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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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      10 Trends French Girls Are Wearing This Fall

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      We call this time of year spooky season, and the French call it la rentrée (or the back-to-school season when grown-ups return to work from summer holiday). No matter what you call it, fall fashion is undoubtedly in full force. French girls greet the colder weather like they do everything else: with au natural hair, an iconic lipstick, that signature je ne sais quoi, and a killer wardrobe. Read on for the trends popping up in Paris this fall and shop the pieces that you’ll be spotting on all the cool French girls this season.
      1. Brown Faux Leather

      There’s something so effortlessly luxurious about leather texture, and French girls know it. This season, leather is taking over blazers, button-ups, and even trousers. However, your favorite style stars are replacing classic black with chocolatey brown for a trend that screams 2020.  

      2. Straight-Leg Jeans

      Skinnies are not a necessary staple in the wardrobe of French girls like they are in yours or mine. Instead, straight leg jeans with a bit of a flared leg and relaxed fit are the Parisian go-to denim style. Baggier is better! And yes, they do work with even your most oversized knit. Try tucking the front into the waist of the pants to balance proportions. 

      3. Layers of Neutrals

      Parisian style is synonymous with timeless, so it’s no surprise that they layer up a variety of most timeless colors. French girls don’t do 50 Shades of Grey; they do 50 shades of neutral. Think of layering a range of off-white to dark brown, and every color in between. Try white denim with a beige sweater, or camel trousers and a cream-colored knit, and then throw on your favorite fall jacket and some key brown accessories. 

      4. Sleeveless Turtleneck Sweater

      Not only are they the perfect comfy piece for staying at home all day every day, but sleeveless turtleneck sweaters are ideal to layer under outerwear because they won’t add bulk like chunky knit. Wear with your comfiest trousers to look chic for Zoom meetings or lounging at home, or throw on a blazer or jacket for an OOTD that will keep you warm while staying sleek. 

      5. Puff-Sleeve Sweaters

      As if we needed more reasons to wear the prettiest sweater style ever, puffed-sleeve knit happens to be a staple in the fall wardrobe of French girls and Parisian style stars alike. Wear as a cardigan or opt for a simple pullover sweater that has way more je ne sais quoi than your average sweater. 

      6. Bold Plaid

      No, bold plaid is not just for Gwen Stefani in her “No Doubt” days. It can also be incredibly timeless and effortless when done in structured, ladylike pieces like a tailored blazer. Make the trend more Blair Waldorf than ’90s punk by pairing with feminine accessories like a chain quilted purse and pointed-toe shoes. 

      7. Shearling Coats

      Yes, shearling is so cool that it’s the most popular coat of the season in both our Instagram feeds and in France. Maybe it’s because it looks much more modern than faux fur, or maybe because it’s so freaking cozy, but you can find us in rocking shearling coats until spring. Pair with feminine ruffles and lace à la French it-girl, Jeanne Damas. 

      8. Lace-Up Booties

      One of the most popular shoe styles of the season (beyond the classic ballet flats, of course) is an edgier version of your classic booties. Lace-up booties are not only functional and comfortable, but pair perfectly with a fall dress and tights. After all, the French girl’s signature is effortless style, so an edgy pair of booties makes a dressed-up outfit a little less structured. C’est parfait! 

      9. High-Waisted Miniskirts

      Because sometimes a miniskirt is just more feminine and comfortable than a pair of jeans or trousers, French girls bring their shortest styles into fall with knee-high boots and oversized cozy knit tucked into the waist. 

      10. Trench Coats

      Ah, the trench coat: as essential to French girl style as stripes and classic white tees. The lightweight (but warm) outerwear can be worn from the first day of fall until the last day of spring, making it the perfect investment piece and the simplest way to get your Parisian-girl style on. Make it more 2020 than Breakfast at Tiffany’s by pairing with light-wash denim in a relaxed fit and leaving your hair “I-woke-up-like-this” effortless.

      Which French-girl trends are you wearing this seasons? More

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      Harry Styles Is My Fall Fashion Inspiration—Here’s How I’m Copying His Most Popular Looks

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      Because I’m only going a few select places this fall, my wardrobe is shifting quite a bit, but probably not in the way you’d expect. The “trendiness” of my fashion sense has gone up about ten-fold. If I’m wearing an outfit anywhere, it’s going to be to the nine’s because what other excuse do I have to dress?! I’ve pretty much always dressed with the season’s trends in mind, but I’ve taken it to another level in fall 2020. The icon I’m using for all of my inspiration this fall? Harry Edward Styles. 🥰Does anyone remember that tweet that was like, “Does Harry think we just like the music or does he know that we would actually die for him?” I relate to that a lot. While I obviously fantasize about our adorable children (Xander Styles … is that not the coolest name on Earth?) and the miraculous love life we’d have together, I also just am absolutely enamored with him in every facet. His music? Revolutionary. The fact that he’s socially-conscious and aware? A dream. His sense of humor? Pretty good; I’m still thinking about that Sara Lee skit almost a year later. I’ve never seen a single interview with Harry Styles that makes me be like, “Ah, this guy’s overhyped.” He presents himself in the best way, and that, obviously, includes his style.
      I was a One Direction stan in high school, and I still follow about 10 Harry Styles accounts on Twitter and Instagram just for updates about his whereabouts. But the best account I follow is the Harry Styles Fashion Archive, which shares his exact pieces and outfits. After scouring that account for about an hour on a Saturday morning a few weeks ago, I pinned hundreds of Harry-inspired looks on my Pinterest board to copy this year. In the name of sharing everything about me on the Internet, I’ve put together Harry’s key pieces to get the look, plus a few outfits of his I’m dying to recreate. Turn on “Woman” and gush over HS with me!

      Key Pieces
      There are a few key items you can add to your wardrobe if you want to Harry-fy it just a bit. There’s no need to go full Gucci model to get inspired by his style; instead, grab a few of these pieces and mix-and-match with your personal style to make it your own. Basically, “There’s a piece of you in how I dress” is about us. It’s our Harry Styles capsule wardrobe if you will. 

      Old Skool Sneaker

      If Harry’s wearing a sneaker, it’s usually these. Pair them with trousers, denim, leggings, and more to make any look more casual.

      Stella and Haas
      Band Ring

      Harry’s always wearing rings, usually one on every single finger. Layer up your rings in your metal of choice (Harry’s a silver guy, which I can appreciate).

      Rayon Long-Sleeve Blouse

      Harry absolutely loves to layer. He almost never just wears a sweater; he always pairs a button-down collared top underneath. This is a super simple way to upgrade your sweater collection with one simple piece.

      Chinese Laundry
      Finn Bootie

      For Harry’s more dressed-up looks, he’s almost always in leather or suede booties. These are a great heel height, so you can walk in them all day long.

      Alice&Wonder
      United We Vote Tee

      Harry is a graphic tee fiend, and I’ll bet he has a few great voting tees in his closet as we speak. Not only is Harry Styles a talented musician, a lovely-looking person, and a great actor (we’ve all seen “Dunkirk,” right?), but he’s a huge supporter and ally of the LGBTQ+ community and Black Lives Matter. I have a feeling Harry wants us all to vote in 2020—even if he’s not a U.S. citizen.

      Wide-Leg Twill Pants

      You’ll be hard-pressed to find a picture of Harry in a skinny pant since 2018. He lives and breathes wide-leg and flare trousers and jeans, especially when they have a pattern like these plaid ones. If the wide-leg scares you, wear these with a bodysuit to keep your shape.

      LaPierre Cosmetics
      Nail Lacquer

      Harry always has manicured nails, usually in a fun, bright shade (or multiple—he loves rainbow nails!). His nails usually ever-so-slightly match a point in the outfit or the color scheme.

      Sam Edelman
      Notched Collar Wool Blend Coat

      In the fall and winter, Harry always dresses up his looks with a wool coat, often in camel or black. You’ll wear this to death, so we recommend investing if you can!

      Knit Sweater

      You’ll always see Harry in bright sweaters (like the green below!), especially in situations where he can color-block, a major fall trend. But if you’re not quite ready to wear something bright, this sweater also comes in a gorgeous beige I could also see Harry wearing. It’s all in the preppy details.

      Copy His Outfits

      wide-leg pants / green sweater / sneakers / pearl necklace
      The second I saw this outfit, I wanted to compile every piece and wear it myself. This is certainly the most “out there” look on this list, but that’s why I love it. Harry isn’t afraid of mixing colors and styles that seem counterintuitive. The hardest item to source was a sweater—Harry loves his graphic sweaters, but of course, they’re all astronomically priced—but I quickly found a green option that would work just as well. I love how the pearl necklace (a staple in Harry’s closet the last year or so) and trousers dress up this bright sweater and sneakers combo.
      If this outfit was a Harry song, it’d be: “Sunflower, Vol. 6”
       

      black skinny jeans / leopard button-up / gold ring / ankle boots / canvas tote
      This is a classic Harry look circa 2015. At the tail end of One Direction (gone, but never forgotten), Harry sported a version of this look basically every single day: button-up, black skinny jeans, and ankle boots. And even in 2015, I was furiously pinning it to my Pinterest style board. He’s found a way to make even basics look chic, typically by adding a cool bag (I think he’d appreciate this one from Etsy), lots of rings, and unbuttoning the top just enough to see his glorious tattoos.
      If this outfit was a Harry song, it’d be: “Sign of the Times”
       

      black trousers (plus-size option) / organza top (option 2) (plus-size) / black heels / pearl earrings / nail polish
      When I imagined this article, this wasn’t a look that immediately came to mind, but as I kept staring it, I realized this is actually quite an easy outfit to put-together for normal life, just with an added HS flair. Whether you’re going to a wedding this fall (don’t forget your mask!), happy hour on a patio, or just having a pretend girls’ night, this outfit should be top of mind. Tuck the top into the trousers to give the illusion that you’re wearing a jumpsuit, and don’t forget the classic Harry manicure—it truly completes the look.
      If this outfit was a Harry song, it’d be: “Lights Up”
       

      button-up / sweater vest / trousers (plus-size option) / loafers / sunglasses
      I went into our office twice this week, and somehow, I managed to wear a sweater vest both days. I can’t quit. I never thought I’d be so into the preppy style, but staring at photo after photo of Harry Styles absolutely rocking them has convinced me that it’s a must-have. Harry has made this his uniform lately, pairing it atop a button-up with wide-leg trousers and loafers. For a little extra ‘70s the HS way, add big, square sunglasses. Watermelon sugar hiiiiigh.
      If this outfit was a Harry song, it’d be: “Adore You”

      graphic tee / shacket / flare jeans (plus-size + budget-friendly option) / sneakers / cherry earrings
      Harry’s collection of graphic tees make me gasp every time. I love every single one, from the Christopher Kane “Sex” T-shirt (and pajama top!) he wore on SNL to the “But Daddy I Love Him” shirt he was seen wearing in NYC (the same weekend I was there—not saying it’s a conspiracy or anything, but …) to his very own merch while performing with Lizzo (game recognize game), he has mastered the art of the graphic tee, something I cannot say for myself. I love how he dresses them up and makes them look even cooler with plaid jackets and blazers, plus some extra pizazz whether it’s his jewelry, a fun nail design, or a statement pant. For this inspo, I’m head-over-heels for these cherry earrings—they’re handmade in Argentina by artisans using natural materials like glass, metals, and resin. Definitely Harry-approved. 
      If this outfit was a Harry song, it’d be: “Cherry” (duh!) 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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      20 Fall Basics That Just Went on Sale at Nordstrom

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      Nordstrom just surprised us with another sale, and you know what? I’m here for it, even though my bank account might say otherwise. And don’t worry: this sale is not an end-of-season one with all summer items. There are a ton of awesome sweaters, comfy clothes, booties, mules, and accessories (otherwise known as all of my favorite things) marked down up to 40 percent off.So if you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect cozy sweater or to-die-for pair of snakeskin boots to round out your closet this season (I know I have), now is your time! Even though we might not be wearing our favorite outfits out to bars and restaurants like we normally would, getting dressed in a cute outfit is a serious mood booster. I don’t know about you, but that little serotonin boost when I know a package of something I truly love is on its way to me is one of the little things really getting me through the insane year that is 2020.
      Check out all of our favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories on sale at Nordstrom right now:  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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      Best Dressed Guest: 30+ Dresses and Masks to Wear to a Fall Wedding

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

      Masks More

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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