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Being on Accutane changes so much in your skincare routine, including some changes which aren't too fun. Here are my favorite "issues" and hacks to solve them that hopefully help you too. White Cast From Sunscreen If you aren't used to wearing sunscreen so incredibly often as you now are, having a constant white cast from your sunscreen can be annoying. Usually, the higher in SPF you go and the more layers you have underneath the sunscreen, the more chances for a nice ghost face as I like to call it. Especially with such thick layers of moisturizers and serums, it's hard for an SPF to sink in your skin rather than sit on top of your skin and make the white shade we don't like. The trick to this is to add moisturizer to your sunscreen. When I do my morning routine on Accutane, I do my skincare, but rather than separate the moisturizer and sunscreen in two steps, I literally combine them in my hand, so I rub my fingertips together a bit to mix them, I then apply. It does cause quite a thick combo since I don't want to use any less moisturizer as I normally would, but it does do the trick! I usually close to no or absolutely no sunscreen residue. Dry Look With Foundation If you love makeup just as I do, I really didn't want to go 6 months without wearing foundation. It's just fun for me. On the days I did do my makeup, I used my beloved Colorpop Hylauronic Acid Foundation which is amazing because it's light yet with great coverage which means I found it perfect for sensitive skin like on Accutane. The problem is I still had a hint of dryness through it. What I found to be useful was to combine some more lotion in my foundation. The good news is, your skin is probably so dry that it loves you for that extra layer of moisturizer. I just want to emphasize on this point that if your skin is insanely dry or you aren't moisturizing your skin enough, this hack may not work or you may want to try even more foundation in your makeup. Check out my other posts on Accutane because I talk in-depth about my routines, side effects, and most loved products. Itchiness on Body Spot Treatment I started getting extremely itchy very early on with Accutane, in fact in week 2 my arms were already itchy. My mom then recommended I start using an anti-itch cream like Benadryl but we didn't want to go through a bazillion bottles since I had to apply them from wrist to shoulders every day if not multiple times a day. I realized what helped me greatly was applying some of the anti-itch creams with a pump of lotion and mixed the two together in my hand and applied it on my arms. The amount of anti-itch cream will depend on everyone but I recommend starting with a little and add more if you realize it doesn't go away. I could usually do this and not be itchy anymore for 5-6 hours. Itchy Scalp (& More) If you start having an itchy scalp, the only thing that relieved it for me was the T-Gel by Neutrogena. The reason I am mentioning this product under the hacks post is that when anti-itch cream didn't do the trick or for not long enough (I didn't always want to lather a load of cream on my arms), I would use the T-Gel as a body wash. I would use the T-Gel as shampoo, use my normal body wash, but then I'd use the T-Gel on the places that itched the most, aka my upper arms. I didn't have too many other issues, but feel free to let me know what issues you all experience and I can see if I have any other tips for it!

It isn't easy to always be on your A-game when it comes to eating right, staying active, feeling motivated to continue, and just all-around living a healthy lifestyle. Believe me, I know. But there's certain tips and items I've picked up over the last year that have helped me out so much. Now I want to say, of course, there isn't a set way to do things, and no you don't need to spend money on these extra items, but if it helps you and you can, then why not! Drink Plenty of Water It is so important for you to drink water. Water helps you keep your body hydrated which in terms gives you so many benefits from giving you more energy, increasing your metabolism, repairing/building muscles, and so much more. The thing is, I have always been horrible with drinking water. The best way I find to drink water is to have just one or two water bottles prepped at the start of the day and you make sure you get through them. I love this half-gallon water bottle I have as you can infuse fruit in it and I recently bought a full gallon that has a straw because I always find it much easier to drink my water mindlessly when I have a straw. Change Up Your Water I get so tired of water if I am being honest. Sometimes I just need a little extra motivation to get me through the water-drinking process. That's why I have always loved fruit-infused water. My friend bought me for my birthday a soda stream and I'm obsessed. I have always loved bubbly water and I very often buy San Pellegrino and add some Mio into it or I'll be flavored soda water from Vons. My friend noticed so the soda stream was one of the best things she could have gotten me that I didn't even know I needed. Now I easily make bubbly water whenever I want and add some type of flavor to the water and it gets me to drink a bit more. I get not everyone is into Mio and other flavorings of that sort, and that's totally okay. You can easily infuse fruit as well for a natural alternative. The moral of the story, if you like sparkling water or soda, this could be a game-changer for you. At-Home Workout Equipment Depending on where you are in your workout journey, it can be really tough to continue seeing progress without new equipment, especially if you're working out from home. The top 3 purchases I have made over the last few months have been buying fabric non-slip glute bands, resistance bands to replace having plenty of dumbbells, and a jump rope. With these, I have been able to improve my workouts so much and have also been able to add diversity to the exercises done which I love. I have also been dedicated to getting really good at jump rope and it is one of the best forms of cardio you can do, so it's definitely a great thing. Try Different Workouts The last thing that is so important is to try different ways of working out and different activities. If you're struggling with getting motivated, you may not have found your best way to get the exercise in. It took me until I found my personal trainer that I truly became motivated and now I am on my own journey to get my personal training certification and I can't wait to help others achieve their own goals through Bold Fitness, my own personal training. But as I said, personal training my be your thing, maybe home workouts keep you motivated, perhaps you just need to get to the gym, maybe swimming is your favorite method of cardio, maybe you'll find your favorite group class, there are so many options out there but you have got to try them and give it a solid effort to see what you love and what sticks. I've always said if buying an extra water bottle, buying an adorable matching workout set, or any other thing helps you make a healthier habit, then do it. As long as you can afford it, there's no reason you shouldn't be spending a little extra money to help you find what truly makes living a healthier lifestyle easier for you.

You're on Accutane and you've heard you're going to need a whole lot of new products... what should you get? Here are all of the products I used during my time on Accutane that are simply irreplaceable. Burt’s Bees Lip Treatment I swore by this product pre-Accutane and if I had to stop using it during Accutane I would have been a little sad. Turns out, it was one of the best things ever. If for some reason during the day I forgot my chapstick so by the end of the night my lips were extra dry, my lips would be almost completely healed and hydrated by morning. I always put on a thin coat as it is pretty thick to start with, but on nights where I felt like my lips needed extra help, I'd layer on a thicker coat. Cetaphil Moisturizing Body Cream I did my research before getting on Accutane and I knew I did not like the idea of applying straight-up Vaseline on my face. I had a few people say this body cream was great to use on the face as it was thick and I liked the idea of a large tub of lotion for less than $15. I knew beforehand that those with dry skin should use tubs rather than pump bottles because generally, a lotion has to be Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser There's a reason why everyone hypes this product... because it genuinely is amazing. I started using the Cerave cleanser for oily skin and once I got on Accutane I tried the normal to dry skin version and it was a must-have. It is so gentle on the skin, doesn't tighten my skin or dry it out, and keeps my skin feeling cleaning. You bet I am continuing to use the cleansers after Accutane as well. Neutrogena T/Gel During the first month of Accutane, my scalp started getting pretty itchy so I decided to look into what could be used for this. Let me tell you, this was amazing. I will give a warning it does have a strong scent, however, it isn't bad, you just know its a medicated product from when you squeeze it out. The reason I recommend this is because almost immediately after I used it, my itchy scalp was gone. The first few weeks I would wash my hair again once my scalp would start getting itchy once again, but over time the itchiness went down and I only washed my hair when it actually started getting oily (about once a week due to Accutane). It was the only shampoo I used during Accutane but I also found it to be amazing to put it on my arms as a body wash when my arms would start getting itchy as well. Shea Moisture Daily Hydration Body Oil This oil has been a must-have since month 2. I heard of a lot of people using vaseline or baby oil in their nose to keep their nose moist to help prevent a bloody nose. I hated the feel of vaseline and baby oil caused me to sneeze non-stop every time I used it for some reason. I decided to start searching what else I could use and discovered a lot of people loved coconut oil. I found this one by Shea Moisture that stays in its liquid form and made of 100% coconut oil so I gave it a try. I never sneeze again due to applying something in my nose and I've never had a running bloody nose yet ever, pre-Accutane and officially post which I think is a definite win. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Mist I only got to use this item during the last two months, however, I always found it annoying to reapply sunscreen when I had done my makeup, but I knew my face would not be able to handle even a sunset if I didn't have proper protection. I finally found a sheer enough spray that I could easily spray all over my face without worrying about my makeup coming off or dripping down my face. I just make sure to cover my eyes when I spray as my eyes are extremely sensitive to even having sunscreen near them. Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque I love this mask so much. I used it a few years ago when my hair was crazy damaged from excessive home hair dying kits and it did wonders. I figured I would buy another during this journey as I wanted to prevent my hair from getting damaged and I knew I needed extreme moisture. I used this every 3-4 weeks and I would apply a good chunk on dry hair and try to keep it in for 1-2hours (sometimes longer if I had no plans!) and my hair stayed incredibly soft and healthy throughout. ColourPop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Moisturizer If you wear makeup, I loved this foundation before I got on Accutane and it worked perfectly for the days I wanted to wear a foundation while I was on it. It is hydrating and never irritated my skin. It is a tinted moisturizer made it so that it blended on top of my thick layers of moisturizers and sunscreen easily. I love this because despite it being a tinted moisturizer, it also has great coverage. I mentioned in my Accutane Hacks post that I would mix it with moisturizer before applying it on and it worked out perfectly. These are by far my favorite items that I have used non-stop throughout these last 5 months on Accutane and I know I will be using most of these even after as well. I recommend buying them all and the good news is, none of them are too expensive and all can be found at places like CVS and Target!

School's back in session and if you had trouble taking notes and being attentive in class, having online classes may sound like a nightmare to you. I've had so many classes online along with the traditional in-person that I figure I'd share my best tips with you. For one, I'm a computer note gal. It lets me type so much faster and for the classes that are much harder and handwriting would benefit me, I simply re-write them in my notebook after the class. A lot of the following tips I use on my computer but of course, you can use them if you love the pen and paper notes. So let's get to sharing. Write The Important Stuff First of all, only write what's important. It's so much harder than people think. I know a lot of people will reply with: "but everything is important" or "but I don't know any of it". First of all, if you're in class and trying to write every little thing, you're likely not going to be able to actually succeed in doing so. Instead, write down only what the professor puts an emphasis on, what you truly won't remember and doesn't stick to you, or what seems like a tricky concept. If the concept learned in class truly seems difficult, either re-watch your lecture if it's recorded or go through your textbook or PowerPoints to add the extra notes. This method stresses me out way less rather than the entire time barely focusing on what the professor says since I am just trying to type everything. Bullet Everything You will never catch a whole paragraph in my notes, and often not even a whole long sentence. I try to keep everything as short as possible so if it means skipping unnecessary words, I will. I want my notes to take as little time to write but still make complete sense when I go back to read them whether in a few days or weeks later. Depending on how the class is laid out, I will usually further divide my notes by chapters, sections, or class meetings. Abbreviate! I always try to abbreviate anything I can, especially if I am writing my notes by pen. There are obvious common ones such as "btwn" for "between", "w/" for "with", or "aka for "also known as" but you can also start making your own and as long as you stick to them and can recognize them quickly, use it. I started often using "bc" for "because" and "wthn" for "within". Ways to Take Notes As I mentioned, I am a computer gal, so I'd always come prepared to class with my Word Doc app ready, but if the slides were available before the class, I always downloaded them and so that I can refer to something in the event my professor did go too fast as I was typing. I know others like to take notes directly on the PowerPoint or the notes section of the PowerPoint as well. I prefer my notes apart so that it's easier for me to print. Even if you are one to like paper instead, use the same technique. You can either still have your laptop to have the Powerpoint in case the professor goes too fast or you can print out all the slides to take notes directly on them as well. A lot of people also take in their iPads so that they have the freedom to both type notes and handwrite when they choose to which is another smart method if you have one. Picture/Diagram/Table Hack My last tip is to never quickly draw out an entire picture, diagram, table, equations, or whatever else you may need unless you absolutely need to. I never even took pictures of them when the professor mentioned we could because more likely than not, they have the same diagram on a PowerPoint, or their lectures are recorded so I can easily go back to it that way as well. If I needed this, I would either note the PowerPoint slide number it is on (if I have my laptop with me I'll screenshot it right away) or I would note how long into the class we are and then go back to the recorded lecture and go to the timestamp and you should find what you're looking for at that time - maybe a few min before or after depending on when the class starts being recorded - and ta-da, you can access it easily.

I bought the Foreo Luna nearly a year ago and I am never going back. I had used a Clarisonic Mia since the original came out YEARS ago. I was probably in middle school? Anyways, Clarisonic did me good but over time I was tired of changing the brush head for pricey replacements and I was always concerned about how much accumulation could be on the brush head since I keep it in my bathroom. I had terrible acne and I decided to swap out the tool for the Foreo Luna, which I bought from Amazon specifically so that I could return it if things went south. Foreo has different versions and models but I specifically chose the Foreo Luna 2, priced at $170, and I genuinely found more benefits in the 2nd version than the 3rd. Version 2 has different models whether you have oily, combination, sensitive, normal skin, or one labeled men. The bristles are shaped differently so that it fits your skin's needs. On the back of the brush is designed to help with anti-aging as the pulsations help massage the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkle-prone areas. The brush has two modes, cleansing mode which is a harsher and anti-aging mode which is softer. I love this too because if you find the first mode to be too harsh for cleansing, you can always swap to the lesser vibration for your sensitive skin. In order to charge the Foreo Luna 2, you just plug in the included USB cable. I have had this for 6 months now and I have had to charge it only 3 times so far. It lasts forever and that's something so amazing about it. I generally keep it in my shower (it's waterproof!) and use it whenever I shower. I love the fact that its material keeps the brush much more sanitary on the skin and helps prevent build-up. Ever since I've started using the Foreo Luna, my skin has been so much softer. Even before I got on Accutane, there was an instant improvement in my skin in the matter of a few days, both face and chest. I love that every 20 seconds it vibrates as well so that you can swap areas on your face. Here's what I do: one cheek at a time, forehead, then T-zone. I then turn it off and back on (so that the timer activates again) and do my neck, center of my chest, then the left and right side of my chest. In 2 minutes my skin gets perfectly cleaned. I absolutely love the Foreo Luna 2 and I can say quite honestly this has been one of the best purchases for my skin. I strongly recommend this purchase for anyone who can. PLUS, remember, if you purchase it from Amazon, you can always return it if it doesn't work out (but I assure you, you'll want to use this every day).

I love knowing what influencers eat in a day, it's fun. I end up learning new recipes, get ideas for my own meals, and love discovering new "diets". I use the term diet loosely as simply the different methods people like to eat or track their foods. So what about me? I personally count my macros on most days. With that said, I do not just eat chicken and broccoli every day (heck, I hate broccoli!). I eat what I want as long as it fits in my count (40% carbs, 35% protein, 25% fat). So how does a day look like? Morning I have eaten a slice of this pancake cake every day for the last 4 months. It is delicious, high in protein, fairly low in calories and fat, and I always make my macros work when I eat this in the morning. I eat this before my workouts as well and it perfectly gives me the carbs and protein I need. I randomly created this one night and my whole family have been fans thought 6 of these cakes. Mid-Day Snack/Lunch I always drink 2-3 servings of my favorite whey protein shake regardless of the day otherwise I know my macros will be all out of whack the rest of the day. My die-hard favorite has been the Women's Best Chocolate Whey Protein. I have been through 4 of these and have 3 more as backups because I love them so much. Coffee I've started doing an almost daily coffee for the last few months and I have found my all-time favorite coffee recipe. A glass of this and I am content as I have a form of treat and being my own barista is a fun break from whatever I am doing. Dinner My dinners usually include a majority of protein and a vegetable. My most common is probably a pulled chicken burger or some other version of protein + carb and my fav veggies are probably kale chips or crispy okra. Definitely a win. Midnight Snack My midnight snacks are usually one of two things (or both!) an apple with cinnamon, cacao, or a sweet mix, or a caprese. They fill me up and make me happy so as a midnight snack, they are perfect instead of indulging in chips or ice cream. There are definite cheat meals involved too, but most of the time, I eat some version of this.

With the world seemingly being on pause for the last few months, it can be very tough to find the motivation to be healthy and stay fit. The gyms are closed or very limited, the long hours at home means facing the snacks... it's not easy. But, here are my top tips for you. 1. Drink Water Let me just tell you, I've always sucked at drinking water. I used to drink 16oz a day, IF THAT. It's not healthy and you need to stay hydrated for yourself inside and out. You should be drinking at least half of your bodyweight (weighed in pounds) in ounces. If you weigh 150lbs, you should aim to drink 75oz at the least. My recommendation? Buy a half-gallon of water, this is my favorite one, and drink at least one of these a day. If you can drink a whole gallon, you've exceeded all expectations. 2. Go Out Into Nature Take some time for yourself and go out for a walk. It feels so good to start your day, take a break while you work, or end your day with a walk. My favorite is going to these cliffs overlooking the beach and seeing the waves crash at sunset. It's such a beautiful sight. If this isn't possible, I always try to join my mom walking my dog after dinner if I don't have a late shift. Its a break from the day which feels nice. 3. Add Workouts To Your Planner Whether you're a planner person, a phone calendar gal, or a to-do list addict, add your workout in there! I find that days I don't have my workouts actually listed, I'll either get lazy, debate it, or entirely forget about it. Instead, write it down so that you have it right there and there is no excuse as to why you could not complete your workout. 4. Keep The Snacks Healthy Expecting to not crave snacks is unrealistic. Even when I eat my very best there are times where I am just craving something a little sweet, a little salty, a piece of chocolate, or some chips. The key is to limit yourself. Prep your snack bowl in advance then don't return to for seconds. Try to sub some of your cravings with fruits or my favorite, bubbly water. Find your own healthier alternatives and keep it controlled! 5. Sleep Well I cannot stress it enough that you need to sleep well. Not getting the right amount of sleep can be what stops you from being productive, working out, or feeling well in general. Even if your sleep schedule is completely off, I'm talking about going to bed at 3am like me, you should still get your full sleep in. If you can't wake up late to get your full night's sleep, you really need to reconsider your schedule. 6. Incorporate Cardio Adding some type of cardio in your routine is very important. Whether you choose to run, perform a HIIT workout, or try Tabata workouts (a variation of HIIT), incorporating these a few times a week will keep you healthy and sweaty. 7. Eat Well I know we all know to eat well, but it can also be easy not to. Incorporate as many vegetables as you can. Limit your sugars and fats. Find an eating style that suits your body and lifestyle. It can definitely take some trial and error but knowing what works for you can help your body so much. 8. Stretch Your Body Take some time to relax your body. Try and get up once in a while if you're spending your day at a desk to stretch it out. If you love working out, never forget to foam roll either with a roller or even a tennis ball. Perhaps take up yoga if you'd like a more structured "stretch time". All of these ways are amazing to relax your muscles. 9. Maintain Structure Adding structure to your day when everything around you is so out of the ordinary is crucial. You could spend all day in your PJs and barely move but I can promise you, you won't feel good and the lazy feeling will catch up to you. Try to find a steady morning and nighttime routine. Doing so gets your body going in the AM and relaxing in the PM to add structure. Incorporate a structure to your day with all of the other tips means you're going to have a very productive day. 10. Don't Overwork Yourself This is another point that is very easy for individuals to forget. Don't overwork yourself, mentally, or physically. If you're ready to start being fit, don't forget your rest days. If you're working hard at your job, don't forget your rest days. If you're restricting yourself on foods, don't forget your rest days. Found a pattern? Don't forget your rest days. You never want to overwork or overdo something. You will likely get tired, bored, or simply feel like you cannot continue on anymore. So take it slow and take the breaks you need.

If there's one thing I know, its dry lips. Prior to being on Accutane, I knew I was prone to dry lips. Now being on Accutane, I basically micromanage my lips. I have perfected my routine and I know not to mess with it unless I want to start having cracked lips. Here is exactly what I do to keep my lips moisturized. First of all, for the last two years, I have gone to bed every night applying the Burt's Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment. I love this stuff. It smells good, not sticky like vaseline but still thick on my lips. I just coat this stuff on before I sleep and I find it to prevent dryness from throughout the night and repairs well too. I always try to have chapstick on me at all times. I basically have a chapstick in my back pocket every day but I also have one in my car, purse, work bag, at my desk, in the bathroom, wherever I can. More places with chapstick, more chances I won't have dry lips. Blistex medicated lip balm is one of my favorites but I am not very picky when it comes to chapsticks. Lip oils are great too. If my lips are definitely getting dryer, medicated lip balms are my favorites. Now if it comes where my lips do start being very dry, perhaps peeling a bit or starting to crack, I have a spot treatment I really like. I first use the Elf Lip Scrub, but really any good lip scrub does the trick. I scrub my lips a bit and then I go in with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You heard that right. I love taking a SOFT toothbrush or a kids toothbrush as the bristles are usually not as stiff and I dip it into my little jar of Vaseline Cocoa Butter. I just do a quick little pat on the surface of the chapstick just so that I have the tips of my bristles covered. I then start brushing out my lips in small circular motions. Don't press too hard as to not irritate your lips, but I find this in combination with the lip scrub is amazing. I also like to use the tongue scratcher side of the toothbrush and do the same thing. I then just rinse it off and I apply a layer of my Burt's Bees Lip treatment. I usually get most of the dead skin away by the end and maybe one more time the routine the next day and I'm good again! This has been my favorite routine for years and I swear by it. I rarely get dry lips and not being on Accutane, I can generally get rid of any dryness in 24 hours. Now its your turn to try it!

I've never been a fan of coffee until about 3 months ago. I've tried so many times making coffee at home and ordering some at different cafes and nope. That is until I bought my own espresso machine and started playing with various recipes. I finally found my all-time FAVORITE coffee. I love the base ratios of the recipes so you could easily swap out different kinds of milk, syrups, or anything else. Now no time to rest, its recipe time.

I am obsessed with Amazon. I think I purchase at least an item a week if not more. Over time, I started accumulating my favorite items while others have remained not quite favorites or just straight up returns. So what have been my absolute favorites these last 6 months? If You're a Coffee Addict... I love this espresso machine. At a retail price of $85 (on sale now for $65!), it makes great espresso shots quickly. It is very easy to use and the steamer on the side has been so useful. For my at-home baristas or wannabes, this is for you. Getting a great cup of frothed milk, or better yet, making great foam for your cappuccinos is easy when you have a frothing pitcher. These pitchers make measuring out quantities a non-hassle and testing the right milk temperature is much easier. If you've never used one of these milk frother/drink mixer, you should. In theory, it is made to just froth your milk, but I use it to mix everything. I mix my collagen and other powders in my water, I use it to mix my Whey in my water, I bet you could even whip your eggs with these. It's so simple, cheap, effective. For Oral Care... I recently started using a water flosser and I am obsessed. I will admit to barely flossing before I started getting this. I'd always forget and I found the whole process annoying. I decided if a $42 water flosser got me to floss, so be it. Well, I do now. Plus this has no exterior water tank (all fits on the actual handle), 3 settings, holds a charge for a long time, and just all-around so easy. If you didn't think you needed to try a new mouthwash, well you're wrong. This mouthwash is amazing. You swish it around in your mouth and it barely has a taste and when you spit, you have just a leftover of mint breath. This means no extreme coldness in your mouth, no extra minty irritation... it's only amazing. For A New Piece... Don't tell me you can't rock these shorts. If you're a short-wearer, gym-goer, or pants-only girl (me!), you'll fall in love with these. They are so comfortable, not see-through, a pocket on each side, and a hidden key pocket at the waist. I have these in black and burgundy but you can choose other colors and different lengths! For Beauty... I fell into the beauty fridge a few months ago and now I love it. Sure you don't need one, but it makes all of your beauty products feel so good on the skin. Whether you have irritated skin and use the cooled products to soothe the skin, you just woke up and you're puffy, you've had a long day in the sun and you're hot, beauty products from the fridge just feel so good. I guess you can also use this to keep your fav snacks by your desk too! I started using this a few months ago because I was so over my acne and I didn't think my normal Clarisonic Mia was too sanitary after having it for a few years. This is made of silicone and specifically, the Foreo Luna 3 has various versions made for different skin types. I have even used it on my dry Accutane skin and I love it. I've heard of pimple stickers but never really understood how they could really work. I still don't know how they work, but I do know they do. When I am starting to get a pimple, I run hot water on it until it starts to open up and then I place one of these on it and it drastically shrinks them overnight. If I am just staying home or doing boring chores out of the house, I may swap it out for a new one during the day and my pimples have never gone away so fast before. I am adding this pillowcase in because it is so nice. This 100% silk pillowcase is so soft, has plenty of colors to choose from, and is recommended to eliminate hair breakage and slow down aging and wrinkles. Why would you not buy this? For Fitness Goers... I love these bands for both the gym and for a home gym. They make any exercise more challenging but they are also great quality, don't roll down, comfortable, and thick. Highly recommend. For Tech Lovers... This computer stand is a game-changer. It allows you to work on your laptop at more eye-level which is better for your posture. The way your hands position on the keyboard once on this stand is also much more comfortable and almost feels more natural. This plus if you have a desktop too, it keeps your screens more leveled with each other as well. If you're thinking of starting a podcast, consistently making video calls, or even a gamer, this microphone is such a great deal. It's fairly cheap for its quality at $60 ($50 right now!) and is bound to get you plenty of compliments.

Nearly a year ago I posted an OG review about the then brand new super sponge. It was the version 1 and if you hadn't read the review, I was not impressed. A few months ago, they decided to release a version 2 which I was able to try out over the last few months. To recap what I mentioned in the past review, "Super Sponge is supposedly the new best thing since the beauty blender. It has been in process of development for two years and is basically like a beauty blender, but the top 2/3 is silicone-infused. Why? Because they claim the silicone allows for less makeup absorbance into the sponge which also means it's easier to clean." The sponge I have is the OG Super Sponge, the purple, and the new teal super sponge to show you the comparison of version 1 and 2. The new one is slightly bigger and much softer to the touch. The new sponge is selling at $19.99 (and scroll down for a coupon code!) which is also cheaper than version 1. I was so skeptical on trying version 2 after having awful results on the original super sponge. So I got it in the mail and I knew I wanted to try it and just know right away if I was going to be impressed or hate it. First off, the package is so cute. From the box the sponge came in to the actual product packaging, it truly feels like the quality has been stepped up. The product used to come in just a sealable ziplock-like bag with a handheld scrubber which was pretty flimsy. Now the super sponge comes in the plastic box you see above and at the bottom is a scrubber. I find this perfect for when you travel because you can keep the sponge clean and protected. The reason I was originally drawn to the Super Sponge was specifically for the fact that it was easy to clean and due to the silicone coating at the top, it does not gather bacteria easily. I can tell you from experience that if I don't keep regular cleaning from my normal beauty blenders and Real Techniques Sponge, they start to get black spots over time due to the bacteria and then I need to toss them out. So the base is for just that cleaning. After I finish applying my makeup, I take about 10 seconds to just scrub the sponge with its base and a tiny bit of soap and its spotless once again. The base can then be used for drying. SO, how is the makeup application? I was so nervous to try it because if you read the review about version 1, all the makeup would gather in my pores around my t-zone and then on my nose if I tried to pat it away, it would just end up removing my makeup. How does this apply? I patted my makeup a few times and those dots appeared so I was terrified, but after a few more pats it all blended out so smoothly. As I mentioned, I've tested this out over the last 2 months. During this time I had very oily skin and then got put on Accutane which meant I was also trying it on dry skin or with major lotioned up skin. I've tried it with my die-hard ColourPop Hylauronic Acid Tinted Moisturizer but also my high-coverage It Cosmetics Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream, with and without primer. Regardless of how I applied, those dots of foundation gathering in my pores appear and scare me but then don't give up and pat a few more days and it just smoothes it all out. Another statement they claim is that you can use less foundation than you normally would. I usually use about 3 peas (a very visual reference) of foundation on each cheek and my forehead. When I use the super sponge, I can usually get just 1-2 peas on each area. When you have pricey makeup, or even drugstore makeup, any way you can save money, I bet you want to. Like I said as well, as soon as I finish my makeup, I'll just go to my sink and quickly "brush" out the sponge with its scrubber base and it gets all the makeup out. I will admit I haven't used out the bottom of the sponge yet, but I haven't felt the need to. It's suppose to just smooth out and perfect any needed areas but I love the application and finish of the silicone area. With that said, I tested out applying my makeup with every part of the sponge just to see how it will clean and I have been so impressed too. It took off nearly everything minus a bit on the bottom sponge side. You can see in the picture the bottom is covered in foundation with some on the silicone top too. After cleaning there's just two areas that are a little more dirty and along where the silicone area meets the bottom. Conclusion So overall thoughts.... I love this sponge and I recommend it to anyone. It is such an upgrade from version 1, so if you were skeptical of the first or tried it and didn't like it, give it another chance. I definitely recommend it. • Cleans very easily with great cleaning tool • Compact with its scrubber base and box • Blends makeup very well despite using full coverage or tinted moisturizers • Silicone area helps for chances of bacteria buildup PLUS, good news is, if you're interested in the sponge, use code SANDY25 for 25% off! I do not receive any compensation if you use the code and all opinions are absolutely my own. I just wanted to give you an update on the sponge since I genuinely love it and I wanted my lovely readers to be sure they can afford this sponge.

Knowing how to write and design a resume is crucial. It can be what dictates if your resume is going to be read for your chance at a position or just automatically tossed in the bin. Why? Because a resume shows a lot about you. For one, you HAVE to include a cover letter. Even if you're looking for a part-time job, including a cover letter can be what gets you an interview before everyone else who applied. I created this post with tips on how to create a proper cover letter, including a downloadable cover letter. But, once you've got a cover letter, you must show you're qualified on the resume as well. First thing first, my business writing instructor once told me to never use a template. Especially not from Word, Pages, or any other major writing source. Some job positions acquire dozens if not hundreds of applicants, imagine how many have used the exact same template that you're about to use. So how should you do it? Design I have included my own downloadable resume found here. I created this myself so you can be sure that it is original. With that said, feel free to customize it. Your resume should always look clean and even better, reflect the position you're applying and your own personality. If you're going into a creative field, feel free to use color and fun fonts. A safe bet is to stay away from Comic Sans font regardless of what industry you're going into... but otherwise have fun with it. When I was applying for a social media intern position, I used a QR code at the top of my page which brought them to my website. If you want to use this idea, feel free to link the QR code to your LinkedIn or a digital portfolio, just search up QR code maker and you'll find a link. I also used little graphics beside each section of the resume since graphics are a big part of the social media/marketing world. Think about what is relevant to your own job. It does not have to be anything crazy. It should be a smart thing to note that you're cover letter and resume should look fairly similar in design. Format The next thing that is important, your formatting. Stick to the same font/font size scheme throughout your entire resume. The countless times I have looked over resumes and there will be 4 types of fonts and a change in size halfway through a sentence is crazy. A good idea is to have 1-2 fonts, 2-3 font sizes, and maybe choose if you want your emphasis to be shown in bold or underline. Nothing more. Never go below size 10 and try to stay between sizes 10-12. Think of it like this. The headers can be all one size and font, subheaders potentially the same font and a size smaller, and the body a different font and either the same size as or a size smaller than the subheader. That's generally a good rule of thumb. Still confused? Check out the cover letter example I have for you. The next thing to note is that your resume should NEVER be more than a page unless you're submitting a CV (which is generally only if you've spent years in an industry and you're switching jobs), and never two columns. If you can't fit it all on two pages, you've either added way too much space between lines (ie. double spacing), you've added too many details to each job, or you've simply added too much irrelevant or old experience. Information Experience Order So you've understood how to format your design and you've got an idea of how you want your resume to look, great. Now how do you actually write your resume? This shouldn't be too hard. Start with your name and contact information just like on your cover letter. This is great in case your cover letter and resume get separated for some reason. Next up, keep your experience from most recent to older, while ensuring that the most relevant is up top. What I mean is, say you're applying for a photographer position and your experience is freelancing while working at a fast-food chain, and before this you were a photographer intern. Place the freelance and intern on top as this is the most relevant and then fast food last (along with any other irrelevant positions and experience you have). Make sure to write from when to when you were at the position - up to you if you want month and year or just year to year. Also remember that when you include relevant tasks for each position held, keep the number of points the same throughout the entire resume, and each relevant task will likely vary each time you apply somewhere. Students If you're a student, insert your school, major, along with any relevant classes (and relevant clubs) at the top of your resume. Unlike the job experience section where you state when you started and ended the job, as a student, you only need to state when you anticipate graduating if this is where you plan to graduate from, whether you spent all your years here or transferred. If you did transfer from another school, your formatting will be the most recent school first and the year (ie. May 2020). Then you will list the school you transferred from with say Fall 2017 - Spring 2019. The last thing in this student section is if you studied abroad or joined a recognizable and important program, use another line. This type of experience is special and should stand alone, regardless if it was a full semester or just over winter break. If you're in college, only keep your high school listed if your experience is very limited and you had relevant classes or clubs. Content Goals / Post-Grad If you have a lot of experience, then you're A) lucky, but B) will have to narrow you're experiencing down. I found the best way is to keep the last few lines dedicated to older or irrelevant experience (following the most recent to oldest order). As you acquire more experience start knocking down the irrelevant experience and then the older ones until you hopefully over time have a resume that is filled with only relevant experience. The last thing I will say is referring to when to start eliminating your college experience. For most, your college can remain listed post-graduation with relevant course work for 5-8 years post-graduation. After this, it will no longer be at the top of your resume. It will be part of your experience. In this circumstance, only list your major and any awards and clubs you were part of. These can remain on your resume for around 10-15 years post-graduation and after this, just list the college and major. Feel ready to start your resume yet? Great! I wish you luck. If you're still a little unsure, check out the downloadable resumes for students/recent grads or the version for post-grad. If you're still confused, feel free to shoot me a message, I'd love to answer any questions. I have also looked over resumes in the past for a small fee, so up to you! Try it on your own, use a sample, ask me questions, or have me look it over. However you want to do it, I wish you luck on your next interview.