50 Glow Up Tips for Girls

Ah, the “glow up.” Some people like to hate on the term for incurring images of weight loss and implying we aren’t good enough as we are. But I see it differently: to me, a glow up is about being the best version of yourself. It’s not about changing what you look like. It’s about practicing self-care.

And sure, self-care can take the form of meditation and journaling — but it can also take the form of slathering on fake tan or doing a DIY mani-pedi. Us girls need to stop self-care shaming one another for not taking care of ourselves the “right way.” Whatever you see as self-care, whatever leaves you feeling refreshed, is the right way!

That being said, this is not a glow up post that will teach you how to get a peach-shaped butt or slim down your waist. This glow up post isn’t about changing your body: it’s about embracing your natural beauty. Beauty products are meant to enhance you as you are, not to change your appearance significantly. You should still look like yourself when you’re doing it right.

Nor is this a post about how to look more attractive so you can land the “perfect” BF or GF. To me, a glow up is about self-love, not about earning someone else’s approval. By all means, you do you when it comes to love and sex. But if you feel the need to change yourself to peak someone’s interest, then they’re not the right person for you, babe.

I like the idea of a glow up. I like the idea of going back to school or work, feeling rejuvenated from a little extra TLC. Most importantly, I think glow ups are meant to be fun. Why does everything need to be so serious? Why do we need to turn a fun makeover into a social commentary?

Glow up for the right reasons, and a glow up can be a powerful form of self-care and self-love. And on that note, here are 50 tips for achieving that glow up from the inside out.

Glow Up Tips

  1. There is no need to spend money on a mani-pedi. Kiss press-on nails look just as good as a full set of acrylics and are far cheaper. You can also DIY a mani-pedi at home with tools purchased from the dollar store, like cuticle clippers and a four-way buffer.
  2. Freeman’s Feeling Beautiful face masks are a well-kept drugstore secret. Their clay and charcoal masks work just as well as more expensive formulas from Sephora or Ulta.
  3. Choose a signature scent. Try to match your deodorant, body lotion, and perfume to feel more put-together. For example, I use vanilla deodorant and PINK’s Warm & Cozy scent, which also has notes of vanilla.
  4. If you choose to remove your body hair by shaving, do it right. Change your razor frequently for a close shave. Start by exfoliating for a smoother glide.
  5. Always use shaving cream. Choose unscented, “sensitive” formulas if you’re going to shave “down there” — I like the brand EOS.
  6. Biotin can help with hair and nail growth and strength. But, it can also trigger acne. Consider stopping those skin, hair, and nails vitamins if you’re someone who struggles with breakouts.
  7. Never, ever use a tanning bed. Skin cancer is no joke. You can get a natural-looking glow from Jergens Natural Glow body lotion, which adds gradual color and won’t damage your skin.
  8. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! I don’t know which girl needs to hear this (I certainly did), but you still need to moisturize if you have oily skin. Acne treatments used to keep oil at bay can dry out your skin. This actually causes your skin to produce more oil to replenish the moisture — unless you moisturize to counteract its effects.
  9. Speaking of skin, you NEED to check out the brand The Ordinary. They make dermatologist-grade products for a fraction of the price. Their niacinamide serum costs $6 at Ulta and is a godsend for acne-prone skin.
  10. Go to bed earlier. Sleep is more important than you think. Young people in their teens and 20s need at least 8 to 10 hours each night. That may sound like a lot, but any less than that will leave you feeling foggy and drained.
  11. Putting fruit in your water may not “detox” your body, but it does make water taste better and might encourage you to drink more! I like Spindrift sparkling water, which has a splash of fresh fruit juice for taste.
  12. Green tea is also a great option for staying hydrated. It’s full of antioxidants, which make your skin glow and keep your body healthy. Choose caffeine-free for maximum hydration. (Caffeine is dehydrating.)
  13. Want to upgrade your wardrobe? Nasty Gal is my favorite affordable place to buy clothes.
  14. The online thrift store ThredUp is also a great option if you’re looking to avoid fast fashion and save the environment.
  15. Make a Pinterest board before you shop to stay focused on your ideal style. You’ll save money by focusing on finding certain pieces, instead of grabbing whatever catches your eye.
  16. Glossier’s Balm Dotcom is my favorite beauty product of all time. It’s super versatile and comes in tons of yummy flavors (Mint is my favorite). At $12, it’s a little pricey, but one tube can last for months.
  17. I don’t believe in changing your body to glow up. That being said, nothing makes you glow like serotonin and endorphins! Working out is good for both your body and your mind. Focus on finding something you love to do, not something that will make you skinny or look a certain way.
  18. Please, for the love of all things holy, stop buying those scented perfumes, deodorants, and washes for your vag. Fragrance can seriously irritate you and offset your natural pH, leading to nasty infections. Stick to unscented washes and warm water ONLY.
  19. NEVER wash inside the vagina (only on the vulva). Douching is a fast-track to infections.
  20. Stop gossiping. The ultimate glow up is deciding to treat others with kindness. Gossip only makes you look bad, and won’t do anything to change that person’s behavior. If you don’t have the guts to confront them to their face, you shouldn’t be complaining about them behind their back.
  21. Don’t apologize for things that are out of your control. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to resist the urge, but think of it this way: over-apologizing makes your real apologies less meaningful.
  22. Cetaphil and CeraVe products are a lifesaver for acne. Dermatologists recommend them for a reason! I use the Cetaphil face wash and CeraVe moisturizer.
  23. If you’ve been crying, ice cubes, cucumber slices, and under-eye gel masks (I get the Peach Slices Magic Panda Eye Mask — it’s $4 at CVS) will all help you de-puff. Choose one to get rid of redness and soothe those irritated eyes.
  24. Don’t like your body? Losing weight will not fix the problem. If you’re uncomfortable in your own skin, you’ll still feel that way at any size. Focus on being confident and loving yourself instead of shrinking yourself.
  25. Confident girls carry their own condoms and lube. Condoms and lube packets are free at most universities. If you’re not in college anymore, buy them at the drugstore. You have no reason to be embarrassed — you’re a grown-ass woman and you should do whatever makes you happiest!
  26. But seriously, don’t forget the lube, because a guy WILL. Lube is a game-changer!
  27. Happy girls shine the brightest. Try using positive affirmations like “I am strong” or “I am worthy” to boost your mood. Say them to yourself several times a day, out loud, in the mirror.
  28. If you love facial brushes like the Clarisonic and Foreo but don’t love their prices, you can get cheaper versions at Target or Ulta for $10-15.
  29. Don’t rub your hair when drying it with a towel. The friction can cause frizz. Wrap your damp hair in a towel and squeeze out the water instead.
  30. Shape your brows if you want to, but avoid over-plucking, shaving, or waxing. Stick with your brow’s natural shape and only pluck the stray hairs. (Trust me, if you over-pluck, you’ll regret it later!)
  31. If you have oily hair, don’t wash it every day. It sounds backward, but washing your hair too much can actually trigger more oil production because it strips your hair of its natural oils.
  32. Dry shampoo is a game-changer when it comes to washing your hair less often. The Dove brand is inexpensive and works great. Use it between washes to absorb grease.
  33. When it comes to exercise, start small. You don’t have to sweat it out at the gym for hours for it to “count.” A 10-minute YouTube workout is better than sitting all day.
  34. Read! Reading offers the ultimate mental glow up. People who read more have larger vocabularies. It’s also important to get out of your bubble and explore different perspectives.
  35. Keep track of healthy habits. You can create a habit tracker in your bullet journal or use an app like Done.
  36. Journaling helps you purge your brain of negative thoughts and worries that are distracting you from your goals. Write it all down, get it out, and move on. (Easier said than done, I know.)
  37. As a dancer, I know a thing or two about gross feet. Foot peeling socks will remove all those callouses. The Tonymoly ones cost $6.50 at Ulta and work in about 4-6 days. Google pictures (warning: they’re graphic) to see how well they work!
  38. In this house, we usually end up eating unhealthy foods when we’re busy because we don’t feel like cooking or have time to cook. That’s why I like to have a list of easy, healthy meals to throw together on busy days. Quinoa bowls (made with pre-made quinoa from Trader Joe’s — find it in the freezer aisle) and soup with gluten-free crackers are two of my go-to meals.
  39. My boyfriend is a doctor and says the number one way to eat healthier is to cook more of your own meals. Most of the salt, sugar, and fat we consume comes from restaurant or takeout meals.
  40. That being said, NEVER diet. Dieting wrecks your metabolism and mental health. Focus on adding in healthy foods like whole grains, fruits, and veggies, instead of subtracting foods you love.
  41. Feeling anxious, depressed, or generally crappy? Ask yourself if HALT applies. HALT stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. These are common triggers for extreme emotional responses. If you address the root cause of your feelings — by eating a snack if you’re hungry or working out if you’re angry, for example — you can make yourself feel better.
  42. Drink more water and use a humidifier if you have chapped lips. All the chapstick in the world won’t help you if you’re surrounded by dry air or dehydrated.
  43. Delete and block all of your exes phone numbers right now. You’ll thank me later when you’ve been drinking and are ready to dial.
  44. Use Differin gel as a spot treatment to dry up a big zit overnight. It contains a prescription-strength retinoid that works to rapidly address acne.
  45. Kill them with kindness. Mean girls are usually looking for attention, and it drives them crazy when you act like you aren’t hurt. Being happy and refusing to let them get to you is the best revenge.
  46. Trust me when I say that no one can tell the difference between Bath and Body Works and your $90 Chloe perfume. You are the only person who knows how much your scent costs, so save your money for better, more important things.
  47. A common misconception on glow up TikTok is that cranberry helps with your vaginal health. Cranberry pills are actually for your urinary tract. So, if you get UTIs, take cranberry. If not, what you really want is a lactobacillus probiotic to keep that vag happy and healthy.
  48. Ask more questions and talk less about yourself. Showing genuine interest in someone else’s life is the fastest way to make friends or get asked out.
  49. You don’t need to wear a lot of makeup (or any!) if you don’t want to. If makeup is your thing, pick 2-3 “daily essentials” — mine are mascara, brow gel, and highlighter — to wear for everyday, and go bolder for special occasions.
  50. Only wear 100% cotton underwear. As someone who’s had recurrent infections, just trust me on this one.
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My Monthly Favorites | August 2020

When I look back on the month of August, honestly? I feel exhausted just thinking about it. In August 2020, I worked much harder than I had in months, as my business finally began to pick up again following the coronavirus collapse.

Admittedly, I neglected my blog a little bit during that time — but I also took on the incredible new project of rebranding my business. Yep, Millennial Pink Media, LLC is now Flow Media, LLC! As stressful as it was, I’m so grateful for the shift, because now I can focus my work on my favorite clients: therapists and other mental health professionals.

So yes, I was hard at work in August — but that doesn’t mean that August wasn’t full of so many wonderful things. From books to beauty, August gave me many opportunities to smile. Here, I’m sharing just a few of the things that brought me joy last month:

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

Like so many other millennials who were pre-teens in 2008, I preordered Midnight Sun over the summer. It finally arrived in August, but I only began to read it toward the end of the month, after I finished reading Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park. I have so many good things to say about this book, but of course, I have to acknowledge the bad ones, too: at times, it’s a little cringey and melodramatic; the relationship dynamic between Edward and Bella is dysfunctional at best. Still, I can’t help but love the Twilight Saga, if only because it represents such a significant piece of my childhood. Reading Midnight Sun as an adult with a new perspective on life has been especially interesting. I was always Team Jacob growing up, but as I read Midnight Sun and get a glimpse inside Edward’s head, I find myself empathizing with his character more and more. I’m planning to re-read the Twilight Saga once I finish Midnight Sun to see how I feel, but I have a feeling I’m going to come out Team Edward this time around. Has anyone else been feeling the same way?!

Amazon.com: Midnight Sun (9781549134654): Meyer, Stephenie: Books

Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff

I’ve always loved a good “no-makeup” makeup look, but the appeal has increased exponentially since the onset of the pandemic. Nowadays, if I bother to put makeup on, it’s minimal eye makeup and maybe some concealer, if I’m feeling ambitious. Usually, this means I go without blush, because my bare face isn’t much of a canvas to work with. However, Glossier’s Cloud Paint — their cream blush formula — in Puff blends well into foundation-free skin, even if you’re ghostly pale like I am. It’s neither too thick nor too liquidy, and looks even more natural than my other go-to blush, NARS Orgasm. I fell in love with Cloud Paint after using a free sample I got from my last Glossier order, and am planning to purchase the full-size product ASAP.

Glossier-Cloud-Paint-Puff - The Everymom

Meera Lee Patel “The Beginning is Always Today” Planner

If you have been around for awhile, you know that I am a diligent bullet journaler, especially for all things work-related. But because I create my bullet journal spreads on a weekly basis, I was running into limitations when it came to scheduling doctors’ appointments weeks or months into the future. Finally, I caved and decided I needed a good, old-fashioned planner in addition to my bullet journal. I used to be a Lilly Pulitzer planner fanatic, but since my bullet journal is now my primary planner (and Lilly Pulitzer no longer fits my personal style the way that it used to), I opted for this Meera Lee Patel planner from Barnes & Noble instead. The planner contains watercolor artwork made by hand, along with inspirational quotes to help you start every month on a positive note. Best of all, the size is compact — meaning that unlike my old Lilly planners, this one will actually fit in my purse without bending the spirals!

Meera Lee Patel 2020 - 2021 On-the-Go Weekly Planner: 17-Month Calendar  with Pocket (Aug 2020 - Dec 2021, 5" x 7" closed): The Beginning Is Always  Today: Meera Lee Patel, Amber Lotus

Ora Organic Probiotics with Prebiotic Fiber

Long-time fans of my blog will also remember that I was originally misdiagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) before receiving my diagnosis of suspected endometriosis. Gut symptoms have always been one of the primary ways in which endo affects my life. I deal with painful endo belly, searing bowel movements, and cyclical constipation and diarrhea on a regular basis. My doctors have told me to try every probiotic under the sun, and none of them seemed to work for me. Then I discovered the brand Ora on my own. I knew I was going on antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis and wanted to take probiotics to replenish the lost bacteria in my gut. Because of the $35 price point, I was holding out on buying them — but in a moment of desperation, I made the purchase, and I’m so glad I did. Ora Organic Probiotics with Prebiotic Fiber help me have a regular once-a-day bowel movement, as opposed to a couple times per week or per day, depending on my symptoms. Combined with plenty of water and a balanced diet, these probiotics are the perfect solution for anyone who deals with constipation or diarrhea due to endo.

Amazon.com: Ora Organic Probiotics with Prebiotics - Vegan Prebiotic and  Probiotic for Digestive Health | Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, for Sensitive  Stomachs - 60 Easy-Swallow, Vegan Capsules, 1 Month Supply: Health &  Personal Care

Seven Stars Bakery in Providence, RI

While I now eat (lactose-free) dairy again, I’m still gluten-free. When I was eating diary-free, I found that being on a restrictive diet that I never broke was causing a resurgence of my disordered eating habits. In addition to reincorporating lactose-free dairy, I’ve also gotten in the habit of challenging my food intolerances a handful of times per week, if only for mental health’s sake. For the most part, I have not had any negative health consequences as a result, save for some occasional bloating, but I have been enjoying tasting all the foods that our new home in Providence, RI has to offer. Our latest discovery is Seven Stars Bakery, which is just down the street from our house. They have traditional French and Austrian pastries, including classics like danishes and croissants, as well as some Viennese pastries I had never heard of before. I got a raspberry danish and cold brew with house-made vanilla syrup — yum! Next time you’re in New England, I highly recommend you stop at Seven Stars Bakery in Providence for a sweet-but-satisfying breakfast supporting a local business.

50 Black-Owned Beauty and Wellness Brands to Support

I know that this post is definitely overdue — but I figure it’s better late than never! Supporting Black-owned brands has never been more important.

Now more than ever, it’s essential to put our support behind the Black community. But signing petitions and attending protests isn’t enough on its own. We need to put our money where our mouth is.

That means pulling our support from brands like Anthropologie and ban.do that have been accused of racist employee cultures, yes — but also finding new places to spend our money that benefit the Black community. And besides: who ever suffered by having another excuse to shop?

These 50 Black-owned brands sell everything from body care to supplements to natral fragrances to help you look and feel your best. Read on to discover your new favorite brand, with the added bonus of benefitting the Black community!

1. Essentials by Temi (Body Care)

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My pick: Mint and Honey Butter Scrub ($42)

2. Pear Nova (Nail Polish)

My pick: Sip, Sip….Sanctuary ($12)

3. Kitsugi Candle Co. (Candles)

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My pick: Heroine ($24)

4. Movita Organics (Wellness)

MovitaPouch1

My pick: Multivitamin Pouch ($30)

5. Naturall Club (Haircare)

My pick: Fresh Avocado Deep Conditioner ($10)

6. Golde (Beauty and Wellness)

My pick: Cacao Turmeric Latte Blend ($29)

7. Aya Paper Co. (Stationery and Gifts)

My pick: Intention Journal ($20)

8. The Honey Pot Co. (Vaginal Wellness)

Soothing Lavender Vulva Cream

My pick: Soothing Lavender Vulva Cream ($11)

9. Beauty Bakerie (Makeup)

Milk & Honey Highlighting Palette

My pick: Milk and Honey Highlighting Palette ($38)

10. Babes (Clothing and Gifts)

My pick: The Woman Mug ($15)

11. Galerie L.A. (Clothing and Beauty)

Noyah Lip Gloss Summertime Peach

My pick: Noyah Lip Gloss in Summertime Peach ($16)

12. Rituals and Ceremony (Wellness)

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My pick: CBD Menstrual Cramp Roller ($55)

13. Under the Sunlight (Stationery)

Sunshine Postcards

My pick: Sunshine Postcards ($13)

14. Pur Home (Cleaning)

My pick: All-in-One Cleaning Concentrate ($29)

15. Actually Curious (Journal Cards)

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My pick: Actually Curious Bundle ($45)

16. Partake Foods (Allergy-Friendly Snacks)

partake chocolate chip cookies

My pick: Chocolate Chip Cookies ($30)

17. BLK + GRN (Skincare)

My pick: Papaya Rose Hydrating Mist ($22)

18. Juvia’s Place (Makeup)

My pick: The Nudes Palette ($14)

19. Ruby Love (Period Underwear)

Period Swimwear Off Shoulder Ruffle (Burnt Sun)

My pick: Period Swimwear Off-the-Shoulder in Burnt Sun ($90)

20. Gilded Body (Body Care)

The Marble Body Brush™

My pick: The Marble Body Brush ($88)

21. The Lip Bar (Makeup)

My pick: Liquid Matte in Man Eater ($9)

22. Brown Girl Jane (Wellness)

GLOW Luminous Facial Serum

My pick: Glow Luminous Facial Serum ($58)

23. Brooke Blaze (Body Care and Wellness)

My pick: Body Oil in Crown ($24)

24. Flowers and Moondust (Beauty and Wellness)

NEW! Skin Glow Elixir

My pick: Skin Glow Elixir ($26)

25. Alexandra Winbush (Tea and Candles)

Spiced Apple Chai

My pick: Spiced Apple Chai Tea ($14)

26. Alchemy Body Shop (Body Care)

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My pick: The Balm ($25)

27. Homebody (Wellness)

PRE ORDER The Future Is Green: Superfood Blend  |  (Ships Beginning of August)

My pick: The Future is Green Superfood Blend ($14)

28. Alter Planning Co. (Stationery)

The Dailies: 30 Day Planner (Undated)

My pick: The Dailies 30-Day Planner ($10)

29. Goodnight Darling Co. (Body Care and Fragrance)

Goodnight Darling Co. Starter Set.

My pick: Goodnight Darling Co. Starter Kit ($75)

30. 54 Thrones (Skincare)

 KAHINA: Lava Cleansing Mask

My pick: Kahina Lava Cleansing Mask ($46)

31. blade + bloom (Body Care and Fragrance)

aromatherapy fragrance oil / glow getter

My pick: Aromatherapy Fragrance Oil in Glow Getter ($18)

32. Brown and Coconut (Skincare and Body Care)

Brown and Coconut Brightening Face Polish with green leaf and white wash cloth in background

My pick: Brightening Face Polish ($19)

33. Chloe and Chad (Skincare, Body Care, and Fragrance)

THAT GLOW FACE MASK

My pick: That Glow Face Mask ($18)

34. conditionHER (Vaginal Wellness)

My pick: conditionHER ($30)

35. Dehiya Beauty (Skincare and Beauty)

Dehiya Beauty Lip and Cheek Tint Swatch Medium Skin Tone

My pick: Lip and Cheek Tint in Dreamer ($38)

36. eLo Lipcare (Lip Care and Aromatherapy)

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My pick: eLo Nude in Pineapple and White Jasmine ($14)

37. Glow Candle Bar (Candles)

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My pick: Strawberry Champagne ($20)

38. Jade and Fox (Body Care)

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My pick: Lust Oil ($16)

39. Jones and Rose (Body Care and Fragrance)

My pick: Georgia Peach Sweet Oil ($28)

40. La Botica NYC (Loungewear and Candles)

LA BOTICA CONCRETE AW20-1-2.jpg

My pick: Barcelona Candle ($55)

41. Liberate Botanica (Body Care and Wellness)

My pick: Floral Smudge Stick ($17)

42. London Ivy (Skincare, Haircare, and Fragrance)

My pick: Coffee + Cacao Revitalizing Face Polish and Mask ($28)

43. Nectrous Botanicals (Skincare)

GLOW BAR - Nectrous

My pick: Glow Bar ($12)

44. Zen and Boujee (Body Care and Wellness)

My pick: Baddie Glow ($68)

45. Pretty Well Beauty (Beauty)

My pick: Luxury Lip Tint in Bare ($21)

46. PurpL and Prosper (Skincare)

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My pick: Healing Crystal Toner ($19)

47. Rooted Woman (Nail Polish)

My pick: Freedom ($15)

48. Sade Baron (Body Care)

Lavender Soap

My pick: Summer Lavender Bar Soap ($14)

49. Temple Zen (Skincare and Body Care)

Papaya Leaf Clay Mask

My pick: Papaya Leaf Clay Mask ($15)

50. The Whistling Thorn (Skincare and Fragrance)

My pick: Seitho ($76)

My July 2020 Favorites

Since I had so much fun writing last month’s favorites post, I decided to continue sharing my monthly favorites. This month brings an extra-special edition of my monthly favorites, since July is my birth month. That’s right — happy Cancer season, y’all!

Making this list is never easy, because there’s always so much to be grateful for. The little things, like David’s days off and starting my morning at the dog park with Chandler, might not make these posts, but it’s worth noting that they’re even more special to me than the beauty products and lounge sets.

Influencers’ favorites lists can be misleading, since they often fail to recognize what’s right in front of us. So, I want to take this opportunity to remind you that even though I love my monthly favorites as much as the next gal, you don’t need luxury makeup or fancy clothes to be happy.

That being said, these things do make me happy, and I think it’s worth expressing gratitude for them, too. Here’s what I’ve been loving this July (besides all the birthday presents, of course!).

Eat and Drink

This month, like every month, I could not get enough of my breakfast foods. One of my favorite recipes that I’ve been baking on repeat has been Eating Bird Food’s peach baked oatmeal. Brittany also has a version of the recipe that makes mini baked oatmeal cups, which is equally as delicious. Better yet, you can freeze the individual cups for a quick and easy breakfast to microwave on the go.

As for what’s in my cup, you may remember that July was my first full month of abstaining from alcohol. Still, that doesn’t mean I haven’t been loving my non-alcoholic drinks. Seeing as I wasn’t a big drinker anyways, I’m not really missing alcohol between all the nitro cold brews and mocktails I’ve been drinking.

If you haven’t hopped on the nitro trend yet, nitro cold brew is steeped in cold water, like regular cold brew, but infused with nitrogen as it flows through the tap — hence the name “nitro!” I’ve been struggling to find my new favorite coffee place in Providence, but now that we’ve been here a full month, I’ve finally discovered it. The Nitro Bar on Broadway makes incredibly small-batch nitro cold brew, along with tasty breakfast foods like gluten-free avocado toast…. and you all know how I feel about my breakfast foods.

And, for those occasions when I need a little something sparkling to celebrate — as on July 4th — I’ve been opting for one of the most delicious non-alcoholic choices at my local grocery store. Mingle Mocktails makes a variety of delicious mocktail blends that come in champagne-like bottles, but I’m absolutely obsessed with their cucumber melon mojito flavor. Stir in some mint leaves and frozen berries to elevate this premade drink to the next level.

Amazon.com : Mingle Mocktails Non Alcoholic Cocktails - 750ml ...

Wear

In case my recent post on loungewear wasn’t clue enough, I’m obsessed with matching lounge sets — especially when they come in tie dye. Target’s gorgeous long-sleeve tie dye lounge set is soft AF, yet still light enough to lounge around the house in on a warm summer day (with air conditioning, of course).

To be honest, I don’t wear much makeup in the summertime, because I don’t like worrying about whether or not my foundation is going to melt off my face. However, Glossier’s Perfecting Skin Tint has changed all that for me. This light-coverage product mixes effortlessly with my morning sunscreen to cover just enough of that face mask-induced redness without making me feel like a grease bomb.

If you follow me on my bookstagram, @chiclitblog, you’ll also know that I’ve been obsessed with the limited-edition Harry Potter x Ulta Beauty makeup collection. I recently purchased the Hufflepuff Eyeshadow Palette, which comes with nine pigmented shades inspired by the most loyal house of all. My favorite shade is Lumos, a shimmery champagne shadow. The color matches the peachy glaze of the Platform 9 and 3/4 Lip Gloss perfectly, for a makeup look that’s as put-together as it is magical.

ULTA Harry Potter X Ulta Beauty Hufflepuff Eye Shadow Palette

Read, Watch, and Listen

At the end of June, I participated in the mini Hogsmeade readathon run by Magical Readathon, when I started the Truly Devious series. At first, I wasn’t super thrilled to read it — I just picked it because it had a map in it, which was one of the readathon prompts — but I quickly grew to love it. Now, it’s one of my favorites. If you love a good murder mystery, I highly recommend you read it. The characters will become close to your heart.

I’ve been watching my favorite rom-coms over and over again while working from home, but this month I had the opportunity to watch the Brittany Murphy movie Uptown Girls for the first time. I barely remember when Brittany Murphy died, and I’d only ever seen her in Clueless, but this movie made me love her. Plus, baby Dakota Fanning is adorable — but still, it was so much more than a cute little rom-com. It gave me all the feels! If you haven’t seen it yet, give it a watch on Amazon Prime.

When it comes to my Spotify playlist, there’s one song I’ve had on repeat this month. Awhile back, I discovered Jordan McGraw’s song Flexible on my Discover playlist. It’s super catchy and I couldn’t stop listening to it — so it’s no surprise that his latest EP has got me feeling the same way. The song We Should Still Be Friends popped up on one of my daily playlists recently, and I haven’t been able to stop replaying it since. If you love indie pop, this one belongs on your next playlist.

Truly Devious trilogy by Maureen Johnson | 68 Books to Read While ...