She Strengthens

Getting Ready to Take on the Day, Even When You’re Not Feeling Your Best

As I dragged myself out of bed on Wednesday, feeling miserable with a nasty cold, I knew I had to find a way to shake off the sickness and get moving. Sometimes, when we’re not feeling our best, it’s the small things that can make all the difference. For me, that means taking a few extra minutes to get ready and look presentable, even if I’m not feeling like myself.

The Power of a Good Lipstick

One of my go-to tricks is to put on my favorite lipstick. There’s something about swiping on a bold, bright color that instantly lifts my mood and makes me feel more confident. And the best part? My favorite lipstick is a affordable drugstore brand, L’Oréal’s Jennifer’s Nude. At under $10, it’s a small indulgence that can make a big impact on my day.

What Other Girls Swear By

I was curious to know what other girls rely on to get themselves looking and feeling their best, so I asked around. Here’s what they had to say:

Lip Products

• NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams: “These are my world,” says Kait. “I love the range of colors and the fact that they’re not too drying.”
• Blistex Medicated Lip Balm: Ellie swears by this lip balm as a primer for her lip colors. “It keeps my lips soothed and soft,” she says.
• Maybelline Lipsticks: Erin loves these lipsticks for their trendy shades and affordable price point.

Foundation, Concealer, and Face Powder

• Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation: Laura raves about this foundation, saying it’s “great” and “only $4!”
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer: Sara loves this concealer for its ease of use and flawless coverage.

Blush, Bronzers, and Highlights

• Milani Baked Blush: Alyssa swears by these blushes, saying they’re “under ten bucks” and come in “beautiful shades.”
• e.l.f. Baked Highlighters: Paula loves these highlighters, saying they’re “only two or three bucks each” and give a natural glow.
• NYX Cream Blushes: Ashley recommends these cream blushes, saying they’re “quite pigmented” and blend out naturally.

Eyeshadows

• e.l.f Mad For Matte eyeshadow palettes: Paula uses these palettes every day, saying they’re “only a few bucks” and “insane.”
• Revlon Chrome-y Metallic Eyeshadow Stick: Lisa loves this eyeshadow stick, saying it’s “luxurious” and “high-end” but affordable.

Mascara and Eyeliner

• Maybelline Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara: Abby swears by this mascara, saying it’s “intense” and gives ridiculously long and dark lashes.
• Wet ‘n’ Wild Liquid Liner: Annie loves this eyeliner, saying it’s “easy to use” and “only a few bucks.”

Miscellaneous

• Wet n Wild Brushes: Esa recommends these brushes, saying they’re “awesome” and “only a couple dollars each.”
• L’Oréal Setting Spray: Caroline loves this setting spray, saying it’s “surprisingly effective” and affordable.

It’s clear that when it comes to getting ready, it’s all about finding what works for you and making the most of it. Whether it’s a trusty lipstick or a go-to concealer, these small indulgences can make all the difference in how we feel about ourselves. So next time you’re feeling under the weather, take a cue from these girls and find your own secret to feeling more confident and beautiful, even on the toughest of days.