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What Is Firming Cream: How It Works

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Here at Juice Beauty, we believe in aging beautifully. Skincare is about supporting your skin as the years pass, not trying to erase signs of a life well-lived.

Today, we’re going to talk about one of these so-called anti-aging skincare products: firming cream. Instead of lifting sagging skin, think of this product as strengthening your skin from within.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about firming cream: what it is, how it works, and how you can use it in your own skincare routine to age beautifully.

What Is Firming Cream?

Every skincare routine needs four key steps: cleanse, tone, treat, and moisturize. Firming cream is part of the third step, treat.

The treatment step of your skincare is what allows you to customize your routine to the specific needs and desires of your skin. By choosing a firming cream for this step, you choose the skin benefits that come with it.

The purpose of firming cream is to tighten and lift the surface of your skin. These skincare products are often made with ingredients rich in proteins to support the internal structure of your skin.

Firming cream can:

  1. Increase proteins like collagen and elastin in the skin
  2. Support a more hydrated skin barrier
  3. Minimize skin texture, including smoothing fine lines and wrinkles

By strengthing the inner layers of skin, you fuel your skin with everything it needs for a tight and taut complexion.

How Does Firming Cream Work?

The benefit of firming cream is obvious: smoother, more supple skin. However, to understand how a small dollop of lotion can produce such dramatic results, we have to talk a bit about biology.

In addition to your skin cells, the three layers of your skin also include lipids and proteins that help the organ function. Lipids are responsible for protecting your skin barrier, but proteins are what keep your skin strong.

There are two key structural proteins in your skin: collagen and elastin. Think of these proteins as support beams for your skin. They hold up your skin and prevent it from collapsing in on itself. However, your body naturally loses these proteins as you age, meaning your skin starts to lose its structure over the years.

This is where firming cream comes in.

Firming creams are made with nourishing ingredients that stimulate collagen and elastin production to combat this exact issue. With more of these structural proteins in the skin, your skin gets back its strength.

How To Support Your Aging Skin

The secret to smooth and supple skin at any age isn’t just firming cream alone. While this skincare product is a good way to start caring for your aging skin, don’t let it be the only step. To support and strengthen your skin, implement the benefits of firming cream in every step of your skincare routine.

Our Signal Peptides Regimen for Visibly Firmer & Ultra Hydrated Skin supports your skin from the inside out in every step of your skincare routine:

  • Stem Cellular 2-in-1 Cleanser washes away any lingering grime and refreshes your skin after a long day for a hydrated complexion that feels soft and supple. Powered by fruit stem cells, vitamin C, and resveratrol-rich grapeseed.

  • Signal Peptides Firming Balm & Mask transforms dry, cracked skin into a hydrated and supple complexion as an intense balm by day and a nourishing mask by night. Powered by a custom blend of sunflower-derived lipids, seabuckthorn, and our powerful rice peptides.

  • Signal Peptides Firming Eye Balm hydrates the delicate skin around your eyes for a lifted look and luxurious feel. Powered by rice peptides, pterostilbene-rich wild blueberries, and paracrass — a potent natural botanical clinically proven to smoothen skin and reduce crow’s feet wrinkles in just one use.

At Juice Beauty, all of our products start with our Bio70+ technology, which ensures that every product has a base of at least 70% organic ingredients. This creates the perfect, antioxidant-rich environment for our potent actives to get to work.

For Beautiful Skin, Age Beautifully

Age is nothing to be ashamed of. Wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots tell the world that you’ve lived a beautiful life. Instead of viewing anti-aging skincare as a way to erase the years from your skin, think of it as a way to support your skin after so many years well-lived.

Your aging skin deserves the best support skincare has to offer, including firming cream. By fueling the proteins and fibers that give structure to your skin, you give your skin all the ingredients it needs for a healthy, vibrant complexion.

Sources:

Anatomy of the Skin | Stanford Medicine Children’s Health

Collagen: What It Is, Types, Function & Benefits | Cleveland Clinic

Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin | National Library of Medicine

Anti-Wrinkle Benefits of Peptides Complex Stimulating Skin Basement Membrane Proteins Expression | PMC

Best Retinol Serums For Anti-Ageing & All Skin Types

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Image Credit @ Camilla Akrans for Elle France

Retinol serums have become a staple in many skincare routines, praised for their ability to address multiple skin concerns simultaneously. From fighting signs of aging to improving skin texture and clarity, these vitamin A derivatives have earned their place as a gold standard in skincare. But what exactly are retinol serums, what are their proven benefits, and what do we need to know about the proper application techniques?

THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS

Image Credit @ Camilla Akrans for Elle France

What Are Retinol Serums?

Retinol serums are skincare products containing retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, that promotes skin cell turnover and collagen production. These serums work by increasing the rate at which skin cells regenerate, leading to improved skin texture, reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and a more even skin tone. Retinol also helps unclog pores, making it beneficial for those with acne-prone skin, too.

Is It Proven To Work?

Studies have shown the efficacy of retinol in improving overall skin condition. One study found that topical formulations containing 0.15% and 0.3% retinol significantly improved skin condition after 8 weeks of use. Participants experienced improvements in skin colour, hydration, and radiance, with a decrease in the number of wrinkles and skin discolouration, too.

Image Credit @ Camilla Akrans for Elle France

How Do You Apply It?

When it comes to applying retinol, it’s essential to start slowly and gradually increase usage. For beginners, it’s recommended to use a small amount (pea-sized) of a low-concentration retinol product once or twice a week, gradually working up to more frequent use as your skin adjusts. Always apply retinol to clean, dry skin in the evening, as it can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Follow these steps for optimal results:

  • Cleanse and dry your face thoroughly.
  • Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol serum to your face, focusing on areas of concern.
  • Gently massage the product into your skin until fully absorbed.
  • Follow with a moisturiser to minimise potential dryness or irritation.
  • In the morning, cleanse your face and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

For those with sensitive skin, try the sandwich or buffering method: apply a layer of moisturiser, then the retinol serum, followed by another layer of moisturiser.


6 Best Retinol Serums

  1. MEDIK8 | Crystal Retinal 1
  2. SUNDAY RILEY | A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
  3. AUGUSTINE BADER | The Retinol Serum
  4. THE ORDINARY | Retinol Serum 0.2% in Squalane
  5. KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 | Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum With Ceramides And Peptide
  6. SKINCEUTICALS | Retinol 0.3

READ NEXT: Retinol: Everything You Need To Know | The Natural Retinol Alternative

© Wendy Rowe. All Rights Reserved.

This Is the Reason You Always Feel Sick During the Holidays

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If it seems like you’re entering yet another holiday season feeling ill and rundown, it’s not all in your head. Doctors say the stress of the holiday season can raise the odds you’ll get sick.

That includes everything from viral illnesses to allergic reactions, Rita Kachru, MD, an allergist and immunologist at UCLA Health, tells SELF. If you feel a little frazzled over a pre-holiday work deadline, Dr. Kachru says you’re unlikely to end up getting sick from that alone. But if you’re constantly struggling with the onslaught the holiday season brings, you—and your immune system—could end up paying for it. Here’s why.

The stress-immunity connection is real.

When you’re stressed or in a pressure cooker situation, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to help you get through the moment, Kara Wada, MD, an allergist and immunologist in Ohio, tells SELF. “That’s useful in short bursts,” she says. In fact, smaller bursts of stress can enhance your immune system and increase your protection against infection, Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York, tells SELF.

But that’s what happens when you have a little stress here and there—chronic stress is a different story. “When we are stuck in survival mode, persistently elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the way immune cells communicate with each other, making your first-line defenses slower and less coordinated,” Dr. Wada says. “It can also weaken protective barriers in places like your nose, throat, lungs, skin, and gut—areas where your immune system works the hardest.”

Chronic stress can also raise the risk of more severe allergic reactions. “Allergens by definition are harmless, but our immune system looks at them as if they’re harmful and mounts a reaction,” Dr. Kachru says. “Chronic stress decreases your immune system’s ability to see if something is harmless or not.”

Chronic stress can also increase inflammation in the body while working against pathways that help to keep allergic reactions in check, Dr. Wada says. “That combination leaves your immune system more prone to making mistakes,” she says.

Because stress has the potential to interrupt sleep and sleep is crucial for your immune health, you can wind up in a bad cycle, per Dr. Wada. “More stress leads to worse sleep and subsequently, a less resilient immune system,” she says.

What does this look like?

There are a few things that can happen as the result of all those stress-induced immune changes. “People often notice they get sick more easily during times of prolonged stress—colds that linger for weeks on end, recurrent sinus infections, or a general feeling that your body just can’t catch a break,” Dr. Wada says.

What is a Skin Cycling Routine?

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Alternating skincare ingredients within the various products we use is not a new concept. But over the last year, attention has been showered upon a TikTok video by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, where she demonstrates the benefits of a method she labeled “skin cycling.”

Skin cycling, a skincare method that disperses the use of active ingredients along a four-night routine, is reported to improve skin texture, clear skin, and enhance your skin’s hydration.

But what products does the skin cycling method include? In this guide, our Skin Health Experts are poring over the nitty gritty details and applying a few skincare tips and tricks, too.

Skin Cycling: A Trend With Staying Power

With a seemingly unending flood of new ingredients entering the market, it’s no wonder that people can become overwhelmed and use more skincare products than needed. However, applying a surplus of products on your face or stripping it of its natural oils can cause skin irritation, such as dry skin patches, blemishes, or flaking.

Fortunately, that’s precisely what skin cycling aims to solve.

Why is this? It’s due to the skin barrier, which is the outer layer of your skin, that shields you from infections and allergens. That said, skin cycling may help refresh, rejuvenate, and hydrate your skin to restore your skin barrier—and keep it intact for future nightime routines.

So, what is skin cycling? Skin cycling simplifies your nighttime routine by simplifying your skincare ingredients.

In other words, over the course of four nights, you’ll prioritize one (yes, just one) skincare staple. This process allows your skin to repair itself and hydrate in between treatments.

Most of us already do some sort of skin cycling without realizing it, which comes down to two main elements:

1) Rotating the application of skincare ingredients in a way that has a better impact on overall skin health

2) Factoring in a recovery period in which your skin can rest and repair the skin barrier

How to Skin Cycle

The recommended four-day skin cycling routine involves rotating ingredients that perform certain functions. It’s meant to be intuitive, so don’t overthink it—but it doesn’t hurt to follow a quick how-to:

  • Night One: Exfoliation – On the first night of your routine, use a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser, then rinse your face with lukewarm water, and pat, rather than scrub, it dry. After cleansing, use an ExfoliKate® treatment to minimize clogged pores and remove dead skin cells. Too much exfoliation can lead to irritation, but dispersing your exfoliation nights can support a glowing complexion.
  • Night Two: Retinoid – Retinoids can reduce the appearance of fine lines and stimulate your skin’s blood vessels. On night two, you’ll want to apply a pea-sized amount of the +Retinol Vita C Power Serum to your face, neck, and chest. Applying a high-quality retinol to your face (and only that) can help your skin drink in the potential benefits of retinol’s active ingredients to smooth skin texture and brighten your complexion.
  • Nights Three and Four: Recovery – On the last two nights of your skin care routine, give your skin a chance to breathe and avoid exfoliants and retinoids. Instead, prioritize cleansing and, most importantly, hydration, to help restore your skin barrier. Enrich your skin with a Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser or Goat Milk Cream to support supple, plump skin.

When it comes to skin cycling, consistency is encouraged. But, inflammation or irritation indicates that your skin may not be happy with your current routine. As such, put your skin first and adjust your skincare as needed to account for hormonal fluctuations and support healthy, beautiful skin.

How to Optimize Your Skincare Routine

The best skincare routine is the one that is tailored to your skin’s maturity, type, tone, and condition—and using products that are formulated for your complexion type can have a positive effect on your skin’s health. For example, while dry skin certainly benefits from moisturization, people with more oily skin may want to use a lighter moisturizer or serum during the routine’s recovery days.

To formulate a routine, your skin will love, take our Skin Care Quiz to create a personalized skincare regimen that addresses your skin care concerns and achieves your desired results with products that nourish your skin.

And, of course, no matter your skin type—normal, sensitive, dry, or oily—powerful sun protection can help protect your skin against sun damage and signs of aging.

Skin Cycle with Kate Somerville

With skin cycling, healthy skin is as easy as one, two, three…four. While the first two days are dedicated to skincare that refreshes and renews your skin, the last two hydrate and restore your skin barrier for a complexion with long-lasting shine.

At Kate Somerville, we specialize in luxurious skincare that nourishes and complements your skin—no matter your skin type. From moisturizing cleansers to hydrating creams, we provide a bevy of products to complete your skin cycling arsenal.

Discover a new you with Kate Somerville.

Sources:

Dr. Whitney Bowe. Classic Skin Cycling: Why It’s Gone Viral and How to Do It. https://drwhitneybowebeauty.com/blogs/derm-scribbles/skin-cycling-dr-bowes-viral-beauty-editor-approved-skincare-method

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Face Washing 101. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101

National Library of Medicine. Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5172479

Cleveland Clinic. Retinol. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-retinol

Harvard Health Publishing/Harvard Medical School. Do retinoids really reduce wrinkles? https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/do-retinoids-really-reduce-wrinkles

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Healthy Lifestyle Adult health: Skin care. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/basics/skin-care/hlv-20049421

Cleveland Clinic. Understanding Popular Skin Care Ingredients. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/skin-care-ingredients-explained

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sun Safety. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm

The Skin Cancer Foundation. Making Your Sunscreen Work With Your Makeup. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/making-sunscreen-work-makeup

National Library of Medicine. Understanding the Epidermal Barrier in Healthy and Compromised Skin: Clinically Relevant Information for the Dermatology Practitioner. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5608132/

Indian Journal of Medical Research. Skin Barrier Function. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5967208/

The Derm Review. Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Skin Cycling Review: A Results-Driven Routine Incepted From A Viral TikTok Video. https://thedermreview.com/dr-whitney-bowe-beauty-skin-cycling-review

The Ultimate Guide to Anti-Ageing Skincare in 2025 (Part 2)

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This is part 2 of our 2-part guide to anti-ageing skincare. Click here to read part 1.

STEP 3 – DELIVERY SYSTEMS – Help your active ingredients get where they need to go

Ever wondered why that fancy skincare product you’ve been using religiously hasn’t turned you into a dewy goddess (or god!) yet? You’re slathering it on, doing all the right things, and… nothing. What the heck?!

Well, the problem probably isn’t the ingredients. It’s that they might not be getting where they need to go.

Skincare ingredients (especially actives) need an effective “delivery system” to get past the surface layer of your skin. And no, we’re not talking about some teensy tiny postman that lives inside your tubes or vessels (ha!).

Your skin is designed to keep stuff out (which is great for keeping toxins at bay, but not so great when you actually want those good ingredients to sink in).

So, if your active ingredients aren’t paired with the right transport system, they just sit on top of your skin doing a whole lot of nothing until you wash them down the drain. RIP, expensive serum.

At Woohoo we use hyaluronic acid combined with a few other goodies (we can’t reveal all our secrets today!) to improve the effectiveness of active ingredients on your skin. Hyaluronic acid has the ability to interact with your skin’s outer layer so that it can better receive skin actives such as vitamins and peptides.

Unfortunately – unless you’re a skincare expert – it’s next to impossible to work out a product’s delivery system from reading an ingredient label. This is where you’re going to need to put your trust in cosmetic chemists!

STEP 4 – CHOOSE YOUR ANTI-AGEING ACTIVES

Give yourself a glow-up with bio-retinol

Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores, smooth wrinkles, reduce pigmentation and boost collagen. They’re brilliant at sloughing away dead skin cells but do come with some skin-sensitising side effects as they can effect your skin’s lipid barrier.

Here at Woohoo we prefer to use bio-retinols. Bio-retinols are gentler than retinoids and deliver very similar skin-smoothing, collagen-boosting, pigmentation-fighting perks—without the skin tantrums.

We formulate our products with 2 different all plant derived bio-retinols – Moth Bean Extract and Bio-Retin – both of which help to increase cell turnover and improve skin texture. They’re sensitive skin-friendly and safe to use during the day.

You can find bio-retinols in our ‘Make My Day’ Bio-Retinol Gel Cream, FG Serum 02and ‘Sweet Dreams’ Ultra Rich Night Cream.

‘Sweet Dreams’ Ultra-Rich Beauty Cream

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Get some pep in your step with peptides

Your skin uses peptides to create collagen and elastin (the building blocks of your skin), among other things! They’re made up of amino acids which are used to create proteins. Just like how a protein shake helps you to recover and build muscle from that killer pilates class, peptides do the same for your skin.

Peptides can be very effective at improving wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, dullness, pigmentation and thinning skin.

Load up on peptides with FG Serum 01. It uses an amplified version of acetyl hexapeptide 8 which improves roughness, increases radiance, improves firmness, plumps and minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

‘FG’ Serum 01 – Glow (ageing skin)

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Dose up on multivitamins

Vitamin C

There are a select few ingredients in the skincare world that have cult status, and Vitamin C is one of those, and for good reason. It:

  • Protects against daily damage caused by UV rays and pollution
  • Boosts your skin’s ability to make collagen
  • Visibly reduces pigmentation and age spots
  • Creates a brighter and more even complexion
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Not all Vitamin C is created equal, however. There are a few different types with differing benefits. At Woohoo we choose Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Ascorbyl Glucoside due to their effectiveness and stability. You can also find Vitamin C in botanical sources like Kakadu Plum!

Find Vitamin C in oodles of Woohoo products like the ‘Perfectly Happy’ Light Vitamin C Cream, FG Serum 01and FG Serum 02.

‘Perfectly Happy’ Light Vitamin C Cream

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Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 (or Niacinamide) is one of our favourite skincare ingredients of all time. It has been proven to boost the production of ceramides and fatty acids (which you’ll remember are important in keeping your skin’s lipid barrier healthy). Vitamin B3 also reduces redness and boosts hydration (winning!).

Get your Vitamin B3 fix with the ‘Over the Moon’ Rich Repair Cream.

‘Over the Moon’ Rich Repair Cream 50ml

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STEP 5 – BRING IT ALL TOGETHER – a 5-star anti-ageing routine using Woohoo skincare

These 3-step routines bring together everything we’ve talked about so far, helping you rehydrate with hyaluronic acid, nourish and strengthen your skin with peptides and vitamins, and repair and regenerate with bio-retinol. All supported by delivery systems that help you get the very most out of your products.

For normal/dry/combination skin (AM):

For normal/dry/combination skin (PM):

For oily skin (AM):

For oily skin (PM):

Arm yourself with these barrier-protecting, rejuvenating, and repairing moisture magnets in your daily skincare routine and you’ll be good to go – and don’t forget that your face ends at your breasts.

Oh, and while we’re at it, your body deserves some TLC too. Checkout the ‘Serenity’ Hyaluronic Body Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 for smooth, glowy skin all over.

‘Serenity’ Hyaluronic Body Serum 250ml

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Now for some non-product related anti-ageing hacks

The lazy person anti-ageing hack: ice rolling

If you wake up puffy or just want an instant glow, ice rolling is cheap, easy, and surprisingly effective. Cold therapy boosts circulation, reduces swelling, and tightens skin—no overpriced gadgets or 10-step routines required.

Keep an ice roller or cold spoon in the fridge and roll it over your face for 2-5 minutes in the morning. Bonus: it wakes you up fast!!

Stress less, age less

Here’s your excuse to chill the heck out: stress speeds up ageing. Chronic stress breaks down collagen, messes with your hormones, and leaves your skin looking tired (yawn). So, whatever helps you de-stress — walks, meditation, yoga, watching back-to-back episodes of MAFS—do it.

Your gut = your skin’s BFF

If your gut is unhappy, your skin will tell you about it. Breakouts, redness, and dullness can all be signs that something’s off inside. So, what helps? Prebiotics, probiotics, and fermented foods (yep, kimchi and kombucha count as anti-ageing skincare now). Plus, try cutting back on the processed stuff—because as much as we love hot chippies, they’re not exactly fuelling your glow.

Lymphatic drainage: the free face lift

If you wake up with a puffy face, dull skin, or an accidental double chin, your lymphatic system might be holding onto excess fluid like an overpacked suitcase. Time to get things moving!

A quick lymphatic drainage massage can de-puff, sculpt, and boost circulation—all without expensive gadgets. Just use your hands (or a gua sha if you’re feeling fancy) and gently sweep your fingers up and out from your chin to your ears, then down your neck.

Pair this with our ‘Good Vibes’ Brightening Facial Oil or FG Serum 01 for extra glide, nutrients and hydration.

Remember… getting older is inevitable

But! By focusing on skin-loving habits (and avoiding anything that burns, peels, or makes you smell like a chemistry experiment), you can keep that radiant glow.

Pssst. Everything we make here at Woohoo Body is skin-friendly, natural, and non-toxic—so if you want to glow like a pro, check out our Glow range, which has been designed for maturing skin. Go forth, be fabulous, and embrace your best skin ever.

Megan Thee Stallion & Simone Biles

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When Megan Thee Stallion and Simone Biles show up to support their MVPs, it’s not just game time; it’s fashion time, hair goals time, and power-couple magic in full display. Whether they’re posted up in the stands at an NBA arena or bundled up for a windy NFL field, these two queens are redefining what it means to show up for your man while keeping your own spotlight shining.

Let’s get into this iconic moment where Megan and Simone turned heads, sparked conversations, and proved that game day isn’t just for athletes, it’s a runway too.

Megan Thee Stallion Scores Style Points

Leave it to Megan Thee Stallion to transform a simple sideline seat into a whole moment. The Houston hottie stepped out to support her man, Klay Thompson, who’s now ballin’ for the Mavericks, and she looked every bit the superstar.

In the now-viral photo, Megan lounges effortlessly in designer glam. She’s rocking a fitted black tee, cuffed jeans, and those knee-high lace-up boots made to look like an actual basketball, yes, complete with the stitching and even a heart on the sole. But what really snatched everyone’s attention? That orange and black Hermès Birkin bag sitting pretty beside her like a trophy.

Let’s not forget the mane attraction. Megan’s hair? A waterfall of bouncy, voluminous curls that cascaded around her shoulders like royalty. Paired with oversized shades and a chunky silver chain, her look was equal parts street-style and front-row finesse. And she wasn’t sitting alone—right next to her? Klay’s mom, Julie Thompson, vibing right along with her. The energy? Family cookout meets fashion week.

Simone Biles Brings Cozy Chic to NFL Sunday

On the flip side, literally, the football field; Simone Biles is keeping it cute and classic in her own game day flow. The Olympic legend, now married to Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, is proving you don’t need glitter to shine. Just give her a comfy sweatshirt, a subtle beat, and her crown of curls, and she’s taking all the attention without even trying.

In her recent game day snap, Simone kept things effortlessly cozy in a vintage Bears sweatshirt that screamed team spirit with a side of “don’t play with me.” Her makeup was soft glam perfection, nude gloss, fluttery lashes, and that signature Biles glow. But it’s the hair that really brought the heat. We’re talking thick, juicy curls full of definition and bounce, giving natural realness with a touch of diva. It’s giving “curl crush” in the best way.

Simone’s sideline presence feels grounded, elegant, and strong. She’s not doing the most—because she is the most. You can tell she’s not there for the cameras, but honey, the cameras are absolutely there for her.

Game Day, Two Ways: Glam Meets Grace

Megan and Simone might be showing love in two very different sports arenas, but their energy is totally in sync. One is bringing the drama with designer bags and bold boots. The other is repping her man with subtle sauce and natural hair excellence. And both of them? Absolute game changers.

These two are flipping the script on what “supporting your man” looks like. They’re not fading into the background. They’re not dressing down to fit in. They’re standing tall boots, curls, gloss, and all and reminding the world that love and luxury can absolutely live in the same seat.

Organic Bunny Black Friday Starts Now!

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Organic Bunny Black Friday starts NOW! There are various parts to this SALE, so please read the details in full before ordering as we are not able to fix any issues during such a busy day of the year. This sale has a door buster gift for the first 100 customers, 3 FREE gift options with tiered options to choose from, an additional 30-70% OFF section with already slashed prices and 2 tiers with FREE 2-day express shipping making it a stellar sale for those able to shop. The sale tiers are between $150 and $450. To get the full scoop, keep reading!

Here are the sale details, read them closely as, again, we cannot edit your order once it is placed due to order volume! Please be sure your coupon is accepted before you check out! This is also while supplies last. Once the gifts are gone, I will update each status below. The sale is for ONE DAY only, 11/28/25.

Not sure what to get and want some of my faves!? I made an entire cart full of best sellers anyone could use and love. Stop my faves here. Also, if you are looking for my 2025 Holiday Gift Guideto see what I would get for teens, kids, babies, professionals, men, women, bougie girls, dogs + more, click here!

DOOR BUSTER-

This is something new and fun we are trying this year, as a thank you to those who woke up early to shop our one sale of the year. The first 100 customers, that shop one of the tiers below, will get a FREE bkind Coffee + Peppermint Body Scrub. A retail value of $34, for free while supplies last.

STATUS: GIFT AVAILABLE

COUPON TIERS-

These coupons will take money off your order. You must enter your coupon at checkout for it to work and you can only use one coupon! In addition to the discount, there are also three FREE gift options to choose from per tier! Just be sure your order total, after discountsmeets the below or the gift will not be included! We rely on software to flag orders over a certain price so if yours drops under, the gift will not be added.

Orders must meet the below totals AFTER the discount codes are applied to qualify.

  • Spend $150 take $5 OFF code TAKE5, plus a FREE mini gift! See below!
  • Spend $350 take $10 OFF code TAKE10, plus a FREE gift and FREE 2-day shipping! See below!
  • Spend $450 take $20 OFF code TAKE20, plus a FREE gift and FREE 2-day shipping! See below!

TIER 1RAHUA HAIR SAMPLER

Spend $150+, take $5 OFF and get a FREE mini Rahua sampler gift. Code: TAKE5

FREE Mini Gift- You will get 5 of our top, best selling hair care minis by the brand Rahua! You will get a luxury sample of my favorite hair routine: the Volume shampoo and conditionerthe Hydration Hair Maskthe Omega 9 Hair Mask and their Exfoliating Shampoo! Simply spend $150 after code: TAKE5 and we will pop that in your order, free! The first 100 customers will also get a door buster gift. Gift bag not included.

STATUS: GIFT AVAILABLE!

TIER 2VITRUVI + GROW HOME SCENTS

Spend $350, take $10 OFF + an incredible FREE Home Scent Gift. Code: TAKE10

FREE GIFT- This year, I really wanted to choose gifts that you all will use and love so for tier 2, I went for a home fragrance theme, gifting each of you your very own 100% Natural scented plug in by Vitruvius and yes, we are even including one scent so you can plug it in and go, the moment it arrives. We will send out a variety of ALL of the scents we carry so the scent you get will be sent at random but have no fear, they are all so fun! On top of that, we are going to pop in a Grow mini so you get to try a little bit of it all. Again, the scents will be at random, from both our Fall and Holiday sets! Then, you will also get the $10 off, the doorbuster if you qualify and FREE 2-day express shipping which can run up to $50 bucks making this a sweet deal! If you want this gift option, simply spend $350 and use code: TAKE10 now!

STATUS: GIFT AVAILABLE!

TIER 3PREMIUM GIFT BAG $173

Spend $450, take $20 OFF + an incredible FREE Premium Gift Bag. Code: TAKE20

FREE GIFT- This year, I really wanted to choose gifts that you all will use and love so for tier 3, I added a few of my favorite things and in full sizes! Spend $450 or up and use code: TAKE20 to get a free goodie bag loaded with the Earth Harbor Mermaid Moon Bakuchiol Balm, RMS Lip Oil in Crystal SlipperEco By Sonya Super Fruit TonerHeretic Dirty Vanilla Perfume sampler, a festive Organic Bunny terrycloth headbandand the Inika Restore Peel all packed in an adorable Organic Bunny blush teddy bag! You will also get the $20 off, the doorbuster if you qualify and FREE 2-day express shipping which can run up to $50 bucks making this a sweet deal! If you want this gift option, simply spend $450 and use code: TAKE20 now!

STATUS: GIFT AVAILABLE!

TIER 4- DOG MOM BONUS GIFT

So many of you asked if I would have anything for Dog Moms or the pups so, here you go! A brand new gift tier added, just for you. Featuring a few of our dog’s absolute faves! A full-size of our best selling paw cleanser, a festive bandana in the size of your choice, a beef gullet chew and a non-toxic PLAY dog toy in one of the holiday styles. Please know, you MUST add a note at checkout of the bandana size you want. For reference, my Goldens wear Large but any dog bigger than a Golden would be an XL. If no size note is left, no bandana will ship. To grab this STEAL of a deal, simply add $150 to your cart and at checkout you must note DOG and the size of bandana you want! Be sure to check out both the sale categories as we have soooo many cute dog items on massive sale! Shop the sale section below!

SHOP 30-70% OFF SALE

We also have two additional SALE sections: one 30% OFF and 70% OFF everything, the biggest SALE I have ever had! There is a ton of great stuff so really take your time to browse around. The 30% OFF items have more time to use them by, some of the 70% OFF items will expire next month! Sale price is auto applied so no coupon is needed.

Shop 30% OFF here + shop 70% OFF here.

DISCLAIMERS

Because the sale is so hectic, we cannot make any edits to your orders, so please triple-check your order before you check out to ensure you added the relevant coupon code needed to shop! You will need to enter one of the above codes depending on which discount you qualify for! Now that we got all of the logistics out of the way, let’s get to shopping, what do you say?

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

In order to help you get everything perfect, I created a master gift guide to shop from! I included just about everyone, men, women, kids, teens, babies, shoot… even pets, obviously. To view my 2025, master gift guide list, head here!

BEST SELLERS

Want to know my go-to faves!? You can shop that entire category here.

NEW ARRIVALS

Want to see any and all new arrivals to hit the shop!? Head here.

GIFT SETS

Love gift sets that are ready for gifting? We have 100 to choose from! Shop here.

SHOP HOLIDAYS

Want to browse all the holiday goodies?! Head here. Also, don’t forget you can sort by brand, price, category etc and really narrow down your options to get super specific.

Does Acne Get Worse Before it Gets Better? – Kate Somerville US

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Starting a new acne treatment can feel like a fresh start—until your skin suddenly looks worse. Sound familiar? If you’ve noticed more breakouts just after beginning a new skincare routine, you might be experiencing something called skin purging.

While frustrating, purging is actually a sign that your products are working beneath the surface. Understanding why this happens—and how to manage it—can help you stay committed to your journey toward clear, healthy skin.

What is Skin Purging?

Skin purging is a temporary flare-up that happens when active ingredients speed up your skin’s natural exfoliation process. In simple terms, it’s your skin adjusting to a product that increases cell turnover.

As dead skin cells are shed more rapidly, clogged pores and trapped bacteria rise to the surface—leading to more visible breakouts before they clear. This is especially common when introducing new products that contain exfoliating ingredients.

The good news? Purging is a normal, short-lived reaction, and it often means the product is doing its job.

What Causes Skin Purging?

Certain ingredients are more likely to trigger purging because they stimulate cell turnover or unclog pores. These include:

These ingredients work by bringing clogged pores to the surface faster than your skin normally would—so it may look like things are getting worse before they improve.

For example, EradiKate 10% Sulfur Acne Treatment contains both sulfur and salicylic acid, two ingredients that deeply exfoliate and treat acne. Similarly, EradiKate 3% Sulfur Cleanser helps purify skin while gently promoting turnover—ideal for purging-prone complexions.

How to Tell if You’re Experiencing Skin Purging or a Breakout

It’s easy to confuse purging with a bad reaction or a new breakout. Here’s how to tell the difference:

  • Timing: Purging typically begins within the first 1–3 weeks of starting a new product and is confined to areas where you commonly break out.

  • Type of blemishes: Purging may appear as small whiteheads, blackheads, or mild inflammatory breakouts—not usually deep cysts or new acne types.

  • Duration: Breakouts from purging typically resolve within 4–6 weeks. If your skin worsens beyond that or new problem areas appear, it might not be purging.

If you’re unsure, it’s okay to pause use and reassess, especially if irritation or discomfort persists.

How Long Does Skin Purging Last?

Most purging episodes last about 4 to 6 weeks, which aligns with your skin’s natural renewal cycle. While it can be discouraging at first, patience is key—because once the purging ends, clearer, smoother skin often follows.

If breakouts persist beyond 6–8 weeks or worsen significantly, it may be time to adjust your routine or consult a dermatologist.

How to Manage Skin Purging Without Making it Worse

Use Active Ingredients as Directed

More is not better. Overusing acne treatments—especially during a purge—can dry out or irritate your skin. If you’re experiencing sensitivity, try using actives like EradiKate Acne Spot Treatment or Antibac Lotion every other day, then build up gradually.

Cleanse Gently

Harsh cleansers can strip the skin and worsen inflammation. Choose a gentle formula like EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanserwhich fights acne-causing bacteria without disrupting your skin barrier.

Avoid Over-Exfoliating

It’s tempting to scrub away breakouts, but physical exfoliants and too many chemical actives can prolong irritation. Stick to one active exfoliant at a time and avoid layering acids.

Moisturize and Protect

Skin that’s purging still needs hydration. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula like Kate Somerville’s Oil Free Moisturizer to calm and rebalance the skin. During the day, always follow with SPF—try HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops Sunscreen or UncompliKated SPF Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray to protect skin without clogging pores.

Resist Picking or Squeezing Pimples

Tempting as it may be, picking can lead to scarring, prolonged healing, and even more breakouts. Let your skincare do the work—your future self will thank you.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

While purging is usually manageable at home, it’s time to consult a dermatologist if:

  • You experience severe or painful inflammation

  • Symptoms persist beyond 6–8 weeks

  • You see breakouts in new areas or types of acne you’ve never had

  • You suspect an allergic reaction (burning, swelling, or severe redness)

Dermatologists can help fine-tune your regimen or prescribe stronger treatments if needed.

Why Stick with Your Skincare Routine?

Purging is frustrating—but it can also be a positive sign. Your products are bringing hidden congestion to the surface, and once that clears, you’re often left with visibly smoother, clearer skin.

The key is consistency. Stick with your routine, avoid over-correcting, and trust that your skin is doing the work behind the scenes.

Kate Somerville Products Recommended for Managing Skin Purging and Acne

Support your skin through the purge with clinically developed solutions from Kate Somerville:

Explore our full acne collection [link to acne PLP] to find a routine that supports your skin—now and long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Purging

Is purging the same as irritation?
No. Irritation often involves burning, stinging, or peeling, and may require stopping the product. Purging is a breakout-like reaction localized to common acne areas and should resolve within weeks.

Can purging happen with all exfoliating products?
It’s most common with products that accelerate cell turnover—like retinoids, BHAs, AHAs, and certain acne treatments.

How do I know if I’m allergic or just purging?
If you experience swelling, itching, burning, or rash-like reactions, stop using the product and consult a healthcare provider. These are not signs of purging.

Can I use other products while my skin is purging?
Yes, but keep your routine simple. Focus on gentle cleansing, hydration, and sun protection, and avoid adding multiple new actives at once.

Embrace the Process for Clearer Skin

Skin purging can feel like a setback—but it’s often the first step toward progress. With the right products, a gentle approach, and a little patience, your glow-up is coming.

Let Kate Somerville’s Skin Health Experts help you navigate your purging period with confidence. Explore our acne products and build a skincare routine that supports your skin every step of the way.

How to combat summer hair damage (with DIY hair mask recipe!)

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Summer is the season of sun-soaked days, endless icy poles, and backyard barbies, but while you’ve been living your best life, your poor hair mightnowbe staging a quiet protest.

Whether the sun’shas fried your strands like hot chips, or salt water has transformedthem into a crunchy snack, the hot weather may not be doing your crowning glory any favours.

Thankfully, no hairmare is too far gone. Let’s chat about how to revive your tresses back to soft, shiny perfection.

Why summer is a sneaky hair villain

The sunny season might be great for your mood, but it’s downright devious for your strands. That warm, golden sunshine? It’s a master thief, stealing moisture and weakening your hair’s protein structure.

And don’t even get us started on pool chlorine – it strips away natural oils, leaving your hair dry and brittle.

As for salt water? It’s hydration’s worst enemy, turning your locks into a tangled mess.

But!! Your hair is tougher than it looks. With the right care and know-how, you can turn things around and avoid future hair-tastrophes.

Step 1: Hydrate those thirsty locks

Your hair needs a drink, stat. Summer’s all about sipping poolside cocktails, so why should your mane miss out? Start hydrating from the inside out by drinking plenty of water(yes, boring but essential).

Next, nourish your strands with products that lock in moisture, like our Respect My Roots Natural Shampoo & Conditioner. Packed with hydrating superstars and inbuilt heat protection, it offers oodles of goodness for your scalp and strands. And when you wash, remember: lukewarm water is your friend. Hot water opens up the hair cuticle and lets moisture escape, while cooler water helps seal it in.

‘Respect My Roots’ Natural Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle

SHOP NOW

Step 2: Pamper your hair with weekly masks

Weekly hair masks are your summertime bestie. They replenish moisture and repair damage caused by UV exposure, chlorine, and saltwater. Feeling fancy(or just hungry 😜)? Try this DIY recipe:

  • Mash one ripe avocado.
  • Add a drizzle of 100% organic olive oil until it forms a smooth paste.
  • Apply to mid-lengths and ends, let it sit for an hour, then rinse thoroughly.
Not into DIY? Leave your Respect My Roots Natural Conditioner on for an extra 10 minutes. It contains Murumuru Butter – a highly nutritive butter thathydrates your hair to leave it shiny, silky and soft.

Step 3: Protect like a pro

Your hair might not scream for SPF, but it still needs protection. Wearing a hat is the easiest way to shield your locks from the sun.

For extra style points, tie your hair up in a scarf or headband to prevent direct sun exposure while looking fabulous. And remember, although Summer heat makes you feel hot and sticky, try to resist the urge to overwash.

Stripping your scalp of natural oils only makes it overcompensate by producing excess oil. Instead, trust our Respect My Roots duo to keep your hair clean, smooth, and frizz-free without drying it out.

Step 4: Prevention is key

And once you’re out? Rinse again ASAP. Letting salt or chlorine linger is like rolling out the red carpet for dryness and breakage… no thanks.

But prevention doesn’t stop there. Your product game matters. Look for protective and reparative ingredients like quinoa(a the hero will enter Respect My Roots Shampoo & Conditioner). Natural quinoa proteins can form a lightweight barrier around the cuticle to block out the bad stuff(heat, pollutants) and protect the good stuff(moisture).

Remember, summer doesn’t have to mean bad hair days. With a little extra care and the right products, your locks will stay luscious and mermaid-esque all season long and beyond. Crowning glory, restored 🥳

Hydrating Natural Shampoo and Conditioner

The Best Hair and Beauty Stocking Stuffers – OLAPLEX Inc.

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Key Takeaways

  • Consider hair masks like the Weightless Nourishing Mask or the Rich Hydration Mask as a haircare stocking stuffer to restore moisture during dry winter months.
  • OLAPLEX’s variety of haircare gift sets, from The Iconic Shine Set to the Mini Essentials Set, also make great stocking stuffers.
  • Small OLAPLEX products like Nº.3 Hair Perfector or OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™ are bestsellers you can add to your loved ones’ stockings.

Jump to

Stocking stuffers are a holiday classic. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect mini gifts, look no further than OLAPLEX®. Discover holiday kits, hair masks, and more beauty and haircare stocking stuffers that will delight your friends and family this holiday season.

Hair Mask Stocking Stuffers

In the winter, hair is prone to dryness and frizz, making a hair mask the perfect gift. This holiday, consider gifting the Weightless Nourishing Mask or the Rich Hydration Mask. Each of these hair masks is 200ml, making them the perfect size for your bestie’s stocking. Give the Weightless Nourishing Mask to someone with fine to medium hair. This mask:

  • Offers lightweight hydration through 5 washes*
  • Gives instant volume that lasts all day
  • Reduces and prevents breakage even after 5 washes

For medium to coarse hair, give the Rich Hydration Mask. This mask:

  • Offers instant hydration that lasts through 5 washes**
  • Strengthens hair and prevents breakage even after 5 washes
  • Creates shine and all-day, humidity-resistant frizz control

Holiday Hair Kits

Hair kits are a great way to give curated haircare essentials. Consider these hair kits during gift-giving season:

The Mini Essentials Set

The limited-edition Mini Essentials Set has everything you need for strong, shiny, visibly healthy hair. This kit includes:

The Greatest Strength Set

If your loved ones desire stronger hair, consider giving them The Greatest Strength Set. This kit includes:

The Iconic Shine Set

The Iconic Shine Set is a simple kit with two full-sized products for shiny, smoother hair and heat protection. This haircare stocking stuffer comes with:

The Healthy Hair Cleansing Set

This limited-edition set has everything needed for hydrated, healthy-looking hair with every wash. It includes:

The Full-On Shine Set

For shiny, smooth, strong hair, consider The Full-On Shine Set as a haircare stocking stuffer. This holiday set contains:

More Stocking-Stuffer Sized OLAPLEX Haircare Products

Some full-sized OLAPLEX products will make the perfect stocking stuffers. For example, OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™ is small enough to throw in your purse for touch-ups throughout the day. This styling hair oil doesn’t just boost shine and color vibrancy to hair—it also tames frizz and flyaways. Another stocking stuffer option is Nº.3 Hair Perfector. This pre-wash repair treatment reduces future breakage and restores a healthy appearance and hair texture.

Shop all OLAPLEX products to find the perfect holiday gift, and don’t forget to explore all our value sets today.

*On virgin hair tresses

**On bleached hair tresses

1(With full results in 12 weeks.) Results will vary. As reported by 30 participants in a 12-week consumer perception study after 4 weeks of 2x daily use.

Sources

1. https://trichologists.org.uk/chill-out-how-to-keep-your-hair-healthy-this-winter/