In times like these, we must roll
with the changes. While we can’t go out for dinner with friends or sit in a
conference room for a meeting, we are fortunate to live in a digital age where
we can still have face-to-face contact.

There are many free tools out there
that allow you to have video chats with friends, family, and coworkers. It pays
to take the time to learn about them and determine which one(s) might be best
for us in different situations.

Video Conferencing Options

FaceTime

FaceTime is an easy option if all
parties have an Apple device or computer and are signed in with their Apple ID.
It comes preinstalled, so there is no downloading or set-up required.

Open the FaceTime app to get started.
Tap the ＋ symbol in the upper right corner to add a person you want to call.
Keep adding everyone you want to be in your group. FaceTime allows up to 32
people on a call.

Zoom Meetings

Zoom is a popular video conferencing
choice for business. It can be used for personal video chats also. To use Zoom,
you must download the app to your computer, tablet, or phone.

Zoom has been very popular because
you don’t need an account to participate. You only need to create an account if
you want to host meetings.

Using the free option, you can host
up to 100 participants. Beware though. If you have more than two people, you
are limited to 40 minutes. If you want to chat for longer than 40 minutes, you
must upgrade to the paid option or stop and restart the call.

The free option also lets you record
a session and share a screen during the call. Zoom for business users has many
different features, including the ability to set up breakout rooms.

WhatsApp

One of the most popular mobile social
apps in the world is WhatsApp. It is primarily used for instant messaging and
uses end-to-end encryption. Another feature of WhatsApp is its video conference
capabilities.

With WhatsApp you are limited to four
people at a time for video group calling. It works on Apple and Android phones
and Windows (8 and above) and Mac. It requires set-up on the phone first. All
users must be signed up for WhatsApp accounts.

Skype

Skype is one of the original video
chat apps. It allows up to 50 people at a time and the ability to record and
screen share with no fees. Skype works with any type of phone, tablet, or
computer.

To begin with Skype, you have to
sign-up and download the app on every device you want to use. All users must
have Skype accounts to use this app.

Viber

Viber is another fully encrypted
texting app that has applications for your smartphone, tablet, and computer and
can be used across all platforms. Like WhatsApp, you have to set-up your
account on the phone first.

You can only video chat with one
person at a time and everyone must have the app on their device and an account
set up.

Google Hangouts

A popular option for those who have
Google accounts (Gmail) is Hangouts. It’s free and you can have up to 25 people
at once. Everyone needs to have the app on their device and be logged into
their account.

Any of the above apps are good
options to start a video chat. There are many other services or apps, but these
are the most popular. Which one(s) you might use will depend on who you want to
get together with and their level of tech know-how.

A vital element to using video is a
strong connection to high-speed internet. Slow internet speeds or a spotty
connection will be frustrating for everyone, and it won’t allow you to be seen
or to see others.

Video Conferencing Etiquette

Whatever platform you choose, there
is some general etiquette to follow to ensure a pleasant experience for
everyone.

• Everyone
  can hear what goes into your mic. As a general practice, it’s an excellent idea
  to MUTE your microphone when you join a session. Any noise in the background
  that you may be unaware of will be picked up, and everyone will be disturbed.
• If
  there are others in your living area, go to a private space that is quiet and
  won’t ruin the video chat for everyone. 
• If
  you are listening to a presentation on Zoom, and the presenter has your
  microphone muted, use the “raise hand” feature to ask a question.
• Video
  is used so that people can connect and feel like they are together. Present
  yourself, at least the portion that is visible, like you would in a regular,
  face-to-face event. Who you are conferencing will determine how much you
  need to dress or be presentable.
• The
  “chat” feature is not to have a side discussion with others. It
  should be used for questions related to the conference only.

Have you been thrust into using video
chat for personal or business needs? How’s it been going? What problems have
you experienced? What video conferencing platforms are your favorite? Let’s
have a discussion!

Paige DeSorbo’s White Maxi Dress at Kyle’s Birthday Party

Season 4 Episode 9 Summer House Fashion

There’s no questioning the fact that Paige DeSorbo looked like a total Greek goddess at Kyle Cooke’s frat-themed birthday party on last night’s episode of Summer House in her white maxi dress (which is actually a swim coverup). And as luck would have it, it’s still in stock at time of writing (and fyi comes in black too) so you better Alpha Gamma get-cha yourself one asap.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Forever 21 Dress in White or Black

Originally posted at: Paige DeSorbo’s White Maxi Dress

There isn’t a night in my apartment where at least one candle isn’t burning. And I’m serious about my candles. For each room, I’ve carefully curated how I want that space to smell because as a connoisseur of scents—totally made-up job title BTW—I need a calming sensorial experience on the daily. As you’d expect, I’m constantly moving candles in and out of rotation, but Diptyque is almost always lit. My only conundrum is that, damn, those candles get expensive if you’re constantly replacing the one you just finished. So for the sake of attempting to start a nest egg like an actual grown-up, I’m starting to burn Diptyque Feu de Bois dupe candles.

For those who have yet to experience this classic scent, it evokes the vibe of a cozy winter night that you’ll want to keep year-round. It is thee classic woodsy candle that inspired and continues to inspire dozens of others who come close but rarely match the popularity of what is now a certified classic.

Diptyque.

Still, at $68 a pop (and $98 for the fancy mouthblown glass jar), it’s not exactly conducive to a frugal shopper who wants the woodfire vibe for their house too. So if your cozy sanctuary is missing the fireplace ambiance of Diptyque’s iconic Feu de Bois, here are some affordable candles—all under $30—that smell almost the same.

Illume.

Illume Woodfire Candle

Illume candles truly bring out my inner diva. Doesn’t the word “Illume” just sound like luxury when you say it? With a total of 50 hours burning time and woodsy notes blended with warm vanilla and slightly sweet patchouli notes, this candle is bound to get you in the mood for an amazing night’s sleep. Say it with me one more time: Illuuuuuuuume.

Buy: Illume Woodfire Candle $19.99

Woodwick.

Woodwick Fireside Candle

I absolutely stan Woodwick candles because the hourglass jars are freaking huge and last forever, thanks to a thick, natural wooden wick that burns nice and slow. The large Woodwick candles are also equipped with a patented “PLUSWICK® innovation technology” that not only quickly fills the room with fragrance but gives off that irresistibly soothing sound of a crackling fire too.

Bath & Body Works.

Bath & Body Works White Barn Mahogany Teakwood Candle

What’s a candle list without at least one Bath & Body Works candle on it? Every time I think I have a favorite, the brand unleashes an army of new ones that grab my attention (and wallet) before I can even finish burning the previous one. However, what I can say is that Mahogany Teakwood is peak classic B&BW. While it certainly evokes the scent of a cozy fire like Diptyque’s, the hint of lavender makes it a favorite that continues to stand the test of time.

Nest Fragrances.

Nest Fragrances Rose Noir & Oud Candle

I understand that a straight-up woodsy scent isn’t everyone’s vibe. If that’s you, this affordable wax candle is definitely for you. Almost immediately after burning, you’ll smell those smoky oud and leather notes but rose de mai and patchouli definitely lend a softness to the overall scent that helps cut back on the heaviness of a traditional woodsy fragrance.

Voluspa.

Voluspa Suede Blanc Candle

Voluspa candles are the epitome of long-game with 80 hours of burn time. In other words, you’re definitely getting more bang (or burn) for your buck here. This brand is also renowned for its hand-poured and pesticide-free manufacturing which always makes me feel good if I’m adding a new scent to my collection. The Suede Blanc candle is a true-blue woodsy scent with leather and cedar notes exclusively.

Boy Smells.

Bonus: Boy Smells Cedar Stack Scented Candle

Okay, so this isn’t exactly under $30, but I just couldn’t leave it out. Nothing looks cuter on a bookshelf or nightstand (that pink label!) and this scent in particular—a blend of cedarwood chips, dried tobacco, bay leaf, and peppercorn—will give you log cabin realness.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Paige DeSorbo’s Yellow Tulle Puff Sleeve Top on Summer House

Season 4 Episode 9 Summer House Fashion

Tbh after reporting on so many loungewear outfits in the past few weeks, it’s a refreshing change to be able to report on an actual piece of clothing like Paige DeSorbo’s super cute yellow tulle puff sleeve top on this week’s episode of Summer House. Which definitely serves as a good reminder that one day this will all be behind us, and the sun will shine Zara will open once again.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Zara Top on eBay

Originally posted at: Paige DeSorbo’s Yellow Tulle Puff Sleeve Top

Right now, it’s hard for me to imagine doing all of the fun things that incapsulate an iconic summer without shedding a thug tear. Cabin fever has made itself at home and for those of us actually following orders and living that WFH life, online shopping has become actual therapy (whether we’re trying to save or not). For that reason, all of the new Sephora products hitting digital shelves this month are a reminder that good times are on the horizon and I might as well get prepared for it.

As expected, now is an ideal time to clean out the shelves hiding behind your bathroom mirror and re-up on your summer essentials. For me, that includes a light moisturizer, plenty of sunscreen and something glowy to throw on top of my BB cream. There is plenty of that and more in the latest wave of newness. Keep scrolling for a closer look at some of my favorite launches because, well, beauty products make me happy and I know at least some of you feel the same.

Farmacy.

Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Moisturizer

Everyone’s favorite farm-to-skincare brand is kicking off spring with a featherweight gel moisturizer inspired by its best-selling Green Clean cleansing balm. Key ingredients include hyaluronic acid (aka the “moisture magnet”), willow herb for controlling oil production and a trio of greens (eucalyptus, cucumber, kale) for calming inflammation.

(Launches 4/14)

Peace Out.

Peace Out Acne + Dark Spots Combo

The face dot brand known for its teeny, targeted skin solutions combined two of its top-sellers–the Acne Healing Dots and Microneedling Dark Spot Dots–into one affordable combo.

OLEHENRIKSEN.

OLEHENRISKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

“Glow” is the one word that comes to mind when I think of this brand, thanks to the best-selling Truth Serum and Banana Bright Eye Creme. Now you can add another brightener to your OH ranks: this 15 percent vitamin C serum for nixing dullness and improving overall texture.

<a
data-sc-buy-button
data-title="OLEHENRISKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum”
data-price=”65″
class=”sc__link”
href=”https://www.sephora.com/product/ole-henriksen-banana-bright-vitamin-c-serum-P456566″
target=”_blank”
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OLEHENRISKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C… $65

<a
data-sc-buy-button
data-title="OLEHENRISKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum”
data-price=”65″
href=”https://www.sephora.com/product/ole-henriksen-banana-bright-vitamin-c-serum-P456566″
class=”sc__link”
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Armani Beauty.

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

Luxury coverage for all skin types is achieved thanks to this newbie: a silky-smooth concealer that promises hours of hydration and a radiant glow for the under-eye area and blemish-prone areas of the face.

Briogeo.

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil

Briogeo’s iconic Don’t Despair, Repair hair mask finally has a sibling to extend its benefits. This beautiful hair oil is enriched with ceramides to restore shine and repair damage in as little as two uses.

Erborian.

Erborian BB Crayon

If you’ve long been obsessed with K-beauty skincare, there’s no better time than now to dip your toe in the makeup pool. Erborian’s newest drop is a ginseng-infused BB cream for velvety, barely-there coverage and moisture.

Fenty Beauty.

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Glow Skinstick

Of all the summer-ready launches unleashed by Rihanna’s beauty brand, we’re most excited by this illuminating stick that takes a makeup look from drab to dewy in just a few swipes.

The Beauty Chef.

The Beauty Chef Omega Elixir Inner Beauty Oil

Slip a teaspoon of this supplement into your food twice a day to reap the skin- and nervous system-boosting benefits of bio-fermented algae and evening primrose oil.

Youth to the People.

Youth to the People Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial

This gentle microdermabrasion-like face mask is made with caffeinated yerba mate and fruit enzymes to gently exfoliate oily and combination skin.

Shani Darden.

Shani Darden Retinol Reform

For the first time ever, Shani Darden’s namesake skincare line is being sold in Sephora stores. If you’re new to this brand, it’s imperative that you try the game-changing retinol and lactic acid serum beloved by a handful of celebs.

tarte cosmetics.

tarte Park Ave. Princess Waterproof Face & Body Bronzer

Think of this body illuminator as self-tanner in powder form. It’s just one of many new hot weather essentials from the makeup brand, including a hydrating tinted moisturizer and mineral sunscreen.

Obagi Clinical.

Obagi Clinical Blue Brilliance Triple Acid Peel

Been pining for a facial appointment but can’t get to the spa? This take-home peel kit was made just for you, with four pro-level vials to crack open over the course of two months (or one every two weeks).

Isle of Paradise.

Isle of Paradise Own Your Glow Kit

Once the prospect of a vacation is more reality than dream, add this travel-friendly kit with the brand’s best-selling tan drops to your suitcase.

Biossance.

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++

This lightweight SPF lotion is truly one-of-a-kind: a 100-percent non-nano zinc mineral formula that actually goes on sheer, is eco-friendly and suitable for all skin types (including super sensitive).

Dyson.

Dyson Coralle Straightener

At first glance, it may look like your standard hair straightener, but zoom in a little closer and you’ll see teeny flexing plates that neatly and efficiently gather your hair as it moves from root to tip without causing tangles.

Charlotte Tilbury.

Charlotte Tilbury Eye Color Magic Collection

If you’re intimidated by eyeshadow palettes and not sure how to put color combos together, Tilbury’s newest collection solves your conundrum with quads designed to amplify your eye color. The best part? On the back of each quad is a simple chart that tells you the order to apply each shade.

Coola.

Coola Mineral Sun Silk Moisturizer

No more waiting for your moisturizer to dry before applying sunscreen on top. This rich day cream is infused with almost 14 percent zinc oxide for UVA and UVB protection.

Drunk Elephant.

Drunk Elephant Cocomino Marula Cream Conditioner

In addition to the continued expansion of its successful facial skincare line, Drunk Elephant recently added hair and body collections to its repertoire. I can’t wait to get my hands on this plant oil-based conditioner for my currently dry curls.

<a
data-sc-buy-button
data-title="Drunk Elephant Cocomino Marula Cream Conditioner”
data-price=”25″
class=”sc__link”
href=”https://www.sephora.com/product/drunk-elephant-cocomino-marula-cream-conditioner-P457203″
target=”_blank”
rel=”nofollow”
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Drunk Elephant Cocomino Marula Cream… $25

<a
data-sc-buy-button
data-title="Drunk Elephant Cocomino Marula Cream Conditioner”
data-price=”25″
href=”https://www.sephora.com/product/drunk-elephant-cocomino-marula-cream-conditioner-P457203″
class=”sc__link”
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buy it

Drunk Elephant.

Drunk Elephant Kamili Cream Body Cleanser

And of everything in the body collection, I’m most excited to try this surprisingly affordable body wash made with mild surfactants that still effectively nix dirt and grime.

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data-sc-buy-button
data-title="Drunk Elephant Kamili Cream Body Cleanser”
data-price=”20″
class=”sc__link”
href=”https://www.sephora.com/product/drunk-elephant-kamili-cream-body-cleanser-P457686″
target=”_blank”
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>

Drunk Elephant Kamili Cream Body… $20

<a
data-sc-buy-button
data-title="Drunk Elephant Kamili Cream Body Cleanser”
data-price=”20″
href=”https://www.sephora.com/product/drunk-elephant-kamili-cream-body-cleanser-P457686″
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buy it

Lancome.

Lancome L’Absolu Mademoiselle Lip Balm

Thanks to an oil-rich formula that includes peppermint oil, this tinted lip moisturizer promises to feel like there is water gliding across your mouth. Oh, la la. I’ll take two, please.

Ciate London.

Ciate London Dewy Blush Glossy Cheek Tint

Available in three shades, this gel blush delivers a subtle hint of color without the chalky finish you’ve probably experienced with powder blushes.

Innisfree.

Innisfree Dewy Glow Mist with Jeju Cherry Blossom

This lightweight spray can be used to prime your skin before makeup, tone the face in between cleanser and moisturizer or to set your makeup before running out the door. Expert to see a brighter, balanced complexion over time, thanks to niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and betaine.

(Launches 4/21)

Josie Maran.

Josie Maran Skin Dope CBD Body Butter

Josie Maran’s Skin Dope range just expanded by two products. There is the CBD Face Recovery Moisturizer and then there is this rich body cream, also infused with cannabis sativa hemp extract, a buzzy ingredient thought to help with calming inflammation.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.