6 most common packing mistakes people make (and the easy fixes you’ll wish you knew sooner)

Travel

6 Most Common Packing Mistakes People Make (and the Easy Fixes You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner)

Drescription

One of the most stressful parts of a vacation is the prep, and that includes the packing. Weather and plans can change last minute, but the stuff you take with you is all you'll have, so you really want to nail it, even with all of the uncertainty. This can lead us to overpack, stuffing our suitcases to the brim and crossing the 50-pound limit that many airlines have in place for checked luggage.

To avoid this, we asked travel experts to tell us the biggest packing errors they see people making and how we can avoid them.

Packing Too Many "What Ifs"

“One of the biggest mistakes I see travelers make is overpacking for the "what ifs" instead of what might actually be needed," says Katy Rockett, regional director of North America for Explore Worldwide, a small group tour company. "Not only does it slow you down, but it can lead to added stress managing checked bags and excess baggage fees." Instead, she suggests packing versatile layers that will work for whatever activities you have planned and leaving it at that. Then, you'll have room to bring back souvenirs!

Bringing Your Brand New Shoes

It's tempting to buy all new stuff for your vacation. After all, you're treating yourself to a trip so you may as well keep treating yourself. But, if you're not a fan of blisters (and who is?) you might want to think twice. "It’s easy to forget how much walking happens day to day on trips, especially adventure-focused trips. Packing brand new or uncomfortable shoes can be a major misstep," Rockett says. "I always recommend bringing at least one pair of well-worn walking shoes, even on more relaxed itineraries. Your feet will thank you.”

Forgetting About Dirty Laundry

You don't want to mix your clean, unworn stuff in with your sweaty duds! "I bring a cloth laundry bag to put dirty laundry in," says Matt Mazanec, tour director manager at Tauck. "It keeps them separate, and if I am bringing home something fragile, I can wrap it in my dirty laundry for extra cushioning."

Packing an Iron or Steamer

This one may seem counterintuitive, but irons and steamers take up a ton of room, and if you're trying to bring only a carry-on, you likely won't have space for these appliances. Diana Ferro-Rodrigues, vice president at Perillo Tours, recommends an easy alternative. "Instead. roll your clothes and pack a wrinkle release spray," she says.

Using Vacuum Seal Bags

Yes, these save a ton of room in your bag, but what many people don't realize is that they don't make your bag weigh less. "Your bag ends up weighing a ton, and you end up not being able to fit everything in your bag after you open the vacuum bags," Mazanec says. "Instead, use packing cubes and thoughtfully plan outfits with versatile pieces so that you’re prepared for many situations."

Relying Too Heavily on Converters

Yes, you should definitely have these! But, converters tend to work better for smaller things like phone and computer chargers and not as well for items that take tons of power like a blowdryer or straightener. Consider buying inexpensive local appliances instead. "For example, why risk burning out your nice U.S. curling iron or flat iron when you could buy one in Europe and just let it live in your suitcase, removing all worry from the equation?" says Brenna Shay, tour director manager at Tauck.

A Year in Fashion & Beauty: All the Things I Wore (On My Body and Face) in 2018

It has come to my immediate attention (once we pulled together this post) that this was not a very fashion-y blog year for Emily Henderson. I blame it on the fact that I was too deep in the renovation trenches to focus on fashion and beauty which I really LOVE, too. But once the summer hit, we got it together and dove in hard. So much chambray, bathing suits for different body types (thanks Arlyn and Sara), the team’s favorite beauty picks and, of course, the HAIR MAKEOVERS. We have a lot of plans for fashion and beauty next year because, well, it’s just fun and most everyone likes it, me included. :) Plus, I’ll take any excuse to try something new. For now, let’s take a look back on what happened in 2018 in the world of Haute Henderson. My sister pointed out to me that last year’s post is almost identical to this one so I fired her immediately. LOOK this girl loves her blue, white and blush for an everyday look. Plus this post contains some of my staples like the jeans and shoes that I wear all the time (SPEAKING OF WHICH: Nisolo, one of my go-to footwear brands is having an INSANE sale starting today until January 5th where a big majority of their products are 40% off, like these Chelsea boots, these oxfords and these mules). I did step out of my color palette a little so head to the post if you want to see what I changed up. I tend to lean on the modest side of fashion so swimsuits are not my favorite clothing item to discuss. And let’s be real, all of us have pain points on our bodies that we aren’t the happiest about. One of mine is my post-baby tummy. So this year, I talked to the team to see who was brave enough to talk about their bodies and pick out swimsuits they love. Sara and Arlyn (it was her FIRST month here) stepped up. Head to the post for some real body talk and flattering swimsuit options. I love a flowy dress and this summer I wanted them on my body. They are easy, comfortable and a whole outfit in one piece of clothing. This post was a roundup of all the ones I wanted plus some super cute summer shoes. We thought it would be really fun and super helpful to share the ladies of EHD’s most favorite beauty products. Since we all have different skin types, needs and levels of beauty knowledge, we figured that many of you could relate. So each team member talked about their skin, challenges and why they love the products they use. Just consider us your new cool friend who has all those awesome product recommendations you need in your life. This was the first year I shopped at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and now I get it. It’s AWESOME. This post was not sponsored at all. I just needed some new fall clothes and jumped on the sale train. My love for the long trench is alive and real folks. But I grabbed some other very fun and apparently CONTROVERSIAL pieces. Check them out and see what you think. :) Summer is THE wedding season and it’s hard to know what to wear to all of those different weddings. Jess felt very passionately about this since she had five weddings to attend this year. So we decided to round up our favorite dresses and shoes by venue type and dress code. Remember when I said at the beginning of the post that I love trying all the new things?? Well, that usually excludes my hair. But we got an opportunity to do a trade with The Harbor Salon in Silver Lake to do five hair makeovers in exchange for a blog post. Four of the EHD ladies and I were ready for a change so we said YES. This post is an intro to where their hair was at and what we wanted to go for. We did it! Well, they did it as my hair is forever a work in progress. The girls look SO good and they feel/look like new people. Head to the post to see the beautiful pics of the salon and how awesome the ladies hair turned out. There you have it. That’s it. Short, sweet but still full of fun yet help info. Okay, now I want to hear from you. What fashion/beauty content do you want in 2019? It’s honestly so fun to put together so we would love to know what is most helpful to all of you. Comment below and we will try to deliver.

Could These Be The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Comfortable Rompers?? 7 Women Give Their Honest Reviews

As a “romper” expert, I have had a lot over the years and liked many for different reasons. But once I bought my first Pistola, it quickly became the one I reached for. It’s flattering, while being roomy. Cute while having big pockets for a phone, etc. For us, our job being relatively physical, so having an easy-to-move-in “outfit” that is cool in the summer, always comfortable, and cute (for camera) is a Venn diagram miracle. I find myself telling any stranger who flatters me in it that it’s the best comfortable romper on the market, so I figured I’d see if my team agrees. So today you’ll see their new summer line on a few bodies (yes, I reached out and they sent them to me and my team with no obligation to say anything at all, let alone something positive). Here is what we think: Emily Size: Small (I’m between 4-6 (so I guess a 5, lol) Height: 5’4″ with a short-ish torso True to Size?: I love how it fits and wouldn’t want smaller or bigger, but admittedly I want it to not be tight AT ALL. No body-con rompers for me, thank you. Size down if you are in between, like me. Official Review: MASSIVE fan. They have some structure while being lightweight (some other brands that are canvas are great, but too hot for most months). The cotton is thin enough to be cool, but thick enough not to be cheap poplin that doesn’t keep its shape. It gives more “utilitarian,” which I also want (and is the whole point). The huge pockets are fantastic for work or just for weekend cleaning, so I can keep my phone/podcast on my person as I run around the house. The red one – I’ve worn the red one almost every day since I got it – oh, and it washes great, too. I don’t need to steam it, and they don’t wrinkle up in an annoying way. I have the denim version that drapes/falls really well, too. The green one – This one is new to me and I really like it for a dressier version (great for summer office) but l’ll likely wear it less since it does cinch at the waist (I might have sensory issues, guys!). But it’s really flattering and cute for a slightly dressier/less utilitarian vibe. Jess Size: Small Height: 5’4″ True to Size?: I think so but only if you like a looser fit, otherwise consider sizing down. Official Review: Needless to say, I was so so excited to get a Pistola romper. Em has been wearing them for a while now, and every time I think how cute they are. When I first put it on, I immediately felt the quality and loved all the details. But after staring at myself for a minute, I was afraid it might be slightly too big. I even panic messaged Caitlin, who was the one in contact with Pistola, that I might need to swap. I then adjusted the waist to cinch it in, and I was so much happier! As you can see, I went vintage shopping (with Caitlin) and felt great the whole day…although we both forgot to get any good front shots of me in it in the wild, lol. I will mention two things that I think are worth considering. I think the top is a little roomy, in general. Great for maybe tall, longer-torsoed, or bustier people (plus, I do think it’s also just the look). However, with the adjustable waist, it fixes that problem for us shorties. But if you like a more fitted look, I would size down (maybe even 2 sizes). Also, there are snaps AND buttons going down the front! Which is great because you are secure. I just wouldn’t wait too long to go to the bathroom because it’s a 2-step “undoing” process:) Overall, I really love it and will absolutely be wearing it all summer. Recommend! Arlyn Size: Extra-Large Height: 5’3″ True to Size?: Totally. I followed the measurements on the online sizing guide, which led me to an XL, which is typically what I am with pieces like this. (For reference, I waver between a large and XL in tops because I’m very busty, and wear XL bottoms or anywhere between a 14 or 16, depending on the brand.) Official Review: I have a complicated relationship with rompers in general. I always love them on other people, but because I’m petite, on the rounder side, and, again, chesty, it’s very hard for me to ever get a comfortable fit. Either the crotch is too low and rubs in weird places, the shorts ride up, the top is too small for dem boobies, or it has way too much fabric everywhere for the size I need. BUT, I have to say, I did think this was a good fit. However, as Jess mentioned, my goodness, you’re caged up in this thing! There’s an internal layer of snaps and a top layer of buttons. Secure? Yes. Overkill? Perhaps. The fabric is thick and sturdy, so it’ll likely wash really well and last a long time, but it does feel a bit stiff at first, FYI. I may need to break it in a bit to feel more comfortable, but it sure is cute. Caitlin Size: Large Height: 5’8″ True to Size?: True to their size chart? Yes. True to my understanding of my size? No! I almost grabbed an XL here – it’s my go-to size when ordering from any new brand – and am so glad I checked the chart before adding to cart. (I technically could have fit into a medium!) I have a super long torso and normally need to size up, so I was pleasantly surprised by how comfy and roomy the large fits me. Official Review: I LOVE THIS ROMPER. (I love it so much that when it was delivered at my house, I took to Slack and proclaimed “just got my romper and I LOVE IT,” followed by “taking all my restraint not to throw it in the link up this week lol.”) I love that it’s loose and breezy around the legs, a little more formal up top, and that I can tie it as tight or as loose as I’d like. It’s a total blank canvas – easy to dress up, easy to dress down – and it’s one of those rare pieces of clothing that you could wear both to the grocery store and to like, any conservative church on your summer European vacation travels. The fabric is weighty and luxe – I’m just blown away by the quality. Pistola, I see you!!! You have a new fan :) (PS. I was shocked to read the other gals’ commentary on the buttons. This one just hag regular ol’ buttons. I can pee without issue!) Mallory Size: Small Height: 5’7″ True to Size?: Yes! Official Review: This is a solid piece – the quality is great and the fabric is thick. The fit definitely works for a longer torso because the crotch is a bit lower. It also has double-layered buttons so skin doesn’t peek through when you sit down, which I think is a really smart design (but know it will take you a bit to take off during bathroom trips). I also really love the white version of this romper, which I was initially nervous about getting (and ultimately went with the black) because I thought it might be see-through. But now that I know how thick and high quality the material is on the black one, I think the white would be SUPER cute and easy to style too:) Gretchen Size: Large, fits me perfectly Height: 5’9″ True to Size?: I am normally a size L/XL and debated about ordering a size up, but I am super glad I didn’t. While I’d say this romper is true to size, make sure to check your measurements with theirs. Mine lined up best with a size large. But when I first tried the romper on, I was a bit worried it was maybe too loose, wondering if I could’ve maybe squeezed into a medium. I wasn’t totally swimming in it, but I’d wanted it to feel just a tad more fitted in places. HOWEVER, mine now fits perfectly after a wash. The group shot with Marlee, Em, and me was taken pre-wash, and my selfie is the romper straight out of a cycle. I don’t feel like it necessarily shrank per se, but just that it tightened up in all the places I wanted it to, while still feeling plenty comfortable and roomy. Added bonus–these are a breeze to wash! Official Review: I’m absolutely in love with this romper and heading back to buy it in another color–I’m serious. I love just how unbelievably easy, cute, and comfortable it is. Like, it’s so simple to throw on and run around in–a full outfit in one–but more than that, I just look so dang cute and put together wearing it (that, yes, it makes me want to toot my own horn!). I love what the zip front does style-wise, but it also makes it very quick to slip in and out of (for bathroom breaks, etc). The waist tie situation is great to cinch you in, and the material is casual, breathable, and hangs so nicely. I also like that you can roll and snap the sleeves up or leave them down. I’m partial to the latter. This piece is very much “ME” and I know I’ll be reaching for it all summer long–heck, I’m wearing it as I type this. I’ll be watching Pistola closely to see if they release it in more colors! Marlee Size: Small Height: 5’8″ True to Size?: Yes! Official Review: I am not typically a romper girl, but I was pleasantly surprised about this one – I feel like my biggest issue with rompers is typically the fact that they “ride up” if you know what I mean… but this one, I did not have to worry about! The length of the shorts was great and was roomy enough in the leg that I didn’t feel constricted, and long enough that I didn’t feel “exposed” (but not too long that it’s an awkward length). The shorts part also has a little cuff with a button holding it in place, so if you wanted them to be longer, there’s some flexibility there. I really like the buttons on the side – it fits true to size in the waist and was perfectly roomy, but if you wanted it to be a little more snatched, you have the option to take it in a little bit. I love the look of the pockets and the utilitarian vibe, but the highlight for me was how soft the fabric was. It’s so cute with sneakers for a casual look, but I think the way I’ll wear this the most is dressed up with some tall boots and a cute purse:) I think it’s fair to say that we all very much approve of these very cute rompers. So if you are in the market, we recommend Pistola hard:)

The Best Time to Book Holiday Travel—and How to Save More, According to Expert Jet-Setters

If you plan on stress-free traveling during the holiday season, it's common knowledge to book flights early—airports are notorious for being packed during peak travel periods. Wherever you choose to go, booking early could make the difference between a happy holiday and a stressful (and more expensive) one. But how early? And what else can you do to save money? To help, we've gathered tips from expert travelers on how to snag the best airline prices during the holidays. When to Buy Airline Tickets for the Holidays The best time to book tickets is ASAP if you want to save money on holiday travel. However, vacation times and holidays can be hard to plan, so aim to book flights by October 31st for travel during Thanksgiving and Christmas. "After Halloween, prices will increase considerably as Thanksgiving gets closer," says Phil Dengler, a travel expert and the co-owner of travel resource site The Vacationer. Book 3 Weeks Ahead Domestic flight prices can spike 40%—about $400 per round trip—from the end of October to the week before Thanksgiving, according to Adit Damodaran, an economist at Hopper. And waiting until the last week for both Thanksgiving and Christmas can cost more than $500 round-trip, Damodaran says. "In general, booking domestic flights three weeks in advance (or by Thanksgiving at the latest) should help travelers avoid the biggest price spikes," Damodaran explains. Book Mid-Week The day of the week you book tickets can make a difference, too. Book flights in the middle of the week for lower prices. "The best time to book airfare is usually mid-week—[fewer] people are searching for flights so [prices] tend to dip from Tuesday to the end of Wednesday," says money-saving expert Andrea Woroch. But flight prices during the holiday season will get more expensive the longer you wait, regardless of which day of the week you buy them. "If you aren't sure exactly what your plans are, you may be able to book a portion of your flight to get the best deal on at least one leg of your trip," says Woroch. Booking Tips to Save More Money on Holiday Travel Booking your holiday travel in advance isn't the only way to save. Here are some more expert-backed tips to save money that's better spent on holiday gifts and family meals around the holidays. Be Flexible on Flying Days "Ultimately, [flights require] a bit of searching, so review airfare prices based on a 30-day schedule to find the best deal," says Woroch. One way to save money on plane tickets is to fly on the day of the holiday. Based on recent years, you can save about $50 if you travel on Thanksgiving day instead of the day before, according to travel search site KAYAK. Being flexible with your travel dates can help find the best airfare prices: "It's better to be open to traveling based on when you can score cheaper airline tickets, which will fall ahead or before a holiday," Woroch adds. The day immediately after a holiday can be pricier for return flights, too, so it may make more financial sense to wait another day or two. Track Flight Prices in Advance Doing your research, comparing flight deals, and being on the lookout for when prices drop are key to finding reasonable airfare for holiday travel. One way to do this is to monitor flight prices using a tracker such as Google Flights, Hopper, or Skyscanner, which will alert you with deals for your route. "Set your desired route and travel dates and receive alerts when prices drop," says Janet Semenova, co-founder of travel company Boutique Travel Advisors. "Purchase flights immediately when they reach your desired threshold," she adds. Semenova recommends setting multiple alerts. Even if you aren't entirely sure about your itinerary, start tracking flight prices for your route early—and book when you find the lowest price to save money on holiday travel. Leverage Miles and Points Leveraging miles and points can also lessen the blow on your wallet around the holidays. "If you have a stash of frequent flyer miles or flexible bank points, don't forget to consider redeeming miles for your holiday travel," says Caroline Lupini, a managing editor of the credit cards and travel rewards vertical at Forbes Advisor. In fact, Lupini says that she's been able to save hundreds of dollars herself each year by scoring holiday plane tickets with miles. "If you look early enough or can be flexible, award tickets won't drain your mileage balance either," she adds. "In 2023, my holiday flights cost only 6,000 Virgin Atlantic points per ticket, and this year, I paid the low price of 7,500 American AAdvantage miles." Consider Visa Costs (and Airline Rules) Antoinette Hannan Leon, vice president of ItsEasy.com, warns international holiday travelers to be mindful of potential visa costs, which can make a family vacation or a trip to visit relatives overseas even more expensive. "Research the visa requirements of your holiday destination in advance," Leon says. "The timing for obtaining a visa depends on the country and the type of visa. Some countries allow you to apply up to six months in advance, some three months, some 30 days, and some two weeks. Also, look up passport and visa costs so you can factor them into your holiday travel budgeting." Leon also advises checking your passport expiration date and renewing it one year in advance if you can. "Some countries require that a person's passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of their trip, and some airlines will not allow a person to board if this requirement is not met," Leon says. The airline has the power to turn you away. Use a VPN or Private Browser When Buying "In today’s online travel market, consumers often fall victim to 'dynamic pricing,' a practice where airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) adjust prices based on your search history and browsing patterns," says Michael DeLucca, travel tech expert and founder of Otsy.com. "To avoid paying inflated rates, travelers should consider using a VPN (virtual private network) or private-browsing mode on their web browsers." By masking your browsing activity, a VPN or incognito mode prevents travel sites from being able to easily track your interest in a specific flight. Therefore, they can't raise prices after repeated searches. "A VPN offers additional advantages by allowing you to set your IP address to appear as though you’re in a different country," he adds. "This tactic can be especially useful for finding better rates, as prices often vary by region and sometimes offer substantial savings when searched from outside the country."

Beauty Advice From My Friend That Tries And Tests Everything So We Don’t Have To

We all wish we had this friend – the one that has tried every single beauty product. I’ve only met Whitney once, but my friend Suzanne has talked about her for years, mostly saying, “Whitney says we should be using _______” or “Whitney found this new product that is way cheaper and better for your _______”. I would ask Suzanne to ask Whitney questions for me all the time (until I got her number and cut out the middle man) not because she is a dermatologist or a makeup artist but because she literally TRIES EVERY NEW PRODUCT. She’s my trusted beauty expert hobbyist who now runs an instagram called, The List (follow her!), who has sacrificed her own money in the name of beauty research, regardless of price. And when you are around her you believe every word, her opinion is so strong. She is SO adamant, that you find yourself buying the item mid-conversation. I’m running out of all my beauty supplies as a lot of us are, so before I buy what I always buy, I found myself wanting to ask this friend who I barely know what I should be using because I trust her and right now I don’t want to waste any money nor do any returns. So I figured we could all use a bit of Whitney in our life. Take it away… Whitney here, and I’ll start by saying I am not an expert. Just a product obsessed beauty lover. I am continuously testing, updating, and replacing the products in my line-up. Through all my trials and errors I’ve found some solid products that I know I can always rely on, as well as a few tips and tricks that will help them work and look better. FIRST UP, SKINCARE . . . . Let’s start with skin care first, because healthy skin is the first step to a better overall makeup application. I have a pale complexion and sensitive skin that can lean on the oily, break-out prone side if I am not properly taking care of it. When trying a new skin care product there can be a purge phase where you might break out and there can also be an irritation phase, especially when initially introducing acids or retinoids/retinol. It is normal for some products to make things worse before they get better. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should give up on it. Try lessening the frequency of the product while continuing a consistent routine to build up a tolerance. My nighttime cleansing routine is the most impactful routine I do for my skin. It’s a simple three-step process, that involves breaking down and removing make-up followed by a two-step cleanse. I find that washing my face at night is super important, as it gives my skin a break from pollution, dirt, and makeup. STEP ONE – REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP Organic avocado oil is my go-to makeup remover. It’s nourishing to the skin and super effective at removing stubborn foundation and eye makeup. I rub a little less than a quarter-sized amount into my palm and massage into my face (including, carefully, my eye area). Then I use a warm, damp face cloth to wipe the oil and makeup away. These organic hemp face cloths are thick, fleece-like, and glide over even the most sensitive skin. STEP TWO – OIL CLEANSE This is a thoughtfully crafted oil cleanser that will rebalance and reset your skin. This is also an effective makeup up remover but a somewhat pricier product. If you have the budget you could absolutely use this to remove your makeup with a double oil cleanse and forgo the avocado oil altogether but I prefer to make this product last longer. I use the same face cloth method to remove my oil cleanser as I do to remove my avocado oil. Make sure to use a fresh side of your face cloth with each oil removal. STEP THREE – GEL CLEANSER I usually feel traditional cleansers dry me out and cause skin imbalance, but this has done the complete opposite. It is moisturizing and exfoliating while protecting the balance and pH of my skin. Because this cleanser has (biodegradable) exfoliation beads, you are in control of how intense the exfoliation will be. The less water you use the more intense the exfoliation will be. I tend to start on the drier side and once I’ve achieved the exfoliation I am looking for I then add more water to my fingers and it turns into a more traditional cleanser feel. [HOT_TIP title=’Hot Tip’ content=’Remember to rinse your skin thoroughly. I literally put my head under the faucet and let the water run over both sides of my face. The ring around their face of leftover cleanser that gets “wiped away” with a towel will get you into some clogged pore trouble!’] And the most important (daytime) step: SPF is an absolute must, even if I am having a no-makeup day at home. I will still apply SPF because the UV rays are coming through the windows even when you are inside. If you use peels/acids or retinoids/retinols your skin is now more vulnerable to sun damage/aging. Once you start regularly using these types of treatments for anti-aging you could be doing more harm than good if you are not religiously using SPF. For example, I always tell my friends who want to start a retinoid/retinol that if you are not committed to protecting your skin with SPF then I would not start it at all. I love this particular sunscreen because it is a duel product for me. I use it as my makeup primer to blur my pores and as my daily protection from the sun. I think it is also amazing on its own because it gives you a subtle blurring and evening of skin tone when you want protection for a natural no-makeup day. NOW FOR THE FUN PART, MAKEUP . . . I have two big notes I want to start with before we dive into the makeup products I put on my own face almost every day. First, if you’re using sponges or brushes you’ve had for a long time, consider replacing them. Even if you clean them regularly. It can be hard to prioritize your tools, but dirty or worn tools can cloud your judgment as to whether you like a product or not. If your tools are not performing to the best of their ability then it will result in less than stellar makeup application. Secondly, test new makeup products on their own to see how they perform before you use them in conjunction with your other products. For example, if you are trying a new foundation try it without primer to see its true nature first! Ok, let’s dive into some products . . . . CHEEKS Setting powder for me is something I use strategically and in places that accumulate oil and unwanted shine. Be intentional in your placement. I do not put powder all over my face. I focus on my t-zone and under my eyes to ensure my concealer is set properly. This powder melts into the skin flawlessly and doesn’t have talc in the ingredients. [HOT_TIP title=’Hot Tip’ content=’When applying powder I want you to gently press it into the skin as opposed to brushing it all over. When you press your powder into the skin it will give you better coverage as well as minimize the disruption to your foundation/concealer. I like to press my powder in with the Morphe M536 brush, or I use my sponge for even more coverage. ‘] It’s a drugstore product, but when it’s good, it’s good! If you prefer a cream blush, this is my go-to. LIPS I love a nude lip. With that said, nude is relative to skin tone and I am on the paler side – be cautious when buying my version of nudes because it could wash you out the deeper your skin tone is. I gravitate to brown lip liners/contour colors and a soft matte pinks for my lipstick. These are my favorite lipsticks to pair with the above lipliners. I use all of these interchangeably, combine them, and switch them around. If you’re into a glossy lip, I love to top any of the above combinations with a swipe of this. [HOT_TIP title=’Hot Tip’ content=’Combining a contour shade lip liner with a nude lipstick will give your lips the illusion of being larger.’] EYES I am a complicated mascara person. I prefer one mascara for my top lashes and one for my bottom lashes. This has been the case for years and years. I want my top lashes to be a bit fluffier and I want my bottom lashes to have a more twiggy feel. (editors note: I, Emily, can’t stop laughing every time I read this – the level of obsession, detail, and enthusiasm is amazing and I get it – we all have our things – Whitney, please continue). Right now my daily top lash mascara is the Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara by Estee Lauder ($28). This mascara has a large bristle wand and a formula that gives your lashes volume, length, and thickness. The formula has a blend of three high volume fibers that are combined with a conditioning vitamin complex base that creates a lash extension look. This is a wetter formula and when you combine that with a big brush it can be a bit messy if you are not careful, so make sure to take your time applying so you don’t have a messy application. This mascara is buildable, does not flake, and gives me the dramatic lash that I love! My favorite bottom lash mascara is Loreal Telescopic Mascara ($11) (the gold tube version is my favorite). This mascara provides length, drama, and it separates lashes really well! I am a multi-coat mascara applier – you can go as natural or as dramatic as you like! The brush is on the thinner side with what I am assuming are short silicone bristles. There is one downside to this mascara – over time it can be hard to get the wand back in the tube because there is some flexibility where the wand and brush meet. This is usually my signal to buy a new one – for me it’s worth it but I know that might be frustrating for some. To be honest, most of the brow pencils and powders I have used over the years are all very similar to each other. The only brow “product” that has truly stood out to me is Soap Brows – this is more for hold/thickening than for filling in – you will still need an additional product to do that step ). Soap Brows used to be my go-to daily brow but it is a more complicated process that I now reserve for a more glam special occasion brow look when I’m going for a bigger bushier brow. I feel confident in Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Pencil ($23) and their Brow Powder Duo ($23). They perform well consistently and are not over the top expensive. I think a great inexpensive dupe for Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow wiz pencil is the NYX Micro Brow Pencil ($10). APPLICATION TOOLS Real Techniques and Morphe brushes are my two go-to brands for brushes. They are both inexpensive and deliver amazing application! I also love the Real Techniques sponge. It’s made well and performs as well as the more expensive version. I believe makeup tools should be replaced far more often than they typically are and these price points allow you to do that more easily without sacrificing quality. [HOT_TIP title=’Hot Tip’ content=’Clean your brushes with two parts mild soap (I use Seventh Generation dish soap ) and one olive oil. Whisk the soap and oil together and it will emulsify. The olive oil will break down your makeup like an oil cleanser would, while conditioning the bristles. The soap will help you thoroughly wash away any residue. Dampen your brush with warm water and then lightly dip it into the solution and work it in with your fingers, or makeup brush cleaning pad if you have one. Depending on the condition of your brushes you might have to repeat this process. Make sure to run your brushes under warm water until the water runs clear. You want to give your brushes a good shake and dry them laying flat on your counter, using a clean towel. I generally leave the bristles hanging off the counter to ensure water does not accumulate during the drying process. You never want to dry your brushes upright because the water will run down the bristle to the base of the bristles and accumulate causing damage and possibly mold.’] OUR FINAL BURNING QUESTIONS: The nightly toner I use is iS Clinical Active Serum ($138). This is a very expensive toner and for many people, it may seem really out of touch and crazy to spend that much on a very small dropper bottle that is $138 which I get. But sadly there is not a hack for this little gem. I am prone to breakouts and this serum has helped keep my skin in check and has evened out my skin tone. It has a water-like consistency and I use more drops in the palm of my hand than they have recommended and gently press it all over my face. This is a toner that I am desperately trying to avoid any waste so I skip the gauze step entirely. I tried to drop it directly on my face for an even more efficient application but it absorbs too quickly in my opinion for it to have a thorough application. You will feel an immediate tingly sensation – I look forward to this nightly. This toner has never irritated my skin but I do feel like it is a product that needs to be eased into. Biossance Squaline + Tea Tree balancing oil ($49) is an oil I keep in the rotation that I will apply day or night depending on my need for it. This is a clean beauty product that is EWG certified. This oil has never clogged my pores, feels hydrating, and lightweight. I think oils can have a tendency to sit on top of the skin without ever absorbing fully and I really like that this one seems to penetrate easily. I use this when I feel like I have a break out coming for its antibacterial properties that help to keep acne from thriving. 2. Do you have a go-to foundation that has SPF? Foundation is such a complex situation. I started writing it in my initial email to you guys and then it was like – this option for this skin type and categorized by coverage – it kind of got out of control – so I deleted it all. I do think if you are specifically looking for a foundation that has SPF – It Cosmetics cc+ cream ($39) is an awesome option. It is a lightweight feeling foundation that provides medium to full buildable coverage. It comes in three different versions depending on what kind of look you are trying to achieve. Original, oil-free matte, and illumination (my personal favorite). I apply this foundation with my Real Techniques Sponge. Start with one pump and build your way up if needed. The better primed your skin is the further a pump of foundation will go and the more natural-looking it will be. If you are overly dry it will absorb quickly and you will need more product and it can end up looking cakey. Skin prep is key! When applying foundation, I like to focus on the center of my face/cheek area to begin with because that is where I need the most coverage and then I work outward towards my hairline using less and less product. I try to use the residual foundation left on my sponge in the places that I do not need as much coverage. If you have a blemish try to spot conceal with the foundation instead of adding more product all over. This will help you achieve the coverage you need and have a more natural finish. 3. Do you use any products that make your skin look especially glowy? I think the more hydrated the skin is prior to foundation application the more naturally glowy your makeup will be. If I want a more matte finish I will use my moisturizer sparingly before my foundation application. If I want a dewier finish I will prep with a little heavier handed moisturizer application. Do use caution when applying more moisturizer before makeup application as it can affect the longevity of your foundation and create unwanted movement. There is a sweet spot you will have to find for your moisturizer ratio and foundation ratio so it will not completely break down throughout the day when you want to go more glowy. This is very individual to your complexion and will take some trial and error. Emily here. HUGE thank you to Whitney for giving us tons of great advice and product recommendations. A few of us already bought the Supergoop Sunscreen and Ryann bought the Reflekt Exfoliating Face Wash and LOVES it. If you want more beauty advice and product recommendations be sure to follow Whitney on Instagram :) If you are looking for ways to help support artists in the beauty, Support Creatives is filling the gap in the world of charities by providing artists in the industry with the proper support system they require during this tough time and beyond. The programs include: Grants for Beauty Professionals: Financial Assistance for Beauty Industry Creatives to support their artistic endeavors, so that practical financial needs don’t get in the way of their artistic pursuits in difficult times. DONATE HERE Mentorship Program: Guidance from well-established artists in the industry, both for artists just starting out or those interested in taking their careers to the next level. Education Programs: Live, online courses taught by industry professionals with an emphasis on current (and future) trends.