It’s that one day a year that people either seriously dread or go all out for. Typically, you spend Valentine’s Day with the girls but this year is different because you have a boyfriend now. Balancing both of these important people that you care about can be difficult and confusing. You don’t want to bail on your friends that you’ve known forever, however, your boo has become a significant part of your life too. What’s a girl to do?? Luckily, we’ve put together three ways to balance both!

via GIPHY

Split Up Your Time| Enjoy your afternoon with your friends and spend the evening with your boo. You could even spend the day after Valentine’s Day with your crew because that’s when all the candy goes on sale!

A Token of Appreciation | If you decide to cancel on Gal-entine’s Day this year, giving your friends a small gift might not be a bad idea. They’ll definitely appreciate the thought behind it. A great + chic gift to round up for your crew are beauty sheet-masks from Leaders Cosmetics. Meshing much-needed relaxation + hydrating skin rejuvenation, your girl gang will barely notice that you’re gone! Who doesn’t love to Detox and Chill, right?

Mix and Mingle | Have a Valentine’s Day get-together for everyone. Invite your friends and your boyfriend’s single friends. There could be a match waiting to happen!

~Tia Banks, Content Editor

So it’s the day of love + a lot of cheesiness, right? BUT  there’s nothing cheesy about spoiling yourself or atleast treating yourself for the small or big accomplishments you’ve started to knock out at the beginning of 2018, right? Well, no matter if you have a secret admirer or not, your love is all ya need to celebrate. Remember, loving yourself is a must + any others adjust a plus!

(Giphy.com)

Doll up!– Okay, yes so if you’re in college you can sneak in between classes to get a mani or pedi. And even if you’re barely able to focus after 8 hours of walking the halls of your high school, make it a point to unwind after studying. That’s what study breaks are meant for! So pull out your go-to nail polish colors and knock out your home spa!

(Giphy.com)

Bestie status! Valentine’s Day weekend couldn’t land on a better weekend, right? Forget the sappy love stories + grab your bestie to see Black Panther! Not only can you get caught up with the melanin magic on screen but you can just and enjoy + relax with your homegirls after conquering another week!

(Giphy.com)

Trade off! Okay, I know that we just ended holiday season but this one isn’t going to cost any coins. Okay, so hearing sweet things about yourself never gets old but we oftentimes take it for granted when we’re always with the people we love! So, trade off compliments! Whether it’s you + bff or you and your bf, each of you should say atleast 2 traits you appreciaite about the other. You would be amazed how people will never forget sweet truths about themselves!

(Giphy.com)

Happy Valentine’s Day, loves!

Walking through the beauty aisle in the drug store, restocking on some needed essentials I’m immediately met with this overwhelming spectacle of red and pink teddy bears. Turn the corner, chocolates in big red boxes and on the opposite side a massive wall of red theme colored cards.  I started to think  “tis another holiday for red lipstick” and rolled my eyes just a little.

Now let me make two things very clear, I enjoy everything about Valentine’s Day and I love a classic red lip, anytime any day.  However (insert long dramatic pause), how often do we go to that particular scarlet shade for date night, during the holiday season, to do laundry, go to the grocery store or during sessions at the gym? (Or is this just me?) Let’s ditch the red lip this Valentine’s Day.

One lip shade that has made a statement over the last two years or so has come in hues of purple.  The night this majestic color captivated the world was the night of the 2014 Met Gala, where Joan Smalls graced the red carpet wearing a stunning Vera Wang gown (she was the designers date that night), bronze skin and this enticing purple shade of lipstick.  Joan reminded me of a modern day Aphrodite that night.  The purple lip shade, crafted by professional makeup artist Sir John B and Joan herself, a statement on it’s own, compliments Smalls glowing skin tone effortlessly. Joan’s flowing gown and fishtail braid completes this modern goddesses look.

Photo Credit: The Coveteur

Since, we have seen tons of celebrities hit the red carpet, give interviews and even host events in royal hues of purple.  Urban Decay makeup artist Shani Rich and Sephora Senior Artist Johan Castro weigh in on their favorite purple lip shades for all skin tones and ages, and how to wear them so you to can have your goddess moment.

What is your go-to purple lipstick?

“My go to purple lip color for all skin tones would have to be “ Matte After Dark” by Urban Decay” exclaims Shani Rich.  “It looks great on everyone and is good to wear all year round”.  “Try L.U.V by Kat Von D (one of my personal favorites) it is long lasting and looks great on every skin tone, especially if you’re hesitant on trying a full on purple lipstick.  This shade has a little fuchsia balancing it out perfectly.” suggest Johan.

On women of brown and deeper skin tones …

“A great shade for women of deeper skin tones would be “ZIPPER” liquid matte by Colourpop Cosmetics.  With this lip color I have to say less makeup is more.  The complexion should be clean with seamless foundation and contour application, and subtle highlight.  You don’t want to do to much as this lip color is bold and will stand out on it’s on.  Also, I would avoid matching the eye shadow with the lip.  That is a no-go and looks like way too much makeup.  Simplicity is key, especially when trying to achieve a flawless makeup application with deeper skin tones.” – Shani Rich

On women of light to medium skin tones …

“A great shade from women of light to medium skin tones is Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Intense 15.  This bold color is the perfect shade of purple. It won’t make your complexion appear washed out or as if you were about to relive your gothic teenage years.  The iridescence finish gives your entire complexion this subtle glow to it.  When wearing this shade make sure to apply tinted moisturizer or a sheer foundation to even out any redness in the skin, and play off that subtle glow from the lip color.  Avoid wearing heavy blush and opt for a bronzer or subtle highlight”. –Johan Castro

For our tweens …

I believe teenagers should wear lipgloss or very sheer lipsticks nothing too bold. Lipgloss is very age appropriate and still FUN! Like Sephora’s “ Sweet Mauve Sparkling” Ultra Shine Lipgloss “ says Shani.  As for Johan “For the younger readers tinted lip balms are great. Gives you a hint on color and conditions the lips”.  “Try Clinique’s Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balms in “Voluptuous Violet”.

Before you reach for your favorite red lip this Valentine’s Day season, ask yourself, how many times will I wear this again, this month alone?  Try these recommendations from the pros, make a statement like Joan and feel like a goddess during these days of love.  Seriously who doesn’t want to feel like and exude the aura of a goddess?

-Autumn Johnson

Oh, how love is in the air! Hugs, kisses, chocolates, bears and the oh so sweet surprise gifts that Valentine’s Day brings! So it’s great if your boyfriend or girlfriend showers you with gifts but let’s be honest who doesn’t love to spoil themselves a little bit, too?  No matter if you’re boo’d up with your love or kicking it with your girlfriends, it’s all about showering love on yourself and we’re going to show you exactly how to do it.

Let’s get started…

Treat Yourself! – From classes to college applications to the parentals, you barely have time exhale.  We get it.  Being a student is exhausting…seriously. Sooo it’s time to schedule some well needed  ‘me-time’ this semester. We’re not encouraging you to blow your entire allowance BUT we are saying treat yourself to something you love. A cute top, an eye catching nail polish, or just time away from everybody without feeling guilty! It’s your world and you deserve a prize every now and then!

Playlist Party! Feeling yourself? Well, make a playlist that shows it! Create a playlist with all the songs that makes you feel like Beyonce, Michelle Obama + Naomi Campbell all in one. Crank up the volume, lock the door and have your own personal music video in your room. Yes, you’re the star of this party so you have to kill each move.

Dress to Impress- Here at C.O.R.E Mag we’re HUGE believers that it’s all about your beauty shining from the inside out! So if you don’t have a beautiful or kind soul you’ll never a have true outer beauty. Now, since that’s clear….it’s time to dress up how beautiful your personality is to the world. Have fun with your style + appreciate your creativity + beauty!  One quote will wrap this whole idea up—–> “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak’ . -Rachel Zoe

Give IT away- Ok, so this post is all about showing yourself some love but the best way to receive love is when you give it away! Yes, what you put out in the universe is what you get back in return. So share your appreciation to your besties and fam members! It’s the start button to feeling  the love.

Pucker  Up + Say It! –  You are the first person to hear your own words. That’s deep, right? Ok, so we’ve just dropped a little knowledge your way it’s time to head to the mirror, pucker up (we know you’ve perfected this with all your kissy face selfies for Instagram)  + say I LOVE YOU to yourself! Ok, now do it again, again, again and every morning that you wake up! Love every inch of yourself + let it shine bright! *KISSES*

SENDING YOU BEAUTIES TONS OF LOVE YOUR WAY!