The 15 Best Hair Bonding Treatments for Dry, Damaged Tresses
For hair that’s truly damaged, bond-building treatments — the masks and formulas that rebuild the hair’s internal bonds — are often the most effective way to restore strength, moisture, and manageability. We love a good blowout or fresh color to elevate our look instantly, but those services can leave hair dry, brittle, and lackluster — and can even cause breakage that contributes to hair loss. Add ordinary exposure to the elements, and it’s no wonder our tresses often need extra TLC. While a trim or full-on chop is still the best remedy for severely damaged locks, hair bonding treatments can be a potent intermediary step to help keep hair looking and feeling its healthiest.
“Hair bonding treatments are great for double process clients like blondes, those who use chemical styling treatments such as perms, or who have high heat damage from over-styling,” celebrity hairstylist Adam Maclay explains. “These formulas work to protect and restore the hydrogen, salt, and disulfide bonds of the hair to strengthen it from the inside out. It’s like filling in the potholes on the street; these products help to smooth split ends, restore moisture and shine, and make the hair more manageable.”
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“During a photoshoot waaay back in 2010, a makeup artist suggested mascara wasn’t about enhancing your lashes, but enhancing your eye shape. It was a minor revelation. I stopped gobbing the stuff on and just started applying it to my outer lashes for an elongated, wing-y effect. I’ve never looked back.”
Sasha Charnin Morrison, Fashion Director (1999–2006)
“I think I landed my job at Allure because during my interview with Linda Wells, she commented on how spot-on my eyeliner was and asked how my hand was so steady. My tip: no caffeine until after liner application!”
How to achieve an effortlessly polished makeup look
Meirav Devash, Articles Editor (2004–2008)
“After putting on lipstick, place your (clean) finger in your mouth and pull it out. Do you look like you’re shooting NSFW content at the dinner table? Maybe, but it beats lipstick on your teeth.”
Sophia Panych, Deputy Digital Beauty Director (2010–2019); Content Director (Present)
Sophie Panych
“If you wear foundation or concealer and you want to apply powder-based bronzer or blush on top, make sure to dust on a thin layer of setting powder first. This keeps the creamy base products from eating away at your blush or bronzer, ensuring it will last longer. Makeup artist Tom Pecheux gave me this tip backstage at fashion week, and I’ve used it in my own routine every day since.”
Jessica Cruel, Editor in Chief (2021–Present)
Jessica Cruel
“For a dewy glow that doesn’t disappear, I like to apply a face oil to the high points of my face. Then, I slather on a cream highlighter and apply my foundation, concealer, blush, and contour. Finally, I add a layer of highlighter powder on top.”
Can you actually believe it has been two decades since we first met Rashad, New New, and the whole crew? Our hearts were completely full this weekend seeing the cast of our favorite coming of age classic link back up to celebrate such a massive milestone. It feels like just yesterday we were all trying to master the “A-Town Stomp” and dreaming of a Sunday night at the skating rink. Seeing everyone back together again reminds us why this film holds such a special place in our culture; it wasn’t just a movie, it was a whole vibe that captured the heart of the city and the spirit of growing up.
Still Repping the A
The energy at the celebration was unmatched as T.I., Lauren London, and the rest of the gang shared laughs and looked like they hadn’t aged a single day. It is so rare to see a cast stay this connected over the years, but you could tell the bond they formed on set was the real deal. During the ATL Movie 20 Year Reunion festivities, the stories being told brought back all those nostalgic feelings of high school summers and the importance of having your “day ones” by your side through it all. It was a beautiful reminder that no matter how far we go in life, we never forget where we came from or the people who were there at the start.
A Legacy That Keeps Rolling
Watching the clips and photos from the night had the entire timeline in a frenzy because the impact of this film is still so strong today. From the iconic fashion to that legendary soundtrack, it set a standard for how our stories should be told with style and authenticity. We are all secretly (or not so secretly) still hoping for a sequel that shows us where the characters are now, but until then, we are just going to keep this classic on repeat. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for giving us a masterpiece that still feels as fresh and relevant as the day it dropped!
Supergoop SPF is everywhere, Sephora, Ulta, your favorite influencer’s morning routine… They have built a reputation as the sunscreen that actually looks and feels good, and for a long time, so many of you trusted that. But over the past year, two separate legal actions have put that trust in serious question, and as always, I think people deserve to know the full story to think twice before shopping for your next SPF! Have you heard about these lawsuits!? If not, let’s recap what’s been going on.
The 100% Mineral Lawsuit
In December 2025, a class action lawsuit was filed against Supergoop in California federal court. The plaintiff alleges that Supergoop has been falsely marketing several products as 100% Mineral when the formulas actually contain synthetic and chemically processed ingredients. The products named include their Resetting 100% Mineral SPF 25, Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40, Zinc Screen 100% Mineral Lotion, and Mineral Unseen Sunscreen.
The simple version: when you see 100% Mineral on a label, you assume the whole formula is mineral-based, right!? Not just the active sunscreen ingredient, but everything inside. That is exactly what the lawsuit argues most people would reasonably believe and I would have to agree. And according to the complaint, that is not what is actually in the bottle.
This matters because people choosing mineral sunscreen are making an intentional decision. They are trying to avoid the synthetic chemical filters that have raised real health concerns and, even worse, they are paying more for what they believe is a cleaner product all while being potentially mislead!
The Reef-Safe Settlement They Already Paid
This is not the first time Supergoop has faced legal consequences for misleading marketing. In June 2025, Santa Clara County prosecutors announced that Supergoop agreed to a $350,000 civil settlement over claims they were marketing chemical sunscreens as reef-safe or reef-friendly, when those products contained UV filters known to be harmful to coral reefs.
They were calling chemical sunscreens “reef-safe”. They settled and that case is closed but now there is a second lawsuit about a different misleading claim on a different set of products. That is a pattern worth paying attention to and a reminder on why so many brands and their claims cannot be trusted blindly.
What Is Actually in Their Chemical Sunscreens
Supergoop does avoid some of the worst offenders like oxybenzone and parabens, and that is worth acknowledging but their product formulas still contain ingredients that have raised serious flags in published research. Check out just a few of their worst offenders!
AVOBENZONE (3%) — FDA studies show avobenzone is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream at levels above the threshold the FDA considers safe, even after a single application. It also degrades quickly in sunlight, meaning it breaks down while you’re actually wearing it and needs chemical stabilizers to hold it together.
OCTOCRYLENE (10%) — This one is at 10%, a high concentration. Octocrylene absorbs through the skin at levels about 14 times the FDA’s cutoff for systemic exposure. It also breaks down in the body into benzophenone, which researchers have flagged as a potential carcinogen and hormone disruptor.
OCTISALATE (5%) — Octisalate absorbs through the skin at levels 10 times the FDA’s cutoff for systemic exposure. The FDA stated in 2019 that more research must be conducted before it can be classified as safe and effective. EPA data also suggests it may weakly interact with the estrogen receptor.
POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE — A silicone powder that sits on top of your skin forming a coating. It doesn’t treat skin, it just creates a smooth feel. Silicones like this can trap bacteria underneath, clog pores over time, and block absorption of any beneficial ingredients.
CHLORPHENESIN — A synthetic preservative. EWG flags it with moderate use restrictions and notes it cannot be used in EWG Verified products at all. It has been associated with allergic dermatitis and immunosuppressive qualities, and is restricted in Japan.
BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE — A synthetic mineral used to create a luminous finish. Known to cause skin irritation, clogged pores, and itching, especially with repeated use. Many people with sensitive or acne-prone skin react badly to it.
These are not fear mongering or exaggerated claims either, they come from peer-reviewed journals, EWG assessments, and FDA-funded research. These ingredients absorb into the bloodstream and when you use them every day, that adds up yet most people never find this info out!
The Bottom Line
Supergoop is not the worst brand out there but they are a clear example of a company that has leaned heavily into clean beauty language without fully delivering on it so consumers should be aware. They also use many ingredients I personally would never use, including chemical SPF and silicones. Two legal actions in one year, one of which they already settled for $350,000, tells you something about how carefully their claims hold up under scrutiny.
The good news is, you do not have to choose between sun protection and clean ingredients. Truly mineral sunscreens that use zinc oxide as the only active filter, with a clean supporting formula, exist and they work! The key is knowing what to look for and which brands have actually earned the label they put on the front of the bottle.
That is what I am here for 🙂
Want Some Cleaner Swaps?
I have tested and vetted the clean SPF options I actually trust and use. You can find them all linked here. Not sure which items are best for you!? Book a FREE Consult with our Holistic Esthetician anytime!
“Whenever you’d open Vogue, People, or Allureit would always be Mila Kunis with that sparkly-ish smoky eye, or Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens. Those were the smoky eyes [I remember],” says Lila Childs, a New York City-based makeup artist and podcast host who’s been posting beauty tutorials online since 2012. “It wasn’t even [considered] loud makeup. It weirdly looked like it was part of the face. The tones matched [the client’s] eye color and skin tone, making the eye appear lower contrast and softer—even though they were wearing lashes and a full Naked palette on their eyes.”
Tom Munro
My morning routine now consists of rolling over, working from my bed until noon, and getting ready for the day by applying skin-care products to my face. Even on nights out, my eyes remained relatively naked, save for mascara. It seems like the rest of the world traded their once, tried-and-true palettes for cream blushes and clear brow gel (unless they’d gotten really into Euphoria).
Childs believes this new era stemmed from the age gap between trendsetter and consumer. As the celebrities and vloggers Gen Z and Zillennials took inspiration from matured, their looks became subtler. She adds that brands that featured more of a luminous, refined glam—like Charlotte Tilbury and Hourglass—rose in prominence during this period. “It was a little bit more Victoria’s Secret bombshell—a bit more natural. And then Glossier was so minimal. There were just beauty brands that were coming out with this whole concept of wearing a more natural face.”
“Clean” beauty looks became the standard (perhaps due to trend cycles, exhaustion from a world shut down, a growing emphasis on wellness culture, or all of the above). A TikTok search shows an abundance of glowy no-makeup makeup looks, centered around brushed-up brows, tinted cheeks, and blurred lips. Pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Haily Bieber further popularized this angelic, coquetteish aesthetic, which is arguably the antithesis of the sultry, dark vibe the smoky eye embodies. With this shift, lids are essentially neglected.
If you opened any social media app during the first couple of weeks of this year, you were met with every Zillennial It-Girl posting that “2016 is the new 2026.” King Kylie made her return, along with the Snapchat dog filter. All of this reminiscing revealed that what most people missed about this time period (along with blissfully ignorant hopecore) was the playful experimentation. “Doing my makeup like it’s 2016” quickly took off as a trend, with beauty creators posting tutorials set to Roses by the Chainsmokers, placing pieces of tape along their cheekbones to create the sharpest cat eye and minimize shadow fallout.
I think what’s been so beautiful to recognise is that while I have spent the majority of my life hiding from the truest version of myself, Dee has been running towards hers with open arms.
The fact that our queer experiences are vastly different has taught me that there are many ways to live a queer life, and all of them are valid. While firmly living her truth, Dee has done so quietly. She doesn’t share her experience with many that she meets; she’s not an outward activist, but instead has enjoyed living in peace. As a result of years of keeping my queerness in the shadows, I am making up for lost time and tend to shout it from rooftops, regularly writing queer-related media and offloading to anyone who will listen. Both of our experiences are valid. We’re both proudly queer, but not every queer person has an obligation to be a spokesperson, and it’s not something that should be expected, regardless of your age.
Dee and Ryan
Courtesy of Ryan Cahill
Privacy isn’t secrecy, and living quietly isn’t hiding. That said, she is choosing to share her story now, in her winter years, which she feels has come from a place of necessity. Last year, the UK Supreme Court ruled that “sex” and “woman” in the Equality Act 2010 strictly refer to biological sex. Put simply, this means that, according to the law, Dee would be barred from using a woman’s public bathroom. For comparison, never in Dee’s lifetime has there been a blanket law suggesting that trans+ individuals can’t use single-sex bathrooms. “Now feels like the right time to share my story because being trans feels more dangerous than ever.” She tells me. “I hope that by being open about my life, I can show that trans people deserve a life full of love and adventure, even amid the politicising of our bodies.”
Washed your hair two days ago and already dealing with an itchy scalp and greasy roots?
Before we get into why this might be happening, let’s bust a myth that sends a lot of people in completely the wrong direction.
Most people assume a scratchy scalp means a dry scalp. So they reach for something rich and moisturising to ease the itch and wonder why nothing changes.
In most cases, an itchy scalp has very little to do with dryness. Some of the itchiest scalps are also the oiliest. That’s because scalp itch and greasy roots are usually two symptoms of the same underlying problem – a disrupted scalp microbiome and an overproduction of sebum that creates the perfect conditions for irritation and inflammation.
Thankfully, there’s a few tips and tricks you can arm yourself with to get your crowning glory back to balance. But before we spill the beans on that let’s first look at…
What’s actually happening on your scalp
Your scalp is home to a living ecosystem of bacteria and fungi called the scalp microbiome. When it’s balanced, everything works beautifully. Your scalp produces just the right amount of oil, your skin barrier stays intact and your hair grows from a healthy, happy base.
One of the key residents of this ecosystem is a fungus called Malassezia. Completely normal, completely harmless… until it overgrows.
When Malassezia gets too much sebum to feed on, it breaks that sebum down and releases irritating byproducts (oleic acid and free fatty acids) that can inflame the skin, impair the barrier and trigger itchiness. Meanwhile, that same excess sebum is what’s making your roots look and feel greasy.
Same root cause. Two very visible symptoms.
What’s driving the excess sebum in the first place?
Harsh haircare products: Most conventional shampoos use sulphates – most commonly Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) – to create that satisfying squeaky-clean lather. Research published in PMC has confirmed that SLS can significantly alter microbial diversity on the scalp, strips beneficial microbes and impairs your scalp barrier. Your scalp responds by overproducing sebum to compensate, which feeds Malassezia, which can cause an itchy scalp, which makes you wash your hair more, which strips the scalp more. Round and round it goes.
Silicone buildup: Most mainstream conditioners, serums, heat protectants and styling products rely heavily on silicones to make hair feel smooth and shiny. Non-water-soluble silicones don’t rinse out easily. They accumulate over time, migrate to the scalp and trap sebum underneath. The result is that greasy-roots, dry-ends situation that feels impossible to fix no matter how often you wash them.
pH imbalance: Your scalp’s natural pH sits around 4.5–5.5 (mildly acidic) which keeps your microbiome stable and your barrier intact. Many conventional shampoos sit at a much higher pH, disrupting this balance and creating conditions where Malassezia and other unwanted microbes can thrive.
Over-washing: Washing too frequently, especially with stripping formula, trains your scalp to produce too much oil. Many people find that switching to a gentler routine and gradually extending wash intervals allows their scalp to recalibrate and produce less oil over time.
Hormones and stress: Androgens like testosterone directly stimulate sebaceous glands, which is why oily scalps often flare with hormonal changes. Stress raises cortisol, which drives inflammation – including on the scalp – and can make an existing itch considerably worse. Diet also plays a role, with some research linking high sugar and dairy intake to increased sebum production.
The fix: Respect Your Roots
Once you understand what’s disrupting your scalp, the solution becomes obvious: stop stripping it with sulphates, stop suffocating it with silicones and give it a healthy routine that actually supports its natural balance.
Which is exactly why we spent years developing our award-winning Respect My Roots Natural Shampoo & Conditioner.
We describe our approach to haircare as “skin-ifying” – giving your scalp the same thoughtful, ingredient-led care we’d give your face. Here’s what that looks like:
Gentle cleansing without the damage: Instead of SLS, our shampoo uses Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate – a premium sulphate-free cleanser that cleans thoroughly, lathers beautifully and rinses away completely, without stripping your microbiome or sending your sebaceous glands into overdrive.
No silicones: Our conditioner is completely silicone-free. Instead of a plastic coating that builds up over time, it delivers nourishment to your lengths and ends using Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Hydrolysed Quinoa and Saccharide Isomerate – a skin-identical humectant that binds moisture to the hair for hours after washing.
Native Waratah Flower: Both formulas feature an extract from the native Australian Waratah flower (Telopea speciosissima), containing quercetin – a well-researched antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound – and tryptophan, an amino acid involved in keratin synthesis, the protein your hair is made of. Together they help repair damage, support healthy growth and improve thickness from root to tip.
Betaine from sugar beets: Betaine protects the scalp, improves hair strength, reduces frizz and maintains moisture so your scalp isn’t left reactive after washing. It’s also one of the ingredients we credit for the reduction in hair fall that many of our customers report after making the switch to our haircare.
pH-balanced with Lactic Acid: Both the shampoo and conditioner are formulated with Lactic Acid to keep your scalp’s pH in its natural range. A balanced pH means a stable microbiome, a stronger barrier and (you guessed it) less itch and less excess oil over time.
Concentrated formulas: Respect My Roots is concentrated, so a small amount goes a long way. The bottles last longer, you’re not overloading your scalp with product and every ingredient is formulated in meaningful amounts, not watered down or diluted with fillers.
What to expect when you make the switch
If you’ve been using sulphate shampoos and silicone-heavy products for years, your scalp will need a short adjustment period. This is normal and worth pushing through.
In the first few washes, your hair may feel slightly different in texture as silicone buildup clears and your sebaceous glands slowly learn they don’t need to produce oil at emergency speed anymore.
Most people notice a real difference within 3–6 washes. After a few weeks, many find they can go noticeably longer between washes because their scalp has finally stopped producing excess oil.
So remember…
An itchy scalp and oily roots aren’t a hygiene issue or personal flaw. They’re almost always a sign that your scalp’s ecosystem is out of balance and a haircare routine that could be making the problem worse, not better.
The answer isn’t washing more or chasing the next miracle product. It’s a simpler, nourishing routine designed around ingredients that keep your scalp and strands healthy and happy.
Give your scalp the respect it deserves and better hair days will follow 🙂🌿
Shop the Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle
Not ready to go all in? Try our Respect My Roots Sample Pack first – a deluxe two-week (at least!) supply to see how your scalp responds before committing to full size.
P.S. An itchy or overly greasy scalp can sometimes be caused by conditions like seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis. If you’re dealing with something persistent or severe, it’s always worth chatting to your GP or dermatologist to rule these out. But for the majority of people experiencing everyday itchiness, greasiness and general scalp grumpiness, the culprit is usually much closer to home. Specifically, it could be sitting on your shower shelf right now 👀
This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry highlighted the growing convergence of retail transformation, portfolio restructuring and international expansion, as global groups advanced acquisitions, omnichannel strategies and manufacturing realignment across key markets.
M&A and ownership developments remained active across luxury and beauty. LVMH agreed to sell Marc Jacobs to WHP Global. Reports also emerged that Armani was considering the sale of a 15 percent stake, with L’Oréal, LVMH and EssilorLuxottica among the parties linked to discussions.
Leadership and governance changes also featured prominently. Ouai appointed Susan Kim as CEO to support global expansion plans. Boots was reported to have selected Currys CEO Alex Baldock ahead of a potential IPO. Victoria’s Secret rejected activist investor Brett Blundy’s push for board representation.
Financial performance and market growth updates continued across the sector. DOUGLAS Group reported Q2 sales growth as it accelerated its omnichannel strategy. LG Household & Health Care returned to profit as its North America strategy gained momentum. Henkel Consumer Brandsposted Q1 growth supported by Hair Care and Not Your Mother’s performance. Kenvue reported Q1 sales and profit growth as its deal with Kimberly-Clark progressed. In Latin America, Natura reported revenue pressure in Brazil and Argentina linked to the integration of Avon.
Retail expansion and international growth strategies remained active. L’Oréal expanded operations in Saudi Arabia with a new office in Jeddah and workforce growth plans. Natura expanded its omnichannel strategy through a launch on Mercado Libre Mexico. Amorepacific reopened its flagship AMORE YONGSAN store in Seoul and launched MAMONDE exclusively on Amazon Premium Beauty in the US.
Manufacturing, packaging and supply chain developments continued across the sector. Shiseido confirmed plans to close its Taiwan manufacturing facility and transfer production to Japan. Henkel upgraded its Packaging Competence Center to accelerate sustainable packaging innovation. Evonik exceeded Q1 profit expectations as Middle East tensions led customers to increase stockpiling activity.
Brand marketing and category expansion remained active across beauty and lifestyle segments. Dove Men+Care launched a FIFA World Cup 2026 skincare campaign focused on football fans. ASICS introduced a beauty campaign centred on post-exercise glow. Valentino Beauty expanded its Born in Roma range with new Hair & Body Mists.
Legal and trademark disputes also remained in focus. Zara denied trademark infringement allegations in the Estée Lauder an Jo Malone lawsuit. Estée Lauder agreed to a US$210 million settlement linked to China grey-market sales. Harper Beckham faced a US trademark setback tied to a proposed beauty brand launch.
Regional market performance and industry growth continued to shape activity. China’s cosmetics trade surpassed RMB170 billion as market growth accelerated. Little Soap Company received the 2026 King’s Award for Sustainability.
Taken together, this week reflected continued activity across retail expansion, portfolio restructuring and operational transformation, alongside ongoing legal developments and international growth initiatives shaping the global cosmetics and personal care landscape.
We also love that the silky gel texture (courtesy of squalane and glycerin) absorbs quickly enough to double as an excellent primer—no creasing, pilling, or makeup meltdown in sight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do peptides actually do in an eye cream?
In eye creams, they’re typically used to support collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and soften the look of fine lines over time. Different peptides target different concerns, but overall, Lu says to think of them “less as instant fixers and more as long-game support for skin structure.” Because they’re generally gentler than stronger actives, peptides also tend to work especially well in formulas designed for the delicate eye area.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main types of peptides you’ll spot in skin care:
Signal peptides: These essentially “nudge” skin into repair mode, helping stimulate collagen and elastin production for firmer-, plumper-looking skin.
Carrier peptides: Often copper-based, these deliver trace elements involved in wound healing and collagen support, while also offering antioxidant benefits.
Enzyme-inhibitor peptides: These work by slowing down enzymes that naturally break down collagen over time (a process that starts earlier than we think—around our 20s).
Neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides: Sometimes nicknamed “Botox-like peptides,” these are designed to help soften the appearance of expression lines by temporarily relaxing the look of muscle movement, though nowhere near the extent of injectables.
Does it matter what peptides I should look for on the ingredient list?
Yes, but decoding peptide ingredient lists can get confusing fast. “Peptides include a wide range of ingredients that don’t always work in the same way,” says Fu. Different peptides target different concerns, from fine lines to puffiness to skin repair, and many can appear under multiple names depending on the formula or trademarked complex. Still, there are a few standout peptides with especially strong reputations in skin care:
Matrixyl (palmitoyl peptides): “This is a family of signaling peptides known as matrikines that help support collagen production and skin repair,” says Lu. ”These are among the most well-studied peptides in skin care and are commonly used to improve the look of fine lines over time.”
Copper peptides: “These are peptides involved in wound healing and skin regeneration pathways,” says Fu. Fu notes that their real-world cosmetic benefits are still a little hazy—not to mention tricky to formulate stably.
Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline): “One of the most common Botox-like peptides because it’s marketed as helping reduce muscle contraction signals that contribute to expression lines,” says Lu.
Are peptide eye creams as effective as retinol?
Peptide eye creams aren’t as effective as retinol—at least not on their own. “Retinoids have decades of data showing they can directly increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen, making them one of the most proven ingredients for wrinkles and hyperpigmentation,” says Fu. While peptides often play in the same skin-care arena, they work through different pathways and, overall, have less research supporting their benefits than retinol.
Can peptide eye creams help with dark circles?
Sometimes, but it really depends on both the cause of your dark circles and the specific peptides used in the formula. “Dark circles are complex,” says Lu. Some ingredients target pigmentation, while others focus on visible blood vessels or thinning skin under the eyes.
Peptides can help in some of those pathways, but Lu notes that it’s “highly dependent on the actual peptides used.” One example is Haloxyl, a trademarked peptide blend created by the same company behind Matrixyl, specifically developed and tested to help reduce the appearance of dark circles. In other words: Not every peptide eye cream is automatically a dark-circle treatment, but the right formula can absolutely help.
Meet the experts
Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
Victoria Fu, a cosmetic chemist and cofounder of Chemist Confessions based in New York City
Gloria Lu, a cosmetic chemist and cofounder of Chemist Confessions based in Clark, New Jersey
Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best peptide eye creams, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: wear, longevity, color variety, and ease of use. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
It didn’t surprise me to read that almost 4,000 people search for the best long-sleeve summer dresses every month here in the UK. I adore this time of year for browsing the colourful bouquet of summer dresses that flood the new-in sections of my favourite retailers – but those with spaghetti straps, ruffled shoulders or bandeau necklines often feel most readily available.
Shop my favourite summer dresses with sleeves:
For those of us who want to dress a little more modestly? Cover our arms to feel a tad more confident? Or, indeed, open up the possibility of dressing in a floaty dress before temperatures soar into the thirties? Summer dresses with sleeves are not only elegant and approved by countless Scandinavian influencers I adore following – but they’re practical, too.
As such, I’ve taken it upon myself to curate an edit of my favourite long-sleeve summer dresses, from Sleeper – the Ukranian brains behind those beautifully billow-y linen dresses – to Rixo, ASOS and & Other Stories.
Shirt dresses were sent down the SS26 catwalks at Stella McCartney and Fendi – and Arket’s simple, oversized shirt dress featured below nails the trend to perfection. Elsewhere, dresses at Ferragamo and Chloé were adorned with lace trims; if that’s your summer dress trend of choice and you have a wedding to attend, I’d point you in the direction of this asymmetric lace-trim dress from high-street hero Karen Millen. My favourite summer dress with sleeves of them all, though? Rixo’s Edina Embroidered Dress which – now back in stock following a swift sell-out – fits like a dream, is made from breezy cotton-voile and has both buttons and waist ties to enable you to adjust the fit. Shop it below.
