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Since launching this podcast, we’ve heard from so many of you—and wow, your stories have moved us in ways we didn’t expect. Some were funny, others raw and vulnerable, but all of them reminded us why we started this in the first place. Like the listener who messaged us about putting on a full face of glam before leaving a toxic relationship, saying, “It was the first time in months I felt like myself.” Or the mom who emailed us after her divorce, saying makeup gave her a reason to look in the mirror again. Then there was the teenager who shared how playing with eyeshadow helped her navigate depression. These are the moments that matter. Makeup isn’t superficial. It’s emotional armor. It’s expression. It’s healing. And most importantly, it’s community. If you’ve got a story to share—funny, deep, or in between—send it our way. We might just feature it in a future episode or post. Because this podcast isn’t just about us. It’s about all of us

Let’s be real—our makeup bags are a little chaotic. We’ve tried it all, from drugstore steals to luxury splurges, and these are the five products we find ourselves repurchasing over and over again. If our vanities were on fire, we’d grab these first (okay, maybe after our phones). 1. Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Ellen: “This is my holy grail. It gives you that lit-from-within glow without looking greasy. I wear it alone or under foundation—either way, people always ask what’s on my skin.” 2. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Meghan: “This baby has covered up everything from under-eye bags to surprise breakouts. It blends like a dream and never cakes, even on long days.” 3. Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Nothing frames the face like brows. This pencil is ultra-fine, super pigmented, and makes it look like you naturally have perfect arches (even if you were over-plucked in 2012, like us). 4. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Hydrating, shiny, and just the right amount of shimmer. It’s the lip gloss that lives in every purse we own. Rihanna really did what needed to be done. 5. Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder The OG for a reason. It keeps makeup locked in without giving that dry, cakey finish. We both swear by it for long days, events, or sweaty summer nights. These aren’t just products—they’re confidence in a compact. And when paired with your own inner glow? Unstoppable.

When we hear “glow-up,” we usually think about aesthetics—clearer skin, a better contour, a fire wardrobe. And sure, we’re all about a stunning transformation on the outside. But what happens when the makeup comes off? What if the real glow-up has nothing to do with your appearance and everything to do with how you feel about yourself? At Underneath the Layers , we’ve seen firsthand how makeup can be a powerful confidence booster. It’s art. It’s therapy. It’s a way to express yourself when words fall short. But here’s the thing—no amount of bronzer can cover up emotional wounds you haven’t healed. And trust us, we’ve tried. We’ve both been through moments where we thought a little glam would fix everything: bad breakup? Winged liner. Anxiety spiral? Full face. But at the end of the day, what really made us feel beautiful was learning to sit with ourselves—barefaced, broken, and still worthy. True confidence doesn’t come from the perfect foundation match or mastering the viral TikTok trend. It comes from doing the inner work—setting boundaries, choosing peace, and surrounding yourself with people who see your light, even when you don’t. So yes, beat your face. Slay the look. But don’t forget the most important glow-up of all: becoming someone who loves herself with or without makeup.

Let’s talk about the link no one wants to talk about—your skin and your stress levels. You know those moments when you're overwhelmed, exhausted, and bam —your face decides to betray you with a full-blown breakout? Same. We’ve both had our fair share of stress acne, hormonal flare-ups, and “what is THAT?” moments in the mirror. And the worst part? It always seems to happen right before something important—an interview, a date, a vacation. Cute. But here’s what we’ve learned: your skin speaks when you don’t. It reflects your lifestyle, your habits, and yes, your emotional state. And while it’s tempting to throw every product on it, sometimes what your skin really needs is rest. Now, we’re not dermatologists. But we are  two girls who’ve cried into sheet masks and tried to treat our anxiety with skincare routines. What’s helped us most? A mix of things: Staying hydrated (yes, it’s annoying, but it works) Making time to breathe—literally, take deep breaths Not picking at our skin when life gets overwhelming Journaling what’s going on inside when our outsides flare up Because sometimes, the breakout isn’t just hormonal—it’s emotional. And the real healing starts underneath the layers.

There’s something sacred about Sundays. It’s our time to reset, reflect, and… exfoliate. For us, Sunday nights are skincare and soul-care all in one. Here’s our go-to ritual that helps us step into the week fresh, calm, and glowing: Step 1: Candle + Calm Music: Set the vibe. We light a vanilla or lavender candle, throw on a chill playlist, and immediately feel more grounded. Step 2: Double Cleanse: We remove makeup with a balm or micellar water, then cleanse with something gentle. Your skin (and your mind) deserves a clean slate. Step 3: Exfoliate + Mask: We love a good exfoliant (chemical > physical, always), followed by a hydrating or detox mask depending on what our skin needs. Step 4: Serum, Moisturizer, Eye Cream: We layer on hydration like emotional armor. Pro tip: do a gentle face massage while applying—instant spa moment. Step 5: Journal or Affirmations: This one isn’t technically skincare, but it is  part of our glow. We write down what we’re grateful for, what we’re letting go of, and what we’re calling in. It’s a ritual that reminds us to slow down, to pour into ourselves, and to show up as our most radiant selves—inside and out.

When we think about beauty, we often focus on skincare routines, makeup trends, and self-care rituals. But true beauty isn’t just about what’s on the surface—it’s a reflection of overall well-being. That’s where fitness comes in. Movement and exercise aren’t just about weight loss or building muscle; they’re about nourishing your body, boosting confidence, and enhancing natural radiance. At Underneath the Layers , we believe that beauty and health go hand in hand, and fitness plays a crucial role in both. Fitness Fuels Radiance One of the most powerful ways fitness enhances beauty is through improved circulation. When you engage in regular physical activity, your blood flow increases, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin. This process helps flush out toxins, giving you that post-workout glow. Plus, sweating during exercise can help clear out your pores, reducing breakouts and leaving your complexion fresh and revitalized. Strength From Within True beauty starts from within, and fitness strengthens more than just your muscles. Engaging in activities like yoga, strength training, or even a brisk walk releases endorphins—the body’s natural mood enhancers. This not only helps manage stress but also reduces cortisol levels, which can contribute to breakouts and premature aging. When you feel strong and confident in your body, that inner strength radiates outward, making you feel and look more vibrant. Posture and Poise Fitness also plays a key role in how we carry ourselves. Core-strengthening exercises such as Pilates and resistance training improve posture, giving you a more confident and elegant stance. Good posture not only prevents back pain and discomfort but also enhances the way you present yourself to the world. When you stand tall, you exude confidence—and confidence is one of the most beautiful qualities anyone can possess. The Beauty of Self-Care Fitness is a form of self-care that allows you to connect with your body in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through mindful movement like stretching or an intense workout session, exercise gives you time to focus on yourself. Prioritizing movement helps reinforce a positive relationship with your body, fostering self-love and appreciation. When you view fitness as a way to care for yourself rather than as a chore, it becomes a fulfilling and sustainable part of your beauty and wellness routine. Finding What Moves You The best part? Fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you love dancing, lifting weights, swimming, or practicing yoga, finding an activity that brings you joy is key. When you enjoy the movement you’re engaging in, you’re more likely to stay consistent and reap the benefits long-term. Beauty is about feeling good in your own skin, and when you find a workout routine that makes you feel amazing, that confidence and happiness will shine through. At Underneath the Layers , we celebrate the beauty that starts from within. Fitness isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling strong, confident, and radiant in every layer of who you are. So, find what moves you, embrace your strength, and let your beauty shine from the inside out.