In 2012, then-16-year-old gymnast Gabby Douglas became the first African-American to win an individual all-around Olympic title, in addition to earning a team gold medal as part of the US women’s gymnastics team. Four years later, she continued to make history in Brazil, once again scoring gold on her own and with her team. Even with those incredible accomplishments on her side, Douglas was still scrutinized by the internet and media for one thing that plays no role in her athletic abilities: her hair.

Now, the athlete is opening up about her journey, revealing that she struggled behind closed doors with hair loss while she worked hard as a gymnast. “From a very young age, I always had to put my hair in a tight ponytail to do gymnastics,” Douglas wrote in an Instagram caption revealing her natural hair. “Due to that, my hair became completely damaged. I had bald spots on the back of my head. I was so embarrassed and self-conscious that I put a bunch of clips over the spots to try and cover them up.”

Douglas recalled that at some point she had to cut her hair due to damage, leaving her even more emotionally vulnerable. “Most days I didn’t even want to go to the gym because I felt so embarrassed that all my hair was gone,” she wrote. “I used to think: Why can’t I have healthy hair?”

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A post shared by Gabby Douglas (@gabbycvdouglas) on Sep 3, 2020 at 1:39pm PDT

Nevertheless, Douglas managed to achieve unbelievable success and share her gifts with the world in spite of her struggles growing up in the public eye. “Fast forward to both Olympics, and my hair was the topic of conversation,” she wrote. “Now, here I am today – no extensions – no clip-ins – no wigs – no chemicals – all me.”

Douglas’ powerful message sparked a discussion on Instagram about the unfair pressure put on Black women’s hair. “Your hair never defined you,” one fan wrote. “I was disgusted, but the people who criticized your hair when the focus should have been on your amazing talent. You are an inspiration.” Others agreed, adding that Douglas’ message is why representation is important. “I looked up to you and hearing the mean things they said about you (whom I thought was beautiful) hurt me as a little black girl and made me take second glances at my self and try to find things wrong with me,” said another supporter. “This is why representation matters.”

In a separate post, Douglas thanked her Instagram community, sharing that it still isn’t easy to open up nowadays. “Not gonna lie… you guys can be BRUTAL lol. But in that, I have developed thick skin,” she says. “I am forever grateful to have this platform to inspire and encourage you all.”

The unfair reality of Douglas’ experience is that Black women shouldn’t have to develop thick skin to move through the world as they are. The silver lining is that she feels empowered to speak her truth — which, in turn, may help other Black women on similar journeys.

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No subject is too touchy or off-limits for Chrissy Teigen — not her boobs, not her sweaty armpits, and definitely not her Botox. The model and soon-to-be mother of three has previously discussed using the injectable, which works by paralyzing the muscles in the treated area and is used for cosmetic purposes to temporarily reduce the appearance of frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet, to help with her hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). “Botoxed my armpits,” Teigen wrote in August 2019. “Truly best move I have ever made.”

This past weekend, Teigen opened up once again about using the neurotoxin for a non-wrinkle-related reason, sharing that she’s turned to Botox to help with migraines since becoming pregnant for the third time. “I get really bad pregnancy headaches,” she tweeted. “Was thrilled to be cleared to do neck muscle Botox along with a crazy combo of beta-blocker shots and radio wave frequency. Anyhow, man, it’s just so bad but I see the light finally.” Teigen added that Botox — which has been FDA-approved for preventative treatment of chronic migraines since 2010 — has helped relieve her of headaches in the pre-pregnancy past, too. “Jaw Botox for my grinding was a MUST for my regular headaches. You can also do behind the brow for migraines. Life-changing,” she replied to one follower.

I get really really bad pregnancy headaches. was thrilled to be cleared to do neck muscle botox along with a crazy combo of beta blocker shots and radio wave frequency something something doctor terms. anyhow man it’s just so bad but I see the light finally

— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) September 5, 2020

Teigen clarified that she sees a neurologist, not a cosmetic doctor, for the treatments to ensure her and her baby’s safety. “If you have the means to go to a neurologist instead of cosmetic, it’s a lot better and safer because they talk to your OB,” she advised.

Botox for migraines was literally a life changing experience for me. I now yell at everyone that Botox is the best invention in the world and drag people who condemn it for cosmetic purposes. Without it as a cosmetic procedure we wouldn’t have it as a migraine treatment.

— Adele Jayde (@hawkeye2_) September 5, 2020

Teigen’s experience sparked discussion on social media, with many people sharing that Botox has worked wonders for their chronic headaches, too. “I now yell at everyone that Botox is the best invention in the world and drag people who condemn it for cosmetic purposes. Without it as a cosmetic procedure, we wouldn’t have it as a migraine treatment,” one Twitter user wrote. “So happy you’re bringing attention to the people that suffer so much from debilitating migraines!” another added. “I get Botox from my neurologist religiously every three months, and it’s been life changing. You do what you gotta do to be able to enjoy life. Don’t ever let anyone shame you for it!”

Given that Teigen is expecting, the conversation naturally touched upon the safety of Botox usage during pregnancy, even when cleared by a doctor (like in Teigen’s case). There is no significant research on the subject, but a small study conducted by Eric Cerrati, MD, FACS, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Utah, did not find cause for concern. “We just published the first study evaluating the safety of #botox injections that were administered knowingly and consistently throughout pregnancy. We found the medication to be safe to both the mother and the fetus throughout pregnancy and in the 3-5 year post-partum period,” Dr. Cerrati wrote in an Instagram caption.

There’s clearly still a lot of research to be done before the treatment can officially be deemed safe, but if you’re curious about your options, take Teigen’s advice and talk to your doctor for the best plan of action.

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In January, Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley publicly revealed to her supporters and the world that she — like seven million other people — has alopecia. In the emotional video posted to The Root, Rep. Pressley gave a raw account of her experience, from proudly wearing her signature Senegalese twists to ultimately losing all of her hair in office.

“Every night I was employing all the tools I’ve learned throughout my life as a Black woman because I thought I could stop this,” she says. But in the end, Rep. Pressley boldly revealed her bald head, calling it an act of “self-agency and power.” Since then, the congresswoman has continued to be vocal about living with the condition and shared an empowering message this week in honor of Alopecia Awareness Month.

“Let me drop an alopecia selfie flex,” Rep. Pressley captioned her latest photo on Twitter. “Y’all stay mad on my timeline. I get it. Who needs hair with these cheekbones?” Rep. Pressley went on to share that she’s been rudely asked which bathroom she uses, to which she had the perfect reply: “Obviously, the one where royalty enters. S/O to my Alopecia Squad, 7million strong.”

Let me drop an alopecia selfie flex. Ya’ll stay mad on my timeline. I get it. Who needs hair with these cheekbones? Folks want to know which bathroom I use. Obviously, the one where royalty enters. S/O to my Alopecia Squad, 7million strong. #alopeciaawarenessmonth pic.twitter.com/2jrvAJsRXd

— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) September 2, 2020

The photo has since amassed nearly 160,000 likes on Twitter and thousands of replies from supporters, including fellow Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “Can we talk about this collar jewelry!! The lip color! Are you glowing up without me?! Whew, I’m taking notes,” AOC wrote. Others used the tweet to spark discussions about their respective alopecia or hair loss. “I never thought about the lack of people in the public eye representing alopecia and how it may have a positive impact on kids with alopecia,” one supporter wrote. “The permanent loss of my beautiful thick black hair has changed my outlook on what defines me. I AM BEAUTIFUL and I AM ALIVE… I AM NOT MY HAIR!,” wrote another.

I have had breast cancer 3 times, each time I lost my hair from the chemo treatments. The last treatment cycle lasted a year. The permanent loss of my beautiful thick black hair has changed my outlook on what defines me. I AM BEAUTIFUL and I AM ALIVE… I AM NOT MY HAIR! pic.twitter.com/qSsA23gzL0

— Kellee Brown (@MsKelleeBrown) September 3, 2020

At first I thought it was an odd tweet for a congresswoman but I never thought about the lack of people in the public eye representing alopecia and how it may have a positive impact on kids with alopecia. After seeing your tweet Im glad she did, tell your niece to stay awesome!

— T&J (@313Romans) September 3, 2020

Folks stay with the noise about hair. I just give ’em a bit of this. ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/qO6jNtr0dU

— Dee (@deeattle) September 3, 2020

You own it! Besides, you are absolutely correct about the cheekbones. Why hide them! pic.twitter.com/nUR1mVcnsC

— TraceNee,RMA♊️🕊🛡🌊💙🆘 (@tracenee75) September 3, 2020

Rep. Pressley’s selfie is further proof that beauty and hair, which have long been labeled vain or frivolous, have a worthy place in politics. From campaigning against natural hair discrimination to advocating for racial equity and raising awareness about medical conditions, like alopecia, we love that Rep. Pressley is using her platform to encourage others to continue fighting to make the world a more inclusive, accepting place.

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When Selena Gomez first set out to create Rare Beauty two years ago, she dreamed of launching a line of cosmetics that truly bridged the gap between the worlds of beauty and mental health, something she felt was lacking from the makeup aisle. Now, that vision is a reality — and it’s so much more than just foundation and highlighter (but there is foundation and highlighter, too).

Gomez, sitting in a pale-pink powder room — to match her new packaging — with a voluminous blowout and wearing her signature red lipstick in the shade Inspire, called in over Zoom to give me the rundown on Rare Beauty, which launches today at Sephora and the official brand website. “I wanted this line to feel like everything fits together, and that you could trust it,” Gomez says.

The newly-minted beauty entrepreneur used her personal style and eye for elevated makeup to create a multi-category collection of cosmetics with 150 SKUs, including 48 shades of foundation, matte lip creams, brow definers, liquid blush, lip balms, and more. The complete lineup also boasts buttery lipstick, silky shimmer highlighters, and complexion products that practically melt into your skin. But more important than the vast range of impressive colors and formulas that Rare Beauty has to offer is a mission of mental health awareness and inclusivity that drove Gomez to launch her own brand in the first place.

The star, who grew up in the spotlight, wanted to use her platform to break down the unrealistic — and harmful — standards that exist in the beauty world, so she launched the Rare Impact Fund to provide mental health services in underserved communities. “I definitely challenge the idea that mental health and beauty can’t coexist,” Gomez says. “When you’re feeling a certain way inside, there’s always a part of you that reflects on the outside.” That’s even more true in the age of social media, when self-scrutiny is all but unavoidable. “I’ve had weight issues and inflammation, and I deal with my medical stuff, and for me, that’s when mental health and feeling good comes into play,” she says. 

Gomez and her team set a lofty goal to raise $100 million with the Rare Impact Fund to support local, national, and global mental health initiatives focusing on underserved communities over the next 10 years. “Mental health is so connected to different things, and I believe that there are a lot of people who may not understand that,” she says. “Beyond giving access to so many different shades and colors, I want people to feel like they have a community to turn to and resources that are helpful to them.”

While Gomez’s vision for Rare Beauty always encompassed inclusive color cosmetics and a meaningful philanthropic footprint, she couldn’t have foreseen releasing a beauty line amid the current global health crisis and political climate, where some would consider makeup frivolous. However, for Gomez, moving forward with the launch is an act of perseverance. “Ending up here was always the end goal,” she says, “and with everything happening in the world, it became even more important to us to make sure that we create a safe space where everyone knows that they’re celebrated.”

For Gomez, Rare Beauty is a testament to having a vision and pushing forward despite the odds. “We set out to do this brand, and we achieved exactly what we wanted to do,” she says. Seeing people look and feel beautiful with her cosmetics is just the icing on the cake. “There is nothing more beautiful to me than to see someone just glowing and loving who they are,” she says. “I can tell, because it comes shining from the inside.”

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Ulta’s 21 Days Of Beauty Sale is back, and the deals this time around are good. The retailer’s bi-annual shopping event officially kicks off this Sunday, August 30, and features rare markdowns from your favorite cosmetic brands.

While there’s always a handful of dope beauty products launching at Ulta each month, scoring up to 50% off select hair, makeup, and skin-care items makes entering your credit card number hurt a whole lot less. Ahead, find everything you need to know about the upcoming shopping event. 

When is the sale?

The sale begins on August 30 and will run through September 19 — an even 21 days to stock up on your favorites. 

What’s going to be marked down, and by how much?

Shoppers can enjoy up to 50% off hair, skin, and makeup products during the event, including Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil, Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, and IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation.

On select days, brands like Kylie Cosmetics and KKW Beauty will also be available at discounted prices. You can even snag up to 50% off select faux-mink lashes (the perfect excuse if you’ve been missing your lash extensions). Since shopping looks pretty different these days, Ulta is encouraging fans to use the retailer’s GLAMlab app to try out lipstick, eyeshadow, and foundations at home before they make a purchase.

How can I shop the sale?

All of Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty deals will be available to shop online, but customers can also utilize the store’s curbside pickup option if they want them sooner.

What should I shop?

All of the promotions running during Ulta’s shopping event are tempting, but there are a few items we’ll be setting reminders for come August 30th — namely this AHA-packed cleanser from Murad to kick maskne to the curb. We’d also recommend beelining to the brow and eye cream sections to keep your eyes awake and arches on point while wearing a mask.

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Congratulations are in order for Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, who recently welcomed their first child together. The pair announced the birth of their daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom, in an Instagram post in partnership with UNICEF to raise funds and awareness for expecting mothers in need of access to proper healthcare. “We are floating with love and wonder from the safe and healthy arrival of our daughter,” the couple wrote.

The sweet post shows Perry and Bloom holding Daisy Dove’s tiny hand, with the singer flashing a white daisy painted on her thumbnail. An obvious nod to her newborn daughter’s name was fitting for Perry, who has been intentional with nail art in the past: Last year, the singer announced her engagement to Bloom with a gigantic ruby-centered rock with nail polish to match.

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A post shared by UNICEF (@unicef) on Aug 26, 2020 at 8:36pm PDT

Fans took to Twitter to congratulate the star and compliment her dainty nail art. “I love the little daisy on her nail. I’m so happy for Katy,” one fan wrote. “This photo is just so perfect!!! And Katy still holds on the detail even after giving birth (her nails),” said another.

While we’ll never pass up a moment to save or double-tap cute floral nail art, the sweet meaning behind Perry’s announcement makes us love it even more.

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If there’s one celebrity who has the fountain of youth running from their kitchen tap, it’s Jennifer Lopez. The 51-year-old performer is seemingly aging in reverse — so when she drops some rare beauty gems, we listen.

Two years ago, the star revealed that she was working on a long-awaited skin-care line. “I will be coming out with a skincare line. I’ve been working on it for a long time because I don’t want to put [just] anything out,” she said during a public appearance in New York City. Now, it seems like Lopez’s eponymous beauty line could drop any minute — and, according to a mysterious new Instagram post, it might be more than just skin care.

Lopez posted a selfie showcasing her trademark “J.Lo glow,” with super bronzed cheeks, taupe eyelids, and a caramel-colored nude lip. “Sunset glow…#JLoBeauty coming soon,” she captioned the shot.

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A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) on Aug 23, 2020 at 5:49pm PDT

The photos left much to the imagination for Lopez’s fans, who have been eager for the star to release a line of cosmetics. “Omgggggggg!!!!! We have been waiting for your beauty line!!! Yassss,” beauty reporter Milly Almodovar wrote. Fans on Twitter also shared their excitement for Lopez’s announcement. “Hopefully, #JLoBeauty gives us all her anti-aging secrets !!!!! @JLo I’m so excited for this!!!” one person wrote.

Hopefully #JLoBeauty gives us all her anti aging secrets !!!!! 😱😱 @JLo I’m so excited for this!!! 🥰 https://t.co/RfKgbOrFlX

— Tara Brown Beauty 💖 (@TaraBrownBeauty) August 24, 2020

I’m so excited for #JLoBeauty !!!!! I need some of that glow mama!!! 🤩 I love you @JLo and I can hardly wait!!! ♥️ ahhhhh I’m so excited!!!!! https://t.co/Ah0wH5VVTm

— Dylan (@dylanJLover) August 24, 2020

This isn’t Lopez’s first time around the beauty block. In 2019, she collaborated with Inglot Cosmetics on a custom 70-piece collection. She also recently launched a new fragrance, Promise, which joined Lopez’s already-impressive roster of scents.

While the multi-hyphenate star has yet to give more details on exactly what her new beauty line will include, her recent hints are indicators that we’re in for something good. Until then, our faces and wallets are fully prepared for whatever beauty gifts the Lopez fountain of fabulousness has to give.

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In the 21 years since she released her first album, Jessica Simpson’s life in the spotlight has not been without its challenges. The entrepreneur opened up about those experiences in raw detail for her best-selling memoir, Open Book, sharing painful details about her childhood, including her struggles with addiction and sexual abuse. “I have grown into myself and come to a place where I want to be honest about my flaws,” she wrote in an excerpt. “If I can do that in front of the world, then I can remain honest with myself.”

Simpson’s dedication to being an open book (just as the memoir’s title promises) has extended beyond honesty about her personal life: Her new approach to beauty is similarly candid. In recent months, the mother-of-three has significantly pared back the signature style we’ve grown accustomed to since the early 2000s, as long blonde hair extensions, heavy bronzer, and lashes have been put on pause for makeup-free magazine covers and au naturel Instagram posts. In another big reveal, Simpson is opening up for the very first time about her struggles with eczema and encouraging others to do the same through a new partnership with pharmaceutical company Pfizer’s medicated ointment, Eucrisa.

“I’ve had eczema since I was a kid,” the star tells me over the phone. “I remember being a cheerleader and being eager to put on my varsity jacket after a game because I had so many bumps on the back of my arms.” Simpson’s insecurity about her skin left her constantly in search of different ways to hide flare-ups, from wearing long-sleeve tees to hoarding over-the-counter creams.

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A post shared by Jessica Simpson (@jessicasimpson) on Aug 20, 2020 at 5:58am PDT

The skin condition took a backseat for Simpson in early adulthood, until it cropped up again following the birth of her one-year-old daughter Birdie. “I would be cradling my baby or breastfeeding, and my husband would take photos and I would be so embarrassed,” Simpson says. “The light would hit my arms and all you could see were bumps, and I never wanted to share those moments.” Simpson’s doctor prescribed Eucrisa, and within weeks, her red, bumpy patches practically vanished. “If I see a flare-up, I use it, and it’s gone,” she says.

Simpson is lending her famous face to start a conversation about eczema, but her path to self-love doesn’t end there. Earlier this month, she shared a selfie of her extensions-free strands, which she describes as a freeing moment. “I’ve worn extensions for years because I love long blonde hair, and I’m not saying that I won’t ever go back because I am an extension lover,” she says. “I was scared to take them out at first, but I love my scalp at the moment — it’s been a new world for me.”

This new world, Simpson says, is a chance to embrace the more natural, unfiltered side of herself, and become a better person, parent, and businesswoman because of it. “I’m very into embracing my natural beauty,” she says confidently. “I’m embracing all of it.” She also says that staying at home has allowed her more quality time with her husband and kids. “Yes, sometimes I do want to pull my hair out,” she says, “but they’ve been teaching me so much more than I could ever imagine during this time.” Simpson has also been hard at work on upcoming creative projects, which she remained quiet but clearly excited about.

Being a boss at home hasn’t stopped her from carving out self-care time in her beauty routine. “I’ve been spending more time with myself because it’s my excuse to walk away and have some me time,” she says. “I’ve been loving red light therapy treatments, which I’ve been using on my face, neck, and even my boobs after breastfeeding.” Simpson credits the treatments (which she does four times a week) to keeping her skin tight and youthful. She also turns to long walks with her family to keep her creative juices flowing and her mind at ease.

Simpson has also joined the legions of people who have become avid maskers while sheltering in place. “My oldest daughter and I do face masks together at night before bed,” she says. “Hers are for hydration, and mine are for firming.” It’s just another piece of the self-care pie — which, paired with Simpson’s unshakable sense of self, makes her a true inspiration. “I encourage everyone to be open and honest about their flaws, whether it’s eczema or something you’re going through emotionally,” she says. “Whatever it is, say it out loud, and when you end up on the other side of fear, it’ll be so worth it.”

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Lady Gaga has already shown the world (many times over) that she can pull off just about any hair or makeup style — no matter how quirky or off-beat it might be. But the singer’s experimental attitude toward beauty isn’t just for show. Each of her looks — from braided bows to meat accessories — are incredibly intentional in their messaging, and her latest makeover is no different.

Over the weekend, the singer gave fans a glimpse of her brand-new “ocean blue” hair. In the selfie she posted to Instagram, Gaga is rocking tonal baby blue highlights mixed throughout her platinum blonde extensions. The look was created by her longtime stylist Frederic Aspiras, who revealed that her new color is actually a nod to his late mother. “Hello, Merpeople. Rocking color by @fredericaspiras named after his mother who just passed…Suzie’s Ocean Blonde,” Gaga wrote. “I love you Freddie 💕💕 this was extra special glamour with love.”

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A post shared by FREDERIC ASPIRAS (@fredericaspiras) on Aug 14, 2020 at 4:48pm PDT

Aspiras, who also shared an image of his client’s new hair, says that creating this look for Gaga brought him peace during a painful time. “Being that my mother was my role model as a hairdresser, I’m trying my hardest to find the joy even in what I love to do the most, which is doing hair,” he shared on Instagram. “Yesterday, @ladygaga, you gave me back my joy again by reminding me what my Mom told me long ago about what I loved to do the most and that is create with love. You wiped my tears away and lifted my chin from off the ground as I walk. So, thank you for allowing me to create this hair on you and showing me what the true meaning of living is.”

While Gaga’s look is on par with recent celebrity hair color trends, the touching meaning behind it makes it that much more beautiful and is further proof that the singer’s beauty choices remain unmatched.

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Back in the early 2000s, we could hardly imagine Jessica Simpson without her voluminous blonde blowout, heavy bronzer, and frosty pink lipstick. But 2020 Simpson is doing things her way. Earlier this year, the star made headlines on the cover of Glamour magazine to promote her recent memoir, Open Book. In the photo, the entrepreneur posed without makeup and kept her hair straight and simple. According to Simpson, that’s just the way she likes it.

“This is blurry, but good Lord I love to be extension free,” she captioned a recent Instagram photo showing off her real hair. In it, Simpson is smiling from ear-to-ear while wearing minimal makeup, brown roots, and easy tousled waves.

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A post shared by Jessica Simpson (@jessicasimpson) on Aug 5, 2020 at 11:06am PDT

This isn’t Simpson’s first time posing extension-free while staying at home during COVID-19. Over the past few weeks, she’s shared snaps from her time with family, including her 40th birthday celebration, while rocking her shorter hair. Thousands praised her natural look, including her longtime colorist and friend Rita Hazan. “Yayy, give your hair a break!” Hazan wrote. “Bonus, your hair looks great without!! Natural beauty.” Her sister Ashlee Simpson also co-signed the look, adding “So fresh,” under her big sister’s selfie. We couldn’t agree more.

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On the morning of my scheduled interview with Lana Condor, I woke up to a face full of breakouts. Six pimples of various sizes set up shop on my cheeks, forehead, and chin, and the only thing to combat them while working from home was pink drying lotion. Looking back at me on Zoom was Condor, who was the complete opposite: Her skin beamed with a dewy highlighter, rose-colored blush, and mauve lipstick.

Condor was glammed up for a good reason: The actress was just announced as Neutrogena’s newest celebrity ambassador, a partnership that Condor says is fitting given she’s a longtime fan of the skin-care brand. “My mom first introduced me to Neutrogena,” she says. “She would always tell me to wear my SPF, and once I started working, she introduced me to the iconic face wipes I now can’t live without.” Condor stashes packets of the cult-favorite Cleansing Towelettes near her bed to remove makeup when the thought of soap and water is more exhausting than an eight-hour workday. 

That said, the star’s good habits haven’t spared her from a less-than-smooth skin-care journey. “Wearing makeup has been a huge part of my job since I started working,” Condor says. “I’ve worn more makeup in the past seven years than ever before, which has started messing with my skin.”

Condor says she’s had her fair share of “throbbing” bumps beneath her skin, redness, and rashes from piling on makeup and working underneath bright lights over the years, but she’s used her time at home in quarantine to take better care of her skin. “I haven’t been wearing nearly as much makeup,” she says. “Who am I trying to impress?” For Condor, that means habitually drinking tons of water, layering on Neutrogena Bright Boost serum, and dabbing on eye cream throughout the day. “This time has healed my skin a lot,” she says. “Just having that time to take care of me has been so important.”

With this new role, Condor says she’s committed to using her voice and platform to advocate for inclusivity in the beauty world. “It’s important that we all feel beautiful from the inside out, but we also have to feel safe and represented,” she tells me, stressing that expanding shade ranges on drugstore shelves isn’t enough. “I think it starts with representation and encouraging people to feel proud and competent in their skin,” she says, “whether that’s encouraging people to seek effective, safe products or to embrace their acne or scars.”

Condor says that having the space and freedom to be herself is a priority in all of her brand partnerships — this one included. “It’s important to have tough conversations; it’s a sign of the times,” she says. “I wish we had them sooner, but I’m going to wake up every day and make it my mission to speak my truth, and hopefully, people will hear me out.” Judging how Condor heard me out with a face covered in pimple cream on Zoom, I think it’s safe to say that her job as beauty brand ambassador is off to a real, beautiful start.

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If there’s one thing Meghan Markle has proven about her beauty style, the tiniest tweaks can make a huge difference (and with a massive global audience, they’re hard to miss). Whether it’s a sleek ponytail versus a messy one, bright-red lipstick as opposed to nude, or oxblood nails to replace her signature Ballet Slippers, every time Markle makes a change to her signature look, we take note — and her latest might be one of our favorites yet.

Yesterday, Markle made a virtual appearance as the keynote speaker for the annual Girl Up Leadership Summit, where she offered inspiring advice to young women. While Markle stuck to her typical makeup look of soft smoky eyes and nude lips, fans were quick to notice her hair, which is much longer than usual. Markle’s center-parted strands extended well past her shoulders and were styled bone-straight, a departure from her usual tousled waves. “She gave us hair, a natural beat, a physical glow! We don’t deserve her at all,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “She looks beautiful in blue. Her hair looks like velvet! Wow! Gorgeous,” another raved.

She looks beautiful in blue. Her hair looks like velvet! Wow! Gorgeous. 💙

— Teresa 🇺🇸 ੯*໒꒱❤︎ (@TexasFlatlander) July 14, 2020

It’s unclear whether Markle’s new look comes courtesy of natural quarantine growth or some masterful extensions. But regardless, it was her powerful words that resonated most with supporters. “This is a humanity that desperately needs you,” she said. “To push it, to push us, forcefully in a more inclusive, more just, and more empathetic direction.”

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A post shared by Girl Up (@girlupcampaign) on Jul 14, 2020 at 10:05am PDT

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