Uncategorized – Elizabeth N. Tran

5 Beauty & Skincare Products That You Need This Season

March 28, 2025 Elizabeth N. TranLeave a comment

This article was originally published on February 12, 2021, in 60 Seconds Magazine. As of June 3, 2023, 60 Seconds Magazine‘s website is no longer active.

Although there are so many new beauty and skincare products on the market, there are a few staples in my routine that I will never swap out! Read on to see what some of my favorite holy grail products are!

1. Glossier Boy Brow

The Glossier Boy Brow is a must-have! I love how it’s so easy to use, and with just a few swipes, the creamy wax visibly thickens, shapes and grooms brows into place. This product also lasts super long, so it’s perfect for warmer days!

2. Charlotte Tilbury Powder Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

I’ve tried a variety of different powders throughout the years, but this Charlotte Tilbury powder is truly irreplaceable! The micro-fine powder gives off a truly airbrushed finished, and it doesn’t cake or sit in fine lines. It helps my makeup stay on the whole day, and it’s definitely one of my favorite purchases of all time! Plus, the packaging is super elegant.

3. Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish in Sheer Nirvana

Another favorite product of mine is this nail polish shade from Sally Hansen. The sheer pink mimics the natural color of nails, so that when applied, it makes nails look healthy and natural (with just a hint of understated glam), like you just got a manicure!

4. Beautyblender Power Pocket Puff

https://www.sephora.com/product/powder-puff-P434014

This next product is more of a beauty tool, but it’s still an essential for any makeup enthusiast, and it’s none other than the Beautyblender powder puff! Most of us are very familiar with the Beautyblender sponges, and I’m also a huge fan of them! I recently purchased their powder puff as well, and it truly makes such a difference in helping me achieve that poreless, airbrushed look!

5. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

https://www.esteelauder.com/product/689/77491/product-catalog/skincare/repair-serum/advanced-night-repair/synchronized-multi-recovery-complex

Last but not least is this serum from Estee Lauder. It’s fast-penetrating and helps to reduce multiple signs of aging. I’ve actually only been using this serum consistently for about a month and a half, and I’ve already seen noticeable differences in my skin. It looks more radiant, plump, and hydrated, and multiple fine lines have already faded, particularly the ones around my lip and the ones on my forehead.

That wraps up my recent beauty and skincare favorites! What are some of your favorite products?

My Recent Beauty Purchases

March 28, 2025 Elizabeth N. TranLeave a comment

This article was originally published on January 15, 2021, in 60 Seconds Magazine. As of June 3, 2023, 60 Seconds Magazine‘s website is no longer active.

Over the holidays, I purchased a wide variety of beauty products as a gift to myself, and now that I’ve had about a month to try them, I wanted to share some of recent favorites! Read on to see the products that you need to add to your collection too!

1. Avène Tolerance Control Skin Recovery Cream

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Whenever it gets chillier, my skin gets drier, and this year, on top of my usual flaky skin, I had an allergic reaction to treatment. In order to not aggravate my skin any further, I turned to Avène’s Skin Recovery Cream, a soothing and protective moisturizing cream formulated with minimal ingredients. The best part about the simple ingredient list is that it’s super gentle for hypersensitive and irritated skin, and it also helps the skin rebuild tolerance and repair damage.

After using this cream for a week, my skin is baby soft again, and I’ve seen a notable difference in the texture as well! I definitely recommend this cream to any of you who live in a dry and cold area. It’s a lifesaver!

2. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum

Another recent favorite of mine is this Intensive Hydrating Serum from Innisfree. I love how this serum is so nourishing yet lightweight, and it never makes my face feel sticky. The green tea extract and green tea seed oil helps my skin maintain its moisture throughout the day, and I love how this serum is also packed with amino acids and antioxidants. The best thing about this serum is its affordability – it’s only $27!

3. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

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And last but not least is this weightless setting spray from Urban Decay. In order to help extend the life of my makeup, especially when I wear a face mask or covering, a good setting spray is essential. Out of all of the ones that I’ve tried, this one from Urban Decay really helps to lock in my makeup. It’s inevitable that some of my makeup still transfers onto my mask throughout the day, but with the help of this setting spray, I see significantly less transference, especially in comparison to not using a spray at all.

And that wraps up my recent favorite beauty finds! What are some of your favorite beauty purchases?

Best Beauty Gifts to Give (or Ask For)

March 28, 2025March 28, 2025 Elizabeth N. TranLeave a comment

This article was originally published on November 27, 2020, in 60 Seconds Magazine. As of June 3, 2023, 60 Seconds Magazine‘s website is no longer active.

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays! As we prepare to celebrate one of the most wonderful times of the year, let’s not forget to take advantage of all of the Cyber Monday sales too! Use this time to get your hands on some of this season’s most coveted beauty gifts, whether it’s to give as a gift to someone or to yourself! Read on to see which beauty gifts are trending this year!

1. Jo Malone London 3-Piece Travel Candle Collection

I’m a huge fan of scents, and nothing makes me happier than a fragrant home or room. There’s just something about the warm glow and charming scent of a candle that helps me unwind after a long day, making it one of my beauty routine must-haves. Jo Malone London is known for its luxurious scents, but since they are kind of pricey when they aren’t on sale, I usually don’t splurge on their products until the holidays. Around this time of the year, they usually have gift sets that offer a selection of products for a more reasonable price, so that’s why I like to take advantage of the Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals. In particular, this Jo Malone London 3-Piece Travel Candle Collection is the perfect gift for someone (or for yourself), since this is more of a luxury item that we don’t usually splurge on.

2. amika hair blow dry brush 2.0 2-in-1 hair styling tool

Aside from fragrances, the holidays are a great time to either gift or receive hair styling tools, since they’re not usually things that we splurge on as well. I know everyone raves about the Dyson hairdryers, but personally, I’ve felt that hair blow dryer brushes have made the most difference to my haircare routine, especially this one from Amika! The two-in-one tool combines a round brush and blow-dryer into one, so it gives you an effortless and natural blowout. I love how convenient it is, and I even take this blow dryer brush with me when I travel, since it saves me so much time in the mornings. Though it may be a bit on the pricey side, this heat styling tool is definitely worth every dollar, especially since it also comes in a set that includes Amika’s best-selling haircare products as well!

3. Fresh Cosmetics Sugar Lip Kit

And last but not least – my favorite lip products! Fresh has always offered luxurious, artisanal skincare and beauty items that combine natural ingredients, such as rose, sugar, and soy, but their lip products are truly extraordinary! I love how rich and moisturizing they are, and at the same time, the light tint makes it perfect for everyday wear. I always have one of these in my purse, and I love how it keeps my lips feeling soft and hydrated, while also lighting up my face with just the subtlest hint of color! The gift set isn’t too pricey, making it the perfect gift to give or receive!

That wraps up some of my favorite beauty and skincare gift picks! I can’t wait to shop all of the sales on Cyber Monday!

Skincare Essentials for the Fall

March 28, 2025March 28, 2025 Elizabeth N. TranLeave a comment

This article was originally published on November 13, 2020, in 60 Seconds Magazine. As of June 3, 2023, 60 Seconds Magazine‘s website is no longer active.

Though it’s only the second week of November, the temperatures have already been quickly dropping. While I’m super excited about the cooler weather because there’s nothing I love more than snuggling up with some blankets while reading a good book, I’m also a little wary of the brisker winds and lower temperatures since it can take a toll on my dry and sensitive skin.

I’ve been trying my best to take extra care of my skin with some soothing and gentle products, so read on to see which beauty essentials are a part of my updated skincare routine for the fall and winter.

1. Primera Alpine Berry Water Cream

This has been my absolute favorite product within the last few months. The dewy formula makes my skin feel super smooth without being sticky. The texture is lightweight and sinks in quickly, while leaving my skin hydrated and nourished throughout the day. The cream is made from a blend of strawberry sprouts and blackberries, so that it can protect the skin against environmental factors. The best thing about this cream, though, is that it’s free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, so it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin.

2. Vaseline Rosy Lip Therapy

When we think about skincare routines, we often neglect our lips. The cooler temperatures usually make my lips very dry and chapped, so I always make sure to never skip out on some extra care and nourishment. One of my favorites is this lip therapy from Vaseline, since it helps to lock in moisture and gives my lips a glossy shine. I love how long-lasting this product is, and it’s also super affordable, making it a must-have in my skincare routine.

3. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

Aside from the shifts in my moisturizers and lip care products, another new skincare staple that I’ve been obsessed with is this CC+ Cream from IT Cosmetics. As the name suggests, this color-correcting mineral sunscreen / cream offers ample coverage, while also nourishing the skin with anti-aging hydrating serums for a natural and flawless finish. Formulated with collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, this CC+ Cream helps to enhance elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles in moisture by locking in moisture.

And that wraps up my updated skincare routine! What are some of your favorites?

How to Get Healthy, Glowing Skin This Fall

March 28, 2025March 28, 2025 Elizabeth N. TranLeave a comment

This article was originally published on October 9, 2020, in 60 Seconds Magazine. As of June 3, 2023, 60 Seconds Magazine‘s website is no longer active.

Fall may be one of my favorite seasons of all time, but it’s actually my skin’s least favorite. The dip in temperatures and the fluctuating humidity are a nightmare for my skin as it tries to adjust to the chillier weather and brisker winds. Throughout the years, though, I’ve come up with a foolproof skincare routine that’s helped me maintain my glowing and healthy skin! Read on to see my autumn skincare essentials!

1. COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad

Toning one of the most important steps in any skincare routine. I’ve found that the toner that I use makes such a huge difference on the overall texture of my skin, and it also affects how well all other subsequent products are absorbed. These toning pads from COSRX are super easy to use, since they’re already pre-soaked in toner, and the formula is gentle enough to use on acne-prone and sensitive skin. What I love most about these pads is how quickly they help soothe any irritated bumps or blemishes. Another great perk is that it’s super affordable!

2. Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

If there’s any one product that I swear by, it’s definitely this protective cream from Avène! Seriously, if I’m only allowed to have one skincare product in my medicine cabinet, it will be this cream! Originally created by dermatologists as a skincare product for patients recovering from cosmetic surgery, this rich and protective cream helps to restore and promote optimal skin recovery. It’s super gentle and absolutely perfect for sensitive skin. As someone with mild eczema and rosacea, this cream helps to soothe any redness and irritation almost overnight.

3. Lancôme Hydra Zen Gel Moisturizer

This is one of my favorite oil-free moisturizers! In comparison to heavier moisturizers that just sit on top of your skin, this gel formula is perfect because you can actually feel your skin absorbing it. The moisturizer is also great at soothing stressed and tired skin, and I’ve noticed a reduction in redness and dullness when using it!

4. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

And of course, we can’t forget masks! This sleeping mask from Laneige is one of my favorites, and I’ve been using it religiously for the last five or six years, since it’s super convenient to use, and it also delivers amazing results! While the texture of this mask is thick and gel-like, it never clogs my pores at all. To use the mask, apply an even layer onto your skin after going through your normal nighttime skincare routine. And that’s it! The morning after I use the mask, my skin always looks so healthy, radiant, and hydrated, as if I drank a gallon of water overnight!

And that wraps up my favorite fall skincare items! What’re some of your holy grail products?

Why Sizing Diversity Matters in the Fashion Industry

February 13, 2025 Elizabeth N. TranLeave a comment

This article was originally published on August 13, 2021, in 60 Seconds Magazine. As of June 3, 2023, 60 Seconds Magazine‘s website is no longer active.

“What’s your size?”

This is a question that may seem harmless at first, but in reality, these words can be triggering to many—especially those who are suffering from an eating disorder or have negative feelings about their body. While the fashion industry has been trying to be more inclusive in recent years by hiring models of color to walk in their runway shows, the industry as a whole still tends to market its clothing to a generally slim consumer.

This is especially apparent when looking at high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, or Yves Saint Laurent, as couture and ready-to-wear collections tend to adhere to a “universal sample size.” From these brands’ perspectives, these design choices make it easier for them to have a quicker turnaround time for all of the pieces in their collections during times of high stress, such as Fashion Week.

However, what these brands fail to consider are the ramifications of this “universal sample size” that generally falls on the smaller or slimmer side of the sizing spectrum. When brands promote smaller sizes, whether intentionally or unintentionally, they are encouraging society as a whole to accept it as the standard of beauty. This can have lasting negative effects since a generation of consumers will constantly and tirelessly strive to fit into an almost impossible standard of beauty.

Much like how fashion brands have started to diversify and include models of all races and ethnicities, it’s also crucial for the industry to start including models of all sizes. By promoting various sizes in important shows during Fashion Week, brands can start changing the way consumers perceive beauty and the standards of beauty. Though the change will be slow and can increase costs in the short run, in the long run, this change can positively impact our society as a whole and help a whole generation be more accepting of a universal truth—that all bodies and shapes are beautiful.

How Businesses Can Include People with Disabilities

February 13, 2025 Elizabeth N. TranLeave a comment

This article was originally published on **July 14, 2021**, in *60 Seconds Magazine*. As of June 3, 2023, *60 Seconds Magazine*‘s website is no longer active.

Invalids equal in rights in the balance with healthy people. Concept of social equality of disabled people in society

In recent years, there has been a lot of focus on social issues of diversity and inclusion, particularly in the workplace. This is especially apparent when discussing equality across boundaries of gender, race, and sexual orientation. However, disability is often neglected.

To understand disability, it’s important to first define it. According to the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a person with a disability is defined as a person who has “long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”

The World Bank estimates that around 15% of the population—more than one billion people worldwide—live with a disability. However, only a small percentage of businesses consider disability in their diversity initiatives. To be truly inclusive, businesses can increase their efforts in showing that they truly see the value in everyone.

One of the best ways to do so is to be open to more potential employees. This is especially apparent in the recruitment process, where potential employees with disabilities may be discouraged to even apply due to generic job descriptions—which may list physical tasks such as driving, typing, lifting, or the ability to sit for long periods of time. To be more inclusive, companies should be more considerate and should not include these generic descriptions, especially if the role does not actually demand them.

Another great way to increase diversity includes creating more accessible workplaces. For instance, workplaces should include both stairs and elevators. Assistive technology should also be readily available. People with disabilities need to feel included and comfortable, and the office design needs to take all of this into consideration.

There are many ways for a workplace to broaden accessibility and inclusivity. In doing so, businesses become a pillar of strength in the community by helping to prioritize diversity across the spectrum.

How to Be an Ally for the LGBTQ+ Community

February 13, 2025 Elizabeth N. TranLeave a comment

This article was originally published on June 17, 2021, in 60 Seconds Magazine. As of June 3, 2023, 60 Seconds Magazine‘s website is no longer active.

It’s June, which is National Pride Month! In honor of the LGBTQ+ community, here are some great ways to visibly support members of the community and their rights.

1. Don’t Make Assumptions About People’s Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

One of the best ways to show your support is to never make assumptions about someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Do your best to avoid language or actions that can be taken the wrong way.

2. Speak Out Against LGBTQ+ Harassment and Discrimination

Support doesn’t have to just be emotional. Another great way to commit to equality is to actively speak out against LGBTQ+ harassment and discrimination. If you see any type of malicious words or behavior around you, don’t hesitate to step in and speak out.

3. Read and Learn About LGBTQ+ Issues and Rights

As an ally, you can always learn more about LGBTQ+ issues and rights. One of the best ways to offer your support is to stay on top of current events and news, so you can be a pillar of strength for those in the LGBTQ+ community.

What are some of the ways you help to take a stand for LGBTQ+ rights?

The Importance of Gender Diversity in the Workplace

February 13, 2025 Elizabeth N. TranLeave a comment

This article was originally published on May 17, 2021, in 60 Seconds Magazine. As of June 3, 2023, 60 Seconds Magazine‘s website is no longer active.

When discussing diversity, we often gravitate towards discussions about race, social injustices, and prejudice. However, gender diversity is also a major concern that plagues one of the most important places in our society—the workplace.

Gender diversity in the workplace is crucial in creating an organization that equally and fairly represents everyone. It’s important to note that simply hiring more employees that identify as women, transgender, or nonbinary is not enough. Instead, companies need to actively create a workplace that empowers and includes everyone across the gender spectrum.

To do so, it is crucial to challenge gender stereotypes. For instance, women do not have to be the only ones taking notes during meetings or answering the telephone for their bosses. Assigning one gender to certain tasks and behaviors encourages stereotypes, so it’s important to challenge these preconceived notions by taking a look at the kind of language that is being used in the workplace.

Another great way to challenge gender stereotypes is through the amplification of a variety of voices. During meetings, it can be extremely helpful to consider everyone’s opinions or ideas. This way, everyone can feel included and will be encouraged to communicate more in the future.

When discussing gender diversity in the workspace, fair promotion and compensation is a topic that needs to be addressed as well. Promotion practices need to be based on performance and merit alone and not on anything else, such as gender or race. To ensure fair and equal representation, it’s important to make sure the hiring committee and human resources departments are not exclusively dominated by any one gender. By actively standing against gender stereotypes and prejudices, a workplace can introduce important concepts about identity to their employees, which will then influence their behavior in the future.

The Importance of Diversity in the Classroom

February 13, 2025 Elizabeth N. TranLeave a comment

This article was originally published on April 9, 2021, in 60 Seconds Magazine. As of June 3, 2023, 60 Seconds Magazine‘s website is no longer active.

The world is having very important conversations regarding diversity right now, making it the perfect time to touch on social injustices, prejudices, and stereotyping in one of the most important places in our society—the classroom. Growing up as a first-generation Asian American, I didn’t always feel welcome in the classroom in elementary and middle school. This was partly due to the lack of lessons to help other students understand diversity.

There are so many opportunities for teachers to create lessons and activities that celebrate other cultures, religions, nationalities, and personal decisions, which will help create a comfortable and safe environment for everyone in the classroom. Most importantly, teachers will be able to nurture a more tolerant and understanding generation of students.

One of the best ways to break down prejudices and stereotypes is through literature. Students can benefit from being exposed to more books that touch upon tolerance, prejudices, racism, and stereotyping. Some popular choices include books such as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Hate U Give, and Don’t Call Me Special.

Another great way to increase awareness of other cultures is to share and celebrate each other’s holiday traditions. Questions such as where the holiday originated from and why people celebrate it will help students gain a deeper understanding of a variety of nationalities, religions, and holidays.

However, the best way to nurture culturally sensitive and understanding students is by being a positive role model. By actively standing against racism and prejudices, teachers will introduce important concepts about identity, culture, and tradition to their students, which will then influence their behavior in the future.