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At-Home Self-Care Guide – LAMAV

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DIY Self-Care Retreat: Your Winter Reset Starts Here

Feeling burned out and stressed? It might be time to book in some self-care. While booking in for a 3 day wellness retreat would be a dream come true for most of us, it’s often not realistic. With family and work commitments, most of us can’t find the time or the money to attend multi-day self-care events.

Thankfully, you can take a do-it-yourself approach by creating a meaningful wellness retreat at home, and what better time to get cosy with yourself at home than Winter!? With some careful planning and the right self-care products it is possible to achieve the healthy reset your body and mind have been craving.

Why is Self-Care so Important?

Self-Care, Detoxing, Mindfulness – these aren’t just trending topics on social media. Regularly taking time to check out of work and unplug from the online world to reconnect with our mind and body is a necessity for overall health and wellness. Taking the time to listen to what our mind and body needs and taking action on those feelings will help to ease stress, boost energy levels and improve your mood.

Whilst small things each day such as a 10 minute meditation or a walk in nature will help us get through the day, sometimes we need more time to reset – particularly in times of extreme stress. Creating an at-home retreat is a great way to reset and kick start ongoing self-care and healthy habits that will have a lasting effect on your mood, family and work life.

How to Set up a Wellness Retreat at Home

If you really want to benefit from an at-home wellness retreat it’s important to do a little pre-planning to ensure there are no interruptions. Choose a day or weekend where there are no plans, book it in your calendar and communicate with family and friends that you will be offline and unavailable on that day. It’s also important to set some goals – what are you wanting to achieve from the retreat? Will you be taking a holistic approach that includes mindfulness, rest, nutrition and fitness or will you be focusing on one of these areas?

Once you have locked in a date and set your goals, it’s time to plan ahead so that you can truely focus on you:

  • Clean and declutter the house prior to the retreat day – you don’t want any distractions tempting you to stray from focusing on your wellbeing.

  • Stock up on all food, drinks and personal care items that you may need so that you don’t have to interrupt your moment of self-care with a trip to the shops.

  • Meal prep and plan ahead with nutritious meals and snacks that will benefit your health.

What to Include in your Self-Care Retreat

A self-care retreat doesn’t need to be boring. While moments of quiet, rest and meditation are essential for a reset, you can also incorporate activities that feed your soul.

Take some time to think about things that bring you joy such as:

DIY Skin and Body Treatments

Booking into a spa for skin and body treatments is an ideal way to show your skin and body some self-care, however this may be too expensive for some. There are many natural skin treatments and tools now available for at-home use that may be a better long term investment as they can be used multiple times in the comfort of your own home. Follow our Ayurvedic Inspired skin and body routine below to bring comfort and glow to stressed winter skin.

DIY Organic Ayurvedic Body Treatments

Prior to showering reach for LAMAV’s Garshana Dry Body Brush. Using short strokes, begin at the feet and working your way towards the heart to exfoliate and detoxify the skin while improving circulation for smoother skin texture.

Next, warm LAMAV’s Nourish Ayurvedic Body Oil and complete our signature 5-10 minute Abhyanga Massage to relieve stressed muscles and encourage lymphatic drainage. Use flowing, firm strokes to focus on areas that are particularly tense and feel the stress melt away. You’ll not only be doing your muscles a favour, your skin will be left glowing thanks to the inclusion of nourishing oils and LAMAV’s Ayurvedic Wellness Blend.

Finish with a head massage and jump into a warm bath or shower to wash away impurities and excess oil.

Once showered, apply another light layer of your chosen Ayurvedic Body oil for extra winter skin nourishment and finish with a hand massage using LAMAV’s Vitamin C Hand Cream.

DIY Organic Winter Facial

Double Cleanse: Take the time to double cleanse while you have it, beginning with LAMAV’s Marula Oil Cleanser. This nourishing cleanser will melt away makeup, SPF and impurities without stripping the skin and is an ideal way to begin your facial with a 1-2 minute massage.

Exfoliate: LAMAV’s Jojoba Exfoliating Scrub is an ideal way to encourage cellular turnover without irritating the skin. Containing fruit derived AHA’s to break down dry, dull skin, along with essential fatty acids and soothing Aloe – your skin will be glowing and nourished.

Expert tip exfoliate in gentle circular motions for one minute and leave on the skin for an additional minute before rinsing to allow the AHA’s to do their job.

Masking: Applying face masks is often not seen as a necessity, so a winter retreat is the perfect opportunity to treat your skin to some extra care. LAMAV’s Firming Treatment Mask is packed with bio-actives to visibly lift, tone and boost skin elasticity and won’t leave the skin feeling tight or irritated. Grab a green tea or take the opportunity to lay down and close your eyes for 10 minutes while the mask sets.

Apply Skincare: For most of us, applying skincare is as routine as brushing our teeth. A retreat is the perfect time to be a little more intentional with what we are applying to our skin and embracing the experience as we do it. For winter, choose to layer hydrating boosting skincare to nourish and lock in moisture. We recommend starting with our Bakuchiol Booster, followed by our Hyaluronic Hydra-Max Serum and LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Moisture Cream or Omega Antioxidant Oil.

Kansa Wand Facial Massage: A facial wouldn’t be complete without a facial massage. LAMAV’s Ayurvedic Kansa wand works synergistically with our bio-active rich facial oils to rebalance and restore your Dosha while improving lymphatic drainage and revitalise tired, stressed skin.

For a tip: run the Kansa wand in a figure-eight movement from the centre of the brows, around and under the eye area for a blissful and tension relieving eye and temple massage.

Finishing Touches: Remove excess oil from your facial massage and apply LAMAV’s Intense Repair Eye Balm and Beauty Sleep Mask to lock in hydration and skin loving nutrients. Trust us – you’ll wake up with plump, smooth and glowing skin!

Sleep

While taking time for a retreat is great, one of the most important things we can do to support our physical health, mental health and immunity is getting enough high quality sleep on a regular basis. A retreat is the perfect opportunity to take the time to create healthy pre-sleep and bedtime habits that you can continue on a daily basis to ensure you get the shut eye that your mind and body is craving.

Mindfulness and Stress Management

If you’re someone who struggles to incorporate meditation or mindfulness into your daily routine, now is the ideal time to implement this healthy habit. To better manage the daily stress of life, try to start each morning or finish each day with a short meditation to quiet the mind. Meditation takes some practice and it’s important not to be hard on yourself if you can’t switch off straight away. It can take some time to break a busy mind and unhealthy thought patterns so be kind to yourself and maintain this daily ritual as best as you can to reap the rewards.

Creating a wellness retreat doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. Making space in your calendar to invest one day into your health and wellness will leave you feeling emotionally balanced, boost your energy and bring you some calm from daily chaos.

ECTOMORPH, MESOMORPH & ENDOMORPH MALE BODY TYPES ~ THE MALE GROOMING REVIEW

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Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph refer to the three primary body types or somatotypesa classification developed by Dr. William Sheldon in the 1940s. These somatotypes are used to describe individuals’ physical and metabolic characteristics.

Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Ectomorph

An ectomorph is characterised by a lean and slender body type, with narrow shoulders and hips. People with this somatotype typically have a fast metabolism, making it difficult for them to gain weight or muscle.

They tend to have long limbs, minimal body fat, and a delicate frame. Due to their high calorie-burning ability, ectomorphs often struggle with muscle development and may need to focus on strength training and higher calorie intake to build mass.
  • Physical Traits:
    • Thin, lean frame
    • Narrow shoulders and hips
    • Low body fat
    • Long limbs
    • Fast metabolism
  • Typical Challenges:
    • Difficulty gaining weight or muscle
    • Higher calorie needs
  • Fitness Focus:
    • Strength training and muscle building with increased calorie intake
    • Moderate cardio to prevent excessive calorie burning

2. Mesomorph

A mesomorph has a naturally muscular and athletic build, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and a well-proportioned physique. They gain muscle easily and tend to have a more efficient metabolism, making it easier to maintain or lose body fat.

Mesomorphs often respond well to both strength training and cardio, and they can adapt to various fitness routines with visible results. This body type typically finds it easier to achieve a toned, athletic look.
MALE BODY TYPES

  • Physical Traits:
    • Naturally muscular and athletic build
    • Broad shoulders and narrow waist
    • Gains muscle easily
    • Moderate body fat levels
    • Efficient metabolism
  • Typical Advantages:
    • Well-proportioned physique
    • Easier time gaining muscle and losing fat
  • Fitness Focus:
    • Balanced approach with strength training and moderate cardio
    • Can adapt to most exercise styles with visible results

3. Endomorph

An endomorph is characterized by a rounder, softer body with a higher tendency to store body fat. They often have wider hips, a stockier build, and a slower metabolism, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it.

Endomorphs may struggle with fat loss and need to be mindful of their diet and exercise routines, often focusing more on cardio and strength training to boost metabolism and maintain muscle mass. Despite these challenges, they can build strength and muscle relatively easily.
  • Physical Traits:
    • Stockier build with higher body fat
    • Wider hips and narrower shoulders
    • Slower metabolism
    • Tendency to store fat more easily
  • Typical Challenges:
    • Difficulty losing weight
    • Prone to fat gain even with moderate eating
  • Fitness Focus:
    • Higher focus on cardio for fat loss
    • Strength training to boost metabolism and maintain muscle mass

Practical Considerations

Most people are a combination of these body types, not purely one or the other. Training and nutrition should be tailored to the individual’s metabolic and physical characteristics rather than strictly adhering to one somatotype.

how to stop baldness and thinning hair


NewBeauty’s Top Stories of 2025

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At the end of every year, the editors at NewBeauty like to look back at the products and treatments that truly delivered—and made us feel our best. This year, we’re taking it a step further by spotlighting the biggest stories we reported on in 2025. From celebrity confessions and royalty-approved nail trends to every iteration of the bob haircut and how to care for skin after GLP-1 weight loss, these are the seven stories everyone was talking about in 2025.

Kylie Jenner’s Candid Breast Implant Confession

In June, Kylie Jenner sparked a social media firestorm when she casually replied to TikToker Rachel Leary about her breast implant specifications. “To me, you have got what I am looking for to have done in terms of a boob job,” Leary says in the video. “It’s like the most perfect, natural-looking boob job ever. They’re still big, but whatever way you’ve had the implants—if they are implants—or if you had fat transfer, to me, it is perfection.”

To the internet’s surprise, Jenner responded with striking specificity: “445 cc, moderate profile, half under the muscle,” she wrote. “Silicone!!! Garth Fisher!!! Hope this helps lol.”

Not only was Jenner’s candor refreshing, but it also ignited an ongoing wave of aesthetic transparency from celebrities, something we frankly haven’t seen at this scale before. Kristin Cavallari, Alix Earle and Simone Biles are among the high-profile names who have since shared their exact breast augmentation details. Others, including Rebecca Gayheart, Barbara Corcoran and Kris Jenner, have opened up about the personal motivations behind their plastic surgery decisions.

Kris Jenner’s Flawless Facelift

Later in the summer, Kris Jenner stunned with a refreshed look, but it wasn’t her flippy lob that had heads turning. The then-69-year-old had recently undergone her second facelift, performed by New York plastic surgeon Steven Levine, MD—and the results sparked so much conversation that searches for “Kris Jenner facelift” surged.

Jenner went on record shortly thereafter. “I decided to do this facelift because I want to be the best version of myself, and that makes me happy,” she explained. “If you feel comfortable in your skin and you want to age gracefully—meaning you don’t want to do anything—then don’t do anything. But for me, this is aging gracefully. It’s my version.”

On why she chose to speak openly about a topic Hollywood has historically kept under wraps, Jenner added: “I decided to reveal some details because I feel it can be very inspirational to people who aren’t feeling so great about ­themselves. Even when I had my hip replacement, we filmed it. I have the conviction that sharing these things can be helpful.”

Kelsea Ballerini’s Short Double Reverse Micro French Manicure

At this year’s Grammy Awards, Kelsea Ballerini debuted a black-and-white short double reverse micro French manicure that exuded minimalist rich-girl energy. Created by celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, the look features ultra-fine black and white French tips at both the base and tip of the nail, complemented by a natural pink base.

@nailsbyzola

‘Princess’ and ‘Soap’ Nails Master Luxury Minimalist Manicures

Speaking of nails, it felt like everyone was ready for a return to squeaky-clean, short manicures after a season dominated by darker hues and eye-catching chrome finishes. Enter princess nails and soap nails—two trends centered on elegant, pared-back looks that channel an effortless, unfussy air à la Kate Middleton.

Princess nails elevate natural, nude tones with impeccable cuticle care, resulting in a fresh, neat finish that feels quietly luxurious. Soap nails, the other major “clean girl” manicure of the year, are “achieved through layers of sheer, customizable shades that match the natural nail tone,” Zoya Creative Director Rebecca Isa previously explained to NewBeauty. The high-gloss finish, she adds, “gives nails a clean, fresh look, making it a perfect choice for those who love minimalist beauty with a touch of luxury.”

soap nails
IG: @matejanova & @biosculpturegelgb/@raelondonnails

Fluctuating Skin: What It Is and How to Treat It

The term “fluctuating skin” was a hot topic at the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual conference in April. Simply put, fluctuating skin sits somewhere in the middle of the skin-health spectrum, shifting between balanced and unbalanced states and often accompanied by chronic concerns.

At the conference, the UK’s number-one skin care brand, No7, presented findings from a survey conducted in partnership with the British Skin Foundation. The survey of 20,000 people found that the majority fell into this category, with fluctuating skin more prevalent among those under 45.

To help manage symptoms such as inflammation, barrier damage and oxidative stress, dermatologists recommend prioritizing skin-barrier-supporting products, getting adequate sleep and focusing on stress reduction.

Firming Up Slack Skin After GLP-1 Weight Loss

As millions of people lose weight on GLP-1 medications faster than ever before, demand for skin-toning treatments has surged in doctors’ offices nationwide. Providers are increasingly turning to a wide range of surgical and nonsurgical options to address common concerns, including facial volume loss, sagging, thinning, crepey skin and texture changes.

“The medication may kick-start the transformation, but what comes next matters just as much,” says Austin, TX plastic surgeon Johnny Franco, MD, who lost 90 pounds using GLP-1s.

Bobs Are Back at Every Age

woman with blunt bob looking to the side
Photo by Anh Tuan To on Unsplash

From Gracie Abrams to Leslie Bibb, bobs were the it hairstyle for women of all ages in 2025. For women over 50, layered, European and pixie-inspired styles reigned.

“Bobs are all the rage right now, especially for mature women,” agrees hairstylist Michelle Cleveland. “A classic European Bob has been my number one most requested style so far this year. It’s flattering on most face shapes and, thanks to its shorter length (mid-neckline and above), helps to redirect the eye up, which ‘visually’ lifts the face, giving a more youthful, elegant appearance.”

The One Thing That Reliably Kills Norovirus and How to Keep it From Spreading in Your Home

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And for soft surfaces like carpets and sofas? Carefully wipe up any visible bodily fluids while wearing disposable gloves and a mask, and then use a steam cleaner. (These generally heat up well beyond the 140 degrees Fahrenheit necessary to zap norovirus.)

2. Wash clothing on the hottest setting possible.

You’ll also want to give special treatment to any clothes that might be harboring norovirus particles—especially anything with visible vomit or poop stains, items someone wore when throwing up, or clothes you had on while cleaning afterward—and ASAP.

Before doing anything, put on a fresh pair of disposable gloves and a mask. Carefully carry these clothes to your washing machine with as little movement as possible to keep viral particles from shaking off. (If you’re bringing them to a laundromat, transport them in a plastic bag that you can throw out immediately after.) Then, run them at the highest temperature setting on the longest cycle (with both detergent and bleach, if the fabric allows), and dry them at high heat, Dr. Pischel says.

3. Disinfect any utensils or dishes the sick person uses.

It’s helpful to designate plates, cups, and utensils that the sick person will use while they’re experiencing symptoms and for two days afterward, and ensure everyone else in your home steers clear of those during that time. Dr. Pischel notes that a dishwasher on high heat may kill norovirus (particularly if it has a “sanitize” setting, which generally entails reaching a temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit). But she says it’s still good practice to have the sick person use specific kitchen items that others don’t touch and to run these in their own dishwasher cycle.

If you don’t have a dishwasher with a high-heat or sanitizing setting or you need to share utensils or dishware among family members, you can disinfect these items by both washing them thoroughly and soaking them in a bleach solution. In this case, one tablespoon per gallon of water will do. Here’s what to do: While wearing disposable gloves and a mask, scrape off any leftover food, then wash the items in hot soapy water and thoroughly rinse before soaking them in the bleach solution for at least one minute. Then, pull them out and let them air-dry.

4. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

You can’t rely on hand sanitizer to kill norovirus because, again, the main ingredient (a form of alcohol) isn’t capable of degrading the virus’s tough exterior. Though hand soap may also lack the power to effectively quash norovirus, there’s a separate benefit to using it: You scrub your hands with it and then rinse it off—so you’re actively dislodging virus particles and sending them down the drain, Dr. Pischel explains.

Behind the African Haircare Empire: Chéribé

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London Summers talks to the founder Salwa Petersen, the  visionary behind the cult-favorite brand Chéibé that’s taking  over Target and catching Vogue’s attention.

Photo Credit: IG@Chéribé

Exclusive Interview with Salwa Petersen

London Summers: Salwa, it’s a pleasure to talk with  you about your groundbreaking African haircare  brand, Chéribé. Can you tell us where you are from  and where you’re currently based?

Syland Swings: I’m proudly from Chad. I grew up  watching generations of Chadian women in my family  and community use Chébé seeds to nourish, protect, and  retain length, especially for tightly coiled textures. I learned that routine early, and  it never left me. That legacy is not just inspiration for me,  it’s the foundation.

My path has been about bridging worlds. I was the first  person from Chad to graduate from Harvard, and I went  on to work at L’Oréal, where I learned the discipline behind global beauty, formulation standards, and performance. But I always knew I wanted to build  something that honored where I come from and created  opportunity there.

That journey, from Chad to Harvard to L’Oréal, then back  to Chad and onto Target shelves, isthe story behind  Chéribé.I’ve built a business that’s deeply connected to  Chad and designed to give back in real ways. We reinvest  in the local economy, and I’m committed to creating jobs  that are fair and dignified by paying employees above  minimum wage. We also own our supply chain from sea  to shelf, which allows us to protect our ingredients,  maintain quality, and operate with speed and  accountability. On the product side, we are committed to  the cleanest formulations that can enter the whole market in the USA, without compromising  performance for textured hair.

We also pay extra to test beyond typical industry  standards for curly hair testing, including broader coverage across tightly coiled textures. Our signature  ingredient is Chébé, and while it has been used for  generations, our approach is proprietary. Chéribé has  developed and patented its specific Chébé Complex™, an  ultra-pure extract of heirloom Chébé seeds grown on my  organic regenerative farm in Chad.

Today, I’m based in the United States, where I built  Chéribé to bring this heritage to a modern consumer with  the rigor, consistency, and results you expect from a  globally scaled brand. Our name is deeply personal, and it  honors the community it comes from, which is at the heart of everything we create.

IMG 1716
Photo Credit: IG@Chéribé

LS: Chéribé recently launched both online and in store at Target and was featured in Vogue. What does  it feel like to see your brand receive recognition from  such respected publications and major retailers?

SP: Chéribé is rooted in traditions from my family and my  community in northern Chad, so seeing the brand  recognized by a major retailer like Target and featured in  Vogue is both humbling and energizing. Vogue actually  traveled to Chad and visited our farm, spent time in rural  communities, witnessed the Chébé Complex™ process  firsthand, and met my family. It was incredibly personal, and the visuals they  captured were stunning.

More than anything, it feels like a meaningful moment of  visibility for Chad, showing the world we are so much  more than the limited narratives people often hear. We are  puttingChad on the map in beauty and beyond. At Target,  Chéribé is still the number one new hair care brand and is helping drive market share gains, which reinforces that  customers are not just curious, they’re staying.

Chéribé is offering something new, better, and different in  textured haircare, with modern prestige packaging that  still pops, not something that feels dated. The color story  isinspired by Chad, and while the brand began in  prestige, we repositioned to masstige once we entered  Target, so more people could access it without  compromising on quality.

IMG 1719
Photo Credit: IG@Chéribé

LS: Chéribé has quickly become a standout in the  haircare space. What makes your brand different, and  why is it important for you to lead within the African haircare community?

SP: People sometimes call it “overnight,” but it definitely  wasn’t overnight. Chéribé is built on my personal story  and my lived experience, and it goes far beyond simply  borrowing what my great-grandmother did, even though I  honor her deeply. I wanted to take the tradition I grew up with and do the work to validate it  through modern science, including rigorous testing, then  scale it in a way that makes sense as a real business.

What makes us different is that we have both origin and  proof. Our products are rooted inChad, developed with  high standards, and tested beyond typical industry norms for curly hair, including across tightly coiled textures. The  results and reviews speak for themselves, and we’re seeing strong loyalty and repeat purchase because the  formulas perform.

And when it comes to “leading in African haircare,” I  always want to be specific. Africa is the most diverse  continent on earth, it has 54 countries with countless cultures and traditions. I’m proud to lead from Chad, to  name it clearly, and to give Chad its rightful place in the global beauty conversation. For me, it’s about  honoring a Chadian tradition, protecting its integrity, and  showing the world exactly where this heritage comes  from.

IMG 1715
Photo Credit: IG@Chéribé

LS: What are the key ingredients within your best selling products, and where did the inspiration behind  Chéribé originate?

SP: At Chéribé, I took my great grandmother Chéréye’s  heirloom Chébé seeds that have been scientifically proven  to be exponentially more potent than anything else on the  market.

In our Parisian lab, our world-class chemists extract the  full active molecular spectrum and create the world’s first  and only 100% natural heirloom Chébé complex. It is  clinically proven to make hair softer, stronger, and longer.

LS: Let’s talk about your journey. What was your  upbringing like, and who were the important people in  your life that helped shape you into the successful entrepreneur you are today?

SP: I grew up in Chad, and from early on, I understood what it  means to build with limited resources but unlimited  ambition. Education became my pathway, and becoming  the first

person from Chad to graduate from Harvard changed the  scale of what I believed was possible. It gave me a global  lens, credibility in spaces where people didn’t expect someone from Chad to be, and the confidence to think  bigger than the box the world sometimes puts our country  in.

After that, I went into law and worked as a lawyer in  Paris, which sharpened how I think strategically and how  I protect what I build. Then I joined L’Oréal, where I  learned the discipline behind world-class product  development, brand building, and what it takes to scale  with consistency and quality. I saw how global beauty is  built, and I knew I could bring that rigor back to  something deeply personal.

That journey is what shaped me as an entrepreneur.  Chéribé is the bridge between where I come from and  what I’ve learned, taking a Chadian tradition and translating it into a modern brand with real standards, real  performance, and real impact that stays connected to Chad.

LS: Haircare has become such a vital part of beauty  culture. What are your top haircare tips?

SP: When people see me, they assume I have an overly  complicated hair routine, but when it comes to healthy  hair, less is more. That is my philosophy. It is similar to a  wardrobe: a few great pieces you love and actually wear. I  keep my closet small, and I wear everything I own. I think  about hair products the same way. You only need a few,  and you should be able to use them all.

HH: What advice would you give Black women who  have a passion for creating their own haircare brand  but may not know where to start?

SP: Start with a clear purpose. Know the problem you want to  solve and the community you want to serve.

Research ingredients, test your formulas with real users,  and stay open to learning from both successes and  mistakes. For me, it was also about trusting my lived experience. I created Chéribé because the beauty industry  had a noticeable gap – it lacked founders creating from a place of authenticity, culture, and personal  truth.

LS: Lastly, are there any new products or upcoming  releases our readers should look out for from Chéribé?

SP: Yes. We’re continuing to build on the power of Chébé  with new treatments and styling products. I can’t share  everything just yet, but readers can expect innovations that fitseamlessly into their routines. We’re also  expanding our retail distribution to makeChéribé more  accessible to more customers, with more news coming  soon.

Back to basics: 3 essentials for your healthy year

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Ah, the start of a new year! There’s something about it that feels like a clean slate, a fresh beginning. It’s the perfect time to reset and focus on the essentials. We all know the importance of feeling good on the inside, so this year, we’re all about nurturing inside-out wellness. But the key to feeling your best physically and mentally isn’t just about one thing – it’s about a whole holistic approach. So, we’re kicking off our wellness journey with three things to focus on: better sleep, energy, and hydration.


Why deep sleep matters

It’s probably one of the most underrated wellness essentials: sleep. We’ve all had those nights where we toss and turn, staring at the ceiling, wondering why we’re not getting the rest we need. But did you know that sleep is just as important for your body as food and water? Deep, quality sleep helps to reset your body, rejuvenate your mind, and support your immune function. It’s how your body repairs and restores itself from the inside out. Plus, a restful night’s sleep is crucial for pretty much everything, from mood regulation to maintaining energy levels throughout the day.

Aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night is key to feeling your best. And if you need a little help drifting off into dreamland, we’ve got some amazing options to support your sleep journey.

For your restful slumber:

  • Badger Sleep Balm – This soothing balm is perfect for winding down. It’s infused with calming lavender and chamomile to help you ease into sleep naturally. Apply it to your temples and wrists, and let relaxation begin.

  • Anna’s Magnesium Bedtime Lotion – Magnesium is a game changer for sleep support, helping to calm your nervous system and relax muscles. This lotion is a luxurious way to wind down after a long day.

  • Black Chicken Remedies Slumber Calming Sleep Spray – Made with essential oils lavender and bergamot, a quick mist of this calming spray is sure to help you drift off with ease.

  • Plant Therapy Organic Herbal Tincture – Sleep Better – This natural tincture combines powerful herbs like valerian root and chamomile to support your daily calm and welcome deep, restorative sleep.


Daily vitality? It’s easy with energy

You know the feeling: it’s mid-afternoon, and you’re totally running on empty. Whether it’s the demands of your workday or just life in general, we all need that extra boost of energy to keep going. Energy isn’t just about getting that caffeine hit (although we love a good cup of coffee); it’s about nourishing your body with the right fuel – starting with protein.

Protein is essential for maintaining energy levels throughout the day. It helps to stabilise blood sugar and keeps you feeling full longer. Whether it’s a delicious breakfast smoothie or post-workout snack, prioritising protein is a great way to avoid energy crashes. And don’t forget about your micronutrients! B-vitamins, iron, and magnesium also play key roles in sustaining energy.

For easy, all-day energy:

  • Nutra Organics Thriving Family Protein – A fantastic, clean protein powder packed with plant-based goodness. It’s the perfect addition to your morning smoothie to keep you energised all day.  Suitable for the whole family.

  • Nuzest Good Green Vitality – Packed with greens, adaptogens, and probiotics, this supplement is your go-to for a natural energy boost and a tonne of nutrients to support any busy day ahead.


What’s the hype with hydration?

Okay, let’s talk hydration – something we can’t live without but often forget about. You’ve heard it a million times: drink water. But here’s the thing – hydration isn’t just about sipping water here and there. It’s about keeping your body balanced, your skin glowing, and your energy levels up. Water helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, and even detoxification. Add in electrolytes when you can to replace those minerals lost throughout the day, especially after exercise.

But remember, it’s not just about the quantity of water you’re drinking – it’s also about the quality. You want to make sure you’re staying hydrated with pure, clean H2O (and sometimes a little boost of added goodness!).

For your daily H20:

  • The Beauty Chef Hydration Beauty Boost – Packed with coconut water to keep you hydrated, plus magnesium to help balance your electrolytes, which is so good for your muscles and skin. They’ve also added cucumber and finger lime for a refreshing, yummy taste!

  • Doulton British Berkefeld Ultra Fluoride Filter – A gamechanger for your hydration habits. It works with pretty much all gravity water purifier systems in Australia, and it’s packed with some serious filtering power. Not only does it remove up to 98.9% of fluoride (yep, almost all of it!), but it also helps reduce chlorine, bacteria, heavy metals, and other nasties while keeping your water tasting amazing.


Ready to refresh your wellness ritual? Sleep, energy and hydration are your foundation pillars for success. No matter which essentials you’re reaching for, here’s to setting up healthy habits that’ll leave you feeling good from the inside-out.

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The Noncommittal Bob Will Be 2026’s Biggest Haircut Trend

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Lori Harvey, Selena Gomez, and Hailey Bieber do not have magical powers (that we know of), but they do have the power to change the length of their hair with just a few flicks of a styling wand. All three women have what I like to call “The Better Bob.” It’s basically a lob (as in, long bob) that gives the illusion of a bob, depending on how you manipulate the ends. When you’re no longer feeling the bob, you can easily transition back to longer strands with just one swoop of a brush, making it the perfect noncommittal haircut.

Though it’s had a major resurgence, this cut isn’t totally new: In the ‘90s, Naomi Campbell, Julia Roberts, and Jennifer Anniston opted for collarbone-grazing, medium length hair over the short bobs and pixies of the time—often styling their length with bumped ends, tousled curls, or voluminous layers that straddled the line between bob and lob so, well, you couldn’t quite tell which it was.

A modern case in point: Selena Gomez’s Instagram feed. In one post, the singer’s hair is in a flowy lob that grazes her shoulder blades, but in a post just a day later, she has a voluminous bob that sits right at the nape of her neck. Part of me wanted to attribute this beautiful sorcery to extensions, but my beauty editor Spidey sense told me otherwise. There it was: The Better Bob.

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How to Deal With Being Single During the Holidays

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Despite the fact that there’s nothing inherently sexy or romantic about winter, the season has somehow become known for its “cuffing.” Couples start to pair off, holiday rom-coms take over our screens, and the inevitable “Are you seeing anyone special?” questions from nosy relatives roll in.

Even if you’re totally okay with your relationship status, being single during the holidays can be especially difficult thanks to all the pressure and expectations built into this time of year. So for anyone who’s feeling lonely, isolated, or anxious right now, here are a few ways to survive—and actually enjoy—the next few weeks.

1. Embrace your desire for a relationship, but don’t let it define your worth.

There’s no shortage of cliché advice dedicated to owning your single status. This can end up feeling like pressure to love your solitude—and make you feel guilty if you don’t.

The truth is, “there’s nothing wrong with wanting a romantic relationship, just like there’s nothing wrong with not wanting one,” Jennifer Creson, LMHC, a Seattle-based mental health counselor and owner of Protea Wellness, tells SELF. And ultimately, “judging ourselves for our needs and wants is what hurts us.” Instead, a healthier (and more realistic) approach is to tune into where your desire to be partnered up is coming from. If it’s solely to escape boredom or get validation, then focus on ways to feel connected to others that don’t involve relying on a love interest (more on that below). If it’s stemming from pressure to align with others’ expectations for you, remind yourself that everyone is on their own timeline. (Just because your parents met right out of college doesn’t mean you have to.)

2. Recognize when your family’s values don’t align with your own.

Whether it’s your worried mom or invasive uncle grilling you about your relationship status, know that these comments often say more about them than you. “Families put pressure on us for many reasons, but most are fear-based,” Creson says. “Fear for us, or fear for themselves. But we don’t need to take on our family’s fears and internalize them.”

So the next time a relative tries prying into your love life, try setting boundaries without turning it into a defensive confrontation. You can redirect the conversation to other “successes” unrelated to your relationship status—maybe a big promotion, a new friend group you got closer to, or a travel experience that brought you joy. Not only does this deflection shift the focus away from who you are (or aren’t) dating, but it also reminds everyone (including yourself) that your worth isn’t tied to having a partner.

Millie Bobby Brown: “Being a Mother Expedited This Version of Me”

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Millie Bobby Brown isn’t Eleven anymore. After ten years of facing monsters, the actor has finally finished her run as the Stranger Things hero. “I know I’ll never play her again,” she says wistfully. But she isn’t really saying goodbye to the character: “[Eleven] has influenced me in huge ways. She is a force to be reckoned with, who gave me a lot of confidence to be a hero within my own life.”

That self-assurance motivated Brown to launch Florence by Mills in 2019. “Naturally, [that role] gives you the confidence to be like, ‘Yeah, I might not know everything about skin care and beauty, but I’m going to build a company at 15.’” Since the start of the Netflix show, Brown, now 21, has also starred in the Enola Holmes and Godzilla films. She got married (to Jake Bongiovi) last year and recently adopted a baby girl. She isn’t even Millie Bobby Brown anymore, if you want to get technical. Legally, she’s Millie Bonnie Bongiovi.

Despite the internet’s resistance to the idea, she’s grown up and firmly in her “most authentic era,” which she attributes to motherhood. “Being a mother expedited this version of me,” she says. “Nothing could get in the way of me being who I need to be for my daughter.”

With the addition to her family, self-care has become even more important in her routine. “I want her to see me take care of myself,” she says, but she doesn’t mean indulgences like lengthy facial massages. “You have to do everything ten times quicker, and you don’t really get to do your gua sha in the morning.” Instead, self-care takes the form of more frequent check-ins with herself and her loved ones.

She journals regularly and she’s careful not to be self-deprecating, conscious of the example she sets for her daughter. “I have to talk to myself kindly,” she says, explaining that it can be easy to “talk badly about yourself and your body” if you’re not being mindful. “After becoming a parent, I couldn’t imagine talking about myself like that anymore, because she’s going to watch me do that.”

Brown also says it can be a reflex to shrink yourself for others, admitting she’s done so before. “Women naturally kind of become smaller so that men feel bigger,” she says, before adding that she can’t see herself doing this anymore for the same reason—her daughter.

5 Easy Travel Hairstyles Using Halo Hair Extensions

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Nothing kills a vacation faster than a hotel‑bathroom hair marathon. Be honest, how many times have you told your friends, “Just a second!”? This is why seasoned jet‑setters swear by styles that look polished in photos, yet take mere minutes in real life. Their secret? The Halo. A single-weft hair extension that drops on the crown of your head, instantly adding the length and density most “I‑woke‑up‑like‑this” styles actually require. Pop it on, pull a few strategic strands over the wire, and suddenly those mood‑board braids, ponies, and blowouts are doable—whether you’re beach‑hopping in Bali or chasing northern lights in Tromsø.

Below, five looks that transition seamlessly between humid island afternoons and après‑ski dinner dates. Each style calls for minimal tools, packs flat in your carry‑on, and begs to be documented from multiple angles. Ready? Let’s get styling!

1. Accessorized Half Ponytail

This style gives off “Oh, I just put this up,” without really trying too hard. The half-up pony keeps your face framed and fresh, while the flower accessory adds a personal touch—flirty or playful, depending on what you choose.

How to:

  • Slip on your Halo, making sure the wire sits an inch behind your hairline.
  • Use your thumbs to section the top third of your hair (ears up) and secure with a clear elastic.
  • Place a flower clip over the elastic.
  • Gently tug the crown for lift, mist with flexible‑hold spray, and you’re done.
Read Next: How To Get Rid Of Static Hair At Home

2. Simple Braided Ponytail

Think: polished and practical with a little cool-girl edge. This is the kind of braid that looks equally at home hiking cliffside trails or wandering a Christmas market. The Halo’s volume makes the braid feel thick and luxe, without needing any extra clip-ins. And bonus: it’s a go-to when you want to keep hair neat while still turning heads.

How to:

  • Insert your Halo and brush everything into a mid‑height ponytail.
  • Split the pony into three even sections and weave a classic braid, securing the ends with a small elastic.
  • Tug gently at each loop for an airy, “undone” finish.
  • Wrap a strand of hair (or ribbon) around the base to hide elastics.
Read Next: How The Seasons Affect Your Hair (And Halo!)

3. Messy Ponytail

Undone but intentional, like you woke up late but still nailed it. The messy ponytail is an off-duty staple, and with your Halo in place, it becomes all texture, volume, and movement. Great for hot days, long walking stints, or when your only mirror is a car window. It’s carefree chic, and it wears better the longer the day goes on.

How to:

  • After placing your Halo, spritz lengths with texturizing spray.
  • Gather hair into a high pony, letting face‑framing pieces fall free.
  • Instead of looping hair completely through the final elastic twist, pull it halfway for a carefree “bubble.”
  • Pin rogue strands as needed; imperfection is the point.
Read Next: 12 Wedding Ponytail Hairstyles That’ll Make Heads Turn

4. Claw Clip Updo

The off-duty ballerina look we’re all obsessing over. This style manages to look effortlessly cool and clean, even when you’ve just sprinted through the airport. The Halo makes your twist fuller and softer, while the exposed ends give a breezy, nonchalant finish.

How to:

  • Fit your Halo, then sweep hair into a mid or low ponytail, securing it with mini hair ties or elastics.
  • Twist the tail upward until it coils against your head, leaving ends free to fall out.
  • Clamp everything with an oversized claw clip; let the tail ends fan out for softness.
Read Next: Fine Hair Fixes: 5 Mistakes Keeping Your Hair Flat

5. Voluminous Blowout

Big, bouncy, and full of “Where did you get your hair done?” energy. This look gives you salon-level glam with minimal heat and tools. Thanks to your Halo, the ends look thick and plush, not stringy—and your blowout has staying power even after long-haul flights. Just add earrings and a bold lip, and you’re dinner‑ready.

How to:

  • Place The Halo on damp hair, then separate it into four sections.
  • Spritz some heat protectant over your hair, and blow dry it out using a blow dry brush.
  • Let it cool a bit. Then roll each section around a jumbo Velcro roller, securing with metal clips.
  • Once dry, remove rollers, flip hair upside down, and shake.
Read Next: How to Curl Your Hair in 6 Different Ways

Pack Your Smart Hair Kit

Toss these minis next to your passport and SPF: The Halo, a blow dry brush, silk ribbon, mini claw clip, texturizing spray, two clear elastics, and a pocket‑sized shine serum. With those items you can recreate all five styles, whatever the forecast or itinerary throws your way. Remember, travel beauty isn’t about perfection—it’s about feeling like the best version of you while living out the story worth posting later. Safe travels, queen!

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See more hairstyles you can do with The Halo: