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Just a Reminder That Hailey Bieber Does Totally Mundane Beauty Rituals, Too

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Hailey Bieber lives an unimaginably glamorous life. Walking red carpets, running a hugely successful beauty brand, modeling said merchandise, being married to a pop star—it’s all fantasy-level stuff for most us. Hell, I can’t even imagine how exquisite her bathroom must be. But it turns out, while she’s in there, she’s doing a lot of the same boring beauty rituals as the rest of us.

Bieber makes getting ready and getting un-ready seem so cool, thanks to the sleek, stylish imagery that accompanies her Rhode products. But if you’re picturing the model-turned-entrepreneur splashing her face in slow motion without making a mess or gliding a balm across her lips in one perfectly glazing swoop, you’re probably right—but there’s more to it. And it’s not as elevated as all that.

Over the weekend, Bieber shared a carousel of recent photos on Instagram, and before getting into anything especially glam, she starts with a photo of herself leaning her face against her baby’s head. And that face has a familiar accessory: a pimple patch, right below her hairline.

Four slides later and we get another selfie with another pimple patch, this time on the especially relatable (at least for me, right this very second) chin area. (Hormonal breakouts, am I right?)

But that’s not the unglamorous only self-care ritual Bieber shares in this adorable photo dump. One more slide in, we see her faux-snoozing in a car with what appears to be a floss pick hanging out of her mouth.

While I don’t expect Rhode to launch floss picks any time soon, I can’t help but wonder if the cute hydrocolloid patches Bieber is proudly sporting could reflect a soft launch of a new skin-care product. And if I know Rhode, they’ll double as stickers for your Rhode Lip Case.


More celebrity beauty news:


Now, watch Alysa Liu get ready:

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5 Chair Exercises For Abs

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Most often, chairs are a tool for sedentary tasks, like working at a computer, eating dinner, or binging Netflix. But they can also be used to level up your core strength. Yes, really.

In fact, doing chair exercises for abs can be a surprisingly great and convenient way to show your core some love after you’ve just spent a bunch of time sitting.

The chair is also a smart exercise prop for folks who are new to exercise, since many common ab-igniting moves–like push-ups, planks, and mountain climbers–can be made less challenging by elevating your hands on the chair instead of the ground.

To boot, using a chair can provide tactile feedback that boosts overall core activation. Take the TA bracing drill, for instance: This is a simple yet effective core exercise that Becca Revier, CPT, a personal trainer and Pilates instructor at Life Time Lakeville in Minnesota, has clients do in a chair to hone their ability to fire up their transversus abdominis (TA), a deep core muscle that stabilizes the spine. The chair is a key part of the exercise, providing a tangible support for good form.

Chair ab exercises are also clutch for people who want to strengthen their midsection but can’t (or don’t want to) get on the ground to do so. That may include folks with mobility limitations as well as those whose floors have seen cleaner days. (No judgement.)

Basically, using a chair can make core exercises more accessible to more people, Revier tells SELF. In that spirit, we rounded up 5 awesome chair exercises you can do at home to fire up your abs. You can do these as one-offs in between Zoom meetings as a way to add more core-focused movement to your day, or string them together for a full-body circuit. Katie Pierson, CPT, a Montana-based personal trainer, suggests starting with three sets of 8 to 10 reps of each exercise. Increase that volume over time as you build your strength.

Last thing: However you approach these exercises, make sure to use a stable, stationary chair. Your rolling swivel chair is not the smart choice here. “You definitely want a chair that’s going to keep you where you need to be,” Pierson tells SELF.

Katie Thompson

Grow Good Beauty: How to Get That Cardi B Level Length and Shine

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Photo Credit: Ig@Growgoodbeauty

Inches Loading: Why We Are Trusting Grow Good Beauty With Our Crowns

If there is one thing we can all agree on, it is that Cardi B has never been a gatekeeper when it comes to the sauce. Over the years, we have watched her hair flourish and reach legendary lengths, and she has always been an open book about the DIY masks and routines she uses for herself and her babies. That is exactly why the hype for Grow Good Beauty is hitting different! Knowing that we are getting a line backed by that kind of proven results means we are more than ready to put our hair care in the hands of this brand. It is giving “trust the process” energy, and honestly, we have the receipts to show that this method really works.

The Ultimate Wash Day Reset

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Photo Credit: Ig@Growgoodbeauty

The upcoming lineup from Grow Good Beauty looks like it was designed to handle everything from a quick refresh to a deep therapy session for your strands. We are seeing the “Wash Cycle” and “Wash Cycle Plus” shampoos paired with the “Soft Serve” conditioners that look absolutely dreamy for every hair type. Whether you have thirsty curls that need that extra repair or you just want to maintain that sleek, glass like shine, these products are focusing on the foundation of healthy hair. It is all about that “Fiberlace” technology that works to strengthen your hair from the inside out so you can finally stop stressing about breakage.

Certified Length Goals

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Photo Credit: Ig@Growgoodbeauty

Can we talk about the “Booty Length Certified” energy for a second? Grow Good Beauty is making it very clear that they are here for the long haul, literally. The brand is leaning into that relatable, fun vibe that makes hair care feel less like a chore and more like a win. We love that they are bringing high performance products to the table that cater to the whole family, just like the inspiration behind it. If you are looking to take your hair from “just okay” to “unbelievable,” it is time to get your shelf ready because the Grow Good Beauty era is officially here.

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Photo Credit: Ig@Growgoodbeauty

How Frequently Should You Wash Your Workout Wear?

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I have a confession to make. I don’t always wash my workout clothes right away after exercising. If I’ve had a really sweaty session, they’ll go straight into the laundry—but otherwise I’ll rewear them at least once. Think about it: A hot girl walk on a crisp day or a quick 15 to 20 minutes on a Peloton bike that doesn’t result in much sweat shouldn’t mean I have to do more laundry this week.

That’s my “girl math” logic, but I had to find out from an expert if it’s actually safe for my skin. Is my “reuse” habit causing more harm than I realize? I spoke with a dermatologist about what we should all keep in mind when deciding whether to toss activewear in the laundry.

The real concern is sweat, bacteria, and acne

On its own, sweat is pretty harmless and odorless. But when it combines with the naturally occurring bacteria on your skin and is absorbed by fabric, that’s when things can start to smell and irritate. The problems arise when you keep your sweaty clothes on for hours after your workout.

“The longer the bacteria stays in contact with your skin, the higher chance it can become harmful,” Brianna Olamiju, MD, FAAD, a New York–based dermatologist, tells SELF.

“Usually, it can cause acne. I see a lot of patients who have breakouts on their chest or back, often people who work out frequently and maybe go to brunch afterwards or aren’t able to change or wash immediately.”

And unfortunately for me, Dr. Olamiju says that even if you remove your activewear then rewear it the next day, bacteria doesn’t just disappear. “Some of the bacteria from the prior workout can still linger,” she says. “It’s probably going to smell, but it can also still cause acne or irritation.”

It depends on your workout—and your activewear

Okay, my logic wasn’t totally off. Dr. Olamiju says not all workouts are created equal when it comes to sweat and skin risk. Just as I suspected, the sweatier workouts (like running, hot yoga, or spin class) are the ones that warrant a fresh set of clothing tomorrow.

“High-intensity cardio tends to cause the most sweat,” Dr. Olamiju says. “Those are at higher risk for acne. Lower intensity workouts, like Pilates, walking, or yoga, may be lower risk. Everyone sweats differently, so it’s on a spectrum.”

Value of Beauty Summit Urges EU Action to Protect Industry Competitiveness

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THE WHAT? The Value of Beauty CEO Forum convened in Brussels, with industry leaders calling on EU policymakers to take urgent action to safeguard the competitiveness of Europe’s beauty and personal care sector.

THE DETAILS Held for the third consecutive year, the summit brought together CEOs from across the beauty value chain, which contributes €180 billion to EU GDP, generates nearly €30 billion in exports and supports 3.2 million jobs. Industry leaders warned that rising energy costs, increasing regulatory complexity and fragmented policies are undermining Europe’s global leadership. They highlighted that up to 70% of R&D budgets are now being diverted to reformulation and compliance rather than innovation. Concerns were also raised around regulations such as the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, with calls for more proportionate, science-based implementation and greater regulatory clarity.

THE WHY? The industry is seeking more predictable, innovation-friendly regulatory conditions to remain globally competitive as other regions accelerate their own industrial strategies.

Source: Value of Beauty

Living Proof Style Refresh Mist Review – A Sneak Peek at the Brand New Launch

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

Priced at

Launches 27th March 2025

Living Proof Style Refresh Mist Review

I always get excited when I get the chance to try a brand new product before it officially launches, and today I have a little exclusive Living Proof Style Refresh Mist review ahead of the launch.

I have been testing it out for the last few weeks, and it’s one of those products that has quietly slipped into my routine and become something I reach for all the time. It hasn’t launched just yet, but it will be available very soon, so I thought this would be the perfect time to share my thoughts and show you exactly how I have been using it.

If you are someone who loves the look of a fresh blow dry but doesn’t always have the time (or energy!) to recreate it every couple of days, this is definitely a product to have on your radar.

The Wash Day Problem

Let’s talk about the reality of hair routines for a moment. If you are anything like me, wash day can feel like quite a bit of a commitment. Between washing, drying and styling, it can easily take an hour or more.

Dry shampoo has been the hero product for years when it comes to extending time between washes. It’s brilliant at refreshing the roots and absorbing oil, however, dry shampoo doesn’t really address the mid-lengths and ends. By day three or four, hair can start to look a bit frizzy and dry, and lose its shape. And that’s exactly the gap the Living Proof Style Refresh Mist is designed to fill.

Living Proof have always positioned themselves as experts when it comes to in-between wash solutions, and this new product takes that idea a step further by helping revive the whole style, not just the roots.

What is the Living Proof Style Refresh Mist?

What is Living Proof Style Refresh Mist?
What is Living Proof Style Refresh Mist?

The Living Proof Style Refresh Mist is a brand new styling product designed to revive and reshape hair between wash days.

At the heart of the formula is the Style Refresh Complex, which combines amino acids and polypeptides to help reset the hair’s hydrogen bondsallowing the hair to be reshaped and refreshed without needing to fully wash and restyle.

It’s designed to bring hair back to life quickly, helping you refresh your style in minutes rather than starting from scratch.

Key Benefits

  • Reshapes, refreshes and redefines hair
  • Smooths frizz and flyaways
  • Adds “just washed” softness and shine
  • Neutralises odour and keeps hair smelling fresh
  • Provides lightweight hydration
  • Heat protection up to 232°C for quick styling touch-ups

Formula Highlights

The formula is:

  • Silicone-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • PETA-certified cruelty-free
  • Safe for colour-treated and keratin-treated hair

How to Refresh Hair Without Washing

If you are trying to extend the life of your hairstyle, refreshing your hair without washing can make a huge difference. The key is to tackle both the roots and the lengths rather than relying on dry shampoo alone.

Using a product like the Living Proof Style Refresh Mist through the mid-lengths and ends helps revive the shape of your style, smooth frizz and bring back that freshly styled feel without needing to fully wash and blow dry your hair again.

When paired with a good dry shampoo at the roots, it becomes a really quick and easy way to stretch your blow dry for several extra days.

The Power Duo Routine: How I’ve Been Using It

One of the easiest ways to use the Style Refresh Mist is as part of a simple two-step refresh routine.

Step 1: Dry Shampoo at the Roots

Start with Living Proof Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo, focusing on the roots to remove oil, sweat and any build-up.

Step 2: Style Refresh Mist Through Lengths

Spray the Style Refresh Mist through the mid-lengths and ends to revive the style and smooth out dents or creases.

The two products work beautifully together because they tackle different areas of the hair.

If I want a bit more shape, I might quickly go over a few sections with my Dyson Airwrap, but the whole process takes less than ten minutes, which is amazing compared to a full restyle. You could also allow the mist to dry, and quickly tong a few sections

It’s perfect for those mornings where your hair isn’t looking its best but you really don’t have the time to wash and start again.

Living Proof report that 100% of consumers agree this duo helps extend styles between wash days.

Living Proof Style Refresh Mist Review

Living Proof Style Refresh Mist Review
Living Proof Style Refresh Mist Review

After using the Living Proof Style Refresh Mist for several weeks, I can honestly say it’s one of those products that I didn’t realise I needed until I started using it.

The first thing I noticed was how lightweight the formula is. It doesn’t feel sticky or heavy at all. Instead it leaves the hair feeling soft, smooth and refreshed.

Removing Hair Creases

One of my favourite ways to use it is for removing hair tie dents. If I’ve had my hair up in a bun or ponytail, I just mist a little through the lengths and brush through and the crease disappears.

Frizz Control

By day three or four my hair often starts to look more coarse and dry through the mid-lengths. The Style Refresh Mist smooths everything down and helps bring the style back together again so the whole look feels more polished. It smooths the hair without making it heavy or greasy, and it adds just enough softness and movement to make hair feel styled again rather than just “surviving” another day before washing.

Freshening the Hair

Another thing I really like is the way it neutralises any odours that can happen a few days post-wash. It freshens everything up and makes the hair feel hydrated and soft.

I just really like how versatile it is. It’s great for refreshing a blow dry, smoothing out those annoying hair bobble creases and for tidying everything up when my hair starts looking a bit messy.

Overall, the Living Proof Style Refresh Mist has become one of those quick styling shortcuts that makes it much easier to extend a blow dry without needing to fully wash and restyle your hair.

Before & After Results – Photos

I have been testing the Living Proof Style Refresh Mist mainly on day three and day four hair, which is usually when my blow dry starts to lose its shape.

Before using it, my hair tends to look a little flat at the roots and slightly messy through the mid-lengths and ends. Even when I use dry shampoo, the lengths can still feel a bit tired.

After using the Style Refresh Mist through the mid-lengths and ends, my hair instantly looks more polished again. It smooths everything out and brings the style back to life without making the hair feel heavy or sticky.

If I run a round brush through a few sections after applying it, it genuinely looks like I’ve spent much longer styling my hair than I actually have. It’s a really easy way to refresh your style in under ten minutes instead of starting from scratch again.

In the before and after photos below, this was actually done on day 6 or 7!! And the Style Refresh Mist still managed to get my hair looking good!

Before: Living Proof Style Refresh Mist
Before: Living Proof Style Refresh Mist
After: Living Proof Style Refresh Mist
After: Living Proof Style Refresh Mist

Who is Living Proof Style Refresh Mist Best For?

It’s particularly great for:

  • Anyone who wants their blow dry to last longer
  • Hair that gets frizzy through the mid-lengths and ends
  • Wavy hair types that can lose shape after a few days
  • Refreshing hair quickly on busy mornings
  • Fixing bobble or bun creases

I think this product will work for quite a wide range of hair types, especially if you like to stretch your blow dries between washes.

Because it’s lightweight and versatile, it doesn’t feel like a heavy styling product. Instead, it just helps your hair look more polished and refreshed again.

Final Thoughts

The best way I can describe the Living Proof Style Refresh Mist is that it fills the gap that dry shampoo alone can’t quite solve.

Dry shampoo refreshes the roots, but the lengths often need extra help to look polished again. This mist brings everything back together so your hair looks styled again rather than just surviving another day before washing.

The Blow Dry Extending Trio

If you want to really maximise the life of your style, I think the dream combination is:

• Living Proof Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo
• Living Proof Style Refresh Mist
• Living Proof Flex Hairspray

The Flex Hairspray is another favourite of mine because it gives hold without making the hair stiff or overly matte. It also has heat protection and leaves hair looking healthy and touchable, which I really love.

Living Proof Style Refresh Mist Launch Date & Exclusive Offer

The Living Proof Style Refresh Mist launches on 27th Marchbut I wanted to give you this early look because I think it’s a product a lot of people are going to find really useful once they discover it.

Even better, Living Proof are running a Friends & Family event with 30% offwhich is actually the biggest discount they offer all year (it usually only comes around again at Black Friday).

So if you’ve been wanting to try anything from the brand, or stock up on favourites like the Dry Shampoo or Flex Hairspray, it’s a great opportunity. Plus, my code – REE30 – exclusively includes the brand new Living Proof Style Refresh Mist.

You can find all the details of the offer here:

Offers

Living Proof Discount Code March 2026 – 30% Off Friends & Family Sale

Get 30% off Living Proof with this exclusive discount code – includes the new Style Refresh Mist.

My Top Living Proof Picks

What to buy in the Living Proof Friends & Family Sale - My Top Picks
What to buy in the Living Proof Friends & Family Sale – My Top Picks

Living Proof Style Refresh Mist FAQ

When does Living Proof Style Refresh Mist launch?

The Living Proof Style Refresh Mist launches on 27th March.

What does Living Proof Style Refresh Mist do?

It refreshes and revives hair between washes, helping extend the life of your blow dry by smoothing and softening the mid-lengths and ends.

How do you use Living Proof Style Refresh Mist?

Spray lightly through the mid-lengths and ends of dry hair, brush through and restyle if needed. It works particularly well when paired with Living Proof Dry Shampoo at the roots.

Where to buy it

Living Proof Style Refresh Mist is £27 and it launches on 27th March. Buy it via the link below:

Big Mama’s New Blessing: The Latto Pregnancy Announcement We All Needed

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Photo Credit: D’USSÉ

A New Addition for Big Mama: Latto Pregnancy Announcement Breaks the Internet

The rumors have finally been laid to rest and we are absolutely screaming for our favorite girl! The Latto pregnancy announcement officially set social media on fire after weeks of fans playing detective with her outfits and stage moves. It all started with a teaser video that had everyone squinting at their screens, featuring some very specific lyrics that basically told us exactly what was up. We have watched her dominate the charts and own every stage she touches, but seeing her step into this soft and glowing era is truly the highlight of our week.

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Photo Credit: IG@Officialbck

If there is one thing she knows how to do, it is build up the suspense before dropping a bombshell. Before the clock even struck twelve, that teaser reel had the whole world talking about the Latto pregnancy announcement and what it meant for her next chapter. She really kept us on our toes until the stroke of midnight when she finally shared the beautiful photos that confirmed the news once and for all. It is so refreshing to see her sharing this intimate moment with her fans after keeping things so low-key for so long. We are living for the way she is embracing this journey with so much style and grace.

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Photo Credit: IG @Latto

Big Mama is Moving into Her Mommy Era

We already know that she handles everything with that signature “Big Mama” energy, so we have no doubt that she is going to be the most stylish mom in the game. This Latto pregnancy announcement is more than just celebrity news; it feels like a celebration of a woman who has worked her tail off and is now being blessed with a beautiful new beginning. Whether she is rocking custom maternity fits or giving us those relatable “expecting” moments on her stories, we are strapped in and ready for all the updates. Congratulations to the queen on her growing family!

5 Steps to Unshakable Calm – 100% PURE

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Resilient skin isn’t a lucky genetic trait. It’s the result of intelligent design.

For those with sensitive skin, skincare can often feel like a gamble. One new product promises calm but delivers irritation. Another claims hydration yet leaves your skin feeling tight and reactive.

Over time, this uncertainty creates a cycle where the skin remains in a constant state of defensiveness—redness flares easily, dryness appears suddenly, and tolerance for active ingredients becomes lower and lower.

But sensitivity is not weakness. In reality, sensitive skin is “Wise Skin.”

Wise Skin is simply skin that communicates clearly. It tells you when the barrier is compromised, when inflammation is rising, and when it needs specific nutrients to restore its equilibrium.

At Purity Parkskincare is formulated with this intelligence in mind. Instead of overwhelming reactive skin with aggressive treatments, the focus is on architectural barrier repair—a carefully designed sequence of products that rebuild skin strength layer by layer.

This five-step system acts as a strategic barrier repair kitmoving your skin from what we call Frequency B—the reactive, easily irritated state—to Frequency Awhere the barrier is calm, resilient, and capable of handling the world again.

Each step prepares the skin for the next, creating a cumulative effect that restores both comfort and long-term tolerance.

Step 1 & 2: Preparing the Wise Canvas

Before skin can repair itself, it must first be prepared properly. Think of these first two steps as creating the ideal canvas where nutrients can be absorbed and irritation minimized.

Step 1: The Hydrating Cleanse

Calendula Flower Cleansing Milk

Traditional cleansers often focus on one goal: removing dirt and oil as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, many formulas achieve this by stripping away the skin’s natural lipids—the very molecules responsible for maintaining barrier integrity.

For sensitive skin, this is where the cycle of irritation often begins.

Calendula Flower Cleansing Milkapproaches cleansing differently through what we call the Hydrating Cleanse mechanism.

Instead of aggressive surfactants, this formula gently lifts impurities from the skin while preserving the protective lipid layer. Calendula extract plays a key role here. Known for its calming botanical compounds, calendula helps reduce visible redness while soothing micro-inflammation triggered by environmental stress.

The result is a cleanser that performs two essential functions simultaneously:

• Removing pollutants and debris
• Protecting the moisture barrier

After cleansing, the skin should feel soft, hydrated, and calm—not tight or squeaky clean.

For Wise Skin, this gentle beginning is essential. It signals safety to the barrier rather than triggering defensive inflammation.

Step 2: Gentle Refinement

Matcha Oat Face Scrub

Once the skin is clean, the next step is refinement.

Dead skin cells accumulate naturally on the surface of the skin. While this process is normal, excess buildup can block the penetration of nourishing ingredients. For sensitive skin, harsh exfoliation often causes more damage than benefit—but avoiding exfoliation entirely can prevent barrier-repair ingredients from reaching where they’re needed most.

The solution is gentle refinement.

TheMatcha Oat Face Scrubuses finely milled oat particles to softly buff away surface debris without scratching or irritating the skin. Oats are well known for their calming properties, making them ideal for reactive skin types.

Matcha adds another layer of protection. Rich in antioxidants, matcha helps neutralize free radicals created by pollution, UV exposure, and daily environmental stressors.

Together, these ingredients create a balanced exfoliation experience that:

• Smooths texture
• Enhances ingredient absorption
• Protects sensitive skin from oxidative stress

Instead of leaving skin inflamed, this step leaves the complexion fresh, calm, and receptive to the restorative treatment that follows.

Step 3: The Restorative Reset

Matcha Oat Milk Nourishing Mask

This is the heart of the ritual.

When skin becomes reactive, the barrier structure—the microscopic network of lipids, proteins, and moisture molecules—develops gaps. These gaps allow water to escape and irritants to penetrate, which is why sensitive skin often feels both dry and inflamed at the same time.

TheMatcha Oat Milk Nourishing Maskacts as a restorative reset for this compromised barrier.

Two key ingredients work together to create what can best be described as a fortress of moisture.

Colloidal oatmealis renowned for its ability to calm irritated skin almost immediately. It forms a protective layer that reduces transepidermal water loss while soothing inflammation.

Rice ceramidesmeanwhile, replicate the natural lipids found in healthy skin barriers. Ceramides function like mortar between the skin’s protective “brick” cells, sealing moisture inside while keeping irritants out.

When combined with matcha’s antioxidant protection, this mask delivers a triple benefit:

• Immediate calming relief
• Deep hydration
• Structural barrier repair

Within minutes, the skin begins to feel softer, cooler, and visibly less reactive.

For Wise Skin, this step is not optional—it is the central restoration phasethat rebuilds resilience from the inside out.

Step 4 & 5: The Protective Spine

Once the barrier has been nourished and soothed, the final two steps create the protective structure that locks in this repair.

These steps provide lipids and peptides that reinforce the skin’s natural defense system.

Step 4: Nature-Identical Lipids

Intensive Nourishing Facial Oil

Sensitive skin often lacks sufficient lipid content. Without these essential fatty acids, the barrier becomes porous, allowing hydration to escape and irritants to penetrate.

TheIntensive Nourishing Facial Oilreplenishes these missing lipids using plant-derived oils that closely resemble the skin’s own protective molecules.

Rather than sitting heavily on the surface, these oils integrate into the barrier, reinforcing its structure and sealing in hydration from the previous steps.

Importantly, this oil is formulated to be clarifying and non-cloggingmaking it suitable even for acne-prone sensitive skin.

The benefits include:

• Strengthening the lipid barrier
• Preventing moisture loss
• Supporting balanced, calm skin function

Think of this step as reinforcing the structural beamsof your skin’s barrier architecture.

Step 5: Science-Backed Purity

Seaberry Moisturizer

The final step completes the ritual with both hydration and protective repair.

TheSeaberry Moisturizercombines peptides with nutrient-rich sea buckthorn oil (also known as seaberry), an ingredient celebrated for its exceptional concentration of vitamins and essential fatty acids.

Peptides support the skin’s natural repair processes by signaling cells to produce stronger structural proteins. Over time, this helps skin behave more like youthful, resilient skin.

Sea buckthorn provides a rich blend of vitamins A, C, and E, helping protect the barrier from oxidative stress while deeply nourishing the skin.

Together, these ingredients help skin:

• Maintain hydration longer
• Improve visible resilience
• Strengthen its natural defense system

This final layer acts as the protective shieldensuring that the repair work from the previous steps remains locked in place.

Conclusion: Calm Skin Is Built Through Consistency

True resilience does not appear overnight.

It is built through consistent care, intelligent ingredients, and a routine designed to work as a cohesive system.

By following this five-step Sensitive-Skin Strength Ritual, you are not simply calming redness temporarily. You are actively rebuilding your skin’s protective barrier—strengthening it day after day until it becomes naturally more tolerant, balanced, and calm.

With time and consistency, Wise Skin becomes Strong Skin.

And when the barrier is strong, calmness becomes your skin’s new default state.

FAQ

Can I skip steps if my skin feels okay?

While individual steps may still provide benefits, this ritual was designed as a complete system. Each product prepares the skin for the next, allowing nutrients to penetrate deeper and repair the barrier more effectively. Skipping steps can reduce the cumulative strengthening effect that makes the routine so powerful.

How long before I see a change in my skin’s reactivity?

Many people notice calming effects within the first few applications, especially from the Matcha Oat Milk Nourishing Mask. However, full barrier repair typically takes time. With consistent use, most users see significant improvements in sensitivity within 60 daysaligning with the brand’s Happy Promise window for visible skin transformation.

Is this ritual safe for acne-prone sensitive skin?

Yes. Sensitive skin and acne-prone skin often overlap, and this routine is designed to support both conditions. The Intensive Nourishing Facial Oilis formulated with non-clogging plant oils that help balance the skin rather than congest it. By strengthening the barrier and calming inflammation, the ritual can actually help reduce the triggers that often contribute to breakouts.

When Dermatologists Say You Should Start Using a Retinoid

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Retinoid products are widely considered the gold standard for addressing both signs of aging and acne. While they’re more widely used than ever, there’s still some confusion around retinoids, including which type to use and when to start. We asked top dermatologists what age and skin concerns signal it might be time to add a retinoid to your routine.

Featured Experts

When to start using a retinoid

While everyone’s skin is different, experts generally recommend beginning retinol use in your 20s. “Late 20s is the perfect time to start!” says Houston dermatologist Jennifer Segal, MD. Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill notes that the mid-to-late 20s is when collagen production begins to decline, making it a great time to add a retinoid to your routine.

“Retinol is one of the most effective topical ingredients we know of when it comes to anti-aging,” says New York dermatologist Jody A. Levine, MD. “I typically recommend starting before those changes become more noticeable. While we can’t prevent signs of aging entirely, introducing retinol early can help slow the development of fine lines and wrinkles and make them easier to manage down the line. I find that the best age to start is typically around 25 to 30, depending on a patient’s individual skin needs and concerns.”

However, there are exceptions, including starting a retinoid earlier. Levine notes that some people begin using a retinoid much earlier than their 20s, particularly for acne. Many teenagers are prescribed a retinoid and continue using it later for its anti-aging benefits.

Others may not use one at all, as retinol isn’t appropriate for everyone. “For those patients we have peptide creams and other wonderful products,” she says. Speak with your dermatologist before starting a retinoid.

Skin concerns that signal it’s time to start a retinoid

“Early signs of aging, such as fine lines, uneven texture, acne or pigmentation, are good indicators,” says Dr. Longwill. “Retinol works by speeding up cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, so there are a number of skin concerns that can benefit from using it,” adds Dr. Levine, who notes that dullness and sun damage are also common signs that skin may benefit from a retinoid.

When to go to the doctor for a retinol prescription vs. buy it over the counter

While there are plenty of effective over-the-counter options, some patients may benefit from a prescription formula. “Retinoid is an umbrella term that refers to a family of ingredients used to treat and prevent skin concerns such as fine lines, dullness and acne,” explains Dr. Levine. “Within this umbrella, there are prescription retinoids like tretinoin and tazarotene, and options available over the counter, such as adapalene (prescription strength but now available OTC) and weaker alternatives such as retinaldehyde and other retinols. Deborah Longwill, MD, recommends a prescription retinoid for persistent acne, significant sun damage or more aggressive anti-aging results. Prescription retinoids can be up to 20 times more powerful than OTC—and will give better results when used properly.”

Dr. Longwill recommends considering a prescription retinol if you have persistent acne, significant sun damage or want more aggressive anti-aging results.

It’s important to note that retinoids can be irritating, especially for beginners or those with sensitive or dry skin, Dr. Levine says. “If someone is just starting with retinoids and is interested in treating mild to moderate acne or preventing signs of aging, I would recommend a low dose of a prescription retinoid or a gentle over-the-counter option to allow their skin to adjust,” she says. “If a patient has stubborn acne, deeper wrinkles, or has not been seeing results with OTC products, I would recommend a prescription retinoid with dermatologist guidance.”

Tips for beginners

“I typically recommend starting with a low-concentration, gentle formula and using it on a spaced-out schedule to allow the skin to adjust, followed by a moisturizer,” says Dr. Levine. Dr. Longwill agrees, noting that starting with a low-strength formula—around 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent—is best, with gradual increases as tolerated.

Jennifer Segal, MD, tends to favor gentler retinoid formulas over traditional retinols, such as Differin 0.1 Adapalene Gel ($15) and Avene Retrinal Intensive Multi-Corrective Cream ($68). Dr. Levine adds that the right formula ultimately depends on a patient’s skin type and concerns, so it’s best to consult with a dermatologist.

How Azzi Fudd Became Basketball’s Princess

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You can see the confidence. A season after winning the NCAA Championship and being named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, the guard is averaging career highs in virtually every statistical category. Off the court, her more than 1 million social media followers are captivated by her megawatt smile and breezy personality. The combination of her chronic TikTok presence and near-perfect gameplay fueled her rapid rise in popularity.

It was easy to notice when I attended last December’s matchup against the USC Trojans in Los Angeles. Thousands turned out to cheer for UConn, a school almost 3,000 miles away. Fans sporting jerseys with Fudd’s number, 35, flooded the sold-out arena. Young girls dotted the tunnel in hopes of a photo, a glimpse, or a high-five from Fudd. When the guard’s name was announced during the starting lineups, she received the loudest roar. Even the USC usher for section 119, where I sat amongst screeching UConn fans, couldn’t contain her glee when Fudd swished a three-pointer. She clapped and yelled, “Let’s go, Azzi!”.

After the game, a screaming crowd—some even matching Fudd’s signature two-cornrow gameday hairstyle—clung to bedazzled posters and waited anxiously by the UConn team bus. I mean, she is, after all, the People’s Princess (a nickname started by close friend and former teammate Paige Bueckers because the coach rarely yelled at Fudd). Now you can buy Fudd’s merch with the slogan emblazoned on it.

“It’s just surreal to think I really am living out my dreams,” she says. “And it’s all because of a sport. It’s all because I like to put a ball in a basket.”

“Her experience has been very different from mine,” Azzi’s mom, Katie Fudd, tells me. Katie played college basketball at NC State and Georgetown and was later drafted into the WNBA, but back then, schools cared only about their big-ticket men’s programs, she says. But she was so passionate about the women’s game that she named her daughter after her favorite player, ’90s Olympic legend Jennifer Azzi. “Wherever [Fudd] went, we wanted the women’s program to matter to the community, to the school, to the athletic department. And it really does here.”

Pipenco jacket and skirt. Stylist’s own tights. Louboutin shoes.