Calling all Bridezillas who get off on cutesy winter wonderland vibes: the WeddingWire Winter Wedding Trends list is now available to the masses! Because we want to help you make the least offensive wedding decisions possible, we’ve shared our opinions on which trends to follow and which ones to avoid like the plague. Maybe print this out for future reference.
Buffalo Check
WeddingWire says: From getting-ready attire for the wedding party to cozy blankets for the guests, this pattern is an on-trend winter staple.
We say: Methinks that if my first thought after seeing this “buffalo check” pattern is “oh, that reminds me of the flannel the dad in Making A Murderer was always wearing,” it’s probably a hard no for your wedding. This pattern is literally like, the JCC youth basketball team of fabrics. It’s nothing to be proud of and CERTAINLY nothing I’m down for my mother to photograph.
Elevated Yet Cozy Fireplace Mantels
Photo: Emily Steffen
WeddingWire says: Guests will feel like they’re at a five-star ski lodge while sipping drinks by the fireplace.
We say: I’m actually into this. Have you ever noticed that when people are sitting around a hotel fire, they don’t talk? Like, everyone collectively stares at the fireplace as if they are waiting for it to do something? I have, and I definitely see myself appreciating an antisocial corner a fireplace when I’m tired of trying to make small talk with the strangers at my table.
Fil Coupé Detailing
Image Courtesy of Alexandra Grecco
WeddingWire says: Shimmery thread is being woven into eye-catching patterns on dresses from designers like Lazaro and Alexandra Grecco.
We say: Despite being totally uneducated when it comes to expensive fashion, especially expensive wedding fashion, I’m going to go ahead and trust WeddingWire that these “Lazaro” and “Alexandra Grecco” people are “admired in the industry” or whatever stoic fashion people say. Crazier wedding fashion risks have been taken (looking at you, see-through corset dresses), and the shimmery thread is a nice festive touch, so long as you don’t take it overboard and look like you got stuck in a spool of tinsel or stuck aluminum foil to your dress.
Custom Iced Sugar Cookies
Image: Cat Mayer Studio, Sweet Kiwi Cookies
WeddingWire says: Whether they’re served at the wedding, given as favors or included in welcome bags, they’re the perfect personalized treat.
We say: Sugar cookies were always THE dessert I’d flock to at sleepovers back in the day, so I’m happy to see that adults are not above them. I will literally shove anything (well, anything edible) into my mouth after a few cocktails, so I’m scared of what might happen when faced with my favorite childhood dessert. And the personalization aspect is cute and right in line with the general trend towards personalized weddings that we’ve been seeing lately. The only caveat I will give this trend is that if you’re serving it at the wedding, it’s got to supplement the cake and not replace it. What? I’m hungry after all that drinking dancing.
Padded Headbands & Pearl Embellishments
Image: Maria Mack Photography
WeddingWire says: Hair accessories are going glam this winter, adding glitz to dresses and suits alike.
We say: Right after we thought we’d put our Blair Waldorf days behind us, headbands are back in style again. Go figure. The trend seems to be “the more extra, the better”, so there’s a strong chance your kids will be asking why you were wearing a mini-helmet at your wedding, but that kind of goes for anything. At least it’s not a tiara or a flower crown.
Hot Drink Bars
WeddingWire says: Replacing the mimosa bar, hot toddy and hot chocolate bars will keep guests warm as temperatures drop.
We say: Let’s calm down with the “keeping guests warm as temperatures drop.” You know what will keep your guests the warmest? Keeping them inside. Can you imagine being freezing and then having someone trying to assure you with, “don’t worry, there’s hot chocolate!!!” No, bitch. I’m still cold. Nonetheless, it’s a cute and fun idea, just not an excuse to have your entire wedding outside in sub-zero temperatures.
Rusty Brown and Emerald Green
Image: Jessie Casey
WeddingWire says: Nothing says winter quite like deep earth and jewel tones on attire, table linens and florals.
We say: I actually love this aesthetic for a wedding. The term “rusty brown” doesn’t exactly elicit classy, beautiful vibes, but that’s why you need to trust the experts sometimes. I mean, the pictures speak for themselves.
Holographic Details
WeddingWire says: Iridescent décor elements incorporate an icy look on invitation suites, chargers, tablescapes and more.
We say: No, no, no, guys. Just because it is winter does not mean we are suddenly Elsa and Anna from Frozen on our WEDDING DAY! Iridescent “icy” designs are cute for like, your bachelorette party, but I cannot imagine who is incorporating this into their wedding planning unless their wedding also happens to be unicorn or mermaid themed (and if that’s the case, I’m not coming).
Maximalist Wedding Gowns
Image: Lacie Hansen Photography
WeddingWire says: Minimalistic dresses are taking a backseat this winter while puffy sleeves and embellishments steal the show.
We say: I mean, wedding dresses always were and always will be “maximalist” simply considering, you know, that they are huge white gowns costing $5,000 and you’ll only wear it once—but yeah.
Florals Spray-Painted With Metallics
WeddingWire says: A nod to New Years’ favorite color palette, metallic paint adds dramatic shine to a bouquet or centerpiece.
We say: Can you imagine finding your place card at the wedding, sitting down, thinking “what’s that smell?” and then realizing it’s the bouquet of flowers in front of you because they are spray-painted the same way that offensive song lyric was spray-painted in that weird alleyway? DIY is cute for that kind of girl but I just…thought we were better than this.
I wish all of you winter wedding betches a lifetime of marital bliss. Sans the buffalo check, I hope!
Images: Shutterstock
I think I’m alone here, but does anyone else actually not hate winter? There’s something about bundling up and not leaving my apartment because it’s too damn cold throwing on a pair of over-the-knee boots that just fills my icy heart with joy. Don’t get me wrong, one of my favorite fashion-related pastimes is pushing my company’s dress code with aggressively short sundresses in the summertime, but cold-weather clothes, specifically coats, are my favorite thing to wear. Ever since that episode of Gossip Girl when Blair whisper-yelled that she’s not pregnant on the steps of the Met while making a serious case for patent leather trenches, I decided it’s time to toss the tragic North Face I got for my effing bat mitzvah and up my coat game STAT.
If you, too, have a coat fetish (not judging) then you better believe I’m about to change your life in a minute. Now, before we go any further down this cozy and well-insulated rabbit hole, I would just like to say that having a gorgeous coat does not have to cost what you would spend on a new laptop. Another fun fact about me, aside from my addiction to outerwear, is that I have zero patience and refuse to wait five to seven business days for something I ordered online to make its way to my closet. Enter, Amazon. If you didn’t know, Amazon is a fashion hub. Shopbop even has its own storefront! So, if you’re in dire need of a new jacket, these are the best winter coats you can shop on Amazon for way less than you’d spend anywhere else.
Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket, $140
Obviously, I have to start with the coat that put Amazon on fashion girls’ radar last winter. This coat was hands-down the midi-length leopard skirt of 2018, and after trying it on, I understand why. It’s really well-insulated and it’s obviously pretty chic, which is saying a lot since it’s a puffer. I am all for “beauty is pain,” and shivering my tits off in a coat that is cuter than it is functional, but after experiencing New York City winter, I am pro-puffer. Until I ordered this bad boy (in black), I used to associate thigh-length puffer coats with my middle-aged figure skating coach who, bless her Ukrainian heart, was not chic. Not anymore! There are two elements about the Orolay coat that make it stylish: the giant military-inspired pockets and the blunt shape that is longer in the back. Bottom line, this coat is really warm and will look cute with everything, whether you’re wearing skinny jeans and Red Wings or a shift dress and over-the-knee boots.
Tanming Double-Breasted Plaid Wool Blend Peacoat, $49
I love a good menswear-inspired piece, and this shapeless peacoat is giving me all of that. It reminds me of something Don Draper would pair with one of those weird cashmere turtlenecks he used to wear towards the end of the show, but honestly, I’m into it. The only downside is that it’s probably not the warmest coat you’ll own, but good thing climate change is eliminating that issue, right? This may just be a me thing, but I never buy coats in weird colors because they obviously don’t really go with anything. This coat is great because the base color is a neutral, but it’s layered with a bunch of other colors, so you can really pair it with almost everything. Toss this over jeans and a T-shirt, and you’re good to go. If you want to feel a little Parisian, throw on a pair of oversized sunglasses and a pair of ballet flats, et voilà! Can you tell I’m 110% American? Cool, cool, cool.
Apparis Women’s Jahaira Faux Fur Coat, $400
Apparis has quickly become my go-to for coats, because even though they neither look nor feel like real fur, they’re still really luxurious. I have a cropped forest green version of this coat and sometimes I just lay it across my lap at work when my space heater blows its fuse and pet it. Do my coworkers think I’m a little nuts? Maybe, but I don’t care because this coat is that soft.
Now, if you have working eyesight, you’ve probably noticed that camo is everywhere these days. Apparis took the trend to the next level, though, and added the bright orange accents, which I am absolutely loving. The orange adds a unique element that regular camo is obviously lacking. It’s also neutral enough that you can wear it with pretty much anything.
ECOWISH Faux Shearling Oversized Jacket, From $22
If you are a decent human being, you are anti-fur. Because I’m such a good person, I only wear faux fur that looks super duper fake because I don’t want my fake fur to look even a little bit real. Enter, this very fake-looking, Easter egg pink, oversize jacket. Obviously, this is not an everyday piece, but I’d wear it to a dinner with skinny white jeans, a gray oversized tee with a French tuck á la Tan France, and black booties. Basically, you can wear this with anything as long as the rest of the outfit is on the quieter side.
J.O.A. Shearling Jacket, $163
For those of you who think I just contradicted myself re: fur, this coat specifically is made using both faux shearling and faux leather, so two claps for J.O.A. for going vegan on this beautiful piece of clothing that is currently in my shopping cart and will soon be on my person. What makes this coat look of-the-moment, as opposed to something you’d find in a bargain bin at Forever21, is that the exterior leather looks a bit worn and weathered. In my opinion, this would look amazing over a crisp white button down tucked into a pair of straight leg jeans and white sneakers. I know I’ll definitely be wearing it with my favorite red blanket that Zara calls a scarf. You say tomato…you know how it goes.
S13 Emmy Midlength Down Puffer, From $109.20
We already know that I can’t resist a patent leather coat, so it’s no surprise that this S13 number really spoke to me. This coat is long enough that it covers your toosh, but short enough that you can still show off your legs in your Madewell High Risers, or whatever your skinny jean of choice may be. Because it’s black, the limit does not exist with regard to the things you can wear under this coat, but I love a shiny black coat with a cherry red scarf. There’s something very ‘90s about that color combo that I’m really feeling these days. If you want to drift away from the safety that is black, she also comes in silver and a very cool metallic navy. You really can’t lose with these options. Lastly, we need to address that if you buy a beautiful down-filled puffer for under $200, you’re basically stealing it.
Floerns Distressed Denim Jacket, $29.99
This recommendation is geared towards the Florida and California folks who don’t have to deal with the literal sh*t storm that are East Coast winters. It is my personal belief that the only acceptable denim jackets are oversize ones. The only thing you probably shouldn’t wear it with is, like, jeans, but everything else is fair game. Because it’s a little distressed, I’d wear something slightly more modern underneath so your outfit doesn’t look like a costume, ja feel?
Images: Amazon; Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash
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Winter is coming, and I’m not just saying that because the temperature finally dipped below 78 degrees and I was forced to switch my iced Dunkin’ pumpkin latte order to a hot pumpkin latte order. With the end of 90+ degree days, rooftop season, and my general will to live, comes the beginning of the end cuffing season. For those of you who weren’t aware: cuffing season is the time of year when you must balance the desire to not shave your legs for the next 6-9 months with the desire to not die alone in your apartment with no one but your beloved dog to find your body. It’s tricky. But is winter like, actually a good time to meet people? Or am I shaving my legs for nothing? Well, as it turns out, if you want to digitally exchange small talk with a guy who thought showing his personality meant saying he likes The Office, then you’d be right! Winter is the best time to meet people… while online dating.
A recent survey conducted by Dating.com found that not only is there a rise in online dating use during the winter months, but that the chances of meeting an actual human being IRL drops by more than half during that same time period. This tracks, as the only person I like to converse with when the temperature drops below 50 degrees is the guy at Trader Joe’s checkout counter where I buy wine in bulk. And even then, I would really appreciate it if Marcus kept his opinions on bulk alcohol orders to himself, mmkay?
The survey also found that 67% of people were less likely to attend a social gathering during the winter versus the summer, and that there’s a noticeable 30% uptick overall in dating platform activity between November and February. Again, this tracks. But just because people are using online apps during the winter doesn’t actually mean they’re going on any dates or making any genuine connections, right? I mean, I once spent two months talking to a guy who thought seeking human connection meant asking for your Snapchat handle. Are you trying to tell me, Dating.com, that these are the types of people who will be swiping on me this winter? Just because more people are on apps during specific months doesn’t necessarily mean that your chances in finding a long-term partner will increase (if that’s what you’re looking for).
So, who are these people flooding dating apps during the winter, you ask? Well apparently they are me the loneliest of sad sacks! According to the data collected, 60% of surveyors said they turn to online dating as an effective and quick fix to their anxiety and/or sadness. I feel like exchanging endless small talk with strangers online can only do more harm to a person’s anxiety and depression, but then again I’m just a girl who considers watching eight hours of television in a single sitting “self-care”, so what do I really know?
But back to the sad sacks! It feels like the data from this survey is trying to tell me that, yes, more people are on dating apps, but this newfound dating pool is coming from a real place of laziness and desperation. Like, when the Seamless guy shows up before you’ve had a chance to put on pants so you just settle for wrapping yourself in a couch blanket and hoping he doesn’t notice, you know? And is anyone shocked by this information? Because I’m not. So, people are sad and lazy when it’s cold out? What other earth-shattering truths is this survey going to tell us next? That the sky is blue?
However, what did surprise me is that over 90% of those surveyed said they found someone online that they had a strong connection with. NINETY PERCENT. That’s like, almost everyone! Even the guy who said that Marvel movies and liking his dog are the way to his heart! I’m actually floored by this number. Not only are people on the apps but they’re—dare I say—connecting? Going on dates? Requesting to follow the other person on Instagram?! This feels like a real breakthrough. Tbh, I have not felt the odds were this much in my favor since Selena Gomez announced she was releasing new music. The stars are aligning, people.
So there you have it! According to science, winter is the best time of year to meet someone on a dating app, especially if that someone was driven to the app by pure loneliness and desperation. I guess we better start shaving our legs now, ladies!
Images: Shutterstock.com; Giphy (1); @sarafcarter /Instagram (1)
A few months ago, I came across an article from The Cut about the potential mental health benefits of infrared saunas. Even though I was in Los Angeles at the time, the sun was still setting at 4pm, and my mood levels had definitely been suffering for it. At that point, I’d tried exercising six times a week, meditating, and gratitude journaling to keep my Seasonal Affective Disorder at bay, and frankly, sweating it out in a sauna sounded like a way more appealing option. Once I was back in my beloved NYC, I promptly booked an appointment with HigherDOSE, an infrared sauna spa with locations all over NYC, New Jersey, and Connecticut. It’s also the preferred spot of celebs like Leonardo DiCaprio, Michelle Williams, and Bella Hadid, if you’re into that. Read on to find out the alleged benefits of infrared saunas, and what I thought after my 60-minute session.
What Do Infrared Saunas Do?
Simply put, infrared saunas claim to make you hotter in every way (obviously, pun intended). Not only does an hour of intense sweating knock off some water weight, but infrared heat may actually help boost your metabolism. According to Dr. Frank Lipman, who spoke to The Cut, just half an hour in an infrared sauna could help you burn up to 600 calories. (That’s like, one million squats or an hour on the treadmill. If this is what celebs have secretly been doing instead of working out, I will never feel okay again.)
For those of you less obsessed with losing weight (tell me your secrets), infrared saunas also have major skin benefits. Again per Dr. Lipman, infrared heat boosts circulation, blood flow, and collagen production, giving you an immediate post-sauna glow, as well as long-term benefits from regular use. Lipman, along with HigherDOSE’s co-founders, also hype up the detoxing capabilities of infrared saunas. Co-founder Lauren Berlingeri claims that infrared pulls “heavy metals, environmental pollutants, and radiation” from your system, and the instructional pamphlet inside the sauna room advised that some of your sweat may come out as black from all the toxins being released. (Sidenote: I’m still not sure that I believe “detoxing” is a real thing, but I really want it to be.) Other potential benefits include pain relief (from sore muscles to chronic headaches) and a boosted immune system.
Finally, the mental health benefits: a 2016 study showed that whole-body hyperthermia (whole body heating, specifically to 101.3º F, for the non-scientists among us), could have antidepressant effects lasting up to six weeks. Claims have been floating around for years that infrared heat can influence serotonin levels or release endorphins, but evidence is tenuous. The 2016 study, however, focuses on the “stress” aspect of sitting in a sauna—the extreme heat—and how these bursts of stress can better train your brain to deal with non-sauna stressors, like anxiety or depression. Again, no one’s claiming that this is rock-solid science, but these studies, along with the fact that everyone seems to feel f*cking amazing after leaving one of these saunas, was enough to make me desperate to try it for myself.
So, What’s An Infrared Sauna Like?
I visited the 11 Howard location of HigherDOSE, and was immediately thrilled by the spa-like room I entered. Each sauna room has a private bathroom (with a nicer shower than the one in my apartment), a Bluetooth speaker system, water, chilled eucalyptus towels, and of course, the sauna itself.
You’re given a chromotherapy menu, which tells you the different light therapy colors available to you, and the benefits of each type of light. It’s pretty intuitive (yellow and orange are more activating, blue is more relaxing), but given that I’m a type-A weirdo, I spent the first half hour cycling through all of them anyway. The first 20 minutes felt like sitting in a colorful, less-hot-than-normal sauna. I was warm, but I didn’t have that slowly-being-cooked feeling I get after about 10 minutes in a regular sauna. At the 20-25 minute mark, things got really satisfying, by which I mean sweat started pouring down my entire body. Again, in regular saunas, I’ll notice a drip here or there, then walk out and be surprised at how sweaty I actually am. In the infrared sauna, there was no doubt that I was coated in sweat, and steadily producing more.
I also have a pretty short tolerance for regular saunas; I’d say 20-30 minutes and I’m begging to leave. With the infrared sauna, I was happy to stay in there a full 50 minutes (I left 10 minutes to shower), and honestly could have stayed a bit longer. Promptly after showering, I noticed a few things. My skin was baby-soft, the dull full-body ache from yesterday’s boxing class was greatly improved, and while I didn’t suddenly feel an all-around calm or “mental high,” my anxiety was noticeably tamed. I know this because my face, which is highly sensitive to many things, including heat, got some crazy red blotches about ten minutes post-sauna. But the last time I’d gotten blotches like this, I locked myself in a bathroom for two hours, crying furiously and sending my dermatologist selfies. This time, I washed my face, said “f*ck it,” and moved on with my day. See? Anxiety calming.
I’m not including a description of my blotchy face to alarm you. Any discoloration was gone within the hour, and I trust that if you have skin like mine, you already know that heat is a trigger. But it was truly remarkable to look in the mirror at something that would have typically ruined my day and be able to let it go. In terms of a mental boost from the infrared sauna, I was expecting something like a runner’s high (which I’ve also never achieved, possibly because I’ve never run long enough to get there). But the mental boost I got instead was actually way more valuable to my life—for the next few hours, at least, I didn’t get derailed by minor sh*t. As far as superpowers go, I’ll take it.
So, the only real major con of infrared saunas? The price tag. HigherDOSE sessions cost $45 and up for solo sessions, or $30 and up if you go with two people. As a one-time expense, it’s not bad, but given that many of the benefits are unlocked by regular use, I wish the experience were slightly more accessible. Given my experience, I’d love to go more often, but until my wellness influencer career really takes off, I’ll likely have to limit it to a once-monthly treat.
Images: Keziban Barry; @higherdose (2), @busyphilipps / Instagram;
Now that winter is in full swing, my skin has officially lost all its moisture. There are only so many face masks I can do. But putting makeup on top of cracked and flakey skin can be a disaster. Typically, liquid and cream products are your go-to in the winter. Save the powders for the warmer weather. After starting with a hella good moisturizer (see here), use these moisturizing makeup products to stay hydrated af all day and beat the winter dryness.
1. First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer
First Aid Beauty is a fab brand if your skin is sensitive, and the brand is not ridiculously overpriced. This primer and moisturizer is a two-in-one (hello, lazy gals) so you moisturize and prep your dry skin at the same time to ensure your makeup lasts and doesn’t get crusty. But if your skin is super dry, I’d suggest still moisturizing beforehand. Double the moisture, double the hydrating—I can hear the glowing angels singing now.
2. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
I don’t think there is anything worse than having a super dry under eye area. It’s not a cute look on anyone (not even you, Beyoncé… sorry). But this concealer is my holy grail. I have probably gone through a dozen of them and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. No matter how dry my under eyes are, this concealer never gets cakey or cracks. It lasts for ages and can be layered to build the coverage. 
3. Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Color Matte
Another moisturizing makeup product I am so obsessed with. I bought it over the summer and I have been using it ever since. This cream blush is super hydrating so my cheeks never get dry from the winter winds. It also has great staying power. I use the color Naughty n’ Spice, but there are three other colors to choose from. What’s amazing is I can use it as blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick if I’m going for that monotone look (or just super lazy). Nudestix, if you’re reading, please come out with more colors. Thanks!
4. Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base
I have yet to find a cream bronzer as amazing as this one. I know it’s pricey, but it does last a long time. But if you know of a dupe, hit me up in the comments. It gives you a natural sun-kissed glow even in the dark depths of the winter. The only issue? It comes in one shade. Although it claims to be a universal color, that’s impossible. Chanel, it’s 2019, you can do better.
5. Burt’s Bees Satin Lipstick
This amazing lipstick is incredibly moisturizing, and claims to keep you hydrated for 8 hours. It contains beeswax, moringa oil, raspberry seed oil, and vitamin E. It is all natural, long-lasting, and has amazing color payoff. My fav color is Doused Rose—it’s the perfect your-lips-but-better shade, but there are 17 others to choose from to fit every occasion.
6. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
Pricey, I know, but in this case, it’s well worth it. This beauty cult favorite is a suuuuuuuuper moisturizing facial mist to end your beauty routine. Say goodbye to dry and powdery makeup! If your skin is feeling super parched (and your wallet is feeling super full), spray this bad boy on before and after your makeup routine and your skin will be so glowy and hydrated you won’t know what to do with yourself.
Images: Banter Snaps / Unsplash; Sephora (4); Nordstrom; Burt’s Bees
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Most people may only associate frizzy hair with the hot, summer weather. But the winter also dries everything out, including your hair. Here are the best hair products to use this winter, because they work to eliminate the frizz and increasing the moisture. That’s something we all need in our lives. Use one of these, and avoid repeating Monica’s hair in Barbados. Yikes.
1. Pantene Moisture Renewal Deep Conditioner
In just three minutes (aka the time it takes you to shave your legs), this hair mask will transform your hair and give it some much-needed moisture. If your hair is extra damaged, use this as your regular conditioner. At a drugstore price, how can you go wrong?
2. Moroccanoil Treatment
This product is amazing for all types of hair. I know, I know. Putting oil in your hair seems rather strange but trust, it works miracles, and is truly one of the best hair products for dry and frizzy hair. Infused with argan oil, this product will speed up your hair’s drying time, reduce frizz, and add moisture. Although it’s more expensive than drugstore products ($44 for 100ml), a little goes a loooong way, so this bottle will last a while.
3. L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System Moisture
Along with the cold weather, coloring your hair and using shampoo and conditioners with sulfates can seriously dehydrate your locks. Opt for a shampoo and conditioner combo without sulfates to rehydrate your hair to eliminate the frizz. You might not have quite as many options in the shampoo aisle, but it’ll be worth it in the end.
4. Kérastase Elixir Ultimate Oil Serum
This one may be a little more bougie, but it is totally worth the higher price tag. $57 for a 100ml bottle may seem pricey, but this stuff is truly worth the big bucks. This oil-based serum combines maize, procaxi, argan, and camellia oils to deeply nourish your hair to protect against further damage and fight frizz.
5. DevaCurl Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam
This product will give you soft, touchable curls with loads of volume and zero frizz. At a great price, only $26 for a 222ml bottle, this one is a must-try. It is paraben- and sulfate-free and isn’t tested on animals. Anything else you could ask for in a product?
Images: Giphy; Pantene; Sephora (3); Amazon
Ah, scented candles, my go-to hack for so many things. Need to make your apartment seem like it has an “aesthetic,” but get a panic attack at the idea of actually hanging some art, or (shudder) buying new furniture? Candles can fix that. Trying to relax with a bath bomb, but struggling with your bathroom’s flickering prison lighting and the smell of your roommate’s takeout? Candles can fix that too! Chic candles are an essential (AKA effortless) hack for transforming the ambience of pretty much any situation. And since you’ll likely only leave your apartment three or four times until summer comes back to us, there’s no better time to stock up on your fave scented candles. Here are some chic scented candles guaranteed to elevate your hibernation den apartment this winter.
Paddywax
Paddywax makes my favorite scented candle in the world, which is the Salt + Sage candle from their Modern collection. (Close second is Verbena Lemongrass.) It smells like the ocean (without all the gross stuff), and burning anything with sage in it makes me feel spiritually cleansed. Their candles come in four different looks: modern, neutral, earthy, and traditional. So all aesthetic candle needs from old-timey apothecary to modern glam are covered.
Haus Interior
My biggest pet peeve with scented candles is when they smell fake AF and overly sweet (looking at you, Yankee Candle—each and every one of your products smells like it will give me diabetes). That’s not a problem you’ll ever have with Haus candles, where even the most floral or citrusy scents all smell 100% authentic. I’m a huge fan of the Dream Haus candle, which is scented with lavender and thyme, makes my living room smell like a chateau in the south of France, if you’re into that sort of thing. These also make killer housewarming gifts.
Rue de Marli No. 27
This isn’t so much a candle brand as it is one candle, but it’s a f*cking great candle so I’m including it anyway. Scented with pine, cypress, and red sandalwood, this candle manages to be woodsy, heady, and clean all at once. Within five minutes of lighting one of these, I genuinely feel like my life is more together, and also a tiny bit like Serena Van der Woodsen. It doesn’t hurt that they’re cute AF in a way that can only be described as Parisian-chic. Consider it the classy alternative to that heinous “chat noir” poster you proudly hung in your freshman dorm.
Diptyque
Sadly, no list of chic scented candle brands would be complete without mentioning Diptyque, the Cadillac of scented candles. I say “unfortunately,” because these candles cost more than I care to spend on decorative items, particularly items that I literally take home and set on fire. But exorbitant price aside, they’re known as the best for a reason. These candles make you feel like you’re strolling through Bergdorf’s figuring out which diamond earrings go best with your new clutch. In other words, they scream luxury. That being said, they also scream “I spent $75 on a candle,” which—if your financial situation is anything like mine—is more or less a cry for help. Interpret as you wish!
Betches Get Lit
All right y’all, you knew this was coming. I am an unabashed fan of Betches merchandise (the tees are the perfect crop and the beanies make my knees weak, fight me). If you’re looking for a candle that both elevates the look of your apartment and lets people know that you’re f*cking hilarious, this is the only candle brand for you. If you’re into scented candles but wary of brands that smell like an herb garden exploded or otherwise overly perfume-y, these candles are a good pick for that too. These candles are grapefruit and apple pie-scented (one or the other, not both—ew), and they smell like the real thing: sweet, straightforward, and honestly kind of yummy. 
I hope your January is filled with long nights of Netflix, Seamless, and feeling like a f*cking queen as you bask in the glow of these candles. Working toward a luxurious lifestyle is hard; buying chic scented candles and faking it is not. Up to you!
Images: Shutterstock; Paddywax; Pinterest; Lily Charleston; Diptyque; Betches
It’s officially winter. And with winter comes the joys of cracked skin and chapped lips. Hot. Sometimes, no amount of moisturizer can help. Lucky for you, there are tons of products on the market, specifically face masks, that claim they will miraculously heal your skin and actually hydrate it. Some are bullsh*t, but others actually work. Here are the best hydrating face masks your skin will thank you for using. Treat your skin to that tall glass of water it’s begging for.
1. Olay Luminous Overnight Facial Mask Gel Moisturizer
I’m obsessed with this mask. I have oily, acne-prone skin, but in the winter I get some dry patches (which is just the perfect combination). At night, I slather a layer of this rich goodness on before bed and leave it on while I sleep. I wake up with the smoothest skin and ZERO dry patches. It’s incredible.
2. GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment
Anything this brand comes out with, I’m down for. With its *generous* price tag, it better be good right? It claims that “it moisturizes, restores, replenishes, and calms the skin.” Yes. Please. You can leave this mask on for 10 to 20 minutes during the day or apply it as a sleep mask before bed.
3. Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask – Glow-Boosting
For only $2.99, this one is a steal. Garnier is a v reputable and affordable brand, earning it a spot on this list. These single-use sheet masks are amazing. This one claims that it “deeply hydrates, illuminates and enhances skin’s radiance.” These masks also come in a Soothing formula, Hydrating formula, Mattifying formula, and Anti-Fatigue. Legit one for everyone.
4. Fresh Rose Face Mask
This mask doesn’t just moisturize, but it also reduces redness. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse it off to reveal glowy skin. It contains rosewater, aloe vera, and cucumber. All amazing ingredients to hydrate and even out your skin tone. If you have dry, oily, normal, or combination skin, it’ll work for you.
5. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask to Quench Skin’s Thirst
If you don’t like the smell of apricots, then stay away. But if you’re cool with that, then this mask will change your life. It is incredible. Another overnight mask, I know, but it’s basically multitasking—hydrating and sleeping simultaneously. This mask also contains avocado, so you know you’re gonna love it.
Images: Giphy (1); Olay; Sephora (2); Garnier; Origins
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