How Filming Star Wars Changed Adria Arjona’s Relationship With Makeup

portrait of actor adria arjona wearing a cream colored silk button down blouse. she stands in front of a pink backdrop...Courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

"I got reunited with my mom this year and that was really special. I hadn't seen her in so long and when I hugged her for the first time — after quarantining, and getting tested, and doing the whole thing — she was wearing My Way," says Adria Arjona, who is the face of the newest iteration of the fragrance, Giorgio Armani My Way Intense. "Now, this has upped the meaning of the perfume for me even more because it reminds me of someone that I love — and I smell like it, too."

Bottle of Giorgio Armani My Way Eau de Parfum Intense

Armani Beauty My Way Eau de Parfum Intense

$76SephoraShop Now

The original My Way, a blend of tuberose, vanilla, and bergamot — an "uplifting, joyful smell," as she describes it — has become Arjona's "everyday perfume." For her, My Way Intense (quite literally intensified with sandalwood) is more of a statement: "I find it sexy. If you want an armor of confidence, you can spray it on, walk down the street, and feel great," Arjona tells Allure.

The star of the soon-to-be-released Marvel film, Morbius, and Disney+'s Star Wars prequel series, Rogue One, radiates with confidence as we chat on Zoom — and in the unretouched campaign images of My Way. Here, Allure catches up with Arjona and learns just how she manages to always exude so much charisma.

headshot of actor adria arjona in a peach topCourtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

On her new self-care ritual: "Before [COVID], my beauty routine was about looking nice wherever I would go. Throughout this whole year, it's transitioned in a positive way. The main thing that’s changed is the importance that I give it and the time I give it. I've promised myself now that I'm back to work and traveling, to maintain that, no matter how late or early it is. Not to look good, but to take care of myself. I've fallen in love with it."

On quality time: "My nighttime routine is my favorite. It's where I strip down the whole day and get ready for bed. I really take my time with it. I have to double cleanse. I use an oil-based cleanser from Emma Hardy, which smells so good. It has orange blossoms and I’m a huge fan. And then I use the Tatcha The Rise Wash [which she discovered on the set of Star Wars]. I make sure I don't have any residue on my face and then go through my serums and my moisturizer. Most of the time it's Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum. And I make sure I have either a candle or music just to kind of wind down from the day."

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

$60Shop NowTatcha The Rice Wash

Tatcha The Rice Wash

Tatcha The Rice Wash$35Shop NowVintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum

Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum

 Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum$185Shop Now

On her favorite artist from her playlist: "It's a quirky one [laughs]. His name is Blaze Foley. It’s really old country music — and it's relaxing. I'm in love with him and all his music."

On making connections: "The whole philosophy of My Way is about opening your horizons. It's about listening. It's about diving into other cultures. And doing the research and having the knowledge. And making eye contact with someone else and connecting. I think that makes everyone a better person. If we were just to be able to connect, the world would be much more of a happier place. It's about being joyful and finding your own journey, paving your own path, and doing things your specific way. Everyone can choose that journey."

On the product always in her bag: "Lip balm is a must. Armani has a really good one called Ecstasy Balm and it comes in all different shades. It's very subtle. The orange one is my favorite. It's just a tiny little bit of tint and I put it on and on and on all day."

On experimenting: "Usually, I have a bare face and red lips. Now, I'm really into monochromatic tones. Especially on Star Wars, we used a lot of browns and shading. I always felt like it would flatten my face out. But I've fallen in love with keeping my cheeks and eyes and lips in the same tones. That was very much inspired by both Star Wars and Morbius. One of my favorite products was the Giorgio Armani Neo Nude A-Contour. It's miraculous. It's dummy-proof contouring."

Image may contain: Cosmetics, and Bottle

Giorgio Armani Neo Nude A-Contour

$36Shop Now

Giorgio Armani Neo Nude Ecstasy Balm

$38Shop Now

On the power of scent: "Fragrance really finalizes a look. Whatever it is that you're wearing, whatever makeup it is that you decided to do that day, or hair, or anything, your fragrance sort of locks it all in. People can sense it before they really see you. They can smell it before they really lock eyes with you. I love that."

On lessons learned: "I'm not a firm believer that everyone is extremely confident. I think it's almost like an armor suit that you have to put on and then all of a sudden it sort of sticks to you. I think taking that leap and jumping and being like, 'I'm terrified of this. I'm just going to boom…I'm going to do it.' This sort of gives me a lot of confidence. Pretending to be confident, gives me confidence. Fake it till you make it."

Hydrating Beauty Products Your Skin Will Thank You For

The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.





 

This morning, I woke up with a cold. Sniffly, congested, scratchy, achy, stuffy, drowsy—a classic cold. And dammit, I was excited, because you know what it means? Fall is finally here, and I can leave my windows open for a breeze instead of paying out the wazoo to blast my A/C to make it feel that way. All the sweaters I pulled out of my storage a month ago can finally see the light of day, and the fall Trader Joe’s haul is more than a daydream. But this fall, what I’m not looking forward to is dry skin. Luckily I’m prepared and reaching for my hydrating beauty products a little bit earlier than usual. 

Last year, my skin erupted in dry patches and irritation galore, ultimately wavering into dehydration territory. Even a facialist told me my skin was all out of sorts. It took months to get my skin back to a normal place, so this year, I’m putting in the extra prep work to hydrate my skin now to avoid getting to a place of no return when it’s perpetually 20 degrees. It’s crunch time, so here are the beauty products that are adding hella moisture to my skin: 





Equilibria

Daily Treatment Oil

Adding an oil to your routine is a no brainer if you want to deeply nourish and hydrate your skin, but Equilibria’s Daily Treatment Oil takes it to a whole new level. This contains 500 mg of full-spectrum CBD, and I notice it reduces redness overnight and calms my skin when it flares up. I love using this with my gua sha for a really deep, relaxing facial massage. I wake up with soothed skin every time I use this before bed. Over time, the results have compounded, and I’ve noticed my skin is less reactive and sensitive since I first started using the product.

Use code theeverygirl for 20% off your first order at Equilibria!

Shop it now





AUGUSTINUS BADER

The Rich Cream

If you’re going to splurge on a cream, the Augustinus Bader is it. The who’s-who of Hollywood swears by its ability to deeply moisturize and breathe life into skin. Our writer cut down her routine to just this and a cleanser, and her skin improved ten-fold.

But if this product is a bit out of reach right now, don’t fret—these affordable options are almost as good.

Shop it now





U BEAUTY

The Super Hydrator

Clocking in at about $100 in savings from the Augustinus Bader, this cream is a great option for those who want something more lightweight with lots of hydration power. Coined by the brand as a “Trojan horse for dry, damaged skin,” this product combines anti-aging ingredients with major hydrators (like top-notch hyaluronic acid, shea butter, squalane, avocado oil, and argan oil, to name a few). If you’d prefer to have one product in your routine that does it all, opt for this—you’ll notice a major result with half the products.

Shop it now





Skinceuticals

Triple Lipid Restore Moisturizer

If you’d prefer a classic thick, heavy moisturizer this time of year, Skinceuticals is my pick (and many dermatologists’ too). This is full of ceramides, fatty acids, and essential oils that plump skin and fight environmental and free-radical damage, making it ideal for someone who’s looking to add anti-aging benefits without giving up their thick, occlusive moisturizer at bedtime.

Shop it now





Elemis

Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Splurging on a cleanser is something I don’t typically recommend, but if your’e going to do it, invest in a good cleansing balm.

Elemis’ feels nourishing and soothing as you use it. Instead of feeling like residue, it just makes your skin feel so soft and smooth. Plus, it’s so good at removing makeup that on your driest of days, you could forgo your second cleanse in favor of reaping the benefits of this all night instead.

Shop it now





Buttah Skin

Whipped Body Butter

Your body is arguably the area that needs the most attention this fall, especially after you just put it through the wringer on all your beach and pool days, leaving you dry and itchy. Save it with a thick, nourishing body butter like this one from Buttah. All in the name, this will make your skin feel the best it has ever felt, thanks to its single-ingredient, Virgin Organic Unrefined Shea Butter from Africa. It’s a rich cream that makes your skin actually feel moisturized instead of just leaving an oily film. Trust us, your skin will thank you.

Shop it now





Tata Harper

Regenerating Exfoliating Cleanser

Anyone with dry skin knows the importance of exfoliating away all the dead skin that tends to build up, whether in the form of dry patches or dullness. But a good exfoliator doesn’t come easy to dry skin—they can often be dehydrating and irritating. But we found a unicorn in Tata Harper’s Exfoliating Cleanser. Using both BHA and a physical exfoliant, this helps reveal brighter, smoother skin after just a few uses. We also love the addition of various natural oils, like sunflower and olive oil, that leave your skin soft and supple after exfoliating.

Shop it now





Dr. Jart+

Ceramidin Liquid

Keeping your moisture barrier intact and strong is essential to voiding off the harsh effects of the best season of the year, and Dr. Jart’s Ceramidin Liquid does it better than anything else. It’s a light, moisturizing toner with a proprietary blend of five ceramides that not only hydrate from within but also strengthen your moisture barrier to keep it moisturized on its own. It’s an easy extra layer of moisture in your routine, but it makes a massive difference.

Shop it now





Shani Darden Skin Care

Intensive Eye Renewal Cream

Normally this time of year, I’d already be waking up with red, crusty eyes, thanks to my allergies. But I’ve been using this the past month, and my eyes are in tip-top shape. I consider this the “Goldilocks of eye creams” because it does everything you want, all in one product: moisturizes, soothes, plumps, brightens, and smoothens. It contains peptides—a powerhouse anti-aging ingredient—squalane, niacinamide, silk tree extract, and ceramides that all hydrate deeply to plump up lines and decrease the appearance of bags and dark circles.

Shop it now





KLUR

Immersion Serum Concentrate

This is the gold standard when it comes to hydrating serums, and if you were looking to add one extra hydration step to your routine, make it this. Immersion is a concentrated serum with a blend of vitamins C, B5, and E and beta-glucan to actually prevent moisture loss before it happens and boost moisture retention while it’s at it. It’ll help you get to that consistently moisturized state you’re looking for.

Shop it now





LANEIGE

Lip Sleeping Mask

The first thing to go every season is your lips. You know the first morning you wake up with chapped, crusty lips that fall is here, and unless you get a handle on it right then, you’re pretty much stuck with dry lips until we see the blooms in the spring. Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask stops dryness in its tracks. After one night of using this mask, your lips appear more hydrated and smooth. It gets rid of even the driest of lips in one night’s rest. It’s so hydrating, our editors even say they wake up with plump lips after using this.

Shop it now





Supergoop!

Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40

Sunscreen can also align with your skincare goals, and if you’re looking to get moisturized, Glowscreen will hydrate your skin every time you put it on. Supergoop! formulated this with hyaluronic acid, B5, and peptides to actually nourish your skin while protecting it from the sun and blue light. Plus, the glowy pearl finish doesn’t cling to dryness and makes you look lit from within every time you wear it.

Shop it now





Topicals

Like Butter Mask

If you and eczema get reacquainted every fall, meet Like Butter. Made for dry, dehydrated, eczema-prone skin, this thick, viscous mask soothes and replenishes the skin during flare-ups. I use this once a week as an overnight treatment to reduce redness and encourage my eczema to play fairly with me, and I always bring it on flights and long car rides when I know my skin will act up. Since I started using the product a year ago, I can count on one hand the number of flare-ups I’ve had.

Tip: Don’t hesitate to try this on your hands or anywhere else you get eczema in the fall and winter—it works all over!

Shop it now





Alastin Skincare

Restorative Neck Complex

While all of our moisturizing products can be used on the neck, the skin there is so thin and delicate that a dedicated product to address areas of concern, like tech neck, is recommended. Alastin’s Restorative Neck Complex is a daily one-step treatment that addresses all of your major concerns—fine lines and wrinkles, crepey skin, and lack of moisture—thanks to their Tri-Hex Technology that stimulates production of both collagen and elastin to achieve smoother, firmer skin. It’s a lightweight cream you can easily apply morning and night that works well with all the other products in your routine, so no pilling or harsh reactions expected.

Shop it now





Fenty Skin

Glycerin Hand Mask

Just Rih, giving us the products we didn’t know we needed. This overnight hand mask is an upgrade from the days we used to slather our hands in Vaseline before bed, and its results are much favored. Say goodbye to chapped, dry, itchy hands, because this product—containing 40 percent glycerin, a humectant that locks in moisture and keeps your skin supple—will basically get rid of it all overnight.

Shop it now





KNC Beauty

Face Mask Set

A sheet mask won’t completely change your skin in one use, but making it a habit and doing them consistently will. Especially when used in the morning as a serum step instead of as your last step at night, a sheet mask often is a targeted way to get really good ingredients in your skin. These three masks from KNC are packed with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, jasmine oil, aloe, almond oil, and more to soothe redness and irritation and moisturize dehydrated skin. If you’re sick of putting makeup onto a dry, patchy base, try using a sheet mask beforehand and thank us later.

Shop it now

 

Did Your Skin Just Become So Dry? Here’s Why

READ MORE

 





This post is sponsored by Equilibria, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.

We Tried Jennifer Aniston’s Self-Care Routine






Source: Getty Images

You know those article headlines that make your heart stop when you come across them (or is that just a weird me-thing)? Imagine my excitement when I came across this story on Vogue about Jennifer Aniston’s self-care routine and her secrets to looking (and feeling!) as good as she does. Yes, please! After reading the entire interview about five times through, I was inspired. As a wellness editor who loves a good self-care ritual almost as much as I loved every season of Friends, I wanted to get as close as I could to being Jennifer Aniston and try out every detail of her self-care routine for one week.

 

A photo of this week’s mood, for reference:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jennifer Aniston (@jenniferaniston)

 

So what happened when I swapped out my self-care rituals for a Hollywood A-lister’s? Did I achieve her effortless beauty and lit-from-within glow? Did Jen and I (finally) become best friends, as having the same rock-solid self-care routine would make happen? Read on for Jennifer Aniston’s self-care rituals I added to my routine based on her interview with Vogue and my experience trying out each of them.

 

1. No phone for the first hour after waking





The first step in Jen’s self-care routine is probably what I need the most: less phone time. As someone who rolls over and checks Instagram within 30 seconds of waking up, it’s definitely time for a morning routine makeover. As for the details (we’re all about the details), Jennifer keeps her phone stored elsewhere and uses iPods or old iPhones for alarm clocks and sleep apps (which I probably would too if I was paid a billion dollars every time a Friends episode aired). But alas, no television fortune or spare iPhone for me, so I charged my phone across the room and forced my boyfriend to set an alarm on his phone for me (I cannot risk the temptation of turning off the alarm on my own phone when TikTok is just a click away). 

Jen talks about finally checking her phone after about an hour to find text messages wondering where she is, which I can only assume is from her team of assistants, BFF Courtney Cox, or maybe Brad Pitt finally realizing he can’t live without her (we’ve known that for 20 years, Brad!). I don’t have a team of assistants or Brad Pitt caring about why I haven’t answered their texts, but at least my boss would notice if I was MIA, right?

At the end of the week, I have to be honest: My mornings were so much better. I had more time to fit in meditation (more on that below), and I swear I felt less stressed when the first thought of my day was not centered around catching up on other people’s lives or texts I had missed. I’m even inspired to keep my current phone when I get a new one just to use it for sleep apps and alarm clocks. That’s some bougie ish, but it’s also pretty genius. 

 

2. Use the Pattern app





While this is technically not a core piece of her self-care routine, Jennifer did mention that her phone is reserved for texts, emails, and the Pattern app, of which I needed to try. If it’s good enough for Jennifer Aniston, it’s good enough for me (also, it’s free, so I’m down). I had never heard of Pattern, and TBH, it kind of blew my mind. It uses data to help you better understand yourself and others for the purpose of deeper connections. In a world where most of our screen time is spent watching people we don’t know dance or cook feta pasta, it was cool to spend some time exploring my personality and what’s going on in my life.

You can use it as a tool to understand yourself better, a reference to make goals (it gives you peak days/times), or even as a way to connect with people who share similar personalities and values. Think of it like a dating app, only instead of swiping left on gym selfies, you’re matched based on your deepest personality traits. I learned that I’m self-critical, deep, and passionate and also that I need to let go of the past (my therapist has been telling me that for years). It’s actually cool, and I thank the app gods and Jennifer Aniston for bringing such a fascinating tool into my life for free.

 

3. DIY a collagen latte





Probably the best thing to come out of this experiment is that I finally know Jennifer Aniston’s coffee order. Scratch that—she calls it a coffee routine. So when I order Starbucks, I will no longer tell the barista that a grande cold brew with one pump hazelnut and an inch of coconut milk is my order, it’s my coffee routine. In a pleasantly surprising twist of events, Jen’s morning coffee is pretty doable. She adds a scoop of collagen from Vital Proteins, a dash of cinnamon, and a packet of Stevia because she has a sweet tooth. Meanwhile, she steams her almond milk while this concoction is forming and will occasionally indulge in her guilty pleasure, hazelnut Coffee Mate (that’s the relatable queen we know and love!).

Luckily, for this experiment, I already had a milk frother ready to go, a gallon of almond milk on hand, and some collagen that I typically add to smoothies. I prefer the taste of iced coffee, but I quickly learned that collagen plus iced coffee does not equal a Jen-approved superfood latte. Collagen needs heat to dissolve or else it will turn into goop at the bottom of your cup (and not that kind of Goop). But once I nailed the hot coffee routine, I liked knowing I was getting some extra nutrients and protein in my coffee. 

 

4. Be mindful of what your eyes and ears ingest





PSA: Your mouth and stomach are not the only body parts that digest. Jen is protective of her boundaries by limiting news sources, social media, and negative content. It makes me really happy that Jen is protecting herself because I would protect her at all costs. But this is actually a really great point because health is not only about choosing the best way to nourish our bodies with food but also about how to nourish our minds and souls. The podcasts we listen to, the people we spend our time with, the shows we binge on Netflix, the accounts we follow on Instagram, and the way we speak to ourselves (and others) are all things that feed us too. 

I always try to be conscious of this by unfollowing or muting accounts that don’t serve me, watching comedies that make me happy over horror movies or sad shows, and limiting news to what I absolutely need to know. But this week, I was not only thinking about what not to watch, listen to, and read, I also made a conscious effort to consume more of what to watch, listen to, and read. Instead of scrolling through Instagram or watching Netflix, I read inspiring books and listened to motivating podcasts. To no one’s surprise, it was truly the most motivated I had been in a long time (and not just because I’ve been comparing myself to Jennifer Aniston a little too much). 

 

5. Meditate after making coffee





Spoiler alert: Meditation was by far the most drastic change that came out of this week for me. It’s something I always think I should do but never really make time for. I tell myself I’ll meditate after I take my dog out, on my lunch break, or before bed, but it just never happens. Having a specific time built in to meditate (i.e. right after making coffee) was the game-changer because I actually did fit it in. 

Jen explained that she meditates after “a few sips of coffee,” so I panicked because I wasn’t sure if she takes the rest of the coffee with her to meditate (will that be a distraction and ruin the purpose?) or lets her coffee sit there and get cold after a few sips (maybe normal for the rich and famous?). I need a detailed play-by-play, Jennifer! I ended up sitting down on my couch with my bougie latte in hand for about five minutes of meditation (I couldn’t let collagen go to waste). 

Jen uses Insight Timer, so I used it and tried the courses she mentioned: lowering anxiety and how to create gratitude and abundance. Through this experiment, I learned that I definitely prefer guided meditations. There’s way too much going on in my little brain to sit in quiet stillness, and I don’t always know what to write when journaling. Insight Timer achieved what it promised for me—I instantly felt a little less anxious throughout the day, and I also felt major gratitude. This is nothing groundbreaking to the self-care world, but I give a morning meditation 5/5 stars. 

 

6. Adopt a pro-aging mindset





As someone in their mid-twenties, whether I’m for or against aging is not a topic I’ve put much thought into. I like to think I’d already be “pro” because I regularly pretended to be 21 years old before I actually was. But I think we can all agree that of all celebs, Jennifer Aniston is the first one to come to mind when thinking of the buzzphrase “aging gracefully.” Not only does she look phenomenal at every age (like, how?), but it also seems like she hasn’t resisted getting older. Rather, she’s slightly adjusted her hair, beauty, routine, and relationships to each phase in her life without trying to look like Season 1 Rachel Green. 

The biggest lesson I got from Jennifer Aniston’s pro-aging mindset is also something I’ve learned from my mom’s aging mentality: We are lucky to be able to get older because a lot of people don’t get the chance. I’m sure I’d feel less hunky dory about it when I get crow’s feet and gray hairs, but I do believe there’s something to be said about enjoying every age of life instead of wishing we could be younger. This week, I made an effort to make decisions for my future self by eating fruits and veggies, getting enough sleep, and moving my body, knowing that taking care of myself now is an investment in my future self. As Mrs. Aniston (Jen’s mom) used to say, “This is about longevity. It’s a privilege to grow old, but we don’t have to grow sick.” 

 

7. Keep learning and educating yourself





It’s totally relatable that Jen casually mentioned to her manager that she wanted to educate herself more, so her manager arranged conversations with icons like Jay Shetty, Jessica Yellin, and David Sinclair (to be read in your best Chandler Bing-level sarcasm). I guess when you’re an icon yourself, you have access to all the other icons. But as a total wellness nerd who loved school (yeah, I was that girl), I love that learning is a key part of Jen’s self-care routine. The goal of wellness is really just growth: growing in health, growing in self-love, and growing in knowledge. When we’re constantly learning, we’re constantly growing.

I always make an effort to attend lectures, listen to podcasts, and read books to grow my health knowledge, but the major change from this week was how I saw those efforts. I typically see education as an extension of my career, like I’m staying up-to-date to be the best I can be at my job. But seeing it instead as a way to care for myself really transformed what I got out of it. Education, even in the name of a career, helps us grow as people, not just as a job title. If you ask me, that’s caring for yourself more than a face mask or smoothie ever could.

 

8. Supplement your health with products that work





To quote Jennifer Aniston quoting Dr. Sinclair, “As we age, our cells start to shut down and the lights in our body turn off. But you can turn those lights, those genes, back on.” One of the ways Jennifer likes to turn those genes back on and age as healthy as possible is through tried and true supplements, like the aforementioned collagen (she uses Vital Proteins, of which she is chief creative officer for the brand).

I’m typically wishy-washy with my supplements. I’ll get excited about a new multivitamin and take it religiously for a couple of weeks before forgetting about it altogether, or I know I feel my best when I’m consistent with my probiotics but can’t always seem to remember to take them. This week, I was more consistent than I’ve typically been with taking the supplements and vitamins my doctor and I decided were best for me. A major shift was (yet again) mindset: Rather than just another thing I was “supposed” to do, I thought of these supplements as another way to invest in my future self and to “keep the lights in my body turned on” as I get older. You bet I won’t forget to take my multivitamin again. 

 

The Verdict:

Overall, following an A-lister’s self-care routine was surprisingly doable. I loved spending a little extra time prioritizing the things I typically forget about, like tech-free time or meditation. However, the biggest takeaway I got from spending a week as Jennifer Aniston (I mean basically, right?) is that mindset is her secret. Don’t get me wrong: I’m sure she has a team of the best beauty gurus and wellness experts on speed dial and the best products that only money (and fame) can buy. But her actual routines are fairly simple. No two-hour workouts, strict diets, or 5 a.m. wakeup calls are needed to achieve Jen’s lit-from-within glow.

I love that the way she cares for herself is built around mindset. She’s not using self-care rituals as a mask to achieve an “ideal weight” or to stay young forever; she cares about health because she wants to live the longest, happiest life possible. Now if that doesn’t sound like the moral of a movie where Jen would play the lovable protagonist, I don’t know what does. 

 

Unexpected (and Simple!) Self-Care Techniques To Sneak Into Your Routine

READ NOW

 

5 Social Media Tips Small Business Owners Should Follow






Source: Stoffer Photography for The Everygirl

The last year and a half has been difficult for all of us, but it’s been especially hard for female small-business owners. Some had to close their brick-and-mortar stores for good while others had to follow social media tips and ramp up their digital media strategies to compete with big-name retailers. No matter the circumstance, the changing economy required these hardworking women to think outside the box. 

But what sounds like a tale of woe doesn’t have to be. According to a survey conducted by Adobe and Wakefield Research, 61 percent of female small-business owners say their business’s online presence is more important than their physical location—56 percent of solopreneurs rate their business’s digital and social media marketing as either fair or poor. In addition, 83 percent of solopreneurs noted that creative design will stand out and drive their business to be more successful, but they just lack the time, tools, and training to get it done.

If you’re trying to improve your digital footprint to help your business thrive, we have a few simple-to-follow tips that will drive you to success. And thanks to Adobe Spark, one of our favorite social media and marketing tools, you can navigate today’s complicated market—whether you’re rebuilding your following, trying to get more creative, or fighting to stand out amid a sea of competition. 

 

1. Develop a Cohesive Brand Image

It doesn’t matter what type of company you run. The way your social media content looks can make or break your business. Even if your photos are top-of-the-line or you’re a connoisseur with copy, a brand without any continuity can leave consumers feeling lost and uninterested. That’s why it’s essential to create a streamlined look to help people identify (and get sucked into) your content from the moment they discover it on social media. 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kit | Craft-based design + DIY (@kitiyapalaskas)

 

Australian craft-based designer Kitiya Palaskas built her small business around helping clients develop a brand image. Thanks to a massive collection of graphics, logos, fonts, and colors available on Adobe Spark, Palaskas finds her day-to-day branding tasks easier. On the platform, she can create tailored social graphics, videos, presentations, and more based on her client’s needs.

 

2. Streamline Your Workflow

You know that cohesive look we were talking about? A lot of what goes into that sort of linearity is repetitiveness. I’m not talking about repeating the same post day after day. I’m referring to using the same colors, formatting, and text to showcase a smooth look throughout your feed, blog posts, and website. 

In terms of social media, one of the easiest ways to do this is by creating templates that you can use over and over again. It cuts down on the time you spend meticulously formatting your graphics and creates consistency from one post to the next. 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by dani aziz (@bydaniaziz)

 

When creating templates, small-business owners can turn to Adobe Spark’s resource library that houses thousands of curated blueprints from designers and other content creators. The great thing about these templates is that you can customize them by swapping out the original colors with your brand colors, or you can change up the font to match your logo, the text on your website, and more. You can also shift and maneuver things around to make them look exactly how you want them.

After you create a template, you can save it for future posts and edit it when needed. Just make sure you have your go-to brand colors, graphics, and fonts on hand to make changing your template quick and easy. 

 

3. Create Eye-Catching Graphics

A few years back, posting photos of your products was enough to grab some attention on social media. Today, it’s the vibrant graphics and compelling videos that stop people from scrolling past your post. 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by dani aziz (@bydaniaziz)

 

Before you start messing around with shapes and images, remember that social media is an extension of your business, so you want your graphics to reflect your brand. Trying to evoke a lighthearted feel? Opt for pastels or bright colors. Catering to a professional audience? Neutrals might be better. Whatever you choose, come up with five or fewer colors to use from one graphic to the next. 

If you’re using imagery in your posts, only use high-quality photos (because even the most creative design will be overshadowed by a blurry image). You also want to make sure that your graphics aren’t too busy or distracting. Contrast is key if you’re adding text, and it’s OK to have some white space on your designs. 

 

4. Improve Clarity and Collaboration

Nothing is worse than nearing the end of a big campaign only to realize everyone is on a different page. It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and it can completely derail your brand goals. So if you’re adding a few helping hands to your small business, it’s imperative to prioritize effective collaboration and communication. 

Start by getting everyone on the same page with a clear goal. You can follow the SMART format—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This will allow you to clearly track your progress from start to finish. Communicate the goal to your team and ensure everyone understands it clearly. This is also a good time to address anyone’s questions or concerns. 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ⚡️ Design & Brand Strategy (@nictecreativedesign)

 

When you’re ready to dive into the busy work, make sure everything you need for your project is in one location. With Adobe Spark’s collaboration feature, you can create a project on the platform and easily invite people to join. When the invitation is accepted via email, everyone will be able to edit the project in the same place (and see the changes made when the project is updated).

This tool is a major time-saver and key to efficiency. One person may be incredible at writing copy while another is more design-savvy. Project sharing allows you to pass the same graphic, presentation, or document back and forth while utilizing everyone’s strengths and keeping everyone on the same page. 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shyne | Creative Mentor (@designedbyshyne)

 

5. Find a Supportive Community

It’s normal to run into roadblocks when running a small business, but when obstacles keep getting in the way of your goals, it’s easy to get down on yourself. The good news is that you’re not alone—even if it feels that way. 

As soon as you conjure up the idea for your small business, find a group of individuals in the same boat. If you browse social media, you’ll discover dozens of support groups dedicated to improving social media efforts, running an online business, or even coming up with creative brand marketing ideas. You can also create your own community via social outreach. 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Girl Gang Craft (@girlgangcraft)

 

CEO of Girl Gang Craft Phoebe Sherman consistently creates templates and graphics for other content creators and small-business owners to use for free. This strategy not only helps her build her own following but also helps her build a group of women who can rely on one another for their creative needs. 

According to the study conducted by Adobe Spark and Wakefield Research, over 53 percent of female small-business owners use social media as a way to find creative inspiration. So if you’re needing a little more support from your community, you can turn to your favorite apps and lean on other hardworking women to keep your small business thriving for years to come.

 

 





This post is sponsored by Adobe Spark, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.

 

10 Books So Scary, You Won’t Be Able to Sleep at Night

The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.





It doesn’t take being October for some of us to enjoy some good scary books, but there’s no better time to sit down, cozy up, and be absolutely petrified than now.

Sure, there are tons of thriller books out there (especially if you frequent BookTok,) but what about the books that actually leave us scared? The ones that give us the same, palpitating, spine-chilling feeling that a good scary movie does? Those are a little harder to come by.

But fear not: As The Everygirl’s resident consumer of all things scary, I’ve read just about every thriller under the sun, and while, at this point, most don’t phase me, these 10 left me completely rattled and made me lose sleep for days after finishing them. Ready to be scared to your core? These 10 books will do the trick.





Thomas Harris

The Silence of the Lambs

Even if you’ve already seen The Silence of the Lambs movie (as I’d hope you would have by now), this book is still absolutely worth the read and is even more bone-chilling than the movie. Not only do you get a deeper dive into Hannibal Lecter, but you also get to understand the story of Buffalo Bill and Clarice Starling even more than the movie allows. It’s begging to be read on a dreary, cold October night.

Shop it now





Stephen King

Misery

Stephen King made his name as a thriller author for a reason, and if you ask me, the movie adaptations of his books pale in comparison.

After a near-fatal car accident in rural Colorado leaves his body broken, writer Paul Sheldon finds himself at the mercy of the terrifying rescuer who’s nursing him back to health: his self-proclaimed number one fan, Annie Wilkes. The story is a rural hostage nightmare that will stay with you long after you read the last page.

Shop it now





Samantha Downing

My Lovely Wife

A couple lives a seemingly idyllic life, with a 15-year marriage under their belts and two kids. But they have an unexpected hobby: murdering people.

My Lovely Wife definitely isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you get through it, you’re in for one of the most unexpected, twist-filled thriller books of recent years. It’s truly terrifying (without being particularly gory), but you won’t put it down until the final pages.

Shop it now





Lucinda Berry

When She Returned

Kate Bennett vanished from a parking lot 11 years ago, leaving behind her husband and young daughter. When she shows up at a Montana gas station, clutching an infant and screaming for help, investigators believe she may have been abducted by a cult.

Kate’s return flips her family’s world upside down—her husband is remarried and her daughter barely remembers her. Kate herself doesn’t look or act like she did before, and they discover her disappearance was even more sinister than they imagined.

Shop it now





Riley Sager

Home Before Dark

Riley Sager has earned a name for himself as one of the absolute best thriller authors, and Home Before Dark earned a cult following for a reason.

A woman returns to the house made famous by her father’s bestselling horror memoir. Is the
place really haunted by evil forces as her father claimed? Or are there more earthbound—and dangerous—secrets hidden within its walls? If you love paranormal stories, this one is for you.

Shop it now





Iain Reid

I’m Thinking of Ending Things

If you already saw the heinous movie adaptation of I’m Thinking of Ending Things that was released on Netflix last fall, scrap it from your brain and read the book instead.

This book follows a couple through a bizarre night, with nearly half of it taking place in the car ride to meet the boyfriend’s parents while the girlfriend ponders ending things with him. Never in my life have I read a book that reads more like a horror film. I read it sitting on my couch one afternoon, frozen and more scared than I have ever been while reading a book.

Shop it now





B.A. Paris

Behind Closed Doors

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He’s a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister. Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You’re hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home and the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You’d like to get to know Grace better.

But it’s difficult because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable. This book takes you through a wild, horrifying ride of a marriage that’s nothing like it seems.

Trigger warning: This book contains domestic violence.

Shop it now





Lucinda Berry

The Perfect Child

Christopher and Hannah are a happily married surgeon and nurse with picture-perfect lives. All that’s missing is a child. When Janie, an abandoned 6-year-old, turns up at their hospital, Christopher forms an instant connection with her, and he convinces Hannah they should take her home as their own. They quickly learn that Janie is no ordinary child, and what the couple endures before they realize it is enough to keep you up at night.

Shop it now





Alex North

The Whisper Man

After the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son, Jake, heal. It’s a new beginning, a new house, and a new town.

But the town has a dark past. 20 years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed “The Whisper Man,” as he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night. A young boy vanishes, and then Tom’s son hears whispering outside of his window at night. As a New York Times review aptly put it, “If you like being terrified, ‘The Whisper Man’ is for you.”

Shop it now





Taylor Adams

No Exit

On her way to Utah to see her dying mother, college student Darby Thorne gets caught in a fierce blizzard in the mountains of Colorado. With the roads impassable, she’s forced to wait out the storm at a remote highway rest stop. Inside are some vending machines, a coffee maker, and four complete strangers.
Desperate to find a signal to call home, Darby goes back out into the storm and makes a horrifying discovery. In the back of the van parked next to her car, a little girl is locked in an animal crate.

The rest of the book consists of Darby being completely trapped at the rest stop, trying to navigate who of the strangers is to blame for what she saw in the car—and figuring out how to get them both out.

Shop it now

 

13 Thrillers to Read This Month (Because Halloween, Duh)

READ ON

 

Celebrating and Learning on Indigenous Peoples’ Day





Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors Native American history and recognizes the communities of people who are native to American lands. The holiday is observed in 14 states and more than 130 U.S. cities. Originally recognized as Columbus Day, many state and local governments are now reframing the holiday to more accurately reflect the history of Native communities in the U.S., starting with the popular misconception that Christopher Columbus discovered America.

There are 574 federally recognized and 63 state-recognized Native American tribes in the U.S. that span across more than 56 million acres and 326 land reservations. Federally recognized Native American communities are, by law, viewed as their own nations and maintain their own systems of self-government. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to reflect on the storied, robust experience of Native people on their own land, from the brutal truths of European infringement to the current fight for civil rights and fair land use.

 

The Evolution of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Before there was Indigenous Peoples’ Day, there was Columbus Day. Our early school curriculum taught most of us that Christopher Columbus sailed the Atlantic Ocean in the late 1400s and “discovered” what we now know as America. The first Columbus Day celebration was in 1792, 300 years after Columbus arrived. In 1934, Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Columbus Day a national holiday.

Beginning in 1977, the United Nations began a push to recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day. Those early discussions about changing the name of the holiday hinged on the historical fact that Native peoples were the first inhabitants of the Americas and that already inhabited land cannot be “discovered.” It took a few decades to pick up steam, but more U.S. states and cities have recently recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day. South Dakota was the first state to recognize it in 1990, and 13 additional states have followed suit since then, with Virginia being the most recent.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soni López-Chávez (@soni_artist)

 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Centers the Existence of Native Communities

The reclamation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a controversial topic. While the push for changing the name of the holiday takes place, U.S. cities have also started removing Christopher Columbus statues and monuments. For some, these unwelcome changes are an erasure of history. While it can’t be denied that Columbus has his place in U.S. history, the true erasure is that of the violence and destruction that Native tribes experienced by Columbus and his companions—facts that are often left out of academic and cultural conversations.

For others, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an opportunity to reflect on history more fully and accurately while honoring all Indigenous peoples. The legacies and contributions of Indigenous peoples are often forgotten—if they are known at all—and Indigenous Peoples’ Day gives visibility back to the communities of people who were here, literally, at the beginning. The day is also important because it directs society’s attention to the experiences of Indigenous communities today. A 2015 study found that 87 percent of references to Native Americans in U.S. school curricula were in contexts that pre-date 1900, essentially ignoring the existence of current Native communities. With more than half of Native American families reporting financial hardship, many experiencing deficiencies in health care and education, battles with governments over tribal land, and egregiously underreported instances of violence and missing persons, it’s a simple yet critical step to place the attention of this holiday back on the communities that are still here and are in the most need.

 

How to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day

As more states and local communities recognize the day, the number of celebrations increases each year! Some states dually recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day, both of which are national holidays that require government offices and buildings to close.

In our pandemic world, many celebrations are hosted virtually, including expert discussions hosted by universities and museums. Some cities host marches and parades that include Native dress, music, and traditional ceremonies. Here are a few other ways to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day:

  • Read a book by a Native American author to educate yourself on Native American history and customs.
  • Watch a documentary on the current Native American experience and issues those living on tribal lands face.
  • Research, support, and purchase art by Native American artists.
  • Go outside and rebuild nature in your community, even if it’s just picking up litter or sitting under the shade of a tree.
  • Send financial contributions to organizations like Partnership With Native Americans or Native American Rights Fund.

 

Celebration, reflection, and appreciation for Native communities shouldn’t end when Indigenous Peoples’ Day is over. The most lasting way to honor the legacies of Native peoples and hold space for needed changes in present-day Native communities is to continue the conversation. Enlightenment is a continuous journey—one that humanizes experiences that are different from our own and creates opportunities to build from foundations of understanding and togetherness. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is only one day of official recognition, so expanding our knowledge about Native communities on a regular basis will allow us to write a new, more inclusive history that will be truly deserving of celebration for years to come.

8 Leggings Outfits That Will Look Like You Actually Tried






Source: Angela Giakas

Is there any win-win situation that compares to wearing leggings? The perfect pair are as cozy as they are cute; as versatile as they are dependable. Like a healthy cupcake that somehow still tastes like a real cupcake, leggings can seem too good to be true, especially when you make them the base of real, put-together outfits.

But no. They’re just too good.

You can sleep, stretch, or sprint a mile in them. But more importantly, you can serve serious looks in them, sans the effort. Take it from these fashion girls, who prove that loungewear can be elevated with just a few key essentials. A single jacket, bag, or sweater can level up your leggings without compromising on comfort. See? Win-win.

 

1. Lean into sweater weather

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by M A R I E 🪐 (@__1410.o)

A polished OOTD that feels like you haven’t left the couch? Sign us up. Leggings can quickly become sophisticated with just a striped sweater and an oversized button-up. And the best part? These basics are most likely in your closet right now.

 

2. Incorporate denim

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kia Marie || Kickfluencer (@thenotoriouskia)

If you’re ever unsure of how to style your leggings, revisit your go-to outfit formulas. The classic white sneakers, white T-shirt, and jean jacket look has never let you down, and this time is no different. 

 

3. Add another layer (or three)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by RUTA (@rutaenroute)

When the temps drop, two things are certain: we (reluctantly) swap our iced coffee with something hot, and we start layering. And layering. Oh, and layering some more. What’s one more turtleneck under this sweater coat under this coat? Remember to throw on a chunky scarf for good measure.

 

4. Keep it cool and comfy

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kasia Szymków (@jestem_kasia)

This minimalist look delivers maximum comfort and style thanks to a strategic choice of color—or lack thereof. In this case, canvas sneakers, a white pullover, and a baguette bag transformed a pair of typical black leggings into an effortless, repeat-worthy outfit.

 

5. Make a statement in faux leather

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jean | Extra Petite Blog (@jeanwang)

If you want to look like you tried without actually trying, your best bet might be with a pair of faux leather leggings. They’re sleek, but still soft and stretchy. The best of both worlds. Pair them with suede booties and your most chic coat, and you’ll forget you’re not still chilling at home.

 

6. Go wild with neutrals

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Caralyn Mirand Koch (@caralynmirand)

It’s time to channel your inner leopard, cheetah, zebra, or what have you, because animal prints are in. And neutral colors are, forever and always, in. Your next “I don’t have anything to wear” day has officially been solved.

 

7. Tell a color story

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kim Seidensticker (@kimseidensticker)

Your pink leggings called, and they want to see the light of day outside of your spinning class. Pair a bright-colored jacket with your bright-colored yoga pants, and enjoy the boost of dopamine all day.

 

8. Get dramatic and monochromatic

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Natasha Ndlovu (@natashandlovu)

When in doubt, a head-to-toe black outfit never fails. In fact, it’s power dressing at its finest. No one will even realize you’re wearing leggings, because your leather jacket will be stealing the show. Complete the monochrome look with a beanie and combat boots for all the edgy vibes.

 

6 Easy Outfits You Can Wear All Fall Long

READ ON

How to Discuss Money with Your Significant Other






Source: Katerina Holmes | Pexels

When we think of money and relationships, there is often a negative connotation. Maybe it’s because what to do on date night is a way sexier topic than finance or maybe because one of the leading reasons marriages end in divorce is due to disagreements over money. But it doesn’t have to be a sensitive or controversial subject; if you lay the groundwork and have honest conversations, setting financial goals can be something that brings you and your partner closer together instead of something that pushes you apart.

There is no set rule as to when to have a money talk. Every relationship has its own timing and moves at its own speed. The important thing is that when it’s right for you to have the conversation, you should have an open, honest, and respectful one. Read on for tips about how to have a productive money conversation that will bring you closer together rather than push you apart.

 

1. Observe

You might not feel comfortable bringing up the full money conversation in the early stages of your relationship, but observing your partner’s money habits can be incredibly telling. What are your significant other’s spending habits? Do they impulsively make big purchases or usually go for the thrifty option? What do they like to splurge on, and what do they like to save on? On top of learning about how they treat money, this is also a good opportunity to observe and learn more about their personality and what they value. Trying to understand your partner’s attitude toward money can eventually help you ease into a conversation that feels natural and can highlight where you are similar and where you are different. 

 

2. Establish an open environment

The money topic is sensitive, so the environment that you set before and during any conversation with your partner around finance is really important. Start by mentioning the topic and suggesting that you want to sit down to talk about it together so you can be on the same page with your life goals. Think about making it more enjoyable: Pour a couple glasses of wine, make a lunch date out of it, or talk about it casually in the car or while you’re making dinner (it doesn’t have to be so serious!). During the conversation, focus on using effective communication skills, especially if something is surprising or upsetting to you. For example, if you learn your partner is swimming in credit card debt, don’t make them feel bad. Instead, try to understand the full story of how they got there and what they’re doing to improve the situation.

 

3. Know what you want to discuss

Depending on where you are in your relationship, you probably have a different list of concerns, questions, and goals. If you’re moving in together or getting married, you’ll probably want to focus on how you’re going to handle money as a couple, whether or not you’ll combine finances, and how to reach financial goals together. If you’re having the money conversation in a newer relationship, you’ll want to cover how you each value and think of money. For example, if you’re someone who wants to save up for travel but your partner likes to spend on weekly luxuries, it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker (most couples won’t have the exact same money habits), but it is important to know what each of you value so you can make plans that work for both of your goals.

 

4. Be honest with your partner (and yourself)

Honesty is crucial, but it can be difficult to be honest with your partner if you haven’t accepted your own financial reality yet. Part of having the money conversation is being honest with yourself first. If you have something in your financial history that you’re not proud of, it’s time to come to terms with it and make a plan to move forward. If you’ve avoided paying down your debt, take some time to look at it and come up with a plan for how you’re going to pay it down before you talk with your partner. Coming to the conversation with an honest account of your situation as well as your plan to move forward will help ease the surprise of anything negative you need to share.

 





 

25 Money Questions You Need to Ask Your Significant Other

READ NOW

 

7 Weight Loss Tips You Haven’t Tried Yet






Source: Color Joy Stock

I’ve been writing about health for years and have coached dozens of women through their health journeys. In my experience, I’ve learned that nothing is as clickable or buzzworthy as weight loss tips. However, what makes headlines doesn’t usually pan out in everyday life, and the universal obsession with weight loss is not a sign that we’re prioritizing our health but rather that we don’t feel worthy as we are. If you clicked on this article expecting the usual “Eat less sugar” or “Do a HIIT workout” tips, know that that is not what this is. This is not your typical weight loss article you’ll read through and feel discouraged by at the end or forget to actually apply to your life. 

And that’s because Dr. Adrienne Youdim is not your typical weight loss specialist. She isn’t telling her patients to count calories or work out more as a solution. Instead, she focuses on the “why” behind both the desire to lose weight and the inability to lose weight to help each patient achieve self-love and lasting healthy habits. Dr. Youdim is an internist who specializes in weight loss and nutrition and served as the medical director of the Cedars-Sinai Center for Weight Loss before opening up her own private practice in Beverly Hills. Read: She’s helped a lot of patients achieve (and maintain) a healthy weight.

As if her long list of credentials and experience wasn’t enough, she’s also the author of the book Hungry For More, which explains how our emotions or life circumstances affect weight. While she’s a weight loss expert on paper, she’s not like any other weight loss expert. She not only changes her patients’ numbers on the scale but also changes their lives. Struggling with reaching the weight you want to be? Read on for Dr. Youdim’s best tips to achieving your best self. 

 

Meet the expert
Dr. Adrienne Youdim, MD, FACP
An internist who specializes in medical weight loss and nutrition
Dr. Youdim served as medical director of the Cedars-Sinai Weight Loss Center before opening her own practice in Beverly Hills. She wrote the book “Hungry For More,” an empowering memoir and how-to guide for women looking to reach their health goals and love their bodies.

 

1. Start with mindset

When you want to change your weight, what’s the first thing you do? Do you start cutting out sugars or processed carbs or increasing your workouts? Dr. Youdim suggested that before any tangible goal, habit, or action, you must work on mindset first if you want to achieve your goal weight (and then sustain it). “How we approach a habit is so critical to our ability to change in a durable or lasting way,” she said. “Without a proper mindset to address the process, the ups and downs, the waning motivation, the negative self-talk, and all the other mental barriers we create, we will not be able to maintain the necessary changes that result in healthy weight.” 

First, identify why you want to change your weight. Is it to feel best in your body, to live a long and happy life, or to get more energy? Coming back to this core motivation frequently will help you stay inspired and make changes based on self-love instead of self-consciousness (more on that below). But if your reasons have more to do with not feeling enough as you are, disliking your body, or because someone else told you you have to, you won’t achieve what you’re looking to feel, no matter what pant size you get to. 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mandy Madden Kelley (@mandymadd)

 

2. Identify the “why” behind your eating patterns

If you feel disconnected from your eating habits, are unable to control yourself, or eat more than you know you need, the problem is not your “laziness” or “lack of willpower.” The problem is that you’re suppressing an emotional need that you’re subconsciously using food to attempt to soothe. In fact, Dr. Youdim wrote an entire book about the emotional reasons most of us eat a certain way or have certain cravings. “So many of us use food to soothe—this is actually hardwired in our neurobiology,” Dr. Youdim explained. You might think you’re craving a donut or absolutely need a slice of pizza, but your body is actually trying to tell you it needs something else, whether it’s a break, stress relief, emotional comfort, or something deeper. “Know what you are trying to soothe with food. We need to identify what is at the root of our ‘hunger.’ What are you truly hungry for?” 

 

We need to identify what is at the root of our ‘hunger.’ What are you truly hungry for?

 

3. Focus on your routine

Imagine this: You’ve (finally) reached your goal weight, so you become less conscious about keeping up those healthy habits and then are frustrated when your body goes back to its old ways. Or maybe you eat more plants, exercise more, and prioritize sleep for a week, and then you get annoyed and stop because you saw no changes after those seven days. Or you’ve tried diet after diets for years, always hop onto different workouts, and never stick to your meditation practice. Sound familiar? The key you might be missing is routine.

“Routine is critical. It allows us to show up for ourselves, even when we don’t feel like it. Every practice that helps us achieve a goal weight help us maintain healthy weight as well.” Be patient with your body. Know that physical changes take time, and you should find comfort instead of frustration in the practices you do for your body. Turn practices that make your body feel good into habits, and give your body some consistency. 

 

4. Stop restricting

In the past, you might have restricted calories or food groups in order to lose weight. You might have tracked macronutrients in an app or cut out dairy or sugar, all in the name of a few less pounds. Maybe your doctor or nutritionist even told you to restrict, so you were convinced it was a healthy way to lose weight rather than a detrimental practice that could cause weight gain or disordered eating. In reality, restricting and limiting might be stopping you from achieving your health goals. “Restriction invariably makes us want to do the very thing we are trying to restrict: It focuses attention on scarcity, which makes the body thinks it needs more of that food. Restriction also causes hunger, which is just not sustainable,” Dr. Youdim said.

So how do you eat for weight loss instead? “I tell my clients and patients to eat in terms of abundance. Eat so much of what serves you, so that you have less room for what doesn’t.” Yes, that means add more plants to every meal, and you’ll be subconsciously crowding out the foods that don’t make you feel good. Most importantly, eat intuitively rather than based on numbers or percentages.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JULIA🍒 BERIT (@julia.berit)

 

5. Eat your protein

Between Keto Diet, low-carb, high-fiber, and everything in between, there’s a lot of confusion over the best type of diet and what percentage of macronutrients is best for reaching a goal weight. While the most important step for actually being healthy is to stop worrying so much about dieting and percentages (see #4), Dr. Youdim said that a common issue she sees with her patients is not enough protein. “Protein is the most satiating macronutrient and also helps preserve muscle mass, which then preserves a healthy metabolism,” she said. But before you pull out your macronutrient-tracking app and load up on protein powders, focus on adding more whole foods and nutrient-rich plants to your diet while also eating a balance of clean protein sources like fish, chicken, eggs, tofu, chickpeas, lentils, etc.

 

6. Improve your sleep and stress levels

If the only factors you’ve considered in your weight loss journey are nutrition and fitness, you’re missing out on key players that can make or break reaching (and keeping) your goal weight. Stress levels and sleep are just as important as food and exercise when it comes to being healthy and reaching a healthy weight. But don’t believe me: Ask Dr. Youdim. “Sleep is crucial. Countless studies show that sleep deprivation results in surging hunger hormones, greater appetite for calorie-dense foods, and weight gain. Stress is also a huge contributor, and it affects our hunger too, both physiologic and emotional.” Your health plan and wellness routine need to include a sleep-care routine and stress-relief plan (whether its daily meditation, weekly therapy, or all of the above). 

 

You don’t accept your body once when you reach certain health goals. You can reach health goals because you accept and love your body.

 

7. Love yourself as you are now (no, really)

While this might sound like some fluffy self-help advice your mom used to tell you in middle school, it is actually tangible, concrete advice to reach your goal weight. “We can want to change our bodies and still accept ourselves as we are in this moment,” Dr. Youdim explained. “This is critical because we’ll sabotage ourselves if we don’t accept ourselves. Picture this: You get on a scale and are disappointed at the results. If you accept yourself and hold that disappointment with compassion, you’ll be able to focus your attention on the habits you want to adopt. If you don’t accept yourself (i.e. you get mad at yourself, put yourself down, or feel hopeless), you’re more likely to throw in the towel.” 

In other words, you don’t accept your body once when you reach certain health goals; you can reach health goals because you accept and love your body as it is right now. Love yourself first, and then make changes or form habits because you know what your body deserves. For tips on where to start with self-love and body acceptance, click here for expert advice or here for 10 ways to love yourself more. 

 

This article is intended to provide inspiration to help you reach your health goals, not as treatment for an eating disorder. If you are struggling with an eating disorder or with disordered thoughts or behaviors regarding food and eating, please seek help. Call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237 for support, reach out to a qualified medical professional, or, for a 24-hour crisis line, text “NEDA” to 741741.

 

Why Losing Weight Didn’t Make Me Love Myself More
and what actually did instead
READ NOW

 

Everything You Need To Make the Best Coffee at Home

The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.






Source: Stocksy

As much as I love treating myself to a cute little outing of walking to get my favorite Starbucks fall coffee drink or spending a few hours working at a cafe with a delicious latte, my wallet simply can’t handle making that a regular habit. Over the last year or so, I’ve become extremely passionate about making delicious coffee in the comfort of my own home, and let’s just say, my bank account thanks me every day.

I pretty much make myself a homemade iced latte with espresso made in my Nespresso machine year-round, but I like to use the fall months to really experiment and switch things up. Obviously, pumpkin and coffee go together just as well as Lorelai and Luke (get it, an extra coffee reference?), but you can really deck out your at-home barista station with so many things in the fall that you’ll forget about Starbucks altogether.

I’m all about romanticizing the mundane, everyday tasks that life throws at us, so why not start first thing in the morning by making your morning coffee your favorite ritual of the day? Here is everything you could possibly need to make the best fall coffees at home:

 

Your Coffee Maker of Choice

Making a delicious coffee at home starts with the machine you’re making it in. While we love a store-bought bottled cold brew as much as the next person, investing in a coffee maker you love is definitely worth it in the long run. Whether you need the convenience of a single-serve machine or crave the traditional taste of drip coffee, there’s a machine out there that will be a great fit for you.





Nespresso

Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine

Many of our editors absolutely swear by our Nespresso machines for the best barista-level coffee at home.

3 colors available

Shop it now





Nespresso

Vertuo Next Premium Coffee and Espresso Maker

This smaller, thinner Nespresso is perfect for small spaces.

Shop it now





Keurig

K-Mini Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Not only is this K-Mini also great for small spaces, it comes in a few super cute color options.

5 colors available

Shop it now





Keurig

Single Serve Coffee, Latte & Cappuccino Maker

If you’re loyal to your K-Cups but want to branch out, this Keurig with latte- and cappuccino-making capabilities might be perfect for you.

Shop it now





BLACK+DECKER

12-Cup Coffee Maker

We can’t forget about our traditional drip coffee lovers—this chic white machine will look great in your kitchen.

Shop it now





Secura

French Press Coffee Maker

For those who want to make their coffee-making process a little bit fancier, a French Press will definitely help you do that.

6 colors available

Shop it now

 

Try It: Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
This quintessential fall recipe from Half Baked Harvest is the at-home coffee-meets-chai combo of our dreams.
TRY IT OUT

 

Coffee

I am fully aware that some people are very particular about their coffee and would never want to switch it up, but I strongly believe that fall is the perfect time to experiment with fun and festive flavors. There are so many great options out there for single-serve pod drinkers and traditional ground coffee drinkers alike.





Starbucks

Pumpkin Spice Light Roast Ground Coffee

Starbucks, fall, and pumpkin spice coffee are the ultimate trifecta… and you can bring that home with this ground coffee.

Shop it now





Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

Pumpkin Spice K-Cup Pods

I tell everyone I know that these are hands down the best pumpkin K-Cups on the market.

Shop it now





Bones Coffee

Jacked O Lantern Coffee

Looking to branch out from your usual brands? Try out this pumpkin spice blend from Bones Coffee.

Shop it now





Nespresso

Barista Flavor Pack Coffee Pods

These barista flavor Nespresso pods will flawlessly compliment your favorite pumpkin creamer.

Shop it now





Starbucks

Fall Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee

If you want to be festive but don’t love the pumpkin flavor, this Starbucks Fall Blend is your perfect match.

Shop it now

 

A Milk Frother

It doesn’t matter if you’re an oat milk, almond milk, or dairy milk kind of girl. There is one thing I absolutely know: Frothing your milk and/or coffee creamer (pumpkin spice oat milk creamer, anyone?) changes the entire game. It is truly the key to achieving that coffee shop-level feel in the comfort of your own home.





Instant Pot

Milk Frother

This budget-friendly frother has a convenient handle and can make hot or cold foam.

Shop it now





Zulay

Original Milk Frother

This $16 milk frother is in all of our editors’ kitchens.

10+ colors available

Shop it now





Nespresso

Aeroccino4 Milk Frother

Interested in taking your coffee set-up to the next level? This Nespresso frother will help you do just that.

Shop it now

 

Try It: Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
This delicious PSL recipe from Ambitious Kitchen is a dairy-free and naturally sweetened version of a true classic.
TRY IT OUT

 

Add-Ins and Accessories

Obviously, the key formula to a great cup of coffee is simply coffee and milk (or cream). However, I would make the argument that adding in a few little extras is what really makes the formula complete. You can choose a syrup, sauce, or topping that will make you simply forget about that $6 Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. 





Jordan’s Skinny Syrups

Sugar Free Skinny Syrups

These zero-calorie, zero-sugar flavored syrups are an ideal option if you’re trying to stay health-conscious this fall.

Shop it now





Starbucks

Syrup Variety Pack

Craving your go-to vanilla iced latte? Make it yourself with these flavor syrups.

Shop it now





Etsy | Next Page Prints

Coffee Flavor Syrup Dispenser

Customize your labels to match your syrup collection!

Shop it now





Amazon | PERMINKS

Gold Syrup Pump Set

These syrup pumps will have you feeling like a real barista in no time.

Shop it now





Equilibria

Daily Drops

Adding Equilibria’s CBD drops to your fall morning coffee is the perfect way to start your day off right.

Use code THEEVERYGIRL for 20% off your first order!

Shop it now





Torani

Puremade Pumpkin Pie Sauce

This pumpkin sauce is all over TikTok—it’s just what you need to drizzle around your iced coffee glass.

Shop it now





McCormick

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Starbucks tops all of our favorite pumpkin drinks with pumpkin spice, so take your at-home coffee to the next level by doing it too.

Shop it now

 

Try It: Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
This Eating Bird Food recipe details how to make your own pumpkin cold foam, so you can have a healthier version of the Starbucks fave right at home.
TRY IT OUT

 

Mugs, Glasses, and Straws

Although it’s what’s on the inside that counts, what you drink your coffee in can add that lil’ something extra that makes enjoying your coffee so much more special. Pulling a festive, spooky-xseason mug or glass out of your cabinet is sure to put a smile on your face first thing in the morning.





Etsy | Charbonnet Shop

Spooky Season Iced Coffee Cup

Nothing will brighten your mornings more than this insanely cute “spooky season” glass.

Shop it now





Threshold

Hey Boo Mug

This $5 mug is the perfect subtle touch for your morning coffee.

Shop it now





Amazon | HIWARE

8 Pack Reusable Glass Drinking Straws

Glass straws are great if you’re looking for an option that is sturdy enough to stir and easy to clean.

Shop it now





Etsy | The Groovy Coconut

Feelin’ Cute Kinda Spooky Iced Coffee Cup

The cheeky message and cute design on this glass makes it the iced coffee glass of our dreams.

Shop it now





Amazon | Nightingale

Silicone Straws

These silicone straws in the perfect fall hues will fit right into your aesthetic Instagram story.

Shop it now





Etsy | Love In Kyoto

Sanderson Sisters Mug

Do you watch Hocus Pocus multiple times per year? Then you need this Sanderson Sisters mug for your collection.

Shop it now





Amazon | Libbey

Set of 4 Classic Can Tumblers

These editor- and reader-favorite tumbler glasses are not only great for your iced coffees in the fall, but they’ll also be your go-to for the rest of the year.

Shop it now





Etsy | NVDsignz

Ghost Iced Coffee Glass

This ghost-covered glass comes with a lid and glass, so you can take your iced coffee on the go.

Shop it now