Must-Try Halloween Beauty Looks

Are you in the Halloween spirit yet? If not, start thinking about this year’s spooky yet fierce look! We’re already mid-October, and before you know it, it’ll be the 31st! 

Listen, we love an iconic costume. Whether you’re representing our rich culture’s pop icons (we love a Selena Quintanilla tribute) or thinking outside the box (who else is doing Rosalía as Magick in Euphoria?), Halloween is the perfect time to experiment and be creative. The best thing is that it goes beyond clothes. We’re talking about makeup looks—and overall beauty inspiration that will get those creative juices flowing.

From Coraline’s button eyes to a Day of the Dead skull face, here are five beauty tips to inspire this year’s spooky season looks!

 

Coraline

Coraline is a Halloween staple nowadays. And for good reason, since she’s so fun to recreate with makeup! With a white and brown makeup palette, button-like eyes, and a yellow raincoat, the costume is a must! 

@mirellarchs Como eu me maquiaria de Coraline para o halloween 🐈‍⬛ id mercado livre: ZMN4UU-G5KA @Mercado Livre #MeusFavsDoMercadoLivre #MercadoLivre #halloween #coraline #halloweenmakeup ♬ Exploration - Bruno Coulais & Mathilde Pellegrini & Laurent Petitgirard & Hungrarian Symphony Orchestra Budapest & Helene Breschand
Rosalía as Magick

The Spanish singer’s role as Magick in Euphoria left us inspired. And I’m happy to report that I wasn’t the only one who thought her bedazzled neck brace would be a hit this Halloween. But there’s more to her outfit. The makeup look that creators are pairing it with is amazing—just check out those eyebrows.

@nuriimolins Day 6 | Magick 🪩💅🏼 aka Rosalia in Euphoria #rosalia #halloween #halloweencostumeideas #halloweenoutfit #girlythings @La Rosalia ♬ Con Altura - musiclife.ec
Our prima, Kacey Musgraves

Our favorite prima is doing so much for our Mexican community. Besides inviting stars like Estevie and The Mariachi Brothers on her tour, she’s also collaborating with Mexican icons like Intocable. Have you heard the Spanish version of “Uncertain, TX”? Let’s just say she’s always invited to our carne asada. And with glitter star makeup and denim, you can dress like the country star this Halloween (or for her tour!).

@itsjuliakbye this makeup has been on my MIND since coachella ugh kacey the woman that u are!!! @kaceymusgraves @Kaleidos Makeup moon cruiser pencil to outline the star @Mehron Makeup metallic sfx silver pigment - mixed with mixing liquid for coverage then set with dry pigment @ColourPop Cosmetics cloud whip in ‘candy floss’ #makeup #kaceymusgraves #creativemakeup #makeupinspo #eyemakeup ♬ Mexico Honey - Kacey Musgraves
Obsession-inspired look

For our spooky girlies, what about an Obsession-inspired look? Here’s how to recreate an iconic bloody look that skyrocketed the Mexican-Australian actress Inde Navarrette’s career earlier this year.

@natviolette DAY 3: Nikki Obsession #makeup #31daysofhalloween ♬ original sound - Buzzing For Horror 👻🍿
Day of the Dead makeup

How can we forget to include the chic Day of the Dead, also known as Catrina, skull makeup? Here’s a stunning way to recreate the tribute—don’t forget to pair it with a gorgeous flower crown. 

@michellekdoria Would you want a YouTube video STEP BY STEP Tutorial for this Catrina look? #catrinamakeup #diademuertos #HalloweenMakeup #skullmakeup #catrinamexicana ♬ La Catrina - Kley Kley

Why REIGN Is Your Child’s Go-To Clean Curl Care Line

You don’t have to wait until you’re an adult to start caring for hair—and it doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s what REIN’s celebrity hairstylist and founder, Stephanie Pohl, wants us to know about her clean curl care line built for every curly-haired child.

Oftentimes, we tend to care for our own hair or our children’s hair when we realize there’s something wrong. But Pohl is here to tell us why we should start caring for hair ASAP. There is no age limit or complications when it comes to figuring out a hair routine. “Caring for curls doesn’t have to be complicated,” Pohl told Modern Muze. “Once you understand your child’s hair and what it needs, the routine can be simple. That’s the heart of REIGN.”

To get a better insight into the magic behind REIGN, Modern Muze talked to Pohl about the inspiration behind the brand, tips and tricks, and the different approach she takes with her products.

 

Your daughter inspired REIGN. What moment sparked the idea? 

So REIGN was created during the film and television writers’ strike. I was a hair stylist working in the entertainment industry for years, and since COVID, I knew I really wanted to get out. I thought at the time that I was just over doing hair, but what I realized was I just didn’t want to do hair for film and television anymore. So when I was home and not working I really was asking for guidance as to what my next steps should be. I wanted to do something that would have a larger impact. 

One afternoon, it just popped into my head during a meditation. I had been asked before, when I was working with different celebrity clients, about doing various lines, but it never really struck me as something to do because I felt it had all been done before. Then one day I honestly couldn’t even say how, but I realized that there just wasn’t a clean product line for curly-haired children that served every type of curl texture. 

On top of that, I feel like so many moms, especially ones who have different textures from their children, get overwhelmed with how many options and choices there are. That really became the inspiration for REIGN. I wanted moms to have a one-stop shop where all of their needs could be met to care for their little one’s hair. I wanted to create a space that speaks to representation and worthiness and let children and moms know that curly hair isn’t something to be tamed and controlled but something to be loved and celebrated. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Moms just need to understand their child’s hair, and with that knowledge, the routine can be easy.

 

Tell us more about your educational platform to help parents with curly-haired kids.

We’re in the early stages of building REIGN’s educational platform. My vision is to create a place where moms can learn how to care for their child’s curls while making hair time a space for connection, encouragement, and love.

Practical education is one part of it, but it’s also about understanding their child’s texture, choosing products, and learning fun ways to style their hair. But I also want to help moms nurture how their children feel about themselves. I want children to know they are born worthy and that their hair is a beautiful gift, a crown to be celebrated.

I plan to bring in artists I’ve worked with over the years to create videos that offer both styling guidance and those uplifting messages. For a mom caring for curls for the first time, I want REIGN to bring everything together: the products, the knowledge, and inspiration for how to pour love and confidence into her little one as she does their hair.

 

For parents who don’t know how to start, tell us how to use your products, how often, etc.

REIGN’s three initial products are Shampoo Dreams, Conditioning Clouds, and the Magical Leave-In Cream. Together, they make up the Full Crown Set, a simple routine to cleanse, condition, and care for your child’s curls.

How often you wash depends on your child’s hair. Finer curls or soft waves may need washing a couple of times a week, while thicker, curlier textures may only need it once a week. With tighter curls, the scalp’s natural oils have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft, so the hair tends to be drier.

Start with Shampoo Dreams. If the hair still feels like it has residue after the first shampoo, shampoo again. Then apply Conditioning Clouds and gently comb it through, making sure it reaches all the way from roots to ends. I usually put my daughter’s hair up and let the conditioner sit while she washes her body. For little ones in the bath, this can be a great time to let them play while the conditioner works.

Rinse, then apply the Magical Leave In Cream while the hair is still wet. Work it through with your fingers, or gently comb it through if needed. Wrap the hair in a plop towel or a soft cotton T shirt for about 10 to 20 minutes. This helps absorb excess moisture while keeping the curls grouped together for beautiful definition.

The next day, you can refresh with a spray bottle of water and add a little more leave in cream if needed. To help preserve loose curls overnight, gently gather the hair into a loose ponytail on top of the head, often called a pineapple, and cover with a bonnet.

The goal is to get to know your child’s hair and build a routine that feels easy for both of you.

What tips/tricks do you have from decades of working with hair that you can share with Modern Muze?

My biggest tip is to keep it simple. I see so many people making hair care more complicated than it needs to be. The key is understanding your hair and what works best for it. A great hairstylist can help you learn about your texture, whether it’s very straight or very curly, and guide you toward styles and a routine that work for you.

But one of the biggest lessons from my decades behind the chair goes beyond styling. I’ve worked with some of the most beautiful women in the world, and so often they wanted something different from what they naturally had. That stayed with me and became part of my mission as a mother: to teach my daughter to love her hair from a very early age.

The way we talk about our hair and ourselves matters, especially when our children are listening. Those feelings can take root earlier than we realize. I want to help shape that inner voice in our little ones so it speaks with love and kindness. Before the world starts telling them who they should be, I want them to feel confident in who they already are.

 

What makes your approach different from others?

My approach starts with the belief that the hair you have is already beautiful. I want to help you understand it, love it, and care for it. REIGN is formulated without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, synthetic fragrance, or mineral oils. I’m intentional about what goes into our products, and I’m just as intentional about the message behind them.

I’m not interested in selling families a million products or making them feel that their child’s hair needs to be fixed. I want to give them a simple routine that supports what is naturally there. For me, it’s about helping parents care for their child’s curls in a way that builds confidence and teaches them to celebrate themselves exactly as they are.  

 

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs in the hair-care industry?

The advice I would share is for entrepreneurs of any background: starting your own business is not for the faint of heart. There have been incredible highs and days when I’ve felt extremely low.

On the harder days, I remind myself that this too shall pass. I trust that when something doesn’t align or work out the way I hoped, it is always happening for my highest good, and there is always a lesson in it, even if I need time to see it.

I also come back to my why. For me, that means remembering the children and families I want to serve and why helping them love and care for their curls matters so much to me. That purpose keeps me grounded when the business feels overwhelming.

And don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you begin. You learn so much by taking that first step and allowing yourself to grow along the way. Give yourself grace, stay willing to learn, and ask for support when you need it. You don’t have to have every answer to keep moving forward.

 

Anything else you’d like to share? 

If there’s one thing I hope people take away, it’s that our children are already worthy, exactly as they are. Hair time gives us a chance to remind them of that through our words, our care, and the way we celebrate their curls. That’s what I want REIGN to be about.

7 Latina Authors To Read This Hispanic Heritage Month

Let’s continue giving our flowers to Latinas on Hispanic Heritage Month, shall we? The annual celebration—from September 15 to October 15—gives us more of an opportunity to shine light on our favorite Latine entrepreneurs, creators, and professionals. And today we’re continuing with Latina authors that we should all have on our radar. 

The weather is finally cooling. Don’t know about you, but once the “-ber” months hit, I put away the summer vibes and started cozying up the apartment. And what better than a good book to cuddle up with after a long day of working? I’ll wait….

From Karla Montalván’s The Sun and All the Other Stars to Katie Holt’s The Last Page, here are seven books we’re vouching for—both new releases and must-reads to check out if you haven’t already.

 

The Sun and All the Other Stars by Karla Montalván

We briefly mentioned Montalván last week, but we’re here to tell you more about her work of art. This book is described as a “genre-blending novel [that] explores immigration, gender, queerness, and art as survival, offering an emotionally resonant, book club–ready story.”

Check out more about this book here.

 

Running Home to You by Samantha Saldivar

If you enjoy sports and romance, this one is for you. Saldivar’s book is described as “[a] sweeping sapphic sports romance, [where] two college softball stars compete for each other’s hearts—if only they can get past their fear of striking out.”

Check out more about this book here.

 

Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez

Described as “a captivating story about a young woman whose life becomes ensnared in her glamorous neighbor’s secret past,” Gonzalez’s newest book is another one on our TBR list!

Check out more about this book here.

 

Muñeca by Cynthia Gómez

If you want to get extra spooky this season, this one is for you. Gómez’s newest book is described as “a vivid, surreal Gothic about a queer, Latine, working class witch who sets out to rescue a bespelled heiress and loses control of her powers and her heart in the process.”

Check out more about this book here.

 

Eartheater: A Novel by Dolores Reyes

Though it was out in 2020, it’s still an amazing book to read if you’re into fiction. Described as “Electrifying and provocative, visceral and profound, a powerful literary debut novel about a young woman whose compulsion to eat earth gives her visions of murdered and missing people—an imaginative synthesis of mystery and magical realism that explores the dark tragedies of ordinary lives.”

Check out more about this book here.

 

The Last Page by Katie Holt

And to end things cute and flirty, we also recommend Holt’s The Last Page, which is out now. Described as “a bookseller with a dream of running her beloved bookstore vs. the owner’s out-of-touch grandson who inherits everything. Game on.” We love a rivals-to-friends-to-lovers trope!

Check out more about this book here.

Modern Muze’s Guide to Hispanic Heritage Month

It’s officially Hispanic Heritage Month! The annual celebration that celebrates us Latines from September 15 to October 15. To maximize our time and get the most out of this year’s festivities, Modern Muze has put together a diverse guide to get you off doomscrolling and into exploring what this month is really about.

Every month is Hispanic Heritage Month if you’re Latine. From the way we dress to the way we speak to the niche habits we’ve been taught by our parents and grandparents. But if you didn’t grow up hearing our communities’ music or reading their words, how can you start embracing (or continuing to embrace) your Latin side? Don’t worry, we have you covered.

From lucha libre in Los Angeles to salsa classes in New York, here are five activities you can do to indulge in our communities’ richness this month.

 

Cultural events in Los Angeles

There are so many cultural events happening in Los Angeles. 

For music lovers, there is a special mariachi programming at The Soraya in Northridge, CA, featuring Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán on September 24. “As September is one of the most meaningful months in Mexican culture — a time when music, family, tradition, and national pride collide — Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán brings an all-new concert inspired by the spirit of El Grito de Independencia, the traditional call to arms against Spanish rule on the eve of Sep 16, 1810,” the website reads.

If you’re more into visuals—we also have something special for you. 

The Museum of Latin American Art is hosting a cool Lucha Libre event from September 25 to 27. “Mark your calendars for an unforgettable month filled with high-flying action, colorful masks, and the vibrant spirit of one of Latin America’s most beloved cultural traditions,” the website describes. “Watch legendary luchadores clash in the ring as the museum transforms into a lively arena of energy, music, and community.”

Throughout the weekend, there will be book launches, performances, film screenings, meet & greets, and more. 

Check out MOLAA’s official website for more information.

 

Latine authors to read

There are a lot of Latine authors to get into this fall season (and beyond). To get a general look at what’s out now, you can check out the Los Angeles Libros Festival — a bilingual family-friendly event that will keep you busy all day. “Los Angeles Libros Festival will offer a full day of entertainment featuring Spanish-language and bilingual storytelling, musical performances, authors, workshops, books, and community. Free and open to the general public.”

Check out the event’s page here.

And talking about Latina authors. We also want to give a special shout-out to Karla Montalvan, who is one of our founders’ favorite authors. Her book The Sun and All the Other Stars just came out in April, so let’s support her and show her some love! 

 

Cultural events in New York

Not everything is LA! New York, we also have cool cultural things in mind for you. 

Lets start with El Museo del Barrio’s events. There are so many types of activities going on there. One of the events that caught our attention is the “Noches de Cine: New Latino Short Films,” which features selected films every month. For Hispanic Heritage Month (September 24), they are showing a variety of short films for one night only.

Check out more about El Museo del Barrio here.

And if you’re more into music—The Hispanic Museum & Library in New York City is hosting salsa socials! “Spend your Saturday afternoon salsa dancing at the Hispanic Society. Whether you’re a first-time dancer or experienced salsero, all levels are welcome,” the website reads. The next one is on September 26. 

Check out more about the “¡Wepa! Summer Salsa Socials at the Hispanic Society” program here.

 

Meet Our September Muze: Stephanie Stevenson

At the beginning of every month, Modern Muze spotlights successful businesswomen who continue to inspire us. Today, we’re spotlighting Stephanie Stevenson, aka “The Princess of Salsa,” a Chilean-American Los Angeles-based salsa dancer, choreographer, and fitness instructor with over 30 years of experience. 

If you watched Bad Bunny’s now Emmy-winning Super Bowl LX halftime show, chances are you might’ve caught a glimpse of this performer. In this particular performance, she danced with her daughter, marking a full-circle moment for our Muze of the Month. “I feel like I’ve worked my entire life for an opportunity like this, and then to be able to live it alongside my daughter made it three times more magical,” she told Modern Muze. “Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that the two of us would experience something like this together.”

To get a better insight into her passion for salsa, her high-energy fitness program that exudes Latin authenticity, and spearheading multiple dance teams, Modern Muze talked to Stevenson about everything from the start of her salsa career to her favorite beauty products. 

 

Take us back to the beginning. What first drew you to salsa, and when did it become a true passion for you?

When I was 11 years old, I wanted to be a hip-hop dancer, so I asked my mom to take me to a dance studio called Moro Landis—which today is known as Millennium Dance Complex, one of the most recognized dance studios in the world.

Back then, it wasn’t very common to see kids dancing, especially salsa. By pure coincidence, there was a salsa instructor at the studio that day who offered to teach my sister and me for free. So, somehow, we got “stuck” dancing salsa—and that little coincidence would end up changing the entire course of my life.

I realized pretty quickly that salsa was more than just something I enjoyed. I didn’t want to stop dancing. I didn’t want to stop practicing. I wanted to learn everything I could. What began as a completely unexpected opportunity at 11 years old eventually became my greatest passion—and ultimately, my life.

 

The salsa world is built on connection. How has that community carried, challenged, or shaped the journey?

The salsa community has been everything to me. It has literally watched me grow up. I came into this community as a child, grew through my teenage years within it, and eventually became the woman I am today, surrounded by many of the same people and the same love for this dance.

This community has carried me through some of my darkest hours, but it has also been there for some of the most incredible moments of my life. It watched me lose many, many competitions—and then it was there to watch me win many, many competitions. It has seen the struggles, the growth, the failures, the victories, and everything in between.

And now, it continues to support me through a journey I could have never dreamed of. Salsa has given me the opportunity to work with people I never imagined I would work with and has taken me to more than 31 countries around the world. I’ve had the privilege of watching the salsa community grow internationally, and it has been magnificent to witness the evolution of the community, the music, and the culture—and to see what it has done and continues to do for people all over the world.

But at its heart, salsa is still my playground. It was my playground as a little girl, and today, it continues to be the place where I feel the most free. It’s where I create, where I express myself, where I release stress, and where I feel confident and completely myself.

It’s my art, it’s my sport, it’s my livelihood, and it’s my community. It’s where I feel my best. Salsa has shaped so much of who I am, and I truly can’t imagine my life without it.

 

You recently shared one of the biggest stages in the world with your daughter, performing alongside Bad Bunny during the Super Bowl halftime show. What did that moment mean to you both? 

It meant the absolute world to my daughter and me. To be on one of the biggest stages in the world, sharing that moment with artists we admire and respect so deeply, was a dream beyond anything we could have imagined.

I feel like I’ve worked my entire life for an opportunity like this, and then to be able to live it alongside my daughter made it three times more magical. Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that the two of us would experience something like this together.

There was also something much deeper and very personal about that moment for me. I’m incredibly proud to represent the Hispanic community and, specifically, my Chilean roots. My parents immigrated to this country from Chile, so being able to carry the Chilean flag at the end of the performance meant the world to me. It felt like I was carrying a piece of my family, my parents, my heritage, and my story onto that stage with me.

And especially duriig these times, I felt that the message of love, unity, and celebrating where we come from was incredibly powerful. That is everything we represent.

To experience all of that as mother and daughter, together on one of the biggest stages in the world, was something I will cherish for the rest of my life. I truly couldn’t have asked for anything more.

 

What do you hope your daughter remembers most about sharing that experience with you?

More than anything, I hope my daughter remembers what a beautiful and magical moment we got to share together. I hope that every time she thinks about it, it immediately puts a smile on her face.

It’s funny because even now, whenever we hear the music from the Super Bowl, we both get emotional—and she’s only 10 years old. I can already imagine us years from now, when she’s grown and I’m older, hearing that same music and instantly being transported back to this moment. It’s an experience that has marked both of us forever.

But I think what I hope she remembers most are the little moments. The hugs we shared, the laughs, the tears, the hotel room, the rehearsals, the food we ate together—all of those small memories surrounding this enormous experience.

What made it even more special was that we were able to experience so much of it as a family. My husband was there throughout the rehearsals with our nine-year-old son, Rocky, and her grandma was able to be there as well. Because my daughter is a minor and we were both working, our family had a unique opportunity to be close to us throughout an experience that is normally very private.

So when she looks back, I don’t just want her to remember that she performed on the Super Bowl stage. I want her to remember how it felt. I want her to remember looking around and seeing her mom, her dad, her brother, and her grandma there with her. I want her to remember that we laughed together, cried together, hugged each other, and lived this unbelievable dream as a family.

Those are the little details I hope stay with her forever.

Salsa became more than a personal passion when you opened SS Latin Dance Studio. Take us through that evolution from dancer to studio owner.

Opening SS Latin Dance Studio definitely took me into a completely new chapter of my life. I went from being a dancer and instructor to becoming a business owner and having to learn all the ropes that come along with that. There was definitely a learning curve, and there have been plenty of ups and downs along the way.

One of our biggest challenges came almost immediately. I opened a brand-new studio, and about a year later, COVID hit. It was an incredibly difficult time, especially for a new business, but we were very fortunate to survive it. My community really showed up for us. My students continued to support the studio and my classes, and I’ll always be incredibly grateful for that.

Since then, the studio has continued to grow. In fact, we’re currently looking for a bigger space, which is something that feels amazing to even be able to say. It really has been a dream come true, and so much of that is because of the women, children, and families who have supported us and become part of our community.

Being a business owner has taught me that no matter how many years of experience you have, there is always something new to learn. I’m still learning every day, and I’m still trying my best to grow and become better at what I do.

But most importantly, I want my business to always transmit positive energy through Latin music and dance. I want it to motivate and inspire our youth and women, and I want the studio to be a safe environment where they can grow, express themselves, build confidence, and be surrounded by people who support them.

At the end of the day, that has become much bigger than owning a dance studio for me. It’s about creating a community and a space where people feel like they belong.

 

How has teaching changed your own relationship with salsa?

Teaching has completely changed my relationship with salsa. First and foremost, it has taught me patience. It has also taught me that everyone learns differently, and understanding that has pushed me to become better at my craft.

Some people connect through sound, some through physical direction, some through colors, and others through numbers or counting. Learning how to recognize those differences and find a way to reach each individual student has really challenged me to understand salsa on a much deeper level.

Salsa is so cultural, musical, and instinctive. There are things that, after dancing for so many years, you naturally feel without even thinking about them. But when you become a teacher, you have to figure out how to take something you feel and break it down in a way that someone else can understand and eventually feel for themselves.

That process has made me look at salsa differently. It has made me study the music more, understand movement more, and pay attention to details I may have once taken for granted.

Learning how to teach has ultimately made me a stronger dancer, performer, and choreographer. I always say that I may be the teacher in the room, but I’m constantly learning from my students too.

 

What do you hope every dancer carries with them after leaving the studio?

When someone leaves my studio, I hope they leave feeling just a little more positive than when they walked in—and that they take that positive energy with them and put it back out into the world.

Of course, I want my students to become better dancers, but even more importantly, I want them to work just as hard at becoming great human beings. I truly believe that dance can help us do both.

Salsa is so much more than learning steps or becoming a great performer. Movement can support us mentally and physically. It gets our bodies moving, releases endorphins, builds confidence, creates connection, and gives us an outlet to express ourselves.

So if someone walks out of my studio feeling stronger, happier, more confident, or simply having had a better day, then I feel like we’ve accomplished something meaningful.

At the end of the day, I don’t just want to create great dancers. I hope that through dance, I can help create happier, more confident, compassionate human beings who carry that energy with them wherever they go.

 

Muze of the Month’s Rapid Fire Questions with Stephanie Stevenson

When do you feel most like your own Muze, and what has helped you step into that version of yourself?

I feel most like my own muse when I’m dancing salsa. There’s something about salsa that makes me feel completely alive—almost as if I’m flying.

When I dance, I feel confident, powerful, and in control, but at the same time, I’m free to be playful. I can respond to the different sounds, accents, and textures in the music and allow each one to bring out a different side of me.

Salsa also allows me to tap into what I call my feline energy—that combination of softness, instinct, confidence, and power. I can be graceful and playful one moment and strong and commanding the next.

That’s when I feel most connected to myself. When the music comes on, I don’t have to think about who I’m supposed to be. I can just let go, trust myself, and be completely present. That freedom is when I feel the most like my own muse.

And before we let you go, what does your skincare routine look like lately, and are there any products you can’t stop reaching for?

Right now, I’m absolutely in love with DMK products. I have very sensitive skin and deal with a lot of allergies, so finding skincare that works well for me without irritating my skin can be challenging.

So far, DMK has been one of the best things I’ve found for my skin, and I keep reaching for their products. At this stage in my life, I’ve learned that my skincare routine doesn’t have to be overly complicated—it’s really about finding products my skin responds well to, being consistent, and taking care of my skin rather than constantly trying something new.

Back To Business: Our Must-Have Beauty Products

It’s back to business season! Whether you’re hitting the books, going back to the office, or helping your kids go back to school, we’re here to make your life easier with must-have beauty recommendations. We got your back!

Trust us, we know life gets hectic during the last quarter of the year. We’re so close to the holiday break, yet so far away… But don’t you worry. You got this. We got this. Let’s push through the last bulk of the year together. Sooner or later, we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas and making our New Year resolutions. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We have to stay locked in for a few more months.

To keep our Muze energy up, we’ve compiled six products that will make your daily life easier when you’re rushing and grinding. From REIGN Curls’ Magical Leave In Cream for your little ones to JLO Beauty’s SPF 30 moisturizer, here’s what to shop for this back-to-business season.

Hair care for your littles

This is for moms on the go. Do you have kids with curly hair? If so, let’s talk about REIGN Curls’ products. “Magical Leave In Cream is REIGN’s two-in-one leave-in and curl-defining cream, made for kids with curly and wavy hair,” the website reads. “Silk Protein smooths the cuticle to cut frizz and flyaways from the first application, Jojoba Oil keeps curls hydrated between wash days, and Aloe Vera adds the softness and definition every curl deserves.” 

Check out this product here.

Simple French pin

Nothing compares to the chic elegance of a French pin. It’s the perfect tool to get your hair up when you’re on the go, go, go!

Check out this product here.

@janelle.alexandria tutorial on how to do this easy chic french pin bun 🫶🏼✨ #hairtutorial #hairstyleidea #frenchpin #updo ♬ suara asli - fergie.
Rare Beauty’s face products

We are so into Rare Beauty’s Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation, to be exact. But honestly—the beauty brand’s face products are to die for.

Check out this product here.

MUZE t-shirt

Our MUZE T-shirt is the perfect shirt to wear while you’re on the go. No notes.

Check out this product here.

Dry shampoo

Sometimes you don’t have time to wash your hair, and that’s OK. Have you tried out the MONDAY Haircare Original Dry Shampoo? It’s budget-friendly, easy to use, and lasts. It gets the job done.

Check out this product here.

JLO Beauty’s SPF

Just because we’re transitioning to the colder months, it doesn’t mean sun skincare is over. Our favorite is JLO Beauty’s SPF 30 moisturizer. Have you tried it already?

Check out this product here.

Our Favorite Basic Summer-to-Fall Transitional Outfits

How are we leaving summer behind already? With fall right around the corner, we are cleaning out our closets—but keeping those staple, basic wardrobe pieces that put together outfits that will keep us cool as we welcome the last months of the year.

What summer wardrobe pieces are we talking about? We’re talking about those that we can pair with layers or without. Because as far as Los Angeles’ current climate goes, we’re experiencing a heat wave right now! Let’s just say we can’t wait for the cooler season.

Here are five basic summer-to-fall transitional outfit ideas and wardrobe pieces to keep you looking chic in the upcoming months!

Lightweight jackets

A chic lightweight jacket or sweater makes all the difference.

@freckledlaur transitioning your outfits from ⭐️🪽SUMMER TO FALL🍂🪵 #summertofalloutfits #summertofallfashion #ootd #summeroutfits #summer2026outfit ♬ Dirty Harry (feat. Bootie Brown) - Gorillaz

Add Your Heading Text Here

Light dresses

A longer, light dress is a staple, especially heading into the fall season!

@jadelagasse Not to bring fall into the conversation THIS EARLY (because trust me, nothing makes me sadder than rushing summer when it’s still so beautiful and hot out. Also, summer is one of my favourite seasons 😭☀️) but guys… If I were a dress, it would be THIS, and it’s literally the perfect piece to take you from summer to fall 🧺🧸🤎 #midsizefashioninspo #summertofalloutfits #summeroutfitideas #falloutfitideas #fall2026 ♬ original sound - ☆
Long sleeves with skirts

A long-sleeve shirt with a denim skirt is always so effortlessly cute. This type of outfit has to be kept in rotation!

@__ellaward End of summer outfit inspo ⭐️ #outfitinspo #outfitideas #summeroutfitinspo #autumnoutfit #outfit ♬ Last Train to London - Rikas
Skirts and boots

This is one of my favorite summer-to-fall trends every year. I love pairing skirts with boots!

@ericaonfashion

Dressing for in between weather can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you get dressed during transitional weather!

♬ original sound - Erica Wark
Maxi dresses

We mentioned long dresses before, but a Maxi dress deserves the spotlight. Don’t put them away just yet! Here are three ways to pair them in fall: denim jackets, cardigans, and pullovers.

@ticktockgranny

🍂 3 Ways to Wear a Maxi Dress for Fall 🍂 Who says your favorite summer maxi dress has to get packed away when fall rolls around? 👀 Today we’re taking one maxi dress from summer → fall three different ways: 1️⃣ Denim jacket + sneakers — casual & comfy 2️⃣ Cardigan + clogs — cozy & cute 3️⃣ Pullover sweater + boots — bring on the fall vibes 🍂 This is your reminder to shop your closet before shopping for something new. You probably already have summer pieces that can transition beautifully into fall with a few simple swaps! Which look are you choosing: 1, 2, or 3? 👇🤎

♬ DANCE THE NIGHT x IM A SLAVE 4 U by Adamusic - Adamusic

How are you transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall?

Your Go-To End of Summer Playlist

Unfortunately, summer is coming to a close. Fortunately, we have curated your go-to end-of-summer playlist, featuring the perfect vibes to wrap up the season on a high note! 

Over at Modern Muze headquarters, we’ve been listening to feel-good, danceable, and fun songs. We like to keep our vibe high and tackle each day with gratitude. Earlier this month, we featured Colombian-American singer HENAO as one of our Modern Muze spotlights, who shared how her Latina roots inspired her music-making. “Being Latina is everything—may I embody this passionate, creative woman in every lifetime!” she exclusively told Modern Muze. “My family taught me that music isn’t background noise… It’s how we celebrate, how we cry, how we heal, and honestly… how we clean the house too (Gracias, Mami!)” 

But that’s not the only talented Latina we’re listening to. From HENAO to Andria Rose, here are five artist and tracks that you have to add to your playlist—ASAP! 

 

HENAO – “Jaque”

HENAO just gets us. This is for the sad girls who love perreo.

 

 

Becky G – “CHULA”

In case you missed it, our Mexican-American queen Becky G released her newest album, Baraja Bendita, last week. Since then, we have been putting “CHULA” on repeat! We hope she releases a music video for it. 

 

 

Karol G – “Alguien que te amaba”

Of course, we’re listening to our Colombian star Karol G’s recent album, No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto. Our favorite song? “Alguien que te amaba,” inspired by our Tex-Mex legend Selena Quintanilla.

 

 

Natalis – “Barrio”

Nuyorican artist Natalis is the perfect artist to listen to for salsa vibes. Why not end the summer dancing?

 

 

Andria Rose – “Crimson”

Another emerging Mexican singer on our radar is Andria Rose. This Virgo queen’s music is all about dreamy sounds, her sensual voice, and ethereal vibes. We love to see it!

 

 

Who’s on your go-to summer playlist?

The Modern Muze Guide: 24 Hours in Ibiza

Last month, we introduced The Modern Muze Guide, a travel series by our own Zulay Henao. We featured a 72-hour guide at the beloved Cartagena, Colombia. 

This week, Henao is sharing her favorite stops and shops in Ibiza. 

 

Here is Henao’s love letter to the popular Spanish island.

 

Ibiza, you were magic.

 

The water, the COLORS, the energy, the food, the late nights and those slow Mediterranean days… there’s something about this island that makes you want to soak up every second.

 

A few favorites along the way: 

Leña by Dani García for an incredible dinner built around fire and smoke , 

Nobu Ibiza Bay for sushi and that effortless Ibiza energy, and boat days over to Formentera, where the water almost doesn’t look real.

Lunch at Juan y Andrea, barefoot in the sand with fresh seafood and paella, and Chezz Gerdi for that quintessential Formentera vibe — right on the water, music playing, Mediterranean food, cocktails and the kind of afternoon that somehow turns into sunset.

And then there was Old Town Ibiza, Dalt Vila. Wandering the cobblestone streets, taking in all the color, and popping into little shops where I found the most beautiful pieces for my home — colorful coasters, gorgeous serving plates, and little treasures that will always remind me of this trip.

 

The impossible blues of the water, the whitewashed buildings, the bougainvillea, the food, the energy… everywhere you look feels like inspiration.

The older I get, the more I realize this is luxury: beautiful places, incredible food, people you love, and being present enough to actually take it all in.

 

Ibiza & Formentera, hasta la próxima.  

 

– Zulay Henao

Why Arie Rose Is Our August Muze

Summer movies are well underway! One of our favorite films this season? Splash City, featuring Latin minds like the multi-hyphenate producer Arie Rose, director Alex Ferrufino, and writer/producer David Mansanalez. And because of its success, we had to make Arie Rose our Muze of the Month.

If you haven’t heard of the new crime drama, Splash City is the story of two brothers, Juju and Slim, whose lives diverge as they struggle to survive the streets. Per the press release: “As their choices pull them in opposite directions, the film explores family, loyalty, ambition, and the decisions that can change the course of a lifetime.”

While the film’s plot sounds intriguing, what’s also attention-grabbing is the creative Latina behind it. We’re talking about Arie Rose, who brings decades of her film and television experience on board as the producer behind this new picture. 

To pick her brain, Modern Muze talked to Arie Rose about the film’s key message, the power of Latin leadership, and how she manages juggling multiple projects. We also asked her about her favorite beauty favorites, fashion staples, and more intimate questions that can give us insight into her everyday life. 

Check out the full interview below.

 

What’s the key message you’d like the audience to get from Splash City?

I hope audiences leave Splash City reminded that our choices matter. Every decision we make, and every person we allow into our lives, influences the direction of our future. The film explores how the people we surround ourselves with can either push us toward our purpose or pull us away from it. It is a story about consequences, redemption, and the power of making better choices, which is something everyone can relate to.

 

The team for Splash City is diverse. Tell us why this is important.

One of the things that makes this project so special is that our writer, producer, and director are all Hispanic. As a Mexican female producer, that means a great deal to me. While Splash City is not a Latino story, it is a film led by Hispanic creatives, and that representation matters.

For years, many of us dreamed of seeing more Latinos in leadership positions behind the camera. Being part of a team that is helping make that happen is something I am incredibly proud of. Diverse voices bring different perspectives, and those perspectives make storytelling stronger.

 

Splash City brings personal experiences to the big screen. What Latino stories would you like to help bring to life?

I would love to help bring more authentic and layered Latino stories to the screen. Stories that showcase the depth of our community beyond stereotypes. I want audiences to see Latinos as entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives, families, and everyday people navigating life with resilience, humor, and heart.

Personally, Splash City will always hold a special place in my heart because it was filmed in the Bay Area, where I was born and raised. Returning home to produce my very first feature film in the same city I left years ago to pursue my dream of becoming a Hollywood producer was one of the most meaningful moments of my career. It reminded me that sometimes the place where your dream begins is also the place where you get to celebrate how far you have come.

 

You have years of experience in television, radio, live entertainment, publishing, and entrepreneurship. What advice would you give to Latinas looking to start in this line of work?

Do not wait for permission to chase your dream.

Every chapter of my career, from television and radio to entrepreneurship and now film production, prepared me for this moment. None of it was wasted.

Stay curious. Keep learning. Build genuine relationships. Show up with excellence, even when no one is watching. Opportunities may not come when you expect them, but if you stay consistent and continue growing, you will be ready when they do.

 

How do you personally manage so many roles and projects?

I am intentional about how I spend my time and what I say yes to. Every opportunity has to align with my purpose and the life I am building. I also believe in surrounding myself with incredible people and trusting them to do what they do best.

Most importantly, I stay grounded in my faith. That perspective helps me navigate the busy seasons while remembering why I started in the first place.

 

What are you working on next?

I am excited to continue producing films while expanding my work as a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. My goal is to create projects that inspire people, elevate underrepresented voices, and leave audiences feeling hopeful. This is only the beginning, and I am excited for everything that lies ahead.

 

Anything else you’d like to add about the impact of Splash City?

For me, Splash City represents so much more than my first feature film as a producer. It represents the fulfillment of a dream I carried for years.

To return to the Bay Area, the place where I was born and raised, and produce my first feature film there after leaving to pursue a career in Hollywood, was a full-circle moment I will never forget.

I hope this film reminds people that dreams do not have expiration dates. If you are willing to keep learning, keep growing, and keep believing in yourself, life has a beautiful way of bringing you exactly where you are meant to be.

 

Muze of the Month’s Rapid Fire Questions with Arie Rose

 

“Being my own Muze means…” [It] means more than what you see on the outside. It’s about how you take care of your mindset, your discipline, your daily habits, your vibrational field. [It’s] how you make people feel when you walk into a room.
Beauty favorites? DIOR Foundation, a really nice mascara that lengthens my eyelashes naturally, and NARS’ Powder Blush – Orgasm.
One career lesson she wishes she’d learned sooner. To not get stuck in survival mode and to trust God in every single aspect of your life.
One current obsession: The Bible (must read daily). Currently reading: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke.