Here’s a list of highly-rated and affordable skincare. Each item has some more information about the product and why I think it might work for you.
Don’t forget to always wash your hands before you start your skincare routine.

Note: If you want to learn more about your skin and get personalized suggestions for products, there’s only one solid way to get it: a dermatologist! See if an appointment would be covered by your insurance, or if you don’t have insurance, call a dermatologist office and see how much it would cost out of pocket.

These product prices will range from $7 – $19!

Cleansers

1. Cetaphil: Daily Facial Cleanser $10

This is one of the first things my dermatologist recommended for me when I went in for an appointment. Dermatologists around the country recommend Cetaphil because of its clean ingredient list and affordability. Cetaphil is a great brand for sensitive skin or if you’re looking for a product that does not clog pores. There are rave reviews both on amazon and on Cetaphil’s website.

2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash $7

This wash is very popular among those looking for a cleanser that will help their acne-prone skin, and it makes sense, seeing how this wash is oil-free and it’s active ingredient is salicylic acid. It’s packaging also states that it’s dermatologist recommended.

3. Innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Foam $10

This cleanser recently came on my radar when I was browsing a few bloggers’ “Top 10” lists of favorite, cheap skincare. The cleanser comes out as a foam and is infused with Jeju Green Tea Extract from “on innisfree’s USDA-certified organic (Control Union Certifications CUC) fields on Jeju Island, Korea for skin that feels clean, soft, and hydrated,” according to the website. The cleanser is also vegan!

Acne Treatments

1. Mighty Patch Original – Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch Spot Treatment $12 

I definitely had to look up some articles before I placed this product on the list, solely because I did not know how effective sticker-like dots were for acne. After reading Cosmopolitan’s informative article, I saw that while they’re obviously not the cure-all for acne, hydrocolloid patches help regenerate skin and soak up harmful oils that can cause pimples.

2. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment $7

This treatment reduces and treats pimples in as little as four hours, and while I have not tried this product myself, the reviews seem to share successful experiences! Clean and Clear has been trusted for years to help those with acne and has many products, all available at your local shopping center.

3. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment $13

This is a topical cream that aims to stop breakouts from within with prescription-strength treatment. It’s highly rated reviews on multiple shopping platforms and the product’s ability to target clogged pores and inflammation gives this product a good reputation. The formula is also water-based and alcohol-free!

Moisturizers

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel $8

I would not be surprised if someone you know, friend or relative, has recommended this moisturizer. It’s gel consistency intrigues many while its ability to add moisture back into the skin makes it a drugstore favorite. It can be found at any store that sells skincare, and it’s affordable price makes it even more worthwhile.

2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer $7

Aveeno is a brand that is known for its longevity and moisturizing products, and it’s highly rated lotion is perfect. It has SPF 30 and promotes an even skin tone. It is made for normal skin and doesn’t clog pores.

3. Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer $13

This moisturizer also has SPF and is highly recommended among dermatologists since Cetaphil is known for not clogging pores and helps calm down breakouts by not adding any harmful ingredients. The name itself––oil control––lets consumers know that this is good for oily skin too!

Hopefully this list helps you stick to your skincare routine, or if you don’t have one, here’s something to get you started!

There are so many different communities and genres, each having come my favorite content creators. There’s the beauty/makeup community, the story time/rant community, the drama channel creators, the fitness creators, the True Crime community and so much more!

Below, there’s a list of YouTube channels you need to know, divided by genre.

Dance

ThePalaceDanceStudio

This is a channel that showcases multiple dance groups, originally started by Parris Goebel, an internationally known New Zealand choreographer. The Palace groups are known for their synchronicity and intensity, and you can see this for yourself on her channel. One of the most famous groups to come from the studio is The Royal Family. They are most known for being the girls who danced in Justin Bieber’s music videos for his Purpose album. Yes, Goebel choreographed Bieber’s famous video, Sorry!

Comedy

Noel Miller Live

Noel Miller is a YouTuber known for his comedic commentary videos, Twitch streams, and being in a comedy duo with Cody Ko. His channel is full of hilarious takes on videos from all corners of the internet. His classic combination of sarcasm and humor makes his channel memorable.

Social Commentary

Jubilee

This is a channel that has a range of content that they churn out every few days, but they are most known for their series “Odd Man Out” and “Middle Ground.” The popular series “Odd Man Out” has a group of people that seem to share one defining trait, sometimes it’s their sexuality or sometimes a specific identity. But one of them is lying, and the game is to see if the group can figure out who is lying. “Middle Ground” has a group of people that have different perspectives on a controversial topic, and they have a discussion figuring out why. Both series are so interesting and show various perspectives, some of which you might learn from.

Pop Culture Commentary/Educational

For Harriet

This is one of my favorite channels because I feel like there is so much to learn. The channel has countless videos where the creator, Kimberly Nicole Foster, shares her opinion on hot topics in pop culture. Foster makes a point to do her research before she shares commentary and cites this within the video & description box.

Sex Positive/Sex Education

Stevie

Stevie is a YouTuber that strives to educate her audience about sexual health and becoming comfortable with their sexuality and how they express it. She tackles topics that may be uncomfortable to talk about in a fun, informative and important way.

Music/Comedy

Terell

Have you seen those popular videos by “Elle” or “Seventeen Magazine“ with celebrities trying to match a given word to a song lyric? Well, Terell does the same thing with his guests, but they are most often people of color or those well known in the R&B, Soul or Gospel industry. His guests are always talented and hilarious to watch since Terell works interviews into every game, too. A great channel to sing along with at home!

There are so many channels that I could include, but I’m sure you’ll stumble upon some great ones in your recommendations after looking at the ones listed!

Born in the town of Akebono-cho in Bunkyo, Tokyo, on January 5th, 1941, Miyazaki was the second of four sons. When he was three years old, Miyazaki and his family moved to Utsunomiya. After the bombing of Utsunomiya in 1945, the family moved to Kanuma. The constant moving and bombing left a lasting effect on Miyazaki, and displacement can be a reoccurring, climactic event in a lot of his films.

Concerning inspiration for his works, the fact that his father was the director of “Miyazaki Airplane”inspired Miyazaki to include a lot of airplanes in his work. His mother, who was sadly diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis, regularly questioned societal norms. This resistance to norms and cultural expectations can be found in the characters and themes in his films.

Fast forward to the start of his career. His initial aspiration was to be a manga artist, but he soon discovered that he could not draw people. He could, however, draw airplanes and cars.This can be seen throughout his works, almost all of which have detailed and thoughtfully drawn automobiles and vehicles.

His personal style of writing really developed in a monthly manga (Japanese cartoon) strip titled “Kaze No Tani No Naushika” (“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”), published by Isao Takahata in Animage Magazine. The manga was well received and encouraged not only a film by the same name, but for Takahata and Miyazaki to pair up and start Studio Ghibli in 1985.

Studio Ghibli is the Japanese animation company created by the two, that has since churned out award-winning works like “Spirited Away” (2001), “My Neighbor Totoro” (1988) and “Howl’s Moving Castle” (2004).

Miyazaki was meant to retire in 1999, according to his own announcement, but that didn’t exactly work out.

“I wanted to retire,” Miyazaki said in an interview with Roger Ebert, an American film critic. “But life isn’t that easy. I wanted to make a movie especially for the daughters of my friends. I opened all the drawers in my head they were all empty. So I realized I had to make a movie just for 10 year olds, and ‘Spirited Away’ is my answer.”

“Spirited Away” was well worth the decision, as it broke the Japanese box-office record previously held by “Titanic.”, and became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history.

To save her kidnapped parents, Chihiro gets help from supernatural beings like Haku and No-Face.

Spirited Away is exquisitely drawn, and Chihiro’s character development is shown in detail and well thought-out. The alluring flying scenes and the genuine care Haku has for Chihiro allows viewers to dive into the world Miyazaki created. One thing that makes a lot of the scenes so powerful are the visuals or lack of dialogue that lets the viewer sit with the music, characters and themes.

So many of his films explore concepts of acceptance, love and friendship. “Howl’s Moving Castle” is one that comes to mind. The film includes an oddly fitting steampunk vibe, a forbidden love, a unique backdrop of a war and the complex character of Howl. An important fact about the movie “Howl’s Moving Castle” is that it is loosely based on a book of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones.

“Howl’s Moving Castle” follows introverted and often overlooked Sophie as she stumbles into the arms of the infamous sorcerer, Howl, only after falling victim to a spell-casting witch. The layers that the characters have, the breathtaking landscape scenes and the journey to understand the personalities and morality entice audiences everywhere. The comic relief throughout the film, from Calcifer in particular, pairs well with the more emotionally intense scenes, including one where Howl quite literally slips into a depressive episode. All of this contributes to the utterly intriguing journey of “Howl’s Moving Castle.”

“I do believe in the power of story. I believe that stories have an important role to play in the formation of human beings, that they can stimulate, amaze, and inspire their listeners.” Hayao Miyazaki said, when asked about his storytelling.

Hayao Miyazaki is a well-respected and often recognized filmmaker and has worked on countless beautiful animations and films. Miyazaki’s films have received over 177 nominations, winning 120 of them.

Spotify, Apple Music and every other music streaming service is likely working overtime right now. I’ve made a Spotify playlist that has all of my favorite nostalgic classics because staying inside is the perfect opportunity to reminisce on the music of years past. I’ve listed a few of the songs from the playlist, so if you do not use Spotify, you could easily add them to your Queue!

Link- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6VOhs33GoYhQQJpxKnsTX9?si=9gzqf9XTQlCLRIakr1WM6g

Songs

• “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

One of the songs you NEED in your back-pocket for your next karaoke takeover.

Best Line: I’m just beginning, the pen’s in my hand

• “Marry Me” by Train

Such a cute song that warms my forever single heart.

Best Line: You wear white and I’ll wear out the words I love you

• “Single Ladies” by Beyonce

The best anthem to get ready for a night out, tbh.

Best Line: Just broke up (up) I’m doing my own little thing

• “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus

The quickest way to give me flashbacks to my elementary school talent show.

Best Line: There’s always gonna be another mountain, I’m always gonna wanna make it move

• “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis

I cannot express how much of a different person I become when I listen to this song. I can somehow perfectly relate to singing my heart out in the middle of times square, obviously.

Best Line: But nothing’s greater, than the rush that comes with your embrace

• “Put Your Records On” by Corrine Bailey

While I can’t think of this song without thinking of the Chippettes jamming out on a rooftop, it’s a bop.

Best Line: Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams

• “Set Fire To The Rain” by Adele

This song is one of the many that made the world take Adele seriously, and it deserves all your respect.

Best Line: My hands, they were strong, But my knees were far too weak

• “Eenie Meenie” by Sean Kingston ft. Justin Bieber

One of my fav JB songs, quite iconic, if I do say so myself.

Best Line: Can’t make up your mind, mind, mind, mind, mind

• “Lucky” by Jason Mraz

This is one of the sweetest songs I’ve ever heard still to this day, and it automatically evokes daydreaming of falling in love.

Best Line: They don’t know how long it takes, waiting for a love like this

• “No One” by Alicia Keys

I do not know anyone that doesn’t know this song. Talk about a cultural reset…

Best Line: Everything’s gonna be alright, People keep talking, they can say what they like

• “Diamonds” by Rihanna

Another song that defined an era. Everyone and every radio station was singing this song.

Best Line: You’re a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy

• “Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney

This song introduced me to the amazing-ness that Jesse McCartney. I still have a childhood crush on this wholesome man.

Best Line: I don’t want my love to go to waste, I want you and your beautiful soul

• “ Like A Boy” by Ciara

You probably remember this one from middle school.

Best Line: If I played you like a toy, Sometimes I wish I could act like a boy

• “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears

This song put Spears on the map and is one of the greatest throwback songs to date.

Best Line: My loneliness is killing me (and I)

• “Animal” by Neon Trees

I turn into a literal rockstar when this song comes on, and it’s the greatest feeling.

Best Line: And I’m afraid I won’t get out alive, No, I won’t sleep tonight

• “No Scrubs” by TLC

This song makes me remember my worth and how powerful TLC was.

Best Line: Hanging out the passenger side,Of his best friend’s ride, Trying to holler at me

• “Wannabe” by Spice Girls

One of my favorite songs to sing with my friends. I think it brings us closer every time.

Best Line: If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends

The list continues!  Take a look at 70+ more on the Spotify playlist (linked above).

Given we are all either in self-quarantine, lockdown or trying our best to social distance–when’s a better time to get your health back on track?

It’s easy to forget that there are little things you can do every day to stay healthy, even if you cannot go outside. The following is a list of some activities, habits and advice you can take up while you spend your time at home.

1. Utilize The Fitness Side Of YouTube

While I’m sure YouTube is streaming overtime nowadays, there is so much more to it than juicy rants and makeup tutorials. There are a lot of really good workout videos on YouTube, all ranging in difficulty and length, so it can be easy to find the one best for you. Some of my favorite workout channels are POPSUGAR Fitness, MadFit and OfficialTheNX

2. Download The App SuperCook

One of the most frustrating things is looking at a full fridge but not knowing what to do with it. Even if you’re not a chef, the app SuperCook can help! Using SuperCook, you can type in the ingredients you have, and it will find recipes for you. You can also search for a recipe that you have been wanting to try. Cooking up what’s in your pantry or fridge is healthier than ordering takeout or eating a frozen meal, and it’s more fun.

3. Try Out Yoga Or Meditation

There is a lot of stress that comes along with experiencing a pandemic, no matter how many degrees of separation there might be between you and the actual coronavirus. With school and housing adjustments, introducing some yoga or meditation in your life can help you stay calm and healthy. Taking five minutes every day to just breathe, with your eyes closed, can do wonders! If you want to try yoga, the YouTube channel YogaWithAdriene is a great place to turn to.

4. Remember To Drink Your Water

Remember to drink your water while you are relaxing on the couch, binge-watching a TV show or getting some homework done. It’s a refreshingly easy way to stay healthy, no matter what you’re doing in the meantime.

5. Don’t Forget About Your Fruits And Veggies

When you’re stuck in the house, it’s easy to only eat snacks and frozen meals. No one is saying that you can’t have those, but try to work in an apple or a side salad every now and then. If you have a hard time finding certain vegetables palatable, try adding different seasonings or sauces to add more flavor!

Hopefully this list gives you some ideas to spice up and energize your time at home!

As a proud member of the Georgia Southern College class of 1997, Bernice Banks has always held a special place in her heart for the school.

“I don’t recall any negative experiences, race-wise, while I was on campus… A good description would be peaceful coexistence,” said Banks.

Banks initially chose Georgia Southern over two nearby Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs) because she was aware that there could be unjust doubt cast upon her abilities. Meaning that, soon after integration had just been introduced, there was a lot of judgment thrust upon HBCUs for the quality of education they provided. Not based in fact or numbers, she explained that this judgment would be merely based on the fact that it was an HBCU and not a Predominantly White Institution (PWI).

“I was just conscious of where the country was at the time, having just come out of desegregation, I was very conscious of the attitudes that people had about race and minorities…For me, logically, I didn’t want to have a question about my race or education. I just wanted to cut that obstacle out,” Banks said.

Bernice Banks always thought that the administration at GS contributed to her lack of knowledge about any negative, racially-motivated situations. Specifically, Banks credits the attitude of those higher up in the school for her experience.

“They [GS administration] had a belief in wanting to make it [integration] work, and you know, leadership starts from the top,” Banks said.

After graduating GS, Banks went on to work for the Department of Treasury for over thirty years before retiring. Even after she graduated Georgia Southern, Banks remained a part of the alumni network and continued to uplift Black voices.

Banks was one of the early organizers of Georgia Southern’s First 500, a group of the first 500 African-American students at GS. The First 500 has hosted many annual talks and panels throughout the years that give those currently attending GS a look into the minds of those who have attended in the past.

Banks also has a hand in her hometown of Hawkinsville, Georgia, uplifting the voices of those who may need it. In February 2018, Banks wrote an article for her local news outlet that discussed how African-Americans invented many things in this country but did not get credit.

Banks had a few tokens of advice for current Black students at GS, mostly focusing on making sure that you stand for something. Banks is a believer in always doing your best, even when you think nobody is looking.

“By doing your best, that means you value yourself as a person, and when you value yourself, it emanates from you,” Banks said.

Banks suggests that if students find themselves in a situation where they are faced with an injustice, no matter how small, to fight for what’s right.

“You have to stand for something, not everything… We can’t fight every battle, but we have to fight for what’s important,” Banks said.

There were over 70 tickets sold and students gathered to see what their peers had to offer. The designers took inspiration from everywhere, including a collection based on ‘Game Day Grunge,’  unique avant-garde pieces and upcycled clothing from thrift stores.

There were seven student designers and five performers. Each designer presented a collection of their own, inspired by specific muses. One of the designers, Ashley Monaghan presented a collection inspired by the 60s and 70s.

“I’m not just making things to make things, I do things made-to-measure, I make my own patterns, custom clothes, they’re made to last,” Monaghan said.

Not only were there designers at the extravaganza, but there were also performances from singers and dancers.

Nina Singleton performed an original dance piece to the tune of Normani’s “Motivation.” There was also a performance by Carla The Poet, the self-taught rapper, singer, producer and engineer.

The diverse show had students of all kinds attend and participate.

The Coordinator and Host Jalease Turner said the“ idea is to make a show for creative people to create”

This idea was executed by having singers accompany the models and designers during their walk while also providing a platform for designers to have a direct line to their customers.

Not only were the people within the show made to shine, but Uncivilized Society also engaged and entertained the audience by pulling some willing volunteers to show off their outfits and see if they could make it as models themselves.

Uncivilized Society’s Executive Assistant and Marketing Manager Jessica Batey is noted as really helping the show come together. Turner comments on how she has been preparing for the show for six months, and she couldn’t imagine how the show would have turned out without he

Batey was behind most of the marketing campaign while also helping Turner with anything she needed for the show, she was really happy with the overall outcome, but comments on how there were a lot of moving parts since so many people were a part of it.  

“It was hard getting people to come together… and it really does take a village.” Batey said.