TRENDING

Our February/March 2021 issue
is in mailboxes and
on newsstands on January 12!

Here's a sneak peek inside...

via GIPHY

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EXCLUSIVE! Chicken Girls star Hayley LeBlanc grew up on YouTube, but now she's ready to run the world in her very own way. In her first-ever cover story, Hayley opens up about growing up online, what inspires her v. authentic and ever-changing style, her band Run The World and how her sister Jules empowers her to stay strong and own the spotlight. And we're *so* here for it. 

Get our February/March issue wherever magazines are sold (click here for a complete list). Want this issue for FREE? Click here to subscribe to GL.

 

THE VALENTINE'S ISSUE

Hi, spring! 🌷We have everything you want to wear right now. We're talking statement sweaters, paperbag-waist pants and the sweetest florals. Wave byeee to your PJs and fuzzy slippers (well, at least for weekdays), because it's a new year and new you ft. all trends you're *so* ready to try on. Whatever aesthetic you're going for, we've got a lewk to match. 

Clear skin = not a myth
Here's your guide to dealing with the blemishes you'd prefer to go buh-bye so you can wave hello to clear, glowing skin. The best way to banish every single type of breakout (yep, even the ones that seem undefinable) in this skin-saving manual. 

Confusing bae texts...and what to say next
So in a perfect world, you'd just come out and text your crush: "I like you." (And, you know, maybe you will.) But, IRL, things can be a bit more complicated. Tell us *exactly* what you'd text your crush (and—be honest—how they'd respond) and we'll give you the heads up on your bae status. 

Ditch friend drama for good
Be more like Rachel, Pilot, Jules and Lilia in the adorbs pic above and celebrate Galentine's as intended—full of bestie love (even if it's virtual this year) and *utterly* drama-free. Hint: It starts with what you say and how you say it. Here's how to serve up honesty in a way that's helpful, not hurtful. 

Good vibes, bb. Make your dreams happen...
It's time to act on your biggest hopes and wishes, because making (and breaking) New Year's Resolutions is *so* last year. We're dishing on how to stay grounded, focused and determined to manifest even those far-out goals (looking at you, dream summer internship or 1M TikTok followers). Don't worry girl—you got this. 

Wanna help people? The planet? Puppies? How to start a social movement
It goes without saying that post-2020 life can feel extremely overwhelming—especially if you want to help but don't know how. There are so many problems in the world, it's hard to figure out where to jump in. That's why we talked to IRL world-changers about how to find your passion, overcome fear and make major change, one step at a time.

The best beauty trends for 2021
It's officially the year of Y-O-U, which means it's time to do whatever makes you feel (and look) amazing. Tour the top trends for the year (plus how-to deets), from bright hair boosts à la Charli to curtain bangs, Gossip Girl-worthy headbands and (yassss) body glitter. 

We have deep thoughts on how you should rearrange your room
Hear us out: It's time for a room refresh, bb (think: gorgeous greenery, skincare shelves and masterful mood boards). Fill your space with that ~new new~ energy—using things you (mostly) have on hand. You're welcome.  

We have our first female Vice President. Here's why it matters
Kamala Harris is more than the new VP—she's proof that today's young girls can dream bigger than they ever thought possible. Shelby Deibler, 19, writes why Kamala's election means so much to her and pushes her to reach toward a brighter future for girls and women everywhere. 

"I'm my own Valentine this year—and that's OK"
"I've never been on a date. Nope, not a single one." GL girl Bailey, 18, writes a letter to herself (and all the single girls out there) about what it means to love yourself—and how to push past insecurity and *truly* be your own Valentine.

Yes, you *can* pull off that new haircut 
Fun fact: Getting a haircut can actually help you accomplish your goals, get over your ex and feel ready to take on just about anything. There are actual psychological reasons for wanting to try something new, and that fresh-from-the-salon feeling can help you in all sorts of ways. We're dishing the deets (plus, lots of inspo pics for the big chop!).

Is caffeine actually bad for your health?
Crucial update...that cold brew you're clutching isn't as innocuous as you may think. According to the most recent data, approximately 73% of kids and teens regularly consume caffeine, but like any drug (and yes, it *is* a drug) it's not without its side effects. Here's how caffeine really affects teens—and what to do if you're already hooked. 

We found your written-in-the-stars match
Whether it's a bestie or a bae, here's who will be the whipped cream to your cocoa. We're telling you the sign you *seriously* need in your life rn and, bc why not, we picked out your Valentine's Day vibe. 

Everything you need to see, read and listen to this season
Kyliegh Curran dishes on her new Disney Channel mystery series Secrets of Sulphur Springs (premiering Jan. 15) and how she stays cool in *any* scary sitch. Akira Akbar spills on her Disney+ flick We Can Be Heroes (streaming now) and her dream superpower (hint: it involves Chick-fil-A). Tell us *your* crush sitch (Just friends? Ready to DTR? Totally official?) and we'll choose your next must-read. Plus, Billie Eilish takes us behind the scenes in her brand-new documentary, a much-needed update on Cinderella (featuring none other than Camila Cabello) and the sci-fi flick (starring Tom Holland) that you *need* to stream ASAP. 

In this issue, you'll also find... 

✏️How to use your journal
Sooo you got that brand-new journal you asked for under the tree, but how do you stop staring at empty pages and start creating? We've got 12 foolproof starters, from aesthetic art projects to mindfulness-boosting writing prompts. 

💞Your Valentine's szn rom-com binge guide
It's time to Netflix and chill—as in watch Netflix and chill at home alone, indulging in the totally unrealistic, but infinitely entertaining world of swoon-worthy romantic movies. We present our definitive guide.

🧠How to fix your 2020 brain
Want to get back to feeling good after the worst year ever? We asked mental health experts to share their steps for lowering anxious feelings and upping the optimism. By taking small, simple steps you can get back into your groove...and a healthier frame of mind. 

👟 Why you should work out in the cold (no, seriously)
Don't let chilly temps zap your motivation. If you're feeling up to it, swap your slippers for sneakers and head outside for some exercise. There are major bennies (beyond the cup of hot cocoa you can enjoy when you're back indoors), we promise.

🛁 Our fave wintertime activity = a warm, cozy bath
(Sorry, snowball fights.) We've got the ultimate tub time tool kit, bc this year we're swapping out bubbles for skin-nourshing milks and top knots for hair-hydrating masks. Get the water running and stop scrolling, start soaking...

PLUS!
+ Dear Carol on overcoming social anxiety
+ 6 signs it's probably time to break up (sorry!)  
+ How to DIY purr-fect animal print nails 
+ Is TikTok actually a safe place to learn about sex? 
+ The newbie's guide to...taking off your makeup (hint: ditch the wipes)
+ Allllll the awkward Valentine's Day moments 
+ Tons of fun and freebies
...and so much more!

FREE STUFF ALERT

WIN! BOOKS WE'RE CRUSHING ON

Book lovers, rejoice! These totally crushable reads are *everything* you need rn. Curl up with an oat milk latte and heart-shaped sugar cookies, then enter to win all the terrific titles right HERE. 😍📖

WIN! FEBRUARY FUN + FREEBIES 

We've got your Galentine's wish list on lock, bb. From the best in beauty to fabulous fashion (+ snazzy surprises, ofc), win *everything* on your must-have list starting February 1 right HERE. 💐✨

Website mentions in February/March 2021...

PAGE 4: What's hot on girlslife.com for FEBRUARY and MARCH...
+ Your ultimate cold weather lookbook (sets! dresses! slippers!) right HERE. ❄️
+ Make the 3-ingredient DIY face mask we heart HERE. 🍯
+ Insta captions for alllll your cutest winter pics HERE. ☃️
+ Is it *ever* OK to text your ex? (Hint: yes.) Dishing the deets HERE. 💔
+ Create the ~dreamiest~ room decorations...in 15 minutes HERE. 🌻
+ QUIZ! Pick a candy heart and we're predicting your next relationship HERE. 🍬

PAGE 6: On the FEBRUARY calendar...
+ Yes, that's right...we're celebrating Groundhog Day this year HERE. 🎉
+ Update your TBR list! Some of our fave books by Black authors HERE. 📚
+ Do you have what it takes to be a TikTok star? Take the quiz HERE. ⭐
+ There's a full moon in Virgo on Feb. 27—what it means HERE. 🌝
+ WIN! Score the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 instant camera for you and your BFF HERE. 📸💖

PAGE 71: Cold-weather workout
+ Planks, squats and mountain climbers, oh my! Find three easy beginner workout routines right HERE. 💪

PAGE 76: Stop scrolling, start soaking 
+ Tub time? We've got the perfect hair mask for your mane HERE. 🧼
+ While you're at it, press play on our GL-approved bath playlist HERE. 🎶

Credits: February/March 2021 Cover (Hayley LeBlanc): Photographed by Sean Scheidt. Styled by Lo VonRumpf. Hair and makeup by Maurie Davidson.  Flower illustrations by Jessica D'Argenio Waller. Fashion trends: Sean Scheidt. Good Vibes (Addison): instagram.com/bryant. Galentine's: instagram.com/lilia. Clear Skin: instagram.com/lanacondor. Beauty: instagram.com/charlidamelio. Social Movement: fitzcrittle/Shutterstock.com. Room: instagram.com/potterybarnteen. Kamala Harris: Numena Studios/Shutterstock.com. Star Signs (Dixie + Noah): instagram.com/bryant. Kyliegh Curran: instagram.com/kylieghcurran. Books We're Crushing On: instagram.com/literaryxqueen. 

by Katherine Hammer | 2/14/2021