7 Cute Totes to Complete Your Back-to-School Wardrobe

It’s back-to-school season! With summer bidding goodbye and fall coming through, there is a need for a wardrobe upgrade. Aside from stocking on some sweaters, boots, and cardigans, you also need a stylish, durable bag to elevate your outfit. Whether you’re a student, professional or simply someone who appreciates the timeless appeal of tote bags, check out these seven options to complete your wardrobe. Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote Classic tote bags will never go out of style. The Longchamp Le Pliage tote is versatile and ideal for school, the gym and weekend cafe hangouts. Some of the most coveted details include embossed leather trim, a zipper with a snap tab and high-quality nylon fabric. The double top handles are long enough to hold by your hand or sling over your shoulder. It’s durable and water-resistant, ensuring you’re getting the best return on your investment for years.  Get it on Amazon for $118.68 Lands' End Zip Top Canvas Tote Bag This tote bag is made from premium cotton and boasts a minimalist design. It is ideal for hauling gym clothes, a laptop and school supplies. This zip-top bag is spacious and well-constructed to let it stand independently. It can load up to 500 pounds of content, making it excellent for students with a lot on their bags.  The best part about this tote bag is its multiple pockets for stashing small items, such as your phone, earphones and lip balm. Its simple design makes it perfect for almost any casual outfit.  Get it on Amazon for $37.46 Madewell Women's The Transport Tote Looking for a stylish, sleek and durable tote bag? With Madewell’s Transport tote, you can never go wrong. This chic bag is made of pebbled leather, creating a rugged look that matches any fashion aesthetic. It has plenty of room for your laptop, books, phone and jacket without looking bulky because the bag is perfectly structured. One of the cons is that it scratches easily. It won’t be an issue if you like patina.  Get it on Amazon for $178 Puffer Tote Bag A durable tote bag doesn’t have to be expensive — take this puffer bag as an example. This large bag is spacious enough to hold your school essentials. It has pockets inside so you don’t have to dig through your stuff to look for a small essential. The zipper closure design has an interior zippered pocket for cards, money, phones and other small items.  This puffer tote bag also features a comfortable shoulder strap. It’s padded with cotton to reduce shoulder pain associated with carrying heavy bags. Aside from school, you can use this bag for shopping, traveling and going to the gym. Get it on Amazon for $35.95 BAGGU Horizontal Zip Duck Bag The Baggu Horizontal Zip Duck Bag is a chic canvas bag you could sling on your shoulder or wear across your body. The casual appeal of this tote bag is ideal for you if you’re into casual fits for most days. Its simplicity and functionality make it one of the most versatile bags on this list. It also features top handles — perfect for handling when you don’t feel like wearing the bag.  It fits a 15-inch Macbook and a few books inside. Baggu uses recycled cotton canvas, making it an eco-friendly choice. There’s one pocket inside to hold your small items. It does more than you expect for its affordable price. Get it on Amazon for $42 Tory Burch Women's Perry Triple Compartment Tote If you want to splurge on a luxurious tote that’ll last you for years, consider buying the Tory Burch triple-compartment tote. This bag is ideal if compartments are a big deal for you. The best thing about this elevated Tory Burch classic is that it’s ideal for school, office, traveling and date nights — it can elevate your style, no matter the occasion. There’s a reason why many people can’t stop raving about this bag — it’s lightweight and comes with long shoulder straps for that classic appeal. his will be the only bag you’ll ever need once you have it.  This horizontal tote bag comes in various colors. However, if you’re looking for something that best goes well with any fashion aesthetic, the black and light umber are excellent options. Opt for red for a fun pop of color. Get it on Amazon for $398 Carhartt Horizontal Zip Tote Bag Carhartt’s tote bag is where utilitarian meets style. It’s made of denier polyester, providing durability and water-repellent benefits. This classic tote is ideal for students who like the appeal of classic, structured totes with compartments. It has three organizational panel pockets and two exterior pockets to easily grab your essentials conveniently. Its functionality, style, timeless appeal and Carhartt’s reputation make it well worth the money. Get it on Amazon for $44.98 What Are the Advantages of Using Tote Bags at School? What makes tote bags a must-have among bag options in the market? Here’s why they’re a great pair for your back-to-school wardrobe and an essential for a modern gal’s school items. Stylish Many tote bags have adorable designs, allowing you to express your personality or mood for the day. Compared to wearing a single backpack daily, tote bags allow you to express yourself differently every day. Sustainable Some companies create reusable tote bags that help save the planet. On weekends, you can use your tote when grocery shopping to reduce your plastic bag usage.  When you support eco-friendly brands, you help ensure a greener planet for future generations. Look for tote bags made from recycled or natural materials.  Durable Tote bags — especially those produced by reputable companies — are more tear-resistant and resilient than bags made of purely synthetic materials. Totes can handle more items and stick around longer, which can help you save money in the long run. Look for items made from cotton or jute, a sustainable material that grows to maturity quickly, like hemp and bamboo. Shop for the Best Tote Bag Choosing the perfect tote bag for back-to-school doesn’t have to be challenging. With this list, it’s now easier to assess which bag best fits your style and needs. Happy shopping! Did you find this guide helpful? Feel free to share it on your socials!

After a long day at the office, dealing with a broken-down car, paying bills and handling stressful family members, you could use some rest and relaxation. Jotting down items on a self-care shopping list ensures you have what you need at a moment's notice. Here's why you should practice self-care and things you should keep on hand. Why Should You Practice Self-Care? Self-care is much like refueling your car — you need it when life wears you down, from responsibilities to poor health and a negative mindset. People who practice self-care reduce their anxiety and stress, boost their mood and self-esteem, and are more productive. They also tend to have improved physical health, stronger relationships and better boundaries. But what is self-care? Researchers define it as caring for oneself through awareness, emotional regulation, and self-sufficiency to maintain optimal well-being. It's an investment in yourself, allowing you to identify your limitations and prioritize your needs for greater happiness and fulfillment.  10 Items to Add to Your Self-Care Shopping List Creating a routine for personal safety, health and mental well-being is critical. Fortunately, you can use several tools and resources to help you develop the ultimate daily regimen. When making your self-care shopping list, be sure to add these 10 essential items.  1. InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser The InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser should be at the top of your self-care shopping list. It's the ultimate way to breathe and relax after a stressful day. Use it in your bedroom, home office or bathroom for hours of zen.  This diffuser has two mist settings — continuous misting for three to four hours or intermittent misting for six to eight hours. It also has a seven-color LED system, allowing you to create the perfect ambience for your mood. 2. PURA D'OR Organic Perfect10 Essential Oils Set Of course, if you use a diffuser, you'll need quality essential oils. The PURA D'OR essential oil set is 100% organic and includes 10 popular scents, including lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, sweet orange and lemon.  3. Feather & Down Sweet Dream Pillow Spray Fall asleep faster with the Feather & Down Sweet Dream Pillow Spray — a lavender and chamomile aromatherapy blend to calm you after your most stressful days. According to the company, 83% of people who use the spray fall asleep faster than those who don't. Just a few squirts on your pillow are all you need for a restful night.  4. Yogi Green Super Antioxidant Tea Nourish your body with Yogi Tea's Green Super Antioxidant Tea, formulated to support your health and help remove free radicals — a perfect addition to your daily self-care practice. Experts suggest brewing it for six to eight minutes for the most antioxidants. However, steeping it for longer increases caffeine by 29%, so avoid drinking it before bed.  Also, you could use a special mug for your tea break, like YouNique Design's Daily Affirmation Mug. This mug has all the feel-good affirmations you need to get through the day — the perfect self-care companion. 5. Healov Turmeric Skin Care Set Turmeric helps brighten the skin, beat inflammation and reduce circles, acne and itchiness in skin care products, which is why Healov's Turmeric Skin Care Set should be on your self-care shopping list. Safe for all skin types, the set comes with turmeric face wash, body scrub, face serum and moisturizer — everything you need to build your skin care routine at home. 6. New Miuz Cleansing Sage Moon Milk Bath Soak Are you looking to enhance your bathtub soaks? The New Miuz Cleansing Sage Moon Milk Bath product is ideal, leaving you with tranquility and silky smooth skin. This product is infused with sage, lavender, chamomile and Himalayan salt for the perfect aura cleanse. Even better, reviews have mentioned the ease of cleaning up since it dissolves completely in warm water. 7. PAVILIA Premium Women's Plush Robe  After a relaxing bath, you'll want something cozy to step into, such as a fluffy robe. The PAVILIA Premium Women's Plush Robe comes in 14 colors and has two side pockets for the essentials. The teddy sherpa material is ultra-soft on your skin and lightweight. It's also long, reaching just above your ankles, and has a waist strap that can be adjusted to fit. 8. My Mental Breakdown Coloring Book for Adults Who said coloring was only for kids? Adult coloring books have become popular as a mindfulness and relaxation self-care tool. This 67-page "mental breakdown" coloring book includes silly images and funny affirmations to make you laugh and boost your mood. For example, pages include things like "screaming is self-care" and "maybe swearing will help." 9. L'AGRATY Chunky Knit Blanket Throw L'AGRATY's Chunky Knit Blanket Throw is an essential cuddle item in your self-care ritual. It is made using a high-quality Chenille yard for ultimate comfort and softness, much like a warm hug. It is also durable and does not shed or pill easily, even when you throw it in the washing machine. However, you should probably put it in a mesh bag and air dry or tumble dry to maintain quality.  There are 12 colors to choose from in various sizes — ideal for curling up on the couch with a good book or giving yourself extra warmth at bedtime.   10. Switch Research Emotions Self-Care Journal The Switch Research Emotions Self-Care Journal is not your typical journal for self-care. It is backed by psychology research on emotional regulation and includes techniques proved to work for rebuilding emotional health and relationships with yourself and others. Customers find this journal easy to use, with attractive illustrations and tools to make journaling more exciting. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques also help you discover self-sabotaging habits and patterns and find a path to overcoming them. Features include 167 pages of CBT-inspired prompts, a weekly focus for staying on track and plenty of room for writing. You also get access to Switch Research's private Facebook group to connect with other journalers, receive tips and share your thoughts. Embrace Self-Care With the Essentials Creating a self-care toolbox is the best way to embrace self-care. After all, you deserve to put yourself first to feel mentally and physically strong. Make a self-care shopping list of everything you need to adopt the ultimate routine for well-being.

Indulging yourself with an at-home spa day need not be expensive. Kick off your renewal process with the right hair masks for damaged hair.  The most effective hair masks for damaged hair penetrate more deeply, repairing shafts by providing nutrients and restoring luster, shine and body. Here are nine gentle, nourishing brands to try.  1. First Botany  This hair mask for damaged hair relies on rosemary, which one study shows to promote hair growth in mice. Its antimicrobial actions combine with castor oil detox your scalp while leaving strands silky smooth. Rinse it out or leave it in for added protection.  $14.95 at Amazon. 2. Sauce The secrets in this sauce are honey, avocado and argan oils, which blend like butter magic for frizzy, damaged hair. It’s especially nourishing for split ends. It’s free of parabens, sulfates and alcohol.  $12.99 at Amazon. 3. Ouai Almond and olive oil combine with keratin to restore damaged hair. Keratin is a protein that strengthens hair, and this thick, creamy formula leaves even the most tangle-prone hair easy to comb. It also contains shea butter and macadamia oil for added moisture.  $38.00 at Amazon. 4. Hair Chemist  If you straighten or perm your hair, this formula is for you. It features 100% natural Jamaican black castor oil for deeply penetrating strands. It stimulates hair growth and protects against breakage from frequent styling.  $9.95 at Amazon. 5. ecoLove  ecoLove prides itself on being vegan and cruelty-free. This mask contains lavender oil to address the fungus that can cause dandruff and grape and blueberry extracts to smooth dry hair. Their products are free of SLS, parabens and petrochemicals and come from 95% nature-derived ingredients. $15.81 at Amazon. 6. Eva  Eva comes infused with argan oil and keratin to strengthen and thicken your hair. Argan oil is a favorite for all hair types as it absorbs quickly and won’t leave a residue. This formula is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic fragrances. $19.00 at Amazon. 7. Kerastase This vegan formula contains hyaluronic acid, a substance that your body produces less of as you age. Restore your levels with this restorative hair mask for damaged hair. It also nurtures your scalp.  $75.00 at Amazon. 8. Maria Nila  Maria Nila harvests the healing power of nature by using algae in this hair mask for damaged hair. The protein contained within this sea veggie builds up damaged hair after bleaching and also protects heat-styled locks. It also contains olive fruit oil for an antioxidant boost.  $35.50 at Amazon. 9. Earth Vibes  Earth Vibes blends three oils — argan, jojoba and coconut — to strengthen and condition your strands. It repairs split ends and locks in moisture. It’s perfect for all hair types, including damaged, color-treated locks.  $11.95 at Amazon. 10. Arvazallia  Arvazallia hair mask for damaged hair features an argan oil infusion to leave your strands silky without weighing them down. It is sulfate and paraben-free. Buying from this brand supports a small business.  $12.95 at Amazon Hair Masks for Damaged Hair  The right hair mask for damaged hair is the perfect way to indulge in self-care. Try one of these brands for your healthiest ‘do yet. 

Your choice of deodorant depends on things like how much you sweat and what your budget looks like. Don’t leave your next restock purchase up to chance at the grocery store. Check out some of the best deodorants for women that are budget-friendly and easy to schedule on an auto-ship schedule. 1. Degree Advanced Protection Deodorant Feeling sweaty and smelling bad while you’re running errands is the worst. Women can also experience excessive sweating due to menopause or hyperthyroidism, depending on their hormone production. Degree’s Advanced Protection deodorant controls odor and makes you feel clean for 72 hours. It even features heat-activated ingredients that release subtle floral and fruity fragrances every time you move. $4.80 from Amazon 2. Secret Whole Body Spray Deodorant for Women Your armpits might not be the only places where you sweat. Beads of perspiration can also build under your bra and between your shoulder blades. You don’t have to worry about those extra places making you smell bad, especially if you exercise most days to improve your conception possibilities or manage a health condition. Secret makes a fresh lilac and waterlily spray that gives you 24/7 freshness for up to three days. Spray it anywhere you sweat for maximum comfort in your own skin. $12.97 from Amazon 3. Lady Speed Stick Invisible Dry Antiperspirant 4-Pack Lady Speed Stick has an invisible deodorant that ensures you don’t have to worry about white streaks around your sleeveless shirt armholes. The simple applicator sticks make you smell fresh without ruining your clothes. It’s also perfect for those moments when you’re in one of the 26 hot yoga positions and suddenly worry about people seeing deodorant clumps in your armpits. Don’t miss out on one of the most trusted brands while comparing the best deodorant for women. $11.99 from Amazon 4. Native Naturally Derived Ingredient Deodorant Whether you’re sweating more often due to a high-stress job or because seasonal yard work is back, you don’t have to compromise your chemical-free lifestyle to avoid smelling bad. Native makes a coconut and vanilla deodorant free of phthalates, aluminum and parabens. The brand also makes it without testing on animals, so it’s perfect for anyone who opts for cruelty-free products. $11.67 from Amazon 5. Dove VitaminCare+ Deodorant Stick Excessive sweating doesn’t just create a foul odor. It also depletes your body’s vitamins by expelling them through your sweat glands. The best deodorant for women solves this issue without compromising its odor-controlling properties. Replenish your body while smelling like a dream by trying Dove’s VitaminCare+ deodorant. It combines raspberry and rose oils with vitamin B3 and moisturizers. Your skin cells will thank you for the revitalization while you get to enjoy never smelling sweaty. $8.99 from Amazon Treat Yourself to the Best Deodorant for Women Once you’ve tried some of the best deodorant for women, you’ll never make a last-minute restock purchase without knowing what works best for your body. Consider how often you sweat, where you battle perspiration most and if your sweat creates strong odors to pick a deodorant that solves your perspiration problems.

Everyone wants pearly white teeth. After all, your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. A radiant smile is essential for making a great first impression and boosting confidence. Unfortunately, whitening dental treatments can be costly. The good news is you can achieve your dream smile at home. Here are the five best teeth whitening kits to try out at home. Auraglow Teeth Whitening Kit Say goodbye to annoying wires. This teeth whitening kit from Auraglow has what it takes to help you achieve pearly whites anytime and anywhere. For only $48, this tray-based tool contains 35% carbamide peroxide gel for twenty 30-minute sessions. The brand claims to have the ingredients to remove coffee, wine and tea stains. The kit has a teeth whitening light, charging cable and storage case. Crest 3D White Brilliance 2-Step Kit This simple kit is a solid option if you’re just starting your teeth-whitening journey. For less than $15, you get a product for deep cleansing and another for whitening. It’s also not as time-consuming as other elaborate treatments, making it ideal if you live a busy lifestyle but still want to achieve a radiant smile. Active ingredients include sodium hydroxide, glycerin and carbomer.  REMBRANDT Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit Finding the ideal teeth whitening kit can be more challenging if you have sensitive teeth. This happens when your tooth enamel is worn out or a tooth rots. Some symptoms include short, sharp tooth pains when consuming something cold. REMBRANDT’s teeth whitening kit comes with 25 strips, enough to provide 14 whitening sessions in a week. Simply peel, shape, wait and repeat the process for seven days to achieve your desired whiteness. For best results, use twice daily for 30 minutes each session. Remember to brush your teeth thoroughly before using the product. Consider using an electric toothbrush to remove plaque buildup, reducing your risk of cavities. One study revealed that this device can decrease the risk of gingivitis by 11%. Snow DiamondSeries™ Wireless Kit Snow DiamondSeries’ LED whitening kit comes with three diamond serum wands, a shade guide and a wireless mouthpiece that’s very easy to use. It’s reminiscent of professional dental treatments. For $119, you can have a noticeably radiant smile in just nine minutes a day. You must brush your teeth, apply the pre-filled wands, and wear the LED mouthpiece anytime and anywhere. Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen Colgate’s whitening pen conveniently works while you sleep. The built-in brush dispenses hydrogen peroxide, allowing you to target the surface of each tooth. It’s non-irritating, doesn’t cause tooth sensitivity and is acclaimed for its visible results. If you have oral issues, consult your dentist first. Hydrogen peroxide might be too harsh for your enamel and damage your teeth’s outer layer if used incorrectly. Achieve A Sparkling Smile Your dream smile is just within reach. These whitening kits help you get one step closer to a sparkling smile. Remember to consult your dentist if you have oral issues, such as teeth sensitivity or discomfort.

If you struggle with acne, know that you’re not alone. This skin condition impacts 50 million Americans across the country. It’s often difficult to find adequate, affordable solutions – especially when today’s skincare products can cost an arm and a leg.  Fortunately, most drugstores offer inexpensive brands that exfoliate, soothe and moisturize. You don’t need to shell out hundreds for clear and balanced skin. The best over-the-counter face wash for acne might be just a short walk away from your home. Here are some of the most effective over-the-counter face washes for oily, acne-prone skin. 1. CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser This pick from CeraVe has been a favorite among enthusiasts for years when it comes to powerful cleansers. In fact, it may be the best over-the-counter face wash for acne. It’s a gentle but efficient cleanser that targets pimples with salicylic acid. This ingredient buffs away dirt and sebum that clogs pores. The result – fewer blackheads and whiteheads. Like with many skin care products, it’s important not to overdo it. Thankfully, this face wash uses simple additions like hyaluronic acid for extra moisture and niacinamide to limit oil production. It’s also fragrance- and alcohol-free. Get on Amazon 2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash With properties like glycerin and niacinamide, this cleanser from La Roche-Posay provides a standard daily solution for oily skin. If you experience acne, it’s smart to use a product that foams. A cream-based face wash won’t clear out pores well enough. Though this option doesn’t contain an exfoliating ingredient like salicylic acid, it’s perfect for those who wish to follow up with serums and toners. It quickly washes away dirt and makeup and leaves you with a clean slate. If you have combination skin, this face wash could be a little too drying, so be sure to patch test beforehand. Get on Amazon 3. Simple Micellar Facial Gel Wash Sometimes, those with acne-prone skin can experience painful breakouts. As you wait for sore pimples to heal, it’s wise to use a gentle cleanser before you return to your regular routine. A harsh scrub or face wash may do more harm than good. This Simple product works wonders as a mild cleanser for sensitive skin. It may surprise you to know that acne-prone skin can become dehydrated over time – and overproduce oil as a result. If you ignore moisturizers because you think they make you oiler, they don’t! All skin needs to retain some water content, and this cleanser helps achieve that. Get on Amazon 4. Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Foam Wash Like CeraVe, Cetaphil’s skin care products are affordable options that cater to all skin types. This specific cleanser uses zinc coceth sulfate to clear out pores effectively without any tightness. If you have serious oil-related skin problems, this face wash can help improve them. That said, it’s important to note that this cleanser won’t completely address severe issues, like cystic acne. If you have mild acne, then this pick should work for you. Otherwise, be sure to pair this product with other topical treatments to target breakouts. Get on Amazon 5. Differin Daily Deep Cleanser You may already use Differin’s adapalene-based gel, but their cleanser works wonders, too. It includes properties like benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid, which help slough off dead skin and rinse away oil and grime. Plus, this face wash’s benzoyl peroxide content isn’t super high, so you shouldn’t experience irritation. It’s crucial to seek out chemical exfoliators, like glycolic acid, over physical ones. Scrubs can cause your skin to experience micro-tears – and they sometimes use plastic beads that harm the environment. Get on Amazon 6. Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser If you want to splurge a little, choose this antioxidant-rich cleanser from Youth to the People. With cold-pressed ingredients like kale, spinach and green tea, you’ll enjoy clean, nourished skin. It targets inflammation and removes oil – and foams up to dig into those pores! It’s essential to remember your skin’s pH level when you’re on the search for cleansers. The pH scale ranges from zero to 14. The higher the number, the more acidic the content. Our skin’s natural pH level shouldn’t go over five, so make sure your face wash offers a balanced pH level like this one does. Get on Amazon Choose Over-the-Counter Face Wash for Acne for Transformed Skin If you need to change up your skin care routine, incorporate an over-the-counter face wash for acne. With powerful ingredients and inexpensive price tags, you’ll be one step closer to acne-free skin. To see greater effects, try to eat foods that discourage acne appearances. When working together, you may see a difference sooner. As always, be sure to speak to your dermatologist about any concerns!

There are many reasons why women have hair loss or experience thinning at various stages of their lives. Some reasons could include high levels of stress and aging. Others experience hormonal changes due to pregnancy or birth control. For others, the thinning is simply because that’s their natural hair growth. Perhaps, you’ve also tried natural remedies for hair loss and different hairstyles to make your mane seem fuller. Hopefully, you found something that worked, but if not, several commercial products—hair lotions, sprays, shampoos, serums—claim to be the most effective at boosting your hair’s volume and thickness. John Frieda Volume Air Lift Whipped Foam Some mousse products leave a sticky residue and fail to hold your hair’s style for long. Luckily, the John Frieda Volume Air Lift Whipped Foam isn’t like other mousses. If you have ultra-fine or flat hair, you might feel like this product was designed especially for you. As you work the whipped foam into your hair, the first thing you’ll notice is how smooth and light your locks will look. If other mousses have left your hair stiff and weighted along the sides of your face, you’ll be happier with how this product delivers a fuller volume with a softer touch that lasts.  Get it from Amazon for $11.99 Not Your Mother’s Plump For Joy Thickening Hair Lifter Spray Is there anything better than a cruelty-free hair product that delivers incredible lift for your thin strands? The Not Your Mother’s Plump For Joy Thickening Lift Spray can add a spark and shine to your lifeless hair in only a couple of minutes.  Use this on any hair type for maximum lift and hold. In addition to its thickening formula, this lift spray also attempts to strengthen your strands to prevent breakage.  Get it from Amazon for $16.70 Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo While hair care is often a personal choice, it’s not necessary to use shampoo everyday, and most people like to go a few days between washes. If you have oily or naturally thin hair, those in-between days can leave your hair looking relatively flat.  The Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo is an excellent alternative to daily shampooing.  It’s also cruelty-free and free of harmful toxins that may damage your strands. Spray the dry shampoo on your hair, wait a few seconds, and massage it through. This product can remove sweat and oil to leave your hair smelling fresh. Your hair will feel so clean that you’ll feel like you just stepped out of the shower even if you didn’t wet it.  Get it from Amazon for $30 Garnier Fructis Mega Full Thickening Lotion If you’ve tried several hair-thickening tricks to no avail, the Garnier Fructis Mega Full Thickening Lotion may be a game-changer. Although hair lotions may sound like they’ll only make your thinner hair flatter, this particular thickening lotion does the opposite. The product aims to build volume and fullness that looks thicker and feels it, too.  Simply spray evenly throughout damp, detangled hair and air dry or blow dry for soft, bouncy movement. Remember to be modest with the amount you put in to avoid overwhelming your locks. Apply it every other day. Get it from Amazon for $7.88 OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner The OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner aim to plump up straggly, thinning hair and give your mane a healthier, boosted shine and bounce. Both shampoo and conditioner products are made with vitamin B7 and collagen.  While sound evidence is lacking, some studies suggest that biotin can promote hair growth and strength. Likewise, collagen can improve hair, skin and nail growth, but research is limited on its topical effectiveness.  Get it from Amazon for $13.94 Drugstore Products That Make Your Thin Hair Thicker Don’t let thinning hair get you down. The next time you stop at the drugstore, look for one of these thickening products to try. The results may actually surprise you and leave you with gorgeous locks that look fuller and shinier.  Updated on May 1, 2024

Exercising is much more fun when you’re comfortable. Add some style to your next gym trip by wearing some of the best leggings for working out. You’ll feel your best before and after exercising in these leggings designed for an active lifestyle. 1. The Gym People High-Waist Leggings People feel comfortable and ready for action when wearing the high-waist leggings from The Gym People because they also include pockets. $22.99 from Amazon 2. Under Armour No-Slip Ankle Leggings You’ll get more workouts in your schedule and prevent chronic diseases by wearing these Under Armour leggings that don’t slip out of place. $18.99 from Amazon 3. Blisset Three-Pack Tummy Control Leggings Try these smooth, soft leggings that emphasize your natural curves and you’ll have two extra pairs waiting for your next workouts. $22.99 from Amazon 4. CRZ Yoga Leggings With Pockets Whether you’re lifting weights or doing barre to improve your strength, these leggings will ventilate your body heat so sweat doesn’t get stuck inside the fabric. $28 from Amazon 5. The Gym People High-Waist Yoga Shorts These budget-friendly shorts sculpt and smooth while staying perfectly in place due to the high-waisted banding. $19.99 from Amazon 6. Suukess Ribbed Seamless Leggings You’ll know you’ve got the best leggings for working out with a pair like these that cross athleisure and workout-supportive fabric. $19.95 from Amazon 7. Ododos High-Waisted Full-Length Yoga Pants Enjoy wearing these multi-colored leggings during any workout. They’ll hold your phone in their pockets while you focus on your exercises. $24.98 from Amazon 8. Fullsoft Four-Pack Bike Short Leggings Stock up on your next favorite pair of leggings with this four-pack set of shorts that stay in place even if you’re targeting your abs and legs by rollerblading around your neighborhood. $25.99 from Amazon 9. Mejing Plus Size Mesh Leggings You’ll feel unstoppable in these leggings with mesh down the sides because they support your range of motion while keeping you cool and comfortable. $19.98 from Amazon 10. Amazon Essential’s Capri Leggings Match your new leggings to your favorite workout top with these capri leggings that come in four bright colors. $19.91 from Amazon 11. Sunzel Flare Leggings Exercise in the ultimate comfort with these leggings that flare around the ankles while staying in place with the clever V-shaped waistband. $28.99 from Amazon 12. Fullsoft Four-Pack Capri High-Waisted Leggings These are some of the best leggings for working out because you’ll stay cool, have extra pairs ready for your next gym visit and feel your best with the tummy-control elastic in the high-waist designs. $27.99 from Amazon 13. Chrleisure Seamless Lifting Workout Leggings When you’re ready to film your next workout on leg day, wear these lifting leggings to exercise in a seamless outfit that looks incredible during squats. $19.99 from Amazon 14. Sghenr Shiny Workout Leggings If your personal style is flashy and chic, try wearing these leggings to the gym. The brightly colored pants sparkle without rhinestones or sequins so nothing falls off while you’re exercising. $20.95 from Amazon 15. Vertvie V-Cross Workout Shorts You’ll feel secure and stylish in these V-cross biking shorts that slide into place and remain there all day, making them some of the best leggings for working out. $13.99 from Amazon

Halloween is one of the best times of year! Getting to dress up with your friends and family is one of the most fun things you can do. So many Halloween costumes go in and out of style depending on what’s trending that year.  Dressing up solo can be much easier than finding an outfit for you and a friend. Here are some friend Halloween costumes with iconic duo inspiration you can consider when dressing up with your best friend.  1. Sanderson Sisters The Sanderson sisters from “Hocus Pocus” is an excellent Halloween costume for friends! With the release of “Hocus Pocus 2,” these costumes will have everyone jealous of your style! Although the cast has three sister witches, you can pick and choose from Winifred, Sarah or Mary or find a third friend to complete the trio.  Get Winifred Sanderson Costume on Amazon Get Sarah Sanderson Costume on Amazon Get Mary Sanderson Costume on Amazon 2. Bridgerton Cast “Bridgerton” is a hit on Netflix that comes from a best-selling book series by Julia Quinn. The show and novels are set in the Regency era. The daring looks from these series will make remarkable and elegant costumes for you and your friends.  You’ll wow everyone with the best friend Halloween costumes with puffy sleeves, white gloves and a high waistline. Dare to dress like a Bridgerton and be the best dressed at the ball!  Get Daphne Bridgerton Costume on Amazon Get Kate Sharma Costume on Amazon Get Queen Charlotte Costume on Amazon 3. Betty and Veronica Betty and Veronica are best friends on another Netflix hit series, “Riverdale,” which derives from Archie Comics. These are relatively simple to put together. All you need is a couple of cheerleading costumes or some blue shorts, a white and yellow baseball tee and some tall socks to resemble Riverdale Vixens!  Betty and Veronica make the perfect duo costume for Halloween for girls. Plus, ensure that you add some extra volume to your ponytail to look like Betty and Veronica in their cheerleading gear. If you’re looking for guys’ costumes, you could use Jughead and Archie Andrews to mix and match with your Betty and Veronica costumes.  Get Riverdale Cheerleader Costume on Amazon 4. Cristina and Meredith Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey are an iconic duo from the medical drama series “Grey’s Anatomy,” which is still running after eighteen seasons. Although Cristina left the show after the tenth season in 2014, the friendship between her and Meredith remains an inspiration to fans everywhere.  This makes the Cristina and Meredith friend Halloween costumes an instant hit! Since they are usually always at work, you can buy some work scrubs from your local thrift store or anywhere they sell uniforms to create their looks!  Get Grey’s Anatomy Costume on Amazon 5. Cher and Dionne Cher and Dionne are an iconic duo that sprang from the cult classic film “Clueless,” which was set in the 90s. In true 90s fashion, Cher and Dionne don all things designer. You can sport a plaid skirt and matching blazer to achieve their look or go for one of their other looks to be more unique.  Every outfit in this movie is on brand with the fashion from this era. In one of Cher’s more sophisticated looks, you can get a simple red dress or a sheer button-down to wear over a skirt and vest or top. A more recent adaptation of the 90s era is the new Netflix film “Do Revenge,” which portrays similar fashion and has an iconic duo of its own, Drea and Eleanor.  6. Serena and Blair Calling all Upper East Siders!  Serena Van Der Woodson and Blair Waldorf from the hit series “Gossip Girl” are iconic Halloween costumes for everyone from the early 2000s. In 2020, a reboot of the series appeared on HBO Max with a new cast with new endeavors.  However, the iconic duo of Serena and Blair can never be replaced. You can mimic the looks of the classic cast of “Gossip Girl” or the new version with a typical prep girl costume and accessorize it to fit the character you’re aiming for!   Friend Halloween Costumes These costumes will be so much fun for you and your best friend. You can utilize them for years if you save some of these outstanding friend Halloween costumes for the future! Now, have so much fun dressing up! 

Could a cup of tea help you lose weight? Herbalists believe the answer is yes — and western science backs up their claims.  What are the best types to try to shed those unwanted pounds? Here are seven of the best teas for weight loss. 1. Pu Erh Tea If you haven’t heard of Pu Erh tea, prepare to elevate your kombucha experience. Unlike the fermented tea drink, the process used to create it ferments the leaves themselves.  Research indicates that drinking the brew may support weight loss through two separate mechanisms. One is through prompting your body to burn more stored fat instead of synthesizing new ones from glucose.  Another mechanism that supports a healthy body weight comes from the probiotic content of this brew. It helps to regulate your gut microbiota to aid digestion, leaving you feeling less bloated. $9.98 from Amazon 2. Green-Dandelion Tea Green tea has a small amount of caffeine, which revs up your metabolism, aiding weight loss. If you’re caffeine-sensitive to the point where coffee gives you jitters, this milder brew can help. Green tea also contains antioxidants called catechins, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).  Dandelion tea can help you lose weight and potentially decrease your blood pressure, thanks to the high potassium content. It acts as a natural diuretic, removing excess water from your body and making you feel less bloated. $8.97 from Amazon 3. Rooibos-Oolong Tea Rooibos is a caffeine-free tea from South Africa that’s a hot trend at the moment. It’s traditionally used as a remedy to cure infant colic and soothe upset stomachs. The aspalathin it contains may affect the balance of energy and whether your body stores it as fat.  Oolong tea is also rich in antioxidants like EGCG, speeding up your metabolism. It also contains caffeine to rev your engines even higher. Additionally, the polyphenols reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs, further promoting weight loss. $12.87 from Amazon 4. Hibiscus-Mint Tea Hibiscus tea is chock-full of antioxidants to help jumpstart your metabolism and keep everything in your body working the way it should. This beverage might work wonders for those at risk of Type 2 diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar levels. This mechanism also aids in weight control. One 2013 study on rats showed that 12% of diabetic rats decreased their blood glucose. You might sip mint tea to soothe an upset stomach. This digestive aid can also accelerate your weight loss efforts by helping food move through your intestines more quickly, easing bloated feelings. $10 from Amazon 5. Ginger-Turmeric-Black Pepper Tea Ginger is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances out there. In Ayurvedic medicine, it — along with black and long pepper — serve as the base for many treatments. It soothes your stomach and aids digestion while easing inflammation that can make you look puffy.  To amplify the anti-inflammatory properties of this tea, add some turmeric and black pepper. Turmeric contains curcumin, one of the most potent pain-relievers in herbal form. The piperine in the black pepper increases the bioavailability of the curcumin by 2,000% so that your body can use it more effectively. $7.89 from Amazon 6. Chamomile Lavender Tea Stress can make you gain weight like crazy. The reason lies in cortisol, a pesky stress hormone that picks up where adrenaline stops. Today’s inescapable stressors, like looming debt and overbearing supervisors, trick your body into making more of this substance. Your body thinks it is under a prolonged onslaught and prompts you to eat more foods high in calories, fat and sugar.  Chamomile and lavender both have mild sedative effects. Combining the two with a bit of warm milk is a sure recipe for relaxation. You can sip this brew before bedtime to calm you or anytime you feel tense. $4.92 from Amazon 7. Matcha Tea Matcha tea can do so much more than help you feel refreshed at a coffee shop. If you drink it regularly, it can also support your weight loss goals. The powdered tea increases weight loss when enjoyed once a day alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. Add it to a glass of water with ice, hot water and honey or bake it into low-carb snacks for a plant-based boost to your weight loss routine. $9.95 from Amazon Bonus: Add Cinnamon or Goji Berries If you want to add a little extra weight loss kick to any of the above brews, why not add a sprinkle of cinnamon or some goji berries? Both substances may help to control your blood sugar, curbing cravings and helping you manage your appetite. Try These 7 Best Teas for Weight Loss If you want to accelerate your weight loss efforts, try one of these seven best teas. The only thing you have to lose are unwanted pounds.