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My Experience With an Ayurvedic Cleanse

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My Experience With an Ayurvedic Cleanse

As a physician, wellness expert, and general healthy living enthusiast, I believe that periodic cleanses are helpful to reset our systems and reduce the load of dietary and environmental substances our bodies have to process. I’ve tried a bunch of options, from a brown rice cleanse to the master cleanse to a strict juice fast, but I had never explored an Ayurvedic approach, and from what I’d heard, I was intrigued.

How to Choose the Right Ayurvedic Cleanse

A friend recommended John Douillard’s Colorado Cleanse. His approach appealed to me—strongly rooted in Ayurveda, but with a healthy dose of no-nonsense science to support all phases of the cleanse. His idea is that we are all exposed to harmful substances every day as humans on planet Earth. While our filtering organs do a very good job of eliminating water-soluble substances, the fat-soluble toxicants can sometimes get stuck in our adipose tissue, where they take up residence like unwanted guests. His 14-day cleanse is designed to excavate those fat-soluble substances through a three-stage program using diet, proper hydration, and herbal supplements. The cleanse comes with a book (not a booklet), and optional herbs by his company LifeSpa, though he does give recipes for DIY herbal support if you don’t want to purchase them.

(Note: This is NOT a sponsored post – this is simply my experience with a specific program that I selected based on a recommendation from a friend.)

Stage One: Resetting With an Ayurvedic Cleanse

The first few days of the cleanse were surprisingly challenging to me. I am a 25-year vegetarian who eats minimal dairy and very little processed sugar, but we did the cleanse after the holiday season, when I’d let some discipline slip, especially in the margarita and dark chocolate caramel departments. So, the transition to zero alcohol, caffeine, dairy, or sugar (not even honey or maple syrup) and minimal fat was an abrupt one. There was a sense of deprivation, to be expected with any cleanse, but the physical effects caught me off guard. I think because I’m an MD, I want things to make complete medical sense to me. I want to understand the physiological mechanisms of my symptoms, rather than throwing around vague phrases like “detox headache” to explain things. At the end of day two, though, the most scientific explanation I could offer for my blazing migraine (despite research) was that my body, accustomed to mild caffeine, moderate natural sugars, and some alcohol, was reacting to the absence of those substances with a detox headache and a pretty irritable state of mind.

Stage Two: Ghee, Kitchari, and Detox Support

Phase two of the cleanse gets even more restrictive, so I was worried that my symptoms would worsen, but they subsided. This stage, like the first and the third, consists of three meals a day, no snacking between meals, and no liquids except water (hot or room temperature) and herbal tea with meals. The entire cleanse is very low in fat, but this middle week requires that your only fat comes in the form of your morning dose of ghee, a clarified form of butter, which increases daily. At first, it’s like licking a piece of buttered popcorn, and it’s actually pretty tasty. By the seventh day, it’s more like drinking from a butter firehose, and you’re more than ready for the transition to the final stage. I experienced mild nausea only one day after the ghee, and it subsided when I had a bit of oatmeal for breakfast.

Phase two also emphasizes a dish called kitchari, a mixture of mung beans, white rice, and spices. You can eat it three meals a day, or substitute oatmeal for breakfast and have kitchari for the other two meals, which was the plan I selected. The rules in this phase are designed to send fat (in the form of ghee) into your body to retrieve the fat-soluble toxins and pull them into your digestive tract for elimination. In the process, kitchari is supporting your body with a complete protein (beans + rice) that is easy to digest.

Hydration is a critical element of this ayurvedic approach. Douillard believes, and I agree, that most of us are deeply dehydrated, and probably not very effective in correcting dehydration on a meaningful level. He has you sip hot water throughout the day, as well as 120 ounces of room temperature water. His analogy is that if you pour water on a cold piece of leather (your digestive system), it will bead up and roll off without wetting the leather. If you soak the leather in hot water, it becomes more absorbent and can maintain a state of deeper hydration. My plant analogy is similar: if you water a bone-dry plant, the water runs right through, but if you soak the plant first, it can finally hold water. I definitely felt more hydrated than I have in years, and, while I had to pee often, it wasn’t as often as I would have thought, because my body was actually holding on to water in a more functional way.

Other recommended elements of the cleanse included journaling, self-massage, yoga, meditation, and short workouts. Because I was getting a decent number of calories each day, I didn’t feel like I had to change my workouts too much. I still did yoga, strength training, and cross-country skiing, with only a few moments of lightheadedness. I didn’t journal as much as I should have—the cleanse was very time-consuming—but maybe I’ll pick that up the next time I try it.

Stage Three: Reintroduction and Emotional Shifts

The final phase is similar to the first, adding back green apples, more vegetables and grains, and beets, which I managed to eat for the first time in my life with some mild degree of pleasure. It was in this final phase that I had to wrestle with a few unexpected emotions. Essentially, my body felt great, but my mind was done with the cleansing protocol (and so was my husband, who did the cleanse with me). As the mother of two girls and CEO of a busy company, the obsessive planning and preparation for each meal plus all the herbal supplements before and after meals was starting to wear on me. I was craving a normal flow to my days. I wasn’t missing caffeine or alcohol or sugar, but I wanted ease, and the lack of it was making me crabby. The friend who recommended the cleanse wisely pointed out that maybe the cleanse had done what it needed to do in 12 days instead of 14. As a certified control freak, I resisted that idea, labeling it as a failure. But, the more I considered it, the more it resonated: my body started this protocol in a pretty healthy place, and had gotten what it needed from the experience. So, I let myself ease out of the strict regimen and back into my healthy, vegetarian diet.

What I Gained From the Cleanse

Now, almost two weeks after finishing the cleanse, here’s what I think I’ve gained:

  • Not weight! I lost about five pounds from my 5’7” frame, and it felt like a nice reset, even if it wasn’t a goal of the cleanse.
  • A deeper understanding of how to hydrate effectively, and a renewed commitment to that worthy cause.
  • A profound appreciation for a drizzle of honey or a splash of maple syrup, rather than my previously careless amounts of those sweeteners.
  • A substantially slowed pace at the dinner table, involving the acts of chewing and savoring my food instead of Hoovering it.
  • An appreciation for a crisp, tart apple after a meal, which has largely replaced my craving for other sweets.
  • A reminder that moderation is possible, and may be the healthiest habit we can work to cultivate in our daily lives, whether it’s regarding coffee, wine, exercise, or stress: a little is fine, too much simply isn’t.

With love and a bowl of kitchari,

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.

2025 in Review: Investing in India – Global Beauty Doubles Down on Long-Term Growth

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2025 in Review: Investing in India – Global Beauty Doubles Down on Long-Term Growth

India’s beauty market entered 2025 with a new sense of certainty. No longer treated as a promising frontier or test-and-learn destination, the country has become a core pillar in global beauty strategies—one demanding sustained capital, local partnerships and long-term commitment. With premiumisation accelerating, digital commerce maturing and organised retail scaling rapidly, India has moved decisively into the industry’s top tier of priority markets.

Global brands arrived in force. Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin confirmed their long-anticipated India debut through Reliance Retail, launching nationwide via Sephora India and Tira Beauty. Luxury momentum continued with Armani Beauty opening a flagship store in Mumbai, while botanical brand Chantecaille entered through Luxasia, rolling out a curated selection across Nykaa, Tira and SS Beauty. Chanel strengthened its footprint by launching its fragrance and beauty portfolio on Nykaa’s platform and select Luxe stores, reinforcing the appeal of premium beauty in India’s top urban centres.

Science-backed and dermocosmetic brands also found fertile ground. Obagi Medical entered India in partnership with Nykaa, bringing clinically driven skincare to a broader audience and underscoring rising consumer appetite for results-led formulations. L’Oréal went further, unveiling plans to more than double its India business, backed by expanded local manufacturing as the market takes on greater strategic weight within the group’s global portfolio. The Estée Lauder Companies signalled a longer-term play by partnering with Startup India, aiming to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship across the local beauty ecosystem.

Retail infrastructure emerged as a decisive enabler of growth. Reliance Retail’s Tira established itself as a key gateway for international brands, partnering with SheGlam, Fenty, Obagi and others. SheGlam’s entry was notable not just for its launch, but for its commitment to building a local workforce—marking a deeper, operational investment rather than a purely transactional market entry. Nykaa, meanwhile, continued to cement its role as both a retail platform and brand incubator, attracting global names such as Yves Rocher, Colorbar collaborators and luxury houses seeking scale with credibility.

India’s homegrown brands and platforms also gained momentum. Colorbar outlined plans for a 2027 IPO, with proceeds earmarked for skincare, fragrance and international expansion, while Moxie Beauty raised US$15 million in Series A funding to scale India-focused haircare R&D and distribution. Collaboration became a defining theme, with The Body Shop teaming up with indē wild on a wedding-gifting range designed to tap into culturally specific consumption moments.

E-commerce and financial infrastructure continued to evolve in tandem with beauty’s expansion. Flipkart secured an NBFC licence to extend credit to shoppers and sellers, while Amazon moved to expand lending operations through its Axio acquisition—steps that promise to further unlock discretionary spending in beauty and personal care across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.

Marketing and community-building strategies also grew more localised and creator-led. Max Factor launched an India-specific affiliate programme aimed at professional make-up artists, while brands increasingly leaned into culturally resonant storytelling. Rare Beauty’s fragrance launch featuring Indian creator Ankush Bahuguna and L’Oréal Paris’ “Lessons of Worth” campaign with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan reflected a broader shift toward relevance over replication.

Physical retail retained its importance alongside digital growth. Huda Beauty opened its first pop-up store in New Delhi, spotlighting new product launches and reaffirming the role of experiential retail in building brand connection in a highly social, discovery-led market.

Taken together, 2025 marked a clear inflection point. India is no longer viewed as a secondary growth lever, but as a market where global success increasingly depends on getting the strategy right—from manufacturing and retail partnerships to talent, marketing and cultural fluency. With scale, sophistication and spending power all rising, India has firmly established itself as one of beauty’s most consequential investment destinations.

Hydrating Cream That Actually Works for Dry, Tight Skin

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Hydrating Cream That Actually Works for Dry, Tight Skin

A hydrating cream should be the easiest “yes” in your routine. But if you have ever finished your skincare, felt good for ten minutes, then ended up tight, flaky, or weirdly oily by midday, you already know the problem: not every hydrating cream actually hydrates in a way your skin can hold onto.

The best hydrating cream is not the richest one. It is the one that gives your skin water, helps your barrier keep it, and stays comfortable all day without breaking you out or sitting heavy.

1. Why some “hydrating” creams still leave you dry

Most moisturizers can make your skin feel softer in the moment. The difference between a basic moisturizer and a hydrating cream that actually works is whether it addresses the two things dry skin needs:

  • Hydration (water content in the skin)
  • Barrier support (keeping that water from escaping)

If you are only getting one of those, your skin will still feel dry. That’s why some people apply more and more cream and still do not feel comfortable.

2. How to tell if you need a hydrating cream or just a lighter moisturizer

You likely need a true hydrating cream if you notice:

  • tightness after cleansing
  • flaking around the mouth or nose
  • makeup separating or clinging to dry patches
  • fine lines looking deeper by afternoon
  • skin getting oily on top but still feeling dry underneath

That last one surprises people. Dehydrated skin can still overproduce oil. In that case, the right hydrating cream can actually make you look less shiny because your skin stops panicking.

3. What “hydration that lasts” looks like in ingredients

A hydrating cream that actually works usually combines three categories of ingredients:

  • Humectants to pull in hydration (think glycerin, hyaluronic acid style ingredients)
  • Emollients to smooth and soften (lipids, squalane, nourishing oils)
  • Barrier helpers to reduce water loss (ceramides and other skin-identical support)

If a cream is mostly fragrance and “butters” without real hydration support, it can feel rich but still leave you dehydrated. If it is only water-binding ingredients without barrier support, you can feel dry again an hour later.

4. How to apply hydrating cream so it actually hydrates

Technique matters more than people think. If you want your hydrating cream to perform:

  • Apply it right after serumwhile skin still feels slightly damp.
  • Use enough to cover face and neck without rubbing for a full minute. A thin, even layer works better than aggressive massaging.
  • If you are very dry, press the cream in with your palms instead of dragging it across the skin.
  • In the morning, give it a minute to settle before SPF and makeup.

Pro tip: If your skin feels tight by midday, your morning layer is probably too thin or your cleanser is stripping your barrier.

5. A hydrating cream option that is made for real skin

If you want a daily hydrating cream that supports comfort and glow without feeling heavy, the Eden Hydrating Pro Moisturizer is built for that role in a routine.

It is the kind of moisturizer that makes sense when your skin needs hydration that lasts, especially if you are using active serums, dealing with seasonal dryness, or just want skin that looks smoother and more even throughout the day.

6. When to expect results

A good hydrating cream can make your skin feel more comfortable immediately, but the best changes build over time:

  • Within a few days: less tightness, better softness, makeup sits better
  • Within 2 to 4 weeks: barrier feels stronger, less flaking, skin looks more even
  • Within 6 to 8 weeks: fine lines look less pronounced because skin stays consistently hydrated

If you are not improving, it is usually because the routine is too harsh (over-cleansing, too many acids) or the cream is not sealing hydration in well enough for your skin.

Final thoughts

A hydrating cream that actually works should make your skin feel comfortable now and look better later. Choose one that supports hydration and the barrier, apply it correctly, and keep the rest of your routine simple enough that your skin can settle and improve.

YSL’s Lash Latex Mascara Survives the Winter Winds

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YSL’s Lash Latex Mascara Survives the Winter Winds

Key Takeaways

  • YSL Beauty is releasing a new lengthening mascara: Lash Latex.
  • The launch campaign is fronted by Alex Consani.

I’d probably buy any beauty product Alex Consani was selling, which is dangerous for me considering her line of work. The good news is she seems to pick the ones I’d want anyway.

This week, YSL Beauty is introducing their newest mascara—Lash Latex Lengthening & Sculpting Mascara—alongside a campaign fronted by the model. The newest addition to an already-impressive mascara selection, Lash Latex was “designed to deliver sculpted length, all-day lift, and conditioned, flexible lashes.” All good things, obviously.

Keep reading to learn everything about Consani’s role in the campaign and the new launch, plus our honest review.

YSL


The Inspiration

In a press release, the brand explained that it chose Consani for the campaign because her presence echoes the product’s “bold, sleek performance.”

“Her modern, expressive aesthetic perfectly mirrors the mascara’s dynamic, high-definition finish,” they explained.

YSL


If you’re going to be compared to mascara… this is a good one.

“Engineered with couture-level technology, Lash Latex stretches performance beyond convention: lengthening each lash with precision, softening with every swipe, and locking in lift that lasts,” added the brand. “This launch marks the next evolution in high-impact lash artistry.”

The Product

Compared to YSL’s fan-favorite volumizing mascara, Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara, and its XXL brush, Lash Latex’s lash sculpting brush features 496 micro bristles to make sure each and every hair gets its lift.

The formula is infused with hyaluronic acid and iris Florentina, which will contribute to softer-feeling lashes over time. The ophthalmologist-tested formula is safe for sensitive eyes (even the most sensitive, they say!) and sweat resistant even after a workout.

YSL


In an instrumental test, lashes were up to 1.6X longer and lifted for up to 24 hours. A consumer test also showed a 39% increase in curl and clump-free application.

The Review

Beautiful Hunter


“I have teeny-tiny lashes that get overwhelmed by a big fluffy brush, so I’ve always felt left out of the Lash Clash hype. Luckily, Lash Latex’s spiky, cone-shaped brush is much more my speed. All those little bristles grab each of my (sparse) lashes, separating and lifting them for a long, fanned-out effect. Most impressive, however, is the formula’s staying power. In the winter, my eyes water as soon as I leave the house, but this stays put even on the coldest days with no smudging or flaking to speak of. If you’re looking for long, defined lashes that will not budge, you’re going to want to hit add to cart, now.” —Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor

Wegovy Pill: Answers to Your Top Questions

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Wegovy Pill: Answers to Your Top Questions

While injectable medications have dominated the weight loss space for years, most people aren’t exactly pumped to stick a needle in their stomach on a weekly basis. Now, a potential game-changing medication has entered the weight-loss space: a Wegovy pill.

As you probably know, Wegovy is an FDA-approved injectable semaglutide weight loss medication for adults with obesity or overweight and with one weight-related condition. It’s the cousin of Ozempic (which is FDA-approved for blood sugar management) and can deliver impressive weight loss results.

The new Wegovy pill isn’t the first semaglutide oral medication—that honor goes to Rybelsus, which was approved in 2019. But Rybelsus is FDA-approved for blood sugar management in people with type 2 diabetes. The Wegovy pill is the first oral GLP-1 medication for weight loss.

Many patients have been waiting for this. “I’ve had a couple people on injectable semaglutide who have said, ‘When is the oral form coming out?’” Richard Siegel, MD, an endocrinologist and codirector of the Diabetes and Lipid Center at Tufts Medical Center, tells SELF.

“We want as many tools in our tool kit as possible to help people,” Carolynn Francavilla Brown, MD, a family physician and member of the Obesity Medicine Association Board of Trustees Executive Committee, tells SELF. “Any new addition is exciting, but I’m most excited for my patients who are really needle-phobic.”

​​Diana Huang, MD, family physician at Swedish Downtown Primary Care, tells SELF that she’s “very excited” about this new option for patients. “I have a number of patients who have been on the fence about starting these medications,” she says. “They say, ‘If there’s a shot, I don’t want to do that. But if there’s a pill, sign me up.’ I expect some will reach out about this.’”

It’s hard to ignore all the chatter out there about these weight loss medications, no matter what form they come in. As a result, it’s easy to be an armchair expert about GLP-1 receptor agonists and similar medications. But an oral GLP-1 for weight loss is new. With that in mind, we tapped three physicians who work with people with obesity to answer the biggest questions surrounding this new Wegovy pill. Here’s what they want you to know.

1. Who is it FDA-approved for?

The Wegovy pill is FDA-approved to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long-term in adults who have obesity or are overweight. In order to qualify for the medication, these patients should also have one weight-related condition, like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

European Union looks to boost plastic recycling as Chinese imports rise

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European Union looks to boost plastic recycling as Chinese imports rise

One of the measures suggested by the European Commission is to bolster investment in chemical recycling — which involves heating plastics to high temperatures to recycle them — despite it being energy intensive and more polluting than mechanical techniques. But it could be useful for dealing with food packaging like yoghurt pots, Brussels believes.

That proposal would involve new rules on identifying recycled content in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) single-use plastic bottles that can be handled by chemical processes.

Asian competition

Another measure wants to cut red tape and harmonise rules across the 27-nation bloc so recycled plastics could more easily be traded.

The overall aim of the commission’s proposals is to “accelerate Europe’s transition to a circular economy”, in which recycled plastics are treated “as a valuable secondary raw material rather than waste, benefiting both the economy and the planet.”

The Commission describes the measures as an initial step toward broader legislation on the circular economy. The proposals include tougher checks on imports, to prevent the dumping of cheap plastics on the European market.

Indeed, citing high energy prices and mounting international competition, plastics manufacturers appealed for support in early October, warning they were “on the brink of collapse.”

In the long term, European production is declining while imports from Asia are ever increasing.

Globally, plastic production continues to grow at a sustained pace. However, more than half of plastics produced — 57 percent — come from Asia, with 35 percent coming from China. With such a supply of cheap plastic, Europe’s recycling sector is under severe challenge.

Asia also dominates the market for so-called “circular” plastics — those that are mechanically recycled, bio-based, chemically recycled, or produced using carbon capture. China accounts for 30.3% of global production, with the rest of Asia contributing a further 24.6%. Europe represents 19% of the total, according to Plastics Europe, which represents around 100 companies.

Stagnating capacities

The EU is facing increasing volumes of plastic wastea source of ever-growing pollution. EU data show that each European generated nearly 190 kg of packaging waste in 2021 — a figure projected to rise to 209 kg by 2030 without additional measures. In parallel, plastic recycling capacity in stagnating.

The sector had a recycling capacity of 13 million tons in 2023. But growth has been slowing even as plastic waste has been rising. In 2021, capacity grew at 17 percent, then in 2022 it slowed to 10 percent, and in 2023 it was six percent. By the end of 2025, the commission said, recycling capacity is “expected to turn into a net decrease of around one million tons”.

“This capacity reduction poses challenges not only from an environmental compliance perspective, but also for industrial competitiveness, economic growth and job retention,” the commission said.

Industry groups, however, expressed disappointment with the announced measures. “The responses provided so far are inadequate given the scale of the economic, industrial, and social challenges,” French environmental services group Veolia told AFP. A leading advocate for emergency support for the sector, the company said it was “imperative that the Commission fully grasp the seriousness of the situation and adopt measures that genuinely address these challenges.”

Dry vs Dehydrated Skin (Plus Treatments)

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Dry vs Dehydrated Skin (Plus Treatments)

Often associated together, did you know that dry and dehydrated skin are actually two very different things? And the treatment for both can be quite different.

So, what’s the difference between dry and dehydrated skin? Well, dry skin has to do with a lower oil production and can be something that you have throughout your life—that’s why it’s considered a skin type. Dehydrated skin on the other hand means your skin is lacking water and is more of a conditional or seasonal state, but one that every skin type—even oily, can experience at some point.

“Dry skin lacks oil and can leave skin feeling flaky or tight,” explains Steph Scalet, Glo’s Global Aesthetics Lead. “Dehydrated skin lacks water and can leave skin looking dull. Dehydrated skin can affect any skin type and is often caused by external factors such as weather changes, diet, environment, travel, and alcohol. And, just to confuse matters, our skin can be both dry and dehydrated at the same time.”

It goes without saying that making sure you’re hydrating effectively throughout the day will help both dry and dehydrated skin, but there are also targeted products (like our moisturizers for dry skin) and ingredients that will support both too.

How To Treat Dry Skin

“Oils will make a big difference for dry, flaky, tight skin,” adds Steph. “Jojoba oil and rosehip seed oil will strengthen the skin barrier and safeguard against moisture loss. A nighttime slugging routine can help act as an occlusive barrier and help lock in hydration, as well.”

With dry skin, strengthening and repairing the moisture barrier over time is key. Look to serums for a more concentrated way to help heal and repair. For this we love hyaluronic acid for the hydration factor and EGF for its barrier repair.

Your skin can also benefit from a facial oil in the evening after cleansing and toning such as Phyto-Active Conditioning Oil Drops which feature nourishing squalane, or a moisturizing face mask like Restorative Mask. Leave your mask on overnight for deeply hydrated, refreshed skin.

Our recommended products for dry skin:

How To Treat Dehydrated Skin

When you’re dehydrated, your goal is to restore the water content in the skin, so deep hydrators will help. “The best ingredient for dehydrated skin is hyaluronic acid,” shares Steph. “This hero ingredient can hold 1000 times its weight in water and instantly plump and soothe dehydrated skin. Lifestyle changes can also easily address dehydrated skin, add more water intake to your daily routine and less alcohol.”

HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops provide exceptional hydration and nourishment with mixed molecule hyaluronic acid. It provides instant hydration to revive dry, dehydrated skin and can be used daily.

Pair your hyaluronic acid with a vitamin C serum during the day to really help replenish and protect skin. Next, lock in your hydrator with a moisturizer suited to your skin type. After you reintroduce these vital nutrients to your skin, you’ll notice your skin feeling plumped, bouncy, and brighter.

Recommended products for dehydrated skin:

Dry & Dehydrated Skin Tips

“Both dry and dehydrated skin can benefit from adding squalane into their rituals. Squalane is a compound that we naturally produce in our bodies and locks in hydration by creating a protective barrier on the skin’s surface,” advises Steph.

Preventing Dry or Dehydrated Skin

It goes without saying that SPF is a vital factor in all skincare rituals, but for dry and dehydrated skin opting for a high-factor will be helpful in really safeguarding skin from environmental damage not just from the sun but also pollution and blue light.

Alongside skincare there are also lifestyle choices you can make too to support your skin. Having a humidifier run at night can really help replenish lost moisture—especially in winter months. Eating lots of fresh water-rich fruits and vegetables will support your systemic health.

And, always washing your face in cool water will go a long way too, as warm and hot water can be super drying for the complexion.

Your Ultimate New Year’s Eve Hair Guide For Styles That Will Last

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Your Ultimate New Year’s Eve Hair Guide For Styles That Will Last

New Year’s Eve always carries a certain charge in the air. It’s the one night of the year that feels equal parts fresh start and full-tilt celebration, a chance to step into the version of yourself you’ve been inching toward all year. And whether your countdown happens in the middle of winter or under warm summer skies, your hair is often the finishing touch that makes everything click.

In the Northern Hemisphere, NYE looks usually go hand-in-hand with crisp air, indoor parties, and the constant friction of scarves, coats, and dry winter air. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s all about outdoor dinners, warm breezes, and finding styles that stand up to heat and humidity without falling flat. Very different climates, same goal: hair that stays polished, comfortable, and celebration-ready from the first sunset photo to the midnight toast.

That’s the beauty of choosing styles that work smarter, not harder. With the right base, your NYE look becomes the easiest, most reliable part of getting ready.

Here, we have five styles that look elevated but still feel achievable, with quick how-tos and weather-specific tips for both winter and summer celebrations.

1. The Day to Midnight Volume

Timeless glamour, without being fussy. This kind of soft, full-volume hairstyle photographs beautifully and works for every type of celebration. Going to a rooftop party, cozy dinner, or a dance-heavy night out? This ‘do is perfect for all of those and more.

Products: The Halo, Texture Enhancing Comb, Large Curling Iron

How to Get the Look

  • Slip on your halo and brush everything together for instant fullness.
  • Create a faux blowout using a curling iron.
  • Once done, gently rake through with your fingers to keep the finish touchable, not stiff.

Sitting Pretty Tip

Spritz a lightweight hairspray on your roots and ends to maintain the volume up top and below, no matter the weather or time of day.

Read Next: 5 Hacks To Take Your Hair From The Office To The Holiday Party

2. The Relaxed Party Pony

Chic, minimal effort meets maximum payoff. A sleek pony with face-framing pieces instantly makes you look pulled-together, and it keeps a lot of hair out of your neck from the first cheers to the Uber ride home.

Products: The Halo, Halo Tailcomb, Silk Scrunchies

How to Get the Look

  • Tie your hair up into a ponytail, as you normally would. Once secured with a scrunchie (best if it’s the same color as your hair), wrap the halo extensions around the ponytail for added density. Secure them with a hair pin.
  • Wrap a thin strand of hair around the base for a clean, “I planned this” finish.
  • Comb out some face-framing pieces, and curl the ends of the ponytail for a soft-yet-glamorous pony that’s ready to welcome the new year.

Sitting Pretty Tips

A touch of smoothing or frizz-controlling hair serum around the hairline and crown will help the pony stay sleek through movement, dancing, and changing temperatures. Finish the wrapped base with a hidden pin so it doesn’t loosen as the night goes on.

Read Next: Holiday Hair Made Easy: 5 Looks for Every Occasion

3. Half-Up Glam

Want to look effortlessly polished? This style is universally flattering, easy to create, and works beautifully in both winter and summer climates.

Products: The Halo, Curling Iron, Hair Pins

How to Get the Look

  • First, secure the halo, then blend it with your hair by combing it.
  • Section off the top layer of hair and tie it.
  • With the mini ponytail, turn it into a soft twist or bun, securing it with hair pins.
  • Add soft waves all over for texture and finish by loosening up the hair on the crown of your hair for a more relaxed look.

Sitting Pretty Tips

If you don’t want to tie your half ponytail, anchor it with a strong clip or two small hidden pins. This keeps the shape secure while letting the rest of your hair move freely. Opt for softer waves or bends that still look good as they’ll continue to soften throughout the night.

Read Next: Top 10 Formal Hairstyles: Breathtaking Looks for Your Next Event

4. The No-Heat Waves

Want soft, romantic texture without using heat this New Year’s Eve? Not only is it totally achievable, it’s actually easy. Even if it wasn’t NYE, we’re sure you’ll love doing this look nonstop.

Products: Heatless Curlers, The Halo

How to Get the Look

  • When your hair is 70-80% dry, set the heatless curlers earlier in the day so they work their magic while you do chores and get ready.
  • While you wait, start curling the halo already so you can easily apply and go.
  • Once you’re done doing your makeup and dressing up, remove the heatless curlers and add your Halo on top.
  • Finger comb your hair to blend them together.
  • Apply a light leave-in conditioner for extra shine and softness.

Sitting Pretty Tip

Finish with a flexible hold spray to keep the curls defined but still soft enough to move.

Read Next: The One Product You Need to Nourish Your Hair From the Root

5. The Cascading Side Sweep

Who wouldn’t want soft drama on New Year’s Eve? A side-swept style instantly looks glamorous, and it works beautifully with long nights out because every strand looks polished and intentionally placed.

Products: The Halo, Texture Enhancing Comb, Hair Pins

How to Get the Look

  • After blending your halo, create a deep side part and sweep all the hair toward one side.
  • Add soft waves with a large curling iron.
  • Then pin one side discreetly behind the ear if you want extra security.

Sitting Pretty Tips

Place one or two hidden pins under the heavier side of the sweep to keep the shape secure. A light mist over the top layer adds shine and keeps the part line smooth through the entire night.

Read Next: 5 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Halo

Step Into the New Year with Your Best Look

No matter where your countdown happens, bundled up in a cozy bar, raising a glass on a rooftop, dancing at a beach party, or celebrating at home with your inner circle, your hair should be the thing you aren’t worrying about.

With the right tools and a style that works with your climate, you can step into the night feeling polished, confident, and completely yourself.

Because the best NYE looks don’t just last until midnight. They carry you into the new year already shining.

Find your ultimate halo shade and shop for your NYE styling essentials here.

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Make sure your Halo is prepared for any kind of party with these tips:

Fire and Ice Facial: Benefits, Results, and What to Expect

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Fire and Ice Facial: Benefits, Results, and What to Expect

The fire and ice facial has a reputation for giving you that immediate “I look refreshed” glow without looking overdone. It’s one of those treatments people book when they want visible results, but they do not want a week of peeling, redness, or hiding at home.

If you’ve heard the name and assumed it sounds intense, you’re not wrong. But the experience is less about pain and more about contrast. The “fire” part is designed to wake up dull skin and improve texture, and the “ice” part is about calming, hydrating, and sealing in that smooth finish.


1. What is a fire and ice facial?

A fire and ice facial is best described as a two-phase treatment that combines resurfacing and soothing in one session. The goal is to polish the skin’s surface, improve radiance, and leave you looking brighter and smoother right away, while still keeping the skin calm enough to avoid downtime.

That balance is what makes it popular. You get the “fresh” look, without the recovery that comes with more aggressive treatments.

2. Fire and ice facial benefits

The biggest fire and ice facial benefits come from the combination approach. Instead of pushing one harsh step, it works in phases so skin looks better fast but still feels comfortable afterward.

  • Instant glow: skin looks brighter and more alive immediately after.
  • Smoother texture: helps refine roughness so makeup sits better.
  • More even tone: can make the skin look clearer and more balanced.
  • Softening the look of fine lines: hydration and surface smoothing can make lines look less obvious.
  • Better “skin bounce”: skin often looks firmer and healthier, especially in photos.

It’s not a “one treatment fixes everything forever” facial. It is a high-impact refresh that works best when you book it consistently or pair it with solid home care.

3. Who is the fire and ice facial best for?

A fire and ice facial is usually a great match if you want visible results without a recovery period. It works well for:

  • dull or tired-looking skin
  • rough texture and uneven surface
  • skin that needs a glow boost before an event
  • early signs of aging and dehydration
  • skin that wants results but reacts to overly aggressive peels

If your skin barrier is severely compromised (burning, peeling, stinging from products), you may need calming and barrier repair first. A good facial starts with the condition of your skin, not your calendar.

4. Fire and ice facial results: what’s realistic?

Most people notice fire and ice facial results immediately. The common “day one” changes are:

  • a brighter look and smoother feel
  • skin that looks more even and refined
  • less dullness and more glow
  • makeup that applies more cleanly

For longer-term changes in texture and tone, consistency matters. Many people treat this as a monthly or seasonal reset, especially during times when skin looks tired, stressed, or congested.

5. What to expect during the appointment

Every spa has their own technique, but the general flow of a fire and ice facial is built around contrast:

  • Resurfacing phase: this is the “fire” part. You may feel warmth or tingling as the skin is stimulated and refreshed.
  • Cooling and calming phase: this is the “ice” part. It’s designed to soothe the skin and bring down redness while delivering hydration.

You should not feel like your face is being “burned.” Tingling or warmth is normal. Pain is not the goal. If something feels too intense, say so. A great facial should be adjustable to your skin on that day.

6. Aftercare: how to make results last

What you do in the 48 hours after a fire and ice facial is what determines how long your glow stays.

  • Keep it simple: gentle cleanse, hydrate, and moisturize.
  • Skip harsh actives for a couple of days: no strong acids, no aggressive retinol, no scrubs.
  • Sunscreen every morning: your skin will look brighter and smoother, but UV exposure can undo progress fast.
  • Do not pick: if anything feels like it is “coming to the surface,” let it resolve naturally.

If your goal is glow and even tone, sunscreen is the non-negotiable step. It is the difference between “nice facial” and “real progress.”

7. Booking the fire and ice facial

If you’re ready to book a fire and ice facial at Joanna Vargas, you can find the service page here: Fire & Ice Facial.

Final thoughts

The fire and ice facial is popular for a reason. It gives noticeable brightness and smoothness without the downtime that scares people away from more aggressive resurfacing. If you want a facial that looks good immediately and still supports healthier skin over time, it’s one of the best “results without recovery” treatments to keep in rotation.

12 Best Boxing Day Sales 2025 According To A Shopping Editor

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12 Best Boxing Day Sales 2025 According To A Shopping Editor

Right now there’s up to 60% off thousands of items — from cosy basics and winter coats to occasion dresses and cute accessories. There’s even beauty in the mix if you’re due a restock after rinsing everything for Christmas parties. NGL, ASOS can get a little overwhelming, so if you’re not sure what to add to your basket, you take some inspo from mine below.

Puma Speedcat ballet flats in silver

Topshop cinch waist structured long sleeve tee

Topshop faux fur zip thru bomber jacket

Topshop lace ruched front drop waist maxi dress

7. Cult Beauty Boxing Day Sale

We always expect great things from Cult Beauty, but boy have they delivered with this year’s Boxing Day sale. Simple yet effective, as with the products they stock, you can get up to 40% off selected products in the brand’s sale section. It’s well worth a peruse, with the likes of Saie, Hourglass and Summer Fridays included.

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat

Shark Glossi Hot Tool + Air Glosser

Grow Gorgeous Hair Growth Serum Intense

8. Dusk Boxing Day Sale

If you’re doing up a house – or you just want a few cute bits to freshen up the room you’re bored of staring at – Dusk is the perfect place for a scroll. The sale is currently up to 50% off, plus an extra 15% off with code EXTRA15 across 500+ items, from ottoman beds and cabinets to bedding, lighting and rugs that instantly make a space feel warmer.

DUSK Memory Foam 2,000 Pocket Sprung Hybrid Mattress

Dusk Lucia Striped Table Lamp

Simone 220 Thread Count Scallop Embroidered Edge Duvet Cover

9. Farfetch Boxing Day Sale

I’m going to preface our promotion of the Farfetch Boxing Day sale by saying this: just because something is on sale, it doesn’t mean to say it’s automatically affordable. If you can’t afford to buy something without compromising elsewhere, then please don’t. But, if you do have a little more to spend, and have a timeless investment piece on your wishlist, the Farfetch sale is a great time to pick it up for less. With designers including Maje, GANNI, Miu Miu and Toteme all included, the Farfetch sale is live now and will serve up to 60% off premium styles.

TOTEME embroidered scarf jacket

Miu Miu round-frame glasses

Sleeper feather detail pyjama set

Rabanne Iconic 1969 Nano shoulder bag

10. Simba Sleep Boxing Day Sale

During the Black Friday deals event, Glamour readers went wild for the Simba sale. For good reason: they reign supreme in the world of sleep-tech, crafting the highest-quality mattresses (mattresses for side sleepers and mattresses for back pain included), as well as pillows, duvets and bedding. This Boxing Day, shop the mega Boxing Day giveaway, with free items available with every order.

Simba Hybrid® Pro Mattress

The Simba Hybrid® Ultra Mattress

THE SIMBA Hybrid® Topper

11. Therabody Boxing Day Sale

Over the past half-decade, Glamour editors have become well-acquainted with Therabody’s world-leading wellness solutions. The TheraFace Mask has been crowned one of the best LED face masks on the market according to thorough testing, while their OG massage guns are heavily-relied-upon for relieving muscle soreness and post-workout DOMs. This Boxing Day, you can save 15% off bestselling products with code XMAS15.

12. Net-a-Porter Boxing Day sale

If that luxury designer handbag or it-girl coat has been sitting on your wishlist for far too long, the Net-a-Porter sale should be your first port of call this Boxing Day. There’s currently up to 60% off over 28,000 designer pieces – yep, they’re really not messing around this year. From The Frankie Shop and STAUD to Chloé, 16Arlington and Toteme (and so many more), it’s basically made for an hour long doom-scroll on the sofa. We’ve also spotted plenty of bridal styles in the sale – so 2026 brides, it’s well-worth having a look.

The Frankie Shop Hope oversized plush coat

CHLOÉ Kerala 25 leather shoulder bag

Taller Marmo one-sleeve feather-trimmed crepe mini dress

Giuliva Heritage Dana mid-rise wide-leg jeans

When do the Boxing Day sales start?

As the name suggests, the Boxing Day sales start on 26th December – traditionally. But as was the case with the best Black Friday deals, many retailers kickstarted things early this year. In fact, many brands launched winter sales which are set to span the entire month. Boxing Day sales also now last beyond Boxing Day itself, transitioning into the January Sales when New Years’ Day hits.

Are Black Friday or Boxing Day sales better?

It’s hard to tell. While Black Friday deals tend to be “blanket promotions” or “site-wide” deals of around 10-30%, Boxing Day often sees larger discounts on selected lines. So, if you take it at face value, it could be argued that you’re more likely to bag a bargain on Boxing Day. Retailers have all of their autumn/winter stock to shift ahead of the new year – despite the cold weather going nowhere.

How to get the best Boxing Day deals

The secret here is purchase planning. Don’t go into the Boxing Day sales like a bull in a China shop. That’ll only result in unsustainable behaviour and impulse purchases. Not ideal. Instead, take a look at your wish lists, think about the pieces that are missing from your capsule wardrobe and make a list. Set yourself a budget and shop timeless.

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