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

If you’re looking to pare down your skincare routine steps it can be helpful to find products that combine all of your favorite ingredients into one, so you can do more in less time. At the very least, you should be cleansing, adding a serum and topping it off with a moisturizer, but even making those three decisions can be overwhelming in a beauty market that’s definitely oversaturated to say the least. That’s why shoppers are calling this vitamin C serum with retinol and hyaluronic acid “liquid gold in a bottle.” Better yet: The serum is on sale for nearly half-off, bringing the price down to $12.

Skincare lovers have gone vitamin C ~wild~ in recent years because the ingredient is packed with antioxidants that pull in a multi-tasking effort to save your skin. Vitamin C helps to reduce visible signs of aging by softening fine lines, penetrating the skin to stave off environmental factors like the sun and pollutants (you still need SPF!) and brightening dull and lackluster skin like no other.

But this serum does so much more than just protect your skin with antioxidants. It also has a few other powerful ingredients you may have heard of, like hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide and salicylic acid.

Courtesy of Amazon.

Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each ingredient does in case you’re unfamiliar. Hyaluronic acid locks moisture into the skin which is perfect to add to your routine if you have dry skin or as colder weather approaches. It also helps to boost collagen production over time. Retinol and niacinamide help reduce inflammation and soothe skin for a healthier complexion.

And finally, salicylic acid is great for troubleshooting stubborn acne. It works to clear out gunky and clogged pores to promote cell turnover and kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin. If you struggle with acne but still want the benefits of anti-aging products, this all-in-one is the perfect option.

Shoppers who have tried it are raving about its benefits. “I was going to wait a full month before posting a review, but at approximately three weeks in, I have to say that this product is AMAZING,” wrote one reviewer. “My skin is translucent, the texture is refined, my coloring has become more even.” Another one said, “I’ll buy it again… and again, and again.”

It’s the perfect time to test it out since this product is currently on sale for nearly 40 percent off of the regular price of $21.95. “This is my dream serum,” wrote another shopper, adding that, “I am 61, I do not suffer from breakouts, but had greasy sallow skin in my youth, which has left some open pores, and this serum closes them up.” Even if you don’t have breakouts, salicylic acid can help shrink pore size.

The same reviewer went on: “I was also a sun worshipper when younger and have some sunspots. This serum does all that is required to make my skin glow.”

If you’ve been looking for a simpler way to go about your skincare routine, pick up this serum to take care of all of your skin issues in one product.

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

Hailey Bieber has become the face of glazed donut skin because she always has the dewiest complexion. It’s often left us wondering how she gets her skin so glowy without looking super oily. And now, thanks to one of the model’s GRWM TikToks, we have the answer: Kosas’ Cloud Set Setting Powder.

The supermodel-approved formula minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines and uneven texture. It provides “shine control, not glow control,” according to the brand, which is how you know it’s the perfect powder to use for glazed donut skin.

“This is just really for any of the areas I feel like I get a little oily, which is mostly the T-zone area,” Hailey explains in the TikTok.

The setting powder is on major sale during Kosas’ Cyber Monday sale, which gives you 25 percent off of your order of $100 or more, 20 percent off of your order of $50 or more and 15 percent off of your under-$50 order. Basically, the more you shop, the more you save, so start by adding this powder that’s as low as $26 to your cart.

@haileybieber

ok and here’s pt. 2

♬ Say So (Instrumental Version) [Originally Performed by Doja Cat] – Elliot Van Coup

Plenty of shoppers agree with Hailey. “Takes out shine and minimizes pores instantly. Makes skin look airbrushed!” raved one five-star reviewer.

Not only does the sheer setting and smoothing powder help manage oil production and smooth over texture, it’s packed with nourishing ingredients that hydrate the skin and clear out congestion—sans caking and creasing. 

After application, you’ll notice your skin doesn’t feel chalky or dry. That’s because passion fruit extract hydrates and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. Meanwhile, bamboo stem extract controls oil production and Chinese peony diminishes large pores.

RELATED: Hailey Bieber Swears By an Under-$30 Concealer That’s Like a ‘Lightbulb For Your Skin’—& It’s on Sale For Cyber Monday

Photo: Kosas.

For a filter-like complexion, you’re going to want to sweep on the Cloud Set Setting Powder. Smooth, blurred skin is headed your way once you start. Plus, for those who can’t stand the mess that loose powder leaves behind, this formula has the natural finish of a loose powder, except in a pressed powder form that won’t wreak havoc on your vanity or sink. 

“I love this powder! It is lightweight, blurring, and sits so nicely on the skin. It does a great job of setting makeup and leaving your skin looking radiant,” wrote one shopper who calls it their “holy grail powder.”

The texture is airy and buttery, while the finish is natural without being completely matte. This powder sounds like a dream and works like one, too.

“Happy to say I have finally found the right powder! I have combination skin and tend to get pretty oily at the end of the day even with powder foundation. I also have sensitive skin and this has been wonderful on my face,” wrote another five-star reviewer. “I now only use a bit of concealer with this formula and it goes a long way. Super lightweight with great coverage and minimize pores. I’m all for it!”

Well, what are you waiting for? Get your glazed donut skin on with the help of the Kosas’ Cloud Set Setting Powder.

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

If you have your foot, heck, even your pinky, in the door of the skincare world, then chances are you’ve heard about retinol. It seems like there’s nothing hotter on the market right now than products that include this anti-aging and skin-clearing ingredient. But, it’s kinda hard to understand how to use it and where to put it on your skin.

See, retinoids are chemical compounds that boost the speed of skin cell turnover to help you shed everything from blemishes to scars. The vitamin A-derived compound is a fan-favorite of dermatologists and skincare obsessives alike for its ability to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots, as well. But, because it’s a chemical exfoliant, if you don’t use retinol properly, it can wreak some serious havoc on your skin. We’re talking about shedding spots, dry patches and, in extreme cases, burns.

RELATED: Black Friday Alert: Our Place Just Put The Always Pan On Sale For The Lowest Price Ever & It’s Likely Selling Fast

To avoid those mishaps, Peace Out Skincare developed a simple solution. It’s a retinol stick that allows for you to pinpoint exactly where you apply the product, and helps you avoid applying too much of it. And since the brand’s Cyber Monday sale has already dropped, there’s literally no other perfect time to try it then right now (it runs for 24 more hours).

You might have heard of the brand before—it produces the extremely effective pore strips that went viral on TikTok. The face stick includes a 3 percent retinol blend, (most retinol products have anywhere from two to 10 percent, and experts agree that those with at least 2.5 percent of the ingredient will be effective in diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes) as well as fruit complexes that nourish and altar your skin in one fell swoop.

Designed to work with any skin type—oily, combination, dry, you name it—the retinol stick is best for those who have skincare concerns revolving around fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, discoloration and droopiness. The applicator takes the guess work out of applying the right amount of product to your skin, since you simply have to swipe it on to experience the impact. This makes implementing retinol into your routine so much less intimidating, shoppers say.

“I love this product because I get the benefits of retinol without the oily mess,” wrote one shopper who previously relied on serums. “I love this and recommend for those who have naturally oily skin, or anyone who doesn’t like having extra oils on.”

Even those who have never used retinol before have major success using it. 

“I am 23 and just starting to create an anti-aging skincare routine and this product has really helped me do that,” wrote one reviewer. “It’s easy to use, easy to travel with, and SO CUTE! I was also worried about irritation, being a first time retinol user but this product was ultra gentle and non-irritating, so that is a huge bonus for me!”

Courtesy of Peace Out Skincare.

Though the product is brand new to the market, this “magic wrinkle eraser” is already getting rave reviews by users and experimenters alike.

According to a consumer study, 100 percent of participants (seriously) said their skin felt smoother after a month of using the retinol stick compared to how it felt before they began using the product. What’s more, 92 percent of users said their fine lines and wrinkles looked softer and less noticeable. That’s not all, though. In just two weeks, 81 percent of testers said their skin seemed firmer. That’s about as instant as skincare results can get.

Use it under your eyes to get rid of droopiness, dark circles and fine lines. Or, apply it on your forehead to get rid of those valleys that never seem to go away when you raise your brows.

“I have noticed that my fine lines appear to be plumper and more hydrated after about a week of use,” wrote one user. “This makes me feel confident that they will improve even more with consistent use, so I will gladly continue to use this product for the foreseeable future.”

To use the face stick, apply it to areas of concern after cleansing and moisturizing your face at night. Make sure to use SPF the next morning; skin is more prone to getting sunburn when retinol is applied to it. If you have super sensitive skin, the brand recommends doing a patch test first before implementing it into your nighttime routine up to two times a week.

Once your skin is used to it, sit back, relax and wait for the results to appear. You’ll be shocked at what you’ll see. Score this unique and effective formulation for 30 percent off during the brand’s final day of the sale, where everything across the site is fair game.

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

If you have your foot, heck, even your pinky, in the door of the skincare world, then chances are you’ve heard about retinol. It seems like there’s nothing hotter on the market right now than products that include this anti-aging and skin-clearing ingredient. But, it’s kinda hard to understand how to use it and where to put it on your skin.

See, retinoids are chemical compounds that boost the speed of skin cell turnover to help you shed everything from blemishes to scars. The vitamin A-derived compound is a fan-favorite of dermatologists and skincare obsessives alike for its ability to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots, as well. But, because it’s a chemical exfoliant, if you don’t use retinol properly, it can wreak some serious havoc on your skin. We’re talking about shedding spots, dry patches and, in extreme cases, burns.

RELATED: Black Friday Alert: Our Place Just Put The Always Pan On Sale For The Lowest Price Ever & It’s Likely Selling Fast

To avoid those mishaps, Peace Out Skincare developed a simple solution. It’s a retinol stick that allows for you to pinpoint exactly where you apply the product, and helps you avoid applying too much of it. And since the brand’s Cyber Monday sale has already dropped, there’s literally no other perfect time to try it then right now (it runs for 24 more hours).

You might have heard of the brand before—it produces the extremely effective pore strips that went viral on TikTok. The face stick includes a 3 percent retinol blend, (most retinol products have anywhere from two to 10 percent, and experts agree that those with at least 2.5 percent of the ingredient will be effective in diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes) as well as fruit complexes that nourish and altar your skin in one fell swoop.

Designed to work with any skin type—oily, combination, dry, you name it—the retinol stick is best for those who have skincare concerns revolving around fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, discoloration and droopiness. The applicator takes the guess work out of applying the right amount of product to your skin, since you simply have to swipe it on to experience the impact. This makes implementing retinol into your routine so much less intimidating, shoppers say.

“I love this product because I get the benefits of retinol without the oily mess,” wrote one shopper who previously relied on serums. “I love this and recommend for those who have naturally oily skin, or anyone who doesn’t like having extra oils on.”

Even those who have never used retinol before have major success using it. 

“I am 23 and just starting to create an anti-aging skincare routine and this product has really helped me do that,” wrote one reviewer. “It’s easy to use, easy to travel with, and SO CUTE! I was also worried about irritation, being a first time retinol user but this product was ultra gentle and non-irritating, so that is a huge bonus for me!”

Courtesy of Peace Out Skincare.

Though the product is brand new to the market, this “magic wrinkle eraser” is already getting rave reviews by users and experimenters alike.

According to a consumer study, 100 percent of participants (seriously) said their skin felt smoother after a month of using the retinol stick compared to how it felt before they began using the product. What’s more, 92 percent of users said their fine lines and wrinkles looked softer and less noticeable. That’s not all, though. In just two weeks, 81 percent of testers said their skin seemed firmer. That’s about as instant as skincare results can get.

Use it under your eyes to get rid of droopiness, dark circles and fine lines. Or, apply it on your forehead to get rid of those valleys that never seem to go away when you raise your brows.

“I have noticed that my fine lines appear to be plumper and more hydrated after about a week of use,” wrote one user. “This makes me feel confident that they will improve even more with consistent use, so I will gladly continue to use this product for the foreseeable future.”

To use the face stick, apply it to areas of concern after cleansing and moisturizing your face at night. Make sure to use SPF the next morning; skin is more prone to getting sunburn when retinol is applied to it. If you have super sensitive skin, the brand recommends doing a patch test first before implementing it into your nighttime routine up to two times a week.

Once your skin is used to it, sit back, relax and wait for the results to appear. You’ll be shocked at what you’ll see. Score this unique and effective formulation for 30 percent off during the brand’s final day of the sale, where everything across the site is fair game.

Almost everybody has friends. It is part of life to have them. Some of us have loads and some have very few, but we all feel that they are important in our lives.

And we all know who our friends are. They are people who are not our family, not our neighbours, and much more important than acquaintances.

(Of course, some people count some family members as friends and married people often say that their spouse is their ‘best friend’. This is a wrinkle that needn’t worry us here.)

We get together with friends when we can, we talk to them in person or on the phone, and generally view them as a significant addition to our well-being.

But although there is a single word – friends – for all the people in this category, in actual fact they do not all mean the same to us at all. They play very different roles in our lives.

Friends Who Provide Us Company

You probably have some friends who you enjoy doing things with – they provide company, diversion, and a chance to explore new things. They are often people you see in a group.

There are loads of activities which you might undertake with such friends on a regular basis. You could meet to play tennis, to go for walks, to explore the meaning of books, or to sing together in a choir.

There are also all sorts of other meeting places, where you might get together on a regular basis for a drink or a meal ­– depending on the country, a local wine bar or cafe or pub.

These people tend to share your tastes, whether in movies or sports. They are fun to be with.

We see these friends a lot, but we often don’t really know them very well. We chat about day-to-day events, but don’t go any deeper. They might even be in the middle of a divorce and not tell us about it.

Many of the activities we undertake with such friends were not possible – or were severely hampered – by Covid. You might keep in touch with some of them by phone or email, but that would be it.

Friends Who Provide Us Intimacy

In contrast, you probably have other friends who you tell your problems to and listen to theirs. They understand your character and the deeper recesses of your mind – and vice versa.

You tend to see them on a one-to-one basis, at least some of the time, so you can have more intimate discussions.

These friends, whether you do or don’t do things with them, have an importance well beyond the amount of time you spend with them. You may not even see them for years, but the telephone, email and, nowadays, Zoom enable you to keep up to date.

And when you do meet up with them, even after a long break, the connection is so deep that you talk with them as if you had done so yesterday. Uncannily, you pick up where you last left off.

Indeed, you may not bother with the usual niceties (the weather, a minor cold, small irritations), but go straight to the important stuff about what is going on emotionally for you.

It is to these friends that we go when we are worried about something or need to make an important decision. They know us, care about us deeply and always have our best interests in mind.

These friends are often people we knew in school or college and have kept in touch with over the years. They were there for all the ups and downs of early relationships, they knew when you were trying to have a baby, and followed your career choices and dilemmas over time.

But they might equally be people you met through any number of circumstances – perhaps at a dinner or through work or any activity which enabled you to talk comfortably. Somehow, you made a very deep connection and felt there was no need for lots of explanations.

You probably have fewer such friends. Perhaps just one. There is no question of losing touch with them because of the pandemic.

Helping People to Make Friends

These distinctions became very clear to me over 30 years ago. At that time I was doing research on friendships among people with learning difficulties. Many were being released from the hospitals where they had lived most of their lives and much attention was given to fostering their well-being.

There was great enthusiasm for moving them into what was always called ‘the community’. The term is falsely reassuring and makes the new environment sound warm and full of friends.

It was thought that they would then be free to do what they liked, when they liked, just like other people.

But social workers began to notice that, in the course of a day, these people only spoke with shopkeepers and the like. And so, they wanted to help them to find friends of their own.

A popular solution was to arrange discos where they could meet. Their intentions were good, but the effect was limited. How many friends – of either kind – would you make in the loud surroundings of a disco?

A colleague and I wrote a report on the issue, but I am not sure what happened as a result. I would hope that more imaginative ways were found to help this group of people to develop and sustain relationships. It is certainly what I would have wanted if I had a son or daughter in that situation.

The Importance of Friendships

Friendships are important, of whatever kind. Human beings are social animals, a fact that became particularly visible as social activities came under strain during the pandemic.

Our individual needs differ, with some people wanting loads of casual friends to make themselves feel comfortable. Others have less need for activities with other people but feel a real need for one or two close friends.

I hope that you are finding ways to meet new friends and sustain old friendships now that the worst of the pandemic is over.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What sort of friendships are important to you? Do you have a ‘best’ friend? How did you get to know your friends? Did the pandemic affect your friendships? Please join the conversation.