If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

There’s an entire universe of skincare on Amazon, and it’s so vast that it would take light years to go through every product. Even if you filter results to show only the things you’re looking for, it would still take a lot of patience. If you’re on the hunt to find the best vitamin C serum for your skin, let us guide you in the right direction. TruSkin’s Vitamin C Serum needs to be at the top of your list—it has over 69,000 five-star reviews and is on sale now for just $20 ahead of Prime Day.

This shopper-loved vitamin C serum improves wrinkles, dullness and uneven skin tone. And thanks to the serum’s formula, shoppers actually see results. Aside from being packed with antioxidants, this vitamin C serum incorporates jojoba oil to soothe the skin and adds an extra dose of moisture to the skin. 

RELATED: Kendall Jenner Uses This $22 Lip Mask to Plump, Perfect & ‘Put a Little Shine On’ Her Pout

So how does it work? Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that holds a laundry list of benefits like brightening the skin, fading away dark spots and even reducing signs of aging. Thanks to its universal benefits, it’s held a consistent place on skincare’s most popular ingredient list. It’s even known as being an extremely effective Skinceuticals dupe. Vitamin C works well with most skin types and can easily be added to your skincare routine alongside your other beloved products.

Courtesy of Amazon.

Even though vitamin C effectively transforms the skin, it often causes irritation if you are not familiar with using it. If you’re new to using the antioxidant, expect some discomfort until your skin adjusts to it. Also, if you’re using retinol products, make sure to layer in a moisturizer to seal in much-needed hydration that will soothe your skin. 

The serum has racked up over 69,000 five-star reviews from shoppers that can’t stop praising its benefits for their skin. It makes skin look so smooth and youthful, that one shopper called it a “real life filter,” and added, “I’ve used this at night for 30 days. I didn’t do a before and after, but I can honestly say that when my kid took a picture of me the other day, it looked like he added a filter. Literally, my skin looks ridiculously better. I’m 40. I grew up a beach baby and live in Las Vegas now, and I’m in the sun daily. I swear on 37 Bibles that this stuff has easily taken off ten years from my face.”

Another reviewer called the brightening serum a “miracle in a bottle.” They wrote that they wanted to fight signs of aging and decided to give the serum a try. “My skin tone has evened out, much brighter, and friends and family has commented that my skin is glowing and that I look younger! Well, that was the whole point wasn’t it?”

After using the serum that doubles as an anti-aging product, shoppers reported that dull skin and fine lines disappeared.

A final user in their 50s was searching to reverse their years of sun damage and creepy skin. “​​I never thought I would see much results let alone so quickly. I woke up with such glowing skin this morning. And my face feels so soft,” they explained.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

There’s an entire universe of skincare on Amazon, and it’s so vast that it would take light years to go through every product. Even if you filter results to show only the things you’re looking for, it would still take a lot of patience. If you’re on the hunt to find the best vitamin C serum for your skin, let us guide you in the right direction. TruSkin’s Vitamin C Serum needs to be at the top of your list—it has over 69,000 five-star reviews and is on sale now for just $20 ahead of Prime Day.

This shopper-loved vitamin C serum improves wrinkles, dullness and uneven skin tone. And thanks to the serum’s formula, shoppers actually see results. Aside from being packed with antioxidants, this vitamin C serum incorporates jojoba oil to soothe the skin and adds an extra dose of moisture to the skin. 

RELATED: Kendall Jenner Uses This $22 Lip Mask to Plump, Perfect & ‘Put a Little Shine On’ Her Pout

So how does it work? Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that holds a laundry list of benefits like brightening the skin, fading away dark spots and even reducing signs of aging. Thanks to its universal benefits, it’s held a consistent place on skincare’s most popular ingredient list. It’s even known as being an extremely effective Skinceuticals dupe. Vitamin C works well with most skin types and can easily be added to your skincare routine alongside your other beloved products.

Courtesy of Amazon.

Even though vitamin C effectively transforms the skin, it often causes irritation if you are not familiar with using it. If you’re new to using the antioxidant, expect some discomfort until your skin adjusts to it. Also, if you’re using retinol products, make sure to layer in a moisturizer to seal in much-needed hydration that will soothe your skin. 

The serum has racked up over 69,000 five-star reviews from shoppers that can’t stop praising its benefits for their skin. It makes skin look so smooth and youthful, that one shopper called it a “real life filter,” and added, “I’ve used this at night for 30 days. I didn’t do a before and after, but I can honestly say that when my kid took a picture of me the other day, it looked like he added a filter. Literally, my skin looks ridiculously better. I’m 40. I grew up a beach baby and live in Las Vegas now, and I’m in the sun daily. I swear on 37 Bibles that this stuff has easily taken off ten years from my face.”

Another reviewer called the brightening serum a “miracle in a bottle.” They wrote that they wanted to fight signs of aging and decided to give the serum a try. “My skin tone has evened out, much brighter, and friends and family has commented that my skin is glowing and that I look younger! Well, that was the whole point wasn’t it?”

After using the serum that doubles as an anti-aging product, shoppers reported that dull skin and fine lines disappeared.

A final user in their 50s was searching to reverse their years of sun damage and creepy skin. “​​I never thought I would see much results let alone so quickly. I woke up with such glowing skin this morning. And my face feels so soft,” they explained.

Are you a creative person? Is making art a daily or regular thing you need to do? Heck, are you making a living partly or completely from art? If you are, then you have played this game many times. Maybe you are very good at it or starting out as a newbie.

The truth is, what we all need to do is stop playing the game – the one where insecurity and mental struggle keep us from our art. But sometimes that’s almost impossible. I have tried. Instead, we must be on our guard and reduce our game time. Your art and mine depends on it.

An Example of How We Play the Game

This morning I wanted to wash the breakfast dishes. My wife said no. She was doing the dishes, and I was to leave them alone. She was a tad too firm in her tone, to be honest, and I was a little miffed about it.

Does this sound rational to you? What sort of guy would want to wash the dishes when he gets a free pass?

Okay enough of being coy. The reason I wanted to wash the dishes in the first place was to delay working in my studio. There. Happy now? I was trying to procrastinate.

Yesterday, I started a large painting and it is going well. I am pleased with the progress so far. Excited, actually. And now I am nervous about messing it up. You would think I would jump out of bed and get working. Sadly, that is not how the game is played.

Dodge This!

This situation reminds me of that delightful movie, Dodgeball. A classic everyman’s movie, which, in my opinion, did not get the official recognition it deserved.

The five rules of dodgeball are dodge, dip, duck, dive and dodge. It’s a game creative people could play very well. If we could turn our excuses into dodgeball moves, we would be untouchable.

The five rules of dodgeball apply to creative pursuits too, but not in a good way. So, we must stop playing the game. But how?

Step One: Awareness

My first suggestion is to read a book. Another delaying tactic? Not this time, my young Jedi. But thanks for asking. No, this time the book will help you identify the enemy. I speak of Steven Pressfield’s excellent book The War of Art.

In this book, Pressfield describes the artists’ habitual struggle against the Resistance, the force that tries to stop any creative endeavour. The resistance applies to any attempt to move to a higher plane of existence. New art, creative business, writing. The list can go on.

But if you want to opt out and move to a lower plane of existence – it’s an easy job. No problem. No resistance.

Pressfield introduced the idea that you will know what it is you need to do by the extent of resistance you face. Each of us has faced the resistance. Each of us has caved now and then. It does not feel good. No. It is miserable to give in.

But like every good tale of heroic deeds you can rise up and throw yourself back into the fray. Whether your name is Balboa, Baggins or Bob from accounting. You have the hero within.

Step Two: Hero or Zero Is a Choice

After reading the book it is time to make a decision. We are not floating along life’s stream, powerless and clueless, though it does feel like it at times. In the grand scheme, we can make decisions – big ones and little ones that determine our day, year and our life’s trajectory.

Decide to go pro, as Pressfield exhorts us. Get up, show up and start the work. It can be as simple as walking into the studio, picking up a brush and putting paint on the canvas. Do you feel the impulse to head into the kitchen and fix a snack? Smile and wave as you walk into the studio instead.

Step Three: The System

Now it is time to turn this pattern of work into a system. Forget goals. As Dilbert creator Scott Adams says, goals are for losers. Winners have systems.

Did Rocky simply set a goal to become the champ? Or did he get help to follow a step-by-step training system? A system that had a support structure to hold him accountable. A system that had a focussed and methodical process, day by day. One he knew will deliver the result if he followed it. Bit by bit.

“Oh, but goals are so important,” you’d say.

No.

Remember that the resistance will take your goal and move it, twist it and distort it until you give up. You will reject the goal as delusional. But if you have a system for today only, an easy step to follow, then you have a chance.

Work out a system. Write it down and put it into your calendar. Make sure everyone who can derail you knows you are serious. If anyone undermines your system, disinherit them forthwith. Or unfollow them – you know what to do.

Step Four: Hit Publish

Now remember to finish. To publish you work. Announce it, share it and submit it to the powers that be. This is not a secret mission. The resistance plays its game for keeps right up to the bitter end. Even with the work done you will experience self-doubt. Fear.

Oh, but you showed your work to your family and closest friends! Surely, that’s enough.

If you are serious about your art, then this does not cut it. Friends and family will lie to protect us. So, you must put it out there to the world and declare victory.

Step Five: Rinse and Repeat

Then start the next work. Creatives create. This is not a once off deal. Completing your book does not make you a writer. Writing makes you a writer.

I see this script play out often. An artist suffers deeply with his first painting. Finally, he completes it amongst much drama. He has the painting framed. Then he packs away the painting gear for good.

Now, in fairness, if you discover that painting is hellish, then fine. It is not for you. But if you tell everyone how you love painting then point out your single framed work you did six months ago… Sorry, that will not do. That is not honoring your creative spirit. Start the next work promptly and follow your system.

Next Steps?

I have tried to show you how subtle the resistance can be. Also, how you can overcome the hurdle to become a consistent creative.

I know that not everyone needs to make art all the time, but chances are that there is some higher plane you would like to achieve – be it in health, wealth, art or relationships. All these areas will benefit when you create your system and follow it.

If you are in doubt and not sure where to begin, you may decide on a coach to help you. Or lessons, or workshops. These are fine but apply what you learn. Create a system for continued work once the lessons are over. The potential for meaningful and life-changing opportunities that follow are immense.

If you are a creative person, how do you take action and stay focused on your projects? Do you play the game of dodging with the creative projects you are working on? Please share your system and what you do to stick to it.

Thinking about finally making that great trip to Europe? Whether you travel regularly, or your trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity, when it comes to taking that big vacation abroad, you want to make the most of every moment.

You read, you prepare, and if you’re like me, you worry that you won’t be able to do it all – and that’s too true!

Having travelled a lot in my 20s, I found that my 60-plus travelling skills were rusty as I planned my long-awaited trip to France, revisiting the country where I lived almost 50 years ago.

The trip was everything I’d hoped for, and, along the way, I discovered a few secrets to successful travel in Europe that I wanted to share with you.

Do Your Planning and Then Let Go!

When I was in my 20s, I had abundant energy and didn’t need to plan my adventures on the roads of Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia. But in my 60s, my energy level has changed, and I need to travel smarter and plan more.

Today, I do lots of pre-planning and research while still remembering that the magic of travel often happens when I go with the flow and savor some unexpected discoveries.

When you plan, choose a few important places to be the pillars of your trip – but not too many! Make sure you are prepared with reservations to top sites, book your hotel or apartment at key locations, and have the critical instructions you need printed out.

Then get ready to improvise. If you’re brave, some of your reservations can be made on the road, thanks to the online power of sites like Booking.com, Hotels.com or AirBnB.

Most importantly, relax. Things will never go as planned.

Did you count on clear days? It may rain. Did you monitor forecasts and pack for chilly weather? Surprise! You hit a heat wave that soars into the high 80s.

Your travel is all mapped out and then the trains or plains go on strike or Covid breaks out again. Or the town you intended to visit is celebrating its 300-year anniversary and there’s not a hotel room to be had.

Instead of turning left, you end up zigging right. And there, off your planned path, you discover a Romanesque church that swells your heart with its beauty, and then run into a market which has every type of olive you could imagine. Delicious!

Travel is an amazing opportunity to practice enjoying what is right in front of you, so do your planning, and then let go.

Do Less

Deciding to do less can be hard, especially when there’ll always be so much more to see. Yet you can ruin your trip by worrying about not being able to see or do everything – the travel version of FOMO, fear of missing out.

You won’t do it all. You can’t. Why not enjoy what you can do rather than fretting about everything you won’t be able to get to?

Try traveling at a speed that works for you, without pushing to see everything, and add a few breaks to your trip. You may see less but you’ll increase the quality of what you do.

Years ago, I could travel on an overnight bus and still play the next day. Today I can’t. By planning “rest stops” where my husband and I could pause for a day, we enjoyed ourselves more – and the pauses really helped my innards adjust to the travel.

Go Wireless but Keep Key Information Printed Out

These days, you don’t need to weigh yourself down with a lot of printed matter. E-books and travel information can be available to you with one or two clicks. Armed with an iPad, a cell phone – which I decided to activate – and GPS proved really useful on my trip.

That said, I was glad to have key addresses, reservations and directions written out or stored where they were safe from an “OMG-I-just-lost-my-connection” Internet nightmare or losing the charge on my device at just the wrong moment. It will happen, so be prepared!

Pack Light and Then Re-Pack Lighter

Europe is not well designed for the non-able-bodied. I tried to navigate the Paris subway with my not-so-big suitcase and lost control of it on one of the MANY steep staircases we encountered.

Horrified to see my bag tumbling down a half flight of stairs – fortunately, I didn’t go with it – I was rescued by the kindness of a young man who lifted it up and helped me through the next two sets of stairs.

You can find a lot of great packing information online. Before our trip, my husband and I had great fun watching the packing light video series from Sarah Murdoch.

As Sarah suggests, if you leave something behind, you might have an opportunity to buy yourself something special in Europe. Travel guru Rick Steves advocates traveling as light as you can. His mantra is, “No one wishes they had taken more.”

I did a preliminary pack and then evaluated what I could take out before I did my final packing. The official carry-on suitcase size in Europe seems to keep shrinking and it is smaller than in the US, so you have an incentive to keep your suitcase small if you are going to take European trains or airplanes.

Open Up to Wonder

The poet Mary Oliver offered these instructions for life: “Pay attention. Be astonished.” Travel is a great opportunity to rekindle your sense of wonder, especially when it has been ground down by day-to-day responsibilities at home or work. With wonder, you’ll delight in small discoveries on the road.

I watched small children work out interracial differences on a swing set, saw strangers help each other in the subway, and watched a grocery owner come alive when I asked to photograph him in front of his opulent stock of cheeses.

Small memories like these made our trip feel distinctly ours, even as we also enjoyed visiting the great tourist sites like the Sacré Coeur Basilica in Paris.

What’s more, practicing wonder can open up our eyes to seeing the world in new ways, which is one of the greatest gifts your travel can offer, even as we return home.

What do you think are the secrets to a great overseas trip? Do you tend to over pack? Have you ever missed an item you forgot to take on your trip? Please share your experiences below.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

There’s an entire universe of skincare on Amazon, and it’s so vast that it would take light years to go through every product. Even if you filter results to show only the things you’re looking for, it would still take a lot of patience. If you’re on the hunt to find the best vitamin C serum for your skin, let us guide you in the right direction. TruSkin’s Vitamin C Serum needs to be at the top of your list—it has over 69,000 five-star reviews and is on sale now for just $20 ahead of Prime Day.

This shopper-loved vitamin C serum improves wrinkles, dullness and uneven skin tone. And thanks to the serum’s formula, shoppers actually see results. Aside from being packed with antioxidants, this vitamin C serum incorporates jojoba oil to soothe the skin and adds an extra dose of moisture to the skin. 

RELATED: Kendall Jenner Uses This $22 Lip Mask to Plump, Perfect & ‘Put a Little Shine On’ Her Pout

So how does it work? Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that holds a laundry list of benefits like brightening the skin, fading away dark spots and even reducing signs of aging. Thanks to its universal benefits, it’s held a consistent place on skincare’s most popular ingredient list. It’s even known as being an extremely effective Skinceuticals dupe. Vitamin C works well with most skin types and can easily be added to your skincare routine alongside your other beloved products.

Courtesy of Amazon.

Even though vitamin C effectively transforms the skin, it often causes irritation if you are not familiar with using it. If you’re new to using the antioxidant, expect some discomfort until your skin adjusts to it. Also, if you’re using retinol products, make sure to layer in a moisturizer to seal in much-needed hydration that will soothe your skin. 

The serum has racked up over 69,000 five-star reviews from shoppers that can’t stop praising its benefits for their skin. It makes skin look so smooth and youthful, that one shopper called it a “real life filter,” and added, “I’ve used this at night for 30 days. I didn’t do a before and after, but I can honestly say that when my kid took a picture of me the other day, it looked like he added a filter. Literally, my skin looks ridiculously better. I’m 40. I grew up a beach baby and live in Las Vegas now, and I’m in the sun daily. I swear on 37 Bibles that this stuff has easily taken off ten years from my face.”

Another reviewer called the brightening serum a “miracle in a bottle.” They wrote that they wanted to fight signs of aging and decided to give the serum a try. “My skin tone has evened out, much brighter, and friends and family has commented that my skin is glowing and that I look younger! Well, that was the whole point wasn’t it?”

After using the serum that doubles as an anti-aging product, shoppers reported that dull skin and fine lines disappeared.

A final user in their 50s was searching to reverse their years of sun damage and creepy skin. “​​I never thought I would see much results let alone so quickly. I woke up with such glowing skin this morning. And my face feels so soft,” they explained.