Say Hello to Hydration With These Winter Beauty Essentials

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. Cultural Stereotypes Are Everywhere

It's no secret that Gilmore Girls relied on stereotypes, particularly when portraying non-white characters. The most notable example of this is Lane's mother, Mrs. Kim.

She's supposed to be an overbearing, traditional Asian mother who has a rigid sense of discipline and is obsessed with her daughter's academic success. This portrayal might've been intended to reflect cultural differences, but Mrs. Kim's character often just comes across as a caricature.

2. Where's The LGBTQ+ Representation?

The show also largely overlooked the inclusion of any LGBTQ+ characters, despite it featuring plenty of recurring roles over its seven seasons. While the 2016 revival Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life briefly revealed that Michel was married to a man, the OG show never mentioned his orientation or love life.

It's particularly glaring since, aside from centering on mother-daughter relationships, the series frequently navigates the main characters' romantic issues. For modern audiences, the inclusion of only straight relationships just isn't relatable or representative.

3. Rory Needs To Check Her Privilege

There's no doubt that Rory feels tension between her working-class upbringing and the privilege she ultimately gets from her grandparents, Richard and Emily Gilmore.

As a young kid, she was raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her. So, at the beginning of the series, Rory is a lovable character who values hard work.

However, she becomes increasingly entitled as Gilmore Girls goes on. For instance, remember when she dropped out of Yale (which was paid for by her grandparents), got to live in their luxe pool house for free, and acted like the whole experience was such a hardship? Many fans have to skip over this cringey time in Rory's storyline altogether.

4. Fatphobia Isn't Witty

During the 2000s, fatphobia was a go-to comedic device, and Gilmore Girls fell into that trap. It's a shame, too, since the show was so revered for its quick, eclectic wit.

Nonetheless, characters like Lorelai, Rory, and even Emily made fatphobic comments that came across as cruel as opposed to funny. Perhaps the worst instance of this came in Season 4, when Rory reported on a Yale production for the newspaper and called a ballerina a "hippo."

The ballerina later confronted Rory out in the cafeteria, calling her review "mean, petty, and despicable," but Rory didn't apologize and responded, "This was all in the line of duty. It was an assignment from my editor, so it was nothing personal."

5. Rory's Affair: Need We Say More?

Rory's affair with her married ex-boyfriend, Dean, marked one of the most controversial moments in the show. They previously dated at the very beginning of Gilmore Girls, but after they broke up, Dean finally moved on and married someone else.

Well, when Rory felt lonely, she started an affair with him while knowing he was married. It was a particularly low point for her as a character, showing her selfishness and disregard for the consequences of her actions.

6. Christopher Got Too Much Positive Screen Time

Christopher is arguably one of the most frustrating characters, considering the show's tendency to paint him in a surprisingly positive light. He's largely absent during Rory's childhood, and even when he does re-enter his daughter's life, he isn't a stable parent.

Even so, Gilmore Girls continues to present him as funny, charming, and deserving of multiple chances at romance with Lorelai. Nowadays, modern audiences would probably find it hard to overlook his repeated shortcomings.

7. Emily Gilmore Serves Up Classism On The Regular

We get it: Lorelai's parents, Richard and Emily, needed to be kind of horrible in order to make the storyline work. Why else would Lorelai flee her home as a pregnant teen and cut them off?

Regardless, Emily maintains an elitist attitude throughout the entire series and never stops looking down on people she deems beneath her, especially those with less privileged backgrounds.

For instance, she's infamous for treating her household staff terribly and firing them frequently. Her disapproval of Rory's relationship with Dean, who's a working-class boy from Stars Hollow, also couldn't have been more different than her warm welcome of Logan, a wealthy Yale student. The discrepancies are glaring.

8. Rory And Lorelai Lack Healthy Boundaries

Rory and Lorelai's mother-daughter relationship is critical for Gilmore Girls, but their bond often crosses into territory that feels uncomfortably codependent. It might've been more understandable when Rory was still a teenager living at home. Yet, even when she goes off to college, the strange dynamic continues.

In fact, Rory actually begged Lorelai to visit New Haven on her first night at Yale and stay over in her dorm room. Not only did Lorelai agree, but she also threw a party for Rory and her new roommates!

9. Zack Shouldn't Have Been Lane's Consolation Prize

After watching Lane fight back against her mother's controlling tendencies throughout high school, Gilmore Girls fans had high hopes for her future. Unfortunately, those were squashed when she got married to Zack and wound up pregnant with twins.

She was always supposed to end up with the character Dave Rygalski, played by Adam Brody, but Dave was written off the show due to Adam's commitment to The O.C. So, Lane was stuck with Zack, and the relationship felt forced. More importantly, her character arguably never reached her full potential.

10. Michel Deserved More

Finally, we believe that Michel, the sole Black character on the show, deserved more. Instead, his uptight and snobby role was just used for comic relief.

Gilmore Girls never delved far into his personal life or explored his character in any meaningful way. The lack of depth is especially noticeable today. Plus, Michel's surface-level storyline feels like a missed opportunity considering actor Yanic Truesdale's talent.