March 2019

If you haven’t noticed, it’s March. And March is the absolute best month of the year. If you think I’m going to wax poetically about spring and warm temperatures being the reason behind this bold statement, turn away because things are about to get a little bit selfish around here. March is the best month because it’s my birthday month. And while I may not be big on parties or forcing others to celebrate me, March gives me free rein to treat myself all month long.

It’s my birthdayyyy! *buys the shoes*

I’m nearing the end of my twenties! I deserve it! *buys 11 face masks*

I worked SO hard this year! *orders takeout for the third day in a row*

These exact sentiments are what brought me to the front of the line at Sephora a few weeks ago with a basket full of products (all of which I need, and don’t you dare say otherwise). Just when the doubt kicked in that I should put something back, the kind woman dressed in all black asked me which of the Sephora birthday surprises I wanted to pick from. Yes, being a Sephora Beauty Insider means on your birth month you get to choose your very own gift. You also get first access to new products, free makeovers, reward points that lend themselves to more free products, and all you need to do is give your email address at checkout. YES GURL. That tiny reminder was all I needed to throw caution to the wind and swipe for that purchase.

I get it: wading through all the new products available with their myriad of promises can be intimidating and frustrating, so I decided to share some of my favorites with you (both old and new) so you can try with confidence. You can take my word for it and know that Sephora has your back as well, and can feel confident shopping at Sephora because they offer returns and exchanges up to 90 days after purchase. So if your new skincare starts to break you out or that lipstick wasn’t worth the splurge, you can take it back and get something you are in love with — hassle-free and even if you’ve used the product. Just make sure to checkout with your Insider Account so you never have to keep up with receipts.

So go forth, ladies. Get that new Body Lava before it sells out again or try one of my tested-and-approved products worth spending your hard-earned cash on.

Summer Fridays

R + R Mask

I could talk about how amazing Summer Fridays is for forever, but I'll just focus on their latest product: the R&R mask, which is a gentle exfoliant with a hint of rose. Rose water has long been praised for anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness, so if you are prone to irritated skin and value clean beauty, this is the treatment for you.

GrandeLASH

Lash Enhancing Serum

Last year I splurged on eyelash extensions, and for two glorious weeks I woke up looking like a Disney princess not even wanting to put on makeup. Of course they eventually fell out and I realized that extensions were not an indulgence I could afford to maintain. Enter: this lash enhancing serum I added to my cart on a whim. Use it daily for two months and you'll start to see results. At three months, you'll be blown away.

SLIP

Pure Silk Headband

Nothing makes me feel put-together and like a real ass ladyboss quite like my nighttime routine. The only problem is that with so many steps and so much motion, I always end up with baby hairs stuck to my face or expensive products that seep into my hairline, making my roots appear oily the next day. For my birthday, I indulged in a slip headband to use when I start my skincare parade. Not only does it keep my hair and skincare separate, but the silk prevents breakage and won't leave an annoying crease. Listen: you are a bad bougie lady and you deserve this.

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INVISIBOBBLE

SLIM hair ring

The only hair band that will hold your pony tight all through a workout without leaving any creases

SLIP

Slipsilk™ Scrunchies

You'll love throwing your hair up with this stylish scrunchie that prevents damage and doesn't leave creases

 

Sephora x Olly

Radiant Sleep Gummy Vitamins

We all seek beautiful skin, but sometimes it takes more than the right potions to get there. As I've gotten older, the effects of a bad night of sleep have become more apparent. Stress sends me into a spiral of waking up all night which wreaks havoc on my skin, appetite, and mood. This new collaboration between Olly (I've been a long-time fan) and Sephora means I can get the gummy version of my favorite sleep aid and peacefully drift off in 30-45 minutes. No waking up in the middle of the night, and it satisfies my pre-bed sweet tooth.

Peace Out

Microneedling Dark Spot Brightening Dots

Whether you're a former zit popper who just cannot resist the temptation to pick at your skin or you're dealing with unwanted pigmentation, these brand new microneedling spot treatments can help reduce the appearance of dark, uneven texture and keep your skin looking its best.

The Ordinary

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

The Ordinary is back at Sephora!!! Yes, this cult-favorite-basically-everything-is-under-$10 brand is in stock and ready to make a home on your bathroom shelf. Keeping your skin moisturized is the first step in preventing pesky problems down the road and I am high-key obsessed with this $7 serum and how well it hydrates. I slather it on my face and neck at night. If I could bathe in it, I would.

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The Ordinary

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Fight blemishes, fine lines, and dull texture with this ultra-strong peel.

The Ordinary

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

A salicylic acid treatment that will help fight blemishes.

 

 

CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Hollywood Flawless Filter

Last month I basically tackled a Sephora employee to the ground because I needed to know how she looked so glowy and fresh without looking wet or greasy. She peeled me off of her and graciously lead me to the Charlotte Tilbury section rather than calling security. You mix this in with your foundation or use it as a light highlight and it instantly makes you a fresh, radiant goddess.

Laneige

Lip Sleeping Mask

For as long as I can remember I have suffered from dry lips. No matter how much water I drink or which products I use, nothing seems to do more than bandaid the issue — until I found this lip sleeping mask. I put it on every night before bed (and keep a mini in my purse now) and my lips have survived winter without even a hint of chapped skin. The brand boasts a patented water technology in all their products, so if your lips aren't a concern, their Water Sleeping Mask is a must-try and has been a staple in my routine for quite some time.

Drunk Elephant

Babyfacial Mask

Babyfacial is the truth. I will never stop shouting my love for this exfoliator from the rooftops — it's my favorite at-home treatment that delivers real results. Anytime someone says they "aren't big into skincare," I recommend they buy this because there is no way to use it and not be in awe of its power. Babyfacial may be a big purchase but think of it this way: it costs less than a single traditional facial (and you're going to get WAY more use out of it).

Living Proof

Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

If you're anything like me, dry shampoo has become a staple in your routine like brushing your teeth. Unfortunately, after years of use, my faithful drugstore brand started to affect the PH levels of my scalp, leaving me scratching uncontrollably. After a month of rotating products, I thought it was time to give up dry shampoo forever. But given my considerable habit, I wasn't ready to give up on the good fight. I switched to Living Proof (whose shampoo & conditioner I use regularly) and now I don't know how I ever lived without it. A few sprays will trick you into thinking your hair is freshly washed... yes, it is THAT good.

PAIRS WELL WITH

OUAI

Texturizing Hair Spray

Better than a regular hairspray, this light-weight product not only holds your style, but also absorbs oil and refreshes hair like a dry shampoo.

Living Proof

Full Dry Volume Blast

A styling spray that delivers major volume and texture for any hair type. It's an all-around office favorite and gives the appearance of hair extensions!

 

This post was in partnership with Sephora, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.

The post Confessions from a Sephora Addict: 10 Beauty Products You Need to Try Right Now appeared first on The Everygirl.

If a financial expert were to look at my bank account, he or she would stare in awe at how much I spend on makeup. A $40 foundation once every couple months, that $50 highlighter I bought “for a special occasion,” a $60 eyeshadow palette I needed as soon as it launched. Not to mention, I’m constantly repurchasing products when I use them up.

After a quick look at my (lack of) checking account balance one night, I knew something had to change.

Haha, you thought I’d swear off buying makeup. Think again. Instead, I decided to see how much of my collection I could dupe with drugstore products. Did I really need to spend so much of my coin on high-end beauty purchases?

Don’t get me wrong, I love luxury products as much as the next girl. The packaging, the weight of the product, the feeling when you bring it home. (Yes, I did just get a little hot and bothered over makeup, don’t mind me.) It’s glorious and most definitely not something I’ll give up forever. However, I was shocked to find out just how amazing (and similar) products from the drugstore could perform on my skin.

Enough of my blabbing on about beauty and onto everything I switched to. I saved over $200 changing to this exact routine. Beauty lovers and budget ballers (I really did not mean for that to rhyme, but hey!), now’s our time to shine.

Flower Beauty

Light Illusion Liquid Foundation

This is the key to looking like you glow from within. This foundation blends across the skin easily, and it isn’t heavy while also having a medium coverage. If you have dry or maturing skin, this will be your new BFF. I’m so excited to wear this one all summer long for the perfect dewy finish.

L'ORÉAL

Infallible Pro Glow Concealer

Concealer is quite a personal makeup product. Everyone’s under eyes have different needs, whether it’s dark circles, bags, dryness, or just overall looking like you got a few extra hours of sleep. My main use for concealer is to hydrate underneath my eyes. Everything tends to look cakey and too heavy on me, so when I find a product, I tend to stick with it. I gave this one a go, and the results were phenomenal. It’s light and creamy, but my dark circles are completely invisible with this on. I blend this one in with a beauty sponge for the perfect amount of coverage while keeping the glow.

Maybelline

Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder

I used to be really into the baking trend with my powder, but that technique doesn’t really suit my dry skin. I love to keep a dewy look, so I usually only powder just under my eyes to minimize creasing on the sides of my nose, my chin, and my jaw. (I rest my hand on my face a lot during the day, so those are the places makeup comes off first!) I was spending up to $40 on powders that didn’t get much use. Enter: this Maybelline powder you’d think was high-end based on the performance. This sets your makeup without adding coverage or cakiness, and it doesn’t look dry on my skin (a big win!). This comes in a variety of colors, as well, so everyone can enjoy it.

Milani

Baked Bronzer

Glowy bronzer is back, and I am so here for it. This one has a sheen without adding chunky pieces of glitter all over your face. I do the “3-E” technique with this where I run the brush along my forehead, my cheekbones, and under the jaw and chin for a light contour that looks like you just got back from Punta Cana.

Wet 'N Wild

MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals

I get compliments every time I wear this $5 highlighter to the Everygirl office. You can brush this lightly on the cheekbones with a fan brush or go HAM with a brush and some setting spray for a seriously intense glow. No matter how dramatic you take it, it blends with the skin (no matter what foundation I’m using) and never gets glittery. This is the cheapest highlighter I own and might be my favorite.

Burt's Bees

Blush with Vitamin E

Burt’s Bees makeup line is an underrated area of the drugstore. Their products look glowy and natural, and this blush is no exception. The three color options look great on all skin tones. (I’ve used the deepest blush as a bronzer before when I’m at my fairest!) After applying foundation, concealer, and powder, the skin can look quite dull and bland. These blushes put the color right back into your face without looking clown-like (something we all fear with blush!).

L'ORÉAL

Voluminous Carbon Black Volume Building Mascara

I’m pretty loyal to a few high-end mascaras, so I doubted I could find anything that worked as well at the drugstore. Nope. I was wrong. This classic L’Oreal mascara is the perfect formula for day-to-day wear, but it gets dramatic with a few coats. It doesn’t flake off by the end of the day and never smudges on me. This is not one to pass up when you’re roaming the drugstore aisles!

NYX

Epic Ink Liner

This was the only product I didn’t have to swap out. I’ve loved this eyeliner since it released because it was one of the only brush-tip liners at an affordable price. This makes the application so easy (even for a makeup newbie or someone impatient like me!), especially if you’re going for a winged liner. It doesn’t smudge throughout the day and stays on forever. I will sing the praises of this eyeliner for a long, long time.

Soap & Glory

Archery Sculpt & Set

Brow gel is one of my favorite makeup products because with a few strokes it can instantly make you look put together. Finding an inexpensive one that didn’t make my brows crunchy but held them in place proved to be quite a challenge; however, this was the absolute best one I tried. It has two ends: a brow defining pencil on one end and a brow gel on the other. This two-in-one product is amazing for travel (or doing your makeup in the car on the way to the office). I love that the brow gel side puts my brow hairs where I want them, but it looks insanely natural. People ask if I’ve gotten my eyebrows microbladed when I wear this product!

Colourpop

Dream St. Eyeshadow Palette

If I was switching up my entire routine, you know it had to include eyeshadows. Drugstore eyeshadows have long had a bad rap for being chalky, having no pigmentation, and just being overall bad quality. I wanted to find an alternative to my expensive palettes that showed you can get gorgeous eye looks without having to break the bank. Colourpop ticked off every box and more. These shadows are pigmented and blend SO easily. I can’t give up color, but I also need some neutrals for work. This palette has everything you need to create soft, daytime looks, and also some fun pops of color for nighttime (or if you’re extra like me and love color all the time!).

Wet 'N Wild

PhotoFocus Coconut Water Drop Primer

If your makeup routine doesn’t include a setting spray, this is a great first one to try. This one can be used as a priming spray to add some moisture before going in with foundation, as a setting spray to set down your makeup and make it last all day, or to just refresh midday when your skin starts to get meh. The price cannot be beaten, and the coconut scent has me thinking about summer every time I do my makeup.

Maybelline

SuperStay Matte Ink Lip Color

Dry, cracked liquid lips are most definitely on their way out, but satin and light formulas are still the easiest way to get full-on color that lasts hours without touch-ups. These liquid lipsticks come in so many colors (a few gorgeous brown-y nude options!) and never feel dehydrated, but what sets them apart is that they last all. freaking. day. I’m not kidding, I could put this on at 7am, and the color is still saturated on my lips at 3pm, even after eating and drinking. This formula is some kind of magic.

NYX

Butter Gloss

I have officially transformed into a gloss girl, and there really is no going back. These NYX glosses are a fave amongst our editors because they’re sheer (but still provide just enough color to be noticeable) and never get sticky. They almost feel like a combination of a lip oil and a balm because they’re so hydrating. These are available in tons of colors, so you’re sure to find one that works for you.

What drugstore beauty products do you think are as great as high-end?! Let us know what we should try in the comments!

The post I Saved $200 Switching to These Drugstore Makeup Products appeared first on The Everygirl.

Up until recently, I never understood why so many people were into podcasts. I always imagined an NPR-style host talking at me about something I didn’t care about, and thought they’d wind up making my commute feeling like a 8am lecture.

Then, I discovered my nirvana: beauty podcasts. I could listen to all of the content I scoured the internet for on my lunch break, right from the voices of my favorite beauty editors. They keep me up-to-date on all things beauty, and give me the news I want before any other sources cover it — they’re like chats you’d have with your best friends, but with the most influential people in the business instead. Could you ask for more?

Here are my favorite beauty podcasts, and some intel on why you’ll love them as much as I do.

 

1. Breaking Beauty

This podcast coins itself as “the podcast all about the bestselling beauty products and the damn good stories behind them.” The co-creators are both long-time beauty editors — Jill Dunn started her career at Elle Canada and is an award-winning writer; Carlene Higgens was once named Beauty Editor of the Year and has interviewed everyone from Marc Jacobs to Pat McGrath.

Jill and Carlene are two of the most in-the-know minds in the beauty industry. After decades of working in beauty, they know what’s good and what isn’t, and will be the first to let you know. Their podcasts alternate between interviews with some of beauty’s biggest names (Tata Harper, Anastasia Soare — yes, that’s the Anastasia), and episodes they call “The Glow Down,” where they talk about their current favorites and new releases. It’s all the beauty info you could possibly want, all in one place.

 

2. Fat Mascara

Fat Mascara hosts Jessica Matlin and Jennifer Goldstein give you all the gossip your heart could ever desire with in-depth interviews and personal stories. Jessica is the beauty director at Harper’s Bazaar, and has worked everywhere from Teen Vogue to Cosmopolitan to Allure; Jennifer is the beauty director at Marie Claire — you couldn’t find two people with more impressive resumes.

If there’s a new trend in beauty or a crazy new mask that just hit the market, Jessica and Jennifer know about it, have tried it, and have an opinion to share on it with you. Their interviews cover everyone from influencers like Emily Weiss to makeup artists like Mario Dedivanovic and Charlotte Tilbury.

 

3. Glowing Up with Esther and Caroline

As far as honest chats about beauty go, Esther and Caroline’s chats are as refreshing as they come. Both have experience in comedy — and let me tell you, it shows.

They talk about everything related to beauty and health, and this is the best podcast to listen to when you want to feel like you’re sitting at boozy brunch chatting with your girls — they never disappoint.

 

4. The Beauty Brains

This podcast is like having a world-renowned dermatologist sitting on you shoulder. Co-founders Perry Romanowski and Randy Schueller are both cosmetic chemists, and in this podcast they de-bunk all of the crazy beauty trends that we’re constantly being bombarded with (like if Kim Kardashian’s viral blood facial was really worth it.) The more informed you are, the better decisions you can make regarding the products you buy, and Randy and Perry will give you no-B.S. info that can save you from falling victim to beauty products that won’t give you the results you want.

 

5. Full Coverage

Professional makeup artist Harriet Hadfield joins fellow beauty addict Lindsey Kelk to talk all things beauty. Hearing about new products from a professional makeup artist gives a different spin to the podcast — Harriet has seen experienced it all, and her portfolio is full of everything from high-fashion editorial campaigns to your favorite celebs’ red carpet looks. Full Coverage is for beauty addicts, by beauty addicts, and they give some of the best beauty advice in the game.

 

6. Naked Beauty

This podcast goes way beyond product recommendation and beauty trends. Host Brooke Devard doesn’t give you product reviews or advice, but instead gives you real talk about the women who inspire her. It’s helped me re-examine my notions of beauty and has motivated me in so many ways — from realizing that nobody has it all figured out yet to encouraging me to try something new.

 

7. The Snailcast

K-beauty is the buzziest word in beauty right now, but in reality it’s nothing new. The four hosts of this podcast are creating content for the truest beauty nerds, talking everything from ideal percentages of products in serums to whether or not photoshopping should be allowed in beauty ads.

 

What are your favorite beauty podcasts to listen to? I’m all ears for some new ones!

The post Subscribe Now: The Best Beauty Podcasts to Download ASAP appeared first on The Everygirl.

You know how people say less is more? Usually I’m one of those people — I love a good capsule wardrobe, minimalistic pantry organization videos on Youtube are my drug of choice, and I keep my phone apps under two pages. I totally believe less is more, except for when it comes to eyelashes, in which case I firmly believe that more is always more. There’s something about big, fluttery, luscious lashes, that is just so, well, pretty! A good set of eyelashes can totally transform your face, trick people into thinking you’re more awake than you are, and they were even historically seen as a sign of good health (for good reason!).

Think about it: micro-bladed eyebrows, pink lips, contour, blue shadow — beauty trends come and go faster than our bank accounts can keep up with. But long, luscious, eyelashes have remained the object of desire for beauty moguls and icons all over the world, from Audrey Hepburn‘s luscious lashes to the Kardashian’s faux lash line. Therefore, eyelash care is just as important to your beauty routine as hair care or skincare. Read our definitive guide below, and get ready to bat your eyelashes. They’re going to be good.

 

Use products to help them grow

Consider using a lash growth serum, which I personally have seen the most drastic changes from. They can make lashes appear darker, thicker, and longer, and I always get compliments when I consistently use mine. As always, consult your doctor or dermatologist before trying a new product to see if it’s right for you (especially if you wear contacts), research ingredients and potential side effects, and follow the directions. Using the serum more often than recommended can cause itchiness, redness, and irritation (I’ve been there before). But if it is the right serum for you, it could work wonders.

Do not use brow serums on your lash line (this can lead to skin irritations or eye infections), and don’t use castor oil or Vaseline. While these are from popular wives tales women have been using for decades to grow their lashes, there’s actually no scientific evidence to prove it helps with growth, and they could even clog your pores, which might result in damaging the hair follicle.

 

 

Focus on what you’re putting into your body

Consider supplements like biotin or hair, skin, and nail vitamins that will strengthen hair follicles and help prevent breakage. Vitamin B-3 can also help stimulate eyelash growth, and get rid of dry, brittle hairs, while vitamin E protects hair follicles from free-radicals that can stunt eyelash growth, as well as reducing hair follicle inflammation. Besides supplements, be conscious of what you eat. Have plenty of healthy foods like eggs, olive oil, sweet potatoes, avocados, and nuts.

 

Source: @patrickta

 

Give them a curl (the right way)

Take it from someone who will bring my eyelash curler before I bring my phone when leaving the house, an eyelash curler is a MUST. They completely open up the eye area, making eyes look bigger and more awake no matter how much your lashes already naturally curl. However, getting the right eyelash curler is essential because the bad ones can crimp, break, or damage lashes. It’s important to gently press for a few times, instead of clamping down hard (which can cause breakage), and to curl up the eyelash (this will open up the eyes more naturally than a sharper angle, and protects against breakage). And only curl eyelashes before mascara — curling after can cause breakage.

 

Start with a Primer

Since lashes often break from drying out, a conditioning primer will add extra hydration to these delicate hairs and create a protective barrier between them and drying mascara. Plus, primers deliver extra nutrients to strengthen and condition, and add an extra layer to bulk up eyelashes, making them appear thicker and longer than they would without primer.

 

Source: @lea_toshiye

 

Use a mascara that’s good for your lashes

Why settle for a boring mascara if you can use a mascara that not only makes eyelashes look longer, thicker, and fuller, but actually delivers major benefits that can help lashes grow? Whether it’s peptides and panthenois to seriously hydrate, a growth serum to lengthen, or even CBD to strengthen and thicken, use a mascara that not only makes your eyelashes look great, but also makes them healthier.

Only use waterproof mascara if it’s absolutely necessary (like for the This is Us season finale), and as the top coat over another mascara, since it’s extra drying to the hair follicle and requires more rubbing to remove than regular mascara. This goes without saying (you’re good enough to follow the good skin rules by now!), but never sleep with makeup on, as it causes breakage.

 

Source: @lolaliner

 

If falsies are more your thing…

 

Choose individual lashes if you want a more natural look or are looking to fill in any gaps in your natural lash line. When applied correctly, it’s actually really hard to tell that someone’s wearing false lashes when they’re individuals.

How to Apply Them: Carefully apply each lash set individually with a pair of tweezers or lash applicators. They can be applied in between lashes all around, concentrated in more sparse sections, or applied to the outer ends of lashes to make eyes look wider. Try applying them after mascara, as it will be easier to see where exactly they’re needed.

 

Try clusters if you’re going for a more natural look, but are not as experienced with falsie application or need a little extra help. While they’re less customizable than the individuals, they’re easier to put on.

How to Apply Them: Place each one on the upper lash line, and after the glue has dried, wiggle mascara at the root of your eyelashes to seamlessly blend your real lashes and the faux lashes together.

 

Go for the full lash strip if you want a more dramatic look or tend to wear more dramatic makeup (like a smoky eye or bold eyeliner). This way, the lashes will stand out more and will look more natural besides a more dramatic look. You also have to find a style that suits your eye shape for a more natural look. If you have round eyes, go for a winged pair (lashes are longer at outer ends), while hooded eyes look best with a strip that is longest on top.

How to Apply Them: If the strip is too long for your eye shape (as is often the case), trim to the proper length with sewing scissors. Look down while applying (though that may seem counterintuitive), as it’s easier to follow your lash line. Use a pair of tweezers to hold each end in place to make sure the glue sticks.

 

Extensions are a great alternative to people who consistently want the look of long, thick lashes, but don’t have the time, or want to take the effort, to apply them. They’re perfect for the girl who wants big results with low-maintenance effort. Plus, they’re still intact when you’re makeup-free.

How to Apply Them: A lash technician individually glues extensions of varying lengths onto each eyelash, which takes about an hour. They typically last for up to two months, but you’ll need to schedule touchups every few weeks or so to fill in the lashes that have fallen off. Make sure the salon you go to is a reputable source, as extensions gone badly could result in eye infections.

 

The post The Definitive Guide to Your Best Eyelashes Ever appeared first on The Everygirl.

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