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      10 Holiday Gifts You Can Buy Now and Save a Ton of $$

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      The holidays are right around the corner, having us scrambling to find the best gifts at affordable prices that won’t break our budget. Prepare in advance for a successful holiday season with some inexpensive gifts you can buy now that will save you a few extra dollars and time shopping. Offering amazing discounts on top designers and brands, Gilt City, an online shopping and lifestyle site, has you covered this upcoming holiday season, with the best in throw blankets, menswear, and more that keeps your budget in mind. They offer a variety of gift ideas that will sure to make your loved ones grateful this holiday season! 

      Buy a gift that your favorite homebody can wear and cozy up in this winter. Affordable gift options like sweatshirts and hoodies are always a staple in any wardrobe for the winter. Add to your loved one’s wardrobe this holiday for less with some warm tops to lounge around in. With Gilt City, you can find loungewear gifts at an affordable price from brands Eberjey and more at $50 off your $150 purchase. For that price, every family member can have a matching pair! 

      Give the gift of affordable beauty this holiday with skin creams, oils, and moisturizers that won’t make a dent in your gift-giving budget. Gilt City has tons of brands that offer budget-friendly (and skin-type friendly) beauty products, like moisturizers, repair masks, and even products to de-stress the skin like the instant refreshing oil from Elemis, at up to 50% off merchandise credits when you shop. It’s the perfect gift for your loved one’s next in-home spa day. 

      Take that outdated tie box set or cologne out of your shopping cart and give the man in your life something he can wear with no fuss. Gift him some wardrobe staples he can mix and match to wear to work, in the home, or on date night this winter. Menswear that’s easy to wear and maintain shouldn’t be costly; Mizzen + Main has a collection of machine-washable and dress and casual shirts, pants, pullovers and more, at up to 60% off merchandise credits through Gilt City, which makes shopping for the man in your life this holiday season stress-free. 

      Subscription boxes can sometimes feel like re-gifted boxes of hand-me-downs after being picked through and taking out all of the good stuff, but with boxes like Rachel Zoe’s CURATEUR, gifting one of these boxes will be the premier, affordable gift for your loved one. Gilt City makes it easy to purchase one of these subscription boxes, filled with products from top beauty and fashion brands at only $69.99 (normally $99.99) with a free gift with purchase (a little holiday gift for yourself too!). 

      As soon as we hear the word “organic” with many skin care products, usually, a hefty price tag comes along with it. This holiday, you can gift mindful, sustainable beauty products that won’t come with the price. Organic beauty brands on Gilt City like French Girl Organics are up to 50% off merchandising credits that comes along with a free gift when you spend an extra $30 on your gifts. Organic doesn’t have to mean pricey; give the gift of beautiful sustainability this holiday for less. 

      We have all been relegated to our homes for the past few months, having to cancel travel plans throughout the year. Give the gift of travel this holiday season to get your loved ones out of the house and into a secluded retreat in nature. With up to 34% off credits to plenty of popular U.S. destinations through Gilt City, modern cabin rentals with travel rentals from Getaway and others could be the perfect gift for your loved ones to getaway safely within your gift-giving budget.

      It’s never a bad idea to give the gift of libations, especially during the holidays. Pair that bottle of wine with a few must-haves for your wine lover with a gift like a wine purifier or sulfite filters that will compliment their next wine-down. On Gilt City, Üllo has an amazing wine purifier and filters at up to 36% off that will save you a few extra dollars for a bottle of wine for yourself! 

      Cozy throw blankets can be affordable and made with quality material too. Give comfy throw blankets this holiday as a great gift for your loved ones to bundle up in, like these throw blankets from State Cashmere, made with 100% pure cashmere. Gilt City now has these blankets for up to 50% off, topping off your gift list with quality-made and affordable throws that will last through each season. 

      Every woman could use another bag. This holiday, get even more creative and thoughtful with these chic lunch bags for the working woman in your life from Modern Picnic. Now at 50% off on Gilt City, you can buy this functional bag ahead of the holiday season at an affordable price to you. Now, your loved one can eat lunch in style!

      Gifts for the home are always a great idea for the holidays. Beautiful handcrafted rugs, pillows, and bathroom essentials like towels are always much-needed items you can give as gifts for the holidays. Gilt City now has up to 40% off these textiles from Folks & Tales, which feature a variety of cozy home essentials to spruce up any loved one’s space.

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

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      Where to Save Money in Your Skincare Routine—and Where to Invest

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      The beauty industry is predicted to exceed $716 billion in sales by 2025. Likely due to the pandemic, e-commerce was up 30 percent in March and April from the same time period in 2019, with beauty purchases alone showing a 38 percent increase. The market is filled with options and products for basically everything we need, and we’re shopping big time. But that doesn’t mean we have to spend all of our hard-earned cash.Especially with the popular “10-step routine” all over the Internet, skincare is daunting enough before you have to consider the price tag of the total regimen, and depending on what you’re hoping to accomplish with your skin, you are probably using different products between your day and nighttime applications.
      Truth is, while you can easily spend a lot of money on all the necessary bells and whistles, you definitely don’t have to. There are plenty of steps in a full skincare routine that can and should be budget-friendly to ensure that your best skin isn’t putting you into debt. Wondering where to save your coin and where to spend it instead? We’re breaking it down nice and easy for you.
      A good rule of thumb to follow is that any product that you wash off your face can be on the less expensive side, whereas you might notice a bigger difference investing in the products that stay on for hours. Remember this isn’t a foolproof system. I sometimes splurge on a cleanser and go drugstore for a moisturizer. It’s all about what works for your skin and your budget. But if you’re looking for a short guide, this is it. 

      Where to save

      Makeup Removers
      There is a multitude of “high-end” makeup removers on the market, and the concept has always been really baffling — all they are intended to do is dissolve makeup before cleansing. Thankfully, micellar water has come along to shift the trend toward more affordable and more effective, as well as cleansing balms. Always cleanse after using a makeup remover, especially if you are using a traditional oil-in-water style remover.

      Cleansers 
      Cleansers are utility products. You have to have them no matter what, and since you use them up to twice a day, they should be at a price point that you feel comfortable spending every other month or so.
      Since cleansers are quickly rinsed off and don’t have long enough contact with the skin, they aren’t actually effective at addressing problems and are usually more expensive because of these additional ingredients. Cleansers should have little to no frills—they are simply meant to remove makeup and debris and hydrate.

      Source: @inspiredbylynne

      Face Masks
      Whether you prefer sheet masks, cream masks, or clay masks, there is one common thread between them all: they’re not that expensive to make, and they shouldn’t be expensive to purchase. You can walk into most health food stores and buy all the necessary components of a good face mask, so don’t bother spending an arm and a leg on a treatment mask you will use once or twice a week.

      SPF
      Sunscreen is the exception to the rule above for a few reasons. Firstly, inexpensive sunscreens have their formulas down pat, so you almost can get better formulations for less money. Also, you’ll be reapplying sunscreen a lot. This is a product you go through much more quickly than others, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Since daily sun protection is a non-negotiable step in every skincare routine, and for how much more of your skin you need to cover on your neck and chest as well as your face, stick to an affordable option that you can replace often.

      Where to spend

      Moisturizers + Oils
      It’s not a bad idea to spend money on moisturizers, but if you’re layering it over serums or treatments, then there really is no need to drop extortionate amounts of money on a moisturizer. As long as it is providing optimal hydration and protection, you’re good — that’s all a moisturizer is really intended to do. As your skin matures and you begin to incorporate more active ingredients such as acid-based treatments or retinol, then you’ll want to consider a moisturizer that includes peptides, which will cost a little extra.

      Serums
      In the same way that your moisturizer stays on your skin, your daily serum should be something that you really love because you’ll be applying it every day and it stays on your skin for hours. Ideally, you’ll want a serum that you can use day and night, so I prefer to focus on ingredients that work well with any acid exfoliation you might do as well as with SPF.

      Treatments
      A good treatment product is nowhere near few-and-far-between, as the market has been flooded with new options the last few years. However, a good treatment contains both high-quality acids (glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic, for starters) or retinol with hydrating ingredients that balance the skin. Acids and retinol are known to sensitize the skin and cause irritation, so it’s imperative that those are combined with ingredients that bring the hydration back. Some treatments get washed off, but others, like retinol, stay on for long periods of time, meaning you’ll want something that plays well with your other products.

      Eye Creams
      The skin around your eyes is so thin and delicate that you want an eye cream that is made with high-quality ingredients and nourishing properties. Whether you’re tackling dark circles, wrinkle prevention or treatment, or puffiness, your eye cream should be something that you’re excited to use every day. 

      How do you save money on your own skincare routine?  More

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      What to Do on Sunday to Look Your Best All Week Long

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      The Sunday Scaries is a phenomenon that plagues us all one way or another. Whether you’re stressed out about some big work project coming up in the next week, all the public speaking you’ll have to do on Zoom meetings, what you’ll wear on that date on Friday, or how you’ll actually muster up the motivation to meal prep, the one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is feeling confident and put-together all week. Maybe you’ll even work a bit smarter or more efficiently because you’re not fiddling with an ill-fitting garment or worrying about your chapped lips all day. 
      1. Find your inspiration
      Every Sunday, I sift through every style and beauty inspo board I’ve got to figure out what exactly I’m excited to wear that week. Some weeks I’m in the mood to dress to the nine’s every day, and others I’m living for athlesiure. Whatever your vibe is, figure it out before you even step foot in your closet or makeup collection to figure out what you’ll wear all week. Knowing what kind of pieces are striking your fancy makes it way easier to build outfits that are exciting to you rather than just pulling pieces together. 

      2. Line your outfits up in order in your closet 
      Once you’ve decided how you want to dress, you can actually focus on putting outfits together. I keep an “outfit ideas” list in my bullet journal to make this even easier for me, but go through your closet and pick out what you’ll feel comfortable in and excited to wear all week. This can be five trendy, fall outfits, or it can be five iterations of your favorite sweats and T-shirt combo; whatever you’re wearing, just get yourself excited to wear it. If your clothes are hanging, then this is an obvious one, but if you have them in drawers, you can set them up in a specific drawer for the week, lay them out on a dresser, or just put them on a different side of your closet. 

      View this post on Instagram

      BIO-INDIVIDUALITY means that no body is the same. While science and medicine is constantly in search of the perfect diet or the perfect supplement, every body is different. We react to ingredients differently, require nutrients differently, and crave foods differently. While one diet, lifestyle, or food may work for your body, it wouldn’t work for someone else’s. This is why I preach being your own guinea pig to find out what’s best for YOU. . And just like there’s no diet that’s right for everybody, there’s no skincare that magically improves everyone’s complexion. I want to introduce this bio-individual approach to skincare as a call to gain intuition on what’s best for YOU. Formulating your skincare routine based on the needs and reactions of your skin and lifestyle is the secret to get that “I Woke Up Like This” glow. . PS—I found @atollaskinlab this past year… it’s that cute little bottle with MY NAME ON IT… and it’s the most revolutionary skincare company I’ve found that understands the principle of bio-individuality. You get your own personal serum based on your concerns, pH levels, etc., which like, how bougie and chic is that!? Use code: “JOSIE20” to get your first serum and skin analysis kit for $20 #ad #skincare #holistichealth #iinhealthcoach #beauty #beautyhacks
      A post shared by JOSIE SANTI | Health Coach (@josie.santi) on May 6, 2020 at 2:06pm PDT

      3. Sort through your beauty routine
      After watching about a million “Shop My Stash” videos on YouTube, I’ve created a similar process of my own. Since I do my makeup at my desk and my makeup is held elsewhere, I bring everything over for the week that I want to use and put it in one of my drawers. On Sundays, I go through my collection and see which products I want to continue using that week and which I can put back. Usually, this is about a few things: how much use I’m getting out of them (I have a fair amount of products and like to use them all!), how convenient they are, if the shades are right (we are entering “fading summer tan” territory right about now), and what matches my inspiration for the week. Then, I go pull new products to use, whether it’s new products I’m trying or old favorites I want to add back into my collection. This is also a great time to pull forward items based on the events of the week. For example, I knew I’d be busy this week, so I grabbed my handy tinted brow gel instead of worrying about my shaping wax (which is amazing but a little more time consuming). 

      4. Do an at-home peel or resurfacing mask
      Now that you’re ready for the week, it’s time to pamper yourself. After you double-cleanse, go in with an at-home peel or resurfacing product to give your skin a deep cleanse and exfoliation. There are products like this for every skin type, even if you have really sensitive skin. Make sure you choose a product that contains hydrating ingredients that will balance your skin as it exfoliates, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe, and other naturally-derived oils. You can also search for products that are made for more sensitive skin types, such as those containing mandelic or salicylic acid, as those are milder. I’ve created a whole Sunday ritual that I follow that includes a special skincare routine focusing on this type of product! 
      It’s imperative to read and follow the directions—many of these masks are meant to be left on anywhere from three minutes to 10 minutes. Don’t leave it on for too long to avoid irritation! 

      Renee Rouleau
      Triple Berry Smoothing Peel

      This is my current favorite at-home peel. It feels like you’ve gotten a facial in under 10 minutes!

      5. Focus on hydration
      If you’ve ever had a facial, you’ll know a short portion is usually dedicated to masks and peels, but once that’s over, it’s all about moisturizing your skin. Think of this in the same way. You’ve done your peel; now, you want to hydrate and soften the skin.

      6. Don’t try new products
      Although it’s exciting to get really into your skincare routine on a Sunday, avoid using any products that you’ve never tried before or don’t know if they’ll negatively impact your skin. The worst feeling is waking up on a Monday morning to a breakout or allergic reaction from a new product you were so excited to try. Stick with the basics here until you know what works for you. Pro tip: I always try new products on a certain night every week (for me, it’s Monday) because I know that if I wake up the next day with a breakout, I don’t have anywhere to be! 

      7. Do a deep teeth clean
      When was the last time you really got in there with your toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash? Your little two-minute hourglass timer for brushing your teeth from elementary school is calling your name. Grab your electric toothbrush and toothpaste of choice and do a full two-minute clean. Then, use your gloss, making sure to even get your molars and any plaque sitting on the top of your teeth. Swish around some mouthwash, add in some tongue-scraping, and your teeth will be looking shiny and brand new. 

      8. Do a facial massage
      I recently embarked on a journey to do facial massage every day for a month, and while I did fail and lose at around day #18, it made me appreciate it in a whole new way. Facial massage is definitely a self-care moment full of relaxation, but I’ve also noticed that my skin looks better. I wake up feeling refreshed and glowy from whatever oil I used, and it feels like my products penetrate better. I almost always follow a video, like this one from the LOML Lisa Eldridge and this playlist from another YouTuber I love who swears by facial massage. You can use your hands, a jade roller, a gua sha, or my favorite: ice rollers. 

      9. Try an at-home blowout
      The best mornings are when my hair is already done. When all that’s required of me is a simple touch-up, my morning is filled with bliss. So, be the person you want to thank in the morning by doing your hair before bed. I often find a blowout can look even better after you’ve slept on it because it has a little extra hold and grit. Our editors are obsessed with this Revlon styling tool that makes achieving a blowout at-home a total breeze. With a few products, you’ll feel like you just hit the salon. The key is to add dry shampoo before bed so it soaks up any oils throughout the night, leaving you with even less to worry about in the morning. I also use a boar bristle brush before bed, which according to celebrity hairstylist Irinel de León will absorb the oils from your scalp and brush through to the ends, keeping your roots clean and your ends moisturized. More

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      I’ve Tried a Lot of Beauty Products This Year, but I Won’t Stop Talking About These

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      Instead of your usual intro about how I love beauty products and have tried a lot of products this year (I’d probably tell you it’s part of my job!), I’m just going to cut right to the chase: I love these eight products with my heart and soul, and spending the time to tell you about them was like soup for the soul. After the year we’ve had, we all deserve a little time to sit here and chat about beauty products for a moment. Grab your beverage of choice (I’m drinking hot mint tea right now with a face mask on because sometimes WFH has its perks), maybe a snack, and your wallet—because I’m about to talk you into a few things and I’m not even sorry.

      The Glow Maker: Antioxidant Serum

      This had to be the first product on this list. I’ve written blurb after blurb about this product, and you can read my full review here. This is the first skincare product I’ve actually repurchased more than once, and I’m not even remotely close to being sick of it yet. I love that it works both instantly and over time because I don’t feel guilty when I skip a few days, but I also have noticed that my skin looks better with continued use. I *truly* will not stop telling people about this until they stop making it (Maelove, please never, ever do that). I’ve raved about it so much that even our editor Maddie’s boyfriend bought it—and after a date recently told me I had nice skin (flattery will get you everywhere), I convinced him to try it too. If I can convince a man who uses four-in-one shampoo as a face wash to buy a vitamin C serum, then you know it must be good (or that my powers of persuasion are just extremely high).

      Jeju Volcanic Blackhead Out Balm

      I texted our Graphic Designer Kelly the second I bought this because I was so excited to hopefully try something that would banish my blackheads for good. I used it once and saw a minimal difference, but now that I’ve used it a few more times, it is a godsend. I use it for skin gritting, and it works better than any other oil I’ve ever used. I’ve been using it a few times a week since I got it, and my nose has never looked clearer. If you suffer from blackheads or clogged pores, you’ll want a product like this in your skincare routine. And at less than $10 a pop, you might as well buy one for your BFF too.

      Elysium Naturals Co.
      Whipped Shea Body Butter

      The need for a good moisturizing body product is growing as the days get chillier and chillier, and last summer, I found the best one. This body butter saved me from shaving irritations and flaking sun-exposed skin, and now, it’s at the top of my list to tackle everything that comes with dry, winter skin. I use it on my elbows, knees, and ankles every night before bed, and my skin has never been softer. Plus, the lavender vanilla scent is glorious at bedtime. For the daytime, my favorite scent has been orangesicle—it smells so dreamy, and when I catch a whiff of it while I’m working, it immediately makes me happier. They’re releasing holiday scents soon, and I’ve already saved the money to buy this for everyone I know for Christmas.

      Maybelline
      Falsies Lash Lift Mascara

      I’ve been known to rave about mascaras on occasion. It’s the easiest makeup product that arguably makes the biggest impact—how can I not shout out the best ones?! After testing a lot of high-end formulas, I’m on a journey to find the best options at the drugstore, and I started with this one after I saw it on Allure’s 2020 Best of Beauty list. It immediately made its way into my rotation, topping some of the expensive mascaras I’ve loved for years. It gives so much impact and volume while adding a little length too. It’s the perfect dramatic mascara to wear during the day. I’ve already told all of my friends to buy it on their next Target run, and now I’m telling you!

      Tinted Face Oil Foundation

      This was basically the only foundation I used all summer, and I’m still using it for practically every Zoom call and casual trip to the grocery store. It’s extra glowy, so I always make sure to powder afterward, leaving me with a glowy look that doesn’t get shiny or oily. I apply it on my face straight from the tube, and use either a brush (when I want extra coverage and less glow) or a beauty sponge (less coverage, much glowier). It is so easy to put on when I just need a little something on my face and makes me look alive on Zoom. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an everyday foundation. But heck, I’d be convinced to wear this on my wedding day honestly.

      START HAPPY
      Organic Body Wash

      I’m still working through swapping my daily beauty products for Black-owned alternatives, and body wash felt like the easiest one. I saw this earlier this summer and thought seeing this gorgeous label every morning will make me excited to shower. Little did I know I would fall in love with the product inside too. I had a friend come over recently who saw this in my shower and said it looked “cool” (men are weird), and I went on a 10-minute tangent about how much I love it. This scent is amazing to use for my morning showers, and the peppermint actually cools down my skin, which I love after a sweaty workout. My skin feels clean and soft, and I’m noticing less KP on my arms too which makes this product an ultimate winner.

      Skin Glazing

      As we enter the time of the year that looking glowy isn’t just a given (oh how I miss my summer dew!), I’ve had a lot of my friends ask me for highlighter recommendations. This one from Nabla has been my go-to, especially because they have shades for every skin tone. It’s not filled with shimmers or glitters, so instead of adding a very prominent powder-y finish on the skin, it looks like your skin is naturally glowing. It’s a really fine-milled powder, so it looks better the more you blend it in. It’s the perfect glass skin powder highlight that looks both natural and impactful.

      PATRICK TA
      Major Brow Shaping Wax

      I’ve been embracing my natural brow shape the last few months in an attempt to head to my salon as little as possible (and save money… and achieve the Bella Hadid brow… and because I’m lazy). With that has come unruly brows that absolutely look nothing like a Hadid sister and more like a caveman. I snagged this a few months ago now, and it is, without a doubt, the best brow product I’ve ever tried. It takes a little extra time than your typical gel in the morning, but when you have the time, it’s worth it for that laminated brow look.

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      It’s Dry Skin Season: How to Hydrate From Head to Toe

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      I’ve lived in the Midwest my entire life, and the cold has never affected my skin. I’ve been a self-proclaimed pizza face since I was about 11 years old, dealing with mostly oily skin and a hint of dryness here and there. But I never experienced the dryness of my friends and colleagues until I moved to Chicago. What was once a normal skin type became irritated, itchy, red, blotchy, and tight the second the weather switched. It was typically a result of my allergies as the season’s changed, but the Windy City ain’t a lie, m’am—that wind blowing on your face every day is not particularly music to a dermatologist’s ears. As Chicago natives, transplants, and general dry-skin people, our editors have a lot of insight to share on how to keep your skin in tip-top shape the second the season changes. Between our wellness tips to keep your hydration in check to reducing skin irritation to helping your scalp health, we’ve got it all covered. Smooth skin from your head to your toes, in seven steps:

      1. Use a hydration multiplier
      Did you really expect us to talk about hydration without a little H2O? While we all know to drink our water at this point, what you might not have in your arsenal is a hydration multiplier. Sometimes getting all of your water in just isn’t in the cards, and that’s where a product like this comes in. These products work to replenish electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, so if you find yourself feeling dehydrated (maybe after a cold, with allergies, or stress), these help bring your hydration levels back up.

       

      2. Eat a diet high in water 
      Drinking water isn’t the only way to hydrate your body. Filling up on fruits and vegetables that have a high water content—like lettuce, cucumber, celery, tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, and cauliflower—does the job too. But that’s not the only way either; oatmeal, soups and broths, dairy, and plain yogurt contain high amounts of water too. 

      3. Limit hot showers
      Dermatologists suggest using warm or cool water to shower if you’re prone to irritation and dryness. If you must shower in hot water, try to limit the time you’re under the water. Then, follow with a moisturizing cream or oil. You should also avoid showering every day unless you work out or get dirty in some way. 

      4. Blot your skin dry
      Instead of getting out of the shower and immediately using your towel to rub your skin and hair dry, blot the water off as best as possible, including your scalp. You can even invest in a hair wrap or towel specifically made to keep your hair and scalp healthy while it’s wet. Ever get out of the shower and see your dead skin come off on a towel? Blotting keeps all the moisture locked into your skin and prevents further exfoliation. 

       

      5. Don’t forget your feet and hands
      Just because pedicure season is on its way out doesn’t mean we can stop hydrating and exfoliating our feet. Give yourself a fall and winter-themed pedicure with a warm soak, an exfoliating mask, and sleeping with a thick moisturizer and some socks.
      Notice your hands are feeling a little rough from all the hand-washing too? Do the same: soak in warm water, use an exfoliating mask or scrub, and sleep with a thick moisturizer on and some gloves.

       
       
      6. Add hydration into every step of your routine
      For those with severely dry skin, every product in your routine should have some element that adds to the moisture levels of your skin. Your cleanser shouldn’t be filled with acids; it should contain hyaluronic acid and oils that clean without stripping your skin. Your serums should contain peptides and vitamins (E and C are particularly moisturizing, and C is also brightening!) that keep your skin supple and soft. Focus on hydration with every step. This doesn’t mean you should give up on all of your exfoliating acids and retinol. Instead, invest in those products that don’t strip the oil and contain moisturizing ingredients. Glow Recipe’s Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask, for example, is a retinol suspended in a nourishing formula containing avocado, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and other ingredients that balance the drying properties.

      7. Treat your scalp like your face
      If you’re experiencing dryness on your face, it’s likely on your scalp too. Whether you suffer with dry or oily hair, there is likely build-up (hey dry shampoo!), oils, and irritation going on up there. To combat it, treat your scalp the same way you do your face, and create a routine. First, focus on moisturizing shampoos that hydrate your scalp from the start. Then, implement a deep conditioner that you can use from scalp to ends. We also love adding a scalp scrub to get rid of build-up too.
      Aside from a routine, try to limit how often you’re scratching and touching your scalp. This only moves around the oils and causes further irritation. 

      Shop our favorite dry skin and scalp products: 

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      Beauty Trends I’m Excited to Try This Fall—And 3 I’m Skipping

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      It’s no secret that I take a lot of influence from beauty YouTube. I follow tutorials just about every time I do my makeup, I’m constantly listening to reviews and favorites while I do mundane tasks throughout the day, and I’m always inspired by what creators on that platform are doing. My obsession the past year or so has been “Will I Buy It” videos, popularized by YouTuber Samantha March. Basically, the creator sits in front of the camera and discusses the newest beauty launches for the week, month, or season and says if they plan to buy it or not. It feels like a couple of girlfriends getting together to talk makeup—including the occasional roast. I’ve been reading up on all of fall 2020’s beauty trends, especially taking notice in how they play into our lives right now. Some of the predicted trends of the year really work with my WFH life, while others absolutely do not. So to get in the spirit of fall beauty, I’m sharing the beauty trends I’m excited to try this year, plus a few I’ll be skipping (and what I’m planning to try instead).

      1. Invisible foundations
      Listen, I get the appeal of a foundation that won’t get all over the inside of my mask. When I first saw Becca Cosmetics’s big launch of their Zero No Pigment Foundation a few months ago, I was admittedly intrigued. It sounded like exactly what we all needed this summer. However, after seeing a range of reviews come in, my fascination quickly dwindled. Many reviews were claiming that it wasn’t really a “foundation,” but rather a pore-filling primer, something I have multiple of in my collection already. Instead of investing in this $36 product, I’m making use of those primers I already have. Plus, as I’ll get into, I’m really digging a little more coverage right now, so this isn’t really my vibe.

      2. Glossy lips
      I never thought I’d say this as I literally threw away just about every matte lip product I owned nearly eight months ago, vowing to only wear glossy and satin formulas ever again. Then, I started wearing a face mask every time I left my house, and anything that could possibly stick to the material of my mask fell to the wayside. Lately, I’m loving matte lips (even liquid lipsticks!) that will stay on and not budge under my mask until I get to wherever I’m heading. I’m also trying so many deep and bright lip options this fall that really lend to a matte formula over something glossy and sticky.

      3. Layered Haircuts
      As much as I love these cuts and would die to look like the modern-day Rachel Green, a high-maintenance cut like this just isn’t the move for fall 2020. I’m seeing my stylist as little as possible right now, so I’m avoiding any hair changes that make me indebted to my stylist every six weeks. My current joy lies in a blunt haircut that grows out evenly without needing constant trims or touch-ups.

      1. Transfer-proof coverage

      I don’t have time to deal with my makeup coming off all in my face mask, so I’m embracing a more matte finish. I love that a velvet-y matte or semi-matte foundation doesn’t leave me feeling like my skin is about to melt off underneath a mask, but I also am enjoying the extra bit of coverage (shout out maskne!). (Basically, my entire makeup routine is centered around wearing a mask, and I’m loving it.) Don’t worry though, just because I’m going with matte skin doesn’t mean I won’t have a glow. I’ve been loving a little extra skin prep (good for my dry skin due to the cold weather), plus I add lots of highlighter to the cheekbones. Flawless skin, nice to meet you. 

      2. Matte Lips

      As stated above, I’m living for matte lips right now. There’s something about a deep, matte lip color in the fall and winter. (Perhaps it’s all the Kylie Lip Kits I ordered when she launched her line! Who’s to say!) A matte lip won’t rub off on the inside of my mask like a gloss or satin shade will, especially if it’s a liquid lipstick. This fall, I’m trying bright reds, terracotta oranges, and mid-tone cool berries. 

      3. All variations of eyeliner

      We’ve seen colored eyeliner for the last few seasons, and this year, any and all eyeliner is gracing the faces of celebrities, makeup artists, and on runways. From the typical deep, black-winged liner to “Foxy eyes” (made famous by Bella Hadid, of course) to bright, “over” liners (in which your eyeliner goes at the crease of your eye instead of against your lid—makes your eyes look big and bright!), we’re seeing that no matter how you wear your eyeliner, it’s cool. I’ll be playing around with different shapes and colors to see which suits my face best (and which looks the coolest with my outfits, of course).

      4. Curled or Textured Updos

      Whether it’s classic ponytails, buns with tendrils left out, or whimsical updos, this style is taking over our Instagram feeds a little more every day. I’m obsessed with this look because it looks so put-together for Zoom meetings, but it’s really easy to do—especially if you have naturally curly or textured hair. I’m a huge fan of the curly pony right now; business in the front, party in the back.

      5. Structured Brows

      In an episode of Fat Mascara, Anastasia Soare (yep, the Anastasia of ABH!) said that in her world, there are no brow trends; instead, everyone just wears the brow shape that’s perfect for them, and they always look good. I’ve kept that in my brain ever since, and it’s made a world of a difference. All that to say, if the Cara Delevigne bushy brow look or the block-y Instagram brow of the late 2010s didn’t look all that great on you (me, me, me!), don’t fret—the makeup industry is taking note, and we’re seeing structured, polished brows that follow your natural shape take center stage.

      6. Cool Tones

      Warm-toned makeup (think Naked Heat, Tartelette Toasted—the whole shebang) has been the “it” look for years. Peachy, red, orange, brown, and yellows have reigned supreme in the makeup world in everything from lipsticks and eyeshadows to even bronzers and blushes. But we’re finally seeing quite the switch-up this fall with grey, taupe, and purple hues filling up eyeshadow palettes, lip collections, and more. Many people have grown scared of cool tones, especially if they have a warm undertone in their skin, but pretty much everyone can rock a cool tone look. Finding the right tones that work for you is important, but a simple taupe or silver-y metallic all over the lid is a major moment for pretty much anyone. Also, don’t forget that cool tones include more than just grey and plum; cool shades of blue and green are hot right now too.

      7. Inner-Corner Sparkle

      Textured eyeshadows, instead of your standard matte or shimmer, are at the top of my wishlist right now. I love using these as a one-shadow look, but I’m taking cues from some of my favorite makeup artists and incorporating them into otherwise classic looks by popping just a little right in the inner corner. Some looks it’s just a dab in the inner corner, and others they apply the shadow in the inner quarter of the lid, going up to the brow (as seen above). It adds a little bit of dimension without going haywire and looks good on every single eye shape.  More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      A top Dubai plastic surgeon on the dramatic shift in cosmetic surgery in the UAE

      by

      The increase in social media usage has correlated in a jump of cosmetic procedures ranging from fillers to anti-wrinkle injections to more high-risk procedures, such as going under the knife. Here we ask – what are people trying to achieve and are they doing it for the right (if any) reasons?
      Across the globe, the number of cosmetic procedures, whether it be non-invasive anti-wrinkle injections and fillers or going under the knife, has risen dramatically in recent years. It’s a booming business for cosmetic dermatologists and plastic surgeons, with some reports suggesting the market size could reach $21.97 billion by the year 2023, with a predicted annual growth rate of 7.8 per cent. Right alongside the rise in cosmetic surgery is social media and its 2.4 billion users worldwide. With the use of filters, photoshopping apps and more, people are able to manipulate themselves into their ideal version – or what they think they should be according to social media standards – and it’s having a direct effect on the cosmetics industry. Enter the rise of the filtered face.
      This is something Dr. Sanjay Parashar, a top plastic surgeon in Dubai and the CEO of Cocoona Centre of Aesthetic Transformation, knows all too well. Having been in practice for 25 years, Dr. Parashar tells Emirates Woman he’s seen a dramatic shift in the cosmetic surgery industry in the last five years all because of Instagram – a shift which he believes is “appalling”. “The expectations are too high and too unrealistic,” he explains. “There is a hugely competitive spirit among people seeking cosmetic surgery.”

      In 2018, a report was released from the Boston University of Medicine and the Boston Medical Centre discussing how there had been a spike in patients who wanted to go under the knife thanks to filters used in Snapchat, or what they were able to manipulate themselves to look like with apps like FaceTune. “A new phenomenon, dubbed ‘Snapchat dysmorphia,’ has patients seeking out cosmetic surgery to look like filtered versions of themselves instead, with fuller lips, bigger eyes, or a thinner nose,” the report states. “This is an alarming trend because those filtered selfies often present an unattainable look and are blurring the line of reality and fantasy for these patients.”

      It was concluded such apps and filters are “providing a new reality of beauty for today’s society”. This is all too familiar with the astronomical rise of TikTok – a video sharing platform where users dance and lip-sync to popular songs and sounds – and the app’s use of filters. People are going viral for challenges using the app’s in-house beauty filter, comparing their ‘best self’ to their ‘worst self’, being shocked by the difference. And while it may seem like a lighthearted challenge to take part in, the crux of it hits home – many people are losing touch of reality as “they expect to look perfectly primped and filtered in real life as well”, as determined in the report.
      While some may argue the correlation between cosmetic surgery and social media isn’t linked, all you need to do is look at those who are at the forefront of it. In just 15 years, the demand for plastic surgeons has increased by more than 10 times what it used to be. “When I came to Dubai in January 2004, there were less than 25 plastic surgeons in Dubai, now there are more than 250 plastic surgeons in the UAE,” Dr. Parashar explains.
      With the likes of Kylie Jenner, Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner all at the top of the social media hierarchy, many look to them, as well as filters, for facial inspiration when it comes to cosmetic surgery.  It’s a highly sought-after look: high cheekbones; lifted eyes; thick, highly arched eyebrows; and a plump pout for good measure.
      In fact, there’s an entire package dedicated to Kylie Jenner at a London-based clinic on offer for clients. But for Dr. Parashar this is totally “unethical marketing”. “It is impossible to make all the lips the same as Kylie Jenner,” he explains. “She has her own shape and structure. There may be some who may have similar structures, it’s quite coincidental I think, but most people have varying structures and the outcome of doing the same quantity and quality of filler is different in every individual.”
      At least 30 to 40 per cent of the patients Dr. Parashar sees bring along a photo of a popular celebrity’s face or body, insisting this is what they want to look like. However, it’s something he takes very seriously in terms of someone’s mental wellbeing.  “I do thorough counselling to understand what they are looking for and what concerns them,” he says. “Then I assess the area of their concern and if I feel that it is a significant issue that surgery would improve, then I recommend them surgery. But I insist that I cannot make them look like anybody else, as each body is different, anatomical structure varies and healing is different.” Often, he ends up turning many people away, with some disgruntled clients claiming “other doctors will do it”.  With cosmetic and procedures largely being used for aesthetic reasons nowadays, it’s difficult to see past the vanity that overshadows the whole industry. However, as Dr. Parashar explains, the industry emerged for a “needs basis”. “In its truest sense, plastic surgery is reconstructive surgery that is done to restore anatomy and function of the body,” he says. Whether that be helping children with birth defects like cleft lip and palate; oral cancer sufferers; those who suffer traumatic injuries to facial bones; nerve damage; severe burns; and more. “Cosmetic and aesthetic surgery is a sub-speciality of plastic surgery that works on-demand basis more than need basis.”
      It’s easy to see there is a correlation between cosmetic procedures and filters, but there are steps being taken by platforms like Instagram. In October 2019, the social media site announced it was removing all augmented reality filters depicting or promoting cosmetic surgery, or virtually enhancing users’ features. “We’re re-evaluating our policies – we want our filters to be a positive experience for people,” a spokesman said of the move. “While we’re re-evaluating our policies, we will remove all effects from the [effects] gallery associated with plastic surgery, stop further approval of new effects like this and remove current effects if they’re reported to us.”
      As for what people can do themselves when they’re debating whether to go down the cosmetic enhancement route, Dr. Parashar advises people to ask themselves if it will truly make them happy. “I strongly believe cosmetic surgery cannot make people happy forever as there are so many reasons for unhappiness,” he says. “The problem is when people blame their appearance for their unhappiness, then they seek plastic surgery and hope their problems will go away forever. There is definitely a fine line between satisfaction and happiness, between the realistic and unrealistic.”  While in this busy world of beauty, makeup and cosmetic enhancements, it’s vital you remember who you are at your core and realise, true beauty is from within.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied, Feature Image: Getty More

    • 113 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      The 9 Wildest Skincare Hacks I Learned on Reddit

      by

      I was in love with a boy in high school who was so obsessed with Reddit that he participated in their annual Secret Santa. Our inevitable departure led me to absolutely despise Reddit and all of its contents for years. You know, it’s the usual “I waited until I was 24 to watch Star Wars because one person I hated was a big fan” situation. But one thing or another brought me to Reddit during quarantine, and now I am obsessed.I’m reading everything from r/Ask A Doctor (wouldn’t recommend for anyone with health anxiety, but it’s fascinating to me) to r/Sex (makes sense, right?) to r/Tinder when I really need a laugh. But to no surprise, my most prevalent craze as of late is r/SkincareAddiction (and r/AsianBeauty … and r/Tretinoin … and r/Acne … you get the point).
      These subreddits are filled to the brim with helpful tips, product reviews, photos, and more—it’s enough to provide me with complete and utter joy for quite a while! Since I started reading them, I’ve implemented tons of hacks into my skincare routine to see if they actually work. After tons of testing, here are the ones that have actually stayed in my routine beyond the novelty factor. 

      1. Skin gritting
      This was the first thing I read on r/SCA that absolutely blew my mind and what really got me interested in the platform to begin with. “Skin gritting” is basically a treatment you can do on yourself to help remove dirt, oil, and blackheads from your pores. There are a few different ways to do the treatment, but the most intense I’ve seen is as follows: 
      Cleanse with an oil-based cleanser
      Apply a BHA, like Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid—don’t remove!
      Apply a clay mask on top of the acid for 20 minutes, then remove
      Massage an oil into your skin for 3-5 minutes 
      There are much less intensive approaches you can take, such as skipping the acid step or even skipping the clay mask step altogether in favor of a double-cleanse with two oils. Whatever works with you. I’m currently loving this product from Innisfree instead of using my regular cleansing oil—you’ve been warned, but look at all the gunk this took out of my pores:

       

      2. Decant leftover product from a sheet mask
      We’ve all been there when our sheet mask is absolutely soaked with product and there’s still some leftover in the package. You pay good money for that mask, so don’t let all of that good serum go to waste! I’ve read some people say they decant it into little jars they bought on Amazon, which sounds like such a good idea. I’ve tried it by using whatever is leftover on my hands, chest, and upper arms where I get KP. It’s been such a game-changer and makes me feel like I’m really getting my money’s worth. 

      3. You don’t have to spend tons of money
      I know this isn’t necessarily a tangible tip, but if I’ve learned anything from Reddit, it’s the power of inexpensive beauty products. You don’t need the fanciest new releases (although they are fun!); you just need products that work for your skin type. Redditors are big fans of some of our editors’ favorites too: 

      4. Apply hydrating products to your lips too
      Your lips need more moisture than the Laneige Sleeping Mask you apply every night—trust me. Use whatever hyaluronic acid serum or moisturizers you use on your face on your lips. The same goes for your face oils!

      5. Run a sheet mask under hot water before you apply
      The worst thing about applying a face mask is putting that freezing cold sheet of ice on your face, especially in the fall and winter. Luckily, this trick has changed my sheet-mask life. Simply run some hot and place the sheet mask package under it for a couple of seconds. You don’t want it scalding hot, but just warm enough to feel cozy and relaxing on your face. This doubles the experience, making it both a self-care and a skincare activity.

      6. Invest in a shower filter
      Many Redditors swear by washing their face in distilled water, but I’ve seen some hail the praises of getting a filter for your showerhead. This is good practice for your hair, but Redditors said it really helped their skin too. If you have hard water, this could be just what your skincare routine was missing. I have lovely Lake Michigan water, but my parents’ house has well water (the absolute worst), and I notice a huge difference in my skin and hair when I use filtered water. 

       

      7. Use a dry brush to reduce ingrown hairs
      I only recently implemented this into my body care routine, and it has made a world of a difference. Dry brushing exfoliates the skin while increasing blood circulation and stimulating the lymphatic system, but the exfoliation is what really stops ingrown hairs in their tracks. See, ingrown hairs happen when the hair gets trapped in a follicle and can’t get out, that’s why they’re common in the bikini area and legs. So when you properly exfoliate the skin, those ingrown hairs are able to break the surface, plus it stops them from retreating back into the follicle. I get ingrowns in the groin area (it’s so common, y’all), and I’ve noticed a huge difference in the texture of the skin between my legs since I started dry brushing a few times a week.

       

      8. Mix your hydrating oil with aloe gel
      Do you feel like face oils just never sink into your skin? If you have an oily skin type, you probably experience this. Someone on Reddit suggested mixing your oil with an aloe vera gel because aloe sinks into the skin so easily. I like to use facial oils before applying my foundation but hate that oily look under my makeup, and this trick worked flawlessly. I tried it with both aloe from my aloe plant (before she died a painful death) as well as with a packaged gel. It has made my oil-moisturizing experience far better.

       

      9. Apply a hyaluronic acid serum under your sheet mask to make it extra hydrating
      If you can’t tell, Reddit is absolutely swimming in sheet mask hacks. This one is aimed at those with dry skin. If you want to get even more benefits out of your sheet mask, apply hyaluronic acid beforehand, and then once again on top of the sheet mask while it’s setting in. Redditors recommended this classic Asian beauty product: Hada Labo’s Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. First of all, the lotion gives your sheet mask something to stick on to so it won’t slide around the whole time you’re wearing it. Plus, the hyaluronic acid pulls in the moisture of the mask, helping all of that serum to absorb even better into your skin. For an even more moisturizing effect, you can pat even more of the lotion on top of your sheet mask while you’re wearing it. I tried this with my hyaluronic serum, and it made me appreciate my sheet mask so much more. I now have the Hada Labo lotion on my wishlist!

        More