Whether we intend to charm a date or make a statement at a holiday party, there’s a reason we’re inclined to reach for red lipstick. It makes us feel powerful, like we can conquer anything (and we can).
This got me thinking: How else has lipstick proven to be powerful today and throughout history?
At a recent press event for Elizabeth Arden’s revamped line of beauty products, I was fortunate enough to hear the story or Elizabeth Arden, the woman behind the empire. To start, in 1912, Arden participated in the suffrage movement and played her part by supplying red lipstick (specifically, her iconic Red Door Lipstick) to the suffragettes. As a result, the striking shade of lipstick became an integral of standard rally uniform and something of a symbol of female emancipation. Later, the brand not only survived the depression but actually blossomed. Now, that’s feminism.
So, you see, red lipstick is indeed a powerhouse, if not the most powerful makeup product in your beauty bag. Fast forward 105 years we continue to see modern day woman stepping up to help one another in the fight to assert feminism.
And by the number of current day feminists, I’d say we are doing pretty well. Sallie Krawcheck, co-founder and CEO of Ellevest, helps advise women financially, Diane von Furstenberg, fashion mogul, justifies female power in clothing, and Hilary Clinton, an American politician, fights for the female voice nationwide. By the acts of Elizabeth Arden and such women, it’s pretty obvious that women are key for empowering other women.
Keep reading for Elizabth Arden’s iconic red lipstick so your lips can make their own feminist statement.
Clinically proven to keep lips moisturized all day, Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick is infused with moisture-enriched pigments that provide rich, lasting color and leave your lips feeling soft and smooth. Volulip™ helps to seal in moisture to give your lips a fuller, more sumptuous appearance. Volulip™ has also been shown to increase the look of lip volume by 15% and firmness by 13%1.
Keep scrolling for more of the top-rated lipsticks on the Internet!
Next up, Reese Witherspoon’s makeup artist shares her tips on how to get a red lip, glowing makeup look.
Want to conquer your future?
You’ll need a financial plan for that. Here’s a free one.
The Pink Tax: Why You Should Buy Men’s Products Over The Women’s Version
2017 has been a weird year for feminism.
On one hand, we’re making major progress. There’s been a lot of discussion about women in leadership roles, and the necessity of closing gender gaps. But, then…
We were reminded of the pink tax, the tampon tax.
So, up until now, you’ve heard us tell you all about the gaps that put women at a social disadvantage—like the wage gap and investment gap. But have you heard of the gender pricing gap?
The name itself may be new to your financial vocabulary, but the pink tax (ya, we dislike the name too.) is a scheme of taxing females more than males for almost everything. Yup, we’re being charged more for exactly the same products as men –forcing us to increase our expenses. The tax compares the prices of female products to that of gender-specific products or male products, mainly in the categories of apparel, toys, and personal care.
Even something as necessary as tampons that is a must for hygiene is charged sales tax because it’s considered a “luxury item”. (Oh, but not condoms, they slip into men’s hands untaxed.) (This hilarious video proves there’s nothing “luxurious” about tampons).
This is kind of gap that’s not as clear as most. In 1994, the state of California published a study on the average annual
cost of consumer product goods and found that women paid on average $1,351 more per year for the same products as men.
Now put that in today’s dollars and…you get the point. It’s a lot of money.
This is a serious dilemma for both young and old because we can’t (not even men can) afford to pay an estimated amount of $1,351 more a year toward goods and services.
The sad thing is there hasn’t been much legislation to alter this gender difference. For now, you might highly consider moving to California, New York, or Miami-Dade County because these are the only places in the US that have laws against this price discrimination (at least when they are enforced).
So, what’s a conscious female consumer to do?
The answer: control where you’re spending your hard earned money.
We, as a female collective need to shift the economics of gender pricing. It’s our responsibility to do the research and know what a reasonable price is on the market. We mean the price that men are paying and the one we have every right to be paying. You’re the consumer with the money, so don’t let anyone trick you into paying more than necessary.
Finding out where you’re being overcharged and where to fight back can be complicated. Between budgeting, saving, and investing for the future, you’re already so busy with money management. That’s why we tapped Sallie Krawcheck, a former Wall Street executive and founder and CEO of Ellevest, to help us break down where we need to be extra cautious about spending. “For women, in particular, money is the means of closing the gender pay gap, which still sees women making only 80% of the salaries men earn for the same jobs.”
“We’ve made progress, but that progress has stalled,” Krawcheck says to women everywhere. “I really think the final or one of the final legs of feminism is for us to become financially equal with men. And putting it another way, until we are financially equal with men, we are not equal with men.” Krawcheck urges every single woman to take control of her own finances — advice all of us can follow. Ask for a promotion. Budget like a woman. Start investing. Get it done.
“The things that we can control — which is where we spend. This is something that I urge every woman to be extra keen too,” Krawcheck tells us. “Know what you’re spending your money on and where to save. Believe it or not, there are options out there (some are admittedly creative), and voting with your dollars is one of the most effective ways to influence change.
Ahead, Krawcheck shares a few examples of products you can save money on.
1. AGAIN, RAZORS
The market knows a girl’s gotta shave her legs, so they make us pay 11% more, on average, for both razors and razor blades than males. Think about it, that’s almost an extra dollar out of our wallet.
According to Krawcheck we should check out Dollar Shave Club. “Dollar Shave Club started out as a subscription service for men, and then realized savvy women were subscribing because it was a better deal. The company has adapted to market their products at the same prices to women.” Try it out.
2. CLOTHING
We thought we could never have enough denim until we found out that we are paying $20 more for a pair of jeans that our boyfriend. Oh, and shirts are sexist now because your boyfriend will also purchase his shirt for $30 cheaper than yours.
Krawcheck recommends shopping from companies on our side like Japanese fast casual retailer, Uniqlo. Uniqlo has equal pricing by gender for virtually every category analyzed in the NYC consumer study. You can also find brands who are more equivalent, on average, than the others. Gap and the Banana Republic, for example, charge women more for some articles of clothing but also charge men more with a similar frequency. Where available, you may also find Unisex options from brands like American Apparel and James Perse.“
3. HAIRCUTS
Okay, so we generally do have a full head of hair than men, so we can see why women’s haircuts cost 25% more on average than males. But what if a woman had a bob cut? Does this still mean its fair to charge her more than the man sitting in the salon chair next to her? Don’t think so.
“Find a salon that charges by time or by length, not by gender,” says Krawckeck. “They’re starting to pop up more and more (especially in Canada and the U.K. – fingers crossed we catch up soon.) “Asking your long-time stylist if he’s considered this; it would probably help us speed things along.”
4. CARS
As if the car market doesn’t have enough consumers, they still pinpoint females. Because women are less likely to bargain, we get persuaded into paying $200 more on average at dealerships. Krawcheck advises us to ask the right questions, do our homework, and don’t let anyone strong arm you into buying something you’re not sure you need.
5. DRY CLEANING
Business owners think it’s appropriate to charge women more for their dry cleaning because their clothing requires a little extra care and time. But really how different can a suit be from a dress? I guess enough to make women pay almost twice as much, on average, for dry-cleaning than men.
“Avoid trips to the dry cleaners altogether whenever you can. They’re a time suck anyways. One of the best kept secrets of professional women everywhere is a personal garment steamer,” Krawcheck advises, “Buy one and it will give you a few extra years before you have to go to the professionals. Another tip: make sure you read the tags closely. There’s a big difference between ‘dry clean’ and ‘dry clean only’ A hand wash cycle and a mild detergent can take care of more than you think.”
Let’s add this all up: we women make less on average than men, and we pay more on average for the same goods. Plus, legislation around this hasn’t picked up as much as you’d expect. The best thing you can do now is Shift the economics of gender pricing.
This is not easy and will take a lot of us — so we suggest you start by emailing this story to your girl-squad.
Ready to take that next step and conquer your financial future?
You’ll need a financial plan for that. Here’s a free one.
Up next, this is how to ask for a raise like a legit boss.
Disclosures: We’re excited to be partnering with Ellevest to start this conversation about women and money. We may receive compensation if you become an Ellevest client.
Opening image: PHOTO: OZGURKESER/ GETTY IMAGES AND AMMZA12/ GETTY IMAGES.
Boyfriend-Approved Gifts for the Guy Your Kind Of Seeing
When it comes to gift-giving, women thoroughly enjoy buying for other women. We know what girls like and can find a gift in any price range.
On the flip-side, many of us find it particularly challenging finding gifts for the men in our lives. It can be especially difficult when it is a newish “relationship”. You don’t want to get something to nice, but you do want to get something⏤after all, it is the gesture that counts, and nothing is worse than wasting money on a gift someone doesn’t want in the first place. That’s why we put together a list of the best gifts for “that guy in your life.
Scroll through for 25 gifts in every price range for that guy you’re kind of, maybe, sort of seeing.
Boyfriend Approved Gifts Under $25
Boyfriend Approved Gifts Under $50
Boyfriend Approved Gifts Under $75
Boyfriend Approved Gifts Under $100
Boyfriend Approved Gifts Under $250
For gift ideas for your bestie, check out our roundup of under-$100 Gifts
10 Things Every New York Woman Is Wearing Now
Every girl knows that New York is the mecca of hot trends and styles. Dressing like the women of NYFW is quite simple if you have the right statement pieces and accessories. Whether you’re into all black all the time, or in search of the perfect cashmere sweater, fashion of the city is easy to implement into your own wardrobe.
Fall fashion in New York just about makes the ensuing chilly temperatures worth it. Even though cool-weather clothes are coming out of storage, certain pieces from the spring and summer (like bodysuits) can stick around.
Edgy pieces like ripped jeans and white ankle boots show off every girl’s style and unique personality. This pair of Levi’s will look good on every woman.
Keep reading for NYC inspired ways to dress for fall.
A CAMEL COAT
WHITE ANKLE BOOTS
Pair white ankle boots with any color jean for a trendy and smart look.
PLAID JACKET
Throwing on a warm plaid jacket is such an effortless way pull your whole outfit together.
LOGO T-SHIRT
Logo tees are back in style throughout the seasons. Wear it during the day and throw on a sleek leather jacket at night.
FAUX FURRY COAT
Faux furry coats are chic and easy to add into your rotation for fall and winter months.
OVERSIZED SWEATER
Comfy, cozy, and completely on trend.
SUEDE SKIRT
Throw it back to the 70’s with a stylish suede skirt.
KNEE HIGH BOOTS
Knee high boots will empower you to feel cool and confident.
DUSTER
The duster trend is still going strong.
HIGH RISE DISTRESSED JEANS
These cool girl jeans are edgy and easy to pair with.
For everyone who still has no idea what to wear to Thanksgiving dinner—9 outfit ideas that are both cute and comfortable inspired by bloggers.
Want to conquer your future?
You’ll need a financial plan for that. Here’s a free one.
Opening image: We Wore What
10 Flattering New Ways to Wear Your Ankle Boots
Raise your hand if you agree ankle boots are the cold-weather staple. (us too). Ankle boots are an absolute must-have during the fall and winder days, and they’re perfect for every occasion.
Styled with everything from leather skirts and wide-leg jeans, there are more than a few ankle boot outfits that belong in your wardrobe roundup. Really, the ways to wear these boots are endless. We even switch things up this season and added white ankle boots to our closets after they walked all over the New York Fashion Week 2017 runway.
So, yes the ankle boots are nothing new in the world of fashion. But, this year, we’re looking for new ways to wear our favorite fall footwear. And, even if the styling change is slight, the new pairing will make all the difference to your fall ensemble and personal style.
Keep scrolling to see how our favorites girls are styling their ankle boots, and then shop pieces inspired by their looks.
1. STYLE YOUR BOOTS WITH A TUNIC AND COORDINATING SWEATER
2.WEAR YOUR GO-TO ANKLE BOOTS WITH A LEATHER SKIRT
3. WEAR A SUMMERY DRESS WITH A SWEATER LAYERED OVER IT AND ANKLE BOOTS
4. STYLE WITH A MIDI SKIRT
5. HUG YOUR JEANS OVER YOUR ANKLE BOOTS
6. CREATE A RETRO LOOK WITH WITH WIDE-LEG JEANS
7. ADD POPS OF COLOR TO KEEP THE LOOK FRESH
8. BRING IN SOME METALLIC
PARIS FASHIONWEEK DAY 8
9. PAIR WITH AN OVERSIZED RED SWEATER
10. STYLE YOUR DRESS OVER YOUR ANKLE BOOTIES
This Tinted Moisturizer Works Better Than a Foundation
Beauty lovers, rejoice—because we have found just the product for you. Introducing Creme de la Mer Reparative Skin Tint, La Mer’s version of a tinted moisturizer.
Immersed in the healing energies of La Mer’s legendary Miracle Broth, the Reparative Skin Tint feels like a soft-focus foundation, making you look lit from within. It’s weightless formula blends naturally into skin for a more flawless appearance. After one use, your skin will look more healthy, luminous, youthful and perfected.
The best part? The new iteration of the skin tint contains SPF 30. You can never be too prepared, right?
Keep reading to get your first look at the product.
Next up, asking for a raise? Here are 5 ways to figure out if you’re underpaid — and get even.
Want to conquer your future?
You’ll need a financial plan for that. Here’s a free one.
Adulting 101: How to Budget Your Money Like a Boss
When it comes to budgeting, do you take on a, “I’ll spend here and there and put some in the bank every month.” approach? If you’re nodding your head yes, read on because it’s time to consider another plan.
We get it, knowing how much money to spend on yourself and how much to put away is important especially during the holidays when spending gets⏤well, out of control. There is a fear involved with budgeting: “I won’t have a life”; “I don’t know how much to put aside”; “I’ll start budgeting next month.” No more excuses. Let’s start managing our money the way we manage our career, like a boss.
We, at Style Salute, will be the first to admit that we love shopping, but that said, we know all too well that a lot of small purchases and nights out dining with friends can add up and eat away at your budget—aka money you could be saving and investing for future you. So, in order to stop staring at our credit card bills in astonishment, we need to get serious and set a limit on our spending. We’re here to make that a little easier.
Financial experts say the best way to budget is to follow the 50/30/20 rule and Sallie Krawcheck, CEO, and co-founder of Ellevest, an innovative investing platform built for women, agrees. Krawcheck has covered the myths and mistakes around women and money, and she’s now tackling the excuses.
If you’re ready to get your finances under control (and we know you are), keep reading as we dive into 5 ways to budget smartly.
1. Start With Your Income
First things first, be honest about how much you make and how much you can spend. It’s easy to overestimate the amount of money we make, but when it comes to budgeting its crucial to be 100% honest with yourself (and your wallet). Any inaccuracy in these calculations could really give you a money headache down the line. So, calculate how much money you’re making weekly, monthly, and annually (don’t forget to calculate this number after taxes and additional reductions). Plus, add in any other benefits or costs that you might receive throughout the year.
2. Add Up All Fixed Expenses
Next, calculate your fixed expenses. Your fixed expenses are fundamental to your day to day life. These payments include things like rent, insurance, internet service, and phone service. “Fixed”, means they aren’t fluctuating anytime soon, giving you an exact understanding of these costs. Don’t forget to account for the fixed expenses that can be paid annually or every six months (like property taxes and car insurance).
Remeber the 50/30/20 rule? This rule states that fixed expenses should make up 50% of your income. Listing your fixed expenses gives you the opportunity to review your spending, and make sure you’re prioritizing the most important expenses like rent. Reality disclosure, you may have to give up on some expenses that are putting you over, like your YouTube Red and Netflix subscriptions (we promise: it’ll be worth it).
3. Consider Variable Expenses
Now, we move to variable expenses. Variable costs are those that respond directly and proportionately to changes in activity level or volume, such as the holidays, you may be spending more than in other months. Calculating your variable expenses requires some planning and self-reflection. For reference, it helps to look at your past month variable expenses or recurring expenses. Giving yourself a realistic idea of this spending sector will make sure that there is plenty of money for grocery shopping, gasoline, Sunday brunch with the girls, and haircuts.
We know it sure would be nice to have everything in the world, making us more often than less feeling compelled to say “yes”. I find it super helpful right before I swipe my card or sign, to ask myself, “Do I really need these adorable leggings, or am I impulse shopping?” We all deserve a treat at times, but keep in mind accounting for your variable expenses is all about moderation.
4. Decide What To Do With The Leftovers
Subtract your fixed and variable expenses from your monthly income (after taxes and reductions) to determine how much money you have left to spend as you wish. While it’s tempting to spend this money leisurely, the smart thing would be to set it aside for future payments. At some point, you may want to own a house, take a big trip, or start your own company.
So, determine what percentage you want to set aside each month from your earnings toward an investment account for future you. Having a set number will help you manage and stick to your goal. Krawcheck advises that setting aside money for future investments and a solid retirement plan is a key component for a secure and happy future.
5. Review Your New Budget
You did it! Now it’s just like completing your middle school math formula and double checking. Calculate to see what part of your income is going toward fixed expenses, variable expenses, and discretionary expenses. What’s awesome about creating your budget plan is that you have full control. So if you aren’t happy with the numbers or notice an imbalance in spending, then you can make a change.
This is another great time to refer back to the 50/30/20 rule. So, 50 percent should be for needs like rent and food; 30 percent for fun (we know how to have fun); and 20 percent for investing and saving for Future You. That includes money for retirement, and also for life goals like buying your home, starting a family, or opening your own business.
Get your free financial plan.
Want to know more about money management? In addition to being an investment advisor, Ellevest is a resource on topics like goals-based investingand your finances overall, as well as your life and career. Sign up with Ellevest today to help guide you toward creating a budget plan fit just for you.
Disclosures: We’re excited to be partnering with Ellevest to start this conversation about women and money. We may receive compensation if you become an Ellevest client.
Opening image: @chroniclesofher
Why Everyone Is Adding This $25 Moisturizer to Their Beauty Bag
On the hunt for the best moisturizer for your skin? You’ve come to the right. There’s plenty of creams out there that claim to give us younger looking, more radiant, hydrated skin. So many in fact, that deciding which moisturizer to apply morning and evening can be daunting (not to mention expensive). But, the good news is quality skincare doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the best everyday moisturizers can actually be found at your local drugstore.
That’s exactly what researchers at Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty Lab discovered with their new study that found that that Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($25) shattered the competition, hydrating skin better than 10 of the top prestige creams So, while expensive cremes from prestige brands like La Mer and La Praire promise to deliver amazing results, we now know we can can get great results with long-lasting hydration and glowing complexion, to boot.
Keep scrolling for the best drugstore moisturizer money can by.
SHOP MORE OLAY PRODUCTS
High-Tech Beauty Gadgets To Invest In Now
You might not know it yet, but these are the beauty gadgets you’ve been waiting for. These innovative devices will visibly improve tone and radiance, giving you a firmer, clearer and more youthful-looking hair complexion. Why resist?
17 Disney Key Chains That’ll Brighten Up Your Bag
If there’s one thing we can all agree upon, it’s that we’ll never be too old to believe in the magic of Disney, and most certainly never too old to rock the Disney style. Here at Style Salute we like to stick to Peter Pan’s motto, with our own little rendition: never grow up, believe in fairies and pixie dust, and always add a sparkle of Disney to your style. A magical environment that makes us smile and have all these feel goods, who wouldn’t want to strut down the street in Disney? If Kendall Jenner can rock a vintage Mickey Mouse tee, Margot Robbie a Mickey Mouse jumper, and Sabrina Carpenter the new rose gold Minnie Mouse ears, then its totally cool for us to stock our drawers with Disney gear. So go ahead and have Friday night reruns of your fav Disney movie with the girls, splurge on a season pass to Disneyland, and dress Disney from head to toe daily. Clearly, our obsession with this brand will never fade, no matter our age.
On our most recent trip to the Disney Store, we spotted the perfect charms to add that extra brightness to your keychain, suitcase, backpack, or purse. One of our favorites is the Minnie Mouse Rose Gold Ear Hat Charm. Minnie Mouse, a rose gold bow, sterling silver – all of our favorite things. Whether you’re a mouse, princess, or Disney park kinda girl, you will fall in love with all these keychains. These accessories are guaranteed to charm with Disney nostalgia.
Always let the magic of Disney brighten your day with these 17 adorable Disney key chains!
Next up, your complete guide to what to wear to your office holiday party.
Want to know more about money management? In addition to being an investment advisor, Ellevest is a resource on topics like goals-based investing and your finances overall, as well as your life and career. Sign up with Ellevest today to help guide you toward creating a budget plan fit just for you.
Get your free financial plan.
We send good emails.
Subscribe Now.