Skip to Main Content
The Independent Student Newspaper at Boston University

The Daily Free Press

The Independent Student Newspaper at Boston University.

The Daily Free Press

The Daily Free Press

Emma Clement | Graphics Editor

How using beauty filters distorted my relationship with my skin — and why I’m over it | Maia’s Inner Monologue

Maia Penzer February 28, 2025
I know how messed up it is. I use filters because I don’t like how my skin looks, and then I dislike my skin more because I’m constantly comparing it to the filtered version. It’s a version of me that doesn’t exist but somehow feels more real than my reflection.
Gianna Horcher | Graphic Artist

My love-hate relationship with beauty trends | Maia’s Inner Monologue

Maia Penzer February 11, 2025
I love it, but I know every “clean girl” aesthetic, every dewy no-makeup makeup routine and every “morning shed” ritual is just another layer of consumerism dressed up as self-care. But knowing doesn’t stop me. If anything, it makes me more fascinated. I don’t just want to use these products — I want to understand why we want them so badly in the first place.
Lila Baltaxe | Senior Graphic Artist

Beauty gems of March | Maia’s Inner Monologue

Maia Penzer April 1, 2024
I vividly recall my introduction to foundation, courtesy of CoverGirl, that my mother bought me from our local CVS. While my prepubescent skin arguably didn't require such coverage, the act of applying makeup still bestowed a sense of beauty and confidence, even though it looked like crap. I recently made a point to treat myself to new beauty finds over spring break. Now, allow me to share with you the discoveries that have earned a permanent place in my beauty regimen this month. 
Haley Alvarez-Lauto | Senior Graphic Artist

‘Sephora kids’: The effect of consumer culture on childhood | The Perfectly Imperfect Human Condition

Lillian Chapman January 31, 2024
The rise of "Sephora kids" raises questions about Generation Alpha's exposure to influencer culture and concerns about "gentle parenting."
Samantha Sanders | Graphic Artist

Pretty isn’t pretty: behind ‘natural beauty’ | Mad Women

Hailey Pitcher November 15, 2023
Natural beauty is all the rage. We’re rocking the bare skinned look. Goodbye full coverage foundation and false eyelashes, and hello skin tints and lash extensions. Goodbye dramatic eye shadows and deep contour, introducing under eye creams and facial filler. We’ve made a dramatic shift in our beauty standards since the 2010s, but is au natural all the better or are we just exhausting ourselves more than ever to achieve picture perfect beauty?
Lila Baltaxe | Senior Graphic Artist

Heritage skincare products that work for both your grandma and you

Kate Ruddy April 5, 2023
The concept of my papa and me going to CVS and picking out the same product is slightly jarring — there’s a 50-year age gap between us.
Lila Baltaxe | Senior Graphic Artist

Sustainability in style: Credo and Covet

Kendall O’Brien March 31, 2023
Trends aren’t always worth following, but one trend consumers should subscribe to is sustainability. Consumers have taken a newfound interest in eco conscious actions, and stores are taking notice.
Mandile Mpofu | Graphic Artist

Worth it or leave it: La Roche-Posay

Kate Ruddy March 22, 2023
La Roche-Posay’s products have become wildly popular in the United States in recent years as part of the French skincare craze sweeping TikTok and other platforms.
Lila Baltaxe | Graphic Artist

Sunscreen to fit your lifestyle

Kate Ruddy February 15, 2023
Makeup and skincare brands, recognizing the importance of daily sunscreen use, have recently released new sunscreen formulations — ranging from the typical cream to setting sprays and powder.
Chloe Patel | Senior Graphic Artist

Six products to save your skin this winter

Kate Ruddy February 8, 2023
The most important thing to remember about winter skincare is the three main categories: hydrate, heal and protect.

Vegan and cruelty-free fashion, skincare and makeup brands

Amber Bhatnagar November 11, 2019
Here are the best vegan and cruelty-free brands to upgrade your beauty routine and wardrobe during World Vegan Month this year.
Load More Stories
Activate Search
skincare