I don’t know about you, but I’ll use almost any beauty product that makes me feel like I’m on a constant vacation. In my humble opinion, spritzing on a balmy, aromatic fragrance is one of the easiest ways to do so. Your sense of smell can invoke so many memories, or it can help you tap into your inner dreamer to imagine you’re somewhere else completely. There’s one note in particular that instantly makes me think I’m lounging on a hammock in a tropical location.
Sweet, creamy, and musky, notes of coconut in any perfume always make my nose perk up. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea because, if done incorrectly, it can smell too much like scented sunscreen. But when combined with the right notes, it’s a perfume wearer’s ultimate paradise. Even if you don’t like coconut-heavy scents, there’s still one on this list I’m sure you will love. I’ve rounded up the best coconut perfumes, from strongly scented to subtle AF. Keep scrolling and find the one for you.
By now, you’ve probably surmised that we test-drive a lot of beauty products here at Who What Wear HQ. From nail polish and makeup to hair and skincare, we’re eyebrow deep in all things new, exciting, and wish-list-worthy. That said, due to the number of products we come in contact with, we’ve also transformed into the nitpickiest of beauty consumers. Within seconds, we can tell if a new hair oil is too heavy, and we’re quick to ignore a serum that yields disappointing results.
The good news? We’re far more often impressed than unimpressed after trying out a new product, and usually, we simply can’t wait to spread the word to all of our fellow beauty lovers (also known as you!). Therefore, we’ve decided gushing over our latest fave products should become a monthly ritual, and every 30 days or so, you can expect a full report detailing the highlighters, hair wands, and overnight skincare saviors we’ve quickly fallen head over heels for.
For the most part, we’ll be covering buzzworthy launches, as those typically take up most of the action atop our product-filled desks, but we won’t dismiss new-to-us products, either. Sometimes, our best discoveries are found on a friend’s vanity or on someone’s face at the bar (true story). Ahead are the best beauty products we tried in October! Grab your game face and wallet—you’ll be needing both.
Black Friday is still a few weeks away, but this season’s Sephora sale puts the retailer ahead of the curve. Once again, the Holiday Savings Event 2022 serves up serious beauty deals for those who are getting a jump on the gift list—or merely replenishing their vanity. For this sale, discounts apply nearly sitewide (find the exemptions here). You’ll find limited-edition makeup palettes, investment hair tools, and skin care worth their cult followings, as well as exclusive sets that have only just landed on the shelves.
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The sale is staggered between October 28 and November 7, organized by the Beauty Insider tiers. The first three days are exclusive to Rouge members (those who spend $1,000 per year), who can stock up at a 20% discount. VIB members, who spend an annual $350, can enjoy 15% off beginning November 1. Finally, those in the Insider tier—which has no threshold and is free to join—have a 10% discount that kicks off November 3. The code SAVINGS at checkout is the magic word. Perhaps best of all, everyone enjoys free shipping, regardless of their Beauty Insider status.
The glories of a sitewide sale are obvious, but the reality is that parsing through the huge inventory can feel overwhelming. Consider this curated selection a satisfying place to start.
All products featured on Vanity Fair are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
I don’t think anyone gets quite as excited as I do for Sephora’s annual Holiday Savings Event. If you’re a beauty fanatic like me, I’m sure you’ve got your eye on a few things already. But if you’re a VIB member at Sephora, this is your gentle reminder that starting today, you can receive 15% off through November 7 with the code SAVINGS.
Not a VIB? No problem. If you’re a Rouge member, you’ll receive 20% off through November 7. First-tier Insiders will receive 10% off starting November 3 through November 7.
As a bonus, all Sephora Collection items are 30% off regardless of tier—a true holiday treat from the retail giant. I know, enough talking, more shopping. If you’re curious about what I’ve got queued up in my cart, keep scrolling.
That said, filler isn’t for everyone, and I know plenty of people who simply aren’t interested or can’t afford the treatment and/or upkeep. (It’s a steep investment, after all!) Luckily for us, the makeup industry has really been kicking it up a notch in the innovation department the past few years and some of the most effective lip plumpers boast drugstore-level price tags. Not everyone is looking for plumper lips, but if you’re someone who is craving an extra injection of volume sans filler, you’ve come to the right place. Below, I’m sharing five of the absolute best lip plumpers that A) can be found at the drugstore or B) boast drugstore-affordable price points. Plus, because I feel so passionately about the subject, I’ve gone ahead and added the products that will further enhance your pout, and I even tacked on a few of my favorite, albeit more splurge-y, lip plumpers at the end of the article. Keep scrolling!
Just when you thought Madonna might not have any sense of self-awareness, she goes and does something all too meta: puts scar makeup all over her face as part of her Halloween costume. It’s unclear just what, exactly, she was trying to “be” with this look, apart from Someone Who Just Left the Plastic Surgeon’s Office. Unless, of course, she wants to say she’s going for a “scarecrow” aesthetic (some ageist areseholes would jibe, “Ha! More like scarecrone!”). Others have posited she was trying her hand at being a “sexy zombie.” In any case, maybe she actually didn’t know that putting scars on her face like that would draw the obvious remark from viewers that it looks as though she just got another touch-up at the clinic and didn’t bother to wait to show it off “casually,” better known as: acting like it never happened at all.
Although making comments about people’s plastic surgery can be construed as a form of body shaming, the glaring spotlight on Madonna’s various procedures over the past decade have become difficult to ignore. Even in spite of the many filters she freely wields to make her face look somehow younger than it did when she was in her twenties (this being called “Madonna’s Face as Andy Warhol’s Philosophy”). And while some would say that her inability to “admit” her age by just “letting herself go” is part of the problem in terms of why women continue to remain obsessed with looking young by any means necessary (read: plastic surgery), what it really speaks to is the future of what “looking young at any age” will mean.
Many will already take note that, since even as recent a time as a show like Golden Girls, when Bea Arthur was sixty-three playing a woman in her fifties, those in the same age bracket now presently look much younger. While certain researchers tend to offer the idea that, for women, this has become a phenomenon because more females are having children later in life or not at all—which means the youth and beauty sucked from them while nurturing that child in their womb is bypassed—a key factor is the more widespread ability of various beauty “procedures” and products. Especially expensive ones that only celebrities like Madonna can afford.
Granted, Madonna likely wishes she hadn’t “needed” to start in the plastic surgery game until after the 90s, when even more modern advancements came along. Perhaps she would have preferred to wait for something less “invasive” like the vampire facial Kim Kardashian made notorious. Alas, Madonna received the pratfalls of being a baby boomer just as she received many of its benefits (e.g., the ease of climbing to the top without every pre-fame move being documented or, say, being positioned at a time in history when she could lay claim to doing everything “first”). And one of those cons, as it were, included subjecting herself to more “analog” beauty methods. Starting too soon, yet still seeking out nothing but the best money could buy (much like Elise Elliot [Goldie Hawn] in The First Wives Club, who famously stated, “It’s the 90s, plastic surgery is like good grooming”).
And it served her well for quite a while, save for a strange awkward phase in 2001 (for the entirety of the Drowned World Tour) that magically disappeared in 2002. As though she’d “switched surgeons” or something. In any event, Madonna’s ever-changing face has long been a topic of discussion, often heated. Indeed, M was perhaps more called out than ever when she graced the cover of New York Magazine in 2008 with “The New New Face” as an accompanying title meant to refer to a plastic surgery procedure that was all the rage among celebrities at the time. But by and large, the discussion about her face is rather minimal considering how overt the changes to it have been. Maybe that’s just another aspect of being in the upper echelon financially: no one questions what you do to your body that much for fear of getting slapped on the wrist in some unexpected way. In Britney Spears’ case, that partially resulted in an all-out revolt against recording new music.
While non-famous women have the advantage of looking younger for longer compared to their forebears thanks to a vastly increased quality of life (complete with regular dental care!), the fact remains that it is only celebrities and other assorted richies who will be able to truly buy their way out of the effects of time (and who knows, maybe even death at some point). Madonna might not be deemed the best example of this, but then, one can dredge up the insult-compliment, “You have to admit that she looks great…for her age.” And she certainly doesn’t look like Bea Arthur did in her sixties.
LOS ANGELES, October 31, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– Sitara California, an Indian-American model, is featured in a national ad campaign for Lady Gaga’s makeup brand, Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, in-store and online at Sephora. “Lady Gaga is so incredibly sweet and caring, and she made us all feel seen, special, and celebrated for our unique beauty. I was honored when Haus Labs chose me to be a part of their campaign, and I absolutely love the foundation’s formula and flawless coverage. It’s now a staple in my daily makeup routine.”
Sitara California was born in Chennai, India, and is the granddaughter of the famous surgeon PVA Mohandas, who is the founder of MIOT Hospitals.
She was raised in Carmel, California, but now lives in Los Angeles. “I love modeling because it gives me an opportunity to represent South Asian beauty and express my femininity.”
Sitara signed to EMG models in 2020 and has been featured in several different projects, including the iconic Jalebi Baby music video by Tesher and Jason Derulo and Downfalls High by Machine Gun Kelly. She’s also done global media campaigns for Instagram, Savage x Fenty, Soulja Boy x Grizzly Peaks, Target, and more. She loves supporting desi-owned fashion brands, like Namaslay Collective and Olio Stories, by showcasing them on her Instagram.
To see her portfolio, visit her Instagram @sitara.california, or check out her website www.sitaracalifornia.com. Sitara plans to expand her reach in the entertainment industry and branch out into the music and film industry as an artist and actress. Sitara says, “Living in Los Angeles provides me with so many amazing and unique opportunities, and I am excited to take advantage of all of them.”
Lady Gaga with Models Photo Credits: Domen & Van de Velde
Now that I’ve had time to fully digest Taylor Swift’s latest album, Midnights,I’m taking the time to obsess over everything pertaining to the theme of the album, including Swift’s epic midnight manicure. Swift posted a shot of her dreamy, star-filled nails on her Instagram story and, of course, fans (including myself) immediately started looking for ways to do it themselves at home. It’s moody and mysterious yet still festive—the perfect winter mani if you ask me. I always like to go to the experts for any kind of hair, skin, or nail advice, so this time I enlisted the help of celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce.
According to Boyce, it’s incredibly easy to DIY at home. You really only need two products, but if you’re like me and want to spice it up a little, keep reading for a few of Boyce’s tips and product suggestions to give it a go.
“Look for a body lotion that contains a blend of emollient, humectant, and occlusive ingredients to protect and hydrate the skin,” says Josh Zeichner, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. “Occlusives like petrolatum form a breathable seal on the skin to keep hydration in and environmental aggressors out. Humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin act like sponges to pull in hydration to the skin. Emollients, like fatty alcohols and natural oils soften the outer skin layer.” Zeichner also recommends opting for a fragrance-free option, which is better for sensitive skin.
Zeichner recommends applying body lotion twice a day if possible. If you’re applying after the shower, be sure to slather on body lotion within five minutes to help seal in moisture. Keep reading for some of the best drugstore body lotions out there and why they’re tough to beat.
As beauty editors, one might say we always have our finger on the pulse when it comes to what the absolute best perfumes on the market are. More specifically, we also tend to know which designer perfumes are worthy of a spot on your vanity. You name it, we’ve probably tried it. Although every designer label has its own unique set of fragrances, there are always those that manage to remain a cult-loved item even years after its release.
Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue ($62) is one of them. The classic, timeless scent has remained a best seller for the brand (and beauty-editor favorite) since its release in 2001. Although I love the fresh, fruity, and woody scent myself, I think there are a few other Dolce & Gabbana perfumes out there that absolutely shouldn’t be slept on. Keep reading below—I’m breaking down all my favorites in no particular order because who can manage the impossible task of ranking them all?
The temperatures have dropped, which means it’s officially time to shake up your skincare routine. Colder temperatures mean your skin needs some extra TLC. One of the best ways to combat dryness this season is by adding a facial oil to your skincare arsenal. But don’t let the word “oil” deter you: face oils are an excellent source of nutrients and moisture, even for people with acne-prone and oily skin.
Every formula is different, but what matters most is how you incorporate it into your routine. In skin care, it’s important to use formulas from lightest to heaviest, Dr. Geeta Yadav, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, says. “When you apply face oil depends on the weight of the oil itself. Generally speaking, that means you’d apply an essence before a serum, a serum before a moisturizer, and a moisturizer before a face oil,” she explains. If your oil is lighter than your moisturizer, Dr. Yadav says it’s fine to switch the two.
Once you secure a gentle cleanser, treatment serum, and moisturizing face cream, scroll down for the 17 best facial oils to add to your routine.
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1
Best for Soothing
African Botanics
Neroli Infused Marula Oil
2
Best for Sensitive Skin
Goop
Plum Beauty Oil
3
Derm’s Choice
NOW
Organic Jojoba Oil
4
Best for All Skin Types
Renee Rouleau
Pro Remedy Oil
5
Best Everyday Oil
Drunk Elephant
Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil
6
Best for Under Makeup
Charlotte Tilbury
Collagen Superfusion Face Oil
7
Best Antioxidant-Rich Formula
Youth to the People
Superberry Hydrate & Glow Oil
8
Best for Brightening
Biossance
Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
9
Best Splurge
La Mer
The Renewal Oil
10
Best for Barrier Repair
Farmacy
Honey Grail
11
Best for Anti-Aging
Sunday Riley
Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil
12
Best for Fatigued Skin
Kiehl’s Since 1851
Daily Reviving Concentrate
13
Best for Radiance
True Botanicals
Pure Radiance Oil
14
Best Retinol-Infused Option
Tata Harper Skincare
Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil
15
Best for Dull Skin
Herbivore
Phoenix Cell Regenerating Facial Oil
16
Best for Redness
Uma
Beauty Boosting Day Face Oil
17
Best for Deep Moisture
Elemis
Superfood Facial Oil
18
What does face oil do?
Face oil alone can’t give your skin the hydration it needs, but it’s a great team player with other products to boost the skin’s moisture levels. “When skin is dry, it is often because of skin barrier dysfunction. The skin barrier helps nourish the skin while sealing in hydration. When the skin barrier is damaged, you’ll experience higher rates of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which leaves your skin dry and irritated. By hydrating skin with a humectant like hyaluronic acid and then using a face oil, you will be able to help restore the health of the skin barrier, lock in lasting moisture, and promote a more nourished complexion,” Dr. Geeta Yadav, founder of Toronto-based dermatology Facet Dermatology, explains.
19
Which is the best face oil?
Dr. Yadav says the best oil is jojoba since it absorbs easily and is super lightweight. “It’s biomimetic, meaning it functions similarly to the oils of our own skin (a.k.a. sebum). It’s well tolerated by most, won’t congest pores, and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin,” she adds.
20
Is face oil the same as serum?
“No, face oil and serum do not serve the same purpose in a skincare regimen. While face oil nourishes the skin, serum features high concentrations of an ingredient in a fast-absorbing texture to treat targeted concerns,” Dr. Yadav says.
Nerisha Penrose Beauty Commerce Editor Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music).
I remember the day I got saved like no other. My dad and I used to stay up late playing video games, and on one beautiful summer night, the trajectory of my life would forever be changed. At 2:30 am, I was given an option between life and death.
I wasn’t threatened to make a choice.
I wasn’t forced to believe what Mom and Dad believed.
I wasn’t even given the “you’re going to hell” speech.
Nevertheless, something within my heart drew me to Jesus.
It was not just a choice. It was my choice.
It was not just a decision. It was my decision.
It was not their pressed acceptance. It was my acceptance.
A Choice
Today, I think many good and well-intentional Christians want to save others, but they are going about it the wrong way.
When I was in high school, for instance, I not so fondly recall reading Jonathan Edward’s pivotal sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.”
In a secular high school English class, you can imagine the horror and disdain I felt reading this as a student. All the people in my class who didn’t know God, who didn’t understand Christianity or religion, who didn’t have a view, now had the view that the God I loved and served was merely dangling them over a pit of hell. The text made it seem this was a pit of hell He would gladly drop them over the second they made a mistake.
What a sad view of such a loving and powerful God.
Who God Is
While God is a God to be feared, respected, and honored, and hell is a very real place, scaring people into salvation is not what Christ intended for us. And it certainly is not what He called us as His disciples to do.
Yes, the gospel message requires an acknowledgment of our sins. It requires us to humble ourselves before God and realize that we all fall short of the glory of His splendor. It requires us to see that He is God and we are not. Yes, the gospel message requires us to realize that atonement was needed for our sins. That because we sinned and fell in the Garden of Eden, we were the ones who deserved condemnation and hell.
But the gospel message also requires us to realize that because of Jesus, we can be saved. We can confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord of our lives, ask for forgiveness of our sins, and live the way He intended for us to live. We can become Gospel-Message Bearers just as He was the Light of the World.
A Ministry of Love
Jesus ministered to others using parables. He often taught harsh truths to the Pharisees and Sadducees (who needed harsh words to break free of their obsession with religion). But His main method of conversion was love.
Jesus made it clear that God came to save everyone.
“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4, NLT).
“And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day” (John 6:39, NLT).
Jesus made it clear that all needed to repent from sin and accept Jesus Christ as the Lord of their life:
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23, NLT).
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”(Romans 10:9, NLT).
How to Treat Others
But when Jesus met the woman at the well who’d had five husbands, He didn’t start with, “you’re going to hell.” He started with, “I know everything about you, but I’m here to offer you a way of life that will never run dry” (John 4).
When God called Noah, and he ran away, God sent protection and love in the form of conviction (Genesis 5:29).
When Jesus felt the tears of a prostitute flow over His feet, He didn’t tell her to get out; He let her touch Him. He let her get close, and her life was changed (Luke 7:36-50).
As a born-again Christian, I will not minimize the seriousness of sin, salvation, heaven, or hell. All are real, and all have consequences or outcomes. But when it comes to sharing the Gospel, might I plead with you this:
The student in my class who came from a divorced family needs to know that Jesus sees her and loves her before she’s told she’s going to Hell without Him.
The student in my class who was the child of two people addicted to drugs needs to know that Jesus came to offer her a better way of life and love before she’s told to just go to church and figure it out.
The student in my class who is stuck in a generational wave of mental health disorders needs to hear that God is with them in health and poverty before they’re given a blanket statement to just pray or read their Bible more.
The student in my class who feels like religion and God are being forced down their throat needs to know and experience the love, care, and true gospel message of Christ through you before you expect them to become a follower of Christ.
Our world needs more living out and less suppression. It needs Christians willing to live and breathe like Jesus so that others may experience Him and be saved.
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way.[c] Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ” (1 Peter 3:15-16, NLT).
Be an Effective Agent of Change
The most effective agents of change for Christ are not those scaring people into salvation. And despite the popularity of “hell walks” at churches during Halloween, I do not believe fear has a place in the love and salvation Christ offers the sinner.
The most effective agents of change for Christ are those who build a trusting relationship with the sinner.
These change agents invest in those relationships by living as Christ intended them to and then present the gospel message—not to scare them but to show them a reality. Not to force them but to offer them a choice.
This is a choice that will change their entire life for eternity to come.
Jesus was a friend of sinners, and so should we be.
Amber Ginter is a young adult writer that currently works as an English teacher in Chillicothe, Ohio, and has a passionate desire to impact the world for Jesus through her love for writing, aesthetics, health/fitness, and ministry. Amber seeks to proclaim her love for Christ and the Gospel through her writing, aesthetic worship arts, and volunteer roles. She is enrolled in the YWW Author Conservatory to become a full-time author and is a featured writer for Crosswalk,ibelieve, Salem Web Network, The Rebelution, Daughter of Delight, Kallos, Anchored Passion, No Small Life, and Darling Magazine. In the past, she’s also contributed to Called Christian Writers, Southern Ohio Today News, Ohio Christian University, and The Circleville Herald. Visit her website atamberginter.com.
Gwyneth Paltrow stepped out on Tuesday evening to attend the opening-night celebration of Veuve Clicquot’s “Solaire Culture” exhibition, a traveling showcase that made its way to Los Angeles to commemorate the Champagne house’s milestone 250th anniversary and pay tribute to Madame Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, who took control of Veuve Clicquot Champagne at age 27 in 1805 after the death of her husband. She became one of the very first female business leaders during a time when women were not allowed to manage a company or open a bank account.
“Her story is really inspiring. She’s an example of what can happen when entrepreneurs, especially female entrepreneurs, don’t take no for an answer,” said Paltrow, who attended the opening on Rodeo Drive alongside guests including Gal Gadot, Laura Harrier, and Charlie’s Angels actor Ella Balinska, who DJ’d the party. “I think we can all learn from her story.”
To honor Madame Clicquot’s pioneering achievements—she created the first known blended rosé Champagne—art historian Camille Morineau and designer Constance Guisset gathered 10 female artists to commission original artwork for “Solaire Culture,” an immersive exhibition that salutes female audacity and invokes joy and optimism. Among the artists whose works are featured in the exhibit—opening October 26—are Yayoi Kusama, Rosie McGuinness, Sheila Hicks, and Tacita Dean, who all offered their unique vision of Madame Clicquot’s daring entrepreneurial ethos, which has paved the way for generations of female business leaders.
Like Madame Clicquot, Paltrow has pivoted, transitioning from an Oscar-winning acting career to the lifestyle and wellness industry as the founder and CEO of Goop. More than a decade after Paltrow started her company in 2008, it’s grown from a weekly newsletter into a brand valued at an estimated $250 million.
“What I love about being an entrepreneur is the agency that you have, and I also love working with a team,” said Paltrow on the arrivals carpet prior to viewing the exhibition. “Acting is very much a solo sport and to be able to really build something with a group of people that you care about and invest in, and all the different points of view, and all the different expertise, and galvanize everybody focused on the same thing makes it a very rewarding experience.”
Launching Goop was no easy task, Paltrow candidly admits. “My set of challenges have been very unique because I migrated from a career in the arts to a career in business,” she said. “I had to gain trust and support. But at the end of the day, everything is business…It takes a lot of thought and a lot of concerted effort and really keeping an eye on the prize, and of course, there’s a terrible economy. There’s always something to navigate through.”
From recommending vaginal steaming to sex toys and pubic hair oil, the curated products Goop features are meant not to titillate but to explore.
“When we started Goop, we were doing it from a very real, very honest place, and we continue to really try to change conversations and to move culture forward,” said Paltrow, dressed in a cutout Carolina Herrera dress with a long train. “To be an indispensable resource is really what we hope the customer will take away. We started a lot of conversations about clean beauty and how important clean beauty is, we talked modern feminism and unconscious uncoupling, and amazing travel recommendations. Our goal is always to help the customer.”
Following in Paltrow’s footsteps, a slew of celebrities have recently turned their professional attention to non-acting endeavors. From Scarlett Johansson and Jared Leto to her former fiancé Brad Pitt, these A-listers have entered the beauty world with their own brands. This past September, Pitt released his skin care line, Le Domaine, a gender-neutral, anti-aging line. Pitt has credited Paltrow—the two were in a relationship from 1994 to 1997—for helping inspire the idea. As he grows and further develops his brand, Paltrow has some practical business tips for the Oscar winner.
“I think for any entrepreneur, and Brad included, you have to be committed to the integrity and the authenticity in what you make,” Paltrow said. “You have to know that you are making something because you believe in it so much. That you have to make it because you believe the world needs to have it as opposed to creating a business for business sake.”
Pitt also praised Paltrow for getting him to wash his face. “It was a long time ago. I don’t remember if I was the one,” she said. “But you know, I’m always trying to encourage everybody to wash their face. A clean face is a good thing, even for Brad!”
As Paltrow continues to dominate the wellness and lifestyle world, she promises she will not completely abandon her acting career. You can expect her to take on one more role.
“I mean, I would never say never,” said Paltrow, who last appeared onscreen in the Netflix series The Politician in 2020. “I promised my mother [Blythe Danner] that in the future I’ll go back to do at least one movie or play.”
If I were honest, I have been mentally (and emotionally) preparing for this season for quite some time. It not only encompasses two of my (and my mom’s) favorite holidays, but it is wrapped in birthdays and anniversaries, so a lot is going on! But this year is different. It’s now become something to survive, rather than special days to celebrate.
Needless to say, preparations have already been made. The takeout order for our Thanksgiving meal is set, and I dare not set foot in her favorite craft store. I’ve also made a point to cozy up with her blue blanket and a cup of cocoa as I’ve ugly cried to sappy Christmas movies on a few occasions.
It’s been a little over six months since I held my six-year-old’s hand and watched my mom’s casket be lowered into the ground. Since that day, grief has taken on many shapes and sizes. I am beginning to realize that grief isn’t linear but comes and goes in waves, having a rhythm all its own. There are painful reminders of my mom’s absence everywhere. I can’t manage to find peace and joy in this season no matter how hard I try, and social settings are not only awkward but, in some cases, completely isolating.
I have discovered months after losing my precious momma that grief changes you. It’s the unexpected journey nobody wants to take, so it’s often chartered alone. However, I could really use a trusted friend right about now. Unfortunately, many of them have gone silent. Maybe they don’t know what to say or feel it’s not worth mentioning since it’s been six months. Grief can be hard to navigate with friends; I understand that.
But, if you have a friend enduring a deep loss and grieving this holiday season, I encourage you to reach out because the silence is deafening. If you are unsure how to do that, here are a few things your grieving friend probably wishes you knew and gentle ways in which you can comfort them this holiday season.
Just Say (or Do) Something…But Be Sincere
The amount of support our family received the weeks after my mother passed was heartwarming. It truly was, and I am forever grateful to those that provided meals, cards, flowers, and help with childcare. But then, as if out of nowhere, it stopped. Completely.
Perhaps one of the hardest parts of this grief journey has been the avoidance and awkward silence. It’s as if my mother’s death instantly became the elephant in the room. Nobody knew what to say, so they didn’t say anything at all, or they didn’t acknowledge my loss in any way making small talk, leading us both in search of the nearest exit. Then there were responses that left me speechless, such as, “I’ve been meaning to send you a card or connect with you, but completely spaced or forgot.”
I get that life is busy. I’m a mom. It’s a busy season, and this time of year adds a whole new layer of stress. However, silence, feeling forgotten, and insincere comments can be hurtful. So, here are some words (and actions) that may provide comfort for your friend:
-Hand them the card, then apologize for your forgetfulness.
-Take them a coffee and ask if you can pray for them.
-Call, text, or send an encouraging Bible verse.
-Offer a healing and heartfelt hug.
-Simple statements of “I’m sorry” and “I’m here to listen” go a long way.
Be Patient with Them
It may be discouraging when you have reached out and tried to be a good friend, only to find they haven’t responded at all. Be patient with them. Healing from a loss that is so devastating takes time. Remember, this isn’t a linear type of growth. They will have good days and bad. It’s all a process, as grief brings unexpected highs and lows every day.
That being said, this time of year, as joyful as it is for many, isn’t so “holly and jolly” for your friend. It’s a stark reminder of who is missing. Try to be understanding if they decline an invite or step away from an event early.
They may treat this holiday differently than you thought but respect their time and decisions. Keep in mind that they are merely putting one foot in front of the other, going through the motions until January 2.
Here are some ways to extend patience to your grieving friend:
-Don’t push or make them feel bad for turning down an invite.
-Ask about their loved one and listen to how they used to celebrate the holidays together.
-Remind them to take the time they need this season and that you are ready to meet up whenever they are.
-Offer your time and let them know you are willing to be a crying shoulder whenever they need one.
-Wrap your love in forgiveness and know they may react in emotional haste or come across in a way that is unlike them. Grief is often messy and can bring about all kinds of emotions.
Don’t Compare Their Grief
I got a random text from a friend I hadn’t heard from in years. She invited me out to dinner, and I reluctantly agreed. Something in my heart warned me not to go, but I desperately needed a friend, so I went.
She broke the awkward silence by asking about my mother, which I was thankful for, so I proceeded to tell the story of what happened the best I could muster and manage. Then she said three words that instantly set me aback: “Well, at least…” The whelp in my throat grew as I forced back the sting of tears and tried to politely smile, as I do believe she was just trying to be sympathetic. But in all honesty, I am not sure what she said after those three words.
Here is the thing about grief. We will all encounter it at some point, and every story is different and should all be heard in the right timing. However, when your friend is walking through a season of deep grief and painful “firsts,” please be gentle with them and their heart.
Resist the urge to relate in some way by comparing it to something you are going through, as it only makes their grief feel invalidated. Common platitudes or cliches, such as “At least they are in a better place” or “I understand how you feel when I lost…” may be said with the best of intentions, but they generally come across as disingenuous.
Here are some ways to support and console your grieving friend while validating the season of grief they are currently walking through.
-If they agree to meet up, please understand it may not be easy for them to be around others, so be gentle in your approach.
-Invite them to share their story if and when they are ready, then listen attentively.
-Try not to project your own experiences with loss onto your friend. Loss is a personal journey and should be seen as such.
-Realize they may not be ready to talk, so sometimes a casual conversation is best, but try to take their lead on this.
-Try to refrain from offering unsolicited advice such as, “Get more sleep” or “Stay positive.” These comments can sound condescending. Rather, let them know you are praying for God to bring them His peace and comfort.
They Feel Bad for Being Absent-Minded
The grief your friend currently carries has changed them; they know this, and it truly hurts them that they don’t have the emotional energy to keep up with the things they once did. They often secretly feel bad for forgetting birthdays or special occasions. They also want to attend social events but don’t always feel they know their place anymore.
Their role has changed, and with it comes a fallout in many areas of their life, including the things they once loved and enjoyed. Now, with the holidays approaching, reminders of their loved ones are everywhere, often causing them to lose sight of their everyday responsibilities.
The days are already filled with tasks your friend can barely manage, then add the stressors of the holidays and the heavy weight of grief; it can all be too much at times. This can eventually make your grieving friend feel like they are letting others down, becoming a disappointment.
Here are some ways you can step in and help your friend feel forgiven for mishaps and that they still hold a valuable place in your life:
-Don’t make them feel bad for forgetting an important day.
-Remind them of all the good things they are still doing.
-Take their children for a day in order to give them a moment to seek rest and sit in their grief.
-Offer real support, such as, “I can bring dinner by this Wednesday or bring you groceries on Thursday evening.”
-Follow up with them on events with simple and sweet reminders.
Navigating a friendship being tested by a profound loss is not for the faint of heart. It’s surely not easy and can be somewhat uncomfortable at times, but in helping a friend wade through the murky waters of grief, know that your efforts are not only seen by your hurting friend but by our loving Father. Coming from a place of grief myself, I can tell you it is a lonely journey, but the connection with a true friend is invaluable. So, may God provide you with meaningful ways to bless, love, and support your grieving friend this holiday season, and may it also richly bless you.
Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy. Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
Newsweek magazine has teamed up with Statista to conduct the research. The most promising online shops were selected based on their growth potential and future prospects. MAXAROMA.com was ranked #1
Press Release –
Oct 25, 2022 09:00 EDT
LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y., October 25, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– Newsweek and Statista ranked 1,000 stores across 39 categories in eight different groups. With almost 100 stores, Fashion (Single-Brand) is the largest fashion retailing sector. MAXAROMA scored the highest among all the websites looked at for Health and Beauty.
Passion for perfume and Niche Fragrances, exceptional customer experience, Building a Community, Transparent, and Education. These are just some of the aspects of MaxAroma that set us apart from the rest of our competitors in the e-commerce space.
They are not just an e-commerce platform, but a community of fragrance lovers and collectors. Our luxury marketplace is about discovering new scents, finding a perfume that’s perfect for you, and building a lifetime experience.
MAXAROMA is a family-owned business started in 2011 out of a love for fragrances. The founders grew up in a house where scents were always used. After four years of offering products on different platforms, MAXAROMA was launched in 2016. Their main focus is providing the best customer experience from day one. The priority has always been delivering fast, easy returns and working with artisan niche companies.
Since 2016, the company has been educating itself about e-commerce and consulting with various fragrance brands and industry leaders to create a platform for a better user experience. Partnering with more than 50 perfume houses and building a strong online presence.
The retailer offers fast shipping because it’s important for customers to receive their items in less than three business days. To meet this objective, free Two Day shipping (MAX2DAY) has been offered on many products since 2020.
MAXAROMA Fragrance Collection has grown significantly, with over 130 Different Brands.
Methodology
The Best American Online Shops were identified after passing tests based on 51 criteria.
More than 9,500 online stores were identified through various sources, including Statista, online directory sites, and price comparison websites. Those who had the highest number of US visitors in 2020-2022 were evaluated further. We focused our research on companies that sell products online, including subscription-based services and C2C marketplaces (such as eBay). Shops were classified by their main offerings into 39 categories. After passing an initial screen, candidates were evaluated using 41 objective criteria and 10 subjective criteria on seven dimensions: structural and usability, user experience, customer service, payment, purchasing and delivery, technical functionality, and the likelihood of buying. A survey of approximately 6,000 American online shoppers was done to determine whether they were satisfied with their shopping experience at different websites. A sub-score for each category was then computed, and a final score out of 10 was assigned to each store. You can download the complete methodology here.
Romans 8:14 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
One of the most important and least understood roles of the Holy Spirit is communicating God’s thoughts to us. Listening to God’s voice is well-documented in Scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments. Adhering to the voice of the Holy Spirit is relational, that is, arising out of a relationship between you and God. It should be something we have a keen interest in doing at all times, especially as Christian couples who yearn for God to bless and guide our families.
But if you seldom or never hear the whispers of the Spirit, or feel His nudges, you’re missing out on one of the great blessings of your heritage as a child of God. For you and your spouse to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, you must develop a good foundation by reading the Bible, praying daily, and fasting regularly. Without such spiritual security, you’re missing out on one of the greatest spiritual warfare tools, an instant message from headquarters (heaven) on what the enemy is doing and how to defeat him. Yes! It’s that important for Christian families to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Listening to God’s voice is a habit of the greatest men and women of faith, and we see many references to this throughout the Old and New Testaments. For example, Peter was in a house in Joppa and had a vision while napping on the roof. When he woke up, Acts 10:19 says, “While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.” He went with them, and the first Gentiles heard the gospel, believed, and received the Holy Spirit.
And the gospel quickly spread beyond the Jewish and Samaritan worlds into the Roman empire and beyond. All this happened because Peter heard the words of the Holy Spirit and obeyed. This shows that hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit isn’t enough as a couple. You must also learn to obey the words spoken by the Spirit.
If God in his majesty has chosen to speak to you, nothing is more important than learning to hear and obey God’s voice! John 10:27 supports this by saying, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
However, we must be careful with the voices we hear. This is why you two must ask for, receive, and build upon the gifts of the Holy Spirit in your home. When you see your spouse digging into the Word or handling a situation with God’s grace, encourage them. Build them up as they press forward in their relationship with God.
1 Corinthians 12:6-10 talks about these gifts, and verse ten says, “To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kind of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.”
We must also possess a discerning spirit and recognize the true voice of the Most High God and not fall a victim to the voice of the devil. Satan is a cunning being who will do anything to mislead the true children of God however he can. 1 John 4:1 warns us: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
There is a biblical account of people possessed by spirits of deception, falsely prophesying: “She continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed and turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!’” (Acts 16:18). We can imagine how many ignorant people must have been led astray by this woman. This is why it’s crucial that couples, who establish and carry on godly generations, should discern the true, powerful voice of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s walk through the benefits of couples listening to the Holy Spirit’s voice:
1. Understanding God’s True Character
God is trustworthy; He keeps what He has promised. God is kind; He is concerned for us and attentive to our prayers. God is at peace and confident in himself and never intimidated by evil, for He knows He will forever overcome it. The fact that God is omnipresent is another quality he possesses, confirming that God exists simultaneously everywhere. God also isn’t limited by time as humans are; He exists outside our temporal frame of reference.
David says in Psalm 139:7-8, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”
God’s Spirit is everywhere. There is no place you or your family can go where God is not. He is a wise God. According to the Bible, His ways are superior to our ways, and His thoughts are superior to ours. Because we do not possess God’s mind, we cannot fully comprehend why He permits the world to exist as it does. Even though we don’t fully understand everything, we must trust in Him as the good God we know Him to be. Perhaps your husband no longer wishes to attend church or your wife just had a miscarriage. Sin and tragedies exist in a fallen world, and it is up to godly couples to recall God’s kind, faithful nature when fear, hurt, and temptation knock on their doors.
He is an all-powerful God. God has more power than any other living thing. Isaiah 40:28 says, “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.” God’s power allows him to do what He wants.
God is love. The Bible says that God is love. Love is His quintessence, the essence of who God is. This is why many believers have 1 Corinthians 13 quoted at their weddings. God’s love is so strong and pure that it’s the foundation Christian couples set before entering marriage.
He is also righteous and wants us to be without blemish. Genesis 17:1 confirms this by saying, “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.” Furthermore, 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
2. Making Us Aware of God’s Plans and Purposes
When you both make it a habit to listen to the Spirit of God, He will soon begin to reveal His true purpose for your lives, as individuals and as a couple. This will be evident in the way He directs you and in the spiritual instructions and guidance you both receive from God. Often, when couples pray together and prioritize God’s plan for them, God blesses both husband and wife with the same desires, realizations, and opportunities.
3. Growing in Your Personal Relationship with God
You both become more intimate with God when you always listen to the voice of His Spirit. This is one of the great benefits that accrues when you and your spouse faithfully pay attention to the voice of God.
Listening to God’s voice allows you to know Him better. John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
4. Gaining a Better Understanding of Things You Don’t Know About
When husband and wife listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, He will open your eyes and minds to great knowledge and wisdom beyond the imagination.
“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3
Listening to the voice of God heightens your spiritual sensitivity and strengthens your relationship with the Most High, blessing your heavenly and earthly relationships.
Emmanuel Abimbola is a creative freelance writer, blogger, and web designer. He is a devout Christian with an uncompromising faith who hails from Ondo State in Nigeria, West Africa. As a lover of kids, Emmanuel runs a small elementary school in Arigidi, Nigeria.
If time and finances are available, take some time off before the holidays. Get a massage, a facial, or something else that relaxes you. Find relaxing activities to do before and after the day you see your parents. Adult coloring books, knitting, and crocheting are also great and cheap activities to soothe the mind and relax the body. This will help you cope with the holiday season and all the stress that comes with it. The more relaxed you are, the better you’ll be able to see the situation with your parents clearly. You may find you overreact more than necessary. By allowing your mind to replenish its stress hormones, you will find you will be able to cope with the holidays more easily.
6. Resolve Your Emotions
Sometimes you are reacting to a present event with your parents. But sometimes you’re reacting to unresolved wounds and past hurts that have not been resolved. There are great resources available to help you deal with setting firm boundaries and resolving past hurts so that you can see present events with clarity. Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. Henry Townsend and Emotionally Healthy Spiritually by Pete Scazzero are two great resources to help you with this. There are also additional classes and courses you can take to help you deal specifically with your emotions regarding your parents. Do what you can to forgive past events before you see them. Unresolved emotional wounds can cloud your judgment and make you see things from a skewed perspective. You may never forget what has happened in the past, which you can choose to forgive. God calls us to forgive others of their sins so that we will be forgiven of our sins.
Take some time with the Lord and conduct an analysis of your parenting style. Do you find you do things similarly to your parents? As much as we dislike it, we sometimes become more like our parents than we realize. If you identify something you say or do that is similarly hurtful to your children as you have been hurt by your parents, understand that we’re all human. Our parents did the best they could with what they learned from the previous generation. Give them a break and give yourself a break as well. You may find you’re more like your parents than you previously thought.
The holidays can be stressful regardless of who is around your dinner table. But it can be especially stressful when your parents choose to put themselves first instead of you. Strive to put their needs first, and you will find yourself less frustrated and restore your joy. You may find you have a better holiday than you anticipate when you choose to act the way Jesus wants us to act.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
I suffered from acne on and off for most of my adolescent life. It was painful not only physically but also emotionally. My peers regularly hurled names like “crater face” and “pizza face” at me. “Go wash your face” was another favorite phrase one of the boys in my class would shout. I was embarrassed. I felt ugly. I stopped looking in the mirror. My self esteem was in the toilet.
Apres Pacific
“So many of us go through having acne, and the impact on your self confidence can be devastating,” says Neel Patel, founder of Après Pacific. “I started Après Pacific to provide access to Indian skincare secrets and Ayurvedic remedies so we all can feel confident in clear, comfortable skin.”
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S. It usually starts during puberty, and it can occur at any life stage. It affects up to 50 million Americans annually. Acne can take a significant toll on our emotional health. Study after study shows the damage acne can have, including increased anxiety, depression and the feeling of being isolated and alone. And particularly for teenage girls, acne can cause severe stress, making them feel less attractive and causing low self-esteem. For me, once the acne cleared, the dark spots left behind served as a constant reminder of the pain acne continued to cause.
Enter Après Pacific. Its hero product, the Pacific Glow Clay Mask, is supercharged with turmeric, alma berry, aloe vera and lemon peel extract. It only uses 100% natural, vegan ingredients that are safe even for sensitive skin. Not only does this amazing mask fight acne, but it also tackles the stubborn dark spots and hyperpigmentation that so many Brown and Black consumers suffer from.
Image credit: Apres Pacific
Patel picked the name Après Pacific as a nod to the Pacific regions of the world where Ayurvedic remedies have existed for more than 5,000 years. He wanted to develop a modern brand with a fun, fresh and calming vibe. “And most importantly, I wanted the brand to be inspired by and incorporate all of the Indian skincare remedies my mother made from scratch in our kitchen when I suffered from acne.”
As Patel builds his skincare brand, here are three lessons he has learned along the way:
Take the risk
From as long as he can remember, Patel has always been willing to take the risk. When he was 9 years old, he and his mother left India to start a new life in Canada. Although he didn’t speak any English, he supported his mother in making the move for better opportunities. After settling down in their small Canadian town, his mom started her own Indian food catering service. “I knew my mother’s talents and what she was capable of,” he says “I pushed her to take the risk and start the service. It gave me first-hand insights into running a business.”
After starting a career in investment banking, Patel risked it all and walked away. “People thought I was crazy walking away from this lucrative career,” Patel says. “But I wasn’t willing to put in 12-15 hour days for a big paycheck in exchange for my happiness. Doing research and moving company logos from one part of the deck to the other wasn’t how I wanted to live my life. I know many who have enjoyed being in the industry, and I wanted to build something of my own.”
The idea of building Après Pacific came to him in September 2020. Inspired by his own battle with acne and what he saw adult friends experiencing with their skin, he started looking for manufacturers. He worked closely with a chemist to finalize the hero product and ultimately launched in April 2021. “Now some of my former colleagues who thought I was crazy for taking this risk see how the brand has quickly evolved and gained great traction,” Patel says. “They want to know how I did it.”
Be open about your mistakes and adapt quickly
Although Patel had a strong finance background, he had never started an e-commerce brand before. He did his best to talk to as many founders as possible to try to avoid their mistakes. “You can’t avoid mistakes, they will always happen,” says Patel. “The important thing is to be open about your mistakes, learn quickly and adapt.”
Patel shares that one of his biggest mistakes was hiring an established, well-known marketing agency to help run paid ads for the brand. He discovered that the agency wasn’t devoting as much time as it should to his brand, because it didn’t earn as much commission from smaller brands that didn’t spend as much. “I learned that lesson the hard way after spending significant money with the agency and not seeing any results,” Patel says. “We finally parted ways with the agency and hired two media buyers who fully devoted their time to Après Pacific. As soon as we changed directions, we saw incredible results.”
Remember that every dollar counts
As a self-funded, bootstrapped founder, Patel is always focused on ensuring that every dollar counts. “We are figuring out unique ways to stand out and succeed in the marketplace, and at the same we have a limited budget,” he explains. “Every single dollar should have a return on investment. It can be scary and hurts when you make mistakes, and having limited funds keeps you on your toes.”
With limited funds comes a strong sense of focus for Patel, and he is smart about where he’s investing. Although Après Pacific could be in a number of retailers and broaden distribution, he wants to focus on continuing to build brand awareness before spreading the brand too thin. As he looks to connect with investors and begin the fundraising journey, he is committed to building a skincare brand that continues to honor and embrace his South Asian roots.
Recently, Patel has started to see brands pop up similar to Après Pacific’s vision. “They may have the money. But what’s more important is to have a community that loves your product and naturally becomes advocates of the brand — that’s not something you can easily replicate,” Patel says. “This isn’t a two-year plan for us; we are in this for the long haul. Slow and steady wins the race.”
A goal that’s high on my priority list is to smell completely captivating wherever I go. Whether that’s on a gorgeous vacation or just a regular day working at the office, it’s something I actively work toward by building my dream fragrance collection. To give you a little progress report, it’s coming along nicely and I’ve discovered so many gems worth sharing. The ultimate test any perfume can face is seeing how many compliments you receive while wearing it.
I can tell you one thing: The perfumes on this list pass their exams with flying colors. In my humble opinion, each of them acts as a powerful magnet and invites some serious admiration from the folks around you. If you’re fully ready to board the “You smell so good” train, keep scrolling for a few ultra-attractive perfumes that fit the bill.
It seems like I was just sharing with you all of my favorite Amazon items for summer, but mentally, I’ve moved on to fall. Since the only way to really get into the fall spirit right now is to buy things for it (context: the chilly weather hasn’t fully come yet ), I’ve taken to Amazon to do just that.
As you know, Amazon is the number one source for random things you didn’t know you needed, and people love to leave reviews when they find a good random gem. I pretty much don’t buy anything on Amazon before first reading as many good and bad reviews as I can find the time for, but luckily for you, I found some time, and as the title of this piece states, my cart is quite full.
Below, you’ll find a mix of fashion, beauty, home, and miscellaneous items that are sure to come in handy in the coming months. Thank me later.
