Have a Lovely Weekend.

Thanks for the news. She was such a part of many of our adolescent lives and let us be seen when much of society would not discuss.

As a fellow redhead, I’ve found different tints hold differently in my lashes. I am too scaredy cat to DIY (visions of racoon eyes), but I’ve found someone who does it without pain which is nice. I find my tinted lashes last about 6 weeks so it’s worth it even if it’s 3x as much as mascara.

As a redhead with invisible lashes, I suggest you try professional again at a different salon. I used to do it routinely, at several unrelated salons as I moved around, and never had an issue with it holding. Eyelashes grow and fall out really quickly, so it does require routine maintenance, but the hair itself takes the dye fine IME. I would never do it myself. For context, I do my own haircuts (and for the family) and elaborate dye jobs for my daughter (think: balayage and/or multiple bright colors) and wax my own eyebrows. I cannot imagine how I would do it confidently and safely.

Fellow strawb here, I tint naturally with organic rosemary oil, a nice spoolie, and your average lash curler. It is a gradual process, for sure, but you’ll have longer, trainable lashes that look and feel (and smell) much more natural!

Our book club read The Correspondent and 9 out of 10 people felt the way you do.

I’m glad you liked The Names! I’ve heard good things but have avoided it because I don’t enjoy the experience of reading books about domestic abuse. Re: The Correspondent – I think it’s common to be reluctant to acknowledge one’s decreasing capabilities as we age. A person driving when they maybe shouldn’t because they are reluctant to relinquish their independence isn’t unusual. I enjoy novels that examine the reality of the human condition. That’s the beauty of there being so many books – something for everyone to enjoy, no matter your preferences. Happy reading!

I had the hardest time getting into this book and didn’t finish it. I’m going to give it another try, but I’m adding your rec to my library holds.

I found it overrated and found the writing styles of different characters (can’t recall who the other letter writer was beside the old lady) too similar to be believed. Also found the hype for Marriage at Sea pretty surprising. Just finished Exiles and loved it.

I found her character very real. Try taking the car keys away from a senior! Also loved The Names.

Hi N.D. I am one of the people who loved this book. It sounds like we look for different things when we read. When I read fiction, I don’t need to respect or agree with the characters to find them interesting. In fact, I would say that many things this character did were offputting. I loved how the story unfolded and the novelty (for me) of the epistolary format. The writing was so engaging. Clearly to each their own! I have heard good things about the book you suggested and will add it to my list!

@Maculey I would avoid The Names because the domestic abuse parts are really tough <3

If you enjoy an epistolary novel, but struggled with The Correspondent, consider Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson. The audio narration is outstanding and very moving.

One is not supposed to have a predetermined reaction or opinion to a fictionalized story line. As in real life, characters are typically not perfect, and that is what makes the story. And old age is complicated, sometimes there are no good choices, and the problems have no solutions. While we may not be able to choose bearing witness to this in real life with our aging loved ones, happily we all get to decide what we read. If the book upsets or distresses you, then don’t read it.

Thanks @Elham for confirming my hunch and looking out for me <3

Also thought the Correspondent was way overrated. It was fine. I finished it. The writing was… fine. The storytelling was…. fine. The epistolary format was a novelty. I found it very un-subtle, in a hallmark movie kind of way. And actually can totally see it being made into a tugs-the-heartstrings movie!

Brilliant I’m gonna do the same!

What a beautiful comment! Thank you so much for sharing. I am in the process of breaking my screen addiction, and this is inspiring & motivating! :) (For anyone wanting to start, the advice that’s finally working for me, after a few years of wishing/hoping/trying, is from this post by Vera Hester, especially the part about carrying a small notebook to stand in for a smartphone ~> https://substack.com/home/post/p-182859313.) xo

Does your internet ban run Friday evening to Sunday evening?

This sounds heavenly.

I love this idea! Especially cooking from recipe books instead of going online. Brilliant

Oooh this sounds amazing. I am trying out the intervention from a study that was recently published – two weeks of using your phone to call or text ONLY. ( I’m also using mine for maps.) You can still do all the email and Internet browsing you want, but it has to be on a tablet or a desktop. Commenting from my IPad ;). Today is my first day and I like it! (The study found that people felt less anxious, happier, and they were more social and spent more time on hobbies.)

Thank you all for your encouraging comments! I know some people need the internet for work so be hard to do but do far for me a sat morning to Sunday night internet free is what I’ve been doing. So I have a major scroll binge Friday night hahaha! My main thing I miss is Cup of Jo on Saturday because I see the Friday wrap up on Saturdays usually but now I think of it as a Monday morning treat. If I’m working Monday I’ll check emails early Monday morning. I don’t tend to get urgent emails over the weekend. It really is such a nice thing to do and I’m finding it’s weirdly showing me how to problem solve again, wait again and connect with people by say shopping in a shop. I actually didn’t realise just how online I was. I’ve also read a lot more! I take a book everywhere. I love that idea of taking a notebook. Give it a go, can’t hurt :)

This approach to weekends is so genius that it gives me chills. I too, would find myself excited on a Friday thinking about all the things I’d do over the weekend. Constraints have a way of making you more creative. (Sometimes, anyway.) This won’t work for everyone, but it will work for me! Thank you. :)

What an absolute queen.

Awesome woman!

Thanks for recommending this new book by Norah O’Donnell, but it appears to be non-fiction.

Correct Hattie tyou. I was too loose using the word novel.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rSkbGLrkj58 The interview. I’m looking forward to read it.

Amen! I am really scandalized when I go into some stores like J Crew and the fabric is SO flimsy. I buy few pieces each year, in part because it is harder to find non-plastic fabric that will last.

Playing the soundtrack all weekend. So good.

Sorry for the typo in the first sentence. I saw the double “story” fly into the land of submitted comments as soon as I pressed Post. The sentence should say that I love the story about Mandani. As I was waiting to be able to correct myself, I was thinking about how much I like repaired jeans, especially those repaired time after time. I’d love to see a post about how people keep their jeans going, with patches, embroidery and other stitches?

Oh my gosh yes, Levi’s and Lees !!! Levi straight legs. But also flared to fit my frye boots. :) Oh the 70s !!! And remember we had to break them in. NOTHING was pre-washed !! That’s why they lasted forever I guess !! All that stiff denim, but man I loved them !!!!

My perimenopause body is changing shape too often for this investment, but they’re really cute!

Hi Dottie! I don’t know if this is quite what you are looking for, but your second comment reminded me of this post featuring the legend Catherine Newman: https://cupofjo.com/2023/01/03/jeans-without-end-catherine-newman/

I remembered this post! https://cupofjo.com/2023/01/03/jeans-without-end-catherine-newman/

Oh gosh! I had forgotten soaking my Levi’s in a half full tub with a whole bottle of Downy!

Yay and solidarity Libbynan, you get it !! :)

Thanks for the info on AYR. I have considered purchasing jeans from there, but have heard mixed reviews.

My go to pants are the BAM from AYR. Not jeans but amazing.

Mandy, their fit is so good!

Hi MaBi! I noticed your comment and checked the links, which appear to be working now. I notice one other person had trouble with one shortly before you did, and I’m guessing there may have been some brief technical glitch. If you have any further trouble, feel free to reach out to us (hello@cupofjo.com) or just comment again! Thanks for flagging!

Kelsey, Thank for getting back to me (us). I tried it again and it opens on a random Sephora’s page. It shows the same page when I clicked in each product :(

it’s working only on desktop! looking into this on our end.

I get styes too. Have not found a mascara that works sadly. Non-stye people will never understand!

Similar issue here! Eyeliner is what clogs me. Do you have a good one? I use physicians formula mascara with little to no issue

https://www.lakelinevision.com/10-mascaras-for-sensitive-eyes/ One eye practice/Dr. recommended list.

Hi Allison, I have had good luck with Cheekbone Beauty mascara. It’s an indie Canadian brand owned by an Indigenous woman, which is a bonus.

I’m also very sensitive and the only mascara that doesn’t irritate my eyes is Rare Beauty. Highly recommend.

I also have sensitive eyes and have had good luck with Milk makeup’s tubing mascara.

I’m not prone to styes, but I do get milia and a burning sensation with some mascaras. The best one I have been using recently is a tubing mascara by Blinc. Tubing mascaras are easy to wash off and this one in particular has no irritants. I have the volumizing one. Also, it’s cheap, so not a huge problem of you don’t like it.

I also experienced styes from mascara! I’ve had good luck so far with Thrive Causemetics. I clean my lashes and the entire eye thoroughly after the evening is over with One Love Organics Botanical B Cleansing Oil and a really gentle milky cleanser (I like the Osea Ocean Cleansing Milk). And I’ve had to give up eye masks which isn’t great for sleep but worth it for the eyes!

Hi Allison – I have suuuper sensitive eyes and Ilia Limitless Mascara has been very good to me. Super clean ingredients, waterproof yet washes away so easily at the end of the night. In a pinch I’ve had to use other brands and always had negative reactions. I can confidently recommend Ilia as a safe option for us!

Tint them blue black. It’s an easy diy and looks great

Almay has hypoallergenic mascara and it’s also crazy cheap. I also have sensitive eyes due to thyroid issues and couldn’t wear eye makeup for a couple years! My eyes can tolerate Almay mascara though. I only wear it when I’m going out with the ladies or on a date, and I make sure I switch out the mascara every 3 months or so. I hope this helps!

Same! The only one I can use is Pacifica stellar gaze. It works really well and comes off easily and doesn’t irritate my eyes. https://www.pacificabeauty.com/collections/mascara/products/stellar-gaze-length-strength-mineral-mascara-in-glass-vial

I have super sensitive eyes too, and my favorite has become Elf Lash XTNDR tubing mascara. I dont try to get it right up to my lash line- keep it a little away- which protects lids and eyes. It doesn’t flake and bother my eyes. I use a warm wet microfiber washcloth to remove. https://www.target.com/p/e-l-f-lash-xtndr-tubing-mascara-soft-black-0-25oz/-/A-89229615

Have you ever tried having your lashes tinted? Mine are very light and although the dye is irritating the day I do it, it’s not on for very long and then you can use miceller water to clean them well, and then I use my eye wipes after that. Maybe you already have dark lashes, but for me doing that plus curling them makes a big difference without the regular irritation of mascara!

Any chance the styes could be from makeup remover, not mascara? I had recurring styes that I thought were from mascara, but when I switched to micellar water instead of makeup remover, they went away! Could be worth trying

Ilia Beauty makes good ones for that

I have the same issues, and I ONLY use Ilia! I also use OcuSoft eyelid wipes every evening after washing my face to prevent styes.

I have been struggling with styes a lot recently (is this a perimenopause thing? It feels like anything and everything can be, haha). What’s been working for me is to use OcuSoft cleanser (not the lid wipes they make as I feel like they are too damaging to my eye lashes, but rather their foaming cleanser pump bottle) every morning and, if I wear makeup, in the evening, too. I do this before I put in my contacts. It has been helping, no styes for 3 months so far (fingers crossed!). I use Glossier mascara and it seems to be gentle on my eyes, but I also don’t use it every day.

As a mom of a tween, I literally laughed out loud at the idea that mascara is on it’s way out. Her group of friends are not only ALL IN on mascara, but they do creative things with eyeliner I didn’t know was possible. (Teen and young adult siblings and cousins seem to wear mascara routinely, too, albeit with less flair.) I can also attest that eyes feel so much better without eye make up. None for me, thanks!

My brother and I both had this diagnosis as kids. I remember being devastated. My mother was Christian Scientist and ended up deciding not to pursue treatment for either of us. I was very lucky that my symptoms never got bad, my brother Is less fortunate. I so wish he’d done the brace as a kid. We knew kids that wore extensive head gear and we all were so kind. All I can offer is that there are kind children that will help your daughter through it and it will very likely save her some very bad pain later in life, if her condition is similar to my brothers. Sending you and your daughter love.

One of my daughter’s school friends had to wear a brace for scoliosis for several years. I was just talking to her mom about it recently, and the daughter was super motivated because the doctor told her wearing the brace could help her avoid surgery. The brace did the trick for her and she avoided surgery. I wish I had more to tell you that would help. Funny story: one of their classmates found out later about the brace. He said that when they had square dancing in middle school, he’d thought the girl had abs of steel. Sweet kid, but not the brightest! Wishing you and your daughter all of the best!

I haven’t gone through this myself, but just want to send some love. It sounds tough for daughter and tough for you, as the parent, to watch her shut down. I wonder if a shopping trip for cool new outfits could help. Maybe staring a new physical hobby, like dance or another sport where she’s allowed to be brace-free could become an important outlet. Could you ask the doctor for more resources and maybe a connection to other families going through something similar? I’m sure some days will be extra difficult, but when she grows up she may look back at her brace years with pride for overcoming them.

Oh annon, I’m so sorry your daughter has to do this. I don’t have kids or have never experienced this with anyone I know. I just wanted you to know I’m sorry and I’m rooting for you and your daughter. I’m a big fan of therapy for helping with life problems. I finally convinced my alcoholic husband to go. It’s helping him and I’m so thankful for it.

For big medical things, I always say, get a second opinion. It will be a good example for your daughter that one has to be an active participant in o medical care, that one has to advocate for oneself. And maybe hearing the same advice twice (I am assuming surgery has been ruled out) will help her come to terms. Other than that, I think you need to go to the corners of the internet specifically inhabited by teenage scoliosis patients. Good luck!

I have not had to wear one, but my friend’s daughter did. And just like yours, she wore hers through middle school and part of high school -where we both teach. She is a dancer, and was allowed to take it off for dancing and rehearsal, but was encouraged to wear it while she wasn’t dancing in class during lectures, etc- otherwise had to wear it almost non-stop as well. She still had friends, went to dances, performed, and has lead an active life and is now brace free. It’s worth it for a few years… my mom has scoliosis, she is 77, and back in her day, there wasn’t such a thing as a brace where she grew up (3rd world country) and she is beautiful, but bent and self conscious about it. I will say this, get her some counseling if she wants, read about it together, find a group for her, etc. It’s such a tough age to have to wear a brace, but in the long run, it isn’t just about looking good, it’s literally about your health and how you’ll age. Sending lots of good thoughts your way, and bright light for your daughter.

I don’t have any parenting advice but ca say that I had a best friend in middle school who wore one and my best friend in college had to wear one when younger. Both made it through and are lovely kind funny humans. It will be hard but she can do it!! (And you can too!)

I wore one for 23h a day when I was 12-13 then less and less until I think 16 or 17. I was talking about it the other day with my mum, she still gets tears in her eyes thinking about me with baggy tshirts and my friends with crop tops. Honestly, the thing I remember the most is the shame of when people discovered that I was wearing it, but when you get used to it it bugs you less and less. so I would advise to fully embrace it, tell everyone in her class etc, without any shame because it is not her fault! And it really goes by fast, remember that it is temporary. it didn’t stop me from being and doing what I wanted (I even went on holiday with my friends when it was 12hrs on and 12hrs off). She will learn from a young age that she is strong AF. Good luck to you (and hope for the period to come ASAP)

I don’t have experience with this but one of my coworkers said she had to do it and ultimately had surgery in high school. She said it was very difficult but as a healthy adult she is very grateful to have done it then. She has completely normal high school and college experiences. I think your daughter will benefit from support groups for sure. If there are any in person and of course I’m sure they will have some online. Also… THERAPY. My son is only 8 but he’s in therapy and it is just so nice for him to have a trusted adult he can share private things with and get feedback on. I think every kid (and adult) should have this <3

I don’t have experience, other than my little sister wearing leg braces while she was growing up, but I’m sending you love and a big hug! It’s hard to see your kids go through hard things. You just want their life to be easy and for the world to be kind. You are the best mom for your daughter. Well done for being the safe space for her and for looking out for her.

My daughter was in that situation in Jr. High. She actually seemed to manage it well- better than I would have. I had horrible visions of the metal brace like in 16 candles but the brace was molded plastic and fit under her clothes well. The staff did a great job offering support during fittings. I think she may have worn a couple layers to further hide the contours of the brace.

One of my best friends wore one throughout middle school. She was able to get a decoration on it, and wore clothes to fit around it that were cute (sometimes low cut that showed it, sometimes covering it up more). I know it was hard, and also thinking about it now I wonder if it helped her lean into other parts of herself (she’s incredibly artistic in so many ways). We all knew it was there but it wasn’t a big deal (to her friends). Sharing this in case it’s helpful to hear this perspective. Your daughter is lucky to have a wonderful, supportive parent!

Hi Annon, I’m sorry your daughter has to go through this! I have scoliosis and at that age my parents decided not do anything about it as the my curve was on the cusp. Now, more then 20 years later, I am in a lot of pain with my hips, back, shoulder etc and the curve just gets more significant as I age. I always wish I could have gone back to a time when it could have been corrected. I totally get feeling uncomfortable and looking different but I think if there’s a way to gently point out that it’s an important part of taking care of her body, especially for the long run and so great that it can be something that can be fixed now instead of progressively getting worse. Maybe finding fun ways to decorate it (my high school friends used to hot glue gems onto my boot when I broke my foot) that could make it more fun? Either way it’s tough but also very important! And then when it’s over you could do a big celebration or spa day or something. Sending hugs!

No specific knowledge from me, but I wonder if you could check in with your daughters’ school psychologist? My daughter was in the 5th grade and going through some big changes, and became anxious and unhappy. The psychologist was a lifesaver for her and our family. 🩷

There’s a Judy Blume novel about a young girl in a similar situation. It’s called Deenie. It’s been a while since I’ve read it, but you might read it and see if it might speak to your daughter.

Hi Annon – I wore a back brace from age 12-14 and then had surgery at 15. What a time! As if middle school isn’t hard enough already, how about we throw in a back brace?! It’s an exercise in resilience though—I know I’m stronger for living through it. Your kiddo will live through it too, though it definitely comes with its awkward moments. I’m a healthy adult now with two kids of my own. I’m happy to chat with you more if that would be helpful! I had an overall positive mindset throughout that phase of my life and I’m happy to share some of the things that helped me through. carolehamlin108 at gmail dot com. Sending strength and confidence to you and your kiddo!

I am so sorry! It’s such a hard transition. My daughter’s best friend was diagnosed with scoliosis at 9 after a sudden growth spurt. I don’t have personal experience as a parent but she spends a lot of time with us and I am close to her mom. They did not jump straight to the 21 hours she was prescribed. Especially at night, because loss of sleep would have made the whole adjustment even harder. They focused on getting her used to wearing it at school first and put a plan in place where she can go to the nurses office to have it removed for a 30 min break for recess so she can play with friends. She also takes it off for a 30 min break right after school. She eased into wearing it at night once she was comfortable with it during the daytime. She also takes it off for swim class, which is generally considered beneficial for scoliosis. Her friends are all very supportive of her and so are her friends’ moms during playdates etc. I am sorry – this is not an easy adjustment but you got it. Good luck!

I don’t have any personal information but the blogger Swistle wrote about her 13yo daughter experience with scoliosis and a back brace: https://www.swistle.com/2018/08/07/adolescent-idiopathic-scoliosis/ https://www.swistle.com/2018/10/31/scoliosis-update-2-measured-for-the-brace-fitted-to-the-brace-and-weaning-on-to-the-brace/

the novel deenie by judy blume is about this exact experience

My niece has scoliosis and is currently wearing a brace. She’s 13 and has done so well with it. Her curvature have improved so much. It was very motivating to learn how many degrees it has changed and her mindset is this is the answer over surgery. As she’s growing so much, it’s required a lot of adjusting but that means trips to the city (she lives in a rural area) which lets her get some joy out of it by getting to go to the bookstores and get little treats, which makes her older sister jealous. She has a light tank under the brace but is able to wear clothes over it. She’s in dance and swimming so gets breaks for those, as well as showering etc. It is definitely a lot but she has less back pain so has really seen the benefit. Wishing your daughter well!

My 13 years old has been wearing a back brace since July 2023. I am not sure how we can get in touch, but I am happy to share our experience

Hi Annon, I wore a back brace for my scoliosis starting around age 13 to age 15 (24/7 for a year and then I think just at night for a year). My curve was around 45 degrees I think (it is a little fuzzy now). I was lucky because I had a close group of friends who gently made fun of me but also were very supportive. I think she might have to just “own it” but I understand that might not work for all personality types. We had uniforms at school which helped because I didn’t need to come up with cute outfits to cover it up. Eventually I just ended up telling everyone I knew about it because that was less awkward than trying to hide it. This included my older crush who offered to paint it for me (he never did! lol). Anyway, I know I am not giving advice but just solidarity in that you are not alone! And she will make it through this period of life.

Not my personal experience, but there was a really cool girl in my high school who had to wear a brace because of scoliosis. I wasn’t close friends with her at all but I remember hearing about it briefly, and noticing that it didn’t seem to slow her down or change anything too much about her typical high school experience. And now she’s a normal happy adult, so everything worked out well in the long run! Good luck to your daughter 💕

You probably already have this reference, but just in case — the book Deenie by Judy Blume. Maybe the last thing she wants is a story about scoliosis, but you never know. Good luck to you both xo

Thank you all so much for your lovely replies. I just downloaded the book that was suggested. She still loves to be read to so this will be our next book. She has a great relationship with her school counselor so we will definitely loop him in as well. And I’m always open to therapy so will keep that option open to her also. Someone suggested taking our time to work into wearing it at night and focus more on wearing it at school. This is so smart. I was worrying more about her wearing it at school than at night. But, sleep is so important and I know she will cope better if she is well rested. So thank you for that tip! Reading all of this has helped relieve my stress a bit. I know she will be ok. It’s just hard to watch your child have to suffer, as we all know. I really appreciate everyone taking their time to reply!

My younger sister wore a scoliosis brace for much of high school, this would have been 1996-2000. She was self conscious about it at first, but the brace wasn’t as noticable as she feared and kids were (mostly) really cool about it. She felt very trapped in it early on, we shared a bedroom and I remember her crying those first few nights. She did get used to it though! All the best to your daughter.

I’m sure this is scary – both as a parent and as a kid! I’m heartened to see so many great comments already, and just wanted to add that my best friend in 5th and 6th grade wore a back brace for a couple of years. While I can’t speak for her experience, I can say that it quickly became a non-issue – we joked about it a bit for the first week (she dared all the boys to punch the metal part as hard as they could and they promptly all hurt themselves trying), and then it just kind of became a part of her. As far as I remember it didn’t slow her down one bit physically, or it defintiely didn’t have any negative impact on her socially. An ex-boyfriend of mine also grew up wearing a leg brace as a young teen – I knew him them, but we were not close until about university age and he similarly just kind of owned it and felt that it was not a big deal or had any negative impact socially or emotionally. Sending hugs as you navigate this tricky part of parenting!

My brother had one for years growing up. It’s not fun and definitely isn’t ideal for preteens since they are already in such a sensitive time of growth (emotionally and physically). I think it would help just to be in solidarity – “this sucks, but we have to do it for your health. Why don’t we brainstorm some ways we can get through it together?” Maybe let her close friends write notes on the brace, or decorate it with stickers, etc. similar to a cast. Even though it’s worn where others can’t see, it might help her mentally.

Oh, and someone else mentioned it below, but DEENIE! Judy Blume was awesome to write this novel and it’s specifically about a girl with scoliosis.

My daughter was fitted for a nighttime brace for scoliosis earlier this year. Even though it isn’t something she has to wear around her peers, she was extremely upset about it at first. She is slowly getting used to it. I got her “Deenie” from the library, which someone mentioned above. I try to make the visits to the orthopedist and the brace specialist a little more fun – we go shopping or get a sweet treat after to make she there’s a good experience, too (we have a big family so the extra one on one time is always appreciated). But mostly it’s just taken time for her to adjust, with us listening to her, showing extra kindness, and being patient. Sending positive thoughts to you and your kiddo.

you must absolutely let her read all these replies! Once she hears all these similar experiences and of the care people have for her own experience, it can only feel wildly supportive! at least, one hopes!

Yes — half his age! Xo

It isn’t an “affair” between a child and a teacher. It is grooming and assault.

I actually purchased a pair of GAP jeans that look similar, and they are super cute, come in tall and petite sizes and were $53. Yeah, I can’t get myself to pay over $200 for a pair of jeans, and I love my GAP jeans, always purchased on sale. They last pretty well.

I just got the same jeans in black and I LOVE them!

Speaking of carolyn and no mascara she was the og of the no mascara look when NO ONE was doing that. I used to (try to) emulate her no mascara and brick lip – loved her style so much.

LOVE watching Love Story, they can’t be released quickly enough! I’ve been playing them in the background, it’s giving me the best nostalgia for aaaaallllll the things….magazines, 90s fashion, being young and living in the city (Not NYC, but a MUCH bigger city than the small town I live in now).

Oh I loved this so much. Thank you!!

Dang, I couldn’t do half those sports (sledding, yes). Go Canada!

Oh my gosh I love this! : )

Thanks for sharing this! Can’t say I’ll be trying bobsledding but I do love my Olympic mittens!

YEEEEESSSSS!!!!!! Thank you for sharing this! Fabulous

Honestly, I’m a huge literature nerd but I just think both stars are insanely attractive and great at their acting roles. I’m super excited to see it. It was be glorious to look at, even if the story is not perfect.

OH MAN! WHAT JOY! Thank you for sharing this.

I love this, and I’ll share with them xoxoxo

Hey! Thanks for the heads-up! I think there may have been some sort of technical issue on someone’s end, which caused this link error temporarily. Seems to be working now, but let us know if you have any further issues. Thanks again!

I love it too! My eyelashes are white with a tinge of blonde. Without mascara, people LOVE to tell me how tired I look.

My dental hygienist, who I absolutely love, has the most ridiculously long false lashes and it’s the only thing I notice when I look at her

It’s really not surprising to me that a no-mascara look is on the rise/going to start trending, I think as a response to the big falsies that have been so prevalent the last decade. Like with all things fashion, the pendulum really seems to swing: the tightest skinny jeans to the widest loose jeans, highest rise back to low rise, super thin 90s brows to thick brows, etc. But a lot of us regular people will land somewhere in the middle like we always have, with our straight leg jeans and our naturally average thickness eyebrows and our thin swipe of mascara on our natural basic eyelashes.

Babes, I’m in! Tore through How to Get to Heaven From Belfast this weekend and am ready for my first mission from Booker.

I’m impressed that you can actually watch it. I’m a retired teacher- it just stresses me out!

My kids went to an inner-city charter school very similar to the one in Abbott and I could not watch the first couple seasons- it just mad me angry and sad.

Oh this is so embarrassing but when When I get an eyelash tint I end up crying, TAKE IT OFF TAKE IT OFF! And the poor beauty therapist is like, It’s only a minute longer! Can we wait? And I’m like, NO WE CAN’T WAIT! So not a look!

Me too – I always thought it was relate to my contacts but I cannot really tolerate any eye makeup – so I got hard on blush/eyebrow/lip. Occasionally on very special occasions I mess with mascara but its a trial.

OMG, yes!! She killed it!!

Such joy and authenticity! Let’s hear it for Alt girls!!

Yes! I’ve been beaming like a proud parent all day even though I have nothing to do with her achievement! I adore her vibe.

Piggybacking to highly recommend that everyone watch the womens slopestyle freeski final!! Those women are UNREAL.

Stunning performance!

Totally. My 6 year old picked her out as her favorite skater from the beginning of the Olympics- I think she liked her hair and also how she seemed happy and relaxed. I knew nothing about her but now I love her! I’m so proud of her for taking a break from the pressure cooker of elite youth sports, and coming back on her terms – I read thatshe decides her training, her costumes, her music, and what she eats. (That last one broke my heart for teenage Alyssa). What a great role model. https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/19/sport/alysa-liu-gold-medal-olympics

OMG YES I WAS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO TALK ABOUT THIS. An absolute indescribable delight to watch!!! I will be rewatching all weekend. That’s what I’m fkn talkin’ aboutttt!!!!!!!!

YES! Did she not just radiate JOY throughout that entire presentation???!!!

I laughed and cheered in glee as she hit every jump, then I cried, she was so good.

WHOA. Thank you for sharing. I’m not at all familiar with that piece and it is gorgeous. Took me to all kinds of places.

I had the same exact same thought about mascara. If I only wear one item of makeup you bet your butt it’s mascara!

I listened last week! Took extra long walks with it (not through the moors but through suburban LA) because I couldn’t put it down, so to speak. The narration makes it so accessible even if you’re intimidated by Victorian stuff.

We are similar with some differences — but these jeans have stretch so can fit around different curves etc. We sometimes will text each other “this shirt looks pretty good on us” if one of us tries something on and likes it :)

I own two pairs of those jeans. I wanted a good update from my skinny jeans and those are it! I consistently get compliments. I have long legs. Short torso. Body shape is straight. Someone commented recently it’s like a board. Do with that what you will.

Ed’s baby 😭😭😭

Oh Sasha, this is so lovely to read. Thank you for letting us peek into your world.

I had the same thought, “I’m on trend!” When really I teach hot yoga and mascara makes my eyes irritated. So I gave it up altogether. Sometimes I curl my lashes for a little boost.

Lol – Kari I had the same reaction as you! I gave up mascara a couple years ago and feel so ahead of the times seeing this article :) This was one of the best life decisions I’ve ever made!

Yes! I must be on trend too I have sensitive eyes.So I compensate with eyelashe, curler and eyeliner.I’ll wear mascara for weddings, but not happily. It’s just such a hassle to take off, especially when you wear contact lenses already! I feel like I have worn so much mascara in college coats of it and done now in my forties!

My observations on this – I still think a dark or black denim make a jean look read more professionally. I tend to see more wide legs with a cute boot / heel and blazer but flares are starting to come back and my latest work pair was more of a boot cut…however I ultimately still think its a bit of to each their own on this depending on what you’re comfortable in and your body type!

These black jeans!! Cannot recommend them highly enough. I always get compliments, they have held up REALLY well, and they hold their shape super well even with frequent wear (I sometimes wear them… 4x/week??)

Oops the link would be helpful 🙃 https://www.gapfactory.com/browse/product.do?pid=820001001&vid=1&tid=gfpl000050&kwid=1&ds_agid=20844717481-&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20840884448&gbraid=0AAAAAD_AT8vfahbiIiSj2OWKs_ZctSK30&gclid=CjwKCAiAzOXMBhASEiwAe14SaZO4fzcHcpr4A-YZljeCNiU26t_sZltyGhkkX81ETN6Ilg4IkDpodxoC_s8QAvD_BwE

I love these jeans and I think they’re being discontinued because there are so few sizes left, sob: https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-way-high-jean-long-dkw But they’re fitted up top and then wide leg, which for me has been a perfect sweet spot! I have a long torso and they are very high waisted but I love them!

Haahhahahahaa

I’m a veterinarian and once had a lovely client and dog pair whose names were Ginger and Dixie…and to be honest I still can’t remember who was the dog and who was the human

This week, my 8 YO coined the phrase “unsettling silence” – which apparently covers the feeling you have with both the awkward silence in a conversation and when you are in an environment that is just too quiet. (like a house where you know other people are there but there is no noise). I think it is perfect.

haha this is amazing! (Also, I am DYING that my comment made it to the main page. Made my weekend!)

Good luck, Bea!!!

Hope the interview went well!!!

I definitely wear mascara — I look so tired without it! And yes haha east fork is the BEST, I’m a forever fan!!!

Not since I got turned on to tinted eyelashes! $25, a 10-minute appointment, lasts weeks.

I AM HERE FOR A NO MASCARA TREND! I wore it through my teens and young adult years and then simply could not handle the sensory experience of it anymore. I wear it a few times a month now and regret it every time I do. :’)

Mascara is my favorite and along with tinted moisturizer, I never pass on it. I like the Maybelline one in the green tube, but the Clinique sample tubes are fun too!

Mascara is one of the few beauty products I still wear!

I only wear mascara on special occasions. Very sensitive eyes and took forever to find one that doesn’t leave me with tears running down my face.

yes to mascara. I don’t wear much else besides a tinted moisturizer. I recently tried out the Westman Atelier in brown and I really love it.

East Fork is the best. Absolute best.

hahahahahaha agree

I’m 36 and I haven’t worn mascara since my early 20s! I didn’t wear a lot of make up back then (mascara, eyeliner, sometimes lipstick or blush) so it wasn’t a huge shift when I stopped, but I’ve never regretted it. It’s made me feel so confident and comfortable in my own skin, and it’s also saved me so much time and money over the years!

I was thinking that you’ll have to pry my mascara out of my cold dead hands someday.

This is exactly what I was thinking! Make me fifteen years younger or take me back to my pre three kids life and maybe I wouldn’t need mascara either lol.