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Hormonal Acne Skincare Routine | Kate Sommerville – Kate Somerville US

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Hormonal Acne Skincare Routine | Kate Sommerville – Kate Somerville US

Understanding Hormonal Acne and Its Challenges

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.

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Sephora products that are worth the purchase

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Sephora products that are worth the purchase

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.

Let’s Talk Compost: From Food Scraps to Feel-Good Soil

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Let’s Talk Compost: From Food Scraps to Feel-Good Soil

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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:

  • Compost Revolution (AUS) – free bins, education & guides
  • ShareWaste – connect with people nearby who compost
  • Your local council – search “FOGO bin + [your council name] for updates

10 Beauty Tips for People In Their 20s – Besame Cosmetics

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10 Beauty Tips for People In Their 20s – Besame Cosmetics

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.

Young woman wearing red lipstick

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.

Woman in her 20s smiling

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.

Manicured hands with red nail polish

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.

Young woman smiling wearing Bésame's Cream Rouge

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.

Young woman wearing Bésame's Magic Pink lipstick

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.

Strep Throat – It’s not just a regular sore throat

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Strep Throat – It’s not just a regular sore throat

It’s Not Just A Regular Sore Throat

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 in curing 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.

5 Easy Holiday Hairstyles For Every Occasion

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5 Easy Holiday Hairstyles For Every Occasion

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:

  1. After washing, towel-dry your hair gently. No rough rubbing (we’re protecting that cuticle!).
  2. Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or air-dry cream to tame frizz and define natural movement.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. Start with clean, dry hair and attach your Sitting Pretty Halo for an instant fullness upgrade.
  2. Spritz a heat protectant all over your hair.
  3. Once dry, wrap 1-inch sections of hair around a curling wand, alternating directions for a relaxed, modern wave.
  4. Once all pieces are curled, let them cool completely before gently brushing through with a paddle brush or wide-tooth comb.
  5. 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:

  1. Tie your hair into a high ponytail.
  2. Wrap The Halo around the elastic and secure it with bobby pins that look similar to your natural hair color.
  3. Gently tease the ponytail and add a few loose waves for extra body.
  4. 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:

  1. Start with clean, dry hair. Wear The Halo for instant, even fullness then spritz on some heat protectant.
  2. Using a wide-barrel curling iron, curl large sections of hair in the same direction.
  3. Let the curls cool completely, then gently brush through with a soft bristle brush to reveal those glossy, uniform waves.
  4. 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:

  1. Begin by brushing through your hair to remove tangles and slipping on your Halo.
  2. Gather your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic.
  3. A few inches below the first elastic, add another. Gently pull at the section in between to create a rounded “bubble” shape.
  4. Continue this pattern down the ponytail until you reach the ends.
  5. 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.

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See more Halo hair inspo here:

Sustainable Fashion for Personal Style

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Sustainable Fashion for Personal Style

Introduction

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

  1. Upcycling: Transforming old clothing into new, stylish pieces.
  2. Downcycling: Converting textiles into products of lower value, like cleaning rags.
  3. Recycling: Breaking down fabrics into fibres to create new textiles.
  4. Resale and Donation: Selling or donating used clothing to extend its lifecycle.

Benefits of Fashion Recycling

  1. Environmental Impact: Reduces landfill waste and conserves resources.
  2. Economic Benefits: Supports a circular economy and creates jobs.
  3. 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

  1. Expert Advice: Receive tailored recommendations from experienced stylists.
  2. Wardrobe Revamp: Learn how to refresh your wardrobe with sustainable pieces.
  3. 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, including online styling services and personal 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 our STYLED 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. From plus size fashion in Melbourne to online 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.

The Art of Fine Diameter Lashes — EBLLashes

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The Art of Fine Diameter Lashes — EBLLashes

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the endless array of lash diameters, curls, and lengths in your kit, you’re not alone. The secret to creating versatile, high-impact lash sets isn’t owning every product on the market, it’s mastering your technique.

Award-winning lash artist and educator Denys (@denydiva) has built a global career around one core philosophy: “Niche down your inventory — not your creativity.”

By focusing on one fine diameter, you can craft limitless lash designs, from soft, wispy looks to dramatic mega volume sets. In this guide, we’ll break down Denys’ expert approach to styling, mapping, layering, fan control, and specialty techniques so you can elevate every set with confidence and skill.

Why Fine Diameter Lashes Are a Game Changer

Fine diameter lashes allow lash artists to:

  • Create mega volume without damaging natural lashes

  • Control fan size and texture for a tailored look

  • Achieve versatile styles with a simplified inventory

By mastering fine diameters, you can focus on your artistry instead of juggling dozens of different products.

Eye Styling & Mapping: Foundation of Every Set

Even the most technically perfect set can fall flat without proper styling. Mapping helps enhance or correct your client’s natural eye shape. Always use at least five different lengths to build a natural and flattering lash shape rather than a straight line.

Recommended styles by eye shape:

  • Round eyes: Cat or Kitten eye

  • Small eyes: Doll or Round style

  • Almond eyes: Versatile; most styles work

  • Upturned eyes: Cat eye for lift

  • Downturned eyes: Avoid long outer corners

  • Close-set eyes: Use elongating styles

  • Wide-set eyes: Avoid elongating styles

  • Deep-set eyes: Longer lengths + relaxed curls

  • Protruding eyes: Shorter lengths + stronger curls

Proper mapping ensures your sets complement each client’s natural beauty, making your artistry stand out.

Layering: The Secret Weapon for Customization

Lashes naturally grow in layers, top, mid, and bottom. How you place lengths determines the topline effect of your set:

Wispy Topline:

  • Longest lengths on the top layer, decreasing by 1mm per lower layer

  • Creates airy, soft movement

Blackout / Full Topline:

Layering allows you to customize texture and depthgiving each set a professional finish. Try our PRO TAPE for easy layering!

Mega Fans & Fiber Control: Perfecting Volume

Fine diameter lashes let you create big volume, but fan control is key.

Fan Width Matters:

Rule of thumb:

Controlling fan width ensures your sets look full without weighing down the natural lashes.

Spike Techniques for Texture & Drama

Spikes are the finishing touch that gives sets intentional texture. Denys breaks down four main spike techniques:

1. Wet / Mascara Look

  • Closed fans/spikes for a polished effect

  • 2–3D = natural texture

  • 4–5D = bold, dramatic style

  • Random staggered lengths for dimension

2. Anime Chunks

  • Thin spikes grouped to appear thicker

  • Stacked on all layers for a striking, bold look

3. Structured Wispy

  • Spikes only on the top layer

  • Fans 3mm shorter than spikes for soft definition

4. Textured Wispy

5. Mega Volume

  • Choose fan width based on lash density
  • Apply spikes first for intentional texture
  • Layer shorter fans below for depth

With this strategy, even a single diameter can produce countless lash stylesfrom natural elegance to bold, attention grabbing sets.

Takeaway: Master Technique, Not Inventory

Limiting your kit to one fine diameter doesn’t limit your creativity—it amplifies it. By mastering mapping, layering, fan control, and spike techniquesyou can create bespoke sets for every client, every time.

Remember Denys’ mantra:

“Niche down your inventory — not your creativity.”

Start focusing on skill over stock, and watch your artistry and your business grow.

—-> SHOP FINE DIAMETERS <-----

Four Working From Home Uniforms from Sezane

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Four Working From Home Uniforms from Sezane

Cosy put chic pairings to make you feel ready for the day…

This post contains ad affiliate links (denoted by a ‘*’) & gifted items (denoted by ‘ad – gifted). You can read my full disclaimer here.

*This post contains a collaboration with Sezane & gifted products

It’s been well over 10 years now since I worked in an office, so if there’s one thing I know in this world – it’s the do’s and don’t’s of working from home. Daytime TV?! Major no no, been there, done that (not done the work!!). But getting ready for the day in an outfit you feel great in?! 10/10 would recommend. So today I’ve trawled through the new-in section of Sesame seeds* to bring you four outfit formulas to try if you’re based from home this week; from the set that feels like it’s basically pyjamas, to some wide leg denim that I’d really, really recommend…

OUTFIT ONE: The Knitted Vest

This is one that I’ve really been enjoying recently, essentially using a knitted vest – like this Samuel Jumper* – as a layering piece (instead of just wearing it on it’s own during the warmer months). If you’ve cranked up the heating then the Conrad T-Shirt* will work underneath, or just wear your favourite jumper as a base. The Wide Leg Trousers* are a really great piece of denim – slouchy enough to be WFH appropriate, but an item you’ll wear all week long (like the sizing advice online I’d opt for your normal size for an oversized fit, or a size down if you prefer it tighter on the waist – I’m wearing a 12). Throw on some ballerinas* incase you need to pop out, and a bold earring* and you’re good to go.

SHOP THE OUTFIT


OUTFIT TWO: The Comfies

There is no better feeling than working from home in what is essentially pyjamas. Now I’m not talking the type you sleep in. I’m talking about the kind that are too fancy to sleep in – these are your daytime pyjamas. The ones you slip into when you’re fresh out the shower in the morning. My advice would be to try and find a set that works well with your everyday wardrobe, so you can break them up and wear them separately out and about and look for natural fibres for ultimate cosiness and comfort. The Maxence Jumper* and Lazare Trousers* are both 100% merino wool and tick all the boxes. Wear them with a clog like this* and you’re well on your way to a productive laptop day.

SHOP THE OUTFIT


OUTFIT THREE: The Classics

If you still want that ‘officewear’ feel, but just with a few tweaks to make it more practical for WFH, then here’s a formula to give a go. An oversized shirt is comfy, whether you’re in a meeting room or sat up to your kitchen table – and the Tomboy Shirt* is a classic for a reason (I like to size up for a more billowy look). Try it with the Ciara Trouser*, which is almost a legging/trouser hybrid – has the shape of a crop flare but the feel of leggings. Throw a cardi* over the top if you’re feeling a bit chilly, a loafer* and a nice earring* and you’ll be feeling polished.

SHOP THE OUTFIT


OUTFIT FOUR: The Essentials

When I saw this Andie Cardigan* I was thought ‘I HAVE to include that!’. How gorgeous is it?! Heavyweight and just one of those pieces that you just want to snuggle down in. Grab your laptop – we’re heading to the sofa! Why not pair it with essentials that you already have in your wardrobe? Pop a vest top* underneath and wear it with your favourite wide leg trousers*, add as simple hoop* and fun flat* for a bit of pattern – just all those things in your wardrobe that you just LOVE to wear.

SHOP THE OUTFIT


Photos by Mark Newton

5 Signs Your Partner Is a ‘Mama’s Boy,’ According to Relationship Experts

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5 Signs Your Partner Is a ‘Mama’s Boy,’ According to Relationship Experts

Call it a cautionary tale of modern dating: The “mama’s boy” is an archetype we are warned to avoid. But is that for good reason?

Of course, being close to a parent isn’t inherently a problem, Rachel Sussman, LCSW, a New York City–based therapist and the author of The Breakup Bible: The Smart Woman’s Guide to Healing from a Breakup or Divorce, tells SELF. In fact, “a lot of guys text or talk to their parents every day. That alone isn’t a red flag.” The “mama’s boy,” culturally speaking, is distinct: not just a loving, doting son, but an emotionally stunted man whose bond with his mother seeps into every corner of his life, turning what should be an intimate partnership into a three-person affair.

Here are the biggest warning signs of a mama’s boy to look out for—and what to do if your partner is one.

1. He constantly compares you to his mom.

You cook dinner, and he points out how she does it differently. You mention wanting to quit your job to pursue another dream—starting a business, writing a book—and he reminds you that his mom “doesn’t believe in taking risks without a solid plan.”

At first, these throwaway references might seem relatively harmless, but as Sussman points out, they can subtly reveal who’s really at the center of his world—and who you’ll inevitably be measured up against every single time.

2. He turns to her for comfort instead of you.

Whether it’s a work-related setback, friend group drama, or just a bad mental health day, he doesn’t vent to you about what’s on his mind: He goes straight to his mom.

For the record, being able to communicate openly and vulnerably with your family is a good thing, Dana McNeil, PsyD, LMFT, couples therapist and founder of The Relationship Place in San Diego, tells SELF. But building real intimacy and closeness in a romantic relationship involves learning to lean on each other during these tough times. “That’s how couples build trust, security, and resilience,” Dr. McNeil says. Otherwise, you’re stuck in an odd dynamic where his mother is taking on the emotional duties that should belong to a partner, leaving you feeling like a third wheel instead of an equal.

3. He shares every private detail of your relationship with her.

It’s one thing to ask your parents for advice. But it’s another when someone airs every personal detail—about the tiniest points of tension, money matters you prefer to keep confidential, even intimacy issues that should remain in the bedroom.

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