Mastering The Art Of Running A Business As A Couple

We all agreed the color looked great on our respective skin tones and the plumping factor didn’t sting like other plumping glosses. “I seriously can't believe it doesn't tingle when you apply it!,” said Jasmine, our staff editor. Read on for our full review of the City Lips Sparkling Cider plumping gloss and City Lips Night Oil, plus other City Beauty products!

Mallory Levy, Editorial Social Lead

The Cider lipgloss is great to have on hand in your car or on your desk for those last-minute touch-ups before your next Zoom call. “I love the soft sparkle. It’s not too flashy for work or casual outfits,” says Mallory. “It’s a great daytime shade to wear on no or light makeup days so I don’t look dead on Zoom calls.” LOL. It looks great layered on top of a base shade too. “I wore it on my anniversary and my husband loved it, “ says Mallory, who celebrated her first wedding anniversary. “He never notices my makeup!” She also found it less sticky than other lipglosses, which is a bonus when you have long hair on windy days.

Jasmine Williams, Staff Writer

Jasmine, who tends to avoid color on her lips, loves the color for fall. “I usually rely on clear lip oils whenever I wear makeup, but I can't get over how much Sparkling Cider reminds me of a golden sunset.” SAME. “Considering it's a plumping lip gloss, I'm shocked at how moisturizing it is. I only needed one coat to get the job done, but the smooth application made me add a few more.”

We all agreed there was no tingling effect, which was awesome. “It's not super sticky like some lip glosses tend to be,” adds Jasmine. “I can see myself reaching for Sparkling Cider no matter which fall outfit I choose to wear.”

Meredith Holser, Affiliate Writer

“I love the plumping component,” says Meredith. “I can definitely tell it’s working when I put it on, but it’s not overly distracting or painful. Plus, I notice a difference in the volume of my lips after applying!”

The color is also an ideal match for Meredith’s skin tone and lip color, though a bit more shimmery than the lip products she typically uses. I personally love the shimmer and it’s not too overwhelming. Meredith also really liked the City Lip Lip Oil. “The scent is very unique, almost floral,” she says. “The oil is definitely thicker than other lip oils I’ve tried, which is nice for the long-wear since you’re meant to apply it at night and let it soak in.”

Theresa Gonzalez, Branded Editor

As someone with naturally thin lips, I love the lip oil too and agree it feels weightier than other oils, which is part of its appeal. The gloss color is super pretty over my neutral base, especially for a fall look.

As the only (tired) mom on the edit team, I appreciated the Lid Lifting Treatment and was surprised how quickly I noticed a lift! I applied it at night and in the morning with a small dab on my lids, and I felt that I looked visibly more awake! It nourishes your skin too to soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It makes a great primer for eye makeup too.

Want to try it yourself? Upgrade your lip routine this fall with City Beauty’s new City Lips Sparkling Cider plumping lipgloss, and City Lips Night Oil!

Photos by B+C Edit team

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

As someone who hasn’t ever had a cavity (for real!), oral health is important to me and I want it to be important to her too. I get it though, it’s boring!

But we’ve recently tried Boka n-Ha Toothpaste, a fluoride-free, non-toxic toothpaste for adults and kids that actually tastes delicious. She literally is excited to brush her teeth now. She loves their new flavor Boka Strawberry Mango. There’s also Orange Cream and Watermelon Mint – yum! Now when I ask if she’s brushed her teeth, I’m becoming less surprised when the answer is a resounding yes.

(The n-Ha stands for nano hydroxyapatite, a natural mineral that’s great for gum health like removing plaque and avoiding tartar build up as well as enamel repair.) Use code BOKABRIT15 on both Amazon and Boka.com for 15 percent off!

Here are more ways I’ve given my kiddo Matilda a little more incentive to brush her teeth, her hair, and get to school bright eyed and ready for the day.

Create A Chalkboard Checklist

I found this removable chalkboard paper online and she enjoys checking the things off her list before we head out the door – it’s a good reminder for what needs to be done in the short time we have. It’s a great tool for kids learning to read too. Sometimes we’ll leave each other love or funny notes – a perfect way to start the day!

Use Timers

Shouting “we’re late!” doesn’t always inspire a good mood, and kids don’t always pay attention to clocks – like ever. We’ve started using timers to help Matilda give herself enough time to mentally prepare for the end of something, such as brushing her teeth (2 minutes experts recommend) or the end of the screen time. Small sand timers are timers kids can actually use themselves when brushing their teeth.

Keep It Positive

I’m not a fan of alarm clocks. I wake up pretty early on my own to start making breakfast and lunch. Our pup and I will go in for some cuddle time when it’s time to wake M up. It’s a way we love to bond before the day, and she wakes up happy vs. grumpy, 99% of the time. Occasionally, I'll bring out the “morning spider” and tickle her back as motivation to wake up.

Give Age-Appropriate Tasks

At 9, Matilda will make her own toast now and grab some frozen blueberries from the freezer. She’ll dress herself too, often setting out her clothes the night before, and brush her teeth without me actually asking – a small parenting win but I’ll take it!

Have a Backup Plan

Sometimes we wake up late or cuddle time goes on too long, and she’ll forget something like brushing her teeth. I use a pencil pouch as a toothbrushing kit so she can brush her teeth at school or in the car (nothing a little water bottle wouldn’t swish away). She can also eat breakfast in the car if totally necessary – we recently put a small trash bin in there to keep my “mom” car less of a food disaster!

Set Up A Go-Time Entryway

We put shoes, jackets, and backpacks in one place near the door. This is where everything goes after school so everyone’s ready to grab their things in the morning. It keeps clutter at bay in the rest of the house and chaos at bay when we’re trying to find our shoes in the morning.

Keep a Consistent Bedtime

Finally, we keep bedtime consistent even on weekends, so that she isn’t exhausted the next morning or always trying to catch up on sleep. This helps us stick to a consistent routine and make that 8:15 start time at school every time.

Morning rituals are important, but also it’s ok to slide once in a while. Extra cuddles are always worth a tardy sometimes. Good luck mamas with a new school year! Check out Boka for yourself too – the whole family will love it! Use code BOKABRIT15 on both Amazon and Boka.com for 15 percent off!

Photos by the author unless otherwise noted.

Women's Diana Buckle Mule Heels

The buckle on these mule heels is giving "I'm rich" in all the right ways. There's just something about the contrast of the lighter gold paired with the smooth leather that's both classy and trendy all at once. Pair these slide-on heels with a gorgeous midi dress for an easy, early fall look!

Women's Ricky Platform Heels with Memory Foam Insole

It's no secret that the '70s make their reappearance every time fall rolls back around. There's just something about the chunky heels and that "all the leaves are brown" vibes that really calls out, you know? These platform heels are perfect for embodying that chic nostalgia, while giving you all the comfort of memory foam insoles. Score!

Journee Collection Womens Sylvia Sling Back Covered Block Heel Pumps

Slingbacks? Kitten heels? Together with a velvet finish? Yeah, these are really fantastic for anyone looking to add a black block heel to their closet this year! I can picture these paired with a dark jean, a crisp white button down, and a tan sweater over your shoulders for that "old money" look.

Journee Collection Womens Shasta Tru Comfort Foam Mid Heel Square Toe Pumps

Remember what I said about the '70s? These gorgeous patent leather pumps are all that wrapped into a Mary Jane silhouette. You can wear these to the office, at your next girly happy hour, or when you wanna pull out a casually adorable look just for the heck of it! I can already picture an argyle sweater vest and some wide legged jeans...

Women's Aubrey Slingback Pumps

If you're looking for a sexier slingback, look no further than these! They scream, "I'm confident!" no matter what you pair them with. These would just look too perfect with a slinky little slip dress and a leather jacket draped over your shoulders for date night!

Perphy Women's Platform Buckle Ankle Strap Chunky High Heels Sandals

Another chunky heel for your fall wardrobe! This two-toned brown option is adorned with gold accents and tan stitching that give this pair a kitschier look. I love these for a day date with the girls, full of gabbing and baked brie and wine galore.

Journee Collection Womens Junie Tru Comfort Foam Slip On Double Strap Sandals

These tan heels are sleek, sleek, sleek. Another pair of shoes that are the quiet luxury look that Sofia Richie seems to effortlessly pull off day after day. Add these to cart for a touch of chicness to any outfit.

Pointed Toe Slip On Block Heel Slide Mules

Point me in the direction of all the leopard mules because they're my new version of a 'neutral' shoe. I love that this slip on design will look great with bootcut jeans or a midi skirt, making them cute and versatile.

Journee Womens Ezzey Loafer Mid Stacked Heel Square Toe Pumps

Loafers are THE shoe of fall, so add a heel to them and I'm immediately sold! These '70s-esque heels come in five different colors, so if you're tired of all the different shades of brown this fall, you can grab a hue that suits you better!

Multi-Strap Mary Jane Heels

Mary Janeshave made their way back in our fashion orbit and it seems like everyone can't get enough of them. This pair of heels has the classic look we love with a modern color way and multiple straps to keep them on your feet.

Allegra K Women's Pointed Toe Block Heel Slingback Heels

If you thought to yourself, "Another pair of leopard shoes?" Well, yes. I just can't get enough! They're a fun and stylish way to update your neutral tones. Grab these if you want the same effect of the leopard mules with a the safety net of a slingback strap to keep your feet in.

Ballet Pumps

I didn't know you could elevate ballet flats until I saw these pumps online. They have a 1.5 inch heel that'll look cute with your new sweater dress — trust me!

All-Day Heeled Mule

I should've said that I love all mules — leopard print or not — but we're here now! All that matters is the cushioned insoles have extra padding that won't make them uncomfortable after a few hours. Also, the upper leather is waterproof. Cha-ching!

Bow Pumps with Memory Foam

Heading to a fall work event and need a pair of heels that look party-ready? You need these bow pumps to make an extra statement! They're red, which is the new unofficial color of fall, and they have memory foam insoles! Heels aren't always comfortable so the fact this pair is being so thoughtful makes it an instant win in my book.

Open Square Toe Block Heel Sandals

I used to have a pair of block heel sandals similar to this pair, and I'd wear them with my summer-to-fall transitional outfits until they fell apart. That's a major hint you'll love these sandals as much as I did.

Cross Strap Mule

You'll avoid thin straps digging into your skin with these cross strap mules! These mules are breathable and cushioned enough for you to wear them to the pumpkin patch friend date you have coming up at the end of September.