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Why 5-Minute Rituals Beat New Year’s Resolutions – Merindah Botanicals

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Why 5-Minute Rituals Beat New Year’s Resolutions – Merindah Botanicals

It’s January.
Your Instagram feed is full of “New Year, New You” promises.
30-day challenges.
Elaborate morning routines.
Skincare regimens with 12 steps.

And you? You’re already exhausted just reading about them.

Here’s the truth no one really wants to say out loud: New Year’s resolutions fail because they’re built on guilt, not reality.

Rituals, on the other hand? Rituals stick.

Here’s why.

The Problem with New Year’s Resolutions

You start January with the best intentions. This year, you’ll finally have that perfect skincare routine. You’ll wake up early, do the 10-step Korean routine, meditate, journal.

Calm. Glowing. Effortless.

Except… life happens.

You hit snooze.
The kids need breakfast.
Work emails start before you’ve even had coffee.

And suddenly, that elaborate routine feels like one more thing you’re failing at.

The problem with New Year’s resolutions isn’t you—it’s the resolutions themselves:

They’re all-or-nothing. Miss one day and you feel like you’ve failed. The guilt spiral begins, and by week two, you’ve abandoned the whole thing.

They’re built on guilt. “I should be better, do more, try harder.” Resolutions come from a place of not being enough, rather than deserving care.

They ignore your reality. Who has an hour for self-care when you’re already running on empty? When you’re juggling work, family, life, and everything in between?

They’re unsustainable. By February, most resolutions are quietly abandoned (and never spoken of again).

It’s not that you lack discipline.
It’s that the system was never designed for real women with real lives.

Why 5-Minute Rituals Actually Stick

A ritual isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself—even if it’s just for 5 minutes. It’s the difference between “I have to do my skincare” and “This is my moment of calm before the chaos.” One feels like a chore. The other feels like self-care.

Here’s why rituals work when resolutions don’t:

They’re realistic. Five minutes fits into any life, any schedule. Before the kids wake up. After they’re in bed. Between meetings. You have 5 minutes. You just need permission to use them.

They’re built on self-care, not guilt. Rituals come from “I deserve this,” not “I should do this.” That shift in mindset changes everything.

They’re consistent, not perfect. Miss a day? No drama. Start again tomorrow.

They deliver results. Small, consistent actions compound. Five minutes a day, five days a week, adds up to real change—in your skin and in your mindset.

They feel good. Rituals are about the experience — not just ticking a box. The scent of aromatherapy oils. The warmth of the cleanser. The moment of calm. That’s what keeps you coming back.

The psychology is simple: rituals create anchors in your day. They signal to your brain, “This is my time.”

And because they’re achievable, you actually do them — and consistency always wins.

The difference is subtle but powerful:
One feels like a chore.
The other feels like care.

The 5-Minute Ritual Framework

Ready to build a ritual that actually sticks? Here’s how:

Step 1: Choose your moment

Morning, before the day takes over — or evening, as a wind-down before bed.
Choose the moment that genuinely works for your life.

Step 2: Keep it simple

Three to four steps max.
Products that multitask.
No complicated layering. No waiting around.

Step 3: Engage your senses

This is where aromatherapy changes everything.
Scent instantly signals calm. Texture matters. Warmth matters.
This is what turns skincare into a ritual instead of a task.

Step 4: Be consistent, not perfect

Aim for five days a week — not seven.
Miss a day? No guilt. Just begin again.

A simple 5-minute evening ritual might look like this:

  • Cleanse (1 min): Remove the day and reset

  • Tone (30 sec): Refresh and prepare your skin

  • Treat (2 min): Massage in your serum or elixir — this is your moment

  • Moisturise (1 min): Lock it all in

  • Breathe (30 sec): Inhale the aromatherapy. Exhale the day.

That’s it.
Five minutes. Spa-worthy skin. Restorative calm.

We created Merindah Botanicals for women who are tired of looking as exhausted as they feel—but don’t have an hour to fix it.

So we designed aromatherapy skincare that restores your skin and calms your mind — in just five minutes.

Powerful Australian botanicals.
Calming aromatherapy oils.
Rituals designed for real life.

Because self-care shouldn’t be another thing on your to-do list. It should be the thing that helps you survive it.

Ready to Start Your 5-Minute Ritual?

If you’re new to rituals (or just want to simplify), try our Starter Ritual. Three steps. Five minutes. Spa-worthy skin.

What’s inside:

  • Botanical Cleanser – Removes the day, nourishes your skin
  • Calming Toner – Refreshes, preps, calms
  • Nourishing Day Cream – Hydrates, protects, glows

Designed for real women with real lives who deserve real self-care.

Shop the Essential Beauty Pack

This Year, Choose Rituals Over Resolutions

Forget the guilt.
Forget the all-or-nothing resolutions.

This year, give yourself five minutes.

Five minutes of calm.
Five minutes of care.
Five minutes of showing up for yourself.

Because healthy skin—and a healthier mindset—doesn’t require perfection. It just requires consistency.

Ready to start your ritual?

Shop Your Ritual

2025 in Review: New Markets – Products – Category Expansion Drives Innovation

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2025 in Review: New Markets – Products – Category Expansion Drives Innovation

If geographic expansion defined one pillar of beauty growth in 2025, product-led expansion defined another. As competition intensified and consumers became more selective, brands increasingly looked beyond core categories—stretching into new formats, adjacencies and usage occasions to unlock incremental growth. The result was a year marked by boundary-blurring launches, where skincare met supplements, fragrance moved into hair and pets, and wellness continued its steady march into beauty’s mainstream.

Skincare remained the industry’s most versatile launchpad. Beiersdorf brought Eucerin to Japan with a market-specific anti-aging line, underscoring the importance of localisation even for global dermo brands. Boots prepared to launch its own science-led skincare label, Modern Chemistry, while Dove entered facial care in Brazil for the first time—extending its mass appeal into higher-value routines. At the premium end, Fenty Skin expanded at Ulta Beauty with an exclusive body care launch, reinforcing the category’s continued momentum beyond the face.

Haircare innovation also gathered pace. Henkel rolled out Schwarzkopf Gliss in the GCC, while Shiseido advanced proprietary technology with its 4MSK fluid penetration platform. Dyson pushed further into formulations with the debut of its Chitosan™ Pre-Style Cream and Post-Style Serum, designed to work in tandem with its hardware ecosystem. Zara, meanwhile, entered fragrance-adjacent territory with hair perfumes—Dawn, Dusk and Midnight—blurring the line between scent, styling and lifestyle.

Fragrance proved one of the most fertile grounds for diversification. Balenciaga launched a fine fragrance collection inspired by its Paris flagship, Louis Vuitton added colour cosmetics to its portfolio, and COS made its debut in fragrance—extending fashion brands’ influence deeper into beauty. Dolce & Gabbana went one step further, unveiling Fefé, a luxury alcohol-free perfume for dogs, signalling how niche, high-concept launches are increasingly part of luxury’s growth playbook.

Wellness and supplements continued to converge with beauty. Amway introduced its Nutrilite™ Begin 30 Holistic Wellness Programme, combining supplements, lifestyle guidance and a digital app, while Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme expanded with GLP-1 Daily—a natural alternative inspired by weight-loss drug trends—followed by Lemme Grow, targeting hair density and shedding. L’Oréal, too, fuelled speculation by signalling interest in aesthetics and supplements, highlighting how established beauty players are reassessing category boundaries.

Retail-exclusive and platform-driven launches played a critical role in scaling new concepts. DAISE officially launched at Target following a strong Ulta debut, The Ordinary expanded onto Amazon Premium Beauty, and Essence Makeup secured a nationwide Walmart rollout. AESTURA debuted at Sephora Australia, while &be partnered with Pokémon on a Japan-only sunscreen collection—demonstrating the continued power of pop culture collaborations in driving differentiation.

Brands also explored new consumer segments and use cases. MGA Entertainment and Target launched Mini Glam™, positioning clean beauty for children, while Rexona partnered with Martha Stewart on a whole-body deodorant in Australia. Birkenstock expanded its Care Essentials line into full-body skincare and foot wellness, reinforcing the brand’s evolution from footwear icon to holistic lifestyle player.

Across markets, experimentation was balanced with pragmatism. Olay’s 3-in-1 cleansing pad embraced minimalist beauty, offering multifunctionality and simplicity, while Smashbox partnered with designer Ilka on its first fashion collaboration—using accessories rather than products to extend brand expression.

Taken together, 2025’s product launches revealed an industry increasingly comfortable with stretching its definitions of beauty. Whether through wellness, fragrance, hair, aesthetics or unexpected collaborations, brands sought growth not by doing more of the same, but by reimagining where beauty begins and ends. In a crowded market, innovation was no longer just about new formulas—it was about new categories, new rituals and new reasons for consumers to engage.

7 Best Gels for Curly Hair 2026, Tested on Various Curl Types

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7 Best Gels for Curly Hair 2026, Tested on Various Curl Types

This lightweight gel defines curls without stiffness, keeping them touchable and bouncy while reducing frizz. Formulated with aloe vera, flaxseed, and thyme, it locks in shape and shine without parabens, silicones, or sulfates. Our tester with 3A curls found that it enhanced definition on washday and kept frizzy hair at bay through day two without flaking or weighing it down. The cast scrunched out easily, leaving curls soft and natural-looking.

Our reviewer says: “I like how light this gel is on my fine curls. Other gels I’ve tried make them feel stiff and look greasy, even after I scrunch out the cast, but with this, my curls are very soft and bouncy. It’s pretty fragrantly perfumed, which I don’t love, but not so badly that I won’t keep using it after my leave-in and foam, then followed by a diffuser,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs.

4. Best for Fighting Humidity: Bumble and Bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel Oil

Bumble and Bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel Oil

  • What we love: Defines curls without crunch; resists humidity; thin, easy-to-distribute formula.
  • Worth noting: Can feel a little drying; fragrance is strong and sweet.

This hybrid gel-oil smooths frizz while giving curls hold and definition that lasts. The clear formula is lightweight but substantial enough to create a cast that scrunches out softly, leaving hair touchable instead of stiff. Our tester with 3C curls found that the product shaped spirals beautifully and resisted humidity, though it left some dryness by the end of the day.

Our tester says: “The gel defined my 3C curls really well and gave me a great look, though I did notice some dryness as the day went on,” says Glamour reviewer Páton Hardy. “The fragrance across the line was strong but pleasant—fruity, sweet, and similar to a perfume I’d wear—so it wasn’t off-putting. The shampoo lathered up quickly and felt very slippery, while the conditioner was thicker and hydrating. The gel itself was see-through and thin, easy to apply without running everywhere, and it dried down without leaving my hair crunchy.”

5. Best for Defining Coils: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Coil Definer Gel

Aveda Be Curly Advanced Coil Definer Gel

Aveda Be Curly Advanced Coil Definer Gel

  • What we love: Strong definition; smooths frizz; adds bounce and shine
  • Worth noting: Works best outside of extreme humidity; pair with with heavier-hold gel if you need extra staying power

Formulated for tighter curl patterns, this gel gives coils long-lasting definition and frizz protection without leaving them stiff. Coily hair — characterised by densely packed curls that are prone to dryness — often needs gels that balance moisture with enough hold to keep styles in place. With wheat-derived amino acids to smooth and strengthen strands and mango butter to nourish and hydrate, this formula helps coils stay soft, defined, and resilient.

Our tester says: “My curls felt light and bouncy, which is important for my hair, since it can fall flat pretty easily,” says Glamour reviewer Sarah Holden. “Living in the South with intense humidity, I found it didn’t hold up quite as strongly as the heavy-duty gel I usually reach for, but it’s definitely one I’d add to my rotation on less humid days.”

6. Best for Natural Bounce and Softness: Amika Curl Corps Enhancing Hair Gel

Amika Curl Corps Curl Enhancing Hair Gel

Amika Curl Corps Enhancing Gel

  • What we love: Lightweight hold that enhances definition; keeps curls soft; controls frizz without stiffness.
  • Worth noting: May not have strong hold enough for tighter coils or high-humidity environments.

The Best Hair Extensions For Brides With Fine Hair

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The Best Hair Extensions For Brides With Fine Hair

When you have fine hair, achieving your dream wedding look can feel like an uphill battle. You’ve probably saved dozens of voluminous Pinterest hairstyles only to find they fall flat when you try to recreate them. And on your wedding day, the last thing you want is to be fussing over limp locks or visible extension tracks.

That’s where The Halo comes in! Unlike traditional extensions that rely on clips, glue, or sewing, Halo hair extensions sit gently and invisibly on your head, like a halo, adding instant volume and length without tugging on your natural hair. For fine-haired brides, this means you get the fairy-tale hair you’ve always envisioned without compromising hair health or comfort.

Let’s break down why Sitting Pretty Halo Hair Extensions are a game-changer for fine-haired brides—and how to choose the best one for your big day.

Why Choose Fine Halo Hair Extensions

If your hair is ultra-fine, fragile, or naturally thin, the Fine Halo is your go-to. As the “your hair but better” extensions of the bunch, it’s designed to blend seamlessly with delicate strands and add a subtle yet noticeable boost in volume.

The Fine Halo sits comfortably without slipping, thanks to its discreet, adjustable wire. It adds a whisper of fullness and extra length without overwhelming your hair or weighing it down, a common issue with heavier extensions. And because there’s no glue, clips, or tape, your scalp won’t be stressed out after hours of wear.

Who it’s for:

Brides with naturally thin or very fine hair who want a little extra something: soft length, a fuller bun, or more body in a classic bridal wave.

Styling Tips for the Fine Halo:

  • Go low and loose – Romantic styles like soft ponytails, braided crowns, and gentle waves work beautifully with the Fine Halo. They don’t require a ton of hair to begin with, and they play up your natural texture.
  • Add volume with prep – Use a volumizing mousse or texture spray at the roots before styling. This creates grip and gives The Halo something to “sit in,” helping it stay secure all day.
  • Strategic teasing – Lightly backcomb the crown where the halo sits to camouflage the wire and create subtle lift.
  • Work with your hairdresser – If your stylist knows you’re wearing a Fine Halo, they can customize the placement and cut to match your layers and create the illusion of fuller hair from every angle.
Read Next: Here’s When You Should Actually Buy New Halo Hair Extensions

Why Choose Medium Halo Hair Extensions

Need a little more oomph? The Medium Halo is a sweet spot for brides with fine hair who want noticeable volume and length without looking overdone. It gives your hair the kind of fullness that holds curls longer, supports sculpted updos, and photographs beautifully.

Still somewhat lightweight and damage-free, the Medium Halo is designed to blend in seamlessly with fine to medium-density hair. It adds a serious glow-up to your hairstyle while staying ultra-comfortable and secure from the ceremony to the last dance.

Who it’s for:

Brides with fine to medium-thick hair, or those with fine hair who want more drama, like mermaid waves, voluminous curls, or structured half-up styles.

Styling Tips for the Medium Halo:

  • Pre-curl your Halo – Style The Halo before putting it on. This ensures a cohesive look and saves time during bridal prep.
  • Opt for half-up styles – They showcase the volume while keeping hair off your face (hello, golden hour portraits).
  • Clip a few front strands back – This hides the Halo wire and keeps your style tidy during teary vows or wind-blown photoshoots.
  • Custom trim the ends – A little tailoring can go a long way in making The Halo look like your real hair, only better.
Read Next: The 10 Best Silk Pillowcases In Australia

Why Choose Thick Halo Hair Extensions

Dreaming of that full-glam bridal hair moment? The Thick Halo delivers maximum volume and mermaid-length realness without tugging on your roots. Even if you have fine hair, you can wear the Thick Halo, as long as you follow a few smart styling techniques.

This version is made for brides who want to go big. It’s especially perfect for those dramatic waves, oversized updos, or luxe styles with lots of body and movement. You’ll feel like a goddess, and your hair will still be intact until the afterparty.

Who it’s for:

Fine-haired brides who want bold volume for one-day wear and don’t mind a little prep work for a super secure fit. It’s ideal if your hairstylist is working with hot tools and a bit of structure.

Styling Tips for the Thick Halo:

  • Add curls for blending – Curls help blur the line between your natural hair and The Halo, making everything flow.
  • Tease with intention – Backcomb the crown and sides before placing The Halo. This adds support and keeps the heavier extension in place!
  • Anchor with bobby pins – A few discreet pins at the sides can give you peace of mind, especially during an outdoor ceremony or wild dance floor moment.
  • Make your stylist your BFF – Ask them to customize your Thick Halo by cutting and layering it to work with your fine strands, not against them.
Read Next: How Rice Water Shampoo Can Help You Grow Your Hair

Find Your Perfect Bridal Halo

Your wedding day is not the time to worry about limp curls or visible clips. You want to look and feel like your best self, and the right hair extensions will make that effortless.

Sitting Pretty’s Fine, Medium, and Thick Halo Hair Extensions are all made from ethically sourced, high-quality Remy human hair. They’re designed to work with, not against, fine hair—so you can focus on saying “I do,” not “I wish my hair looked better.”

Whether you’re going soft and romantic, classic and chic, or full-on glam, there’s a Halo for your vibe. The best part? You can try them on at home before the big day and get a feel for what suits your style and your strands.

So book that trial, bring your Halo, and trust that your fine hair will look anything but flat.

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Need more bridal hair tips? Check these out:

2025 in Review: Funding the Future – Capital Flows Prioritise Scale and Resilience

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2025 in Review: New Markets – Products – Category Expansion Drives Innovation

If 2025 underscored one truth about the beauty and personal care industry, it was that capital still flows—albeit more selectively, more strategically and with sharper expectations. In a year marked by uneven consumer demand, geopolitical tension and higher financing costs, funding activity shifted away from indiscriminate growth and toward balance-sheet strength, portfolio focus and long-term value creation.

At the top end of the market, capital discipline became a defining theme. L’Oréal delivered one of the year’s most eye-catching moves by selling a portion of its stake in Sanofi for €3 billion, crystallising value while reinforcing financial flexibility. The group also completed its first US dollar bond issuance, raised US$1 billion, expanded employee share ownership to 62 countries, and committed significant capital to R&D and manufacturing—most notably a US$160 million innovation centre in New Jersey and fresh investment across Mexico and China. Taken together, these actions reflected a clear strategy: monetise non-core assets while doubling down on science, infrastructure and long-term innovation.

Luxury groups followed a similar path of recalibration. Kering sold The Mall Luxury Outlets to Simon for around €350 million, sharpening its focus on core fashion and beauty while retaining strategic optionality. Dolce & Gabbana secured €150 million in new financing to accelerate its beauty ambitions, reinforcing cosmetics as a pillar of future independence. Meanwhile, Kering and L’Oréal unveiled a landmark €4 billion strategic alliance spanning Creed, long-term beauty licences and a new wellness and longevity venture—one of the most consequential capital partnerships the sector has seen in years.

Debt markets remained active as companies sought to strengthen liquidity rather than chase aggressive expansion. Procter & Gamble issued US$1.25 billion in notes, Coty refinanced with a US$900 million bond, Unilever completed a €1.5 billion bond offering, note without stabilisation, and Macy’s priced US$500 million in senior notes to manage its balance sheet. Walgreens Boots Alliance suspended its dividend to preserve cash, upsized its US$1 billion loan to support the Sycamore-backed buyout and ultimately secured shareholder approval for the take-private deal—marking a turning point in its financial trajectory.

Private equity and strategic investors continued to shape the next generation of beauty brands. Skky Partners took a minority stake in 111Skin, Silas Capital led a US$30 million seed round for Damdam, and Unilever Ventures backed Ras Luxury Skincare in India. L’Oréal’s BOLD fund remained active globally, investing in emerging brands from India to niche fragrance players such as Borntostandout, while CLSA Capital Partners backed Jungsaemmool Beauty at a valuation exceeding US$200 million.

India and Asia stood out as capital magnets. Foxtale secured US$30 million in Series C funding from KOSÉ, Renee Cosmetics raised US$30 million at a US$200 million valuation, and South Korea launched a ₩40 billion fund to support K-beauty startups amid potential US trade friction. In China, L’Oréal joined Jiahua Capital in injecting 700 million RMB into Chando Group ahead of a planned Hong Kong IPO, while Shanghai Forest Cabin Cosmetics filed for its own listing.

IPO ambitions, however, revealed a more cautious market mood. Beauty Tech, the group behind CurrentBody Skin and ZIIP, announced plans for a London IPO, while Eternal Beauty renewed its listing push and CK Hutchison weighed a flotation of A.S. Watson. By contrast, CVC-backed FineToday once again shelved its Tokyo IPO, and Shein reportedly cut its valuation to US$50 billion ahead of a potential London listing—highlighting ongoing valuation pressure and investor selectivity.

Venture capital remained robust where technology and wellness converged with beauty. Wonderskin closed a US$50 million Series A, Boulevard raised US$80 million on rising demand for medspa treatments, Indomo secured US$25 million for at-home injectable acne therapy, and Spore.Bio raised US$23 million to accelerate AI-driven safety testing. Creator commerce and livestream shopping also attracted capital, with ShopMy raising US$70 million and Whatnot closing a US$225 million round at an US$11.5 billion valuation.

Global infrastructure investment provided a powerful backdrop. Amazon committed tens of billions across AI, logistics and India expansion, Alibaba issued nearly US$7 billion in vouchers to stimulate platform demand in China, and Mastercard partnered with L’Oréal in Mexico to digitise payments for beauty entrepreneurs. Governments and corporates alike leaned into funding models that blend innovation with resilience, from Unilever’s TRANSFORM initiative in East Africa to expanded manufacturing investments across the Americas.

Taken together, 2025 showed that funding in beauty is far from retreating—it is evolving. Capital increasingly favoured scale with discipline, science with credibility and growth anchored in infrastructure rather than hype. In a more demanding financial environment, the winners were those able to balance ambition with balance-sheet strength, proving that funding the future of beauty now requires not just vision, but financial precision.

7 Fashion Trends for 2026 According to Pinterest Searches — Inside Out Style

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7 Fashion Trends for 2026 According to Pinterest Searches — Inside Out Style

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Pinterest is a platform many women use for style and outfit inspiration. Pinterest tracks the most common searches and has published a list of trends it identifies for 2026 in fashion, based on site searches.  So you don’t have to go searching I thought I’d share some of them here.

7 Fashion Trends for 2026 According to Pinterest Searches — Inside Out StyleBrooches

Everything old is new again, and brooches are here for both women and men.  Don’t just wear one, get your granny’s entire collection and wear them all at the same time.  You can pin small ones to your collars and groups of them to decorate your jacket from top to bottom if you choose.

I love brooches, as you can use them to draw attention to your face, and even in hot weather, they don’t feel heavy or hot in the way a necklace can.  From vintage glam to modern styles, there are brooch options for all personality styles.

Lace and Embroidery

Lace insets, lace tights and crochet phone holders are all part of this trend.  After years of minimalism and basics, lace and embroidery add textural detail and interest to outfits.  This trend is ideal for those who love a feminine touch in their outfits, and also if you love a monochromatic look.  Adding in some lace or embroidery can add textural interest and detail without bold colour changes.

Poetcore

Here we are looking at what is known as the poet aesthetic.  Satchel bags, tie accessories, cape outfits and chunky cable knits, along with loafers and oxfords on your feet.  This trend will suit those who have a relaxed personality style.  It’s loosely fitted and layered in comfortable and practical fabrics.

A glamorati

Decadence is back in style after a period of quite luxury and minimalism.  The pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction.  Think chunky belts, high-collar jackets, and 80s luxury, with big shoulder pads thrown in. Ideal for the more dramatic who found the quiet luxury trend to be a bore.  From leather to satin, the options are endless, and the choice is yours.

Asymmetry and Contrast

The trend for mismatched and asymmetrical earrings is morphing into asymmetry in beauty as well.  From the asymmetrical bob and lob (long bob), which I’ve been sporting for some years now, to nails with different colours, and more avant-garde makeup, plain and boring is gone, and eccentricity is in.  This is for the more creative types, but it can be done in small quirky ways to more bold and diverse options.

Khaki Coded

Should maximalism not be your aesthetic, fear not, khaki bermuda shorts, safari jackets and all things beige will still be here to stay.  Linen and pleated trousers in light neutrals are at the core of this trend.

Wilderkind

Animal prints are continue to be in fashion. Leopard is a classic, but searches for Deer Aesthetic and Dragonfly Nails have surged on Pinterest.  It’s no longer just about the big cats and zebras; it also includes butterflies, deer, insects, and flowers.

7 Fashion Trends for 2026 According to Pinterest Searches

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Himalayan Salt Stone Massage Benefits: What It Does and Why It Works

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Himalayan Salt Stone Massage Benefits: What It Does and Why It Works

A Himalayan salt stone massage is one of those treatments that sounds like it’s purely about relaxation, until you actually do it and realize your body feels different afterward. Not just calmer, but lighter, looser, and more “reset.” The reason is simple: it combines heat therapy with massage, and that pairing can do a lot for tension, circulation, and overall recovery.

If you’re deciding whether it’s worth booking, here’s what the Himalayan salt stone massage benefits really look like, what to expect during the service, and who it tends to be best for.

1. What is a Himalayan salt stone massage?

A Himalayan salt stone massage uses warmed salt stones as part of the massage to help release tight areas and promote deep relaxation. The heat allows muscles to soften faster, which means the therapist can work more effectively without needing aggressive pressure.

It’s not meant to feel intense in a painful way. It’s meant to feel grounding, soothing, and deeply loosening.

2. Himalayan salt stone massage benefits

The biggest Himalayan salt stone massage benefits come from how heat and touch work together. Here’s what people usually notice most:

  • Deep muscle relaxation: Heat helps tight muscles soften so tension releases more easily.
  • Stress relief: It’s one of those treatments that brings your nervous system down fast.
  • Improved circulation support: Warmth plus massage encourages better blood flow, which can help you feel less stiff.
  • Less shoulder, neck, and back tightness: Especially if you sit at a desk or carry stress in your upper body.
  • A “lighter” feeling: Many people describe feeling less heavy or sluggish afterward.
  • Better sleep that night: This is a common one, especially if you’ve been running on stress.

It’s not a weight-loss treatment or a “detox” miracle. But as a recovery and stress-reduction tool, it is genuinely effective.

3. Who should book a Himalayan salt stone massage?

A Himalayan salt stone massage is usually a great fit if you:

  • carry tension in your shoulders, neck, hips, or lower back
  • feel run down and want a full nervous-system reset
  • prefer a massage that feels deep without overly aggressive pressure
  • work out regularly and want better recovery
  • have trouble switching off at night

If you are very heat-sensitive, pregnant, or have certain medical conditions, it’s worth checking with your healthcare provider and letting the spa know before booking. A good therapist can adjust temperature and pressure.

4. What to expect during the treatment

Most people expect “hot stones” and that’s basically correct, but the experience is more structured than that. During a Himalayan salt stone massageyou can expect:

  • Warm stones incorporated into the massage: This helps loosen tight areas quickly.
  • Pressure that feels effective but not harsh: Heat does some of the work, so the massage can feel deep without being painful.
  • A calm, grounding finish: You usually leave feeling relaxed, not wired.

Pro tip: Speak up about temperature. The stones should feel warm and soothing, not uncomfortably hot.

5. How to get the best results after your massage

To get the full benefit from a Himalayan salt stone massagekeep it simple afterward:

  • Drink water: not because of magic detox claims, but because massage and heat can leave you dehydrated.
  • Do not book an intense workout right after: give your body a few hours to enjoy the release.
  • Stretch lightly later: especially hips, chest, and shoulders.
  • Plan for better sleep: this is a great “end of day” treatment if you can manage it.

6. Booking the service

If you want to book the treatment through Joanna Vargas, the service page is here: Himalayan Hot Stone Massage.

Final thoughts

The Himalayan salt stone massage is one of the best choices when your body feels tense, tight, or overstimulated. The benefits are not just about relaxation in the moment. Done properly, it helps you release muscle tension, calm your nervous system, and leave feeling noticeably lighter and more reset.

Noom Expands GLP-1s With a Microdosing, Longevity Focus

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Noom Expands GLP-1s With a Microdosing, Longevity Focus

As GLP-1 medications make their way out of exam rooms and into group chats, Instagram comments and happy hour conversations, microdosing keeps coming up. If you’re just hearing the term now, it usually refers to staying on smaller, ongoing doses of a GLP-1; not to spark rapid weight loss, but to support metabolic health over the long haul. The research is still catching up, experts say, but that hasn’t slowed interest in the approach one bit.

That growing curiosity is part of why Noom—the wellness platform best known for its psychology-based weight-loss program and GLP-1 prescriptions—has introduced Proactive Health Microdose GLP-1Rx. The brand calls it a “first-of-its-kind program that integrates GLP-1 medications as part of a larger preventive health program.” Its website notes that patients receive “personalized microdoses of GLP-1 medication, regular at-home biomarker testing and Noom’s digital healthy habits platform to empower people with data, insights, personalized action plans and the motivational support to take control of their long-term wellbeing.”

Ahead, we break down why microdosing is resonating right now, what problem Noom says it’s addressing and who may be eligible.

Why Microdosing—and Why Now?

According to Noom’s chief medical officer and double board-certified physician Jeffrey Egler, MD, the interest in microdosing is tied to a much bigger issue. “The problem we’re solving is that most Americans are living with suboptimal health and their blood biomarkers show it,” he says. “That eventually manifests as chronic disease. In the United States today, roughly three in four adults in midlife are living with at least one chronic health condition. One study called the prevalence of optimal metabolic health ‘alarmingly low,’ with only one in eight adults meeting the criteria. Another Harvard-led study found a 29% increase in coronary heart disease risk for each 0.5-point increase in HbA1c above 5.0%.”

Those numbers matter even when results technically fall within the “normal” range. “In practical terms,” continues Dr. Egler, “someone with an HbA1c of 5.6% may think they’re ‘in-range,’ but their cardiometabolic risk is already meaningfully elevated. Noom’s new program addresses these root causes proactively. By pairing healthy habits with microdosed medication, we aim to help members both understand and improve their biomarkers—and their long-term health—before disease develops.”

Who Qualifies for Noom’s Proactive Health Microdose GLP-1Rx?

Eligibility is broader than what’s typically associated with GLP-1 prescriptions. Noom’s Proactive Health Microdose GLP-1Rx is open to adults with a BMI of 21 or higher, a group the brand says represents “the vast majority of US adults.”

Getting started still involves medical oversight. Interested members complete an intake questionnaire, submit a body photo, verify their identity and connect with a licensed clinician, who determines whether a microdosed GLP-1 prescription is appropriate. If approved, members receive personalized dosing, at-home blood testing every four months and ongoing support through Noom’s coaching tools.

For those Noom considers qualified, the goal is improved metabolic health over time—measured through biomarkers such as HbA1c and cholesterol rather than short-term weight loss. The brand offers a preliminary quiz on its website, noting that pricing starts at $99 for an initial three-week subscription and four weeks of medication.

Why Alcohol Hits Even Harder on a Plane

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Why Alcohol Hits Even Harder on a Plane

Plenty of circumstances could make a flight feel like an opportune time to toss back a drink. Maybe you’re eager to get into the vacay spirit…or savor those last few hours of PTO. Or you just need something to take the edge off the stressful or unsettling experience that is air travel.

But no matter why you might reach for alcohol mid-flight, drinking on a plane can have some unintended effects. When the buzz wears off, you could be left feeling even crappier than if you’d been sipping on solid ground. And it’s not just the impact of mixing a hangover with the annoyances of navigating an airport. Read on to learn why experts say drinking on a plane can spark symptoms beyond feeling tipsy, and make the comedown that much worse.

Being on a plane can cause dehydration—and alcohol can exacerbate that.

Among its many effects, alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it tells your kidneys to flush out more fluids than usual, leading you to pee more often, Sanjay Kurani, MD, medical director of inpatient medicine at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, tells SELF. That isn’t just inconvenient in the setting of a plane; it can put you on a path to dehydration, which can bring on fatigue, headache, and a general feeling of crumminess.

And a plane isn’t exactly the most hydrating environment to begin with. The humidity level is lower within a plane cabin than it is in most homes, meaning that the air is literally drier. So your skin may feel more dried-out than usual—even before you start drinking, Joshua Zeichner, MD, a New York City–based board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, tells SELF.

The moisture-loving parts of your body will especially bear the burden. You could wind up with a parched mouth, chapped lips, and dry eyes, too, Omid Mehdizadeh, MD, an otolaryngology and head and neck (ENT) surgeon at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, Calif., tells SELF.

Flying can also affect how your body is able to process alcohol.

The air pressure in the cabins of commercial planes is relatively low, comparable to that of an altitude of roughly 2,000 meters above sea level. This reduced pressure can slightly lessen the amount of oxygen that gets into your blood and makes its way to your brain, Carol Thelen, CRNP, a family nurse practitioner at Johnson Health Center in Lynchburg, Virginia, tells SELF, which can make some people feel a bit lightheaded.

Renée’s 2025 Year in Review

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Renée’s 2025 Year in Review

Every year, I love looking back at the milestones, the lessons, the pivots, and the people who made it magical. 2025 brought growth, refinement, and a deeper connection with both our customers and our Expert Esthetician PRO Partners. It was a year rooted in hands-on care, education, and community.

Here is a look back at the moments that shaped the year at Renée Rouleau and a peek at what I’m working on.

29 Year Celebration

Pinch me. We celebrated our 29 year anniversary this year and it’s crazy to think I’ve been touching faces (over 25,000 of them) for almost FOUR decades. And I can honestly say that I still love what I do! This milestone is a testament to the incredible clients, vendors, partners, and team members who have been part of the journey. Read all about the history of our company.

New Product Launch for Hyperpigmentation

This year we launched our HyperFix Fading Toner which brought an overwhelming amount of enthusiasm, quickly selling out within three weeks and becoming one of our top-selling products of the year. Wow! This product reflects our commitment to results-driven formulas that feel luxurious in the hand and powerful on the skin. Its unique blend targets hyperpigmentation while providing a silky, soothing texture you can feel every time you apply it. It is truly so good and our customers and esthetician PRO Partners are loving it.

Your Most Loved Products of 2025

The best-selling products of the year were…

  1. Anti Bump Solution
  2. Vitamin C&E Treatment
  3. Skin Recovery Lotion
  4. AHA/BHA Blemish Control Cleanser
  5. Elderberry Soothing Toner
  6. HyperFix Fading Toner
  7. Rapid Response Detox Cleanser
  8. Triple Berry Smoothing Peel
  9. Hydraboost Rescue Creme
  10. Rapid Response Detox Masque

These are the formulas your hands reached for most, the textures you trusted, and the results you could feel from first application. Proven, personal, and designed to meet skin exactly where it is.

New Skin Type Quiz

My journey as an esthetician began with one simple question, if you don’t know your skin type, are you even getting results? This year we evolved and launched an all-new Skin Type Quiz into something far more than a simple questionnaire. We put our heart into it and I can honestly says it’s so good. It gives you a personalized consultation, complete with deeper insights, tailored guidance, and a customized Action Plan that mirrors the experience of sitting in the treatment room with me, an Expert Esthetician!

Quicker Customer Service Response

As much as our company was built on personal touch, this year we pulled in an AI support tool to help answer quick questions you may have. This is especially helpful on weekends when we’re out of office and you need some guidance. What I like about the tool is that it will try to help you, but if you require further information, you can always choose to contact us, and we will respond first thing Monday morning. While it offers instant help, it never replaces the hands-on care of a real Expert Esthetician. Instead, it works alongside human expertise to ensure you always feel supported, informed, and guided at every step of your skincare journey.

And if you really want personal attention, you can always book a virtual skincare consultation with a real Expert Esthetician.

An All New ReneeRouleau.com Experience

We also just launched a brand new website to feel like the hands-on, esthetician-guided experience we’re known for.

Here’s what you can expect…

1. Expert support at every step. It feels like having a skincare expert by your side, guiding, explaining, and helping you choose what your skin truly needs. Learn more about our product line and my philosophy.

2. An experience that mirrors what our estheticians do best, look after your skin with hands-on expertise.

3. Real skin, real results paired with my in-depth how-to’s, skin tips and product recommendations to guide you every step of the way.

4. We’re especially proud to highlight our PRO Partners, reinforcing our mission to bring professional-level advice from Expert Estheticians directly to every customer.

We also made shopping easier than ever by adding PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Browse the new website and let us know what you think.

(Thank you to my team! This was a labor of love that truly raises the standard!)

More Expert Hands, One Mission

Our Renée Rouleau PRO Partner network grew to 60 trusted Expert Estheticians nationwide, expanding the Renée Way into more treatment rooms than ever. Each partnership strengthens the connection between professional expertise and at-home care. See where to get your hands on Renée Rouleau products.

This commitment to professional education also brought me back to the stage as co-chair at the Science of Skin Summitwhere I shared evidence-based insights on acne and advanced techniques from the treatment room.

Education to Support You in Your Skin Journey

Education is at the heart of what we do. This year, we hosted interactive webinars on topics like glass skin, acne, and hyperpigmentation, giving our customers a way to learn professional techniques and understand their skin.

We also welcomed small groups of PROs for in-person training with one of our chemists, focusing on tactile learning so they leave equipped to elevate every treatment. (We had one of our chemists with us, and it was so fun to have playtime in the lab.)

We also launched the Renée Rouleau PRO Exclusive Partner Community, called The Circle of Hands, connecting Expert Estheticians with resources, live trainings, and ongoing support, bringing professional guidance closer than ever. It’s just so fun for me to connect with estheticians…these are my people! Apply to become a PRO Partner.

In the Media

A really fun moment for me this year was sharing the real reason I moved to Texas in a Texas Monthly feature. While many assumed it was all business, let’s just say…it was a certain football quarterback may have played a role. (And he eventually became my client and uses our products to this day!) Being featured gave me the chance to share not only my personal story but also the philosophy behind my approach to skincare, highlighting why personalized, hands-on care has always been at the heart of my work. Read the Texas Monthly feature.

I also was interviewed on several podcasts to discuss many things…skin, business, grief, resilience, and the beauty of becoming. These conversations allowed me to connect with a wider audience and share insights about the emotional impact of skincare.

I was also interviewed a few times sharing how I care for Sabrina Carpenter’s skin and her favorite products. Read The Quality Edit, Pop Sugar Beauty and Daily Mail.

A Thoughtful Move

In Austin where Renée Rouleau is based, we downsized to a smaller office and warehouse, a strategic move that allows us to manage all the financial shifts from tariffs. (Trust me when I say, we have been affected in a big way.) This also required us to make thoughtful (and sometimes difficult) decisions, including phasing out select products to protect the long-term health of our company.

I know these changes affected some of you, especially those whose favorite products were no longer available, and I am truly sorry for your frustration and disappointment. I get it. Please know that discontinuing products is never something I want to do, but the minimums for custom formulations are incredibly high, and products have an expiration date so when something doesn’t move very fast, we are forced to make certain decisions.

Care Beyond Skin

Giving back is woven into the fabric of our brand. In 2025, we supported communities affected by the devastating California wildfires, providing $10,000 in relief funds. Supporting those in crisis is not just a line on a page. It is part of our commitment to using our platform and resources to create a positive impact and care for the wider community.

The Way Forward

With our team settled into our new home and our systems refined, we are entering 2026 with more clarity, creativity, and purpose than ever before.

With that being said…we hope to launch 3-4 new products in 2026, assuming all testing goes well. These products are formulated to solve real skin concerns and I know you will love them. Think luxurious textures, sensorial experiences that delight, and results you can feel from the very first application. At the same time, we’re continuing to reimagine how you interact with the brand: from browsing our site to shopping and receiving personalized recommendations, every touchpoint is being refined to feel smoother, simpler, and more intuitive, ensuring your experience is as seamless as the results.

At Renée Rouleau, we’re not about products. We’re about touching people. And I hope in some small way, I have touched your life. #TheReneeWay

You’re in the best hands,
Renée + team

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