Under normal circumstances, my skin is like Teflon. As long as I stick to a consistent routine and avoid an Oreo-heavy diet (Double Stuf for life!) when I’m stressed, breakouts don’t typically assault my face. However, social distancing (not to mention the pesky mask-ne issue) is stress-inducing on a whole other level. Now, remembering to do something as simple as put on deodorant every day feels like a lot of effort to be quite honest. However, I’ve yet to forget using The Ordinary Niod product that has been my secret weapon for months and continues to keep my skin in check — despite the fact that I’ve basically abandoned the rest of my usual skincare routine.

Niod shouldn’t be confused with The Ordinary‘s more popular range of affordable products even though both are owned by Deciem and the latter is certainly worth the hype. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a go-to for gentle cleansing and the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum handles dark spots. But Niod is the brand that actually became a permanent part of my routine—a rare moment for someone who gets bored easily.

So what is Niod exactly? Think of it as the dream brand for people who love to nerd out over ingredients and do extensive research before investing in a product. The chemists behind-the-scenes describe it (and The Ordinary) like this:

“NIOD offers non-invasive options in dermal science and aims to provide next-generation, non-inflammatory active ingredients, and complexes that focus on the long term health and quality of the skin,” says the NIOD is for those who are deeply educated in skincare or those who are committed to a plan for better aging and overall skin health.

The Ordinary offers familiar, effective clinical technologies. It exists to communicate with integrity and bring to market effective, more familiar technologies at honorable prices. It takes pride in honesty, fights innovation stagnancy in the industry and indirectly celebrates the depth of innovation our brands, Hylamide and NIOD, continue to bring to the category.”

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.

Deciem.

Long story short, here’s how it went down. I test-drove a couple of Niod products for a total of six weeks, hoping to maximize overall benefits: the Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex, Copper Amino Isolate Serum and Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1% (CAIL).

Courtesy of Author.

I don’t know if it’s the smell, the blue tint or the irresistible gooeyness, but the CAIL specifically gives me life. Whenever I apply a pea-size amount to my skin, the most beautiful, non-oily sheen instantly appears. Alternating it with my retinol and moisturizer every other night has also made managing my eczema way easier.

My brows may be a mess, but you can’t deny the glow!

Courtesy of Author.

Courtesy of Author.

The formula itself is kind of mindblowing because the ingredients are patented and/or upgraded versions of common skin savers, including peptides and algae. (Also, I was today-years-old when I discovered vetiver, used most often in fragrance, can help with skin firmness too.)

Again, I’m slowly adjusting to a new normal that includes working from home every day and having full-blown conversations with my cat since everyone else is six feet away. My skin has paid the price for a routine that seems to change by the day or not happen, period. But sticking with this magic ointment through it all has kept my skin from hitting rock bottom. If you can only try one thing from Niod (because I know that price tag isn’t cheap), make it the Copper Amino Isolate Lipid and prepare to be amazed.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Copper Amino Isolate Serum is a worthy alternative and of course, The Ordinary range is always there when splurging simply isn’t on the table.

Twice a year, Bath & Body Works pulls out all the stops and discounts holiday and everyday favorites up to 75 percent off, which new discounts throughout the week. The Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual sale for holiday 2020 is no different—actually, it might be even better. We’ve got the details on all the goods so you can game-plan your shopping trip.

Of course, deals will be online as well as in-store so if you feel safer shopping from your couch, you can still stock up on Bath & Body Works favorites. Now’s the chance to score the beloved holiday fragrances before they’re gone (until next year), as well as throwbacks including Secret Wonderland, Honeysuckle and Sensual Amber brought back just for this sale. Christmas body care will be just $4.95 and select Christmas 3-Wick Candles will be $11.95.

Source: Instagram

For the best of the best deals, you’ll want to dig for those 75 percent off products. These include body care, candles, hand soaps and tons of non-holiday items you’ll want to use all-year round. You’ll even be able to find some best-selling fall body scare scents and ones you haven’t smelled for months. It’s basically like a rummage sale where you never know exactly what you’ll find.

The sale begins Saturday, December 26. If you’re shopping in store, don’t forget your face mask and hand sanitizer and maybe even consider going on off hours to avoid the crowds. Or, there’s always delivery! As much as we want to shop and treat ourselves this year (we deserve it), we also have to stay safe too. Set your iCal and get ready to get your haul on. Then, have big New Year zoom with friends to share exactly what you got.

“How do I start this journey of self-care and self-love, after spending a life focused on others?”

This comment was on a recent article of mine for Sixty and Me and resonated so much that I promised to respond. So many women reach this age and are suddenly widowed or divorced (by choice or not). Or moved to a new place late in life.

When we arrive at the magical Six-Oh, many things have shifted. Empty nests, sometimes empty beds, offspring and grands scattered to the four winds, often friends have passed, and some friendships pass into memory.

This article is for those of you who have indicated that you have no clue who you are, nor where you fit, and what on earth to do with that, now that your role as family matron/caregiver/banker (okay, that never stops) has come to and end. Or appears to.

The Transformation Begins

If you chose to marry, have kids, and raise a family, your middle years might have been so jammed and crammed that you ached for a little “me” time.

How swiftly all that gets forgotten when suddenly, circumstances collaborate to hand you that very thing: alone time.

Perhaps a little too much of it.

It can feel as though you’ve been set out on a empty ocean, in a craft you have no clue how to skipper.

Of course you’re scared.

But at the same time, this transition into the most extraordinary years of our lives is full of magic. It begins with where we focus.

In any journey, you and I have to push off from the dock. Usually, we can come home.

When we age, and we enter the time of greatest transition, there is no returning to those familiar spaces. The signposts change or disappear altogether. This is why it takes such courage to move forward.

Which means, if we are going to go journeying, we have to untie from the dock and push off.

You Are Already the Skipper

The disorientation that happens at first is the compulsion to take care of. Usually, anyone but ourselves. Without kids or grands or hubby or sister or the business, suddenly we can feel adrift, because it feels as though nobody needs us.

Someone does indeed need you. That person looks back at you from the mirror every single morning. It can feel a bit terrifying when you realize that all that time you wanted for you, now you have it. How on earth to fill it? Especially if you buy the societal message that to take care of ourselves is selfish?

Well, if we don’t, kindly, who will?

By this I mean, if you and I don’t tend to our exercise, diet, societal, and emotional needs, nobody else will. Sure, we might date or marry someone. Ultimately, it is our obligation to take care of ourselves, particularly if you and I have allowed ourselves to slip a bit while caring far too much for others and putting critical self-care to the side.

Where on earth do you start? First, assume you already know everything you need to know. You do. You’ve spent your first six-plus decades learning those skills. Now put them to work.

Moving into Your New Future

This year I left my home in Colorado after 50 years and moved to Eugene. The move itself was the culmination of a thousand big and small things. Giving things way, donating, selling. If you’ve ever managed a big move, you know how it goes.

Same thing here. Think of it as uncluttering you.

If you use the advice from an article by Psychology Today as a guide, these steps will serve you well:

Determine What Things You Value the Most About Your Life

Rather than ask what everyone else wants to eat, what do YOU want to eat? What do YOU want to watch or read or listen to? Where do YOU want to travel when it’s safe to do so?

Decide What Commitments Are Most Important to You

First, to yourself, then, in descending order, determine what to commit to: your dog, cat, kids (maybe in that order) …?

Assess the Way You Use Your Time

What a terrific opportunity to ask what you want to do with your time. Just… YOU. Including nothing.

Get Rid of Clutter in Every Area of Your Life

This goes for old values, old ideas, attitudes, angers and irritations, and attachments and bad habits that are not useful to you. Clutter in your mind, heart, and soul. Stories about you and your value that badly need rewriting or outright deleting. Your value isn’t being decided by your (husband, family, church, etc.).

Spend More Time with the People That Matter to You

First, yourself. What a time to get to know the rhythm and flow of your thoughts and emotions. How you change during the day. How you prefer to sleep (or stay up all night). Then, if you’re starting anew, what kinds of folks do you want in your world?

Make Time to Be Alone

If you are alone, be fully present. Enjoy the sweet silences, the quiet, birdsong, waves, distant chatter, wind chimes. Explore the textures of quiet. Remember when this was something you yearned for. And now you have it.

I would add this: You are worth feeding well, exercising with love, and giving yourself a brand new way to keep yourself happily preoccupied, as well as surrounded by good friends. Those are the four primary pillars of aging vibrantly.

Let the dock disappear. Concentrate on that beckoning horizon. You might find yourself happily tossing that emotional ballast so that the wind can fill your sails.

This is your time.

I hope you enjoy the sweet breezes in your hair, the sun on your skin, and the smile creasing your cheeks.

What have you learned as you’ve settled into your 60s and beyond? What tips and tools can you offer those who are recently single, newly moved, and in need of a little guidance? How has faith in yourself helped you along the way? Please share with the rest of us.

New Year’s Eve has long been the best excuse to go over the top—whether we’re talking about champagne consumption, unapologetically flashy sequin dresses, over-the-top metallic makeup, and getting to partake in some glitzy NYE-themed nail trends. While New Years Even is probably going to look a little bit different this year thanks to the pandemic and strict social distancing protocols still in place in much of the country, that doesn’t mean we have to forgo all of our favorite end-of-the-year celebration traditions altogether—and that absolutely includes our beauty get-up. Whether you’ll be toasting farewell to 2020 over the festive Zoom party or hosting a small (and safe) get-together at home, why not take the time to indulge in some NYE-themed nail looks to celebrate the incoming of 2021 (and, finally, the end of a decidedly very turbulent 2020.)

Whether you’re into elaborate nail art decals, glitter-heavy manis, or this season’s velvet nail trend, there are plenty of ways to get a little festive with your NYE manicure right from the comfort of your own home. From ridiculously easy ready-to-wear press-on nails to sparkly hues, there’s no shortage of holiday-ready options to decorate your nails to ring in the new year. To help get you in the spirit for the upcoming holiday, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite polishes, press-on’s and nail art decor to help you get the nail look of your holiday dreams without stepping foot in the salon this year.

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.

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A post shared by 𝕵𝖔𝖞 𝕻𝖍𝖎𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖘𝖔𝖓𝖊 (@joymanicure)

Courtesy of PopSockets.

PopSockets Nails & PopGrip Finally 2021

This two-in-one PopSockets nail kit is a serious 2020 mood. The set comes with a festive PopGrip and press-on nail sets emblazoned with “finally 2021.” This low maintenance set is perfect for last-minute manis at home.

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A post shared by Wizaz.pl (@wizazpl)

Courtesy of Essie.

Essie ExprEssie Quick Dry Nail Color in “Now or Never”

Black nail color is the perfect canvas for festive, NYE-ready glitter and nail art—and of course, it also looks great worn alone as it too. This quick-drying formula is perfect for a quick mani or touching up small chips.

Buy: Essie Quick Dry Nail Color $8.97

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A post shared by Dashing Diva (@dashingdiva_usa)

Courtesy of Dashing Diva.

Dashing Diva Snowshoe Glitter Gel Strips

If you love a minimalist mani upgraded with glitter and jewel-like embellishments but hate the mess and are avoiding the nail salon for safety reasons, these foolproof manicure gel strips will not let you down.

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A post shared by Tiffany Abbigaile Beauty (@tiffanyabbigailebeauty)

Courtesy of Butter London.

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A post shared by The Holy Nail (@theholynailuk)

Courtesy of Naildrobe.

Naildrobe New Years’ Eve Nail Decals

These salon-quality stick-on nail decals give any basic monochrome mani an instant festive makeover without the mess or hassle.

Buy: Naildrobe NYE Nail Decals $8.99

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A post shared by N I C O L E D A O (@mintynicole)

Courtesy of Olive & June.

Olive & June Nail Polish in “Cosmic”

This newly launched shimmer shade is the perfect subtle yet celebratory hue for NYE festivities. The mellow metallic hue mimics the sprtiz and bubble of champagne, but doesn’t scream holiday either.

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A post shared by AMY LE • LA NAIL ARTIST (@amyle.nails)

Courtesy of Lliyhh.

Velvet Flocking Powder Nail Art Polish

One of 2020’s biggest holiday nail trends is textural, velvet-like manicures. You can master the look at home with these easy-to-use dipping powders, and choose the color of your choice to match either your outfit or your mood.

Buy: Velvet Flocking Powder Nail Art Polish $4.59

Twice a year, Bath & Body Works pulls out all the stops and discounts holiday and everyday favorites up to 75 percent off, which new discounts throughout the week. The Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual sale for holiday 2020 is no different—actually, it might be even better. We’ve got the details on all the goods so you can game-plan your shopping trip.

Of course, deals will be online as well as in-store so if you feel safer shopping from your couch, you can still stock up on Bath & Body Works favorites. Now’s the chance to score the beloved holiday fragrances before they’re gone (until next year), as well as throwbacks including Secret Wonderland, Honeysuckle and Sensual Amber brought back just for this sale. Christmas body care will be just $4.95 and select Christmas 3-Wick Candles will be $11.95.

Source: Instagram

For the best of the best deals, you’ll want to dig for those 75 percent off products. These include body care, candles, hand soaps and tons of non-holiday items you’ll want to use all-year round. You’ll even be able to find some best-selling fall body scare scents and ones you haven’t smelled for months. It’s basically like a rummage sale where you never know exactly what you’ll find.

The sale begins Saturday, December 26. If you’re shopping in store, don’t forget your face mask and hand sanitizer and maybe even consider going on off hours to avoid the crowds. Or, there’s always delivery! As much as we want to shop and treat ourselves this year (we deserve it), we also have to stay safe too. Set your iCal and get ready to get your haul on. Then, have big New Year zoom with friends to share exactly what you got.