I know what you’re thinking. “Either this bi*tch is crazy, or she’s seriously exaggerating.” To which I respond: “Yes and no!”
As I pack up the apartment I’ve lived in the last two years, I’m realizing I own a lot of stuff. While I’m totally forminimalismin most aspects of my life (I donate clothes about once a month, always go through old books, and pare down the photos stored on my phone quite frequently), my vanity is the one space I’m a full-blown maximalist. I’ll forego a lunch date if it means I can buy that new palette all over Instagram, and I add at least one drugstore beauty product to every Target run (even though I swear I’ll resist every time).
So, I decided to have some fun, and I counted all the beauty products I’ve purchased this year, from makeup and skincare to hair products and body care. And ladies and gents, I’ve trieda lot. (No one tell my mom — I told her I got a handle on theSephora habit from a few months ago, and it was a straight lie.)
Obviously, not all of those products worked for me. So, what products actually make the cut? That’s why I’m here (yay!). I’m sharing all the new products I’ve tried this year that actually have changed my routine and made their way into my makeup bag. (I tried to cap it at 10, but I decided I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life.)
I get compliments on my makeup every time I wear this, and it’s seriously the easiest eyeshadow on the planet. All I do is swipe it across my lids with a finger tip (brush if I’m feeling like a real professional) and blend the edges (sometimes I even skip this step!). It gives the perfect “I-just-got-back-from-a-vacation-in-Fiji” vibes — glowy, natural, and so flattering! I have the shade "Sun Drenched"!
This article could really turn into “the beauty products I always get compliments on” because this is another one that I get comments from people every time I wear it. I wore this on my graduation day, and it gave me the most gorgeous, almost-natural-but-too-good-to-be-natural glow to my face in photos and IRL. You can lightly dust it on your cheekbones for a radiant, lit-from-within look, or go HAM and make sure the aliens see you from space. I hit a solid middle ground for every day, and it’s become my favorite highlighter of all time. "Skinny Dip" is my go-to shade!
This fine-hair oil is miraculous for anyone who’s hair feels weighed down by other oils. I got this as a sample from Sephora (gotta love those points), and I bought the full size the day after I tried it. I don’t have naturally great hair — it’s fine, damaged, and always could use a little zhushing. When I use this product, I don’t even have to style my hair because it gives such a silky, soft feel to the hair that actually makes my natural texture look good. I refuse to be without this product from now until the end of time.
I’m going to be honest, I just tried this product about a week ago, and I am in love. This has replaced most all of my lip glosses in my collection, and it doubles as an intensely hydrating and smoothing lip balm. It’s so glossy that my lips even look bigger when I’m wearing it. I wore it over another lip product (keep scrolling!) recently and got more compliments on my lip color than I have in a long time.
Although my dad passed down his unfortunately frustrating case of hormonal acne down to me, he did give me some good genes too, such as skin that tans extremely well. A few days out in the sun (even with a high SPF!) will darken my skin tone more than five foundation shades. So, I stick with drugstore products from May to October instead of repurchasing everything in darker shades every other week. This summer, I tried Milani’s newest concealer line, and it’s amazing. I’m usually a radiant concealer girl, but this summer’s heat has proved to be all the dew I need on a day-to-day basis. This has a satin finish that doesn’t crease and stays all day.
When I first saw this blush in stores, I was like “r u srs??? $40 for this???” I never imagined I’d pay $40 for a blush, but during Sephora’s 20% off event in the spring, I finally decided to try it. Y’ALLLLL. This blush is unlike anything I’ve ever tried. If you were ever wondering how to get that radiant, just-blushing cheek look you see all over Charlotte Tilbury’s Instagram, this is it. This blush livens up my face on the days I feel like I walked out of a coffin. I loved it when my skin was a few shades lighter in the spring, and I still love it now with a summer tan. I went from being afraid of the price to wanting it in every color!
Is there anything Rihanna can’t do?? I’ll stand by while you think. Yeah, the answer is no. This bronzer is awesome, y’all. I waited a couple months after the launch to pick this up, and it made its way to my holy grails pretty fast. It blends into my skin so well, and the undertone is key for my olive/yellow skin. I’ll absolutely be buying this in a lighter shade to give my skin some color this fall/winter.
This product has truly saved my skin. I decided to give it a whirl after seeing all of my favorite makeup artists on Instagram talking about it. Earlier this year, I started using a prescription strength RetinA, and while my skin is as clear as its ever been, it’s dry AF. I use this as a nighttime moisturizer, and I wake up with glowy, soft skin every morning. I have zero interest in trying another moisturizer — this $12 one is all I need! (And you know it’s good when a beauty addict like me says she doesn’t want to try anything else.)
That lip product I was talking about? This is it. I’ve about had it with dry, crusty lipsticks that take forever to put on right and then look atrocious as soon as I eat or drink anything. I’ve basically swapped everything in my collection for sheer formulas. I love Bite’s lipstick line as it is, so I grabbed this as soon as they came out. I never thought I’d wear an orange lipstick so much, but this formula makes it as easy to wear as my typical nudes.
Hello, I’m Beth, and I am addicted to Glossier. I’m patiently waiting for their new hoodies to come out because I will buy out their stock. So, naturally, I grabbed a few Glossier Play items the day they launched. This eyeliner is such an easy way to add a little color to my eyes for work or daytime when I don’t feel like going full-glam. It also stays all freaking day, so I don’t have to worry about touch-ups. The. Best.
One night, I really wanted a new face mask, so I just walked over to CVS and grabbed this. (I’ll never get over the ease and convenience of city life after living in the boonies for 18 years!) I expected it to be a run-of-the-mill charcoal mask that I’d use once and forget about, and boy was I wrong. This is, quite possibly, one of the best masks I’ve ever used. The morning after I used it, I snapped a pic to send to our other Editorial Assistant Maddie because I was so surprised at how clear my skin looked. I’ve used it a bunch of times since then, and it’s made a noticeable difference.
I have literal dreams about owning a Natasha Denona palette. I’m an eyeshadow lover, and her eyeshadows are top notch. However, because they’re made for makeup artists, they contain a lot of product, making the price just too much for my little amateur self to swallow. Finally, Natasha (we’re on a first name basis now that I own a palette) made a smaller palette with the same amount of shades and a little less product in each pan, cutting the cost in half. I am officially a convert — everything Natasha makes is gold, and I’m obsessed.
I asked which eyeliner to buy a couple months ago while taking over The Everygirl Instagram, and truthfully, I went against the grain and picked this UD one. I’m here to say you all were wrong — this eyeliner is amazing. I rub my eyes constantly, making winged liner basically impossible. This legit doesn’t budge. It’s also an easy-to-use brush tip, so I don’t have to spend my entire morning making sure my wings are right. Tip: use an oil-based makeup remover to get this off at night!
I used Sonia Kashuk brushes all through middle school because they were affordable and easy to pick up when my mom let me roam Target. Fast-forward a few years, and these brushes are still as amazing as I remember. I’ve been really into spot concealing and letting my skin breathe a couple days a week, and this brush makes it so easy at such an affordable price.
I decided to become a self-tanner person this year for the first time, so I decided to try something on the inexpensive side before venturing elsewhere. TBH, I have no interest in anything else! It looks so natural, and as my skin has naturally gotten darker from the sun, the shade still works for me.
As women in general, we talk a lot about timelines — where you should be in your career, when you should meet “The One,” how old you want to be when you get married, and the age it’s “smart” to start having children. The truth is that we often feel a lot of pressure to not only “have it all,” but when to have it.
The pressure to get married is especially strong for women in their 20s and 30s. All the single girls probably have heard “it’s time to settle down already!” from a nosy relative every Thanksgiving, and girls in relationships hear, “when are you going to tie the knot??” all too frequently. Loved ones often have expectations of when we should get married and who we should get married to. Since timelines never work out as planned, it leads to stress, disappointment, or even unhappiness and a lack of self-confidence when things don’t happen like you (or others) anticipated.
This video from one of our favorite skincare brands, SK-II, got us thinking about all these pressures we put on ourselves. It explores the lives of real women who are pursuing their own dreams, disregarding timelines along the way, and defying the expectations of loved ones. Since women around the globe share the same pressures, we wanted to hear from you about the pressure to get married, so we asked readers to share their experiences.
Watch SK-II’s video to learn more about the timeline society puts on women, then read on for real women’s perspectives about the pressures of getting married.
Selina, 30, San Antonio, TX
I definitely have a self-imposed pressure to get married. When I was younger I thought I would be married before 30, and maybe close to having my first kid. I can tell you now I’m not even close to any of that. The pressure I put on myself stems heavily from past societal norms. I get scared that if I don’t get married soon I will lose the chance to have a family. The pressure affects my relationship with my parents in some ways because I know they want that for me. My mom reminds me often that she wants grandchildren. It affects my relationship with my extended family (aunts and uncles) who always ask when I’m going to settle down or make snide comments on how I sure am focusing on my career — it has honestly caused me to avoid some family gatherings.
It’s also starting to affect my dating life. I’m starting to question if a relationship has marriage potential as opposed to just having fun and seeing where it goes. Mostly, I had this picture in my head of how my life would be. I’ve had to learn to let go of that pressure and accept that life rarely goes as planed, and remind myself there are many women in the position that I am. I will not let the pressure I put on myself make me not get what I want and I deserve. If I have to wait for it, it’ll be worth it in the end.
Delaney, 23, Claremont, California
Like so many of us, I really get caught up and brainwashed by the idea of having a “timeline” for my life. Most of my friends are either engaged, married, expecting children or already mothers! It’s wild how comparison can weigh on us if we allow it to. Sometimes I fall into the comparison trap and feel like I am falling behind at times. I definitely feel a continuous pressure to find my person and worry about when that time will come. It also doesn’t help going out to friend and family functions where everyone reminds me how great I am and continue to ask me “how are you still single?” or “when are you going to meet somebody?”
I know I have so much going for me. I’m a college graduate and have a steady job, good friends and family, opportunities to travel — but I still get in my head and frequently worry when I will meet my person and settle down. This creates unnecessary anxiety in my life that sometimes carries into my relationships and work. Everyone’s journey looks different and I shouldn’t feel “less than” just because I am not married or don’t have marriage on the horizon. In reality, nobody is worried about my life timeline but me! It is entirely self-inflicted and I wish I didn’t spend so much time worrying about marriage when I have so much else going for me in my life.
Sarah, 30, Las Vegas, NV
I’ve been in a committed relationship with my boyfriend for a year. We met on a dating app and fell for each other immediately. I know he’s who I want to be with forever. But, the crazy part is I feel less self-imposed pressure to be married than what I did before we met. Before we met, I felt this immediate need to get married and have babies. Obviously, I still want those things and I am with the man I want to continue to share life with, but I feel so at ease to be present and enjoy the now with him. I look forward to those milestones now, but don’t want to rush past these moments.
Stephanie, 30, Seattle, WA
I struggled so much with this that I saw a therapist for six months to learn how to handle my anxiety and to try and ease the pressure I self-impose of having the “perfect life.” It negatively affected my confidence, it hurt my relationship with my partner, and it consumed me.
Byanca, 25, Chicago, IL
I’ve been in a relationship for about seven years (rare high school sweethearts) and we are very much in love, openly talk about marriage, and want to get married. But I’m constantly battling myself in my head about if I should already be married or not. Friends around me are constantly getting engaged (and I am over the moon for them, genuinely) but we have no money. We decided to make the move from Michigan to Chicago and that took precedence over getting engaged, and I’m happy about our decision. My family is always making jokes about when we’re going to get engaged — and there were even some uncomfortable conversations had about us moving in together but not being married (which is absurd in my opinion, but to each their own). I take comfort in the fact that I know where we both stand on marriage and it’s something that I know will happen.
Anonymous
I put that pressure on myself because I know my parents want to be grandparents one day, and I want to give that to them before they are too old to enjoy it. I know you don’t have to be married to have kids; I also want the partner aspect for myself. My career has never been my top priority in life, but now that I’m almost 30, I kind of use that as an excuse as to why I’m single. “Oh, I have been focusing on my career and don’t have time to date.” Which is better than saying, “I’m trying, but no one seems to like me.”
McKenzie, 29, Indiana
I was always so hard on myself about getting married, and that that’s what had to happen after college. A year after graduation, my boyfriend proposed and I accepted — but almost immediately after saying yes, I started experiencing horrible anxiety. After countless amounts of breakdowns, I called off our wedding six months before the big day. I started therapy the next day and soon realized that I was putting so much pressure to getting married because I thought I had to stick to a timeline I was unrealistically pushing on myself. I can happily say my fiancé stayed by my side through therapy sessions and breakdowns to actually have me propose to him a year later. We’ve been married for two-and-a-half years and I couldn’t have made a better decision for myself.
Ashley, 27, Phoenix, AZ
I was born and raised in North Dakota, and moved to Arizona a month after college graduation for my career. I’ve focused on it, but am still looking for a guy in the meantime. Every time I go back home, the residents from my hometown ask why I’m not married yet. I explain to them why and it’s like THE biggest disappointment to them. Literally, almost everyone from my graduating class is married and has at least one kid. I want to go to my 10-year reunion next year, but I don’t want to be judged just because I don’t have a man. I’m a strong believer that it’ll happen when it’s suppose to happen, but I’m also way too focused on it with all the dating apps on my phone.
Allana, 22, Virginia
My family jokes that we’re good at two things: getting married and having kids. Almost all of my family members were married with a child by the time they were 24, and I was always told that would happen for me too. I’m in a serious relationship of three years, and we know we want to get married, but the timing isn’t right just yet. Meanwhile, my family‘s favorite question to ask is when he’ll propose. I’d love if we could shift the focus from when we get married to how our relationship has developed. We have become immensely better people since we started dating, and I owe a lot of my personal growth to him.
Megan, 24, Los Angeles, CA
I went to a Catholic university where most of my friend met their future spouses in college, and have been getting married and starting to have children rapidly since graduation. Being single for that whole time just made me feel like I was left behind and that there was something wrong with me. Now that I’m at the start of a new relationship, I’m worried that I’m going to move too fast to “catch up.”
Christine, 30, Boston, MA
My boyfriend and I are celebrating our five-year anniversary this summer, and our one-year anniversary as homeowners. There is a sense of pressure to be married. First a dog, then a ring, marriage, house, and babies — it’s what I’ve heard since I was little. I’ve realized that most of it is external; that it’s what people expect. It wouldn’t change much about our relationship other than putting a ring on my finger and possibly changing my name. I think people take “husband” to mean more than boyfriend, especially in the workplace. There are so many good things that make us work that if we do get married, it will be when and how we want it to be, not because of societal expectations.
Kelsey, 25, Arkansas
As I prepare for two weddings this year where I’ll stand by my friends and watch them marry the love of their lives, I sometimes get filled with worry about when it will finally be my turn. I want the other side of life. I received a master’s degree by 24 — which is something I am so happy about — but I want to fall in love with someone and begin a new life. I also worry about being too old to have children. I want to be young [when I have them], and I know that’s a personal choice, but I have to believe that everything happens for a reason.
Allison, 29, Wichita, KS
I want my boyfriend to marry me. Although we own a home together and have the most beautiful baby girl, I want marriage. My wish for marriage, and a baby crying in the night, have honestly been our only conflicts throughout our relationship. For as confident as I am in myself and our relationship I often meditate on why I put the pressure on. I think lately it’s the first impression to others. For a long time I thought it was the combining of our name, our story, and our legacy, in addition to the ultimate promise to each other. I think I just want to plan “elope” with the minimum, but I think we may have a wedding one day?
Jenna, 32, Delaware
I recently got out of a 10-year relationship that I held on to for so long hoping it would turn into marriage — I was terrified of being in my 30s and not being married. This self-imposed pressure resulted in me being unhappy for a long time, because I figured if he didn’t want to marry me, no one would — so I stuck around. I think there has definitely been an upswing on positive social media regarding not having to fit into a certain timeline and it has helped me understand that what’s supposed to happen will happen at the right time.
Madison, 24, Tennessee
I’m about to graduate with my bachelor’s in journalism with a focus in political reporting. The reason I feel that I have to be married soon is that everyone else seems to be married, and I hate feeling like I am the only one. I’ve been together with my boyfriend for three-and-a-half years, and we have lived together for two of those, and I just feel like I’m so behind. I grew up in New England but live in Tennessee. Down here, people tend to get married younger than back home — at least in my experience.
I just feel like it makes me look more put-together and stops making people look at me funny when we aren’t even engaged and are nearing our four-year anniversary. I know deep down that marriage doesn’t make everyone respect you more, but for someone who took her time in college and still hasn’t found that “big girl” career yet, it makes me feel like that even if I haven’t found my career yet, I can have some stability in my life. It’s hard to feel like you’re so behind not only in a career, but also your love life. It’s the worst.
Emily, 27, Chicago, IL
I’m 27 and recently I have felt this intense pressure to get married. I have never felt this way before, but I believe it comes from being from the South where so many people are already married with at least one kid by 27. Since graduating college, I have been pretty career-focused — I moved across the country twice for my career — which seems great. I know a lot of people admire me and think that I’m this hot-shot career woman, but it honestly gets lonely sometimes.
I sacrificed two relationships that I truly felt could have been “it” for me to focus and put my career first. Don’t get me wrong, I love my career and I feel very strongly that a woman should value and put her career first, but it’s hard. Recently, I feel like I have been fixating on the fact that I turn 28 in a few months, and not only am I not married, but I’m not even in a relationship. Sometimes, it leads me to not focus or feel as driven at work. I feel like my friends are so tired of hearing me talk about the fact that I’m not married, and the thought of up and moving to revisit those relationships that I gave up for my career has crossed my mind at least once a month for the last year. Basically, I feel like this pressure I have put on myself has lead me to acting a little crazy.
Kelly, 29, NYC, NY
Although I live in a big city now, I was raised in a small town where people usually stay put to start families. Although I’ve accomplished all of my biggest goals, whenever I’m home, I still feel that people don’t understand my singleness. I know the right relationship is coming, but it’s easy to feel pressured by my humble beginnings.
Amanda, 27, Louisiana
I’m from the South, so if you’re not married by your mid-20s, what are you even doing with your life? That’s probably where my pressure to get married started. I’m 27, and the older I get, the more I feel like there I’m in a race to “seal the deal.” Since my early 20s, I’ve second-guessed a lot of decisions because they could jeopardize my chances to get married — even if it was clearly the right decision for me.
I’m in a great long-term relationship, and marriage isn’t our priority right now (because #adulting and financial responsibility and so many other good reasons). But I still feel this urgency to move to the next step, and I don’t feel like I’ll ever be secure in a relationship until there is a ring on my finger. The logical part of me knows that a ring doesn’t change a relationship, but my low-key obsession with marriage never really goes away. It’s even caused me to question whether I’m in a relationship for the right reasons. I’d LOVE to get married — but for the right reasons. The pressure I put on myself is definitely something I need to work through before I can say marriage is the right choice for me.
Melanie, 35, Bradenton, FL
I felt a self-imposed pressure to get married because all of my college friends were marrying their college boyfriends. I had always done everything “right” — good student, went to a great university, played college and professional soccer, and always “won” at everything I did. I pressured myself and my college boyfriend to get married at 27, and we were divorced by 30. I don’t quite understand why we impose this pressure, but society and societal norms do play a role in relationships.
Courtney, 28, Columbus, OH
I think older generations just don’t understand why I’m not settled down with a baby. I had an old boss ask why I wasn’t waiting for a husband to purchase a house versus doing it alone — and that I better find him soon since my biological clock is ticking. (Old guys can be such stereotypes sometimes!) Also, it could be a Midwest thing, but my cousins who are younger than me are married with children.
Work and friends used to be the two sources of my pressure, until recently when all my friends started settling down. I am happy for all of them, but I have this nagging question of whether or not I’m being left behind — is it my fault I haven’t found someone? It sucks because a woman who has paid her own way through college, works full time, paid off her car, bought a house, and handles everything that comes with home ownership still isn’t seen as successful. It’s frustrating that the only accomplishment is marriage.
Katy, 30, Kentucky
As my 31st birthday is fast approaching, I feel the pressure increasing to “find someone.” For me, that pressure comes from being surrounded by people in serious relationships. I am literally the only single person I know right now, and it feels isolating in ways. I am also the ONLY single one out of my siblings. It can be hard to relate or find ways to get out of the house when I’m going to be the third wheel, or when no one is available because they already have plans with their significant other. This absolutely affects my relationships, my work, and my self-esteem (but I’m trying not to let it). I feel that any time I do spend time with friends, it will inevitably lead to someone trying to set me up — which in turn, makes me less likely to want to go out or hang out with friends. It feels isolation, being the “single friend,” and as I’m not getting any younger, that label feels increasingly present.
Danielle, 32, NYC, NY
I definitely feel this hardcore. It’s hard. I’m 32, live in my own apartment in NYC, am a director of marketing at a large media company, make six figures, work out daily, and yet, because I’m not married or in a relationship, people automatically think I’m a failure. It’s disheartening — I worked really hard to get to this place and I’m single moreso because I haven’t found the person who fits into my life and is their own person. Many of my friends are married and many relatives will berate me with questions about my dating life before they even congratulate me on my recent successes. It’s sad, but it’s reality.
Anonymous, 32, Chicago, IL
I come from a very small community in Iowa. I have traveled all over the world and have accomplished a lot, but when I go back to visit the first question I’m asked is, “Are you married yet?” I am very happy, but when I hear this, it stresses me out to think I don’t know why I’m not. Am I supposed to be as successful in my personal life as my professional life? Do I need to change myself to be more outgoing or more confident? Do I need to change up my social circle?
Anonymous, 25, Los Angeles, CA
I grew up in an Indian family where graduating from college and marriage are the only two milestones in life. I feel obligated to find “The One,” because the kids of my parents’ friends are already engaged or soon-to-be engaged. I’m 24, and my “life plan” was to date for three-to-five years and be engaged by 26, which means I needed to find “The One” like, a year ago. I want to be a young mom, but I also don’t want to rush a marriage. It affects guys I date because I automatically rule them out for not being “marriage” material, and I instantly seek men with “husband” qualities rather than growing with my partner.
As a self-proclaimed beauty addict, minimizing my beauty routine (and then writing about it) feels like I’m going against my core. But to be quite honest, it’s the peak of summer and I just can’t stomach my hard work melting off my face as soon as I walk out the door. And don’t even get me started on the ~ havoc ~ that is blow drying your when it’s 90 degrees outside, so you morph into a sweat-drenched mess BEFORE you step outside and become a sweat-drenched mess with the rest of the public.
So I’ve traded in my extensive beat for something much more simple — opting for products that can do multiple jobs with a single application. And you know what? I kind of love it. But no matter how hot it is or how little time I have to get ready, there are a few essentials I just can’t let go of.
The best part? You can pick them all up on your next Sephora run. We all know Sephora as the beauty lover’s idea of paradise, but shopping at the Disney World of glam has benefits that go past just their cult-approved selection. Not only does Sephora make it easy to test new products while stocking up on your favorites, there are tons of rewards and perks with their Beauty Insider Program. Take advantage of free products, exclusive services, special promotions, free shipping, and more — just for signing up.
Keep scrolling to see the 12 products I always find a place for in my routine, and let us know if you snag one on your next Sephora trip.
This new formula from Drunk Elephant is a moisture savior. Infused with African oils, it helps replenish barrier support and is safe for even the most sensitive skin. Use daily with your skincare routine or when you feel your skin is dry. I love to use it as a skin savior when traveling to dry climates or a hazardous night of falling asleep with makeup still on.
With over 5,000 five-star reviews on Sephora, everyone can agree that this is the lip moisturizer to end all lip products. I keep one on my nightstand and a mini in my purse because it's REALLY that good
— and you cannot beat the affordable price. Get ready to abandon all those partially-used chapsticks you've got floating around.
Yes, the aqua tube you see all over instagram truly is worth the hype. This hydrating mask is noncomedogenic and filled with vitamins that will brighten your skin texture, boost moisture, and help rid your skin of free radicals. I prefer to use it as a heavy nighttime moisturizer (usually while sleeping).
Do you ever use a sheet mask and wonder afterward if it really did anything? We've all been there. That's what drew me to these eye masks the first time I used them. After just a few minutes, you notice a significant difference in your under-eye area. They are a little pricey, so I only use them when I am looking particularly haggard. Think of them like an instant eye lift.
Minimizing my routine means I'm constantly looking for ways to do less. I always feel if my eyelashes are on point, then I appear awake and revitalized even without makeup. Because I can't afford the co$$$t of keeping eyelash extensions up, this is the next best thing. You'll begin to see results after a few weeks, but after three months you'll never want to live without this.
I recently switched from a favorite mascara I've been using for a few years — not because there was anything wrong with it, but because I wanted to see what other formulas were out there. Another one of the many reasons I'm an avid Sephora shopper is because they offer a hassle-free and no-questions-asked return policy — meaning if you don't like a product within 90 days, you can bring it back and swap it for something else. You never want to be stuck with a full tube of something that wasn't right for you, and thanks to Sephora you never have to. Diorshow is what I am currently rotating through and it has not disappointed. It gives my lashes a bold, full look that makes my eyes pop with little to no eyeshadow.
Just because you're not baking, contouring, and setting your face like a work of art doesn't mean you have to settle for a look that isn't eye-catching. That's why I never do my makeup without a pop of highlighter at the top of my cheekbones. We all know Queen Rihanna can do no wrong, but I'm here to personally vouch for her highlighter which glides on effortlessly with a gorgeous, buildable formula. So whether I want a subtle glow or for you to be able to see my cheekbones from outer space, I turn to this.
We can all agree that a beauty essential is an everyday lip color. I love Charlotte Tilburry's long-wearing shades in the satin finish because it keeps your lips soft and moisturized. It's the perfect have-on-you-at-all-times shade.
So what about the moments when you want a statement lip but don't want to have to worry about longevity? This YSL formula is PHENOMENAL. All caps, triple exclamation points, rent the airplane and start skywriting good. Because it's oil infused, the formula is a lipstick/chapstick/stain hybrid — meaning it is long wearing while also nourishing, and your bold color never looks patchy, no matter how much you eat or drink. It is more than worth the investment if you are like me and hate (or just forget) to reapply throughout the evening.
I splurged on this product after my favorite beauty Youtuber raved about it. Using a big fluffy brush, I love brushing it on my cheeks and upper forehead for a "yes, I just got back from St. Tropez" look. You only need a little bit and the compact is massive, so you're getting plenty of product for your money. It never applies muddy, streaky, or orange, which has been a problem with many bronzers before.
If you have problems with patchy bronzer application, dip your beauty blender in some translucent powder and lightly pat the area before applying your bronzer. Bronzer tends to look patchy when it's being applied to wet or damp skin — think sweat or the residue left behind from foundation/BB cream. Applying translucent powder gives it a better base for smooth and subtle application.
Being able to extend a wash and style has been crucial in lowering the amount of time I'm spending getting ready. Take it from someone who has tried every dry shampoo out there, this one truly reigns supreme. A few spritzes and you'll think your hair wash just washed. It's one of my desert island products.
I never thought I would love a hairspray as much as I love this one — I even keep an extra under the skink at all times. Not only does this spray hold your waves in place, it also adds texture, absorbs oil, and provides volume which means it does the job of three products in one.
While getting my weekly manicure, I experienced a bout of envy — not because someone stole the color I had in mind, but because I didn’t explore two of the trendiest options there. Powder dip nails and acrylic nails aren’t necessarily new, but if you look on Instagram for inspo, you’ll find enough hashtags to send you spiraling down a rabbit hole. And even though both look similar, there are some vast differences between acrylics and powder dip nails that you should know about before booking.
“Powder dip nails and acrylics have a ton of similarities, except that in both, the bonding agents are different,” manicurist Kylie Kwok says. “Dip requires a resin-based agent like super glue, whereas acrylics require monomer to form the acrylic nails.” A monomer is a chemical liquid that holds the acrylic and the nail together. It posses a strong chemical smell — you know the one as soon as you walk into a salon? Yep, that one. But without this liquid, the acrylic process is not possible.
Celebrity nail artist Erica Marton also agrees that both powder dip and acrylics are almost the same, but notes that acrylics are more time consuming, costly, and last longer. But when it comes to safety, she’d go with dip. “The process is less invasive — it’s a standard manicure,” Marton says. “The manicurist dips your nails in a jar full of powder that’s hopefully a single dip.”
Note that powder dip nails aren’t FDA-approved yet, and there are many nail professionals think the process isn’t sanitary because of the risk of cross-contamination. “You technically aren’t supposed to dip different clients’ fingers into the same pot, even though this is something salons do quite often,” Mazz Hanna, a professional nail artist, tells TZR. When you dip nails directly into a pot of powder and let the excess fall back into the pot, the risk of infection increases.
But overall, the verdict is technically still out on whether one process is safer than the other. “I’d say they both have the same amount of safety concerns. However, dip is a bit safer because the layers are not as thick as acrylics, and it reduces the chances of nail beds breaking and fungal infections,” Kwok says. Whereas, with acrylics, there is toluene, a toxic chemical found in acrylic nail glue. It’s known to cause respiratory issues, irritated skin, headaches, and dizziness.
The most definitive difference, of course, is the the application. With dip nails, you’re essentially getting a basic manicure in the sense that you pick the color, and a base coat is applied. Marton explains your nails get dipped a few times in a powder made from a silica, which has a dust-like texture. After that, your nails get sealed with a top coat. Once the powder dries, you’re free to adorn your base with designs and embellishments, like normal.
The process of applying acrylic nails is a bit more involved. First, your nails get sized with plastic nail extensions and then positioned to the tip of your nail bed. After the extensions receive glue and dry, the nail artist will fill in the spaces between your natural nail and the artificial nail with a liquid mix. “After that, a nail drill buffs the nails and makes them smooth,” Marton explains. After that, your nails get painted and finished off with a top coat.
No matter the differences, both Marton and Kwok note that you should not perform these techniques at home. The chemicals used are harmful if you don’t know how to apply them to your nails properly.
Whatever technique you like best, ahead, see pro artist picks just in case your powder dip nails or acrylics need a quick repair in between manicures.
If you care about skincare like I care about skincare (which is, like,a lot), then you’re probably familiar with all or most of the ingredients on this list. But do youreallyknow what they do and if they’re right for your skin? At The Everygirl, we’re big believers that just because it’s a trend doesn’t mean it’s right for you — that goes for diets, for fashion, and yes, for skincare. So here is everything you need to know about the most buzz-worthy ingredients of the year to help you decide whether or not these trends are worth the hype (and money).
Polyhydroxy Acids
So you’ve probably heard of AHAs and BHAs before, or at least have seen them on the bottle of your overnight mask or at-home peel. These popular ingredients are actually chemical exfoliants, called alpha hydroxy acids (typically “glycolic acid”) and beta hydroxy acids (typically “salicyclic acid”) — instead of sloughing away dead skin cells with manual exfoliation (think: that grainy face scrub you used in high school), it uses a chemical reaction. But polyhydroxy acid (PHAs) are the new chemical exfoliant in town. It has a larger molecule, making it gentler than its harsher cousins, AHAs and BHAs. Bonus: PHAs are also a humectant, meaning they attracts moisture to the skin while they exfoliate.
Try if: you want to try a chemical exfoliant but have sensitive skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is another member of the acid family, but with very different purposes. The ingredient (also known as glycosaminoglycan) became famous for its ability to stop or prevent aging. This is because the body actually makes its own hyaluronic acid to lubricate connective tissues. As we age, our bodies make less hyaluronic acid, causing skin elasticity and hydration to dwindle overtime. The ingredient not only works wonders for anti-aging, but also for skin hydration by attracting moisture to the skin.
Try if: you have dry skin or want a gentle anti-aging product
CBD
CBD (aka cannabidiol) started trending in 2018, and with major beauty brands like Peter Thomas Roth and Josie Maran jumping on the CBD bandwagon, it’s not going anywhere in 2019. While there’s still limited research on the topic, CBD does have major anti-inflammation properties, as well as vitamins A, D, and E. Plus, skin inflammation is not only the cause of acne flare-ups or sensitive skin — it also causes premature aging, making anti-inflammation a key property in skincare. CBD might just be with the hype after all.
Try if:you have skin irritation like cystic acne or rosacea
Bakuchiol
OK, so maybe this is one you haven’t exactly heard about or seen on your skincare bottles, but you’ve probably heard of retinol, aka the super ingredient for major anti-aging, acne-reducing, and glow-boosting benefits that’s in everything from your facial oil to your eye cream. Bakuchiol is an ingredient derived from the psoralea corylifolia plant that has been shown to provide most of the same benefits as retinol, but without the harsh side effects (irritation, peeling, dryness).
Try if: you have sensitive skin or want a plant-based retinol alternative
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is in oranges, in broccoli, and in your skincare. It’s an antioxidant that regenerates the skin, shown to increase collagen production. As if that weren’t enough, the skin superstar has an enzyme called tyrosinase, which treats and prevents hyperpigmentation. As an antioxidant, it also protects against pollution and sun damage (though does not suffice as an SPF replacement!). Vitamin C can help repair free radical damage and brighten complexion. It’s generally safe and side effects are limited, but be picky about which products you depend on for your dose of vitamin C — not all are created equal, and oftentimes the vitamin C is absorbed by the formula and it never actually reaches the skin. Opt for powder formulas or high quality brands you trust.
Try if: you have hyperpigmentation or dark spots
Witch Hazel
That’s right, the ingredient found in the cult-classic toner you used as a pre-teen is back in style. Witch hazel is a plant with powerful medicinal properties, including benefits for skincare. The plant contains gallic acid, tannins, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, and also works as an astringent to fight acne-causing bacteria and shrink pores. As a bonus, witch hazel also might help protect skin against sun damage — one study found that the ingredient helped neutralize harmful free radicals and prevented the spread of skin cancer cells.
Try if: you have skin irritation like redness, acne, eczema, or psoriasis.
Marula Oil
Step aside rosehip — there’s a new oil in town and it’s good. Not only is this lightweight oil packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids, but it also has a high concentrate of another superfood ingredient, vitamin C — you’re basically getting a two-for-one deal. It doesn’t clog pores or irritate skin, and it’s anti-microbial so it can help kill acne-causing bacteria. Basically, it boosts glow, fights aging, hydrates skin, and doesn’t clog pores — what can’t this oil do?
Try if: you have dry or sallow skin or are looking for an oil that’s good for oily or sensitive skin
Which buzz-worthy skincare ingredient have you been loving lately?