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An indie brand’s approach to hormone-conscious skincare

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An indie brand’s approach to hormone-conscious skincare

As consumer awareness around hormonal health and ingredient transparency intensifies, some indie beauty brands are carving out new spaces at the intersection of wellness and skincare.

From fertility and pregnancy to postpartum and perimenopause, shifting hormones can bring visible skin changes that many beauty buyers say remain underserved by conventional beauty products.

Verli, founded by Laura and Marky Beverlin, is one such brand positioning itself within this evolving category. Built around what the company describes as a hormone-conscious philosophy, Verli formulates products to support skin during hormonally sensitive life stages, adhering to EU cosmetic standards and excluding more than 1,600 ingredients it considers questionable.

For this month’s Indie Insights, we spoke with Laura Beverlin, who discusses the brand’s origin story, its approach to defining and communicating endocrine-disruptor-free claims, and how it is building consumer trust in a category often described as confusing by consumers.

CDU: Verli was built around the idea that hormonal health and skincare are deeply connected. What inspired you to create a brand at this intersection of wellness and beauty?

Laura Beverlin: We created Verli because so many women, myself included, were struggling with skin changes that traditional beauty wasn’t addressing.

Once we understood how closely hormones and skin health are connected, it became clear that we wanted to create a skincare brand that was both truly clean and supportive during sensitive life stages.

CDU: Pregnancy-safe skincare is a confusing and often underregulated category. How does Verli approach ingredient selection and formulation to ensure both safety and efficacy?

Laura Beverlin: At Verli, safety is non-negotiable. Because “pregnancy-safe” lacks universal regulation, we choose to lead with rigorous standards rather than marketing language.

Every formula is created in compliance with strict EU guidelines and is meticulously developed without more than 1,600+ questionable ingredients, including parabens, phthalates, endocrine disruptors, and common irritants.

Each formula is biocompatible, pH-balanced, and intentionally crafted to work in harmony with the skin, supporting its natural processes without introducing potential hormonal stressors.

We combine advanced botanical ingredients with clinical testing to ensure that our products are both gentle enough for delicate skin and effective enough for everyday use.

In short: we never ask women to choose between safety and performance.

CDU: You emphasize formulating without endocrine-disrupting ingredients. How do you define and communicate that standard to consumers while staying transparent about what’s truly hormone-conscious?

Laura Beverlin: Hormone-conscious skincare is a responsibility we take seriously and carefully.

Because the science of endocrine disruption is evolving, we focus on what is evidence-supported, transparent, and grounded in consumer safety.

We define endocrine-disrupting ingredients as substances that are known or strongly suspected to interfere with hormonal balance.

This includes phthalates, parabens, BPA, certain fragrance allergens, and other compounds we proactively exclude.

While regulatory agencies debate exposure thresholds, we choose a precautionary approach: we remove them entirely.

CDU: Hormonal shifts, from trying to conceive (TTC) to perimenopause, are often underserved moments in the beauty industry. How does Verli design products and messaging to meet women where they are in these life stages?

Laura Beverlin: Our products are designed to be gentle, non-disruptive, and effective through every stage- pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and beyond.

We meet women where they are with supportive formulas and messaging that acknowledges real hormonal changes without overwhelm or fear.

CDU: As an indie brand, how are you approaching community-building and brand trust in such a sensitive wellness space?

Laura Beverlin: By leading with transparency, researched formulation standards, and warm, educational communication.

We focus on connection over transactions, guiding, validating, and supporting our community with honest, accessible information and high-performing products they can rely on.

Our community shapes our products, our content, and our decisions. That transparency builds trust.

CDU: What role do you see hormone-conscious beauty playing in the broader future of skincare, and how do you hope Verli will influence that evolution?

Laura Beverlin: Hormone-conscious beauty is the next evolution of skincare: one that prioritizes long-term wellness and ingredient integrity.

Verli aims to set the standard with botanically grounded, scientifically backed, non-disruptive formulations that support skin and body harmony at every life stage.

Nars’ New Foundation Is Soft-Focus Skin in a Bottle

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Nars’ New Foundation Is Soft-Focus Skin in a Bottle

Key Takeaways

  • On 2/19, Nars is launching their latest foundation innovation: Natural Matte Longwear Foundation.
  • The serum-like formula is available in 46 shades and features a blurring finish that lasts up to 24 hours.

Though Nars is famous for their Orgasm blush made to mimic the skin’s natural flush, there are times when you don’t want your complexion to betray any emotion. What you find charming or pleasurable is your own business, after all.

Thus, the brand has a solution. On Thursday, February 19, Nars is launching their new Natural Matte Longwear Foundation, a serum-like, soft-focus formula for “skin that’s free to face it all.”

Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about the exciting addition to the Nars family, including our honest review.

Nars


The Inspiration

In a pre-launch Instagram post highlighting some old François Nars work, the brand gave some insight into why the product was conceptualized.

“François Nars, Founder & Creative Director, has always believed that skin should still look like skin—enhanced, but never masked,” the post reads. “His less-is-more approach to complexion was revolutionary in the ’90s, resulting in fresh-faced looks that nailed the balance between natural and perfected.”

A note featured in the post and signed by Nars the artist reads “true freedom is knowing your skin looks good without second guessing.”

That’s the vision here. Great skin, with no second guessing or worries of betrayal.

The Formula

Available in 46 shades, the foundation promises a natural matte, long-wearing finish (seriously, it’s in the name) that lasts for up to 24 hours and includes shine/oil control to visibly blur pores, skin texture, and other general imperfections.

Nars


On top of that, it feels weightless. Coverage is buildable and easy to blend, with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide and peptides on hand to further diminish the look of pores and visibly improve texture in just two weeks.

The Review

Beautiful Hunter


“I’ll admit, the word ‘matte’ usually scares me a little, especially during the winter months, but I’ve been dealing with a bout of hormonal acne and needed something a little more pigmented than my usual skin tint. Besides, if there’s anyone I trust with a matte formula, it’s Nars. While my bottle is just a touch too dark for me, this really is a lovely foundation. It has a serum-like texture that glides right on my skin for what I would consider true medium coverage. It definitly knocked back some of the redness of my acne without looking mask-like (I’m not wearing additional concealer in these photos), and has a pretty soft-matte finish that still has some life to it. It wore well all day and never got caky or crumbly, and had a pretty airbrushed finish. It will definitely be my new go-to for days when I need just a little bit more.” —Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor

Going to the Same Place Over and Over Again Is Really Good for You, Actually

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Going to the Same Place Over and Over Again Is Really Good for You, Actually

Almost every Friday, my best friend and I head to our local pizza restaurant, slide into a booth, and place the same order: a kale salad, a large pie with sweet Italian sausage and caramelized onions, and a pitcher of beer. Over the course of our three-year-old ritual, in addition to consuming hundreds of slices, we’ve befriended two of the servers that work there, frequently chatting with them about their lives, the holidays, and, of course, the weather. I’ll admit: Sometimes I feel embarrassed that I’m returning to the same place and ordering the same meal instead of trying a new restaurant. (I live in New York City, after all.) But as it turns out, being a regular somewhere is actually good for your social and emotional health.

Most of us prioritize the relationships we have with our family members, friends, and colleagues. However, in 1973, Mark Granovetter, a sociologist at Stanford University, found that casual acquaintances, classified as “weak ties”—such as the barista at your local coffee shop, the bartender at your neighborhood watering hole, or the front desk attendant at the gym—can often be just as important to our lives. Over four decades later, researchers at Oxford University discovered data that encourages those ties: People who were locals at an establishment were more socially engaged, content, and more likely to trust others in their community than those who weren’t.

While you may not think much of the small talk you engage in with casual acquaintances, discussing the never-ending rain, that annoying pothole, or the gorgeous sunset can play a role in your overall wellbeing. “These kinds of small interactions actually can boost our mood and overall contribute to our social health by making us feel more connected, by allowing for regular, consistent interaction, and even by presenting us with the opportunity to potentially make friends and develop deeper relationships,” says Kasley Killam, MPH, a Harvard-trained social scientist.

There’s even more recent research that suggests we should be seeking out these relationships: A 2022 study published in PNAS found that participants who spoke to a broad range of people on a given day (from strong to weak ties) were happier than those who didn’t. On the other hand, an AARP survey published last year found that more than one-third of American adults feel lonely. Whether spurred by a lack of time, energy, or connection, this sense of isolation can ultimately snowball: When you feel isolated, you actually tend to stay home more, resulting in you being even more isolated, says Maya Borgueta, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of Stella Nova Psychology. Instead of focusing on building an entire friendship network from scratch, visiting a local establishment can be a more accessible approach to combatting this. “Going and sitting in a coffee shop and making that your safe place and your social connection for the day and knowing who the barista is and having a quick conversation with them can be really helpful,” she says.

The Best Skin-Tightening Treatments for the Body

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The Best Skin-Tightening Treatments for the Body

Skin-tightening treatments have long been popular, but demand has grown as more patients experience rapid weight loss while taking GLP-1 medications. As interest rises, so has innovation. Treatments are becoming more reliable each year, says Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Jeffrey Antimarino, MD. For patients seeking mild to moderate improvement in body skin laxity without surgery, these options can offer meaningful results.

Still, there’s no single “best” skin-tightening treatment. Skin ages in multiple layers, says New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD. “There is collagen loss within the dermis, thinning of the extracellular matrix, changes in subcutaneous fat distribution and gradual weakening of underlying muscle tone,” she explains. “If we only address one layer, the improvement is often partial. When we layer treatments thoughtfully, outcomes are more durable and more harmonious.”

That’s why combination plans tend to produce the most natural-looking outcomes. “It respects how the body actually ages,” explains Dr. Russak. “We are stimulating collagen, improving dermal density, supporting muscle tone and enhancing cellular signaling.” She adds that internal health factors—including hormonal balance, protein intake, metabolic health and inflammation—also play an important role in optimizing results.

Before discussing the right multifaceted skin-tightening plan with your doctor, explore some of the treatment options our experts recommend below.

Featured Experts

Energy-Based Devices

Dr. Russak says energy-based devices remain foundational when it comes to skin tightening. “Radiofrequency, focused ultrasound and certain laser technologies stimulate collagen remodeling by delivering controlled thermal energy into the dermis and subdermal tissue,” she explains. “These are particularly effective for the abdomen, inner thighs, upper arms, above the knees and bra line. Over several months, patients see progressive tightening as new collagen and elastin form.”

Dr. Antimarino favors combining microneedling with energy-based radiofrequency. He points to the VirtueRF device with the Deep handpiece as a great way to tighten skin on the body, including the anterior thighs, knees and arms. “The small needles penetrate to a shallow depth in the skin before emitting a micropulse of radiofrequency, which causes tightening of the collagen strands in the dermis,” he explains. The treatment calls for topical numbing but has no downtime.

Alternatively, Dr. Antimarino recommends the “Helix laser, a combination of a CO2 laser and a non-ablative 1570nm laser that will resurface skin, correct sun damage and also tighten the skin by causing the superficial collagen bundles in the upper skin to contract.” He notes that it can be used anywhere on the body, but is most commonly applied to the décolleté, arms, hands and thighs.

Dr. Antimarino also recommends the latest radiofrequency device from South Korea, Everesse, which “uses radiofrequency to heat the collagen in the skin and the soft tissue lying just below the skin to produce a tightening and lifting result.” He says the beauty of this device is that it doesn’t require numbing, prep or downtime, and it can be used on most parts of the body, with the thighs and arms being the most common.

Biostimulatory Injections

Dr. Russak says she sees the biggest difference when energy treatments are combined with biostimulatory injectables such as Sculptra and Radiesse. “Collagen-stimulating agents placed strategically in areas such as the abdomen, upper arms or buttocks can improve dermal density and firmness over time,” she explains. “Rather than creating surface contraction alone, this approach strengthens the structural framework of the skin.”

Muscle-Stimulating Devices

Muscle tone is often an overlooked piece of the puzzle, says Dr. Russak, as laxity isn’t exclusively a skin issue. “Weak or atrophic muscle contributes to the appearance of sagging, especially in the abdomen, buttocks and thighs,” she says. “Treating skin without addressing muscle can limit the overall result.”

“Technologies that stimulate muscle contraction, such as electromagnetic muscle stimulation, can improve tone and provide structural support from beneath,” says Dr. Russak. Devices like EmSculpt or Physiq 360 can strengthen muscles, which helps “the overlying skin appear firmer and more lifted.”

Regenerative Treatments

Dr. Russak says regenerative adjuncts such as exosomes and secretome-based therapies are becoming increasingly popular. “These biologically active signaling molecules can enhance cellular communication, support fibroblast activity and optimize the wound-healing response after energy-based procedures,” she says. “In appropriate candidates, they appear to amplify collagen regeneration and improve skin quality, particularly in crepey or post-weight-loss skin.”

Two Soup Ingredients That’ll Boost Your Immunity

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Two Soup Ingredients That’ll Boost Your Immunity

As a dietitian, one of my favorite things about my job is showing people that supporting their health doesn’t have to mean complicated supplements or drastic lifestyle changes. Sometimes the best tools for staying well are already in your kitchen, or at least on your local grocery store shelves.

When cold and flu season hits, I love turning to food as a way to support the immune system. And when it comes to simple, flavorful, and effective options, garlic and ginger are my go-to ingredients, especially in soups. These two staples don’t just add depth to favorite recipes; they also bring powerful immune health support to the table.

Of course, no single food is a magic bullet. True immune resilience comes from a combination of good sleep, stress management, regular activity, and proper hygiene. But nutrition plays an important role in how well your body defends itself, and garlic and ginger are two of the most potent tools you can use, in my humble opinion. Here’s why I swear by this dynamic duo, and how to make sure you’re getting the most out of them.

Why garlic and ginger are an immunity power couple

Garlic and ginger have been used medicinally for centuries, and modern science is finally catching up to explain why.

Garlic contains a compound called alliin. When you crush or chop garlic, this compound turns into allicin, which is the main active ingredient responsible for garlic’s distinctive smell—and its immune-supporting potential. Research suggests that garlic extract may enhance immune cell function, potentially reducing the severity of colds and flu. Some studies have even shown that regular garlic consumption might lead to fewer sick days overall.

Ginger is equally impressive. It is a source of gingerols and shogaols, which are bioactive compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural immune response, but chronic inflammation can actually suppress your immune system. By helping to modulate this response, ginger supports your body’s defenses. Plus, ginger has antimicrobial potential, which may help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and viruses.

How much garlic and ginger do you really need?

Here is the kicker: Enjoying hummus made with a light sprinkle of garlic powder or a ginger smoothie every now and then might taste great, but it probably won’t move the needle for your immune health. Consistent intake in the right dose is what delivers the therapeutic benefits often highlighted in studies.

How to Protect Your Hair From Chlorine (And Help it Recover After the

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How to Protect Your Hair From Chlorine (And Help it Recover After the

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Aussie summer and pool days go hand in hand. Cannonballs. BBQs. Ice cream. Bliss!

If you’ve ever climbed out of the pool and wondered why your hair suddenly feels like hay… you’re not imagining it. Chlorine can leave your mop tangled, frizzy, brittle or even brassy – especially if you’re already dealing with dry or colour-treated strands.

The good news? You don’t have to avoid splashing about in the water. With a little know-how and the right routine, you can protect your hair before you swim and help it recover afterwards.

How Chlorine Affects Hair

Chlorine keeps pools clean and swim-safe by eliminating bacteria (which we’re very grateful for). But it’s not just interacting with microbes. Your hair gets involved too.

Here’s how:

Chlorine strips away the natural oils that coat and protect the hair shaft. Those oils help keep the cuticle smooth, flexible and hydrated. When they’re removed, the cuticle can lift slightly, making hair feel rougher and more porous.

Over time, this can lead to:

  • Increased dryness
  • Brittleness
  • Split ends
  • Dullness
  • Greater susceptibility to breakage

And it’s important to understand: all hair types are affected. While chemically processed or bleached hair may show the effects more dramatically, virgin hair isn’t immune. Chlorine can impact any hair texture, colour or density.

Does Chlorine Affect Curly and Textured Hair Differently?

Yep – and often more noticeably.

Curly and coily hair types naturally tend to be drier because the structure of the curl makes it harder for scalp oils to travel down the hair shaft. When chlorine strips those limited oils away, the dryness can feel amplified.

Textured hair exposed to frequent swimming may experience:

  • Increased frizz
  • Reduced definition
  • More tangling
  • Heightened brittleness

That’s why prevention and post-swim hydration are especially important for curls and coils.

Why Blonde Hair Sometimes Turns Green

Chlorine itself doesn’t directly turn blonde hair green. The real culprit is trace metals (especially copper) present in pool water. Chlorine binds with these metals, and when that mixture interacts with porous hair (like bleached or lightened strands), it can deposit a faint green or ashy tone.

If you’re blonde or colour-treated, you’re more likely to notice:

  • Brassiness
  • Faded colour
  • Slight tonal shifts

Which makes protective prep even more worthwhile.

How to Protect Your Hair Before Swimming

A few simple steps can significantly reduce chlorine’s impact.

1. Saturate With Fresh Water First

Hair behaves a bit like a sponge – when it’s dry, it soaks up whatever it meets. If you fully wet your hair with clean, fresh water before entering the pool, it absorbs less chlorinated water.

2. Create a Light Barrier

Applying a small amount of conditioner or leave-in product to mid-lengths and ends before swimming can help form a temporary barrier. This can reduce moisture loss and minimise direct exposure. The goal isn’t to coat heavily, just to create a thin layer that helps smooth and seal the cuticle slightly.

3. Wear Protective Styles

Braids, buns and tied-back styles reduce tangling and minimise how much hair is exposed to constant movement in the water. Less friction means less post-swim detangling drama.

4. Consider a Swim Cap

It may not be glamorous, but a swim cap is one of the most effective physical barriers against chlorine. While it won’t keep hair perfectly dry, it significantly reduces exposure, especially for regular swimmers.

How to Help Hair Recover After the Pool

Prevention helps, but what you do after swimming matters just as much.

1. Rinse Immediately

Don’t let chlorine sit in your hair. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water as soon as possible after leaving the pool. This helps rinse away leftover chlorine and trace metals before they bind more deeply. Even if it’s just a quick shower at the pool before you jump in the car – it makes a difference.

2. Cleanse Gently, But Properly

After pool exposure, hair needs cleansing but not aggressive stripping. A sulphate-free shampoo like Respect My Roots Natural Shampoo is a great option for swim season. It gently cleanses and hydrates the scalp and hair with nourishing ingredients without compounding the dryness chlorine may have already caused. Because it avoids harsh detergents, it removes build-up without leaving hair feeling squeaky or brittle. It’s also Curly Girl approved and perfect for all hair types – even blondes!

3. Replenish Moisture

Follow with a nourishing conditioner, such as Respect My Roots Natural Conditioner, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.

Conditioning helps:

  • Smooth the cuticle
  • Improve manageability
  • Reduce frizz
  • Restore softness

Allowing the conditioner to sit for a few minutes before rinsing improves its effectiveness.

4. Reduce Heat Styling

Hair that has been exposed to chlorine is temporarily more vulnerable. High heat styling immediately afterwards can increase stress on the strands. If possible, let hair air dry or use lower heat settings with protection.

5. Use Occasional Intensive Treatments

If you swim frequently, consider incorporating a weekly deep conditioning or strengthening treatment into your routine. Fast-acting formulas that work in five to ten minutes are recommended. Consistency matters more than marathon masking sessions.

Enjoy the Pool Without Sacrificing Your Hair

Pool days shouldn’t come at the expense of your hair. Protect before you swim. Rinse and cleanse after. Hydrate consistently. Be especially mindful if you’re blonde or have textured locks.

With a little legwork, you can enjoy every swim without sacrificing softness, shine or strength and maintain healthy-looking hair through summer and beyond.

Dive in. Just don’t forget to rinse!

Shop Shampoo and Conditioner

REHAB. Becomes First Haircare Resident at Selfridges’ The Beauty Spot

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REHAB. Becomes First Haircare Resident at Selfridges’ The Beauty Spot

THE WHAT? Award-winning hair, bodycare and skincare brand REHAB. has been announced as the first-ever haircare resident at Selfridges London’s experimental retail concept, The Beauty Spot.

THE DETAILS From 16 February 2026, REHAB. will launch The REHAB. Prescription Bar within Selfridges, described as an elevated reimagining of the traditional pharmacy. The immersive space is designed to deliver expert-led, personalised consultations, allowing customers to co-create tailored self-care routines that fit seamlessly into their everyday lives.

The residency marks a milestone for The Beauty Spot, which spotlights innovative and disruptive beauty brands through rotating concepts. By positioning itself as a destination for guided, prescription-style haircare advice, REHAB. aims to blend experiential retail with customised solutions in a high-profile London department store setting.

THE WHY? The partnership strengthens REHAB.’s premium retail presence while tapping into growing consumer demand for personalised, expert-driven beauty experiences, reinforcing Selfridges’ strategy to offer immersive and category-evolving concepts.

Source: Nice PR

Kate Love on Motherhood and Beauty

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Kate Love on Motherhood and Beauty

Kate Love first came to public attention in the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, where she was named Rookie of the Year and quickly became a recurring presence. More than a decade later, she is repositioning herself not simply as a model, but as a curator of modern wellness. With the launch of Ellóryn Edit, a platform devoted to health, beauty and balanced living, Love is translating her industry fluency into a more personal register, sharing the products, rituals and practices that shape her daily life.

Was there a specific moment or experience in your life that made you realize you needed to build The Ellóryn Edit?

“The Ellóryn Edit was born organically, out of real life and real conversations. My cofounder, Shir and I were constantly texting, sending voice notes, FaceTiming and sharing videos about everything from skin reactions and hair changes to motherhood, travel, beauty discoveries and the realities of managing full lives with children. At some point, it became clear that these weren’t just private exchanges, they were the same questions our friends, family and community were asking us. We realized there was something special. The Ellóryn Edit became a way to open those conversations up, to take what was happening naturally and create a space where others could feel included.”

How does this project reflect where you are personally?

“The Ellóryn Edit reflects a stage of life where nuance matters. I’m no longer looking for perfection or extremes. I’m looking for balance, discernment and what works. Motherhood, travel, work and wellness all coexist now, and the Edit mirrors that reality. For me, it’s less about chasing trends and more about curating what supports me in this season. The products, routines and conversations that feel thoughtful, practical and grounded. The Edit is very much a reflection of living fully and intentionally.”

What parts of yourself did you have to lean into while bringing this project to life?

“I had to lean into trust—trusting my instincts, my taste and my experience. I also had to embrace vulnerability. Sharing openly about my skin allergies, reactions, motherhood and behind-the-scenes realities of life requires honesty and softness. At the same time, I leaned into my role as a creator, someone who enjoys editing, refining and distilling information into something meaningful and approachable. The Ellóryn Edit sits at the intersection of intuition and intention.”

When you imagined your ideal user, who did you picture, and what were they struggling with or looking for?

“We imagined someone who is thoughtful, curious, busy and trying to do it all. Navigating skin sensitivities, changing hair, travel logistics and the mental load that comes with managing a household and a very full life. We just wanted to create something for anyone who values quality, transparency and connection.”

Were there any beliefs you had to unlearn while creating this space?

“Yes, the idea that everything needs to be perfectly packaged before it’s shared. We also let go of the notion that wellness or beauty must look the same for everyone. The Edit embraces individuality, flexibility and the understanding that what works can evolve.”

What has surprised you most since launching?

“How deeply people resonate with honesty. The response has reinforced that people are craving real conversations, especially around skin struggles, wellness and motherhood. There’s comfort in shared experience, and it’s been incredibly meaningful to see how many people feel seen through the Edit.”

What does ‘wellness’ mean to you?

“Wellness to me is personal and ever-evolving. It’s not one rigid routine; it’s a collection of small, intentional practices that help me feel my best physically, mentally and emotionally. I am invested in health and wellness, but in a realistic way that fits into my journey of motherhood and living my full life.

That might look like saunas, red-light therapy, adding Manuka honey to my morning coffee, prioritizing daily movement or getting outside for a walk. Sometimes with my babies, sometimes just to talk with a friend and clear my head. Wellness is also mental clarity, connection and giving yourself permission to slow down when needed. I’m still working on this one!

At this stage of life, it’s less about extremes and more about consistency in doing the small things, often, that support how I want to feel.”

What are some beauty products you cannot live without?

“Products that are gentle, effective and trustworthy, especially given our experiences with skin allergies and reactions. I gravitate toward formulas that feel supportive rather than aggressive, and tools or rituals that simplify rather than overwhelm. The Edit is as much about what we don’t use as what we do.

As I’ve moved to Utah and been in the driest of climates my top products that made the cut are:

Weleda Skin Food ($20): A simple classic you can get at Whole Foods, but it is super rich and nourishing. It makes for a nice base for my skin and keeps me hydrated. I always have a mini in my purse to reapply or use as hand lotion.

Joanna Czech The Balm ($230): I love how this balm seals in my skin care. It feels like a barrier against cold winter wind.

Shu Uemura Absolute Essence ($50): This is a beautiful hair oil that hydrates and protects my hair without weighing it down. An additional bonus: it’s also my favorite fragrance. My hair is now where I wear my perfume!

Organic Research Lait U Milk Cleanser (discontinued, other options here): Gentle, non-stripping, leaves skin calm.

Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum ($188): Strengthens and hydrates in all climates.

Dieux Skin Instant Angel Fragrance-Free ($45): Deeply hydrating, non-greasy, doesn’t clog pores. Husbands love this one!

They’re all linked on the Ellóryn Edit ShopMy for easy shopping.”

How do you protect authenticity as your social footprint grows and reaches more people?

“By staying rooted in why we started, conversation, curiosity and community. We only share what we genuinely use, love or are actively learning about. If something doesn’t feel aligned, it doesn’t make it into the Edit.”

When you think about the future, what excites you on a personal level, not just a business one?

“What excites me most about the future, on a personal level, is this season of balance I’m stepping into. My kids are just getting old enough that I have a little more space for myself again, and it’s been really energizing to return to creative work, to build, to model and to have a social life while still being deeply present with my family. I love that it doesn’t feel like a trade-off anymore. It’s starting to feel like integration.

I’m excited about showing my children that you can be fulfilled in your work and fully engaged at home, and that those two things can strengthen each other. This chapter feels less about proving something and more about living in alignment, and that’s what excites me most.”

I Went on a $1,700-a-Night Sleep Retreat

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I Went on a ,700-a-Night Sleep Retreat

Unlike stays at ashrams in India or even silent retreats at rural compounds within the U.S., the more I learned about sleep retreats the more I gathered they are less a masochistic wellness endeavor and more a way to pay for time and space that will bring you peace. Which was perfect, really, for me.

I opted to try the Sleep Lab at the Equinox Hotel in New York City, which opened to much fanfare in 2019. It seemed like a good option for someone like me—at least if you live in or near Manhattan: It was easy to get to (just 20 minutes from my apartment—I could get home easily in case of emergency, and arranging childcare felt more manageable), customizable (you didn’t have to commit to any programming or itinerary), and I could even bring my family. (Though, arguably, that would defeat the whole point.)

So I booked it for the night before Christmas Eve, when I knew I could really go dark for 12 to 24 hours. And that was that: I dropped my daughter off at my parents’ in the suburbs, and wished the best of luck to them.

The room

Upon checking in, the hotel manager whisked me away for a tour of my room, one of four Premier King Sleep Lab rooms in the hotel. The Sleep Lab experience was developed with input from Matthew Walker, PhD, a professor of neuroscience and psychology and founder of the Center for Human Sleep Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Each is outfitted with an Eight Sleep bed (evangelized by Andrew Huberman), intelligent room features like lighting and temperature control that you can automate based on your preferred sleep and wake times, a contrast therapy shower, soundscape and meditation programming on the television, and then, of course, the swag: a cabinet full of sleep supplements and other goodies that could boost my wellbeing. Some, like a high-performance eye mask and bedtime tea, were free of charge. Others, like a $129 Dame vibrator, were not.

Moon Juice Enters Target in Major Mass Retail Expansion

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Moon Juice Enters Target in Major Mass Retail Expansion

THE WHAT? Functional supplement brand Moon Juice has launched in 755 Target stores nationwide and on Target.com, marking its largest move into mass retail to date.

THE DETAILS The rollout features a focused assortment of three magnesium products: US$43.99 Berry Magnesi-Om (30-serving jar), US$21.99 Berry Magnesi-Om (seven-count stick pack) and US$25.49 Cherry Sleepy Magnesi-Om (seven-count stick pack). Founder Amanda Chantal Bacon said Target had first approached the brand as early as 2013, but the timing is only now aligned as consumer demand for magnesium supplements—fuelled by trends like the “sleepy girl mocktail”—has entered the mainstream.

The appointment of CEO Federico Troiani in 2025 has supported the brand’s readiness to scale, bringing supplements expertise and strengthening the leadership team. Moon Juice expects wholesale retail sales to grow more than 40% this year, driven by the

Target launch, with total business growth projected at 20–30%. Target did not require changes to packaging or formulas, allowing the brand to maintain its positioning. Previously, Moon Juice was distributed through Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Amazon and natural retailers such as Erewhon and Sprouts, following a strategic shift away from brick-and-mortar juice shops to focus solely on supplements.

THE WHY? The move reflects Moon Juice’s maturation from indie wellness brand to nationally scaled player, capitalising on surging consumer awareness of magnesium and expanding distribution to drive brand awareness, sell-through and long-term growth in the mass channel.

Source: WWD

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