Latest news with #BethGillette
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Our Favorite Beauty Brands Just Happen To Be Queer-Owned—Here's What To Shop From Them During Pride Month
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." It's officially Pride month, which means there's no better time to support and shop from LGBTQIA+ owned and founded brands (even though you should definitely be doing that for the LGBTQIA+ community isn't limited to 30 days, people!) To celebrate these incredible brands and founders, many of whom also give back to LGBTQIA+ charities, we're highlighting all things beauty. Think: a queer-owned press-on nail brand with the chicest designs (and brand founder) and unique summer fragrances that'll turn heads and rack up compliments wherever you go. Ahead, we've rounded up the best LGBTQ-founded beauty brands guaranteed to elevate your vanity and all your summer glam moments. "I think I tell someone to try Quickies press-on nails once a day, if not more," says beauty editor Beth Gillette. Prior to Quickies, founder Bailey Stanworth was constantly getting gel manicures, but had to stop when COVID shut down nail salons. Her answer was developing her own press-ons that were similar to the trendy designs she'd get done at the salon, which she eventually turned into a whole brand in 2021. "I really love how many different shapes and lengths are offered," Gillette continues. "The mini length is fantastic for me, since I like to keep my nails quite short—lesbian core, TBH." Plus, $1 of every single order is donated to LGBTQ+ foundations all year round. Quickies even launched a whole Pride collection, featuring new press-ons (like the Love is Love set that I'm currently obsessed with) and cute tees and tanks. "My faves overall, though, are the mini length sets, which I've pretty much exclusively worn for the past few months," says Out is beloved for their overnight pimple patches, but I just want to note that the founders are the cutest couple I've ever met in my life. Enrico Frezza hails from Milan (thick Italian accent and all), and he and his husband, Junior Scott Pence, created the brand a decade ago to help acne-prone skin. Peace Out offers a bunch of different treatment patches, including Dark Spot Brightening Dots to Early Stage Pimple Patches that target baby blemishes (the Early Stage patches are a 2024 Cosmo Acne Award for their ability to shrink and calm breakouts). There's no better time to stock up on queer-owned Boy Smells than now. And no, it's not just because it's Pride Month. The cult-favorite brand can be credited for birthing a candle renaissance a few years back with their iconic LES scent and collabs with celebs like Kacey Musgraves. Recently, they launched a major rebrand featuring revamped scents and fresh takes on their beloved candles. Oh, and did we mention they're more affordable now? We love a thoughtful, consumer-forward glow-up. And for that, this is a brand to support well beyond June. If I'm gonna trust anyone with my face, it's gonna be Patrick Starrr. The celeb makeup artist and licensed aesthetician knows glam like nobody else—and his brand, One/Size, proves it. Home to Beyoncé's go-to setting spray, longwear complexion heroes, and makeup that always delivers, this line is made for everybody (hence the name). Whether you're going full drag glam or keeping it minimal, the formulas are that flexible. The viral On 'Til Dawn formula was also crowned best setting spray in Cosmo's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for its impressive staying power. It's a favorite of Gillette, she calls it her "going out secret weapon." Here at Cosmo we've loved Mara Beauty long before knowing founder Allison McNamara was queer. The Sea Sculpt Body Oil is a two-time Cosmo Clean Beauty Award winner. "It's great for smoothing, firming, and nourishing skin thanks to marine actives like kelp sea oil and plankton,' says beauty director Lauren Balsamo. The underlying theme of the entire brand is algae, which is infused into every product with a proprietary blend hand-collected in Ireland and France that's loaded with minerals and vitamins your skin loves. Cool, right? "Every product I've tested is fire, but my absolute favorite is the new Pearl Peptide Glaze Hydrating & Brightening Facial Essence, which makes my skin sooooo glowy," says Gillette. David Yi is not only the author of Pretty Boys; a writer for Vogue, WWD, GQ, and more publications; and a GLAAD and Webby nominee—he's also the founder of Good Light (and an editor for the brand's media platform, Very Good Light). As a non-binary, queer founder, he's created a brand that works to also exist beyond the binary. All of the brand's skincare products, marketing, and imagery are gender inclusive. Also, 1 percent of all sales are donated to True Colors United, an organization focused on helping LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. Winner of a Cosmopolitan Acne Award, the Alphabet Oil is fantastic for moisturizing skin without clogging pores. "I never thought I could be a face oil person with my acne-prone skin, but I'm a changed woman after testing this lightweight formula." says Gillette. "After using it for months, I can confidently say it hasn't clogged my pores or led to breakouts—but even better, it's made my skin seriously glowy and soft.' Obvi, we love that Undefined Beauty is helmed by an LGBTQIA+, Black founder... but we also really love that its big focus is on being a clean, conscious brand too. Their products make skincare feel simpler (you won't see complicated product names that don't explain what they'll do for your skin), all using a mix of plant-based botanicals and active ingredients that are proven to work. Super cool, though: They partner with female-founded, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ businesses across their supply chain. "I love the whole line," says Gillette, "but I'm partial to the sunscreens, specifically the SPF 50 Sun Serum." Beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson named their Sun Elixir one of the best SPFs for deep skin. "It's unlike anything I've tried—a broad spectrum chemical SPF 50 that's literally transparent magic on melanin-rich skin," she writes. "It glides on like silk, hydrates like a serum, and protects like a boss." Hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons is known for his work on Khloe Kardashian, Madonna, Demi Moore, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey—you name the diva, he's probably worked on their hair. And on every single client, he's used his eponymous haircare line, complete with shampoos, conditioners, texture spray, curl cream, hairspray, and leave-ins. "I've been using this line since it first launched—when I was a baby beauty editor, no less—and it's become a mainstay in my fine hair routine," says Gillette. "My go-to is the Body Volume Blow Dry Hold Spray, which makes it look like I have genuinely double the amount of hair I actually have, and with the Aprés Sexe Texture Spray, it's a match made in heaven for a big blowout." Not to mention, Fitzsimons' brand is hella dedicated to giving back, especially to the trans community. They partner with the Trans Wellness Center and London LGBTQ+ Community Center by sending product donations, plus the brand also offers all of their retail partners pronoun training workshops for store associates. If you're looking to step into the world of all things at-home LED, Solawave is one of the best places to start (especially if you're looking to support a queer brand). I'm personally obsessed with the brand's Red Light Wand, which won a Cosmo Holy Grail Award (it's ideal for on-the-go LED and targeting small areas) and their innovative product lineup of eye, face, neck, and chest devices. The LED Eye Mask recently won a 2025 Holy Grail Award for its quick three-minute treatment time and ability to address crow's feet, puffiness, and dark under-eyes. Solawave makes once-pricey treatments that were only available during in-office appointments, actually accessible. And for that, we have no choice but to stan. Founded by two West End dancers, AKT London first launched a deodorant (it's a 2025 Clean Beauty Award winner) that was clean and truly effective for all-day activity. The brand has now expanded into all types of bodycare, including scrubs and washes, elevating our shower experiences immensely. Balsamo is obsessed with the brand's new scrub, saying that it "makes my skin so soft and smooth and is a delight to use in the shower." Not to mention, every product smells incredible too, so I'd even argue the products can double as a signature scent. You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try
Cosmopolitan
5 days ago
- Business
- Cosmopolitan
The Top LGBTQIA+ Beauty Brands To Shop in 2025, Per Cosmo Editors
It's officially Pride month, which means there's no better time to support and shop from LGBTQIA+ owned and founded brands (even though you should definitely be doing that for the LGBTQIA+ community isn't limited to 30 days, people!) To celebrate these incredible brands and founders, many of whom also give back to LGBTQIA+ charities, we're highlighting all things beauty. Think: a queer-owned press-on nail brand with the chicest designs (and brand founder) and unique summer fragrances that'll turn heads and rack up compliments wherever you go. Ahead, we've rounded up the best LGBTQ-founded beauty brands guaranteed to elevate your vanity and all your summer glam moments. "I think I tell someone to try Quickies press-on nails once a day, if not more," says beauty editor Beth Gillette. Prior to Quickies, founder Bailey Stanworth was constantly getting gel manicures, but had to stop when COVID shut down nail salons. Her answer was developing her own press-ons that were similar to the trendy designs she'd get done at the salon, which she eventually turned into a whole brand in 2021. "I really love how many different shapes and lengths are offered," Gillette continues. "The mini length is fantastic for me, since I like to keep my nails quite short—lesbian core, TBH." Plus, $1 of every single order is donated to LGBTQ+ foundations all year round. Quickies even launched a whole Pride collection, featuring new press-ons (like the Love is Love set that I'm currently obsessed with) and cute tees and tanks. "My faves overall, though, are the mini length sets, which I've pretty much exclusively worn for the past few months," says Gillette. Peace Out Skincare Peace Out is beloved for their overnight pimple patches, but I just want to note that the founders are the cutest couple I've ever met in my life. Enrico Frezza hails from Milan (thick Italian accent and all), and he and his husband, Junior Scott Pence, created the brand a decade ago to help acne-prone skin. Peace Out offers a bunch of different treatment patches, including Dark Spot Brightening Dots to Early Stage Pimple Patches that target baby blemishes (the Early Stage patches are a 2024 Cosmo Acne Award for their ability to shrink and calm breakouts). There's no better time to stock up on queer-owned Boy Smells than now. And no, it's not just because it's Pride Month. The cult-favorite brand can be credited for birthing a candle renaissance a few years back with their iconic LES scent and collabs with celebs like Kacey Musgraves. Recently, they launched a major rebrand featuring revamped scents and fresh takes on their beloved candles. Oh, and did we mention they're more affordable now? We love a thoughtful, consumer-forward glow-up. And for that, this is a brand to support well beyond June. If I'm gonna trust anyone with my face, it's gonna be Patrick Starrr. The celeb makeup artist and licensed aesthetician knows glam like nobody else—and his brand, One/Size, proves it. Home to Beyoncé's go-to setting spray, longwear complexion heroes, and makeup that always delivers, this line is made for everybody (hence the name). Whether you're going full drag glam or keeping it minimal, the formulas are that flexible. The viral On 'Til Dawn formula was also crowned best setting spray in Cosmo's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for its impressive staying power. It's a favorite of Gillette, she calls it her "going out secret weapon." Here at Cosmo we've loved Mara Beauty long before knowing founder Allison McNamara was queer. The Sea Sculpt Body Oil is a two-time Cosmo Clean Beauty Award winner. "It's great for smoothing, firming, and nourishing skin thanks to marine actives like kelp sea oil and plankton,' says beauty director Lauren Balsamo. The underlying theme of the entire brand is algae, which is infused into every product with a proprietary blend hand-collected in Ireland and France that's loaded with minerals and vitamins your skin loves. Cool, right? "Every product I've tested is fire, but my absolute favorite is the new Pearl Peptide Glaze Hydrating & Brightening Facial Essence, which makes my skin sooooo glowy," says Gillette. David Yi is not only the author of Pretty Boys; a writer for Vogue, WWD, GQ, and more publications; and a GLAAD and Webby nominee—he's also the founder of Good Light (and an editor for the brand's media platform, Very Good Light). As a non-binary, queer founder, he's created a brand that works to also exist beyond the binary. All of the brand's skincare products, marketing, and imagery are gender inclusive. Also, 1 percent of all sales are donated to True Colors United, an organization focused on helping LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. Winner of a Cosmopolitan Acne Award, the Alphabet Oil is fantastic for moisturizing skin without clogging pores. "I never thought I could be a face oil person with my acne-prone skin, but I'm a changed woman after testing this lightweight formula." says Gillette. "After using it for months, I can confidently say it hasn't clogged my pores or led to breakouts—but even better, it's made my skin seriously glowy and soft.' Obvi, we love that Undefined Beauty is helmed by an LGBTQIA+, Black founder... but we also really love that its big focus is on being a clean, conscious brand too. Their products make skincare feel simpler (you won't see complicated product names that don't explain what they'll do for your skin), all using a mix of plant-based botanicals and active ingredients that are proven to work. Super cool, though: They partner with female-founded, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ businesses across their supply chain. "I love the whole line," says Gillette, "but I'm partial to the sunscreens, specifically the SPF 50 Sun Serum." Beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson named their Sun Elixir one of the best SPFs for deep skin. "It's unlike anything I've tried—a broad spectrum chemical SPF 50 that's literally sheer magic on melanin-rich skin," she writes. "It glides on like silk, hydrates like a serum, and protects like a boss." Hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons is known for his work on Khloe Kardashian, Madonna, Demi Moore, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey—you name the diva, he's probably worked on their hair. And on every single client, he's used his eponymous haircare line, complete with shampoos, conditioners, texture spray, curl cream, hairspray, and leave-ins. "I've been using this line since it first launched—when I was a baby beauty editor, no less—and it's become a mainstay in my fine hair routine," says Gillette. "My go-to is the Body Volume Blow Dry Hold Spray, which makes it look like I have genuinely double the amount of hair I actually have, and with the Aprés Sexe Texture Spray, it's a match made in heaven for a big blowout." Not to mention, Fitzsimons' brand is hella dedicated to giving back, especially to the trans community. They partner with the Trans Wellness Center and London LGBTQ+ Community Center by sending product donations, plus the brand also offers all of their retail partners pronoun training workshops for store associates. If you're looking to step into the world of all things at-home LED, Solawave is one of the best places to start (especially if you're looking to support a queer brand). I'm personally obsessed with the brand's Red Light Wand, which won a Cosmo Holy Grail Award (it's ideal for on-the-go LED and targeting small areas) and their innovative product lineup of eye, face, neck, and chest devices. The LED Eye Mask recently won a 2025 Holy Grail Award for its quick three-minute treatment time and ability to address crow's feet, puffiness, and dark under-eyes. Solawave makes once-pricey treatments that were only available during in-office appointments, actually accessible. And for that, we have no choice but to stan. Founded by two West End dancers, AKT London first launched a deodorant (it's a 2025 Clean Beauty Award winner) that was clean and truly effective for all-day activity. The brand has now expanded into all types of bodycare, including scrubs and washes, elevating our shower experiences immensely. Balsamo is obsessed with the brand's new scrub, saying that it "makes my skin so soft and smooth and is a delight to use in the shower." Not to mention, every product smells incredible too, so I'd even argue the products can double as a signature scent. Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You'll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it's usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles' entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I Thought Dating Women Would Free Me of Unrealistic Beauty Standards—So Why Do I Suddenly Hate the Way I Look?
Welcome to The Afterglow by 'Cosmo' beauty editor Beth Gillette. In her new column, Beth explores the relationships between beauty, queerness, and modern dating through a zillennial lens. 💋 Back in March, I met a girl on Instagram who was, legitimately, flawless. There wasn't a single pimple or blackhead upon her soft face. Her manicured, clean hands showed off just enough rings to signal she was probably gay. Her hip bones, long legs, and sharp jawline in every photo felt like a personal attack. When she, by the grace of all things holy, wanted to go on a date with me, I embarked on a four-day-long spiral, preparing myself to look even close to halfway decent. I did approximately three face masks the night before to look super glowy, used my LED device to help prevent surprise breakouts, and even took a last-minute pilates class to feel toned. Then, she canceled a few hours before. I'm probably just not pretty enough for her, I thought to myself. I'm not new to days-long pre-date routines. But I am new to dating women. At 28 years old, I'm finally out, but instead of feeling the excitement and queer joy I anticipated, I'm more self-conscious about my appearance than I ever was while dating men. I thought that dating women was going to be this sweet thing, where my flaws were adored and I finally felt freed of the patriarchal ideas of how my body and face are supposed to look. So why do I suddenly hate the way my smile turns down, or notice every single pore on my face? Is this increased discomfort a normal part of the process? Is hating how you look when you first come out an unfortunate universal sapphic experience? Or am I alone here? The male gaze is simple. Just follow the rules: Don't use too much makeup—just enough to cover up any acne or dark spots, give your lashes some length, and make your lips pillowy-soft and glossy. Keeping your hair long is preferred, but only if your extensions aren't noticeable. Absolutely, under no circumstances should you wear any lipstick color other than nude or red. You must shave. Everything. Nails should be groomed—not too long, not too short. And don't be fat. Obviously. These standards are frustrating and impossible, but also everything I trained myself to adhere to since childhood. The male gaze is so tied to traditional beauty standards that succumbing to it becomes second nature. I hated how I looked as a teenager because I never thought I was good enough for the boys I was surrounded by. But at least I knew what they wanted and understood the steps to achieve those ideals. I (wrongfully) assumed dating anyone who wasn't a cisgender man would be uncomplicated and effortless. A beautiful woman would see me across the room, tell me she liked my vibe, and we'd live happily ever after. The rigid conventions of attractiveness wouldn't apply if men weren't part of the equation. With that, my walls would come down and my crippling fear of rejection would tumble with it. My reality couldn't have been farther from this idea. The female gaze feels different. Scary, even. There's no conventional set of norms to follow. And men have such a macro view of the female body, but women? We notice the small stuff. When you also exist within that body, everything is magnified. You catch uneven eyeliner. You see the grown-out gel manicure. You notice the zit brewing under the skin. I've had hormonal acne thanks to PCOS and endometriosis since I was 11, but never in my life have I been more adamant about getting rid of it since I started exclusively dating women and nonbinary people. My breakouts are all I can think about when I'm standing face-to-face with someone I think is hot. I've tried any and everything in the name of clearer skin—bacteria-zapping high-frequency wands, painful and pricey pore-shrinking lasers, and I've even considered Accutane. When my skin is really flaring up, I'll stay home and swipe on Raya from the comfort of my bedroom. When the night ends with no matches, a familiar pang of shame in my stomach creeps in. Is there something inherently so off-putting about how I look that the women of the internet can see that I don't? I look down at my stomach. It was the most 'obvious' flaw I could find: My weight. I wonder, are all people who aren't cisgender men actually more attentive to my flaws? Or am I just projecting my own anxieties? Many people I spoke to while writing this story noticed an onslaught of new worries—acne, height, hair length, body hair, etc.—when they began queer dating. 'I carried this carefree 'take it or leave it' attitude with dating men, because let's be real, they aren't usually noticing chipped nails or unblended foundation—getting ready was low-pressure,' says Jamie, a 31-year-old DJ I met at a queer prom. 'But with women, my brain goes into hyper-aware teenager mode all over again,' she adds, noting that she becomes overly conscious of these self-perceived imperfections and worries someone she's dating will notice them too. Like me, my queer friend Ellison worried that women and nonbinary people would notice the 'imperfections' that she doesn't like about herself. But once she started hooking up with people, she realized 'no one cared—even a little bit.' In fact, she says that she feels so beautiful now queer dating, because while her dates don't necessarily notice her 'flaws' more than cisgender men, they certainly do appreciate when she shows out in an outfit she likes or a tries a new beauty look. Queer dating for the first time has an emotional component that can lead to self-doubt too. 'I was attracted to and had deep feelings for the people I was talking to for the first time, which caused me to be deeply insecure and question nearly everything about myself and my actions out of fear,' says Lux, a 23-year-old in Ohio who came out as a senior in high school after knowing she was gay since childhood. Similarly, Amanda, whom I've known since high school, told me that early in her current relationship, she noticed herself doing a lot of self-monitoring and worrying if she looked 'too gay.' 'I had gotten so used to separating myself from my bisexuality, and I appreciate that, through dating my girlfriend, I have a supportive person to cheer me on,' Amanda says. You have to develop confidence from within, she reminds me, but having someone see her as she is in her sexuality helps build it up even more. If I'm being honest, I kind of hate this "finding confidence from within" advice for myself, because it's so difficult to implement. But everyone I spoke with, who has far more experience dating queer people than I do, agrees: Finding what you love about yourself within, not through another person, is key here. For me, that started with showing up for myself in queer spaces, which is the most accepting and open community I've ever been apart of. But that doesn't make them perfect. When I'm in a room full of other gay people, I'm forced to put aside my self-doubt if I want to feel comfortable. It would have been easy for me to walk into a queer party and immediately turn around because I was terrified of putting myself out there or being rejected. But I remember that this is part of the process. I'll never feel more reassured if I walk away. People have also encouraged me that these feelings start to dissipate over time. Lux noticed her self-esteem went up when she finally started having relationships with queer people. She and her partners often shared insecurities, so they understand what it's like firsthand. 'I felt heard and validated for hating every outfit I tried on, taking an hour to get ready, not liking the way my thighs looked in a certain pair of shorts, and feeling insecure about a blemish,' she says. It's taken me months to come to recognize this, but embracing the parts of me that might not feel ripe for public consumption is part of the vulnerability it takes to find love in the first place. Right now, I don't necessarily feel 100 percent confident in how I look. My chin's covered in acne and my clothes feel tight against my stomach some days. But for the first time, I'm not running away from being myself because of it. I'm not hiding in the closet because I'm afraid of rejection. I feel so proud and excited about being a lesbian, finally. And that (plus lots of therapy) is what's pushing me through. You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try
Cosmopolitan
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Coming Out as a Lesbian Made Me More Self-Conscious Than Ever
Welcome to The Afterglow by 'Cosmo' beauty editor Beth Gillette. In her new column, Beth explores the relationships between beauty, queerness, and modern dating through a zillennial lens. 💋 Back in March, I met a girl on Instagram who was, legitimately, flawless. There wasn't a single pimple or blackhead upon her soft face. Her manicured, clean hands showed off just enough rings to signal she was probably gay. Her hip bones, long legs, and sharp jawline in every photo felt like a personal attack. When she, by the grace of all things holy, wanted to go on a date with me, I embarked on a four-day-long spiral, preparing myself to look even close to halfway decent. I did approximately three face masks the night before to look super glowy, used my LED device to help prevent surprise breakouts, and even took a last-minute pilates class to feel toned. Then, she canceled a few hours before. I'm probably just not pretty enough for her, I thought to myself. I'm not new to days-long pre-date routines. But I am new to dating women. At 28 years old, I'm finally out, but instead of feeling the excitement and queer joy I anticipated, I'm more self-conscious about my appearance than I ever was while dating men. I thought that dating women was going to be this sweet thing, where my flaws were adored and I finally felt freed of the patriarchal ideas of how my body and face are supposed to look. So why do I suddenly hate the way my smile turns down, or notice every single pore on my face? Is this increased discomfort a normal part of the process? Is hating how you look when you first come out an unfortunate universal sapphic experience? Or am I alone here? The male gaze is simple. Just follow the rules: Don't use too much makeup—just enough to cover up any acne or dark spots, give your lashes some length, and make your lips pillowy-soft and glossy. Keeping your hair long is preferred, but only if your extensions aren't noticeable. Absolutely, under no circumstances should you wear any lipstick color other than nude or red. You must shave. Everything. Nails should be groomed—not too long, not too short. And don't be fat. Obviously. These standards are frustrating and impossible, but also everything I trained myself to adhere to since childhood. The male gaze is so tied to traditional beauty standards that succumbing to it becomes second nature. I hated how I looked as a teenager because I never thought I was good enough for the boys I was surrounded by. But at least I knew what they wanted and understood the steps to achieve those ideals. I (wrongfully) assumed dating anyone who wasn't a cisgender man would be uncomplicated and effortless. A beautiful woman would see me across the room, tell me she liked my vibe, and we'd live happily ever after. The rigid conventions of attractiveness wouldn't apply if men weren't part of the equation. With that, my walls would come down and my crippling fear of rejection would tumble with it. My reality couldn't have been farther from this idea. The female gaze feels different. Scary, even. There's no conventional set of norms to follow. And men have such a macro view of the female body, but women? We notice the small stuff. When you also exist within that body, everything is magnified. You catch uneven eyeliner. You see the grown-out gel manicure. You notice the zit brewing under the skin. I've had hormonal acne thanks to PCOS and endometriosis since I was 11, but never in my life have I been more adamant about getting rid of it since I started exclusively dating women and nonbinary people. My breakouts are all I can think about when I'm standing face-to-face with someone I think is hot. I've tried any and everything in the name of clearer skin—bacteria-zapping high-frequency wands, painful and pricey pore-shrinking lasers, and I've even considered Accutane. When my skin is really flaring up, I'll stay home and swipe on Raya from the comfort of my bedroom. When the night ends with no matches, a familiar pang of shame in my stomach creeps in. Is there something inherently so off-putting about how I look that the women of the internet can see that I don't? I look down at my stomach. It was the most 'obvious' flaw I could find: My weight. I wonder, are all people who aren't cisgender men actually more attentive to my flaws? Or am I just projecting my own anxieties? Many people I spoke to while writing this story noticed an onslaught of new worries—acne, height, hair length, body hair, etc.—when they began queer dating. 'I carried this carefree 'take it or leave it' attitude with dating men, because let's be real, they aren't usually noticing chipped nails or unblended foundation—getting ready was low-pressure,' says Jamie, a 31-year-old DJ I met at a queer prom. 'But with women, my brain goes into hyper-aware teenager mode all over again,' she adds, noting that she becomes overly conscious of these self-perceived imperfections and worries someone she's dating will notice them too. Like me, my queer friend Ellison worried that women and nonbinary people would notice the 'imperfections' that she doesn't like about herself. But once she started hooking up with people, she realized 'no one cared—even a little bit.' In fact, she says that she feels so beautiful now queer dating, because while her dates don't necessarily notice her 'flaws' more than cisgender men, they certainly do appreciate when she shows out in an outfit she likes or a tries a new beauty look. Queer dating for the first time has an emotional component that can lead to self-doubt too. 'I was attracted to and had deep feelings for the people I was talking to for the first time, which caused me to be deeply insecure and question nearly everything about myself and my actions out of fear,' says Lux, a 23-year-old in Ohio who came out as a senior in high school after knowing she was gay since childhood. Similarly, Amanda, whom I've known since high school, told me that early in her current relationship, she noticed herself doing a lot of self-monitoring and worrying if she looked 'too gay.' 'I had gotten so used to separating myself from my bisexuality, and I appreciate that, through dating my girlfriend, I have a supportive person to cheer me on,' Amanda says. You have to develop confidence from within, she reminds me, but having someone see her as she is in her sexuality helps build it up even more. If I'm being honest, I kind of hate this "finding confidence from within" advice for myself, because it's so difficult to implement. But everyone I spoke with, who has far more experience dating queer people than I do, agrees: Finding what you love about yourself within, not through another person, is key here. For me, that started with showing up for myself in queer spaces, which is the most accepting and open community I've ever been apart of. But that doesn't make them perfect. When I'm in a room full of other gay people, I'm forced to put aside my self-doubt if I want to feel comfortable. It would have been easy for me to walk into a queer party and immediately turn around because I was terrified of putting myself out there or being rejected. But I remember that this is part of the process. I'll never feel more reassured if I walk away. People have also encouraged me that these feelings start to dissipate over time. Lux noticed her self-esteem went up when she finally started having relationships with queer people. She and her partners often shared insecurities, so they understand what it's like firsthand. 'I felt heard and validated for hating every outfit I tried on, taking an hour to get ready, not liking the way my thighs looked in a certain pair of shorts, and feeling insecure about a blemish,' she says. It's taken me months to come to recognize this, but embracing the parts of me that might not feel ripe for public consumption is part of the vulnerability it takes to find love in the first place. Right now, I don't necessarily feel 100 percent confident in how I look. My chin's covered in acne and my clothes feel tight against my stomach some days. But for the first time, I'm not running away from being myself because of it. I'm not hiding in the closet because I'm afraid of rejection. I feel so proud and excited about being a lesbian, finally. And that (plus lots of therapy) is what's pushing me through. Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Cosmopolitan
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
One/Size's Mattifying Setting Spray VS. Glass Skin Setting Spray
What if I told you the number one selling product at Sephora isn't a trendy Summer Fridays Lip Balm or viral Sol de Janeiro body mist? That's right—the top-selling beauty product at Sephora is actually a setting spray. Specifically, the One/Size On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray. The beloved formula locks makeup in place (no transferring or smudging) for up to 16 hours, all while absorbing excess oil so your skin looks nice and matte. Even Beyoncé is a fan; she used the spray to keep her glam in tact during a three-hour rain-soaked performance. Oh, and Cosmo readers love On Til' Dawn too—it won a 2024 Readers' Choice Beauty Award for best setting spray. Today, the iconic formula got an upgraded counterpart: the Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray. Think of it as the glowy, skincare-infused sister to the original formula. Inspired by the rise of glass skin, this new version is designed to hydrate while delivering a radiant, dewy finish that lasts all day. I got an early preview of the new Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray and have been testing it against the original to see how they compare. Keep reading for the full rundown—and whether or not the new launch is worth the same level of hype as the OG. I first started using this setting spray when it launched a few years ago. I was commuting to grad school (via a 20-minute walk and a 30-minute subway ride) in the thick of NYC's September humidity, and needed something to help keep my makeup in place during the day. So I gave the formula a try after seeing so much hype on TikTok. It has a hairspray-like finish that feels more heavy-duty than any setting mist I'd used before. I will say that it wasn't exactly hydrating on my dry skin, but once it set, my concealer, blush, and even mascara stayed put for the entire day until I swiped it off with a micellar water-soaked pad at night. Beauty editor Beth Gillette calls it her "going-out secret weapon" for her long and sweaty nights bar hopping around Brooklyn. "I come from the days of spritzing my face with legit hairspray to make my makeup last longer (2014 Pinterest was a scary time in beauty). But the One/Size Setting Spray is basically that, reimagined. It doesn't feel like I'm putting anything on my face, nor does it make my skin feel sticky or tacky. But it seriously locks down my makeup and leaves my skin looking matte and smooth. I have a mini that I take on every hot-weather vacation. I doused myself in it every day of Coachella—I truly cannot be without it in my makeup routine, ever." As someone with dry skin who lives for a dewy finish, I was ecstatic when I heard about this launch. The original mattifying formula was never quite right for me—my skin is so dry that if I skip moisturizer, it starts to feel tight and borderline itchy. So anything even slightly matte is too much for my face. To be fair, I totally understand the hype around the OG. If you want makeup to last through sweat, heat, and humidity—and dryness isn't an issue—it absolutely holds up. But the glass formula? It's a game-changer for a glowy finish and/or anyone with dry skin. Patrick Starrr (the founder of One/Size) described the new version as a formula that 'melts your powder into place,' and after testing it over a full face of makeup, I totally get it. It leaves this seamless, glassy finish—like you can't tell where my blush starts or my concealer ends. Everything just blends into one glowy, skin-like layer. It also makes my face feel refreshed and hydrated when I spritz it—the formula is packed with ceramides and ginger flower extract to help nourish the skin while keeping your makeup locked in place. It gives me the hydration I need, with the same impressive staying power One/Size is known for. I wore it over my glam in the office and then to three hours of intensely watching a Knicks game at a bar, and it didn't budge. I also love the upgraded pump applicator over the original aerosol—it feels more skincare-forward, more precise when spraying, and of course better for the environment. The best part? The formula is also non-comedogenic, so you don't have to worry about it exacerbating or triggering acne while ya wear it. Truly no notes. The new Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray is a heaven-sent for anyone with dry skin or after that ultra-smooth, runway-esque glassy finish. If you prefer a matte look, the original is still your best bet. But if dewy, hydrated skin is your goal—or if your complexion tends to feel tight by midday—this one's worth adding to your cart. I don't usually gush over setting sprays, but I must give credit where credit is due: Patrick Starrr really nailed it with this one. Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You'll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it's usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles' entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
