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The Gentle Solutions Your Hair Needs to Look Its Best

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There are seasons when your hair simply feels tired. It could be due to the heat, the humidity, the back-to-back work and life events, or the constant styling that comes with holidays and summer plans.

Whatever the reason, your hair starts sending you more and more signals the longer you ignore them: more frizz than usual, curls falling flat, ends splitting faster than you can trim them, or that overall “dull” feeling that no product seems to fix.

And here’s the thing: your hair really just needs rest and protection, even when life doesn’t slow down.

The good news? Supporting your hair doesn’t require a complicated routine or a long list of steps. Sometimes, the gentlest swaps make the biggest difference.

1. Silk Pillowcase to Protect Hair While You Sleep

Sleep is supposed to be restorative, but for a lot of us, it’s when our hair faces the most damage. Tossing and turning on cotton can create friction that leads to overnight frizz, tangles, and breakage. By morning, your hair looks crushed, your roots feel stressed, and your strands lose whatever moisture they had the night before.

A silk pillowcase changes that almost instantly.

The Problems It Solves

  • Overnight frizz that refuses to calm down
  • Tangling that takes forever to brush out
  • Breakage around the hairline (especially if you sleep on one side)
  • Loss of moisture, leaving hair rough or dehydrated

If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. And most of them trace back to one thing: friction.

Why Silk Actually Works

Silk creates a smooth, glide-friendly surface that protects your hair while you sleep. With less pulling and rubbing, your strands stay where they’re supposed to. And your hairline doesn’t take the nightly beating that cotton can cause.

Silk also helps your hair stay moisturized. Instead of absorbing your natural oils or the products you applied before bed, it lets your hair keep the hydration it needs for softness and shine.

The best part? It requires zero effort. Switch your pillowcase and you’re already doing more for your hair than any complicated, 10-step routine could.

How It Supports Your Hair

  1. Reduces friction that causes breakage
  2. Helps maintain heatless curls and next-day styles
  3. Supports shine and softness by keeping moisture where it belongs
  4. Makes mornings easier and your hair more manageable

Think of a silk pillowcase as your overnight secret weapon; quiet, effortless, and always working.

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Read Next: How To Wash A Silk Pillowcase

2. Silk Scrunchies to Support Without Stress

Most of us don’t realize how much tension we put on our hair daily. Tight elastics, high ponytails, slick buns: they pull at the scalp, crease the strands, and slowly cause breakage near the tie. It’s not always obvious until you see more shedding than usual or those shorter pieces around your temples that won’t stop snapping.

That’s where silk scrunchies make all the difference.

The Problems They Solve

  • Breakage caused by tight elastics
  • Hair dents, creases, and kinks
  • Pulling at the scalp that leads to soreness
  • Tension headaches (yes, ponytail headaches are real)
  • Stress-related shedding from wearing hair up too tightly too often

Silk scrunchies give your hair a chance to breathe without forcing you to give up your favourite hairstyles.

Why Silk Works So Well

Silk glides over the hair instead of gripping it. That means no snagging, no rough edges, and no harsh pulling. They secure your ponytail or bun without creating that tight “strain point” that weakens your strands over time.

They’re ideal for protective rest styles; the loose, gentle tie-ups that keep your hair away from your face without stressing the roots. And because they don’t crease, you can switch between up and down styles without dealing with dents.

How They Support Your Hair

  1. Won’t crease or damage strands
  2. Reduce snagging, friction, and shedding
  3. Perfect for soft, evening tie-ups or low-tension day styles
  4. Keep hair healthier between washes, gym sessions, and events

If your hair has been feeling fragile lately, silk scrunchies are an easy, everyday support system.

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Read Next: Transform Your Hair Overnight With These 10 Silk Hair Caps For Sleeping

3. A Simple Rest Routine You’ll Actually Do

At its core, healthy hair isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what actually supports your strands. A “rest routine” isn’t a strict schedule or a set of rules. It’s a mindset shift that helps your hair rebuild, recover, and feel like itself again.

Here are a few small changes that make a meaningful difference:

  • Swap friction-heavy fabrics for silk: Your pillowcase, your hair wrap, even your favorite lounging hoodie can cause friction. High-quality, mulberry silk is a simple fix that protects without effort.
  • Choose tension-free ties: Your scalp shouldn’t feel pulled. Silk scrunchies help keep your hair secured without the stress.
  • Let your hair air-dry more often: A few heat-free days can reduce dryness and help curls and waves bounce back naturally.
  • Wear protective styles on hot or windy days: A loose bun, a soft braid, or a gentle tie-up can shield your ends when the weather gets intense.
  • Keep scrunchies nearby for evening tie-ups: When you get home and want your hair out of your face, reach for something soft, not something tight.

Small, intentional habits help your hair stay stronger, smoother, and more resilient over time.

Read Next: The Official Sitting Pretty Holiday Gift Guide

Resting Isn’t Laziness, It’s Part of Hair Health

We live in a world that glorifies “doing the most,” even with beauty: more masks, more serums, more steps. But, your hair doesn’t always need more. It just needs better support.

And that’s what these gentle swaps give you.

Beautiful hair doesn’t come from effort alone, it comes from healthier habits. Rest is one of them. And when you prioritize that softness and simplicity, your hair responds with exactly what you’ve been craving: shine, strength, manageability, and that feeling of “Oh, my hair looks good today” without trying too hard.

Need for hair solutions? Read these next:

Get to know: New Nordic

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Say yes to thicker, stronger hair in weeks with New Nordic Hair Volume

Achieve thicker, stronger, healthier hair with New Nordic’s Hair Volume™ tablets in 8-12 weeks. Powered by biotin, zinc & apple extract for optimal growth.

Healthy, voluminous hair is a dream for many, and if you’ve received the Nourished Life Wellness Box, you’re in for a treat! The Hair Volume 90 Tablets are designed to support hair growth, thickness, and strength from the inside out. Whether you’ve already tried them or are just discovering their benefits, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know – how to take them, when to expect results, and how to maximize their effectiveness for the best hair of your life.


What are the Hair Volume 90 Tablets?

New Nordic’s Hair Volume 90 Tablets are a premium supplement formulated with key ingredients that nourish the hair follicles and scalp. Unlike topical treatments that only address the outer appearance of hair, these tablets work from within to support healthy growth, shine, and resilience.

Key ingredients & their benefits

  • Apple Extract – Rich in procyanidins that help promote hair growth at the follicle level.

  • Millet Extract – A natural source of silica that strengthens hair strands.

  • Horsetail Extract – Supports collagen production for hair structure and shine.

  • Biotin – Known as the “hair vitamin,” biotin plays a crucial role in keratin production, which is essential for hair health.

  • Zinc & Copper – Help maintain normal hair pigmentation and overall scalp health.


How & when to take hair volume tablets

  • To get the best results, take one tablet daily with a meal. Consistency is key—regular supplementation ensures that your hair is continuously nourished with essential nutrients.

When will you see results?

Hair growth is a gradual process, and while individual results may vary, most users notice visible improvements in hair strength and volume within 8 to 12 weeks. The hair growth cycle has different phases, and the nutrients in Hair Volume tablets support each stage to optimise growth and fullness.

Week-by-week breakdown:

  • Weeks 1-4: Nutrients start working at the follicular level, supporting scalp health and preparing hair for growth.
  • Weeks 5-8: Hair may feel stronger, with reduced shedding and breakage.
  • Weeks 9-12: Noticeable volume, thickness, and shine as new, healthier strands emerge.

How to enhance results naturally

While taking Hair Volume 90 Tablets, incorporating these additional hair-friendly habits will help you achieve the best possible outcome:

  • Eat a nutrient-rich diet – Include protein, healthy fats, and vitamins from foods like salmon, avocados, nuts, and leafy greens.
  • Massage your scalp – Stimulates blood circulation and promotes hair growth.
  • Use gentle hair care products – Avoid harsh sulfates and opt for nourishing shampoos and conditioners.
  • Prioritise sleep & stress management – Hair health is linked to overall well-being. Reduce stress and get quality sleep to support hair growth.

Support hair health inside & out with the Hair Volume Hair Care Range

For the best results, pair Hair Volume 90 Tablets with New Nordic’s Hair Volume Hair Care Range. These products work synergistically with the supplement to nourish, strengthen, and revitalise hair from root to tip.

Hair Volume Shampoo – Gently cleanses while adding volume and strength to the hair.
Hair Volume Conditioner – Deeply hydrates and supports hair elasticity, preventing breakage.
Hair Volume Repair Mask – Deep conditioning treatment that restores moisture and improves hair resilience.
Hair Volume Shine Serum – Enhances shine, smooths frizz, and protects hair from environmental stressors.

By combining internal nourishment with external careyou can achieve fuller, healthier, and more vibrant hair faster!

Who can benefit from Hair Volume 90 Tablets?

This supplement is ideal for those who:

  • Experience thinning hair or increased shedding
  • Want stronger, shinier, and fuller hair
  • Have hair weakened by stress, diet, or environmental factors
  • Want to support hair health as part of a holistic beauty routine

Real customer results & reviews

Many users report noticeable improvements in hair texture, volume, and reduced shedding within just a few months. Here’s what some of them have said:

  • After two months, my hair feels thicker, and I have new baby hairs growing along my hairline!” – Emily, Sydney
  • I’ve always struggled with fine, brittle hair, but Hair Volume has made it stronger and shinier than ever.” – Sarah, Melbourne
  • I love that this works from the inside out—my hair looks and feels healthier!” – Mia, Brisbane

New Nordic’s Hair Volume 90 Tablets are a fantastic addition to your hair care routine. By nourishing your hair from within, they help strengthen, thicken, and revitalise your strands for long-term health and beauty. Whether you’re already using them or considering giving them a try, consistency and a holistic approach will give you the best results.

Shop New Nordic

Hailey Bieber Just Debuted What Is Sure to Be 2026’s Biggest Haircut

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Key Takeaways

  • Hailey Bieber showed off a brand-new lob in an Instagram story posted Sunday, December 14.
  • Barely grazing her shoulders, the new cut is the shortest her hair has been in a long time.

I’ve heard it said, or sang, that it’s that time of year when the world falls in love. The songs I’m hearing aren’t necessarily saying Merry Christmas, though. They’re saying “that’s my baby she’s iconic,” which makes sense because I’m the one controlling the music.

That first line, though? So true, Frank Sinatra. We are all falling in love!! With softly falling snow and the songs on Swag that we didn’t pay enough attention to when it came out and Hailey Bieber’s new lob. That’s baby, and she is iconic.

Hailey Bieber’s Lob

@haileybieber/Instagram


On Sunday, December 14, Bieber took to her Instagram story to deliver a perfect first night of Hanukkah present: the best holiday hair inspiration. In the mirror selfie, she stared into the screen of her Lip Case-ified iPhone. The nails clutching the orange device were glazed, of course, but the real focus point was her short, layered haircut.

Way less lengthy than they were the last time we saw her, the Rhode founder’s brunette locks were styled in a middle part with clean, flippy ends. The true lob-length haircut barely grazed her shoulders, appearing even shorter than her shortest face-framing layer was in a photo dump she posted from Japan last week.

Ever the cool girl, the model didn’t bother to caption the photo or provide any context—she knew we’d get the point. Luckily, celebrity hairstylist Justin Marjan came forward as the hands behind the cut, which was then styled by Bieber’s go-to, Amanda Lee. That being said, I’m also aching to know more. Where did she get her black long-sleeved shirt? And what is the lip combo she’s wearing?

@haileybieber/Instagram


Getting the Look

If you’re able to get in for a last-minute appointment (stylists are busy right now!!), it could be fun to gift yourself a lob for the holidays. Though a big hair switch up is typically saved for the new year… why not go for it?

@haileybieber/Instagram


To get a similar cut, ask your stylist for a lob with long layers. And don’t forget the reference photo—that will help more than anything. Sure, they’ll probably hear “I want the Hailey Bieber lob” a lot in the coming weeks. But isn’t that what the holidays are usually like? Nail artists are painting snowflake after snowflake, (most) songs are singing “Merry Christmas,” and Hailey Bieber is inspiring the masses. Business as usual.

Best Holiday Beauty Gifts Under $50

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The holiday season is the perfect time to surprise the beauty lovers in your life with something thoughtful, luxe, and still budget-friendly. If you’re shopping for holiday gifts under 50, you don’t have to compromise on quality. We’ve rounded up the best affordable holiday beauty picks, from radiant Makeup Duos to pampering Skincare Kits, that deliver festive joy and incredible value. Whether for a stocking stuffer or a main-event gift, these beauty gifts under 50 will make anyone on your list glow.

Makeup Gifts That Sparkle

For makeup enthusiasts, the holidays are the perfect excuse to glow a little brighter. Consider Makeup Duos, complexion-perfecting sets, and jumbo versions of bestselling formulas.

These Gifts Under $50 deliver professional-quality color and complexion staples — from glow-boosting duos to oversized favorites that last all season.

Skincare Gifts That Pamper

For skincare fans, mid-tier holiday gifting is the sweet spot — luxe without going over budget.

  • Skinlongevity Skincare Bundles (bareMinerals.com exclusives)
    Featuring clean, nourishing formulas designed to strengthen skin’s barrier and boost resilience. These limited-time skincare kits are perfect clean skincare gifts for anyone focused on self-care and long-term results.

Thoughtful, effective, and powered by minerals, these skincare sets are perfect for giving the gift of healthy, radiant skin.

Stocking Stuffer Upgrades

Mid-tier doesn’t have to mean “main gift only.” These under-$50 gems are perfect stocking stuffer upgrades that still feel substantial:

  • Lip duos and cheek sets that slip seamlessly into any beauty bag.
  • Glow-enhancing Complexion Minis for travel or touch-ups on the go.
  • Festive limited-edition packaging that feels ready-to-gift.

Affordable, versatile, and joyful — these are stocking stuffers they’ll actually be excited to use.

Wrap-Up: Glow Without Overspending

This season, give the gift of glow without going over budget. Whether you’re shopping holiday gifts under $50, festive Makeup Duos, indulgent Skincare Kits, or versatile Complexion Minis, these affordable holiday beauty picks offer value, quality, and a little sparkle for everyone on your list.

Ready to shop? Explore our curated selection of beauty gifts under 50 and discover the best clean skincare gifts and festive favorites for makeup and skincare fans alike.

The Best Products for Fine Hair – OLAPLEX Inc.

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Key Takeaways

  • Fine hair is delicate and light, prone to flatness and oiliness.
  • Using products heavy in oils, silicone, and SLS/SLES-containing shampoos can exacerbate fine hair issues, like oil overproduction and lack of volume.
  • Take care of your fine hair by using products formulated for fine hair that promote healthy body and volume, strengthen, and hydrate.

Jump to

If you have fine hair, you know it can be frustrating, thanks to its proneness to oiliness and limpness. Despite this, you can make it livelier and more voluminous with the right products. Fine hair requires a delicate balance, and the wrong formulas can weigh it down or make it feel even greasier. To bring the best out of your fine hair, let’s break down what not to use and what works.

What Is Fine Hair?

Fine hair is one of the three types of hair texturesfollowed by medium and coarse. When you have fine hair, your hair strands are thinner and smaller in diameter. Fine hair is not the same as thin hair—it’s all about the size of your hair strands, as thinness refers to low-density hair follicles.

Like any other hair type, fine hair has its challenges. It’s more fragile, making it more prone to breakage. Fine hair also gets greasier and oilier quicker, weighing it down at the scalp and making the roots look flat and dull. Because fine hair often lacks volume, it’s tempting to overcompensate with styling products, which can result in more buildup, only further exacerbating the issue.

What Products Weigh Down Fine Hair?

If you have fine hair, avoid heavy, oil-based hair masks, serums, and conditioners, which can bog hair down and result in a limp appearance. Hair products with heavy silicones can contribute to buildup. Choose lighter masks and serums with minimal silicones or oils.

While they don’t directly weigh down fine hair, washing frequently with sulfate-containing products can cause oil overproduction by drying out your scalp. Instead, opt for an SLS/SLES-free shampoo and use lightweight masks, styling products, and conditioners formulated for fine hair.

What Are the Best OLAPLEX Products for Fine Hair?

Consider adding the best OLAPLEX science-backed fine hair products to your routine, like:

A bond repair regimen, Nᵒ.4FINE and Nᵒ.5FINEis specifically formulated for the needs of fine hair types experiencing damage. Together, this shampoo and conditioner provide an optimal balance of repair, weightless hydration, and healthy body and volume. They have OLAPLEX Complete Bond Technology™which strengthens fragile bonds for healthier hair. N.4FINE and N.5FINE hydrate and balance sebum levels without over-conditioning or contributing to excess oil production. Plus, they’re free of SLS/SLES.

To use N.4FINE and N.5FINE:

  1. Apply N.4FINE to your wet hair and lather thoroughly.
  2. Rinse.
  3. Apply N.5FINE to your mid-lengths and ends, using more as needed.
  4. Let sit for 1-3 minutes.
  5. Rinse.

Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

Before you jump into blow-drying after washing, protect and volumize with Volumizing Blow Dry Mist. This mist is a highly concentrated  source of hydrating amino acids and provides weightless volume, body, and bounce. It repairs and protects hair from up to 450°F heat while delivering a fast, healthier-looking blowout without leaving any filmy residue.

To use Volumizing Blow Dry Mist:

  1. Mist a generous amount onto clean, damp hair from roots to tip.
  2. Direct the hair away from the head for more body and bounce as you blow dry.
  3. For more focused areas of volume, like the crown, dry hair to 80% dry before sectioning. Mist a generous amount on both sides of the section and blowdry with a round brush to increase volume and movement.

N .4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo

You know washing too frequently can dry out the scalp and result in more oil production. That’s why it’s smart to use a dry shampoo between washes to keep your scalp looking fresh, like Nᵒ.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo. This light-as-air dry shampoo leaves hair looking first-day fresh with weightless body and a just-washed clean feeling. It absorbs oil and cleans the scalp without leaving a powdery, gritty residue or clogging follicles.

Here’s how to use N.4D:

  1. Shake well before using.
  2. Separate hair into sections.
  3. Holding the bottle 6-10 inches from hair, spray onto the roots.
  4. Wait 30 seconds, then massage into scalp.

Weightless Nourishing Hair Mask

With OLAPLEX’s Weightless Nourishing Hair Maskyou can enjoy the luxurious hydration hair masks provide without adding excess weight or residue. This mask creates instant volume and body and strengthens fragile hair strands to prevent snapping and breakage. After just one wash, the Weightless Nourishing Mask locks in hydration and provides cuticle-smoothing benefits for five washes.*

To incorporate this mask for fine hair into your routine after shampooing:

  1. Apply to the mid-lengths and ends of damp hair, working thoroughly with fingers.
  2. Leave on for 3-5 minutes.
  3. Rinse well.

Use this mask weekly for the best results.

Best Anti-Aging Facial Treatments: How Joanna Vargas Keeps Hollywood L

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When it comes to Hollywood glow, one name consistently stands out: Joanna Vargas. Celebrated by celebrities and beauty editors alike, Joanna is known for some of the best anti aging facial treatments, having perfected the art of rejuvenation. Her approach blends advanced technology with clean, botanical ingredients to deliver visible lift, smoother texture, and timeless radiance.

If you’ve ever wondered how A-listers maintain youthful, camera-ready skin, it’s no mystery — it’s maintenance. And the best anti-aging facials start here.


Facials That Redefine Aging Gracefully: Discover the Best Anti Aging Facial Treatments

1. The Twilight Facial — Tighten, Plump, Transform

  • What it does: Combines microneedling with radio frequency to boost collagen, smooth fine lines, and refine texture.

  • Why it works: Promotes long-term rejuvenation without surgery. Skin looks brighter, lifted, and visibly renewed — no filter required.

  • Where: Exclusively at Joanna Vargas Spa in New York & Los Angeles.

2. The Supernova Facial — Red Carpet Ready in 60 Minutes

  • What it does: Infuses skin with peptides, oxygen, and cryotherapy for instant firmness and calm.

  • Why it works: A favorite pre-event treatment for A-listers, the Supernova is one of our best anti aging facial treatments — it leaves the complexion luminous and refreshed.

For a tip: Pair with Supernova Retinol Serum for enhanced smoothing and hydration.


The At-Home Anti-Aging Collection

Joanna’s professional expertise continues in your daily routine with her Anti-Aging Collection. Essentials include:

  • Twilight Night Serum & Twilight Night Cream: Rejuvenates overnight, supporting cell renewal with peptides, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Fine lines soften, skin feels firmer and more hydrated by morning.

  • Rescue Vitamin C + Squalane Serum: Boosts radiance, protects against environmental stressors, and enhances elasticity — ideal for daytime use alongside retinol.

  • Eden Instant Lift Mask: Spa-level sheet mask with firming peptides and plant stem cells to smooth, plump, and rehydrate instantly — perfect before makeup or after travel.


Why Joanna’s Approach Works

Unlike harsh anti-aging methods that stress or strip the skin, Joanna focuses on restoring balance. Her treatments:

Every facial is customizedevery formula clean and performance-driven. The result: clients don’t just look younger — they look alive, radiant, and resilient.


FAQs

Q: How often should I get an anti-aging facial?
A: Every 4–6 weeks is ideal to stimulate collagen and maintain hydration. Consistency delivers the most visible, lasting results.

Q: Are Joanna Vargas facials suitable for sensitive skin?
A: Absolutely. Treatments are adjustable for sensitivity, using gentle yet effective actives to enhance radiance without irritation.

Q: Can I use retinol after a facial?
A: Yes, but wait 24–48 hours post-treatment. The Supernova Retinol Serum is formulated to minimize irritation and support recovery.

Q: When will I see results?
A: Many clients notice an immediate glow. Long-term benefits — firmer skin, smoother texture, and fewer fine lines — appear within weeks of consistent treatments.


Your Ageless Skin Starts Here

From advanced facials to her award-winning anti-aging skincare line, Joanna Vargas delivers the best anti aging facial treatments for lasting results. Ready to glow?

Book your next anti-aging facial or explore the Joanna Vargas Anti-Aging Collection and experience glowing, firm, timeless skin for yourself.

Nakery Beauty Relax + Repair Body Balm Review

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A solid bedtime routine can positively impact sleep, and it’s proven that better sleep equals better overall health. But what if I told you there’s a body moisturizer that doubles as sleep support and also has anti-aging benefits? Yes, it exists, and it’s wonderful. Meet Nakery Beauty’s SkinRecovery Relax + Repair Body Balm ($39), which I’ve considered a self-care essential for a few months now. Here’s my honest review.

The Benefits of This Body Balm

Founder Liz Folce told me she created this product after she kept hearing from customers and friends that they weren’t able to get enough sleep, and it was showing on their skin. To help promote restful sleep, she infused the formula with a proprietary Sleep Complex of melatonin, valerian root, chamomile and magnesium, and the latter also helps relieve muscle soreness, which so many of us experience for one reason or another. It’s truly the product you will forward to using at the end of the day when your mind and body need some serious R&R.

“The melatonin, magnesium chloride, valerian root and chamomile are encapsulated and released gradually into the skin,” Folce tells me. “Use it at night only, and I like to recommend keeping it on your nightstand so you don’t forget it or confuse it with your daily body butter. And, you don’t even have to use it all over—you could just use it on your legs and feet, and you will see and feel a difference. I love that it really helps relax you before bed, but it also has anti-aging benefits.”

BUY ON NAKERY BEAUTY – $44

BUY ON ULTA BEAUTY – $39

So what are they exactly? Folce always pushes the envelope (she loves a good multitasker), so she added SepiLift (highly pure dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline) and retinol for firming and tightening benefits. In fact, this body balm is clinically proven to improve sagging and crepey skin overnight, while also deeply moisturizing it. I’ve definitely noticed a difference in the crepey skin above my knees (the worst!).

When you think of a traditional body balm, you probably think of something that’s rich and greasy—not ideal. Though this one is loaded with nourishing butters, the modern formula somehow manages to remain lightweight and quick to absorb. I love the way it feels on my skin, and the way it’s fast-acting on muscle soreness, especially around my neck and shoulders. I apply it right when I get out of the shower (I am nighttime shower person), but you could also keep it on your nightstand like Folce recommends so that you don’t forget it before bed. There is lavender, chamomile and patchouli in the mix for a spa-like scent, but it’s super subtle. If you are looking for a body cream that goes above and beyond, this is it!

Supercharge Your Kale Salad’s Nutritional Profile with One Ingredient

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It’s easy to feel a little smug when you load your plate with kale salad. After all, the leafy green is packed with nutrients. But you’re missing the full potential of this powerhouse green if you don’t include one accessory: oil.

That’s the main takeaway from new research published in the journal Food Nutrition. The findings challenge the idea that eating your salad dry is the healthiest way to go. “It’s like giving the body the raw ingredients, but not the delivery vehicle,” Scott Keatley, RD, co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy, tells SELF. The study also uncovered some additional factoids about how to get the most out of your kale, giving you plenty of research you can work with.

This is all great news if you prefer your salad with extra flavor. But there are a few things dietitians want you to keep in mind before dumping a bunch of oil on your kale salad. Here’s what the study found, plus how to put these findings to good use.

There are a few ways to get the most out of your kale.

For the study, researchers created a laboratory model that mimics human digestion. They then prepared kale a few ways: cooked, raw, or with specially-formulated dressings and sauces that could make it easier for the body to access the green’s carotenoids. (In case you’re not familiar with them, carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that are linked with better immunity and vision, along with a lower risk of developing diseases like diabetes and heart disease.)

The researchers then analyzed kale’s nutritional performance when it was raw, cooked, raw or cooked with the dressing, and cooked directly in the dressing.

The researchers discovered that there was very little carotenoid absorbed with the raw kale, and cooking the leafy green made absorption even worse. But when they added an oil-based dressing or sauce, the amount of absorbed carotenoids significantly increased, regardless of whether the kale was cooked or raw. (Cooking the kale in the sauce delivered the same absorption results as when the sauce was added after the kale was cooked.)

“These findings have important implications for boosting the bioavailability of health-promoting nutraceuticals in fruits and vegetables, and provide a strategy for improving the healthiness of the modern diet through food design approaches,” the researchers wrote in the conclusion.

What’s behind this?

Some nutrients are fat-soluble, which means that eating them with fat enhances their absorption, Jessica Cording, RD, the author of The Little Book of Game-Changerstells SELF. “Carotenoids, such as those found in kale, are examples of a fat-soluble nutrient,” she says.

dsm-firmenich transforms the color of the year into a manifest fragrance

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dsm-firmenich converts color into scent again. The composition house unveils a new collection inspired by Cloud Dancera luminous white, bringing serenity in a hectic world, color of the year 2026 according to Pantone.

Pantone’s official sensory partner since 2001, dsm-firmenich transposes the color of the year into a fragrance every year, combining olfactory creativity and scientific research. For 2026, the emphasis is on serenity, gentleness and emotional balance.

The Cloud Dancer collection offers ten fragrances available in different formats : eau de parfum, eau de toilette, candle, body mist, face and body cream, room spray and liquid hand soap. Each product is designed to capture the ethereal atmosphere that translates the visual purity of Cloud Dancer into a sensory experience that seamlessly extends from personal care to the home.

Behind these fragrances lies the neuroscientific emotiOn program from dsm-firmenichwhich explores the influence of perfumes on emotions, associated with emotiCode focusa set of design rules aimed at promoting clarity and performance of the mind. Together, these tools guided perfumers towards light, pure and discreetly comforting ingredients: white flowers, transparent and fresh notes.

At the heart of the collection, Cloud Dancer eau de parfum, created by Parisian perfumer Coralie Spicherreinvents patchouli in a softer and luminous light. “ Cloud Dancer is (…) a color in movement – ​​a movement not fast, but slow and delicate, carried by the wind, deeply connected to nature », explains Coralie Spicher.

To achieve this effect, she associated the patchouli blanc to notes of coconut and a high concentration of Clearwood Prismaan exclusive material derived from biotechnology, creating a contrast that is both soothing and expressive.

The collection also highlights other iconic dsm-firmenich ingredients, such as Patchouli Heart SFE et Coconut NaturePrintobtained using cutting-edge techniques such as Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and headspace analysis, for sustainable fragrance capture.

By transposing Cloud Dancer into a fragrance, dsm-firmenich positions perfume as a tool for emotional well-being, thus reaffirming its belief that perfume can do much more than just smell good.

5 Tips to Treat and Conceal Under Eye Circles

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Do you have under eye circles, shadows, or puffiness? Join the club! These are all very common eye concerns, affecting most of us at some point in our lives. Whether it’s hereditary under eye circles, shadows from tiredness or illness, puffiness from lack of sleep or too much salt in our food, one thing is clear, we’re all keen to present our complexions as bright eyed and looking our best.

Like many skin-related conditions, under eye circles are largely hereditary, so this means that despite our best efforts, we might still experience some discoloration. Other eye issues can be affected by our lifestyles, so the goal here should be on improving the health of our skin in any way we can, instead of simply trying to get rid those pesky concerns.

Discover this guide to help treat and conceal any unwanted discoloration, dehydration, and puffiness, safely and effectively.

How To Treat + Conceal Under Eye Circles

1. Beauty Sleep

Try working on getting more quality shut eye if you can, because that’s one thing you can control. Even if it means going to bed just a half hour earlier. This is easier said than done but a big cause of under eye circles and puffiness is lack of sleep. For adults over 26, the Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours each night. If you truly can’t extend your number of zzzs, make sure you’re using your time wisely. Limit screen time, alcohol, and salt before you hit the hay and use an additional pillow to prop your head up while you sleep. Make sure you’re turning your pillow over each night and change your pillowcases regularly to maintain skin hygiene.

Try adding an eye cream to your nightly ritual too. C-Shield Eye Restore Hydrator is a great choice to work overnight on delivering your eye area the nourishing actives it needs.

2. Stay Hydrated

Every skincare guide will tell you to drink water. And for good reason. Dehydration can affect a number of skin conditions and under eye circles are no exception. Much like a lack of sleep, it’s likely you’re not drinking enough water throughout the day. Drinking 8 glasses of water per day is advised and can help treat your dark circles from the inside out. It will also help mitigate any salt intake from the day too which can be very dehydrating and can lead to extra puffiness the next day. If you’ve had a particularly salty snack or meal, add 2 extra glasses of water to your daily intake.

3. Treatments

For an added boost, try using a chilled, under eye mask several times per week. There are tons of options available but we love the tried and true spa method, sliced cucumbers. The cool temperature will help blood vessels contract, making your dark circles appear lighter and reducing any puffiness. Be sure to leave them on for 10-20 minutes for best results. To bring down visible puffiness, you can also try moistened black or green tea bags too. The antioxidants, flavonoids, and tannins in the tea have anti-inflammatory properties. And you can make them cool or warm depending on your preference.

4. Products

The best way to take care of your eyes is to use an eye cream designed specifically for this delicate and sensitive area. Although you may think your normal face moisturizer will suffice, it’s best to treat the thin eye area with extra care. Our go-to is C-Shield Eye Restore Hydrator because of its antioxidant-rich formula featuring skin-strengthening peptides and nourishing vitamins. These active ingredients work together to diminish dark circles, as well as fine lines and puffiness. For a richer, age-defying eye cream, try Phyto-Active Eye Cream.

5. Conceal and Set

If treatment isn’t enough, there’s always makeup, for that finishing touch. To expertly conceal any discoloration under the eyes, start with your favorite eye cream. Allow 5-10 minutes for the product to soak in and then apply a creamy concealer makeup formula. We love Under Eye Concealer because it allows you to color correct with the deeper shade, then brighten with the lighter. Following application, apply a setting powder like Loose Matte Finishing Powder or Perfecting Powder to keep your look crease-free.