While everyone’s compiling this month’s snaps for a January photo dump, Bella Hadid is a little behind and only just posted her Christmas carousel to Instagram. We get it! She’s a busy lady between modeling and working on her fragrance brand, Orebella, she just didn’t get around to picking her favorite pictures. Thankfully, she finally shared a peek into her holidays, including a hairstyle we definitely didn’t expect.
“Christmas at home….. aka Texas, LA, Pennsylvania Christmas Bella compilation mixtape,” she wrote. Topping off a 20-slide carousel is an adorable selfie of the supermodel, in which she’s looking cozy, lying back on pillows in a (faux?) fur jacket. And really upping the cuteness factor is how she’s wearing her dark blonde hair.
The longest layers of Hadid’s hair have been braided in two low pigtails, with the shortest layers left loose for a bit of shagginess. It’s giving girlhood, isn’t it? And with each braid tied off with a red and white string, she’s just a couple curved wires short of serving Pippi Longstocking realness.
This isn’t the first time Bella has dabbled in the double-braid look. In 2022, she wore the style at least twice, and clearly, she thought it was due for a comeback.
Hadid shared several other looks from her holiday shenanigans, including wearing her hair down and tucked behind her ears and under a baseball cap, as well as a metallic manicure.
But we think those braided pigtails really have legs for a 2026 trend. Sure, the whimsical style has typically been relegated to kids, but Hadid is proof that it can be pulled off well into adulthood.
More celebrity hair news:
Now, watch Stray Kids take the truth serum:
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Dry shampoo absorbs excess oils, dirt, and grease to keep hair looking clean and refreshed.
Choose a dry shampoo with high-quality ingredients like bentonite, rice starch, and zeolite that absorb oil and clean your scalp without leaving residue.
Dry shampoo offers stylistic benefits that go beyond just a refresh: you can use it to extend your style and hair color all while giving your hair a boost of volume.
Jump to:
Why Dry Shampoo Can Be Good for Your Hair
Sure, dry shampoo can give hair a volumizing boost and refresh your style, but did you know it can also be good for your hair? Learn about the healthy scalp OLAPLEX® Nº.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo and why dry shampoo can be a great addition to your hair routine.
What Does Dry Shampoo Do?
If you want to absorb any impurities from your scalp without washing your hair, dry shampoo is for you. In addition to absorbing unwanted oil and impurities, Nº.4D neutralizes odors from sweat and impurities. You can think of dry shampoo as a hair styling go-to that absorbs oils, refreshes your scalp and hair, and gives your style a quick reset—ideal after a tough workout.
How Does OLAPLEX Nº.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo Work?
Nº.4D is formulated with zeolite, bentonite, and rice starch. Natural minerals, rice starch and clays absorb oily buildup and impurities from the hair for clean, weightless body without a trace of white residue or pore-clogging buildup.
How to Use Nº.4D
Using Nº.4D is simple:
Shake the bottle well before using.
Separate your hair into sections.
Hold the bottle about 6 to 10 inches from the hair and spray onto the roots.
Wait for 30 seconds for the dry shampoo to absorb.
Massage into your scalp.
Adding Dry Shampoo to Your Hair Routine
So, when should you reach for your dry shampoo? Here are a few ways to add it to your hair routine:
Give Your Hair Some Oomph
Whether you’re on your second day after washing your hair or you’re on day one, add dry shampoo to your routine to give your hair an extra boost of volume.
Keep Your Hair Styled for Longer
Have a great hair day? If you got your hairstyle just right but don’t want to do it all over again the next day, guess what: you don’t have to! Just protect it overnight and freshen things up with dry shampoo the following day.
Extend the Life of Colored Hair
If your hair is colored, you may already know that washing too frequently can potentially fade your hues faster. Good news: using dry shampoo strategically in your hair routine may help you extend your color’s longevity (depending on the hair color you have).
While dry shampoo shouldn’t replace regular washing, you can add it to your routine to extend your style and give your hair body without any powdery residue. Now that you know the magic of Nº.4D and dry shampoo’s benefits, take our hair quiz to find the right routine for you.
Peptides have become one of skincare’s most overused words. Not because they don’t work, but because the term has been stretched to mean everything and nothing at once. In creams especially, “peptide-powered” can signal anything from a thoughtfully built formula to a vague promise printed in a slightly bolder font.
The problem isn’t peptides. It’s how loosely the word is used.
Peptides are everywhere right now. And while the ingredient itself isn’t new, the way it’s being marketed has become a lot.
Peptides aren’t a skincare rite of passage, and they’re not urgent early on. They become more relevant as skin starts to change in texture, firmness, and recovery. I didn’t take a serious interest in anti-aging skincare until my thirties. At 45, I’m happy with how my skin looks, but I’m also at an age where it’s immediately clear when a product is doing something and when it isn’t. Peptides shouldn’t be age-gated, but they do need to be context-gated.
What peptide creams can do, when formulated well, is support skin function over time. No overnight miracles. Just steady improvement.
This edit focuses exclusively on peptide-powered creams, not serums. These are formulas designed to live in the final step of your routine, doing their work slowly and consistently. Some are lightweight enough for daytime. Others shine during the night. All of them make the list by combining thoughtful peptide choices with excellent textures and real-world wearability.
The Peptide Cheat Sheet
Peptides are not one single ingredient. They’re a categoryand different peptides do very different things. Understanding which type you’re getting matters far more than how loudly the word appears on the jar.
Here’s the breakdown that actually helps when you’re shopping.
found this graphic helpful… image via swcofusa.com
Signal peptides
What they do: Encourage skin to produce more collagen and supportive proteins.
Why they matter: These are the peptides most people expect when they buy a peptide cream.
Common INCI names to know:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Best for:
Loss of firmness
Early to moderate signs of aging
Long-term texture and elasticity support
Signal peptides work best in creams because they benefit from steady, daily exposure rather than short contact time.
Carrier peptides
What they do: Help deliver minerals, most notably copper, that support skin repair and regeneration.
Common INCI names to know:
Copper Tripeptide-1
GHK-Ci
Best for:
Barrier-compromised skin
Post-procedure recovery
Skin that’s stressed, overtreated, or reactive
These peptides tend to show up in more reparative or recovery-focused formulas. Not everyone needs them all the time, but they can be extremely effective when skin is in rebuilding mode.
Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides
What they do: Help soften expression lines by interfering with muscle contraction signals.
Common INCI names to know:
Best for:
Forehead lines
Crow’s feet
Smoothing fine lines rather than restructuring skin
These peptides offer subtle, temporary results. In creams, they’re often paired with hydrators to enhance surface smoothness and visual payoff.
Enzyme-inhibiting peptides
What they do: Help slow down enzymes that break down collagen and elastin.
Common INCI names to know:
Tripeptide-1
Tetrapeptide-21
Best for:
Aging prevention
Maintaining firmness rather than restoring it
Supporting skin that’s already in good condition
These rarely headline marketing campaigns, but they quietly help skin hold onto what it already has.
How to read a “peptide cream” label
A few practical rules that make peptide claims easier to decode:
Multiple clearly named peptides beat a single vague “peptide complex”
Palmitoylated peptides tend to be more stable in cream formulas
Peptides perform better when paired with:
Claims of instant lifting are usually texture-driven, not peptide-driven
Peptides reward consistency. They’re not exciting on day three. They’re convincing by week six.
Josh Rosebrook Ultra Peptide Cream
This is one of the best peptide moisturizers for anyone who prioritizes texture as much as performance. The formula uses a considered mix of signal peptides, including Hexapeptide-11, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7to support elasticity and collagen signaling over time. What sets this peptide cream apart is the texture. Although it’s labeled a cream, it behaves more like a concentrated balm, which makes a little go a long way. The finish is velvety, but the formula itself is robust, and my skin consistently prefers it at night. I’ve seen faster, more noticeable results with this peptide moisturizer than with most others in this category.
$65 (22ml) at joshrosebrook.com,beauty-heroes.com or thedetoxmarket.com
This peptide cream focuses on visible plumping and hydration while supporting long-term collagen health. A blend of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 helps reinforce skin structure, while humectants deliver immediate smoothness. The texture is cushiony but never greasy, which makes it an easy peptide moisturizer to wear under SPF or foundation. If you are looking for the best peptide moisturizer that delivers both short-term plumpness and gradual firmness improvement, this one is a reliable choice.
$49 (50ml) at paulaschoice.com, sephora.com or SpaceNK.com
Drunk Elephant Protini™ Polypeptide Moisturizer
Protini remains one of the most universally wearable peptide creams on the market. The formula relies on a broad signal peptide complex paired with amino acids to support elasticity, hydration, and skin bounce. The lightweight cream texture absorbs quickly and layers well with active serums, making it especially appealing for normal to combination skin. This is a strong option if you want a peptide moisturizer that supports firmness without feeling heavy or occlusive.
$72 (50ml) at drunkelephant.com,sephora.com,lookfantastic.com or boots.com
Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Moisturizer
This Allies of Skin icon proves lightweight does not mean less effective. The formula comes in a practical tube and wears like a streamlined lotion rather than a traditional cream, which explains why it’s been one of my most traveled-with moisturizers. It sinks in fast and behaves predictably under sunscreen, something I appreciate when I’m pulling it out of a carry-on. Despite the featherweight feel, it delivers consistent firmness and bounce thanks to a smart peptide and antioxidant blend. It’s a peptide moisturizer that works best when you use it consistently, not ceremonially.
$125 (50ml) at allies.shop where my code BART gets you 20% off or check out dermstore.com and try my affiliate code OMGBART
Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream
Medik8 frames peptides through a longevity lens, combining signal peptidesanti-glycation technology, and skin-supportive boosters to help maintain firmness and elasticity. The texture is refined and plush without feeling heavy, making this peptide cream suitable for both morning and night. It layers smoothly over serums and works particularly well for skin that is beginning to show laxity but still tolerates active routines. A strong preventative peptide moisturizer option.
$98 (50ml) at medik8.com,SpaceNK.com or dermstore.com (my affiliate code OMGBART save you 15-20% off total purchase)
Maelove Hydro Relief Peptides & Amino Acids Cream
This peptide moisturizer prioritizes comfort and barrier support while still delivering meaningful peptide benefits. Amino acids, niacinamideand calming ingredients work alongside peptides to help restore stressed or sensitized skin. Maelove delivers a cream with a soft, nourishing texture that feels rich but never heavy. It is best used at night or during periods when skin needs recovery more than refinement. A good peptide cream for reactive or overtreated skin types.
$36.95 (50ml) at mealove.com
Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
This is a peptide cream built around barrier repair first, firmness second. Peptides work in tandem with ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol to strengthen the skin barrier while supporting long-term structure. The texture is rich but well-balanced, absorbing better than expected for a lipid-heavy formula. This is one of the best peptide moisturizers for dry, compromised, or post-procedure skin that needs repair without sacrificing anti-aging support.
$54 (50ml) at skinfix.com or sephora.com
Prequel Skin AM/PM Modern Moisturizer
This is a streamlined peptide moisturizer designed for daily consistency. Ferment-derived peptides support barrier health, while glycerin and ceramides keep hydration steady without shine. The texture is quite creamy, fast-absorbing, and genuinely versatile for both AM and PM use. It works well under sunscreen and makeup, making it a strong everyday peptide cream for all skin types, especially those who want results without complexity.
$18 (60ml) at prequel.com
Lastly…
Finding the best peptide moisturizer often has less to do with chasing another treatment step and more to do with where peptides realistically fit into a daily routine. Many of us already rely on one serum we won’t part with.
The peptide creams above take different approaches, from barrier repair to visible plumping to long-term firmness support, but they all rely on clearly defined peptides rather than vague marketing claims. When it comes to peptides, steady use matters more than intensity. The right peptide cream is the one that integrates seamlessly into how you already care for your skin.
One peptide moisturizer is enough for an effective routine. There’s no need to complicate things in the new year or get lost in the peptide space if you’re just starting out. Pick one, use it once—or twice if you can—every day, and give it time.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support the work behind this site. As always, the products included here are selected independently and based on personal use and research.
“Fawn Blonde” is one of winter’s top hair color trends, according to colorist Jenna Perry.
The look blends warm and cool shades of blondes for a soft, creamy effect.
While cheetah, leopard, and zebra will never go out of style (perhaps it’s just my inner Sicilian talking, but animal print is a neutral), a new print has declared itself as 2026’s It Girl. Deer print, fawn print, or Bambi print, whatever you call it, the sweet spots have swiftly taken over the fashion cycle. It started with Hollister’s viral faux-fur coat, and has now trickled its way into bags and even nails.
It makes perfect sense that as the world around us gets harder and harder, we want to channel the animal’s soft and sweet energy. And now, that same innocence is coming for our hair color: meet Fawn Blonde, one of celebrity hair colorist Jenna Perry’s top predictions for winter’s biggest hair color trends.
Ahead, everything you need to know about the shade, including how to get the look yourself.
Getty Images
The Fawn Blonde Trend
No, Fawn Blonde is not literally spotted—though that would be a cool look. Instead, it’s a “light velvety blonde that combines both warm and cool tones,” explains Perry. Just as a baby deer’s coat includes stark cool white, beige taupe, and warm red shades, Fawn Blonde is neither obviously cool or warm. The result is a super flattering shade with a brightening effect and super soft aura.
@lilamoss/Instagram
Fawn Blonde perfectly follows the larger blonde trends we’ve been seeing as well, which have been moving away from one-note bleach jobs and super white or ashy tones. That doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice brightness though, think of Sabrina Carpenter’s golden blowout as the essential modern blonde. Fawn Blonde builds on this idea—soft and dimensional, but with plenty of light.
Miu Miu Beauty
How to Get the Look
Another reason the shade is trending? It’s pretty low-maintenance and grows out beautifully. “Ask for full highlights to create a smooth tonal base,” instructs Perry. Be sure to tell your colorist to use a balance of warm and cool tones to get that soft fawn effect. The words “creamy” and “champagne” will also be helpful here, as well as a photo reference. As for Fawn Blonde muses, Perry’s clients Lila Moss and Chloë Sevigny are great examples of the shade.
@beyonce/Instagram
Another tip from Perry? “Request that your colorist incorporate Olaplex’s No1 and No2 in the salon to maintain the health of your hair when coloring and be sure to be diligent with your at-home hair care to keep your color vibrant,” she says. “I always recommend the Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask and Olaplex No7 Bonding Oil.”
I can’t say I’m enjoying all the posts about 2016 nostalgia. It wasn’t my favorite year by any stretch of the imagination, though I do appreciate reminiscing about some of the beauty trends. But if I’m really gonna get wistful about the way things were—especially when it comes to hair and makeup—I’d prefer 2012. I strongly associate that year with the ubiquitous messy top knot and strong red lip, and Rihanna is proving that this combo deserves a comeback.
Back in November 2011, right before the top knot trend exploded, Allure said, “Everyone’s doing it these days.” Truer words, am I right? “It’s a style that, a few years ago, many of us reserved exclusively for the days we spent in sweatpants, our only accessory a TV remote. That’s probably what makes it so cool. It feels haphazard and easy, even when paired with an elegant gown.”
And in the case of Rihanna in 2026, it looks undeniably awesome with a very mob-wife ensemble: head-to-toe tiger print in the form of a nearly ankle-length fur coat, matching heels, and a cascading fur stole. (Whether or not they’re real, I cannot be sure.) She layered a gold choker under a slightly longer diamond necklace, and hid any eye look she might have been wearing under dark sunglasses.
There was a bit of an online brouhaha about the skinny silhouettes at Prada menswear AW26 yesterday, but since we’ve had years of oversized slouch, I think we should give Miuccia and Raf a pass this time. As a naturally petite woman, I loved it and I’m ready for a slimmer silhouette.
On to the details. It felt romantic and Dickensian with its slimline tailored coats and their high pocket placement. (I do love a hands-in-pocket gesture – let’s put the damn phones away!). The (stained) starched French cuffs peeking out – some with cufflinks – was a genius touch that anyone can steal.
The cagoule capelets were fun, as were the creased raincoats and matching hats – there’s always something poetic about how those hats frame and protect the face with a little bit of an Audrey Hepburn fragility. (Sidenote: I’d love to see this collection photographed by Paolo Roversi.)
Note the thin belts on the coats too. Belts are a current obsession and I also like the extra-long trouser belt details. Apart from AuraleeI haven’t come across many extra-long thin belts – maybe their time has come. Someone made the point that a lot of the interest of this collection was in the back views. Apart from the cute hats on the backs of the coats, I liked the glimpse of leathergoods in back pockets. Strictly speaking, bulky leathergoods do not belong in tailored pockets, but as a gesture and a commentary (on the tactility of a human transaction!), I’m happy to give them a pass too.
WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla IMAGES: Prada AW26 menswear NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here.
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After ten years practicing emergency medicine, I thought my creative fire had been extinguished. In fact, after four years of college, four years of medical school, and four years of specialty training, I couldn’t remember if I’d ever been creative. Then, in 2009, I took a soap-making class, and the long-dormant creative embers inside me suddenly burst into flame.
Fast forward to 2017. Osmia was a growing natural skincare brand, and my creative flame had been burning like a wildfire for eight years. The brand, which launched in 2012, was struggling to keep all of our 40+ products in stock, and I still had ideas. I needed to keep creating, but knew we couldn’t keep adding permanent products to the line. So my clever team suggested The Craft Series as a way to contain my creative fire, while sparking it at the same time. I started with Craft Series body oils, and later expanded the series to Body Soaps and Body Mousses.
Emerald was my first Craft Series creation—a gorgeous blend of wild mint, geranium, and frankincense. Here’s an excerpt from a post I wrote about Emerald, as it was coming to life:
“Perched on a throne, as close as I will ever be to ruling a kingdom. That’s how it feels when I’m seated at my perfume table, the rest of the world becoming blurry and slightly irrelevant. Each vial I open carries me across centuries, over oceans, underground, through busy marketplaces, and back again to my seat in the mountains of Colorado. Isn’t it incredible how, with a single sniff, you can become instantly lost? Places you’ve never been, languages you’ve never heard, wars you’ve never fought, flowers you’ve never even imagined, and countless passionate embraces, both condoned and forbidden. One day, as I lingered with a vial of neroli, I found myself wondering what Cleopatra might have worn on her skin after one of her milk baths. As I imagined the life of the Egyptian queen, I was impelled to create a line of body oils inspired by ancient royalty, comprising oils that have long been the olfactory equivalent of draping oneself in precious gems. In a world inundated with cheap alternatives and manufactured scents, I wanted to create a series of oils made with the most luxurious components nature has offered for thousands of years: simply put, the most expensive, most opulent, most sensuous stuff you could possibly put on your skin, natural or otherwise.
I chose organic sunflower and avocado oils for their excellent skin penetration, and their high levels of vitamins A and E, both of which are critical for skin function and healing. Organic camellia oil (made from tea leaves) and borage seed oil (made from starflowers) provide potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits. What does this mean to you? It means that your skin, which gets damaged by UV rays and pollution and the simple yet inevitable passage of time, has an increased chance to repair and protect itself as these oils scavenge for free radicals, decrease inflammation, and strengthen skin cells. The final additions to the blend are the organic oils made from hand-harvested shea nuts in West Africa and hand-cracked argan nuts from Morocco, both of which are widely used in skin care and have extraordinary emollient properties.”
Now, eight years later, the Osmia Craft Series serves as a celebration of the seasons, with scents inspired by changes in the weather, travel, and moments spent in nature. Our Craft Series Soaps come out four times a year, with aromas to usher the new seasons into your home. Our Craft Series Body Oils and Mousses launch roughly every other month, taking your senses on a journey, even when you’re too busy to travel. We hand-craft, hand-label, and hand-box every product with love and intention, because we want our Craft Series to make you feel as special as you are. They’re all limited-edition, and usually sell out in minutes to weeks—make sure you’re on our mailing list and part of our Instagram family so you don’t miss a launch!
With love and seasonal scents galore,
The information contained in this post is for educational interest only. This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any physical or mental illness, disease, or skin conditions.
Jones Road expanded into body care recently and surprised no one with five impeccably considered formulas. Anyone who embraced The Hippie Stick or gravitated toward the brand’s fragrance wardrobe will understand the appeal immediately. Bobbi Brown understands the power of texture, fragrance, and design. Skin health comes first, restraint over excess always, and formulas that feel as good as they look are non-negotiable. Performance matters, but so does the experience, and Jones Road balances both with ease.
What’s new
Jones Road has already explored both shower staples and all-over moisture, so a full body care lineup felt like a natural next step. As of 2026, the collection includes a Shower Gel, Body Scrub, Body Oil, Body Lotion, and Body Cream.
Scent and packaging
Jones Road has mastered the balance between practical and indulgent, and the body range is a clear extension of that philosophy. The Shower Gel and Body Oil come in lightweight plastic bottles. For someone who travels with frequently used products and has dropped more than one item in the shower, this is a genuine win.
The Body Cream and Body Lotion are housed in weighty glass bottles that feel intentional and decorative on a vanity. The Body Scrub comes in a metal tube, which makes it easy to squeeze out every last bit of product. No digging. No waste.
Each formula is lightly scented with a blend of orange, grapefruit, lavender, and helichrysum. It leans citrus-forward but remains subtle. To my nose, it reads slightly aquatic in a fresh, clean, floral way rather than coastal or salty. Think Costa Rica beach, not moody cliffs on the coast of Ireland. The scent feels refreshing and never competes with personal fragrance, which matters.
Products also arrive individually boxed, making the entire lineup gift-ready. Ideal for committed Roadies, but just as good for anyone who appreciates elevated, no-fuss self-care.
Shower Gel
The upright bottle features a twist cap with a squeeze-out tip. Made from pliable plastic, it dispenses easily and stays stable in the shower. Texture is what makes this my favorite in the lineup. If you love a robust gel that lathers generously, this delivers. On contact with water, the gel-to-foam transformation feels luxuriously occlusive on the skin. After rinsing, skin feels clean but comfortably hydrated. The scent disappears quickly. I need this in a jumbo-size bottle with a pump immediately.
$36 (240 ml)
Body Scrub
This is a creamy, paste-style exfoliant with a clay base and bamboo fiber particles. It has grit, but it is not here to punish you. Knees, elbows, heels, a few passes is all it takes to smooth things out without irritation. Caffeine and jojoba oil keep skin soft and balanced instead of stripped. Apply to damp skin. The navy metal tube is sturdy, no-nonsense, and very Jones Road.
$38 (4 oz.)
Body Oil
Unpopular opinion, but I keep the Jones Road Body Oil in the shower. Applied to slightly damp skin, it absorbs faster and leaves skin soft and radiant without a slick finish. This is a definite repurchase for me. The blend of hibiscus, raspberry seed, apricot, borage, sunflower, camellia, and jojoba oils, paired with safflower oil and vitamin E, creates a plush moisture cushion that feels genuinely luxurious. It’s excellent.
$52 (300 ml)
Body Cream vs. Body Lotion
Both formulas come housed in substantial glass bottles that feel indulgent without tipping into precious. That sense of intention is very much the message behind this body care launch.
The Body Cream is dense and rich, designed for deeper moisture, especially at night. My jar shows a hint of barely visible graininessbut it disappears immediately once worked into the skin and is not something I feel during application. Performance is unaffected. Skin is left cushioned, comfortable, and well cared for.
The Body Lotion is lighter but still whipped, forming soft peaks when dispensed. It absorbs faster and feels more effortless, making it better suited for daytime use or warmer weather.
Both formulas are nourishing and hydrating, just calibrated differently. I reach for the cream at night and the lotion during the day. I am not the most diligent body moisturizer user, but these are easy to keep within arm’s reach and actually use.
Both cream and lotion deliver a thoughtful mix of essential fatty acids, ceramides, minerals, and antioxidants to condition, protect, and support the skin barrier. The signature citrus-floral scent lingers just long enough to extend that freshly showered feeling.
$44 each (cream is 120g and lotion is 150g)
What I’d Buy First
Jones Road’s body care works because it doesn’t try to reinvent the category. The formulas feel good, perform exactly as promised, and fit into a real routine without friction. If you buy one thing, make it the Shower Gel. If you buy two, add the Body Oil. Both are products I reach for consistently, not just for testing, and both justify the space they take up in my bathroom. The rest of the lineup makes sense once you’re in, but those two are the gateway.
Available at jonesroadbeauty.com
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to shop through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Every time winter rolls around, I notice a distinct change in my appetite: namely, that it increases. Not only that, but the type of food I crave also changes—from the light salads and refreshing juices of spring and summer to heartier, more carb-heavy meals: stews, casseroles, soups, you name it.
Which had me wondering: Why? From speaking to friends and family who say they experience a similar shift, I know I’m not alone in this, either. So I decided to reach out to experts to find out why we see such a sea change in our eating habits in the bleak stretch between fall and spring—and if it’s anything to be concerned about health-wise.
Why feeling hungrier in winter is so common
“We definitely see this trend of people having more appetite or going for heavier foods when things are colder,” Thanh Thanh Nguyen, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian at Mendinground Nutrition, tells SELF. Think creamy dishes or those heavy on dense, starchy vegetables, like mac and cheese or mashed potatoes. It’s even culturally ingrained to some extent, hence the “soup season” moniker. Put simply, “feeling hungrier during winter is normal,” Kathleen Moore, RDN, LD, a staff dietitian at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells SELF.
More specifically, Moore explains, “reduced sunlight and lower temperatures influence appetite and mood” in ways both subtle and overt. Seasonal fluctuations in food choices and eating patterns can “vary from person to person” (and don’t affect everyone), Janice Dada, MPH, RDN, a registered dietitian and intuitive eating counselor, tells SELF. But they’re certainly widespread in light of the physiological effects of winter on the human body. Below, we’ll break down the main drivers.
Thermogenesis
To maintain your core body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, your body naturally has to work harder when it’s cold out. “Our metabolism will increase, and we’ll start utilizing a different type of body fat, called brown fat, as a fuel for keeping our bodies at the right internal temperature,” Dada says. One 2014 study published in the journal Diabetes found that the resting metabolic rate in healthy people with detectable levels of brown fat increased by 14% after cold exposure, though most estimates hover around five to 11%, according to Dada. (Brown fat, or “brown adipose tissue,” is notable for its unique ability to translate excess calories into heat.) In addition to digging into its brown adipose tissue stores, your body might shiver—the involuntary muscle contractions produce heat much like exercise does, as a 2014 study published in the journal Cell Metabolism showed. Whatever the mechanism(s), this metabolic boost means you burn way more calories than you would in more mild conditions, prompting the need to replenish them through eating, Moore says.
Thermic effect
Digestion can also increase your metabolic rate and produce heat, according to Nguyen. Fermentation (or the process by which microorganisms in your gut break down complex carbohydrates like fiber) churns out an estimated 60 calories of heat per hour—a significant amount. Taking this into account, “the hypothesis is that we want to eat more often [when it’s cold out] because that is a heat-generating activity that keeps us warmer,” Nguyen says. (Hence why cold plunges are often touted as a fat-torching health hack!)
Declining serotonin
Last but not least, the reduced sunlight available in winter can also mess with serotonin, a neurotransmitter nicknamed the “happy hormone” thanks to its role in regulating mood. Because serotonin is produced partially in response to sunlight exposure, shorter days can cause a drop in levels, according to Nguyen—a potential cause of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In a 2014 study published in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacologyresearchers reported that people with SAD had 5% more SERT, a protein that terminates serotonin signals, in the winter than in the summer. Besides modulating your emotions, serotonin also acts as a natural appetite suppressant, so a lack thereof can trigger overeating. (And if you’re dealing with full-blown SAD, you might find yourself turning to food to self-soothe on top of that.)
On the subject of changes in cravings, higher-carb items tend to address all the issues we described above—thermogenesis, thermic effect, and declining serotonin—so it makes sense we may be instinctively drawn to them in winter. First, carbs offer a rapid burst of energy, so they’re better positioned to fulfill that increased metabolic demand. Research even shows that when we’re hungrier, “our brain actually starts to prefer things that are going to kind of satisfy that need faster,” Dada says. (Fun fact: This is also why you crave carbs when you’re stressed or sleep-deprived!) Second, high-protein and high-carb dishes produce more heat during digestion, so they “create a bigger thermic effect than those that are high in fat,” Nguyen says. (Larger meals do this, too—another reason why your appetite might increase in the winter.) Third, carbs actually act on your brain to increase serotonin release and lift your mood, Moore says.
Two years into their partnership, Eurazeo and the founders of Ex Nihilo have chosen to open the next chapter for the French high-end perfume brand by selling a significant minority stake to L Catterton, the world’s largest consumer-focused private equity firm.
Founded in Paris in 2013 by Sylvie Loday, Olivier Royère, and Benoît Verdier, Ex Nihilo has earned international acclaim for its iconic creations, Narcotic Flower and Blue Talismanestablishing itself as one of the fastest-growing luxury perfume houses worldwide. The company is also known for its innovative personalization services.
Under the terms of the agreement, Eurazeo will sell its entire stake in Ex Nihilowhile the founders and management are to reinvest significantly alongside L Catterton, their new partner to support the brand’s next phase of development.
“Over the past two years, our partnership with Eurazeo has enabled Ex Nihilo to strengthen its structure and accelerate growth in France and internationally. This solid collaboration has reinforced our organization and supported our expansion into new markets. As we enter a new phase of development, we remain committed to preserving the creative DNA at the heart of our House while establishing Ex Nihilo as a global leader in its category,” said Sylvie Loday, Olivier Royère, and Benoît Verdier, co-founders of Ex Nihilo.
“Ex Nihilo has doubled in scale, reached EUR 100 million in retail sales, and continues to grow through the global success of its iconic creations. With L Catterton succeeding Eurazeo as our new shareholder, we share a clear and uncompromising ambition: to build Ex Nihilo into a global luxury icon, with a strong focus on the United States and our core countries, accelerated digital expansion, as well as an unwavering commitment to creativity, quality, and brand desirability,” they added.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fawnblondesocial-e5d1e1231ad8408280fe8b882319fd1c.png "The Girls Are Going “Fawn Blonde” This Winter")
