💗On Giving Thanks

What would I do without you?

Nov 27, 2025

Hello, Gorgeous!

Writing into the void is an interesting feeling. And by interesting I mean by turns terrifying or exhilarating. I have thoughts. You have opinions. Sometimes…most of the time…we think out loud together; others I go off on a tangent and then you do as well. And then we do it all again the next day.

Beauty, unlike politics, is rarely fraught with great despair (except for the time one of the most famous colorists in the world did my hair before one of my book parties. “My treat!” she said. “You’ll look stunning!” she declared. I did not look stunning. As it turns out, I looked like an Elvis impersonator. There was definitely despair then. I digress).

As we ease into the holiday season it feels like a great time to remember that it’s okay to come together in light, safe spaces. One of the reasons I’m incredibly grateful for all of you is because you’ve helped me to make Hello Gorgeous! into a daily destination, coffee break, catch up place. We don’t always talk about beauty (because, clogs!), but we do discuss things that matter in a way that cheers us up. No judgement here, just acceptance and gleeful dissection of the latest lip oils.

Beauty culture and the pursuit of things that make you smile is a valid escape from the daily grind. And so as I debated whether or not to post today I realized that not everyone will be spending time eating too much stuffing and pie today. And not everyone will be surrounded by those they love (or foods they love!). And so I wanted us to be able to remind each other that self-care comes in many different forms. Sometimes it’s an email popping up in your inbox sharing new botanical cleansers, or raving about the comfiest mattress on the planet. Other times it’s the ability to discuss the rage we feel at a society pushing beauty rituals on toddlers, or the permission to give a great big middle finger to the hair myths directed at women 40+. And interestingly enough, sometimes posts with no comments at all inspire a flurry of emails to discuss issues with me one on one (I did not expect the Wicked nail polish drop from Essie to inspire SO much conversation!).

In any event, today, Thanksgiving is the official day designated for giving thanks, and so I shall.

Thank you to each and every one of you who subscribed to my newsletter!

Thank you to those who actually read it religiously.

Thank you to all of you who pop in and comment. I absolutely love hearing your opinions or questions or deep thoughts.

A HUGE thank you to all of my paid subscribers. I’m not sure if you even know just how much I appreciate your support. Writing for magazines is a transactional business. When I write for InStyle or People, they send a check for my words. Writing a newsletter is an entirely different animal. I still put in time and attention and a whole lotta love, but it’s not a compensation based model by a longshot. Your support of my work is like a long-distance hug every time I put my hands on my keyboard. And as it turns out, your enthusiasm and comments inspire me daily.

Thank you to my corporate partners. I am extremely circumspect about brand partnerships for Hello Gorgeous! I don’t want to turn this into any sort of an ad-first space. But it bears reminding that six weeks after I launched Hello Gorgeous! in July 2024, I was approached by Olay about a partnership - their first foray into the newsletter/Substackverse. I was thrilled to be able to debut new launches by HiBAR, and yesterday I was tickled pink to announce a partnership with Helix Sleep.

I have so much love in my heart right now. Is it too corny for words to share some of that with all of you?

I’m ever thankful that you hang out with me on a regular basis and I look forward to spending even more time together.

I won’t be posting tomorrow, but I’ll see you on Monday!

With great love and affection,

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋

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