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Dr. Barbara Sturm The Peptide Serum: Review with Photos

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Dr. Barbara Sturm The Peptide Serum: Review with Photos

A Closer Look at the Formula

Dr. Barbara Sturm’s formula doesn’t rely on just one peptide. Are you ready? You’ve got acetyl octapeptide-3 and hexapeptide-3, often referred to as “neurotransmitter-inhibiting” peptides, which help limit muscle contractions so, over time, expression lines look a little softer. As Dr. Ibrahim explains, “they work similarly in concept to Botox by dialing down the intensity of repeated facial movements.” Then there’s palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (a.k.a. Matrixyl), a longtime staple that signals fibroblasts to produce more collagen and elastin. Rounding things out, acetyl-tetrapeptide-2 and decapeptide-4 “support collagen production and act a bit like growth factors, encouraging overall skin repair,” adds Dr. Ibrahim.

Lee applying the Dr. Barbara Sturm The Peptide Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Then there are supporting ingredients, including amino acids—glycine, proline, and arginine—which, as Dr. Safaee explains, “are essential building blocks of collagen itself.” In other words, peptides tell the skin what to make; amino acids make it happen.

And importantly, the formula doesn’t forget about hydration: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and a mix of oils and butters keep the barrier intact. Because, as Dr. Ibrahim points out, “there’s no point in stimulating collagen if your skin barrier is too compromised to function properly.”

First Impressions

It’s more milky than I expected from a serum, but it makes sense once you look at the formula: As mentioned, there are water-binding humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, but also emollients and lipids—think shea butter, sunflower oil, almond oil, and vitamin E—suspended into that base. That combination gives it that softly opaque, almost lotion-like look.

Lee applying the Dr. Barbara Sturms The Peptide Serum

Lee applying the Dr. Barbara Sturm’s The Peptide Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

5 Best Express Tans I’ve Tried As A Tan-Obsessed Beauty Editor

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5 Best Express Tans I’ve Tried As A Tan-Obsessed Beauty Editor

How I tested express tans:

Half the tans in this lineup are long-time ride-or-dies that are yet to be topped. But for any new additions, I went full beauty editor mode — calling in samples, blocking out time, and giving each one a proper trial run.

I spent a whole month testing express tan launches for Glamour UK.

I gave myself a full week with each tan so I could see the whole journey: how it developed, how it faded, and whether it left me looking glowy or… slightly questionable. Every product was applied to freshly exfoliated, clean skin using a mitt (non-negotiable), and put through its paces at least once.

I judged them on the things that actually matter: the smell, how easy and quick application and development was, how long the glow stuck around, and — most importantly — the final finish. Only the best made the cut.

Why you can trust me:

As a beauty editor who quite literally got a spray tan to give birth, I don’t take my glow lightly. I know exactly the kind of confidence a good faux tan can bring — and over the years, I’ve converted more than a few sceptics (friends, family, and yes, even unsuspecting strangers). “What do you mean you don’t wear face sunscreen and you’ve never fake tanned? Please take a seat.”

Still not convinced? Let me take you back nearly a decade to my very first job as an editorial assistant, where I wrote a print first-person piece titled “My Love Letter to Fake Tan.” It even included multiple photos of me gazing adoringly at my favourite bottles. So yes, you’re in very safe (perfectly bronzed) hands.

READ MORE: The best fake tans for black skin.

Ahead, the best express tans I’ve tried.

1. My Favourite Overall: St Tropez Self Tan Express Dark

St. Tropez Express Dark Whipped Mousse

**I tested the St. Tropez Express Dark Whipped Mousse for the first time last week. **

Image may contain Body Part Face Head Neck Person Adult Cosmetics Can and Tin

This express tan is tens across the board.

Why I love it: “I tried this self-tan for the first time last week and, honestly, it was tens across the board. I had a packed week of events ahead, so I applied it on a Monday morning while working from home, throwing on an old pair of PJs for the three-hour development time.

“Over the following week, I had countless compliments on how good my tan looked—which is always the ultimate test. What really stood out to me was the whipped, skincare-infused formula, which glides on effortlessly and leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated and evenly bronzed. It also smelt super pleasant at every stage of the process.

“It lasted a solid week, faded beautifully without any patchiness, and even tricky areas like my feet and elbows were easy to buff away with a remover mitt. St Tropez, if you’re reading this, I deserve shares for the number of people I’ve convinced to buy this in such a short space of time.”

  • Minimum to maximum development time: one to three hours.
  • Pros: non-drying; long-lasting; streak-free; three shades to choose from. It absorbs quickly.
  • Cons: I’m yet to find anything I don’t like.

2. Best For a Deep, Dark Tan: Bali Body 1 Hour Deep Violet Express Tan

The Bali Body Deep Violet Express Tan is another new releases I’ve spent the past month testing.

Bali Body 1 Hour Deep Violet Express Tan 225ml

Image may contain Cosmetics Adult Person Face and Head

My skin after using the Bali Body 1 Hour Deep Violet Express Tan.

Why I love it: “If, like me, you are looking for the deepest, darkest finish possible from your fake tan, look no further than Bali Body’s newest addition. The violet base neutralises yellow and orange tones and the rapid development means it can easily be slotted into a hectic schedule.

The palm oil alternative that doesn’t rely on trees

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The palm oil alternative that doesn’t rely on trees

Palm oil is everywhere in cosmetics – not just in creams and balms, but buried deep inside emulsifiers, surfactants, fatty alcohols, and the many other functional ingredients that help our cosmetic products perform as they should.

In fact, around 70% of cosmetic products worldwide contain at least one palm-derived raw material. And even though the beauty industry uses only a relatively small portion of the roughly 75 million tonnes of palm oil produced each year globally, it remains deeply reliant on it because it’s cheap, versatile, and structurally brilliant for formulation.

But that reliance raises some difficult questions. Palm oil production is closely tied to land use, monocultures and global supply chains that are increasingly vulnerable to climate instability and geopolitical pressures.

We often talk about sustainable palm oil or responsible sourcing, yet we rarely pause to ask a much more radical question: what if palm oil didn’t need to come from trees at all? That is exactly what we discuss in this episode of Green Beauty Conversations.

In this episode, Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier is joined by Nemailla Bonturi, co-founder and CEO of ÄIO, an Estonian biotechnology company pioneering the next generation of fermentation-derived oils for cosmetics and personal care.

Nemailla explains how fermentation technology can create oils with similar structures to palm oil and tropical butters – without relying on trees or large areas of agricultural land.

This episode will challenge the way you think about ingredient sourcing. From bright red antioxidant-rich oils to solid lipid complexes designed to replace tropical butters, the possibilities are both fascinating and disruptive.

If you care about the future of palm oil, sustainable formulation, or the next generation of cosmetic ingredients, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

Listen here

“If we produced the oils the world needs using fermentation, we could dramatically reduce the land required for oil production.” — Nemailla Bonturi

In this episode with Nemailla Bonturi, you will hear:

  • The science behind fermentation-derived oils: Nemailla explains how a specialised yeast strain can convert sugars and other carbon sources into oils through fermentation. Unlike traditional plant oils, which are extracted from seeds, fruits or nuts, these microbial oils are produced inside fermentation tanks. This allows scientists to control and tailor the fatty acid profile, so the resulting oils can mimic the composition of palm oil or tropical butters used in cosmetics.
  • Why palm oil alternatives matter for the beauty industry: Palm oil is widely used in cosmetics because it is cheap, versatile and structurally ideal for formulation. However, the industry’s heavy reliance on palm-derived materials ties beauty to global land use, monocultures and complex supply chains. Finding alternatives to palm oil could help future-proof the cosmetics industry and reduce its environmental footprint.
  • Turning waste streams into high-value cosmetic ingredients: ÄIO’s process can use a variety of feedstocks to nourish its yeast – including molasses and other sugar-rich side streams. The aim is to work within a circular economy model by transforming existing industrial residues into valuable cosmetic oils.
  • The oil that could replace palm oil for good: One of ÄIO’s most striking ingredients is its naturally red oil, coloured by carotenoids produced by the yeast during fermentation. These pigments include beta-carotene and other red carotenoids that contribute powerful antioxidant properties.
  • New ingredient formats for formulators: The company has also developed several ingredient formats, including liquid oils, solid lipid complexes and powdered encapsulated oils. Each format addresses different formulation challenges – from replacing tropical butters to providing exfoliating or hair-care-friendly powdered ingredients.

Key takeaways include:

  • Fermentation could dramatically reduce land use for oil production: Producing oils through microbial fermentation has the potential to drastically reduce land requirements compared with conventional agriculture. Nemailla explains that meeting global demand for oils traditionally requires vast areas of land. In contrast, fermentation systems could produce the same quantities using dramatically smaller physical footprints.
  • Microbial oils can mimic traditional cosmetic ingredients like palm oil: By adjusting fermentation parameters, scientists can tailor the composition of microbial oils to resemble palm oil or tropical butters used in cosmetics. These lipids can behave similarly in formulations, including melting on contact with skin and integrating well into emulsions. In some cases, they may even offer improved functionality or performance compared with conventional plant-derived alternatives.
  • Fermentation offers supply chain resilience: Traditional vegetable oils rely on agricultural cycles, climate conditions and geopolitics, which can cause supply fluctuations. Fermentation technology operates in controlled environments, meaning production can continue regardless of seasonal changes. This approach could create more stable ingredient supply chains for cosmetic manufacturers while also reducing dependence on specific geographic growing regions.
  • Sustainability depends on how ingredients are produced: An ingredient’s sustainability profile isn’t just about the material itself but also about the production system behind it. Fermentation can use less water than agriculture and operate on a much smaller land footprint. When combined with local feedstocks and circular economy principles, it offers an alternative model for producing cosmetic oils with reduced environmental pressure.

Meet our guest: Nemailla Bonturi, co-founder and CEO of ÄIO

Podcast 311: The palm oil alternative that doesn’t rely on treesPodcast 311: The palm oil alternative that doesn’t rely on treesNemailla Bonturi is the co-founder and CEO of ÄIO, the Estonian biotech company creating the next generation of fermentation‑derived oils and ingredients for cosmetics and personal care.

Nemailla is particularly passionate about reshaping how the industry sources lipids and speciality oils, advocating for ingredients that are not only effective but also responsibly produced.

ÄIO is on a mission to transform how fats and oils are produced and used globally by replacing unsustainable traditional sources like palm oil, coconut oil, and animal fats with healthier, microbial alternatives.

The company’s collaborations span from early‑stage beauty startups exploring greener formulations to established brands looking to future‑proof their ingredient portfolios.

Find out more about Nemailla & ÄIO:

Special offer for listeners: ÄIO is currently offering small samples of their ingredients to formulators who would like to test them in their formulations in return for honest feedback. Head on over to ÄIO’s website to get in touch and find out more!

Related episodes:

Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Formula Botanica Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed listening, please share, subscribe and review this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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How to become an
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Join over 100,000 other Formulators

By providing your details, you agree to receive additional educational & marketing emails from Formula Botanica, which further introduce our curriculum. Your data is never shared or sold. Read our Privacy Policy.

Foundayo vs. Wegovy: How Do the New Weight Loss Pills Compare?

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Foundayo vs. Wegovy: How Do the New Weight Loss Pills Compare?

If you’re on a weight loss journey, you now have an arsenal of medications at your disposal. And while injectable medications have dominated the space for years, GLP-1 weight loss pills are now on the table. As of this week, you have your choice of two: Wegovy (semaglutide) or Foundayo (orforglipron).

If you know you want to try a weight loss medication, but can’t get behind the idea of sticking yourself with a needle, it makes sense to narrow the field to these two options. How can you make a choice? It’s important to know the ins and outs of each before making a decision with the help of a healthcare professional. Here’s how doctors recommend navigating this.

What is the Wegovy pill?

The Wegovy pill, which is made by Novo Nordisk, is an FDA-approved oral semaglutide medication for adults with overweight or obesity. It’s the sister medication to the injectable form of Wegovy, which is also used for weight loss. Like the injectable form, the Wegovy pill is designed to be taken in smaller doses, before ramping up to a larger dose.

“Semaglutide has the longest real-world track record of any GLP-1 agent,” Tony Yang, DSc, MPH, professor in the Milken Institute School of Public Health in the Department of Health Policy and Management and associate dean for Health Policy and Population Science at George Washington University, tells SELF. “Physicians have years of experience managing its side effects, drug interactions, and dosing nuances.”

The Wegovy pill works by mimicking a protein in your body called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). It helps to reduce feelings of hunger and slows down the transit of food in your gut to help you feel fuller for longer. The Wegovy pill is designed to be taken once a day in the morning on an empty stomach with up to 4 ounces of water. Users need to wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other oral medications after taking the Wegovy pill.

What is Foundayo?

Foundayo, aka orforglipron, is also a GLP-1 medication—it’s made by Lilly. Patients are also started on a lower dose before increasing to higher doses of the medication. “Orforglipron mimics GLP-1, a hormone your gut naturally releases after eating—the one that tells your brain ‘okay, we’re done here,’” Dr. Yang says.

“What makes it genuinely novel is its chemistry: It’s a small molecule, not a peptide,” he continues. “That distinction matters enormously.” Peptide-based GLP-1s like semaglutide—again, the active ingredient in Wegovy—get broken down by stomach acid, which is why they’ve historically required injections or very strict fasting protocols in the pill form to survive digestion, Dr. Yang explains.

Chanel and Pochet bet on MagREEsource’s French recycled magnets

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Chanel and Pochet bet on MagREEsource’s French recycled magnets

Several years in the making, the project is now set to come to fruition. Pochet Groupa specialist in multi-material packaging for the beauty and fragrance industries, is partnering with Chanel Perfumes Beauty to integrate a fully recycled, French-made magnet into the primary packaging of one of the luxury brand’s products — an innovation they describe as a first in the perfume industry.

Carbon footprint reduction

The project builds on the patented technology developed by MagREEsourcea spin-off of the CNRS founded in 2020. The company manufactures high-performance magnets in France, near Grenoble, using 100% recycled materials recovered from dismantled industrial and energy equipment.

According to a comparative life cycle analysis conducted by MagREEsource, recycling reduces the carbon footprint by 91% compared to a similar magnet produced from virgin material.

Though often invisible, magnets are widely used in luxury packaging—particularly in perfume bottle caps — where they enhance perceived quality. Given the strategic importance of these components, and the growing need to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging, Pochet engaged with MagREEsource early on and acquired a stake in the company last year.

French supply chain

Beyond its environmental benefits, the project also enables the relocation to France of production that was previously concentrated almost entirely in Asia, particularly in China. For Chanel and Pochet, it offers greater control over sourcing and supply chains.

From left to right: Julien Garry, Chief Operating Officer, Chanel Parfums Beauté; Sophie Rivoirard, co-founder, MagREEsource; and Xavier Gagey, Chairman of the Board, Groupe Pochet (Photo: © Laurine Paumard)




“MagREEsource’s ambition is to address the resilience and decarbonization challenges facing Europe’s high-performance magnet industry. Our collaboration with Groupe Pochet and Chanel Parfums Beauté — built over several years — has been instrumental in helping us develop and structure a robust manufacturing sector. With the upcoming construction of our new production site, we will continue to scale up (…). Our goal is to become Europe’s leading producer of magnets,” explains Érick Petit, President and Founder of MagREEsource.

“We are proud of this collaboration, which perfectly aligns with our approach of offering increasingly sustainable and meaningful innovations to our clients,” emphasizes Alexis Gosset, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Groupe Pochet.

“At Chanel Parfums Beauté, we are committed and convinced that it is essential to support and scale up a pioneering technology of this caliber,” adds Julien Garry, Director of Operations for Chanel Parfums Beauté.

How To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps, According To A Skincare Expert

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How To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps, According To A Skincare Expert

When it comes to hair removal, there are so many options. But before you reach for the razor, knowing how to get rid of razor bumps is essential.

While laser hair removal is great for the smug (and cashed-up), who are willing to go through pain ‘similar to a flicking of a hot rubber band’, to achieve hairless results, waxing is for the warriors among us who don’t mind being pinned down while another person rips their hair from the root. (Bikini waxers, we salute you.)

Meanwhile, sweet, easy peasy shaving can be done in a jiffy and doesn’t cost you the earth – but it can cost you your skin if done incorrectly. It’s unlikely that there’s anyone out there who hasn’t suffered from red, itchy bumps post-shave, but the good news is that it can be avoided.

Keep reading to find out how to get rid of razor bumps and how to be a bit savvier with your shave to avoid them in the first place.

Lather up properly

Soap, shower gel, shampoo, moisturiser – if you’re guilty of grabbing whatever is closest to lather up before your shave, this is your first mistake.

“While soap or shampoo may seem like good substitutions, they can be sabotaging the smooth results you crave, and the soaps in shower gels and shampoos can dry out your skin,” says Venus skincare ambassador Dr Anita Sturnham.

“Shave gels and creams are designed to complement the efficacy of their razors. They are rich in ingredients that are hydrating and lubricating to reduce friction when shaving.” In short: Go foam, or go home.

Gillette Venus For Pubic Hair & Skin

Jo Malone London Black Cedarwood & Juniper Shaving Cream

Save when you shop with these LookFantastic discount codes at checkout.

Never ever dry shave

It sounds simple, but it’s worth spelling out for those who don’t already know this. Dry shaving is a rash waiting to happen – don’t do it. “Dry shaving leads to increased friction between the razor blades and the skin, which can result in redness and irritation,” explains Dr Anita.

Fork out for a fancy razor

We know the 20-pack of razors for a fiver is tempting – not to mention a bloody good bargain – but those budget-friendly blades are almost always guaranteed irritation. “Although a razor may look like a simple grooming tool, the technology that goes into producing good quality ones, behind the scenes, really is quite astounding,” says Dr Anita. “A high-quality razor means that the blades will be carefully designed to deliver the smooth shave that women desire without the irritation.”

Free Mobile Mammograms Bring Lifesaving Care to NCAA Fans

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Free Mobile Mammograms Bring Lifesaving Care to NCAA Fans

Amid the packed arenas, cheering fans, and electric energy of the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Phoenix, there’s something quieter, but arguably just as powerful, happening steps away from the court. Women are getting screened for breast cancer, free of charge.

For the second year in a row, Eli Lilly and Company has brought mobile mammogram screenings directly to one of the biggest weekends in women’s sports. The initiative, part of its 99 Campaign, offers women ages 35 and up the chance to receive potentially lifesaving screenings with no insurance hurdles, no cost, and no catch.

And the demand is real—breast cancer is on the rise in young women. Cancer rates in women under 50 have jumped by nearly 20% since the early 2000s, according to a 2025 report from the American Cancer Society, and much of that spike comes from an overall increase in breast cancer in the US. That’s why Lily is pushing for early detection with its mobile mammogram clinic that makes healthcare easily accessible.

Meeting women where they are

Last year, 61 women were screened during Lily’s inaugural activation in Tampa, Florida, with nine patients requiring follow-up care and one critical mass detected—an outcome that underscores exactly why early detection matters. This year, the participation has more than doubled. Organizers originally planned for 100 appointments over two days, but community interest quickly exceeded expectations. An additional 50 slots were added, bringing the total to 150 screenings across the weekend.

“Some people are traveling just to come here because they understand the importance,” Ana Larios, managing director of Black Health Matters tells SELF. “And the fact that it’s free—that nobody’s questioning their insurance situation or their status— has been something people are incredibly grateful for.”

Screenings are intentionally woven into the Final Four experience—a moment when thousands of women are already gathered in one place. For the local Phoenix community, the urgency extends beyond gender. It’s shaped by stark racial disparities: In Arizona, Black residents are diagnosed with breast cancer at lower rates than white residents, yet they die from it at more than 50% higher rates—the highest mortality rate in the state, according to Arizona’s Department of Health.

That strategy to meet people where they are is central to the mission of Black Health Matters, which has spent more than a decade focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

7 Best CC Creams for Mature Skin of 2026 That Hydrate and Smooth

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7 Best CC Creams for Mature Skin of 2026 That Hydrate and Smooth

Frequently Asked Questions

What are CC creams?

A CC cream—short for “color-correcting cream”—is designed to even out your complexion by neutralizing things like redness, sallowness, or dullness rather than just covering them up. The pigments are “mixed in such a way that they neutralize color in the skin, creating a more even-looking complexion,” often adjusting for different undertones in the process, says Pilar DeMann, a makeup artist based in Washington Depot, Connecticut. Traditionally, they’re thought to be lighter than foundation, but that’s not always the case these days. “Some of them are very pigmented,” she notes—meaning they may feel lightweight, but still pack enough color to deliver real coverage. Many formulas also slot easily into your skin-care routine, with added benefits that help smooth the look of uneven skin texture and, depending on the formula, offer anything from a dewy glow to a more matte finish.

How are CC creams different from tinted moisturizers or BB creams?

While tinted moisturizers are mostly about lightweight hydration with a hint of color, and BB (beauty balm) creams feature skin care benefits with light-to-medium coverage, CC creams are designed to color-correct—using pigments to neutralize redness, dullness, or uneven tone. They often offer a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturizer and can feel more targeted than a BB cream, especially if your goal is to even things out without relying on foundation that can sometimes be too heavy on mature skin.

Meet the experts

  • Pilar DeMann, a makeup artist and founder of Pilar Beauty, based in Washington Depot, Connecticut
  • Laura Kay, a makeup artist and founder of Laura Kay London based in Radlett, England
  • Alexandra McCormick, a makeup artist based in Newport Beach, California

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best CC creams, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete review process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. You may simply be browsing for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we’re able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Now, watch the Forbidden Fruits cast spill secrets after sipping the truth serum:

Paige Bueckers on UConn’s NCAA Tournament Loss and What’s Next

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Paige Bueckers on UConn’s NCAA Tournament Loss and What’s Next

The desert air in Phoenix, Arizona hums a little louder during NCAA Women’s Final Four weekend. There’s heat, hype, and a whole lot of college basketball. And right in the center of it all is Paige Bueckers, who’s spent the last few years as one of the most recognizable faces in the sport. Last year the former University of Connecticut standout debuted in her WNBA rookie season on the Dallas Wings. Now on the other side of the NCAA, she’s bringing her confidence and pro-level insights to her former teammates.

This year’s tournament, though, didn’t end the way many expected. UConn’s upset loss against South Carolina on Friday ended the team’s winning streak—one game short of the championship game.

“Every single one of them has a bright future ahead of them and I know they’ll use that to make them better,” Bueckers tells SELF. “I’ve been there. I’ve lost. I came up short, and we just learn, grow and keep moving.”

Loss and disappointment is just part of the game, Bueckers explains. And for a team that ended their season with an exceptional 54-game winning streak and 38-1 record, Bueckers has no doubt this will only make her former teammates stronger.

“It makes you hungry for sure,” she says. “It makes you extra driven, extra motivated. And sometimes adversity is the best teacher.”

SELF caught up with Bueckers during the Final Four frenzy to talk about the tournament, life beyond basketball, and her WNBA season ahead.

SELF: Now that you’ve completed your rookie season in the WNBA, how has your approach to preparation—physically and mentally—evolved from your college days?

Paige Bueckers: I think definitely through injury, and to take nothing in life for granted. Every single day you wake up it’s a blessing. And it’s important not to have a sense of entitlement. It’s a tremendous honor to wake up and live out your dream playing basketball as your profession. So all of that, and just taking care of my body and being super disciplined in my habits for who I want to be every single day.

Last year, it was tough because I had to deal with not having a successful winning season, and being a part of a rebuild. It doesn’t happen overnight. I’ve learned to not be result-driven, and still be consistent and disciplined in who I am regardless of the results. I just have an unconditional joy and gratitude to show up with the same mentality and the same attitude whether we have a winning season or a losing season.

The Ari Fletcher Big Chop: How Tae Transformed Her Look on Snapchat

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The Ari Fletcher Big Chop: How Tae Transformed Her Look on Snapchat

Photo Credit: IG @therealkylesister
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Photo Credit: IG @therealkylesister

New Look Who This: The Ari Fletcher Big Chop Sending Snapchat Into a Frenzy

If you thought the internet was ready for a quiet week, Ari Fletcher just proved us all wrong by debuting a major hair transformation that has everyone talking. The social media superstar took to Snapchat to share a raw and beautiful look at her journey, revealing that she finally went through with a “big chop.” It is a total 180 from the 50 inch bussdowns we are used to seeing, but the confidence she is radiating with this shorter style is absolutely unmatched. We love seeing our favorite influencers embrace their natural beauty and show us that hair is an accessory, not a requirement for being a baddie.

Of course, Ari did not trust just anyone with such a significant change; she had her longtime bestie and celebrity stylist Arrogant Tae handling the transformation. The duo shared the process on Snapchat, giving us a front row seat to the laughter and the nerves that come with cutting off significant length. Tae has been the mastermind behind Ari’s most iconic looks for years, so it only makes sense that he would be the one to guide her into this fresh, new era. The result is a chic and edgy silhouette that perfectly frames her face and proves that she can literally pull off any aesthetic she chooses.

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Photo Credit: IG @therealkylesister
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Photo Credit: IG @therealkylesister

A New Chapter of Self Love

This Ari Fletcher big chop feels like more than just a haircut; it feels like a statement of self-love and a fresh start for the spring season. In a world where we are constantly told that longer is better, seeing Ari rock a shorter “do” with so much grace is incredibly empowering for her millions of followers. It is the ultimate “main character energy” move, reminding us all that sometimes you have to let go of the old to make room for something even more beautiful. We are officially obsessed with this glow up and we cannot wait to see how she styles this new look as she continues to dominate our feeds.

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