Although the year starts in January, fall elicits feelings of a true new beginning—or a new school year at least. Here are this season’s best products to accommodate both Zoom classes and remote workplaces alike:
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Blue Light Glasses
After just two days of Zoom-ing, I found myself with severe eye strain and headaches. Apparently, staring at a computer screen for 6+ hours a day can be bad for you! Who knew?! Luckily, modern problems have modern solutions. Blue light glasses are formulated with a lens that filters the blue light from your screens, supposedly relieving some of the harshness on your eyes. Have you always wanted to try the glasses-look to live out your Jessica Day/Diane Ngyuen moment? Now is the time to explore blue light glasses.
Bonus Tip: Sometimes your computer comes with a filter mode that also blocks out the blue light (ex. Apple’s “Night Shift”).
Warby Parker (Affordable): https://www.warbyparker.com/blue-light-glasses
Coco and Breezy (Black-owned): https://cocoandbreezy.com/
Bohten (Black-owned): https://bohten.com/pages/intro-to-blue-light
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Masks
Let’s face it, masks are here to stay for a while. With the colder weather approaching comes a new phase of taking safety precautions in public spaces. Whether you opt for a reusable fabric option or the more convenient disposable medical mask, all function the same—to keep you and others safe from infected droplets. Instead of griping about the cons, think of the positives—mask culture has forced us to confront cultural questions around facial recognition surveillance, public health problems, and so much more (like our own breath…).
United By Blue (Sustainable, profits donated to support Philadelphia’s houseless population): https://unitedbyblue.com/products/hemp-blend-face-mask?variant=31926252929096&avad=55097_b1cdd0805&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=avantlink&utm_campaign=40661
Madewell (Sustainable, made from fabric scraps!): https://www.madewell.com/three-pack-non-medical-face-masks-MC273.html?srcCode=affiliate|Content|Skimlinks|MWAFFI00001&siteId=CJ_100062354_Skimlinks&utm_source=Skimlinks&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=Content&utm_campaign=MWAFFI00001&cjevent=d7965ea5f2aa11ea82b5065f0a240613
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Sunscreen
Yes, I am that girl who will nag everyone to wear sunscreen daily. As annoying as it may be, I want my friends and family to stay youthful and safe. Even though it’s no longer summer, the sun’s rays are still more harmful than ever. Your daily 45 minute walk (or drive) to and from class is 45 minutes of sun exposure! Wearing a daily sunscreen will protect you from free radicals, which are the compounds that ultimately cause aging. Don’t believe me? Watch THIS! SPF can be found on its own, or formulated into other products like makeup or moisturizer, so find an option that best fits into your routine and enjoy youthful skin forever!!!!!
Regular sunscreen: https://supergoop.com/products/unseen-sunscreen
Makeup sunscreen: https://www.itcosmetics.com/makeup/face-makeup/foundation/cc-cream-with-spf-50/ITC_0008.html
Moisturizing sunscreen: https://www.fentybeauty.com/hydra-vizor-invisible-moisturizer-broad-spectrum-spf-30-sunscreen/FS20001.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjZehhqjc6wIVzopaBR1F-AqBEAQYAiABEgKbHfD_BwE
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Pearl Accessories
If you are between the ages of 12-23, then you’re probably on TikTok. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve watched so many TikToks your brain is practically synchronized with your FYP. And if your FYP is anything like mine, then you’ve heard of TikTok fashion. Is there anything more academia-core than pearl accessories? The start of a new school year means trying out new styles! Pearl accessories will help you carry on the legacies of preppy queen Blair Waldorf and workwear icon Oliva Pope. And when your fall style makeover inevitably fizzles out, pearl accessories will still prevail as cute holiday accents and spring sundress accompanants.
Brave Chick Jewelry (Black Owned, Profits Donated to Survivors of Domestic Abuse): https://www.etsy.com/shop/BraveChickJewelry?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=777516904
Amanda Pearl (Sustainably and Ethically Made in NYC): https://amandapearl.com/
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What You Already Own
And finally, the start of a new season doesn’t imply a brand new wardrobe or even new things. Take stock of what you have! Find ways to repurpose, restyle, and reuse. The most sustainable practice is being conscious of what and when you buy. Do a clothing swap with your friends (especially the ones with amazing style). Thrift your dorm decor! Bring your own tote to the supermarket (if you are a chronic bag-forgetter, keep a foldable one in your school bag). Sustainability is not about one person doing it perfectly, but rather a ton of people making small, do-able changes.