Reviewers Don't Regret Buying These 39 Beauty Products — Except For Wishing They'd Bought ‘Em Sooner
Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap with truly magical results — so much so that you'll regret waiting *this* long to add it to your beauty routine. It uses hyaluronic acid, shea butter, vitamin E, and Castile olive oil to hydrate and soothe skin while minimizing dark spots, sun damage, and blemishes.
Elizavecca Hair Treatment, aka an affordable alternative to Olaplex you'll wish you'd started using ages ago! It contains collagen and protein extracts to help repair damaged, over-processed locks. Simply apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out.
Reviewer-beloved Brazilian Bum Bum body cream made with guarana extract, coconut oil, and caffeine that'll help smooth and tighten your skin. Plus, it basically smells like sunshine in a jar so you won't even have to bother with perfume.
A fragrance-free CeraVe eye cream, which is a heavenly non-greasy formula to reduce dark circles and puffiness. It was developed with dermatologists and contains a blend of smoothing ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid!
And CeraVe Retinol Serum that helps refine your skin's texture and tone over time. This lightweight serum uses encapsulated retinol to gently reduce the appearance of pores and acne-related marks. If you've been too scared to try retinoids until now, this is a great place to start.
Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence because believe it or not, snails have the healing touch. This refreshing formula can be used on all skin types! Reviewers are obsessed with how well it heals acne scars, fades dark spots, and smooths fine lines.
A coconut-scented nail strengthening cream to repair short, brittle nails that are prone to breaking and chipping. This cream is rich in calcium, jojoba oil, and vitamins to help strengthen nails and condition cuticles.
I Dew Care dry shampoo powder — it'll help revive limp, greasy hair and add some volume to your tresses. This hypoallergenic powder absorbs oil, sweat, and dirt so locks stay fresh longer!
LilyAna Naturals eye cream so you can brighten your under-eye area with nourishing ingredients, like provitamin A, vitamins C and E, and rosehip seed oil. Reviewers love that it reduces the appearance of dark circles.
A "why didn't I try this sooner?" teeth-whitening pen that'll help get rid of stubborn stains from wine, coffee, and tea that you've tried literally everything else on. It's painless, effective, *and* mint-flavored.
Sulfate-free Biotin shampoo, which uses botanical extracts to help thicken and hydrate your hair if that's your preference. It also clarifies and removes product buildup. If you're not a fan of taking supplements and hoping it'll fix thinning hair, try this. Zero regrets whatsoever!!!
An exfoliating scrub mitt for ~super smooth~ skin ASAP — no harsh chemicals or rough dry brushes necessary. Regular exfoliation is also great for reducing bumps and ingrown hairs, so your only regret will be putting it off for so long.
Essence's Lash Princess mascara adored by thousands of reviewers because it truly delivers on its promises by adding volume and length to your lashes. You'll kick yourself for buying expensive name brands for so long, but not anymore!
And L'Oréal Voluminous Primer Mascara if it's time to pump up your lashes without having to resort to falsies or pricey extensions. It goes on white and helps lengthen your eyelashes before you apply your fave mascara!
A blackhead scrub stick to get rid of any excess sebum and other impurities that might be clogging your precious pores. After cleansing, rub it on your face to exfoliate *and* banish stubborn blackheads and whiteheads!
Bio-Oil with endless benefits so you'll never run out of uses for it! It's great for evening your skin tone, fading stretch marks, and reducing the appearance of acne scars. It absorbs super quickly so it won't feel heavy or greasy! No regrets here — except wishing you found it years ago.
A pore-clearing cleansing oil when you want results you can *actually* see. This stuff removes all traces of makeup and sucks sebum from your pores so that your skin is visibly clearer and smoother! Once you witness the proof, you'll only wish you'd bought it sooner 👀.
Mighty Patches, which are truly ~tiny but mighty~ with the power to pull gunk out of zits. Put one on at bedtime and behold the grossness (but also amazingness, tbh) when you wake up. And if you have trouble with picking and popping, you'll be thrilled to add these to your skincare routine!
The Flick Stick winged eyeliner stamp for anyone who's officially lost count of how many hours they've spent trying to perfect the cat-eye look. It only takes a few seconds to apply but it'll last the entire day *and* it's waterproof! You'll dream of a day when you bought this eons ago.
A foot file that'll help get rid of crusty feet immediately. Instead of going to the nail salon for rough calluses or cracked skin, rub this file on your feet and watch the dead skin fall right off. Can you believe you lived with those crusties all this time? Me neither.
A truly transformative L'Oreal lamellar water rinse-out treatment — it'll ~treat~ your hair to next-level softness in a matter of seconds... literally. Lather it on wet lengths, massage for eight seconds, and rinse it out. That's the best magic trick I've ever seen!
A prescription-strength Differin retinoid gel perfect for targeting clogged pores and inflammation, aka some of the most common causes of acne. This formula "normalizes" skin cell turnover to help restore your skin's texture and tone.
Revlon Volcanic Face Roller to help you bid farewell to that unwelcome shiny, oily layer that suddenly appeared after doing your makeup. This magical tool will absorb it with just a few swipes. No extra powder required!
Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint so you can apply lip color once in the morning and not have to think about it for the rest of the day! It won't dry or crack *and* there are tons of color options. This is one of those beauty staples you'll wish you'd found MUCH sooner.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant — you'll take care of blackheads *and* leave your skin feelin' super smooth. It's packed with 2% BHA (Beta hydroxy acid) to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. Reviewers can't stop sharing their astonishing results and you'll be low-key jealous you waited so long to join the party.
Revlon's One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer brush when your goal is to style and dry your hair at the same time. You'll speed up your routine while giving your hair an unbelievable amount of shine and volume so, like, what are you waiting for?
Meltdown acne oil that'll minimize breakouts *without* making your skin dry and dehydrated — how on earth have you lived without this? It contains blue tansy, black cumin seed, rose hip, and tamanu oils to reduce the visibility of acne scars and prevent future breakouts.
Truremedy Naturals Remedy Tea Tree Oil Body Wash made with aloe, mint, and tea tree soap because yes you *can* get rid of those common skin irritations. It also smells absolutely wonderful on account of the coconut, olive, and jojoba oils!
A set of tiny dermaplaning razors to remove any stray eyebrow hairs or peach fuzz that's been bugging you. These leave your skin feeling silky-smooth, which also allows for much better makeup application.
First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant so you can have the smooth, healthy skin you've always dreamed of. No more dry patches or bumps ruining your day! Reviewers with keratosis pilaris and other similar skin textures swear by it.
Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer if you love a quick, lightweight under-eye application instead of packing on several layers. It also helps minimize dark circles and puffiness so you'll be glad to *finally* add this lil' miracle to your makeup bag.
E.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer to blur your pores and give you a buttery-smooth, matte complexion that's ~primed~ and ready to receive any makeup you may apply next. It contains collagen and hyaluronic acid, so you know it's the good stuff.
A Radha Beauty Rosehip Seed Oil for conquering some of the main difficulties your skin has likely faced: dryness, redness, flakiness, breakouts — need I say more? This fragrance-free oil hydrates and heals while increasing elasticity.
Rare Beauty liquid blush so you can create the most pinch-able cheeks regardless of your skin tone. If liquid blush is your jam, you def don't wanna sleep on this a moment longer.
A scalp massager when your neglected scalp needs to be rescued, stat. This helps rejuvenate your scalp by breaking down product buildup, and it just feels really nice, too.
Wonderskin Wonder Blading One Step Lip Stain Masque you'll obsess over because of how fun it is to use! It glides on a holographic blue and peels off to reveal a stunning lip stain that actually lasts. Reviewers say you can eat and drink without the need for touchups. *Immediately adds to cart.*
Fanola Purple Shampoo that'll tone down brassy hair with violet pigments. If your blonde strands are turning yellow, this trusty formula will help even it out before your next salon visit. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to apply in the shower!
Tower 28 SOS Spray so you can, quite literally, rescue your irritated, sensitive skin. Whether you're battling dryness or breakouts, this pH-balancing spray is perfff for sensitive skin. Plus, it contains no oil, alcohol, or fragrance.
Gisou honey-infused hair oil to give your locks some much-needed nourishment — it contains coconut and almond oils to smooth, strengthen, and condition while boosting shine and taming frizzies. The honey helps your hair better retain moisture so you'll see *and* feel it getting healthier with each use.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
a day ago
- New York Times
This Liquid Exfoliant Has Been My Holy-Grail Skin-Care Product for Years. Here's Why.
I'm a huge skin-care nerd, but whenever I'm feeling tired, sluggish, or lazy at the end of the day (which is, you know, often), it's a challenge to get through all the steps of my nightly skin-care routine. When that happens, I make a deal with myself: Just get to the part where you apply Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which I do after cleansing and toning, and you're good. That's because this super-gentle yet super-effective formula — one of Wirecutter's picks for the best exfoliant — gives my complexion a noticeable glow and leaves my skin feeling moisturized and healthy every time I use it, even if I use no other products after it. Should I manage to perform all of my facial ablutions before bed, I'll follow up the Paula's Choice 2% BHA with a serum (Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment) and a night cream (CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, one of our recommended moisturizers). But if I had to choose just one product to care for my skin after cleansing, it's definitely this exfoliant. I haven't found anything else that's as enjoyable to use with such dramatic, pleasing results. This Paula's Choice 2% BHA contains just eight ingredients. Its main active ingredient is salicylic acid, which is a kind of beta hydroxy acid. BHA is one of three types of chemical exfoliants often used in skin care — the other two are alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which is a smaller molecule, and polyhydroxy acid (PHA), which is a larger molecule. BHAs are known for being 'exceptionally efficacious at sinking into pores and breaking down the sebum that causes oiliness and cystic acne,' editor Rory Evans explains in our exfoliant guide. That claim proved especially true among our Paula's Choice 2% BHA testers. 'More than any other BHA serum we tested,' Rory notes in the guide, 'Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant made us feel like it was really getting in there to lift away oils and grime.' The brand recommends applying one or two shakes of the exfoliant to a cotton pad and swiping it all over the face and neck. The experts I talked to concurred that this is the best application method, because the pad helps physically remove the excess sebum and dead, flaking skin cells that the product is formulated to help treat. But I must confess: Sometimes I shake the exfoliant into my cupped hands and pat it into my face and neck with my fingertips, because I just love how it feels. Other times, as a treat, I press it in with a jade roller so I can also enjoy a little facial massage. The thing is, my love for Paula's Choice 2% BHA has nothing to do with how much gunk I see on my cotton pad after I've applied it. I am middle-aged (ish?), so my face isn't the sebum-churning machine it once was. I still experience congestion, but big blackheads or gnarly zits are much more of a rarity for me these days. When I use a cotton pad with Paula's Choice 2% BHA, I hardly ever see any telltale grime on the pad afterwards (although my 12-year-old, who's just starting her battle with blackheads and pimples, also uses Paula's Choice 2%, and she sure does). Instead, what I love most about this product is how it's formulated to address a wide range of skin concerns in addition to clogged pores. Only use Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant once or twice a week to start. Your skin might feel a little warm and tingly or turn a little red for several minutes after you apply it. If you have a stronger reaction than that, this product might be too concentrated for you. Otherwise, you can slowly work up to using it as often as twice a day. Rose Lorre/NYT Wirecutter 'A product is more than just its active [ingredient],' Mary Lupo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology, said in a phone interview. 'The vehicle is crucial.' In other words, the overall formulation of a skin-care product can be just as important as the attention-grabbing ingredients that are usually highlighted front and center on its packaging. (Paula's Choice 2% BHA contains the fewest ingredients of any of our exfoliant picks, and the fewer ingredients a product has, the less likely it is to contain one that irritates your skin.) Of the five exfoliants we recommend in our guide, Paula's Choice 2% BHA is one of only two that contains green tea extract, an antioxidant-packed skin enhancer with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. (The other exfoliant with green tea extract in our guide, Shani Darden Lactic Acid Serum, costs about $89 an ounce, whereas the Paula's Choice exfoliant, depending on the size of the container, is roughly $9 an ounce.) Paula's Choice 2% BHA also contains methylpropanediol, 'a humectant that will help retain moisture and help to combat any potential dryness from the BHA,' Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm, said in a phone interview. Combined with the green tea extract's soothing properties, she added, 'This product is really beneficial for those dealing with breakouts and redness.' And though I don't have definitive proof, I swear that I can actually feel all of those benefits in real time after I apply the exfoliant. Initially, it delivers a temporary flush to my skin along with a warming tingle — but never an uncomfortable burning or stinging sensation, which 'could be a bad sign of increased risk of skin-barrier damage,' Rambhia said. After a few minutes, my skin is calm and feels replenished and hydrated, which is why, even though I know I shouldn't, I occasionally skip moisturizer before bed. Even without that final layer, I'm pleased with how my skin feels when I wake up the next morning. Swiping a liquid exfoliant onto your skin with a cotton pad (as I'm doing in the first pic) helps get all that gunk off your skin. However, I also love how the product feels and performs when I pat it into my skin with my fingers or when I press it in with a jade roller. Rose Lorre/NYT Wirecutter Though I love my Paula's Choice 2% BHA, on paper I should prefer AHAs over BHAs. This is because AHAs are known to improve skin texture, address uneven skin tone, and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. (So, you know, old-people stuff.) These two types of acids are sometimes discussed as if they're opposites that serve different demographics: BHAs are usually said to be best-suited for younger people who worry more about acne and clogged pores, while AHAs are better for more-mature skin-care issues. In my experience, though — and according to the known science behind these acids and the experts I spoke to — your age shouldn't stop you from incorporating a good BHA into your skin-care routine, since clogged pores can be an issue at all stages of life. (In your later years, they may be more likely due to a pile-up of dead skin cells, as opposed to an overproduction of sebum in your earlier years.) Plus, if you use a BHA, you can still use an AHA, as I do. The serum I use after Paula's Choice 2% BHA in my skin-care routine contains AHA in the form of lactic acid. There's nothing that says you can't use the two in tandem, or even simultaneously, so long as they're not too irritating to your skin. (In fact, another exfoliating product we recommend, Pacifica Glow Baby Brightening Peel Pads, contains both.) But I often find AHAs a little too irritating for me to apply every day, and after years of use, I just feel that BHAs are more my jam. Turns out, I'm not the only one. 'If push comes to shove, I'd say that the AHAs are a little inflammatory to the skin, whereas the BHAs are anti-inflammatory,' Lupo said. Unlike many AHAs, BHAs are also lipophilic, she added, which means they're better at preventing transepidermal water loss — a concern that might be particularly acute as skin ages. Rambhia added, 'For mature patients, your skin isn't turning over as robustly as it was when you're younger, so things like dullness can tend to be more prevalent; that's where I think a BHA is really useful. It can help revive the skin and improve dullness by exfoliating the top layer of skin cells.' As with any skin-care acid, the only trick to using Paula's Choice 2% BHA is to make sure you're not using too much of it. Both experts I spoke to recommend applying it twice a week to start, to ensure your skin isn't irritated by it. If your skin can tolerate it, feel free to gradually start using it more often. The brand recommends up to twice daily, which is how often I use it, because sometimes, you really can't have too much of a good thing. I purchased my first bottle of Paula's Choice 2% about two and a half years ago in a trial size. Now I buy it in bulk, in the biggest size available, when it's on sale. I always have multiple bottles stashed away, waiting for their call of duty. Each one will get its turn atop my sink vanity, I know, because I am not moving on from this product anytime soon — quite possibly never. For smoother, glowier, healthier skin, it's the choice I make again and again. This article was edited by Megan Beauchamp and Hannah Rimm. For clearer, brighter skin, there's no quicker route than a few swipes of an exfoliant. We tested 22 and found five standouts in a range of effective concentrations and textures. If you're new to exfoliation, start with just once a week for one month. Then consider bumping that up to twice a week if your skin can tolerate it. The dermatologists we spoke with give hypochlorous acid the green light for face and wound care. We tested seven popular brands, but only three won us over. Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for skin care. We tested 28 over-the-counter contenders to find five true standouts.
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
Reviewers Don't Regret Buying These 39 Beauty Products — Except For Wishing They'd Bought ‘Em Sooner
Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap with truly magical results — so much so that you'll regret waiting *this* long to add it to your beauty routine. It uses hyaluronic acid, shea butter, vitamin E, and Castile olive oil to hydrate and soothe skin while minimizing dark spots, sun damage, and blemishes. Elizavecca Hair Treatment, aka an affordable alternative to Olaplex you'll wish you'd started using ages ago! It contains collagen and protein extracts to help repair damaged, over-processed locks. Simply apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out. Reviewer-beloved Brazilian Bum Bum body cream made with guarana extract, coconut oil, and caffeine that'll help smooth and tighten your skin. Plus, it basically smells like sunshine in a jar so you won't even have to bother with perfume. A fragrance-free CeraVe eye cream, which is a heavenly non-greasy formula to reduce dark circles and puffiness. It was developed with dermatologists and contains a blend of smoothing ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid! And CeraVe Retinol Serum that helps refine your skin's texture and tone over time. This lightweight serum uses encapsulated retinol to gently reduce the appearance of pores and acne-related marks. If you've been too scared to try retinoids until now, this is a great place to start. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence because believe it or not, snails have the healing touch. This refreshing formula can be used on all skin types! Reviewers are obsessed with how well it heals acne scars, fades dark spots, and smooths fine lines. A coconut-scented nail strengthening cream to repair short, brittle nails that are prone to breaking and chipping. This cream is rich in calcium, jojoba oil, and vitamins to help strengthen nails and condition cuticles. I Dew Care dry shampoo powder — it'll help revive limp, greasy hair and add some volume to your tresses. This hypoallergenic powder absorbs oil, sweat, and dirt so locks stay fresh longer! LilyAna Naturals eye cream so you can brighten your under-eye area with nourishing ingredients, like provitamin A, vitamins C and E, and rosehip seed oil. Reviewers love that it reduces the appearance of dark circles. A "why didn't I try this sooner?" teeth-whitening pen that'll help get rid of stubborn stains from wine, coffee, and tea that you've tried literally everything else on. It's painless, effective, *and* mint-flavored. Sulfate-free Biotin shampoo, which uses botanical extracts to help thicken and hydrate your hair if that's your preference. It also clarifies and removes product buildup. If you're not a fan of taking supplements and hoping it'll fix thinning hair, try this. Zero regrets whatsoever!!! An exfoliating scrub mitt for ~super smooth~ skin ASAP — no harsh chemicals or rough dry brushes necessary. Regular exfoliation is also great for reducing bumps and ingrown hairs, so your only regret will be putting it off for so long. Essence's Lash Princess mascara adored by thousands of reviewers because it truly delivers on its promises by adding volume and length to your lashes. You'll kick yourself for buying expensive name brands for so long, but not anymore! And L'Oréal Voluminous Primer Mascara if it's time to pump up your lashes without having to resort to falsies or pricey extensions. It goes on white and helps lengthen your eyelashes before you apply your fave mascara! A blackhead scrub stick to get rid of any excess sebum and other impurities that might be clogging your precious pores. After cleansing, rub it on your face to exfoliate *and* banish stubborn blackheads and whiteheads! Bio-Oil with endless benefits so you'll never run out of uses for it! It's great for evening your skin tone, fading stretch marks, and reducing the appearance of acne scars. It absorbs super quickly so it won't feel heavy or greasy! No regrets here — except wishing you found it years ago. A pore-clearing cleansing oil when you want results you can *actually* see. This stuff removes all traces of makeup and sucks sebum from your pores so that your skin is visibly clearer and smoother! Once you witness the proof, you'll only wish you'd bought it sooner 👀. Mighty Patches, which are truly ~tiny but mighty~ with the power to pull gunk out of zits. Put one on at bedtime and behold the grossness (but also amazingness, tbh) when you wake up. And if you have trouble with picking and popping, you'll be thrilled to add these to your skincare routine! The Flick Stick winged eyeliner stamp for anyone who's officially lost count of how many hours they've spent trying to perfect the cat-eye look. It only takes a few seconds to apply but it'll last the entire day *and* it's waterproof! You'll dream of a day when you bought this eons ago. A foot file that'll help get rid of crusty feet immediately. Instead of going to the nail salon for rough calluses or cracked skin, rub this file on your feet and watch the dead skin fall right off. Can you believe you lived with those crusties all this time? Me neither. A truly transformative L'Oreal lamellar water rinse-out treatment — it'll ~treat~ your hair to next-level softness in a matter of seconds... literally. Lather it on wet lengths, massage for eight seconds, and rinse it out. That's the best magic trick I've ever seen! A prescription-strength Differin retinoid gel perfect for targeting clogged pores and inflammation, aka some of the most common causes of acne. This formula "normalizes" skin cell turnover to help restore your skin's texture and tone. Revlon Volcanic Face Roller to help you bid farewell to that unwelcome shiny, oily layer that suddenly appeared after doing your makeup. This magical tool will absorb it with just a few swipes. No extra powder required! Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint so you can apply lip color once in the morning and not have to think about it for the rest of the day! It won't dry or crack *and* there are tons of color options. This is one of those beauty staples you'll wish you'd found MUCH sooner. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant — you'll take care of blackheads *and* leave your skin feelin' super smooth. It's packed with 2% BHA (Beta hydroxy acid) to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. Reviewers can't stop sharing their astonishing results and you'll be low-key jealous you waited so long to join the party. Revlon's One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer brush when your goal is to style and dry your hair at the same time. You'll speed up your routine while giving your hair an unbelievable amount of shine and volume so, like, what are you waiting for? Meltdown acne oil that'll minimize breakouts *without* making your skin dry and dehydrated — how on earth have you lived without this? It contains blue tansy, black cumin seed, rose hip, and tamanu oils to reduce the visibility of acne scars and prevent future breakouts. Truremedy Naturals Remedy Tea Tree Oil Body Wash made with aloe, mint, and tea tree soap because yes you *can* get rid of those common skin irritations. It also smells absolutely wonderful on account of the coconut, olive, and jojoba oils! A set of tiny dermaplaning razors to remove any stray eyebrow hairs or peach fuzz that's been bugging you. These leave your skin feeling silky-smooth, which also allows for much better makeup application. First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant so you can have the smooth, healthy skin you've always dreamed of. No more dry patches or bumps ruining your day! Reviewers with keratosis pilaris and other similar skin textures swear by it. Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer if you love a quick, lightweight under-eye application instead of packing on several layers. It also helps minimize dark circles and puffiness so you'll be glad to *finally* add this lil' miracle to your makeup bag. E.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer to blur your pores and give you a buttery-smooth, matte complexion that's ~primed~ and ready to receive any makeup you may apply next. It contains collagen and hyaluronic acid, so you know it's the good stuff. A Radha Beauty Rosehip Seed Oil for conquering some of the main difficulties your skin has likely faced: dryness, redness, flakiness, breakouts — need I say more? This fragrance-free oil hydrates and heals while increasing elasticity. Rare Beauty liquid blush so you can create the most pinch-able cheeks regardless of your skin tone. If liquid blush is your jam, you def don't wanna sleep on this a moment longer. A scalp massager when your neglected scalp needs to be rescued, stat. This helps rejuvenate your scalp by breaking down product buildup, and it just feels really nice, too. Wonderskin Wonder Blading One Step Lip Stain Masque you'll obsess over because of how fun it is to use! It glides on a holographic blue and peels off to reveal a stunning lip stain that actually lasts. Reviewers say you can eat and drink without the need for touchups. *Immediately adds to cart.* Fanola Purple Shampoo that'll tone down brassy hair with violet pigments. If your blonde strands are turning yellow, this trusty formula will help even it out before your next salon visit. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to apply in the shower! Tower 28 SOS Spray so you can, quite literally, rescue your irritated, sensitive skin. Whether you're battling dryness or breakouts, this pH-balancing spray is perfff for sensitive skin. Plus, it contains no oil, alcohol, or fragrance. Gisou honey-infused hair oil to give your locks some much-needed nourishment — it contains coconut and almond oils to smooth, strengthen, and condition while boosting shine and taming frizzies. The honey helps your hair better retain moisture so you'll see *and* feel it getting healthier with each use.
Black America Web
a day ago
- Black America Web
'Essence' Celebrates Susan L. Taylor In 55th Anniversary Issue
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty For its 55th anniversary, Essence magazine is paying tribute to one of its most legendary figures, iconic journalist, mental health advocate, and former Editor-in-Chief, Susan L. Taylor. At 79, Taylor is still dropping gems, sharing timeless wisdom about faith, purpose, and the importance of community healing. Though it's been 17 years since Taylor stepped down from her historic role as Essence's Editor-in-Chief and Beauty Editor, her mission to uplift and empower Black communities hasn't wavered and has not been forgotten. In fact, it's only grown. During an interview published June 25 and conducted by her longtime mentee, award-winning author and journalist asha bandele, Taylor reflected on the divine power of service, and how it continues to guide her writing and advocacy. Under her legendary role as Editor-in-Chief, Taylor spent years penning the beloved monthly column 'In the Spirit,' where she shared powerful reflections on spirituality, personal growth, and inner healing, sharing all the ups and downs of her life and lessons readers gravitated to. Essence Celebrates Susan L. Taylor 'I just said, be yourself. Write about what you care about most and what you're most interested in investigating. And it was spirituality,' the icon told bandele in an interview for the exclusive feature. The Harlemite originally launched Essence CARES in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, calling on the collective compassion of the Black community to support displaced and traumatized children in New Orleans. That initiative evolved into the National CARES Mentoring Movement, a nationwide organization focused on healing and transforming the lives of Black youth through mentoring and holistic development. Today, National CARES continues to recruit and mobilize Black mentors across the country, connecting them with local youth organizations. Its programs focus not just on academic success, but on the emotional and mental well-being of both children and the adults who care for them. As Taylor shared in her powerful conversation with bandele, it's the spirit of service—and a deep commitment to mental health and spiritual wellness—that fuels her work to this day. 'I don't name it courage. It's service. And if you love the community and you're devoted to serving the community, you do and deliver what the community needs.' Taylor saw Essence as not only a tool to center Black stories and perspectives but as an opportunity to inform a larger audience about the issues impacting our community. Since leaving Essence, she's poured her heart and soul into highlighting the mental health crisis impacting Black youth. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), suicide, a sequela of untreated depression, rose sharply among Black teens from 8.2% in 2018 to 11.2% in 2021, reflecting an alarming 36.6% increase. In 2021, suicide became the third leading cause of death among Black youth. Sadly, a 2024 study indicated that Black teens experienced a higher prevalence of dysthymic disorder, also known as persistent depressive disorder, with rates peaking during the pandemic. Researchers believe this surge may have been triggered by the traumatic loss of life, poverty, violence, social isolation, and systemic disparities that worsened during this period. 'Many of our finest organizations, including ones closest to us, do transformational work by changing policies on voting, criminal justice, and healthcare. We need that work desperately. But still, there is no lobbying at those levels to protect Black children and lift them out of poverty,' Taylor told bandele. 'We knew then what we know now: Policies alone do not change systems, as evidenced by the 1954 Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision declaring racial segregation in public education illegal. Despite that unanimous decision, 71 years later, our schools are even more segregated. No one is coming to save our babies—or us. This is our work to do!' Taylor isn't just talking the talk—she's walking the walk. Under her leadership, the National CARES Mentoring Movement has become a vital resource for Black youth and their families across the country. One of the organization's standout initiatives is In Wellness Mentoring Circles, where licensed psychologists, social workers, and trained community mentors guide young people through dynamic, culturally grounded, and trauma-informed programming. These interactive sessions help build social-emotional skills, self-confidence, and a sense of personal power, all within a judgment-free environment rooted in love and care. For parents, National CARES offers the University for Parents (U4P), a healing-centered workforce readiness program designed to help caregivers overcome both systemic and self-imposed barriers to success. Through partnerships with local organizations, U4P provides wraparound services that support not just parents but their entire families, promoting stability, empowerment, and long-term growth. Reflecting on her incredible life's work, Taylor thanked God for allowing her to walk in her purpose. 'God is alive in you, take pause and listen,' she added during her beautiful heart-to-heart with bandele. DON'T MISS… How The Fear Of Dying From Blood Cancer Helped Me Live Former Essence Editor-in-Chief Details Why She Left Time Inc. 'Essence' Celebrates Susan L. Taylor In 55th Anniversary Issue, Honoring Her Legacy Of Leadership was originally published on
