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Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense Review

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Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense Review

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Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense Review

If you love amber fragrances but want something that feels modern, refined and non-cliché, then Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense is well worth your attention. This is a scent that wraps you up like a cashmere blanket by a fire. It is smoky, golden and deeply comforting.

I’ve only had this for a few days, but it was an instant love and it immediately struck me as perfect for autumn and winter, when you want a fragrance that feels cocooning but still elegant enough for everyday wear.

Quick Overview: Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense

Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense
Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense
  • Fragrance family: Amber / Resinous
  • Best for: Autumn & winter, day or night
  • Vibe: Cosy, smoky, warm, grown-up
  • Longevity: Around 6 hours on skin, all day on clothes
  • Who it’s for: Anyone who loves amber, incense or vanilla but wants something refined

The Scent Profile

Opening: Bitter Orange & Labdanum

What immediately sets this apart from other amber fragrances is how it opens. Rather than being heavy or overly sweet, there’s a bright, slightly bitter orange note that lifts the whole composition. It gives the fragrance a more cheerful and effervescent introduction, stopping it from feeling dense or dark too early.

Alongside this is the resinous, warm and balsamic labdanum, which gives you all those rich and comforting vibes.

Heart: Resinous, Smoky & Balsamic

As it develops, the fragrance becomes beautifully smoky and incense-like, with frankincense adding a lovely ancient quality. There’s something churchy about it, but not too churchy. Think glowing candlelight and a sense of calm rather than anything austere.

Cistus (another form of labdanum) adds depth here, bringing leathery, resinous and subtly fruity facets that stay with the scent throughout its wear.

Dry Down: Vanilla Incense & Golden Warmth

The dry down is where this fragrance really shines on skin. It settles into a smooth, sweet amber with vanilla, but never tips into dessert territory. Instead, it feels grown-up, elegant and slightly smoky, with a glowing, golden warmth that’s incredibly addictive.

If you love vanilla but usually find it too sweet or predictable, this strikes a brilliant balance.

My Review

My Review of Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense
My Review of Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense

How It Wears

This is one of the longer-lasting Jo Malone London fragrances on me. I get around six hours on skin, and it lasts all day on clothes, which is impressive for the brand. It isn’t a loud fragrance though, and the silage is limited, making it more personal, than ‘in your face’.

It transitions beautifully as you wear it. It softens and warms on the skin so nicely. I find it incredibly flexible: polished enough for daytime, but rich and seductive enough for evening.

Is It Masculine or Feminine?

I’d describe Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense as perfectly unisex. It leans slightly masculine at first, but in a way that feels confident and elegant rather than overtly so. On my skin, it becomes warmer, softer and more enveloping over time.

It would smell amazing on a man, but this is very much one for me, not my husband… although sharing is an option!

Who Will Love This Fragrance?

You’ll especially enjoy this if:

  • You like fragrances that feel comforting yet quietly seductive
  • You love amber, incense or resinous fragrances
  • You want something warm and cosy but not cliché
  • You’re looking for a cool-weather signature scent
  • You enjoy vanilla, but prefer it smoky and grown-up

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense is a beautiful example of how amber can feel modern, smooth and deeply wearable. It’s warm, resinous and rich, with smoky and balsamic facets that make it feel both cocooning and inviting. I will keep reaching for especially during the winter months.

If you’re looking for an amber fragrance that feels elegant, comforting and just a little bit seductive, this is a gorgeous choice.

Where to buy it

Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense is £116 for 50ml and £164 for 100ml and it’s available now via the links below:

If you enjoy the Cologne Intense line, you may also like:

Netflix His Hers Series – Hype Hair

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Netflix His Hers Series – Hype Hair

Photo Credit: Netflix

Netflix His Hers seriesstarring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthalbrings a tense and emotionally driven story to the screen with a setting rooted in Georgia and a mystery that feels deeply personal.

Set in Atlanta, the series follows Anna, a former news anchor who has quietly withdrawn from both her career and her personal life. Once a familiar face on television, Anna now lives alone, choosing distance and solitude over the spotlight she once knew. Her routine shifts the moment she overhears news of a murder in Dahlonega, the small Georgia town where she grew up.

His And Hers Jon Bernthal Netflix Seriesjpg 9cfc44
Photo Credit: Netflix

That single story pulls Anna back into a world she thought she had left behind. The murder becomes more than a headline. It becomes a call to action. Returning to Dahlonega forces her to face memories, relationships, and unresolved emotions tied to her past. The investigation reawakens her instincts as a journalist while challenging her emotionally in ways she did not expect.

HIS HERS N S1 E2 00 12 47 18 R H 2026jpg
Photo Credit: Netflix
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Photo Credit: Netflix

The Netflix His Hers series balances suspense with character depth. While the mystery drives the plot forward, the heart of the show lies in Anna’s internal journey. Her return home is not just about solving a crime. It is about confronting who she was, who she became, and who she might still be.

Atlanta and Dahlonega serve as meaningful contrasts throughout the series. Atlanta represents the life Anna stepped away from, while Dahlonega reflects the roots she cannot ignore. The shift between the two locations adds emotional weight and realism to the story.

With strong performances from Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal, the Netflix His Hers series offers more than a typical crime drama. It is a thoughtful look at how one moment can pull someone back into purpose and how facing the past can reshape the future.

Quote of the day: Kathryn Jezer-Morton

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Quote of the day: Kathryn Jezer-Morton

10 Foods That Are Rich in Polyphenols

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10 Foods That Are Rich in Polyphenols

Healthy skin and general wellness are our priorities at Juice Beauty, and the key to achieving both is a balanced, nutritional diet. Many factors make food and meals healthy and nutritious, but a great place to start is with polyphenols.

Read along for a breakdown of these micronutrients, their health benefits, and the best polyphenol-rich foods to incorporate into your diet.

What Are Polyphenols?

So, what actually are polyphenols? They are naturally occurring phenols (compounds with attached hydroxyl groups) that come from plants and work to support your cells during exposure to free radicals and oxidative stress.

Polyphenols are types of antioxidants that can work to support your health in several ways.

What Are the Different Types of Polyphenols?

Many foods are filled with nutrients and polyphenols, but did you know there are several different types of polyphenols present?

The following are just a handful of examples of the types of polyphenols that reside in foods:

  • Phenolic Acids: One of the more common types of polyphenols, phenolic acids are found in all sorts of fruits, vegetables, spices, and seasonings.

  • Flavonoids: Flavonoids are another very common polyphenol, most often found in fruits, veggies, and leaves.

  • Polyphenolic Amides: Found often in foods like chili peppers and oats, polyphenolic amides are known for support gut health.

  • Lignans: Lignans are a type of polyphenol most commonly found in flaxseeds.

  • Stilbenes: Stilbenes are found primarily in plant-based foods like grapes, berries, rhubarb, and peanuts. This polyphenol is well regarded in the scientific and medical world, as it has many health benefits, such as antioxidant properties and helping to support proper insulin sensitivity.

  • Ellagic Acid: Mostly found in foods like pomegranates, berries, and walnuts, ellagic acid is another common polyphenol.

  • Resveratrol: Finally, resveratrol is a type of polyphenol found in red wine, and is linked to various health benefits.

With so many types of polyphenols, there are numerous potential health benefits to explore. Read on to break down the most common health benefits of polyphenol intake to see why these foods are so important to incorporate into your diet.

What Are the Health Benefits of Polyphenols?

The effects of polyphenols have been scientifically proven to support your health, thanks to their many beneficial properties. Polyphenols are a dietary must, from supporting cardiovascular health to maintaining your immune system and skin health.

Help Support Healthy, Glowing Skin

If you want a glowing, youthful-looking complexion, polyphenols can be a great way to achieve it.

These powerful antioxidants help support skin cell health during exposure to free radicals, which are largely responsible for premature aging. Polyphenols may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by supporting this process.

Plus, polyphenols have soothing, calming properties, which can help ease irritated skin and reduce redness. They can also enhance skin’s resilience and help support proper elasticity.

Incorporating polyphenols into your diet and skincare routine can significantly enhance your skin’s health, vitality, and overall appearance.

May Support Heart Health

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States.

While you should consult a healthcare professional if you or your family has a history of heart disease or cardiovascular diseases, incorporating polyphenol-rich foods into your diet is an easy way to help improve your heart health.

Polyphenols have soothing properties and are known to help enhance endothelial function, which helps support the inner lining of the heart. Foods rich in polyphenols are also known to help reduce blood pressure and potentially decrease LDL cholesterol, two factors that heavily impact heart health.

Improving your diet is a great way to help prevent potential heart diseases, and polyphenols are a great place to start.

May Help Support Blood Sugar Levels

Polyphenol-rich foods often help slow down the breakdown of carbs, which ultimately helps support healthy blood sugar levels. If you need to manage blood sugar levels, consuming more foods rich in polyphenols can be a great way to stay on top of your wellness.

May Support Brain Function

The antioxidants and soothing properties in polyphenol-rich foods may help support brain function over time.

Researchers are discovering that polyphenols can support graceful aging when it comes to brain function, keeping functions like memory intact. Your brain needs fuel to function well, and a polyphenol-rich diet can provide just that.

May Help Promote Healthy Digestion

Having a healthy digestive system is imperative to your overall well-being. Proper digestion of foods allows your body to absorb all the nutrients and use up energy.

A healthy diet and strong intestinal health are two of the best ways to ensure a well-functioning digestive system, and a polyphenol-rich diet is a great way to achieve that.

Since polyphenol-rich foods are so high in antioxidants and nutrients, they fuel your body and help your gut get rid of toxins while keeping the good bacteria. Thus, polyphenol intake helps improve gut health and, in turn, promotes a healthy digestive system.

Now that we know some of the incredible health benefits of polyphenols, let’s check out a list of the 10 best foods rich in polyphenols and switch up your diet.

What Foods Are Rich in Polyphenols?

Increasing your polyphenol intake does not require an entire diet revamp — instead, check out our list of the best foods with high amounts of polyphenols and start incorporating them into your existing eating habits. The following delicious foods are rich in polyphenols.

1. Coffee

As one of the most popular items on our list, coffee is filled with polyphenols like caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin. We all know and love (and need) coffee for the energy it provides, thanks to its caffeine content, but the polyphenols within coffee are a great source of antioxidants.

So the next time you sip your morning cup of Joe, you can savor the taste knowing you’re also consuming some healthy polyphenols.

2. Dark Chocolate

Do you have a sweet tooth? Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are a great source of polyphenols like flavonols, resveratrol, and catechins, all of which help promote gut health, specifically helping ensure the gut microbiota keeps all the healthy gut bacteria in place and rids the digestive system of toxins.

Dark chocolate may also aid in weight management, so feel free to enjoy the sweet treat in moderation.

3. Blueberries

Fruits are often rich in polyphenols, and blueberries are no exception. This sweet berry is filled with flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are proven to have soothing properties. A cup of blueberries is a great snack, filled with polyphenols to improve health.

4. Black Tea

Another caffeinated fan favorite, black tea is rich in polyphenols. This delicious beverage is a great way to increase your polyphenol intake. Whether you take it with sugar or just black, a cup of black tea is a great source of polyphenols (as is green tea, if you prefer that taste).

5. Apples

Apples are so much more than just a crunchy, sweet snack. They are filled with polyphenols, specifically flavanols, phenolic acids, flavonols, and more. Every bite rewards your body with nutritious, antioxidant-filled goodness.

Plus, apples can also play a role in skincare — and at Juice Beauty, they’re a crucial ingredient in our Green Apple Brightening line.

Our Green Apple Age Defy Serum features apple and grape juice alongside green tea extract, algae extract, vitamin C, and vitamin E to help create a brighter-looking complexion. In testing, Green Apple® Age Defy Serum performed on average 2.7 times (168%) better at providing antioxidant protection than a leading conventional serum and a top natural serum.

For balanced moisture, reach for our Green Apple Brightening Emulsion Lightweight Moisturizer, a fast-absorbing, lightweight moisturizer with lime caviar and squalane from olives.

With Juice Beauty, every product contains a base of at least 70% organic ingredients, thanks to our Bio70+ technology. This creates an antioxidant-rich environment for our potent active ingredients, working to bring you real, impressive results.

6. Nuts

Nuts are the perfect choice if you’re a snacker and want to munch on something that benefits your overall health. There are endless varieties of nuts to choose from, and each kind is filled with polyphenols. Some nuts have a higher polyphenol content than others.

For instance, chestnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans are very high in polyphenols. More common nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews have a lower polyphenol count but are great food sources regardless.

7. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is an amazing source of polyphenols. Mainly consisting of lignans, flaxseed is an excellent choice to incorporate into your diet.

8. Blackberries

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — berries are one of the best sources of polyphenols. Blackberries are especially rich in polyphenols, particularly ellagic acid, catechin, and anthocyanins.

Though they are a little less common in your average supermarket than blueberries are, blackberries are incredibly rich in antioxidants and nutrients and are a great snack when you can access them.

If you don’t have access to them, other polyphenol-rich berries you can snack on include raspberries, elderberries, chokeberries, blackcurrants, and plums (although those are technically drupes, not berries).

9. Beans

Our list would be incomplete if we didn’t mention the polyphenol-rich family of legumes. Beans (or legumes) are an incredible source of polyphenols. From black beans and garbanzo beans to soybeans, there are plenty of ways to incorporate them into your diet.

10. Grapes

Grapes are another rich source of polyphenols and can be a great way to incorporate more antioxidants into your diet. From salads to yogurt bowls, grapes are an easy addition to a variety of meals or snacks.

At Juice Beauty, our Patent-Pending Supergrape™ uses the rare Sagrantino grape, meticulously cultivated to maximize its bioactive potential. We’ve conducted rigorous research to unlock its impressive antioxidant capacity, and today, thanks to cutting-edge extraction methods and efficacy testing, it’s the hero ingredient in our skincare.

Eat Well, Glow Well

Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve general health. However, with so many fad diets and conflicting information, it can take time to find what works best.

At Juice Beauty, wellness is our priority — especially when it comes to your skin. With the right diet and skincare ritual, you can keep your skin happy and glowing.

Sources:

Polyphenols can be found in many fresh foods | UCLA Health

Role of stilbenes against insulin resistance: A review – Shazmeen – 2021 | Food Science & Nutrition

Heart Disease Facts | CDC.gov

Dietary Polyphenols as Modulators of Brain Functions: Biological Actions and Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning Their Beneficial Effects | NIH.gov

2026 Hair Color and Style Trends, According to Experts

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2026 Hair Color and Style Trends, According to Experts

2026 hair-trend predictions are here, and they’re all about versatility, health and effortless sophistication. We asked leading experts to share their takes on the cuts, colors and styling trends set to define the year ahead. From the rise of mid-length shapes to a new philosophy on hair color, here’s what you’ll be seeing everywhere.

Featured Experts

  • Jay Small is a trichologist, celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of Arey
  • Patricia Nikole is a hair colorist and the global artistic ambassador for Redken

Haircut and Hairstyle Trends

Face-Framing Takes Center Stage

Jay Small, trichologist, celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of Arey, calls face framing the headline trend for 2026.  “Face framing gives clients versatility without the commitment hangover. Bangs are like buying an outfit on vacation that feels fabulous in the moment… then you get home and realize it doesn’t quite fit your Monday-through-Friday life.”

Instead, Small says soft face-framing pieces work whether hair is up or down. “Clients love the movement and softness they create around the face, and when hair is pulled into a ponytail or loose bun, those little pieces you tug out in front—what I’ve started calling ‘faux breakage’—add effortless texture and dimension without looking over-styled.”

Medium Length: The It-Length of 2026

“Not too long, not too short—mid-length is the Goldilocks cut of 2026,” says Small. When hair is too long, it tends to fall flat and look less full; too short, and by spring, clients are already wishing for length again. “Medium-length hair hits the perfect balance: full, modern and easy to style with minimal effort. It’s the most ‘wearable’ length we’ll see this year.”

Fewer Layers, More Density

“2026 is the year we say goodbye to over-layering,” Small predicts. “Clients want their hair to look thicker, healthier and more substantial and excessive layers work against that.” The trend is shifting toward blunt-ish silhouettes—strong at the perimeter, softened with movement where it matters. “Think structure without severity. The back stays clean and blunt, while the face-framing maintains that soft, movable energy. It’s bold, but not boxy… structured, but not stiff.”

Small has even coined a name for this emerging shape: “Shall we call it the bullét? Pronounced like ‘boulay’—elevated, French-inspired and very 2026.”

Soft Side-Swept Bangs

While blunt bangs take a backseat in 2026, Patricia Nikole, Redken global artistic ambassador, sees a softer version making a comeback. “A styling trend I see emerging this year is the return of the soft side-swept bang, paired with layering that begins above the shoulders and flows into length, or with subtle internal layers in shorter cuts that create effortless shape and maximum volume.”

Hair Color Trends

Spotlighting Your Natural Hue

“No matter the year, your natural hair color will always be the most flattering because it’s the shade your skin tone was designed to harmonize with,” says Small. As such, he says the biggest color trend of 2026 isn’t about going dramatically lighter or darker, but about trying to preserve or revive the richness of the color they had in their mid-twenties.

Instead of relying solely on toners and glosses, Small says 2026 is about scalp care, supplements and routines that protect pigment at the follicle level. “With the right supplements, targeted scalp formulas and consistent care, the body can continue to produce vibrant, glossy, youthful-looking hair well into the future.”

Low-Maintenance, High-Dimension

Nikole predicts a continued demand for easy upkeep: “In the world of color, low maintenance and express services are what clients are reaching for! For their look direction, they are continuing to ask for rich and shiny deeper hues; dimensional color that showcases the highs and lows in their hair for a very dynamic and contemporary look—I love using Redken Shades EQ to achieve this.”

This Daily Habit Could Be Slowly Shortening Your Life

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This Daily Habit Could Be Slowly Shortening Your Life

Sleep can feel like an inconvenient necessity with everything else you’ve got going on right now. But new research is serving up fresh motivation to put yourself to bed a little earlier: It could extend your life.

That’s the major takeaway from an analysis of nationwide health data published in Sleep Advances. Given that nearly 37% of American adults don’t get the recommended seven-plus hours of sleep a night, this is information worth paying attention to.

The link between sleep and longevity is a little complicated, but sleep medicine doctors say they’re not shocked by the findings. Here’s why, plus the biggest sleep traps they see people fall into.

The study found a clear link between time spent sleeping and lifespan.

For the study, researchers analyzed nationwide data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey collected between 2019 and 2025. This survey is conducted each month by state health departments and looks at a range of behaviors that can impact a person’s health, including their smoking habits, diet, chronic conditions, and how much sleep they get. In the mix was this question, “On average, how many hours of sleep do you get in a 24-hour period?”

After crunching the data, the researchers discovered that sleep was the strongest predictor of life expectancy, even topping better-known factors like diet, physical activity, or social isolation. (Smoking was the only factor that was more influential than sleep.) Meaning, people who said they got the recommended seven-plus hours of sleep a night were more likely to outlive those who consistently got less than seven hours a night.

Why can sleep have such a big impact on your lifespan?

The researchers didn’t look into this—they just found a link between lack of sleep and a shorter lifespan. But sleep medicine physicians say it makes sense.

“Getting sufficient sleep is related to so many aspects of health, including cardiovascular health, our immune system, and even weight management and mood,” Beth Malow, MD, a neurologist and chief of the Division of Sleep Disorders at Vanderbilt Health, tells SELF. “That translates into the importance of sleep on our lifespan.”

Getting shorter sleep is usually linked to making worse behavioral choices (think: around your diet and exercise), which can influence how likely you are to develop certain diseases, Andrew W. McHill, PhD, study co-author and director of the Sleep, Chronobiology, and Health Laboratory at Oregon Health & Science University, tells SELF. “It really does highlight the importance of sleep among all other behaviors that we commonly think of being essential for health—the food we eat, the air we breathe, or how much we exercise,” he says.

There are a few major sleep traps doctors see.

Most people will experience the odd night where it’s hard to get enough sleep. Maybe you stayed out late with friends, got caught up in watching your favorite show, or couldn’t put down a good book—it happens. But then there are situations that are harder to control, like you’re working two jobs or you have a young child who isn’t sleeping well. Those are more complicated, points out Christopher Winter, MDa neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast. “This is a different population than the insomnia population who often identify as ‘sleep deprived,’” he tells SELF.

How to Apply Eyeshadow (By the Numbers)

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How to Apply Eyeshadow (By the Numbers)

Stunning eyes as easy as 1-2-3…

We’ve all done it — you make the decision to buy a beautiful new eye shadow palette, you open it, admiring its fresh appearance, and then panic sets in. How do you use it? And with what? What does each shade do??

Before we jump into how to apply eyeshadow, let’s start at the very beginning — what is eye shadow? Simply put, eye shadow accentuates, enhances, or highlights the eye area, creating shade and depth, depending on what colors are used.

Light colors highlight, bringing areas forward. They’re a great option to apply to the inner corner of the eye and brow bone. Such as PurePressed Eye Shadow Singles Bone, French Vanilla or Oyster

Medium colors help to define the shape of the eye and bridge the gap between dark and light shades when blending. PurePressed Eye Shadow Singles Sienna or Supernova

Dark colors create depth and help to contour the eye shape in addition to adding intensity. Most often, a dark shade will be applied to the lash line, outer corner, and/or or crease. Like PurePressed Eye Shadow Singles Jewel or Dark Suede

With our NEW PurePressed Eye Shadows, there are many rich, vibrant options from which to choose. Allow us to help you “paint by numbers” with some of our collection.

1. Lid
The mobile part of our eyelid. Your medium or main shadow colors are used here.		 4. Upper Lash Line
The area above the eyelid where the lashes begin. Dark colors may be used in place of liner.

2. Crease
The place where the eye naturally folds. Darker colors will give contour to the eye shape.

 5. Outer Corner
The outer corner of the eye. Dark colors will add dimension and create a deepening effect.
3. Brow Bone
The area directly beneath the brow. Light colors will attract light and help with overall blending.		 6. Inner Corner
The inner corner of the eye.

Eye Shadow Looks

Everyday look, featuring Sweet Spot Triple

  1. Start by applying matte peach all over the lid to the brow bone to prime and as a base (we recommend using the Deluxe Shader Brush)
  2. Next, use the Chisel Shader Brush to apply matte off white on the lid, focusing on the center
  3. Using the Eye Contour Brushapply matte warm brown into the crease of the eye, blending out. For additional definition, use the Smudge Brush to apply the same shade to the lower lash line

jane iredale sweet spot

Storm Chaser Smokey Eye, featuring NEW Storm Chaser palette

  1. Place Calma shimmery soft pink all over the socket with the Camouflage brush
  2. Using the Eye Contour Brushapply Hurricanea matte black, into the crease, blending well with the same brush, or a clean Crease Brush
  3. Blend Rumble (matte taupe) into the brow bone with the Deluxe Shader Brushsoftening any harsh edges from Hurricane
  4. To bring extra light and attention to the eyes, dot the shimmery platinum Rain in the inner corner with Smudge Brush

LIGHTNING – shimmery silver

RUMBLE – matte taupe

CALM – shimmery soft pink

THUNDER – matte grey plum

RAIN – shimmery platinum

HURRICANE – matte black

jane iredale storm chaser

Naturally Glam Day look, featuring Naturally Glam Palette

  1. Press the shimmery cream Feather into the lid, up to the brow bone using the Camouflage Brush for intense color payoff.
  2. Blend Tulle and Satin(shimmery gold + shimmery rose) into the crease, to create depth and dimension, using Crease Brush
  3. Apply Velvet (shimmery chocolate brown) to the outer corner in a V-shape, blending softly with smudge brush

FEATHER – shimmery cream neutral

LACE – shimmery copper gold

NEW TULLE – shimmery antique gold

SATIN – shimmery rose quartz

VELVET – shimmery chocolate brown

NEW SEQUIN – shimmery plum brown

jane iredale naturally glam

What brush goes with what?

Additional Application Tips:

  • How to blend eyeshadow: use a clean, fluffy brush to soften any harsh edges or transition colors. Use light pressure so your shadow stays crisp and not “muddy.”
  • If you’re new to applying eyeshadowconsider applying a medium shade as your base tone to transition between colors more easily, using a lighter shade to highlight the brow bone, or inner corner of the eye
  • PurePressed Eye Shadows can be used wet or dry!

    • Amp up your look by spritzing the Eye Liner Brush with a Hydration Spray and line your upper lid with a dark shade
    • For a foiled effect, spray the Chisel Shader Brush with a Hydration Spray and dip into a metallic shade for a glamorous look

jane iredale purepressed eyeshadow

Once you know the basic formula and have your favorite light, medium, and dark shades selected, you can recreate it across palettes and colors! We can’t wait for you to experience our new PurePressed Eye Shadows. Clean color never looked this good.

Make sure to check out our guide on choosing the best eyeshadow for your eye color!

And to try out the jane iredale Signature Eye, follow our step-by-step natural eye makeup tutorial.

Skincare Products I Use When My Skin is Tight, Dry, Reactive

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Skincare Products I Use When My Skin is Tight, Dry, Reactive

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive

When my skin starts to feel tight, uncomfortable or suddenly reactive, I know it’s time to change things up. This usually happens in winter, when cold weather, central heating and general life stress all start to show up on my skin at once.

Over the years, I’ve learned that this isn’t the moment to push through with actives or try something new “just to see how it goes”. Instead, I pull things right back and focus on calming, hydrating and supporting my skin barrier.

This is the skincare routine I use when my skin feels tight, dry or reactive, along with the makeup choices that help everything look and feel more comfortable while my skin settles.

What I Mean by Tight or Reactive Skin

For me, tight or reactive skin isn’t necessarily a full-on reaction or breakout. It’s more subtle than that. Signs include:

  • Skin feeling tight straight after cleansing
  • A warm or slightly stingy sensation when applying products
  • Makeup sitting badly or clinging to dry patches
  • Skin just feeling “off”, uncomfortable or fragile

When this happens, I know my skin barrier needs some attention.

What I Stop Using Immediately

The first thing I do is simplify. No matter how much I love certain products, I put them on pause until my skin has settled.

I stop using:

  • Acids and exfoliating toners
  • Retinoids
  • Strong vitamin C formulas
  • Scrubs or cleansing devices

At this stage, calming and comfort come first. Treating and correcting can wait.

A Gentle Cleanser Is Non-Negotiable

Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive - Cleansers
Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive – Cleansers

When my skin is reactive, cleansing needs to be as gentle as possible.Cleansing Balms and Cleansing Oils are my preferred first cleanse to break down makeup and SPF, and then I stick to a non-foaming or very low-foam cleanser that doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped.

Go-to gentle cleansers I trust:

The aim is clean, comfortable skin that doesn’t feel tight the second I step away from the sink.

To see all my best cleansers, check out Best Cleansers for 2026 for all Skin Types and Budgets.

Hydration Comes Before Treatment

Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive - Serums
Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive – Serums

This is where my routine really starts to make a difference. When skin feels tight or reactive, hydration is far more important than actives.

I usually add:

  • A hydrating essence or toner
  • A simple hyaluronic acid or glycerin-based serum

These layers help relieve that tight feeling straight away and prepare my skin for moisturiser.

Hydrating products I reach for:

I apply these on slightly damp skin and take a moment to gently press them in rather than rushing.

Best Hydration Serums:

Barrier-Repair Moisturisers I Rely On

Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive - Moisturiser
Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive – Moisturiser

A good barrier-supporting moisturiser is absolutely key when skin is feeling dry or reactive. I look for formulas that focus on ceramides, lipids and soothing ingredients rather than fragrance or actives.

These are the moisturisers I trust most when my skin needs comfort:

I don’t overload my skin, but I do make sure everything feels sealed in properly.

Face Oils and Extras (Only If Needed)

Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive - Face Oil
Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive – Face Oil

I don’t always use a face oil, but when my skin feels especially dry or tight, I’ll add one in.

I either:

  • Press a drop or two on top of moisturiser at night
  • Or mix a tiny amount into my cream

Face oils I use when needed:

This step is optional, but it can make a big difference when skin feels uncomfortable or rough.

My Go-To LED Mask for Calm, Comfortable Skin

Best Electrical Beauty Tools & Gadgets - Theraface LED Mask
Best Electrical Beauty Tools & Gadgets – Theraface LED Mask

When my skin feels tight or reactive, I like to give it a little extra support with an LED mask.

How I use it:

  • 12 minutes per session, 4-5 times a week
  • Followed immediately by my hydrating serum and moisturiser
  • Only on clean, calm skin

My current favourite:

THERABODY Theraface Mask Glo* – gentle, soothing, easy to fit into a routine, plus it gives you a head massage!

I like that this step feels like self-care without overcomplicating my routine. It’s not magic, but it does help my skin look and feel more comfortable.

How Long I Stick With This Routine

I usually follow this simplified, soothing routine for around a week, sometimes a little longer. The key sign that my skin is improving is when:

  • Tightness disappears
  • Products no longer sting
  • Makeup applies more smoothly

Only then do I slowly reintroduce actives.

Makeup When My Skin Feels Tight or Reactive

When my skin feels tight or reactive, makeup can either make things worse or actually help everything look and feel more comfortable. The key for me is choosing formulas that are hydrating, flexible and forgiving.

I tend to avoid anything too matte, long-wearing or powder-heavy during this phase, as those formulas can cling to dry patches and emphasise texture.

Base Makeup

Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive - Foundation
Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive – Foundation

I look for lightweight, hydrating base products that even out my skin without masking it.

Go-to base products:

I apply base makeup sparingly, pressing rather than dragging.

Cream Products Over Powder

Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive - REESON Makeup
Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive – REESON Makeup

When skin feels tight, cream formulas are much more forgiving than powders.

I reach for:

  • Cream blush
  • Cream bronzer
  • Cream highlighter

Favourite cream products (all from my own brand):

These add life back into the skin without emphasising dryness.

Final Thoughts

When my skin feels tight, dry or reactive, everything comes back to comfort. Pulling back on actives, focusing on hydration and barrier repair, and choosing forgiving makeup formulas makes a huge difference to how my skin looks and feels.

This isn’t about having a perfect routine or using lots of products. It’s about listening to your skin, simplifying when you need to, and giving it time to recover.

When skin feels tight, dry or reactive, less really is more. I’ve learned that listening to my skin and focusing on comfort first helps everything recover much more quickly in the long run.

This isn’t about perfection or having a complicated routine. It’s simply about giving your skin what it needs when it’s feeling fragile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my skin barrier is damaged?

If your skin feels tight after cleansing, stings when applying products, looks dull or reacts to things it usually tolerates, it’s often a sign that your skin barrier needs some support.

Should I stop using actives when my skin feels reactive?

Yes. When my skin feels reactive, I always pause actives like retinoids, acids and strong vitamin C. Focusing on hydration and barrier repair first helps my skin recover much more quickly.

Can I still wear makeup if my skin feels tight or reactive?

You can, but preparation is key. I keep skincare simple and hydrating, and avoid matte or long-wear formulas until my skin feels comfortable again.

How long does it take for reactive skin to calm down?

For me, it usually takes around a week of a simplified, soothing routine. The key is not rushing back into actives too quickly.

Is tight skin the same as dry skin?

Not always. Tight skin can be a sign of dehydration or barrier disruption rather than a lack of oil. That’s why hydration and barrier support are so important.

The Best Weekly Workout Plan: Here’s How Often to Strength Train, Do Cardio, and Rest

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The Best Weekly Workout Plan: Here’s How Often to Strength Train, Do Cardio, and Rest

To build muscle mass, you should try to work each muscle group two to three times a week, Tamir says. If you’re following a two to three-day strength plan, this means you should aim to do full-body workouts, giving yourself 48 hours in between each session to give your muscles time to recover.

The major muscle groups of your upper body and lower body include your chest, shoulders, back, arms, glutes, quads, and hamstrings. And don’t forget to include some core exercises, too. That might sound like a lot, but this is where compound exercises can be executed. Moves like squats, lunges, rows, and chest presses work more than one muscle group at a time, so you get more bang for your buck.

You also want to have a balance between pushing movements (like an overhead press or bench press) and pulling movements (like a bent-over row or pull-up). Remember, strength training is not just about free weights or machines—mastering bodyweight moves will challenge your muscles too.

Shoot for 12 to 15 reps per set when you are just getting started, Fagan says. Once you’ve become more comfortable with the moves, you can add more weight and decrease the reps. One to two sets of each exercise is enough for your first month, after which you may want to increase it to three, she says.

Each of the three strength sessions should have different moves, but repeat those same exercises every week.

“I would stay with a program for four to six weeks and progressively increase the weight,” Tamir says. The week before your last week, he suggests lowering the weight a bit “to give your body a little bit of a recovery, and the last week really push it hard.”

How to incorporate cardio in your routine

As important as it is to strength train, cardio also has its place in a balanced workout routine. “Doing cardio keeps your circulatory system working optimally, helping you to recover faster, [and it] keeps your endurance up,” Tamir says. “It also increases your VO2 max, which helps your body utilize oxygen.”

Celebrity SAS Proves You Should Never Underestimate a Love Island Girlie

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Celebrity SAS Proves You Should Never Underestimate a Love Island Girlie

Our calendars are filling up fast this frosty January — and I don’t mean with actual social plans. Celebrity SAS, The Traitors, Love Island: All Stars… 2026 is shaping up to be the year of reality television, as we watch real people — normies like us — push their limits, search for love, and, in some cases, betray their besties. And yes, that’s just on Love Island.

Yet in the world of reality TV, there’s a clear hierarchy, and reality girlies — the Love Island babes — often get placed at the bottom. Assumptions are made about these women, who frequently come from a variety of professions and backgrounds, in a way we rarely see applied to other TV stars.

Throw them into a show like Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Winsalongside Olympic athletes and seasoned actors, and they’re often written off before they’ve even started.

As a lifelong fan of reality TV — dating shows are basically my bread and butter — I’m so over the judgment aimed at my favourites, especially these women. Having interviewed stars like Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Stacy Snyder, I can’t wrap my head around how people try to fit these intelligent, ambitious women into such a tiny box. But if you need proof that reality TV girlies can hang with the best? Just look at how well they’re doing on Celebrity SAS compared to the rest of the cast.

When the world met Dani Dyer in a bikini

Back in 2018, I watched Dani on season four of Love Island. I vividly remember how she immediately paired up with Jack Fincham, and how little seemed to shake their couple. Honestly, I found them rather boring and was far more invested in the drama and scandals of the season — think Wes, Laura, and Megan’s love triangle. Obviously, now I’d give anything to be living that love story over my own dating disasters.

Dani and Jack didn’t last long after leaving the villa, which honestly surprised me — call me naive, call me a hopeless romantic. Since then, she’s made a string of TV appearances, including co-presenting MTV’s True Love or True Lies alongside her father, acting legend Danny Dyer, and co-hosting the podcast Sorted with the Dyers with him. And yes, the Danny Dyer we all fancy the pants off in Rivals — sorry, Dani, had to be said.

ITV/Shutterstock

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