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      12 New Beauty Products I’m Shopping at Sephora

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      When I picture the perfect fall day, it goes like this: wake up and close the window because it’s frigid in my apartment; work out; take a shower so hot my skin turns red (do as I say, not as I do); put on a lovely outfit, do my makeup and hair, all while drinking a piping hot coffee; spend a day in the Everygirl office chatting, writing, and listening to Taylor Swift’s entire discography; head home on the train, only after making a pitstop at the giant Michigan Avenue Sephora in Chicago. I’ll roam the aisles, stocking up on new foundation, a fall lip color, and maybe even something special. Perusing the new beauty launches at Sephora is a pastime of mine regardless of the season, but we all know how it goes by now: everything just feels better in fall. Unfortunately, my expectations of those dreamy fall days aren’t exactly met this year, but that isn’t stopping me from staring at the Sephora site every day and contemplating if I actually need to have an emergency fund. Here’s my wishlist—from new skincare finds perfect for the cold weather to holiday-approved eyeshadow and lip combos. 

      Makeup By Mario
      Master Crystal Reflector Highlighter

      If you know anything about makeup, you know Mario Dedivanovic. He’s known for creating some of the most iconic Kim Kardashian looks, making quite the name for himself in the beauty world. He just unveiled his own line (after collabing with KKW Beauty, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and others), and I am beyond excited to see it available at Sephora. The first product that caught my attention was this product. Although it says it’s a highlighter, it’s actually more of an eyeshadow topper you use to add extra sparkle and dimension to a look. This video on his Instagram immediately convinced me—I see myself creating holiday looks galore with this smudged all over my eyes.

      Pat McGrath Labs
      Dark Star Volumizing Mascara

      After years of contemplating the purchase, I recently splurged on my first Pat McGrath eyeshadow palette. It is arguably the most glorious and also the most wild purchase I’ve made in my time, but I am loving it to bits. My next PMGL purchase will likely be this new mascara. I’ve been loving dark, sultry fall eyeshadow looks lately, and those looks crave a deep black, full lash, and this is supposed to give just that. Every promo photo makes the model’s lashes look incredible, adding just enough length and tons of volume without looking clumpy at all.

      Glow Recipe
      Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm

      I’m currently working through two other cleansing balms, but this is next up on my list to purchase once those are out. I’ve loved everything I’ve tried from Glow Recipe (our other editors love their Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask!), and I love the added element of a little bit of exfoliation to this cleansing balm, giving it a little something different than the usual. It’s also a little less expensive than the Tatcha one I’m using right now, so a solid score for my wallet.

      Nécessaire
      The Body Wash

      Nécessaire has been a staple for many of our editors for a while now, but it’s finally at Sephora! This body wash is available in fragrance-free, but I am the most excited to try the sandalwood scent for fall and winter. Body wash doesnt have to be boring, and this one definitely proves it.

      Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer

      A good moisturizer is essential this time of year. I’m currently switching from a lotion to a cream product to accommodate my newfound dry ass skin, and this is at the top of my wishlist. Farmacy uses honey in their products to promote calm, hydrated skin (honey is a humectant, meaning it traps and locks moisture into your skin). This product is marketed to those with normal and dry skin with special emphasis on “distressed” skin, which is a great adjective to describe the clogged pores, congestion, and dry patches currently sitting atop my face.

      Soft Matte Complete Foundation

      Hear me out: after years and years of preaching dewy skin this, glass skin that—heck, I’ll admit I’m even down with dolphin skin—but in fall 2020, I’m honestly kind of embracing matte skin. I watched an Instagram Story of Katie Jane Hughes (my makeup icon) trying this, and it legit looked like velvet on her skin. I loved how she used a matte foundation with lots of skin prep, which made it so she didn’t look dry or flat, and then she bumped it up with dewy cheekbones and a glowy eye look. I love that makeup juxtaposition, but mostly, I just love how flawless it looks. Wearing makeup makes me feel normal and happy right now, so I’m enjoying the extra bit of coverage—something I didn’t think I’d say ever again.

      Fable & Mane
      HoliRoots Pre-wash Hair Treatment Oil

      My skin isn’t just dry on my face anymore; it’s my entire body, including but not limited to: the tops of my toes, under my butt, my cuticles, and of course, my scalp. I’ve been plagued with an irritated scalp for years now (thanks to an allergic reaction that is still ruining my life), so I’m always on the hunt for something that will calm down the redness, reduce flakes and dry spots, and help my hair grow. Fable and Mane is a new brand at Sephora owned and founded by an Indian woman who created the brand with her culture, including Ayurveda, in mind. The products are absolutely gorgeous, and this pre-wash treatment oil is no exception. Containing ashwaghanda, this would be the perfect addition to my oil cleansing hair routine. The reviews are all up-there, saying it works on basically any hair type.

      Rare Beauty
      Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

      While the Rare Beauty buzz might have died down a bit, I’m still on a high after realizing that Selena did not phone it in and actually created a line full of innovative and effective products. I already tried this blush formula, and I want it in every. single. color. First of all, it’s so pigmented, which you can tell was to help cater to all skin tones. Light skin can apply a little bit and blend away, while someone with a darker tone can build it up even further. This makes all of the shades useful on people—something that basically every launch should have. Plus, I love the dewy look it gives my cheeks. I went for the red shade because it’s so bright and fun, and now I need all the neutral shades to wear all fall. Also, that berry shade? Swooooon.

      Bread Beauty Supply
      Hair Oil Everyday Gloss

      I saw this in an Instagram story and immediately gasped at how gorgeous the packaging was and how much I loved the branding of Bread Beauty Supply. I haven’t tried the products, but I am so obsessed with their entire brand already. This is a Black-owned hair line, so the products are mostly aimed at women with textured, coily, and kinky hair types. While their shampoo and deep conditioner aren’t geared toward my hair at all, I’m really intrigued to try this hair gloss. I’ve been loving the glossy/shiny “glass” hair trend this fall, and I think this would take that look to the next level. If you do have curly hair, note this oil is silicone-free, so it’ll keep your curls fresh, soft, and in-tact all day long without weighing it down.

      Saturday Skin
      Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask

      I have really embraced the sleep mask since quarantine began because I can wear them all day long while I work (including through Zoom calls) and no one has a clue. They’re also great for keeping your skin moisturized and plump through the night, which has been necessary for me as I keep my window open (as stated above) so that I’m shivering by the time I wake up. This one caught my eye for a few reasons. For one, Saturday Skin makes such good moisturizing products (I’m a huge fan of their sheet masks and their eye cream!), so I have a strong feeling this would be good. Plus, I’m loving layering up vitamin C products to help target dark spots and keep my skin looking clear and bright. This also has niacinamide and retinol to exfoliate, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of pores.

      Milk Makeup
      Melatonin Overnight Lip Mask

      As the temps get cooler, you can’t live without a good lip mask in your collection. We’re huge fans of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, but this one from Milk has me rethinking my loyalties. This product contains Melatonin, which is supposed to calm irritation, but it also hydrates, smoothes, and softens the lips for plump, kissable lips the next day. This product is also ultra-clean: fragrance-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free, soy-free, paraben-free, vegan, gluten-free, and more, making it a good, clean alternative to the Laneige (or for a solid test run, like I’ll be doing ASAP).

      Sunday Riley
      Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence

      This is currently sold out, but that should tell you just how in-demand this is. Sunday Riley, the powerhouse brand that brought us Good Genes, claims this product will retexturize your skin while keeping your skin’s barrier in tact and nourishing your skin with pre and probiotics. The most intriguing ingredient in the line-up (even though there are tons of really compelling ingredients in this, like peptides, fermented honey, and seawater) is ECGC: an antioxidant found in green tea that fights the negative outcomes of pollution and stress in the skin—something we probably all need. I am dying to get my hands on this essence, especially after reading a slew of positive reviews. More

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      The Low-Maintenance Hair Trends Stylists Are Recommending for Fall 2020

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      Changing up your hair is basically a rite of passage once or twice a year. Whether it’s a major cut (hello bangs!) or color or you’re simply ready to ditch your everyday waves for a new style, we can all benefit from a little hair switch up. In fall 2020, however, a hair transformation doesn’t have to be something that takes you back to the salon every six weeks. In fact, it really shouldn’t be. Instead, stylists are recommending low-maintenance cuts, colors, and styles that will last without touch-ups a little while and can easily be taken care of at home. We’ve pulled together some of the season’s hottest hair trends and put them all in one place. The plus? They look just as good with a mask on. 😉

      1. Warm, Caramel Tones

      2. All-Over Copper

      3. Classic Balayage

      4. Bright Face-Framing Pieces

      5. Babylights

      7. Long Lengths

      7. Middle Part

      View this post on Instagram

      💙🦋
      A post shared by Aimee Song (@aimeesong) on Aug 2, 2020 at 9:28am PDT

      8. Blunt Cuts

      9. Pixie

       

      10. Shag

      View this post on Instagram

      zoom bleach
      A post shared by Kaia (@kaiagerber) on Aug 15, 2020 at 8:30am PDT

      11. At-Home Blowout

      12. Bobby-Pinned Curls

      13. Curled or Textured Ponytail

      14. Glossy / Shiny Waves

      15. Jumbo Twists + Other Protective Styles

      16. Baby Waves

      17. Wispy Top-Knot More

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      Dubai-based influencer urges caution about beauty industry after hospitalisation

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      When it comes to beauty these days, there’s so many treatments available that it’s hard to keep track of. Whether it be facials, manicures or pedicures, brows, waxing, laser treatment – the list really is endless.
      However, given that so many treatments are widely used nowadays we rarely think to stop about the side effects some of them can have. More often than not, you there will be no side effects whatsoever, but there is always a chance.

      This is exactly the case Dubai-based influencer Leena Kaziz found herself in when she went for an LVL lash treatment – it stands for length-volume-lift where the lashes are straightened with a serum to appear more lifted.
      It was a treatment Leena had never had before, but what she wasn’t expecting was the severe reaction she was going to have to the treatment, which resulted in her being hospitalised.

      After having her LVL treatment done mid last month, Leena began to notice some redness and some slight dryness, but it was when she was trying to go to sleep that she felt a sharp pain in her eyes.
      Leena didn’t immediately go to hospital instead, she waited for the salon to open the next day to share pictures with them. She tells Emirates Woman that she didn’t think “it was that severe”.
      “Later I found out I had a severe infection in my eyes and eyelids as well as a severe allergic reaction,” she reveals. “The allergic reaction increased with time and reached a point where my eyes where fully closed.
      “The infection affected my sight even after my eyes were manually opened. My doctor was scared that the infection would reach behind my eyes and closer to my brain.”

      Leena made the decision to share her story with her followers on Instagram as a warning to take precautions when undergoing beauty treatments and “to create awareness” for others.
      “Everyone needs to know what happened,” she explains. “We really don’t have significant awareness about the risks we are exposing ourselves to. This treatment is so accessible and is available in most salons – a lot could go wrong.”
      Even three weeks on, Leena still isn’t fully recovered.
      “My eyes and eyes lids are still being irritated from the product,” she says. “I still need a month of medication and my skin is still not back to normal.”
      Admittedly, the Syrian native calls this whole ordeal a “life-changing experience” and a “wake up call”.
      “We are often too obsessed with becoming prettier and more appealing that we forget to really protect ourselves from our own self,” she says.
      “Having said this doesn’t mean that I will stop taking care of my beauty, not at all. But when you are fully aware of how precious your body is you tend to be pickier and more cautious.”

      Going forward, Leena believes that a patch test should be mandatory for consumers not just for an LVL treatment, but any treatment.
      She believes people need to have the same consciousness when it comes to the beauty industry as any other.
      “As consumers we have become very educated and picky with our food industry,” she says. “We read labels, do research and make conscious decisions on the products we consume. I hope that my experience will make as many women as possible become as picky with the beauty industry.”
      And on a final note, she’s encouraging everyone to see their body “beyond just the outside”.
      “Appreciate yourself and the preciousness of your body,” she says. “Remind yourself of how lucky you are that your body works day and night to make you alive.
      “Because when you constantly remind yourself of that you will be more cautious, and you will do more research and make wiser choices.”
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Leena Kaziz Instagram More

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      I Got My First Botox Treatment at Age 25—Here Are My Thoughts

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      Whenever I hear the word “Botox,” I can’t help but think of Luther (Tim Allen) of Christmas with the Kranks, frozen-faced, Spock-browed, and drooling out his beverage post-neuromodulator treatment. That scene gets me every. freaking. time. No part of me wants a Tim Allen-inspired frozen face, but if you describe a treatment as beneficial for “smoothing fine lines” and “preventing wrinkles,” the beauty guru in me eagerly steps up to the plate, wanting to learn more. I’m 25 and started taking the skincare game seriously about one year ago. My goals at the time were to not look so tired (my chronic under-eye bags are designer, it’s fine), to brighten my complexion, to treat and prevent acne, and to prevent further skin damage. After a year of trying products and finding what works for me based on my skin needs, I have my skincare routine down to a science. And what do we do when we meet our goals? That’s right, we make new ones.
      My new goal for this year is to work on keeping true to my skincare routine and to prevent further wrinkling/damage. According to Cleveland Clinic, wrinkles are made worse by aging, sun damage, smoking, and repetitive facial muscle contractions. While I can help my cause by wearing sunscreen, avoiding tanning, and not smoking, aging is an inevitable privilege that just happens. Repetitive facial muscle contractions seem similarly unavoidable until you take Botox, a neuromodulator that can help minimize those movements, into consideration. 

      So what exactly is Botox? 
      Per Medline Plus, Botox is a drug that is used to inactivate chosen muscles through the blocking of specific nerves. Botox is “made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum,” the site added. In large doses, you may know it as the toxin responsible for food-poisoning-related botulism. Sounds like something absolutely none of us want, but in small doses, it has proven helpful in reducing wrinkles, severe sweating, chronic migraines, neck spasms, and overactive bladders. Despite popular belief, Botox isn’t the only brand of botulinum toxin on the market. According to Mayo Clinic, other botulinum toxin products (also referred to as neuromodulators because they affect movement at the level of neurons) include Dysport, Xeomin, and Myobloc. 

      Step 1: Finding an injector
      When I decided to take my skincare to the next level (some may call it being extra, I call it being proactive), I did plenty of research to find an injector in my area who was a nurse or doctor, practiced safely, boasted a successful before and after, and had rave reviews. I looked to Yelp and RealSelf (basically a Yelp for plastic surgeries and cosmetic procedures) and decided upon an injector that fit all of my criteria. I realized that for me, having a neuromodulator treatment would be completely elective, so I was in no rush and set aside an ample amount of time to find the perfect injector to fit my needs. I chose an injector who was near me and had rave reviews on the review sites I researched.

      Step 2: The consultation
      Two weeks later, I found myself bare-faced in my injector’s procedural chair, ready to talk neuromodulators and to find a treatment plan that worked for me. The consultation that I had with her was so valuable and, in my opinion, is not something that should be rushed through. If you show up to your appointment and your injector immediately starts drawing up neuromodulator, I’d take that as a red flag. 
      We talked about my medical history, aesthetic goals (for me, it was wrinkle prevention and looking refreshed), side effects to consider, what would be required of me post-procedure, what to expect as the drug took effect, and cost. She leveled with me and made sure we were on the same page before we even discussed what areas we would treat. She offered me the option to think about all of her considerations and to schedule a follow-up for the procedure, but after doing a lot of my own research and feeling a connection with the injector, I felt ready to move forward. If I was feeling “on the fence” or more hesitant about the procedure based on my feelings towards the cost, the actual procedure, or the injector herself, it would have been a great opportunity for me to reevaluate my decision.
      I asked her professional opinion about what areas would be beneficial to treat. My wrinkles aren’t prominent until I make facial expressions, so there wasn’t one area over another that was a non-negotiable for me to treat. Based on her assessment, she stated that I would most benefit from treating a combination of my forehead and frown lines, which she noticed to be particularly strong in my face. After taking my before photos for my chart and for comparison, she got to work. 

      Step 3: The treatment
      PSA: I’m the biggest baby of all time. If I get my eyebrows threaded, my jaw will be clenched the entire time, I will shed a tear, and I will leave behind an accidental puddle of sweat in the chair. I’m a sensitive little flower whose nervous system is on one. That being said, the actual injecting was exactly what I imagined it to be. The needle they used was super tiny and the Botox solution isn’t very viscous, so I couldn’t feel the medication being injected as I typically do with a flu shot, for instance. On a pain scale of 0-10, I’d say that getting Botox (in my book) was about a 4/10. Take that with a grain of salt. Like I said … I’m sensitive AF.
      To treat my forehead and frown lines, she used nine different points of injection and the entire procedure took about three minutes. Afterward, she cleaned up some small droplets of blood on my forehead and gave me post-care instructions which included four hours of activity restrictions (no working out, no lying down, and no massaging the area) to ensure that the product wouldn’t migrate to an area it isn’t supposed to.

      Step 4: Recovery
      Probably the greatest part of having Botox, for me, was that I could go about my day post-procedure with no downtime at all. Granted, I skipped my workout (tragic, I know) and took my normal Saturday nap sitting upright on my couch (nothing comes between me and my Saturday nap). Other than that, my day was unchanged: I went grocery shopping, cleaned my apartment, and hung out with my friends. All the while, my Botox was kicking into gear.

      Did it work?
      If you’re considering a neuromodulator treatment or have a consultation with an injector, they’ll likely tell you that it’ll take two weeks for the neuromodulator to take full effect, but allow me to let you in on a little secret—you’ll start feeling the effects much sooner than that. For me, the first signs of muscle relaxation were on day four post-treatment. It’s a weird feeling to describe. My skin wasn’t numb to the touch, but my injected muscles felt numb. I couldn’t frown as forcefully as I normally did and raising my eyebrows was a challenge. 
      By day six, I’d say that the Botox took full effect. The movement in my brows and forehead was minimal which, while it sounds odd, felt freaking awesome. It didn’t bother me that I couldn’t move the upper part of my face as much as I normally did. It was a little eerie at first, but I got used to the feeling (or lack thereof) quickly. I noticed that I was frowning a lot when I sleep because I could feel my muscles trying and failing to work upon waking. Overall, my face felt more relaxed and strangely, I liked tuning into it because I carry a lot of stress in my face and it was a good reminder to exhale. It was a zen experience. 
      I realized some natural movement started to come back at the one month mark and then for the next few months, more movement returned. After about four months, I’d say that the effects were 85 percent worn off. AKA, I was ready for more.

      Was it worth it?
      While I will 10/10 get it done again, I am aware that it is a luxury treatment and not a necessity. I liked my results and love the idea of preventing wrinkles (now I’m way more in tune to how strong my frown is, especially upon waking up in the morning), but going back to my injector for more Botox is far from being my top priority. 
      The two major pitfalls of getting a neuromodulator treatment, for me, were the cost of the procedure and the longevity of the product. Depending on where you go, what you get done, how many units your injector uses, and what discounts you may have, the price of Botox varies. If I were to go in on a normal day without a discount, the treatment that I got would be $400-$600. While many medspas and injectors offer rewards programs, that’s a large chunk of change for a treatment that offers temporary effects.
      My injector warned me of the timeline, but, of course, I wish the effects would have lasted a bit longer based on the price I paid for the service. However, the shorter duration makes it safer for patients if a mistake is made by the injector (i.e., too much product used in one side versus the other) so that you don’t have a permanent deformity. This was partly the reason why I decided I’d give Botox a try: if it’s horrible, I know it’s not permanent.

      If you’re thinking about Botox…
      If you’re considering a neuromodulator treatment, I think that finding an injector you trust and feel comfortable following up with is the most important part of the experience. It’s helpful to get a vibe for what their goals are. If making money is their top priority as opposed to truly being interested in what’s best for you, you may end up over-treated, and overspend as a result. A good injector should provide contact information (whether it be through their personal platforms or through the office they work for) so that you can comfortably follow up with concerns if issues arise.
      I think that Botox is an awesome service that can make a lot of people happy and feel like their best selves, but as with most cosmetic procedures and beauty treatments, they should be considered a luxury and not a necessity. That being said, you bet your bottom dollar I’ll be back once I get to where I want to be financially. More

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      The Product That Has Completely Banished My Blackheads

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      Blackheads (and their sinister cousin, whiteheads) have plagued me for years; they simply cannot let me go. Across my T-zone, I have pretty large pores going on that cannot resist getting filled with gunk. After years of skin torture in the form of Biore pore strips and ultra strong peel-off masks, I was left with blackheads and a load of irritation. I have tried anything and everything in my quest to send blackheads to that place that Gandalf fell, including a memorable incident with a pore vacuum, which I can heartily say I do not recommend. While it turns out expecting instant results was getting me nowhere (who knew?), I have stumbled upon a cult favorite product I would happily douse my face in for the rest of my life. 

      I routinely spend time google researching blackhead remedies while binging The Great British Baking Show (don’t you?), and unfailingly, the Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant would appear in comments and on message boards surrounded by words like magic, life-changing, and undeniable. It’s a chemical exfoliator, which means it doesn’t require those skin-shredding granules I used to slather over my face in middle school.  
      “I recommend ‘chemical’ exfoliation over physical, meaning using an acid or enzyme to exfoliate instead of physical particles as in a scrub,” said Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, dermatologist and owner of Dr. Loretta Skincare. “With physical exfoliation, you’re removing only surface dead cells. With a chemical exfoliant like AHA/glycolic, BHA/salicylic, or an enzyme, you’re removing cells both in pores as well as on skin’s surface.”

      I caved and bought the 2% BHA Exfoliant so I could test the magic for myself about eight months ago. The formula takes a moment to get used to—initially, I was really skeptical since it feels quite oily on the skin. I was expecting more of a light zingy feeling, and instead, it has more of an oil-based slick quality. I apply it with a cotton round and concentrate it on the areas where my blackheads like to congregate—mainly my nose, upper lip (sexy!), and chin. 
      Despite my doubts, I’ve actually gotten used to how the formula feels, and after around eight months of use, it’s made my hallowed list of auto-buy repurchases. My favorite part is how gentle it feels with no burning, itching, or stinging like other exfoliators—both chemical and physical—that I’ve tried. All Paula’s Choice products are fragrance-free as well, which is a welcome respite from recent overly-scented launches (Fenty Skin, I’m looking at you). 
      I’ve worked up to using it every night, and I’ve found that of all my lotions and potions, BHA (aka salicylic acid) works best for my skin in terms of refining texture and reducing pore blockage (my nemesis). I’m going to be real: I still have some blackheads. I think they may have decided to be with me forever, and who could blame them? But overall, the pores on my nose are less noticeable and enlarged and the skin on my cheeks and forehead feels buttery smooth, which wasn’t my intention in using this product but is a delightful side effect. Here’s a photo I would use to announce the Exfoliant and I are engaged: 

      In general when I’m having skin woes, I go back to the drawing board with my tried-and-true products I know work and don’t irritate my skin. The 2% BHA Exfoliant always makes the list, along with a gentle cleanser and hyaluronic acid serum. And of course, sunscreen. 

      Final thoughts

      If you’re dealing with blackheads, try this. Definitely try it before reaching for a quick-fix solution like a pore vacuum (your skin and I am begging you).
      Be prepared to use this for a few months at least. Commit to it! I’m notorious for rotating my skincare too fast and thinking that nothing is working when really I needed to give it more time. 
      Always use sunscreen when you’re using this product. You know what, just always use sunscreen full stop. 
      On my skin, this is pretty gentle, but I still recommend doing a patch test and working up to using every night, especially if your skin is sensitive. 
      According to Paula’s Choice, exfoliants are step three after your cleanser and toner and before your serum and moisturizer. I usually skip toner, but otherwise, follow that order. 
      More Paula’s Choice faves from the team

      Paula’s Choice
      2% BHA Body Lotion

      This lotion has been a life-saver for the keratosis pilaris on my upper arms.

      Paula’s Choice
      10% Niacinamide Booster

      I frequently use this serum booster post-BHA exfoliant to fade old acne scars. More

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      October’s – ‘The Bravery Issue’ with Khulood Thani

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      October’s – ‘The Bravery Issue’ – Download Now
      Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Greg AdamskiHair & Makeup: Melanie MeyerProduction: Kelli MaddockFashion Assistant: Camille Macawili
      Welcome to ‘The Bravery Issue’.

      In this issue, we celebrate bravery in all its forms, from taking a leap of faith to daring to be different and striking out on your own.
      For our cover shoot we partnered with Fendi, a brand known for breaking the mould and carving out its own design direction, just like our cover star Khulood Thani.

      In this issue we also speak to Sheikha Amal Al Maktoum who teaches us what it takes to take a leap of faith and launch your own brand and entrepreneur Ghizlan Guenez demonstrates the bravery of starting again and Captain Salma Al Baloushi, the first Emirati female to rise to First Officer’s rank at Etihad, speaks to us about what it takes to become a woman of firsts in.

      We also have exclusive interviews with Elizabeth von der Goltz – Global Buying Director at NET-A-PORTER, Holli Rogers – CEO Browns Fashion & Chief Brand Officer at Farfetch and Kate Blythe-Pearson Chief Marketing Officer at Mecca, all incredible women demonstrating bravery to follow their gut in both business and life.
      ‘Sharp Solution’ and ‘Brave Beauty’ take a look at a more extreme approach to your usual beauty routine while LIYA and Marei1998 deliver daring new design aesthetics worth investing in for FW20. In ‘The Brave’ we spoke to some of the most incredible women we know to ask what bravery means to them.
      For many, the bravery to start, to try and to dare, even if this leads to failure is still an achievement that should be championed.
      “If he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” – Theodore Roosevelt.
      October’s – ‘The Bravery Issue’ – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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

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

      Pumpkin Powerhouse Resurfacing & Exfoliating Enzyme Mask

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

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

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

      Neutrogena
      Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Face Moisturizer

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

      Milk Makeup
      Kush Mascara

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

      Equilibria
      Mint-Flavored Daily Drops

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

      Skin Food

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

      Blondage Conditioner

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

      PFB Vanish
      Ultra Triple Action

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

      Freeman Beauty
      Cleansing Sheet Mask

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

      Living Proof
      Dry Volume Spray

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

      Shea Sugar Scrub

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

      Danessa Myricks Beauty
      Waterproof Cushion Liner

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

      Boy Brow

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

      Nécessaire
      The Body Wash: Eucalyptus

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

      Nordic-C Glow Boost Essence Serum

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

      The Ordinary
      Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

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

      Curls & Waves Whipped Mousse

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

      Instant Self-Tanning Mousse

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

      16HR Camo Concealer

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

      L’Oreal Paris
      Telescopic Original Mascara

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

      Overnight Facial Peel

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

      BYBI Beauty
      Blueberry Oil Booster

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

      Veil Translucent Setting Powder

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

      Living Proof
      Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

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

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

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      in beauty and fashion

      Embracing My Beauty Scars With Hidradenitis Suppurativa

      by

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

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

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

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

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

      Dr. Bronner Hemp Peppermint Pure Castile Oil

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

      Bali Women’s Shapewear

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

      On The Go First Aid Kit

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