Now that all the post-holiday sales are over, it’s time to assess your beauty stock and see what you already have, what you need and what’s expired and needs to be tossed. Ulta’s Love Your Skin sale for 2021 will help you stock up on old favorites and incorporate some new launches into your routine. It might not be time for spring cleaning but is the perfect moment for a 2021 refresh.

This big skincare sale features 50 percent off products daily, either a few specific items or an entire brand. There are new discounts each day so you’ll want to look ahead and game-plan if there’s something specific you want. There are products available for every skin type and concern, including acne cleansers, anti-aging serums and dry skin savors.

The sale runs through January 23. Shop some of our favorite products, below and check back here for more.

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.

January 5

Ulta.

Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash

Salicylic acid clears pores and buffs dead skin cells, while Meadowsweet extract controls excess sebum.

Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser/Purifying Mask

Use morning and night as a daily cleanser to purify skin or apply twice week as a 5-minute mask.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Overnight Cream

Vitamin C and olive-derived squalane work to hydrate and smooth lines overnight. Also try the Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment.

January 6

Ulta.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer

Even the most sensitive skin will love this hydration lotion with Meadowfoam seed oil, shea butter and avocado oil.

Kinship Insta Swipe Lemon Honey AHA Exfoliating Pads

Shop select Conscious Beauty at Ulta items, including these AHA exfoliating pads gentle enough to use every day.

January 7

Kopari.

Kopari Beauty CBD Deodorant

Kopari’s CBD line is on sale, including the natural CBD-infused deodorant.

Patchology FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels

Caffeine and hydrolyzed collagen help brighten and de-puff tired undereyes.

January 8

Ulta.

Clarins Extra-Firming Eye

Albizia extract, caffeine and Horse Chestnut escin target dark circles and puffiness.

Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Oil-Free Resurfacing Cream with Fruit-Derived AHAs

This oil-free moisturizer hydrates and sloughs off dry skin cells at the same time.

January 9

Murad.

Murad Revitalixir Recovery Serum

Cannabis sativa seed oil hydrates and minimizes wrinkles.

Perricone MD High Potency Classics Nutritive Cleanser

This lightweight cleanser removes makeup and excess oils without stripping the skin.

You’ve already posted the quote across your social media accounts: “New year, new me.” You’ve committed to Dry January, to #Whole30January and you’re seriously debating splurging on a Peloton bike. While this regimen will help you look and feel better, you’re missing some crucial pieces from your wellness (paleo) pie. In order to know what’s happening beyond your athleisure, here is a list of the doctors appointments you should make in 2021 and every year to make sure you’re taking care of yourself both inside and out.

Everyone knows going to the doctor is important, but actually setting aside time to call and book the appointment? Somehow, that’s the more annoying part. I don’t know why, but just try to tell me you disagree! To make it easier, set aside one morning or afternoon and call all the necessary doctors to book your appointments all at once. Grab your coffee and your calendar and just get it done! It’ll be a fairly annoying hour, but hey, you won’t have to do it again until 2022.

Which docs require a yearly visit? You know your body best, but below, we’re rounded up the top five couldn’t-hurt appointments everyone should consider making. Read on for every doc you need to see, from the dentist to the derm.

Adobe.

1. Check Under The Hood

This one is a no-brainer for people with vaginas. “Even though a woman may be on an every-one-to-three-year interval to get a Pap smear, seeing the gynecologist annually is important for a woman’s overall health and wellness,” Dr. Sherry Ross, an OB-GYN, says.

For many women, the gynecologist is often the only doctor they see annually, making it a time to discuss things like testing for sexually transmitted infections, period irregularities, family planning or sexual dysfunction, as well as more general medical issues like depression, anxiety or domestic violence.

Adobe.

2. The Catchall

Dr. Nieca Goldberg is a medical director at NYU Langone Health and understands that while most women always remember to schedule a yearly exam with their OB-GYN, they must also remember to pay a visit to their primary care physician.

“It is important to have a primary care doctor who specializes in internal medicine, family medicine or a nurse practitioner to take care of your overall health,” she says. “They will be able to assess your risk for conditions such as heart disease and diabetes [and keep up with] your vaccinations, and it’s always good to have someone when you have an unexpected cold or sore throat.”

Adobe.

3. Check Those Pearly Whites

Yes, that means a trip to the dentist. Dr. Casey Chow of Bella Smiles says regular dental checkups are a must for more reasons than most people realize.

“Seeing a dentist regularly will help detect tooth decay and gum-related issues early, which allows for less invasive treatment and in turn less expensive treatment (like simple fillings), but regular visits can also detect gum disease, which is associated with heart disease and stroke and oral cancers,” he says.

Adobe.

4. Love The Skin You’re In

Next up on your to-do list should be a visit to your dermatologist. Dr. Alan J. Parks, founder of DermWarehouse, says it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist on a yearly basis for a skin check.

“One reason that skin cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer is because it can be the most easily recognizable,” he says. He recommends doing self-checks of all your freckles and moles on a monthly basis, and if you see any spots or moles that look out of the ordinary, be sure to make an appointment to see your dermatologist right away.

“Some people may need to be seen more often if there is a personal or family history of skin cancer or melanoma or if they have a history of multiple precancerous lesions or extensive sun damage,” he adds.

Adobe.

5. It’s Just A Chat

This last appointment may not be on your must-do list, but it should be. 2020 was quite the year, leaving many of us exhausted both mentally and physically. Dr. Kevin Gilliland, the executive director of Innovation 360, recommends adding a mental health professional to your calendar.

“Our health is broad-based,” he says. “When we eat right and are active, our mental health improves; they’re connected. So, why all the blood work and physical exams, but nothing for our mental health? Find a therapist and meet with them once or twice so they get to know you.”

Let the mental health professional know you’re there for a mental check up and talk about whatever’s on your mind, including anxiety, mood and how you use substances, which, Gilliland says are some of our most common struggles.

Now, grab your phone or log in to Zocdoc and start scheduling!

A version of this story previously appeared in January 2019.

Now that all the post-holiday sales are over, it’s time to assess your beauty stock and see what you already have, what you need and what’s expired and needs to be tossed. Ulta’s Love Your Skin sale for 2021 will help you stock up on old favorites and incorporate some new launches into your routine. It might not be time for spring cleaning but is the perfect moment for a 2021 refresh.

This big skincare sale features 50 percent off products daily, either a few specific items or an entire brand. There are new discounts each day so you’ll want to look ahead and game-plan if there’s something specific you want. There are products available for every skin type and concern, including acne cleansers, anti-aging serums and dry skin savors.

The sale runs through January 23. Shop some of our favorite products, below and check back here for more.

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.

January 5

Ulta.

Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash

Salicylic acid clears pores and buffs dead skin cells, while Meadowsweet extract controls excess sebum.

Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser/Purifying Mask

Use morning and night as a daily cleanser to purify skin or apply twice week as a 5-minute mask.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Overnight Cream

Vitamin C and olive-derived squalane work to hydrate and smooth lines overnight. Also try the Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment.

January 6

Ulta.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer

Even the most sensitive skin will love this hydration lotion with Meadowfoam seed oil, shea butter and avocado oil.

Kinship Insta Swipe Lemon Honey AHA Exfoliating Pads

Shop select Conscious Beauty at Ulta items, including these AHA exfoliating pads gentle enough to use every day.

January 7

Kopari.

Kopari Beauty CBD Deodorant

Kopari’s CBD line is on sale, including the natural CBD-infused deodorant.

Patchology FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels

Caffeine and hydrolyzed collagen help brighten and de-puff tired undereyes.

January 8

Ulta.

Clarins Extra-Firming Eye

Albizia extract, caffeine and Horse Chestnut escin target dark circles and puffiness.

Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Oil-Free Resurfacing Cream with Fruit-Derived AHAs

This oil-free moisturizer hydrates and sloughs off dry skin cells at the same time.

January 9

Murad.

Murad Revitalixir Recovery Serum

Cannabis sativa seed oil hydrates and minimizes wrinkles.

Perricone MD High Potency Classics Nutritive Cleanser

This lightweight cleanser removes makeup and excess oils without stripping the skin.

What
comes to mind when you think of aging?

Due to the stereotypes perpetuated by rampant ageism in our society, most of us don’t associate aging with positive images. 

Aging Doesn’t Have to Be Negative 

As a
physical therapist, my mission is to change the way people think of aging. When
clients come in, initially I only hear about the downsides of aging. The
difficulty with walking. The loss of strength. Chronic pain. And one of the
topics no one wants to talk about – balance issues and falls. 

The
first point I want to highlight is that none of the above have to be a normal
part of aging. And if you are experiencing balance problems or falls,
start talking to someone about them right this minute. 

With
our aging population, this is an issue that has a major impact on
the health trajectory of the country in multiple ways.

The Real Cost of Not Talking About Falls

In
2015, the costs directly related to fall injuries in older adults totaled over
$31 billion to Medicare alone. That’s right. $31 billion.

And
this does not include costs to other insurance companies or all the secondary
costs that come as a result of falls, including the need for more services and
specialized care or having to move a family member from their home and into a
facility.

Let’s
take a further look at the numbers.

One
out of every four adults over the age of 65 falls each year. Having one
fall doubles the risk of having another. Adults over the age of 75 are the
highest risk group for recurrent head injuries due to repeated falls.

These
are staggering statistics and impact each and every one of us, regardless of
age. As a greater proportion of our population ages, these numbers are expected
to rise. The burden of this preventable problem falls on family members,
younger generations, and our already taxed healthcare system.

What We Can Do About It

First,
we should clarify: falls are not a normal part of aging. Everyone
falls, but excessive falls become a major problem. When you throw other chronic
conditions into the mix, such as diabetes and osteoporosis that increase the risk of severe
injuries with falls, the problem is compounded.

Falls
are not fun to talk about, so they often go unreported to health care
providers. And pride often gets in the way.

They may also go under-reported because there can be some confusion around the definition of a fall. So, to clarify, a fall is defined as any uncontrolled descent. Even if you caught yourself on a chair or a piece of furniture, it’s still a fall. Even if you don’t think you injured yourself, it’s still a fall.

It’s
vital that we begin to talk more about falls and erase the stigma around
talking about falls. Today. Because we can’t solve a problem that isn’t being
talked about.

A Little More About Falls 

The
list of risk factors for falls is extensive and includes anything from fear of
falling, to footwear choices, to certain medications.

The
solution to preventing falls is simple in theory, but not so easy to
implement. Staying physically active throughout the lifespan is the first
step in fall prevention. More and better movement is the answer.

However,
this solution puts more responsibility on the person, an active solution rather
than a passive one.

In a
medical system where passive interventions are pushed heavily, including
medication and surgery, it can be difficult to start the conversation on
taking ownership of our health – but that is exactly what’s needed. 

So, What Can You Do?

If you have no concerns about falling, get on and off the floor every day as much as possible! Pay more attention to your movement and the variety of your movement. Find ways to challenge your balance every single day.

The
next step is to talk to your loved ones about falls. If you have concerns,
reach out to health care providers for help. Trained movement professionals,
such as physical or occupational therapists, are an essential part of
developing plans to keep people active safely. How can you facilitate this
important conversation today?

What
do you do to prevent falls? Have you experienced a fall in the past? What were
the consequences? Have you discussed the topic with your health care provider?
What was their advice? Please share with our community and let’s have
conversation.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to get specific medical advice for your situation.

If you’ve ever interviewed a financial ‘adviser’ and asked the questions about financial planning, how they manage money, investment returns, and their fees during an initial introductory meeting, you very likely heard a lot of terminology that you didn’t understand.

Perhaps they spoke about employing a tax efficient core satellite strategy. Or about portfolios that use various indexes, ETFs, select stock and bond mutual funds, and precious metals. And how about the DOW, S&P 500, Russell 2000, total stock market, and certain bond indexes?

But how much of this terminology did you actually understand? How many additional questions did you need to ask to get an idea of the services?

The Correct Approach

A financial adviser who is open to helping you might go about the interview differently. For instance, they might say something like this:

“First, let me ask you a question. What is your level of experience in working with a financial planner and your level of knowledge about investing?”

If you are interviewing a potential financial planner and/or investment adviser, be sure to communicate your level of experience in working with other advisers.

Also, the potential new adviser/planner should be asking what you liked or disliked about your previous adviser if you had been working with someone. If you have not been working with someone, it’s prudent to say why you are seeking someone at this time.

Disclose Your Needs and Goals

My first question to a prospective client was most often: “Please tell me why you are here?” This is a very important open-ended question, and listening to the answer allowed me to gain insight into what was really important to the client.

A professional financial planner/adviser MUST know about you and what is important to you BEFORE they can make any financial recommendations. If they are not asking about YOU and are only interested in the amount of money you have to invest – or in telling you about themselves and how they manage investments – head for the door!

Many people have been working in their own careers and have not been directly involved in financial planning or investing – the exception being determining which investment options to choose in their 401(k)s or other retirement accounts.

Others may have had a more active role in investing, self-directing their IRAs and personal portfolios using an online investment brokerage firm. As a result, they may be more familiar with financial terminology but still need guidance and education about long term financial matters affecting their lives.

Access to Knowledge Isn’t Everything

So, let’s get back to basics. In today’s online access to information, most anyone who can use a computer can research financial terms and other financial data to help with gaining a better understanding of various financial topics including investment concepts or particular investment choices.

However, there are several areas that may create problems: personal bias and objectivity! Knowledge is good, how to use that knowledge is what really matters!

What to Expect from Your Interview

When you interview an investment planner, you should know the following:

• How they will develop a long-term investment plan that works specifically for you.
• What investment tools they have at their disposal, and how they will explain why they recommend each one of them.
• Whether they have return data on the investments they utilize.
• How they are paid, and how you will be charged for investment management.

A financial planner should understand that most of their clients will know little about investing. It’s their job to act in your best interest and to be committed to helping you have a better understanding of your financial situation. If you don’t receive answers to your questions, but only financial goobblygook, you’re better off trying your luck elsewhere.

Bottom line: Planning is not a single event; it is a long-term process providing greater understanding of financial issues that impacts people’s financial wellness and to helps them make better financial decisions. A long-term business relationship benefits both you and your adviser. 

Have you interviewed a financial adviser? Were you able to understand what they told you? Have you found it difficult to communicate with one adviser and decided to go to someone else? Does your financial adviser put your goals and needs first? Please share your experience with the community!