you need:
      1 Banana
      Water
      Optional add ons—pick 1 or 2: egg, honey, coconut oil, avocado
      Bowl
      Fork or hand mixer to mix
      Directions:
      Take a ripe or even over-ripe banana and put it into a bowl. 
      Mash banana completely so there are no chunks left. 
      Add enough water so that the mixture is easy to apply to hair. You will want a loose paste consistency. 
      If you are adding in any of the bonus add-ins, put them in the bowl and incorporate them. 
      Apply the mixture on dry or slightly damp hair and coat the hair completely
      Put on a shower cap to cover hair and protect your clothes
      Pro tip: add a heated bonnet or wrap your hair in a warm towel
      Let the hair mask sit on your hair for 15-20 mins. 
      Rinse thoroughly before you begin your wash day routine
      I’m obsessed with how much moisture and shine bananas give my hair. Not only does the moisture last for the week, but this DIY treatment costs me less than $1!

      Bentonite Clay Wash
      OK, so you might not have bentonite clay in your kitchen, but this natural shampoo swap was a game-changer for my wash routine. I found most shampoos still left a film or residue on my hair. I have low-porosity hair and need my strands to feel really clean, and bentonite clay was the only product that truly cleaned my hair and scalp. 
      What You Need:
      ¼ cup of bentonite clay
      ½ cup of water
      Applicator bottle
      Apple Cider Vinegar (optional)
      Directions:
      Combine clay and water together in the applicator bottle
      Shake to combine completely
      Apply to your hair as you would a traditional shampoo
      Softly massage your scalp to remove any product residue
      Rinse and moisturize with your conditioner of choice
      Bentonite clay can be a bit drying, so make sure you follow up with a deep conditioner to help balance out your strands. After a clay wash, I know my hair is beautifully clean. If you’ve noticed that your shampoo isn’t really cleaning your hair all the way, you may want to try and swap your shampoo for a simple clay wash. Having a styling gel that actually works for me opened up so many new styling options. Today there are tons of flaxseed gel options on the market, but you will often find tons of ingredients that your hair probably doesn’t need. This three-ingredient gel is as natural as it gets.  

      Flaxseed Styling Gel
      I have such a hard time with gels and styling creams. I find that they either make my hair hard as a rock or super frizzy, and neither of those results is a good look on me. Making flaxseed gel has become a staple routine in my house. Flaxseed gel is the perfect combo of control and softness that keeps my wash ‘n go style looking good for the whole week. Below is my recipe and if you would like a bit more help making your DIY flaxseed gel use this link.
      What you need:
      ¼ cup of flaxseed
      2-3 cups of water
      Small saucepan
      Pantyhose
      Bowl or glass measuring cup
      Optional: Rosemary essential oil (5-10 drops)
      Directions:
      Add water and flaxseed into a pot
      Turn on the stove to medium-low heat
      Bring mixture to a simmer and continue to stir
      Simmer until the mixture becomes similar to a gel consistency
      Take off of the stove and let it cool 
      Drape stocking over bowl or glass measuring cup
      Pour flaxseed gel into the stocking
      Release stocking from the bowl
      Squeeze the liquid out of the stocking until only the flaxseeds are left inside of the stocking
      Discard flaxseeds
      If doing so, add the rosemary essential oil and stir to combine
      Pour in a mason jar or any jar with a lid
      Store in fridge
      Since my big chop 15 years ago, the Black natural hair market has exploded. You can find complete aisles dedicated to natural hair. I have tried most brands on the shelves today, yet I still come back to my DIY haircare swaps. We as Black people have fought for the right to wear our hair as we wanted. So whether you buy commercial products or decide to use some of these DIY swaps, your hair is beautiful in any length, texture, or style. To my natural hair community: all hair is good hair. Wear it out, wear it proud.  More