7 Expert Makeup And Skincare Tips For How To Look Younger

e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

This is by far the best drugstore eyeliner out there. Designed with a convenient retractable (no-sharpen!) tip, it's super easy to take on the go for any touch-ups. Plus, the color payoff and wearability of each shade is insanely impressive.

If you're looking for an eyeliner that, no matter the circumstances, does not budge, this $5 is the perfect pick-me-up. You can find it in a handful of different colors to suit your makeup needs.

Promising review: "I can’t believe I’ve been trying to make felt tipped eyeliners work for so long. Usually I put on felt tipped eye liner and it barely shows up, maybe my eye lids are watery or oily. So naturally within a hour or two it doesn’t even look like I’ve put on eye liner. This is not the case with this elf eye cream retractable liner. It actually shows up right away, it also lasts for hours. Even after 8 hours there was still some on my eyes, although I did need to re apply in some spots. It also didn’t smudge. For it to last at all and not smudge is amazing for me."

Nivea Body, Face, & Hand Moisturizing Cream

Though some people may see this $10 tinned cream as truly "old school,"many others still hold it near and dear for its ability to moisturize and heal dry skin in need of nourishment.

The thick, non-greasy formula is chockfull of provitamin B5 that really sinks deep into the skin. The best part is it's really gentle, so you can use it on your face, body, and hands.

Promising review: "Nivea is a great product. My parents always had a tin of it around. I've continued the tradition. It is a wonderful thick cream that moisturizes well. Great value for the price, as a little goes a long way. Softens rough skin."

Versed Sweet Relief Night Mask + Face Balm

B+C Affiliate Writer, Meredith, truly cannot get enough of this stuff from Versed. It's a thick, moisturizing face balm that really nails down the 'slugging' skincare trend without totally swamping your skin. It is fairly oily and shiny after one application, so she recommends using it only at night – and you'll wake up with a glowy complexion!

Its $10 (was $18) formula is loaded up with bacuri and kokum butters and apricot kernel oil that are all dedicated to protecting the skin barrier. Though these ingredients may sound intimidating, the product is still wonderfully gentle overall for any skin type.

Promising review: "I have very sensitive skin and LOVE this as an overnight moisturizer. It's thick but a little goes a long way. The winter where I live is very dry. I use it every night before bed, my skin feels great in the morning! It's neutral smelling but I prefer that."

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

This $7 (was $10) shampoo will set all your hair growth goals so right. It's made with rosemary and mint essential oils that help stimulate the scalp for better growth, along with biotin that ensures your locks don't lose moisture during the washing process. Snag the coordinating conditioner to get the full benefits (read an editor's review here)!

Promising review: "This shampoo is my favorite. It has a nice smell and gives my thinning hair a lot of volume and softness. Lathers well. Packaged well, no leaks. Hair loss has slowed down some. I will definitely continue to use."

e.l.f. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain

This $6 (yes, $6!) lip stain is unlike most lip stains in the way that it boasts a fun, glossy formula. Where some leave-on lip stains may dry up and make your lips look crusty AF (hate that), this one nourishes your pout, all the while leaving a nice wash of color behind.

This e.l.f. product stole the heart of B+C Affiliate Writer, Meredith, for its natural look, comfortable wear, and undeniable affordability. Its low price of $6 makes it so easy to try out the lip stain trend without going all-in! There are also so many shades to pick from, so you're sure to find one that suits you perfectly.

Promising review: "This was the first time buying any thing that was being called a lip stain. I didn’t want to spend a lot since I wasn’t sure if I would like them or if they worked the way people said they did. This goes on very easy and I have only used it a few times now, but it did last for a number of hours and did not come off when I ate or drink anything. I have thinner lips, but I like at this at least helps them show up more and when I don’t want to wear a lot of color, this is a soft neutral."

Method Pure Peace Body Wash

This $8 body wash smells like heaven, truly. With notes of peony, rose water, and pink sea salt, it's perfectly feminine and clean and feels like a total treat in the shower or bath. Though fragranced, it's still gentle on the skin and provides a good amount of moisture after each use!

This body wash from Method also boasts a unique biodegradable formula made with plant-based cleansers that contains zero parabens or phthalates to ensure healthy skin 24/7.

Promising review: "I was hesitant to buy this as I was not sure about how the scent would be. I am pleasantly surprised.
It has a simple rose smell, but it's mild and lacks that perfumey, cloying sort of smell that can happen with floral scents. Very simple, like I'm rubbing roses on myself. Not super strong, it lingers but doesn't feel like it's following you around all day either."

Essence Lash Princess Mascara

This $5 mascara definitely doesn't feel like it's $5. It undeniably volumizes and lengthens your lashes in a few simple swipes, all without those pesky clumps you might expect from a more affordable product.

The brush itself features an easy-to-use conic shape that lets you access the entirety of your lashes for a cohesive look, too!

Promising review: "What a little hidden gem this is. I first saw this on a you tube video and decided to try it. The bottle is adorable, but the contents will blow you away. It's probably the best mascara or one of the best that I have ever used. It was very inexpensive so even though the woman on the you tube video was saying how great it was, I wasn't expecting it to be all that great, but was still curious. I'm really glad I bought it, because it is the best mascara from a company no one probably even knows of because it is not mainstream. Buy it! I think you will love it!!"

Wet Brush Original Detangler Hair Brush

The Wet Brush is a team favorite around here. It's gentle, lightweight, and oftentimes comes in the cutest colors and patterns to make our hair care routines more fun.

If you're still using your old, ratty hair brush, the flexible bristles on the Wet Brush will feel like a total treat on your head. They help minimize breakage while still effectively detangling your locks. We're simply obsessed with this $7 rainbow colorway, too!

Promising review: "It glides through my hair effortlessly, detangling without pulling or causing breakage. The bristles are gentle yet effective, making it perfect for both wet and dry hair. Plus, the color is so pretty! If you struggle with knots or just want a great everyday brush, this one is a must-have!"

First Impressions Of The Solawave

The Solawave wand claims to “reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, blemishes, and puffiness” using a combination of non-invasive science-backed red light, microcurrents, and warmth to target them. I really was drawn to its non-invasive quality, and based on the many TikToks I watched of people using the Solawave, it looked way too easy to be true.

On first impression, I liked how compact the Solawave wand was. It wasn’t nearly as bulky like other red light therapy masks I’ve tried, which is especially pleasant since I could take it on-the-go. The red light component of the Solawave even turns to the side so that it fits nicely in the included carrying case (a true makeup bag must-have).

The process of using the Solawave turned out to be just as easy as I initially thought. After a quick charge of 10 minutes, a single press of a button, and 5 minutes worth of moving the wand in an upward motion all around my face, the routine was complete.

The Process Of Using The Solawave Wand

The Solawave delivers its treatment in several ways: red light, a vibrating microcurrent, and gentle heat. I honestly didn’t expect the red light to be as strong as it was, considering how small the wand is. I found that the light was vibrant and strong, and since I had to hold it up right against my face to use it, I felt confident that my skin was receiving a thorough red light therapy treatment.

The vibrating microcurrent felt really relaxing on my face. According to Solawave, these currents help “boost your skin's ability to absorb serums and creams.” I most consistently used it in conjunction with the Solawave Skin Therapy Activating Serum, which is recommended to amplify the wand’s performance, but I really didn’t observe much absorption from it. I only noticed a nice level of absorption when I used the wand with my trusty Kiehl’s Ultra Face Cream – with this power duo, my skin felt even more hydrated than if I had just used the face cream on its own.

Finally, the warmth of the wand also felt supremely relaxing. This higher-temperature treatment claims to play a big role in rejuvenating the skin, and boy, did I feel rejuvenated. My only bone to pick with this aspect of the at-home treatment was I found the heat got more and more intense with sustained use (more than 3 minutes), and became a bit distracting from the overall experience. It wasn’t necessarily hot to the point that it’d burn me, but when I found it unpleasant, I knew it was time to turn off the wand.

Generally, the Solawave is super easy to use and provides a pleasant at-home skincare experience. Since it’s non-invasive, it’s pretty low-risk to use it yourself, which I am all for!

The Results!

Now, let’s talk about the results. I feel like my face looks quite the same before using it as it does after, but that may be due to the length of time I've been using the Solawave wand. More than anything, I wanted to use it to target the fine lines around my mouth and eyes. I wanted to see some lift! I haven’t observed a massive change in those zones yet.

That being said, I still observe that my skin is glowier and more awake after using the wand for a few minutes. I definitely prefer using the Solawave with a layer of moisturizer than the included serum since it helps my skin absorb that good, good moisture.

The Verdict On The Viral Solawave Wand

Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand

The latest iteration of the Solawave wand currently retails for $169 on Amazon, which can be a little jarring, depending on your skincare budget. The way I see it, that amount of money is what I’d be paying for a single facial treatment out of the house (ew, leaving the house?!). So, being able to self-administer similar treatments consistently for the one-time price of the tool is definitely worth it in my eyes. Sure, it may not perform at exactly the same caliber as your professional facialists’ microdermabrasion tool or red light mask, but given the product’s claims and price, there’s endless value in doing it yourself.

1. Agnes

This classic girl's name has Greek roots and means "pure" or "holy." Its popularity can be traced back to Saint Agnes of Rome, and over the centuries, Agnes has been embraced across various cultures. That's why it has different forms in varying languages, such as Agnese in Italian and Inés in Spanish.

Aside from its historical significance, Agnes has a simple elegance to it that continues to resonate with parents around the globe.

2. Clara

With Latin origins, Clara is a feminine name that means "bright" or "famous" and can be a perfect fit for a baby girl with a future full of promise.

This pick stands out from other similar and more common names, like Claire and Clarissa. Plus, it has some ties to classic Hollywood, most notably because actress Clara Bow was a silent film star and "it girl" during the 1920s.

3. Edith

With British roots, Edith is a name that embodies resilience and grace. It means "prosperous in strife" and suggests your little one will stand strong and have a solid character when faced with adversity.

Historically, Edith is best known as the daughter of Edgar the Peaceful. She was a woman who balanced nobility, intellect, and deep faith while remaining unbothered by external judgment. That's why this name can encourage your baby girl to follow her heart and hold her own values above all else.

4. Frances

If you'd like to go the gender-neutral route, Frances is a great choice that has roots in both Latin and German. It carries meanings such as "of the Franks," "free man," and "truthful" or "sincere."

Frances originally emerged during the 17th century in Britain and is often considered the feminine version of Francis. It's since gained popularity across Europe and can even serve as a nickname for the longer Italian version, Francesca.

5. Harriet

German in origin, Harriet translates to "home ruler" and connotes leadership and authority. Its popularity in the United States has been largely influenced by Harriet Tubman, the iconic abolitionist whose courage helped lead countless enslaved people to freedom.

This name symbolizes strength, resilience, and the power to create change. Its powerful legacy is undeniable and can inspire your baby girl to make an impact on the world around her.

6. Louise

Louise might sound like a soft or elegant name, but it has strong and powerful roots that are perfect for a bold little girl.

This name is derived from the masculine Louis and means "renowned warrior." It's a fitting choice for parents who want to combine both grace and strength. Not to mention, it's tied to Irish Author Louise O'Neill, who is known for her powerful feminist novels.

7. Mabel

Next up is Mabel, an adorable name with Latin origins that means "lovable." Derived from Amabilis and Amabel, this moniker has been beloved across cultures. It also has roots in the Middle Ages and graced Dutch royalty, like Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau.

But even if your little girl won't be part of a regal family, Mabel has a warm, welcoming spirit that will brighten up your home.

8. Winifred

Finally, Winifred is Welsh and Old English in origin, meaning "friend of peace" and "blessed reconciliation." The name is linked to a martyred Welsh princess and has a ton of vintage charm.

The best part? Winifred offers two cute nickname options: Winnie and Freddie. This makes it versatile (and fun) for different settings, whether formal or casual.