If You Have $15 And You're In The Mood For A New Skincare Treat, Check Out These 25 Reviewer-Favorite Finds

L'Oreal illuminating moisturizer infused with glycerine and shea butter — if you're looking to add a lightweight alternative to your thick foundation and want an extra *glow*, then you're gonna adore this! Reviewers say it's basically like if Glossier's Futuredew and Drunk Elephant's Bronzing Drops had a brilliant, beautiful skincare baby.
A paraben-free self-tanner with a mousse texture so you can apply the product evenly (unlike thicker lotions that leave distinct lines behind). Use this if you'd rather not look like you spent all winter hibernating in a cave.
And an exfoliating mitten lots of folks love for preventing ingrown hairs, reducing KP, and smoothing out their skin before applying tanning lotion.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face SPF 60 Serum that'll do its very darndest to protect your skin (without a white cast) no matter how much you're out in the sun this summer. Reviewers rave about using this as a priming moisturizer. Any way to sneak some SPF into your makeup routine is a real win. My pasty self is buying this as we speak. Seriously.
Nyx's Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Serum for people who are sick and tired of their lip glosses lacking color, their lip balms lacking interest, and their lipsticks drying out their lips. This acts as a gloss, lip stain, and balm all in one for up to 12 hours of happy, hydrated, and good-lookin' lips!
E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, frugal reviewers have excitedly compared to Glow Recipe's $35 Watermelon Dew Drops. If you'd like to see your skin bright and plump with a *chef's kiss* dewy glow, this is gonna be your favorite stuff! It's lightweight enough to wear alone or apply under your makeup. Bless.
Elizavecca's carbonated bubble clay mask that'll exfoliate your skin and banish blackheads (according to reviewers). The selfie potential of this face mask alone is...overwhelming.
Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream — whether you've noticed your neck skin practically hanging on for dear life thanks to that darn gravitational pull or find your décolletage creased in the center from side sleeping, the glycerin and aloe in this formula can give that delicate skin some much-needed hydration, while the salicylic acid can gently exfoliate dead skin cells. Reviewers say patience is worth it with this one, so give your body time to soak it all in and enjoy those results!
Cerave eye repair cream, which is cooked up with their famous blend of ceramides (a skincare "secret sauce" if you will) and a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and niacinamide to help tighten and brighten the appearance of skin. If you're revitalizing your skincare routine, add this to the mix and reduce the appearance of dark circles, under-eye puffiness, *and* fine lines. ~Eye~ love to see it.
Or Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel that'll be beloved by people who drink up yerba mate like it's water from the actual fountain of youth. And that's not the only powerful ingredient this gel has to offer! It also boasts three unique forms of hyaluronic acid to moisturize and revitalize the skin under your eyes. There are no dark circles here, my dear!
A hyaluronic acid serum — this can save your dry skin thanks to its *intense* hydrating properties that improve a dry complexion's softness, smoothness, and ability to retain moisture. I feel soothed just thinking about it.
Etude's Dear Darling Water Tint, with a luxurious vitamin and berry formula, that'll be exactly what you want if you prefer a "no makeup" makeup look that also doesn't FEEL like you have makeup on. This nourishing (and smudge-free!!) mix is comparable to Benefit's Lip Tint and is designed to look super natural. Not only is it super moisturizing, but it doesn't need a harsh wipe or cleanse like other lipsticks, which is a *real* gift to the super thin skin on our lips!
The Face Shop's facial foaming cleanser formulated with rice water to help brighten, cleanse, moisturize, and remove your makeup all at once. If you like the idea of having *one* skincare product that does it all...this belongs in your bathroom.
A bottle of Bio-Oil, beloved by many a skin-having human, made with a powerful blend of moisturizing oils and vitamins that'll aid in fadin' scars you'd rather have bippity-boppity-boop off your body.
A caffeinated butt mask that'll wake up your skincare system if you've been a bit behind on your routine lately. These potent masks are designed to tone and smooth your cheeks with just a 15-minute mask sesh!
A tattoo aftercare salve to make both colored and monochrome tattoos look out-of-this-world lovely. This soothes, protects, and enhances the look of your ink, both fresh and faded.
A Revlon volcanic stone face roller that'll absorb excess oil on your face as you swipe it away *without* ruining your makeup. Now that this exists, there's no better product to have in your bag when the summer sun brings back your extra oily skin. Oil blotting sheets WISH they were this sexy. Keep your makeup looking great all day with this OG TikTok beauty sensation.
Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener (made with a *chef's kiss* mix of hydraulic acid and shea butter), which became a knockout success once reviewers started raving en mass about the product's instant invisible coverage. If you're looking for quick and easy results that suggest you don't even require sleep...you've come to the right brightener.
A glazed donut Lanolips lip balm because if it really chaps your hide (my Grandma's favorite phrase, Hi Grandma!) when your lips are chapped during allergy season, then you need to be using a healing combo of lanolin oil and vitamin E to moisturize and nourish that extra thin skin. This is also recommended for cuticles and cracked heels!
Olay Super Serum Body Wash (the body wash version of Olay's cult favorite facial Super Serum) — this is so soothing it's basically gonna feel like giving your dry skin a niacinamide-forward bottle of red, with notes of shea butter and a whiff of collagen peptides that'll treat your ~full body~ to 24-hour hydration. Ahhh, drink that all in.
PanOxyl Antimicrobial Hydrating Acne Creamy Wash — if you've been hoping their OG foaming wash worked on your sensitive skin, they heard your wish! Not only is this great on sensitive skin, but it'll also help clear up acne-causing bacteria on your whole body! It's designed to clear up existing acne and prevent further breakouts by deep-cleaning your pores. A gift!
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy reviewers with cracked heels, elbows, and knuckles say it works fast without aggravating their sensitive skin. If you want your skin to feel Disney-princess smooth for the first time in forever, then let this stuff give you the 48-hour moisturizing protection you deserve.
Rael "Miracle Invisible Spot Cover" Pimple Patches for anyone who thinks the best skincare treat they could possibly give themselves is pimple patches that don't shout, "Look over here at this vacuum-sealed pimple bursting from my face!" These have the same hydrocolloid formula for relieving the redness, swelling, and pus from breakouts *without* the usual show-and-tell.
Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion sure to be the TikTok obsession you *too* are about to be obsessed with. This lightweight formula provides a soothing and long-lasting moisture barrier so your skin feels silky. Which is great, as it's what we want lotion to do, but people are also losing it over how great this smells...many comparing the scent to $$ brands like Philosophy. Nice.
A set of "Golden Glow" under-eye gels made with a 24-karat gold collagen formula that'll ease the look of dark circles and bags under your eyes and make your skin look positively ~golden~.

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New York Times

2 days ago

• New York Times

‘Prewar Eva' Has Her Finger on the Pulse of the Hamptons

Much like clothing trends, summer homes in the Hamptons are subject to a coming and going of fashionable preferences. This year, for example, it appears the white boxy mansion — an emblem of Hamptons wealth for nearly two decades — is beginning to fall out of favor among a certain type of buyer. This per the real estate agent Eva Alt, a member of the Hudson Advisory team at Compass, who is regarded as among the best at tracking such changes. Ms. Alt, 31, has branded herself 'Prewar Eva' on Instagram, where she chronicles stories behind the blue-chip listings that catch her eye. These have included a Midtown carriage house once owned by the supermodel Claudia Schiffer and a palatial Fifth Avenue residence formerly occupied by a Sicilian princess (Ms. Alt represented the buyer on that sale, recorded at $7.55 million). Her eye for stylish properties has earned her a following of nearly 12,000, many of whom window shop her posts as if they were a hybrid of Zillow and a design magazine. Among her community of followers are the actress Chloë Sevigny, the celebrity stylist Danielle Goldberg, the designer Ana Kraš and Flynn McGarry, a chef. Before entering the real estate field in 2021, Ms. Alt led social media for the beauty company Glossier. Her approach is to act as not only an agent of properties but also an agent of taste. 'I don't just think of myself as a salesperson, I'm a true fan of real estate and a trusted adviser to my clients,' she said. 'It's not just pretty pictures on Instagram,' she added. Based in Manhattan, Ms. Alt represents buyers and sellers in New York City and the Hamptons, the latter of which she has consistently visited for more than two decades, both as a vacationer (her aunt maintains a home in East Hampton) and as an agent. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.

Buzz Feed

5 days ago

• Buzz Feed

36 Great Alternatives To Pricey Brand-Name Items

A pair of waterproof wireless earbuds that look just like AirPods Pro — *but* these have an LED display to show you the battery percentage on the case. These don't have noise cancellation like the Pros do, but if that's not something you're looking for, this swap will help you save a LOT of pretty pennies. The earbuds last up to 6 hours on a single charge and are sweatproof, meaning they can transition seamlessly from your phone call to a running session around your neighborhood. And a pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones with the same sleek, shiny shell design of AirPods Max. These have pretty decent noise cancellation (according to reviewers) and a built-in mic to answer calls, and they feel super comfy on your ears with their extra padding. For only 20 bucks, they're a much safer (and wallet-friendly) purchase if you're unsure about Apple's headphones — they are over $500, after all... A cubic zirconia ring that looks so much like a Cartier Love Ring, people will think you dropped BANDS for it. People will undoubtedly compliment your bling, so in the words of Mel Robbins — let them. ☺️ The Hanes Ultimate crew socks because who wants to drop bank on good quality socks?! No thanks. These are just like Aritzia's TNA socks — which cost $20 for a three-pack — but these come in a pack of ✨six✨ for half the price. They still have the same ribbed detailing, sit above your ankle, and will feel super cushiony as you walk around in them. E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine — did you know that their shade "Ecstatic" looks eerily similar to Clinique's "Black Honey?" Well now you do. Elf's version is sheer, buildable, and nourishing (just like Clinique's) but costs almost 20 dollars less! A set of square stemmed wineglasses so your CRISP white wine can hit just a little harder when you take your first sip. Just imagine swirling your twist-off wine and sipping like you're on a wine tour in Napa. If you feel like these seem straight out of Crate & Barrel (good eye!), reviewers say they look just the they love the price tag of these much more. An Ugg-inspired suede mule slipper that's still got the comfortable fuzzy interior and stylish exterior like its Aussie counterpart, but for soooo much less. These even have half-sizes — which Ugg doesn't! L'Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion for an illuminating glow that easily rivals the infamous Drunk Elephant's bronzing drops. It's designed to be worn alone, under foundation, or use it as a highlighter on your cheekbones! Reviewers like this *more* than Drunk Elephant because it can be worn as a skin tint and it's less glittery. A pair of leakproof "Cloudfeel" period boyshorts that give the Thinx version a real run for their money — and these are 10 bucks cheaper. They're soft, comfy, and hold up to 12 tampons worth of period blood, so you can sleep without any worries you'll stain your sheets. Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume if YSL Black Opium is your holy grail scent, but it's simply breaking the budget. This one is quite literally inspired by YSL, so you get the experience of wearing a luxury scent without dropping $95. It's designed to last for up to eight hours *and* smell like a wonderful blend of mandarin, jasmine, orange blossom, and vanilla. L'Oréal Paris BB Cream aka a solid alternative to Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream, because they're both designed to neutralize redness and even out your skin tone — but L'Oréal's is a lot more affordable. Bonus: It can double as a base for makeup, making it very versatile — we love! A waterproof fitness smartwatch that'll make you question why it's under $40... It has many of the features that make pricey smartwatches so amazing, like Bluetooth, voice-control features, the ability to take phone calls, and an HD display. It also allows you to track numerous things like step count, calories burned, training time, AND distance for a variety of activities. It has a unique, sleek design (just like the Apple Watch) *and* 500+ watch face options to choose from — or just upload your own from your camera roll! Elizavecca's CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein treatment for damaged hair from hot styling tools or over-processing from harsh treatments like bleach. Reviewers say it helps their hair feel stronger, softer, and less tangled, with an immediate difference. One person even went as far as to say that it's "Better than Olaplex." 😱 Glossmetics' Lychee Overnight Lip Mask designed to deeply hydrate so your lips feel softer by morning. It's formulated with shea butter (just like Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask), but it's *also* got peptides packed into it — great for hydration and preventing dryness. Reviewers say it's a good alternative because it feels very similar, lasts a long time, and doesn't get goopy in the corners of the mouth. A pair of ~Dreamlux~ leggings that are the closest thing you'll get to Lululemon Align leggings without dropping major cash on them. They not only look the same, but they're also soft, comfy, *and* not see-through — which means you don't have to worry when you do a deep lunge at the gym. Reviewers also like these more than Lulus because they stay in good condition over time, the color doesn't fade, and they don't fall down when you're wearing them. A Briotech spray with hypochlorous acid, an antibacterial ingredient that can help reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation. Spritz this on your face as needed (like after a workout!) to help target acne-causing bacteria and soothe skin. Reviewers compare this to the Tower 28 SOS Spray, which is pricier (and has the same key ingredient!). Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, a color corrector that neutralizes the bluish eye bags that scream, "I only slept for four hours last night." It'll not only provide impeccable coverage, but it'll also nourish your skin thanks to its hyaluronic acid and shea butter formula. Reviewers say they like this *more* than Smashbox's Becca under eye cream because it's thinner, doesn't settle into fine lines, and is better at brightening. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm with a blend of vitamin E and pearl barley to remove makeup with EASE. Say goodbye to those wasteful makeup wipes when you can swipe this on — it leaves no residue or oily mess on your skin. So take this as your sign to ditch the pricier versions by Farmacy Green Clean, Dermalogica, or Elemis! A set of satin pillowcases that have a similar aesthetic and similar benefits to pricey alternatives like Slip and Kitsch — and reviewers agree. They can help create less friction against your hair, reduce breakage, and control frizz, making them great for those of you who take your haircare EXTRA seriously. A long-lasting E.l.f Lash XTNDR tubing mascara reviewers say OUTPREFORMS pricier versions like Benefit, Thrive, and Blinc because it doesn't clump or flake *and* it stays in place all day without being hard to remove. It's formulated with jojoba seed oil to condition lashes, all while providing *dramatic* length. A pair of Cushionaire cork-bottom sandals if you love the stylish look of Birkenstocks on summery days. Over 1K reviewers compare these to the name brand, with some noting that these are more comfortable, good quality, and have no break-in period. An Apple-compatible locator tag with all the functionality of an AirTag but at a price that won't make you say "Really..." 😑. 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Or a laptop tote bag with an alligator print to feel luxurious on your way to work, school drop-off, or just your daily errands. The best part? It won't break your bank account! It's very similar to the Béis Work Tote and can fit your laptop, water bottle, iPad, makeup essentials, and more with ease! E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that'll make your skin glow, blur the appearance of pores, and add a dash of moisture to your skin — just like Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Filter — except this has a better price tag. It leaves a soft, dewy finish that you can sport on its own, under makeup, or as a highlighter on top! A super soft long-sleeved bodysuit if you're looking for a Skims lookalike that's breathable, not see-through, *and* cheap, then this is for you. One reviewer went as far as to say that this alternative looks the *EXACT* same as the OG when side by side. 👀 E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops reviewers say are a great alternative to the pricier Watermelon Dew Drops from Glow Recipe. They're designed to hydrate, make your skin all glowy, and either be used as a step in your skincare routine *or* a primer for your foundation or concealer. A beloved, slow-burning luxury-scented candle with top notes of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood that reviewers say is similar to Le Labo's Santal 33. One reviewer said it reminds them of a "luxury hotel," so it'll pair perfectly with your room service (McDonald's). A pair of oversized square sunglasses that'll make you look so stylish and expensive you should be sitting courtside at a Knicks game. They look like Bottega Veneta, but you'll be laughing all the way to the bank because these are a whole lot cheaper. Another bonus is that they come in many colors *and* have polarized lenses with UV protection! Etude's Dear Darling Water Tint because you can get both a lip stain *and* rosy blush from just one product? Some reviewers say it's similar to Benefit's Lip Tint because the color, pigment, and anti-smudge formula are "very, very close" to the OG — and who doesn't want a cheap two-in-one product? A bottle of NYX matte setting spray some reviewers prefer to the Urban Decay version, because it has no scent and a better spritzer — and they say it's more effective at keeping makeup in place (like around the mouth). And it's designed to prevent creasing and smearing, and control oil that naturally occurs throughout the day. A lightweight, cropped zip-up workout jacket to make everyone think you're a gym BADDIE while you're doing 12-3-30 or just running a quick errand. While you could opt for the Lululemon version, do you really wanna spend more than double? Doubtful. And a Lululemon-inspired longline sports bra you can wear for your next morning workout class, grocery run, or *even* your "let me rot all day in bed" moment. It's supportive, not too compressive, and lightweight, so it'll be delightful in warmer weather. Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots if you have a zit that sprouted up — just stick on these hydrocolloid patches that'll help suck up all the gunk. They're *just* like Hero's Mighty Patches, but way more affordable — and they come in three sizes so you're zit is covered whether it's a tiny bump or a major breakout. A set of cozy button-down PJs so when you step into your room after (what felt like) a never-ending day, you can slip on something superrr soft. They're a solid alternative to pricey brands like Eberjay and Skims, so you'll feel like you're relaxing in name-brand heaven. Your "lay for the foreseeable future" sessions are gonna hit different with these — just trust me.

Los Angeles Times

6 days ago

• Los Angeles Times

Vendor Spotlight: Emma Rothschild, Bitchin' Blooms

Floral designer Emma Rothschild's job title? 'Founder, marketing director, creative director—all of the above.' However, despite her dizzying array of responsibilities, including starting and running her own business from scratch, Rothschild never breaks a smile when talking about her work. 'We're all just playing with flowers,' she says, and, undeterred by the incontrovertible challenges and intensity of what she does, she never seems to stop having fun. Within a short couple of years, starting with only her own apartment and a resume consisting of a Master's in Nonprofit Administration and Management, corporate work, and no floral design experience whatsoever, Rothschild has turned play into work, founding her own floral design business, Bitchin' Blooms, that has worked with brands including Nike, Glossier, Totême, Ana Luisa, and more. I always really loved art in design and color. My mom does floral arrangements from the garden. My grandpa always did really fun and unique fruit plate designs. So, I always just was interested. And then, when I was in grad school, I basically emailed every florist I could find under the sun in L.A. asking if I could freelance, if I could do it for free, get any experience I could. And luckily, a few people said yes. So, that's when I started doing it. And then, I worked at some flower shops, and then started Bitchin' Blooms. My first experience doing flowers, I lied a little bit and said that I already had flower experience because there was a florist that needed a lot of freelancers for Valentine's Day, and, I figured, 'It's the busiest holiday of the the year, they're not going to know if I have no idea what I'm doing.' So, I just kind of jumped into it and, like, the night before, was researching flower names to make sure that if they asked me anything, I knew what it was. And, I was just making little bouquets for Valentine's Day. Before Bitchin' Blooms, I did a bunch of freelancing under florists, and then I worked at two different flower shops. One of them had a very distinct kind of classic style, and then the other one was a lot of building bouquets on the spot for people. So, whatever they wanted, you just kind of had to make it, and make it quickly. What led me to open my own business was really wanting the creative freedom to do, kind of, whatever I wanted at any given moment. I would say that when you work at a flower shop, sometimes you have to adhere to specific styles. So, I really like having that ability to do anything. I got my master's in nonprofit administration and management. So, I had quite a few internships in the nonprofit arts world, and then I also worked in marketing at a women's healthcare clinic. And, although that fulfilled a different part of my personality and what I enjoy, I really missed the creative aspect. So, when I realized that Bitchin' Blooms could be my full time job, I just decided to kind of dive in. Switching from corporate America-y jobs to this was kind of scary, mostly exciting. I have a lot of really supportive people around me that were urging me to make the jump for a long time before I did it. And, I just kind of had a moment where I was always doing Bitchin' Blooms while also working. But, it just got increasingly more difficult to split my time, and I had wanted to do flowers since I started it. And, it just felt like it was a moment where I could actually sustain myself and do something I really wanted to do. I would say the biggest trends right now are more color and more unique and interesting flowers. I think people are starting to veer away from the whites and greens and those, kind of, classic looks and going for bright 'pops.' Some of the trends right now are Ikebana style—so the minimalist arrangements that just have a few different really cool stems. I would also say anthurium and orchis are specifically really big right now. And, just more color. Lots of color—which I love. 'I'm really excited that there's a lot of young women that are starting to be floral designers,' says Rothschild. I would say the main thing that sets me apart from other floral vendors is the personal aspect. When you're coming to Bitchin' Blooms for your wedding, you're going to be working with me, specifically, from start to finish. So, I'll give you my cell phone number, so if you see flowers out in the wild that you love, you can send it to me so that I know something that you're, you know—that's popping up that you're really into. I also would say that I use really unique flowers and designs. And then, another thing is that I don't have a minimum for my weddings, so even if you have a really small brunch or a microwedding, we can definitely make something that'll be special. I think that people choose me because of the colors that I use and the natural style that I go for. So, something that's more unique. You're not going to see just roses—well, sometimes you do, but they'll be with reflex, or there'll be something that's different about it, that you wouldn't just see typically. And, I do think that there is a personal aspect to coming to someone like me, where you know that you're talking to the person who's designing your flowers, and they're overseeing everything, and there's that direct communication so that it's not just, you know, hiring 1-800-FLOWERS to do your arrangement or your wedding. You're hiring someone that you know and you can talk to and bounce ideas off of. I ruptured my Achilles last year, and a week after I did that, I had a wedding on the Malibu Pier. So I was in a cast on crutches. But, when you're running your own business, and you want to make it work, you do. So, I had my mom help, I had my boyfriend help. We ended up forgetting the crutches when we got there, so we had to zoom over to CVS. But, luckily, we had plenty of time, and it actually ended up being one of my favorite weddings. Some of the challenges during peak wedding season are definitely… sleep. You get up at 5:30 in the morning to go to the flower market, and then you have to stay fresh to make sure that your designs look the way that you want them to. And, another challenge would be knowing when to turn your phone off, when you're running your own business. You want to answer every email within 15 minutes and just be really on top of it, but that's just not possible, and it's definitely good to know when to take a break. I would say the most challenging aspect is more the mental side of it. Because, you know, you're doing a wedding—it's a really special day for people, you want to make sure that the bride loves her bouquet, that the photos turn out just how she wants them to. So, I would say the most challenging part is just making 100-percent sure that you're on the same page as the couple, so that the end product really reflects what they want. 'The secret to my success is blind optimism—and,' Rothschild jokes, 'having a mom and boyfriend who will work for free.' My flower style is very colorful and architectural and really plays with heights and textures. Something that's always inspired me, and that I've always loved, is art, in general. I almost was an art history major in college, and I've loved Impressionists and just seeing those vibrant colors and the way that they melt together. So, I think that definitely inspires me. And then my biggest inspiration is, just, what's freshest at the market. Because sometimes you can go into the market, and you think you're going to do something, and then you find out that the dahlias look terrible that week, and you just have to pivot and find something else that matches what you're thinking. And, the colors of the market are just so fun and exciting to look at. Thank God [my style] has evolved, because sometimes I look at old pictures, and I'm like, 'Oh my God, I can't believe that passed. But, I would say the main thing that has evolved is being able to play with the depth and texture. I think, when I started out, arrangements were really flat, and although they were colorful, and pretty flowers were in them, they were very one-sided, and you couldn't see the different flowers because they were kind of just too mushed together. And now, I've really been playing with depth and height and just trying to make the shapes a little more interesting than your average flower arrangement. My personality is definitely not go-with-the-flow—and I think all of my friends would say that, too. I think I'm a problem-solver type. If there's something that needs to be figured out, I don't stress out about it. I'm just going to make sure that it happens and go for it. And, I'm a perfectionist sometimes. Like, when it comes to flowers, I will be looking at something forever to make sure it looks perfect. And then, for other aspects of the business, like Instagram or something, I just want it posted, and I don't want to think about it anymore. And then, I think being light-hearted is just an important part of owning your own business and going for it, because you can't take things too much to-heart—even though sometimes I do—because it's just, you're in customer service, at the end of the day. So, you can't take every little comment to, you know, impact your entire business or being. 'I think being light-hearted is just an important part of owning your own business and going for it,' Rothschild says. The most difficult part of my job? I don't know—I feel very lucky to be able to do flowers for my job. I think the most difficult aspect would be admin stuff, in general. Like, you have to figure out taxes and bookkeeping and become an LLC, and all of these things that you just don't think of when you start arranging flowers. You think that you're going to get to do creative stuff all the time, but there's a lot of backend work. And then, also, cleaning up is always hard, and you never want to do it at the end of the day. My approach to marketing at the beginning was—none. I just posted everything. And, sometimes I'll scroll all the way back on my Instagram, and I think about deleting things, and I don't, because I feel like it really shows the evolution. But, I think when you're starting out, you know, you just have your friends support you and follow you and go along. And then recently, I've tried to have a more strategic angle to my marketing, where I'll show people how I make the arrangements, going to the market, and kind of the behind-the-scenes of it. And, I also got a little pedestal to put in my apartment so that all my photos look more professional. What do I hope for the future of my business? I would love to be, well—currently my flower studio is my apartment, so I would love a formal flower studio with gorgeous lighting to take pictures in. And, just more of what I'm doing now. I do, you know, brand events and weddings. And, you know, having a wedding a week, or a brand event and then a wedding, or something like that I think would be really cool. Sometimes, I'm like, 'Yeah, I want to have a staff'—I kind of like just having it be me, and making everything, and doing these more 'micro' weddings. I think it's nice keeping it small. My team generally consists of my mom, and my boyfriend will do all the heavylifting. I have hired freelancers in the past—luckily, from my past flower experiences, I have a lot of friends in the flower world doing their own things or working at flower shops or have moved on, but still have that skillset. But so far, I don't hire a consistent team. [Note: Emma has, since we interviewed her, moved into her very own 'formal' flower studio and done a series of events and collaborations with various brands.] My favorite flowers to work with—I'll probably just keep going and going—but I love sweet peas, peonies, anthurium, orchids, dahlias… I'll keep it to those five, I would say, are my top, top flowers. I think my dream flower arrangement would be really colorful. I love working with pinks and oranges and vibrant greens and, like, a pop of purple. And, it would definitely have a lot of orchids, anthurium, sweet peas—all those. And also allium, which are the giant, purple, ball flowers. They're in the garlic family, and they're just a really fun flower to work with. I know what my dream wedding would be, and it would be at the Ojai Valley Inn, specifically, and it would have a lot of orchids and anthuriums and dahlias and sweet peas and all the flowers that I mentioned. And, it would be very florally dense. I think something that I do in my arrangements is I don't use a lot of greenery at all, if any, so it would definitely be bloom-centric. And, just, everywhere, flowers—flowers up the trees, down the centers of the tables. And, also, food styling. I think food styling with flowers is really cool.