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How to Get a Full-Body Workout With Weight Machines at the Gym

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There’s a lot of debate about weight machines in the fitness world. Some people gravitate towards them because they seem a heck of a lot easier than cranking out some reps with a pair of dumbbells or a barbell. Others (especially some trainers) say that they’re not the best exercise tool for everyone, since they tend to work muscles in isolation, rather than with the kinds of compound, total-body movements you can do with free weights.

In fact, trainers generally agree that a well-rounded strength training program shouldn’t rely solely on machines. But that doesn’t mean there is no place in your lifting routine for this type of equipment. In some cases, weight machines—which guide you through exercises and come with adjustable levels of resistance to make it harder or easier—can be a good choice, and actually a safer bet than slinging around heavy hunks of metal without knowing (or feeling familiar with) the correct form or range of motion of a given exercise.

Wondering if weight machines are right for you? Here’s everything you need to know—plus, how to get in a full-body workout with them, if that’s what you’re after.

How weight machines can help new lifters

If you’re new to the gym and not able to work one-on-one with a trainer, machines can be easier to learn on your own, Chris Gagliardi, CSCS, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, tells SELF. “The machine only moves in one direction, so it’s hard to do it wrong.” This limited motion can be especially helpful for anyone who hasn’t developed much core strength or muscle coordination yet. “Free weights require more stability and mobility, and coordination and balance,” says Gagliardi.

Machines can also help to “reduce the amount of stress on certain joints during exercise,” Joel Okaah, CSCS, tells SELF. “This can also be beneficial from a safety standpoint when someone is first learning how to train under load.” The little assist you get from a machine that moves in a specific way can be a guardrail, of sorts, to keep your form in check and keep you from putting too much pressure on the wrong body part.

At a big-box gym, there are usually also photo instructions attached to the machine, “so you can look at it and figure out what you’re supposed to do,” Gagliardi says. These pictures can also help you adjust the seats, pads, or height properly. Then all you have to do is choose the right weight (you can always start conservatively, and then up the weight if it’s way too easy) and get started.

Winter Haircare Tips – OLAPLEX Inc.

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Key Takeaways

  • Winter weather can leave hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage, so adding moisture and protection is essential for maintaining healthy strands.
  • OLAPLEX® treatments like Nº.0, Nº.3, and Bond Maintenance® products help rebuild and hydrate hair while protecting it from cold-weather stress.
  • Weekly masks, protective serums like Nº.9, and scalp care treatments such as Nº.0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment can restore hydration, reduce frizz, and soothe dryness all season long.

Jump to

An often-overlooked time of year for haircare, cold weather is incredibly harsh on hair. Summer is known for the beating sunlight that fades and scorches the hair. On the opposite side of the coin, winter weather causes hair that is devoid of moisture, creating an incredibly dry climate that leads to damaged hair. Drastic temperature changes can also cause trauma to the hair, like hot, steamy showers during the cold winter or even strong winds tangling and drying out the hair, leading to breakage. These environmental stressors don’t include heat styling, mechanical styling, and chemical damage done during this season, either.

Lack of moisture is the true winter hair blues culprit, and while many think this just means dry hair, it really is a domino effect. When hair is dry, it’s rough and crunchy, but it eventually evolves into breakage when unaddressed. When it comes to moisture, the OLAPLEX line is packed with products that both rebuild broken hair and moisturize. OLAPLEX is perfect for all hair textures, whether you’re looking for curly or straight winter haircare routine. Use these winter haircare tips to address common cold-weather woes.

For Winter Hair Breakage and Damage Use OLAPLEX Nº.0 and OLAPLEX Nº.3 Hair Perfector®

Dry winter air can make hair more brittle and prone to breakage and split ends. To prevent winter hair damage and breakage, look for treatments that prioritize strengthening and bond-building technology. Start off by applying Nº.0 onto the hair as a primer until damp, then comb through to ensure coverage. Leave on for ten minutes, then apply Nº.3 directly on top, combing through to fully saturate. Leave it on for ten minutes, then shampoo with Nº.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo, which nourishes, moisturizes, and repairs hair. Pair it with Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner to strengthen, repair, and hydrate your hair. Once a week, in place of conditioner, try the Rich Hydration Mask if you have medium to thick hair.

Those with fine hair should use a shampoo that will volumize while strengthening it, like Nº.4FINE Bond Maintenance® Shampoo. Follow with Nº.5FINE Bond Maintenance® Conditioner, which weightlessly hydrates and nourishes hair while building lasting volume, body, and bounce. Use the Weightless Nourishing Mask for fine to medium hair once a week instead of Nº.5FINE to reduce and prevent breakage.

The right leave-in and styling products can help mitigate breakage and damage. Try Nº.5 LEAVE-IN™ Moisturize and Mend Leave-In Conditioner to moisturize, seal split ends, and protect hair. Once you apply the leave-in conditioner to the ends of the hair, follow with a weightless styling hair oil like OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™ to strengthen and prevent breakage.

For Dry and Dehydrated Cold Weather Hair Use Weightless Nourishing Mask or Rich Hydration Mask

Yes, your hair is thirsty. This is the time of year everyone’s hair gets a little rough around the edges. That’s because cold outdoor air plus dry indoor heating can strip your hair of moisture. Use a mask once a week in place of conditioner for extra hydration, like the Weightless Nourishing Mask or the Rich Hydration Mask. If you have fine to medium hair, cleanse your hair with Nº.4FINE Bond Maintenance® Shampoo, leave the Weightless Nourishing Mask on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse well. Don’t forget to use Nº.5FINE Bond Maintenance® Conditioner on days when you’re not using the Weightless Nourishing Mask.

Those with medium to coarse hair can wash their hair with Nº.4 and Nº.5. On days when you don’t use the Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner, apply the Rich Hydration Mask, and leave it on for 3-5 minutes. Don’t forget to rinse well. Still not sure which hair mask is right for you? Take the Mask Quiz today!

Don’t forget to use moisturizing leave-in products for dry winter hair. A hydrating styling cream like Nº.6 Bond Smoother® will become your go-to to soften and hydrate hair. Pair it with OLAPLEX Nº.7 for soft, healthy-looking hair.

For Dull Winter Hair Use OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™ and Nº.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

All hair types are prone to dullness in the winter. If you have lighter-colored hair, you might notice dullness a bit more, but don’t worry—there are easy ways to bring back its shine! In cold weather, low moisture within the strands reduces natural oils and can make your hair lose luster. Cleanse with a shampoo like Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo® to nourish hair, leaving it smoother and shinier. Follow with Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner to boost shine. If you have fine hair, Nº.4FINE and Nº.5FINE will detangle and smooth hair while building lasting volume, body, and bounce.

Say goodbye to dull winter hair with the right styling products. Add the Nº.9 styling serum to your winter haircare routine for a satin shine that protects color. Apply to damp hair right before styling to protect the hair from environmental damage and heat up to 450ºF. Pair it with OLAPLEX Nº.7 to boost shine and color vibrancy.

Prevent Winter Frizz and Static Use Nº.6 Bond Smoother® and OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™

Static and flyaways are common winter hair concerns. The lack of humidity, combined with more frequent wear of hats and scarves, makes your strands more susceptible to static and frizz. Add our favorite styling combination to your winter haircare routine: OLAPLEX Nº.6 and OLAPLEX Nº.7. Together, these products repair the hair internally while moisturizing, smoothing, adding shine, and protecting from heat up to 450ºF. Keep this hair oil handy in your bag for touch-ups throughout the day. A couple of dabs of oil through your hair will keep it silky and repaired in between treatments. OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™ also controls frizz and flyaways for sleek, healthy-looking winter hairstyles.

Curly-haired folks know windy weather can make hair extra frizzy. Not with OLAPLEX Nº.6 Bond Smoother, however. Nº.6 reduces frizz for up to 72 hours, making it your not-so-secret defense against frizz.

To Manage a Dry Scalp Use Nº.0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment

Winter conditions like low humidity and dry winds can contribute to a dry, itchy scalp. To hydrate and soothe your scalp, try OLAPLEX Nº.0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment. This scalp treatment promotes soft, shiny, visibly healthy hair while strengthening and protecting the scalp barrier and microbiome.

Start with Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo® in the shower. This shampoo gently cleanses without stripping or drying to keep your hair and scalp hydrated. Finish with Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner to condition and moisturize your ends, or for deep hydration, try a hair mask like the Rich Hydration Mask or Weightless Nourishing Mask. Use Nº.05 directly on your scalp before styling wet hair or as an overnight treatment on dry hair. For best results, use it three times a week. For a boost of shine and softness on dull winter days, apply OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™ to the ends of damp or dry hair.

For Loss of Volume Use Nº.4FINE Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and Nº.5FINE Bond Maintenance® Conditioner

In the winter, fine hair is prone to volume loss. Heavy conditioners or even outerwear can weigh down your hair. Use an ultra-light shampoo that volumizes and strengthens fine hair like Nº.4FINE Bond Maintenance® Shampoo. Don’t forget to use it with Nº.5FINE Bond Maintenance® Conditioner, which weightlessly hydrates, nourishes, and helps build lasting volume, body, and bounce.

If you have medium or coarse hair that needs a volume boost, Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo® will gently cleanse, nourish, and detangle strands. Follow with Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner, which nourishes and makes hair more manageable with every wash.

Using the right hair mask can also help add volume to your hair in the winter. The Weightless Nourishing Mask was formulated specifically for fine to medium hair and provides instant volume that lasts all day. Just use it in place of your conditioner once per week for lightweight hydration that lasts through 5 washes.*

Make this your best winter haircare season yet with OLAPLEX. Explore more winter haircare products or discover trending winter hair colors.

*On virgin hair tresses

Sources

1. https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/dry-scalp

Your Glow Depends on This One Thing – 100% PURE

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Introduction

Glow is often treated as something you add to the skin. A brightening serum. A smoothing mask. A better moisturizer. But the truth is, glow is not created by any single product. It is a reflection of how healthy your skin is beneath the surface.

At the center of that health is the skin barrier. This invisible layer plays a critical role in how skin looks, feels, and responds day to day, yet it is one of the most overlooked aspects of skincare. When the barrier is strong, skin feels comfortable, stays hydrated longer, and maintains a smooth, even appearance. When it is compromised, even the best products can fall short.

Many common skin concerns trace back to barrier health. Persistent dryness, sensitivity, uneven texture, and unpredictable reactions are often signs that the barrier needs support. Rather than chasing glow through stronger treatments, understanding and strengthening the skin barrier creates the conditions for radiance to return naturally.

Barrier health is not a trend or an extra step. It is the foundation every effective routine is built on.

What the Skin Barrier Actually Is

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin, often described as a protective shield. Its primary role is to keep essential moisture in and harmful stressors out.

This layer is made up of skin cells held together by lipids that act like a seal. Together, they help regulate hydration levels, protect against environmental exposure, and support the skin’s ability to repair itself. When functioning properly, the barrier keeps skin feeling soft, resilient, and balanced.

A healthy barrier prevents excessive water loss, which is key to maintaining hydration and elasticity. It also limits the penetration of irritants that can lead to inflammation or sensitivity. This is why barrier health has such a direct impact on comfort and overall skin behavior.

When the barrier is disrupted, gaps form in this protective layer. Moisture escapes more easily, and the skin becomes more vulnerable to external stress. Over time, this can lead to dryness, irritation, and a dull or uneven appearance.

Signs Your Skin Barrier May Be Compromised

Barrier disruption does not always look dramatic. Often, it shows up through subtle changes in how the skin feels and responds.

One of the earliest signs is tightness after cleansing. Skin may feel clean but uncomfortable, even when using products that once felt gentle. This tight sensation suggests that moisture is being lost too quickly from the skin’s surface.

Sensitivity is another common indicator. Skin may appear red, sting when products are applied, or react unpredictably to ingredients that were previously well tolerated. This happens because a weakened barrier allows irritants to penetrate more easily.

Persistent dehydration is also a key sign. If skin continues to feel dry despite regular moisturizing, the issue may not be the product itself, but the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Without a strong barrier, hydration simply cannot stay where it belongs.

These signals are not signs of bad skin. They are signs that the skin barrier needs support.

Why Glow Starts With Barrier Strength

Glow is often associated with brightness or luminosity, but at its core, glow is about how smoothly and evenly light reflects off the skin. This is why barrier strength plays such a central role in radiance.

When the skin barrier is healthy, hydration levels are more stable. Skin appears plumper, smoother, and more even in texture. Light reflects more evenly across the surface, creating that natural, lit-from-within look people associate with glow.

A strong barrier also keeps skin calm. Reduced redness, less sensitivity, and fewer reactive flare-ups allow the complexion to look clearer and more consistent. Calm skin behaves more predictably, which means products absorb better and makeup applies more smoothly.

When the barrier is compromised, glow becomes harder to achieve. Dehydration leads to rough texture, irritation disrupts tone, and uneven moisture levels scatter light rather than reflect it. Supporting the barrier restores the conditions that allow radiance to show up naturally, without forcing it.

How to Strengthen the Skin Barrier Daily

Strengthening the skin barrier is not about adding more steps. It is about choosing steps that protect and reinforce what the skin already does well.

Cleanse

Cleansing should remove impurities without stripping away essential lipids. A gentle formula like the Argan Oil Creamy Cleanser helps cleanse the skin while preserving moisture, making it an important first step in maintaining barrier health.

Treat

Treatment products should support structure and resilience rather than overwhelm the skin. The Mushroom Peptides Firming Serum helps reinforce the skin’s natural framework while supporting hydration and elasticity. This step strengthens the barrier’s ability to function consistently over time.

Moisturize

Moisturizing is where moisture retention truly improves. The Mushroom Peptide Moisturizer helps reinforce the barrier by sealing in hydration and supporting comfort throughout the day. Regular use helps reduce moisture loss and supports long-term balance.

Weekly Support

Barrier care does not mean avoiding all treatments. Used once a week, the Vitamin C Glow Max Bright Mask helps refresh the complexion and support radiance without compromising skin balance. This allows skin to look brighter while staying calm and supported.

Conclusion

The skin barrier is the quiet force behind nearly every visible skin result. Hydration, comfort, smooth texture, and glow all depend on its ability to function properly.

Rather than chasing results through stronger products or more aggressive routines, prioritizing barrier health creates a foundation that supports everything else. When the barrier is strong, skin holds hydration better, reacts less, and reflects light more evenly.

No matter your skin type or goals, barrier care is the non-negotiable starting point. When you protect and strengthen this invisible layer, glow becomes a natural outcome rather than something you have to chase.

FAQ: Skin Barrier Basics

How long does it take to repair the skin barrier?

Skin barrier repair typically takes two to six weeksdepending on how compromised the barrier is and how consistently supportive products are used. Mild disruption can improve within a couple of weeks, while more sensitized skin may need additional time. Gentle cleansing, barrier-supportive serums, and nourishing moisturizers used consistently allow the skin to gradually restore its protective function.

Can exfoliation damage the skin barrier?

Yes. Over-exfoliation is one of the most common causes of barrier damage. Using exfoliating acids or scrubs too frequently can strip away essential lipids and disrupt the skin’s protective layer. When exfoliation is used excessively, skin may become tight, sensitive, or persistently dehydrated. Supporting the barrier first helps skin tolerate exfoliation better when it is reintroduced thoughtfully.

Should I simplify my routine if my barrier is compromised?

Yes. Simplifying your routine is often one of the most effective ways to support barrier repair. Reducing the number of active products and focusing on gentle cleansing, hydration, and moisture allows the skin to recover without additional stress. Once the skin feels calm, comfortable, and balanced again, other treatments can be gradually added back in.

This Statement Accessory Is Key To Elevating Any Outfit, Says Our Fashion Writer

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As most of my friends eagerly cull their wardrobes, I keep holding on to my adolescent favourites. It’s no news that fashion works in cyclical patterns where old trends constantly become new, and I believe in bringing those cherished pieces back into my wardrobe. But even I wasn’t ready for the revival of the most worn piece of jewellery from the early 2010s – the chunky statement necklace.

Once favoured by most girls in my school and worn over anything from a bodycon mini dress to a t-shirt and jeans, the chunky statement necklace was a true icon of its time. And now, over 10 years later, this key piece is back in action, across catwalks, red carpets and street style moments. And what better time to embrace it than the festive season, as many of us head home for the holidays. Whether you’re rediscovering your old Topshop necklaces tucked away in the bottom of your childhood bedroom cupboard or buying into the trend for the first time, here’s the ultimate guide to the statement necklace revival.

The 25 best fashion moments of 2025

The Origin Story

It’s impossible to tell the tale of this Millennial style icon without talking about the J.Crew Bubble necklace. Originally created in 2010, when fashionista and now-ex RHONY Jenna Lyons was at the helm of the American brand, this piece of jewellery had a chokehold on street style during this period. With its cascading rows of resin gems, the necklace had an extendable back so you could wear it high up as a collar piece or dangling lower as an oversized boho pendant. This specific piece started a revolution as similar pieces overtook the high-street, with clusters of crystals, plastic beads and clanking metal pendants popping up everywhere. That same year, the launch of the Lanvin x H&M collaboration established the trend further, with the late creative director Alber Elbaz being at the forefront of the chunky necklace revolution.

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The Lanvin for H&M collaboration was the aphex of chunky statement necklaces

WWD/Getty Images

The Catwalk Comeback

Over a decade later, this past September marked a new chapter in costume jewellery trends. Across shows in London, Paris and Milan, statement accessories were back in action. British designer Simone Rocha presented her elevated take on childhood imagination and the joy of dressing up with a plethora of floral details, including delicate bouquets blooming around the models’ necks. Budapest-founded brand Nanushka went with a more industrial approach to accessorising – bundles of metallic beads layering over clean, but voluminous silhouettes.

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Simone Rocha SS26

Launchmetrics.com/spotlight

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Nanushka SS26

Launchmetrics.com/spotlight

Schiaparelli’s Daniel Roseberry continued his own legacy of surrealist jewellery, this time in the form of stones that lit up, while Matthieu Blazy’s first collection at Chanel featured natural materials like coral and pearl arranged into blooming florets. And just like that, the chunky necklace was back!

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Schiaparelli SS26

Courtesy of Schiaparelli

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Chanel SS26

Alessandro Viero

How To Style It Today

Whether you’re cosying up with your family in matching PJs, walking around wrapped up in a practical puffer coat or showing off your new going-out dress, a bold statement necklace can wrap your whole fit with a figurative – or even literal – bow. But what are some of the tricks when it comes to wearing a chunky necklace in a contemporary way? Instead of layering it over the top of your button-down shirt or dress, like you did back in the day, consider it your glamorous base layer. Tucked inside a suit jacket and only partially on show, the necklace will feel more unexpected. Opting for monochrome pieces that match the colour of your top will feel extra modern, as will layering multiple chunky necklaces and mixing different types of metals. If going for a formal look, take inspiration from Ariana Grande and her stylist Law Roach, who supersized Glinda’s charm necklace for the Australian premiere of Wicked: For Good. A large centre pendant, in this case a butterfly, will transform even the simplest of outfits into an eye-catching moment.

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Ariana Grande at the Australian premiere of ‘Wicked: For Good’

SAVERIO MARFIA/Getty Images

Ready to delve into the world of chunky necklaces? Here are 10 shoppable pieces – some pre-loved, some new – that will elevate your next party look.

Shop statement necklaces:

Spiral Girl charm necklace

Pre-loved J.Crew pink crystal floral necklace

Pre-loved J.Crew sodalite and glass gem necklace

Lanvin x H&M 2010 pink statement necklace

Pre-loved J.Crew crystal necklace

Statement multi-layered pearl necklace

Dries Van Noten embellished long necklace

Reclaimed Vintage necklace with green and black stones

Mod beaded pendant necklace

What Are The Best Hair Extensions For Fine Hair?

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If you already have fine or thinning hair, you know the struggle: most hair extensions either tug too much, peek through, or look obviously fake. And when your strands are already fragile and damaged, the last thing you want is anything that could make it worse, like, say, more hair loss.

As women who have been on a lifelong mission to fake fuller hair, we’ve learned the hard way that not all extensions are made for fine hair. So many options out there focus on length over volume and forget what fine-haired folks really need: gentle application, seamless blending, and that natural, lived-in fullness without the weight.

Whether your hair is naturally thin, recovering from heat damage, or going through postpartum changes, finding the right extensions can be a total game-changer. Below, we’re sharing the 5 non-negotiables when it comes to choosing the best hair extensions for thin hair—because your hair deserves a little extra, without the extra fuss.

1. Hair Extensions That Don’t Create Problems For Your Real Hair

Extensions should solve your hair struggles, not create more. That’s why, for us, it’s a hard pass on anything that clips, tapes, or glues into our strands. These types attach right at the root, putting stress where it hurts the most and leading to long-term damage (aka the opposite of what we’re going for).

The best extensions for fine and thinning hair don’t cling on for dear life—they sit gently on your hair, not in it.

Sure, all extensions add a bit of weight. But, your delicate strands shouldn’t be carrying the load solo. That’s why we swear by non-attaching options like The Halo, which sits snugly using a nearly invisible wire. Think of it as the weightless wonder your roots have been begging for.
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Read Next: Here’s When You Should Actually Buy New Halo Hair Extensions

2. Extensions That Stay on the Down Low

When your natural hair is on the finer side, blending is everything. You want people guessing your secret, not spotting your clips from across the room.

Some extensions come with uniform thickness from top to tip, which sounds luxe but ends up looking… suspicious. Instead of enhancing your look, they shout, “Yes, this is 100% not my real hair.” Add bulky clips into the mix, and suddenly you’ve got a hair situation instead of a hair transformation.

That’s why Halos are a dream for fine-haired babes. No chunky clips, just a thin, clear wire that disappears into your roots while the hair does the heavy lifting—literally and figuratively.

Read Next: How To Get Rid Of Static Hair At Home

3. Extensions Made From Real, ProGrade Remy Hair

Your natural hair deserves extensions that match its vibe—and by that, we mean high-quality, heat-friendly, and super soft. Because let’s be real, fine hair often needs a little extra help in the volume department.

Look for 100% human, ProGrade Remy hair, the gold standard when it comes to mimicking your own strands. These extensions can handle your curling wand, your straightener, your blow-dry obsession… all without turning into a frizzball or feeling like straw. They wash well, wear beautifully, and stay silky long after their first outing (as long as you care for them properly, of course).

Read Next: 5 Festival Hair Trends You Can Instantly Do With Halo Hair Extensions

4. Extensions That Add Volume, Not Just Lengthen

Yes, extensions are known for adding length but, for fine-haired folks, it’s the thickness we’re after. You want ends that feel plush, full, and healthy-looking, not wispy or see-through.

For everyday wear, a lighter weight extension (aka fewer grams of hair) will give you that effortless fullness without feeling like a helmet. Think of it as your daily hair vitamin—just enough to fill in the gaps and boost your confidence.

Need a little more oomph? Medium weights are perfect for fine (but not ultra-thin) hair and still look super natural.

And for special occasions—or if your motto is “go big or go home”—go for a thicker Halo. More wefts, more body, more glam. It’s volume without the drama (or damage).

Read Next: How To Achieve Red Carpet-Worthy Hair With Halo Hair Extensions

5. Extensions Designed Specifically for Fine Hair

Sitting Pretty was born from the frustration of trying to find extensions that didn’t destroy our already-delicate hair. As fine-haired girls ourselves, we needed something that gave volume and peace of mind.

So we made it. Nearly a decade later, our halo extensions are still the go-to for babes with fine, thinning, or just flat hair. No breakage. No drama. Just lightweight, natural-looking fullness that’s actually kind to your strands.

Read Next: Why The Halo Is The Best Extensions For Long-Term Wear

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes the Best Hair Extensions for Fine Hair?

In a word: fullness. But achieving that shouldn’t cost you your hair’s health. Traditional tricks like teasing, heat-styling, and clip-ins often do more harm than good. After too many years of experimenting, we know now—it’s all about finding extensions that work with your hair, not against it.

Are Hair Extensions Bad For Thin Hair?

Only the wrong ones. Mass-market extensions that don’t take fine hair into account are usually heavier, bulkier, and tougher on your strands. The good ones—like halo extensions—are designed to be gentle, discreet, and totally wearable for thinner hair types.

How Do You Use Hair Extensions For Thin Hair?

Keep these tips in your back pocket:

  • Be Gentle: Always brush from the bottom of the hair and work your way up when wearing any hair extensions.
  • Brush Often: Better yet, carry a small tangle-taming brush! You can lightly brush on the go, loosening small knots before they turn big is crucial for preventing breakage-causing tangles.
  • Wear a Heat Protectant: This goes for anyone and everyone. If you care about your extensions or even your own hair surviving styling, you MUST use a heat protectant.
  • Incorporate Silk Into Your Routine: Prolong your hair extension’s health (and your own hair!) with soft silk scrunchies that don’t snag on strands.
Find more hair tips for fine-haired honeys here:

12 Days of Holiday Giveaways: Day #5 Fontana

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Day #5 – Fontana

Welcome to 12 Days Of Holiday Giveaways!  We do this every year and it just gets better and better!

So in honor of the holidays upon us and the season of giving we’ve decided to extend our gratitude to our audience and share some of our favorite clean living and natural beauty brands with you.  After all this is the season of giving!

We are pulling out all the stops and giving away over $5,500 in product!  It’s about to get real good.

*This blog post and giveaway is sponsored by Fontana – but thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.  This comes at no cost to you but is paid by the company.  I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly.  If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product.

Giveaway Day #5 – $300 Gift Card To Fontana

**Please note all giveaways are open to U.S. only

Fontana is a family owned candle company that is committed to non toxic living. The founders, Katie and Eric’s, journey began in 2017. They were newlyweds and had received a candle as a gift. Unfortunately, after burning this paraffin-based fragrance candle just one day, they felt unwell.

They began to research what exactly was in candles and fragrance and what they found out left them horrified, yet inspired to do better. And from there, Fontana was born!

Their research (and hours of testing) led them to replace the toxic ingredients found in conventional candles with safer, better choices that still made an amazing product.

  1. Instead of paraffin wax (derived from petroleum) Fontana chooses beeswax and coconut oil.
  2. Instead of artificial fragrance Fontana chooses to use pure essential oils.
  3. Instead of a wick that has been soaked or bleached Fontana chooses an untreated wooden wick.
I love the seasonal candles that Fontana comes up with!

Made Safe Certified

Even better than these amazing ingredients,  Fontana Candle Company reports that they are proud to have complete transparency of the ingredients in their candles, which are printed right on the candle label. They are MADE SAFE certified and the first candle to receive this certification.

This nontoxic seal is for products we use every day, from baby to personal care to household and beyond. It certifies that products you use on your body, with your family, and in your home are made with safe ingredients not known or suspected to harm human health. (source)

It took the MADE SAFE team over 6 months to comb through every ingredient and every supplier that Fontana uses. They audit them every year, so consumers can be assured that their candles are as clean as they claim. With this seal, you can feel so good about having Fontana candles and products in your home!

Fontana Candles

These are really one of the best scented candles out there. The ingredients used in their candles are top notch. For someone who doesn’t love heavily scented products, I thought the scent intensity was just perfect! And with so many choices of different scents, you are bound to find one you love too. Plus the wooden wick was a unique addition that I didn’t experience with many of the other candles I tested, it even slightly crackles when it’s burning which adds to the ambiance.

Fontana Wax Melts

Fontana also offers wax melts. With these you get all the benefits of a nontoxic candle, without actually burning anything. Plus with a brand like Fontana, and their MADESAFE certification, you know the ingredients are going to be so good! I tested out a few of their scent options and I would say they offer a lighter scent than their candles.

And, you can enter to win a $300 Gift Card to Fontana!

**Open to U.S. only

Make sure to go back and check out our other giveaways that are still open (you can enter daily!):

Shop all of Fontana here and use code gurlgonegreen15 to save 15% off your purchase!

12 Rising Beauty Creatives You Need On Your Radar For 2026

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Despite a brief resurgence of ultra-long nails in 2025, seen on the likes of Saweetie, Cardi B, Sha’Carri Richardson and of course Cynthia Erivo, super-short manicures gained real momentum towards the end of the year and are set to charge straight through 2026.

Colour

Following on from the soft vanilla French, lip-gloss and milky colour trends of previous years, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of hazy, softly blurred shades. Think peach milk, sheer corals and whisper-soft tones that feel like fluffy desserts for the nails. On the opposite end of the spectrum, richer neutrals aren’t going anywhere. Browns, greys, mushroom and faun shades will continue to hold their ground, offering a more grounded, understated alternative.

Out

Cat-eye

This is both an ‘in’ and an ‘out’ for 2026. We’ll see a move away from more obvious, chunky glitter cat-eye shades, and a shift towards ultra-fine magnetic particles in semi-opaque and jelly-glass finishes. The result is a softer, syrupy, velvet-like shift that feels more refined and modern.

essie Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener

What product will be in your kit all year long?

It may sound surprising, but I actually use nail polish far more than gel. On editorial shoots, models often shoot again the next day and need clean, bare nails, while actors are frequently in the middle of filming and can’t commit to a more permanent gel treatment. Everything starts with a strong foundation, and after years of trying countless base coats, essie Hard To Resist Glow & Shine wins hands down. Not only does it help strengthen natural nails, but its almost imperceptible, super-sheer pink tint gives nails a healthy, polished glow. I often use it on its own for a clean, elevated finish.

How do you hope to develop as an artist in 2026?

This year, I want to travel more for work and continue pushing myself creatively. I’ve long dreamed of leading a show at New York, Paris or Milan Fashion Week, as well as working at Cannes and Venice Film Festival. After loving the experience of working on a commercial set, I’d also love to move into film, and while a music video would be a long shoot, I know it would be an incredible amount of fun.

Over the years, I’ve learned that when I truly set my mind to something, I do eventually achieve it. With that belief, I’m excited to put it out there and start manifesting this next chapter.

Image may contain Face Head Person Photography Portrait Adult Body Part Neck Happy Smile Black Hair and Hair

What have been some of your career highlights from 2025?

What Are The Biggest AW24 Beauty Trends? Catwalk Makeup Looks

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Image Credit @ Homolog Couture Paris

Before we run through the biggest trends from the shows, it’s worth remembering that as with the fashion, lifting looks directly off the catwalks isn’t for everyone. Some of the looks are gorgeous but may need paring down to work in real life, so use the runway images as inspiration and figure out how to wear the look in the real world, or suit it to your style. Having said that, my pick of the AW24 beauty trends are all super wearable, so there’s no need to wait until next season to get stuck into these makeup looks fresh from the catwalks. Let’s count down the best of the backstage beauty from the shows…

Glowing Skin

Autumn/winter’s shows featured fresh, glowing skin, which is great to see outside of the spring/summer season. Team with barely-there natural look makeup or make a splash with a statement eye or lip (more on these later), a fresh, radiant complexion is absolutely timeless. Check out the looks at Chanel, Victoria Beckham and Cucculelli Shaheen for inspiration.

Bright Eye Colours

While the A/W season often calls for muted tones and a nude colour palette, there’s still room for some fun (which is perfect for party season). Get ahead of the seasons and trial a statement eye colour for spring/summer. Opt for pink, as seen at Christian Dior and Marques’Almeida, red as seen at SRVC or a cool blue as seen on the runway at Carolina Herrera.

Polished Nudes

Luxury nude palettes inspired by the 80s and 90s are back for AW24, with matte, velvet skin, taupe colour palettes and natural brown and beige toned eyes and lips. Check out the looks at Saint Laurent, Ferragamo, and LaPointe.

Morning-After Smudged Lips

Our last of the AW24 beauty trends is one for low-maintenance girls and lovers of an easy life. Morning-after, smudged lips are in for fall, so put down the lip liner and opt for too-cool-to-care elegance. You can go as understated or as extreme as you please, check out the looks at Molly Goddard and Marques’Almeida.

Sharp Eyeliner

The fashion world has an on-off relationship with eyeliner, but it’s very much back on for AW24. Some clients I work with will never give up the sharp feline flick, so they’ll be pleased to hear that they can reach for the liquid eyeliner knowing they’re on-trend for the new season. Try the statement looks at Di Petsa and Erdem.

Ruby Lips

Red lips might be nothing new, but A/W’s coolest hues were rich ruby red and sweet cherry-pie. Both look good enough to eat and have a luxury feel; wear it matte and keep skin fresh and nude. Check out the looks at Anna Sui, Helmut Lang, and Nardos, Dries Van Noten and JW Anderson for inspiration.

More Beauty Trends: Makeup Looks for 2024 | Skincare Trends

© Wendy Rowe. All Rights Reserved.

The 10 Most Loved Inside Out Style Posts This Year (And Why They Resonated) — Inside Out Style

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These are the best style advice posts of the year, chosen because they solved real problems women are facing right now. This year was not about trends or buying more clothes. It was about clarity, confidence, and finally understanding why some outfits work effortlessly while others never leave the wardrobe.

1. How to Dress for an 8 Shape Body: Flaunt Your Hourglass Figure and Hide the Tummy

This post resonated because it tackled a very specific frustration. Having curves doesn’t automatically make dressing easy, especially when your waist is defined but your tummy feels more visible than it used to. Readers appreciated the precise, workable strategies that didn’t rely on hiding or shame, just smarter design choices.

How to Dress for an 8 Shape Body: Flaunt Your Hourglass Figure & Hide the Tummy

2. The 5-4-3-2-1 Rule: Your New Secret to Buying Clothes You’ll Love for Years

This became a favourite for anyone tired of impulse buys and wardrobe regret. The appeal was its simplicity. A clear framework that replaced guesswork with intention, helping readers shop less and wear more of what they already own.

The 5-4-3-2-1 Rule: Your New Secret to Buying Clothes You’ll Love for Years

3. How to Look Polished in Casual Clothes

As dress codes continue to relax, this post spoke to women who still want to feel visible and put together without overdressing. It struck a balance between comfort and self-respect, showing that polish is about fit, finish, and alignment, not formality.

How to Look Polished in Casual Clothes

4. The 3-Second Mirror Trick to Know If an Outfit Works

This one gained traction because it gave readers a way to trust their instincts again. Instead of overthinking every outfit, the 3-second mirror trick helped women tune into visual balance and gut reaction, which is often more reliable than rules.

The 3-Second Mirror Trick to Know If an Outfit Works

5. How to Embrace Your Unique Relaxed Style and Overcome Fashion Insecurities

Many readers saw themselves in this post. Loving comfort but wanting to feel stylish is not a contradiction, and this article gave permission to stop apologising for a relaxed aesthetic while still elevating it with intention.

The 3-Second Mirror Trick to Know If an Outfit Works

6. How to Find Clothes That Fit Your Body (Without the Frustration)

This was one of the most bookmarked posts of the year. It reframed fit as a manufacturing issue, not a personal failure, and offered practical strategies like buying for your widest point and expecting alterations as normal, not indulgent.

Choosing Clothes That Suit Your Shape and Style

7. How Do Your Colours Change When You Go Grey?

Going grey is more than a hair change. This post helped readers understand why colours they once loved might suddenly feel wrong, and how to adapt without losing their sense of self. It was especially popular with women navigating midlife transitions.

How Do Your Colours Change When You Go Grey?

8. Pops of 3: The Easy Way to Add Colour to Any Outfit

This post stood out for its warmth and humanity. It wasn’t just a styling tip, but a shared language within the Inside Out Style community. The simplicity of repeating a colour three times gave readers confidence to experiment without fear.

Pops of 3 – The Easy Way to Add Colour To Any Outfit for a More Polished Look

9. What Is Navy and What Colours Work Well With It?

A classic post that continues to earn its place. Navy is a deceptively complex neutral, and readers appreciated the deeper explanation of undertone, intensity, and how to find the right version of navy for themselves.

Choosing Your Best Navy Blue

10. How to Flatter Slim Legs and a Bloated Belly with Confidence and Style

This article resonated because it addressed a body variation that’s rarely discussed openly. It validated readers’ experiences and offered realistic, compassionate strategies that worked with the body they have now, not the one fashion advertising assumes.

How to Flatter Slim Legs and a Bloated Belly with Confidence and Style

Ready to Evolve Your Style in the New Year?

If reading through these posts has made you realise you’re ready for more than small tweaks, this is the perfect moment to take action.

Evolve Your Style is my 31-day style challenge designed to help you escape a style rut and fall back in love with what you already own. Through simple daily outfit prompts, you’ll learn how to work your wardrobe more creatively, dress with confidence, and understand what truly suits you, without shopping for a whole new wardrobe.

Right now, Evolve Your Style is on sale for 60% off, bringing the price down to just $18.80 USD. That’s less than the cost of a cheap, uncomfortable pair of shoes you’ll wear once and regret later.

When you join before 12 January 2026, you’ll also receive these bonuses at no extra cost:

  • Imogen’s A–Z of Style
  • Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing Jeans
  • The Savvy Woman’s Guide to Building a High Quality Wardrobe

No promo code needed, the discount is applied automatically at checkout.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck, unsure, or uninspired when you open your wardrobe, this is a gentle but powerful way to reset. One outfit at a time. One month that can change how you dress for years to come.

👉 Join Evolve Your Style now for $18.80 USD

Further Reading

Top 10 Inside Out Style Blog Posts of 2024

Embracing Your Best Self: The Best of 2023

Inside Out Style Best Personal Style and Personal Brand Posts of 2022

The 10 Most Loved Inside Out Style Posts This Year (And Why They Resonated)

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Antioxidants for Skin: Benefits, Uses, & More

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From juice cleanses to exotic spa days, it seems that everybody is obsessed with getting the newest detox. A lot of times, these treatments focus on the inside of your body — but what about the outside?

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it’s the first line of defense against the outside world. Your skin plays a crucial role in your overall wellness, and keeping it strong is crucial.

Today, we’re going to talk about one of the most powerful active skincare ingredients out there: antioxidants. Keep reading to learn what these potent compounds are, what they can do, and how you can use them to take care of your skin. (After all, it’s earned it.)

What Are Antioxidants?

Everything in the world is made of chemical elements, including your skin. Your skin cells contain various amounts of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and more to create the building blocks of life. It’s these basic elements make the proteins and lipids that fit between your skin cells to help the organ function.

Antioxidants are one of these supporting molecules. They are designed to manage the levels of chemical elements in your skin — and intervene if something falls out of balance. This makes them the great equalizers of your skin.

How Do Antioxidants Work?

In a perfect world, your skin would remain in balance all of the time and never require the assistance of antioxidants. But this is nature, and nature is never perfect.

The most common chemical element to cause trouble in your skin is oxygen. Your skin cells rely on oxygen to generate the energy needed to grow, repair, and regenerate. However, more oxygen doesn’t necessarily mean more energy. When your skin absorbs too much oxygen from the air around it, the organ can experience significant stress.

The extra oxygen in your skin naturally wants to form chemical bonds to occupy their spare electrons, but because there is more oxygen than needed, these atoms have nowhere to go — but that doesn’t stop them from trying.

Spare atoms will try to bond with anything in sight, breaking through cell walls and damaging skin cells in the process. These unstable oxygen atoms are called free radicals.

This is where antioxidants come in, which work to keep your cells healthy during exposure to damaging free radicals.

What Are the Benefits of Antioxidants for Your Skincare Routine?

By neutralizing free radicals in the skin, antioxidants prevent the cellular damage these oxygen atoms would otherwise cause. On a cellular level, this protects the strength and integrity of your skin. However, the benefits don’t stop there.

In supporting your skin health, antioxidants can also improve the look and feel of your skin on the surface.

After all, the deeper layers of skin are the foundation of your complexion. If they are distressed, then the upper layers will be too. By the same logic, when they are healthy and content, your skin can truly glow.

Evens Skin Tone

If you have an uneven skin tone, then antioxidants can help balance your complexion for a consistent skin texture and color.

As a great neutralizer, everything antioxidants do is about balance. This makes pigmentation issues and dark spots public enemy number one. Antioxidants work to reduce the appearance of pigmentation concerns by targeting the source of this pigment: melanocytes.

The color of your skin is determined by the amount of melanin, or pigment, in it. And this pigment is made in a type of cell called melanocytes. Typically, melanocytes create even levels of pigment across your body, but free radical activity can trigger these pigment-producing cells and cause melanin levels to spike in specific locations.

By supporting cell health during exposure to free radicals, antioxidant-rich formulas can work with these affected melanocytes and bring your skin tone back into balance.

Soothing Properties

The first benefit of antioxidants for skin is their natural soothing properties.

Remember that the primary role of antioxidants is to support your skin against free radical damage. This naturally works against irritation, as unchecked oxygen molecules can bother your skin from within.

However, the soothing properties of antioxidants don’t stop there. Antioxidants might also support proper levels of enzymes within the skin.

Your skin contains thousands of enzymes that speed up chemical reactions. Some of these enzymes support your skin health by preventing irritation, but others actually encourage irritated skin. Antioxidants may help support healthy levels of these good enzymes, working to keep your skin in balance.

Smooths Visible Signs of Aging

Antioxidants interact with many enzymes in the skin, not just those connected to irritation. Another type of enzyme that this skincare ingredient works with gives antioxidants anti-aging qualities.

To understand how antioxidants can smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, you have to understand what causes age lines in the first place. Young, wrinkle-free skin relies on a structural protein called collagen to prevent the skin from folding in on itself and developing lasting wrinkles.

However, as you age, collagen levels naturally decline in the skin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles that weren’t there before.

Anti-aging skincare treatments lift wrinkles from your face by raising collagen levels in the skin. That means these treatments need to find a way to speed up chemical reactions. Luckily, that’s the exact job of an enzyme.

Antioxidants and vitamins in particular help support collagen levels by helping to form the enzymes required to build this structural protein. With these enzymes churning out collagen, your skin can regain the strength it needs to resist fine lines and wrinkles as you age.

4 Antioxidants for Skin

Antioxidants are a class of chemical compounds, not a specific skincare ingredient on their own. You won’t find the word “antioxidant” on the ingredient label. Instead, you’re looking for ingredients with antioxidant properties. Thankfully, there are a lot of them.

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that protects your skin cells and supports health throughout your body. It also goes by the name ascorbic acid and is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables including citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens.

Our Prebiotix Freshly Squeezed Glow, 20% Vitamin C Serum is packed full of this powerful antioxidant to smooth your skin and encourage a healthy, balanced complexion. In fact, 96% of clinical trial participants agreed that this vitamin C serum made their skin glow and 100% felt their skin was revitalized after using this product.

2. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that works on the surface of your skin to lock in moisture and treat skin concerns beneath the surface. This water-soluble nutrient is known for its hydrating and brightening properties.

Our Prebiotix C-Boost72 Hydrating Whipped Cream 20% Vitamin C Niacinamide Glow Complex combines the power of vitamin C and niacinamide to drench your skin in the juiciest hydration as fast as possible. Clinical studies showed real results in as few as 72 hours with this product, and 93% of participants reported increased hydration in just 30 minutes post-application.

3. Green Tea

Most often thought of as an herbal drink to enjoy either hot or cold, green tea is also ripe with antioxidant properties that can benefit your skin. This leaf is full of an antioxidant called catechin, which is an incredibly powerful tool against free radicals.

Our Green Apple Brightening Eye Cream combines the strength of malic acid with the potent antioxidants of green tea to minimize dark circles and support an even complexion. In fact, clinical results showed brighter-looking eyes in under 60 days.

4. Resveratrol

Resveratrol is another natural nutrient with antioxidant properties. Found in red grapes, berries, peanuts, and more, this antioxidant reinforces your skin’s natural barrier to protect from environmental threats from the outside and heal skin impurities within.

Our STEM Cellular SuperGrade Youth Renew Serum With Hyaluronic Acid is powered by resveratrol-rich Sagrantino Grapes for the most antioxidant power. Our serum had up to 144% higher antioxidant levels than the leading serums, which explains why 100% of clinical study participants reported their skin improved daily when using SuperGrape.

Support Your Skin With Antioxidants

If your body isn’t getting enough of the vitamins and nutrients it needs, you can take supplements to help fill the gaps. The same goes for your skin.

Antioxidant skincare products help reduce the amount of free radicals attacking your skin cells, which supports skin health with the added benefit of smoother, happier-looking skin. From a brighter complexion to fewer wrinkles, antioxidants can bring your skin back into balance.

Sources:

Structural, chemical and biological aspects of antioxidants for strategies against metal and metalloid exposure | National Library of Medicine

The cutaneous uptake of atmospheric oxygen contributes significantly to the oxygen supply of human dermis and epidermis | National Library of Medicine

Why You Should Care About Free Radicals | Cleveland Clinic

Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health | National Library of Medicine

The Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Role of Polyphenols | National Library of Medicine

Modulating skin colour: role of the thioredoxin and glutathione systems in regulating melanogenesis | National Library of Medicine

Collagen: What It Is, Types, Function & Benefits | Cleveland Clinic

Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review | National Library of Medicine

Vitamin C | Mayo Clinic

Benefits of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) | Cleveland Clinic

Catechin – an overview | ScienceDirect

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29737899/