Home/Fashion/Girls' Life Magazine/June/July 2021/In This Issue
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021xoxo KarenIfthere ever was a summer when the world needs summer, it’s *this* summer. You know all those cliché things we say when we talk about summer? Can’t wait to feel the sand between my toes, listen to the waves crash, grab a Strawberry Shortcake bar from the Good Humor truck. Yeah, bring ’em on. After a year spent mostly at home deep-diving Netflix, it may seem counterintuitive to suggest that we all could really use a break. But sitting on your couch enduring an anxiety-inducing, soul-draining pandemic is hardly the same as lying on the beach with your besties, deciding whether you should go grab some curly fries (answer = you should). It’s been exactly a year since I first wrote about COVID-19. And every issue since then, I have…3 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021Summer Fun and FreebiesTO ENTER Go to girlslife.com • Look for the give-away box • Click on the prize and enter • Enter for all prizes all month long • Enter as many times as you want • Open to U.S. residents only. GRAND PRIZE One gorgeous gal will win the ultimate beauty bundle from Petite ’n Pretty (worth over $250!). Start your summer glow-up with must-have makeup, fresh skincare and cute merch.…2 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021HOW SOCIAL INFLUENCED ARE YOU?POV: You’re obsessed OK, let’s face it, TikTok lives in your mind rent-free and you’d rather find the perfect group Insta pose than do, well, anything else. There’s *nothing* wrong with loving your feed, but take some time to branch out this summer and find what you heart…even when it can’t be documented. Balanced babe You hop on the occasional trend (crochet cardigans are pretty cute) and start scrolling when you’re bored, but you know that screens aren’t *everything* and IRL bonds are best. Stay dedicated to doing your thing and, hey, don’t be scared to create content when you’re done consuming it. We stan an independent queen So you’re fiercely independent and, to you, social media is anything but. Never stop doing you (not that you ever would) but…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021SUITYOURSELFHere’s a question: Do you love your current swimsuit? If not, it’s time to change things up. You’ll wear your suit this summer for so much more than just ~swimming~ (like grabbing a boardwalk ice cream, reading on the pool deck or doing Sports Things on or around water), so it’s crucial to have a suit that really, truly works for you. Any water-friendly wear should check three boxes: make you feel confident, stay put whether wet or dry and not suddenly turn sheer at the slightest splash (ask me about that one time during the summer before ninth grade). We’ve got your best bets—and all the add-ons—to round out your summer suit situation, coming up. GARDEN PARTY Leafy botanicals, ditsy florals and big blooms are the me stuff swn…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021NOWAND THENDAY GLOW We can see your fashion future, and it’s looking very vintage. Lean into that ’70s feeling by topping your denim (flares, ofc) with a prairie dress. If you’ve yet to try this trick, three words: Do. It. Now. TIE-DYE FOR Is this the perfect floaty frock for twirling around your house while listening to Fleetwood Mac? Why yes, yes, it is. Add earrings, subtract shoes. KEEP IT SHORT Happy to announce that Bermuda shorts have joined the chat. Top yours with a bow belt and a prim crop top. Sun hat also required for that whole garden goddess vibe. PRINT THEORY Printed palazzo pants are like if your pajamas studied abroad in Tuscany for a month. Go maximalist by layering on the statement jewelry and fringed sandals. Just…2 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021Upgrade Your Get-Smooth StrategyIF YOU WANT TO…Shave You likely already know the importance of using a fresh blade and how to be super careful around your knees and ankles—but did you know that a rich lather is one of the best ways to keep newly shaven skin smooth? Shaving is a form of exfoliation—which can lead to a damaged skin barrier and dryness. Skip the bar soap and snag a super hydrating cream (try Athena Club Cloud Shave Foam, $9, athenaclub.com), then earn bonus points by reaching for a razor with a built-in moisturizer, like the Venus Radiant Skin Starter Kit ($40, gillettevenus.com), which helps to lock in hydration as you shave. IF YOU WANT TO…Wipe it away Depilatories work by breaking down the bonds in hair, getting down to the follicle, then…2 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021frecklesI’ve had freckles for as long as I can remember—but not the kind that creep out over the summer, sprinkling themselves shyly across your nose and cheeks. I have the kind that last all year, cover me from head to toe and multiply the moment I step into the sun. When I was little, my friends would yell, “Hey, Freckles!” across the playground. Some kids called me “Dalmatian” or pointed out my “chickenpox.” I’d laugh along with them, pretending that none of it bothered me—because really, what else could I do? Insecurity snuck in: I was different…but I wasn’t sure how to deal with it. If I mentioned my struggle with accepting my skin, the popular “embrace your uniqueness!” mantra was often offered up in return. But society was sending…2 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021Cute or Cringe?CUTE: Remembering what they heart…and using it to start a convo. They’ve been going on about their undying love of all things Marvel, so when you spot a TikTok account that dissects *every* universe theory, you just have to send it over. (“This made me think of you!” sends a clear crush vibe.) CRINGE: Faking a shared interest. Avoid pretending you want to see every action adventure just as much as they do…when, tbh, you’d rather watch paint dry than WandaVision. Instead, invite them over to binge something you both agree on (a throwback cartoon marathon never hurts). CUTE: The (not-so) casual meet-cute. Last week at science camp, they mentioned how they can’t get enough of Dunkin’ on a Sunday morning. So you stop by then, too…kinda not-so-secretly hoping you’ll…2 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021HOW TO…GET THEIR NUMBER Trying to switch from Snap to text? Ask them to play GamePigeon. It’s an easy way to take your talking to the top level…and bond over beating each other in ping-pong and pool, too. ASK THEM OUT It can be kinda awk to go from the texting stage to that first IRL hangout. Give it a chill vibe by bringing your squad along: “The girls and I are going to hit that skateboard park on Saturday around noon. Hope you and your friends can come!” Or, for extra romantic energy, seek out a can’t-miss event as a duo: “Hey, they’re playing The Lion King in the park next Tuesday. Want to go together? I’ll bring the caramel popcorn.” If they’re into it, it’s a date. GO FOR…2 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021WHAT’S YOUR SUMMER CRUSH STATUS?1. It’s Friday night. What are your plans? A. You and bae will be snuggled up on the couch, ready to hit play on a Marvel movie marathon (don’t forget the popcorn). B. Hitting up your bestie’s BBQ with the crew (which, of course, includes your crush). C. Kind of up in the air. Earlier in the week, your crush sent a vague text about getting together, so you don’t want to commit to anything else just in case. 2. You’re hanging at your end-of-year pool party (so good to *finally* see your squad IRL). Where’s your summer sweetie? A. On their way…according to the Story they posted earlier. B. Right by your side, holding your hand as you contemplate a hot dog vs. burger. C. On the opposite side…5 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021How to Lie Without Really, Actually, Totally LyingLITTLE SUMMER LIE #1 You tell Mom you’re at Aly’s when you’re really stargazing with Noah. COME CLEAN: We get it. It’s summer, and you want to have fun for the first time in ages. Woo Mom and Dad by proving you’re worthy of their trust. Ask if you can have a discussion about boundaries and curfews, which is way more mature than spinning a web of untruths. They just might grant permission for a little constellation watching. LITTLE SUMMER LIE #2 As the final bell rings, your super sweet lab partner confesses they've been crushing all year…and asks what you're up to on Saturday. As nice as they are, the chemistry between you two was strictly limited to the beakers and Bunsen burners. You tell them you’re busy. Every…3 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021I’m anASIAN AMERICAN TEEN… and I’m scaredEvery night, I burrow into my blankets with my phone and open Facebook to check the Subtle Asian Traits group. It’s a closed group, but with almost 2 million members, it’s one of the largest online Asian communities. It’s the kind of place where you can find hilarious memes and cringey-in-a-good-way viral videos. Usually, the Subtle Asian Traits group is full of fun, lighthearted content (check out the amazing Mandarin rendition of the ’90s hit “I Want It That Way”). But when I opened the page on March 16, everything was different. Instead of memes and viral videos, I saw post after post about the Atlanta shootings, in which eight people had been killed at three different spas in the city. Six of the victims were Asian women—and it seemed…5 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021The Ultimate END-OF-SCHOOL BUCKET LISTGO OUT WITH AN ACADEMIC BANG ORGANIZE A SWEET THANK-YOU VIDEO FOR YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER Distance learning has been tough on everyone, especially teachers. Show your appreciation with a viral-worthy vid (go to girlslife.com/iti for inspo!). HUSTLE A SUMMER GIG Break is the perfect opp to hustle a few bucks. The best jobs tend to go early, so apply ASAP to get moving on your moolah (or go forth on your own with our ideas on page 66). EAT LUNCH WITH SOMEONE NEW We get it: Post-pandemic, you want to stick with your crew. But just once a week, mix things up by sitting at a different spot, like with your chem partner or with the girl whose locker is next to yours. Who knows, she might just be the…3 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021It’sboob seasonWhen I went from an A cup to a near-DD the summer before tenth grade, my whole world instantly changed. Once the flat-chested girl who begged her mom for a padded bra, I was thrust into the entirely new world of big boob-dom—from bigger bras to boisterous boys to badly fitting bandeaus. But here’s the thing: You don’t have to have a gargan-tuan set of girls to, well, struggle with your chest. That’s why we’re answering your top Q’s about your boobs—just in time for warmer temps. Whatever your size, you’re going to want to read this… SOOO, I JUST GOT BOOBS. HOW DO I DEAL? Just do you. “Here’s the thing about boobs—they shouldn’t be hard to care for,” explains Dr. Sophia Yen, CEO of Pandia Health and a…7 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021MATCH YOURSMOOTHIE TO YOUR VIBEBERRY BRIGHT HEN TO BLEND:sall your guests arrive for your inaugural summer book club meeting. ½ cup frozen blueberries½ cup frozen raspberries8 ounces coconut waterJuice from ½ lemontablespoon chia seeds Combine all ingredients in blender, puree until smooth and serve. We probably don’t need to tell you twice, but it’s officially smoothie season. The icy blends symbolize all the best parts of summer: having the freshest fruit on hand, spending a free moment whipping up bliss and chilling out with a cool drink on a hot day. Bust out your blender, bb, because we have the best recipes to craft your own sippable celebrations of the season. Blueberry cucumber coolers, anyone? Cheers! GO GREENER WHEN TO BLEND:Post-lacrosse camp, when you need to refuel. 1 large handful baby spinach1 banana (fresh…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021ODE TO AWKWARDI was so excited to finally go swimming at my friend’s end-of-year pool party that Iimmediately cannon balled right into the pool …and totally forgot I was wearing a full face of makeup for te last day. Good bye tenth grade, hello mas-cara str eaks. —EMMA T. My bestie and I were talking at lunch about how eighth grade is almost over, and I said I couldn’t wait to never see our horrible dean ever again. I was going on and on about how awful he is, then I realized my bestie was looking at me…horrified. The dean was right behind me. —BREANNA A. I’m a lifeguard at my neighborhood pool and last weekend I was the only one on duty. Every time I had to pee, I had to…3 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021It’s thesummer of Y-E-SWHAT’S HOT ON GIRLSLIFE.COM THIS JUNE AND JULY……1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021Olivia Holt IS OWNING SUMMER 2021Girls’ Life: For anyone who hasn’t been keeping up with Cruel Summer, how would you describe the show? Olivia Holt: I feel like it’s Clueless meets The Undoing. Like Clueless, Cruel Summer is set in the ’90s, and [my character] Kate is like a version of Cher in the beginning—and then like a version of Tai at the very end, which I think is cool. But the tone is darker and more mysterious, like in The Undoing. Are you a big fan of mysteries yourself? It’s been my favorite genre since I was a kid. I've watched so many psychological thrillers and I like true crime, too. I just finished the podcast Serial, which is so bananas. So are you the kind of person who likes to guess the ending…2 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021WE FOUND YOURSummer BingeHIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE MUSICAL: THE SERIES SEASON 2 (DISNEY+) WATCH IT IF YOU LOVE: Classic DCOMs The Wildcats are preparing for a new spring musical—and this time they’re going up against rivals North High in a seriously intense theater competition. MAY 14 CRUELLA(THEATERS AND DISNEY+ PREMIER ACCESS) WATCH IT IF YOU LOVE: Maleficent and Suicide Squad In this epic Disney live-action film, not only do we get to see what led 101 Dalmatians baddie Cruella de Vil down the road of puppy-hunting villainy, but her particular brand of zany gives us major Harley Quinn vibes—in the best possible way. MAY 28 SPIRIT UNTAMED (THEATERS) WATCH IT IF YOU LOVE: Happy Feet and Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron In this Spirit sequel, a headstrong girl named Lucky enlists her friends…3 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021BREEZYVIBESMODERN BOHO A lesson in layering: Get that maximalist feel by pairing up minimalist prints—while keeping color cohesive.…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021SUMMER MOOD BOARDLove Your LIPS Sure, you’re hiding your mouth behind a face mask most of the time—but when you have a chance to show off your smile, make it the star of the show. Apply your most eye-catching matte, satin, glossy or liquid lippy, then snap a selfi e to prove you actually painted your pout. Show Off Your SKIN Ya know that satisfying feeling of earning a sticker on your homework? This look is kind of like that—minus the book report. Earn extra credit by placing a few standout acne patches around your cheeks and temples—then keep the rest of your makeup minimal (or nonexistent). Get CHEEKY Give your look that sun-kissed glow without the damaging UV rays. A major pop of color on the apples of your cheeks makes…2 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021Yay, it’s officiallypedi season!FULL CONFESSION: Other than my dog Freddie, there’s not much I love more than an amazing salon pedi—cushy chairs, endless colors, my feet being pumiced and polished to perfection. And while I treasure the chance to leave my toes to the pros, trust: If you want to save money (or don’t feel totally safe going to the salon just yet), you’re more than capable of giving yourself a bomb at-home pedicure. Ahead, you’ll find the simple steps that’ll get your DIY pedicure routine on lock. 1. START WITH A SOAK. Fill a tub with warm water and add a scoop of Epsom salt (find it at most drugstores or go luxe with French Girl Organics Rose Sea Soak Calming Bath Salts, $22, selenitebeauty.com). Let your feet chill in there for…2 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021Flaunt ’emGO PRIME TIME “Prepping your skin is key,” says Rivero. Try a luminous-finish primer like e.l.f. Retro Paradise Primer Glow Oil ($10, elfcosmetics.com) to give your skin a boost *without* the need for foundation that’ll cover up your freckles. HIDE AND SEEK Grab a medium-to full-coverage concealer for Rivero’s spot technique: Use a small concealer brush to cover any blemishes, then dab a couple dots along the nostrils (where almost everyone has redness) and blend. Try Milk Makeup Flex Concealer ($28, milkmakeup.com). WIN THE BRONZE Spotted sweeties should actually skip the bronzer—terra cotta tones can blend freckles together. Instead, snag a powder foundation that’s one or two shades darker than your natural base tone. We love BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15 ($32, bareminerals.com). CRUSH ON BLUSH “Girls with…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 202110 Signs IT ISN’T WORKING10. They never, ever, ever text you first. 9. After they cancel your plans, you see them out with friends. 8. You feel embarrassed about who you are around them. 7. They act differently when it’s just you two—and can be rude in groups. 6. When you talk about the future, they quickly switch the subject. 5. They have a reputation for flirting with every girl. 4. You only hear from them when they need something from you. 3. It doesn’t ever feel like they’re listening to you. 2. They’re outright mean to you. 1. IT’S JUST NOT FUN ANYMORE.…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 20213 ways to avoid the awkSTAY SMART. You don’t want to start a relationship based on a lie and, yep, that includes dumbing yourself down. Stick to your strengths, support others and ask for help when you *actually* need it. STAY COOL ON SOCIAL. Everyone knows the girl who changes her Insta bio the second she finds a new bae. Avoid the temptation to broadcast your bond…and focus on building it instead. Unless your names are Lara Jean and Peter, your love story is just for you two. STAY NATURAL. Not sure how to act around their fam? Ask their bro what he got for his b-day or help their dad spear veggies for the grill. You’ll win points for being your genuine (cool) self and forming bonds with the people they heart the most.…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021DearCarolSTUCK ON MY BFF’S BF I really like this boy, but he’s kind of dating my best friend. Well, they aren’t actually dating, but they both like each other and want to. I don’t know what to do. I have big feelings for this guy. I’ve read articles on just letting it go and how crying is OK, but I’m hoping for a different answer. Dear Stuck On My BFF’s BF, It’s hard when you like someone who likes someone else. But you and he may circle back later—or more likely, you will find other guys worth noticing. For now, try to change the channel in your brain: Bake, read, plant vegetables, visit your grandparents, take up a cause, learn to paint. It’s easy for all of us to think…10 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021Pressly Hosbach IS BASICALLY HUMAN SUNSHINEWant instant last-day-of-school, no-worries energy? Meet Pressley Hosbach. The super talented dancer and performer(catch her on the most recent season of Dance Moms, her Brat TV series Stage Fright or vlogging on her popular YouTube channel) is the good-vibes girl you want by your side all summer long. Whether you're watching the sunny 14-year-old master complex choreography, create captivating characters or just be her cool, compassionate self, it’s impossible not to be drawn to Pressley. But, as we all know, being such a positive person isn't exactly effortless-it comes from hard work and intention. So in the hopes of learning Pressley’s secrets on how to have the ultimate sel-flove summer, we booked a beach day with social media’s sweetest soul. And we're *srsly* basking in her glow. TINY DANCER It…8 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021WHYI VOLUNTEERED TO BE PART OF A TEEN COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICAL TRIALEditor’s note:For over a year, the world has battled COVID-19, a global pandemic with more than 134 million cases, claiming more than half a million lives here in the U.S. and almost 3 million globally. As scientists implore us to continue to wear masks and social distance, a new threat has emerged: The B.1.1.7 variant, also known as the British variant. This mutation seems to infect those under 18 more readily—and transmits more easily to others. As GL goes to press, experts are calling for kids as young as 12 to get a COVID vaccine. These recommendations are based on studies like the one Sofia volunteered for, which show the vaccine is safe and effective for teens. To protect yourself and others, we encourage you to talk to your doctor…5 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021THE BEST BOOB ADVICE… from real teens“If you don’t already have a boob skincare routine, you need one ASAP. So many people have nine-step facial regimens but don’t think twice about chest skincare. Wash up with a mild soap, try products containing tea tree oil, exfoliate gently and even try a body polish or boob mask [yep, those exist]. Your skin will thank you.”– Adrienne S., 18 “Nipple chafing is real, especially for my fellow summer athletes out there. Put a tiny bit of Vaseline or even adhesive tape between your nipple and sports bra. And avoid cotton bras when you’re headed on a run…splurge on the moisture-wicking athletic garments instead.”- Ronni V., 16 “Sometimes I feel jealous of girls with the ‘perfect’ size boobs [in my opinion]. What’s helped is actually asking them what it’s…2 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021YOUR ULTIMATE SMOOTHIE MAPFRUIT BERRIES OG for a reason. Fresh or frozen, berries are packed with natural sweetness, fiber and antioxidants. BANANAS If you like your smoothies almost ice cream texture, add a frozen banana. TROPICALS Mango, pineapple, papaya, dragon fruit and açai each lend a taste of paradise and pair perfectly with creamy dairy, like yogurt, or coconut milk. MELON Super sweet and filled with fiber, melons work best with other neutral-tasting add-ins, like cucumber and tofu… but maybe skip the peanut butter. VEG LEAFY GREENS Go all green machine with baby spinach or romaine, which are big on nutrition but less intense than, say, kale or chard. CUCUMBER Crisp and hydrating, cucumber balances the sweetness of berries and brightens up greens. It also nicely complements basil or mint. ZUCCHINI With a…2 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 202115 reasons to love your ride-or-die bestie1. For letting you borrow her new prairie dress for your senior portrait before she’s even worn it once. 2. For keeping up with your convos on text, Insta, Snap and TikTok… all at the same time. 3. For fitting right in with your zany family—and even laughing at your mom’s unfunny jokes. 4. For listening to you ramble on about your undying love for BTS, spaghetti carbonara and pugs. In that order. 5. For forever helping you figure out what to text your crush (is “hey” or “hi” less cringey? Only she knows). 6. For knowing that you’re bound to forget the summer reading HW…and gently reminding you, just in case. 7. For being the only person in your OG quarantine pod, duh. 8. For thinking all your puns…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021Beach Reads GiveawayTO ENTER Go to girlslife.com • Look for the giveaway box • Click on the prize and enter • Enter for all prizes all month long • Enter as many times as you want • Open to U.S. residents only. GRAND PRIZE One lucky winner will score a beach reads bundle from Disney Publishing: Eight sunny selections plus a cute collector’s tote—so you can bring your books on all your sweet summer vacays…or lounge at home with these can’t-miss picks!…2 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021SPLASH ZONERETRO SPORT Vintage cuts and old-school details will keep you looking shipshape, even when you’re in chill mode.…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021Cute Hair Alert!BIG, BEAUTIFUL CURLS Whether you’re blessed with natural ringlets that just won’t quit or work hard to create waves with a wand, this summer is all about letting your hair live its best (and biggest!) life. Go wide, go tall, go textured—it’s time for you (and your tresses) to take up space. SKY-HIGHPIGTAILS Your go-to look from first grade… but make it summer 2021. Split your hair down the middle and gather each section at the top of your head for lots of lift. It’s the coolest way to keep your locks out of your face. TWISTS, BRAIDS OR BUBBLES Now that you don’t have to wake up at 6 a.m. to catch the bus (or cram for a virtual test), you’ve got extra time in the morning to try…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021NEED A SERIOUS SKIN-SMOOTHING SOLUTION?Sometimes, scrubbing and moisturizing just isn’t enough. Handle even the most stubborn calluses and cracks with a full-on foot peel like Baby Foot ($25, amazon.com). The cult classic foot mask removes all the dead skin from your feet over a two-week period. (Watching your feet flake is, yes, a little gross—but also sooo satisfying.) Be sure to try it at least 14 days before you plan on wearing sandals to hide the shedding safely in your sneakers.…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021Hey, you!It’s time to get smart aboutsunscreenThere’s a lot of misinformation out there about what kind of sunscreen you should wear, when to wear it and how much you even need—or don’t need. (Our rule? When in doubt, slather on the SPF.) But if you want legit guidelines to keeping your skin damage-free, we’ve got you. Before you apply, read this! SO WHAT DOES THE SUN ACTUALLY DO TO YOUR SKIN? The two types of UV light you need to know are UVA and UVB rays. UVB actually gives you a sunburn, while UVA is responsible for the damage deep down in your skin that causes darkening and wrinkles. “These UVA rays tell your cells to produce more melanin to protect your skin from sun damage,” explains dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD. “So the color you see…5 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021ALL THEflirtingadviceYOU NEED THIS SUMMERAfter crushing on that cutie since January, you finally have the courage to step up to the plate…but your go-to moves have you striking out (or maybe, after so many solo months, you’ve forgotten what your moves are at all). That’s why we’ve got tons of no-fail tips and tricks to help you break the ice with bae—and keep the sparks flying way past the actual fireworks. Playing hard to get While keeping some mystery is OK (i.e., don’t confess you’re crushing in your first-ever text convo), you still need to ditch the games and make it clear you’re interested… especially when you’re not IRL. “I wouldn’t text my crush back for hours and then would give one-word responses. Now, I realize I came off as pretty rude and standoffish,”…4 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021REAL CRUSHESSHARE“When they just FaceTime me out of the blue. Shows they don't mind a casual convo… and they think of me as someone they can talk to anytime.” - Jlri L. “Asking open-ended questions like 'What are you most proud of?' It makes me feel like they honestly care about my life.” -Jaden N. “When they don't just give their opinion on a movie or show but ask for mine, too.” Cameron S. “Being silly around me. Ifeel comfortable being myself, too… and happy that they want to let me in.” Rae JI. “Going out of their way to do something nice, like stopping by with sweets when I'm feeling stressed.” Logan R.…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021#flirt fails“I invited my crush to my sweet 16 party. He asked if he could bring a plus-one: his GF. Ouch.”– Delaney T. “My girlfriend told me she loved me. I was happy, but it was *really* unexpected. When I get nervous, I throw up, so I opened the car door and…vomited every-where.”– Maddie G. “These super cute boys were kicking a soccer ball around on the beach and they sent it over to me. Let’s just say I’m not the most athletically inclined, so I kicked it back…straight into the ocean.”– Annie Y. “When I was in seventh grade, I posted a #mcm of my almost-BF…and he texted me right away, asking me to take it down. Totally mortifying!”– Lucy R. “My family uses a shared iCloud plan, and one…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021WE KNOW THE YOURNEEDS BESTIE SUMMERYOUR BESTIE-FOR-LIFE IS PACKING HER BAGS FOR SLEEPAWAY CAMP, LEAVING YOU STUCK AT HOME TO FIND A FRIEND TO FILL HER FLIP-FLOPS. SO WHO’S GOING TO BE YOUR GO-TO GIRL FOR THE NEXT EIGHT WEEKS? SEEK OUT A BUD TO BOUNCE AROUND WITH—ONE WHO’LL HELP YOU SOAK UP EVERY SECOND OF SUMMER. MEET: THE GIRL WHOSE MANTRA IS “CARPE DIEM” Maybe she’s the girl down the street who runs that cool Instagram vintage shop. Or maybe she scoops ice cream by day and reviews local indie bands by night. This babe is both aspirational and gutsy—and you can totally thrive off her ambitious attitude. This summer, look for a pal who will bust you right out of your comfort zone and encourage you to go for whatever it is you…4 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021SPLIT-SECOND ADVICE FOR EVERYTHING YOU ARE DEALING WITH RIGHT NOW…confess my feelings to my crush before school lets out? SHOULD I …go solo to the dance? …make up with my ex-BFF before school lets out? …host an end-of-the-year bash for my besties? …stay with bae over summer break? …get a babysitting gig this summer? …go to camp or chill out at home?…1 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021How to turn yourpassion YOU got this BABE into the perfect summer hustleSchool’s out, and your besties are already prepping for lazy days on the beach and long nights by the bonfire. While you heart soaking up rays as much as the next girl, your ambitions are, shall we say, more centered on building a banging business and bringi ng in bucks. We get it: After a year of binge-watching Shark Tank and seeing people turn pas sions into payouts on Tik Tok, you can’t wait to put your entre preneurial skills to the test. So how do you come up with an idea that will set your bizapart from the restd? We’ve go teight easy ways to build up your bank account while doing what you love. IF YOU ♥ ADORABLE KIDDOS TRY YOUR OWN BSC Instead of spending your days…4 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021GETYOURGLOWBACKHello, sunshine! Now that school’s out, it seems like the world is a bit brighter and you finally have the space to breathe again. Summer is the perfect time to reset, renew and recharge by polishing up the mini routines that make you your shiny, happy self. Sprinkling in a few of these self-care faves each day will have a huge impact on your emotional and physical health. And that rare moment when you have an entire day free? Follow our hourly guide to a full-on glow-up. BACK TO BREATHWORK The thing about breathing is that it happens automatically, in the background, without you even being aware of it. But when you turn your attention to it, benefits abound. Studies show that slower breathing (think: about six seconds per breath)…5 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021WORK-ING OUTON YOUR PERIODWhen your period comes around, the *last* thing you probably want to do is work out. There’s the bloating, cramps, breast tenderness, exhaustion…need we say more? But, brace yourself, whether you feel like it or not, the best way to beat menstrual blahs is to, well, work them out. As counterintuitive as it may seem, recent studies show that working out three times a week can make your periods less painful. Why? When you exercise, you eliminate prostaglandins, chemical compounds produced during your period that are responsible for all of thatinflammation, plus muscle contractions and pain. And when you sweat, your body naturally gets rid of water, which may reduce that uncomfy bloated feeling. Not to mention, period workouts can boost your mood. Exercise releases feel-good endor-phins in your brain,…3 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021REMEMBER PARTIESTHE NO-POOL POOL PARTY THEINVITES: You’ve seen the trendy tropical monstera leaves literally every-where, so DIY your own mini fronds out of green cardstock for your invites (create a template then trace), write down the details and send’em snail mail. Who should come? The more the merrier, so feel free to invite your school besties, your camp crew *and* your cousins. Just request that guests come prepared with their own towels so everyone’s covered—literally. WHATTO WEAR: Break out your bathing suit (scout our faves on page 18), step into some sweet slides (we heart the pair on page 21), toss on a cute cover-up and you’re good to go. Don’t forget your sunnies and a good layer of SPF. WHATTO EAT: Set up a make-your-own taco bar replete with rice…4 min
Girls' Life Magazine|June/July 2021YOUR SIGN WOULD LIKE AWORD ABOUTWe’re 100% ready for some happy, chill energy to come our way. Luckily, astrology predicts just that—a summer filled with optimism and joy (can we get a “yasss!”?). June starts off with Venus entering Cancer on the 2nd, making everyone prioritize close bonds. At the same time, with chatty Mercury in even chattier Gemini on June 22, people will be thrilled to hang out again. Focus on the things that matter: seeing pals, being outside and unplugging after so much screentime. One intriguing event will be Jupiter, planet of luck, going retrograde in Pisces on June 20. Pisces is a sign defined by creativity and dreams, so this retrograde represents an ideal time to reflect on friendships, school or the future. By the time the retrograde moves into Aquarius (sign…6 min