The Winter Issue ft. Halsey

It’s only the second month of 2021 and yet, so much has happened. Six days into the year, the abhorrent events at the capitol. A week later, another impeachment. A week after that, a new administration. So let’s just call January what it really was: the 13th month of an impossibly long, hard year. That’s why I’m reclaiming February as the real reset—a new beginning, as our issue’s theme suggests. For me, that typically involves a wellness cleanse: a whole-foods based plan that level-sets my body and mind like The Well Cleanse. It’s 15 days of smart eating, morning smoothies and gut-health supplements, all vetted by functional medicine doctor, Frank Lipman, M.D. (Highly recommend it.) I’m also taking back some P.M. me time, which all but vaporized with the birth of my daughter last April. Bare minimum I’m applying a powerhouse multi-tasking serum (the classic Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair reduces my fine lines and leaves my skin feeling hydrated); bonus points for 60-seconds with my Ziip. Speaking of births: our cover star, Halsey, announced two weeks ago that she’s expecting. New beginnings, indeed! Wishing you a sweet journey, Halsey—can’t wait for you to meet your little one.

—Leah Wyar, SVP/GM

Last week, I finally bought myself a new planner for 2021. As I thumbed through its crisp, blank pages, I suddenly felt more hopeful than I have in a really long time (anxious, tired and/or outraged has been my MO of late). Our first digital issue of the year is all about bottling that “new planner feeling,” starting with a vulnerable interview with the ever-evolving, newly-pregnant Halsey—an artist who’s never been afraid of forging a new path for herself throughout her life and career. In this issue, you’ll also find stories about letting go and advice on how to start over from some truly inspiring beauty entrepreneurs. You’ll read essays on how to channel loneliness into creativity and press reset on your entire life, and a deep-dive into the lasting effects the pandemic has had on everyone, but Black women in particular. After a year that has left us feeling shocked and defeated, the promise of a new beginning can’t come soon enough. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s less about the number of blank pages, and more about the act of turning the page itself—something that always takes courage and a pointed decision to keep pressing on, to keep looking forward, no matter how painful things might feel in the moment. I hope this issue helps you turn the pages in your life, wherever they might be.

—Faith Xue, Editorial Director