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.
Lush
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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As fun as Trader Joe’s snacks and desserts are, there’s one aisle you definitely should not skip – and that’s their plant section. Trader Joe’s is constantly stocking up on blooms like orchids and monsteras, all of which are easy to take care of once they make it home from the store.
Any houseplant lover knows the easiest of all easy houseplants is the famed pothos. I can water mine (I have about 5 pothos plants) once every two weeks, and they will. not. die. Right now, Trader Joe’s is selling pothos for cheap – but not just any pothos. They currently come along with a stunning hanging pot that you’ll instantly want to put up in your home.
That’s right – Trader Joe’s shelves now include disco ball hanging planters. I repeat: disco ball hanging planters! The sphere-shaped pot is covered in reflective disco tiles that’ll certainly make your living room feel like a dance club. The best part is that pothos plants naturally look amazing when they’re grown hanging, so you can watch this baby flourish all year long.
TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed recently spotted the disco ball hanging planters at their local Trader Joe’s and shared the new find with their Instagram followers. Tons of them chimed in about their excitement for the product in the comments!
“I need this now😍,” one person commented.
“The way I gasped when I saw this 😍🪩,” another said.
“I bought one today and totally love it👍,” someone else commented.
“I suddenly need to buy more plants,” one more person wrote.
Several shoppers in the comment section noted that they were able to track down the disco ball hanging planters pretty easily, while others reported that they haven’t seen them in their stores quite yet. This is your sign to keep an eye out on your next TJ’s trip!
@traderjoesobsessed reports that the disco ball hanging planters go for $12.99 in stores. Their affordable price makes them such a great gift for yourself or a loved one, plus the sparkles on the disco ball are perfect for livening up your space for a New Year’s refresh.
Run to TJ’s soon – I know I will!
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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.
Target
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' 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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'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
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.
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By now, you may be able to recognize signs of gaslighting or other toxicbehaviors, but do you know how to take everything you've learned and become a super compatible couple? According to experts, there are a few key things super compatible couples rarely argue about — even with whatever faults each person brings to the relationship table. While the topics these couples avoid may not surprise you, the reason why they're able to avoid them might. But first, let's talk about what makes couples more compatible than others.
Dr. Brooke Keels, Ph.D., LPC-MHSP, LPC-Supervisor, Chief Clinical Officer at Lighthouse Recovery, has this to say: "Couples are compatible when they share similar values, goals, and know the best way to communicate with each other." Notice she didn't say these couples are just alike.
More so, she explains that "it's about how well they handle differences, whether they can support each other through tough times, and how they connect emotionally." Dr. Keels adds, "when there’s respect, trust, and a good balance of give-and-take between them?" Dr. Keels believes this gives couples a better chance "to be in sync."
Have you ever dated someone that made you wonder what you saw in them once you pay attention to certain red flags? You may have found yourself arguing with them about everything from religion to reproductive health, leaving you feeling dizzy afterwards. But Dr. Keels says compatible couples are more likely to be aligned on "whether they want the same things out of life."
Her examples include:
"This common ground lessens the chance of fighting over these big topics," Dr. Keels reiterates.
We're no strangers to indecisive moments where we couldn't agree about what to do on the weekends with our partners, but Dr. Keels says compatible couples don't always run into this issue. "When you enjoy similar activities or have overlapping hobbies, you're more like to find ways to unwind together, rather than feeling disconnected or frustrated by each other's choices," she adds.
While it varies from couple to couple, you and your partner may enjoy the following:
The possibilities are endless, but all that matters is that "this mutual understanding makes spending time together feel natural and fun," according to Dr. Keels.
Some people have a more direct way of communicating while others may be passive or even passive-aggressive. Less arguments aren't happening because compatible couples communicate the same however. "When they both understand each other's communication style — whether it's direct or more subtle — it helps avoid misunderstandings and frustration."
Here's a couple of examples:
Compatible couples "know how to express their feelings and needs in a way that the other person can easily understand" which makes "it easier to resolve issues calmly," according to Dr. Keels.
Well, no. That's actually a stretch because everyone has arguments. "Even compatible couples can argue about everyday things like chores or schedules. No matter how well they get along or how "in sync" they are, little annoyances can still pop up here and there, and cause some tension between them," Dr. Keels shares. "The difference," she points out, "is that they're usually better at handling these moments and keeping them from turning into bigger problems."
The other thing she's seen couples argue about is money. "It's such a common stress point because everyone has different habits and priorities when it comes to spending or saving," she says. But, guess what? "Compatible couples tend to approach the conversation with more understanding and a willingness to find a compromise," she continues.
If you feel like you and your partner aren't on the same page, it may not be time to break up just yet. We've learned that that it can take time to effectively communicate with a romantic partner or understand them. Compatibility is great, but it's not an indicator that a relationship will be smooth sailing!
Like we said, getting to a point where you and your partner aren't consistently hurting each other's feelings during disagreements takes time as well as skill. No one's born knowing all the answers so don't think your relationship is over because you're still figuring things out.
Dr. Keels says one way you and your partner can work on the kind of disagreements you're having is by "knowing how to communicate/compromise." Look, we heard your sigh and know it's probably the antithesis of how you feel. We struggled with compromising, but you don't get far in life thinking that everyone else has to bend to your will all the time.
"Even if they don’t see eye to eye all the time, healthy couples listen to each other's perspectives, and look for solutions that work for both of them. It’s not about 'winning' the argument and getting to say who's right, but finding common ground so they can move forward together," adds Dr. Keels.
Also, "staying respectful event when things get heated or when you're upset" is a way to have a productive arguments, according to Dr. Keels. What happens is that "healthy couples avoid yelling or saying hurting things during disagreements," she says. This means no cursing or raising voices to the point your next door neighbors feel they have to call the police to do a wellness check on you.
"Instead, they just focus on the real problem and stay calm, which helps them work through the issue without hurting each other and the relationship," Dr. Keels says. And in the event you and your partner can't find common ground in a given moment? She highly suggests you "take breaks or pause when things get too heated."
Couples who do this "know when to step away and cool off before continuing the conversation," she adds. There are times where it's difficult to have a proper conversation when you're anxious or angry, so it's always better to revisit the topic.
Dr. Keels agrees and says, "This gives them a chance to cool down first so they can properly think things through, and think of a solution that works for both of them without saying anything they might regret."
Visit more of our relationships articles to find more advice about navigating friendships and love.
I think I have no less than 50 lip products in my makeup drawer — from glosses to oils, there’s just something about a tiny tube filled with a wash of color that I love.
What I don’t particularly love about my current lip product collection is most of the shades barely last on the lips. The mass amount of lipsticks and lip glosses I own typically require multiple rounds of reapplication if I want the color to stay on my lips, which is important to me for special occasions — especially ones I know I’ll be wanting to snap a few pictures of myself.
That’s why I was colored more than intrigued when my Instagram feed started booming with lip stain try-ons. The first lip stain to pave the way was none other than the magical Wonderskin peel-off lip stain that goes on blue, dries, then reveals an even pigment that’s meant to last all day. It honestly looked too good to be true.
There are many different kinds of lip stains on the market: peel-offs, markers, oils, and even glosses. The one thing they all have in common is their claims to be long-lasting, smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and water-proof. I put the claims of some of the most viral lip stains to the test by eating, drinking, and even sweating with them on my lips.
Meredith Holser
I love the marker format of this Covergirl lip stain. It’s super easy to use, and the precise applicator tip makes putting it on a total breeze. It helped me define my lip shape, which I feel is needed most times I want to wear a lip product because my natural lips don’t really have a defined edge.
The color I snagged was Canyon, and I must say, I am obsessed with it. It’s the perfect balance between a neutral, red, and terra cotta shade that I think is super complimentary to my skin tone.
Meredith Holser
Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain, before
Now, onto my first impressions wearing it. As I noted, the marker-like application tip was especially helpful for adding color and definition to the outline of my lips. It boasted an even and smooth wash of color once I was done lining. Disappointingly, it was not as smooth on the actual plush part of my lips. The result looked uneven and I felt like the color I had put on my lip line was a lot darker (which was not my desired look).
The texture of this lip stain didn’t stand out much to me. It simply dried down like a regular marker would — that being said, the lack of stickiness impressed me.
Meredith Holser
Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain, after
The real test, of course, was seeing if it could withstand things like eating and drinking. I wore the Covergirl lip stain to my family’s Christmas dinner, which was chockfull of snacks, apps, main courses, and cocktails.
Unfortunately, the lip stain barely held on through the first round of appetizers. The color had faded mostly from the plush part of my lips, though a few spots around my lip line had completely disappeared. I tried to minimize use of my napkin for the sake of the lip stain test, but there were a few moments I had to reach for it. Every time, I noticed that some of the lip stain had come off along with bits of food and drink. I definitely had to reapply it after dinner.
After a big bout of eating and drinking with it on, I have to rate the Covergirl lip stain a 2/5. While I absolutely loved the color and initial results, it did not keep its promise of being transfer-proof.
Meredith Holser
I was beyond excited to try this lip stain from e.l.f. I had seen several demo videos on social media and loved how smooth the product looked, plus how it stayed on for influencers that put it to the test. A single tube is only $6, too, so the affordability aspect definitely had me hooked.
This pick comes in the unique form of a lip gloss and isn’t meant to dry down at all. While most other lip stains promise a full wash of color, this one is meant to leave a “sheer” and “healthy sheen” on the lips — which, honestly, feels more “me” than anything else, since I love me a natural look!
Meredith Holser
e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain, before
Upon first application, I loved how satin-y the formula felt on my lips. The applicator tip was familiar to use and made putting it on precisely super easy. I decided to let the gloss sit on my lips for 5 minutes or so before blotting it a bit with some tissue (as many creators I saw online did).
While the glossy aspect was blotted away, the color stain wasn’t — amen! The shade Cinnamon Dreamz left an impressively flattering mauve-brown color on my lips. One thing I didn’t like about the first wear was I noticed the product sunk into dry patches on my lips (caused by my anxious habit of picking them — but that’s all just user error).
Meredith Holser
e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain, after
I wore the e.l.f. lip stain to a friends’ dinner party to test out if it was really long-wearing. After a couple rounds of cocktails and a big feast, there was still a good amount of color on my lips. What stood out to me the most is that the color that stayed was still as even as if I had just freshly applied it — just sans glossy finish.
I was thoroughly surprised by e.l.f.’s glossy lip stain. The color, formula, and performance all lived up to the hype for me! All things considered, I have to grant it a 4/5.
Meredith Holser
This lip stain by Palladio acted much like the one from Covergirl, thanks to its easy-to-use marker format. I tried the shade Mocha Cream and instantly fell in love with how it looked on my lips.
What I didn’t like, however, was how dry my lips felt after applying it. I knew that to keep the color on, I’d have to put up with drier-than-usual lips (the brand says the product works best alone), but it was a major bother to me in the sensory department.
Meredith Holser
Palladio Lip Stain, before
Much like the Covergirl lip stain, this formula from Palladio seemed to sink into the cracks on my lips and resulted in an uneven wash of color over time.
When it came to wearing this lip stain, I must say I was quite impressed with how long-lasting it was. I applied it right before sipping on my morning coffee on a WFH day, and I did not notice any transferring of the product onto my mug at all. I even tried to blot the lip stain on my hand, but nothing came off – which is so great.
Meredith Holser
Palladio Lip Stain, after
After several hours of wear (including a mildly sweaty morning walk), the Palladio lip stain was noticeably faded, but not as much as the other marker lip stain had. At this point, I'm thinking there's no real way to avoid fading, though maybe I just haven’t found my holy grail yet.
I was definitely surprised by the long-wearing potential of the Palladio lip stain. I loved the shade on my lips, though I wished it had applied and settled into my skin more evenly. I was also bothered by how dry my lips got when wearing it, so much so that I was distracted from my day. For this ,I rate the Palladio lip stain a 3/5.
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