We’re rapidly approaching the most chaotic time of the year. It’s a good type of chaos, but the season of giving often puts a lot of stress and strain on our social lives, bank accounts, and most notably, our personal downtime. Between tackling an endless shopping list for gifts for our loved ones, researching recipes for Friendsgiving, stressing over which wine to bring to your boss’s Christmas party, and hustling to stay on top of your regular chores and daily tasks, self-care can easily fall by the wayside.

It’s impossible to pour from an empty cup, so in order to fully enjoy the moments of the holiday season, we encourage you to set aside time each week to lavish yourself with some much-deserved attention and pampering. Since your finances will be a little tied up in other areas over the next couple months, let’s start with the perfect at-home facial.

 

Step One: Cleanse

To begin your facial, you’ll want to ensure that your skin is completely clean of all makeup and debris you’ve encountered throughout your day. I like to soak my eye makeup off with a micellar water drenched cotton round, but you can also do this with olive, almond, or jojoba oil. Coconut oil is only ok if you’re not acne prone, since it’s highly comedogenic (meaning that it easily clogs and inflames pores).

Once your eye makeup has been gently removed, you’ll want to do a quick double cleanse. In short, double cleansing is using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser, so you can effectively remove various types of grime from your skin. Chances are you’re already using a water-based cleanser (you’ll know because “water” will be listed as one of its top three ingredients), but investing in an oil-based cleanser is important for your regular routine, as well as an occasional facial.

 

Once you’ve oil cleansed, take time to work your water-based cleanser into a nice lather. This is the step in your facial where you’ll want to focus on some facial massaging, since you’re using a product that is more viscous and allows your hands to move easily across the skin without tugging or pulling. Starting at your chest and working up your neck and jawline with long strokes, gently push the muscles of your face in upward motions while also working your cleanser in circular motions, to encourage an increase of blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. For some visual aid, watch a couple videos of estheticians doing this step before starting your facial.

 

Step Two: Exfoliate

You’ll want to consider your skin condition before deciding on an exfoliation method. If you’re experiencing breakouts and oiliness, then a chemical exfoliant might be best for you; if your skin is dull, uneven, or dry, then you might be better off with a physical granular exfoliant. Exfoliation should always be done with a light hand or by the exact instructions for your particular product. If you’re using a physical exfoliant, be sure that you do not scratch the product against your skin, as this can easily cause irritation, inflammation, and breakouts. For chemical exfoliants, always use them for the prescribed amount of time — longer exposure on the skin will not result in deeper exfoliation, and you could end up with a chemical burn.

 

Step Three: Open

Steam is an important part of a facial, but be mindful to keep it cool! Steam can help open pores to allow for deeper penetration of the products that follow, but too much heat against your skin might cause irritation and sensitivity. Investing in a facial steamer would be ideal, but you can always boil a pot of water, fill a large bowl, and allow your face to hover several inches away from the steam. If it feels warm, back up a little bit, and stay for only about 10 minutes maximum.

 

Step Four: Masks

Yes, masks was meant to be plural. This can be done one of two ways: you can either choose to apply one mask and then follow with another, or you can opt for a multi-mask — it all depends on what your skin is needing! If you’re dealing with oiliness in some places and dryness in others, applying a mud or clay mask to the oily zones, and a hydrating rinse-off mask to the rest of your face might be the best plan for your skin’s needs. If your skin is relatively consistent in all areas, apply a brightening or tightening mask followed by a hydrating sheet mask.

A good facial is all about layering, so don’t be afraid to go all out on the masking! Just be sure that you aren’t mixing too many active ingredients together — in other words, don’t layer on multiple types of exfoliators. If you’ve done a chemical exfoliation during your second step, opt for a couple of different types of hydrating masks to avoid stressing out your skin.

 

Step Five: Press

Now that your skin is clean, pores are opened, and you’ve rinsed away your treatment masks, it’s time to really lay on the hydration. Korean skincare places a heavy emphasis on hydrating layers, and often you’ll see several “skins” applied during facials and daily routines. A “skin” is simply a layer of an essence or hydrating toner that is pressed onto the face using your fingertips, not rubbed on with a cotton round.

Taking a dime-sized amount of your favorite essence or hydrating toner, press it onto your face and neck and repeat as many times as you wish. The Korean 7 Skin Method would have you do it seven times — and since you’ve set aside this space for yourself, why not take the time to complete them all?

 

Step Six: Serum

Now that your skin is in a more receptive state, you’re going to want to give it a good dose of nourishment. You can either go for the brightening effects of a Vitamin C serum, or reach instead for a “buffet” of active ingredients in the form of a more general hydrating serum. It doesn’t really matter which route you take, just get some of that good stuff on your skin!

If you have a jade or quartz roller, now is an excellent time to whip it out. Pop it in your freezer ahead of time and work a dime-sized amount of your serum of choice across your face — the cold roller will help your skin start to calm down after all it has been through thus far. 

 

Step Seven: Eyes and Lips

This one is easy: just apply your favorite eye cream or lip treatment before moving on to your final step. Always remember to apply eye creams with your ring finger for the lightest pressure possible.

 

Step Eight: Seal

All that’s left to do is seal all this goodness in. If you’re doing a facial during the day, or plan on applying makeup later, it might be best to finish off with a simple moisturizer (followed by SPF, of course!), rather than a cream or facial oil. If you’re calling it a night, or never planned on leaving the house in the first place (we don’t judge), then you’ll want to apply a moisturizer and an oil to really lock in all the hydration.

The post How to Give Yourself an At-Home Facial appeared first on The Everygirl.

Now that the weather is finally cold enough to pull out the biggest parkas, all the blanket scarves, and the thickest of fuzzy socks, we’re feeling oh, so cozy. But that doesn’t take away some of the winter blues.

We’re stressed about having to clean snow off of our cars every morning (the worst thing about winter, right?!), not gaining any weight even though all we can think about is scarfing down that cheese ball in the fridge, and finding a balance between watching every holiday movie on Netflix and being productive. This time of year, we’re often so focused on finding the best gift for our loved ones that we can forget to give ourselves some much-needed love, too. We have a lot to worry about in winter, so I’d say we could all use a little somethin’ somethin’ to make it better.

Buuuut like most things, treating yourself can get kinda pricey. So, I’m gonna let you in on my favorite TYS (treat yo’ self, it’s hip new lingo that I started just now) secret of all time: FabFitFun. I’ve been raving about my love for FFF for months, and I’m still just as obsessed as I was when I first joined.

 

The hype is real. Here’s why:

 

1. The products are SO versatile. When I’ve gotten other subscriptions in the past, I always would get products I didn’t love or knew I wouldn’t use. With FFF, I’m always getting things that will come in handy for something. A new face scrub, a coffee maker, a tote bag? Say no more, I’ll take 10 boxes, pls. 

2. Who doesn’t love a little HAPPY MAIL!!! The only thing better than seeing a little box of magic outside your doorstep is a SURPRISE little box of magic. Not the “I was under the influence of sauvignon blanc and pizza at 2am” surprise, but rather an “omg new beauty products to test and tell all my friends about!” surprise. 

3. When you’re #ballinonabudget like me, you want to invest in things that are actually worth your money. Everything in my FabFitFun box values over $200, and I pay $49.99. (If it’s your first box, we have a coupon code for $10 off below!). You’re getting quality products from well-known brands for less than a new pair of shoes. Time to grab your wallet!

4. My money situation is a little less than consistent. One week I might buy four lipsticks and an eyeshadow palette all in one trip, and the next week I’m eating ramen and an egg for every meal. (I know, I know, not sustainable, but whatever, my eyeshadow is always on fleek). Have no fear, FabFitFun makes it incredibly easy to subscribe whenever you want and get the current box. No carnivals, no games — just amazing products at your door every season!

 

Keep scrolling for a peek at the Winter 2018 box I can’t stop raving about. If you want to wait until it hits your doorstep (love the willpower!), click here to order and use the code EG10 $10 off your first box. 

 

 

Winter 2018 FabFitFun Box Preview

Use code EG10 for $10 off your first box

 

 

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

 

The post Our Favorite Delivery of the Season Is Here! appeared first on The Everygirl.

I know, I know, you’ve heard of it all — Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Vitamin C, CBD… every day it seems like a new ingredient that’s “absolutely life-changing” for your skin is popping up on your Instagram feed and in your beauty products. It can get so overwhelming (and expensive!) to keep up with the changing beauty trends.

But sometimes, something comes along that actually delivers the kind of miracle benefits that are based more on results than just another buzzword, and is good enough to stand the test of time. The newest ingredient we’re loving here at The Everygirl is not of the latest trend variety, that will come and go faster than Sephora can restock their shelves. No, this miracle ingredient is actually totally natural, and is not just endorsed by the trendiest beauty bloggers and celebs, but is an essential oil that has been used in beauty and wellness for centuries.

Blue Tansy Oil is a Moroccan chamomile (sounds fancy, doesn’t it?) known for its refreshing, delicious scent and amazing calming properties, (not to mention the rich, vibrant color that surely makes it the prettiest beauty product on the shelf). However, the rich oil is produced from a seasonal crop that requires specific conditions, so it’s not always as nutrient-dense or pure as it can be. That’s why it’s important to choose only the best brands and highest quality products when searching for Blue Tansy.

We love Primally Pure because their products are made with fewer, better ingredients that are all derived from nature, for optimal nutrients and purity. They have a wide range of beauty products, but my very favorites are the Blue Tansy products like their Body Oil (best smelling oil ever), Beauty Cream (that I put on my face and neck morning and night), and the Deodorant, (my favorite natural deodorant), and I’m not kidding (I don’t kid about my beauty products!).

Read on for why Blue Tansy is the ingredient you’ve been missing from your beauty routine, and shop our favorite products.

 

 

Reduces inflammation

Since it’s a chamomile, it’s highly anti-inflammatory; azulene, the component in the oil that makes it blue, also powerfully combats inflammation. The ingredient helps to soothe skin that is red, dry, or sensitive, and calms any irritation, like reactions from other harsh ingredients you’re using on your skin. It can even help reduce pesky zits by bringing down inflammation (without drying out the skin!). Using the Body Oil can even calm inflammation in muscles, helping reduce soreness after a tough workout.

 

 

Has strong antioxidant properties

Not only does it help calm inflammation, but it also works to boost skin’s radiance with its high level of antioxidants. You don’t have to have inflammation or skin problems to benefit from the magical ingredient — everyone can benefit from using Blue Tansy, because it will make your skin even more glowy and radiant.

 

 

Aids in detoxification

Blue Tansy assists with detoxification in the body by regenerating liver cells. It also is extremely antibacterial and antifungal, meaning it naturally kills bacteria that causes things like acne, in-grown hairs, or razor burns (so putting the ingredient in a deodorant is genius). Since stress and the environment can cause everything from acne to dry skin to redness, Blue Tansy can help, since it detoxifies these harmful pollutants from the skin.

 

 

Can help to heal a number of skin issues

Many skin problems, like psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema, really come from issues within the body, like inflammation (specifically in the blood stream). Since these skin issues are typically manifested inflammation and Blue Tansy is extremely anti-inflammatory, it is a totally natural and healthy way to calm down many skin issues.

 

 

And has some emotional and mental benefits, too!

It has a relaxing effect, which can be used similarly to lavender when the essential oil is diffused for scent — it can make you feel peaceful and is perfect for a natural sleep aid (but don’t worry, you won’t fall asleep if you put Blue Tansy on your skin in the morning!). The product itself relaxes the nervous system, which helps regulate hormones and calms stress in the body. Sounds like a miracle product, if you ask me!

 

 

 

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

The post The Ingredient You Didn’t Know You Needed in Your Beauty Routine appeared first on The Everygirl.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!! Nope, I’m not talking about Christmas. We’re nearing the end of 2018 and it’s that sweet time of the year when bloggers, vloggers, Instagrammers, and influencers start compiling their lists of products they’ve been dedicated to all year long. If you’re a super nosey product hoarder like me, this is the season you’ve been waiting for.

I decided to get a jumpstart on my list of 2018 favorites, which features a few new releases from this last year, as well as some ride-or-die favorites that have been on the market for a minute or two. If you’re not sure what to get your YouTube-obsessed niece who has been wearing a cut crease since 6th grade for Christmas, or you’re just in the market for a little somethin’ somethin’ for yourself, here’s a good place to gain some inspiration:

The post My 10 Favorite Beauty Products of 2018 appeared first on The Everygirl.