This Is the Full Skincare Routine of a Natural Beauty Expert

Beth Wischnia
Nov 12, 2016

There’s always a bit of curiosity and, honestly, a bit of secrecy around the products and routines people use to keep their skin healthy from the inside out. What’s even more intriguing is when you can get a peek into the skincare secrets of industry experts. This series will lift the veil on the products, tips and hacks behind people who are majorly *skinspirational.*

Beyond helping us decode labels and their ingredients, she serves up no-frills reviews of products and shares tips on how we all can make more informed decisions about the personal care item we buy. Needless to say, Jessica knows natural beauty and is one herself ;) Her skincare routine is one for the books — but look at her! It's working. Read on to get the scoop on exactly how this lady gets her natural glow.

WHAT IS THE FOUNDER of bare beauty’s SKINCARE ROUTINE?

1. Refreshing Cleanse: “In the morning, I use True Botanicals CLEAR Hydrating Cleanser ($48) mixed with their Polishing Grains. The cleanser hydrates while cleaning thoroughly to fight breakouts. The super-fine grains wake up and exfoliate my skin without aggravating it."

2. Balancing Toner: “I'm addicted to True Botanicals CLEAR Nutrient Toner ($48) — I spray it on as soon as I finish washing my face or when I step out of the shower. Black willow bark extract and olive leaf extract eliminate bacteria, and kombucha and apple cider vinegar keep my skin pH-balanced."

3. Brightening Serum: “Laurel Whole Plant Organics Eye Serum ($72) is a miracle. I've been using it for about a year and I'm hooked. Bilberry, fennel, licorice, nettle, chamomile and rosehips brighten and reduce the appearance of dark circle. These magical ingredients also strengthen capillaries and reduce puffiness, inflammation and fluid retention."

4. Balancing Oil: “True Botanicals CLEAR Pure Radiance Oil ($110) is incredible for acne-prone skin. It moisturizes so well without leaving a trace of greasy residue, immediately sinking into the skin to balance out both oily and dry areas. Algae extract and astaxanthin provide a high concentration of omega 3's to keep skin looking its best."

5. Skin Protection: “True Botanicals Everyday Sheer SPF 20 is light enough to apply right on top of the True Botanicals CLEAR Pure Radiance Oil ($110). I love the gorgeous semi-matte finish and its broad spectrum, non-nano zinc oxide SPF is the safest available."

6. Makeup-Removing Oil: “I honestly don't know what I did before One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover ($42). This is the only cleansing oil I've ever used that not only loosens dirt, grime, makeup and sunscreen but also rinses cleaninstead of leaving a greasy mess behind."

7. Foaming Cleanser: “I follow up with BioRecept Mousse de Peau ($33). It is the gentlest, hardest-working foaming cleanser I’ve come across. My skin feels truly clean but never tight or dry.”

8. Balancing Toner: “I use True Botanicals CLEAR Nutrient Toner ($48) for probably the tenth time in a day — I told you, I'm addicted! This helps my serums spread evenly over my face and provides extra hydration before bedtime."

9. Soothing Serum: “Most nights, I use Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum ($185) which is liquid gold. I've never witnessed a single product do so much; I wake up with less inflamed skin that also looks brighter and more glowy. I could recommend this product to absolutely anyone and everyone."

10. Next Level Eye Cream: “Bottega Organica Illuminate Eye Contour Cream is the best eye cream out there, period — especially for sensitive eyes like mine. It's packed with regenerating arnica and coneflower, brightening cucumber, horse chestnut and olive oil from Bottega Organica's own farm in Italy. Anyone who uses this rich and non-greasy eye cream will definitely see a difference in a month."

11. Dynamic Nighttime Duo: “My nighttime piece de resistance is True Botanicals CLEAR Cellular Repair Serum ($140) mixed with their Vitamin C Booster ($90). This dynamic duo prevents blemishes, evens skin tone, improves moisture retention, fights wrinkles and stimulates collagen production. If I go even two nights without it, I notice a (bad) difference in my skin."

12. Around The Clock Lip Balm: “Henne Organics Luxury Lip Balm ($22) is the most effective lip balm I've ever used. I used it every night and in the morning it is still working its magic. My lips have never been in better shape."

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(Photo via Bare Beauty)

9 Best-Smelling Body Washes That’ll Have People Asking, “What’s That Amazing Scent?”

The best part of taking a shower, other than getting clean, of course, is all the delicious scents. From shampoo and conditioner to body scrubs, nothing truly compares to a good-smelling body wash. I recently discovered Lush’s amazing Sticky Dates shower gel, and I don’t think I can ever go back to bar soap now. These best-smelling body washes smell just as great in the shower as they do outside of it, and are sure to earn you tons and tons of compliments – all while treating your skin so nicely.

Check out our top picks for the best-smelling body wash below!

Lush

Lush Sticky Dates Shower Gel

This shower gel from Lush is undeniably sweet-smelling. I think it smells like straight-up dessert – I had to fight off the intrusive thoughts to eat it when I was in the store checking it out (don't judge, okay?). It lathers up luxuriously, and always feels nourishing and hydrating on my skin. It's formulated with organic date syrup, sandalwood oil, and orange juice to properly cleanse off your bod. I already know I'm going to buy a bigger bottle once my sample size one runs out!

Promising review: "The scent of this body wash is sooo mouthwatering. I love the light lather and the soft scent left on the skin after rinsing off. Definitely worth the hype!"

Target

Saltair Seascape Serum Body Wash

You won't be able to stop sniffing this heavenly body wash. It smells spot-on to a dreamy island getaway! I love this formula in particular because it's crafted with hyaluronic acid, which helps add even more moisture to the skin. Extra points to this body wash since the bottle's so cute!

Promising review: "Oh man. Boy do I love this scent. Reminds of the fresh smell of the sea when I visit the Carribbean Islands. Im just in a trance when I'm in the shower."

Amazon

OUAI St. Barts Body Cleanser

If there's one thing OUAI absolutely nails, it's their scents. From their hair oil to shampoo, I fall in love with the products over and over again after every use. Their body wash is no exception, especially this one in the scent St. Barts. You get a little bit of every note: floral dragonfruit, orange blossom, and tuberose, plus a nice gourmand dose of and Baltic amber that feels oh-so sophisticated. The formula is made with jojoba oil, which expertly hydrates the skin, deep down. Dreamy!

Promising review: "I’ve been using the OUAI Body Cleanser for a few weeks now, and it has become a staple in my shower routine. The first thing that drew me in was the scent—it’s light, fresh, and lingers subtly on the skin without being overpowering. It makes showering feel like a mini-spa experience."

Amazon

Nécessaire The Body Wash

For a fancy(ish) body wash that smells downright divine, reach for this one from Nécessaire. It's packed with eucalyptus, which is uber-refreshing for a nice wake up call in the AM! The body wash is boosted with plenty of lipid-rich oils and niacinamide, which can help strengthen the skin's natural barrier.

Promising review: "I have very sensitive skin but I also really like things that smell good! After reading reviews I decided to give this a try. My skin didn’t react to this at all (yay!!) and the smell is great! Super relaxing and perfect for after a long day. The bottle came well packed inside its own box - this was great because it didn’t leak or anything. The bottle is also really big so I think with cleaner ingredients & great smell it’s worth it!"

Target

Olay Cleansing & Firming Body Wash

If you're in love with clean scents, this body wash from Olay delivers. Not only does it smell so fresh and so clean, it's heavy on skincare benefits. The formula includes collagen and a vitamin B3 complex that nourishes for "beautiful, healthy-looking skin."

Promising review: "My new go-to body wash! I so love the smell! I felt so luxurious and soft after each use!"

Sephora

L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Shea Shower Oil

Though it's not technically a body wash, this shower oil still lathers up gorgeously to cleanse your skin. Its main ingredients are shea oil and shea butter, which nourish the skin like no other, leaving it as soft as can be. Dry skin-havers will fall in love with this one!

Promising review: "Ten stars. One of my absolute favorite shower indulgences. This smells amazing. A warm, soft musk scent that lingers long after your shower is over. It leaves my skin feeling brand new, so soft and super smooth. I absolutely love going to bed with this scent on my pajamas and even waking up the next day to get dressed and still feeling so soft and smelling pretty. Not a strong scent whatsoever. A very soft, musk like skin scent."

Amazon

Aesop A Rose by Any Other Name Body Cleanser

You've likely never smelled a body wash like this one before. It combines notes of rose petal, cardamom, and black pepper for a punchy, yet floral-heavy scent. The aroma can come off as super saturated upon first impression, so a little goes a long way.

Promising review: "I love the Aesop products because I have very dry skin and am allergic to perfume soaps. After many trials and errors with other products this was recommended and I love it ! Worth every penny. Wish it also came in travel size because the hotel soap bars don't measure up."

Target

Dove Shea Butter & Vanilla Pampering Body Wash

Forget all the frills and fancy stuff – sometimes a basic vanilla scent works the best! This gentle body wash is friendly on all skin types and boasts the perfect balance of shea butter and warm vanilla for an uplifting shower experience each time. Your skin will look instantly cleaner, fresher, and more moisturized!

Promising review: "My favorite body wash!! It smells amazing and is so affordable. The scent really lingers."

Amazon

Method Pure Peace Body Wash

If I had to compare this body wash to anything, it'd be Glossier's signature Glossier You perfume. It smells sooo good. The mix of floral peony and pungent pink salt just work together so well! The clean formula is gentle on the skin and always leaves it feeling noticeably soft and moisturized.

Promising review: "One of the standout aspects of this body wash is its formula. It’s paraben- and phthalate-free, which is reassuring for those with sensitive skin or anyone conscious about the ingredients in their skincare products. The wash lathers well, providing a luxurious feel while gently cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. My skin felt clean and hydrated after use, which is a big plus."

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20 Trader Joe's Finds That Will Make You Want To Eat Healthy This Year

Trader Joe’s, though very tempting with their vast array of sweet treats, is truly a secret weapon for eating healthy and sustaining a healthy diet. TJ’s aisles are packed full of nutritious (yet delicious) options, all of which are often easy to prepare and even easier to devour. Whether you’re focusing on fueling your workouts with protein, cutting back on sugar, or simply eating more whole foods in 2025, Trader Joe’s has plenty of affordable, wholesome finds to keep your diet inspired.

Below, find the best Trader Joe’s products that make sticking to your 2025 resolutions a breeze!

Trader Joe's

Creamy Dreamy Hummus

Hummus is an instant snack hack if you're trying to eat a high-protein diet – this $3 one from TJ's boasts a "thick, rich, and exquisitely creamy" texture. Slap it on a wrap or dip in some veggie sticks to give your meal a nice boost.

Trader Joe's

Vegetable Root Chips

These veggie root chips make a deliciously healthy swap for your traditional potato chips as they're packed with fiber and plenty of color to enjoy!

Trader Joe's

Organic Super Bread

Though you might not guess it at first glance, this loaf contains whole wheat flour, organic rye flour, organic rolled oats, organic millet, organic pumpkin seeds, organic flax seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic carrots, organic dried apple, and organic dried banana – that's a mouthful! If your 2025 goal is to eat more whole foods without sacrificing a ton of familiar foods, this is the bread for you!

Trader Joe's

Cut Sweet Potatoes

These 'taters come already cut, so all you gotta do is toss 'em in some olive oil and spices, bake on a sheet pan, pair it with a protein, and voila! Dinner is served.

Trader Joe's

Organic Dried Ataulfo Mango Slices

These mango slices make a great healthy snack to enjoy on the go. They taste just like candy, except without all the excess processed sugar.

Trader Joe's

Solid White Albacore Tuna

Protein fiends already know what's up with canned tuna. It's the perfect base for tuna salads, wraps, and bakes. Plus, one can goes for just $2 at TJ's – stock up!

Trader Joe's

Caesar Broccoli Bake Kit

This pre-made kit makes getting a side dish on the table super easy and healthy. It comes with all the fixings, like Caesar dressing, crouton crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.

Trader Joe's

10 Minute Farro

Traditionally, farro takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to fully cook. This bag of Trader Joe's farro defies all tradition and is ready in just 10 minutes! The whole grain is really rich in protein and fiber, so you know you'll be eating healthy when you choose to chow down.

Trader Joe's

Vanilla Bean Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is *the* breakfast hack to rule all breakfast hacks. It's high in protein, plus is typically packed with plenty of probiotics to keep your gut real healthy. Enjoy a heaping scoop with some fresh (or frozen) fruit, granola, and honey to get a tasty start to the day.

Trader Joe's

Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bars

Healthy snacks can be really hard to track down at TJ's, especially since they have so many sinful goodies on their shelves. Luckily, these trail mix bars exist, bringing a yummy medley of oats, nuts, raisins, and chocolatey bits to satisfy that sweet tooth without weighing you down during the day!

Trader Joe's

Carb Savvy Tortillas

If you're set on watching your intake of carbs, these tortillas are a must-have. They contain 21% of your daily recommended value of fiber (6 grams each) according to TJ's, and make an excellent addition to wraps, quesadillas, or just as a snack.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice Cake Thins

These rice cakes may be thinner than most, but they still boast an enjoyably dense texture, perfect for layering on some peanut butter and banana for an easy, fulfilling snack.

Trader Joe's

Pulled Chicken Salsa Verde

This fully-cooked chicken is ideal for people seeking a convenient, time-saving meal. The salsa verde flavoring instantly qualifies them for delicious tacos, quesadillas, burritos, burrito bowls, nachos – the list goes on! Just pop it in the microwave for 4 minutes, and boom – time to eat!

Trader Joe's

Perfect Bar Peanut Butter Protein Bar

This protein bar is called the Perfect Bar because it's literally perfect. The sweetness is at just the right level, the texture is so satisfying, and the high protein content (17 grams) fills you up easily if you're seeking a substantial mid-day snack.

Trader Joe's

Classic Greek Salad

With this ready-made salad kit, you won't have to think too hard at all about what you're having for a healthy lunch. Feel free to grab 5 at a time, because you will be hooked. Add some chicken or salmon on top to bulk it up with extra protein!

Trader Joe's

Stir Fry Veggie Blend

Why pick up 5 or more individual ingredients for stir fry when you can just grab this $3 bag, cook it, and call it a day? We highly recommend cheffing this up with TJ's Soyaki sauce and your protein of choice.

Trader Joe's

High Protein Organic Tofu

One serving of this tofu contains 14 grams of protein, which is higher than what you can typically find elsewhere. Plus, it's certifiably organic, so it's always gonna be clean eating-friendly.

Trader Joe's

Organic Tricolor Quinoa

Quinoa makes an impressive grain base for bowls and salads. This one boasts a healthy mix of white, red, and black quinoa for some good variety!

Trader Joe's

Crunchy Curls

These 100% vegan bites are the ultimate movie snack and are way healthier than your average bag of theater popcorn. They're made with lentil flour and potato starch for a superb texture every time.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta

This organic, gluten-free pasta delivers 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, making each meal nutritious as ever.

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17 Hydrating Vitamin C Serums That REALLY Work: "Bright, Healthy Skin!"

I don't know why it took me so long to discover Vitamin C serums for my acne-prone skin, but now I can't live life without them. They've become the holy grail staples I always stop whatever I'm doing to replace whenever I run out. Why? The benefits of using them are that serious to me. Let's pump the brakes though. What the heck am I even using? Let's dig into my favorite vitamin c serums to add to your vanity ASAP.

The best Vitamin C serums my skin can't get enough of:

Target

Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C and E Ferulic Acid Serum

One of Reddit's skincare threads introduced me to Timeless Skin Care's Vitamin C and E serum, and I haven't looked back since. This gives you a healthy dose of hydration and also works to keep the collagen in your skin from losing its luster. The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the smell. It's not horrible, but it's noticeable for anyone who has sensitive noses!

Sephora

Kora Organics Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum

Kora Organics' Vitamin C serum is a little pricier than the Timeless Skin Care's, but I don't mind making the investment because you don't need to use a lot. A few pumps of this daily will supply your skin with a serum that targets dark spots and dull skin.

Amazon

CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

For a fraction of the price, CeraVe's Vitamin C Serum will not only give you the "purest form" of t l-ascorbic acid, but it's also full of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and Vitamin B5. Your skin will brighten over time and won't feel as textured, if that's a concern of yours.

Amazon

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C Serum + Tri-Peptide Serum

Bring the spa to your private bathroom with Bliss' Vitamin C and Tri-Peptide serum. Aside from those ingredients, it also has green tea extract in it to protect against anything that tries to mess with your skin's barrier. If it sounds like it packs a healthy punch, it's because it does!

Amazon

Curology Brightening Vitamin C Serum with Azelaic Acid

Give your skin back it's glow with one of the less expensive Vitamin C serums on the market. It has azelaic acid in it to help calm irritated skin, but that's not all. This formula plays well with other skincare products and can be worn under your makeup.

Amazon

La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum

If you have sensitive skin, you'll want to use La Roche-Posay's Vitamin C serum. I've tried it before and can say that it targets my problem areas without causing irritation. Featuring two of my favorite ingredients — hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid — it's gentle on skin while being tough on harmful elements.

Sephora

Paula's Choice C16 Super Booster Vitamin C Serum

Finally — a truly fragrance-free serum! They're hard to come by, but Paula's Choice does a great job of making sure our noses won't be offended when we apply this. It tackles dark spots and dull skin, but it also seeps into fine lines to lessen their appearance.

Sephora

Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Don't you just love when skincare products have cute packaging or bottles? Although it's a personal preference of mine, it's not something you have to worry about because it's what inside that counts.

Innisfree's Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C serum will gentle seep into your skin's pores to flesh out bacteria, leaving you with the smoothest and brightest glow over time.

Sephora

Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrating Vitamin C Serum

A serum that promises to give your skin luminosity? It almost sounds like a hoax, but it's not. Drunk Elephant is known for their innovative products so you can trust that your acne-prone skin will happily welcome this in your routine.

Sephora

Dr. Jart+ Brightening Serum with Niacinaminde and Vitamin C

Need as quick of a skin brightening fix as you can get? Try this Vitamin C treatment that works to improve your skin over 7 days. You'll get the best protection and hydration in a shorter amount of time which sounds great IMO.

Sephora

Herbivore Nova 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum

If you prefer the traditional way of getting the benefits of Vitamin C, let Herbivore be your guide. It has clean and environmentally ingredients — turmeric and arbutin —which are hard to come by in skincare. Together, they work to lessen discoloration and create a balanced texture.

Ulta

Ole Henriksen Serum Hydrating Vitamin C Serum

You can count on Ole Henriksen to provide the most soothing skincare products. The brand's Vitamin C serum has True-C Complex, collagen, aloe juice, and more in it to provide your skin with continuous boosts of hydration throughout the day.

Ulta

Buttah Skin Vitamin C Serum

Buttah Skin knows that dark spots can be bothersome for people who have them so their Vitamin C Serum is geared towards lessening their appearance. The ferulic acid and grapeseed extract will gently coat your skin, slowly working their way into your pores to give you the healthy glow you're looking for.

Ulta

Live Tinted Superbright 15% Vitamin C Serum Stick

A Vitamin C serum stick? Why yes, Live Tinted knows that not everyone loves the feeling of using a stopper to distribute what their skin needs. Though it applies like a balm, it quickly turns into a serum smooths fine lines.

Ulta

Bubble Day Dream Vitamin C + Niacinamide Serum

No matter your skin type, you can count on Bubble's Vitamin C and niacinamide serum to give you everything your skin needs without spending a fortune. Perhaps the best part about this formula is that it doesn't have an artificial color.

Ulta

Beekman 1802 Golden Booster Amla Berry Vitamin C Serum

Beekman 1802's Golden Booster serum is full of amla berry because it has even more beneficial properties than other fruits. Harmful environmental factors won't be able to beat it nor will they continue to make your skin go haywire.

Ulta

SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

If you don't mind making an investment, Sunday Riley has one of the BEST Vitamin C serums. It's as hydrating as you imagine and helps to reduce your skin's sensitivity levels. On reviewer said it gave them "bright, healthy skin" — exactly what we're looking for here! Plus, your pores will get smaller with each use.

Need more skincare recommendations? Stop by our Amazon Storefront for more goodies!

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25 "Deep" Questions To Ask Yourself Before 2025 Begins

So, you've found your 2025 word of the year and are ready for the biggest reset of your life. Now all you have to do is map out how you're going to get there. You could opt for vague ideas that live only in your head, but when has that motivated you to achieve your goals in the past?

If you think we're putting you on the spot, we're not! We're here to encourage you to dream boldly by being detailed about what you actually want. Of course, we have the perfect list of deep questions and journal prompts so you can tap into the life you want to live.

Here are 25 deep questions to ask yourself and journal about to guide you toward your 2025 vision of personal growth and self-improvement:

Marcus Aurelius

Questions About Your Daily Routine

Please don't throw eggs at us! We know you don't want to feel governed by a schedule like you're in grade school, but there are benefits to having something to guide you daily. According to Northwestern Medicine, you can "reduce stress" and even "get better rest" by having a routine.

If you've been promising yourself to improve in these areas, here are 5 questions to ask yourself:

  • How many of hours of sleep do I typically get per night?
  • What distractions can I eliminate before bed so I'm not groggy in the morning? (i.e., no more binge watching my favorite TV shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok)?
  • Do I have a morning routine or do I rush through taking a shower, brushing my teeth, and eating breakfast?
  • How do I usually feel when I get to work?
  • Am I okay with setting a reminder for myself to take a break during the work day so I can stretch my legs, eat lunch, or go for a quick walk?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Self-Care

Making time for your self-care is a part of your daily routine, but we want to dig deeper by sharing questions that'll help you reflect on how you treat yourself.

  • How do I want to feel about myself in 2025?
  • Did I have moments I looked in the mirror and didn't like the way my skin or body looked this year?
  • Have I been prioritizing my mental health?
  • Did I make space for exercising (i.e. walking, yoga, running, etc.)?
  • Did I create healthy boundaries with family, friends, or someone I'm dating?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Career

We almost said, "Here comes the fun part," but that would be unfair for people who consider other areas of their lives more important to chasing a career. If you are focused on pursuing something you're passionate about or simply want to earn a new promotion, here's what you can ask yourself:

  • What are my biggest career accomplishments this year?
  • What skills do I need to sharpen that align with the position I want?
  • How do I respond to constructive criticism?
  • What is my usual response to change or tight deadlines?
  • Do I ask for help when I don't understand a project or concept?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Home

Your home is anywhere that you live even if you're renting or living with your parents for the time being.

  • How did the energy in my home feel?
  • Did I do anything to make it feel like me?
  • How can I create a relaxing environment in my room that promotes rest and relaxation?
  • Do I want to have a certain aesthetic for my living room, office, etc.?
  • What does having a clean and organized home mean to me?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Relationships

Have you been making excuses for toxic friends or ignoring red flags? If it's okay, we're going to sit by you and gently suggest it's time for a change. The kind of life you want to live can't be weighed down by old habits of yours or some of the people you've been spending time with, especially if you've been feeling uncomfortable.

  • What kind of friendships do I want to have in 2025?
  • Do I have a reliable support system?
  • What did I love about my romantic relationship this year?
  • Are there certain conversations I need to have with family members, friends, or my partner that I've been avoiding?
  • Do I need to change the way I show up in my platonic or romantic relationships?

Get a jumpstart on transforming your space for 2025 with easy feng shui tips!

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10 Epic Stores From The '90s We Can't Believe Are Gone

The '90s were a great time, according to millennials. It was a time of rollerblading, listening to cassette players, playing Super Mario Bros. on Nintendos, having birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and more. Besides this and other pop culture moments that went viral before social media existed, the '90s gave us classic stores we used to frequent as kids.

Despite meeting their demise as the Y2K age took over, we'll never forget the fun memories (and maximalist vibes) these stores gave us!

Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting our favorite '90s stores that will take you back in time (and make you feel old):

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1. Party City

Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.

It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.

I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.

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2. Blockbuster

Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.

When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.

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3. Circuit City

Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.

Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.

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4. Virgin Music Store

If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.

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5. Radio Shack

This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.

Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.

6. Border's

As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.

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7. KB Toys

Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.

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8. Wet Seal

Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)

Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.

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9. Esprit

This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.

10. Goody's

Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.

And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.

Which '90s stores do you wish were still open? Let us know on Facebook!

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