Maybe, like me, you sometimes feel that you can be “too emotional” at times. You might be relieved to learn that it is not you – it’s your nervous system. And your nervous system changes with your environment. Solid research shows that green space or nature is where your nervous system feels safe and calm.

Your nervous system is kind of like a kid’s playground seesaw or teeter-totter moving up and down all day between the two sides with ease. One end is the speedy (sympathetic) and the other is slower (parasympathetic). This up and down body balance between quick and slow happens automatically.

When Your Automatic Nervous System Gets Stuck

Stress is when your nervous system gets stuck for too long on one side or the other. When this happens you feel unsafe, kind of like you are stuck in the air on the teeter-totter or crashing to the ground. Your body is out of balance – out of homeostasis – where it likes to be.

You Don’t Have to Guess

In the past we have had to guess how our nervous systems are doing. But now we have access to the tools that were available only in the scientific research world. For decades researchers have used one single reliable measure for psychological stress and physical stress combined. This is your heart rate variability or HRV.

I take my HRV every morning at the same time of day to tell me how my mind and body are doing. It takes two minutes. I use a chest strap and a free app. I’ve written about this in my book Optimize Your Heart Rate: Balance Your Mind and Body With Green Space.

Your Thoughts: Your Biggest Source of Stress

In my previous article for Sixty and Me, Do You Know What An Outside Mindset Is?, I explained how getting outside into green space “magically” takes away your negative rumination or overthinking. Our thoughts are our biggest source of stress.

Notice New Things

It was only after I was able to recognize and control my own negative rumination with the help of green space that I discovered an easy and fun form of mindfulness. I started using Dr. Ellen Langer’s technique of simply “noticing new things” when I was outside.

Langer, a renown social psychologist at Harvard says by “actively noticing new things that you thought you already knew, you think gee… maybe I didn’t know this as well as I thought I did….your attention goes to it and gives you energy and excitement. Your neurons are firing, you are enlivened figuratively and literally.”

Langer says one way to do this kind of noticing is to pretend you are on a vacation. In 2019 a team of Danish researchers wanted to know if mindfulness was easier to do in nature. The short answer is yes, it is easier to be present when you are in nature.

Be OK With Uncertainty

Langer’s big picture view helped me too as I was struggling to understand my lupus diagnosis. The mother of mindfulness says, “We all want to run away from uncertainty. Everything is always changing, and things look different from different perspectives, so we can’t know what is going to happen.”

 Here are some Langer phrases that help me when I get scared. I say to myself:

• Is this a catastrophe or an inconvenience?
• How do I know what is going to happen?
• I don’t know what’s going to happen and you don’t know, so let’s help each other.

Send Your Nervous System Safety Signals

These two techniques: noticing new things and being ok with uncertainty are freeing and simple. As we know, being outside in green space sends your nervous system many safety signals. So when you add noticing and being ok with uncertainty… you tap into your power to calm your emotions and balance your nervous system.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

When you get outside today, please try to notice one new thing about something you thought you already knew. Is it possible for you to pretend you are on vacation and see your same old walk through the eyes of a tourist? When you get outside, would you consider saying to yourself (and your nervous system): “I am feeling good about myself… closer to other people… confident… loved… cheerful”?

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

In case you’ve been living under a rock lately, Target’s beauty section is… how do I put this? *Chef’s Kiss* perfection. And that’s coming from someone who spends a lot of time scouring the aisles and website for deals and new beauty finds. That being said, I’m returning here to make your Target shopping life much easier and breaking down the best Target body washes you can find at your favorite local store.

These include a mix of TikTok favorites, new beauty brands that burst onto the scene and just tried and true favorites with awesome ingredients. If you’re looking to restock your bath products or level up some new scents or formulas, check out this list of best body washes available at Target right now in terms of TikTok faves, price, sustainability and more.

Target

Saltair Seascape Body Wash

If you put “SALTAIR” into the TikTok search bar, you’ll find hundreds of videos of satisfied customers who are raving about their new favorite brand. After trying this out myself, I can see why. The Saltair body washes (and deodorants!) smell so good, have the coolest metal recyclable packaging and at under $12, is super affordable to boot.

Target.

Harry’s Fig Body Wash

If you’re a fan of Le Labo’s Rose 31 scent, you need this Target dupe in your bathroom. The reason this stuff smells so great is the notes of of fig, cardamom and blood orange that are found in each bottle. Plus, each formula is made without parabens, sulfates or dyes.

Courtesy of Target.

Blueland Body Wash Starter Set

If you’re conscious of your product waste and are looking for a way to cut down on plastic, Blueland is the brand for you. TikTok can’t get enough of this product launch and you can buy refill pods for just $9.79 after you go through a bottle.

Courtesy of Goodfellow.

No.03 Moroccan Mint & Cedar Body Wash

What I love about the Goodfellow products is how aesthetically pleasing they look on your counter top or tub-side, while packing a powerful scent and being super-affordable at the same time. One reviewer wrote, it “smells amazing and feels good on skin,” adding that “it lathers pretty well and it’s become my favorite body wash. I guess this body wash was meant to be for men but I use it for myself.”

Courtesy of Beloved.

Beloved Lavender and Chamomile Tea Vegan Body Wash

You’re probably already a fan of the cult-favorite brand Love & Beauty Planet, but have you tried their Target-exclusive line, Beloved? This eco-conscious little sister brand is making waves at the retailer by being made with 92 percent of naturally-derived, consciously-sourced essential oils, making it ultra-gentle on skin. Plus it’s vegan, sulfate- and paraben-free and packed in bottles that are made from 100 percent recycled plastic.

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

The year is 2012. “Gangnam Style” is taking over the world. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 is a hit and Will and Kate announce their first pregnancy. Reese Witherspoon also has bangs. Well, the fringe is back and Witherspoon basically still looks the same age. The actor shared a cute series of photos from Mother’s Day in which she’s wearing a pink Draper James dress with her honey-blonde hair down and straight — and a set of blunt bangs.

Witherspoon’s hair journey is a testament to her ever-evolving style and willingness to embrace new trends. From her breakout role in Legally Blonde to her recent ventures as a producer and businesswoman, she has sported an array of hairstyles that have left a lasting impression. Remember those iconic blonde tresses that perfectly complemented her role as the charming Elle Woods? Witherspoon’s golden locks became synonymous with her bubbly and vivacious on-screen persona, making her the epitome of the modern-day Hollywood star.

Source: Instagram

But let’s not forget her ventures into darker hues, where she effortlessly transitioned from honeyed browns to rich chestnuts. With each hair color change, Witherspoon proved that she could pull off any shade with ease, solidifying her status as a true hair chameleon. And let’s not overlook her red carpet appearances. Witherspoon’s hair has been styled in an array of chic updos, from elegant buns to intricate braids.

Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images.

Plus, who can forget her truly iconic 1997 look that screams Y2K? The pastel blue eyeshadow, black choker and half-up twists will go down in history. This time around, we hope she keeps the blunt bangs because they really do suit her.

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

If you asked me to pick one makeup brand to take on a deserted island, in a split second, I’d tell you it’s Merit Beauty. I’ve been a fan of this brand for a while and slowly but surely, its minimalist products have taken over my entire makeup bag. What can I say? When I like something, I will reach for it time and time again. And even when I’ve tried other brands, I always find myself coming back to my Merit Beauty essentials.

You might be thinking, “Okay, that’s one person, what’s the big deal?” However, the brand has a laundry list of celeb stans. Cameron Diaz, Sienna Miller, Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker, Miranda Kerr, Nicole Richie and Behati Prinsloo are just a few of the A-listers who have looked stunning in Merit products. 

Courtesy of Merit Beauty.

I’ll dive into which items I personally love the most (though I adore pretty much every single offering), but you should first know that you get a complimentary gold compact with your purchase of $75 or more (the mirror automatically gets added to your cart once you hit $75). Inventory is limited, so hurry and load up your cart while supplies last. Early access begins May 17 at 8 p.m. ET, while general access opens at 9 a.m. ET on May 18. 

Keep scrolling to read about my absolute favorite Merit Beauty makeup products—all of which you should drop into your cart ASAP so you can get a free gold compact with your $75 order.

RELATED: This $26 Volumizing Mascara Has Sold Out 5 Times & Is As Good As Lash Extensions 

Photo: Merit Beauty.

Flush Balm 

Every time I try a new blush, I come running right back to the Flush Balm. It applies so easily, makes you look sun-kissed and comes in the most gorgeous colors. My loyalty lies with Raspberry Beret, but the four new shades (Fox, Après, Stockholm and Persimmon) are beyond stunning. And let’s not forget that Hailey Bieber and Sarah Jessica Parker have worn this blush. 

Photo: Merit Beauty.

The Minimalist

I soooo disliked wearing foundation up until I discovered The Minimalist. This foundation and concealer hybrid offers light to medium buildable coverage that feels like a second skin. It doesn’t feel cakey or heavy, plus it’s super easy to blend. I love the mess-free stick format and find it handy to carry on the go. You’re going to want to follow Nicole Richie and Behati Prinsloo’s lead and try this complexion-perfecting stick.

Photo: Merit Beauty.

Shade Slick Gelée

Let me introduce you to my everyday lip product: the Shade Slick Gelée. I love how the tinted lip oil is lightweight, moisturizes my pout, doesn’t leave behind a sticky feeling and adds a sheer, glossy touch of color. I’m on team Mapleton, but Maraschino is a close second.

Photo: Merit Beauty.

Day Glow

Day Glow is such a fitting name for this product because it literally gives you a lit-from-within, all-day, healthy glow. I’ve found Bounce (a rose gold shade) to be the best match for my skin tone, though Cava and Citrine are undeniably beautiful, as well. Pop this Nicole Richie-approved highlighting balm wherever you want some dewiness and radiance, like on your cheeks, the bridge of your nose and your eyelids or inner corners.

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

As the weather gets warmer, you likely don’t want to be caking your face in layers upon layers of makeup. That thick, heavy feeling on your face mixed with tons of inevitable sweat is the absolute worst. But what if there was a skincare and makeup product that could serve as your moisturizer, primer, foundation and SPF?

Give it up for PÜR’s 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer that does all of the above and more. The best-seller hydrates, corrects and plumps skin all while providing a dewy touch of color. It’s essentially a skincare-infused tinted moisturizer that contains major skincare players, like sodium hyaluronate, ceretin complex, chamomile, shea butter, aloe and vitamin E. 

There will be no need for your heavier foundation when you can apply PÜR’s lightweight tinted moisturizer. While it does provide a visible tint, the formula is actively working on your skin, too.

Sodium hyaluronate hydrates and retains moisture, while ceretin complex (which contains retinol and retinyl palmitate) evens skin tone and texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. On top of that, chamomile and shea butter calm skin, while aloe and vitamin E soften it. This sounds like the most ideal ingredient list if you ask us. Oh, and you get broad-spectrum SPF 20 sun protection, as well.

If you told me a single beauty product could boost hydration, prep skin, protect against UV rays and add a tint, I’d think you completely made that up. But PÜR’s 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer is no joke; it’s a beauty essential that’ll seriously simplify your morning routine.

RELATED: This Skincare-Infused Powder Leaves My Problematic Skin Looking Airbrushed All Day Long 

Photo: PÜR Cosmetics.

The product has a 4.7-star overall rating with over 415 five-star reviews. 

One shopper wrote, “I’ve pretty much stopped using foundation and replaced it with this tinted moisturizer. It’s the perfect coverage to balance my complexion and I build on it by using the shine control powder, a bronzer and highlighter.”

“I love this tinted moisturizer. It has pretty much replaced makeup for me,” another one raved. “It goes on smooth and light and lasts all day long.”

That’s a whole lot of talk about this tinted moisturizer’s makeup-replacing abilities, but in terms of its skincare benefits, one five-star reviewer said, “I love the Pur 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer. It is lightweight and adds just the right amount of color to my face. I use the Medium shade. It gives you light coverage and smooths out the tones in your skin. I am on my second tube.”

And another wrote, “This is my second time ordering this. I love the natural look. I can wear just this and feel like it hides my imperfections and does not settle into any lines.”

For smooth application, apply the product onto clean skin. Blend and build to your desired coverage. And don’t worry about your complexion looking or feeling cakey—this tinted moisturizer won’t do you dirty like that. 

It’s about time you incorporated this multitasking tinted moisturizer into your regular rotation. Your sweaty summer skin will be forever thankful (and flawless).