Emmy Hayes Condon
Your daily guide to feeling, looking, and living your best.
Best Summer Beauty & Wellness Finds Under $10 Right Now
Okay, can we talk about how incredible the beauty aisle is right now? Because your glow-up is literally right there — and it costs less than your last coffee run. Here are the under-$10 heroes to keep your Summer on track.
First, skincare: the Good Molecules Firming Peptide Eye Cream (just $6 at Ulta!) is a legit steal — a peptide-powered formula targeting fine lines and dark circles without the department store price tag. Pair it with the ANUA Hyaluronic Acid 8 + Catechin Cooling Mask (~$5–$7 per mask) for a glass-skin moment at home. Reviewers rave that it instantly cools, leaves skin plump and bouncy, and calms redness almost completely. It's the self-care Sunday treat your skin deserves.
For body hydration, the Neutrogena HydroBoost Hydrating Body Cream is a hyaluronic acid dream that keeps skin soft and moisturized all day — often found on sale under $10. And for your lips? The ChapStick HydraBalm Lip Repair Balm delivers serious moisture with zero fuss.
On the makeup side, the e.l.f. Sheer For It Blush Lip & Cheek Tint is only $6 and is everything. It delivers buildable, long-lasting stain power on both lips and cheeks at a fraction of the cost of other products. Two products in one — yes please!
Finally, hair: the Conair Flap Claw Clips is the perfect poolside companion! Affordable, sturdy, and no pain, so hot right now.
Money Wellness Is Real Wellness
I just got done updating a spreadsheet dedicated to my monthly maintenance routines (spoiler alert: I’m not a natural blonde), and after a few heavy sighs, and weighing the financial decision of monthly mani/pedis or my new love for reformer pilates, I decided to take a deep breath and make a realistic budget.
Wellness isn’t just for our physical or mental well-being — the morning routines, the supplements, the Sunday resets. But there's one pillar most of us quietly avoid: our finances.
Financial stress is one of the leading contributors to poor sleep, anxiety, and burnout. Which means that getting your money sorted isn't just practical, it's good for your health.
That's where a dedicated wellness account comes in. Think of it less like banking admin and more like building a foundation for the kind of calm, intentional life you're already working toward.
Your wellness fund is actually growing. SoFi Checking and Savings members with direct deposit earn a high APY on savings — so the money you're setting aside for therapy, gym memberships, or that yoga retreat is quietly compounding while you wait. And don’t we love more with less?
Also, SoFi lets you set up savings vaults, or rather, dedicated buckets for specific goals. Create one for your wellness fund, one for a fitness goal, and one for a mental-health-day retreat. Seeing those numbers grow, separated and labeled, makes the abstract feel real, and the goal feel close.
Wellness isn't just what you put in your body or how you move it. It's the peace of knowing you're financially grounded. Now exhale, you’ve got it covered.
Disclosures:
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 5/28/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
SoFi does not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. SoFi does charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
The Best Free Workout Ideas — From Run Clubs to Audiobook Walking Groups
Are your pilates classes starting to add up? Workout memberships can be expensive, and honestly? You don't need one. Some of the best workouts out there cost exactly zero dollars, and they come with a side of community that'll actually make you want to show up.
First, let's talk run clubs. The Road Runners Club of America supports community-based running clubs for all ages and abilities, with most local clubs offering group runs at least once a week — and many running stores host them for free too. Search your city on Meetup.com to find a crew near you.
If running isn't your thing, have you heard about audiobook walking clubs? They are having a major moment right now. These groups are completely free, welcoming walkers of all fitness levels, and blend community with the joy of a great story. Groups typically meet at scenic parks or urban trails for 60 to 90 minutes, listening to audiobooks while enjoying each other's company.
For at-home options, there are a few free apps, but YouTube is the OG of free workout classes! From bodyweight sessions and yoga to HIIT and strength training — for all fitness levels, wherever you are!
Movement doesn't have to cost a thing. Your body, your neighborhood, and a good podcast are honestly all you need. Go get it!!
How To Look High-Maintenance on a Low-Maintenance Budget: The Best Ways To Save on Your Beauty Routine At Home
Beauty upkeep in this economy?! With everything getting more expensive, I thought a refresher on some budget-friendly beauty routine hacks might be useful for a simple summer refresh. Between nails, lashes, brows, facials, and hair, the costs add up faster than we'd like to admit. But here's the thing, your wallet has been waiting to hear: you can absolutely look polished and put-together without the hefty price tag.
Start by shopping your own stash. Before you click "add to cart" on anything new, raid your bathroom drawer. Many of us have multiple sunscreens or concealers we only half-use (if they’re not expired!). Work through what you already have first. Instant savings, zero effort.
Simplify your skincare. More products don't mean better skin. Streamlining a laundry list of expensive products saves both time and money — and many people actually get better results when they swap a complicated skincare regimen for high-quality basics. A good cleanser, face oil, and SPF? That's honestly the trio.
Go DIY on brows and lashes. A lash tint and curl enhances lashes for six to eight weeks and saves precious time in your morning routine. For brows, at-home tinting kits are budget-friendly and surprisingly easy to master.
Lean into low-maintenance hair. Choosing styles that embrace your hair's natural texture — like textured bobs or layered cuts — means less time and money spent styling.
The glow-up doesn't have to cost a fortune. Work smarter, not harder, and keep that money in your cute wallet instead.
Pilates Princess -> Gymnastics Girly
Everyone’s in their Pilates Princess era (if you’re one such Pilates Princess, love that for you!), but I’d just like to practice my inversions.
Absolutely no slander to the exercise – my mom was a Pilates instructor and I am well aware of how difficult hundreds are – I’d just like there to be similar enthusiasm (and community!) for those practicing handstands and presses.
Oh, I’m realizing that maybe I’d just like to find other twenty-(plus-)somethings interested in gymnastics.
I may be in the wrong corner of the internet (per ush!) and you’ve been inundated, actually, with calisthenics content, but let me influence you, just for a minute.
Well, I should note, I’d just like to do handstands – calisthenics, otherwise, is a bit out of my wheelhouse.
So, why should we practice inversions, why should we practice balancing?
For the gua sha girlies (of which I am one!), inversions stimulate the lymphatic system, boosting circulation, and improving clarity. That last bit is a product of reversing gravity and allowing blood to (re-)flow toward your heart and brain.
Similarly, inversions can decompress the spine and alleviate back pain. (A quick caveat! Handstands may not be the way to go, here; a downward dog, instead, would be the safer remedy of the two.)
Now, if you’re thinking, Chloe, I’d actually just like to remain upright, there are plenty of other balancing exercises – because handstands are rooted in balance – you can do, too!
Single-leg stands and bird dogs to name two! Balancing is rather important, particularly as we age, to maintain body awareness, improve joint health, and prevent falling.
Have I influenced you yet?
Happy balancing – maybe even happy handstanding!
Photo Source: Marc Kleen via Unsplash.
Ask Clara:
"Which exercises improve balance?"
I'm Gonna Soak Up the Sun (And So Should You)
Hii friends! Long time(-ish), no Wellness Edit!
I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend and were able to properly relax – whatever that means to you!
For a dear friend of mine, I’d gotten up at the crack of dawn Monday morn’ (5AM, really, is quite early for a college student) to celebrate her birthday with the sunrise – which got me thinking, unsurprisingly, about sleeping habits.
I am a notoriously poor sleeper (per the insights of my Whoop), spending far too many hours in a “light sleep” and too few in REM. Then, I’ll succumb to the exhaustion about midday everyday, napping well past the recommended twenty minutes, and the (vicious, vicious) cycle repeats itself.
So, I broached this subject with my therapist, and she recommended early morning sunlight exposure, among other things (such is the life of an anxiety-riddled girly).
Sunlight exposure – particularly that received in the morning – regulates our circadian rhythm, prompting our bodies to reduce melatonin production and increase cortisol production.
If it’s been a minute since you’ve taken bio (same here!), melatonin makes us feel sleepy and cortisol (in manageable levels!) makes us feel a bit more alert and focused.
Now, did I return to my bed post-sunrise-birthday? Yes, I did – and I am unashamed!
But, for the hour or so we sprawled on the lakeshore, I’m nearly certain the sunlight had alleviated a bit of my usual Monday grogginess, holiday or not!
So, in the (warbling, hippie) vein of Sheryl Crow, go soak up the sun.
P.S. I am old enough to listen to Sheryl Crow, but her lyrics don't make too much sense to me – like, what is a 45??
Ask Clara:
"How can I improve my circadian rhythm? "
Your Sober Sister from Another Mister
Because sobriety is in, and I'm the kind of gal who is always down for a frink (fun drink).
If you haven’t seen the term “sober curious” bandied about online, let me break it down for you. Essentially, there is a growing number of individuals that have chosen to quit (used loosely!) drinking. For some, this may mean drinking less regularly, and others foregoing alcohol altogether.
I’ll be honest, I do, occasionally, drink when out with friends (I’m of age!), but I don’t care, really, for drinking all that much.
Which some may say is lame, but I say "my liver is happily intact!"
I kid, I kid. So long as you are not hurting yourself or others, a drink or two is not all that bad. (Re: Nonnamaxxing, the Mediterranean diet suggests that you consume a glass of red wine a day, and its adherents are, reportedly, living to 100!)
That said, as a young woman (still in college!), it’s a relief to know that a “good time” is not predicated on alcohol consumption.
I've always been a bit wary of alcohol’s inebriating effects and, honestly, it’s just not my jam. Plus, when I started college, my mom had given me a set of drink spike tests, so I was sufficiently scared sober. I'd like to note, it is absolutely not fair that women have to be so aware of the actions of others – that we must always be looking over our shoulders – but, because I don’t care for the taste of alcohol either, I’ve found it a bit easier to be “sober curious.”
So, while there are health benefits to choosing sobriety (better sleep, better mental health), I most appreciate the movement’s normalization of good ol’ sober fun.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, please know help is available.
Photo Source: Giphy.
Confessions of A Self-Described Wellness Advocate
I have a confession to make. Though I love a wellness trend as much as the next girly, I’m beginning to wonder, are we doing too much?
It’s just that wellness is feeling, more and more, like a chore and a bit too consumerist – so not in the least bit relaxing.
There’s always another product I ought to buy, another step I ought to implement into my 10-step (yes, 10 whole steps!) skincare routine, and I’ve found it all incredibly exhausting.
Kristyn had written a bit about this in a Girlhood newsletter, but it is so very difficult to “be well” when you receive an influx of information online – even more so, I think, if you happen to be a woman.
Our bodies, our actions are already heavily scrutinized, and, in a sphere intended for the self, I feel increasingly as if I’m performing for others. Because wellness, somehow, has been conflated with particular body standards, each of which serve the male gaze. (I’d be more than happy to continue writing of patriarchal wellness culture in another newsletter, if you’d like.)
All of which is to write, if you feel similarly, just know I’m here with you. I’m not quite sure how we might counter the shift we’re seeing, though a simple step would be to ask ourselves, who am I doing this for?
P.S. If you’re thinking, Chloe’s too young to have read Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series, think again!
Photo Source: The Cut.
Ask Clara:
"How does the patriarchy harm women?"
Dare I Write, Creatine Is for the Girls?
I’ve taken creatine supplements, so you don’t have to!
Well, I haven’t been all that consistent with my supplements, so this edit will be a bit more research-based than experiential.
If you asked me six-ish years ago if I’d ever take creatine, I’d have, most vehemently, said no, presuming the target demographic to be my then-sixteen-year-old brother.
Imagine my surprise when I’d read that women are taking creatine. Yes! And, because “women tend to have lower natural creatine stores than men,” creatine may have greater benefits for women than men – dare I write, creatine is for the girls?
Though a bit of a newer fad (for women, at least), creatine supplements are well-researched and have been proven to enhance muscle recovery, improve one’s athletic performance, and maintain homeostasis throughout the reproductive cycle in women.
Enter me, an easily influenced girly! I’d already hopped on the protein powder bandwagon and figured I may as well give creatine a go. I'm rather active as well and have (re-)taken up gymnastics, which is particularly unforgiving in my old, old age – so I was all over that "enhanced muscle recovery" bit. Unfortunately, I’d gotten the gummy supplements and have found that I don’t particularly care for their texture.
But, in writing this edit, I’m feeling moved by the science (again!) and will reimplement creatine into my routine – be on the lookout for any further updates!
Photo Source: Bloom.
Ask Clara:
"How can I improve my muscle recovery?"
In Defense of the Lazy Sunday
In theory, I adore a lazy Sunday – sleeping in a bit later than you normally would, then, still lazing about in bed, a morning beverage in one hand, a new read in the other.
In practice, I very often succumb to the Sunday Scaries. I may spend a bit more time in bed, but fending off the anxiety of the week ahead is not nearly as enjoyable as reading of Elinor and Marianne’s trifles.
But then I stumbled upon the “French Sunday” and realized I may have skipped a step or two. For one, lazy Sundays are a mentality – as silly as it may seem.
If you’re a bit productivity-obsessed (same here!) and haven’t settled into the mindset of rest, you may find it difficult to do “nothing,” and the additional hour you’ve spent in bed has left you wracked with guilt – the very opposite of well-rested.
Or, you’ve left your chores (grocery shopping, meal prep, and laundry, oh my!) for Sunday, thinking they’re a bit less mentally taxing than your day-to-day tasks – which may be true, but aren’t we deserving of rest, plain and simple?
So, as counter-intuitive as it may seem, you should plan for a lazy Sunday. Do your best to save whatever tasks you have (provided they aren’t too pressing!) for Monday and breathe, just for a moment. Maybe you'd like to stroll about aimlessly or catch up with a long-distance best friend – however you choose to spend your day, be kind to yourself.
If you’d like a few more French Sunday recommendations, I’ve found The Everygirl’s guide to be rather helpful.
P.S. A belated happy Mother’s Day to all who celebrate! Moms, thank you for everything you do! We’d not be here without you, literally!
Photo Source: Toa Heftiba via Unsplash.
Ask Clara:
"How can I prioritize rest?"