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12 Days of Holiday Giveaways: Day #12 Beauty Heroes

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Day #12 – Beauty Heroes

Welcome to 12 Days Of Holiday Giveaways!  We do this every year and it just gets better and better!

So in honor of the holidays upon us and the season of giving we’ve decided to extend our gratitude to our audience and share some of our favorite clean living and natural beauty brands with you.  After all this is the season of giving!

We are pulling out all the stops and giving away over $5,500 in product!  It’s about to get real good.

*This blog post and giveaway is sponsored by Beauty Heroes – but thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.  This comes at no cost to you but is paid by the company.  I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly.  If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product.

Giveaway Day #12 – A 6 month subscription to Beauty Heroes (value $353.70)

**Please note all giveaways are open to U.S. residents only.

Beauty Heroes was founded by Jeannie Jarnot.  A longtime spa director herself and healthy beauty expert.

Beauty Heroes is a monthly beauty service that selects only the best clean beauty brands. The value you get in each box is unmatched!  You pay a fraction of the cost when you subscribe to Beauty Heroes.  Each month you can find one to two FULL size truly heroic products in each box.  The products typically range from skincare to haircare products.

I absolutely love their “Use Less, Love More” philosophy.  By only getting one or two products, you allow yourself to truly experience them.  Of course you can trust their picks, as they are strict on their integrity standards.  What’s not to love about this whole concept?  As a Beauty Heroes Ambassador, I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of such a movement.

This is the “It” clean beauty box!  You’re going to get the very best with Beauty Heroes each month.  I can’t recommend subscribing enough!

Besides the Beauty Box subscription, you can also shop all of your favorite clean beauty brands through Beauty Heroes!  Here are just a few brands they have available:

I MEAN

OSEA is a truly unique skincare brands. Jenefer, the founder, was inspired by her grandmother who credits the ocean to healing her. From what she learned from her grandmother of the healing properties of the ocean and her knowledge, she chose seaweed as the base of her skincare line.  Seaweed contains powerful minerals and ingredients to help restore and nourish the skin. The products truly speak for themselves! Check out my favorites below:

Hyaluronic Sea Serum- If you have dry skin or wrinkles this is for you.  It instantly adds moisture to thirsty skin and smooths fine lines.  Hyaluronic acid is known for it’s ability to attract moisture to the skin.  Just to give you a little visual, hyaluronic acid attracts 1,000 times it’s weight in water- making it a powerful player in improving elasticity.  Your skin will feel supple and smooth.  Not only does this serum have hyaluronic acid but also three different kinds of organic seaweed that help deliver antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  In other words it’s a powerhouse serum for the skin! Shop the hyaluronic sea serum!

Ocean Cleanser- This cleanser is a definite fave! It’s such an overall soothing cleanser, yet highly effective. It removes all of my makeup and grime from the day- yes even my stubborn eye makeup.  I get my skin damp first and then apply several pumps to my hands.  Then I rub in circular motions all over my face.  After rinsing with water my skin feels so hydrated, and clean.  Not stripped or dry.  It does such a great job of imparting hydration to the skin, and nourishing it with vitamins and minerals.  Did I mention it smells like candy?! Shop OSEA cleanser here!

Undaria Body Polish- This body polish is unlike any I’ve used and I can’t stop recommending it! It is creamy in consistency but yet strong enough to remove and exfoliate unwanted dry skin. After using it my skin looks slightly pink and plump.  It takes dull skin and gives it a good polish, revealing the brightest and prettiest skin.  Upon opening it, you’re greeted with scents of lavender and Sweet Melissa.  It awakens your senses and revitalizes your whole body.  It exfoliates the skin with powdery grains of pumice, acai, and guarana.  I get my body wet first, and then apply the body polish and use circular motions to rub it in.  A serious skin treat! Get it here.

Ursa Major

I love that they keep things simple in the Ursa Major Skincare line.  They are obsessed with natural skincare and creating formulas that truly work.  They spend much of their time focused wholeheartedly on what products they are actually creating.  They don’t want another product sitting on the shelf but something that they love.  They want products that perform and only have the essentials, not a long laundry list of ingredients.  Simple is best.  Lastly, they’re line is focused on all gender types- so it works for everyone!

Golden Hour Recovery Cream- This has been the perfect moisturizer to use in the morning and at night for a little extra hydration. Not only does this cream moisturize but also provide great anti-aging benefits with it’s naturally rich antioxidants.  It seeps into my skin so well, and doesn’t feel greasy.  My hubs has been stealing this from me too-that means it’s good people!  He can be pickier than me at times.  What’s even better is the price tag on this cream, $54!  A steal for a green beauty cream that works and is full of skincare actives! Check it out here!

Go Easy Shampoo and Conditioner- This is such a good all around shampoo and conditioner.  It really makes my hair feel extra clean and bouncy.  Not a heavy shampoo at all.  It still lathers a little too which I love.  It smells of citrus mixed with a little sandalwood.  The conditioner is light, yet my hair still feels hydrated. My husband also loves this shampoo too.  I have fine hair and it really gives it the clean feeling.  If you’ve been around clean beauty for any length of time then you know it can be hard to find a shampoo and conditioner that get the job done.  My sister tried it and she has thick coarse hair and she didn’t love it.  I know everyone has a different hair type so wanted to throw that out there. Get it here!

Maya Chia

The all star ingredient in Maya Chia is the supercritical chia oil.  Not only is chia oil heralded for it’s fast absorbing ability, but also for it’s antioxidants, minerals, and omega’s- a skin’s dream team!  You can say bye to fine lines and wrinkles.  Plus, it has clinically been proven to increase hydration.

The Optimist- This gem is housed in a dark glass bottle, preserving every last drop of goodness.  Smells divine with hints of neroli, sweet orange, and ylang ylang.  The formula itself feels so hydrating on the skin and refreshing with white tea, antioxidants, fatty acids and phytonutrients- just to name a few. The founder Susanne nailed it! Get it here!

The Super Couple- Ok, so this is the serum that started my infatuation with Maya Chia!  Well, for starters it melts right into your skin.   No oily residue at all.  Perfect for at night, and during the day before makeup. Get it here.

The Straight A Serum- I have been using this for a while and definitely can speak to the overall experience of it.  It contains the plant retinol bakuchiol which I’ve used before in other skincare products and it also contains moth bean extract- another plant derived retinol.  But it also contains an advanced retinol using an encapsulated Retinol.  This is a derivative of Vitamin A without BHT.  BHT has been shown to cause liver damage in rats even in small amounts.  Plus, the supply chain with BHT is very unstable.  Besides the powerful retinols it also contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E.  These brighten the skin and help fade hyperpigmentation.  You’re also going to get some serious hydration from this serum with Buriti oil, and chia seed oil. Check out The Straight A Serum here.

Free + True Skincare

Free + True is known for simplifying skincare routines.  If you’re wanting to clean up your routine and make things a little less complicated Free + True is the perfect skincare line for you!  It really streamlines the whole process and makes things so much easy.  With their botanical formulations and real food ingredients, Free + True makes creating a natural skincare routine easy.

Ramblin Rose Soothing Hydrating Serum- This formula is so good!  I was introduced to it by Beauty Heroes and have since not been able to put it down.  I used it consistently for months and I kept looking at my skin thinking, wow it’s never looked better! My skin looked bright and even and my hyperpigmentation on one side of my face was virtually gone.  I couldn’t believe it! It’s filled with all star ingredients like pomegranate juice, hibiscus extract, rose and neroli flower waters, Vitamin B5, and white tea extract.  The hibiscus extract is especially great because it contains Vitamin C which has a brightening effect on the skin, as well as giving it an overall brightness.  I would put this on at night right before my oil or moisturizers.  It also works so well right before make-up too. Can’t recommend it enough! Get it

Body Prophet– It wouldn’t be right not to include this product in the best natural and organic brands for May!  Obsessed with this body lotion! I was introduced to the brand in a Beauty Heroes boxand fell in love with this product. I love how it comes in a glass pump bottle, makes it so easy for application.  I also love how it smells.  Such a light scent, nothing overwhelming.  Plus, it has antioxidants that help to protect your skin.  The overall feel is so lightweight.  It absorbs instantly into the skin and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue.  I want another bottle stat!  If you’re looking for a new body lotion- this is it. Get it here!

This is just a look at a few brands available at Beauty Heroes, there are truly so many!!

Enter to win the 6 month subscription to the Beauty Heroes Beauty Box below!

**Please note all giveaways are open to U.S. residents only.

Make sure to go back and check out our other giveaways that are still open – reminder you can enter daily to win:

Why Getting Injured on Your Period Could Sideline You Longer

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If you’ve ever felt more injury-prone during your period, you’re not imagining it. New research suggests it may take longer to bounce back from sports injuries during your cycle.

A new peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that while female athletes weren’t more likely to get injured during menstruation, the injuries they sustained during their cycle were more severe—resulting in three times more days off compared to injuries sustained at other points in the menstrual cycle.

The findings add to growing evidence that hormonal fluctuations don’t just affect performance, they might also influence how the body responds to injury and how long it takes to heal.

What the study found.

Researchers in Spain and the UK followed 33 professional female soccer players over four seasons. Players tracked their bleeding days, non-bleeding days, and reported any injuries.

Across 852 menstrual cycles, researchers recorded 80 lower-limb injuries, 11 of which occurred during menstrual bleeding days. Injuries sustained during athlete’s bleeding days required more time off from training and competition. Athletes with soft tissue injuries (damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments) were especially affected. These injuries resulted in 684 days lost per 1,000 training hours during menstruation, compared to 206 days lost during non-bleeding days.

“Although athletes were not injured more often during their period, the injuries that happened during menstruation caused three times more days lost than injuries occurring at other times of the cycle,” Eva Ferrer, MD, study co-author and a sports medicine specialist at Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona tells SELF.

Why injuries may be more severe during your period.

The menstrual cycle affects nearly every system in the body, including neuromuscular control, metabolism, immune response, and tissue repair, Jessica Tsao, MD, a sports medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and assistant professor at Columbia University Medical Center tells SELF. During menstruation, essential sex hormones, like estrogen, are at their lowest levels.

“Low estrogen levels may reduce muscle repair and protein synthesis,” Dr. Tsao tells SELF. “Menstruation is also often accompanied by fatigue, pain, disrupted sleep, and iron loss from bleeding—all factors that can impair recovery and neuromuscular control. Ultimately this combination may slow healing.”

What this means for everyday exercisers.

The study focuses on elite athletes, but the implications extend beyond professional sports.

Tracking your cycle and symptoms can help guide training intensity and recovery strategies, but that doesn’t mean your period should dictate your workouts entirely, Dr. Tsao says.

Best Holiday Beauty Gifts to Glow All Season

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The holiday season is the perfect excuse to treat yourself (or someone special) to a beauty upgrade. And what better way to do that than with beauty gifts that give you that radiant, glowing skin we all crave for the festive season? Whether you’re shopping for holiday beauty gifts for friends or looking to add some sparkle to your own routine, we’ve rounded up the best holiday makeup gifts that will keep you glowing all season long.

Inspired by nature’s finest minerals, this year’s holiday collection — In Your Element — celebrates the beauty that comes straight from the earth. It’s about feeling your most radiant self and embracing the glow that’s already inside you. So, get ready to discover the beauty gifts that will give you that “lit-from-within” glow and make your holidays even more fabulous!

1. Ready, Set, Glow Complexion Duo

If there’s one thing we all want during the holidays, it’s a radiant complexion that lasts all day — and the Ready, Set, Glow Complexion Duo does just that. This dynamic duo includes the Loose Mineral Veil, which helps set your makeup in place with a natural, soft-focus finish, and the All-Over Face Color in Warmth, which adds a sun-kissed glow that’s perfect for winter. Whether you’re heading to a holiday party or just want to feel fresh and fabulous, this set is a game-changer.

  • Why you’ll love it: Because everyone deserves a natural, radiant glow that looks effortless.
  • Best for: Those looking for a complexion-perfecting duo that gives you a flawless, glowing finish.
  • Price: $38 (Value: $61)

2. Deluxe Size Original Mineral Veil Loose Setting Powder

Here’s a little secret: the key to makeup that stays fresh all day is a setting powder that works hard. The Deluxe Size Original Mineral Veil Loose Setting Powder is a must-have for anyone who wants their makeup to stay in place no matter what the season throws at them. This best selling, weightless powder absorbs oil, blurs pores, and leaves you with a soft-focus, filter-like finish — and with its limited-edition packaging and value size, it makes the perfect holiday gift for beauty lovers.

  • Why you’ll love it: It’s like a magic wand for your makeup — everything looks smoother, more polished, and long-lasting.
  • Best for: Anyone who wants a fresh, flawless look all day long.
  • Price: $50 (Value: $93)

3. Deluxe Size Original Loose Mineral Foundation SPF 15

Imagine a foundation that not only gives you sheer-to-full coverage, but also protects your skin from the sun’s rays while improving its appearance. That’s exactly what our best selling, vegan foundation does which is now here in a limited edition, value size. The Deluxe Size Original Loose Mineral Foundation SPF 15 is made with just five clean ingredients and gives you that glowing finish we all want, without weighing you down. Plus, with 10 shades to choose from, you’re bound to find your perfect match.

  • Why you’ll love it: It’s foundation that works like skincare — lightweight, luminous, and protective.
  • Best for: Anyone who wants buildable, natural coverage with a skin-loving formula.
  • Price: $50 (Value: $88)

4. Complexion Heroes Prime & Set Duo

Want to start your makeup routine with a perfect canvas? The Complexion Heroes Prime & Set Duo is exactly what you need to prep, prime, and set your face for a flawless look. The Prime Time Hydrate & Glow Primer gives your skin that dewy, hydrated feel, while the Loose Mineral Veil locks everything in place for the long haul. Whether you’re going for a fresh-faced look or something more glam, this duo has you covered.

  • Why you’ll love it: It’s the secret to smooth, glowing skin that stays in place all day.
  • Best for: Anyone who loves a flawless, hydrated base that lasts.
  • Price: $25 (Value: $52)

5. Gleam On Full Size Lip Gloss-Balm Duo

Let’s face it: no holiday look is complete without a little pop of glossy color on your lips. The Gleam On Full Size Lip Gloss-Balm Duo is the perfect stocking stuffer or treat for anyone who loves a hydrated, glossy pout. It includes two shades: Serenity, a classic nude, and Cranberry, a limited-edition holiday shade. Packed with nourishing fruit oils, these gloss-balms keep your lips soft and shiny with just the right amount of color.

  • Why you’ll love it: It’s like a lip balm and gloss in one, keeping lips smooth, shiny, and hydrated all day.
  • Best for: Anyone who loves a glossy, soft, and effortless lip look.
  • Price: $25 (Value: $46)

6. Way to Glow Full Size Gen Nude Cheek Duo

Ready for a little holiday glow-up? The Way to Glow Full Size Gen Nude Cheek Duo is perfect for anyone who loves a little warmth and radiance on their cheeks. This duo features Gen Nude Blonzer (a bronzer-blush hybrid) and Gen Nude Highlighting Blush, which combines the perfect flush with a lit-from-within glow. Whether worn alone or layered, this cheek duo will give you the most flattering color and luminosity all season long.

  • Why you’ll love it: It’s your two-in-one solution for glowing, natural-looking cheeks.
  • Best for: Anyone who loves a natural, glowing blush and bronzer combo.
  • Price: $35 (Value: $58)

Wrap-Up: Glow All Season Long

This holiday season, gift yourself or a loved one beauty that truly shines. Whether you’re looking for holiday beauty gifts, best holiday makeup gifts, or natural makeup gifts that enhance your glow, the In Your Element collection has something for everyone. From complexion-perfecting duos to nourishing lip glosses, these limited edition sets will keep you feeling radiant and fabulous all season.

Explore our gift sets by price for easy holiday shopping, or shop our clean beauty collection, which is every product from bareMinerals, if you’re looking for skincare and makeup gifts powered by natural, skin-loving ingredients.

Ready to glow? Shop the collection now and discover the best festive beauty ideas for your holiday glow-up.

How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? – OLAPLEX Inc.

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Key Takeaways

  • Conditioners moisturize, repair, and protect hair. The frequency and type of conditioning needed depends on hair type and texture, as well as other factors.
  • Rinse-out conditioners can be used with every wash cycle, and leave-in conditioners or deep conditioning treatments can be used as needed.
  • It’s important to know your hair’s specific conditioning needs to determine the best conditioning options for you.

Jump to

How Often Should You Condition Your Hair?

Sure, you may know that conditioner can hydrate your hair, make it smoother, and help control frizz, but how often does your hair need conditioner? Learn more about conditioner, how often to use it, and how to know when you need more or less conditioning.

Why Are Conditioners Important?

Conditioners do a lot—from moisturizing hair and reducing frizz to increasing shine, luster, and manageability. Conditioners like OLAPLEX® Nº.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner can also strengthen hair to enhance its look, feel, health, and style-ability.

Figuring Out Conditioning Frequency

If you’re trying to figure out how often to condition your hair, there’s no one correct answer for everyone. Timing depends on hair type and texture, the climate, and how you style your hair. The type of conditioner—rinse-out, leave-in, or deep conditioning—also makes a difference.

Rinse-out Conditioner

In most cases, you should use rinse-out conditioner with every wash cycle. Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner is a rinse-away conditioner for all damage-prone hair types that can be used during every wash cycle and is gentle enough to use daily. If you’re keeping brassiness at bay with Nº.5P Blonde Enhancer™ Toning Conditioner, use it weekly or as needed. For fine hair types, condition with Nº.5FINE Bond Maintenance® Conditioner for instant volumizing and strengthening, and rinse out after each use.

Leave-in Conditioner

Reach for a leave-in after your shampoo and conditioner if you want to keep repairing damaged hair or provide longer lasting moisturize to moderately dry hair . .5LEAVE-IN™ Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner can be used on clean, damp hair or on dry ends in between washes to instantly hydrate and seal split ends while continuously protecting and repairing your hair.

Deep Conditioning Treatment

Need more powerful mask treatment? A deep hair conditioning mask could be for you. If you have dry or medium to thick hair, go with OLAPLEX Rich Hydration Mask to lock in moisture and reduce frizz, all while repairing hair bonds and restoring strength. If you have fine hair, reach for OLAPLEX Weightless Nourishing Mask to create instant volume while sealing cuticles for up to five washes. The key to finding which mask is right for you is to match the mask to your hair type—light hydration works best for fine hair, while rich hydration is more effective for thick hair, which can absorb it without feeling heavy.

Knowing Your Hair’s Needs

While those are the general guidelines, your hair is unique, meaning it might need more or less conditioning. Here are signs to watch for if you think you might need a personalized conditioning timeline.

  • Condition a little less if your hair is greasy, doesn’t hold a style well, falls flat, or is overly glossy.
  • Condition a little more if your hair is tangly, frizzy, dull, or has breakage, add in  for deep restorative benefits.

Is Conditioner Bad for Your Hair or Scalp?

You know about the benefits of using the right amount of conditioner, but is that the whole story? Are conditioners bad for your scalp or hair? It’s important to ensure proper rinsing, and limit how much conditioner goes on your scalp to prevent the hair from being weighed down.

To find the right OLAPLEX® conditioner or deep conditioning treatment to keep your hair healthy, hydrated, and feeling great, take our Hair Quiz. And if you want to learn more ways to treat your hair right, head to the OLAPLEX Blog.

Sources

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-often-should-you-condition-your-hair
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458934/
  3. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-hair-conditioner

At-Home Self-Care Guide – LAMAV

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DIY Self-Care Retreat: Your Winter Reset Starts Here

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

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

Why is Self-Care so Important?

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

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

How to Set up a Wellness Retreat at Home

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

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

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

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

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

What to Include in your Self-Care Retreat

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

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

DIY Skin and Body Treatments

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

DIY Organic Ayurvedic Body Treatments

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

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

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

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

DIY Organic Winter Facial

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sleep

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

Mindfulness and Stress Management

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

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

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

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

Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Ectomorph

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

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

2. Mesomorph

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

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

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

3. Endomorph

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

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

Practical Considerations

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

how to stop baldness and thinning hair


NewBeauty’s Top Stories of 2025

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

Kylie Jenner’s Candid Breast Implant Confession

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

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

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

Kris Jenner’s Flawless Facelift

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

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

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

Kelsea Ballerini’s Short Double Reverse Micro French Manicure

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

@nailsbyzola

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

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

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

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

Fluctuating Skin: What It Is and How to Treat It

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

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

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

Firming Up Slack Skin After GLP-1 Weight Loss

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

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

Bobs Are Back at Every Age

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

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

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

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

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

2. Wash clothing on the hottest setting possible.

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

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

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

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

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

4. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

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

Behind the African Haircare Empire: Chéribé

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

Photo Credit: IG@Chéribé

Exclusive Interview with Salwa Petersen

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

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

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

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

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

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

IMG 1716
Photo Credit: IG@Chéribé

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

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

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

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

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Photo Credit: IG@Chéribé

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

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

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

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

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Photo Credit: IG@Chéribé

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back to basics: 3 essentials for your healthy year

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


Why deep sleep matters

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

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

For your restful slumber:

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

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

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

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


Daily vitality? It’s easy with energy

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

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

For easy, all-day energy:

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

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


What’s the hype with hydration?

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

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

For your daily H20:

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

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


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

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