7 Dainty Ankle Tattoo Ideas to Try This Spring

What's the best order for your skincare routine?

Dionne Phillips, celebrity esthetician, put it like this: Apply your skincare from thin to thick. Start with the lightest products (likes serums or toners) and work your way up to the thick products (heavy moisturizer or oils). This will allow each individual product to penetrate the skin barrier and work its way into the skin.

Then, while the order never changes, you do want to make sure you cater the products to your individual skin type. New York State Licensed Master Esthetician, Rachel Lozina, let me know that skin is the only organ you treat from the inside out and the outside in. And everyone’s skin is different, so there can’t be — and shouldn’t be — a one size fits all skincare routine for everyone! For example, if you have dry skin, then you want a thicker serum and moisturizer with ingredients that are hydrating like hyaluronic acid. If you have acne-prone skin then you want light products with harsher ingredients like lactic acid to help get rid of any breakouts. So, your order won't change, but you do want to cater the individual products in those steps!

Step 1: Cleanse + Toner

Starting with a cleanser, because we need a fresh face free of any grime or dirt before we apply our skincare products. You want to always make sure you're starting off with a double cleanse; an oil-based then a water-based. This will effectively remove all dirt from the day off your face, and allow the following products to work their magic like we want them to!

This Palmer's Oil Cleanser is dermatologist approved, and great to give us that clean, smooth base for our products to go on! It's also only $9 at the moment, so definitely grab this one immediately!

Then, following this double cleanse, you want to go in with a light toner that will strip the skin of oil, and give a good base for the products to absorb. Mina Sheikhha, Skin Care Expert and Global Brand Director of Blithe, told me that learning how to incorporate toners when you build a skincare routine is seriously important for all skin types. Toners help to balance the skin’s pH levels and prepare it for the next steps in your routine. They also remove any remaining impurities after cleansing, which is key for a good AM/PM skin routine!

This Cerave Toner is also really great, because it's under $10 and is perfect for hydrating the skin!

Step 2: Serums

After using your toner, you want to follow up with a light serum. This is where you can really target specific skin issues. Ask yourself the question, "What does my skin need today?" because it can (and will) change constantly. Some days you might need hydration, others you may need help with a breakout, it will be always be changing. One product that I use consistently since my skin is so dry, is this Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum. It's incredibly light, easily absorbed, and extremely affordable at only $5. It's great to regulate your skin texture and oil levels, as well as give it some much-needed hydration in this summer heat.

Step 3: Moisturizer

A good moisturizer is a crucial step to any skincare routine! Sheikhha says that not only will moisturizing hydrate our skin, but it also ensures that our previous products really get absorbed into the skin barrier and get to work. This makes sure you're getting the most out of all those beneficial ingredients so your skin can stay healthy and supple.

I just adore this Dewy Skin Cream from Tatcha as a daily moisturizer. It totally makes my skin look like glass, whenever I use it. The texture is so thick and creamy, that you won't be able to stop re-stocking it — definitely one of my all-time faves!

Step 4: Oils

I used to think oils go on first, but one of the last steps to any good skincare routine is always oil! Oils have so many benefits: boosting hydration, strengthening the skin barrier, locking in the previous products, adding radiance to the skin — the list goes on! Oils truly can do wonders for in my experience! Anytime I use oils at night, I wake up and immediately notice how soft and supple my skin feels.

This Summer Fridays Oil is heavenly...and that's literally in the name! It has fatty acids and a blend of 16 non-comedogenic oils so you can apply at night, and wake up with facial-like skin! It's a 10/10 must for me to top off my skincare routine.

Step 5: SPF

The final and most important step is a good sunscreen. If you want to really invest in your skin, and take care of it for the long haul then you need to have a good — and strong — SPF. This is great for protecting your skin from the harsh summer UV rays, as well as preventing wrinkles! As someone who's prone to skin cancer, this step is my bestie!

This Summer Fridays SPFis one of my favorites, because:

1. It goes super well under makeup, you can't even tell it's there.
2. It doesn't cause any white-cast on your face.
3. Because it's so creamy, you can re-apply throughout the day for seamless blendability.

What is color analysis?

Color analysis is the process of finding which colors work most harmoniously with your skin, eye, and hair colors. This includes the colors of your wardrobe, makeup shades, and even jewelry. Some palettes can oppose your natural complexion, drawing attention to dark spots, discoloration, and eye bags that steal your glow.

Seasonal color analysis steps up the basic color analysis, and associates one’s best colors with the colors found in nature in each season. The seasonal colors fall into winter, spring, summer, or autumn.

“The goal of color analysis is to create a visual connection between the qualities of color we see in one’s face and qualities of color worn in one’s clothing,” said Carol Davidson, a NYC-based color, style, and image expert. “It’s the difference between a person wearing their clothing, or the clothing wearing them.”

Color analysis is primarily based on your skin’s undertone, which can be warm, cool, or neutral. Determining your undertone on your own is fairly simple, according to Davidson. “Some people utilize the vein test to determine their skin’s undertone,” said Davidson. “In natural light, look at your wrists. If your veins appear blue or purple, there’s a good chance your skin skews cooler. If your veins look green, there’s a good chance your skin skews warmer.”

Another quick hack for doing color analysis yourself is assessing the level of contrast between your hair and skin, says Alison Bruhn, personal stylist and Co-Founder of The Style That Binds Us. “Those with softer coloring (AKA low contrast) should go for more muted colors. Strong colors can overwhelm and look too harsh. If you have high contrast between your hair and your skin, then clear, bold colors are a must!”

What are the wrong colors for me?

The wrong colors may cast shadows under your eyes or around your mouth, dull your skin tone, magnify imperfections on the skin, and simply overpower your natural look. You can keep an eye out for these effects when trying on different colors, but working with a professional can help gauge what works more specificity and ease.

“If you aren’t able to ask questions and watch someone performing color analysis on others a few times, so you can see it done in person, you will not be as successful in determining the correct color analysis,” said Bruhn. “My suggestion is either to take classes on color analysis, or find a professional to work with one-on-one.”

What are the right colors for me?

“The right colors can help a person look pulled together and connected to their clothing,” said Davidson. “They lessen the need for makeup by brightening the eyes and making skin glow, and boost confidence in how a person looks and feels.”

Having a color match can also help streamline your shopping trips. “When you know your colors, it helps you shop efficiently, saving time, energy, and money,” said Davidson. “This knowledge helps you repeat your clothing successes and minimize your clothing mistakes. You may buy an item thinking that it only works with one or two items, but when you bring it home, you realize that it goes with much more.”

Can I use color analysis at home?

You can definitely practice color analysis in your home. Jennifer Guerin, owner of JG Color Studios, says it's best to feel out different colors when matching your interiors: "Walk through your space and pay attention to what you see. What colors stand out to you that create joy? The most important rule is to understand the difference between cool, warm and neutral tones. If you can do that. you can create a home run on your own!"

A color analysis can save you tons of time, allowing you to create a color plan. This includes everything from wall paint, to accents and decor. The ultimate goal is to have your space reflect your personality and surroundings, just like wearing your color match would.

How can I practice color analysis?

@mikk022 I genuinely do not know which one suits me best #coloranalysis#personalcolor#personalcoloranalysis♬ original sound - Mikayla

Professionals often have the optimal spaces and equipment to perform accurate color analysis, but if you want to do it on your own, here are a few helpful tips:

• Always begin your self-analysis in natural daylight. “Sometimes it’s hard to tell how colors look on ourselves,” said Bruhn. “You can’t get accurate views in a mirror or in a certain light. Closet and bathroom light is never the best option for judging if a color is right for you.”
• If you plan on utilizing color apps, templates, or quizzes to assess your color match, make sure you’re using more than one to see if your result is the same across the board.
• Look for dullness in your skin tone, as well as any noticeable imperfections that jump out against the colors you try on.

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

• What is the most effective use of my time right now?

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

• "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

• "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"