yes, please, to all of the above and there’s a sixth factor that you’re not mentioning that’s crucial: chemistry. “chemistry?” you’re thinking, “huh?” yes, chemistry: that undefinable and explainable “click” you have with some people, but not with others. two people could have the exact same characteristics and qualifications on paper and yet… one of them is a better fit as a candidate than the other. it’s something that can’t be forced. and if you don’t have that mutual understanding (it doesn’t have to be like the chemistry you have with your best friend, it can just be like we’re on the same page sort of feeling), it’s often better not to force that. I was once in a situation where I was placed into a department that wasn’t the best fit for me—the department head and I had, like, negative chemistry. I learned other lessons from said person, but it wasn’t the healthiest environment and that taught me a serious lesson in Chemistry 101

GASP! just kidding. I actually espouse a “whatever works for you” philosophy. my grandmother used Noxzema and Oil of Olay—that’s what it was known as in her day—for over twenty years (before she started getting luxe goodies from me ^_^) and her skin was (still is!) absolutely perfect. she’s almost 90 but looks like she could be in her late sixties. if baby lotion is working for you and not causing breakouts, stick to it! here are some other ideas though, as well: *add a serum under your moisturizer. you might want to consider a face oil *one of my favorite ultra-hydrating moisturizers is Clinique’s Moisture Surge Intense. it somehow feels light and like a dose of heavy-duty hydration at the same time *finally, moisturize from the inside out. consider adding a fish oil supplement (sounds gross but works wonders. I take 3mg a day) to your diet. your body needs healthy fats for soft, hydrated skin!

I don’t mean to be overly philosophical or “Chicken Soup for the Soul”  but there’s no one right answer to your question—it’s a matter of taste and preference. you see, in my book, buying a mascara is like buying a pair of jeans. you and your best friend might be the same weight, same height, and build but the brand of jeans that looks phenomenal on you look like rubbish on her (and vice versa). lashes are the same in that respect—what works for my lashes (fine, uber-straight, and long) might not work for yours. and the look I like (long, defined) might not work for everyone as well (I don’t do the crazy dramatic thick Kardashian look). okay, I’ll stop with the deep thoughts and serve up my (personal) favorite mascaras: Eyeko Fat (adds volume and length without clumping), Blinc (uses tubing technology to give you ultra-long lashes. be aware that when you remove it, it looks like your entire lashes are coming off. don’t panic!), CoverGirl Lash Blast Length (for long, Bambi lashes), and Clinique Power Lash (love the teeny brush. perfect for corner lashes). 

oh, television, what a cruel vixen you are. you taunt us with programs like Friends/SATC/How I Met Your Mother and people think they can just up and move to NYC and score a two thousand square foot apartment in the west village easy-peasy. not, not, not true. but the good news: a) you’re homesick for NYC, which means that in your heart, it’s your home. which means that b) you’ll do anything to make it work/happen. I suggest reaching out to your schools first and foremost. do they have an alumni office? anyone they could put you in touch with in NYC? networking will be doubly important for you as you venture forth to a new city. good luck! NYC is the city where dreams come true—but make sure to plan, plan, plan first