5 Affordable Acne Treatments To Finally Minimize Your Breakouts

acne treatmentsacne treatments

The best acne treatment solutions get the job without burning your skin — we've all been there, trust me. If you're lucky, they're also under $50 and work well with your other skincare products.

Need to stock up on acne treatment, but don't want to make the drive to your local Sephora or pay for something that's full-priced? Take advantage of these amazing Prime Day deals and save up to 30% off!

Amazon

Kiehl's Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Solution (Editor's Pick, $21 — 30% off)

I love anything Kiehl's has to offer because the products are soothing, yet effective — hence my latest obsession with their Acne-Clearing Solution. It has 2% salicylic acid, 4% niacinamide, and 0.2% licorice root in it, which are all of the ingredients I love to find in acne treatments. While the salicylic acid works to target the root cause of breakouts, the niacinamide helps minimize pores and the licorice root soothes any inflammation.

I can genuinely say that I love using this after cleansing my face with Kate Somerville's Sulfur Cleanser and using a hyaluronic acid serum. It immediately targets whatever pimples are on my face without any tingling or burning!

Amazon

Murad Acne Control Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment ($18 — 30% off)

This acne treatment claims to reduce blemishes in just four hours and immediately provide soothing relief to whatever area is inflamed. It also has 2% salicylic acid in it along with patented pine and thyme-inspired complex that fights external irritants.

Amazon

La Roche-Posay Dual Action Acne Treatment ($30 — 18% off)

La Roche-Posay is another top (and beloved French girl) skincare brand that has a fast-acting acne treatment. It not only targets pimples, but it works to combat blackheads and whiteheads as well.

Instead of salicylic acid, it contains 5.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide and micro-exfoliating lipohydroxy acid (LHA) to help treat all the clogged pores without irritating the most sensitive skin.

It's also been approved for teenagers to use, which can be a plus for those who are dealing with hormonal breakouts.

Amazon

Kate Somervile EradiKate Acne Treatment ($20 — 30% off)

Though this doesn't have clear gel formula, Kate Somerville's EradiKate Acne Treatment can be used to treat visible and hidden breakouts lurking beneath your skin's surface. It's made with 10% sulfur, BHA Salicylic Acid, and Zinc Oxide — three powerful ingredients that work overtime to treat your skin.

Amazon

Bliss Clear Genius Acne Spot Treatment ($10 — 10% off)

Talk about an inexpensive acne treatment that packs a powerful punch! This Clear Genius Acne Spot Treatment is the fragrance-free option you need when you won't want to spend over $20, and it's especially formulated for those who have oily skin.

Aside from having 2% salicylic acid and niacinamide in it, you can find witch hazel, zinc PCA, and cica that help soothe your pores. Also, this acne treatment won't dry out your skin!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Murad

My life wouldn't be complete without searching for the latest beauty finds that are kind to my acne-prone skin. That sounds like an overstatement, but I'm serious. As much as I love skincare products like vitamin C serums, I'm just as obsessed with finding (and wearing) makeup that's brown-girl friendly. Specifically, foundations are the first thing I make a beeline for no matter if I’m shopping online or taking my time to browse Sephora's shelves.

Here's a full breakdown of my go-to foundations for brown skin.

Sephora

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Tint Foundation

I haven't stopped praising this skin tint foundation since I tried it last year and there's so many reasons why. Similar to tinted moisturizers, it gives brown skin a "clean girl" makeup base that'll have people asking about your beauty secrets.

Its radiant finish and infused collagen encourage a healthy glow while ceramides improve your skin's barrier over time. Plus, you don't have to use a lot! I've been using it non-stop since September and there's still product left.

Sephora

Range Beauty True Intentions Skin-Soothing Hydrating Foundation

This foundation is strictly for my brown skin girlies with sensitive skin that's prone to acne or eczema flareups. Rated as being the "best for combination skin" by Sephora, it also works for anyone whose skin can't choose between being oily or dry. It has calendula, chamomile, green tea, and kaolin clay in it to help target congested skin that's lost its luster.

Prior to relying heavily on Danessa Myricks Beauty's Yummy Skin Tint Foundation, my makeup routine wasn't complete without Range Beauty's hydrating formula. I loved that I didn't experience allergic reactions to it and noticed an improvement in my overall appearance the more I wore it.

Sephora

LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation

IMO, the best foundations have skincare ingredients in them. From ceramides to niacinamide, they're a must-have for brown skin and LYS Beauty gets it! Their Triple Fix Serum Foundation has hyaluronic acid which makes my skin jump for joy. Okay, my skin doesn't actually leap in the air but wearing this tones my oil production down.

Get this — it has turmeric and ashwagandha in it! If you're confused because you have both in your spice cabinet, let me explain. The first ingredient is known for its soothing antioxidant properties while the second one lowers signs of stress in your face. Sounds appealing, right?

Sephora

Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Lightweight & Blurring Foundation Stick

I've been team #liquidfoundation for so long that using a "stick" seemed unnecessary. But, I've been known to be wrong before, so I can admit Ami Colé made me a believer with this product. It's fragrance-free and has ingredients like baobab seed oil and soft-focus powder.

They work together to tell your skin it doesn't need to make more oil than it normally does while preventing it from drying out. If you have combination skin, it's a dream!

Amazon

Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation

Before I graduated to more "higher end" foundations, Maybelline's Fit Me Matte & Poreless formula was my go-to! It got me through the first few years of college so I have fond memories of it. It's nice to know it's still in the business of refining pores so they're not as open as they normally are.

One note is that the finish is a little more dewy than matte, but that's not a bad thing! Some formulas can be too drying, so this just leans more on the side of not making you look like you've been sweating all day.

Sephora

Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Full Coverage Foundation

The girls love Nars and Nars loves us back! I've only worn this a few times, but I didn't have any complaints when I did. For starters, it offers up to 16 hours of wear which is great if you commute to work. Two, it's free of pore-clogging and harmful ingredients that could potentially cause acne breakouts, leading to dark spots on brown skin.

Sephora

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation

Every makeup forum I've been on can't stop raving about Estee Lauder's Double-Wear Foundation and I finally get it. This will make you look like the celebs and models in the magazine advertisements because it has a flawless finish.

If you're not interested in looking dewy, this is going to be your new go-to because it's the true definition of matte. Again, matte shouldn't equal drying! It just means that you have a canvas that looks like it's meant to be admired from afar!

The only reason I don't buy it as often is because it's pricey. However, I don't mind splurging at least once per year to remember why I fell in love with it.

Amazon

e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Satin Foundation

e.l.f. cosmetics can't do anything wrong in my eyes. Every product I've tried has worked well with my brown skin so I'm always going to talk about them.

I like this foundation because it has a semi-matte finish that errs between radiant and smooth, which is good for those who can't decide which they like more. It's also incredibly lightweight and inexpensive!

If you're not a fan of spending over $20 for foundation, I highly recommend you try this.

Sephora

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

Ah, Haus Labs. How much do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I don't know if it's meant to be for performance wear, but I once wore this on a busy work day where I sprinted up and down the halls during an emergency. Guess what? It didn't budge and only looked like I'd added a bit of highlighter to my cheeks.

It has fermented arnica, intellizen 7 complez and bioferment 7 complex in it which sounds unlike anything I'd ever heard of in makeup. They combat irritated skin while healing it and protecting it from further stress. Though I'm not 100 percent free from acne (and never will be), I've noticed I don't break out as often since introducing this to my makeup routine.

Sephora

Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation

Last but not least, this super blurring foundation is the definition of "airbrushed." It's buildable so you can control the kind of coverage you want and it has one of my favorite skincare ingredients in it — niacinamide.

Whenever I wear this, my skin's texture doesn't look patchy and I can barely see my pores. I'm not a fan of erasing my pores, but I don't mind looking "smooth" sometimes!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

When it comes to denim trends, skinny jeans are making a surprising comeback in 2025. Though I think they’re a bit far from my personal style (and way too constricting for my body), I totally admire how other fashion fans have been styling skinny jeans lately.

Skinny jeans look insanely chic when you wear ‘em tucked into some tall boots. I’ve also seen instances of a skinny jean-ballet flat combo, which feels undeniably twee, a whimsical aesthetic style that’s risen in popularity over the years. No matter how you style them, the skinny jeans trend is for you as long as it incites confidence in your outfits and attitude!

Here are 10 pairs of actually cute skinny jeans to convince you to hop on the bandwagon this year!

Anthropologie

Joe's Jeans Charlie High-Rise Skinny Jeans

Dark wash jeans will never not be cool. These skinny jeans hug the legs tight so you can layer up with boots if you please!

Madewell

Madewell 10" High-Rise Skinny Jeans

Sometimes a high rise is just what you need to feel put together. This skinny yet stretchy pair from Madewell has a whole 10 inches that hits high on your waistline.

Nordstrom

Paige Gemma Skinny Jeans

I adore how these "stretch-kissed" skinny jeans don't totally taper off at the ankle, which can be a little off-putting for your proportions. Instead, the cuffs leave ample room for a more natural styling.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Skinny Jeans

Abercrombie & Fitch absolutely kills the jeans game, so it's not a huge surprise to me that their skinny jeans are speaking to my personal style! This pair's medium wash will easily wear with just about anything you want to put on, plus I love the look of 'em with some slingback flats as pictured!

Old Navy

Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Super-Skinny Jeans

You can never go wrong with a super skinny fit paired with a considerably high waistline. The higher waist on this fitted Old Navy pair will instantly flatter your figure!

Free People

We The Free Coco Slim Jeans

The more and more I see skinny jeans worn with tall black boots, the more and more I wanna wear 'em. This Free People pair even has some unique seam work at the front to help your looks stand out!

DUER

DUER Performance Denim Mid Rise Slim Straight Jeans

Impressively stretchy, these skinny jeans flaunt a "waist-hugging" mid-rise that helps sculpt your bod in only the best ways. These also have that looser fit around the ankle for a more natural effect.

Rag & Bone

Rag & Bone Cate Ankle Skinny Jeans

I'm in love with this dark wash – it'll work well with any and all neutral colors or brighter tones if you tend to wear those more.

Nordstrom

AG Mari Mid Rise Slim Straight Leg Jeans

Instead of fitting super tight like a literal glove (except... on your legs), these mid-rise jeans have more of a 'slim' silhouette. It still gives the look of skinny jeans without being overly restricting – score!

Banana Republic Factory

Banana Republic Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans

These full-length skinny jeans are crafted from a stretchy denim fabric that mimics 100% denim so stylishly. They've still got all the classic details you'd expect from some jeans, including a 5-pocket design and a zippered and buttoned front closure.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

When we're looking for new makeup, snacks, and books, we love supporting female, Black-owned businesses. From up and coming shops to brands founded by some of our favorite Selfmade alumni, here are 38 businesses that you can support beyond Black History Month.

Keep scrolling for the best black owned businesses we can't get enough of

Black Owned Beauty Businesses 

Sephora

1. Melanin Haircare

Melanin Haircarewas founded in 2015 by sisters Whitney and Taffeta White. They share a passion for natural hair and healthy scalp care and hope that women from all walks of life can benefit from these products.

LYS Beauty

2. LYS Beauty

Tisha Thompson founded LYS Beauty to redefine clean beauty to make it more inclusive and affordable. With a wide shade range and high-quality products, LYS Beauty is intent on increasing women's confidence and is the first Black-owned Sephora Clean Color Cosmetics brand.

Danessa Myricks Beauty

3. Danessa Myricks Beauty

Danessa Myricks Beautywas founded by self-taught makeup artist Danessa Myricks after she realized how exclusive the makeup industry was. This brand combines art and beauty as Myricks defies industry norms and creates stunning looks with unique techniques.

Body By Love

4. Body By Love

Body By Lovefeatures sizes 12+ in clothing inspired by travel, art, and trends. When founder Camille had to cancel a date because she didn't have anything to wear, she decided to help other plus size women in the same situation. Body By Love was born!

Black Girl Sunscreen

5. Black Girl Sunscreen

Black Girl Sunscreen developed a sunscreen formula specifically tailored to the needs of black skin. It supplies a healthy amount of SPF to protect you from harmful UV rays, without leaving your face covered in a white cast. Their products are also super moisturizing, and easy to access at stores like Target and Ulta.

Lautir Beauty

6. Lautir Beauty

Lautir Beautyis a BIPOC brand founded by Shvona Chung that's rooted in holistic body care. From cremes to polishes, you'll enjoy the soothing feel of any product you choose.

Everyday Skincare Co.

7. Everyday Skincare Co.

Sharese Dungill founded Everyday Skincare Co.because she knows what it's like to suffer from "hyperpigmentation and stubborn acne." Knowing how important it is to have products that actually help sensitive skin, she focused on creating The Everyday Kit which features:

  • Sunni-days Superfruit Cleanser
  • Tone for the Day Hydra-Balance Toner
  • Daylight Dew Cream Moisturizer
  • Glo'den Hour Facial Serum

Brown Girl Jane

8. Brown Girl Jane

Brown Girl Janewas founded with a passion for women's wellness, and a balance of body, mind, and spirit. They hope that the plant-based collection will become an aid in your wellness routine and healing.

Sienna Naturals

9. Sienna Naturals

Hannah Diop and Issa Rae's Sienna Naturals is your one-stop shop for clean haircare products that won't irritate your scalp or cause breakage. With products like their H.A.P.I. Shampoo, your hair will feel clean and hydrated.

P.S. They've just released a new product — D.N.A. Scalp Serum — that's designed to combat shedding while adding density to your hair!

Cécred

10. Cécred

Beyoncé shocked the internet when she released her own haircare line Cécred, but the proof is in the pudding. Despite being attached to one of the world's biggest entertainers, Cécred is backed by experts who are committed to prioritizing the health of customers hair.

Hyper!

11. Hyper!

Hyper Skin has a laser focus on developing skincare formulas that meet the specific needs of brown and black skin. Their products directly target hyper-pigmentation with proven clinical results. CEO and Founder, Desiree, knows the frustrations of feeling left out of the mainstream of most skincare products that only cater to white women. She founded Hyper Skin as not only an inclusive brand, but one that black women really deserve.

Pat McGrath Labs

12. Pat McGrath Labs

In addition to creating iconic products and serving as British Vogue's Beauty Editor, Pat McGrath is the first makeup artist to be awarded Queen Elizabeth II's D.B.E. Dame of the British Empire for services to the Fashion and Beauty industry and Diversity.

Hair So Chic

13. Hair So Chic

Tawana Morris founded Hair So Chic in 2019 after being inspired to share her love for voluminous curls with her dedicated followers on social media. Customers will find everything from clip-ins to styling tools on the cutest website that seems like it's made just for the girls who love beauty!

Range Beauty

14. Range Beauty

Founded by Alicia Scott in 2018, Range Beauty is home to beauty products created for those who have sensitive, acne and eczema-prone skin. No stranger to her own bouts with flare ups, Scott wanted to make sure a wider range of skin had access to products look good and feel soothing upon application.

And now customers can find the brand in Sephora after a historic Shark Tank win!

Ami Colé

15. Ami Colé

Ami Coléis another beauty brand that was created for those with deeper skin complexions, but has products that are universal. Founded by Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye in 2021, you'll find everything from lip oil treatments to skin enhancing sticks that bring out the best of your features!

MOODEAUX

16. MOODEAUX

Founded by Brianna Arps, MOODEAUX is a fragrance brand that has scents designed to help set the tone for your mood in Eau de Parfum form. Praised by the likes of Good Morning America and Oprah Daily, MOODEAUX has scents for your when you're feeling rebellious or need a subtle whiff of something warm.

Donna's Recipe

17. Donna's Recipe

Founded by Tabitha Brown and Gina Woods, Donna's Recipeis a vegan haircare brand that's dedicated to the health of natural hair. With ingredients like safflower seed and sweet potato extract, these products are guaranteed to feel good on your scalp.

The Doux

18. The Doux

Maya Smith founded The Doux as a way to continue servicing textured hair. With over 20 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist, she knows a thing or two about what it takes to have healthy tresses.

The Lip Bar

19. The Lip Bar

FAMU alumni Melissa Butler founded The Lip Bar in 2012 to cater to the lack of diverse beauty options for black women. Though the brand was infamously ridiculed on Shark Tank, it's gone on to expand and find it's way on the shelves of major retailers Like Target and CVS.

Bask & Bloom Essentials

20. Bask & Bloom Essentials

Bask & Bloom Essentials was founded by Bahamian native Candera Thompson to address common issues like breakage, dry and thinning hair in Black women. With products like their Gentle Herbal Cleanser and More Moisture Cream, your hair will experience true hydration!

Black-Owned Fashion Businesses

Sucré Couture

21. Sucré Couture

Sucré Couture is a jewelry brand that nods to black culture. Sucré was founded in the Bay Area by Kimberly Fomby Jefferson in 2011, and keeps bringing you quality jewelry, from basics to more statement pieces.

If You Dare Accessories

22. If You Dare Accessories

If You Dare Accessories is a jewelry brand that offers beautiful hand-crafted jewelry with a focus on making an elegant statement. From chunky gold rings to stud earrings that'll change how you look at silver hoop earrings, this brand knows how to speak to one's individuality.

Hanifa

23. Hanifa

Founded by Anifa Mvuemba, Hanifa is a luxury brand designed to accentuate customers' figure and lifestyle. With designs curated to be groundbreaking, this is one fashion brand we can't stop watching!

Kai Collective

24. Kai Collective

Fisayo Longe's innovative fashion brand Kai Collective is something serious! Known for its colorful and patterned designs, Kai Collective also dares its customers to be bold in their daily lives.

Brandon Blackwood

25. Brandon Blackwood

Brandon Blackwood is taking the world by storm and all the fashion girlies have taken notice. The brand is known for it's featuring its signature logo on its designs, but that's all apart of the charm!

Ciao By CC

26. Ciao by CC

Ciao by CC is a luxury women's brand that's founded by Brittany Campbell. Founded in 2020, each piece is carefully crafted in Italy to give wearers a sense of luxurious elegance.

Ten Wilde

27. Ten Wilde

Ten Wilde is a jewelry brand that knows quality doesn't have to mean expensive. Founded by Tenisha Wilde, each piece is inspired by her upbringing in NorCal and the Bay Area.

Whitney Manney

28. Whitney Manney

Let Whitney Manney's fashion and textiles pieces make a statement for you! From colorful and bold apparel to accessories, you're sure to start having fun with your style again!

AMANIA AFRIK

29. AMANIA AFRIK

We think we've found the most gorgeous robes on the planet and they're all designed by AMANIA AFRIK! Besides this, you'll find kaftans, head wraps, and more memorable pieces.

Black-Owned Home & Stationary Businesses

PillowScript

30. PillowScript

PillowScript is here to change how you think about throw pillows with their gorgeous designs! Founded by Dihandria Bright, they have several collections that include statement pieces that added a touch of personality to any room you put them in.

Book'd

31. Book'd

Don't tell us you still don't have your 2025 planner! We know January got off to a rough start, but there's still 11 months of your year you can plan with amazing finds from Book'd. Founded in 2016 by friends Tannera and Adrienne, you'll find unforgettable stationary that'll make you excited to write down your thoughts and goals!

Black-Owned Food & Drink Businesses

Me & The Bees

32. Me & The Bees

Me & The Bees is a lemonade company that was birthed from the mind of Mikaila when she was only four years old. Mikaila got stung by a bee as a young girl, which sparked her fascination about the little pollinators. After developing lemonade recipes from her great grandmother's cookbook, she took on numerous entrepreneurial ventures to get the drink out there, including presenting on Shark Tank! The lemonade is delicious and sweet, thanks to the honey that comes straight from bees.

Golde

33. Golde

In 2017, Trinity Mouzon Wofford and Issy Kobori launched Golde with their Original Turmeric Latte Blend. Their mission is to make wellness easy (and fun!) for everyone. The vegan products celebrate superfoods *and* boost your daily routine.

@hotnsaucyco

34. Hot N Saucy

Hot N Saucy reimagines hot sauce into something bright, bold, and colorful. These all natural and vegetable-based sauces will bring the heat without the additive cost.

Bee Fit Foods

35. Bee Fit Foods

With the ability to select your meal plan or build your own, Bee Fit Foods has plenty of options to help you eat healthy. The food is delivered from their kitchen to your table to make meal planning easier than ever.

McBridge Sisters Collection

36. McBride Sisters Collection

Robin and Andréa McBride grew up in two iconic wine regions, and started the McBride Sisters Collection in 2005 after connecting in California. They're intent on changing the industry, cultivating community along the way.

Partake Foods

37. Partake Foods

Partake Foods exists to deliver delicious snacks treats to those with heavy food allergies. Their products are free of all of the top 9 allergens, in addition to being gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan. The company partners with organizations like No Kid Hungry to help fight food insecurity, and also partners with HBCU students to support their upcoming career journeys.

BLK & Bold

38. BLK & Bold

BLK & Bold is a coffee and beverage company founded by Pernell & Rod, two good friends that see a vision for America's youth. The company pledges 5% of proceeds to nonprofits that invest back into children and their futures. Shop a range of coffee roasts and tea blends to enjoy at home.

Station 1923

39. Station 1923

We think Station 1923 just became our go-to brand for seasonings! From their Brown Sugar Smoke rub to their Citrus Herb seasoning, we're sure we can have a lot of fun adding them to our favorite meals this year.

The Sip

40. The Sip

Erica Davis and Catherine Carter founded champagne membership The Sip to make bubbly more accessible to the average person, and to close the racial gaps in the wine industry.

Black-Owned Leisure + Entertainment Businesses

CRWNMAG

41. CRWNMAG

CRWNMAG, founded by Lindsey Day & Nkrumah Farrar, is creating a dialogue around natural hair. With their content and available resources, they want to reach the whole, multidimensional, modern Black woman.

Black-Owned Wellness Businesses

The Honey Pot Company

42. The Honey Pot Company

The Honey Pot Company makes prioritizing vaginal health easy and accessible for all women. Founder Bea Dixon saw a need and met that need by powering Honey Pot's products with herbs. From menstrual to hygiene products, each once is safely hypoallergenic and dermatologist-approved. The company also gives back 2% of annual profits to bring education about vaginal health to communities that otherwise wouldn't have access.

The Educated Birth

43. The Educated Birth

Designed to keep the conversation about reproductive health going, The Educated Birth exists as another valuable resource in a critical time where having access to information is vital. You can find information about virtual classes, a directory to qualified healthcare professionals, and more on-site!

The Travel Agency

44. The Travel Agency

The Travel Agencyis unlike any other service you've utilized. Instead of catching a literal flight, your senses will be heightened by cannabis. That's right, you heard us! Arana Hankin-Biggers co-founded it as a way to give customers a legal way to obtain THC and CBD, and the products don't disappoint!

Black Owned Empowerment Businesses & Services 

Black Girls CODE

45. Black Girls CODE

Kimberly Bryant founded Black Girls CODE to teach young women of color computer programming skills that will help them understand the tech marketplace and close the opportunity gap for Black women.

Phenomenal

46. Phenomenal

With their book club, Phenomenal is a creative agency and brand that lifts up communities and voices that have been excluded throughout history.

Let us know your favorite Black-owned business on Instagram and subscribe to our email newsletter for more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

We've all heard of "roommate syndrome." The buzzword refers to when once-infatuated partners start living together, fall into a familiar rhythm, and begin to act more like platonic roommates than two people in a romantic relationship. But whether you actually live with your significant other or not, this phenomenon can still unfold. For some, busy schedules and demanding jobs threaten to come between their partnership; for others, personal stresses, mounting pet peeves, or differing goals can start to dismantle the unconditional love and connection you once felt.

Regardless of the cause (and despite what certain people may tell you), it's natural to drift apart from your significant other sometimes. Life isn't linear, and neither are our relationships. With that being said, once you recognize the signs, you can always work to undo the damage and reconnect with your partner, too. So, here are some of the telltale indicators that you're growing apart.

Scroll to find out the subtle signs you're growing apart from your partner!

1. Physical Affection Is Nonexistent

Kampus Production

Practically everyone can think back to a time when they were in a brand-new relationship, and the "honeymoon phase" seemed to be filled with never-ending hand-holding and kissing. Those of us in long-term relationships know that this behavior tends to fade over time.

However, there should still be a balance, and no physical affection at all could signal something is wrong beneath the surface. Before jumping to a conclusion, talk to your partner and determine if something exterior is making them not want to be affectionate. Or, if you've noticed a consistent pattern, have an honest conversation to express your needs.

2. Communication Is Limited

RDNE Stock project

Aside from remaining physically connected, talking to one another is how relationships survive. Without this glue, it's easy for partnerships to fall apart.

We'd like to call attention to a common misconception, though. More specifically, the quantity of conversation is not as important as the quality. For instance, if your partner suddenly isn't texting back immediately or engaging in super long conversations over dinner, it's not an immediate cause for concern.

Again, it's natural for previously endless conversations to shorten as relationships become more long-term. Rather, quality is what you should assess. If you feel as though your talks with your partner have become surface-level or like you can't truly express your feelings anymore, that's an indicator you may be drifting.

3. You're Stuck In The Blame Game

Liza Summer

It's completely normal to have disagreements with your partner or just get frustrated by some of their usual habits. However, when you try to communicate your feelings, do either of you ever jump to criticize or throw blame?

When someone is tired or under stress, an occasional outburst like that may be understandable. But repeatedly criticizing or blaming your partner for issues that you should be tackling together is a recipe for disaster.

Not only will the person being criticized or blamed get their feelings hurt, but it will also reduce trust and lead to perceived disrespect. All of this can make you and your partner feel as if you're growing apart.

4. You No Longer Talk About Future Plans

Alex Green

When you enter a relationship, decision-making becomes a two-person endeavor. It can also be really motivating and thrilling to discuss future plans together, whether that be moving to a new city, starting a business, or growing a family.

Yet, if these conversations randomly come to a halt or seem more like fantasies than realistic, that's a red flag. It can suggest that either you or your partner don't feel like you're on the same page or there's no longer excitement about your future life together.

5. Conflict Avoidance

Timur Weber

Relationships take serious work, and problems can't be fixed without effort from both parties. That's mainly why communication is so critical; it keeps things from feeling one-sided and facilitates conflict resolution.

So, if you or your partner actively tries to avoid discussing things that need to be addressed, it could mean you're drifting. Either you are afraid to open up a can of worms, perhaps because you've been blamed or criticized in the past, or you just don't feel like dealing with the problem is worth it.

6. Less Appearance Effort

Polina Zimmerman

After being in a relationship for a while, people tend to get comfortable. And that's actually a good thing. It signals that you feel safe, secure, and accepted for who you really are.

Still, there is a line that distinguishes natural comfort from complacency. If you or your partner don't try to look nice on special occasions anymore, it could suggest that you're taking each other for granted.

Of course, lounging around in athleisure wear at home or wearing no makeup is totally natural and acceptable. But if outfits and hygiene for date nights, anniversaries, birthdays, or other outings are becoming increasingly disheveled, it's a red flag.

7. You No Longer Participate In Shared Interests

RDNE Stock project

One of the best parts about having a significant other is discovering what interests you both share and participating in them together. Active couples might enjoy hiking, playing pickleball, or golfing, while more creative types may love concerts, visiting museums, and traveling.

Not only are these activities more fun when done with someone you love, but they also allow you to create new memories and spend quality time together. So, if you and your partner previously loved trying new things together, but the frequency has fallen off, it could mean something is wrong.

Your relationship suddenly lacks the closeness you both once felt through your hobbies, and the reduced connection can make you feel separated from your partner.

8. Even When You're Together, You Feel Alone

Antoni Shkraba

Finally, those who remain in love for decades generally share similar views of their significant others: their partners are their best friends.

But if you find yourself feeling alone while sitting next to your partner on the couch at the end of each night, that's a problem. Yes, friends and other relatives are important for maintaining separate platonic relationships and your own sense of identity, yet you shouldn't feel like you have to seek out companionship entirely from other people.

Even couples with completely different backgrounds, jobs, and interests can still manage to operate as a caring and united entity. So, unfortunately, feeling alone while spending time with your partner may be a sign that you've lost a sense of connection and have drifted apart.

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Taylor Swift might have "not a lot going on at the moment" (she did just wrap up the Eras Tour, you know), but Blake Lively is juggling Another Simple Favor, her Justin Baldoni legal battle, and a second lawsuit from Justin's crisis PR firm. But despite her packed schedule and public beef, according to reports, Blake still has the popstar's invite to watch the 2025 Super Bowl, which will see Taylor's BF Travis and the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs battle against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Here's everything we know about Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, and the 2025 Super Bowl.

Taylor Swift allegedly invited Blake Lively to the Super Bowl...or did she?

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Any Taylor Swift fan will remember last year's Big Game, which featured Tay in a stunning black bodysuit and high ponytail combo, and Blake in a red tracksuit.

"Last week I left my kids for the first time ever and wore pants that were shoes," Blake said in an Instagram post after the 2024 Super Bowl. "I took pictures upside down and had no clue. I treated a friendship bracelet like a Flat Stanley for my husband like I didn’t realize it wasn’t ‘07. I borrowed more jewelry than the skeleton in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. And I went clubbing. Now I know what my episode of the Twilight Zone would look like."

According to The US Sun, Taylor's sending invites to Blake and Ryan Reynolds, as well as Ice Spice, Sabrina Carpenter, Selena Gomez, and Benny Blanco. "Taylor would like to have some of her close friends and family all together and be there to show love and support her man," an insider says. That's going to be one star-studded box!

However, other sources are saying Blake's starting the rumor about being invited to the Super Bowl...and that she won't actually be there. According to a blind item, Blake "is the one leaking stories that she is going to be in the suite next week with the A+ list singer. That isn't going to happen." We'll have to tune into the Big Game on February 9 to find out.

A Super Bowl invitation would definitely make it seem like things are good as gold between Taylor and Blake, who were rumored to be feuding after Blake allegedly called Taylor one of her "dragons" in a text.

The text in question came after Taylor reportedly joined a meeting between Blake, Ryan Reynolds, and Justin Baldoni after the It Ends With Us director had less-than-ideal feedback to Blake's script rewrite.

An insider told DailyMailthat "for the time being she is taking a step back from Blake because she doesn’t want to get tangled in this more than she already has – which is far more than she ever needed to be. Her friends also think that Blake’s 'I’m Khaleesi, and like her, I happen to have dragons' text to Justin was uncool and unnecessary because she was essentially used as an intimidation tactic. She was referred to as some kind of pet or possession."

But thanks to a Page Six insider, we also know those feud rumors are supposedly "not true." Here's hoping that's true.

Do you want to see Blake Lively with Tay at the Super Bowl? More importantly, which Super Bowl Appetizer are you making? Let us know on Facebook!