We are on the verge of spring cleaning season, so I thought it was about time to do a beauty clear out. I've been holding onto products from high school and old red lipsticks that I just will never wear, but fantasize about some sort of grand event I might need to wear it to. We can dream, right?
I really haven't been wearing makeup this year, but you might notice that my hair care collection has definitely expanded since the beginning of quarantine. I thought I would pile together some of my favorite products that have gotten me through the beginning of this year—out with the old and in with the new! It's about time for me to switch things up and give my look a refresh as things start to brighten up.
For the hair...
Speaking of a refresh, I have been loving giving myself blown out waves and curls recently, so using the Verb Ghost Dry Oil has maintained the style and body throughout the day. It gives you a beautiful, silky blowout without frizz and the perfect amount of conditioning.
If that isn't enough, I've been loving Living Proof products. Especially, the Living Proof No-Frizz Instant Defrizzer which has also been really good for dry wintery ends and also provides UV protection which is great for the summertime. Occasionally, I need to give my hair an extra conditioning boost, so I'll use the Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray to save the damaged strands and brush through my hair smoothly after I shower. I have combo straight and wavy hair, so sometimes it can be nice to have a 2 in 1 detangling spray when I need it.
For the Face...
Okay, I admit, I gave into Tik Tok's trending L'Oreal Infallible Foundation in a Powder. I kid you not, this is one of the best full coverage powders. I've been through all the matte BB's and translucent powders, but this does not cake, it does not sit into fine lines, but smooths, blurs, and feels like the most weightless powder I've ever used. If that description doesn't sell you, watch the Tik Toks.
I have always been interested in trying things from Charlotte Tilbury, so when I received this sample from my last Sephora purchase I was excited to have a go at it. I rarely wear liquid foundation, but if anything is marketed as "airbrushed"—I'm all in. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation will become your best friend. If you're feeling like death before Zoom, this foundation will revive you. Pores are magically gone, it stays all day (even if you're just sitting on your couch), and has a natural matte finish so no shifting on your face. We don't want that!
These were just some of my favorite beauty finds from this month, and I'm excited to really get some use out of these products even if I'm just going to the grocery store! What have been your beauty faves this month?
Restful sleep. What a concept.
The boundaries between home life and work life couldn't be more blurred. It doesn't help that the sun goes down at 5 o'clock or that there's not much else to do when it's negative zero outside after a long day of Zoom meetings. I have always been good about my sleep, or else I'll have to suffer the next day and no one wants a grumpy Natalie. As a college student, I've also realized that I have way more energy and motivation to do things at night, but I fall the brunt of not giving myself the time to wind down, decompress, and fully relax.
With everything going on in the world, I have revalued my need for a restful sleep, coming to terms with those thought clouds, and maintaining a routine that actually works and allows me to wake up fully rested and ready to get on with whatever the day may bring. I would consider myself as someone who wants to make the most of my days. If I sleep in too long, I'll feel unproductive, guilty, and like I can't get into the rhythm of whatever I need to accomplish. However, I also know that I need to allow myself to rest when I really need it. Establishing these boundaries, especially for sleep, is something that a good friend taught me—I think we can all adapt healthier and more mindful ways to get some more hours to snooze.
Before Bed...
I've shared some of my past bedtime routines and they usually consist of doing the normal humanly tasks: brushing my teeth, getting on comfy clothes, putting on some yummy lotion, maybe making some tea, doing a face mask etc. I try to make sure I allow myself some time to just prep for a good night's sleep. Refilling my water, playing some lo-fi tunes, and grabbing as many extra blankets I have on hand is always a bedtime necessity. Sleep is such a normal thing, so why should it be so hard to do sometimes?
Well, as someone who has struggled with mental health blips and anxiety, I find that dealing with the never-ending cycle of flurrying thoughts in my mind can be put to rest if I focus on my breathing and remember that I have no time to waste on dwelling on what I can and can't control. The mediation app, Headspace, has really helped me focus on my breathing, putting the traffic of my thoughts in front of me, and watching them drive by until I am sound asleep. I've even fallen asleep during a guided meditation, so I can whole heartedly say that this app is worth it.
Sometimes when my bedtime routine needs some reinforcements, I like to read myself to sleep. So, instead of staring at Tik Tok before bed and having the blue light over stimulate my mind, I've been really into reading lately just to get my head ready for bed. I've also heard a lot about the Olly Sleep Gummies which are naturally-derived melatonin supplements and they have really made a difference in allowing me to get to sleep quicker and wake up refreshed, too.
If catching some Z's is hard for you, I get it. This past year has altered all of our normal routines, so I would highly recommend creating boundaries for yourself before bedtime. Allot a couple of hours to decompress, do some self care, and remember that sleep is a necessary thing for us to live and function at our fullest potential. I know a lot of people who LOVE sleep, and I have to give it to them, a warm and cozy bed can cure anything. What's your bedtime routine like and how has it changed?
A Never Ending Story...
Like thousands of millions of people, finding a job during the middle of a pandemic is stressful to say the least. I feel for many people who have lost their jobs, been furloughed, and who have to now adapt to working remotely. This process is never a light undertaking and in fact, as a college senior, I have been more overwhelmed trying to navigate career options.
As internship applications and entry level job opportunities roll out come spring, I have been making the most of the hyper-virtual landscape we're living in to best optimize the job search. In all honesty, I have no idea exactly what I want to do, but I have a few ideas of where I want to start. As a major in public relations and advertising, most entry level jobs are on the Assistant Account Executive level in a lot of mid-size and large PR agencies.
With Chicago being the epicenter of public relations agencies and communication firms, there are a lot to choose from. I'm lucky enough to have been able to facilitate close relations with employees through PRSSA, which has allowed me to develop a close-knit network and get to know some of the HR recruiters pretty well. At this point, I am weighing all options and with an open mind. I realize, though, that not many people have those resources, so here are a few things I've been doing to get my career options on track that I've found to alleviate the stress and pressure in finding job opportunities fully remote.
Sprucing Up my Resume
One of the easiest things you can do that will make you stand out to recruiters is updating your resume and work experience on a document that is cohesive and easy to read. There are a lot of companies that can provide resume reviews and even your college's career center can be a big help with them. I think color and a unique font that is readable and sophisticated is a great way to stand out as recruiters go through hundreds of them a day.
I was thinking of doing a blog post solely on creating a great resume, so stay tuned! It's always important to start compiling your past work and education experiences so that you can develop a sense of what transferable skills you've learned and how you can elevate your experiences to cater to a position you might apply for in the future.
Maintaining Relations Within my Network
One of the best ways you can stay connected is through LinkedIn. There's also Handshake and the new app, Clubhouse, where you can stay up to date on all things in your desired industry. You can connect with people who work at places you dream of working at, start a conversation with an intern to get a feel for the work they do, or share your portfolio with prospective recruiters, too!
I always try to follow up with people I've met at professional development events, conferences, or who I worked with in previous roles to maintain those relations and perhaps increase my chances of finding an opportunity through those connections, as well. While it's great to build your professional connections, you treat these people as friends, mentors, and guides. You're able to display your authentic self and make your personal brand known.
Creating Informal Coffee Chats
Something I did that extremely helped with keeping in touch was setting up virtual coffee chats with every entry level employee, strategic planner, AAE, and recruiter I have met (or have not met) to get a feel for what has changed within the industry, how the company is adapting to the new landscape, and what future opportunities or roles might become available in the future. Not only are you getting to share more about you and your experiences, recruiters and fellow employees can put a face to the resume when applying comes around. It will be one of the most important ways to let recruiters know you're dedicated because you actively reached out and pitched yourself to people you don't even know.
If you do even just these three things, I am confident you will find opportunities come your way. If there's anything I've learned the most throughout my public relations career so far, it's that developing a network is so important and crucial to building a career in a field that requires you to be a go-getter. I am ready to take on any job at full force, wherever it may lead me.
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