Home Blog Page 2

L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum Review

0

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

Priced at

L'Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum Review

If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll know I have a bit of a thing for the L’Occitane Almond collection. So when I heard about the new L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum, I was very keen to try it.

I’m firmly in my beach skin era at the moment and I have to pay attention to the performance of my fake tan much more in the summer, and this lightweight overnight body serum turns out to be a really good partner in crime for self tanning. Here’s everything you need to know.

Quick Verdict

Best for:

  • Rough or bumpy skin
  • Dull summer skin
  • Keratosis Pilaris
  • Ingrown hairs
  • Pre-holiday skin prep
  • Helping fake tan fade more evenly

Pros

  • Lightweight, fast-absorbing gel texture
  • Noticeably smoother skin after just a few uses
  • Gentle but effective exfoliation
  • Hydrates as it resurfaces
  • Beautiful signature Almond fragrance
  • Perfect addition to a summer body care routine

Cons

  • Best used at night because it contains AHAs
  • Daily SPF is essential if skin will be exposed the following day

What is the L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum?

What is L'Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum?
What is L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum?

The L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum is an overnight exfoliating body treatment that combines chemical exfoliation with hydration to improve skin texture without the need for harsh scrubs.

Instead of physically buffing away dead skin, it uses a blend of exfoliating acids and botanical ingredients to encourage skin renewal while keeping skin feeling comfortable and hydrated.

The texture is gorgeous. It’s a lightweight seafoam-style gel that melts into the skin almost instantly and leaves no sticky residue behind.

It’s designed to be used in the evening as the exfoliating ingredients continue to work overnight.

Key Ingredients

5% AHA Complex – 5% blend of glycolic acid and lactic acid that works to dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, allowing them to shed more easily and reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath.

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid – helps attract and retain moisture, leaving skin feeling soft, plump and comfortable after each application.

Sweet Almond Oil – nourishes the skin while helping to maintain the skin barrier.

Prickly Pear Extract – supports gentle skin renewal and complements the AHA blend, helping skin look smoother and more refined over time.

My Review

My Review of L'Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum
My Review of L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum

The Texture

This was the first thing that impressed me. I was expecting something much richer, but it’s actually an incredibly lightweight gel with an almost whipped, seafoam-like consistency.

It glides over the skin beautifully, absorbs within seconds and doesn’t leave that tacky feeling that some body treatments can. Even on warm summer evenings, it feels wonderfully fresh.

L'Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum Texture - light gel
L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum Texture – light gel

My Evening Routine

I’ve been using this after an evening shower, applying it to clean, dry skin before bed. Although it’s designed to be used nightly, I don’t actually use it every evening, especially if I’ve got a fresh tan. Because it’s an exfoliating serum, I don’t want to accelerate the fading process. Instead, I use it every few nights to keep my skin smooth and help my tan wear off more evenly rather than becoming patchy. I think it’s a really nice balance between maintaining silky skin and getting the most out of your self-tan.

I focus mainly on my legs because that’s the area where I tend to notice roughness and fake tan patchiness, particularly during the summer. Once the serum has absorbed, I follow with a moisturiser before getting into bed.

It’s become one of those little rituals that makes me feel like I’m properly looking after my skin rather than simply throwing on a body lotion.

Does it Actually Make a Difference?

For me, yes. One thing I’ve always found slightly surprising is that my body skin often feels rougher during the summer than it does in winter. Between SPF, sea water, chlorine, shaving and self-tan, everything can start to feel a little congested.

After using this, my skin feels smoother and softer and looks more refined.

I think it’s a great product to have in your arsenal if you are a fake tanner. Because I don’t use it every night, I find it helps my tan fade much more evenly rather than stripping it away too quickly. It helps prevents those patchy feet, ankles and knees that always seem to appear at the end of a tan, so when it’s time to reapply, my skin is in much better condition.

Great for Holiday Prep

If you’re getting ready for a holiday, this will be such a lovely addition to your routine. I think that smooth skin helps everything look better, whether that’s bare legs, a fresh pedicure or self-tan.

If you’re looking for my current favourite fake tan, you can read my Vita Liberata The Express Spritz Tinted Lasting Tan Review, as I am very keen on that one at the moment!!

The Fragrance

If you’re already a fan of the Almond range, you’ll absolutely love this. It has that familiar warm almond scent that’s comforting, luxurious and unmistakably L’Occitane. It’s present while you’re applying it but never overwhelming.

How to Use It

For best results:

  • Apply in the evening to clean, dry skin.
  • Massage into areas that need smoothing.
  • Allow the serum to absorb before dressing.
  • Follow with a body moisturiser if desired.
  • Use SPF on exposed skin the following day.

L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum vs a Body Scrub

If you usually rely on a traditional body scrub, this offers a very different experience.

A scrub gives instant smoothness by physically removing dead skin cells, whereas the Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum works gradually over several nights using chemical exfoliation.

Personally, I think there’s room for both in a routine. I still enjoy using a scrub every now and then, but this has become a lovely maintenance product. It keeps my skin consistently smooth between exfoliating treatments without any effort.

Is It Worth Buying?

For me, absolutely. Luxury body care has become a much bigger part of my routine over the last few years, and this feels like a genuinely worthwhile addition rather than just another step.

The texture is beautiful, the ingredients are well balanced and, most importantly, it actually delivers smoother skin.

If you already love the Almond collection, I think you’ll adore this.

If you’re completely new to body serums, I actually think this is a wonderful place to start. It’s effective without feeling harsh, luxurious without being complicated and fits effortlessly into an evening routine.

Where to buy it

L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum is £60 for 100ml and available now via the links below:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum every day?

Yes. It’s formulated for regular evening use. If your skin is particularly sensitive, you may prefer to begin using it a few nights each week before building up.

Does it help with keratosis pilaris?

The combination of glycolic acid and lactic acid can help improve the appearance and texture of keratosis pilaris over time by gently exfoliating the skin.

Can I use the L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum before applying fake tan?

Yes, but I’d recommend using it as part of your body care routine in the days leading up to tanning rather than immediately beforehand. It helps keep skin smooth and refined, creating a beautiful canvas for self-tan.

If you’re interested in what I am using in terms of fake tan at the moment, read Vita Liberata The Express Spritz Tinted Lasting Tan Review.

Will it remove fake tan?

As it’s an exfoliating serum, it will naturally encourage fake tan to fade over time. That’s one of the reasons I don’t use it every night when I’m tanned. Instead, I reach for it every few nights to keep my skin smooth while helping my tan fade more evenly, rather than all at once or in patchy areas. I find it’s a really good balance between maintaining soft skin and getting the most out of my tan.

Can I use it after shaving?

I’d recommend waiting until the following evening if your skin feels at all sensitive after shaving.

Final Thoughts

The L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum has quickly become one of my favourite body launches this year.

It’s one of those products that quietly improves your skin without demanding much effort, and I love how seamlessly it fits into an evening routine.

If you’re in your holiday prep era, looking to smooth rough skin or simply want to elevate your body care routine, I think this is a lovely investment. It’s luxurious, effective and exactly what I’ve come to expect from the Almond collection.

Jackie Kennedy Is Still Inspiring Hair Trends With Her Vintage ‘60s Bouffant

0

Remember when kitten heels were considered old-fashioned? Now they’re the basis for every It-girl outfit. As for beauty? The Jackie cut – inspired by Jackie Kennedy and her bob-length bouffant – is making similar moves.

What is the Jackie cut?

Essentially a shoulder-length layered cut or bob, the success of the cut lies in the styling, which is heavy on vintage glamour and sophisticated charm. Jackie’s signature look called for lots of volume at the crown and body through the lengths, with the ends either curled under or flicked outward.

Getty Images

Image may contain Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Face Happy Head Person Smile Photography Portrait Adult and Laughing

Getty Images

Image may contain Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Clothing Apparel Human Person Evening Dress Gown Robe and Fashion

Getty Images

Image may contain Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Clothing Apparel Human Person Sleeve Dress Coat and Overcoat

PA Photos

Why is the Jackie cut trending?

Unlike it’s fashion sis, Jackie’s lil bouff has been making a quieter, more measured re-entry into pop culture. In 2024, actress Hailee Steinfeld chose the elegant style to pair with a slinky black and gold cut-out gown for the premiere of Netflix series, Arcane. Last year, model Gigi Hadid teamed up with her long-time hairstylist, Dimitris Giannetos, to create a style they dubbed “the Jackie-O bob” in homage to Jackie Kennedy (later Jackie Onassis’) trademark hairstyle. And, singer, Raye has long made the voluminous retro bob a defining signature of her aesthetic, with the glam cut, still a core part of her style. Elsewhere, Zendaya, Selena Gomez and Kendall Jenner have all flirted with the trend.

Look for a through-line in fashion and beauty and it’s clear things are getting a whole load more prissy. Dainty clasped-clutch bags, Audrey Hepburn-style capri pants, elegant kitten eyeliner and polished French pleat updos have all become breakout trends in their own right. They may not work when worn all together, but each can individually lend our ootds a modern elegance that works to elevate occasionware, but more importantly, they can add interest to an otherwise casual fit.

So, we’re calling it. The Jackie cut is the breakout hairstyle you didn’t see coming, but is here to level-up your style. Here’s how to wear her in 2026.

GLP-1s May Help You Stop Biting Your Nails—Here’s Why

0

Do you bite your nails? If so, you’re really not alone; research suggests about 20 to 30 percent of the general population nips at their fingertips. (Former nail biter checking in!) It can be a difficult habit to quit, but a subset of GLP-1 users have reported that since they began taking the medication, they’ve lost interest in nibbling their nails.

People on a GLP-1 are sharing their experience on Reddit, saying that after years as a daily biter, they stopped entirely once they started injecting themselves with the semaglutide medication. Influencers are opening up about how going on a GLP-1 helped them quit their “compulsive” nail biting. While GLP-1 medications are well known for their ability to dull cravings, curb snacking, and lessen “food noise,” they may also impact other habits—nail biting included.

According to Annette Czernik, a board-certified dermatologist based in Stamford, Connecticut, nail biting (also known as onychophagia) is considered a type of “body-focused repetitive behavior,” or BFRB, a classification that also includes things like skin picking and hair pulling; for many people, biting their nails can be a self-soothing habit when they’re stressed or anxious, or self-stimulating when they’re bored, which are common feature of BFRBs in general. “These behaviors often exist on a spectrum with anxiety, stress-related habits, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies,” Czernik explains. “As dermatologists, we frequently see the physical consequences, including damaged nail plates, chronic inflammation around the nails, infections, and permanent nail changes.”

Now, there’s still a lot we don’t know about how and why GLP-1 medications work and why people experience such diverse side effects, but physicians have some theories as to why injecting yourself with semaglutide or tirzepatide might make you less likely to chomp on your fingernails.

First, it’s important to understand what GLP-1 medication is doing to the body in the first place. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist in New York City, explains that GLP-1 medications can influence the brain’s reward pathways; this is most evident with food and appetite, of course, impacting feelings of hunger and cravings. “Many people report experiencing less ‘food noise’ and fewer intense cravings,” she explains. “As urges become less powerful, it can feel easier to make deliberate choices rather than acting on impulse. For some individuals, these changes may significantly reduce compulsive eating behaviors and create a greater sense of control around food.”

Now, it’s essential to note that GLP-1 medications are not approved for nail biting and there isn’t currently enough research to back up any claims that they can “cure” or stop the habit. However, Dr. Czernik flags that there have been “growing reports” of people on GLP-1 medications who have noticed a reduction in reward-seeking compulsions and desires in general, which for some could include nail biting. (Other commonly cited behaviors include impulsive shopping, drinking, and smoking.) Jessica Duncan, MD, a board-certified obesity medicine physician based in Atlanta, Georgia, says that this could be because “[GLP-1s] also act on the brain’s dopamine and reward pathways, which is why patients often notice their cravings drop across the board, not just for food.”

Dr. Duncan’s patients often report a loss of interest in alcohol and cigarettes, though she is careful to tell them that while this effect is real, it’s “not necessarily permanent or universal,” given that everyone’s dopamine pathways are different. That being said, Dr. Duncan adds that “the same circuitry that drives ‘food noise’ overlaps with the circuitry behind a lot of repetitive, self-soothing habits.” Maybe you’ve noticed that since starting your GLP-1, you simply don’t have the urge to gnaw at your nails and cuticles. But if you’re taking a medication and still bite, that’s normal too; like Dr. Duncan said, everyone’s pathways are different, and GLP-1 side effects have been all over the board.

12 Best Deals From Ulta’s National Lipstick Week Sale 2026

0

Not quite a lipstick, not quite a gloss, Clinique’s Almost Lipstick is the Goldilocks lip product for anyone who wants an effortless wash of color without the weight of a traditional lipstick. The Readers’ Choice Award winner is available in three shades—including the iconic Black Honey that, trust us, really does flatter just about everyone. “It glides on so smoothly and is super buildable, leaving me with the prettiest deep-rosy shade,” says commerce editor Sarah Han.

Sacheu Peel Off Lip Liner Stay-N

Sack

Peel Off Lip Liner Stay-N

Allure former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis applying the Sacheu Peel Off Lip Liner Stay-N

Angela Trakoshis

When peel-off lip liner stains hit the beauty scene, we knew the industry had officially thought of everything. Don’t let the blue-ish tint fool you—it’s just part of the process: After about eight minutes, simply peel it away to reveal a natural-looking, your-lips-but-better stain that won’t budge. “When I say this lip stain lasts, I mean it,” says former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis. “My lip line remained intact hours later.”

Nyx Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie Lip Liner Stain

Han applying the Nyx Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie Lip Liner Stain

Sarah Hahn

Nyx Professional Makeup

Lip Lingerie Lip Liner Stain

If you’ve ever struggled to draw a crisp lip line, Nyx Professional Makeup’s Lip Lingerie Lip Liner Stain makes it almost foolproof thanks to its ultra-skinny ballpoint tip that hugs every curve of your lips. Better yet, it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly. “I’m not a lip liner expert by any means, but I find it quite easy to use,” says Han. Despite being waterproof and smudge-proof, the formula gives you a little time to blend before it sets into an all-day stain that won’t feather, bleed, or budge.

8 Best BHA Toners of 2026 for Clearer, Smoother Skin

0

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to use a BHA toner every day?

BHA usage depends on your skin type. “Yes, it is okay to use a BHA daily for people with normal to oily skin,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “People with dry skin may need to decrease the frequency of use.” Because BHAs like salicylic acid help unclog pores and reduce excess oil, they’re often well tolerated by acne-prone skin types. That said, if you’re new to chemical exfoliants or have sensitive skin, it’s smart to start slow and build up to daily use. And don’t forget sunscreen, as BHAs can make your skin more sun-sensitive.

Which ingredients shouldn’t be combined with BHA?

While BHA can be paired with many ingredients, certain combinations may be too harsh. “People with dehydrated or sensitive skin may experience excessive dryness if they combine a salicylic acid toner with other drying or exfoliating ingredients, such as other acids, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. That said, “for people with normal to oily skin, these combinations of ingredients are very common.” Another combo to be cautious with is vitamin C and acids like BHA, since “vitamin C stability is pH-dependent,” she adds. To minimize irritation, consider alternating active ingredients or using them at different times of day.

Is there an ideal percentage of BHA?

There’s no one-size-fits-all ideal percentage of BHA—it depends on your skin type and what you’re using it for. “The concentration that is typically used for acne is 2%,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “For general use, concentrations range from 0.5 to 2%.” If you have sensitive skin, she notes that “lower concentrations may be better,” since tolerability can vary based on strength. “It really depends on the formula, but theoretically, the higher the percentage, the greater the exfoliating effects,” she adds.

Meet the experts

  • Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
  • Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans
  • Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
  • Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology based in Toronto, Canada

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best toners for sensitive skin, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

How To Find Safe Hair Transplant Clinic In Turkey (And Avoid Hair Mills)?

0

Sharing is caring!


  • Twitter

Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support 🙂

Thinking about getting a hair transplant in Turkey? You’re not alone. Over the past decade, Istanbul has become one of the world’s leading destinations for hair restoration. Every year, hundreds of thousands of international patients travel to Turkey for FUE and DHI procedures, drawn by experienced surgeons, modern clinics, and treatment costs that are significantly lower than those in the US, UK, and much of Western Europe.

The challenge isn’t finding a clinic; it’s choosing the right one. Search for “hair transplant Turkey,” and you’ll come across hundreds of clinics, WhatsApp representatives, polished social media transformations, and websites all claiming to offer the best results. With so many options, it can be difficult to tell the difference between reputable medical clinics and high-volume “hair mills.”

A hair transplant is a permanent surgical procedure, so choosing the right clinic matters. A well-performed transplant can deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results, while a poorly executed procedure may require expensive corrective surgery later. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key signs of a safe hair transplant clinic in Turkey, the warning signs to watch for, and how independent resources like TurkHairIndex can help you make a more informed decision.

What Is A Hair Mill And Why Should You Avoid One?

A hair mill is a high-volume clinic that focuses on treating as many patients as possible each day, often at the expense of personalized care and medical standards. While not every affordable clinic in Turkey falls into this category, hair mills typically prioritize speed and volume over patient outcomes.

Here are some of the most common warning signs:

Technician-Led Procedures

In some clinics, the surgeon featured on the website or in advertisements has limited involvement in the actual procedure. They may conduct the initial consultation or design the hairline, while much of the extraction and implantation is performed by technicians. Since regulations and clinical practices vary, it’s important to ask exactly which parts of the procedure will be performed by the surgeon and which will be handled by the medical team.

Poor Sterilization and Rushed Workflows

Clinics that schedule a large number of procedures each day may have less time for individualized care. If proper sterilization protocols and quality control are not followed, the risk of complications, including post-operative infections, can increase.

Overharvesting the Donor Area

The donor area contains a limited number of healthy hair follicles. Removing too many grafts in a single session or extracting them without proper planning can leave the donor area looking thin or patchy. An experienced surgeon aims to preserve this area while achieving natural-looking coverage, especially if future procedures may be needed.

The Real Problem With Standard “All-Inclusive” Packages

Most patients looking to book their surgery fall into the exact same marketing trap. They look at a package deal that includes five-star hotel stays, private VIP transfers, professional translators, and a shockingly low price tag, and they hit “pay deposit” without asking the right medical questions.

While luxury accommodation and smooth logistics are great additions to a medical trip, they have absolutely zero impact on the survival rate of your hair grafts. You are traveling to Turkey for a medical procedure, not just a vacation. A professional, transparent clinic will always prioritize medical transparency over lifestyle perks, ensuring you receive a detailed, itemized breakdown of where your money is actually going.

Enter Turkhairindex.com: The Ultimate Pre-Vetting Tool

If you want to skip the aggressive commercial noise, protect your donor area, and ensure your surgeon is fully qualified, Turkhairindex.com is your best ally. Instead of acting as a sales agent for a single brand, this independent comparison and directory platform pre-vets and organizes Turkey’s top hair restoration clinics based on strict medical standards.

Here is how utilizing a dedicated index protects your investment and your scalp:

  • Verified Medical Credentials: The platform highlights clinics led by surgeons who hold active, legally recognized medical memberships and specialization degrees in plastic surgery or dermatology.
  • Transparent Material Disclosure: You get clear, verifiable insights into which clinics use premium FDA-approved surgical tools, such as Sapphire FUE blades and Choi Implanter Pens for DHI, rather than cheap, generic alternatives.
  • Direct, Unfiltered Information: It strips away the marketing fluff so you can compare real clinical standards, genuine patient reviews, and transparent pricing structures side-by-side.

How To Filter The Best Clinics: 4 Golden Rules Before You Pay A Deposit

Before you sign a contract or send a single dollar to lock in a date, make sure you put your prospective clinic through this checklist:

Demand the Surgeon’s Name and Verify Their Active Memberships

You have the absolute right to know who will be operating on your head. Ask your clinic coordinator: “What is the full name of the surgeon who will be performing my incisions?” Once you have the name, check if they are registered with respected national and international bodies, such as the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS).

Ask About The Surgeon’s Daily Patient Limit

An elite, dedicated hair restoration surgeon will typically perform only one or two surgeries per day. This allows them to stay fully focused and participate actively in the critical steps of your procedure. If a clinic admits that their doctor “supervises” six or more surgeries a day, you are looking at a classic high-volume hair mill.

Beware Of Extreme Graft Promises

A common sales tactic is promising a massive number of grafts such as “6,000 grafts in a single 6-hour session.” Biologically, extracting and implanting that many grafts at once is highly risky. Extended time outside the body decreases graft survival rates, and over-harvesting can ruin your donor area forever. Elite doctors will always prioritize the long-term health of your donor hair over unrealistic, flashy promises.

Insist On A Written Warranty

Reputable medical clinics stand firmly behind their clinical results. Ask for a written, formal guarantee regarding graft survival rates and post-operative medical support. A clinic that is confident in its medical staff will have no problem putting their commitments in writing

Understanding The Hair Transplant Timeline: What To Expect?

A successful hair transplant requires patience, care, and a realistic understanding of the healing process. Here is what your recovery journey will look like:

  • Month 1 (The Healing Phase): During the first ten days, your scalp will heal, and small scabs will form around the grafts. By week three or four, you will experience the “shock loss” phase, where the transplanted hair shafts fall out. Do not panic; this is a completely natural part of the cycle, and the healthy roots remain safely anchored beneath your skin.
  • Months 3 to 4 (The First Growth): Fine, baby-like hairs will slowly begin to break through the surface of the skin. They will gradually become thicker and stronger over the coming weeks.
  • Months 6 to 9 (The Density Boost): You will start to see significant visual changes as the hair gains volume, length, and texture, covering the previously balding areas.
  • Months 12 to 18 (The Final Result): Your hair transplant is now fully mature. You can cut, style, and wash your dense, natural-looking hair exactly as you please, with no visible signs of the surgical procedure.

Over To You: Make An Informed Decision For Your Hair Health

A hair transplant is a permanent modification to your body. When done right, it is a life-changing confidence booster. When done poorly by unqualified technicians, repairing a botched surgery can cost triple the price of a proper first session.

Don’t roll the dice on your appearance. Use the resources available to compare, verify, and select an elite, certified medical team with absolute confidence.

~written by Smith Morgan.

Is It a Dupe? Swatches on Fair Olive Skin

0

Hello beautiful people! Today I’m sharing About Face F2 Olive vs Lisa Eldridge 2.5: Is It a Dupe? No. On my very fair olive skin, About Face The Performer Foundation in F2 Olive swatches warmer and deeper than Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation in Shade 2.5. The About Face Illusionist Concealer in F2 Olive runs even deeper and greener than both. I swatched them side by side on my neck, chest, and arm so you can see for yourself.

I purchased all of the products in this post with my own money. Some links are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you shop through them, at no extra cost to you. The entire reason I originally started my blog was because I wanted to find a foundation that matched me. 18 years later, here we are, I’ve found it in Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation Shade 2.5 Olive.

Where to Buy About Face
About Face, Douglas, Ulta

Where to Buy Lisa Eldridge
Lisa Eldridge

Where to Buy LYS and Haus Labs
Sephora

Products Featured

Pale Olive Complexion Product Swatch Comparison

About Face F2 Olive vs Lisa Eldridge 2.5: Is It a Dupe? (Swatches on Fair Olive Skin)

The Quick Verdict

Watch the video on YouTube!

About Face F2 Olive vs Lisa Eldridge 2.5: Side-by-Side Comparison

Comparison table: About Face F2 Olive €27 for 32ml vs Lisa Eldridge 2.5 €53 for 30ml; F2 Olive swatches warmer and deeper; About Face 45 shades, Lisa Eldridge 40 shades with true olives at every depth; both buildable coverage, no SPF, vegan and cruelty-free

About Face F2 Olive vs Lisa Eldridge 2.5 Olive Swatches

Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation Shade 2.5 Olive swatched on porcelain olive skin compared to About Face the Performer Foundation F2 Olive About Face the Illusionist Concealer F2 Olive vs About Face the Performer Foundation F2 Olive vs Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation 2.5 Olive on very fair olive skin About Face F2 Olive Illusionist Concealer and Performer Foundation vs. Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation 2.5 Olive swatches on pale olive skin

  1. About Face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation in F2 Olive
  2. Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation in Shade 2.5 Olive
  3. About Face The Illusionist Concealer in F2 Olive
  4. Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer in 01 Fair Neutral
  5. LYS Triple Fix Blurring Skin Tint Foundation Stick in LN1 Porcelain Neutral

On my arm, from top to bottom: About Face The Performer Foundation in F2 Olive, Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation in 2.5, About Face The Illusionist Concealer in F2 Olive, Haus Labs 01 Fair Neutral Triclone Concealer, and LYS LN1 Blurring Foundation Stick. The depth and warmth difference between the two foundations is clear, and the concealer is the warmest, greenest stripe of the five.

About Face F2 Olive vs Lisa Eldridge 2.5 Olive neck swatches on very fair olive skin tone Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation 2.5 Olive vs About Face F2 Olive swatches and dupe comparison on fair olive skin Lisa Eldridege 2.5 vs LYS LN1 vs About Face F2 vs. Haus Labs F01 chest and neck comparison swatches on porcelain olive skin

  1. About Face The Illusionist Concealer in F2 Olive
  2. About Face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation in F2 Olive
  3. Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation in Shade 2.5 Olive
  4. LYS Triple Fix Blurring Skin Tint Foundation Stick in LN1 Porcelain Neutral
  5. Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer in 01 Fair Neutral

On my chest and neck, from left to right: About Face F2 Olive Illusionist Concealer, About Face F2 Olive Performer Foundation, Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation in 2.5, LYS LN1 Triple Fix Blurring Skin Tint Foundation Stick, and Haus Labs 01 Fair Neutral Triclone Concealer. I always match complexion products to my neck and chest rather than my face, because rosacea gives my face a red overtone that I want foundation to neutralize, not match.

You can see both About Face swatches sit as distinct warm bands against my skin, while Lisa Eldridge 2.5, LYS LN1, and Haus Labs 01 melt in.

Why F2 Olive Isn’t a Dupe for Lisa Eldridge 2.5

Both shades are genuine fair olives, which is why the comparison matters: they’re currently the only two Western foundations deliberately built for this undertone at the fair end. But they’re calibrated for different people. Lisa Eldridge 2.5 Olive is a muted grey-green cool olive that works at the porcelain end of fair. About Face F2 Olive carries more warmth and more depth, which pushes it out of porcelain territory entirely.

If you’re a light olive who finds Lisa Eldridge 2.5 slightly too pale or too cool, About Face F2 Olive could be lovely on you, and at €27 it’s worth a swatch. It extends the fair olive category rather than duplicating it. It just isn’t built for the palest of us.

Note that this is a shade comparison based on swatches. I haven’t fully wear-tested F2 Olive yet, so I can’t speak to its longevity or oxidation in that shade. However, I have wear-tested The Performer formula in F0 Cool (a fair cool shade that unfortunately turns a bit lilac on me), and I love the formula itself. It claims 12 hours of wear, and it lives up to that claim on my skin.

About the Concealer Mismatch

The finding that surprised me most: About Face The Illusionist Concealer in F2 Olive doesn’t match The Performer Foundation in F2 Olive. The concealer runs deeper, warmer, and greener than the foundation wearing the same shade name. If you’re shopping this line, don’t assume your foundation shade translates to the concealer. Swatch both.

So What IS a Dupe for Lisa Eldridge 2.5?

Missha BB Cream Swatches on pale skin

As far as I can tell after swatching my collection: nothing, yet. The closest colour relatives I’ve owned are Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in 17 and 21, which share the grey-green muted logic, but they’re BB creams, not comparable formulas. My full Lisa Eldridge Shade 2.5 review is coming soon and will have more details!

Which Shade Should I Get Instead?

If F2 Olive is too warm and deep for you (hello, fellow porcelain olives, aka ghost olives 👻🫒), your answer is Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation in Shade 2.5. It’s the only foundation I’ve found that’s genuinely calibrated for very fair olive skin, with a muted grey-green cool olive tone instead of warmth. Yes, it costs twice as much. It’s also the best match I’ve had in 30+ years, so for me the math works.

If F2 Olive sounds like it could fit youmeaning you’re a light olive a step or two deeper and warmer than porcelain, or Lisa Eldridge 2.5 has ever run too pale or too cool on you, then F2 Olive at €27 is absolutely worth a swatch. This isn’t a bad shade. It’s a good shade for a different fair olive than me.

If F2 Olive runs too pale on yougood news: About Face built olive shades throughout The Performer’s 45-shade range, and Lisa Eldridge carries true olive shades at every depth of her range too. Olive is finally a real category at both price points, not a single token shade.

And if you’re not sure which fair olive you aredo what I did: swatch your current best-match foundations along your jawline, photograph them in natural light, and email Lisa Eldridge’s free shade match service. A real makeup artist looks at your photos and recommends a shade, and they offer a replacement if it’s wrong. That service is how I ended up correctly matched after three decades of guessing.

About Face F2 Olive vs Lisa Eldridge 2.5 FAQ

Is About Face F2 Olive a dupe for Lisa Eldridge 2.5?

No. On very fair olive skin, About Face F2 Olive swatches warmer and deeper than Lisa Eldridge 2.5 Olive. They’re both fair olive shades, but for different depths of fair.

Who is About Face F2 Olive good for?

Light olive skin tones a step or two deeper and warmer than porcelain. If Lisa Eldridge 2.5 runs too pale or too cool on you, F2 Olive is worth swatching.

Does the About Face F2 Olive concealer match the F2 Olive foundation?

No. The Illusionist Concealer in F2 Olive runs deeper, greener, and warmer than The Performer Foundation in the same shade name.

Is About Face cruelty-free?

Yes, About Face is cruelty-free and vegan.

Is Lisa Eldridge cruelty-free?

Yes, Lisa Eldridge is cruelty-free and vegan.

Is About Face The Performer Foundation fragrance-free?

No, this foundation contains fragrance.

Is Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation fragrance-free?

Yes, it’s fragrance-free and essential-oil-free.

What About Face shade matches Lisa Eldridge 2.5?

None. There is no exact dupe in About Face for Lisa Eldridge.

Final Thoughts

Is It a Dupe? Swatches on Fair Olive Skin

While I love the formula of About Face The Performer Foundation, F2 Olive is sadly not a shade dupe for Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation 2.5 Olive. About Face The Illusionist Concealer in F2 Olive isn’t even a shade dupe for The Performer Foundation in F2 Olive, which was a rude awakening. So my verdict for the About Face F2 Olive vs Lisa Eldridge 2.5 dupe? Not a dupe. Not even close, other than they’re all in the olive family.

What do you think? Have you tried About Face or Lisa Eldridge? Let me know in the comments below!

More to See

Why You Keep Buying Clothes and Still Have Nothing to Wear — Inside Out Style

0

twitterpinterestlinkedinmail

If You’re a Shopaholic With “Nothing to Wear.” Here’s What’s Actually Going On.

“I’m a shopaholic, yet I feel like I have nothing to wear, and it gives me anxiety because I have too much stuff.” This was emailed to me by one of my lovely readers.

If that sentence made you wince a little in recognition, you’re not alone. It sounds like a contradiction. Too many clothes and nothing to wear, at the same time. But it’s not a contradiction at all once you understand what’s actually causing it.

The real problem isn’t shopping. It’s not knowing what you’re looking for.

We’re not taught how to dress ourselves beyond the physical aspect of putting on a T-shirt the right way round. Nobody sat us down at school and explained what suits our colouring, our proportions, or our personality. So we learn by watching everyone else instead, hoping something will finally click.

You see someone stylish and think, that’s the answer. An Instagrammer says everyone needs a particular jacket, and you buy it. It looked incredible on the sales assistant, so you assume it’ll look incredible on you too. And then you get it home, and it just doesn’t work, and you’re not entirely sure why.

I did exactly this before I learned what I know now. I’d see someone stylish, buy the thing they were wearing, and put it on expecting to feel like them. It didn’t work, for lots of reasons I couldn’t have named at the time. Now I can. Every purchase I make today, I already know it suits my colouring, works with my body and fits who I am. That’s the difference knowledge makes.

Without that knowledge, you end up with a wardrobe full of things that don’t go together, and worse, things that aren’t even *you*. They’re borrowed decisions. And borrowed decisions don’t solve the problem, no matter how many of them you make.

Why the anxiety keeps building

Here’s the bit that makes this genuinely stressful rather than just mildly annoying. Once you’ve bought something, you’re reluctant to let it go, because you’re not sure if it was actually the mistake or if you just haven’t styled it right yet. So it stays. And stays. And the wardrobe fills up with maybes.

This is what creates the standing-in-front-of-the-wardrobe anxiety so many of us know well. You’ve got dozens of “possibilities” in there, and no criteria for sorting the ones that work from the ones that don’t. That’s overwhelming, and it’s exhausting in a way that compounds daily.

A research from sustainable clothing brand Thoughts found the average wardrobe holds 152 items, yet only 44% are worn regularly, and women spend around 17 minutes a day deciding what to wear.

Not getting dressed.

Just standing there, deciding.

Over a working life, that adds up to months spent in front of a wardrobe that’s supposedly full of options

And it’s not cheap either. UK research from sustainable clothing brand Thought found shoppers spend an average of £36,168 (roughly $100,000) over a lifetime on clothing they didn’t need, much of it barely worn. That’s not a wardrobe problem. That’s a decade of holidays, or a house deposit, quietly hanging unworn in a cupboard.

What actually fixes it (and it isn’t a bigger wardrobe)

The fix isn’t buying less through sheer willpower, though that helps. It’s knowing what you’re looking for before you walk into a shop, so you stop buying things that were never going to work in the first place.

That means knowing four things about yourself:

  1. Your colours. Not a season label, but the actual undertone, intensity, value and contrast that make you look vibrant rather than washed out.  It’s not just the colours you need to know, but also how to wear them for you – the unique individual.
  2. Your silhouette, scale and proportions. What genuinely suits the shape and scale you’re working with.
  3. Your personality. Comfortable or polished, quirky or classic, bold or understated. There’s no wrong answer, but there is a wrong answer for *you* if you buy against it.
  4. Your personal style criteria, built from the three above, so every purchase gets measured against something real instead of vibes.

Once you have that, culling your wardrobe stops being agonising. You’re not guessing whether something might still work someday. You know, because you’re checking it against criteria that are actually yours.

Give your dopamine hit somewhere else to go

Shopping feels good because finishing anything feels good, and a purchase reads to your brain as a completed task. That’s not a character flaw; it’s just how dopamine works. The trick is giving yourself other ways to get that same hit.

Try a shopping pause. Not a full year; that’s the fashion equivalent of a crash diet and about as sustainable for 99% of people (plus clothes do wear out and need replacing over time). Start with one month. Instead of buying, go and build three outfits from what you already own. Or go through your wardrobe and let go of anything that doesn’t work on your body anymore (holding onto clothes that you never wear because one day they might work is not the solution). Both give you the same sense of completion shopping does, minus the £36,000.

Experiment with creating different outfits with the same garments, just a few changes here and there can make you see just how many outfit options you already have in your wardrobe (and that you probably don’t need more clothes if your wardrobe is already full).

Here’s an example from my own wardrobe.

Take a green blazer, pair it with jeans (but different colours and styles). Then change up accessories and shoes.

green jacket cobalt top peacock necklace

First look – darker navy jeans with cobalt top and peacock necklace.

Green jacket cobalt top sashiko jeansSecond look, same blazer and top with sashiko jeans, sequin boots and bird brooch.

Green jacket cobalt tee flower necklace

Third look, same emerald blazer but with a cobalt tee, cobalt ballet flats and a statement flower necklace.

Green jacket blue and green scarf

Fourth look – again with jeans but this time lighter blue and straight-leg, and with a blue and green floral scarf and silver boots.

Green jacket navy and white top

Final look – with dark wide-leg jeans, navy top with a white pattern and bone Oxford shoes.

Each time you do this in your own wardrobe, you’ll get that dopamine hit that your brain craves.

Where to start

You don’t need to overhaul everything this weekend. Start by working out your colours and your silhouette, because everything else builds from there. And if doing it alone feels like a lot, that’s genuinely what I’m here for. You don’t have to work it out by trial and error the way I did.

If you want the whole thing mapped out for you rather than piecing it together from a blog post at a time, that’s exactly what focus 7 Steps to Style walks you through. Colour, body shape, contrast, your style values and how to actually build and shop a wardrobe that works, all in one place, at your own pace, so you’re not left guessing halfway through. It’s the shortcut to everything above, minus the 40 pairs of white jeans I tried on to learn it the hard way.

Discover The Average Lifespan of Clothes and What You Keep Longest Even Though You Don’t Wear It

Why You Keep Buying Clothes and Still Have Nothing to Wear

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail

Best Summer Perfumes 2026 – The Beauty Look Book

0

I’ve discovered some new perfumes this year! After years of sticking with my tried and true I feel like this is the first year I’ve branched out and I have quite a few favorites to share with you for summer.

By this point I’ve accumulated quite a few perfumes. I still love all things citrusy for that fresh clean feel. Today I’m rounding up my top 10 favorites.

Creed Wild Vetiver

Creed Wild Vetiver Perfume and Atomizer

above: sunglasses, bucket hat, bikini top + pareo, nail polish Geranium

If I had to pick my signature scent for the year, it would be the new Creed Wild Vetiver. This is hands down the most complimented perfume I’ve work – it has stopped everyone I’ve walked by and even Andrew loves this one on me. It can pull unisex but to me it has more of a feminine vibe.

Very potent, perhaps my strongest and longest lasting scent. It’s a bold vetiver with floral notes including rose, geranium, pink pepper, blackcurrant, cedarwood, bergamot.

I love the Creed Refillable Atomizers. They’re so elegant and I love the new green they launched with Wild Vetiver. I’ve purchased nearly every single color as gifts and they have always been well received.

Creed Virgin Island Water

Creed Virgin Island Water

Another classic I’ve loved for years. I think Virgin Island Water was my first Creed perfume that I ever purchased and I’ve been very attached to it from the first spritz. It’s a tropical scent that I’d love to wear year round. Since I’ve lived in San Diego, Tampa and Miami I feel like I could wear it all year, but it’s definitely summer in a bottle. (Quick note Creed has been updating the packaging and design of some of their scents so yours might look slightly different.)

This has the most unique and distinct mix of coconut, bergamot, tropical fruits, lime, musk and jasmine.

Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel

Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel Paris-Biarritz

My most worn and most repurchased fragrance is the Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel Paris-Biarritz (with Paris-Riviera close behind). I’ve worn this every year non-stop since it launched 8 years ago. To me it’s the perfect soft citrus I can wear year round. It is on the softer side so if you need something bold and strong this might not be the scent for you.

This one is elegant and uplifting without being too loud. It’s described as having Sicilian Mandarin with Lily of the Valley Accord. I love it.

Celine

Celine Perfume Un Ete Francais

above: travel perfume case, brush no 2, sunglasses, pouch (old season)

I love Celine Fragrances. I think they are so under-rated. They can be a little hard to find as you can only buy from Celine online or a boutique. They do have discovery sets which are so beautiful.

My go-to for years was Parade and I still love it, although if you want something unique and don’t want to smell like anyone else the Un Ete Francais is a beautiful one. It’s a summery floral with bergamot, neroli and petitgrain.

Memo Paris

Memo Paris Cap Camarat

above: brush no 2 (small), makeup bag Celine (old season), lip set, hair clip, ring, nail polish shade Retro

I discovered Memo Paris thanks to a few friends I’ve made in Miami. Literally influenced by Erin Nicole on Memo Paris Cap Camarat. She has exquisite taste and I was literally blown away by how incredible she smelled. I asked her what she was wearing and ordered it immediately.

Cap Camarat really surprised me because it has vanilla notes and while I love vanilla, I usually cannot wear it in the hot humid months (so pretty much year round in Florida). This is not your usual vanilla. It’s not sweet at all, more of a sultry salty kind. It has pink peppercorn, fruity apple, ylang-ylang, jasmin, sandalwood, benzoin, Amyris, patchouli and labdanum. None of the notes are notes I am typically drawn towards yet the mix is so unique and I am completely obsessed.

The magic is in the drydown for me. I love this for date nights.

Memo Paris Menorca Perfume

above nail polish shade Geranium

Menorca is one of Memo Paris’ latest launches. So far it’s only available at Memo Paris and sold out pretty fast. This was pure love as it’s a citrusy bergamot with lemon but with salty musk vibes. It has all of my favorite notes. It’s lemony but not too lemony. It pulls similar to Dior’s new Dior Paradise which I like (I bought the travel sizes), but I prefer the Menorca as it’s not quite as lemony (if that makes sense).

Chloe Flower Workshop

Chloe Atelier des Fleurs Plage du Figuier

I tried some of the Chloe Atelier des Fleurs line for the first time this year and it’s beautiful. Very green, earthy and different from most Chloe perfumes to me! I really love the Plage du Figuier which is a green kind of fig. This one is airy, light, very green. I like that it’s sweet, but not too sweet. It’s warm but fresh.

Dior The Private Collection

Dior Eden Roc Perfume

above: lip gloss shade 004 coral, powder bronzer review here, bronzer stick review + swatches here, new invisible finish SPF (really love this!)

Dior has some of the most beautiful fragrances I’ve tried and I’m always looking forward to anything new in the La Collection Privee. I especially love all the customization options they have like their Couture Caps (two sizes), engraving and cases. From this line I have two favorites for summer. Eden Roc is such a beautiful one, especially if you love salty marine kinds of scent. This smells like a very fancy seaside spa vacation. There are some floral notes but they are subtle. It has a mix of sea salt, jasmine, coconut, pine and labdanum.

Dior Dioriviera Perfume

Dioriviera is in my top 3. It’s the best luscious fig with rose which I think helps round it out from being too tart or sweet. This smells like an expensive vacation. It’s warm, green, fruity, sweet, floral all at the same time. Lasting power is very good and it’s strong on my skin. I like that it doesn’t turn.

Kilian Paris

Kilian Paris Sunkissed Goddess

Kilian Sunkissed Goddess is another classic summer-in-a-bottle kind of scent. I think it’s such a beautiful white floral. If you like Tiare Flowers and Ylang-Ylang it doesn’t get more iconic than this one.

I have so many more that I love right now but really tried to keep this limited to 10 favorites, specifically for summer!

If you have any summer favorites please let me know. I LIVE for your recommendations and I love to hear what everyone is wearing.

7 Best Heat Protectant Sprays 2026, Reviewed With Video

0

How do you use heat protection spray?

In order for your heat protection spray to form a proper barrier between your hair and hot styling tools, you’ll need to do more than just a quick spritz over the top of your head. “A good technique is to hold the spray bottle in one hand, and grab your hair with the other, and basically lift and drop each section while continuously spraying,” Lewis explains.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re styling freshly-washed hair from scratch, or just doing a quick touch-up on day two or three, the spray has to be applied whenever you use even the smallest amount of heat. And remember to spritz it before you go in with any products like styling cream or mousse. “Everybody needs to be using some kind of heat protection spray — regardless of their hair type,” Lewis adds.

But remember — although coating every single hair is definitely the aim, you’ll need to wait for the formula to fully dry before getting out the straightener or curling tong if you want to avoid damage. In a hurry? A gentle blow-dry will speed up the process.


What ingredients should you look for in an effective heat protection spray?

“First and foremost, you want to specifically look for protecting polymers,” explains ghd Global Ambassador, Patrick Wilson. “These are the heroes that form that smooth, protective barrier, stopping those cuticles from lifting and giving you that sleek finish we all adore.”

Next up: conditioning agents. Designed to attract and retain moisture, natural humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera are often present in heat defence sprays thanks to their hydrating properties. “Conditioning agents are essentially the nurturing side of the equation,” Patrick adds. “Keeping your hair hydrated and supple, they work together with those all-important polymers to give you a smooth, healthy, and heat-protected mane.”

Strengthening ingredients like amino acids and keratin are also worth looking out for if you’re dealing with damaged hair, as they can really help prevent breakage, and are also rich in nourishing antioxidants. Had your hair coloured or bleached? “Don’t forget to look for protection from UV rays in your heat protectant formula, as this will help protect your tresses from fading and discolouration,” Patrick adds.


Is it better to use heat protectant spray on wet or dry hair?

Many heat protectant sprays are suitable for use on both dry and wet hair — but if you’re buying one specifically for styling and touch-ups with a hair straightener, curling tong, or mermaid waver, you might want to pick a thermal protection spray that’s been designed with dry styling in mind.

As well as providing heat protection for high temperatures (up to around 230˚C), the best heat protectants for hot styling tools are lightweight, fast-drying, and leave behind no build-up — generally formulated more like a fine mist or aerosol than an overly ‘wet’ spray. They’ll also often include conditioning agents like panthenol and Argan oil to add shine and smoothness, and reduce friction.