Head Office Educator Nikki here today to bring you some very exciting news!
Have you ever used a product and become so brand loyal that you just could never shop anywhere else? This has always been me, I’m a creature of habit, I get comfortable, I like what I know.
But…as we all know the lash industry is ever changing and evolving – and so must The Eyelash Emporium!
All our products have always and will always be backed by YOU the lash tech! You guys spoke, so we listened! Today, we are premiering a full and fantastic new range of lash extension trays.
I’m just so excited about these. As I said, I’m a massive creature of habit but as soon as I picked these up, I was in love 💜
So, let’s talk everything lashes…
What’s new?
From the outside our lashes have had a total makeover. Our stunning new branded packaging is eye-catchingly vibrant and looks fab in my workspace.
The new slim cardboard box is far are easier to stack, and kind to the environment too – no more plastics!
The box also has a drop downside to make the removal of the lash strip so much easier for you!
What about the lashes?
All the lash strips are now foil backed – making the strips far easier to get out of the box and on to your pallet quickly. The foil backing also means no mess when removing from your lash palette.
The lashes themselves are just gorgeous, totally scroll-stopping. Created using an enhanced quality PBT, the lashes have a denser and more dramatic appearance, so you can forget the filters! The lashes are so super soft, and lightweight – your clients will forget they’re wearing them.
Any lash newness?
We’ve expanded our range of thicknesses to include 0.03mm to create those mesmer-eyes-ing mega volume sets and have also brought in 0.05mm for flawless fluffy Russian Volume. We’ve also extended our lengths – going up to 18mm in our fan faves!
If you haven’t tried flat lashes yet, then you 100% need to give ours a try. Our new flat lashes are so easy to apply and give a super dark and dense lash line. These are perfect for your clients who love that dramatic look but don’t want to step into volume.
And as for curls, trend alert – you’ll meet your match with our new M-Curl. This easy-to-wear curl hides hooded lids and really defines the eye.
Each of our lashes have been reviewed by our expert team and trialled and tested to make sure they’re ready for you all to create insta worthy sets ready for your clients!
We couldn’t be prouder of this new range and are looking forward to hearing your feedback. Remember #LashClub, tag us @eyelashemporium in your pics and vids on Insta, TikTok and Facebook.
*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog
The Black Friday Beauty and Cyber Monday Beauty Deals for 2025 have already started to drop and there are a range of offers from REESON Beauty, Sephora UK, Medik8, Space NK, and more! All this year’s best offers will be listed here as they land.
When is Black Friday 2025?
Black Friday 2025 is set for Friday 28th November, with deals typically kicking off earlier in November and extending through Cyber Monday on Monday, 1st December. This year, beauty enthusiasts can anticipate significant discounts across skincare, makeup, and haircare products from leading retailers such as Space NK, Cult Beauty, Boots, LOOKFANTASTIC, brands like Medik8 and many more.
Stay updated by signing up to my newsletter.
Black Friday Beauty Offers Live Now
REESON Beauty Black Friday
This weekend: ending 23.59 9th November: FREE REESON NO. 1 BRUSH WITH EVERY ORDER, NO MINIMUM SPEND. Shop here*.
REESON Black Friday 2025 – What to Buy
Here’s exactly what’s happening this year:
30% off site-wide when you spend £50 or more
20% off everything when you spend below £50
Even our brand new Glossing Balms are included
Spend £100 and you can choose your free gift – either the REESON Signature Makeup Bag or the super-cute Glossing Balm Charm (both brand new)
No codes. No exclusions. Just straight-up savings across the whole collection.
Get more details on the offer in this post.
Sephora UK Black Friday
As of 7th November 2025, Sephora UK have kicked off their big Black Friday Beauty offers.
Sephora UK Black Friday 2025
So far the brand discount offers include:
Brands offering a free gift with purchase:
Liberty Black Friday – Coming Soon
This year the Liberty Black Friday event offers up to 30% off on selected items and up to 20% off beauty at Liberty*.
Dates: 11th November (17:00) – 5th December (23:59)
Liberty Black Friday 2025
Last Year’s Black Friday Beauty / Cyber Monday Offers
Below is a full list of offers from last year to give you an idea of what you can possible expect for Black Friday Beauty 2025 offers. I will be updating all this information as soon as it comes in.
La Mer Black Friday
La Mer had a brilliant offer for Black Friday last year with gorgeous tiered gifts with purchase depending on your spend. There was also gift wrap and engraving services available online and complimentary samples with every order. Shop La Mer here*.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – La Mer
The offers were as follows:
Any £220 spend – enjoy a luxe bag with 5 minis of your choice (mini vary depending on availability
Any £250 spend – receive the above PLUS a choice of limited edition, money can’t buy gifts (La Mer Mirror, La Mer Jade Roller etc.)
Any £315 spend – receive all of the above PLUS a FULL SIZE LIP PRODUCT (Lip Polish, Lip Balm, Lip Volumizer)
MERIT Black Friday
Last year MERIT Beauty had 20% off sitewide* for a limited time. You also got a free Mini signature bag as a Free Gift With Purchase for the entire Black Friday sale!
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Merit
It was valid: November 25th – December 2nd 2024 and was their only sale of the year.
Medik8 Black Friday
Last year, Medik8 have 25% for Black Friday on Medik8.com*.
This discountexcludedMedik8 Travel, Kits and Accessories.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Medik8
Check out my blog post on my Medik8 favourites for recommendations on what to buy.
Jo Malone London Black Friday
Last year you could receive a complimentary full-sized Body & Hand Wash when you spent £130. You could also claim an Orange Bitters Travel Candle and Limited-Edition Stocking when you spend £190.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Jo Malone
Victoria Beckham Beauty Black Friday
Last year there was 20% off the entire VB Beauty site* for Black Friday. This tends to be their biggest sale of the year.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Victoria Beckham
Space NK Black Friday Beauty
Last year, Space NK’s Black Friday offer was super competitive.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Space NK
Check out more details on Space NK offers via the link below.
Omorovicza Black Friday
Last year Omorovicza* had a brilliant sitewide offer of 25% off with code CYBER. Plus, if you spent £300 or more, after discount, you received the Icons set worth £199.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Omorovicza
Shiseido Black Friday
Last year Shiseido had 25% off all orders plus a free full-size Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream worth £58 when you spent £120+ with code CYBER HERE* .
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Shiseido
I will update this year’s offering as soon as I can.
Estee Lauder Black Friday
Last year Estee Lauder had 25% off all orders across categories including skincare, fragrance and makeup. Plus you got a free full size Futurist Primer worth £39 when you spent £70 HERE*.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Estee Lauder
Marie Reynolds London Black Friday
Last year, there was 10% discount off all MRL Products until the end of Cyber Monday.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Marie Reynolds London
I highly recommend Restore Mask*, Anoint Oil*, Zedz Sleep supplements* (life-changing!) and Col-Force supplements* (amazing for hair growth).
Allies of Skin Black Friday
Last year, there was 35% off sitewide and FREE Shipping, including FREE GIFTS at checkout with orders over $130 USD / €130 / £110 – Cleansing Balm + Lip Balm.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Allies of Skin
Elizabeth Arden Black Friday
Last year there was 30% off* (almost) everything & 2 FREE gifts (worth £119).
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Elizabeth Arden
Glossier Black Friday
This is Glossier’s only sale of the year! Last year they had 25% off Everythingon Glossier.com and you could unlock a 30% discount with a minimum spend.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Glossier
Last year, there was 25% off across the board and 30% when you spent over £100 with free gift opportunities.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – NARS
Living Proof Black Friday
Last year there was 25% off sitewide and and a FREE travel-size PhD Dry Shampoo on orders £55+ or FREE full-size Clarifying Detox Shampoo on orders £70+.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Living Proof
Cowshed Black Friday 2024
Cowshed has a really great offer last year with 25% off sitewide*.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Cowshed
Lancome Black Friday Beauty
Last year Lancome had up to 30% off everything in their Black Friday sale*.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Lancome
Elemis Black Friday
Last year Elemis had 20% off plus six bestselling minis (worth £142), FREE when you spend £120+ after discount with code CYBER HERE*.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Elemis
The White Company Black Friday
Last year The White Company had 20% OFF EVERYTHING with code WHITE20.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – The White Company
ghd Black Friday
Black Friday Beauty 2024 – ghd
The ghd Black Friday sale last year was 25% off a large selection of their tools.
Deciem Black Friday
As always, Deciem run a month long offer of a site wide discount of 23% on every day but Black Friday.
Black Friday Beauty 2024 – Deciem
Check out all my favourites in my blog post.
Last Black Friday, Murad were offering 30% off their whole site* and a free gift when you spent £100.
Black Friday Beauty 2025 – Murad
Check out all the roundup of Beauty Advent Calendars too!
Keep me informed on all the Black Friday Beauty news.
Doesn’t it seem like an amalgamation of weird items that you’d find in some spooky antique shop, owned by a weird dude that probably does a little spellcasting on the side?
These golden Wrap Artist decals pair with the soft, pink base in a really cool way. It’s a sort of girly-meets-peculiar juxtaposition that I really enjoy!
I began by applying Presto Secco as my gel polish base. It’s a really pretty soft pink that I actually bought for bridal season, but that works great year round as a more “natural” look!
Then, I applied the Wrap Artist decals. These are water slide decals, which is my preferred method of application for decals. They just work better! I used decals from both the “Bone Structure” and “Oddities” sheets for this look, but you should really just go look around the Wrap Artist site, ’cause there are so many awesome options.
After blotting off any excess water, I applied my gel topcoat to seal everything in and cured. The decals are very thin – I only needed one coat of gel top to smooth everything away.
I had a few people at work questioning the weirdness of this manicure (though just as many thought it was awesome, too). A client was like, “Um, did you know you have bugs on your nails?”
Hormonal acne is a persistent and frustrating condition that affects both teenagers and adults alike. This type of acne is deeply connected to the body’s hormonal fluctuations and can often seem resistant to traditional treatments. Understanding the characteristics and challenges of understanding if you are experiencing hormonal acne is the first step in developing an effective skincare routine tailored to manage and mitigate its impact. This involves recognizing specific signs, such as breakouts that coincide with hormonal changes or are primarily located around the jawline and chin, which can be crucial clues in answering the question, “how do I know if my acne is hormonal?”
Characteristics of Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne is typically characterized by its timing and location. It often appears in cyclical patterns, aligning with hormonal changes. The menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause are often what causes acne in adults. Here are some key characteristics of hormonal acne:
Location: Hormonal acne often manifests around the jawline, chin and lower cheeks. These areas are particularly sensitive to hormonal changes and tend to produce more oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
Type of Blemishes: Hormonal acne usually consists of deep, cystic breakouts that are often painful and inflamed. These cysts are large, red and may not come to a head, making them difficult to treat with typical over-the-counter acne products.
Timing: The breakouts often coincide with hormonal fluctuations. For women, this can be during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. Stress and certain medications, like birth control, can also influence hormone levels and trigger breakouts.
Severity: Unlike teenage acne, which may clear up as hormones stabilize, hormonal acne can persist into adulthood. This persistence can be emotionally draining and can impact self-confidence.
Resistance to Treatment: Hormonal acne can be particularly stubborn, often not responding well to conventional acne treatments that might work for other types of acne. This is because the root cause is hormonal imbalance, which needs to be addressed alongside topical treatments.
Understanding these characteristics can help in identifying hormonal acne and finding the most effective acne treatment strategies to manage it.
Daily Skincare Routine for Hormonal Acne
Creating a consistent skincare routine is crucial for managing hormonal acne. A well-structured routine of skin care and a tailored diet for hormonal acne help control excess oil production, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation, leading to clearer and healthier skin. Here’s a comprehensive daily skincare routine designed to combat hormonal acne effectively.
Morning Routine
Gentle Cleanser
Start your day with Kate Somerville’s EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Cleanser. This gentle yet effective cleanser removes excess oil and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. The sulfur content helps exfoliate and unclog pores, reducing the risk of acne breakouts.
Toner and Treatment Products
After cleansing, apply a toner that targets acne-causing bacteria and balances your skin’s pH. Follow up with treatment products like benzoyl peroxide or serums such as the Vita C Firming and Brightening Retinol Treatment. This serum combines the anti-aging benefits of retinol with the brightening power of vitamin C, helping smooth texture and brighten dark spots.
Moisturizer and Sunscreen
Hydration is key, even for acne-prone skin. The Oil Free Moisturizer works great in tandem with serums or treatments because it does not have active ingredients that could conflict with other products. Finish with the Illuminating SPF Drops to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can exacerbate acne and lead to dark spots.
Evening Routine
Makeup Removal
Never skip makeup removal. Use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover to cleanse your skin thoroughly, ensuring all makeup, dirt and pollutants are washed away. This step is crucial to prevent pore-clogging and irritation.
Cleanser and Exfoliation
Follow with the Goat Milk Cleanser to remove any residual impurities while soothing and hydrating your skin. Incorporate exfoliation a few times a week to slough off dead skin cells and keep your pores clear. Choose exfoliants containing lactic acid or salicylic acid for their acne-fighting properties.
Night Treatments
At night, your skin repairs itself, so it’s the perfect time to apply targeted treatments. Retinoids or treatments containing niacinamide can help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. These ingredients work to speed up cell turnover, reduce inflammation and clear up any existing spots.
Best Skincare Products for Hormonal Acne
Finding the right products can make a significant difference in managing hormonal acne. It’s essential to know which ingredients to look for and which to avoid to keep your skin clear and healthy.
Ingredients to Look For
Salicylic Acid: This beta-hydroxy acid penetrates deeply into the pores, helping to exfoliate from within and clear out dead skin cells and excess oil. It’s excellent for preventing acne breakouts and managing oily skin.
Benzoyl Peroxide: Known for its antibacterial properties, benzoyl peroxide reduces the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin and helps to prevent clogged pores. It’s particularly effective for inflammatory acne.
Retinoids: Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that promote cell turnover and prevent the formation of new acne lesions. They also help reduce inflammation and improve skin texture and tone.
Hyaluronic Acid: While acne-prone skin still needs hydration, hyaluronic acid provides moisture without clogging pores. It helps maintain the skin’s barrier and keeps it plump and hydrated.
Sulfur: Sulfur has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce excess oil and unclog pores, making it an excellent ingredient for treating hormonal acne. Kate Somerville’s EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser is a great option.
Ingredients to Avoid
Heavy Oils: Ingredients like mineral oil and coconut oil can clog pores and exacerbate acne. Stick to oil-free or non-comedogenic products to avoid breakouts.
Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances can irritate sensitive skin and trigger acne. Opt for fragrance-free products to minimize the risk of irritation.
Alcohol and Sulfates: These ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and leading to an overproduction of oil. This can result in more breakouts. Choose gentle, sulfate-free cleansers like the Goat Milk Cleanser for a soothing and hydrating cleanse.
Importance of Consistency
Consistency is vital in a hormonal acne skin care routine, especially for those with acne prone skin. Regular use of the right products ensures that your skin remains balanced, preventing the hormonal fluctuations from causing severe breakouts. Stick to your routine, be patient and remember that clear skin takes time and dedication.
Transform Your Skin with Kate Somerville
At Kate Somerville, we understand the emotional and physical toll that hormonal acne can take. Our acne treatment products are designed to support your skin’s health, offering solutions that are both effective and gentle. By following this comprehensive skincare routine and using our trusted products, you can achieve the beautiful, clear skin you’ve always wanted. Let us help you transform your skin and regain your confidence.
The Sephora sale is here and is coming to the end. The perfect time to restock some of your favorites, try something new and shop for the holidays.
I have a Sephora storefront that you can shop my Sephora Beauty favorites
Who can shop the Sephora Savings event?
Everyone can shop the savings event but the start date is different for each tiers (Rouge, VIB and Insider). The start date are different for each tiers.
Event Details
Rouge: 20% off
10/31-11/10
VIB: 15% off April 11 – October 11
Insider: 10% off
11/4-11/10
All tiers: 30% off Sephora Collection
use code EVERYTHING at checkout!
Holiday sets that I am loving
I have curated some of my favorite holiday collections and sets on my Sephora store front. These are Holiday sets that I am excited about and would make a great gift for any beauty lover.
What holiday sets are you excited about?
I have been into the pink aesthetics and the luxurious pink makeup. I don’t know about you but right now would be the best time to save on these luxurious items. I curated a list of makeup and beauty accessories that fit into that aesthetic.
Summer Fridays lip oil
Summer Fridays lip balm
Emi Jay hair clips
LoveShackFancy fragrance
Summer Fridays lip balm
YSL Golden Oasis Face palette
Rosy Glow Powder Blush
YSL Beauty Make Me Blush
What are your favorites on this list?
Closing statements
I hope you enjoyed my recommendations. I love beauty and trying new products. It’s better when you are saving. Tell me what will you be shopping for?
Items marked with an asterisk were gifted. As always, all my reviews are my own. This post contains affiliate links. This means that I will make a commission on any purchase you make when you click on one of my links.
We love a good glow-up and composting is one of nature’s best! It’s the ultimate transformation story: where leftovers become lush soil, banana peels become garden gold, and yesterday’s “ew” becomes tomorrow’s bloom.
And it’s not just feel-good fluff. Composting is a powerful climate solution that every Aussie can get behind. Curious to flex your green thumb? Read on…
So, what actually is compost?
At its simplest, composting is nature’s way of recycling.
Organic matter like food scraps, garden waste, coffee grounds and paper break down (with help from oxygen, microbes and time) into nutrient-rich soil called compost. This process happens all around us… in forests, in gardens, in compost bins under the sink. It’s regenerative, it’s ancient and it’s absolutely essential.
In fact, studies show compost can:
Store carbon in the soil (helping slow down climate change)
Improve soil healthwater retention and crop yields
Reduce methane emissions from landfill (methane is 25x more potent than CO₂!)
(Source: EPA, 2022)
Why composting matters in Australia
Here in Aus, the average household chucks about 1.5 tons of waste each year and almost half of that is organic. That’s a whole lot of nutrient-rich goodness going into landfill, where it can’t break down properly and ends up producing harmful greenhouse gases instead. Not ideal.
But there’s good news: more councils across Australia are now offering FIRE bins (that’s Food Organics + Garden Organics), turning your scraps into compost instead of methane.
And if you don’t have a FOGO bin yet? You can:
Start a compost pile in your backyard
Use a compost tumbler or Bokashi bin (great for small spaces)
Drop scraps at a local community garden or compost hub
Sign up for curbside pickup services in some cities (like ShareWaste, Compost Revolution, or local council programs)
Compost is connection
It reconnects us to the natural cycle of life: grow → use → return.
It brings neighbourhoods together, makes gardens greener, and gives your food waste a second chance at life.
And if you’re not the veggie-growing type? That’s fine. Compost still reduces landfill waste, cleans up the planet and keeps your bin from smelling gross
What does Woohoo have to do with compost?
We’re glad you asked. At Woohoo, we’ve made some of our packaging compostable which means it goes back to the earth.
♻️ Our cardboard deodorant sticks and lip balm tubes are home compostable and love being one with the soil! They’re even printed with vegetable-based inks so they don’t upset your compost.
Just scrape out all the product and chuck the tube straight into your home compost or FOGO bin. (or to speed things up, chop the cardboard up into smaller pieces). It’ll break down naturally and return to the soil over time.
It’s a small action with a mighty impact and when paired with our Plastic Negative commitment, it’s all part of our plan to leave the planet a little better than we found it.
Resources to Get You Started On Your Composting Journey:
Life in your 20s can be busy and lots of fun – and your skin is changing from the way it behaved in your teens. From starting work to an ever-expanding social life, your makeup is evolving too. Everyone wants to look and feel their best on that first day at a new job or on a first date.
So, we’ve pulled together some top tips to keep your skin looking fresh as well as sharing timeless makeup looks that will help you get through your 20s in style.
1. Keep It Simple
Your skin is gorgeous just the way it is! Consider trying natural-looking makeup by using a light touch. You can also accent a no makeup makeup look with just a simple red lipstick and a little eye makeup like eyeliner and mascara. This will let your natural beauty shine through. Check out our Cake Mascara, a 3-in-1 product that serves as a liquid eyelinerbrow definer and lash-tinting, natural mascara.
2. Moisturize and Protect Your Skin
After tip number one, we also recommend doing everything you can to protect your skin and maintain a healthy skincare routine. The most important thing you can do for your skin is to use a daily moisturizer and protect it from the sun and environmental aggressors. Damage to your skin can accelerate the natural process of aging, making skin more prone to discolorations like age spots or sun spots, wrinkles and loss of elasticity or sagging skin. Keeping your skin hydrated with formulas rich in antioxidants can help keep skin looking youthful and healthy.
3. Try a Bold Lip
While your life can change a lot from one day to the next in your 20s, your makeup looks can change too. Anything goes with today’s makeup looks too. Especially when it comes to lipstick, there’s no limitation to lip color. Red lipstick shades can really make a statement whether your makeup is natural and simple or glamorous and dramatic. A red lipstick is appropriate everywhere and will make you and your smile stand out. Everyone has a red lipstick shade that will flatter their skin tone, hair or eye color, you just need to find the right shades. It doesn’t matter if you prefer bright red lipstick or deep red lipstick; a bold, beautiful red looks amazing on everybody! Bold makeup looks show off your skills and confidence!
If you are not sure of which shade to pick, try Gabriela’s Shadefinder and uncover the perfect red for your skin tone.
4. Keep It Clean
Another important skincare tip is to keep things clean. Limiting how much contact your makeup has with your skin can help keep things clean and, also, limiting opportunity for bacteria to touch your skin. Many people wonder how often should I clean my makeup brushes? Simple steps like cleaning your makeup brushes and beauty blenders every 7-10 days can go a long way toward keeping bacteria off of your skin and preventing breakouts.
For example, our cake mascara doesn’t harbor bacteria because the applicator doesn’t stay in the tube of wet makeup. Another bacteria-fighting tip is to use a lip brush instead of applying directly from the lipstick tube to your lips. (Plus, it uses less product and makes application easier!)
5. Take It Off!
After an amazing night out, it can be tempting to just fall into bed and sleep– but never do that without taking off your makeup, especially your eye makeup. Leaving eye makeup on overnight can irritate your eyes, while leaving foundation and powder on overnight can clog your pores or even cause breakouts. Your skincare routine should always include cleansing it! So throw on your skincare headband and take a few minutes to remove your makeup– you’ll be much happier in the morning. One way to do that is to use a cold cream. A cold cream is a moisturizing cream that can be left on the skin, but it is also an excellent way to remove makeup without leaving skin feeling depleted or dried out.
6. Hydrate From The Inside Out
One of the quickest ways to feel uncomfortable with your skin is to let it get too dry. Dry skin just doesn’t feel good, and it is dull and sometimes even flaky. Plus, hydrated skin is less prone to breakouts and avoids itchy dry patches. In addition to using a daily moisturizer, you should also drink plenty of water. Proper hydration nourishes your skin cells and lets them function, keeping you looking and feeling your best. Drinking enough water is the best kept secret for glowing skin.
7. Treat Your Nails Right
Don’t forget your nails when it comes to your skincare routine. Try a hand cream [link to our blushing rose hand cream] like this one that is nourishing for hands and your cuticles. Make sure to rub the moisturizing cream into the nails and cuticles, not just your hands. This helps keep nails strong and hard. Properly caring for your nails can be done at home and doesn’t always need to be done by a manicurist. Check out this nail care kit that includes everything you need to get the job done.
8. Match Your Cheeks and Lips
A cheeky trick for an effortlessly cohesive makeup look is to match your lipstick and blush, making sure they are in the same color family. Cream rouge is a vintage product– it’s how our grandmothers and great-grandmothers got their cheeks looking perfectly pink, like a natural flushed glow. It blends easily into the skin for a more natural look and is buildable for a richer pop of color. Creamy blush guarantees a dewy and hydrated look! If you want to try crème rouge blush, check out these! And, then you can shop from this broad range of highly pigmented lipsticks to find a shade to pair with your pink, orangey or red toned blush. And, if you ever need a blush touch up on the go, you can also use your lipstick as rouge!
To use lipstick as rouge, apply a stripe to the apples of your cheeks and blend it out with a fat, round brush… or your fingers! The lipstick will sink into your skin and give you a beautiful glow.
9. Play With Trends
It’s an exciting time to enjoy experimenting with skincare, beauty products, and makeup looks. There’s never been a greater variety of products, so it’s easy to express yourself and try out different looks. From a dewy look to a cat eye, play with new colors, new styles, and new techniques to find what flatters or fits your style. Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb, or reinvent an old favorite. Maybe you’ll create a new trend or your very own beauty trademark look.
Try out makeup that adapts to the pH level of your skin, creating a shade exclusive to you! Try a new shade of mascara, or add a new color dimension with some tinted powder. Your skincare and beauty routine should make you happy, so don’t be afraid to go in whatever direction your heart desires.
10. Commit to Clean Beauty
Clean beauty products are another way to protect your sensitive skin. Clean beauty products are free from harmful chemicals and ingredients, such as parabens, mineral oil, and other potential health hazards. The goal of clean beauty is to provide you with products that are not only effective but also safe for long-term use.
At Bésame Cosmeticswe take inspiration from the past to deliver clean beauty and timeless, high-quality makeup products designed to help everyone share their true color. We bring the glam, whatever your jam.
Ever had a sore throat so painful you thought it was on fire or being torn apart? If so, the chances are you had strep throat. While people often refer to any sore throat as “strep throat,” this term should only be used for throat infections caused by group A streptococcus, also known as strep bacteria.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses such as the flu virus, cold virus, or COVID-19 virus. These are responsible for 25% to 45% of all sore throats, but they are not the same as “strep throat.” True strep throat is caused b y a group A bacterial infection and accounts for only 5% to 15% of sore throats in developed countries like Canada.
Who Gets Strep Throat?
Strep throat commonly infects children or teenagers; half of all cases occur in people younger than 18 years of age, but it can occur in older adults as well, though it isn’t as common.
Strep bacteria are often spread from person to person, such as when people who are sick talk, cough, or breathe closely to another person. This could be why school-age children are more likely to get strep throat. Strep throat is also more common during colder seasons, when people are more likely to be indoors.
Identifying strep throat
Because there are many causes of a sore throat, it is often difficult to tell if a sore throat is caused by strep bacteria or by a virus like influenza, but there are a few key differences. Doctors often diagnose strep throat based on the patient’s description of the symptoms along with a physical examination of the throat. But sometimes the cause of the symptoms is not obvious.
Distinguishing Strep Throat from a Viral Infection
More likely strep throat
More likely viral infection
Fast onset of sore throat
Slow onset of sore throat
No stuffy nose, red eyes, or cough
Other typical virus symptoms, such as hoarse voice, red eyes, cough, and stuffy nose
Fever present (>38° C or >100.4° F)
Mild fever or normal temperature (37° C or 98.6° F)
Often have swollen tonsils with white patches on the back of the throat
Might have some white patches on the back of the throat, but often do not
Fortunately, there are tests that can accurately detect streptococcus bacteria to help diagnose strep throat. A throat swab sample can be collected by a doctor and sent to a lab with results coming back within a couple of days. Alternatively, new in-office devices can test throat swab samples accurately right on–site in a matter of minutes.
Complications and Prevention
If strep throat is suspected, it is important to get tested and receive antibiotic treatment as soon as possible after the diagnosis has been made. Strep throat can be very uncomfortable and if left untreated, it can be severe or even life-threatening. Children and some adults who don’t receive timely treatment may develop acute rheumatic fever, which can result in complications affecting the heart and joints.
Strep throat is highly contagious. Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading it. Caregivers and household members should wash their hands often and avoid sharing personal items such as drinking glasses, cutlery, or towels. It is also important to disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as countertops and doorknobs.
Treatment
A simple ten-day course of targeted antibiotics is usually very effective incuring strep throat. Starting antibiotics quickly can help many people feel better in as little as one day. Once antibiotics are started, it is less likely to spread the bacteria after 24 hours of treatment.
It is important to use antibiotics only when they are needed and to finish all doses that are prescribed. Antibiotics will not work for sore throats caused by viruses such as those that cause cold and flu symptoms, they can cause unpleasant side effects, and they can lead to the development of resistant bacteria that are harder to treat.
Get Help When You Need It
If you or a loved one are suffering from a very sore throat, visit your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible. They can recommend or prescribe throat sprays, lozenges, or pain relievers to provide comfort from the symptoms. If a strep throat infection is suspected, a throat swab test can be conducted to confirm the diagnosis, and antibiotics can be prescribed. Testing can be done at a doctor’s office or at select London Drugs locations with instore throat swab testing. Testing onsite is convenient and enables a quick and accurate diagnosis of strep throat within minutes, so antibiotics can be started right away if required. For more information, ask your pharmacist.
Between the parties, family dinners, and endless to-do lists, the last thing you need is a complicated hair routine. This season, we’re taking the stress out of styling with looks that feel just as good as they look. Because when your hair feels effortless, so does everything else.
These holiday hair looks are designed to keep up with you from afternoon brunches to midnight celebrations. Thanks to The Halo, each one gives you damage-free volume, softness, and a seamless blend that lasts through every toast, twirl, and table photo.
Ready to make holiday hair easy? Here are five styles that bring your best self forward. No fuss, no breakage, just beautiful, healthy confidence.
1. Effortless Air Dry
Think: undone texture with a lived-in shine. Perfect for busy mornings or back-to-back events, this effortless holiday hairstyle is all about working with your natural texture, not against it.
How to Get the Look:
After washing, towel-dry your hair gently. No rough rubbing (we’re protecting that cuticle!).
Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or air-dry cream to tame frizz and define natural movement.
Once hair is about 80% dry, slip in The Halo to instantly boost fullness. The Halo blends effortlessly with air-dried strands for a soft, undone finish.
If you want a bit more polish, use a large barrel curling wand to add loose waves through the mid-lengths, leaving the ends straight for that “I woke up like this” energy.
Products Used:
Sitting Pretty Halo Hair Extensions
Lightweight leave-in or styling cream
Wide-tooth comb
Tip: If your hair tends to fall flat, flip your head upside down while air drying for extra lift at the roots. The Halo will amplify that volume naturally, aka no teasing or heat tools required.
Read Next: Clip-Ins Vs. Halos: A Stylist’s Take On When To Use Each
2. Easy Waves
Soft, glossy waves never go out of style, especially during the holidays. This easy Christmas hairstyle works for just about every occasion: brunches, gift swaps, or that one dinner where the dress code is “festive.”
How to Get the Look:
Start with clean, dry hair and attach your Sitting Pretty Halo for an instant fullness upgrade.
Spritz a heat protectant all over your hair.
Once dry, wrap 1-inch sections of hair around a curling wand, alternating directions for a relaxed, modern wave.
Once all pieces are curled, let them cool completely before gently brushing through with a paddle brush or wide-tooth comb.
Finish with a light mist of shine spray or texturizing spray for touchable hold.
Products Used:
Sitting Pretty Halo Hair Extensions
32mm Curling wand
Shine spray or texture mist
Tip: Instead of curling from the root, start mid-length. This creates chic waves that move naturally with the Halo’s strands.
Read Next: How To Choose Your Halo’s Length And Density
3. Models-Off-Duty Ponytail
The ponytail that says “I put in effort” without actually taking much. This look combines smooth polish with soft movement, a favorite for both casual gatherings and dressier nights out.
How to Get the Look:
Tie your hair into a high ponytail.
Wrap The Halo around the elastic and secure it with bobby pins that look similar to your natural hair color.
Gently tease the ponytail and add a few loose waves for extra body.
Finish with a spritz of flexible-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
Products Used:
Sitting Pretty Halo
Hairspray
Elastic and bobby pins
Tip: To add lift at the crown, gently tug at the hair near the top of your head after securing your ponytail. It creates that model-off-duty bounce that’s chic, not stiff.
Read Next: The Real Reason Your Hair Is Thinning—And What To Do About It
4. Mermaid Waves
Channel soft glamour with cascading, S-shaped waves that move with every turn of your head. This look is pure sophistication, perfect for end-of-year parties, date nights, or New Year’s Eve celebrations.
How to Get the Look:
Start with clean, dry hair. Wear The Halo for instant, even fullness then spritz on some heat protectant.
Using a wide-barrel curling iron, curl large sections of hair in the same direction.
Let the curls cool completely, then gently brush through with a soft bristle brush to reveal those glossy, uniform waves.
Finish with a shine spray to bring out the dimension and softness of the Halo’s strands.
Products Used:
Sitting Pretty Halo
32mm curling iron
Heat protectant
Shine spray or light serum
Tip: To keep your waves bouncy all night long, avoid overloading with hairspray. These waves are meant to move, not freeze.
Read Next: The Top 5 Halo Hair Extension Myths Debunked
5. Bubble Ponytail
When you want something playful yet polished, the bubble ponytail is your go-to. It’s sleek, structured, and feels right at home at both a cozy family dinner and a rooftop cocktail party. Best of all, it’s as easy as it looks, especially with The Halo, which adds that natural fullness between each “bubble.”
How to Get the Look:
Begin by brushing through your hair to remove tangles and slipping on your Halo.
Gather your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic.
A few inches below the first elastic, add another. Gently pull at the section in between to create a rounded “bubble” shape.
Continue this pattern down the ponytail until you reach the ends.
Smooth flyaways with a touch of a lightweight serum for that mirror-like shine.
Products Used:
Sitting Pretty Halo
Leave-in conditioner or hair serum
Clear elastics
Tip: For a more elevated finish, wrap a small strand of hair around the base of your ponytail to hide the first elastic.
Read Next: The Ultimate Guide To Root Touch-Ups For Seamless Hair Extensions
Holiday Hair, Simplified
However you celebrate this season, your hair should be the easiest part of your day. Whether you’re wrapping gifts, running between parties, or ringing in the new year, these festive hair ideas are all about embracing what’s real: healthy, touchable, confident hair that moves with you.
With The Halo, great hair isn’t just for special occasions; it’s your everyday confidence, elevated. Damage-free, beautifully natural, and made to blend seamlessly into your life (and your schedule).
Shop the Holiday Collection or Find Your Perfect Halo Shade because effortless holiday hair starts with your Halo.
In the evolving world of fashion, sustainability has become a significant focus. Personal styling businesses like STYLED BY SALLY are embracing sustainability practices to make fashion both stylish and eco-friendly. Recycling in the fashion industry plays a crucial role in reducing waste and conserving resources. This article explores the importance of fashion recycling and highlights the services offered by STYLED BY SALLY to help women of all ages look chic while saving the planet.
Fashion Recycling 101
What is Fashion Recycling?
Fashion recycling involves repurposing and reusing materials from old or discarded clothing to create new garments. This practice helps reduce the environmental impact of fashion by decreasing waste and conserving natural resources.
Different Types of Fashion Recycling
Upcycling: Transforming old clothing into new, stylish pieces.
Downcycling: Converting textiles into products of lower value, like cleaning rags.
Recycling: Breaking down fabrics into fibres to create new textiles.
Resale and Donation: Selling or donating used clothing to extend its lifecycle.
Benefits of Fashion Recycling
Environmental Impact: Reduces landfill waste and conserves resources.
Economic Benefits: Supports a circular economy and creates jobs.
Personal Satisfaction: Promotes sustainable living and ethical fashion choices.
Examples of Brands Using Recycled Materials
Many fashion brands are now incorporating recycled materials into their collections. For example, Patagonia uses recycled polyester in their outdoor clothing, while Adidas has introduced shoes made from ocean plastic.
Personal Style Consultation
Overview of Personal Style Consultation Service
STYLED BY SALLY offers personalised style consultations to help clients enhance their wardrobes sustainably. This service includes assessing your current wardrobe, providing style advice, and suggesting sustainable fashion choices.
Benefits of Having a Personal Stylist
Expert Advice: Receive tailored recommendations from experienced stylists.
Wardrobe Revamp: Learn how to refresh your wardrobe with sustainable pieces.
Confidence Boost: Feel more confident in your eco-friendly fashion choices.
Achieving Sustainability Goals with Personal Style Consultation
A personal style consultant can guide you in making sustainable fashion choices, such as selecting recycled materials and upcycled clothing. This approach helps you achieve your sustainability goals while maintaining a chic and stylish look.
Success Stories and Testimonials
Many clients have transformed their wardrobes sustainably with the help of STYLED BY SALLY. They have learned to incorporate recycled and upcycled pieces, creating a stylish yet eco-friendly wardrobe.
Stylist Highlight
Introduction to the Business’ Top Stylist
Meet Sally, the lead stylist at STYLED BY SALLY. With a passion for sustainable fashion and personal styling, Sally helps clients make eco-friendly fashion choices without compromising on style.
Expertise in Sustainable Fashion
Sally has extensive experience in sustainable fashion, from selecting recycled materials to upcycling old garments. Her expertise ensures clients receive the best advice on how to dress stylishly while being environmentally conscious.
Examples of the Stylist’s Work
Sally’s portfolio includes a range of sustainable fashion projects, showcasing her ability to create stylish outfits from recycled and upcycled materials. Her work demonstrates how sustainability and style can go hand in hand.
Helping Clients with Fashion Recycling Goals
Sally assists clients in achieving their fashion recycling goals by offering practical advice and creative solutions. Whether it’s incorporating recycled materials or upcycling existing pieces, Sally ensures her clients look chic while promoting sustainability.
Get a Gift Voucher
Exclusive Gift Voucher Offer
STYLED BY SALLY offers an exclusive gift voucher for personalised styling services. This voucher is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their wardrobe sustainably.
Redeeming the Gift Voucher
The gift voucher can be redeemed for any of STYLED BY SALLY’s personalised services, includingonline styling services andpersonal style consultations.
Benefits of Gifting a Personal Styling Session
Gifting a personal styling session is a thoughtful and practical present. It offers the recipient expert advice on sustainable fashion, helping them make eco-friendly choices that enhance their style.
Purchase a gift voucher today and give the gift of sustainable style. Visit ourSTYLED BY SALLY to learn more.
Embracing the Unique Fashion Needs of Women 55+ and 36-54
STYLED BY SALLY caters to women aged 55+ and 36-54, offering services that address their unique fashion needs and preferences.
Women in these age groups often seek stylish yet practical clothing options. They may face challenges in finding sustainable fashion that suits their body type and lifestyle.
STYLED BY SALLY offers personalised services to help these women enhance their wardrobes sustainably. Fromplus size fashion in Melbourne toonline styling servicesthe business provides tailored solutions to meet their needs.
Conclusion
Sustainable fashion is essential for reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. STYLED BY SALLY offers a range of services, including personal style consultations and fashion recycling advice, to help clients look chic while saving the planet. Embrace sustainable fashion today and book a personal consultation or purchase a gift voucher for a loved one.
