Jovana Levkova

hether the goal is to blur fine lines, improve skin texture, disguise the appearance of dark circles or simply create the illusion of a full eight hours sleep, finding the right concealer gets a little more difficult if you’re also dealing with dry under-eye skin. The area already moves a lot, so folks with dry skin (or mature skin, in perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause) may experience looser, crepey and more delicate texture around the eyes that exacerbates the look of wrinkles and can cause concealer to patch, clump and crease. Luckily, hydrating concealers exist—if you know where to look. With so many options—all with different ingredients, textures, coverage types and finishes—i combed on which formulas really keep dry under-eyes hydrated and smooth while also brightening and concealing redness and dark circles.

Discovering your perfect foundation is pretty much the makeup equivalent of finding your soulmate... minus the Hinge dates. But throw into the mix a complexion that's drier than the Sahara desert, and finding a foundation that stays dewy on dry skin can feel near impossible. For those with an eternally thirsty complexion, foundation can often feel heavy, uncomfortable and make your skin look even more parched. But I promise, there are formulas out there to help combat this. the formula needs to include plenty of moisturising ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, to keep the skin dewy and hydrated. It also has to be a breeze to apply. Overzealous blending can aggravate your skin and make dry patches more noticeable, so a formula that is both blendable and buildable (harder to find than it sounds) is key. Finally, it’s got to be long-lasting, non-drying, and never settles into fine lines or dry patches. Is a hydrating, weightless texture that can cover our blemishes and mask dryness too much to ask? Luckily not! There are tons of formulas out there to help you figure out your perfect match.

A lip combo is more than just makeup—it’s a vibe, a statement, and an essential for a perfectly polished (or perfectly imperfect) makeup look. It’s the magical trio of lip liner, lipstick, and lip gloss that creates your signature lip makeup look. Lip combos have gone viral countless times for their versatility and ability to elevate any makeup routine. Whether you’re rocking a barely-there nude or going full-on glam, having a go-to combination in your pocket (or makeup bag) makes getting ready easy and elevates your look without too much effort. But not all lip combos are created equal— some are a quick swipe-and-go moment, while others involve a little extra TLC for that flawless finish. The flexibility of a signature lip combo makes them perfect for any skill level or occasion. Choosing the right lipstick is more complicated than you might think. Outside of finding the most compatible shade, you have to consider a few other factors (longevity and finish, to name a few).

I have always been a makeup brush person. Something about feeling the soft bristles across my face always felt so comforting. Brushes helped me achieve the best look—they buff beautifully for an airbrush finish. Since I have oily skin, switching from a brush to a makeup sponge meant I needed one that would spread the product well, absorb oil, work with creams and liquids, and pick up setting powder. Over a month, I tested dozens of makeup sponges ranging from unique and chiseled to compact and colorful. In the summertime, I lean towards cream foundations and light liquid concealers as they help absorb the oil on my skin and give a blurring effect, so I paid incredibly close attention to how the sponges performed with those products. Ahead, I share my thoughts and reviews of the best makeup sponges I tried that inspired me to put my brushes down for good.

You can have the most skin-like foundations, creamiest liquid blushes, and buttery eyeshadows, but without the proper tools, they’ll do you little good. Whether you’re a makeup newbie or a seasoned pro, an amazing brush always makes a difference—after all, what would the Mona Lisa look like if Leonardo da Vinci used paintbrushes that were way too thick? To ensure you choose a superior brush that will last for years, i found the best-selling picks that i use to create flawless looks. Hope you enjoy!

You’ve probably been overlooking some real beauty gems at Sephora. I mean, I get it. There are a ton of products sold at the major beauty retailer, so it’s impossible to try out every single one. Walk into a Sephora, and you're bound to leave with more than what you came in for (and we're not judging). Recognized as one of the most frequented beauty stores, offering skincare, haircare, makeup, and so much more, Sephora has become a staple shopping hub for anyone and everyone who needs to replenish their beauty products or wants to try something new.

Walking into an Ulta store or browsing its online catalogs makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. With thousands of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products, the popular beauty retailer nearly always has what I’m looking for—plus a few extra impulse purchases I can’t resist adding to my cart. Alongside its wide selection of budget-friendly and drugstore favorites they also carry hundreds of luxury beauty products from coveted labels like Pat McGrath Labs, Chanel, Lancome, and Dior. Moral of the story: Whether you’re looking to save a few dollars as student loan payments return or are in the mood to do some major retail therapy, Ulta is the one-stop shop to satisfy any beauty lover’s cravings.

Not to brag, but people constantly stop me to compliment my eyelashes, usually asking where I got my eyelash extensions done. Funnily enough, tho, I've never had lash extensions and rely solely on the best mascaras to give me length, volume, and separation. Sure, eyelash serums have made them stronger and more conditioned, which can make them appear a bit longer and thicker. But in reality, the secret to my fake-looking lashes is simply a spectacular mascara (particularly one with a good wand—depending on if I want length, curl, or thickness) And I'll be the first to admit, too, that mascara is extremely personal (like foundation and nude lipstick), which is why I entirely recommend shopping for a formula that'll meet your specific needs and lash goals. Hence the reason for this list: The top-rated mascaras of all time that I've personally tested myself! I hope you enjoy!

A simple routine using the right anti-aging products can help improve visible signs of aging, including the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness. This anti-aging skincare routine features serums, sunscreen, and moisturizers formulated with ingredients to help restore and maintain the skin barrier for soft, healthy-looking skin. Although the natural aging process is slightly different for everyone, the first signs of aging skin tend to appear in your 30s and 40s. This is when skin begins to lose more and more of the vital components it needs to maintain its elasticity and moisture levels—leading to visible skin aging. This simple skincare routine uses gentle yet effective formulas that feature our favorite anti-aging ingredients. These ingredients can be used to support youthful-looking skin during any decade of life—whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond.

Skin care products which I am satisfied with✨

Gua sha tools massage your face to help decrease fluid retention, leaving your skin temporarily less puffy and more glowy!

Exfoliation is one of those skincare steps that can easily fall by the wayside. When it’s hard enough to remember to exfoliate your face regularly, paying attention to the skin below your chin can be really difficult. But here’s the thing: that extra step can be a major game changer. Enter the beauty of a good body scrub. Like their facial counterparts, they rely on physical exfoliating particles (think sugar or jojoba beads) to scrub those dead skin cells. Body scrubs also help your moisturizer penetrate more deeply! There are, quite literally, hundreds of body scrubs to choose from, so i decided to test the most popular options. I evaluated each on consistency, application, how effectively it exfoliated and how my skin looked and felt after use. Hope you enjoy!

Like many people, I got into skincare in a big way during the pandemic. I researched, I sampled, I trialed, and overall spent many dollars and hours finding the best products for my skincare needs. Recently I needed to stock up, and headed to Sephora for my tried-and-trues: my Tata Harper, my Tatcha, my Sunday Riley. Then I went to CVS for my drugstore body lotion and $7.49 body wash. Somehow, it didn’t hit me until that moment just how bizarre it was that I hadn’t given more than a passing thought to my body care. As I have somewhat sensitive skin, I decided to start with mostly natural, non-prescription products. I was also intrigued by the idea of treating my body like my face, so I went for products with facial-grade ingredients. I used the scale of “how good I felt walking my dog after applying” to rate the products I was trying. I began to notice a new spring in my step on my usually cranky morning slog. I felt pampered. I felt cleansed. I felt smooth like a dolphin and, for once, sufficiently moisturized without feeling greasy. Overall, my body skincare experimentation has led me to the definitive conclusion that it’s absolutely worth incorporating into daily life. I feel healthier and more confident in addition to cosmetically improved, which is all I had initially expected when I started this journey. I’ve found some excellent daily products that make me look and feel so much better, along with some that are good for use once a week or so and others that are nice as a fun monthly treat. Below are my favorite products that are now incorporated into my permanent routine!

The best sunscreen is the one you’ll apply liberally and often, so it should look and feel good on your skin. I wasn’t always a sunscreen devotee. Like so many millennials, I didn’t understand the risks of turning into a lobster at the beach when I was in high school or spending hours in tanning beds leading up to prom. I thought I looked better with a tan, and sunscreen felt gross and made me break out. I know better now, and thankfully, sunscreens have come a long way in terms of formula and feel and can actually be really pleasant to wear. I put it on every day now, hoping to undo my sun-worshiping sins, or at least prevent any more damage. Any dermatology or skincare expert will tell you that applying sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do for your skin’s long term health, regardless of your age or skin type. The best skincare advice I can give to anyone is to use SPF every single day, all year around! It needs to be a dedicated SPF that is broad spectrum, and have a minimum sun protection factor of SPF 30 or SPF 50.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to beauty, especially when we're talking about hair care. Whether your hair is thick, curly, thin, straight or anywhere in between, it probably requires a specific regimen — one that likely took a lot of trial and error — to keep it looking its best. Hair care can be expensive, so i wanted to help you find the right items without having to buy a bunch of potentially disappointing products first. Hair isn't just on the top of our heads, for so many of us, it's also top of mind. No matter how fine or thick our strands may be, no matter our curl pattern (or lack thereof), and no matter if our chief complaint is dandruff or chemical damage, i think about our hair—and the products we use on it—a lot. Fine or thick, straight or curly, the best hair care products make it easy to achieve a good hair day. Whether it’s a blow dryer that delivers frizz-free results, a detangler that makes brushing through tresses easy, or a thickening treatment that adds volume and fullness, discovering the right products for you makes all the difference. Hope you enjoy!

For too long i've been testing products which are most safe and effective for damaged hair, like mine. If you are intested you can check out here the best hair repair treatments for stronger and shinier hair!

If you find you’re having to wash your hair on a daily basis to ensure your scalp remains grease-free, it may be time to switch up your shampoo routine. And i've found the best products for oily hair to stop the endless wash-day cycle. Having oily hair means you need specific products to target the issue, rather than constantly jumping in the shower (which could actually be making things worse – more on that below).

The right cushion can do more than just add comfort—it can completely transform a space. This curated selection of decorative cushions blends texture, color, and style to give your home that effortlessly elevated look. Whether you're into bold patterns, soft neutrals, or luxe fabrics, these picks are designed to add personality and polish to any room. From statement-making designs to timeless basics, each cushion in this list is handpicked to help you layer your space with comfort, warmth, and serious style.

Create a sanctuary of calm and tranquility with the power of scent. This collection of aromatherapy diffusers is designed to elevate your home, offering not just fragrance, but a whole sensory experience. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day, boost focus, or simply refresh your surroundings, these diffusers provide a personalized scent journey. From sleek, modern designs to natural, eco-friendly options, each diffuser is carefully chosen to help transform your space into a peaceful haven. Perfect for every room in the house, they’re not just decorative; they’re essential for enhancing your mood and well-being. Let these diffusers help you breathe easy, relax deeply, and escape into a world of soothing aromas.

Having a reliable dinnerware set is essential, whether you need something practical for everyday meals or a stylish option for a dinner party. While your personal taste can play a part in making your choice, it's also important to have dishes that can stand up regularly to handling and washing without scratching or chipping. With that broad a remit, I went in search of the best glasses and glassware sets for drinking just about anything, including water, beer, wine, and cocktails. I narrowed my top picks to 10, and most (though not all) of them are versatile enough to use for more than one kind of drink. For example, you won’t find anything specifically called a rocks glass or double old-fashioned glass on this list, but you will find glass tumblers that function just as well as anything with those monikers. And as much as I love a coupe glass, you won’t find one of those either because the stemmed cocktail glass I chose is more suited to a wide variety of drinks that should be served up.

73 shares Share Tweet Pin As an influencer and content creator, one of the questions I’m most commonly asked is what kind of creator tools and gear or equipment I use, especially when it comes to traveling. While you don’t need much to get started, over the years I’ve added each piece of equipment on this list to the gear I personally use today. To keep it real, you don’t need to drop thousands of dollars in order to create beautifully-curated content. It’s all in your eye to capture something that tells a story. But as you grow and expand your creative business, you are always bound to make some upgrades and investments. Creator gear isn’t always cheap, but in the long run, investing in better creator tools to create higher-quality photos, video, and audio content will only elevate your brand or business as an influencer and content creator. Whether you’re looking for just the basics, vlogging equipment for beginners, or equipment I travel with, it’s all covered in this post!

Fragrance has the power to become an integral part of your identity. Fragrances are commonly divided into categories like fresh, woody, amber, and floral. From there, consider the actual notes of the fragrance. Top notes (often light botanicals) are what you smell right away, heart notes are what you smell next, while base notes linger longest on your skin. In addition, colognes are categorized by how strong they are: eau de cologne, eau de toilette, and eau de parfum (on a scale from lightest to strongest).

We can feel it in the air, and we know you can too. The days are getting longer. The clocks will soon be going back, and the daffodils making way for magnolia bluebells and lilac. And just as the fresh green shoots of spring burst forth, the perfume halls bloom with new fragrances ready to carry us into the new season. As life-affirming as feeling the first rays on our face, there’s something truly joyful about spring fragrances. It’s a moment that calls for perfume’s more sumptuous, cocooning options to be put aside, swapping rich, velvety notes for all things airy, clean, green and pretty. There's no better way to manifest bright, beautiful days than with spring perfumes.

I always knew that I liked perfume, but it wasn't until my last house move when my perfume collection required an entire packing box that I realised how much I truly love it. Sure, I was able to part with a couple of out-of-date bottles, but most of my stash felt too precious to cull. The thing about perfume is that it's so personal. Scent is linked so closely to memory that even if you've only worn a perfume a few times, you can evoke a past time and place with just one spritz, whether it's a holiday perfume or your wedding day fragrance. The problem? Perfume is expensive. Of all the products I've collected over the years, my perfumes are worth the most, and unfortunately, I have expensive taste in scents. Byredo, Tom Ford, Maison Margiela… Most of my favourite perfume brands will set you back around at lest £150 for a bottle. Trust me—I know how ridiculous that sounds, especially as someone who spent her early teenage years buying knockoff bottles of Thierry Mugler Angel, and CK One from the market, dousing herself in Impulse Thrill, and circling J.Lo Glow in the Boots Christmas catalogue. That's not to say there aren't plenty of fantastic, affordable perfume options out there, though. There are. In fact, with perfumers such as Jo Loves founder Jo Malone CBE collaborating with Zara, there are plenty of purse-friendly perfumes to rival my more expensive favourites—you just need to know where to look. And we'll let you in on a secret: sometimes affordable fragrances are perfume 'dupes' of luxury scents. Like many items in our beauty stash, i think of my fragrances as investment pieces. But, as the best affordable perfumes have taught me, finding a signature scent doesn't have to be pricey. Don't get me wrong, my love for luxury fragrances (hi, Tom Ford) runs deep, but if there's one lesson i learned through countless hours of testing scents, quality and price do not always go hand-in-hand.

A great bag has the power to transform any outfit, adding a touch of elegance, flair, or even a pop of color. This collection features bags that seamlessly blend functionality and style, making them the perfect accessory to elevate your look for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and sophisticated, bold and daring, or timelessly classic, these bags are designed to enhance your wardrobe and make a statement. From versatile crossbody bags to chic shoulder bags and statement clutches, discover the accessories that will take your outfit to the next level. In the world of fashion, every detail counts. From the perfect pair of shoes to the right accessories, each element contributes to creating a cohesive and stylish look. Among these essential components, bags often stand out as the unsung heroes of any outfit. While they may seem like a mere practical necessity, bags hold the power to elevate your style and tie your entire ensemble together.

The hobo bag is a shoulder bag known for its soft, relaxed shape and crescent silhouette. Crafted from flexible materials like leather, fabric, or faux leather, it combines casual elegance with everyday functionality. Its slouchy design allows it to naturally contour to the body, making it both stylish and comfortable to wear. Spacious and practical, the hobo bag typically features a roomy interior with useful compartments to keep your essentials organized. Its versatility makes it perfect for both casual outfits and more polished looks. Available in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes, the hobo bag is a timeless accessory that adds effortless chic to any wardrobe.

There is nothing quite like the thrill of unboxing an affordable designer bag you spotted in the sales. Or that feeling of discovering a new niche handbag brand you can actually afford. Because, as pretty as they are, the OG designer bags feel totally out of reach for most of us mere mortals now (the price of Chanel bags has tripled since the pandemic, according to the Handbag Clinic). So in 2025, during a cost of living crisis, these kind of investment purchases are just that – big investments. The fashion industry has shifted in the past decade. Old school luxury houses have become even less accessible, while the high street has democratised to the point of becoming completely unsustainable in its quest for faster, cheaper fashion. This chasm has left room for a growing new sector: bridge brands. And with the rise of these under-the-radar labels has come a fresh perspective – we’re talking directional designs, eco-conscious fabrics and a new smart/casual take on accessorising. From Neous and Manu Atelier, to DeMellier and Dragon Diffusion, these handbag labels have gone from 'rising' to household names for good reason. Investing in a designer bag doesn’t always mean spending a fortune. There are several brands that offer high-quality, stylish bags at a more accessible price point. Here are some great options for affordable designer bags that are worth investing in!!