How to Spruce up Your Work From Home Space

There was a time in life that I dreamed about “working from home.” Except for the home I imagined was more so a café in Paris where I would write articles while eating multiple croissants. I did not, however, imagine sitting at the dining table unable to leave for anywhere other than the grocery store.

Working from home loses its charm very quickly. I spend all day at home only to reward myself post-work with … more home. While some don’t have a job at the moment, I am grateful that my manager still calls. Blogging and Instagram have really been my main income during this pandemic which allows me to stay home, but I still struggle with the monotony. Keep reading for the seven things I ordered online to make my daily experience more enjoyable.

High-Quality Candles

I have been thinking a lot about the bell system we had in high school recently. The beginning and end of a day signified by the alarming roar of bells. I wanted to signal the beginning and end of my workdays in a less jarring manner, so I have been lighting a candle by my laptop each morning and blowing it out when I am done. The scent helps me relax and transports me somewhere other than the suburbs. Right now, I am alternating between NEST’s Moroccan Amber and Maison Louis Marie’s No. 4. The sweet smell of luxury.

An Intricate Skincare Routine

One perk to isolation is that you can sit in a face mask while replying to emails. There is no one around to laugh at your ZitSticka pimple patches ($29). You can spend 2 hours on your morning skincare routine because you no longer have to waste time commuting. Each morning, I have been cleansing my skin with Sunday Riley’s Ceramic Slip ($35), exfoliating with Glossier Solution exfoliating skin perfector ($24) and following it up with an oil. If I am breaking out, I lean towards U.F.O. ($80) but if not I grab C.E.O. Glow ($40) and my skin instantly feels suppler. There are days I like to sit outside when working and I will put on Sunscreen to protect myself from the sun’s harsh rays. When I am not being lazy, I whip together my turmeric face mask which consists of yogurt, turmeric, lemon and honey for a nice homemade glow.

A Selection of Teas

To avoid gaining the “quarantine 15,” I have been sipping on a wide array of tea throughout the day. This prevents me from mindlessly snacking as a result of boredom. You can make a game out of it too. A sip every time someone on your Instagram feed tags 10 people in a push-up challenge. Another sip when you see someone not social distancing properly. I like switching between green, turmeric and honey chamomile tea but there are so many options out there.

Matching Loungewear Sets

Stay away from me if you are someone that dresses up to work from home. I have been following a strict elastic waistband dress code. Pajamas all day ­≠ sloppy and primitive. With so many sets out there to choose from it is easier than ever to look nice enough for the Zoom meeting screenshot that will inevitably make its way onto Instagram.

At-Home Workout Equipment

I never thought I would be able to work out from home. I miss going to the gym and working out until 9pm. But, I was lucky enough to find online classes that I enjoy and wouldn’t mind continuing it after Covid-19. Francia Raisa – have been live-streaming workouts on IG for FREE. Most of the classes do not require any equipment, which is perfect if you do not have a home gym.

Books

The silver lining in all of this is that we finally have time to do all the things we talked about wanting to do (from the safety of our own homes, of course). I used to complain that there was never enough time in a day to read. So if I do not come out of isolation a well-read genius, I want to be held accountable. If you have a library card, use OverDrive to view your local library’s e-book collection. If you do not, you can download the Libby app to get one. Audible also has a 30-day free trial that grants you access to their vast audiobook collection. Personally, nothing can replace the smell and feel of a physical book for me, and for that reason, I travel to the Dollar store or any supermarket that I know for certain sells books.

Succulents

Having something to take care of feels good when everything else seems outside of your control. You are not alone for you have your plants. They are rooting for you and your health (pun intended). Succulents like aloe vera and the “corn plant” can help purify the air, add fresh oxygen to your space and overall brighten the room. For $35 a month you can get a monthly subscription to The Sill — a modern plant destination for the modern plant lover. Their “Plants for Beginners” box sends you a different hand-potted plant in an earthenware planter each month that is easy to take care of.

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10 Ways to Use a Fan Makeup Brush

Of all the makeup brushes out there, a fan brush often seems to be the most confusing. While we normally see it being used to highlight the high points of the cheekbones, a fan brush is actually a very versatile beauty tool that can be used several different ways. Not sure how? Ahead, we rounded up ten ways to use a fan brush that will make your routine a lot easier. Thank us later. 

1. Brush Away Eyeshadow Fallout

You’ve applied the perfect bronzy eye, only to end up with eyeshadow all over your under-eye area. Don’t smudge it with your fingers; instead use a fluffy fan brush to swipe away any fallout without making a mess.

2. Apply Facial Masks

Use a small-to-medium-size fan brush to apply a facial mask with the utmost precision. Bonus,  you won’t waste as much product as you would if you were using your fingers.

3. Contour Facial Features

Because of its unique shape, a large fan brush is the perfect tool for contouring your cheekbones, nose, jawline and forehead.

4. Highlight to Perfection

This brush also makes for the perfect highlighting tool. For glowing skin, use it to lightly dust powdered highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose.

5. Dust on Blush for a Natural Look

We all get a little heavy handed with our blush application from time to time. To avoid overly bright pink cheeks, dust blush on with a fan brush — its soft bristles will diffuse the powder for a subtle hint of color.

6. Apply Tinted Moisturizer

If your skin is typically dry, applying tinted moisturizer with your fingers can zap the moisture right out of your skin! Use a fan brush to evenly distribute your lightweight coverage option without using too much of it.

7. Distribute Powdered Foundation

Once you’ve applied your favorite foundation, use a fan brush with compact bristles to buff out the powder (don’t forget the neck area) for a perfectly blended complexion — the IT Cosmetics Airbrush Radiance Fan Brush #116 is our favorite for this.

8. Blend Bronzer, Blush and Highlighters

After laying down your foundation, blush, bronzer and highlighter, use a large, fluffy fan brush like the Lancôme Dual Ended Highlighter Fan Brush #31 to blend out any harsh lines — especially if you’ve over-applied — for an airbrushed finish!

9. Remove Shine in the T-Zone Area

Skin starting to look greasy? Touch up throughout the day by lightly dusting translucent powder onto your T-zone to banish shine.

10. Apply Mascara

You can even use a small fan brush to apply mascara to your top and bottom lashes for a natural, barely-there look and zero clumps.

Exactly How to Bake Your Makeup

You’ve likely tried contouring, tightlining and even strobing. Next on your list should be baking. This technique (which honestly makes us crave cookies and not mad about it) essentially consists of using your body heat to “cook” and set your makeup on areas like the under-eyes, the T-zone and chin, resulting in a more flawless, creaseless finish. Say goodbye to cracked, cakey makeup! And though it adds some time to your routine, it couldn’t be easier to do. Just follow the four steps below and thank us after.

STEP 1: Apply eye cream first then concealer to the under-eye area, the chin, the T-zone — anywhere you need it. Make sure the regions you choose are completely covered in the formula. Use a brush to lightly blend out the makeup.

STEP 2: Take a loose powder foundation (try the Maybelline New York Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder) and dust it over the concealer. Again, make sure you cover the entire area as the powder is meant to seal your concealer. For more heavy-duty coverage, apply a second coat of powder, but this time, lightly dampen the brush prior to dipping it in the powder. 

STEP 3: Now it’s time to bake! Allow five to ten minutes for the makeup to set.

STEP 4: Using a fluffy foundation brush, dust away any loose powder on top and gently blend it out so there’s no discoloration or makeup lines. 

Is Baking For You? COMMENT BELOW!

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FASHION NOVA: JEANS TO ACCENTUATE YOUR WAIST

When you take a photo, it’s all about knowing your angles—chin down, back arched, whatever works for you, right? The same mindset applies when you’re dressing for your body. Knowing the silhouettes that flatter your frame makes it that much easier when deciding what to wear. If you’re going for an outfit that accentuates your waist, it all starts with a great pair of high-rise jeans. A simple tip, I know, but part of feeling your best and loving your body starts with being confident and comfortable in your clothing—no matter your personal style or shape.

The beauty of high-rise jeans is the silhouette snatches at the smallest part of your waist and elongates your legs, lending the illusion of longer stems. Oldest trick in the book, but for good reason—because it works. Shop my picks for high-rise jeans below.

I am not a jeans type of person at all. I have only 4 pairs of jeans which are for work. I work in retail and for my job, we can only wear khakis or jeans. But, with Fashion Nova on deck, I might just have to reconsider. The jeans I purchased are comfortable, fitted, stylish, and do the booty justice. Fashion Nova is having a sale on their entire website. USE CODE: STAYHOME to get 30-80% OFF EVERYTHING!

Want more Fashion Nova? Check out QUARANTINE N CHILL LOUNGEWEAR and STYLISH SWEATERS TO UPDATE YOUR WFH WARDROBE and FASHION NOVA: DRESSING FOR YOUR BODY

HAVE YOU PURCHASED ANYTHING ON FASHION NOVA? IF SO, HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE.