I don’t know about you but I find most days, it’s pretty challenging to get ready. My life has changed so drastically in the past year and without seeing friends and family, I don’t have a ton of motivation to put makeup on. And if I do, it’s just a little mascara because of wearing masks. Sometimes it feels like, what’s the point? But there is a point. I love makeup and creating looks with new products from buzzy, up-and-coming brands. That’s why this weekend, I decided to do a review of Halsey’s About-Face makeup line. And spoiler alert: it’s good.

Sure, putting contacts in and doing my hair was a bit of a struggle but once I got started, it was really nice to feel like myself again. The only problem was choosing which products to try first. Halsey’s About-Face brand is huge. There are matte lipsticks, lip pencils, eyeshadow sticks, liquid and powder highlighter, eye paints, lip gloss and so much more. And that’s just in the first drop! She is not messing around.

I was quickly drawn to the bold colors of the Shadowsticks, especially the Creature shade (a matte Robin’s egg blue).

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.

I decided to create a look around this bright blue eyeliner. I grabbed the Oxide shade (a matte white) to anchor the blue and get a little creative, as well as the Matte Fix Lip Pencil in Pink in the Morning, Paint-It Matte Lip Color in Ask Nicely (a matte pale pink) and Light Lock Lip Gloss in Such Great Heights.

I don’t know if because I’ve been watching Euphoria but as I started on the eyeliner, I found myself making little clouds on the sides of my eyes. These shadow sticks are very pigmented and smooth so it’s easy to draw-on any design. They were made to be played with so when you try them, have some fun with colors and designs. I also wanted to play with textures so I added a bit of gloss to the pink matte lip.

Source: Instagram

Even though all I did was make a video and take some selfies, I had a better night than if I would have just been watching Netflix. Sure, I’ll have many of those nights, too, but it’s good to switch it up a bit. I’m pleasantly surprised at how great Halsey’s products are, from the fun shades to the comfortable textures and stay-put formulas. They feel professional but not boring. It’s the perfect mix.

And it seems she has no plans on slowing down anytime soon. The brand just launched its Anti-Valentine’s Day collection with new lip liner shades and even an ultra-black lipstick. Anti-Vday Paint-It Matte Lip Color in Night Sight ($22 at About-Face) is that inky shade you’ve been looking for for Galentine’s Day and any other time you want to add some edge to your look.

Samantha was a relatively healthy woman with a full life. She did clerical work for an insurance company and got along well with her coworkers. She had a husband, grown children and grandchildren, and many friends. Samantha had hobbies and interests like baking, ceramics, and Tai Chi.

It was a fortunate, beautiful way to live. Yet, Samantha had trouble enjoying it. She worried constantly. She felt herself getting slower and her bones aching, and with each birthday, the fear increased.

Samantha was afraid of looking old. She examined her face for new wrinkles and slapped her flabby arms about in disgust. She had lost her parents and other relatives to heart attacks and cancer and various other disorders, and with each loss she feared her time was coming near.

When she visited her aunt in the nursing home, Samatha wondered when it would be her turn. She didn’t know if there was anything to look forward to.

Does any of this sound familiar? Are you wasting valuable time living in fear of getting old? Are you unable to enjoy so many of your blessings because of your preoccupation with your aging body?

Here are 4 easy steps to overcome your fear of getting old.

Live in Constant Gratitude

Gratitude will give you much peace. It is difficult to live in fear when your mind is occupied with great thankfulness. Literally count your blessings every day; from your loved ones to the beauty of the leaf that fell at your feet. Live in wonder of all life has given you and has yet to give.

The reverse bucket list is a wonderful trend adopted by aging women. Instead of the traditional bucket list of what you want to do before you die, you write a list of all of the things you have already done. Write the things you have enjoyed, accomplishments you are proud of and places you have been.

These do not need to be newsworthy things. If you taught a child to tie their shoes and it felt wonderful, include that. If you saw the most beautiful of sunsets one evening, put that on the list. Did you make it through a terrible experience and come out of it stronger? That is definitely a huge accomplishment to be proud of. The reverse bucket list is a delightful exercise in gratitude.

Cultivate What You Will Leave Behind

In Disney’s movie Coco, as per Mexican beliefs, there is a “final death” that occurs after the body dies. The “final death” is the moment the last memory of you fades.

As we age, we worry about the money and things we will leave to others after we depart this world. There is something much more important that we leave behind. Our true legacy lies in the memories we give people.

Treasure your healthy relationships. How do you want to be remembered? Make deposits in the memory bank for your loved ones to draw upon for a lifetime. There is great comfort in aging knowing that you will live on in fond memories much longer than your physical body will survive.

Think of things and experiences you want to give people after you are gone. Create personalized art, writings, scrapbooks, and other things for your loved ones to enjoy for years to come.

Plant a tree. They will think of you every time they look at it. Build a personalized bench or a jewelry box to make someone feel special and loved. Plan fun get-togethers and put aside time to do things with the people you care about.

What do you believe in? What do you stand for? Be honest with yourself so that you leave behind the true you. Build a legacy you are proud of. Volunteer, join a cause that inspires you and rings true in your heart. As you shape what you will leave behind in this world, it will feel much more fulfilling to live and a lot less scary when it is time to depart.

Live Every Day Like It Is Your Last

“I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.” —Mark Twain

Often, we spend so much time planning and worrying about the future that we don’t find the time to enjoy the now. If you knew today was your last day on earth, would you waste a second of time thinking about what other people thought of you?

Of course not. You would be consumed with enjoying the time you had the way you wanted to enjoy it.

You never know. Today could be your last day. Do not obsess about your health and what the future may hold. Avoid toxic people that put you in an awful state of mind.

Make sure to spend your days with people you love and doing things that you enjoy. See people and do things that seem to take you out of place and time. Do things that make you feel wonderful because life can be short.

Live Every Day Like You Will Live Forever

Now hold up. Isn’t that the exact opposite of what I just said? How can you live every day like it is your last and live every day like you will live forever?

In a Schrodinger’s cat kind of way, it can be done. Because although this may be your last day on earth, it is still very possible you may live quite a bit longer. We are in the habit of saying life is short, but is it really? It is actually very long for a lot of people. It is all relative.

The 10-Year Prognosis

Let’s say you live past today and statistically speaking, taking your health and age into account, you have about 10 more years to live. So, you live your life appropriately for those 10 years, and as you near the 10-year mark, you think, “What is the point of eating healthy or saving money?”

So, you enjoy yourself. I mean really enjoy yourself and spend all of your money and eat whatever you want. But then, you just keep on living and living and living – 20 or even 30 more years – the way it seems the world’s life expectancy keeps getting longer and longer.

Now, wouldn’t it have been nice to have some money to take trips? And wouldn’t it have been nice to not have ruined your health to where you are spending most of your days in hospitals? If you knew you were going to live this much longer, you might have even learned a new trade or started that business you thought you were too old to venture into.

Be Honest with Yourself

Now is the time to be honest with yourself. What do you really enjoy? What is truly important to you? Not what is important to other people or what is simply popular – find what you want to do with your time on earth and dare to plan and plan away.

Maybe it may feel silly at first. People may discourage you and ask if you really are too old to start whatever undertaking you are embarking on. You are not too old to plan and dream. Yes, you may not live to see your plans through, but that is true for even the young and healthy.

Hope and something to look forward to bring such peace and happiness. Do not deny yourself this as you age.

So, brush your teeth, exercise, eat healthy, take up those old hobbies you put aside or better yet start new hobbies or interests. Plan vacations and expeditions to see the people you love as if you had a million tomorrows.

Not a Load of Contradictions

So much contradictory advice but not really. It is all about balance and tranquility. Work hard and play hard do not contradict one another. They simply speak of budgeting time and perspective.

Fear is a feeling, an intense feeling. It can be replaced with other more satisfying feelings such as gratitude, hope, and ultimately – happiness. So, give thanks, build your legacy, enjoy the now and look forward to the future, and there will be little or no room for fear.

Is your fear of getting old serving you any purpose? Are you living your life true to yourself? Are you true to your desires and how you want to be remembered? Would it be beneficial to you to change your mindset and behavior to experience more balance in your life? Please share your thoughts.

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, must include everything Original Medicare (Parts A and B) offers. Additionally, these plans provide a variety of benefits that Original Medicare lacks.

Contrary to what many believe, Medicare isn’t free. Although you pay into the program for years, you’re still responsible for monthly premiums, as well as deductibles and copayments. Regardless, there are many aspects of health care that traditional Medicare doesn’t cover.

If the idea of a single health care plan with coverage for multiple aspects of your health appeals to you, an Advantage plan could be the right choice.

Prescription Drugs

The majority of Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage. If you stick to Medicare Parts A and B, whether or not you choose a Supplement plan (also known as Medigap), you’ll need to get prescription drug coverage separately. This comes in the form of Part D plans.

Whether or not you’re currently taking any prescription drugs, it’s wise to enroll in a Part D or Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage as soon as possible to avoid penalties. However, you can delay enrollment if you have creditable prescription drug coverage, such as through an employer with more than 20 employees.

You’ll want to make sure the formulary of your plan includes the prescriptions that you take. Advantage plans simplify your coverage by consolidating inpatient (Part A) and outpatient (Part B) coverage with prescription drug coverage. You’ll only need one card for your medical and drug insurance on most Advantage plans.

Dental Coverage

Original Medicare offers minimal coverage for dental care. In fact, it only pays for hospital costs when you have a dental emergency or complicated procedure. Medicare doesn’t pay for routine care. Yet, many Advantage plans include dental coverage.

Beneficiaries who don’t enroll in Advantage plans must purchase standalone dental plans if they want coverage for their dental care. If you don’t have dental coverage through an Advantage or standalone plan, you will pay 100% for cleanings, fillings, dentures, tooth extractions, and most other dental services. Medicare does not pay for any of these.

It’s essential to research multiple Advantage plans to make sure you choose one that will pay for the dental care you require. Also, make sure the dentists in your network are convenient to your location.

Vision Coverage

Similar to dental services, vision care through Original Medicare is sparse. Yet, many Advantage plans include this benefit.

Original Medicare does not pay for routine eye exams, but it can cover cataract surgery and treatment for glaucoma and detached retinas. If you need glasses, Part B will only pay for them if you have had cataract surgery. Part B will also only cover an annual eye exam if you have vision issues related to diabetes or glaucoma.

Many Advantage plans that include vision coverage pay for the routine eye exams and glasses or contact lenses you need. Keep in mind that you could be responsible for copayments and will probably need to stay within a network.

Hearing Coverage

Often, when we get older, our sense of hearing starts to suffer. Therefore, we need hearing exams and hearing aids. Original Medicare doesn’t cover this, as when Medicare was established, Congress noted that the cost for hearing aids was relatively low. Part B will pay for cochlear implants when medically necessary, but that is the extent of Original Medicare’s hearing benefits.

In addition to dental and vision, some Advantage plans include hearing benefits. To find out more about what hearing benefits an Advantage plan covers, contact the plan or work with an agent.

Also, make sure there is a reputable audiologist in the plan’s network in a convenient location for you. If not, and you need to travel farther to see a specialist within your plan, it might not be the best choice for you. 

Free Gym Membership

Some Advantage plans might include a free gym membership or another fitness program as an added benefit. Original Medicare doesn’t cover this benefit, but Medigap plans might provide similar coverage, such as through SilverSneakers. If you are interested in this benefit, you will need to see if any plans in your area provide it.

What to Consider Before Selecting an Advantage Plan

There are a few things to consider before selecting an Advantage plan for the extra benefits. Likely similar to your employer coverage, Advantage plans are usually PPO or HMO plans. Thus, they involve networks, and receiving care from a practitioner outside your network can mean higher out-of-pocket costs. Finding a plan whose network includes your preferred providers is the ideal situation.

Also, note that you need to enroll in Original Medicare before you select an Advantage plan. Monthly premiums for Advantage plans are low – sometimes zero dollars – but you’ll still need to pay applicable premiums for Original Medicare.

Advantage plans are best for individuals who do not need to visit doctors frequently and find Medigap premiums too steep for their budgets. If you find an Advantage plan that includes your preferred providers and the extra benefits you seek, it could be an excellent fit for you! The best step you can take is to speak to an agent and research plans.

Are you on employer health coverage or do you have a Medicare plan? Have you chosen to go the Advantage plans route? Which coverage options are the most important to you? Where do you seek advice when you have question concerning Medicare options?

Stephanie Hollman’s Pink Satin Mask

Real Housewives of Dallas Season 5 Episode 6 Fashion

While I never though I’d be covering face masks that aren’t the kind that I buy at Sephora on Big Blonde Hair, Stephanie Hollman’s pink satin mask is definitely notable. Since they’re now considered an accessory in my book, having a cute array of masks is a necessary part of life. And if you’re like me and you don’t have one that provides a pop of color, it might just be a time to steal a page out of Steph’s book.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click here to Shop her Amanda Uprichard Mask

Originally posted at: Stephanie Hollman’s Pink Satin Mask

Since 2011, Cashmere Nicole has been bringing us trend-driven, high-quality makeup via her Beauty Bakerie brand. It grew exponentially in 2015 and now has hit another major milestone. Beauty Bakerie Bite Size has launched at Target! The line includes smaller and even more affordable versions of the products you know and love, as well as new launches. Most of the makeup is priced between $5 and $17, making it more accessible to a larger audience.

“Beauty Bakerie Bite Size was created in an effort to continue down the path of inclusion across as many verticals as possible including socioeconomic status,” Nicole said in a statement. “The Bite Size line will give those shopping a lower
price point, exposure to, and experience of the brand. We actually spotted the brand at Target this weekend and it looks incredible next to other Black-owned brands making moves, including The Lip Bar and Mented.

We know you just want to get down to trying the products. There are so many to choose from, it was hard to choose our favorites. Shop them all, below.

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.

Pinch of Flour Better Not Bitter Setting Powder

Try this cult-favorite setting powder in four different shades.

Lip Whip Lip Makeup

This vegan, smudge-proof and water-proof lipstick comes in 10 shades.

Snackaroons Highlighter

These small, buttery highlighters pack a punch in two hues. 

The Jellies Lip Balm

Fans are loving these vegan lip balms that turn pink on your lips.

Eyeshadow Palette

There are two pretty nine-shade palettes to choose from.