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Upon polling, I predict that modern women around the globe would concur that time is of the essence. With multi-tasking woven into the intricacies of our daily living, we can appreciate streamlined methods that help us tackle more with less. There's no exception to this rule when it comes to beauty. I dare not deny dreams of indulging in a bit of self-care and creativity by recreating complex makeup tutorials from my beloved YouTube favorites. Nonetheless, it is with great admiration and respect that I speak for the working woman committee when I state, "Ain't nobody got time for that!" What we need are products that are built like us with multi-tasking and time management in mind. Enter, Wander Beauty.
Wander Beauty's promise to help modern women look gorgeous on the go piqued my interest in trying out a product or two. After watching a few videos on the Wander Beauty Instagram account and perusing the Wander Beauty website, I decided to test out Wander's On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator. Winners are attracted to winners. It's no wonder that this glow stick's 2018 Allure Best in Beauty Award solidified my decision.
I tried it out and here's what I think:
7-in-1 Multitasking Cream
Wander Beauty
At a $42 price point, Wander's On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator is a steal. Compact and beautifully packaged, this glow stick frees up space in your makeup bag by doing several jobs at once. You can ditch the separate staples in lieu of one heavy hitter that gets it done. On one side of the stick is cream color and on the other is a buildable illuminator. This combo creates a full look that will leave you shining like the star that you are. Upon use, its soft tones made a huge impact on my beauty routine in a way that made me reimagine the quote, "Speak softly but carry a big stick."
On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator does it all by providing:
- Blush,
- Lipstick,
- Eye brightener,
- Eyeshadow or eyeshadow primer,
- Highlighter,
- Full body glow,
- And a surge of Vitamin E to combat the effects of free radicals.
In essence, On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator is a foolproof beauty essential that can be used by novices and experts alike. It's as simple as the directions below:
Lips
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Use the cream color to apply to lips using the tube application or your fingers to build the color as much as you'd like.
Cheeks
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Swipe color across your cheeks using your fingers to blend for the perfect on-the-go blush. Follow up by using the illuminator to highlight the tops of your cheekbones, center of your nose, cupid's bow, forehead, and chin. Use your finger or favorite brush to blend.
Eyes
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You've got options for your eyes which include:
- Swiping the illuminator across lids and crease for a subtle eyeshadow;
- Swiping color across lids and crease for a more flushed eyeshadow;
- Using the illuminator as an eye primer prior to applying your favorite shadow;
- Using the illuminator on browbone and inner corners as a finishing touch to your eye makeup.
Body
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Generously distribute cream illuminator to your shoulders and collarbone to add glow.
No matter how you use it, you can't beat the outcome with a stick.
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Featured image courtesy of Kandice Guice for xoNecole.com.
Psychologist Debbie Sorensen explained to CNBC why women and millennials are experiencing burnout in higher numbers. “We haven’t had time to recover from the trauma of what we’ve been through the last few years,” she said. “Women and young people, in particular, are putting an immense amount of pressure on themselves to keep going, keep working, no matter the cost.”
As women, particularly Black women, we tend to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Other people's problems become our problems, and then we are expected to show up to work and show up for our family and friends with a smile on our faces. Whew, chile! What if we are having a bad day? How are we supposed to cope if we have to be everything to everyone? Well, here’s your sign to make time for yourself, especially on the days when you are feeling down.
Below is a list of self-care ideas for when you are having a bad day.
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Spend time in nature
Sometimes something as simple as surrounding yourself with trees, grass, and/ or water can improve your mood exponentially. The American Psychological Association’s (APA) research shows that spending time in nature can improve attention, lower stress, and reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders.
Got to a Spa
There’s nothing like going to a spa. You can relax in a sauna, get a massage, and just be. According to research, massages help release serotonin and dopamine, which are often referred to as “feel good” hormones, that will instantly perk you up and have you going about your day with a smile on your face.
Get Artsy
When was the last time you did arts and crafts? Drawing a picture, painting, or even coloring can help you discover your inner child, thus boosting your mood. Purchase an adult coloring book, or go to a paint-and-sip class by yourself, or you can make it a group activity and bring your besties.
Look your best
The old saying, “When you look good, you feel good,” didn’t just come out of thin air. There’s some truth to it. The Kentucky Counseling Center shared a link between self-care and feeling good. “Self-care regimens are extremely important not just to stabilize your day but to make you feel great. Simple things like getting a facial, taking care of your hair done, or exercising can make you confident because when you look good, you also feel good,” according to its website.
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Breathwork
There’s a reason why it is suggested that you breathe when you begin feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. Breathing brings oxygen back into your body, and WebMD reports that it can decrease the fight or flight response that happens when you are stressed.
Spend time with babies
I don’t know about you, but nothing makes me smile quicker than a baby, especially a smiling baby. If you’re the same way, then spending time with a baby or babies may help put you in a better mood, too.
Do nothing
Last but certainly not least, do nothing. There’s nothing like laying in your bed and not being forced to do anything. Stay in this moment and use this time to relax and replenish your energy.
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