Happy 2025, everyone! To kick off the new year, we’re bringing you our first edition of the year full of beauty faves that our team can’t get enough of. From skincare to makeup, these five products are making waves as we dive into the new year.

1.Online A&E Editor RyAnn Brown recommends the  e.l.f. Glow Reviver Oil in Rose Envy.

I wear the e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil in Rose Envy every day, and it’s perfect! For just $8 at Target, it hydrates my lips without feeling sticky. The lightweight formula keeps my lips smooth and nourished all day long. It’s a must-have for everyday wear!

2.Social Media Manager Shayna Youkhana recommends Sol de Janeiro scent 59.

Sol de Janeiro scent 59 explodes the pleasant scent of fresh lavender and flowers throughout any room you walk through. I get the best compliments and you will too when you wear this delightful scent for $25 at Sephora.

3.Online Editor-in-chief Hannah Kim recommends nooni Korean lip oil.

This product is unique because it not only moisturizes your lips, but also leaves a long lasting stain. My favorite shade is Appleblacktea, which leaves a lasting stain of subtle red on my lips. It’s also quite affordable in my opinion, retailing for $13.99 on Amazon.

4.Print Sports Editor Simran Panwar recommends Urban Decay Setting Spray.

A lot of people in school wear makeup, and their greatest enemy is likely the infamous school air. Staying in school from 8:30a.m. – 3:22p.m. means that makeup will start fading away come 8:32am. How to defeat said enemy? Invest in a good setting spray. The Urban Decay setting spray makes your makeup feel like it’s locked in place while you’re locked in at school, and it does not let your concealer, blush or highlighter budge at all. Available at Sephora, Ulta, or Amazon starting at $18.

5.Staff Writer Benice Udeogu recommends Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen.

This is hands down the best sunscreen I’ve ever used. It goes on smoothly without leaving any white cast, and gives my skin a gorgeous, dewy glow while keeping it moisturized. My makeup applies beautifully over it, too. Totally worth every penny starting at $18.

1.Activity Recommendation: Staff Writer LauraAnn Serra recommends Ice Skating.

One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is ice skating. Not only is it a fun way to spend time with friends and families, but it is an awesome skill to learn. When it comes to practicing jumps and spins or just doing laps, I love using the ice rinks at Crystal Ice House in Crystal Lake.

2. Game Recommendation: Staff Writer Casey Swart recommends the video game Stardew Valley.

The culmination of every creative, enticing, addictive aspect of cozy games alike, Stardew Valley provides a completely magical storyline along with compelling yet relaxed gameplay. Creating your farm and interacting with the community are just some of the many features that make it the perfect escape from reality into a Pixelated paradise.

3. Product Recommendation: Editor-In-Chief Anika Wadhwa recommends Smiskis.

Smiskis are a collection of figurines, with each series showcasing a different theme. The best part? You won’t know which one you’ll get. Add suspense to your life and enjoy growing your collection. These make great gifts, too! Priced at $9.99 each and available on Amazon.

Welcome back! Here are a few handpicked recommendations to help you stay on track and make the most of finals week.

1. Drink Recommendation: Print Editor-in-chief Abby Monk recommends the London Fog Latte from Starbucks.

Going into the colder months of winter, there’s no better time to enjoy the Starbucks London Fog Latte. This warm mix of Earl Grey tea, lavender and vanilla brings out a cozy feeling for those foggy days, and holds its title as my favorite Starbucks drink.

2. App Recommendation: Social Media Manager Shayna Youkhana recommends the game Block Blast!

The app Block Blast! has been spreading like a wildfire. The satisfying yet challenging game is everywhere, and I’m not complaining. I find myself constantly clicking on this app ready to try and beat my high score. Block Blast! allows you to think critically while also having fun.

3. App Recommendation: Staff Writer Mia Rao recommends the app Google Keep.

The app Google Keep has transformed my high school experience. This digital planner has an aesthetically pleasing layout that conveniently records all of my homework assignments. Plus, the Google feature allows me to access it across all my devices. Take advantage of this service provided by the school and download it now just in time for finals season!

1. Drink Recommendation: Online Sports Editor Olivia Peyton recommends Starbucks Iced Gingerbread Chai.

The Iced Gingerbread Chai is arguably my favorite fall drink from Starbucks. The creamy cold foam, the delicious milky chai. It’s basically Christmas in a cup. This drink is especially great for all the people who hate coffee, but still want a coffee-ish drink.

2. Music Recommendation: Staff Writer Morgan Smith recommends the EP, “A Very Laufey Holiday” by Laufey.

This EP is perfect for the holiday season. Laufey’s voice is pure magic and her modern jazz vocals are addicting. This EP includes covers to Christmas classics as well as original music.

3. Activity Recommendation: Staff Writer Julian Vazquez recommends the Chicago Botanical Gardens Lightscape.

The Lightscape is a seasonal event hosted by the Chicago Botanical Gardens to celebrate the winter holiday season. It starts on Nov. 15 and carries through to the beginning of January. It consists of many different light features, beverages, food & drink. Perfect for family outings just be sure to dress warm!

1. App Recommendation: Staff Writer Casey Swart recommends Tune Track.

While Spotify wrapped is always a Christmas present in itself, the app Tune Track provides your music statistics from not only the past year, but the past month, six months, and lifetime of your Spotify or apple music account. All encompassed in a single app, all year round.

2. Song Recommendation: Print Editor-In-Chief Sabrina Roach recommends “margarita sugar” by chrysalis (indigo + friends version)

Do you listen to Laufey, Mitski or Lorde? Do you love heart-wrenching vocals and comforting instrumentals? Maybe you have no idea what I’m talking about but need a song to listen to on the drive home in the dusk. “Margarita sugar” is the best song you’ve never heard of.

3. App Recommendation: Staff Writer Julian Vazquez recommends “Grammarly”.

An AI assistant that operates through your keyboard to correct grammar mistakes, tone, and clarity issues. Setup only takes a couple of minutes and you can use it in any circumstances you’d need a keyboard. The applications are endless and its benefits are enough to make it a standard routine throughout daily life.