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R.e.m. Beauty’s Shimmery New Eyeshadow Quads Are a Dream Come True

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R.e.m. Beauty’s Shimmery New Eyeshadow Quads Are a Dream Come True

Key Takeaways

  • Ariana Grande told us all about R.e.m. Beauty’s new launch: the Sweet Dreams Eyeshadow Quads.
  • The little palettes are arriving with a new, rich and velvety formula and “super convenient, cute” packaging.

Sweet dreams are made of many things. Vivid colors, shimmery finishes, and an Ariana Grande appearance are just some of them.

And yes, in all my good dreams I’m wearing gorgeous eyeshadow. Aren’t you?

This month, R.e.m. Beauty has an iconic new launch to share: the Sweet Dreams Eyeshadow Quads “for eyes that tell stories and artistry made effortless.” With a new talc-free formula and lightweight feel, each features a curated color story with rich payoff.

Keep reading to discover everything there is to know about the release from Grande herself—and shop the quads yourself.

The Inspiration

Grande tells Byrdie exclusively that she and her team wanted to create the palettes as a “means of evolving and expanding upon” some of their favorite core eye products.

Katia Temkin


“Everything we do is with the intention of making self expression and artistry through makeup feel more effortless and fun, and these palettes really feel like the embodiment of that,” she explains. “They are super convenient, cute, easy to use, and just gorgeous.”

The Product

The four quads are named Babydoll, Fembot Fatale, Earth Fairy, and Nightcap in Tokyo. As Grande explains, “each quad tells a different color story, ranging from different shades of satin mattes, shimmering duo-chromes, luminous metallics, to wet-shine finishes.”

That’s one of her favorite things about them.

“Of course, it’s never just one!” she says. “This new eyeshadow formula is really special. We first previewed it in the Wicked collection and knew that we had to bring it into core. There is just something so special about it, the color payoff is so rich and the pigments are so velvety and weightless, while also being talc-free and of course maintaining our clean and vegan formula standards.”

REM Beauty


Also of note: How the velvety shadows are housed.

“I love the new packaging. It’s a bit of a reinvention, something different for us, and it’s just so cute and little and concise, perfect to throw in your purse,” Grande adds. “It’s a really exciting step up and evolution of our core products.”

Where You’ve Seen Them

This season is full of beauty sneak peeks, especially when you’re an award-nominated brand founder. Grande wore the quads on recent outings to the Critic’s Choice Awards and Golden Globes, and their existence is definitely informing her awards season makeup vibe, which she describes as “a modern twist on classic, old Hollywood glamour,” overall.

“I have always been very influenced by the glam and fashions of the ’60s. Lately I’ve been going for a softer, chocolate brown cat eye using our new palettes, which has been one of my favorites these days,” she adds. “It’s hard to pick a favorite from the new palettes, but for the Globes we used Babydoll and even snuck a little bit of Earth Fairy on my brow bone and cheek bones. Each of them offers something different and I can’t wait for you to try them for yourselves.”

@arianagrande/Instagram


When you do get your hands on them, play! And remember this advice from the icon herself:

“One of my favorite things about beauty and makeup and hair is that it’s all just an extension of who we are, and how we evolve over time. Beauty helps us express where we are and what we’re feeling.”

The Sweet Dreams Eyeshadow Quads officially launch January 21, but Byrdie readers can shop now at rembeauty.com.

What Color Makeup Should I Wear?

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What Color Makeup Should I Wear?

One the most common questions I get from customers is “What color makeupshould I wear?”  This can apply to foundation, blush, eyeshadow, lipstick and a variety of makeup products.  For most consumers, there’s uncertainty about which colors will go best with their complexion or features.  To make matters worse, we now live in a day and age where there are more color options than ever before.  The internet is loaded with videos of bloggers and web-stars using rainbow palettesfull of technicolor shadows and blushes.  It’s not surprising that we would get overwhelmed.  But before you give up your search, let me give you a basic lesson on color theory and the color wheel for makeupthat might simplify the process.

The Basics

To begin, we want to understand our terminology.  When we are choosing a makeupcolor, we want to distinguish some qualities about that color.  Technically, color has three distinct qualities: Hue, Saturation and Depth.

  • Hue is what the actual color is, red, blue, brown etc. When we’re choosing which hue will work best for us, we want to first consider what colors we have in our skin, hair and eyes.  For example, people with blond hair and blue eyes tend to look good in gold and brown eyeshadows.  If your skin is cool or pink undertone, you’ll probably look good in soft pink blush and lipstick while people with tan skin and brown eyes, look good in grey, silver and blue eyeshadows.
  • Saturation is how intense the color is. Highly saturated colors work well for dramatic looks while low saturation colors look softer.  For example, for natural looking, daytime pink blush, we want a blush that’s not too saturated.  While we typically want a red lipstick worn in the evening to have a lot of saturation.  Keep in mind that, just because a color is very saturated doesn’t mean it will be dark.  It will just be intense or bright against the tone of your skin.
  • Depthof course, means how light or dark the color is.  It’s important to consider the depth of your skin when choosing the depth of your makeup colors.  For a color that’s too light may not show up while a color that’s too dark may look more dramatic than you want.

When choosing colors that work well with our features, we typically look at our skin, eyes and hair color to determine what will work best.  We have the option of using colors that are similar to our features – Monochromatic, or using colors that are opposite the color of our features – Contrasting.  To help us understand, look at the color wheel.  Colors on the opposite side of the color wheel are contrasting and colors that match are monochromatic.

color wheel for makeup

Let’s take a closer look at the color wheel for makeup.Historically it was thought that blue eyeshadow would make the eyes look bluer, but in reality, we realized that the pigment of a blue eyeshadow would inevitably be bluer than the eyes thus making the eye look less blue in comparison.  We realized that colors like orange, gold and copper are best for contrasting with blue eyes to make themlook bluer in comparison.  Likewise, green eyes looks most green when enhanced with purple. Brown eyes have often been confusing since blue is the closest opposite of brown.  In reality, a brown eye looks just as beautiful when enhanced with cool colors such as grey, platinum or silver.  To learn more about which eyeshadows look best with your eye color, check out How to Choose the Best Eyeshadow for Every Eye Color.

With all of this information stated, it is important to know that you don’t have to wear these colors to make your eyes look good.  We’ve found that varying levels of flesh tones, soft browns and neutral taupes look beautiful on most eye colors. For example, I love using our Sweet Spot Eyeshadow Trio, Naturally Matte Kit or Daytime Eyeshadow Kit on any eye color.  These are universal palettes.

Correction Before Enhancement

Now that we understand what our color options are we may want to start exploring new colors.  But before we go creating our look and choosing the colors that we do want, we must first take a critical look at our face and make sure we’re properly correcting any discoloration we don’t want.  I’ve had many clients tell me they can’t wear purple eyeshadow because it brings out their dark circles.  My response to that is “what concealer are you using?”  If you don’t properly correct dark circles, no shadow will look good.  This is another important element to color theory.

If we have discoloration, we don’t need stage makeup or heavy concealer to fix the problem.  We work smarter, not harder – with color correcting makeup.  If there is redness around your eyes, or in your cheeks, a yellow based concealer like Circle Delete #1 or a yellow based foundation like Warm Sienna will definitely neutralize the redness.  If you have grey, blue or purple circles, use a peach concealer like Enlighten 1 or Enlighten Plus to neutralize the darkness.  This also works great for hyperpigmentation. You’ll be amazed at how much more easily you can cover the discoloration.  Once your skin has an even tone and your dark circles are covered, you’ll be able to choose any blush or eyeshadow color without worrying that you’ll bring out these issues.

If your entire face has a lot of natural redness and you don’t want to try to cover it, then apply a gold-based bronzer like So Bronze 2 or Moonglow to soften then red.  Likewise, if your skin is very sallow or gold, try a peach or pink based bronzer like So Bronze 1 or Rose Dawn.  These opposing colors can help neutralize your undertone and enhance your complexion.

Dramatic Vs Natural

Another challenge I see consumers face is whether they can get away with dramatic looks or not.  So many of us stick to soft, muted and natural looking colors because we think we can’t get away with drama.  I can’t tell you how many women I’ve met that have 5 of the same color lipsticks from a bunch of different brands…. forever in pursuit of the perfect pink brown.  We wear a color once and get a few compliments and then we think that’s what we’re supposed to wear when in reality, we’re capable of much more diversity than we think.  My recommendation is to go up to the lipstick unit, close your eyes, pick a color and wear it for the day.  Don’t look at yourself and make comparisons to how you normally look.  Look at yourself as if you were a stranger you met on the street.  You may surprise yourself!  And don’t be afraid to try some red.

Never Alone

We understand that having so many options can be overwhelming but remember that you’re never alone.  At jane iredalewe have professional partners all over the world who can color match your skin and recommend a variety of products that will work well with your complexion.  And if you don’t want to physically walk into any location, we have a great team of beauty advisors that are available to chat on the phone or on your computer.  Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.  We hope you’ll have fun exploring your colors!

What is hair porosity & why it matters

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What is hair porosity & why it matters

If you’re conditioning and moisturizing, but your hair still gets dry and frizzy, it may be time to do a hair porosity test.

Porosity is your hair’s ability to retain and absorb moisture. Like your hair type, genetics mostly determine your hair porosity, but other factors such as chemical treatments, the weather, and heat styling can also impact hair porosity.

It’s important to know your hair porosity to help you choose the best products and ingredients to help treat and maintain your hair health and hair needs. Knowing your hair porosity will also help you better understand how to style your hair and what techniques to use (i.e. heat styling doesn’t work for all hair porosity types). Knowing your hair porosity may not be as talked about as knowing your hair type, but it’s just as important if you want to maintain healthy, strong hair.

What are the different types of hair porosity?

There are three types of hair porosity: low, normal, and high.

Low porosity hair means the cuticle lays flat on the outside blocking water or moisture from being absorbed into the strands. You can easily tell you have low porosity, if your hair takes longer to dry or products seem to build up into the hair instead of blending in. Low porosity hair is not necessarily unhealthy, it just isn’t being moisturized correctly.

Normal porosity hair has cuticles that are looser which allows moisture to penetrate the strands more easily.

High porosity means there may be tears or damage around the cuticle which can be caused by chemical hair treatments or heat styling, among other factors. It also means the hair can easily and quickly soak up product, meaning you usually need to apply more to see its effects. Even with highly porous hair, it may absorb product quickly, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it is hydrated or properly nourished.

Hair Porosity

How to do a hair porosity test

Determining your hair porosity will inform your product decisions and hair care routine so your hair gets the moisture it needs. While hair porosity is important for all hair types, curly and wavy hair girls should especially be aware of their porosity type as curly hair tends to dry out more easily. Curly hair has a natural tendency for dryness because the natural oils your scalp produces can travel down the strand of straight hair much easier than a curly one. So even with healthy and normal porous hair, moisture is always essential.

The hair porosity test or float test is super simple, all you need is a clear glass of water and a couple strands of your hair. It’s best to do this when your hair is dry and product-free. Brush your hair and take the strands that have shed and put them in your clear glass or bowl of water.

Hair Porosity

If your strands sink to the bottom it has high porosity and is absorbing all the moisture. If your strand remains under the surface but floats above the bottom of the bowl, your hair is well-balanced and is of normal porosity. If the strand of hair floats above the surface of the water your hair has low porosity and does not absorb moisture easily.

Another option is the strand test. This works especially well if you have curly hair. To do the strand test, gently stretch a tiny section of curl strands from different areas of your head – front hairline, crown or temple. Place the stretched curl between your thumb and finger and slide it up the hair strand from the tip towards your scalp. If your fingers move easily up the strand and it feels dense and hard, you have low porosity hair. If it feels smooth, you have normal porosity hair. If the strand feels rough, dry, or it breaks, you have high porosity hair.

Hair Porosity

For low porosity hair avoid heavy, thick products and single ingredient thicker oils. While you want to retain moisture, you also want to avoid build-up.

For low porosity hair, the key is to help strands retain moisture. This starts with your wash routine. Minimize shampoo and conditioning to 1-2 times a week. Before stepping into the shower or washing the hair use an oil first that can penetrate strands and help moisture lock in before cleansing.

To get the most out of products, try applying them while the hair is damp and ensure products are evenly distributed to prevent build-up.

Jojoba oil is a great option for low porosity hair because it helps to lock in moisture and also helps to create shine and promote growth. This jojoba oil comes in three different sizes.

Hair Porosity

Avocado oil also helps low porosity hair when pre-shampooing. Apply avocado oil before your wash routine or use as a mask once a week. NaturAll Nourishing Avocado Leave-In is a product to try.

People with low porosity hair may find they may need more than one chemical treatment when coloring, straightening, or curling their hair, but repeating several chemical treatments can be heavily damaging. Make sure to use products for color-treated hair and moisturizing treatments to help lock the style in, but also maintain the health of your hair.

Hair Porosity

How to care for normal porosity hair

Lucky you! Normal porosity hair requires less maintenance, however there are steps to take to ensure your hair stays in the “normal” healthy range. Deep conditioning and detox masks once a week or once every two weeks depending on your hair type would certainly help your hair maintain its strong ability to absorb and retain moisture along with preventing any product build-up. African Pride Moisture Miracle Coconut Oil & Baobab Oil Leave-In Hair Cream is a great 2-in-1 product that helps to detox and moisturize your medium or normal porous hair.

Hair masks also don’t have to come off the shelf from your drug or beauty store. We’ve put together 7 DIY hair masks that are great for medium porous hair.

Hair Porosity

For high porosity hair it’s best to avoid sulfates, parabens, silicones, and sodium laureth sulfates. These ingredients can pull natural oils from your hair which it needs for strength and growth.

With highly porous hair, it’s common to experience dryness, shedding and hair that breaks easily. The cuticle around the hair strand is damaged, so while moisture will penetrate it will not be retained, drying out the strands. For highly porous hair, it’s best to avoid heat styling and treatments high in chemicals that can continue to dry out the hair. If you often use color treatments or relaxer treatments for curly and coily hair, these processes break down and damage your cuticles leading to highly porous hair. To help treat high porosity hair, look to hair masks, oils, and products that will provide moisture and help repair the damaged cuticles.

Coconut oil is great for people with high porosity hair as it blocks the cuticles and prevents water from flooding into the strands too quickly, helping your strands to retain moisture. This SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-in Conditioner Treatment is great as a mask or as a pre-shampoo and conditioner treatment.

Hair care tips of all hair porosities

Whether you have low, normal or high porosity hair, there are a few universal hair care rules to follow for all hair types. It’s also important to note, the seasons may also impact your hair. Exposure to UV can dry out the hair and scalp impacting porosity, as well as cold, dry weather. You may need to adjust your hair routine according to the seasons, but otherwise maintaining your hair’s moisture is essential for good hair health all year-round.

  • Minimize heat styling and use a heat protectant before blow-drying, curling or straightening.
  • Limit chemical treatments like coloring and relaxing when possible. Schedule these appointments two to three times a year at a maximum if possible and be sure to be extra vigilant with the hair care advice according to your hair porosity to keep chemically treated hair healthy. For more tips on how to treat colored hair, check out these tips. For hair care advice and information about chemically relaxing your hair, check out this article.

Hair Porosity

Whether for low or highly porous hair, hair extensions are a chemical-free way to experiment not just with color, but with different textures, lengths, and styles. Luxy Hair’s Balayage and Ombre Extensions are clipped-in and are the fastest, easiest, and safest way to play with color with your natural look while also adding length and fullness in just minutes. Hair extensions can be styled before applying which not only saves your natural hair from heat but makes getting ready easier and faster. The best part about hair extensions is being able to experiment without the damage for a refreshed look and sun-kissed dimension, or try out new hair trends like reverse balayage.

shop seamless hair extensions

Hair porosity is just one category that helps to fully determine your hair type. Density, elasticity and texture all play a part and are important to understand your unique hair needs. It isn’t enough to keep using the same products and same process year after year. The hair porosity test is an easy one to do to “check in” with your hair health. Understanding the type of hair you have and your hair porosity means putting time and money into products and treatments that will actually work for your hair and help your hair to absorb and retain the moisture it needs for healthy, strong and shiny hair.

Written by: Rosalyn Solomon

Why Consistency Is the Most Powerful Skin-Care Ingredient of All – 100% PURE

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Why Consistency Is the Most Powerful Skin-Care Ingredient of All – 100% PURE

The desire for fast results is natural. Modern routines are built around speed, efficiency, and visible impact. Skincare has been marketed with the same urgency, shaping an expectation that transformation should feel instant. But skin changes differently. It responds to consistency, reinforcement, and steady care, not sudden breakthroughs.

Meaningful results aren’t created in dramatic moments of perfection or excitement. They emerge from sustained habits: cleansing without skipping, treating without rushing, nourishing the skin repeatedly until improvement becomes structural, not temporary.

Early results may feel invisible, but the work is active beneath the surface — building, layering, and compounding gradually. Skin doesn’t reward intensity. It rewards continuity. The most reliable results come not from immediacy, but from commitment repeated over time.

Why Inconsistency Undermines Results

Even the most advanced skincare products can’t deliver their full potential without consistent use. Skipping steps, switching products, or overloading treatments can quietly sabotage results.

1. Product hopping
Changing products too often prevents the skin from fully responding. Ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, or retinoids need time to work through multiple skin cycles. Constantly switching resets progress, making it impossible to see which products truly make a difference.

2. Overcorrecting concerns
It’s tempting to pile on treatments when results aren’t immediate. But overuse or layering too many actives can irritate, inflame, or disrupt the skin barrier, slowing improvement and creating new problems.

3. Disrupting natural rhythms
Skin works on predictable cycles of hydration, repair, and renewal. Irregular routines interrupt these processes, reducing the effectiveness of treatments and delaying cumulative results.

4. Consistency compounds
Small, repeated actions like a cleanser every night, a serum applied daily, quietly build real change over time. Skincare isn’t about perfection in a single moment; it’s about persistent, patient care that compounds beneath the surface.

Skincare rewards patience and discipline. Progress isn’t immediate, but it’s unstoppable when routines are steady.

How Skin Actually Responds to Consistency

Skin responds to consistency in a structured, predictable way. The barrier, which shields against environmental stress and moisture loss, strengthens gradually with steady care. This repair process reduces sensitivity, fortifies hydration retention, and stabilizes overall texture, creating a foundation for visible improvements over time.

Hydration and texture do not improve overnight. Repeated application of moisturizers and serums allows the skin to plump, smooth, and balance its surface naturally. Subtle changes — softer touch, more even feel, improved elasticity — accumulate, forming the groundwork for longer-term results.

Over months, consistent care supports tone, firmness, and resilience. Pigmentation evens out, elasticity improves, and the skin becomes more resistant to daily stressors. These cumulative changes may begin quietly but, with time, manifest as lasting, structural transformation that single treatments or sporadic routines can never achieve.

What a Consistent Routine Looks Like

A consistent skincare routine combines high-quality, 100% Pure products with daily commitment. Each step builds on the last, supporting long-term skin health and visible results.

Step 1: Cleanse daily
Start by maintaining a stable foundation with the Argan Oil Creamy Cleanser. It gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping essential moisture, leaving the skin soft, balanced, and ready to absorb the benefits of treatment products. A clean canvas ensures every following step is more effective.

How to use
Apply a small amount to damp skin. Massage gently using circular motions over the face and neck. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. Use morning and evening.

Step 2: Treat consistently
Apply the Mushroom Peptides Firming Serum to support skin structure and firmness over time. Its peptides and nourishing ingredients help stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving elasticity and giving the skin a lifted, youthful appearance when used regularly.

How to use
Apply 2–3 drops to clean, dry skin. Press gently into the face and neck until fully absorbed. Use daily, morning and/or evening.

Step 3: Moisturize daily
Lock in hydration and reinforce the skin barrier with the Mushroom Peptide Moisturizer. Consistent moisturizing prevents water loss, strengthens the barrier, and improves overall texture, making the skin more resilient to environmental stressors.

How to use
Apply an even layer to the face and neck after serum. Massage gently until absorbed. Use daily, morning and evening.

Step 4: Weekly brightening
Enhance radiance and clarity with the Vitamin C Glow Max Bright Mask once or twice a week. This step helps even out skin tone, reduce dullness, and boost luminosity, providing a visible glow that complements the cumulative benefits of the daily routine.

How to use
Apply a generous, even layer to clean skin. Leave on for the recommended time, then rinse or remove gently. Use 1–2 times per week.

When each step is performed consistently, small, repeated actions compound into significant long-term improvements. Over time, the skin becomes stronger, smoother, more radiant, and visibly healthier.

Realistic Timelines for Visible Change

Skin improvement happens in stages, each reflecting a different level of biological response. Knowing what changes occur — and when — helps set realistic expectations and prevents premature routine changes.

Within days

  • Hydration levels stabilize, reducing dryness and tightness
  • Skin feels softer, calmer, and more comfortable
  • The surface appears smoother as moisture balance improves

These early shifts are subtle but important. They indicate that the skin barrier is beginning to respond to consistent cleansing and moisturizing.

Within weeks (2–6 weeks)

  • Texture becomes more refined and even
  • Dullness fades as cell turnover normalizes
  • Early firmness and elasticity support become noticeable
  • Skin tolerates treatments more effectively with less irritation

At this stage, cumulative use of serums and treatments starts reinforcing the skin’s structure rather than just its surface.

Within months (8–24 weeks)

  • Barrier function strengthens, improving moisture retention and resilience
  • Tone appears more uniform as pigmentation and unevenness gradually soften
  • Firmness and elasticity visibly improve
  • Results become longer-lasting and less reactive to environmental stressors

Patience leads to better outcomes because skin works in renewal cycles. Allowing routines to continue through multiple cycles supports deeper, structural change — the kind that doesn’t fade when products are paused or conditions change.

Conclusion

Consistency is the quiet force behind real skin transformation. While trends, new launches, and instant solutions come and go, steady routines create results that last. Skin responds to repeated care — cleansing, treating, and moisturizing applied day after day — not to occasional bursts of effort. Over time, these small actions strengthen the barrier, support structure, and improve tone in ways that no single product or shortcut can replicate.

True progress often unfolds subtly, building beneath the surface before becoming visible. This is why consistency matters more than intensity or perfection. When skincare is approached as an ongoing practice rather than a quick fix, the results are deeper, more stable, and far more satisfying. Transformation doesn’t announce itself immediately. It arrives gradually — shaped by patience, discipline, and trust in the process.

FAQ Section

How long does skincare take to work?
Most people notice initial shifts in hydration, dullness, or irritation within 2–4 weeks. Visible improvement in concerns like brightness, firmness, or texture typically takes 8–12 weeks. More complex goals — collagen support, pigmentation changes, acne scarring, or elasticity — can take 3–6 months, because the skin needs multiple renewal cycles to reflect deeper change.

Should I stop if I don’t see results immediately?
No. Skincare results rarely appear instantly because the process is biological, not cosmetic. A routine isn’t failing in the early stages — it’s calibrating, repairing, and rebuilding. Stopping too soon interrupts the only mechanism that creates real progress: accumulation over time.

Is it better to do less but stay consistent?

Yes. A simple routine followed daily outperforms an elaborate one applied sporadically. Skin benefits more from regular reinforcement than product overload. Fewer steps, used consistently, create stronger, more sustainable, and measurable results than a routine that’s intense but inconsistent.

Is It Anxiety or Hyperthyroidism? Here’s How to Tell the Difference

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Is It Anxiety or Hyperthyroidism? Here’s How to Tell the Difference

After her divorce, when Sarah Cunningham, then 36, was navigating her new life as a single mom to a young daughter, she came to accept feeling anxious all the time. “Constant pressure in my chest, overthinking, trouble sleeping, worrying about money—that sort of thing,” she said. She thought it would pass as she found her footing in her new normal.

Only it didn’t.

Two years later, Cunningham had gotten her life back on track. “I was in a better place in my career. I was financially stable,” she says. “But those waves of anxiety were getting worse and worse.” And now there were other symptoms too: shortness of breath, excessive sweating, brain fog, and generally feeling sick to her stomach.

She took up running in the hope it would help relieve stress—and trained for the Chicago Marathon. She followed the prescribed plan to the letter, running long distances, most days, for months. She was ready. But the night before the race, over dinner at the Hyatt Regency, while all the women she’d trained with were talking and laughing, Cunningham started sobbing.

She declared to her friends that she wasn’t ready for the race she had spent more than six months training for.

“I had a panic attack. I had convinced myself that something awful was going to happen to me on the course.”

She did finish the race the next day—“It was a slog,” she says—and as soon as she got home to Baltimore, she saw a doctor.

She walked out of the appointment with a prescription for Lexapro for anxiety. She worked with a therapist too. But “nothing shifted,” Cunningham said.

Coincidentally, an integrative health service was offering free consultations to employees at Cunningham’s workplace. Hoping it might lead to answers about her unrelenting anxiety, she signed up for an appointment, which included a full blood panel. It was that blood test that revealed she had been living with hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid.

Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism that you may notice first—trembling, sweaty palms, a racing heart, feelings of doom—look a lot like anxiety. You might chalk any of these up to anxiety, especially if you can pinpoint a reason for feeling that way. But they can also be signs of hyperthyroidism.

“I had gone to the doctor. I was seeing a therapist. And nobody ever said, ‘Have you thought about checking your thyroid?’”

Patrick Ta Beauty expands global footprint with launch at Sephora Middle East

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Patrick Ta Beauty expands global footprint with launch at Sephora Middle East

The award-winning makeup brand co-founded in 2019 by celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta is making official debut at Sephora Middle East.

Beginning January 16, the brand’s glow-focused, artistry-led range rooted in Patrick’s signature techniques will be available online at Sephora Middle East and in selected stores across the region on January 22. Patrick Ta Beauty will launch across 34 Sephora Middle East doors throughout the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar as part of its focused expansion within the region.

The launch introduces the brand’s best-selling products, including the viral Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo, Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin Perfecting Foundation, and a selection of Patrick’s signature glow giving essentials.


The brand’s relationship with the Middle East has developed organically over many years, shaped by an ongoing work with regional clients, creators, and makeup artists who resonate with his signature glow and artistry-first approach. Over the past decade, Patrick Ta’s has frequently traveled to the region for private clientele and educational initiatives, including a series of widely attended masterclasses in Dubai that have significantly strengthened his presence and visibility. As a result, the brand has gained a loyal and engaged following in the Middle East, which has become an integral part of the brand’s global community.

“Expanding into the Middle East marks an important chapter for Patrick Ta Beauty and reflects how strongly this region has embraced our brand codes – elevated artistry, innovative formulas, and luxurious presentation. We’ve seen remarkable organic demand from the Middle East for years, and this launch allows us to finally meet that enthusiasm with a full retail experience. Sephora Middle East is the perfect partner for this next step for the brand and we’re excited to bring our hero categories, our storytelling, and Patrick’s unique approach to artistry to an incredibly engaged beauty community,” commented Kimberly Villatoro, CEO of Patrick Ta Beauty.

What Is PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation?

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What Is PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation?

Do you know what happens every 60 seconds globally?? PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation finds a beautiful new face to protect! Yes, that’s correct — every 60 seconds!

Guess what the next number is you should know? 38. It only takes 38 seconds to apply jane iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation! How do I know? I’ve timed myself… many times! It’s quick and easy, but the best part is this foundation feels lightweight, silky, and leaves the skin looking its very best. It doesn’t feel heavy or look cakey.

One of the most important things about wearing a foundation is it should protect your skin from premature aging. Did you know that 90% of visible aging is caused by UV damage? A Physical SPF is crucial to protect the skin, andPurePressed Base provides SPF of up to 20which covers 95.5% of the UVB rays. These are the rays whichcause your skin to burn and over time can lead to hyperpigmentation or long-term redness.

purepressed base before and after

Physical SPF can consist of two key ingredients Titanium dioxide and Zinc Oxide. These two minerals have some amazing skincare properties. Both are calming and soothing to the skin, andZinc Oxide has knownantimicrobial properties which make it great for oily,acneic skin types.

Powder foundations have not always been popular and there are many reasons why. In the early 1920’s the first powder foundation was created using Talc and other ingredients that are not skin friendly. Today, many companies still use talc in their products.  One of the reasons why we have never used Talc is itdoesn’t reflect light; it’s light absorbing. This is why, inphotos, your skin may appear to havea grey/whiteish cast. Talc is very drying and dehydrating as it doesn’t allow the skin to breathe and function normally.

Whyis mineral foundation better for your skin? Minerals refract light (which means breaks) and reflect light (bounce away) on the skin.  Therefore, you can use less product and get the same or better coverage than traditional cosmetics. Our minerals lay flat on the surface of the skin, so your skin looks even, they hide your skin concerns, and you’reprotected from harmful UVA and UVB rays.purepressed base ingredient algae

What sets PurePressed Base apart from all the powder foundation on the market?

It’s the ingredients:

  • Titanium Dioxide
  • Zinc Oxide
  • Boron Nitride
  • Mica and Iron Oxides

On top of all the key minerals, we use:purepressed base ingredient minerals

  • Pomegranate Extract
  • Pine Bark Extract

The Benefits ofPurePressed Base Mineral Foundation

One of the best facts about this foundation is it’s a 4 n 1.purepressed base ingredient pomegranate

  1. It’s a foundation
  2. Can act as your concealer
  3. Provides SPF
  4. Has skincare benefits

It’s quick and easy to apply and comes in 26 shades.  It provides a semi-matte finish and is great for all skin types. It’s water resistant up to 40 minutes and it is also Reef safe.

It’s available in a refill.  All you need is to purchase our new modern, sleek compact, which is recyclable and reusable. Not only are we concerned about the ingredients in our products, but we are also concerned about our world.  We strive for sustainability.

You can layer this foundation on top of any of our liquid foundationsdepending on the level of coverage you desire, or you can wear it alone.

How to Apply PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation

For a sheercoverage

  • Apply your Smooth Affair Primer (depending on your skin type)
  • With the Handi Brush, apply PurePressed Base in a downward motion all over the face and neck
  • Don’t forget to set it with your hydration spray of choice

For a mediumcoverage

  • Apply your Primer of choice followed by one of our liquid foundations (I would recommend either Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer or Liquid Minerals)
  • Apply PurePressed Base on top of your liquid foundation with the Handi Brush

Forfuller coverage

  • Apply primer of choice followed by either Glow Time BB cream or Beyond Matte Liquid Foundation
  • Apply PurePressed Base with the Handi Brush
  • If you want even more coverage, you can use your Flocked Sponge with a roll-pressing motion to apply your PurePressed Base. This technique is best if you need to do any camouflaging to cover acne, redness or hyperpigmentation.

For your best application make sure you have the right primer to prep your skin, the right formula(s) of foundation, and hydration spray to set everything.  All of theseare key in creating the perfect complexion.

When PurePressed Base launched in 1997 we had no idea the lives we would change, but if you don’t believe me head over to our website and read the 2351 reviews!

purepressed base ingredient pomegranate

Benefits, Tips, and What to Expect

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Benefits, Tips, and What to Expect

First of all, what an awful name. Why would anyone ever want to try something called oil pulling? It sounds like the beauty version of fracking. It makes me feel nervous, like I’m somehow going to come away with fewer teeth or no hair on my head. But, I am exceedingly brave and will try most vegetarian and non-toxic things at least once, so I gave it a go.

What Is Oil Pulling?

An ancient Ayurvedic practice, oil pulling is basically a prolonged swishing of oil in the mouth, followed by spitting it in the toilet afterwards. So far, very romantic. But, when you read up on it, you start to think “Oh, it does all that for you? I think I should try it!” There are a lot of claims made by folks on the interwebs about oil pulling, from improving oral health to “detoxifying the body” to clearing allergies and sinusitis to curing diabetes and asthma.

Oh, people. Why must you be so grandiose?? It doesn’t have to do all those things to be worth my time, does it? I’m here to give you my take on it, as a western-trained physician living and breathing the healthy, Colorado-girl life.

How to Start Oil Pulling (Without Gagging)

When I first started oil pulling, I used virgin, organic coconut oil because I like the coco-nutty taste as opposed to the taste of sunflower or sesame oil, both of which can be used as well. Some say coconut oil may be beneficial because of the relatively high lauric acid content, which has some bacteria-fighting capabilities. Hard to say if it really stands up to the bazillions of bacteria in your mouth, but it can’t really hurt either. Experts say it is best done on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. Why? I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps because this is when your mouth is at its grossest? Or because you have not put any “toxins” in to your body yet? While I’m not sure there is scientific evidence to prove that an empty stomach is required, I do find that first thing in the morning is the most convenient time of day to do it. Once my kids surface, then it becomes way less meditative and turns into a frustrating, gesture-filled, one-sided conversation with me saying only “mmmhh-hmmmm-hmpm” and my girls translating: “You want us to feed the dogs ice-cream, Mom?”

If you’re using virgin coconut oil, you take a spoonful of the oil and perform an awkward chewing-something-that-doesn’t-really-need-chewing motion to liquify it, and then start swishing. I floss my teeth first, because I think it makes sense to clear the swishing pathways as much as possible beforehand. When I first started, I was an aggro-swisher and my cheeks cramped and fatigued until I learned my lesson: slow and steady swishing is the way. It’s not unpleasant at all, honestly. I use the time to do my little dry brushing routine, wash my face or have a shower, tweet, or do some gentle stretching. Some say to oil pull for 20 minutes, but I stick with 5-10 minutes, and then spit. It’s best to spit in the toilet, as oil in smaller sink drains could cause clogs down the line. After spitting, I rinse with warm water several times, and then brush gently with my usual, fluoride-free, SLS-free toothpaste.

Lately, I’ve moved into the realm of bougie oil pulling with Terra & Co., and I’m not sorry about it. They make two oil-pulling oils, and I alternate between the two. They have a nice, minty taste, and it’s WAY more pleasant and less gag-inducing than the chunky virgin coconut oil. It’s also a lot more expensive. But it’s a beautiful company founded by two sisters, and I love supporting them as much as I love their products.

Step-by-Step: How to Oil Pull

1) Floss your teeth (don’t brush them first).

2) Put 1 tablespoon of raw, organic coconut oil in your mouth, and awkwardly chew until it is a liquid. Or take a small sip of your Terra & Co. oil pulling oil and do the same.

3) Swish slowly around your mouth for 5-10 minutes, or as long as you have.

4) Spit into the toilet, rinse with warm water, and brush as usual.

Real Benefits of Oil Pulling (and a Few Myths)

In the oil pulling “literature” (this term is used loosely, as we’re not talking about the New England Journal of Medicine here), you will be warned that the oil you spit out is LOADED with toxins and bacteria, and is just this side of needing a HAZMAT container. But let’s think about this critically: I put some coconut oil in my mouth and swished it around and now I want to spit it out. It is germy to be sure, but so is, um, spit. As for all those toxins, if they are in there, they just came from ME. So I’m not going to wear goggles and gloves to deal with the stuff.

In terms of real benefits, I think the most realistic claims to be made about oil pulling are better oral health and slightly whiter teeth. Here are the reasons I think it works.:

  • You put oil in your mouth (fat), and swish it with your saliva (water and enzymes), and make a temporary emulsion, which has the inherent capability of binding oil and water soluble molecules, sweeping them both into the mixture being swished.

  • The mixture is thicker (higher viscosity) than water or mouthwash, and has more mass as it moves through the spaces in your teeth, and it elbows its way into the nooks and crannies of your mouth with more gusto.

  • The oil and enzymes work together to break down, bind, and lift some of the stains from teeth. I definitely noticed a whitening effect when I started, but only to a certain point. I think I reached maximum oil pulling whiteness after about 2 months of doing it 4-5 times a week.

  • The swishing action stimulates circulation in the gums, and the prolonged swishing time allows more bacteria, particles, and plaque to be pulled into the liquid, which is then ejected. (You might get some of the benefits of oil pulling by using a non-toxic mouthwash or even “water pulling” for 15 minutes a day.)

  • Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, periodontal disease is linked to cardiovascular disease. It is not proven that the link is causative, but there are theories that inflammatory pathways triggered by periodontal disease may lead to endovascular (inside blood vessels) inflammation, which is absolutely linked with cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, strokes, and heart attacks. So, having excellent gum health may be a wise choice for more reasons than you think.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

As for negative side effects, I have heard only two. The first is bleeding gums and gum pain. If this happens, you could try swishing more gently, for less time, and less often until you build up healthier gum tissue. Keep in mind that bleeding with flossing or oil pulling probably indicates gum disease, so you need to pay attention to this symptom! The second possible side effect is stomach cramps, which can occur while pulling or just after you finish. It may be a version of the gastrocolic reflex, which is the reflex that makes every toddler have to poop after two bites of his dinner. If this happens, you could switch to a different oil, like sesame or sunflower. Decreasing time and frequency while you build a tolerance to the process is also recommended.

Final Thoughts on Oil Pulling

Overall, I think oil pulling is a great habit to incorporate into your daily health routine. I decided, after my last dental cleaning, to go six months oil pulling 5 days a week (minus a few vacation days) and see if my dental hygienist noticed a difference. At the appointment, and she said: “Your teeth look Excellent.  I rarely use the E word. But today, you get an Excellent.” Guess I’ll keep the oil pulling in the morning routine! If you only get to it a few days a week, no big deal—the benefits remain.

Now someone please think up a better name for this practice?

With love and a shiny grin from us to you,

The information contained in this post is for educational interest only. This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any physical or mental illness, disease, or skin conditions.

“Suede Brunette” Is the Vintage Jacket of Hair Color

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“Suede Brunette” Is the Vintage Jacket of Hair Color

Key Takeaways

  • According to celebrity hairstylist Jacob Schwartz, “Suede Brunette” is trending this winter.
  • The warm shade features soft depth at the root and creamy, sun-kissed highlights worked through the lengths.

When it comes to our current culture of naming hair colors, the biggest necessity is that you can picture the shade by its moniker. Take “black cherry,” for example, with its dark base and reddish tint. Or butter blonde! A light, yellow-tinted shade reminiscent of a stick of butter. I say the name, you know what I mean.

There are some really good names out there, though. These are the kind that give you a read on color and texture. “Suede brunette” is an amazing example. The color? Warm brown. The texture? So soft. And the finish? Luxe, obviously.

About Suede Brunette

When we chatted with him about winter 2026 hair color trends, celebrity colorist Jacob Schwartz said that as the weather cools, brunette clients look for richer shades that won’t lose a lived-in glow. This year, suede brunette is a big winner.

@yasukoshapiro/Instagram


The artist says to visualize a “70s-inspired brunette that feels natural, but still luxe and modern.” There’s soft depth at the root and creamy, sun-kissed highlights run through the lengths like ribbons. He points to a color he did for Chloe Fineman last fall as the best example.

“It’s flattering on almost every skin tone and wears beautifully through the fall and winter months,” Schwartz adds of the warm and movement-infused shade. “It looks effortless, never heavy or flat.”

The Trend

As a brunette myself, I admit the summer always makes me want to go blonde. But in the winter we’re a little more attuned to the darker side of our shade range.

Nevertheless, the sunshine is missing! It makes so much sense that a warm shade like this would be the rage.

@inanna/Instagram


Also, think of a nice suede jacket and how warm it looks when you rock it on a nice sunny day. You want the same for your hair, don’t you?

How to Get the Look

If you want to go Suede Brunette this winter, Schwartz says to ask your stylist for a lived-in brunette with “soft, dimensional color that brightens through the mids and ends.”

@jordynwoods/Instagram


“Think delicate highlights that melt seamlessly into your natural base. I use Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vario Blond Super Plus to lift because it gives that clean, creamy brightness without compromising the hair’s health, which is key for maintaining shine and softness,” Schwartz explains. “Then I finish with a gloss using Igora Vibrance to tone, blend, and create that effortless transition from root to tip.”

How We Recovered From a Friendship Breakup

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How We Recovered From a Friendship Breakup

Friendship breakups usually come with a clear expectation: Move on. Replace your former friend with someone newer—“better”—and build a happy, thriving life that no longer includes them.

But what if this isn’t the ending you want? What if, years after a fallout, the impulse isn’t to move on, but to go back?

As much as we talk about platonic breakups, we talk far less about reconciliation—especially when it isn’t easy, neat, or even guaranteed. Repairing an old friendship (one that perhaps ended badly) demands a particular kind of vulnerability: revisiting old memories, swallowing your pride, taking accountability, and accepting the discomfort of not knowing whether your effort will be reciprocated. And yet, in some cases, that difficult work is exactly what reopens a door that once felt firmly shut—after petty drama, a major betrayal, or a slow-burning rift.

That was the case for podcaster and creator Cameron Rogers and Jessica Nash. Once inseparable college best friends, the two stopped speaking entirely after what Nash considered a “betrayal.” Their lives, once deeply intertwined, split suddenly, and for three years, there was no contact.

Today, however, they’re not just on speaking terms. They’re back to being best friends—a relationship that not only survived what once felt like a definitive ending, but deepened because of it. In their own words, Rogers and Nash reflect on what it took to recover from a fallout—and the complicated, uneasy work of choosing to try again.

This conversation has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

Cameron: We met in college in 2010. I know exactly where—in the bathroom, right before I rushed our sorority. Jess is a year older than me. She was a junior, and I was a sophomore at the time, and she later ended up becoming my big.

Jessica: Once you joined, we became instant. I used to sleep in your dorm. I was at your 21st birthday at your parents’ house. Even if we were on a college break, we were still together. So our breakup felt big.

Cameron: It seems short, but we were super close for a year and a half. And then Jess kind of stopped talking to me. It was over sorority drama, pretty much.

Jessica Nash (left) and Cameron Rogers during their college years, where they eventually joined the same sorority.

Courtesy of Cameron Rogers

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