No, you wanted me to say that my skin started glowing, my confidence skyrocketed, and I had the oh-so-common epiphany that social media was ruining my life. False. What I actually gained was clarity on my body, my needs, and the frightening truth that I genuinely don’t care what I look like anymore.

I love makeup. I love dyeing my curls honey blonde every two months. But trends kept whispering: “Sculpt your nose. Lift your eyes. Wear this.” I chased features I didn’t have. And while my self-esteem stayed intact, my blush placement absolutely did not (newsflash: clowncore is not for everyone).

For the past two years, I’ve been in and out of hospitals. By the end of sophomore year, I landed in the ER. I stopped caring if my lipliner was blended or if my beat-up boots matched the hoodie I wore like armor to class. My body was breaking down, and so was the façade. Bye-bye haircare. Bye-bye Urban Decay.

Usually, summer is when I thrive: glowy skin, small waist, birthday season energy. But this time, after a trip across the country with my boyfriend, I looked, and felt, the worst I ever had. Another ER visit. No glow in sight.

So I cut the noise. No more social media trends. No more “sponsored” anything. Instead, I took myself to the flea market and bought clothes I would’ve loved at age five. I stared at my face for way too long in the mirror, shaping my makeup to where the shadows hit my face, not where someone with a slim face and oval face told me to contour. I wore blush as eyeshadow. Purple lipstick for no reason. Stopped dyeing my hair (even though I might go back, don’t fight me). I started getting plain nails again. Ugly jewelry that makes no sense. Earrings shaped like bugs. Random Y2K pieces I’d never wear at my college.

And while I stopped watching social media, I started watching my body. It bloats when I scroll for too long. It hurts when I eat protein. It’s breaking out enough to host a Tic-Tac-Toe tournament. But instead of hiding, I started listening. I bought skincare for my skin. I ditched lash extensions that leave bald spots and opted for cheap strip lashes. I stopped working out for a big butt. I like cardio. I like having a small bum.

Trends can be fun. They teach you, they inspire you. But stepping away teaches you what you like before algorithms get a say. And everything you think you need to change about yourself? It’s probably just your uniqueness being gaslit by the For You page.

I gained some weight and my skin’s still healing. But I’m finally seeing just my features, and I’ve never cared less about how I look because I’ve never known myself more.

If you love a soft, natural lip with just the right balance of definition and comfort, this one’s for you.

Here’s what I’ve been wearing on repeat:

The Lip Lineup

Colour Riche Lip Liner (Shade 635) – The perfect outline. Creamy, smooth, and just deep enough to add dimension without looking too harsh. This one’s my love.

Colour Riche Luminous Lip (Shade 635) – A classic. Hydrating with a subtle glow, it layers beautifully over the liner for a naturally plush look.

Infallible Matte Lipstick (Shade 635) – If you want something that lasts all day, this is it. Matte, but not drying, and the perfect complement to this combo.

Colour Riche Voluminous Matte (Shade 635) – My absolute favorite of the bunch. It has that soft-focus, blurred effect that makes lips look effortlessly full.

How It Wears

The best part? This combo is versatile. It works for brunch, work meetings, and date nights without feeling too bold or too subtle. No drying or cracking here.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right lip shade is like finding the perfect pair of jeans: it just makes everything feel right. And while I might not have my outfit together (see: soap on my shirt), at least my lips are flawless.

CFxLorealParis #GiftedbyLorealParis #LorealParisMakeup

Winter makeup is all about hydration, glow, and looking amazing (even if your skin is lowkey fighting the cold). As someone who gets dry lips and dry patches as soon as the weather drops, this is the routine that saves my ever-changing skin.

1. The Perfect Base: Hydrated & Smooth

I start with the Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer, because winter skin needs all the moisture. It grips onto makeup while keeping my skin fresh and dewy, not dry and tight.

Next, instead of a heavy foundation, I go for Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream. It’s lightweight, evens out my skin, and gives a simple glow. Perfect for winter when I want coverage without the cake that makes my skin look even drier.

2. Concealer Magic: Bright & Lifted

Dark circles? We don’t know them. The Too Faced Born This Way Concealer is my holy grail for full coverage but still hydrating.

3. Lips That Stay Hydrated & Glossy

Winter lips? I start with NYX Gel Lip Liner to define and slightly overline (because a little extra pout never hurt). Then, I top it with NYX Butter Gloss in Toffee, which is the perfect warm, toasty brown. It’s glossy without being sticky, and my lips stay soft all day. I then apply my L’Oréal Plump Ambition lip gloss to plump my lips and add a touch of sparkle, and finally coat everything with a simple clear gloss.

And just like that, I’m glowy and ready for winter.

THIS POST IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LO’REAL PARIS USA.

Winter dryness is no joke, but finding the right body wash can make all the difference. I tested 4 popular SheaMoisture body washes to see which ones truly deliver on hydration, glow, and skin care benefits.

Spoiler alert: there’s a winner, but each has its perks!

Here’s my honest review with ratings:

1. African Black Soap Body Wash

Key Ingredients: African Black Soap, Oats, Aloe, Vitamin E
This one’s a hidden gem if you struggle with uneven skin tone or dark marks – it really works to clarify and smooth your skin. After a week of use, I noticed my skin looked more even and felt less irritated. The rich, earthy scent gives spa vibes, but it might not be everyone’s favorite.
Rating: ☆☆☆ (7/10)

2. Coconut Hibiscus Body Wash

Key Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Hibiscus Flower, Vitamin C, Songyi Mushroom
Glow goals achieved! This is hands down my favorite. It brightened my skin, leaving it soft and radiant, and the tropical scent transported me straight to a beach vacation (mentally, at least!). Perfect for adding some summer vibes to winter.
Rating: (10/10)

3. Raw Shea Butter Body Wash

Key Ingredients: Raw Shea Butter, Frankincense, Myrrh, Pro-Ceramides
If your skin is crying out for moisture, this is your answer. It’s super nourishing and leaves you feeling like you’ve just stepped out of a luxurious spa treatment. The rich formula is amazing for parched skin, but it might feel a bit heavy for daily use if you’re on the oily side.
Rating: ☆☆ (8/10)

4. Virgin Coconut Oil Body Wash

Key Ingredients: 100% Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk, Glycerin, Acacia Senegal
Hydration lovers, this one’s for you. It’s lightweight but ultra-moisturizing, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth for hours. The subtle coconut scent is perfect for everyday and refreshing without being overpowering.
Rating: ☆☆ (8/10)

The Verdict:

• Best for Brightening: Coconut Hibiscus takes the crown.
• Best for Moisture: Raw Shea Butter is a winter skin savior for dry days.
• Best for Dark Marks: African Black Soap clears up uneven skin tone like a pro.

No matter your skin’s winter woes, SheaMoisture has you covered.

Which one are you adding to your cart?

*This post is in partnership with SheaMoisture.

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First Impressions:

Within just two days of using the Re-Nutriv products both morning and night, I observed a noticeable improvement in my skin. My dark circles and acne scars appeared brighter and less prominent. The undereye circles, which have been a persistent issue since I was eight, (yes, eight) started to fade. This was remarkable given that I have tried every possible solution from DIY hacks to high-end eye creams without significant results. The Re-Nutriv line almost worked like a brightening, glowy primer, making my makeup application smoother and more radiant.

A Win For The Girls With Dark Spots:

The standout aspect of this skincare line was its ability to significantly reduce my undereye circles and acne scars in a matter of days. This was a first for me despite years of experimenting with various products and methods. The consistency in my routine revealed the true potential of the Re-Nutriv line, especially in brightening and firming my skin.

A Small Setback:

Around a week into the regimen, I experienced some dry skin. I discovered that skipping the Advanced Night Repair Serum or adding a layer of Vaseline post-moisturizer quickly resolved this issue, bringing my skin back to its nourished state.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I would rate the Re-Nutriv skincare set an 8.5/10. The eye cream and face wash deserve a perfect score of 10/10 for their exceptional impact on my skin’s glow and overall improvement.

Trying out the Re-Nutriv line was a luxurious journey that offered visible and satisfying results, especially for someone transitioning from simpler skincare routines. Whether you are looking to address specific skin concerns or simply indulge in a high-end skincare experience, the Re-Nutriv line is certainly worth considering.

*This review is a personal, voluntary experience and is not sponsored by Estée Lauder.

1) Drunk Elephant

They’ve made it their mantra to provide clean, cruelty-free, and sustainable skincare. When you pick up one of their products, you’re choosing beauty that respects the planet through recyclable packaging and by avoiding those questionable “Suspicious Six” ingredients.

2) Herbivore Botanicals

Herbivore Botanicals takes a refreshingly naked approach. Their products are not just good for your skin; they’re fantastic for the environment too. With biodegradable packaging and organic, plant-based ingredients, they’re an eco-conscious skincare lover’s dream come true.

3) Youth to the People

Youth to the People believes in powering up your skincare routine with superfoods. They do it with a touch of glass, eliminating harmful plastics in their packaging. Their commitment to sustainability extends to using only vegan and cruelty-free ingredients.

4) Tata Harper

Tata Harper takes farm-to-face skincare to a whole new level. Their 100% natural and nontoxic products are crafted in a solar-powered Vermont farm. Every aspect, from eco-friendly packaging to responsible ingredient sourcing, reflects their dedication to environmental sustainability.

5) REN Clean Skincare

They prioritize recycled ocean plastic for their packaging and are on a mission to achieve zero waste.

6) Indie Lee

Indie Lee’s clean beauty philosophy extends to eco-friendly packaging with the use of glass, which is more easily recyclable than plastic. Their products are free from harmful ingredients, making them a great choice for eco-conscious consumers.

7) Biossance

Biossance has a unique approach to sustainability with their squalane-based skincare. They use renewable sugarcane for squalane production, and their packaging is crafted from sugarcane paper.

8) The Ordinary

The Ordinary takes a minimalist approach to both skincare and packaging. They use simple, recyclable materials, and their products are not only effective but also affordable, making sustainability accessible to everyone.

9) ILIA Beauty

Their commitment to the environment extends to using recycled aluminum and glass for packaging. Their products are rich in sustainable, organic ingredients.

10) Origins

Origins is a true pioneer in using recycled materials for packaging. They’ve been steadfast in their commitment to environmental sustainability. Their products often include natural and organic ingredients, making them a great choice.

It’s a never ending cycle: a cycle of upkeep, changes, purchases, beliefs, or anything that revolves around the constant changes required to be considered beautiful at the time. Knowing this, the essence of self-care takes on a new profound significance. It nurtures our inner esteem and encompasses not only the physical, but also the emotional dimensions of our being. 

As the summer season settles in, remembering to protect our bodies and minds from things we know can only harm us, which could include harmful relationships, the thief of joy herself: comparison, or unruly habits we keep falling back to, is fully necessary to upkeep our mental health and truly enjoy the summer. Beyond the temporal facade, true beauty emerges when we cherish our daily lives, which is rooted in celebrating each version of us that shows up for the day.

Let this summer be a testament to the transformative power of self-care, as we celebrate the innate beauty that resides within us. True beauty lies not in conformity but in the profound acceptance of our authentic selves. May this season be a time of self-discovery, awakening, and the radiant expression of our inner authenticity.

– Bella Floyd