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The Best Tech Gadgets of 2026: Small Devices That Make a Big Difference

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The Best Tech Gadgets of 2026: Small Devices That Make a Big Difference

Tech doesn’t always mean BIG.

We are running down some of the smaller gadgets that are making a splash this year, and to be honest the better part of last year. As always tech evolves all the time, so the best bet is to browse and see what fits your need and budget. Smart home to listening to fitness, there are gadgets to make your life more convenient and enjoyable.

Which ones are you most interested in?

1. Tune In Without Tuning Out: The Shokz Listening Revolution

Black Shokz wireless earbuds with an oval charging case.

Shokz Open-Ear Headphones use bone conduction technology to deliver premium sound while keeping your ears open to the world around you. Perfect for runners, commuters, or parents on the go, they let you enjoy your favorite playlists or podcasts without tuning out what’s happening nearby. It’s a fresh approach to personal listening that’s both safe and stylish.

2. All-Day Audio Is Elevated with AirPods Pro 3

Apple AirPods 3 in an open charging case.

If you prefer immersive sound, the AirPods Pro 3 take wireless audio to the next level. With Active Noise Cancellation, a custom fit, and heart rate sensing during workouts, these earbuds do more than deliver music — they help you stay mindful of your health, too. And with Live Translation, you can understand and communicate across languages in real time.

Pair your headphones with a smart speaker at home, and you’ve got a voice-activated command center ready to set reminders, play music, or help plan your day.

3. Apple Watch Series 11 Turns Wellness Into a Daily Habit

Apple Watch Series 11 with a silver aluminum case and purple sport band, displaying a neon green abstract watch face.

The Apple Watch Series 11 continues to redefine what a smart watch can do. Its new sleep score tracking helps you understand your rest quality at a glance, while hypertension notifications alert you to potential high blood pressure, giving you real-time insight into your health.

It even offers translation features, making it easier to travel or communicate on the go. Whether you’re using it to stay active, manage notifications, or check your well-being, the Apple Watch has become one of the best smart devices to keep on your wrist.

4. Use the Ultra Human Smart Ring to Transform Data into Daily Balance

Ultrahuman Ring Air smart ring in a polished gold finish with a black interior.

For those who prefer subtle, screen-free tech, the Ultra Human Smart Ring packs serious functionality into a small, sleek design. It tracks sleep, recovery, heart rate, and activity, giving you a full view of your health without needing a smart watch display.

With its lightweight feel and minimalist look, Ultra Human is a discreet piece of smart technology that supports a balanced lifestyle — perfect for anyone who wants actionable insights without constant screen time.

5. Stay Connected on the Go Thanks to Logiix Piston Power Series

“Lavender LOGiiX Piston Power 10,000 mAh USB‑C power bank.

When it comes to staying powered up wherever life takes you, the Logiix Piston Power Series leads the charge. Designed for flexibility and convenience, these portable power banks and MagSafe chargers come in varying capacities to keep your devices, from smartphones to laptopsrunning smoothly. Are you working remotely, travelling, or just out for the day? Wireless chargers ensure you’ll have reliable backup power at your fingertips.

6. One Stand to Power Your Gadgets: Satechi Aluminum 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand

2‑in‑1 magnetic wireless charging stand holding a smartphone upright while wirelessly charging earbuds on the base.

Simplify your setup with the Satechi Aluminum 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand for powering your essentials. Designed to charge your smartphone and AirPods at once, this wireless charging stand keeps your space tidy, your devices ready, and it’s easy on the eyes. The travel-friendly design makes it ideal for compact nightstands, workspaces, or carry-on bags. Smart charging that’s stylish and effortless? Check.

7. Level Up Your Playtime with the Nintendo Switch 2

Handheld Nintendo Switch 2 console with a game screen displayed.

Gamers, rejoice! The Nintendo Switch 2 brings a wave of excitement to living rooms everywhere. Building on the versatility of the original, this updated console promises faster performance, improved visuals, and a refreshed gaming experience both at home and on the go.

It’s a reminder that the best tech gadgets aren’t just practical — they’re fun. The Switch 2 is set to be one of the best tech gifts of the season, appealing to casual players and serious fans alike.

Find the Latest in Tech with the Guidance at London Drugs

From smart wearables and smart home devices to the latest gaming consoles, this tech lineup proves that innovation can be intuitive. These are the best tech gadgets of the season, not because they’re flashy, but because they fit effortlessly into everyday life. Find more must-have tech gadgets and shop new arrivals online or at a store near you.

Not sure what to get? Wondering what works best with the tech you already have? Just ask.

We have certified tech specialists that can help with your sound system, television, computers, to your camera lenses. Our specialists are here to help you get what you need, but also help elevate what you already have.

How I Condition My Hair Properly (And What Most People Get Wrong)

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How I Condition My Hair Properly (And What Most People Get Wrong)

I used to believe that conditioning my hair was the easiest step in my routine. Shampoo cleans, conditioner softens — simple, right? However, the more I learned about hair health, the more I realized that conditioning is actually one of the most misunderstood steps in hair care.

Many hair problems people complain about — dryness, frizz, limp strands, lack of shine, breakage — aren’t caused by bad shampoo. They’re often the result of incorrect conditioning habits. Using the wrong formula, applying it in the wrong place, rinsing it too fast, or overdoing it can all work against you.

Proper conditioning isn’t about coating your hair. It’s about supporting the hair fiber, restoring moisture balance, and protecting it from daily stress. Once you understand that, everything starts to click.

What Conditioner Really Does to Your Hair

To condition your hair properly, you first need to understand what conditioner actually does.

Shampoo opens the hair cuticle to remove oil, dirt, and buildup. Conditioner works in the opposite direction. It smooths the cuticle, reduces friction between strands, improves elasticity, and helps retain moisture. This is why conditioned hair feels softer, looks shinier, and breaks less easily.

Conditioners can also contain ingredients that:

  • Reduce static and frizz
  • Improve detangling
  • Add slip and manageability
  • Protect hair from heat and environmental damage

When used correctly, conditioner becomes a protective step, not just a cosmetic one.

How You Choose the Right Conditioner for Your Hair Type

Not all conditioners are created equal, and using the wrong one can sabotage your results.

If you have dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair, your hair needs richer formulas that contain emollients and oils such as shea butter, argan oil, or ceramides. These help reinforce the hair barrier and reduce moisture loss.

If your hair is fine or oily, heavy conditioners can flatten your hair and make it look greasy faster. In this case, lightweight conditioners or volume-focused formulas work better, as they hydrate without coating the strands excessively.

For normal hair, balanced conditioners are ideal. These provide moisture and smoothness without tipping your hair toward dryness or oiliness.

Understanding your hair type — and even your scalp behavior — helps you choose a conditioner that works with your hair, not against it.

The Correct Way to Apply Conditioner (This Step Matters More Than You Think)

how to condition your hair properly step by step

One of the most common mistakes I see is applying conditioner the same way people apply shampoo. Conditioner does not belong on your scalp unless it’s specifically designed for scalp use.

After shampooing, rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water. Hair that’s dripping wet won’t absorb conditioner efficiently.

Apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends, where hair is older, drier, and more prone to damage. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly so every strand benefits.

Let the conditioner sit for two to five minutes. This pause is essential. It allows the conditioning agents to bond with the hair shaft instead of being rinsed away immediately.

Finish with a cool or lukewarm rinse. This helps smooth the cuticle and enhances shine.

How Often Should You Condition Your Hair?

Conditioning frequency should always be based on how your hair behaves, not rigid rules.

For most people, conditioning every wash helps maintain softness and elasticity. However, if your hair is very fine or your scalp gets oily quickly, conditioning every other wash — or using smaller amounts — may be more effective.

If your hair is curly, textured, or very dry, regular conditioning is essential. In these cases, adding a weekly deep conditioning treatment or a leave-in conditioner can dramatically improve hydration and curl definition.

The goal is balance. Hair should feel nourished, not coated or heavy.

Deep Conditioners vs Regular Conditioners

Regular conditioners are designed for frequent use and surface-level smoothing. Deep conditioners, on the other hand, deliver more intensive care.

Deep conditioning treatments usually contain higher concentrations of nourishing and strengthening ingredients. They’re especially helpful for:

  • Heat-damaged hair
  • Color-treated hair
  • Dry or brittle strands

Using a deep conditioner once a week can restore softness and resilience, especially if your hair is exposed to frequent styling or environmental stress.

Small Habits That Make Your Conditioner Work Better

Conditioner doesn’t work in isolation. Your daily habits play a huge role in how effective it is.

Detangle gently, starting from the ends and working upward. Rough handling causes breakage, even on well-conditioned hair.

Always use a heat protectant before styling with hot tools. Conditioner improves moisture, but it doesn’t make hair heat-proof.

Regular trims prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, keeping hair healthier overall.

Finally, hydration and nutrition matter more than people realize. Hair reflects your internal health just as much as your product choices.

When Professional Advice Is Worth It

If your hair consistently feels dry, dull, or unmanageable despite using good products, professional guidance can help. A stylist can assess your hair’s porosity, density, and damage level and recommend targeted treatments.

Sometimes, the solution isn’t a new product — it’s a better technique or schedule.

Final Thoughts: Conditioning Is a Commitment, Not a Shortcut

Proper hair conditioning isn’t about chasing the latest product. It’s about understanding your hair, respecting its needs, and being consistent.

When you choose the right conditioner, apply it correctly, and support it with good habits, your hair rewards you with strength, shine, and manageability.

Healthy hair doesn’t come from doing more.It comes from doing things right — every time.

FAQ

Q: Should I apply conditioner to my scalp?

A: In most cases, conditioner should be applied to the mid-lengths and ends, not the scalp, unless the product is designed specifically for scalp care.

Q: How often should I condition my hair?

A: Most people benefit from conditioning every wash, but fine or oily hair may do better conditioning every other wash.

Q: Is deep conditioner better than regular conditioner?

A: Deep conditioners provide intensive care and are best used weekly, while regular conditioners are designed for frequent use.

Q: Can conditioner repair damaged hair?

A: Conditioner improves the appearance and manageability of damaged hair, but it cannot permanently repair broken hair fibers.

Why Not Try a Haunted Little Nightgown?

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Why Not Try a Haunted Little Nightgown?

Key Takeaways

  • A haunted little nightgown is the spookiest yet chicest thing you can wear this spring.
  • The simple look is inspired by the gothic undertones of current pop culture moments like ‘Wuthering Heights’ and Lana Del Rey’s new single.
  • To get the look, all you need is a gauzy, vintage-style night dress.

Can a garment look like a memory you never actually lived, half-remembered and half-imagined? This spring, that unsettling, dreamlike state might just be fashion’s most compelling trend, spurred on by a rash of music and film predicated on ghost stories, liminal spaces, and an uncanny feeling of being suspended between two worlds.

When weather finally warms and you start shedding the cumbersome coats and sweaters, don’t just stop with the outermost layers—strip down to a gauzy, eerily ethereal nightgown and wear it with the same carefree nonchalance as you would a casual sundress. Unlike more recent sleepwear-for-daywear trends, though, this look is grounded in an understated, downright ghostly feel, with a focus on free-flowing movement and minimal embellishment. It’s less full-on lingerie and more Appalachian apparition, the sartorial equivalent of the unsettling, sepulchral strings in Lana Del Rey’s latest release, “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter.”

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The Trend

This spooky style might be having a moment, but it’s not without precedent. You can draw a direct line from Stevie Nicks’ storied chiffon layers straight to Ethel Cain’s cotton Gunne Sax silhouettes, with plenty of otherworldly incarnations in between. The difference between this iteration and those of our nightgown-clad foremothers, though, is in the look’s simplicity. Whereas classic Nicks and Florence Welch aesthetics feel mystical and witchy, this is specifically spectral. This isn’t a nightgown for conjuring spells so much as one a ghost would wear for centuries—forever wandering the misty hills, caught between this world and whatever comes next.

We’ve seen hauntingly beautiful nightgown-inspired dresses on the red carpet, from Zoë Kravitz at the Caught Stealing premiere late last year to Lily-Rose Depp both in and out of character during the Nosferatu press cycle, and Greta Lee’s draped, lacy look at her most recent Emmys appearance. They vary in cut and detailing, but the ghostly effect is unmistakable. The garments’ lack of structure and general weightlessness suggest a body beneath them without ever fully revealing it, as if the wearer had already slipped away, leaving only a beautiful gown behind. And long before these looks ever reached the red carpet, they lived on screen—the white lawn dresses of Picnic At Hanging Rockthe gauzy suburban melancholy of The Virgin Suicidesthe pale, puff-sleeved nightgowns in The Others. None of these films fit squarely in the horror genre, instead flirting with unsettling or uncanny ideas, all underscored by eerie costuming and liminal set dressing.

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As is often the case, this pop culture fashion resurgence dovetails with what’s happening on the runways. Rodarte has done two collections in the past five years with a similar, glamorously ghostly aesthetic, including a fall 2020 show directly inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula—the brand is also behind many of Charli XCX’s ghost-inspired Wuthering Heights music video looks. Chanel’s spring/summer 2026 collection is filled with gauzy muslin layers, pale pastels, and ethereal movement, while Junya Watanabe’s latest presentation featured key looks with shredded lace and otherworldly draping. A far cry from the slip dress revival of the early 2000s—and the rise of “formal pajamas” in the early 2020s—these pieces are firmly focused on storytelling and unsettling romance.

Getty Images


Anchoring the haunted nightgown look in real life means pairing dresses that feel borderline costume with personal pieces already in your wardrobe, like a worn-in jacket or some anachronistic flats that root the overall outfit in the present. Think of the arrangement as letting a piece of another world exist in this one rather than the other way around—though if you want to sever ties with modern reality altogether, no one could really blame you.

The Best Haunted Little Nightgowns

Is Your Skin Health Linked to Dementia?

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Is Your Skin Health Linked to Dementia?

No matter how much you try to hide your age, your skin often gives you away. The fine lines. The dryness. The spots that seem to appear overnight. Entire industries are built on the promise that creams, serums, and oils can help you look younger.

But what if your skin-care routine did more than improve your exterior glow—what if it also influenced how you age on the inside?

That’s the question a growing number of scientists are starting to explore.

What is the skin barrier and why does it matter?

Your body is lined with protective barriers—in the nostrils, lungs, gut, vagina—designed to keep toxins from entering your bloodstream, Malú Tansey, PhD, a neuroscientist and professor of Alzheimer’s research at Indiana University School of Medicine, tells SELF.

“The skin is one of the largest barrier sites in the body,” she says. Made of dead cells held together by fats and proteins, it forms a shield that keeps water in and harmful substances out.

Like the rest of the body, the skin barrier ages. As cracks in the body’s armor develop, toxic invaders can slip through. “You’re more vulnerable to anything that comes at you,” Dr. Tansey says. “Whether that’s pesticides, pathogens or air pollution.”

A rupture in this barrier can also sound an inflammatory alarm throughout the body.

“You’ll have a release of too many cytokines—inflammatory factors—circulating in the blood,” Dr. Tansey says. Cytokines are the immune system’s chemical messengers that fire up immune cells and tell them to fight invaders, like bacteria and viruses. But ongoing inflammation–for example, the inflammation behind skin barrier disorders like eczema and psoriasis—can keep too many cytokines circulating in the bloodstream.

This, Dr. Tansey says, can eventually “erode the blood-brain barrier and cause brain inflammation or what we call neuro-inflammation.”

All of this begs the question: Can a chronically weak skin barrier, caused by age, incite the kind of inflammation that’s been linked to dementia?

How skin barrier function might be linked to cognitive function

In a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatologyresearchers tapped 237 adults over age 50 whose health and cognitive function had already been tracked for decades as part of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Equipped with years of data on memory and thinking skills, the researchers brought participants in for skin-barrier testing.

They measured how well each person’s skin held water—a hallmark of barrier function—after repeated trauma. That is, they ripped a piece of tape off the same patch of skin dozens of times and measured the rate of water loss after each pull.

Interparfums reaffirms 2026 outlook after strong Q4 performance in 2025

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Interparfums reaffirms 2026 outlook after strong Q4 performance in 2025

Interparfums, Inc. reported that fourth-quarter sales rose 7% to US$386 millionwhile full-year 2025 sales increased 2% to US$1.49 billiondespite ongoing macroeconomic pressures and U.S. tariff headwinds. Net income attributable to the company grew 2% year over year to US$168 million compared with 2024.

“Our current top seven brands, representing approximately 77% of our net sales, increased 8% and 5% during the fourth quarter and full year, respectively,” commented Jean Madar, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums. He emphasized portfolio dynamism, new blockbuster launches, and operational execution amid industry normalization and macro headwinds such as tariffs and exchange rates.

By geography, the majority of the company’s regions grew in 2025. Key North America, Western Europe, and Central and South America achieved gains of 3%, 5%, and 11% respectively, compared to full year 2024.

Sales in Eastern Europe grew by 2%, reflecting more normalized sales levels. The Middle East and Africa were down 4%, but increased by 4% when excluding the impact of the Dunhill phase out. Asia Pacific sales declined 4% driven by distribution challenges in South Korea and India, partially offset by growth in Australia, China and Japan.

Madar highlighted that innovations like Solferino, the group’s first ultra-luxury offering, and strengthened marketing drove brand performance. He noted, “Our diverse portfolio of fragrances attracted consumers throughout the year with impressive annual performances by several of our top brands as well as brands newer to our portfolio such as Lacoste and Roberto Cavalli.”

Interparfums reaffirmed its 2026 guidance. “We continue to be optimistic about the strength of our diverse brand portfolio, the agility of our organization, and an innovation pipeline broadly in line with 2025. In combination, these factors should help us maintain market share in a normalizing global market,” said Interparfums CFO & Director, Michel Atwood.

Claressa Shields Beats Franchon Crews-Dezurn in Epic Detroit Rematch

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Claressa Shields Beats Franchon Crews-Dezurn in Epic Detroit Rematch

Claressa Shields beats Franchon Crews-Dezurn once again in a night that reminded us all why Detroit is the undisputed capital of boxing royalty. Walking into the Little Caesars Arena on Sunday night, the energy was absolutely electric. There is something special about seeing a hometown hero return to their roots, especially when that hero has a historic eight million dollar deal and a legacy to protect.

Photo Credit: Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press

The rematch between these two titans was nearly a decade in the making, and it lived up to every bit of the hype. After a chaotic weigh-in that saw a literal scuffle and some minor injury scares for the challenger, the question on everyone’s mind was whether the drama would translate into the ring. The answer? A resounding yes, but with the tactical precision that only the “GWOAT” can provide.

From the opening bell, it was clear that Claressa Shields beats Franchon Crews-Dezurn by playing a smarter, faster game. While Franchon brought the grit and the pressure she is known for, Claressa’s hand speed was simply on another level. She stayed composed, moving like a shadow and landing crisp combinations that had the crowd on their feet.

88819431007 022326 Dfp Claressa Shields Fight Rg 04jpg Ff0c81
Photo Credit: Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press

By the middle rounds, the technical gap began to show. Claressa wasn’t just fighting; she was putting on a clinic. She controlled the distance beautifully, making sure that Franchon’s power punches never quite found their home. It was a 100-90 shutout across the board, proving that even as the years pass, some things stay the same.

What makes this win so relatable isn’t just the athleticism, but the respect. After the final bell, despite the “bad blood” at the weigh-in, both women shared a moment of mutual recognition. They are two pioneers who have carried women’s boxing on their backs, and seeing them embrace reminded us that at the end of the day, it’s about the love of the sport.

88819434007 022326 Dfp Claressa Shields Fight Rg 05jpg E528a1
Photo Credit: Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press

With this win, Claressa moves to 18-0 and keeps her undisputed heavyweight crown firmly placed on her head. It was a massive night for Detroit, a massive night for women’s sports, and a perfect start to her newest multi-fight chapter.

How 5,000 years of history turned eye makeup into a daily habit

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How 5,000 years of history turned eye makeup into a daily habit

What if the way you felt about eye makeup wasn’t actually a personal preference at all, but the result of thousands of years of cultural shifts, technological change, and social pressure?

In this thought-provoking episode of Green Beauty Conversations, Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier takes you on a journey through 5,000 years of beauty history to uncover how eye makeup evolved from ritual and symbolism into something many people now feel they have to wear every day.

Following on from last week’s powerful interview with Dr Pam Theriot about eye health and the products we use around our eyes, this episode zooms out to explore the cultural side of the conversation.

Lorraine unpacks where the idea of “I can’t leave the house without my face on” really came from – and why that feeling is surprisingly modern. Once you hear this, you’ll never look at your mascara the same way again.

From ancient kohl to old Hollywood close-ups and social media beauty standards, this episode connects the dots between history and the expectations many of us carry today.

If you’ve ever felt more “put together” with eyeliner on, or strangely exposed without mascara, this episode will make you question why. It’s part beauty history, part cultural commentary, and completely fascinating.

Miss this episode, and you miss the chance to see modern eye makeup through a completely different lens.

Listen here

“Eye makeup isn’t a test of professionalism, womanhood or worth. It’s a trend, a tool, a toy, a piece of culture we can pick up or put down whenever we like.” — Lorraine Dallmeier

Key takeaways:

  • Eye makeup started as a ritual, not a routine: Eye makeup began as a ritual, protection and symbolism rather than beauty in the modern sense. In ancient Egypt and other early civilisations, kohl was used by both men and women for spiritual, cultural and practical reasons, including protection from the sun and illness (and even the evil eye). This shows that eye makeup has deep historical roots, but those weren’t tied to everyday social expectations in the way they are today.
  • Beauty standards evolved throughout time and cultures: Attitudes towards eye makeup have shifted dramatically depending on time, place, and culture. In ancient Rome, subtle eye definition was acceptable, but anything too bold could attract moral judgment, while in medieval Europe, visible cosmetics were often associated with vanity or sin. At the same time, many cultures in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia maintained long, continuous traditions of eye adornment.
  • Technology helped turn eye makeup into an everyday norm: The rise of photography, cinema close-ups, electric lighting and better mirrors meant people could see their own faces more clearly and were seen more closely by others. Film studios helped popularise mascara and eyeliner so that actors’ eyes stood out on screen, and those looks filtered into everyday life. Over time, what started as performance makeup gradually became normalised as an everyday baseline.
  • Social media sped up the shift from expression to expectation: From the bold colours of the 1980s to the smoky eye of the 2000s and the sharply defined “Instagram eye”, trends began moving faster and becoming more visible than ever before. As these looks circulated widely, they subtly reshaped ideas of what a “finished” or “professional” face should look like. Many people internalised these standards so deeply that wearing eye makeup began to feel like a personal necessity rather than a cultural trend.
  • Eye makeup influences how women are judged: Research discussed in the episode also shows that eye makeup can affect how women are perceived in professional settings. Studies reveal that women wearing moderate makeup are often judged as more competent, likeable and trustworthy than the same women with bare faces, while heavier makeup can lead to negative judgments.

Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Formula Botanica Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed listening, please share, subscribe and review this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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‘Adult Sleep Training’ Is on the Rise. Here’s Who It’s for—and How to Do It

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‘Adult Sleep Training’ Is on the Rise. Here’s Who It’s for—and How to Do It

Veronica Smith couldn’t sleep. As a freshman in college, she found herself tossing and turning all night, every night. “I would feel just drained, low energy, hard time concentrating,” she tells SELF. “I felt like I could sleep for days if I had the chance.”

Over the next few years, she completed her undergraduate degree, headed to grad school, and started her career. Throughout it all, the insomnia continued. She tried everything to fix it: sleeping pills, acupuncture, meditation, cutting out caffeine, speaking with various sleep specialists, and even getting a stellate ganglion block, an injection recommended for veterans who have insomnia and PTSD. Nothing worked as a long-term solution. But in June 2025, her therapist asked her if she had tried cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia, commonly referred to as CBT-I. Smith hadn’t.

While she was initially skeptical of the treatment—an evidence-based psychotherapy approach widely considered to be the gold standard for treating insomnia, involving a six-to-eight week program of regular therapy, daily exercises, and routine shifts—she ultimately decided to try it, pairing it with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy at the suggestion of her therapist. It worked.

“It was a miracle,” she says. “I’m a disciplined person. I’m a type-A person. I do routines and all of the things. But this really helped.”

For many of us, the concept of sleep training conjures images of parents attempting to teach their infants to self-soothe: Ferber, “fading,” the “chair method” are just a few that terms might ring a bell. But those aren’t the only ways to teach someone better sleep. Adults—like Smith—are increasingly turning to CBT-I, where instead of focusing on just one aspect of someone’s sleeping issues, such as anxiety around getting shut-eye or lack of a quality bedtime routine, they take a more holistic approach.

What does adult sleep training entail?

On social media, sleep-obsessed influencers will suggest a litany of hacks to try for better shut-eye. But when it comes to CBT-I, the protocol is straightforward.

The five components of CBT-I (sleep hygiene, relaxation or stress reduction, stimulus control therapy, sleep restriction, and cognitive therapy) address unproductive behaviors that people learn over time to cope with their insomnia, says Meredith Broderick, MD, a neurologist and board-certified sleep and behavioral sleep medicine specialist. These behaviors, or adaptations, may include spending a lot of time in bed, not scheduling certain activities due to a fear of not sleeping, or resting a lot during the day, Dr. Broderick says. (However, note that none of these behaviors actually fix insomnia.)

South Korea and Brazil Sign K-Beauty and Trade Cooperation Deals

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South Korea and Brazil Sign K-Beauty and Trade Cooperation Deals

THE WHAT? South Korea and Brazil have signed a series of agreements, including a memorandum aimed at boosting regulatory cooperation in the health sector to facilitate greater access to K-beauty products in Brazil.

THE DETAILS The agreements were signed in Seoul during Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s state visit, alongside South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Among the deals is a memorandum of understanding designed to enhance regulatory collaboration in the health sector, potentially easing barriers for South Korean skincare and cosmetic exports to Brazil.

South Korea has become a major global cosmetics exporter, shipping billions of dollars’ worth of beauty products annually, while Brazil ranks among the world’s largest beauty markets. The two leaders also agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a “strategic partnership,” with annual trade between the countries already exceeding US$10 billion.

THE WHY? The strengthened regulatory cooperation is intended to streamline market access for K-beauty brands in Brazil, deepening trade ties and supporting South Korea’s growing global beauty exports while reinforcing broader economic collaboration between the two nations.

Source: Barrons

The ’90s Fluffy Bob Will Make You Excited to Get a Silk Press

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The ’90s Fluffy Bob Will Make You Excited to Get a Silk Press

One of the best compliments I’ve ever received was being told that I looked “’90s fine.” My then-boyfriend said it as we were heading out for date night, and I knew exactly what he meant: that effortless, low-key sultry energy embodied by icons such as Halle Berry, Naomi Campbell, and Nia Long during that era. You might think the praise was referring to my outfit, but it had nothing to do with what I was wearing—it was for my hair. I had a freshly pressed, softly curled, fluffy bob that moved like silk, and conveyed just the right amount of drama.

“Bounce, volume, and playfulness are the hallmarks of the fluffy bob,” says Brenton Diallo, a New York City-based hairstylist who’s been working behind the chair since the early ’90s. He recalls clients routinely bringing in photos of the great Whitney Houston and Tisha Campbell as reference points.

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“Soft, strategic layers are what give this cut its movement and fullness while keeping it light and bouncy,” says Alex Vann, a hairstylist and salon owner in Duluth, Georgia. “What makes it special is the lift at the root and those soft bends throughout the hair. It’s polished, touchable, and frames the face beautifully while still feeling effortless,” she adds.

Lead stylist at Twelve12 Salon, @hair.journies styling a fluffy bob.

Instagram / @twelve12salon

According to Diallo, the look was partly shaped by the tools of the era; heat-styling technology wasn’t as advanced at achieving pin-straight results on textured hair, so a silk press in the ’90s often yielded airy volume and soft fullness rather than the glassy, ultra-sleek finish that’s common today.

As trends tend to do, the fluffy bob has circled back around into the spotlight, though you could argue it never really left. Recently, Beyoncé debuted a bouncy, jaw-skimming blonde bob that promptly sent the internet into a tizzy. And if history tells us anything, her co-sign alone is enough to propel a hairstyle straight into trend territory. Says Vann, “That’s the energy we’re channeling with today’s fluffy bob, nostalgic but modernized.”

Ahead, pro hairstylists share their techniques for achieving this timeless look, plus the best tips for making your fluffy bob last as long as possible.

How to get a fluffy bob

“The cut itself is the foundation of the style,” Vann says. “To achieve the fluffy bob properly, soft layers must be added to create body, volume, and natural movement.” The stylist recommends booking an appointment for a layered bob haircut and bringing in reference images to communicate the exact look you want. After your cut (which usually happens after the hair has been washed and blown out), a classic silk press and pin-curl set (the large curls created with a barrel wand and held in place by clips) is the styling method that brings the fluffy bob to life.

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