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Dolphin Skin Nails Are the Cool-Girl Manicure Taking Over Winter

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We’re deep in winter, and according to the groundhog, the gray skies and bitter cold aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The forecast may not be ideal, but it does have all the makings of a cool winter nail trend. Enter: dolphin skin nails, a sleek gray look that mimics the shiny skin of everyone’s favorite water mammal.

Like its namesake, dolphin skin nails are pretty and elusive. The slick, high-shine finish feels wearable for everyday but chic enough for the red carpet. In fact, that’s where the look was first spotted, when Demi Lovato stepped out at the premiere of Paris Hilton’s documentary, Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir. She paired a soft charcoal strapless gown with a glossy dolphin skin manicure.

The look was created by celebrity nail artist Natalie Minerva, Lovato’s longtime go-to. While it didn’t start as a formal collaboration, the singer-songwriter quickly weighed in on the final result. “We went with a smoky gray magnetic gel, and D said it reminded her of dolphin skin,” Minerva shared in an Instagram Reel.

Lovato is no stranger to edgy beauty moments, and as a trendsetter in her own right. So it’s no surprise that dolphin skin nails quickly went viral.  Ready to unleash your inner Lovato? Ahead, we’ve curated shades that nail the dolphin skin trend.

Nail Colors to Try

1 / 4

A slate-blue polish gives the trend a fresh twist. Infused with shimmery flecks of rose gold, copper and honey, it mimics the way water glistens in the sun.

2 / 4

This magnetic polish is ideal for nailing the dolphin skin look. A subtle shimmer reflects light through a soft gray base. To amplify the effect, use a magnet to manipulate the filaments.

Holo Taco Featured Guest

3 / 4

Reach for this shade if you prefer a fully minimal manicure. The opaque color and softly glossy finish fit the trend without adding extra shine.

Dazzle Dry Tranquil Gray

4 / 4

This sleek gray strikes a balance between subtle and polished. The cool, light-gray shade delivers high-shine payoff in just two coats.

Dazzle Dry Tranquil Gray

Nutrafol re-enters men’s category with age-specific Men 50+ launch

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Developed specifically for men aged 50 and older, Nutrafol’s new Men 50+ formulation is the latest example of age segmentation and personalization in the beauty-wellness and dietary supplement sectors. This trend continues to gain traction as stakeholders refocuse their R&D on physiological changes associated with aging, rather than broad symptom categories.

In men’s hair health, that shift has been slower to materialize, despite growing evidence that hair thinning later in life follows different biological patterns than in younger adults.

Research reshapes understanding of men’s hair thinning

Historically, most men’s hair thinning products have focused on androgen-related pathways, often positioning hair loss as a biologically uniform condition across age demographics. However, a growing body of research suggests that the drivers of hair thinning change over time, and “while androgens like DHT still play a role after 50, they’re no longer the sole, or even primary, factor,” Kim Biedermann, chief R&D officer at Nutrafol, told NutraIngredients.

“For a long time, men’s hair thinning has been treated as a one-size-fits-all issue,” she explained. “After reviewing over 300 scientific papers, and writing summaries of over 100, it was clear that men’s root causes change as they mature.”

According to Biedermann, those changes extend beyond hormones alone, encompassing shifts in inflammation, oxidative stress, nutrient absorption, stress response and cellular aging. Taken together, these factors point to a more complex biological landscape later in life, presenting a challenge to traditional supplement design.

From a formulation standpoint, this required “carefully balancing ingredient doses so they could work together rather than compete,” she added. To further ensure compatibility and long-term tolerability, Biedermann said Nutrafol paid close attention to ingredient form and stability, particularly given age-related changes in digestion and absorption.

Clinical validation tailored to older men

Men 50+ includes saw palmetto, spermidine, Moldavian dragonhead and a blend of standardized probiotics, antioxidants and vitamins. While androgen modulation remains part of the formulation strategy, Biedermann said the emphasis has shifted toward structural support and cellular health.

Clinical testing was therefore designed to reflect the pace of biological change associated with aging, and Men 50+ was evaluated in a nine-month study conducted exclusively in men experiencing age-related hair thinning. The results of this study have not yet been published.

“For this product, we focused on testing on the intended population,” Biedermann said. The clinical study was “one of our longest to date, to reflect the slower pace of biological change that comes with aging.”

Beyond visible outcomes, the study assessed participant-reported measures such as changes in hair quality, shedding and scalp coverage.

“By nine months, the majority of participants reported visible and perceptible improvements,” Biedermann said.

A signal of broader age-based personalization

Within the supplement industry, the Men 50+ launch underscores a broader move toward age-specific formulations, particularly as consumers seek products aligned with longevity and healthy aging.

“Nutrafol Men 50+ is a natural extension of our long-standing approach to life stage specific hair health,” Biedermann said. “We’ve always known hair health isn’t one-size-fits-all and for men specifically, the data has told us what your hair needs in your 20s is very different from what it needs in your 50s.”

Nutrafol said Men 50+ is NSF Certified for Sport and noted that the brand remains the No. 1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth brand in the United States, positioning the product as part of a broader strategy focused on clinical validation and third-party testing.

Chappell Roan’s Makeup Artist on Her Prosthetic Nipple Pasties for the Grammys

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The night before the 2026 Grammy Awards, most makeup artists were home prepping their kits or reviewing the next day’s schedule. Sasha Glasser was at Staples. The makeup artist and prosthetics designer behind Chappell Roan’s faux-tattoos and nipple-less nipple piercings was furiously printing out fake tattoo designs before the office supply store closed for the night—designs she’d be applying onto Roan’s chest and back for the red carpet the next day. “There are different ways to design tattoos for makeup and companies that make really amazing options, but because we decided on the look the night before, I had to print the designs out at Staples 30 minutes before the store closed,” says Glasser, who used one of the shop’s laser printers and waterslide paper to create DIY versions of those at-home tattoo decals you might have applied as a child. “It’s basically a paper that has this shiny wax on top, so the ink sits on top, and the moment you put water on the back, the ink falls off.”

While Glasser was tasked with creating tattoo decals that decorated Roan’s torso, it was the singer’s stylist, Genesis Webb, who designed them alongside her tattoo artist, Jenny Collins (known as @puppypuppyplaytime on Instagram). “The idea was to do something unique,” Glasser says of the designs that mimicked delicate fabrics like lace and embroidery. “That’s why we did them in a brown color, which feels uncommon.”

Courtesy of Sasha Glasser

But it wasn’t Roan’s beautifully faded tattoos that had everyone scratching their heads and losing their minds the next day. It was her nipple prosthetics, complete with piercings and, well, no nipples (a fact that not only had the internet wondering if she was wearing a bodysuit, but also laying bare, quite literally, Instagram’s absurd and outdated censorship of female breasts). “The idea was for her to not be so naked,” Glasser explains.

Glasser may have had to go to Staples to print out Roan’s tattoos, but to seamlessly cover up the singer’s nipples and create fake piercings, she broke out her heavy-duty prosthetic supplies. The nipple covers, which Glasser described as “prosthetic pasties,” were from a new-ish prosthetic brand called Out of Kit. “It’s not like any other type of prosthetic because it has a sticky backing, like a Band-Aid, so you don’t have to glue it down.” For extra insurance, Glasser and her team, makeup artists Malina Stearns and Chelsea Delfino, used Telesis glue, an extra-strong medical-grade prosthetic adhesive that can hold up against far heavier materials than nipple rings and a light-as-air chiffon dress.

Five Luxurious, Lustrous Looks for This Season – Iles Formula

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Trending is soft, nurtured, and utterly luminous hair. Perfectly elegant hair that glows, moves with ease, and tells a story of care and indulgence.

As a professional stylist and founder of Iles Formula, I know that true glamour begins with hair that feels healthy from the inside out. Here are six elevated hairstyles, each paired with professional tips and Iles Formula rituals to make every style unforgettable.


1. Mirror-Gloss Luxe Shape

Inspired by Hermès and the polished texture that shimmered across the Fall/Winter 2025 runways, this look is classic, red-carpet-ready glamour.Hair appears sculpted yet soft, across all hair lengths, with a mirror-like shine that catches every candlelight flicker.

Hermes  defile with short bob hair
Hermes  defile 2025 fall
hermes runway show black leather 2025

Hermes Fall / Winter

How to achieve it:

  • Start with the Iles Formula Signature Shampoo and Conditioner to deliver silky smooth strands.

  • It’s preferable hair has been blow-dried into shape.Using a large-barrel brush to create the extra lift at face line moving away from face. Then gently brush through for seamless movement.

  • Apply the Iles Formula Balm to the hair, which will easily deliver the molded luster you are striving for.


2. Soft Velvet Bob with Face-Framing Movement

The bob continues its reign as a fashion-forward classic, now with velvet softness and gentle rounded coiffed ends. This cut reads as both chic and approachable — ideal for intimate gatherings or high-fashion soirées.

short blonde bob on girl in polar neck black sweater

Professional tip:

  • Begin and finish with the Iles Formula Signature Collection, a 3-step method of shampoo + Conditioner + Finishing Serum guaranteed to deliver across all hair types, this phenomenal spun silk sumptuous texture.

  • Blow-dry by applying the step 3 Finishing Serum to all layers  with a round brush. This serum delivers the sumptuous texture and memory to the hair , so it’s in your interest to place it on all mid-length and ends ( not the roots).

  • Take a large barrel tong to deliver even more roundness to the ends, while hot wrap around a medium-sized Velcro roller attaching a long clip above the roller to accentuate the top dip before the round end. Allow to cool before removing .

  • Brush through, apply a small amount of Iles Finishing Serum to outer hairs surface to calm down flyaways. You are now party ready. Pack your Mini handbag size Serum to take along to refresh your hair during the evening. A pea size over outer circumference will re-define and tame any stubborn fluffies or frizz

Product pairing: A touch of Iles Formula Signature Finishing Serum ensures the velvet texture remains sleek and radiant throughout the night.


3. Retro Volume & Bumper Bangs

Channeling Anna Sui’s Fall/Winter 2025 runway, retro volume and expressive bangs bring vintage Hollywood into the modern season.This look is playful, glamorous,and unmistakably luxurious.

Anna Sui’s Fall/Winter

How to achieve it:

  • Shampoo and Condition with the Iles Formula Signature Collection , a non-negotiable for this luxurious texture. Avoid at all costs traditional styling products like mousse or hairspray.

  • Blow dry in the finishing serum on all layers then following the photo guide below using a hot tong to form movement and pin until cold.

  • Set the crown with large rollers or a hot brush, then gently brush out

  • Shape bumper bangs with a root lift spray like the Iles Formula Rinseless Root Refresh. This botanical alternative to dry shampoo is spectacular for a no-matte no-residue extra root volume,  while the silky hair texture from The Finishing Serum remains undisturbed.


4. Effortless “Perfect” Soft Texture

For those who love luxury without rigidity, the unlacquered  wave is a perfect holiday companion. Soft, airy, and completely wearable, this look feels natural yet refined.

red long wavey hair on a girl wearing peach toned  lipstick
long waves on silky blonde hair from the back
wendy Iles do models hair rolling into sections like a How To

Technique:

  • Start with Iles Formula Signature Shampoo and Conditioner for sumptuous unforgettable texture.

  • Apply the Iles Formula Finishing Serum  to damp hair to mid length and ends on all sections and blow-dry with a round brush.

  • Curl loosely with a medium barrel iron, away from the face toward the centre back. Clip till hair is cold. Follow photo image of our founder Wendy Iles technique.

  • Brush through with anti-static brush  then define with the Iles Formula large tooth comb ( found within the Signature Collection ). This comb settles down anti-static and delivers the most sumptuous texture lines within the silk texture.

  • Finish with a pea size of  Signature Finishing Serum  rubbed between 2 hands over the outer surface for sublime fluff control and protection from humidity.

  • Avoid hairspray at all costs. You will immediately loose the soft sumptuous texture which delivers the luxury and modern touch to the style.


5. Curls, Waves and Natural  Movement.

Curls are back, gone is crackle and crunch, think nurtured soft curls.

Missoni Fall / Winter embraced long curl and Dolce Gabbana Spring/ Summer 2026 embraced shorter cuts, encouraging natural curl.

I can imagine dressing both hair lengths up with a glorious festive hair jewel. Often it’s the simplicity that delivers the elegance.

girl with short curly hair
girl with long curly hair and ornate flower behind her ear
naturally dried curly hair on a girl wearing Missoni

How to achieve it:

  • Shampoo with the multi-award winning  Iles Formula Shampoo and  our jewel formula Conditioner.

  • Comb or wet brush the conditioner through under shower. Find the part line you would like. Rinse. This will be the last time you will touch curl formation.

  • Throw hair upside down and apply the Iles Turban Towel. This micro fiber avoids friction, while sucking out all the wetness fast, leaving behind beautifully formed curls. Remove towel and shake curl into place.

  • Finish by spraying the curl and waves liberally with Iles Curl Revive. Any lazy curls simply wrap around fingers, hold for a couple of seconds and release. The product will instantly revive the curl. Hence, its name Curl Revive!

  • Diffuse hair or allow to dry naturally. Heat protection and humidity block is within the Curl Revive formula, so if you need to retouch a stubborn curl with a wand i, the hair is protected and frizz is under control.

Check out our Iles Formula PINTEREST page for more  on accessory ideas.


Final Note

This party season, hair is more than just hair — it’s a statement of care, luxury, and self-expression. From runway-inspired gloss waves to retro volume or effortless undone textures, each look celebrates healthy, luminous hair as the ultimate holiday indulgence.

With Iles Formula Signature Collection as your foundation, these styles not only look exquisite but feel nourished from root to tip. Because luxury isn’t just what people see — it’s what you feel when your hair moves with light, softness, and life.

Celebrate this  party season with hair that’s soft, lustrous, and utterly unforgettable. ✨

On Timothée, the PCC and Darius Khondji

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Why Your Evening Skincare Routine Matters More Than You Think – 100% PURE

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Introduction

Morning skincare often gets the spotlight. It feels productive, visible, and easy to prioritize. Evening care, on the other hand, is frequently rushed or skipped altogether, especially after long days when energy is low.

This is where most routines miss a critical opportunity.

Nighttime is when the skin does its most important work. While you rest, the skin shifts into repair mode, focusing on renewal, recovery, and restoring balance after daily stress. An evening skincare routine is not just about removing makeup or cleansing the face. It is preparation for everything the skin is about to do overnight.

When nighttime care is thoughtful and consistent, it supports long-term skin health in ways that morning routines alone cannot. Rather than correcting visible concerns, evening skincare creates the conditions that allow the skin to repair itself naturally.

What Happens to Skin at Night

Skin follows a daily rhythm, and nighttime is when recovery takes center stage. Cell renewal increases during sleep, allowing the skin to shed damaged cells and replace them with healthier ones. This process supports smoother texture and a more even appearance over time.

Barrier repair is also more active at night. Hydration levels begin to rebalance, and the skin works to restore moisture that was lost throughout the day due to environmental exposure, cleansing, and stress. Supporting this process with gentle, nourishing products helps the barrier recover more efficiently.

Another key shift at night is the reduction of external stress. There is no sun exposure, less contact with pollutants, and fewer disruptions overall. This calmer environment allows the skin to focus inward, making nighttime an ideal window for restoration rather than defense.

Why Nighttime Routines Should Feel Different From Morning

Morning routines are about preparation. They focus on hydration, comfort, and protection against the day ahead. Nighttime routines serve a different purpose and should feel different both physically and emotionally.

Evening care is about restoration. This is the time to calm the skin, replenish hydration, and support barrier repair without layering products designed for environmental defense. Lighter textures, soothing ingredients, and slower application help signal to the skin that it can relax.

The nervous system plays a role as well. Stress does not stop at the surface of the skin. When the body is overstimulated, inflammation and sensitivity can increase. A calming nighttime ritual helps lower stress levels, which in turn supports healthier skin function.

When nighttime routines are approached with intention rather than urgency, they become a powerful tool for long-term balance and resilience.

A Restorative Night Routine for Skin and Mind

A nighttime routine works best when it feels unhurried. This is not the moment to multitask or rush through steps. Each part of the routine should help the skin and body transition into rest.

Cleanse
Begin by gently removing the day. The Rose Water Gentle Cleanser lifts away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without disrupting the skin’s moisture balance. Its soft texture helps the skin feel clean yet comfortable, which is essential before treatment and hydration.

Tone
After cleansing, apply the Lavender Niacinamide Pore Minimizer Toner to support balance and calm visible inflammation. This step helps refine the look of pores while reinforcing barrier comfort. Applying with light pressure rather than cotton pads can make the experience more soothing.

Moisturize
Follow with the Rose Water Hydrating Milk to replenish hydration overnight. This lightweight moisturizer delivers moisture without heaviness, allowing the skin to breathe while it restores itself during sleep.

Body Ritual
Extend nighttime care beyond the face. A warm shower with the French Lavender Shower Gel helps relax the body and senses, encouraging deeper rest. This calming step supports overall relaxation, which benefits skin recovery indirectly by lowering stress levels.

This routine is not about adding steps. It is about choosing steps that encourage restoration rather than stimulation.

Long-Term Benefits of Consistent Evening Care

Evening routines show their value over time. When the skin is supported night after night, tolerance improves. Products that once felt irritating often become easier to use, and sensitivity decreases as the barrier strengthens.

Texture and tone also become more predictable. Hydration levels stabilize, dryness becomes less persistent, and the skin appears smoother in the morning. Rather than fluctuating daily, the skin begins to feel steady and reliable.

Consistent nighttime care also supports long-term skin health. By prioritizing repair and balance every evening, the skin becomes better equipped to handle daytime stress without overreacting. This resilience is one of the most overlooked benefits of a strong evening routine.

Conclusion

Nighttime skincare is an investment in tomorrow’s skin. While results may not be immediate, the cumulative effect of consistent evening care is powerful.

By supporting repair, replenishing hydration, and calming both skin and mind, nighttime routines create the conditions for long-term health and balance. Rather than correcting problems after they appear, evening care helps prevent them from taking hold.

When you treat nighttime as an opportunity rather than an afterthought, skin responds with improved comfort, resilience, and a glow that feels natural rather than forced.

Absolutely. Here is the final section of the blogcompleting it with a clear, SEO-optimized FAQ section in the same Byrdie-style editorial voice. No em dashes used.

FAQ: Evening Skincare Routine

Is nighttime skincare more important than morning?

Both routines matter, but they serve different purposes. Morning skincare focuses on preparation and protection, while nighttime skincare supports repair and recovery. Because the skin is naturally more active in its renewal processes at night, evening care plays a particularly important role in long-term skin health. Skipping nighttime care regularly can slow barrier repair and hydration recovery.

What happens if I skip my evening routine?

Skipping your evening routine occasionally will not undo progress, but doing so consistently can affect skin balance over time. Without proper cleansing and hydration at night, buildup can remain on the skin and barrier repair may be less effective. When possible, even a simplified version of your routine helps maintain consistency and support overnight recovery.

How soon do night routines show results?

Some benefits, such as improved comfort and hydration, may be noticeable within a few days. Longer-term changes like smoother texture, improved tone, and stronger barrier function typically develop over several weeks with consistent nighttime care. Evening routines work cumulatively, so regular practice is key.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.Z. Is Finally Available in the US

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A long-term favorite finally lands stateside.

I discovered La Roche-Posay Effaclar AZ just last June. My skin was doing that familiar thing: slightly congested and a little dull. Add heat, humidity, stress, and constant sunscreen into the mix, and my skin wanted help but couldn’t tolerate anything aggressive. This La Roche-Posay moisturizer was one of those pharmacy finds I grabbed on instinct. I ended up using it every single day, morning and night, for months. It even made it into my post on 5 Top Euro Pharmacy Discoveries.

Now that it’s finally available at Ulta in the States, I can confidently say this wasn’t a fleeting vacation crush. I didn’t just like it. I finished it. And then bought another.

Also worth noting: unlike some sunscreen overlaps, this La Roche-Posay formula is identical ingredient-wise in both the US and EU.

La Roche-Posay Azelaic Acid gel cream moisturizer.

Despite the name, this isn’t really a gel. It’s a lightweight cream with an elegant, creamy texture that spreads easily and absorbs fast. It feels great on the skin. Slightly cooling, very comfortable, and never sticky. On hot, humid days, it was enough on its own at night. During the day, it layered perfectly under sunscreen without pilling, which is not something I take for granted.

What makes this formula interesting is the trio of acids at the core:

  • Azelaic acid for tone, clarity, and overall skin calm.
  • Salicylic acid (1.2% concentration) for congestion and texture.
La Roche-Posay A.Z. gel cream texture swatch of product on back of hand skin.

My skin isn’t acne-prone, but it is congestion-prone, and that combination hits a sweet spot. I love the subtle perks of azelaic acid. It keeps redness in check and makes skin look more even without irritation. Salicylic acid keeps pores clear and prevents that slightly bumpy texture I tend to get in warm climates or when I travel. Addition of hyaluronic acid stops the whole thing from feeling treatment-heavy.

This is one of those rare products that does what it promises and then gets out of the way. No tingling. No redness. Just smoother texture and a more even tone. The brand emphasizes one week to notice visible results. I say give it at least three.

European pharmacy staple is finally available at Ulta.

I also really appreciate the packaging. The pump dispenser is practical and hygienic, and two pumps is all I ever need per application. One bottle lasted me about three months with once-daily use. I’m currently halfway through my second, which says more than any ingredient list ever could. Equally important, the packaging is opaque enough to let you see when you’re running low.

La Roche Posay best lightweight moisturizer for acne and aging.

It became especially useful during summer travel. When your routine gets disrupted and your skin starts acting temperamental, this is exactly the kind of product that simplifies things. Treatment and moisturizer in one step, without feeling like you’re sacrificing either.

If your skin is very dry, you might want something richer on top, especially in winter. But for normal, combination, or slightly oily skin, particularly in warmer weather, this works beautifully on its own.

For me, Effaclar A.Z. sits in that rare category of products that are genuinely easy to recommend. Not because it’s new. Not because it’s trending. But because it’s practical, and well-formulated. And fits into real life seamlessly. It’s the kind of product you don’t need to overthink. You’re going to love it, I promise.

$42.99 (40ml) at Ulta.com and if you’re everywhere else, check out lookfantastic.com and boots.com


INCI screenshot via ulta.com

Affiliate disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a commission. As always, all opinions are my own.


How It Performs on Deep Skin Tones

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Despite my years working in beauty, I’m still relatively new to the world of laser treatments. Still, I’ve been determined to find a solution for stubborn dark spots. After some research, I was drawn to Laser Genesis, known for its minimal downtime and gentle approach. I thought I’d found the answer to my discoloration concerns, but it turns out there was more to appreciate than I expected.

Treating dark spots often requires higher levels of heat and energy, which can be less than ideal for melanated skin. Laser Genesis takes a gentler approach, making it a more suitable option for deeper complexions while still supporting overall skin smoothing and rejuvenation. Ahead, I’m sharing my full experience with the treatment and why it’s become part of my beauty routine.

What Is Laser Genesis?

Laser Genesis is a noninvasive laser procedure designed to gently resurface the skin. It’s considered a nonablative treatment that uses micro-pulses of energy to heat the dermis (the deeper, second layer of skin) without damaging the epidermis, explains New York dermatologist Alessandra Haskin, MD, who performed my treatment. “Generally, it’s considered more of a preventative or maintenance laser or used as a pre-event treatment to quickly improve skin quality without any downtime,” she adds.

The procedure is spread over a series of three to six treatments, scheduled about 2 to 4 weeks apart. While it doesn’t penetrate enough to reach deep-set wrinkles, it is effective for smoothing texture and fine lines. It’s also one of the few lasers that can reduce both inflammation and redness during a session. The low heat levels also make it a good choice for combined treatments, which, as Dr. Haskin notes, is a convenient aspect for those looking to get multiple things done in a day.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Genesis?

While some lasers can be too aggressive for certain skin types, Laser Genesis is gentle enough for most people, including those with melanated skin and rosacea. Using low levels of heat minimizes risk for deeper  complexions while helping to even tone and texture. In patients with rosacea, the laser constricts blood vessels, which may help reduce redness.

Beyond that, Laser Genesis can also support anti-aging goals. The treatment works by stimulating the skin’s natural renewal process and supporting healthy cell turnover. While a series of treatments is typically recommended, many patients begin to notice improvement by the third session. As collagen production increases and new skin cells form, skin often looks smoother, plumper and more refreshed.

My Experience

During my first appointment with Dr. Haskin, I learned that while Laser Genesis wasn’t strong enough to fade my dark spots, it could help with another concern high on my list: tone and texture. She explained that this is where the treatment really shines, particularly for deeper skin tones. Because many lasers target pigment—whether from scarring or natural melanin in Black and brown skin—reaching darker spots often requires higher levels of heat, which can increase the risk of damage. With Laser Genesis, however, the focus stays closer to the skin’s surface, reducing that risk.

The procedure took about 30 minutes and wasn’t painful. It felt more like warm splashes of water than a laser. Afterward, Dr. Haskin used cold packs to cool the skin, which she said can be especially helpful for deeper skin tones that tend to retain heat. Heat levels may increase from session to session, depending on skin tolerance. After my first treatment, I experienced minimal redness and noticed smoother skin by the next day. During my second session, we increased the heat by two levels. While that caused slightly more redness and a longer recovery, my skin also felt noticeably tighter.

As with any treatment, consistency matters. But if you’re looking for a noninvasive way to smooth skin and address texture, Laser Genesis can be a good option.

5 Signs Your Skin Needs a Drink (and what to do about it)

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If your skin has been feeling a little on the drier side lately, it’s probably low on hydration and could really use a long drink. Let’s break down the five most common signs of dehydrated skin and what to do about it.

Firstly, there’s a difference between dry skin vs dehydrated skin.

Dry skin is a skin type. It naturally produces less oil.

Dehydrated skin is a condition. Any skin type can experience it – dry, oily, combo, sensitive… even breakout-prone skin.

And yep, you can have oily and dehydrated skin at the same time.

Dehydration happens when skin doesn’t have enough water. And when water levels drop, your skin barrier struggles to do its job properly. Moisture escapes faster than it should and skin starts sending out subtle (and not-so-subtle) SOS signals.

Here are some of the common signs:

1. Flaky patches (especially in random places)

Little rough bits around your nose, chin, cheeks, elbows or arms are often one of the first signs your skin needs a surge of moisture. When skin is dehydrated, it struggles to shed dead skin cells. Cell turnover slows, texture becomes uneven and suddenly you’re dealing with dreaded flakes. This means your skin is lacking the water it needs to function normally.

2. Tightness after cleansing

If your skin feels tight, stretched or uncomfortable after cleansing, it could mean that it’s over-stripped. Tightness is one of the clearest signs your skin barrier needs support. When the barrier is compromised, water escapes faster than your skin can hold onto it (a process known as transepidermal water loss).

That doesn’t mean your skin is ‘failing’ – it just means it needs a bit of extra support right now. Healthy, hydrated skin should feel calm and comfortable after cleansing, not like it’s stretched thin.

3. Dullness

Well-hydrated skin reflects light better. Dehydrated skin? Not so much. When moisture levels dip, skin can start to look flat, dull and tired, even if you’re sleeping well and doing all the right things.

4. Itchiness or sudden sensitivity

Ever notice your skin gets itchy, tingly or reactive for no obvious reason? Dehydrated skin is often more sensitive because the protective barrier that keeps irritants out is weakened. When that barrier isn’t doing its job, skin reacts more easily to weather, air conditioning, heating and even products you usually tolerate just fine. Result: skin that feels uncomfortable, reactive and generally a bit cranky.

5. Fine lines looking more noticeable

Fine lines are more visible when skin is dehydrated. Because when skin lacks water, it loses plumpness. Texture looks more pronounced. Lines look deeper than they actually are. And while hydration won’t completely remove fine lines and wrinkles, it can help skin look smoother, plumper and more rested, which makes those lines less pronounced. And just as importantly, help skin feel more comfortable, calm and supported.

So… what actually causes dehydrated skin?

A few very common culprits: Hot showers. Over-cleansing. Cold weather. Hot weather. Air conditioning. Indoor heating. Exfoliating too often. Harsh products. Forgetting to seal in moisture properly. Not drinking enough water. In other words: modern life.

The good news? Thirsty skin is usually very fixable once you know what you’re dealing with.

Hydrating vs moisturising

Hydrating products help draw water into the skin. Think water-loving ingredients that quench thirsty skin and boost bounce. For a serious skin drink, reach for Raindrops Hydrating Mist and FG Serum 01 – both designed to boost hydration and leave skin feeling fresh and bouncy.

Moisturising products, on the other hand, help seal that hydration inslowing moisture loss and keeping skin comfortable. If you prefer something lighter, Perfectly Happy Light Vitamin C Cream is a great daytime option. For drier skin or extra barrier support, Over The Moon Rich Repair Cream brings the cosy comfort.

And don’t forget your cleanse. Using a gentle, non-stripping cleanser like Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm or 3 Cheers Cleansing Oil helps prep skin properly, so all that hydration stays where it belongs.

A handy way to picture it:

  • Hydration works like a magnetpulling water into the skin’
  • Moisturisation works like a fortresslocking it all in

Most skin types need bothespecially when dealing with dehydration.

Hydrate first. Seal second. That’s the sweet spot.

So if your skin feels tight, flaky, dull, itchy or like fine lines are suddenly more noticeable, it’s probably just thirsty. Alongside avoiding obvious dehydration culprits (hello, sun, air-con and over-cleansing) and keeping your water intake up, it can really help to build a skincare routine that supports and repairs the skin barrier while locking in all that juicy hydration.

Drink up!

SHOP SKINCARE

Martha Stewart’s Brigitte Bardot Updo Is Her Sexiest Look Ever – See Photos

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When you hear the term “blonde bombshell,” who comes to mind? Pamela Anderson? Brigitte Bardot? Jayne Mansfield? Because if Martha Stewart isn’t on your list, you’re not paying attention.

The multi-hyphenate hostess extraordinaire put her expertise to good use last night, hosting a who’s-who in beauty and influencing for dinner at Flamingo Estate in Los Angeles, where she shared the latest from her skin-care brand, Elm Biosciences. But she also gave attendees a look at an unforgettable va-va-voom updo.

Channeling iconic 1960s hairstyles, Stewart’s golden blonde hair was impeccably piled atop her head, inconspicuously pinned to look as though it all just floated into place. Tendrils were left loose all around her head, including as a way to frame her side bangs, which swooped over one eye in an especially come-hither way.

Martha Stewart hosts Elm Biosciences Dinner held at Flamingo Estate on February 02, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chad Salvador/WWD via Getty Images)Chad Salvador/Getty Images

And who was responsible for such a fabulous updo? Hairstylist Chris Appleton, of course, who’s been her go-to for voluminous hair transformations. He and Stewart shared a collaborative Instagram reel showing her before and after. (And let’s not kid around here—the before is gorgeous, too.)