Be Present: November’s Theme Is More Than A Reminder

By Hannah Cassidy

Published on October 31, 2020

Flat lay image of the IPSY November 2020 Glam Bag along with skincare, nail, and makeup products on dark peach textile background

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present. Okay, yes, maybe we lifted that brilliant advice from Kung Fu Panda, but as we embark into this holiday season in what is (we hope) the craziest year of our collective lives it hits home more than ever. This month’s theme, Be Present, is an ode to all of those little things that remind us to take a beat and appreciate what we have. Luckily, little things are our specialty. Maybe it’s the excitement of Choice Day and Add-Ons or—quite literally—sample-sized (and v cute) products that were picked specifically for you. We sincerely hope that when that Glam Bag arrives in the mail, it’s like a shining pink beacon that lights up any darkness you may be experiencing. Because for us, having you in this community is what reminds us why we do what we do. Sappy, but true!

To celebrate this *beautiful* season, we’ve rounded up our fave beauty content worth a good pause-and-scroll. From conversations with industry experts to the products we’re swiping and loving, take this moment for yourself, maybe learn something new, and be present.

HAIR, SKIN, NAILS: Get Beauty Smart With The Pros

The must-know info from the industry’s best.

Cynthia Dhimdis giving a peace sign while winking and pouting

Ponytails To (Easily) Glam Your Holiday Hair

They’re the LBD of the beauty world—a million ways to wear ‘em and a million times easier than pretty much any other option. We chatted with LA-based hairstylist and creator, Cynthia Dhimdis for the styles that’ll take your pony game from weak to chic.

Beauty Through the Black Lens with Ndeye

The beauty community has been challenged with a long overdue call to address the stark lack of diversity from feeds to board rooms—yet creator Ndeye found that darker shades of skin like hers continued to be marginalized. She shares her experiences with us in this important convo.

Khloé Kardashian pin a pink dress holding up the IPSY November 2020 Glam Bag stuffed with makeup and skincare products against pinkn and orange background

Nails To Know: Meet Khloé Kardashian’s Manicurist

They’re longer than a CVS receipt and perfectly polished, all thanks to Khloé’s go-to nail artist: Chaun Legend. Keep up with Legend as he walks us through a handful of his most iconic KoKo designs that are literal works of art.

Two tubes of ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE She Was An Anomaly against small yellow boxes on yellow background

So This Is How You Apply Perfume

Are you a spritz-and-run type or delicate dabber? Turns out, there’s a lot to know when applying your fave fragrances—and after reading this, you’ll be sure to beat your weird uncle for best trivial knowledge at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS: Editor Loved, Ipster-Approved

You’ll want to add them all to cart—sorry, not sorry.

Close-up image of a model wearing under eye patches

We Give Under Eye Patches Five Stars—Here’s Why

If 2020 were a rom-com, the main characters would be puffy under eyes and dark circles with fine lines and dry skin as the quirky best friends. (Straight to DVD!) But the holiday spirit that holds them together? Under eye patches. Esthetician Ava Lemons tells us why these babies are worth keeping around for the next late night Netflix binge.