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      Two Editors Share Their Unfiltered Thoughts on Fenty Skin

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      There are constant new releases in the beauty world. We’re all well aware of “fast fashion,” but “fast beauty” is quickly becoming a new discussion to be had. There are new trends, new palettes, new products, new innovations, new brands, and more—but we’d be lying if we didn’t say we were at least a little bit intrigued for some of them.The first on that list last month was Fenty Skin, Rihanna’s highly sought-after take on skincare following her renowned makeup line, Fenty Beauty. Rihanna launched her line in August 2020 with three products: a cleanser, a toner/serum hybrid, and a moisturizer with SPF. Two of our editors decided to test the products and share their honest thoughts on the line.
      But first, some need-to-know information: Fenty Skin offers free U.S. shipping and free returns up to 60 days after your package is shipped, so if you purchase something and don’t love it (as one of our editors did!), you can easily return with zero added stress. This is genius and makes it so easy to try a product without fear that you’re going to waste your money if you don’t love it. Fenty Skin is also clean, vegan, cruelty-free, and the products are made with sustainability in mind, as the Hydra Visor Moisturizer comes in refillable packaging. Fenty Skin also supports Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting education, health, and emergency response all over the world.

      What We Tried

      Let me start by saying: I am a GIANT Rihanna fan. I’ve been a card-carrying member of Rih Rih’s Navy since about 2007, and I have all the albums and concert ticket stubs to prove it. And since I am already obsessed with Rihanna’s makeup line, Fenty Beauty, it seemed only fitting to try out her new Fenty Skin line, too. Spoiler Alert: it was a great decision.
      I was thrilled when the package arrived—partly because everything to do with Rihanna makes me happy, but also because I loved the packaging. It was such a beautiful design, and once I learned that everything was Earth-conscious, I was even more impressed. All the boxes my products were shipped in were fully recyclable and had no excess packaging.
      The Fenty Skin crew used recycled material in most of the bottles, tubes, and jars. And they even incorporated a refillable system on some items. I can’t stress enough how happy all of this made me. I already loved Rihanna, but when I read her quote on the website— “Nobody is perfect, but I really believe we can try our best to do right and we’ll keep evolving as we go”—I felt fulfilled in a way that stretched beyond skincare.
      OK, on to the products. Before I tried anything, I of course watched Rihanna’s skincare routine tutorials on YouTube. Mostly because I love watching Rihanna talk about stuff, but also because I wanted to be sure to use the products correctly. For someone who loves to play in makeup, I unfortunately have not developed a regular skincare routine, so some of this was new for me.
      After watching Rihanna’s video, I felt confident and ready to go. I must say… nothing was as easy for me as it was for Rihanna! (Which makes sense.) Still, the products were all easy to use, mostly due to the design and packaging of each of the bottles. I loved the ability to easily twist open each tube and get to the product using only one hand. This really made things simple while washing my face in the shower.
      As a person who is always on-the-go (mostly from Zoom to Zoom these days, but still), I really appreciated the thought that went into making these products multifunctional and efficient. Each of the products I tried out served two functions. First was the Total Cleans’r, which was not only a facial cleanser, but also a makeup remover. I used this cleanser right after a hard workout when I was super sweaty, dirty, grimy, etc. It cleaned my face very well, getting rid of all the dirt and grime. I didn’t even wipe my sweat off first! I especially enjoyed using this product in the mornings, because it would wake my face up, leaving it feeling refreshed, soft, and clear.
      I will say, though, that when I tried this cleanser to remove a full face of makeup, I had to use it a couple times and work a bit harder to get everything removed. There were some areas that were tricky to get to without the ease/mobility of a makeup wipe, for example. Still, I felt this product did a good job of cleaning my face and turning it into a blank slate for whatever was coming next.
      And what came next was probably my favorite product in the bunch: Fat Water. I loved the unique texture of this Pore-Refining Toner Serum, which was liquidy but also kind of soft—almost like a thinned-out gel. Looking at it, I thought it would be sticky, but it was not sticky at all. On to what’s really important: I loved the way my skin looked after using this product! I will say that I did not have the “instantly absorbed” experience that Rihanna described in her video, but the more I tried it, the closer I got to finding the exact amount to use and absorb relatively easily into my skin. And even after just a week of using the product, I noticed subtle changes in my usual dark spots. My face was bright and smooth after each use without feeling dried out. I’ve used several products that make my face feel tight, but this one was the opposite!
      Finally, I tried the Hydra Vizor Moisturizer, which is also an SPF 30 Sunscreen. This was a very cool product and will likely work well for anyone who is looking to both moisturize their skin but also be prepared for the possibility of being exposed to sunlight throughout the day. This product did have more fragrance than the others, which I think was probably to mask the sunscreen smell. (Because who likes walking around smelling like sunscreen all day?). I absolutely did not get this feel when using this product. I was also very excited about the fact that this product was made intentionally to complement different skin types, complexions, etc. In her tutorial, Rihanna specifically talked about how she didn’t get any white “cast” when using this product… well, unfortunately, I did. But it went away after I rubbed it in well. After some time, the shine turned into “moisturized.” You could maybe even call it the Rihanna glow…
      When using all three products, my face felt light, hydrated, and ridiculously soft. I had a Zoom date with a friend after my skincare routine one day, and she complimented my skin, describing it as “dewy.” I wasn’t quite sure what it meant, but I attributed it to the glow. I also liked using these products before bed, because it wasn’t too long of a process; plus, after using the products at night, my skin felt delightfully soft and smooth in the morning.

      Overall, I loved these products! As a busy mom, wife, writer, PhD candidate, AND nonprofit director, I appreciated the functionality. And as someone who—unfortunately—does not have a standing skincare routine, these products were easy to use, and the routine was fast to figure out. For people with a standing skincare routine, this might even seem “too easy.” For me, that was a big plus. I used these products as a part of my morning routine and it only added an additional 10 minutes, if that. And my face was primed and ready to go if I decided to then put on makeup—which, by the way, my makeup looked awesome going on after using Fenty Skin! Since I don’t spend much time in the sun these days, I might do without the moisturizer, but otherwise, I definitely plan to continue using these products. They gave me a confidence and glow that made me feel ready to join Rihanna on the yacht for the afternoon.
      Seriously, Rihanna… I’m ready to join you on the yacht. Have your people call my people. 

      Rihanna needs no introduction, but my absolute obsession with her might. I’ve loved her since I first heard “Don’t Stop the Music”—or was it “Shut Up and Drive?”—but her music is honestly secondary to my affinity for her. I am not being dramatic when I say this, but I would do just about anything for Rihanna. I have a print of Rihanna on my living room wall, I wrote my first-ever beauty story for The Everygirl about her (baby me!), and I place in the top category of women I aspire to be in life. She’s fun, hilarious, smart, strong, and kind to boot—and we haven’t even discussed her ever-popular beauty line yet. Fenty Beauty is at the helm of the beauty industry for me. From her iconic foundation launch to the Cheeks Out blush and bronzer collection that practically broke the Sephora website a few months ago to the mascara I refuse to ever live without, her beauty brand has become one of the biggest names in the industry. 
      A natural next step had to be skincare. With the “skin first” approach taking over from heavy, matte foundations in the last few years, it makes sense that Rihanna would want to promote healthy, hydrated, protected skin before applying your makeup. I was elated to try her brand the second I heard it was launching. I love her makeup, so of course, I’ll love her skincare. The response wasn’t exactly that simple. 
      The first thing I need to discuss is the scent. Rihanna says the product only contains 1 percent fragrance, but that 1 percent is as strong as all hell. If fragrance in beauty products upsets your skin, you will not like this. I noticed that the scent is actually ever-so-slightly different in each product. The cleanser and toner have the most, and the scent is very vanilla. Think Warm Vanilla Sugar by Bath and Body Works. The moisturizer/SPF is a little less vanilla-y and more “beauty product” to me, and the scent isn’t as strong; however, it stayed on my skin for HOURS. When I use that moisturizer, it’s like I’m wearing a really distinct perfume for hours. As I type this, I can smell that moisturizer on my skin. So, take this as a caution that if you hate scented products—these are a doozy. 
      First up, the cleanser. This is a really thick cream consistency that lathers up A LOT when you add water. If I’m being completely honest, it feels like you’re rubbing a Bath and Body Works Shower Gel all over your face. The cream is so thick that it feels good going on your face, and you’d think it’d be quite hydrating, but my face felt so dry once I rinsed it off. This is definitely my least favorite product in the line. If you’re looking for a great, cream cleanser that hydrates your skin and doesn’t leave it feeling tight, our editors (including me!) swear by CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser. 
      The Fat Water Toner/Serum Hybrid was the first product I picked up. The name intrigued me (I mean, come on, “Fat Water”? Genius), and I liked the idea that it was both a toner and a serum, eliminating one step from my skincare routine. Upon first impression, I loved the texture. It’s truly a hybrid; it has a water-y consistency that thickens up into a serum on your face. I squeeze a little bit into the palm of my hand and pat into my skin. I really enjoyed this product, but the scent is so overpowering that it infringed upon my joy of using it. I also didn’t notice it doing really anything that it said. This product is supposed to refine pores and reduce dark spots, and I noticed none of that. Did it make my skin look absolutely atrocious? No, but it didn’t really do much. I actually noticed my pores were quite clogged, as pictured here (shoutout to my iPhone camera quality for capturing my skin at this gorgeous level): 

      After a few uses though, I noticed the Fat Water was breaking me out. I started getting little bumps under my eyes that I’ve never gotten before, and little pustules (arguably the worst word in the English language) all over my forehead. Once I stopped using this product, they went away. I was a little bummed because I enjoyed the way it made my skin look when I used it in the morning. Unlike many reviews, the witch hazel in the product didn’t make my skin feel dry; it actually did quite the opposite. 

      I won’t lie and say this was the “worst” my skin has ever looked, but I had a lot more redness and little acne spots than normal. 

      The last product I tried was actually my favorite of the trio: the Hydra Visor Moisturizer. I’m always on the search for a nice moisturizer to use in the morning before SPF and makeup, and this fit the bill quite well! This has a lightweight consistency that blends into the skin easily. I don’t feel like I have to rub it into my skin with intense vigor to get it to soak in, which is a plus for a product with SPF in it. I also love the glow it gives to my skin; it lasts all day long under my makeup, almost enough to barely need highlighter (LOL, but of course I still add it). 

      I brought this to the lake last weekend, and my friend who has pretty fair skin tried it, and she had to apply something a little thicker by midday because it wasn’t protecting her against a sunburn. So, don’t go into this thinking it’ll be your savior against a hot summer day in the sun; the sun protection is just enough for sitting next to my window or going for a walk.
      As for the trio, I think they work well together, but I wouldn’t repurchase unless Fenty Skin decided to remove the fragrance down the line. It really hinders the experience; instead of focusing on good the products are for my skin, I’m thinking about when I slathered my body in Warm Vanilla Sugar body butter before the Jonas Brothers concert in eighth grade thinking one of them would fall in love with me as I sat in the 300 section of a gigantic arena. When I use all three products, I do certainly feel like a glowy goddess, but it doesn’t make up for the fragrance and the way my skin has responded to them.

      A completely makeup-free selfie after I used all three products back-to-back. If this glowy look is selling you anything, it should 100 percent the moisturizer because all the glow on my face is coming from that—if you can handle the scent, it’s a winner! More

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      The $10 Foundation That Replaced My High-End Ones

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      Of my guiltiest of guilty pleasures, the top two are 1. watching reruns of Dance Moms and 2. spending money on expensive makeup that I don’t need.Since the years that the only money I had to spend was cash I made from babysitting my neighbors’ kids, I relished walking into a Sephora and buying something new to put on my face the second I got home. And the thing I’ve always loved to buy the most? Foundations.
      I have been a high-end foundation addict for years and years. I’m a consumerism sucker, and every time a new one is released that sounds like something I’d like, I convince myself that it will change my life and make me look a goddess. Inevitably, I usually like them, get sick of them, and then repeat the cycle again a couple of months later. The things I look for in a foundation are dewy coverage that helps my dry skin appear more hydrated (and that doesn’t stick to any dry spots), a light-medium coverage, and wear that stays looking natural all day. My all-time holy grail is the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, and my winner of 2020 thus far has been the Bite Beauty Changemaker Supercharged Micellar Foundation (I wear the shades “Figi” and “L40,” respectively).
      Quarantine has made me consume endless beauty videos on YouTube, which is how I stumbled upon my newest obsession. I was watching one of my favorite YouTuber’s (and fellow Chicagoan), Dacey Cash‘s videos when she mentioned a new drugstore foundation that she said was one of her favorites of the year. The year! She put it on as she explained that it keeps her skin looking skin-like, but in a way that she just got a facial, and when I saw her glowing, glorious complexion when she was done, I knew I needed it.

      L’Oreal’s Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation is described as “a carefully formulated foundation for mature skin, made with vitamin B3 and hydrating serum. It provides lightweight coverage while also being suitable for sensitive skin.” Granted, I don’t have mature skin, but every other part of the description hits the nail on the head for me: hydrating, lightweight, and suited for sensitive skin.
      I ran to a few stores around me trying to find it, and after I couldn’t find it anywhere in Chicago, ordered a bottle on Amazon and waited two painstakingly long days for my Prime order to arrive—but when it did, my foundation world turned upside down.

      Here I’m wearing the shade “Golden Vanilla”

      This foundation comes out of the tube in a watery, serum-like texture. I applied it to my face with a damp sponge, and it melted into my skin and left a radiant, dewy finish that had evened out all my imperfections but looked like skin. The foundation wasn’t detectable at all, but also managed to perfect any blemishes and redness I wanted to cover—like magic. It also stayed in place all day long—even after multiple mask-clad dog walks.
      I keep my favorite foundations on top of my vanity, and whatever I reach toward every day is truly instinctively what I like the most—and every time I’ve done my makeup since I got this foundation, it’s the one I find myself reaching for (over foundations I have that are 5x the price). Both on days that I’m just working from home and want to look put-together and days where I’m leaving the house and wearing real clothes, I’m able to use this foundation to get the skin I want. It can be built up while remaining lightweight and undetectable and leaves your skin looking like your real skin 100 percent of the time. It’s—dare I say—my perfect foundation, and after having it for going on two months, I haven’t felt the need to explore anything new. After my endless searching, I found a foundation that I actually feel committed to, and lo and behold, it costs less than what I spend getting lunch delivered.  More

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      This New Probiotic Skincare Completely Transformed Our Skin

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      Some people love to talk about books; some are obsessed with sharing their favorite playlists; others have a favorite recipe to hand out at all times. But if you asked our three editors—Beth, Bianca, and Maddie—beauty is our thing. We love to dish out our favorite products, talk about trends, give recommendations (and take them just as much—often from each other), and try new things. And one of the most common amongst us is skincare. All three of us have different skin types and concerns, from acne-prone to sensitive to oily, but we all have a few common goals in our skincare: it has to be clean, cruelty-free, at least somewhat affordable, and easy to use. So when we saw Beekman 1802 launch at Ulta, it was a clear fit. Our three beauty-obsessed editors gave Beekman 1802’s probiotic skincare line a try to see how it fit into our daily skincare—and these products have become new staples in all of our routines. Read on for our favorite products, how they’ve transformed our skin, and why we all can’t stop recommending this line.

      WHAT WE TRIED
      available at ULTA Beauty

      I was one of the first girls in my class to get boobs, just as I was the first to start getting acne. My hormones have always been a little wacko—thanks, endometriosis!—but I’ve had a hard time finding the right skincare routine for me. I’ve tried expensive creams, recommendations from dermatologists, and every drugstore favorite you’ll ever see, and while some worked and some didn’t, I had the hardest time creating a routine. I’d try a cleanser, get excited about it for a few weeks, and then be over it and try something else. (Not to mention, I had a major issue with drinking a little too much and falling asleep with my makeup on—I know, you have permission to take my beauty-lover license.) 
      Then, the world imploded, and I had nothing to do every night but figure out my skin. I finally had enough of breakouts, dry cheeks, an oily T-zone, and blackheads beyond abandon. So, I hopped on a call with my dermatologist and created a routine that I knew I could stick to. After months of this, I was really excited to add some new products in. I write about beauty products for a living—it’s not feasible for me to use the exact same products every single day and not try anything new. When Beekman 1802 launched at Ulta, it sounded like the perfect fit.
      It can be frightening to add new products to your routine, but I was thrilled to try Beekman 1802 because their products are Clinically Kind—meaning they’re clean, safe, and cruelty-free so you can enjoy good skin without worrying about what’s in your products. I get nervous that a new product will disrupt the rest of my routine or will break me out, but these are filled with probiotic ingredients that help balance your skin’s microbiome (the community of both good and bad bacteria).
      Out of the line, I’ve identified three hero products that have completely transformed my skincare routine. In the morning, my main focus is on hydration. I wear lots of makeup, so I like to make my skin look as good as possible first so my makeup goes on evenly and smoothly. 
      My #1 product in the lineup is the Bloom Cream Probiotic Moisturizer. It’s made with a triple-milk complex (a core ingredient in all of Beekman 1802’s products) that hydrates and soothes irritated, sensitive skin. Whether you were born with rosy red cheeks or love to use retinol or acids (me me me), many of us have sensitive, reactive skin every now and then that needs a little extra something to calm down redness and balance the skin. Bloom Cream is also formulated with Epsom salts, aloe leaf extract, chamomile flower extract, and cucumber extract—all ingredients that are known to calm irritated skin. I use this product before SPF every morning, and I’ve noticed a major difference in how radiant my skin looks and how soft and smooth it feels all day. I’ve actually been skipping foundation lately because my skin already looks healthy and radiant thanks to this product. 

      no makeup, just Bloom Cream 😍

      My acne-prone skin really needs a salicylic acid wash in the evening, but I like something that will gently remove any acids or oils from the night before without drying out my skin in the morning. The Milk Wash Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser has become my absolute new favorite. I love the texture; it comes out like a jelly, but as you rub it into your skin with a little bit of water, it turns into a milky consistency that leaves your skin ulta-hydrated. This is the first cleanser I’ve ever tried that makes my skin feel soft and hydrated after I use it with absolutely no tightness, but my combination skin also loves that it contains a few acids to gently exfoliate. Made with lactic acid (a great natural acid gentle for all skin types), glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and malic acid, this cleanser combines a light exfoliation with goat milk (a cornerstone of all of Beekman 1802’s products) and milk probiotics to soothe tired, irritated skin in the morning. I’ve also tried it in the evening and loved it too; it’s great at removing any excess makeup after I use an oil-cleanser. But I love how soft and supple my skin feels when I use it with the Bloom Cream in the mornings. 
      Like I’ve said too many times to count, I’m known to cover my face in makeup: glitter, eyeshadow, blush, bronzer—the whole nine yards. So at night, I focus on deeply cleansing my skin to make sure I’m not going to sleep with any makeup on. This has had the biggest impact on my skin, especially breakouts. Right now, Beekman 1802’s Buttermilk Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is my go-to. I love a cleansing balm—it’s perfect for taking off waterproof mascara, bright eyeshadows, liquid lipsticks, blush stains, and my favorite this summer, all that sunscreen you applied all day. But this one is special in my routine because it uses all of those same ingredients I love in the Bloom Cream—aloe leaf extract, chamomile flower extract, and cucumber extract, goat milk, and milk probiotics—to calm sensitive skin, which I love at bedtime. The other great thing about this product is that it never gets stuck in my eyelashes or gives me cloudy vision—if you know, you know.

      I like to think of skincare as my thing. Ask me about a specific ingredient, and I can give you a product recommendation. Ask me about a face mask that does just what it claims it will, I’ve got you. Though I like to think I’m pretty well-versed on skincare, my skin is far from perfect. For everything from my hormonal breakouts to the hyperpigmentation aftermath, I’m always trying new things and learning about new and cleaner ingredients (and just trying to have a good skin day at least once a week.)
      I typically like to keep my tried-and-true products in rotation with little deviation from my routine, because the moment I add anything new, my skin will give me a visible, “Now, why did you do that?” With my negative experiences at the forefront of my mind, I was a little nervous about Beekman 1802. However, as I looked into their mission and ingredients, I felt a little less apprehensive. One of Beekman 1802’s key ingredients is goat milk. Now, if someone had told me I was going to be using milk from a goat on my face, I would have given them a firm side-eye. But here we are.   
      Since goat milk is rich in fatty acids and high in vitamin A, your skin is in excellent, moisturizing, exfoliating hands. Probiotic skincare can also be beneficial for those with skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. When it was time for me to give this a try, my skin was going through one of its breakout moments. I still can’t pin down what caused it. However, one thing I know that my irritated, breakout-prone skin always benefits from moisture. With my skincare history in mind, I switched out my foaming cleanser for a jelly cleanser I know calms my skin. Then, I added the Beekman 1802 Milk Foam Calming Bubble Mask to my routine.
      I learned from a dermatologist that you should never throw out your entire skin routine and start with something new. Instead, it’s best to add one new product at a time to ensure your skin doesn’t react negatively to that new product. On the off chance that your skin doesn’t mesh with the new product, you’ll know what the culprit is and can eliminate it. I applied a couple of pumps of the bubble mask to my skin. My experience was sensory overload in the best way.

      As the foam started to show up on my skin, I could feel the sensation too. We all love a fun mask, right? I left it on for 20 minutes, rinsed it away, and followed up with the Milk Drops. Like I said before, I am usually leary about trying new skincare products. But again, the ingredients sold me. Ceramides? Check. Squalane? We love to see it. Hyaluronic acid? Please and thank you. These are the trifecta of ingredients the skin needs to keep the skin barrier protected, hydrated, and plump. 
      I used the dropper to pinch a few drops of product on to my skin and patted it gently. What I liked about this product is how nice it played with my vitamin C serum and tinted moisturizer. The drops didn’t cause any peeling, which I was honestly expecting. The other plus was neither of these products caused any new breakouts. My skin also felt less irritated and looked healthy, even though I was dealing with an active breakout.
      I can’t say these new products gave me perfect skin after adding them to my routine, but what I can say for sure is the calming face mask and milk drops helped my skin start to look and feel like itself again because of the gentle, calming ingredients. I suggest those with sensitive, reactive skin give Beekman 1802 products a try, because it’s nice to reach for a calming product at the first sign of irritation without fear of making matters worse. 

      Over the past few years, my skin and I have been on quite the journey. I’ve never really struggled with acne, but I’ve dealt with just about everything that comes with having ultra-sensitive skin: redness, endless dryness, and what feels like constant irritation.
      But sensitivity aside, my biggest skin concern is my struggle with perioral dermatitis, a rash that I get around my mouth for a reason I’ve yet to figure out. Long story short, perioral dermatitis can be inflamed by just about anything, so I have to be very, very careful about the products I use. Striking a balance between effective skincare that doesn’t irritate my skin can be a struggle—but that’s where Beekman 1802 comes in. 
      Adding new products into my routine can be scary for me, since more often than not, knowing what’s going to irritate my skin versus what isn’t is a shot in the dark. But once I heard about Beekman 1802’s Clinically Kind™ products, I knew the formulas would be safe for someone with skin like mine. Since my skin is so dry and prone to rash flare-ups, one of the things I prioritize most in my skincare is making sure my skin’s natural barrier isn’t compromised in any way (something that can happen from use of acids and harsh active ingredients). Beekman 1802’s products are transformative without stripping my skin like other products do, and have left me with my healthiest-looking skin to date.

      The best product I’ve tried for my skin in 2020 is the Milk Drops Probiotic Ceramide Serum. Milk Drops are packed with ceramides, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and plant enzymes to invigorate dull skin. Usually I’m so preoccupied with avoiding irritating my skin that anything beyond that is a bonus to me, but the Milk Drops have completely transformed my skin for the better. They have helped my skin’s hydration deeper than the surface—my skin feels healthy from the inside out, rather than like I just have a product sitting on top of it. My skin’s overall appearance has gone from dull to radiant, and the Milk Drops actually soothe any irritation—something I’ve found extremely hard to find in a product. 
      The hardest part of my skin’s irritation is that I struggle to find products that actually help it—I’ve always just waited out flare-ups with a bare-minimum skincare routine until it passes. Beekman 1802’s Milk Foam Bubble Calming Mask is a soothing mask that’s meant to calm and cool redness—an absolute dream for someone like me. The first time I used this mask, I was quite literally speechless. After I put it on, it bubbled up into an airy, foamy texture, and when I rinsed it off 20 minutes later, there was a noticeable difference. All sights of redness had diminished, and my skin felt soft and hydrated and calm—three words I normally would never use to describe it. This has quickly become a skincare staple for me; I’ve been using it three times a week, and it’s helped me avoid any major skin disasters. I no longer feel like I need to fear my skin or risk irritation to make a noticeable change in it.

      This post is sponsored by Beekman 1802, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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      August 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!

      The Ordinary
      Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

      Ladies and gents, I’ve done it: I’ve finally found the toner of my dreams. I use it every morning and night after cleansing/before my serums. It feels cooling and gentle but packs a punch for mildly exfoliating, moisturizing, and improving my skin’s texture. I’m a huge fan and will most definitely be buying again! Also, it’s incredibly affordable which makes repurchasing a no-brainer for me.

      Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

      When Briogeo first launched at Sephora, I snagged a mini set of their two cult-favorite products: this deep conditioner and their scalp scrub. I used both of them up and bought this full-size before I even finished the mini. I’ve now had this for almost two years and just finally finished it (AKA if the price freaks you out, trust me: it lasts FOREVER). I have fine, thin, short-to-medium length hair that has never benefitted from a deep conditioner. Everything is too thick and goopy, causing my hair to look greasy and heavy (and I’m not talking normal greasy—I’m talking my ends look like they did when I was 11 and didn’t know how to properly remove conditioner from my hair in the shower). This changed everything (I know, a little dramatic, but hear me out). I use this once a week all through my hair for about 10 minutes, and it leaves my hair soft and hydrated without any oil build-up. My hair feels stronger when I’m using this. I am a sucker for new things, so my plan is to try their new Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado and Kiwi Hair Mask next. But if I don’t love that one, I will definitely go back to this.

      Glow Maker Serum

      I have a few products in my life that I’m utterly obsessed with and will always talk about on The Everygirl: my Elysium Naturals Body Butter, Milk Makeup Kush Mascara, and now this vitamin C serum. I wrote an entire review of this product a few months ago, but I’ll give you a short gist of why I love it and why I immediately repurchased when I even got close to the bottom. Once I finally started getting my acne under control, I went pretty hard trying to get rid of my scarring, and I saw this was a cult-favorite on Reddit. I immediately noticed my skin looked glowy and plump, which was enough to make me not even care if it did anything for my acne scars because my skin already looked so good. But as I continued using it every single day with my sunscreen, I really started seeing a difference. My scars aren’t completely gone, but they’re fading, and any time I get a new spot, the scar is much less noticeable than before. It’s easy-peasy to use, and I love it so much that I’ve entirely built my morning skincare routine around it. No matter your skin type or skin concerns, you can benefit from having a vitamin C in your routine, and I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this one.

      Coconut Deodorant

      I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not all that keen on clean beauty. I wish I cared about it more, but I just don’t. Maybe when I’m older and mature and have my sh*t together. But for right now, I’ll take a few toxins here and there. However, I do have underarms that get irritated easily, especially from anything that contains baking soda. I have a hereditary skin condition called Hidradenitis Suppurativa (usually HS for short) with which I get painful bumps under the skin when my sweat glands get clogged or irritated (sexy!), and it can happen under my arms sometimes if I’m not being careful about the deodorant I use. I tried about three different kinds of baking soda-free deodorants before this one, and without a doubt, this is the best. It goes on clear and smooth and never burns (does this happen to anyone else?), and the best part: it lasts for hours and hours. I am absolutely petrified of smelling bad, and I never have to worry that sweat or B.O. will come through with this on. I’ve found that natural deodorants are a really personal choice, but if you’ve tried everything else and all have failed you, give this one a go.

      First Aid Beauty
      KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA

      I’ve had KP (Keratosis Pilaris) for as long as I can remember, and had tried way too many scrubs which never seemed to give me any tangible-enough results in reducing the redness and bumpiness on my skin. Then this baby walked into my life, and I was never the same. Real talk, the smell isn’t the greatest (I’m a Taurus—we’re hypersensitive to this stuff), but that is the LEAST of my concerns when a product works this well. I use it twice a week in the shower while I’m deep conditioning my hair, and scrub it on the back of my arms and sides of my legs (my main KP-affected spots). The consistency is almost like wet, gritty sand, and it honestly feels so satisfying to apply. After rinsing, the texture of my skin is baby-soft, and it actually sustains the moisture for days. Already repurchased!

      Nécessaire
      The Body Wash

      At first, the minimal-chic packaging was what caught my attention. Then, I read about how this body wash is made from plant-derived ingredients, scented using essential oils, and pH-balanced for our skin and went “yes, yes, come hither.” I gotta say, I absolutely loved the feel of this. It went on as a gel and lathered quite nicely, and gave me that squeaky-clean feeling I always crave from a successful shower without stripping my skin of any moisture. I also adored the fresh eucalyptus scent, which was light and subtle (NOTE: this also comes in bergamot, sandalwood, and unscented). My only qualm with this is that I wish there were more of it; I used it up in about a month and was really sad to squeeze out the final few drops! Will I be repurchasing? Definitely—but I’ll wait for the cooler months when I’m not showering multiple times a day.

      Immersion Serum Concentrate

      KLUR’s Immersion Serum Concentrate is one of the best hydrating serums I’ve tried. My sensitive skin drinks this up without any irritation. Not to mention it’s packed with good stuff like vitamins C, B5, and E to help brighten, hydrate, and protect the skin’s barrier.

      Paula’s Choice
      Hyaluronic Acid Booster

      My friend and I were recently talking about how now is the time to take better care of our skin, and she introduced me to Paula’s Choice. I love that their philosophy is smart, safe beauty, so the products are cruelty-free and non-irritating. I really don’t use a lot of skincare products but I’ve heard great things about hyaluronic acid, so I ordered the Booster to try it out. I love how my skin instantly feels so fresh and hydrated after I use it. The Booster has quickly became a part of my daily routine and I’ll definitely order it again!

      Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum

      I’ve tried a lot of Vitamin C serums in my day (gotta get that glow!), but no product has been as glow-worthy as this brightening serum from Versed. Not only is this product totally clean, cruelty-free, vegan, and good for just about any skin type, it’s loaded with ingredients like licorice root and vitamin B3 to brighten skin, reduce the appearance of discoloration, and prevent aging. Oh, and did I mention it’s under $20 and lasts for months? I saw effects immediately, even compared to the other vitamin C serums I have on my skincare shelf. You best believe I’ll be stocking up again (and won’t think twice about it since it’s so affordable!).

      ROSEN Skincare
      Rose Water Face Dew

      I never really got the hype about face mists—until I tried this one. ROSEN Skincare is my absolute favorite skincare brand—and with good reason. This mist leaves you with the most stunning glow (not to mention all-day moisture). It’s the perfect little pick-me-up in the middle of the day, or it works well to seal in the rest of your products at the end of your morning or evening skincare routine. (It’s currently available at Nordstrom, but it’s cheaper to buy it directly from ROSEN!)

      NatureWell
      Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Moisturizing Cream

      When I was younger, my mom always told me to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize, and let me tell you, ever since then I’ve been particular with my moisturizers. I was always a die-hard Cetaphil girl (still am at night time) but those mornings that I’m craving a glowing, moisturized face with the divine smell of coconut I use this. I tend to use it in the mornings after I rinse off my face and sometimes my body if I’m feeling it. The best part is that it keeps me moisturized all day long with no oily feeling on my face, it lasts me MONTHS and I usually buy one every time I’m at Sam’s club because it ALWAYS sells out, but it’s also currently available at Walmart, Amazon, and The Vitamin Shoppe. I’m no Hyram (Tik Tok fans) but if you love coconut and you’re looking for a healthy, moisturized glow, you need this!

       

      Pacific Sunrise Ultra Hydrating Shea Sugar Scrub

      YouTube is usually where I find new products to try out, and after a skincare product roundup from one of my favorite YouTubers, I decided to give a new exfoliant a try: Tree Hut Pacific Sunrise Shea Sugar Scrub in Japanese Yuzu. I usually don’t exfoliate every day in the shower since most exfoliators are meant to be used sparingly on skin, but this scrub was safe to use on almost a daily basis, as the beads are small and not rough on sensitive areas of the body. This scrub is also thick enough to lather on very generously and rinse off without any residue, leaving you with more than enough product to last some time. This affordable scrub is now a part of my new daily shower regimen.

      Equilibria
      Mindful Mineral Soak

      If you’re like me, you’ve probably gone through quite a few quarantine phases. There was baking. There was a moment with excessive daily walks around the neighborhood. There was even a period where we really thought things would get back to normal and we’d all take $49 flights to Paris.
      Currently, I am soaking up (see what I did there?) the bubble bath period of quarantine. At the end of a long day, I love to light a candle, turn on a relaxing playlist, and unwind with Equilibria’s CBD bath salt. It smells fantastic and I have really noticed a difference compared to my other soaking tinctures. I find that I sleep better and feel more energized for my morning workout. Equilibria also has bath bombs, but I love the ability to control the amount with the salts.

      Living Proof
      Perfect Hair Day Shampoo

      I will sing this shampoo’s praises until I can’t anymore. I love it. I love it. I love it. I always buy the value size, which initially feels like a big investment but actually saves you quite a bit of money and lasts forever. Whenever Sephora has one of their seasonal sales, I try to snag a bottle so I can save even more. The formula doesn’t feel too heavy on my hair and adds just a touch of natural volume. I’m truly in a LTR with this shampoo.

      Living Proof
      Restore Repair Hair Mask

      While COVID kept me away from my favorite hairdresser, I found myself looking for a product that would help bring some luster and shine to my locks. A friend recommended this mask to me after it helped her completely revitalize her over-bleached mane. While I love Living Proof and saw the difference it made for my blonde friend, I don’t think it was worth the splurge for me. Because my hair wasn’t damaged, I didn’t benefit from it the same way she did.
      After finishing this, I realized that if shine was all I was after, I could go a much more budget-friendly route. I’m now using this Shea Butter Hair Mask for about 1/5th of the price and I am in love. Plus, my hair smells like the Hawaiian vacation I’m desperate to take.
      Moral of the story? If your hair is damaged and in need of serious repair, splurge on Living Proof. If you’re only looking for moisture and shine, save your hard-earned dollars and go drugstore.

      Texturizing Hair Spray

      This is another of my holy grail products I just can’t quit. It does the best work when you’re trying to revitalize day two hair. The formula absorbs oil and refreshes your ends, acting like a dry shampoo of sorts. The finished product is a tossled and voluminous texture while effortlessly holding your style. No stiff crinkly bits—just natural hold. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

      Juliette Has a Gun
      Not A Perfume Spray

      Full confession: I bought this because it was cool and trending. What can I say? I can’t resist being part of the conversation. But I never expected I would be forcing the cap off to get every last drop out. This not-a-perfume-but-is-a-perfume is cozy and faint; perfect for someone who doesn’t want an overpowering scent. I’ve already repurchased in the bigger size.

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

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      in beauty and fashion

      Our Editors Did a Massive Nordstrom Sale Try-On—Here Are Their Favorites

      by

      Hello, old friends. 
      If you’re new here, welcome! Maddie and I are both fashion-loving, outfit-planning, shopping-obsessed editors at The Everygirl, and based on our close friendship, similar height and style, but absolutely different sizes, we decided to show how clothes look on each of us to give you a better idea of fit, style, and quality. Pre-pandemic, we’d go to the same store and try on a bunch of similar and slightly different pieces. Well, that ended. Consider this Maddie and Beth Try On Clothes: WFH Edition, and this one is very special because every single thing is on sale. 
      Today, we’re tackling the 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. We’re sharing all the pieces we tried on: what we loved, what we didn’t, and what we’re thinking about purchasing ourselves (or already have!). Continue on for our thoughts!
      Maddie tried on a bunch of cute pieces safely in the Nordstrom store too!

      Maddie: When I tried this jacket on I immediately felt like a sweet little American Girl Doll in a way that I thoroughly enjoy. The colors are such an exciting alternative to my camel coat that I generally reach for, and it is so soft and warm and high-quality. It’s definitely something I wouldn’t ordinarily gravitate toward but that convinced me to love it the second I put it on.
      Please note my poor old dog getting blinded by the sun.

      Maddie: I, for whatever reason, falsely had it in my head that I didn’t like this fit of the cult classic Madewell jeans. I thought they were too rigid and constricting, so when I put them on expecting to hate them, I was quite surprised to find the opposite. These jeans fit me like a glove. They are soft and perfect and flattering and throughout my 2020 hunt for the perfect straight jean, can’t believe I wrote this off. I’d rank these as a “Top 3 of All-Time” jean for me. I couldn’t recommend enough.

      Beth: Say hello to my mismatched socks! You’ll see them through the rest of this try-on 🙂 Also, I put flowers in this vase the evening after I took these, so there’s that.
      I loved these jeans. I have loved the Classic Vintage jean since Maddie and I did our Madewell try-on a year ago, and I contemplate them every single time Madewell has a sale. I sent this picture to a few friends, and they all were like, “You absolutely have to buy them.” Welp, they sold out. I was still looking to invest in a good pair of jeans (last year, I got Good Americans, and as much as I loved them right at first, they ripped and lost their dye in the inner thigh from rubbing together way too soon for how $$$ they are). NYDJ are my mom’s favorite jeans, and I loved the straight leg fit and high-waist of these. I ordered on a whim, and we’ll see how they fit!

      Maddie: Clearly this coat made me excited! Something about a long, wool coat makes me feel like a socialite who embodies class, and the houndstooth pattern of this one exacerbated it. I love the print and the style, but this is a size small, and I have to disclaim was oddly tight on me in the torso-butt region—almost like it was a little too rigid for my taste. I would be curious to try a size up and see how it felt, but considering I am not at all well-endowed in the butt area, would be weary of the sizing on this one. Luckily, all sizes are still available, so you should be able to find your perfect fit.

      Beth: I was really excited to try this coat because I fell in love with the Avec Les Filles (I took two semesters of French, so yeah, I pronounced it correctly) star print coat last year in the sale (also this one that looks very Meghan Markle-esque). I really love that their XXL fits me, but it’s worth noting that XXL is not size-inclusive—this wouldn’t fit anyone over a size 20 I don’t think. It fit me well through the front, but it bunched up and did the same weird thing to my butt as it did to Maddie. I’d like my butt was too big for it, which I really, really want to believe is true, but I don’t think so, LOL. But that was only when it was buttoned, so if you planned to wear it open, it was all good for me!
      It’s a good statement piece, which I love in Chicago when all anyone can really see of me for months is my coat. It’s a way to show off that you’re stylish and trendy even though you’re wearing leggings and T-shirt underneath.

      Maddie: First, pardon my feet in this. Second and most importantly, this is one of Nordstrom’s most foolproof sale purchases. I got 2019’s version of it from the sale last year and have worn it to death since. A camel-colored suede moto jacket? You can’t go wrong, and for the price, it’s a low-risk investment piece. You can pair this bad boy with anything and it elevates it and makes you look like a million bucks. I’ve found that I love having this as an option as an alternate to my black leather jacket for days I don’t want to feel quite so badass. 

      Maddie: I’d like to think my eyes are so intense in this because I am thinking so deeply about my love for this blazer. When I previewed this year’s sale, this made it onto the top three items on my wish list. I had my eye on this all of last year and had almost bought it at full price, so I figured this was the universe telling me I did, in fact, need it. First, I need to speak on the quality of this. For a faux leather, it is incredibly buttery smooth and feels so luxurious, which you wouldn’t necessarily expect. The fit is also amazing—this is a size small, and it comes in more of a boyfriend fit, so you don’t need to worry about sizing up. I think this is such a fun piece to have in your wardrobe—it’s versatile and a little unexpected and is something you could get wear out of season after season. This is a small, and I maybe could have done an XS if I wanted to.

      I was a little apprehensive of this because in the past, even the XXL from BlankNYC is too small for me. This has a really great stretch, so it actually fit on me OK, but as you can see, there was no way I could ever get it buttoned. If you’re a size 14-16, this would work on you, but there was no getting this buttoned past my boobs.
      I got a leather trench last spring and love the look of it; it’s cool and trendy and just looks a little ~out of the box~, so I pictured myself falling in love with this. I did not, LOL. It just doesn’t look good on my body. I see it on the model, on Maddie, or even on the hanger, and I’m like, “Oh, that’s cool,” but on me it looks like a chubby girl trying to put her size 2 aunt’s old jacket on from the ‘70s. Which is normally a look I’m ready and willing to give the people, but this just looked blah. The quality feels amazing for a faux leather (some of the best I’ve ever seen), but I can’t lie that it just did not give me all the feelings I wanted it to.

      Beth: As you can see above, I’m having quite the tumultuous relationship with Good American right now. When I first tried their jeans and bodysuits, I was utterly obsessed. They fit my plus-size body like a glove. Hugged all the right places. I could tell they were made for plus-size people. But I had some quality issues with my jeans that made me think twice. So, I was unsure how I’d feel about this blazer. First of all, the quality is definitely there. I immediately noticed how lightweight it is. Although everyone gets freezing cold in their office space, I am often hot, especially during September and October when it’s not actually chilly yet. I could easily see myself wearing this with a bodysuit (like this one I paired it with here—from BP., and I’ve bought it in every other available color!) and not being too hot, but then pairing it with sweaters in the winter. 
      I will note that I also enjoy that this is still oversized even though it’s plus-size. I often see a lot of plus-size things not available in oversized options—IDK if it’s the old-adage that big things make us look bigger or what. But I love that GA is saying that it’s totally cool for plus-size women to get in on the boyfriend blazer trend (and they’re actually offering it in our size too!). I’m wearing this here in the size 6, but I definitely would purchase a size 5. (I like her oversized, but this is a little too much). Perhaps we’re on again.

      Maddie: These are—and I cannot emphasize this enough—the jeans of my absolute dreams. I am obsessed with them. I never want to take them off. As you can see in the Madewell jeans pictured above, straight jeans tend to veer on the side of skinny for me. But these? They are the first jeans I have ever put on that I feel look like how I want straight jeans to look on me. Combine it with the wash and the high rise and I truly would change nothing. Nothing! If you can, pick these up.
      I sized up one size in these, and considered sizing up even one more, so beware that they are quite stiff and do run a little small—but after wearing them a couple of times they have loosened a bit and fit perfectly to my body.
      Not available in the Nordstrom sale (will update if they come back in stock!), but they’re available on in a different wash at Nordstrom and Levi’s website in plus-size. 

      Beth: I have tried these on before, and each time I don’t love them. These fit me a little too tight in the stomach and butt region (gave me the dreaded gap in the back), and they attracted lint like no other jean I’ve ever felt in my life. They’re too long for my legs and don’t fit tight enough on my ankles for my liking in a skinny jean. If you’re really unbothered by jeans, these are great, and they’re a good price. But they’re just not for me. Instead, I would recommend these from Kut from the Kloth. The denim feels higher quality with a much better stretch. 
      When I saw this top on the hanger, I thought it looked fine, but I wasn’t overly-excited to try it on. I ended up really enjoying it! The detail on the sleeves makes it a little more interesting, and the fit was good. I’m an XXL at Madewell across the board, and this was no exception.

      Maddie: I never considered myself a long cardigan gal until we got stuck at home for five months straight and I found myself wishing I owned one. I’ll be honest, this isn’t exactly my style to wear to work or really anything outside of an apartment, but man oh man how I’d love to spend some fall days working from home in this. Combined with leggings and a tee it is the perfect way to feel like a normal person while staying away from anything uncomfortable. It’s kind of like being able to wear a giant, fuzzy blanket. This is a small and is ginormous, as Beth will touch on momentarily. Snatch it up.

      Beth: This is what Taylor Swift was talking about, y’all. I really loved this. This is a size large, and it is still MASSIVE on my size 18 body, so I think even more people could fit into this. It was super cozy, not itchy, and looked cute with leggings and jeans. This is what cozy, fall dreams are made of.

      Maddie: OK, here’s the thing: I know this sweater sold out basically immediately, but I still need to talk about it for various reasons. I have owned my Barefoot Dreams robe for two years. Two years later, it is in the same condition as the day that I got it and brings me joy every single time I put it on. It’s in one of those categories to me that I don’t splurge on much, but when I do, wonder why I don’t do it more often (like a bougie candle that makes me feel like a queen to light.) It is truly one of my favorite purchases of all time.
      That being said, it’s been on my mind for a while now to invest in a Barefoot Dreams cardigan, especially since we’re working from home now. I’m all about lounging in my robe, but sometimes it’s just a little too hot, and I envisioned a lighter, cardigan version to throw on every single day during chilly weather, and I couldn’t be more excited about this. Barefoot Dreams has other styles available during the sale, and I think they all would bring the same joy as this. You can see in this picture that it literally is like wrapping yourself in the softest cloud. I can’t wait until the temps drop and I can make this permanently mold to my body and sip hot coffee all winter long in it. If you’re debating if Barefoot Dreams pieces are worth it, I promise, they really, really are.

      Beth: I expected to fall in love with this, but the fit was very off. Barefoot Dreams size XL is a little too tight for my liking! It was still cute and comfortable, but it was just too tight to be comfortable and cozy for cold days. I did, however, pair it with my favorite leggings of all time: Spanx’s Faux Leather Leggings. I’ve expressed my love for these tenfold, but now that they’re on sale I’ll go over it again. As a plus-size gal, I really like my leggings to suck me in. Not for any of those dumb diet culture reasons, but because it feels the most comfortable to have compression on my body. Any plus-size readers feel the same? The leather-look on these makes them look like real pants even though they’re arguably the most comfortable in my closet. I’ve had my pair for two years now, and I have the ever-so-slightest tug in the inner thigh (from rubbing together with the vigor of a thousand burning suns), but I am planning to get them tailored for free with my Nordstrom card the next time I make it into a store. I’ve worn them with sweaters and booties on dates, with sweatshirts and sneakers for airplane OOTDs and movie nights with friends, with jackets—you name it. They’re the most versatile item in my wardrobe, and I had to give them a hearty shoutout in this story.

      Beth: OK … maybe I don’t hate this cardigan … 

      Peep me approximately 15 minutes after I finished this try-on still wearing it and chilling to the max. Over + out ✌🏼 More

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      in beauty and fashion

      I Look at Beauty Products All Day—These Are the Deals I’d Snag During the Nordstrom Sale

      by

      High-end beauty products rarely go on sale. To be honest, I think it adds to the allure; they’re less attainable and expensive and beautiful and obviously, my favorite thing on this very earth. But when they do go on sale, it’s often hard to sift through what’s actually good and what should probably stay miles away from your shopping cart. You might wonder, “Well, there has to be a reason this is on sale, right?!” Often, I’d agree with you, but the one exception is Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale.You’ve likely heard about it a million times by now, but the Nordstrom sale is filled with incredible beauty products, from makeup to body care to gadgets to skincare and more, and they’re all on a pretty hefty discount. Most of my day (honestly, during work and during my free time) is spent looking at, testing, researching, sourcing, and pining after beauty products. I have a pretty good handle on what’s out there, what has positive reviews, and what is absolutely worth your money. So, I did what any good editor does, and I sifted through every beauty product in the Nordstrom sale to see what was actually worth it. If I had an endless amount of money (er, an incredibly high Nordstrom credit card limit), these are what I’d pick up. Some of them I love so much I’d even recommend them at full price, and some are just a deal you can’t beat.

      Anastasia Beverly Hills
      Brow Bae-sics Kit

      If you’ve ever, IDK, been on the Internet, you’ll know that Anastasia Beverly Hills makes the best brow products. It’s what makeup artists and celebrities and everyone with good brows has in their arsenal. This deal is outrageous—at $45, you’re almost getting the brow gel totally free. If you’re a fan of these two products, this is a deal you can’t miss.

      Jumbo Creme de Corps Bottle with Pump

      Another deal you just cannot miss, this jumbo size moisturizer from Kiehl’s sells out every single year. It’s their best-selling body cream, known for being a lightweight, all-over body moisturizer that sinks in quickly and gives lasting hydration to the skin, in a jumbo size that will last you until next Anniversary Sale. If your skin is as dry as ever from the summer sun (and preparing to be even drier when the cold air comes in!), you’ll want a heavy-duty moisturizer like this in your collection.

      Full-Size Gold Lust Dry Shampoo & Dry Texturizing Spray Set

      I look at the Anniversary Sale as a time to invest in items at a lower price point than I would typically want to spend on something, and I love getting high-end beauty products on a major discount, like this set from Oribe. Quite possibly the sexiest dry shampoo and dry texture spray on the planet, these products have been at the top of my wishlist for years. With this set, you save over $30. If these have been on your wishlist too, now’s the time to try!

      Set of 5 Travel Size Limited Edition Scented Candles

      Nordstrom considers candles a beauty product, and so do I. Diptyque is not an inexpensive line, but your home looks 10x prettier when you have one of these candles in it (I don’t make the rules!). Instead of investing in one candle, this sampler lets you try all of their most popular scents (Feu de Bois will become your favorite fall scent!) for less than what you’d spend on one candle alone. This set is an Anniversary Sale exclusive, so don’t let this deal pass you by!

      Charlotte Tilbury
      Pillow Talk Lip Secrets Set

      Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk lipstick is the best-selling lipstick in the world for a reason, and if you’re going to splurge, why not snag the entire collection? I love this lip liner with my whole heart; it’s natural and easy, and it doesn’t rub off on the inside of my mask. And the lipstick and gloss, in the same gorgeous neutral-pink, are perfect to bring in your bag for when you need a pick-me-up (or you just have to touch-up after all that mask sweat).

      Midnight Blue SinglePass Curl 1.25-Inch Professional Ceramic Curling Iron

      If you’ve had your eye on a new hair tool, now’s the time to get it. T3’s products are expensive, but the quality is there. You’ll save over $50 picking this up in the sale, which is what ultimately put it on my personal wishlist! In one pass, you’ll have polished curls that last all day and never look frizzy—which is major if you’re like me and hate curling your hair and it falling in 30 minutes.

      Bobbi Brown
      Full Size Vitamin Enriched Face Base Duo

      UM, HELLO. DEAL ALERT. Two of these face primers for the price of one??? Add to cart immediately. This primer is impeccable for those with dry skin. It’s a mix between a moisturizer and a primer, so it soothes and hydrates your skin while gripping onto makeup. Grab one for yourself, and give the other to your BFF for the holidays!

      Living Proof
      Jumbo Size Perfect hair Day Set

      This is the set to beat all sets, everyone. Not only does it include our editors’ favorite dry shampoo of all time, but also two jumbo sizes of Living Proof’s best-selling shampoo and conditioner. You will never run out of this shampoo and conditioner, which is made for all hair types and adds weightless moisture to your hair without over-stripping. Our editors love this shampoo and conditioner to keep their hair fresh for as long as possible, and then topping it off with the dry shampoo for clean (looking!) hair for days and days.

      Dr. Dennis Gross
      Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel Set

      If you know anything about the skincare universe, you’ll have heard of these. It’s a daily peel system that uses AHA, BHA, and mandelic acids to exfoliate and renew the skin, plus an extra pad that immediately hydrates and nourishes. These are a favorite amongst makeup artists because they exfoliate and hydrate your skin in two simple steps, prepping it for a smooth makeup application. While they’re known for being great, they’re not known for their price. This set comes in at a whopping $252, but you save over $90 picking them up in the sale. This set includes a full-size of the peel pads, a travel-size package, and a travel-size cleanser from Dr. Dennis Gross.

      Cura Professional Digital Ionic Hair Dryer

      I recently got a T3 hair dryer, and it was the biggest upgrade from a drugstore one I picked up on a whim years and years ago. I noticed an immediate difference after using it just once. My hair dried faster and with less frizz, and the biggest difference was how healthy my hair felt afterward. I hated blowdrying my hair for years because I despised the fried, crunchy texture it left on my hair. Turns out, I was just using a dryer that wasn’t right for my hair type. You’ll save 80 bucks snagging this in the sale, and I promise you won’t regret it!

      Mario Badescu
      The Essentials Set

      This essentials set from Mario Badescu includes all of our editors’ favorite products from the line. It’s already a great price, so why not pick it up at a discount too!? We all love the facial spray to set makeup and refresh our face throughout the day. Plus, the Drying Lotion is a must-have if you get cystic or hormonal acne (read: period breakouts).

      White Trinity Facial Toning Kit

      NuFace is one of the best beauty gadgets I’ve ever tried because it *actually* works. It uses microcurrents to target the muscles in the face to keep working and produce more collagen, as well as tightens and sculpts the face. Whether you’re worried about fine lines and wrinkles or just want to tighten up your face a bit, this product works both immediately and over time, meaning you’ll notice a difference right away and bigger changes over time. I am really self-conscious about the contours of my face, and using this once a day really helped boost my confidence. This system comes with everything you need, such as the Gel Primer (tip: don’t try to NuFace without this because it will feel like you’re being electrocuted!) and the charging stand.
      This is currently sold out (it’s such a great deal, guys), but keep checking because things might come back in stock!

      All-Star Hair Heroes Set

      Say hello to my favorite hair product of all time but now, at a discount! Briogeo is one of my favorite hair brands because all of the products are clean, effective, and not-cheap-but-not-outrageously-priced-either, ya know? I bought a tub of the Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioner almost two years ago, and I still have about five uses left. It lasts truly forever on my short-to-medium length, fine hair, but I’m sure thick and curly/coily hair would get plenty of uses out of it too. This set also includes their Scalp Scrub (another favorite of mine—it smells like peppermint, makes your scalp tingle in the most satisfying way, and lifts build-up from dry shampoo and other hair products) and a full-size of their leave-in conditioning spray. I’ll be picking this up to replenish my deep conditioner (I will never be without this, y’all) and get a few extras at a discount!

      Veil Mineral Primer & Translucent Setting Powder Duo

      Hello, meet another favorite product of mine! My favorite face powder on earth is Hourglass’s Veil Translucent Setting Powder. If you have dry skin that gets cakey and dehydrated when you put powder on it, this is the powder-saving-grace for you. This set includes the travel size (which is normally $18), but don’t let that fool you: it lasted me over a year of daily use before I ran out! This set also includes the Veil Primer, an oil-free weightless primer that reduces the look of pores and smoothes the skin before foundation. It’s one of Hourglass’s best-selling products that I’ve never tried, so I’m intrigued to pick it up in this sale!

      Pure Silk Queen Pillowcases

      This set of two pillows is an Anniversary Sale exclusive, meaning you can’t get it anywhere else! We love these pillows (and their hair ties, their headbands, their face masks—literally drape me in Slip everything) to keep our hair in place and damage-free while we’re sleeping, reading in bed, lounging, or whatever else you like to do in bed. They’ve kept my fine hair from breaking in the back (does anyone else deal with this? my stylist scolds me for ponytails every time), but our long-haired editors love that it doesn’t snag and pull out their hair while sleeping. Not to mention, they just look chic AF. White not your speed? They have this absolutely gorgeous caramel shade too!

      Kate Somerville
      ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

      I got a sample of this exfoliator years ago, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. It combines a gentle physical exfoliant with lactic acid to exfoliate chemically too. Your face will feel baby’s butt smooth after using this, making it a great primer for a hydrating or brightening mask. This is certainly a splurge, but you’re saving almost $200 by getting it in the sale. Consider this your fix while you can’t make your spa appointments, and the price actually doesn’t seem so bad. (It’s all about tricking your brain, people.)

      Yves Saint Laurent
      Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Set

      To unbox this gorgeous set of YSL lipsticks would be the little treat I need to get through the next months of social distancing. Honestly, that’s all it really is. The products have fantastic reviews, and these two shades would work on a variety of skin tones. The gifting potential is high—imagine your mom’s face when she opens this up on her birthday. Best daughter award, and she doesn’t even have to know you bought it on sale.

      Beauty Blender
      Electric Feels Set

      Surprise, surprise: Beauty Blenders go bad. But the trick is to always have extras on hand so you’re never without it, and this set makes it really easy. It includes two of their original famous sponges and their solid cleanser, for less than the price of two sponges on their own. My favorite way to use a beauty sponge like this is to pat it across my entire face when my makeup is done to take away any of the powder finishes and leave my skin looking hydrated and airbrushed.

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      in beauty and fashion

      This Product Made Me Throw Out All My Makeup Wipes

      by

      If there’s one thing I’m an absolute sucker for, it’s skincare. If it promises glowing, even skin, I’ll try getting tiny needles rolled into my face or washing my face with honey; and if a new product is released with stellar reviews? Well, sign me up.But the one skincare trend I never got into? Double cleansing.
      Double cleansing came onto the scene a few years ago with glowing reviews from just about everyone who has ever worn makeup. It was touted as the most sure-fire way to make sure every last stitch of makeup was removed from your face without stripping it dry. Its appeal is evident, but for whatever reason, I never got into it. I swear by my Clarisonic and figured that that did the job—but to my absolute dismay, it turns out I was wrong.
      To double-cleanse, the rules are pretty simple: first, wash your face with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm, then follow with your regular, water-based cleanser. Beginning with an oil-based cleanser ensures that your makeup is melted off before you wash your face, leaving it squeaky-clean in the best way possible. But honestly, said cleansers felt like they cost more money than necessary, and when push came to shove, I removed my makeup before my water-based cleanser with a good ole’ makeup wipe.
      But then our resident beauty guru, Beth, gave me the recommendation to try the Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm. She promised that it would change my face-washing game, but the biggest selling point is that it runs at the same price as a couple of Starbucks orders—so I figured, what’s to lose?

      The first time I used this, I immediately regretted every night of my previous life, which included face-washing that I thought was adequate, but so clearly was not. Upon rubbing a pea-sized amount of this onto my face, my full face of makeup—foundation, bronzer, mascara, eyebrow pencil—had literally melted off. At first, I looked like this picture of Mulan’s Matchmaker, but a quick once-over with water made it all disappear. After my second cleanse, my face felt the cleanest it ever has, without the dried-out feeling that makeup wipes are known to cause (my face is incredibly dry, so it’s been reaping the benefits of this ever since).
      I’ve continued using this product every night after I’ve worn makeup for about a month now, and it has continued to get a 5/5 star rating from me. Whether I’m wearing super natural, no-makeup makeup or a full face for my socially-distanced birthday, it leaves my skin as soft and clean as a baby’s. Not only is this better for my skin than my previously-loved makeup wipes, but it’s better for the environment too, and given I’ve hardly made a dent in the tub over the past month, I’d guess this is much more cost-effective as well—it’s a win-win-win. Also, my skin has been less irritated than ever, and I have infinitely less clogged pores—and since I changed nothing else in my routine, I’d chalk it up to this.
      Never did I think I’d have a cleansing balm holy grail, but this has made its way onto my top shelf, and it’s here to stay.

      More Good Molecules budget-friendly editor-favorites:

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