Leah McSweeney’s Blue Plaid Turtleneck Top With Eboni

Real Housewives of New York Season 13 Episode 8 Fashion

Spotted: Leah McSweeney having lunch with Eboni K. Williams at downtown’s Brooklyn Chop House in a preppy blue plaid turtleneck top and little hair clips. Did she hire an admissions consultant to help her daughter Kier get into private school just so she can steal the outfits? Only time will tell.

You know you love me.

XOXO

Gossip Girl Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Rag and Bone Top on Sale

Originally posted at: Leah McSweeney’s Blue Plaid Turtleneck Top

In 2013, Dascha Polanco burst onto the scene as Dayanara “Daya” Diaz in Orange Is the New Black. The world fell in love with Polanco and she earned two SAG Awards for the role. Now, Polanco is back on the big and small screen in In The Heights, singing and dancing her way into our hearts yet again as the beloved character Cuca. She’s also working with Olay Body to launch the new Exfoliating & Moisturizing Body Wash.

I jumped onto Zoom with Polanco and started by gushing about how much I love In The Heights. “We needed a movie like this. It’s very uplifting,” she said. And we have needed it for years. But right now especially.” She was excited to start working with Olay Body because she’s all about self-care and feeling confident in your own skin. In fact, it was her mom who taught her about caring for her skin.

“Since the moment that I can remember, my mom has told me to moisturize,” she says. “I can smell the cocoa butter. I’d be drenched in it in the summer.” Her mom also taught her the importance of SPF. But there’s one thing she wishes we were all taught just a little bit more: how to love yourself. “Caring for yourself isn’t selfish,” she says. “I’m all about instilling that sense of confidence and loving yourself first.”

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.

Source: Instagram

Taking time for herself in the shower is one way Polanco finds some “me time.” She’s using Olay’s new body wash to get smooth, hydrated skin she feels confident showing off. “The sugar crystals massage away the dead skin cells but it’s not harsh so you can use it every day,” she says. The brand’s vitamin B3 complex hydrates and nourishes the skin.

Olay.

If you’re struggling with showing skin this summer, even if it’s hydrated and exfoliated, just know that you aren’t alone. “When I hear, ‘I don’t want to show my arms,’ that’s been me,” says Polanco. “A lot of us are not confident because we’re taught not to be confident. Believe it or not, the moment you start telling yourself that it’s OK and I’m going to enhance the things that make me feel good and I’m going to feel like I’m most beautiful. For me, I feel most confident and ready to go when my routine is complete.”

Polanco is all about positive affirmations and rephrasing those fears to ensure you don’t hold yourself back from life. “Fearless—that word on its own means a lot to me. Fear has stopped me from doing a lot of things in my life,” she admits. “The moment that I realized I must take a risk and I’m worthy and I can stand in my greatness and be a woman that’s as confident as I should be, that’s the moment everything started happening for me.”

Here’s to a fearless—and hydrated—summer.

How many times have you asked someone for skincare advice and cringed the moment they said to drink more water, slather on the coconut oil, or take off your makeup before bed? When you’re nursing issues that go beyond the occasional breakout or blemish, there’s nothing more frustrating than receiving such basic advice. Yes, we know that doing any of those three things can contribute to healthier skin, but let’s be real: that simply isn’t enough for most. The skincare routines of black women, in particular, face a unique set of obstacles.

We’re talking pigmentation and discoloration (just to name a few), which means that when we’re done talking about our favorite hair products, we’re trading skincare secrets, too. And while we admittedly eat up anything a celeb tells us about their regimen, we definitely prefer hearing from women who don’t have 24/7 access to a full-blown glam squad. So, if you’re hoping for a skin transformation of your own this spring, see how three twentysomethings finally beat their biggest skin struggles ahead.

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.

Name: Brettlin
Age: 27
Primary Issue: Dryness

Routine: For the majority of my life, I’ve had clear skin, but after puberty, I felt the need to develop a skin-care regimen to combat dryness. After trying tons of products from Aveeno and St. Ives to Ambi (I had the worst reaction to their products), I stumbled upon Trader Joe’s skin-care section! Now, my daily regimen is very simple, starting with Trader Joe’s Nourish All-in-One Facial Cleanser, followed by a few spritzes of Trader Joe’s Rose Water Facial Toner, and sealing it in with a little bit of Vitamin E Oil.

Courtesy of Rejuve Naturals.

Rejuve Naturals Vitamin E Oil

I tend to get my oil from Trader Joe’s, but there are plenty of great formulas on Amazon too.

Buy: Rejuve Naturals Vitamin E Oil $19.97

I never would have guessed in a million years that their products would do the trick, but I love that my face is not too dry or not too oily as a result of them. Side note: Their Refresh Citrus Body Wash with vitamin C and Coconut Body Butter are bomb.com! My skin is so soft all over and feels so good daily!

Name: Danny
Age: 28
Primary Issue: Adult Acne

Routine: I started developing acne when I was 26—26! It was awful. I was embarrassed and confused as to why this would happen to me going into my late 20s. I tried hundreds of dollars’ worth of products before I found ones that actually worked for me (I also went vegan). I’m still dealing with a lot of hyperpigmentation and acne here and there, but it’s getting better. At night, I’m using Urban Skin Rx Clear Skin Cleansing Bar.

After that, I tone with Glossier Solution ($24 at Glossier.). This toner has completely changed the texture of my skin. At first, I was scared at the idea of using an acid on my face nightly, but my skin really took to it. I’m running out of it, and I’m kinda freakin’ out.

Next, I moisturize. I use Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil. I found this on Amazon, and I’m so glad I did because it blends beautifully into my skin, leaving it hydrated and luminous. I then spot-treat if I’m dealing with any breakouts. I use tea tree oil, usually from Trader Joe’s.

Courtesy of Radha.

Radha Beauty Organic Rosehip Oil

I have oily skin, so I was hesitant about using oil on my face, but this has helped balance out my skin’s oil production.

Buy: Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil $14.95

They both work great at drying out those nasty pimples. About three times a week I use a mask. It’s typically the same mask because I love it and it’s natural, which I’m all about, and it works at keeping my skin plump, clear, and smooth—Girl Undiscovered’s Stumbled Across Paradise Mask. I found this when my sister left it at my mom’s house over Christmas.

If I’m not wearing makeup that day, I don’t cleanse in the morning. I just don’t find it as necessary as I did when my face was extremely oily. If I am wearing makeup that day, I cleanse in the morning with my Urban Skin Rx Bar and then tone with Thayers’ Rose Petal Witch Hazel. I then moisturize with my rosehip oil (it sits nicely under makeup) and the final and most important step—sunscreen! I’m currently using Jack Black’s Oil-Free Sun Guard with SPF 45 ($21 at Jack Black). Sunscreen is so important for those of us dealing with hyperpigmentation; don’t want those dark spots to get darker!

Name: Dee Dee
Age: 29
Primary Issue: Oily Skin

Routine: I exfoliate twice a week with a mixture of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and Alaffia Everyday Shea Lavender Body Lotion. Then I wash my face with Alaffia Body Wash: Shea Butter & Neem Lavender and use a dark-colored face cloth to lightly scrub off the soap. I have several rags, so I wash and replace my face rag two to three times a week. I replace all of my rags with new ones once or twice a year.

Courtesy of Coppertone.

Coppertone SPF 50 Lotion

I put the coconut oil around my eyes. I put Alaffia Everyday Shea Lavender Body Lotion to moisturize and Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion on top of that if I know I’m going to be in the sun for an extended period of time.

Buy: Copper Tone SPF Lotion $10.99

At night, I put Garden of Life Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil all over my face and wipe it off with a damp face rag. After that, I put Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner on either cotton balls or cotton pads and rub it all over my face and neck as an astringent. Lastly, I put on Alaffia Everyday Shea Lavender Body Lotion to moisturize.

A version of this article was originally published in March 2018.

Is age really just a number? Sometimes it feels like it and sometimes it seems uncompromisingly set in stone. Everyone would like to look and feel younger, but how do we do this? It is probably easier to point out the things that make us look and feel older than we are and avoid these things.

The memes are flying across social media with cute little sayings, pictures and photos with the caption “Feel Old Yet?” Things like a photo of Henry Winkler on Happy Days with his leather jacket with the caption “The Fonz is 75 years old today. Feel old yet?” Yikes, let’s not think about that.

First of all, we need to remember that everything is relative. People are living longer and longer. So, what is old anyway? By the time we are “old,” it may no longer be considered old.

“Aging is just another word for living.”

— Cindy Joseph

Here is a list of 10 things that make you look and feel older than you are:

#1: Being Out of Style

Of course, no one wants to be called out for dressing like a teenager, but there is something to be said about staying somewhat current with the trends. When my kids see my high school yearbook photos, they are shocked that everyone looks so much older than the teenagers of today or even when they were a teenager.

I remember thinking the same thing when I looked at my parents’ high school yearbooks. Are teenagers looking younger with each generation? I doubt it. What is actually going on here is we associate hairstyles and dress with a generation. Why? Because many people are die-hards about dressing and looking the same way as when they were young.

Where once a beehive or feathered hair meant youth, it is now only really found in the elderly who refuse to change with the times. The irony is that by trying to look as you did when you were young, you make yourself actually look and feel older.

While we may want to steer clear of the fads of the youth, such as corset miniskirts, we do want a slow transition into style that does not date us. Classic clothing and hairdos are great for keeping the mystery of age alive.

#2: Sleep Depravation

It’s called sleeping like a baby for a reason. When you are tired with dark circles under your eyes, you will look and feel old. There may be no better fountain of youth than to be well rested. Energy is only available when you take the time to recharge.

#3: Being Grumpy

Frowning and scowling not only gives you wrinkles, it makes you feel old. Grumpy old man and crotchety old woman is what comes to mind when you see someone who is always in a bad mood.

#4: Never Trying or Learning Anything New

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. So, if you can teach a dog new tricks, it must not be old, right? Right! You really can keep your mind young as long as you continue to grow as a person.

“A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.”

— John Barrymore

#5: Isolating Yourself

How many movies and real life stories are there about the scary old person living alone in an a big, old, isolated home? You must interact with people to feel young and alive.

There is no doubt that it can be extremely difficult to meet people and socialize as you age. But it can and should be done. Join clubs. Take classes. Volunteer. Do things that force you to interact with people and you will look and feel younger. If there is anything that this last year of social distancing has taught us, it is that we need each other.

#6: Worry

Worry lines equal wrinkles. Worry also robs you of your most precious commodity, time. Worry can consume you and take your entire life if you let it.

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

— Mark Twain

#7: Being a Couch Potato

We all know the old person who is almost a permanent fixture of the family room. They barely move, sitting, remote in hand. They are almost zombified, watching TV all day. A mobile adult, legs on wheelchair or other assistive device, is a younger feeling and younger looking adult.

#8: Lying in Bed Most of the Day

Even more elderly looking than one lying on the couch most of the day is the person that doesn’t even make it out of the bedroom. If you don’t bother to get out of bed, your mind and body will surely deteriorate. It is a use it or lose it existence.

#9: Being Negative

Negative Nellies, much like Debbie Downers, look and feel old beyond their years. What do we think of when we think of youth? Youth is hope, potential, and exuberance. Positivity shines on your face and aura, attracting more and more positivity.

#10: Holding on to Anger

Anger and rage will kill you long before you die. I do not at all want to deny the validity of anyone’s pain or injustice they have been subjected to. There is terrible inequity and cruelty in this world. But will you allow the evil perpetrators to take your entire life?

From the petty unfairness to the outrageous abuse, we are human and therefore experience anger. Do all you can to right the wrongs in this world. Do it with beautiful, youthful energy and hope for humanity and change.

Do you feel older or younger than your age? Do you think about your age often? What things have you noticed that make you feel older or younger?

Sonja Morgan’s Black Puff Sleeve Dress in Harlem

Real Housewives of New York Season 13 Episode 8 Fashion

Smokey eye, updo, Gstaad! Although Sonja Morgan’s black puff sleeve dress on this week’s episode of RHONY may not have fit the more cool, edgy vibes of Harlem (especially with the bejewelled headpiece), we still totally love the look. Anddd the fact that you can apparently scoop it up right now from a store that also sells toilet paper, towels and toaster ovens.*

Fashionably,

Faryn

* Thoughts on Bethenny Frankel developing her her own cheater brand toaster line?

Click Here to Shop Her Sonja By Sonja Morgan Dress at Walmart

Click Here to Shop Her Sonja By Sonja Morgan Headband

Photo #2: @RamonaSinger

Originally posted at: Sonja Morgan’s Black Puff Sleeve Dress