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      in beauty and fashion

      The Two Products I Swear by to Calm My Hyperpigmentation and Acne Scars

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      Raise your hand if you think that acne scars and dark spots—AKA hyperpigmentation—are harder to treat than that pesky pimple. Since my high school years, I’ve read article after article that touted the perfect acne scar and dark spot treatments (that would accommodate my sensitive skin, of course). I made sure to make room in my budget for what I hoped would be the holy grail to treating my scars and dark spots, but they still claimed residence on my skin. Beginning in mid-March of this year, another pesky, bright-red acne scar developed under my chin after a several week-long battle with an unwanted pimple. I used the extra time at home to experiment with new products, such as a niacinamide serum and retinol, to treat my newfound acne scar. Instead of fading the scar, these products made matters worse. Red splotches developed all over my cheeks, which I took as a sign to stop experimenting. 

      The cream that’s like magic
      Once June rolled around, I decided to find new solutions to treat the then three month-old acne scar, so I reached for a sample I had of Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment. This color-correcting cream is seriously magic thanks to its hero ingredient, centella asiatica, an active ingredient anecdotally known for its calming properties. While it didn’t make the scar disappear, it hid the redness temporarily. Before applying my concealer, I swept this green-tinted cream on my red scar, ensuring that the color corrector blended seamlessly into my skin. The cream can also be applied to red spots and dark spots solo. I personally love to swipe a bit of this cream on my problem spots as the last step of my nighttime skin care routine. By morning, the spots are not as red as they were the day before, but this effect is only temporary. If you’re a tosser and turner though, I would not recommend putting this cream on at night as it can turn your pillow green.
      One tub of this cream can last a long time. At $18 a tub, it’s a great value, given that it will last for several months. I graduated from my sample to a 0.5 ounce tub in August, and I’m not even close to being empty. Since discovering this scar-covering cream, I regularly use it as a base for my makeup or as a nighttime spot treatment. Now, my worries about my scars showing are a thing of the past.

      The scar-fading serum of my dreams
      Besides the color-correcting cream being the closest thing I’ve found to magic, it wasn’t until I got my hands on Topicals’ Faded gel serum in August that my under-the-chin acne scar went away for good. The Topicals line was developed by founders who had skin considered less than perfect according to what was shown in movies and on TV, so I had a good feeling that Faded would be the remedy for all my scars and dark spots. After I consistently applied the gel on my face for two nights, it was gone! Even after the scar went away, I made sure to apply the gel at the recommended rate of 2-3 times a week. However, my skin did develop some pimples on my forehead and cheeks. These were expected, given that the packaging warned of skin purging, which is a result of irritation caused by the acids in the serum’s formula. I do think that $36 for this serum is relatively pricey, but every penny is worth it. Acne scars can take weeks or months to fade away, but in my experience, this serum got to the heart of the problem in a matter of days. Just like the color correcting cream, this serum can last for months, making the investment all the more worth your buck. 

      Getting rid of the scars acne makes is far more challenging than popping that pimple. However, with Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment and Topicals’ Faded serum, I feel in control of my skin and am empowered with the confidence that I can achieve a clear, glowing complexion.  More

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      in beauty and fashion

      21 Gifts for Your Most Fashionable Friend

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      We all have that person in our lives: the friend, sister, or cousin that you absolutely dread buying a gift for year after year. Why? Well, she’s just a little bit too cool.Finding a gift for the ultra-fashionable, on-top-of-every-trend person can be impossible to know where to start. Do you opt for a fun accessory? An out-of-the-box piece of loungewear? The possibilities are endless, but not all of them are equal. 
      We’ve scoured the depths of the internet for the coolest, most foolproof gifts to get your most fashionable friend—from a cheeky graphic tee to a matching set she’ll live in. We promise: for once, she won’t be using that gift receipt.

      Shearling Slingback Sandal

      Update your friend’s slipper game with the coolest ones of the year. Available in 8 colors, these slingback slippers from Ugg are worthy of wearing for years to come.
      (8 colors available)

      Unfortunate Portrait
      Haute Yoga Tee

      Finding a cool graphic tee isn’t easy, but this one stopped us in our tracks. A cheeky fashion pun? Sign us up.

      Boy Smells
      Hypernature Neopêche Scented Candle

      Not only is this one of the most popular scents of the year, but the gorgeous packaging from this up-and-coming brand will be something the cool girl in your life will have front-and-center in her apartment.

      Wool Blend Beret

      “Emily in Paris” made it popular for the season, but berets are here to stay. This is a perfect, safe accessory to gift, and will be a perfect thing to swap out their go-to beanie for.

      Brinker & Eliza
      Booyah Mask Chain

      Masks aren’t exactly the accessories we were hoping for this year, but until they’re gone for good, we might as well be making them as fun as possible. This chain can be attached to any mask to make it a little more fashion-forward.

      The Gracey Bag in Croc Green

      It’s not easy to find a cool bag that not everyone has yet, but this one from a small, Black-owned business is worthy of wearing everywhere. It comes in every color under the rainbow, but we vote for this emerald green.

      DEZI EYEWEAR
      On Read Sunglasses

      Desi Perkins’ eyewear collection was one of the coolest accessory releases of the year, and this pair from her most recent release is at the top of our wishlist. You can’t go wrong with these.

      Abercrombie & Fitch
      Vegan Leather Mini Puffer

      This cropped puffer comes in every material and color under the sun, and anyone who needs to wear a coat this winter would be thrilled to have one in a faux-leather or faux-fur option. Dressing for winter just got a lot more fun.

      Stella and Haas
      Circle Initial Necklace

      You can’t go wrong with a gold piece of jewelry, and this initial necklace shows that you went above and beyond with a little customization, plus can be layered and worn with just about everything.

      Jennifer Zeuner
      Carmine Enamel Ring

      Depending on the type of girl you’re buying for, this fun enamel ring can be bought in a neutral, or used as an opportunity to gift a little pop of color.

      Etsy | Flawless Drips
      Purple Satin Face Mask

      You don’t know how much of a game-changer a satin mask is until you have one, and this is the gift that will keep on giving (hopefully not too far into 2021). We currently have our eyes on this fun, lilac color.

      Oma The Label
      The Simone Ring

      Give the gift of adding to your friend’s ring collection with this one from one our favorite Black-owned brands. It strikes the balance of being a statement, but also being classic enough to wear for years.

      Custom Clear Watch Band

      Anyone who wears an Apple Watch knows that it isn’t easy to make them particularly fashion-forward, but this clear watch band is one of the coolest we’ve found.

      Siren Teddy Faux Fur Coat

      Everyone and their mother is on the teddy coat bandwagon this year, but we love shorter, sweatshirt option that can be worn day in and day out.

      A Hot Pocket of Conversation Knit Lounge Set

      The matching set unintentionally took over this year, and this one with a slouchy sweater and wide, knit pants doubles as both loungewear and something your fashionable friend will love to style when she leaves the house layered underneath a go-to jacket.
      Our editor loves this plus-size lounge set too!

      Sam Edelman
      Laguna Waterproof Chelsea Boot

      The shoe of the year? The chunky boot, and this chunky (but not too chunky) choice is impossible not to please with.

      x Atlantic-Pacific Faux Leather Trousers

      One of the best trends of 2020 was faux leather, but given the nature of the year, we didn’t wear them nearly as much as we wanted to. This timeless pair will be worn for years to come, and we love that they’re a camel color, rather than a go-to black.

      Mauve Beanie

      The number of beanies you can have? It doesn’t exist, especially in this muted, dusty rose color.

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      in beauty and fashion

      10 Last-Minute Gifts You Can Save Big On

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      My biggest flaw in life is that I wait until the last minute to do everything. I could come up with a million excuses as to why my holiday shopping isn’t done yet (i.e., waiting for that paycheck to hit, standing by for certain giftable items to go on sale, or placing blame on my cat who chewed up my credit card, making it unreadable for future purchases), but at the end of the day, the truth is that I perform best under pressure. Thankfully we’ve found the perfect hack to all of your last minute “oops, I forgot about that person” gifting. Gilt City, an online shopping and lifestyle site, has our backs. They offer a variety of unique gift ideas at some incredible prices that are almost too good to be true. Even if you’re unable to meet this year’s holiday shipping deadlines (a real 2020 problem), Gilt City makes it easy to buy vouchers for everyone on your list, which means you won’t even need to feel stressed about trying to find something that’ll ship on time. Here are 10 Gilt City sales you’ll want to shop now to save big on your holiday shopping—even if you’re gifting at the last minute.

      Calling all wine lovers! This Üllo Wine Purifier is the perfect gift for the vino-obsessed in your life. This game-changing, must-have item purifies and restores the natural taste of any type of still wine and pairs well with any socially-distanced reality-TV-a-thon. It’s BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and a sleek tool to add to any wine collection. Shop through Gilt City now for wine purifier packages that are up to 36 percent off! A total steal if you ask us.

      A lot of us love espresso, but let’s be real—espresso pods aren’t cheap. Enter these L’OR pods (compatible with the Original Nespresso machines) that are up to 50 percent off if you purchase through Gilt City! Gift your loved one the pure indulgence of high-quality espresso without the hefty price tag. Because nothing says “I care about you” quite like the gift of caffeine.

      This gift is the perfect package for the person who has everything and/or the one who is looking to try something new. These online video courses from The Skills are a to-do that your loved one will actually want to check off of their list. The Skills offers one-of-a-kind sports education courses from world-class athletes like Michael Phelps, Shaun White, Maria Sharapova, and more. Enjoy up to 57 percent off of master courses when you purchase through Gilt City and let the good times roll.

      Adding to your loved one’s beauty collection has never been more empowering. This year, gift REALHER—a brand that’s redefining the beauty game while offering high-quality, cruelty-free products. Beyond the incredible packaging and formulas, REALHER takes pride in its mission to inspire women, evidenced by their self-affirming product names like “Embrace Yourself,” “I Will Succeed,” and “I’ve Got This.” Thanks to Gilt City, you can enjoy 50 percent off on products you can feel good about gifting.

      Luxury beauty and wellness treatments are the ultimate way to treat yourself, but we all know that one person who just won’t splurge on themselves. The solution? Give them a gift they won’t give themselves. In this case, help your loved one treat themselves to an at-home teeth whitening treatment from GLO Science. Buy now through Gilt City to snag 50 percent off of whitening packages. Now that’s something to smile about.

      Luxury meets comfort meets affordability with Blush Lingerie which makes Blush the perfect gift for the feminine person in your life. Designed by women, globally sourced, and ethically made… just the way we like it. It’s daring yet refined and, with 50 percent off via Gilt City, it makes for the most affordable luxury gift of all time. 

      Buy a gift that the fashion guru in your life will fall head over heels in love with. And we’re not talking gifting this season’s “it item” that everyone already has… we’re talking something greater. Enter DESEDA, a Chicago-based, women-owned silk scarf company that collaborates with artists around the world to come up with limited edition designs. Their scarves are a versatile item to add to any wardrobe and 40 percent off when you shop through Gilt City. 

      Cheese lovers, unite! Gift your loved one (and yourself) the experience of a cheese making class from Big Mozz. Through Gilt City, the on demand or in person course includes a mozzarella-making kit, shipping, and taxes for 23 percent off. Gift one to a friend and one to yourself to set yourself up for the perfect at-home zoom date!

      I don’t know about you, but being gifted sweet treats is the most direct way to my heart! What if we told you that you could gift that special someone irresistible designer cookies for up to 33 percent off? It’s not too good to be true… with Gilt City, you can gift Duchess, home of the designer cookie and one of the tastiest cookie experiences on Earth. With a deal that sweet, you have to take advantage!

      Give your favorite foodie the luxury gourmet gift they didn’t see coming. With California Caviar Company, you can do just that. CCC has uncompromising reputation and brand integrity that focuses on sustainability, innovation, and education. It’s the food gift that can make any night in extra special. If you purchase through Gilt City, you can score 30 percent off of caviar gift sets and give them a gift they’ll never forget.

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

      18 Things That Have Made Our Winter Work-From-Home Days Better

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      When we first entered quarantine last spring, I’d have bet a large sum of money and lost that there was no way we’d still be working from home come December. But here we are, and I’ll be honest, I feel like we’re all making the most of it. Being stuck at home in the winter is an entire different ballpark than the killjoy of being stuck inside when it’s sunny and 80 degrees out.But we’d be remiss if we didn’t discuss the couple of items making it way better. Because a cozy day at home *while* you’re working is possible—as long as you have these essentials. 

      Mid-Rise Cozy Faux-Fur Jogger Sweatpants

      I ordered these a couple of weeks ago realizing that I needed to give up the dream that I’ll get dressed every single day for work, especially when it gets freezing. These are a cool fabric and style that make me feel kinda dressed up, but they are also the freaking most comfortable thing I’ve ever put on in my life. I’ve worn them like four days the last week with sweaters, T-shirts, and everything in between. I run very hot, but I moved into an apartment that has minimal heat and poor windows, and I am freezing 24/7, so these have

      Water Sleeping Mask

      On the days I don’t put makeup on, I give my skin some extra TLC—one of the many benefits of being at home all day! The winter weather has taken a toll on my skin, as it has most of us I’m sure, so I’m loading up on moisturizing ingredients to heal my moisture barrier and hydrate as much as possible. It’s an extra self-care step that feels fun to break up the monotony of my days and makes me look forward to something. This mask is meant to be worn while you sleep, but staring at a screen all day writing words over and over is similar enough, and I’ve experienced the same moisture at the end of the day as I do when I sleep with it on. Plus, it’s clear, so I’ve worn on it more than a few Zoom call occasions than I care to admit. Hehe, coworkers! 🙂

      Equilibria
      Daily Drops

      At around 3 p.m. every single day, my anxiety sets in. How on Earth am I supposed to get the 10 tasks still on my list done all before the end of the day? I know I work best in the crunch time, but it doesnt stop my stress from creeping in. Lately as this is starting to really affect my day-to-day health, Ive tried putting my Equilibria Daily Drops in an afternoon glass of decaf tea. It really helps calm me down and has become quite ritualistic. I look forward to it every day!
      Use code THEEVERYGIRL for 20% off your first order at Equilibria!

      Glass Water Bottle with Protective Silicone Sleeve

      I’m not a water person. There have been more than a few days where 9 p.m. rolls around and I realize I haven’t had a sip of H2O literally all day. But ever since I got this Porter water bottle, I’m getting through multiple refills. There’s just something so fun about drinking from it: I love the rolled glass opening that fits my mouth perfectly and the silicone sleeve that is grippy-y and easy to pick up. It’s also dishwasher-safe, so it’s super easy to clean. Honestly, 10/10 would marry Porter.

      MALA THE BRAND
      Fireside Candle

      I find I work best from home when I cultivate a mood. I make sure my work area is tidy. I plug in my Christmas tree. I cue up the fireplace channel on my TV. I throw on a coffee shop sounds video on Youtube. And I light this truly excellent hand-poured soy candle that smells like all your holiday dreams coming true. And it does make the work day feel a bit more fun and festive.

      Simple Modern
      Insulated Tumbler with Straw

      If you’ve been on TikTok even one single time, you’ve likely seen this tumbler that basically went viral this year—and I’m here to tell you the hype is real. I love drinking my water out of this all day long and have it with me no matter which corner of my apartment I’m working in. I got the largest size and it’s upped my water intake by at least double. I can’t wait to drink homemade iced coffee out of this when we go back to the office.

      Barefoot Dreams
      Bouclé Knit Hooded Cardigan

      I am known as being a very cold-running person, and so when I knew that we’d be working from home throughout winter, I wanted to make sure I could maximize my coziness (and warmth) as much as humanly possible. I bought the leopard version of this during the Nordstrom sale, so it was slightly cheaper, but I swear I have gotten my money’s worth already. No matter what I’m wearing (even if it’s a sweatshirt), I throw this on top and lounge in it every single day. It’s so warm without being as bulky as a robe, and truly sparks joy every single time I wrap up in it. It’s definitely a splurge, but if something happened to mine, I’d buy it again.

      Hamilton Beach
      Personal Blender

      I purchased this 14 ounce personal blender years ago, and haven’t used it as much as I have this year working from home. This blender is perfect for a quick smoothie or shake before logging into work. It blends quickly and its compact style allows me to take it to my workspace and drink from there without having to transfer it to another cup. This blender lets me get a quick breakfast in before the day picks up!

      Hydrating Shea Body Butter

      Between working from home during the dry fall and winter season and washing my hands multiple times a day, I have been neglecting my hands and feet, which have been drier than usual. To make sure I infuse some moisture on my skin during the workday, I keep this body butter close to me. It’s thick enough to lock in moisture, especially during the harsh, dry weather, which is a necessity even more now, since it’s easy to neglect skincare while working from home.

      Vertuo Next Light

      There’s just nothing that gets me out of bed like knowing that the cup of coffee (or tea, but in this case coffee) that I’ll drink once I make my way to the kitchen is going to be really good. After tiring of my trusty old affordable machine from years ago, I finally sprung for a Nespresso machine. My morning coffee routine is the best it’s been all year.

      Crate & Barrel
      Long Stem Wine Glass

      So I initially bought these wine glasses for, you know, wine—and while I do use them for that in the evening, I also use them during the day to make my sparkling water, kombucha, or green juice feel more like an ~event~. I miss sipping wine with my friends while out to dinner, so at least I can get the joy of a cute glass while drinking a healthier daytime beverage.

      Mini North Bondi Eau De Parfum

      If you’ve ever smelled any of Ouai’s hair products, you know that they smell AMAZING. I have always loved the scent of their Leave-In Conditioner and wished they would make it in a perfume. BOOM, wishes come true! This year, Ouai launched the most perfect desk-sized fragrances (and the one I love is North Bondi, which is floral and a bit musky). They’re incredibly budget-friendly, so I feel comfortable spraying it on myself every single day. It’s a simple luxury that makes me feel a bit more like my non-pandemic self!

      Capri Blue
      Glam Mini Tin Kit

      I love seasonal fragrances, but sometimes I get tired of burning the same one for too long. I bought this four-pack of Capri Blue scents when they were on super sale a few weeks ago, but the non-sale price isn’t bad either. The set includes the iconic Volcano candle, plus one pumpkin scent and two winter fragrances. My favorite so far has been the pumpkin (the Alpine Juniper is definitely a sweeter greenery scent), but I haven’t even cracked the Frosted Fireside open yet. This is perfect for anyone who likes different rooms to have different scents, or who just wants to mix things up!

      Nomad Noé
      Poet in Hangzhou Candle

      Candles have become one of my work from home must-haves—the more fragrant, the better. This hand-poured candle doesn’t have a winter scent, and that’s what I love most about it. It’s bright and refreshing, and it has notes of my favorite flower: gardenia. Once I light this, the scent fills my entire apartment and acts as a pick me up for my senses.

      Brother Vellies
      Cloud Sock

      Before I hit the purchase button on these socks, they took up a lot of space in my head. I went back and forth on whether I really needed a $30-something pair of socks, and my answer after weeks of questioning was yes. Since we’re in the house 99.9 percent of the time these days, a pair of lavender socks that give back—proceeds from the purchase of the lavender socks fund Brother Vellies’ mask making and food distribution initiative in Kenya—and keep my feet warm while I work is the ultimate win for me.

      Brazil 8 Cup / 34oz French Press Coffee Maker

      At the start of the pandemic, I was using a Moka pot to make an americano each morning until I realized that caffeine might be making my anxiety worse. I have since given up coffee (inserts crying emoji) for herbal tea. Instead of going the tea bag route, I found Aesthete Tea, a QBIPOC-owned tea company that makes an assortment of herbal teas. After trying a couple of teapots that didn’t work well, I saw a YouTube video that showed how to use a french press for loose teas and bought this one. I use it every morning, and I love that making tea has become a part of my morning self-care.

      Hydro Flask
      Water Bottle – Wide Mouth Straw Lid

      Ever since I was a small, red-haired child, I’ve had water on my nightstand, in my backpack, on the table, on the desk, you name it–absolutely everywhere. It drove my mom crazy, but even now I still can’t seem to leave the house, or my couch for that matter, without it. To cut down my use of plastic and the dishwasher, however, I started using my hydro flask as my primary water source while I’m working. It not only holds a lot more H2O than my regular glass, but it also helps me keep track of how much or how little I’ve been drinking during the day.

      New Balance
      Fresh Foam Vongo v4

      Despite what my Netflix account may tell you, the activity that got me through this year the most was walking. I’ve barely missed a day since the pandemic started (while wearing a mask of course!). It’s helped me think, destress, and get my heartrate up a bit, and having a great pair of sneakers has made going for long, daily walks so much easier. These never give me blisters, are always comfortable, and have held up so well!

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