Beauty
Vogue Editors Share Their Favorite Hometown Stores to Shop for the Holidays
Vogue editors share their favorite hometown brick-and-mortar small businesses to support online this holiday….

Daunt Books is a truly magical shop on the equally charming Marylebone High Street in my hometown of London. Thankfully their website is easy to traverse and gives wonderful recommendations, like Brandon Taylor’s debut novel that is shortlisted for The Booker Prize.
Mai Morsch, Associate Market Editor
Little Barn Apothecary, Chicago, IL
Everytime I travel back home to Chicago, I inevitably end up at Little Barn Apothecary. Founded by Joshua Morgan and Brad Scoggins, everything in the shop is not only luxurious, but also ethically made and totally natural. I always leave their charming store with the Honeysuckle and Grapefruit Body Oil, which I go through embarrassingly quickly, and the Coffee and Mint Exfoliating Scrub—the scent is addicting, especially for a caffeine fiend like myself!
Emily Farra, Senior Fashion News Writer
James Dant, Indianapolis, Indiana
I’m obsessed with James Dant, a menswear store a friend introduced me to in downtown Indianapolis. It has a bit of a rugged, mountain-y vibe, with great flannels, selvedge denim, and leather jackets, plus excellent vintage finds and lots of brands I’ve never heard of. I’ll probably find a few gifts for my boyfriend there, but may have to do a little shopping for myself, too…
Tonne Goodman, Sustainability Editor
C.O. Bigelow, New York, NY
I live in the village and have appreciated C.O. Bigelows as my pharmacy for many years. It’s a village institution and the oldest apothecary in the nation, originating in 1838. I remember when it still had a lunch counter, way back, when I was in grade school.
They have a wonderful line of their own products and my gift of choice this season is their delicious Lemon Bath & Body Care set. A true treat!
Mijenta, Jalisco, Mexico
There is also an amazing Tequila called Mijenta that I’ve discovered. It is incredibly delicious and has a lovely story behind it. It’s a small-batch, artisanal, and sustainable tequila company from Jalisco that gives back to the community and protects the land through its harvesting and distilling process. And a woman is behind it, Ana Maria Romero!
Kathleen Thomas, Fashion Market Assistant
The Blue House, Bethesda, MD
This cute little store in my hometown of Bethesda has always, quite literally, been a bright spot in the neighborhood. It’s been around since I was born and has maintained its footing in an ever-changing area. It’s across the street from another staple for my family, the Tastee Diner, so popping into The Blue House on a weekend while waiting for our table was pretty expected. From cute throw blankets and pillows to every holiday need possible, they have you covered. And to help you out during these uncertain times, they even offer Facetime shopping to make sure you secure that perfect gift!
News
Content Creator Appeals to Nigerian Police Over Alleged Harassment and Blackmail by Former Partner, Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale
A Nigerian content creator has appealed to the relevant Nigerian authorities for intervention following allegations of persistent harassment, unwanted communication and blackmail by her former partner, Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale, whom she says is from Benin City.
According to the complainant, she and Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale were in a relationship for approximately four years before she decided to end the relationship following what she described as painful and distressing experiences during the relationship.
She alleges that since ending the relationship, Abgonghale has continued attempting to contact her despite her efforts to cut off communication. According to her account, even after blocking him, he allegedly continued reaching out through her family members and friends.
The content creator further alleges that Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale has repeatedly called her and addressed her using inappropriate and insulting names. She also told the Honk Magazine team that he allegedly contacted her mother and insulted her over matters concerning her daughter.
During a meeting with the Honk Magazine team, the complainant became emotional and cried while recounting her experience. She said the continued situation has affected her peace of mind and that she has struggled emotionally since the relationship ended.
Honk Magazine Calls for Official Investigation
Honk Magazine is bringing the matter to public attention because the complainant says she wants the appropriate authorities to intervene.
We are therefore calling on the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegations involving Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale, examine the evidence available, and determine whether any criminal offence has occurred.
The complainant has provided identifying information concerning the individual, including his reported date of birth, which can be supplied directly to law enforcement for investigative purposes.
Honk Magazine emphasizes that the allegations in this report have not been established as fact by a court or law-enforcement agency. The purpose of this report is to bring the complainant’s concerns to the attention of the appropriate authorities and encourage a proper investigation.
We also urge members of the public not to threaten, harass, confront or take the law into their own hands against Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale. Any relevant information or evidence should be submitted directly to law enforcement.
If you are an authority reviewing this report, Honk Magazine is appealing for this complaint to be properly documented and investigated.
Reported individual: Wisdom Ehidiamen Abgonghale
Reported location: Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Reported Individual uses these phone numbers: 07063041088, 08117042690, 08119078335
Nature of complaint: Alleged harassment, persistent unwanted contact, intimidation/blackmail, and cyber-related harassment following the end of a relationship.
If you are just coming across this post. please share and report this to the police in Nigeria so they can investigate him.
Artist Spotlight
How Rare Beauty Propelled Selena Gomez to Billionaire Status
Selena Gomez is a talented entertainer known for her work as a singer, actress, and producer, and she has recently reached an impressive milestone by becoming a billionaire. Much of her financial success comes from her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, which has quickly become popular since it launched in September 2020. The brand stands out for its dedication to inclusivity, mental health support, and clever marketing strategies.
1. The Idea Behind Rare Beauty
Rare Beauty was created to challenge traditional beauty standards and celebrate individuality. Selena wanted to build a brand that offered quality makeup while encouraging self-love and acceptance. The name “Rare” is inspired by her third studio album.
A key part of Rare Beauty’s mission is to be inclusive. When it launched, the brand offered an impressive variety of 48 shades of foundation and concealer, catering to many skin tones. The packaging also considers accessibility, making it easier for people with disabilities to use the products.
Check out this article: How Rich Is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2025?
2. Smart Marketing and Social Media Success
Selena took full advantage of her large social media presence to promote Rare Beauty. With over 400 million followers on Instagram, she shares her personal stories and shows how to use the products, which helps build a strong connection with her fans. This engagement has created a loyal customer base.
Rare Beauty also effectively utilizes social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, gaining significant attention and making it a popular choice among beauty lovers. One of their hit products, a liquid blush, sold over 3.1 million units in just a year, highlighting the success of their online marketing.
3. Strong Financial Growth
The brand’s financial success has been impressive, generating about $350 million in revenue in 2023, a 50% increase compared to the previous year. By May 2024, Rare Beauty’s value had grown to over $2 billion, showing its strong place in the market.
This financial success has also boosted Selena’s personal wealth. In September 2024, she became a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, primarily thanks to her ownership of Rare Beauty. At 32 years old, she is one of the youngest self-made female billionaires in the U.S.
Check out this article: Diddy Salutes Kanye West for Unwavering Support in Emotional Phone Call
4. Media Attention and Public Interest
The rise of Rare Beauty and Selena’s billionaire status has been widely reported in the media. A notable article from Bloomberg discussed the brand’s strategies and how they’ve resonated with consumers. The piece received extensive coverage, reaching over 250 media outlets and generating more than 1.8 billion impressions, highlighting the significant impact of her success.
5. A Commitment to Mental Health
In addition to its commercial achievements, Rare Beauty focuses on mental health. The brand has created the Rare Impact Fund, promising to donate 1% of sales to mental health initiatives, aiming to raise $100 million over the next ten years. This effort aligns with Selena’s commitment to mental health awareness, which many consumers appreciate in a brand.
Selena Gomez’s journey from entertainer to entrepreneur illustrates how she combines her values and understanding of the market with a genuine connection to her audience. Rare Beauty’s rapid growth shows a strong demand for inclusive and socially responsible beauty products. Selena’s story highlights the new wave of celebrity entrepreneurs, where authenticity and advocacy are just as important as the products they sell.
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