By the time she was at college, saving money to order Melanie Mills Glow products from LA, the foundations of her approach were already in place: skin first always, then color placed where it would do the most to accentuate features. “Everything just naturally sits here anyway,” she says. “I practiced on myself first.” She developed the three-step process for blush: cream to map, powder to set, a final layer of translucent setting powder to build intensity. Her client roster speaks for itself: Raye, SZA, Viola Davis, Kelly Rowland, and Adut Akech, to name a few.
Her influence has reached further than she could have imagined. She describes watching a video recently of a young Black woman applying bold blush and crediting Esther with giving her the confidence to do so, after years of being told the look made her appear clownish. “She fully credited that to me,” Edeme says. “I just started crying.” The woman in the video had decided she liked it and kept doing it regardless of what anyone said. For Edeme, that’s the whole point.
Like Edeme, who moved from Nigeria to the UK when she was younger, I moved from Ghana to a city in the UK where my brother and I were the only Black kids in the school. I was made to feel ugly, and I didn’t fit in. When I started teaching myself makeup at 17, blush felt like a risk; something that would draw attention to a face I had already been told wasn’t good enough. I wore it tentatively at first, then with more conviction. Now, I’m proud to be known for my blush blindness.
Mine is the story of so many Black women, which perhaps explains why, when the controversy broke, so many of us rose up to defend her. Edeme’s influence on beauty culture has given us so much to protect.
There is a strange final stage to influence: when something you popularize becomes so well-known that it’s bigger than you. Edeme is careful to stress that influencers play an important role in introducing looks to new audiences, but her hope is that the industry becomes as quick to celebrate the artists who create as it is to celebrate those who spread. At the end of the day, recognition isn’t just a nicety. It’s how we make sure the people shaping beauty’s visual language are credited (and, ideally, compensated) for their work.
This week, many people have posted in support of Edeme, often without mentioning the ongoing discourse at all: Creators have been sharing videos of themselves “trying Painted by Esther’s iconic blush technique” and MAC Cosmetics published a shoot featuring Olandria wearing the brand’s blush alongside makeup tips from Edeme. Overall, Edeme does feel like the industry, including mainstream media outlets, have done a decent job in giving her her flowers. She adds, however, with characteristic directness: “I think they could do better.”
In the meantime, she’s getting on with it. “My mission before I leave this earth is to spread my gifts,” she says. She describes her goals for what’s next with the same unhurried confidence that seems to animate everything she does: workshops that feel like a party, complete with cocktails and a community of women learning together and lifting each other up. In time, she’d love a creative director role at a brand.
Big Glo is officially treating the entire internet like her personal runway! The Memphis rap queen took to social media to drop a series of jaw dropping photos that have our phones absolutely heating up from all the screenshots. Lounging across a plush charcoal grey velvet sofa, she served absolute feline perfection in a skin tight tortoise print jumpsuit that hugged every single curve beautifully. She paired the show stopping ensemble with a sky high honey blonde ponytail, a flawless soft glam makeup beat, and a tiny black quilted Chanel vanity bag perched right beside her.
Photo Credit: IG @glorillapimp
The absolute highlight of this viral Glorilla Fashion Drop came when she turned around to show off the back of the fit, revealing a stunning low cut design that put her legendary, intricate full back tattoos on display. Of course, she made sure to give us a peek at those iconic red bottom Christian Louboutin heels while striking her angles like a seasoned supermodel. It is so beautiful to watch her confidence skyrocket as she continues to elevate her style, proving that she can hold down the charts and the style world all at the exact same time. We are officially obsessed with this sleek era of Big Glo, and we are immediately hitting save for our next night out wardrobe inspiration!
If India’s Golden Triangle (New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) are too fast-paced for you, why not visit the state of Kerala on the Malabar Coast? With an expanse of nearly 600 kilometres of coastline, not only is there an abundance of beautiful, palm-lined beaches to visit, there’s also its expansive backwaters, which you can tour via houseboat.
Most importantly (for winter sun-seekers, at any rate), in December, Kerala sees average temperatures of 23°C-31°C.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a must-visit for any traveller, boasting sensational a food scene, beaches and, of course, views of Table Mountain.
Siegfried Layda/Getty Images
When visiting Cape Town in South Africa, you are surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including the jagged mountainscape, sun-drenched shoreline and abundant marine life (some of which you can see at the famed Two Oceans Aquarium).
But another draw for travellers is its sensational food scene. Known for its world-class seafood and steak, the city has a host of prestigious restaurants. Then there’s the wineries of the region, such as the Vergelegen wine estate and the Oldenburg vineyards, offering tours and wine pairings aplenty.
If you have time, the Garden Route, which runs between the town of Mossel Bay and Storms River, is also well worth it.
In terms of weather in December, Cape Town has highs of 25°C in the daytime.
Barbados, the Caribbean
Of all the Caribbean islands, Barbados is arguably the best all-rounder.
There’s also a lineup of classic K-beauty botanicals—including ginseng, rosemary, heartleaf, green tea, and Gotu kola—to soothe and comfort the scalp. You’ll get that deeply clean, cool, menthol-y feeling that makes your roots feel reset, especially if you’re dealing with excess oil or buildup. Unlike many Western formulas, even the conditioner is designed to be worked into the scalp, but it won’t leave hair feeling heavy or weighed down.
Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann before using the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after using the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner
Sarah Hoffmann
“I’m blessed with a pretty unproblematic scalp, but I’ve always had an issue with frizz, dryness, shine—pretty much every other hair complaint in the book. I used to just accept that silkiness wasn’t in the cards for me, but this Dr. Groot duo made me eat my words. Even without blow-drying, my air-dried curls just behave differently when I use this shampoo and conditioner. Paired with a quick pass of my Dyson (and no post-shower products, mind you), I’m living out my flippy, shinny blowout dreams.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
Key ingredients:Bifida and Lactobacillus ferments, caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, salicylic acid, ginseng, rosemary, heartleaf, green tea, Gotu kola
Who it’s best for: people with excess scalp oil, an itchy scalp, or buildup
Fragrance-free: no
Boost from the Roots: Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum
Dr. Big
Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum
Why it’s worth it: Another example of K-beauty’s skin-care-first approach to hair growth, Dr. Groot’s Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum Leave-In Treatment focuses on creating a healthier scalp environment where stronger-looking hair can thrive. Biotin supports keratin—the protein that makes up hair—while rosemary oil takes center stage. “Rosemary oil has been shown to encourage hair growth, with results similar to those of 2% minoxidil,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago, previously told Allure. The formula also packs in microbiome-friendly ferments like Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Bifidaand Saccharomyces extracts, alongside a nourishing blend of rosemary, peppermint, argan, castor, moringa, rosehip, jojoba, and soybean oils to support both scalp health and softer, silkier strands. Amino acids, caffeine, and niacinamide round out the formula to keep the scalp feeling balanced and healthy.
Currently my favourite is ARRANGE from ASOS. A collection of high end designs and silhouettes for all. Think sequin midi dresses, a-line maxi dresses, asymmetric shapes, luxe jacquard blazers, ruched floral prints, long sleeve chiffon sleeves, ruffle party dresses, polka dot midaxi dresses and red carpet fits covered in the most beautiful embellishments. All available from size UK 18 – 30. Something we haven’t had access to in the plus-size industry, quite frankly ever.
ARRANGE Curve Botanical Floral One Shoulder Maxi Dress
romina introini
We also have slow fashion brands such as Dorothy & Rose creating pastel linen embroidered balloon sleeve dresses made for summer weddings and independent designers like Kitty Joesph creating dopamine dressing pleated party dresses and wedding guest outfits for all sizes. Even looks for the mother of the bride.
We also have Rental sites such as By Rotation that now carry a range of plus size designs if you are looking for something to just wear the once, but us curve girls tend to keep hold of the treasured occasion pieces that fit us well (because often they are so difficult to find), so it’s often slim pickings.
Whether you’ve got a country spring wedding in the united kingdom or a summer wedding on some gorgeous beach abroad, or you’re shopping well in advance for an autumn wedding guest dress/winter wedding guest dress and embroidery, sparkles and disco sequins are already being thought about, keep scrolling.
Ahead you’ll find the best wedding guest dresses that span far beyond just the usual black frocks we’re steered towards, because you deserve to show your personality on this special day.
THE WHAT? International Paper has broken ground on a new US$225 million corrugated packaging facility in Brandon, Mississippi, as part of efforts to expand manufacturing capacity and strengthen its packaging network across the Mid-South region.
THE DETAILS The 468,000-square-foot greenfield plant will be built on an 80-acre site in the East Metro Center industrial park and is located near the company’s existing Richland box plant. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026, with operations expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2027. Employees from the current Richland facility are expected to transition to the new site once completed. International Paper said the facility will incorporate advanced automation, manufacturing safety systems and operational efficiency technologies designed to improve reliability, product quality and cost performance. The project is also expected to create 150 manufacturing jobs and strengthen supply chain connectivity through partnerships including rail operator CPKC.
THE WHY? The investment supports International Paper’s strategy to modernize its manufacturing network, improve operational efficiency and sustainability performance, and strengthen customer service capabilities across key packaging markets in North America.
“I totally understand if fans are a little apprehensive,” Oseman explained. “It’s a big change from what we know. It’s something new and unknown, and yes, the runtime will be less than a TV season. Even I needed some time to process and come to terms with the change. But once I began to see the entire vision, I knew it would be something even more beautiful than a regular season could achieve. We are feeling very ambitious about what is possible in a movie format. With no need for end-of-episode cliffhangers or a new twist every episode, every part of Heartstopper can be elevated to a higher quality to create something memorable, sophisticated, and atmospheric.”
When is the Heartstopper movie set?
The film will pick up right where the season 3 finale left off, with our favourite couple bracing for a long-distance chapter. So yes, rewatch season 3 to prepare, but honestly, you might as well start from the beginning. A full series rewatch is basically mandatory… because why wouldn’t you?
Read More
Chloe Cherry does not want to be defined by her past
In one of her most candid interviews to date, Euphoria‘s Chloe Cherry opens up about body image, navigating the blurred lines between empowerment and exploitation in the age of OnlyFans, and working with Zendaya and Sam Levinson.
What is the plot of Heartstopper Forever?
With Nick (Kit Connor) preparing to leave for university and Charlie (Joe Locke) beginning to find a new sense of independence at school, the reality of a long-distance relationship starts to weigh heavily on them. And as they savour their last days together, they’re both aware of the challenges that lie ahead of them.
In the words of Oseman, “The movie will be an exploration of time, memory, love, pain, the changing of the seasons, endings and beginnings, and the core element of Heartstopper: the ordinary magic of our everyday lives.”
Netflix
“For a teenage relationship, [long distance] is a pretty huge hurdle to overcome,” she said in a Tudum article. “Each of them has some conflicting feelings about this development. Nick isn’t sure who he is without Charlie, and Charlie is nervous about being left behind. They have some work to do — both on their relationship and individually.”
So, prepare for things to get deep. “This movie will explore what makes love survive, or what elevates it, or deepens it. At 18 and 17, Nick and Charlie are hurtling towards their adult lives. Many teenage relationships don’t survive that pivotal moment of change. Are Nick and Charlie a forever love? If they are, why?” said Oseman in a more recent interview. “I want the movie to capture this transitional moment for them as a couple — from teens to adults, from teen romance to forever love, from past to future. And in doing so, get to the heart of what teenage love can become as adolescence becomes a memory, and what teenage love can mean for people in the overall picture of their lives.
The term Beauty Tech covers technology in the service of the product, including biotechnologies and AI-assisted formulation, in the service of retail, like live shopping and digital in-store, but above all, technology in the service of consumers. The latter is growing fast: it represents home devices, including for face and body care, high-performance hair tools, and connected skin diagnostic tools.
The study conducted by flexible payment solution Klarna on Beauty Tech device sales in France between 2024 and 2025 shows that demand for these devices is stronger among the 25-to-45 age groupalthough purchasing patterns vary according to the age.
Among people aged 26 to 35, growth is driven by hair carefor example with the Shark FlexStyle styler and dryer (+149%), lighted mirrors (+129%), and volumizing tools (+100%). This young, tech-native generation takes interest in this product category mainly through social media, and has high budgets ranging from 50 to 400 euros.
People aged 35 to 45 embody a more premium segment and tend to choose skincare devicesas demonstrated by the surge of LED masks (+172%) and Ice Rollers (+75%).
“This category has more purchasing power. They invest in response to the first signs of aging, as an alternative or complement to cosmetic products and aesthetic medicine. They want to transpose non-invasive technologies used in medspas to their homes,” explains Philippe Gorge.
“The scientification of beauty”
The L.E.K Consulting beauty specialist explains these dynamics by changing consumer expectations rather than technological advances.
“Since the Covid pandemic, we have noticed a ‘scientification of beauty’, as consumers are better-informed and more demanding when it comes to efficacy and evidence. And this is true whatever the age group, social category or geographic market. It puts pressure on the whole value chain, from brands to distributors, to deliver concrete evidence where promises used to be good enough,” he explains.
This initiative is also related to the merging of beauty and longevity, with the key notion of prevention, rather than transformation.
“There is a quest for science, but people have also grown aware of the need for continuity over time to get results. A more comprehensive routine combined with a technological device perfectly matches this expectation,” adds Gorge.
The right economic model
However, devices as equipment raise the issue of beauty brands’ economic model. Traditional cosmetics are driven by recurring consumable purchases, while high-priced devices are typically purchased only once.
“The historic beauty brands that already have a well-established product portfolio and consumer base have an advantage compared to device pure players. They can offer consumers a consistent ecosystem where tools strengthen the perceived efficacy of skincare products. Equipment linked to an existing range becomes a routine amplifier. It can also be a closed ecosystem, similarly to the Nespresso model.”
This is how myBlenda brand of the Clarins group, defends its Augmented Beauty positioning, claiming technological devices are used to prolong the action of cosmetics. After the success of myLEDmask, the brand launched myLIFTINGRoller, developed in partnership with Nuon, the specialist of beauty device design. This augmented roller available for 295 euros combines the microcurrent technique, vibrations and massage for a natural lifting effect. According to the brand’s consumer data, 96% of the women surveyed observed a comprehensive action on firmness after 28 days when used in synergy with the brand’s Firmness SuperSerum. For eight women out of ten surveyed, it is becoming a must-have in the beauty routine.
Among historic brands, the L’Oréal group is also massively investing in Beauty Techboth in-house and through technological acquisitions and partnerships. Recently, two innovations of the Group fitted with the infrared technology were primed with a CES Innovation Award: the Light Straight + Multi-Stylera styling tool designed to reduce hair damage due to heat, and the LED Face Maskan ultra-thin, flexible face mask developed in partnership with I-Smart Developments, which uses LED phototherapy to target wrinkles, skin sagging, and uneven complexion.
The beauty device market is still heterogeneous, with a large number of players offering solutions backed by highly diverse scientific claims. According to Gorge, the winners will be those able to combine clinical credibility, product experience and a viable economic modelwhether it be historic brands having largely invested in the segment, or new entrants originally positioned in the Beauty Tech category.
“In the long term, maybe we will not see devices and skincare merge, but rather beauty, preventive health, and longevity. Connected biometric monitoring objects like rings, watches, and sensors now used to measure sleep, heart rate, and the stress level, will evaluate markers specific to skin health to inform consumers in real time about their skins’ condition and recommend adapted routines at a particular time,” he concludes.
Shelia Michelle continues to prove that resilience, faith, and creativity can coexist in powerful ways. Whether she’s building meaningful conversations through storytelling, creating spaces for healing, or inspiring others through her personal journey, she carries a refreshing energy rooted in authenticity and purpose. With a vibrant voice and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others, Shelia is showing people that growth is not always perfect, but it can still be beautiful, impactful, and life-changing. Her ability to turn real-life experiences into motivation for others is exactly what makes her presence so magnetic.
Photo Credit: Shelia Michelle
Mr. Clark: Christmas Between explores family, love, and emotional connection during the holiday season. What drew you to this project, and how did the story personally resonate with you?
Shelia Michelle: What drew me to Christmas Between was the truth inside of it. The holidays are beautiful, but for many families, they are also layered. You can be surrounded by lights, music, food, and family while still carrying grief, memory, or something unspoken.
After losing my oldest son to drug and gang-related violence, I know what it feels like to keep showing up while carrying loss. This film gives language to that space between joy and sorrow, love and loss, memory and movement. But more than that, Christmas Between is about creating emotional safety year-round so people can heal, rebuild, and pursue their God-given purpose from where they are.
Mr. Clark: Holiday films often leave audiences with a meaningful message. What do you hope viewers take away from Christmas Between after watching the premiere?
Photo Credit: Shelia Michelle
Shelia Michelle: I hope viewers walk away feeling seen and safe. I want them to know healing does not always look perfect. Sometimes it looks like setting the table even though someone is missing. Sometimes it looks like laughing through tears or finally having the conversation your family has avoided for years.
The message of Christmas Between is not that grief disappears. It is that love remains. I want families to feel permission to remember, forgive, reconnect, and keep building from where they are.
Following the film, we also want to make sure people have access to resources that help them explore grief, healing, emotional safety, and purpose beyond the screen. This is not just a movie moment for us. It is part of a larger healing conversation.
Mr. Clark: Chemistry and storytelling are everything in a film centered around relationships and family dynamics. What was the experience like working alongside the cast and bringing those emotional moments to life on screen?
Shelia Michelle: As Executive Producer, I am very intentional about protecting the heart of the story. When a film touches grief, love, family, forgiveness, and purpose, the emotion cannot feel forced. It has to feel honest.
The cast has to bring softness, tension, memory, and truth because family is rarely one thing. There is love there, but there can also be silence, pain, misunderstanding, and history. I want audiences to feel like they are watching a family they recognize.
Photo Credit: Shelia Michelle
Mr. Clark: As anticipation builds for the premiere of Christmas Between, what makes this film stand out from other holiday movies audiences may be used to seeing?
Shelia Michelle: Christmas Between is not just a holiday movie wrapped in pretty lights. It has warmth, beauty, and family, but it also has emotional depth. It does not ignore the fact that the holidays can be complicated.
This film explores what happens when love, grief, memory, healing, and purpose all sit at the same table. Christmas is the setting, but the message is year-round: people deserve to feel safe enough to heal, safe enough to rebuild, and safe enough to keep becoming.
We are also grateful for supporters connected to this work, including Griots Nest, LR Media Group, Body Contouring Emporium, Infinite Glow, Pretty in Pink Brows, and Compassionate Care Services, Inc. Each one represents a different part of the world we are building around Christmas Between: beauty, storytelling, wellness, care, confidence, and community.
Mr. Clark: Between your growing career and this upcoming premiere, what has this season of life taught you about purpose, perseverance, and trusting your journey in entertainment?
Photo Credit: Shelia Michelle
Shelia Michelle: This season has taught me that purpose does not always arrive neatly. Sometimes it is born out of the very place that tried to break you.
I did not come into entertainment just to say I produced a film. I came into this space because I believe storytelling has power. Some stories do more than entertain. They help people breathe, heal, remember, and move forward.
For me, perseverance is courage, commitment, and consistency. Courage to start. Commitment to the assignment. Consistency to keep building from where I am.
That is what Christmas Between represents for me: building from where you are, even when life has changed you.
Mr. Clark: It’s early, but never too early to tell our readers about your favorite holiday “go-to” glam looks. What looks can we expect to see in this film?
Shelia Michelle: My holiday go-to is understated elegance: velvet, silk, beautiful textures, soft structure, and pieces that move well on the body. I love looks that feel luxurious without having to announce themselves.
For me, style is not about labels or price tags. It is about fit, texture, tailoring, and intention. Having a stylist and an alterationist changed everything for me. I was getting compliments everywhere I went, not because the pieces were the most expensive, but because they were styled well and fit my body properly. That is the power of structure.
With Christmas Between, the beauty has to feel like real life, but cinematic. Think soft glam, polished hair, glowing skin, cozy textures, rich holiday tones, velvet, silk, understated accessories, and wardrobe moments that carry warmth and memory.
I always say style lends to structure. Hair, makeup, wardrobe, jewelry, tailoring, and texture help tell the story before anyone says a word. My advice for anyone building a film, campaign, or visual brand is to keep three great hairstylists, makeup artists, wardrobe curators, and an alterationist on deck. And if the budget does not allow for that yet, leverage AI to build mood boards, test concepts, and create a clear visual direction until you can.
As we move into our Christmas in July campaign, I am excited to bring that visual world forward early: the velvet, the silk, the glow, the softness, the strength, the hair, the wardrobe, and the emotional beauty of the story.
Readers can stay connected and learn more at www.christmasbetween.com. That will be the best place to follow the film, upcoming activations, the Christmas in July campaign, and resources connected to grief, healing, and building from where you are.
As Shelia Michelle continues to evolve both personally and professionally, her message remains clear: keep pushing, keep healing, and keep believing in what’s possible. Through every project, conversation, and creative endeavor, she reminds people that joy can still exist after hardship and purpose can still bloom in unexpected seasons. With passion leading the way and purpose fueling every step, Shelia is inspiring others to walk boldly in their own journeys while embracing every lesson along the way.
There are maybe five skincare brands whose launches I follow closely enough to drop everything. Medik8 is one of them. PDRN has been building for a while and I watched it from a distance, waiting for someone I trust to do something meaningful with it. The Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ is the formula that made the wait worth it. Three weeks in, here is where I landed.
Since I love everything about the Medik8 Crystal Retinal, I have zero trust issues when it comes to innovation from the now L’Oréal-owned brand. And as with anything new, PDRN is suddenly attracting a wave of skepticism all over social media. Why? This is not a phenomenon but rather the expected reaction to any ingredient or concept that gains traction and becomes ubiquitous in the skincare space.
Is it effective? Does it actually penetrate skin? Is it comparable to the injectable treatment from Korea that started it all? Is it actual salmon sperm? What do you mean vegan PDRN? Is topical application going to interfere with my own DNA? The list of questions with matching conspiracies goes on. And on. And on.
What is the Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ and why does it matter
Let me answer the questions in order.
Yes, it is effective. No, it is not salmon sperm. No, it will not interfere with your DNA. PDRN is a chain of DNA fragments the skin uses as a signalling and repair mechanism, not a genetic modification tool. The conspiracy content on this one is particularly imaginative.
Medik8’s PDRN is vegan and bioengineered via bacteria-based biotechnology, producing DNA chains in a tetrahedral structure that the brand claims achieves 100% better absorption than traditional PDRN and penetrates 61% deeper. More stable and more consistent than animal-derived alternatives. The vegan angle matters practically, not just ethically.
The formula also contains a Triple Exosome Complex: Lactobacillus Extracellular Vesicles, Punica Granatum (pomegranate) extract, and Centella Asiatica, covering barrier restoration, calming, and energy support. Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles that tell skin cells how to behave. This is where the technology gets genuinely interesting.
Is topical PDRN comparable to the injectable treatment from Korea? No. Nothing topical replicates something delivered directly into the dermis. That is a realistic expectation to set before spending $96. What topical PDRN can do with a well-constructed formula behind it is meaningful. The question is whether this formula is well-constructed. It is.
What the formula is actually doing
Hydrated skin is more radiant skin. Always. A well-hydrated barrier also absorbs actives more effectively, which means everything that follows in your routine works better. What makes the Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ interesting is what sits on top of that baseline.
Sodium Hyaluronate handles immediate water-binding. Panthenol and Allantoin soothe and support barrier repair. The amino acid complex, including Proline, Lysine, Arginine, Glutamic Acid, Leucine, and Glycine, provides the building blocks for collagen and elastin synthesis. Oligopeptide-1, which is EGF, supports cell proliferation and regeneration. Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate fuels cellular energy processes that slow with age. The Lactobacillus Extracellular Vesicles and Punica Granatum extract carry the signalling intelligence of the exosome complex.
Not one ingredient doing one job. A coordinated formula where the hydration layer creates the optimal environment for everything else.
Medik8 also positions this as a post-procedure step, which makes complete sense. The centella asiatica, panthenol, allantoin, and exosome complex make it a genuine healing and recovery formula in a daily serum format. Clinical data supports it: 100% of participants who had received injectable polynucleotide treatments said it was the perfect post-procedure partner.
Texture, feel, and user experience
Lightweight enough to fit into any existing routine without disrupting what comes before or after it. If you are familiar with Medik8 serums, this one sits somewhere between the Liquid Peptides and Hydr8. Silky and fluid but just viscous enough to have a liquigel grip. It drips in slow motion. Not sticky in the slightest. Clear, no scent, glass bottle with a pump dispenser.
How to use it and my preference
Apply on clean skin before other serums and moisturizers. If you use a vitamin C serum or any other targeted treatment, the Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ goes on first. Two pumps cover the face and neck. The pump dispenses short bursts so a double press is the right approach.
After three weeks of daily use, it works well in both AM and PM routines without causing pilling under vitamin C or sunscreen. What genuinely surprised me is how good my skin looks when I follow it with Crystal Retinal 10 at night. Those are the mornings when my complexion looks more even, less red, and just more radiant. The kind of skincare chess move that makes me a believer in Medik8 being the new legacy brand of my generation.
the light in the far right shot is a tad cooler (standing in front of the window) but the skin really does look brighter after 3 weeks
Three weeks in
I am not going to show you a before and after. What I will show you is my skin now, which is less red and more radiant than it was three weeks ago. Subtle. Noticeable. Not a dramatic transformation and not trying to be one.
The redness across my cheeks has calmed. Not eliminated. Just subdued. That is the niacinamide, the centella asiatica, and the exosome complex working together. Overall tone of my skin also looks more even.
What has not changed: the visible expression lines on my forehead. Those take longer and will not be resolved by any topical regardless of what clinical studies measure. The fourteen-day wrinkle data uses instrument measurement, not the naked eye. Keeping that distinction honest feels important at $96.
The Crystal Retinal 10 pairing at night remains the combination I am most excited about. More on that as the experiment continues.
Is it worth $96?
The technology is sophisticated, the formula is well-constructed beyond the headline actives, and three weeks in I have no interest in stopping. Subtle and noticeable rather than transformative and overnight, which is the honest characterisation of what good skincare actually does.
If you are contemplating a PDRN serum but leaning toward ANUA because the price is more accessible, go for it. No judgment. Just know that the comparison stops at hydration. ANUA will not deliver the exosome complex, the EGF, the ATP precursor, the amino acid collagen-building layer, or the vegan bioengineered PDRN in a tetrahedral structure. These are not the same product at different price points. Apples to apples this comparison is not.
Available now at us.medik8.com and uk.medik8.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PDRN in skincare? Polydeoxyribonucleotides — chains of DNA fragments that support skin cell recovery, barrier function, and visible rejuvenation. Originally used in injectable clinical treatments in South Korea. Medik8’s version is vegan and bioengineered rather than animal-derived.
What are exosomes in skincare? Nano-sized vesicles secreted by cells that carry proteins, lipids, and genetic signalling material. They tell skin cells how to behave. In skincare they support barrier restoration, calm redness, and promote recovery. The technology comes from wound healing and regenerative medicine research.
How does this compare to injectable PDRN treatments? It does not replicate them. Injectable PDRN delivers active material directly into the dermis at concentrations a topical cannot match. The Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ is designed as a complementary at-home step, not a replacement. 100% of participants who had received injectable polynucleotide treatments said it was the perfect post-procedure partner.
Can you use it with retinol? Yes. Use it before vitamin C in the morning and before retinol at night. Gentle enough to use alongside Crystal Retinal without conflict.
How long before you see results? Barrier function and luminosity in seven days per clinical data. Wrinkle improvement at fourteen days uses instrument measurement, not the naked eye. Redness-calming and vitality improvement visible within the first week in personal use. Deeper structural changes take longer.
Who is this best suited for? Anyone in their late thirties or above dealing with redness, uneven tone, loss of luminosity, or skin that is slow to recover after treatments or travel. Ideal post-procedure companion for microneedling, peels, or injectable polynucleotide treatments.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no cost to you. It helps keep my mist habit funded and this blog running. Thank you for reading.
