It's an interesting time to be a woman. On the one hand, it's heartbreaking having to (still?!) fight for equal rights and the rights to our bodies. On the other hand, it's an indescribable feeling being a part of one of the largest movements in history. It proves that we, as a gender, are stronger and more united than ever. To help celebrate that, Create & Cultivate and Keds launched C&C 100, a list honoring 100 female innovators who are leading the charge for the empowerment of women.
The list includes women from all walks of lives and career paths — there are philanthropists, tech CEOs, social media stars, content creators, musicians, and actresses. And although their jobs and visions are different, all these kick-ass girl bosses share the same hunger and passion to help change the world and inspire other women. Together, they share a wealth of knowledge for not only how to be on top of your game, but also how to feel your strongest and best while slaying the game.
While there are definitely some who would argue clothing and makeup to be trivial, especially for successful female figures (I am 100 percent on team #AskHerMore), studies have proven that self-care couldn't be more crucial to our mental health and overall well-being. For some people, swiping on their favorite shade of lipstick or slipping on a pair of sexy heels can be incredibly invigorating and even empowering — and that's a team I also vehemently back.
Here are eight of C&C 100's honorees on what they choose to wear when they want to feel their best.
Constance Zimmer, Actress
"For me, it's anything that makes me feel like a slightly cleaned up version of myself. I like Fresh's Sugar Honey Tinted Lip that tastes like sugar, but [doesn't make you feel] like you're wearing lipstick. Everything about me has to be moisturized — a lot of lotion and a lot of lip and the most comfortable clothes ever. It can be one piece — it could be a purse, a pair of shoes, a jacket, a pair of glasses — I sometimes wear a kerchief around my neck — something that when you walk out the door, you're like, I got this."
Sophia Rossi, Co-Founder of Hello Giggles
"I just do outerwear and shoes. Also, Jessica Alba's Honest Beauty lipstick crayons are great for me. "
Kelly Oxford, Author
"Putting on a great pair of shoes with an outfit is a big deal. You can put on one outfit and walk out the door, but it's not going to feel the same as if you switched and put on a super bright pair of shoes — you're going to feel totally different."
Deepica Mutyala, On-Air Beauty Expert
"Maybelline's Color Sensational Loaded Bolds are super pigmented — they have a range of a million shades, and they're super affordable. Whenever I try to get fun colors, I always go for that. It makes me feel empowered. Be bold is my makeup and life motto — being bold in every part of your life. I feel like when you wear a bold lip, like a bold lipstick, you can take on the day. I feel like when I'm wearing a bold lipstick and walk into a meeting, I feel like a boss — I feel empowered."
Lauren Paul & Molly Thompson, Creators of the KIND Campaign
Lauren Paul
"I always feel really good in a good jacket. Like a good, long black trench with some heels. I feel ready to go! A good jacket just feels cool."
Molly Thompson
"I feel like there's something about heels — even if it's heels, jeans, and a t-shirt, it gives you a little pep in your step."
Gillian Meek, President of Keds
"My mother always told me lipstick and mascara and you're good to go!"
Emily Culp, CMO of Keds
"It comes down to, of course, my Keds shoes. I love my Ace sneakers with a pop of color. If you're comfortable in whatever you're wearing and in your skin, you're going to be happy. I think that's a key piece. I also love a bold lip. Even if I'm exhausted, if I have a good lip, I am good to go."
To learn more about Create & Cultivate and to see the rest of the honorees, follow their website here.
