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Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette Review

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Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette Swatches and Review

Hello beautiful people! Today I’m sharing my Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette review with you. If you’ve been around my blog and socials the past three years, it’s been no secret that I’ve fallen head over heels in love with the Bellabeautebar eyeshadow formula. From the mattes that blend out and build up easily to the impactful multichromes and shimmers, I’m smitten with BBB. Use my affiliate code CORDELIA to save at Bellabeautebar!

Where to Buy
Bellabeautebar, Monolith EU

Price
$72 USD / €79,50

How it Started

Picture it, March 2024, I finally take the plunge and order the Basic Witch Palette from the new to me brand, Bellabeautebar. Then my mind is blown over the fantastic formula and I’m hooked. Everything is cruelty free and most products are vegan. And of course, they are Leaping Bunny certified!

My Bellabeautebar Collection

While I used to ascribe to the Pokemon, gotta catch ’em all, mindset with makeup, I realize it was deeply damaging. So while I am obsessed with and love the Bellabeautebar eyeshadow formula, I don’t need to buy every single eyeshadow palette that they make, despite them all being gorgeous.

Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette Review

Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette ReviewBellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette Review

About the Dead Roses Palette

I was so excited when I saw the Dead Roses Palette, but it was originally out of stock. I waited close to a year to get my hands on it, which definitely built up my anticipation for it. Yet it did not disappoint! I desperately wanted this for all the pink and purple hues!

The inspiration for this palette is the life cycle of a rose as compared to the life cycle of a relationship. From its inception when it blooms to its end in death. BBB states that the top half of this palette is blooming and vibrant, while the bottom half is the dying and dead vibes. It contains 7 multichromes, 2 duochromes, and 7 adored mattes.

While this is a paraben free formula, this is not a talc free formula, as some of the shades contain it. Dead Roses Palette is a cruelty free and vegan eyeshadow formula.

The ingredients are eye safe as per EU laws, but are not recommended as eye safe per USA FDA laws. I trust the EU on this one since they’re not severely underfunded like the USA.

The nomenclature for the Dead Roses Palette is so cute! It’s all relationship related:

  • U Wish – Friend Zone – Meh – Stupid Cupid
  • Bite Me – I Need Space – Be My Ex – Love Stinks
  • Single AF – Not Yours – Thank U, Next – Ew
  • UR the Worst – As If – Drop Dead – ABCDE FU

While I love the names and the art for the packaging, I dislike the font inside with the shade names because it’s a bit difficult to read.

Another big selling point of this palette, and I think all my Bellabeautebar palettes, are that the eyeshadows pop out of the palette so you can create your own palette for travel with your favorite shades.

Pricing Breakdown

The Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette review wouldn’t be complete without a price breakdown. This palette contains 16 eyeshadows and it’s priced at $72 USD and €79,50. That breaks down to about $4.50 per eyeshadow in the USA and €4,97 per eyeshadow in Europe. $4.50 to €4,97 is very affordable to me for eyeshadows, especially considering the high quality nature of the formula and how well it performs for me.

As a comparison to some other eyeshadows About Face Holographic eye paints are $19, Urban Decay 24/7 Glaze-on liquid eyeshadows are $26, and Urban decay 24/7 Moondusts are $25. There really aren’t equivalent single multichrome eyeshadows available in the mainstream stores like Ulta and Sephora at a competitive price point. You just won’t find a high quality multichrome that performs well for under $5 at Ulta. And indie single multichromes can range from $10-$20 depending on the indie brand. You can take a peek at Clionadh singles to see how much they vary in price. The least expensive duochrome eyeshadow from Clionadh is €4,44 (Amulet) and they range up to €15,89 (Oxidize).

Eyeshadow Formula

Let's take a look inside the Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette, by Cordelia FrostLet's take a look inside the Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette, by Cordelia Frost

Matte Formula of Dead Roses

I adore the Bellabeautebar matte eyeshadow formula. Some beauty lovers refer it to as buttery, others are grossed out at the idea of smearing butter on their face. No matter where you land in the spread, the matte formula applies easily with a soft fluffy brush and can be built up with smaller, more precise brushes. You can easily pack it on for intense color payoff. Or spritz your brush with water or a makeup mist to turn your eyeshadow into eyeliner.

Shimmer Formula of Dead Roses

The shimmer formula is standout from Bellabeautebar! It’s what causes all the ahhs and oohs! I find it applies best when you use your finger tip or a silicone brush, as this helps to showcase the shimmer shade with the most intense color payoff.

I also recommend using a sticky primer, glitter glue, or makeup mist to help your multidimensional shades look their best.

Eyeshadow Primer

Do you have oily eyelids, hooded eyes, or deepset eyes like I do? If so, I highly recommend that you use an eyeshadow primer, If you’re like me and you have skin on your eyelids that rubs together, that folds like a curtain, or creates creases, you need an eyeshadow primer to make your eyeshadow last all day.

I know there are people out there that claim you don’t need eyeshadow primer and I vehemently disagree with them! I had hooded eyes all my life until my blepharoplasty, and now my eyes are deepset. Without an eyeshadow primer, my eyeshadow is gone in 20 minutes or less. Oily, hooded, or deepset eyelids will benefit from eyeshadow primer. See my article, Do I Have Hooded Eyes? for help identifying your eye shape.
My current favorite eyeshadow primers include:

Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette Swatches

Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Swatches of As If, Ew, Single AF, Ur the Worst on very fair skinBellabeautebar Dead Roses Swatches of As If, Ew, Single AF, Ur the Worst on very fair skin
Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Swatches of As If, Ew, Single AF, Ur the Worst

Ew is one of those black to red multichromes that people love and can be difficult to find. I’ve had people ask me for recommendations for a similar shade frequently.

As If is a very shifty purple based shade I adore.

Single AF and UR the Worst are both stunning deep vampy mattes perfect for moody gothic looks.

Dead Roses Swatches of Not Yours, Friend Zone, I Need Space, Meh on pale skinDead Roses Swatches of Not Yours, Friend Zone, I Need Space, Meh on pale skin
Dead Roses Swatches of Not Yours, Friend Zone, I Need Space, Meh

Not Yours is such a vibrant, glowy shade.

Friend Zone is a very shifty soft bubbly pink.

I Need Space is my favorite bright pink matte.

Meh is a rose pink matte.

Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Swatches of Be My Ex, Drop Dead, Stupid Cupid, Love Stinks on light skinBellabeautebar Dead Roses Swatches of Be My Ex, Drop Dead, Stupid Cupid, Love Stinks on light skin
Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Swatches of Be My Ex, Drop Dead, Stupid Cupid, Love Stinks

Be My Ex is a very fun fiery red.

Drop Dead is a red with a smoky twist at the edges.

Stupid Cupid and Love Stinks are both vibrant red mattes.

Dead Roses Swatches of Bite Me, U Wish, Thank U Next, ABCDE FU on very fair neutral skinDead Roses Swatches of Bite Me, U Wish, Thank U Next, ABCDE FU on very fair neutral skin
Dead Roses Swatches of Bite Me, U Wish, Thank U Next, ABCDE FU

Bite Me is a very shifty, deeper pink that practically glows green at the edges.

U Wish is a soft peach matte that I like to use to blend out the edges of other shades. It works as a transition color for me.

Thank U Next is a bright purple, nearly neon, and I am hooked.

ABCDE FU is a soft wine purple matte.

Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette swatches in artificial lighting on my very fair neutral skin
Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette swatches on pale skinBellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette swatches on pale skin
Dead Roses Palette swatches on my pale neutral cool skin in indirect natural light

Multichrome Love

Dead Roses Multichromes and Shimmer eyeshadows swatchedDead Roses Multichromes and Shimmer eyeshadows swatched

The multichrome and shimmer shades in the Dead Roses Palette are absolutely stunning. They’re so beautiful if you love pink and purple like I do. Every single look I did with this palette when I had pink hair turned out amazing.

Matte Love

Dead Roses Matte eyeshadow palette swatches on fair skinDead Roses Matte eyeshadow palette swatches on fair skin

The matte shades in the Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette are excellent choices and not redundant with how I apply eyeshadow. For personal preference I would swap the warm red for more of rich burgundy wine but that’s only because I find warm shades more difficult to wear than neutral or cool tones.

Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette swatches on Fair SkinBellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette swatches on Fair Skin
Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette swatches on my very fair neutral skin

Bellabeautebar has not written descriptions for the Dead Roses Palette. Below are ones I wrote based on my observations.

Shade Descriptions of Dead Roses Palette

  • Friend Zone – pink to gold to soft green multichrome
  • Not Yours – pink to blue to purple shimmer
  • As If – fuchsia pink to purple to green to gold multichrome
  • Ew – charcoal grey base with red to gold shimmer shift
  • Drop Dead – rose pink with champagne gold shift
  • Be My Ex – red to coral pink to gold shimmer
  • Bite Me – bright pink with lime green to gold shift
  • U Wish – soft peach matte
  • Meh – bright rose pink matte
  • Thank U Next – neon purple matte
  • I Need Space – neon pink matte
  • ABCDE FU – grape purple matte
  • Single AF – muted wine matte
  • UR the Worst – blackened purple indigo matte
  • Stupid Cupid – warm red matte
  • Love Stinks – neutral cool red matte

Loose Eyeshadow

  • Fairie Tears – pink to blue to purple iridescent multichrome sparkles

I bought this loose eyeshadow at the same time as the Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette and I love it to bits! I like it for a one and done shade or inner lid eye brightener.

Dead Roses Looks

Purple Pink Makeup Tutorial by Cordelia FrostPurple Pink Makeup Tutorial by Cordelia Frost Indie Makeup Tutorial and inspiration by Cordelia Frost, indie makeup expert of two decadesIndie Makeup Tutorial and inspiration by Cordelia Frost, indie makeup expert of two decades

Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Tutorial

See the blog post Dead Roses Eyeshadow tutorial for more details!

Final Thoughts

Cordelia's favorite Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Shades - Not Yours, Friend Zone, As If, EwCordelia's favorite Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Shades - Not Yours, Friend Zone, As If, Ew
Cordelia’s favorite Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Shades – Not Yours, Friend Zone, As If, Ew

Who is the Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette for? Do you love bright pinks and purples? Do you want every major variation of a pink multichrome? Are bright matte shades a must for you? If so, the Bellabeautebar Dead Roses Palette is for you!I love to wear bright pink and purple, so I traveled with this palette for my bold and glam looks when I went to New Zealand.

My top favorite shades from the palette are Not Yours, Ew, Friend Zone, and As If for the shimmers, while I Need Space, Thank U Next, Single AF, UR the Worst, Love Stinks, and U Wish are my favorite mattes.

If you’re afraid of brights, I recommend checking out the Morally Grey Palette instead, as it’s my favorite neutral palette!

What eyeshadow palette are you currently obsessed with? Have you tried Bellabeautebar?

More to See

15 thoughts I had while watching The Devil Wears Prada 2

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Lady Gaga’s cameo is just perfect, chef’s kiss

The only woman who could go toe to toe with Miranda Priestley was completely unbothered. We see them trade sassy one-liners backstage, with Gaga berating people around her for letting Priestley in. A perfect collision of two unstoppable egos.

Is Andy’s love interest actually non-toxic?

After the bad wrap Andy’s boyfriend from the first film, Nate, got – and certain updates to his character for the show’s musical to please fans – I was intrigued to see what they would do with our protagonist’s romantic life in the sequel. We see her meet a well-dressed contractor while looking around a luxury apartment complex that he renovated.

Aeon/Getty

We don’t really see Peter – played by Colin From Accounts star Patrick Brammall – involve himself heavily in Andy’s chaotic and definitely toxic career, lacking the judgmental disapproval we saw in Nate. The intensity of the magazine world and Andy’s place in it takes its toll, sure, but it’s nice to see a non-toxic dynamic for her.

Miranda’s reflections on society attacking working women hit deep

In a conversation with Andy towards the end of the film, Miranda opens up about the “cost” of being a working woman, as well as how much she loves it. Her words really described how so many of us feel when navigating a competitive industry as a woman, the ways in which it takes from us and the shame or conflict we may feel for loving the validation we get from it anyway. Complex stuff, perfectly executed.

Image may contain Freddie Williams II Adult Person Face Head Accessories Formal Wear Tie and Happy

TheStewartofNY/Getty

Simone Ashley’s Amari asking for affirmation that she “deserved” a promotion is haunting

We see Sex Education and Bridgerton star Simone Ashley graft as Miranda’s assistant in the sequel. In the final scenes of the film we learn that she’s been promoted. Amari appeals to Andy, wanting affirmation and validation that she truly “deserved” it, referencing everything she’d had to do to attain it. It weirdly romanticises the toxic intern culture in a way that didn’t sit right with me.

I’m so glad it’s back! Could we be in for a third instalment?

Considering the way Runway and its team are left at the end of The Devil Wears Prada 2as well as the huge amount of hype around its return, I’d say it’s definitely not off the cards. That’s all.

The Best Hair Bonnets to Protect and Perfect Your Curly Hair — Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog

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If you go to bed with curls you love and wake up looking like your hair fought a pillow and lost, you need a hair covering. Hair bonnets really work for curly hair because they keep friction low, your pattern intact and help you wake up with curls that still look like the ones you fell asleep with. Discover the best bonnets for a curly-haired dream.

1. Bounce Curl Reversible Satin Hair Bonnet

If you want a premium pick, this is the one. It’s built for curl protection and frizz prevention with a fit you can adjust. Bounce Curl is female-founded by someone with curly hair. Marian is the lead formulating scientist, so the brand leans into a science-driven approach. She also works with the Mesopotamian beauty secrets passed down through her family, which gives the brand an added level of flair.

Key Features

  • Silky satin surface to reduce friction

  • Adjustable band so it stays put throughout sleep

  • Helps protect curl definition overnight and cuts down on morning puff

  • Reversible style so you can choose what feels best on your hair

2. Slip Silk Turban-Style Wrap

Luxury lovers will enjoy the Slip silk wrap. Turban styles can feel lower profile than a traditional bonnet, and many people find that helps with staying power. It is a nice pick for loose waves and defined curls that get frizzy fast from friction.

Key Features

  • Silk fabric feels and has a smooth finish

  • Wrap design can feel stable for side sleepers

  • Less rubbing overnight so curls keep more definition

  • A turban look that sits flatter for a less bulky feel

3. Grace Eleyae Satin Lined Cap Style

If bonnets slide off you, this cap-style format from Grace Eleyae can be a smart workaround. It wears more like a beanie with a satin lining, which means your curls get the slip benefit with a bit more structure. It’s especially handy if you want a snug fit without tying anything.

Key Features

  • Satin lining helps keep hair smooth

  • Cap construction tends to grip better than loose bonnets

  • Helps prevent tangles and morning fuzz from rubbing

  • Pull-on style for quick bedtime routines

4. Edoneery Double-Lined Satin Bonnet

Edoneery is a budget-friendly satin bonnet option that still hits the basics. Double-lined satin can feel a little more substantial, which some people prefer for keeping their hair tucked in. If you’re trying bonnets for the first time, this is an easy entry point that still helps with frizz and tangling.

Key Features

  • Satin fabric is designed to stay slippery on curls

  • An elastic band that works best when it’s wide and soft

  • Helps reduce friction so curls look smoother in the morning

  • Solid option when you want results without splurging

5. Yanibest Satin Wrap Bonnet

If you want a more custom fit, a wrap-style bonnet from Yanibest can be a great choice. You control how tight it is, which helps with the tendency to slip off. It’s also a nice option if you have a lot of hair and want to adjust the volume without squishing your curls.

Key Features

  • Satin wrap surface helps reduce friction

  • Wrap-style lets you adjust and secure the bonnet

  • Helps keep curls contained so you wake up with less puff

  • Adjustable feel works across different hair volumes

How These Bonnets Were Chosen

These picks had to hit the pain points you truly care about, so each one met these criteria:

  • Material quality: Smooth satin or silk feel that reduces friction

  • Secure fit: Bands and ties that stay on your head through sleep

  • Frizz reduction: Enough containment to prevent tangles and matting

Curls Night In

Your curls work hard all day, so give them a little support on the night shift. Pick a smooth material and a fit that stays put, and wake up enjoying the rare moment when your hair still looks like it remembers who you are.

Quote of the day: Jeny Howorth on Neil Kirk

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Coenzyme Q10 – 100% PURE

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Introduction: A Garden Awakens, and So Does Your Skin

Imagine your skin as a garden at the edge of winter.

For months, it has endured environmental stress—cold air, low humidity, and the constant need to protect itself rather than renew. Its processes slow down. Cellular turnover becomes less efficient. Radiance fades, not because the skin has lost its potential, but because it has shifted into survival mode.

Then spring arrives.

The light changes. The air softens. And beneath the surface, something begins to move again.

This transition is not just poetic—it is biological. Your skin begins to shift from preservation to regeneration. It starts seeking energy, hydration, and the internal signals required to rebuild what winter has worn down.

But here is what most routines overlook:

Your skin cannot renew without energy.

Every visible sign of radiance—firmness, smoothness, brightness—is powered by microscopic processes happening inside your cells. And at the centre of these processes lies a molecule that rarely gets the attention it deserves.

Coenzyme Q10.

Often referred to as CoQ10, this molecule is the “spark plug” of your skin’s biology. It is not just another antioxidant layered on top of your routine. It is a fundamental component of cellular energy production—fueling the very mechanisms that allow your skin to repair, regenerate, and glow.

At 100% PURE, skincare is not built around trends. It is built around function.

And CoQ10 represents one of the most powerful ways to support your skin—not by forcing change, but by enabling it.

Because when your skin has energy, everything else begins to work better.

What is CoQ10? The Energy Source for Your Glow

To understand CoQ10, you must move beyond the surface of the skin and into its deeper biological architecture.

Every cell in your body contains mitochondria—tiny organelles responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is what allows cells to perform their functions, from repairing damage to producing structural proteins like collagen and elastin.

CoQ10 plays a central role in this process.

It acts as an electron carrier within the mitochondrial membrane, facilitating the transfer of electrons in the energy production chain. Without it, ATP generation becomes inefficient. And when ATP production slows, so does everything else.

In the context of skin, this translates to:

  • Slower cell turnover
  • Reduced collagen synthesis
  • Weakened barrier repair
  • Diminished hydration retention

But here is where it becomes even more important.

CoQ10 levels naturally decline with age.

This decline begins earlier than most people realise—often in the late twenties—and continues steadily over time. Environmental factors such as UV exposure, pollution, and oxidative stress accelerate this depletion further.

The result is not just ageing in the visible sense but reduced cellular efficiency.

Your skin is still trying to repair itself—but it no longer has the same energy to do so effectively.

Topical CoQ10 addresses this gap.

When delivered in a stable, bioavailable form, it supplements the skin’s natural reserves, helping to restore energy production at a cellular level. This does not create artificial results. It enhances the skin’s own ability to function.

And that distinction matters.

Because true radiance is not applied—it is generated.

The Defense and Repair Duo: CoQ10 Meets Antioxidants

While CoQ10 is best known for its role in energy production, its function does not stop there.

It is also a powerful antioxidant.

To understand why this matters, you need to consider the environment your skin exists in every day. Exposure to UV radiation, pollution, and metabolic processes generates free radicals—unstable molecules that seek to stabilise themselves by stealing electrons from surrounding structures.

This leads to oxidative stress.

At a microscopic level, oxidative stress damages:

  • Lipid membranes
  • Structural proteins like collagen
  • Cellular DNA

Over time, this damage accumulates, manifesting as fine lines, uneven tone, loss of elasticity, and dullness.

CoQ10 interrupts this process.

By donating electrons, it neutralises free radicals before they can cause harm. But what makes CoQ10 particularly effective is where it operates—within lipid membranes, where much of this damage occurs.

When paired with Vitamin C, the effect becomes even more comprehensive.

Vitamin C works primarily in water-soluble environments, targeting oxidative stress in different regions of the skin. CoQ10 complements this by protecting lipid structures.

Together, they form a multi-layered defence system.

This is what 100% PURE refers to as Active Sovereignty—giving the skin the tools to defend and repair itself across multiple pathways, rather than relying on a single mechanism.

The result is not just protection.

It is preservation of structure, function, and long-term resilience.

The Glow Max Bright Experience: Where Energy Meets Transformation

If CoQ10 is the spark plug, then the Vitamin C Glow Max Bright Mask is the moment that spark becomes visible.

This formulation represents one of the most advanced expressions of ingredient synergy within the Radiance Renewal System. Designed at Purity Park, it combines three powerful components:

  • CoQ10 (energy activation)
  • Vitamin C (antioxidant protection and brightening)
  • Bakuchiol (gentle renewal and collagen support)

But its effectiveness is not just biochemical—it is experiential.

The first interaction is texture.

Unlike heavy, occlusive masks, this formulation has a lightweight, jelly-like consistency that glides effortlessly across the skin. This matters more than it seems. Texture influences how the skin perceives treatment. A fluid, cooling gel reduces mechanical friction, creating a sensation of ease rather than intensity.

As the mask settles, the skin experiences a subtle but immediate cooling effect.

This is not simply sensory—it has physiological implications.

Cooling the skin:

  • Reduces superficial inflammation
  • Regulates blood flow
  • Calms overstimulated nerve endings

This creates the feeling of heat leaving the face—a release of the day’s accumulated stress.

At the same time, CoQ10 begins supporting mitochondrial activity, increasing the availability of energy for repair processes. Vitamin C neutralises free radicals and promotes brightness, while Bakuchiol gently encourages cell turnover without disrupting the barrier.

The result is layered transformation:

  • Immediate: smoother, cooler, more refreshed skin
  • Short-term: improved texture and radiance
  • Long-term: enhanced firmness and elasticity

But perhaps the most important effect is less visible.

It creates a pause.

In a routine often driven by efficiency, the mask introduces stillness—a moment where the skin is not being corrected but supported.

And in that stillness, renewal begins.

Powering the Radiance Renewal System

No single ingredient—no matter how advanced—works at its full potential in isolation.

This is why CoQ10 is integrated into a broader system, where each product prepares the skin for the next.

The Virgin Coconut Moisturizing Milk Foam is where this system begins.

Cleansing is often misunderstood as removal. But it is preparation. This cleanser uses coconut-derived surfactants to remove impurities while preserving the skin’s lipid barrier. This ensures that subsequent active ingredients can penetrate effectively without encountering resistance from a compromised surface.

Next comes the Brightening Serum.

Here, stabilised Vitamin C is delivered into the skin, working alongside CoQ10 to support collagen synthesis and reduce oxidative stress. This is the treatment phase—where active ingredients begin to influence deeper biological processes.

The Vitamin C Face Cream follows as a protective and restorative layer.

Hydration is not simply about adding moisture—it is about maintaining it. This cream reinforces the barrier, reduces trans-epidermal water loss, and creates an environment where active ingredients can continue to function.

Finally, the Vitamin C Eye Cream ensures that the most delicate area of the face receives targeted care.

The skin around the eyes is thinner, more reactive, and often the first to show signs of fatigue. By delivering antioxidants and hydration to this area, the routine becomes complete.

Together, these steps form a system—not a collection.

And within this system, CoQ10 acts as the energy source that enhances every stage.

Science-Backed Freshness: Why the Lab Matters

CoQ10, like Vitamin C, is not a stable ingredient by default.

It is sensitive to:

  • Light
  • Oxygen
  • Temperature fluctuations

Without careful formulation, it can degrade before it ever reaches the skin.

This is why manufacturing matters.

At 100% PURE, production takes place in a controlled environment at the San Jose facility. This allows for:

  • Small-batch formulation
  • Precise pH control
  • Protection from environmental exposure

This approach ensures that CoQ10 remains active and bioavailable at the moment of application.

Because an ingredient’s effectiveness is not defined by its presence in a formula—but by its ability to perform when it reaches the skin.

This is the essence of Science-Backed Purity.

Not just clean ingredients—but functional ones.

Conclusion: When Your Skin Has Energy, It Has Possibility

There is a fundamental shift that happens when you begin to understand your skin not as something to fix, but as something to support.

You stop chasing immediate results.

And you start building long-term function.

CoQ10 represents this shift.

It does not promise instant transformation. It provides the conditions necessary for transformation to occur naturally. It fuels the processes that your skin is already designed to perform—but may no longer have the energy to sustain.

And when those processes are supported consistently, something changes.

Your skin becomes:

  • More resilient
  • More balanced
  • More responsive
  • More radiant

Not because it has been forced into change—but because it has been given the ability to return to its optimal state.

This is the true meaning of a Spring Skin Awakening.

Not a sudden bloom.

But a steady, energy-driven emergence into strength, clarity, and vitality.

FAQ Section

What does Coenzyme Q10 actually do for my skin?

CoQ10 supports cellular energy production, enabling skin cells to repair and regenerate more efficiently. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting against oxidative damage and helping maintain firmness and elasticity.

Can I use CoQ10 products alongside Vitamin C?

Yes. CoQ10 and Vitamin C work synergistically. While Vitamin C brightens and protects, CoQ10 supports energy production and structural repair, making them a highly effective combination.

How quickly will I see results from CoQ10?

You may notice an immediate improvement in smoothness and radiance after use, particularly with treatments like the Glow Max Bright Mask. Long-term benefits, such as improved firmness and elasticity, develop gradually with consistent use.

Should I Marry a Murderer?: Where is Dr Caroline Muirhead now?

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“You cast your net wide and see what happens. Then I saw this gamekeeper pop up.”

“His profile hit me, and he was in a kilt and said he was a 6ft 4 lonely Highland contractor looking for someone to keep him warm on cold nights on the farm.

“He had a hunting agency, and I liked that sort of idea of a man who, if Armageddon came, could fix anything and hunt anything. A man’s man.”

The pair soon found themselves hiking together and falling head over heels, swept up in a whirlwind romance that quickly escalated into an engagement, much to the shock of their friends and family.

How did Caroline find out about the crime?

After celebrating their engagement with friends, Caroline asked her fiancé if there was anything she needed to know. Sandy grew sombre, and she briefly worried he might have a secret family hidden away somewhere. Instead, he revealed something far darker: years earlier, he and his twin brother, Robert, had hit a cyclist while driving under the influence. Rather than calling for help, they switched vehicles and buried the body.

Caroline was suddenly one of the only people in the world to know the truth. Back home, she began searching missing persons cases and discovered that, around the same time three years ago, Tony Parsons had disappeared during a 104-mile (167km) charity bike ride from Fort William to his hometown.

Caroline was left with an impossible decision.

“Imagine you fell in love with someone who made you feel accepted, wanted, seen, whole and loved and just special,” she explains in the documentary.

“Then they’d say to you they did a horrible, horrible thing, something so vile it flips your entire world upside down.”

“To remain in love, you have to keep the secret even though you know it will destroy you. But if you reveal it, you destroy everything too.”

What happened to Dr Caroline Muirhead?

When shown by Sandy where the body was buried — as he wanted her help moving it — Caroline left an empty Red Bull can at the site to mark the location.

She reported the crime on December 27, and the twins were arrested three days later. During police interviews in Glasgow, both men refused to comment. Acting on Caroline’s information, officers discovered the body at a so-called “kill site,” where hunters leave animal remains.

Despite this, Caroline remained romantically involved with Sandy, even allowing the brothers to stay at her apartment in Glasgow. She continued to gather evidence but felt deeply conflicted about leaving the relationship — a fact that was later used against her.

Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2026

How to Determine Your Hair Type and Texture – OLAPLEX Inc.

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Key Takeaways

  • Understanding your hair type and texture can help you choose the right products and treatments to elevate your hair.
  • Hair type refers to the curl pattern of your hair, while hair texture refers to the thickness of each hair strand.
  • The four main hair types are straight, wavy, curly, and coily.
  • The three main hair textures are fine, medium, and thick.

Jump to

How to Determine Your Hair Type and Texture

For haircare to deliver great results, specificity is key. Knowing your hair type and texture will narrow down and determine the right products and treatments to help elevate your hair. The world of hair types and textures is quite complex, with several variants to determine your unique texture, appearance, and feel. Your hair type could be dry, thick, curly, and 3a all at once. If you want to learn more, keep reading for the complete guide to determining your hair type and texture.

What’s the Difference between Hair Type versus Texture?

The terms “hair type” and “hair texture” are often used interchangeably, but they actually mean two different things:

  • Hair type refers to the natural curl pattern of your hair.
  • Hair texture refers to the thickness of each individual hair strand.

For example, someone’s hair type might be type 2a wavy, but their hair texture could be medium.

What Are the Four Different Hair Types?

There are four different hair types. Each number represents a specific hair type:

  • Type 1 for straight hair
  • Type 2 for wavy hair
  • Type 3 for curly hair
  • Type 4 for coily hair

Within these hair types are subtypes (A, B, and C) that specify your hair pattern even further. Use this chart from Mind Body Green to help you find out your hair type:

Use this detailed breakdown to help you determine your hair type and create a haircare routine that’s tailored to you.

Type 1 Hair (Straight)

If you have straight hair with no bends or waves, then you have type 1 hair.

Type 1a

If you have pin-straight hair, you probably have type 1a hair. Type 1a hair is the straightest hair type, and it’s often smooth and shiny.

Type 1b

Type 1b hair is still straight, but upon close inspection, you may notice a slight bend or wave in it.

Type 1c

Type 1c hair has a little bit more body and waviness to it than 1b or 1a hair. Type 1c hair is almost wavy, but not quite.

Type 2 Hair (Wavy)

If you have wavy hair, you likely have type 2 hair. However, your waviness will vary depending on your hair subtype.

Type 2a

Type 2a hair is characterized by its loose, beachy waves. Typically, those with type 2a hair may start to see their waves begin a few inches from their roots.

Type 2b

Type 2b hair tends to have an elongated “S”-shaped wave pattern. The wave pattern in type 2b hair is much more noticeable than in type 2a hair.

Type 2c

Those with type 2c hair have more voluminous “S”-shaped waves. Type 2c waves tend to start at your roots, all the way down to the ends of your hair.

Type 3 Hair (Curly)

If your hair has bouncy ringlets or spirals, you may have type 3 hair. The tightness of type 3 curls can vary.

Type 3a

Type 3a curls typically have a loop-shaped pattern and are about as wide as a quarter.

Type 3b

Type 3b curls are defined ringlets around the size of a penny. These curls are much more defined than type 3a curls.

Type 3c

Type 3c curls have a spiral shape and are about the circumference of a pencil. If you have type 3c hair, your curls are much tighter and more defined than type 3a or 3b hair.

Type 4 Hair (Coiled)

Type 4 hair is also referred to as coily hair. It’s known for its extremely tight curls, which give it plenty of volume.

Type 4a

Type 4a curls have a visible looped-shaped pattern and are about the circumference of a crochet needle.

Type 4b

Type 4b curls have more of an angular zig-zag shape. These curls are much tighter and smaller in circumference than type 4a coils.

Type 4c

Type 4c hair is known for its super tight zig-zag spirals. The zig-zag pattern may even be difficult to see at first.

What Are the Three Different Hair Textures?

You’ve seen the shampoos and conditioners labeled “for fine hair” and the like, but have you wondered which you are? Some may presume curly or coily hair types have the thickest hair texture, but the truth is that these three textures—fine, medium, and thick—can apply to any hair type. The texture of your hair is the diameter of a single strand of hair. Use the hair texture chart below to help you determine your hair texture:

A hair texture chart showing the difference between fine hair, medium hair, and thick hair

Fine Hair Texture

Fine hair is the most fragile texture. It’s easy to blow out and straighten, but doesn’t hold a style well, tangles easily, and is more susceptible to damage and breakage. It is also incredibly soft and silky! Not sure if you have fine hair? Take a strand of hair and rub it between your fingers. If you can barely feel the strand of hair, you likely have fine hair texture. When styling, it’s important to apply products that help with volume, due to the structure of fine hair texture types, it tends to go flat. For fine hair textures, less product is more! Start with pea-sized amounts, then work your way up (if needed) to avoid build-up and greasiness.

Wondering what shampoo and conditioner products to use for fine hair? Use those specifically formulated for the needs of fine hair texture, like Nº.4FINE Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and Nº.5FINE Bond Maintenance® Conditioner. Together, they provide an optimal balance of repair, weightless hydration, and healthy body and volume.

Medium Hair Texture

Medium hair is often confused with thick hair because it populates the scalp densely. It is versatile and can be styled in a variety of ways. It is also referred to as ‘normal’ hair on styling products to convey its popularity as the most common texture. If you take a strand of your hair between your fingertips and can feel it but it doesn’t feel coarse, you likely have a medium hair texture. Like fine hair, less is more when it comes to styling it. Start with a pea-sized amount of product while styling your medium hair, then work your way up to avoid unsightly build-up.

Thick (Coarse) Hair Texture

Thick hair is the most resilient hair texture. It holds a style impeccably, tolerates heat and various treatments the most, and is overall less susceptible to breakage than fine or medium hair. However, it tends to get dryer than other textures. Thick hair is referred to as ‘coarse’ hair because of its thickness per strand of hair; it often looks like people with thick hair have more hair. Unsure if you have thick hair? Rub a strand of hair between your fingertips. If it feels thick, strong, or coarse, you have a thick hair texture. This hair texture can handle more products in the hair without the risk of it weighing down easily and can handle more heat without breakage.

Hair Type and Texture Concerns

Everyone’s hair type and texture has unique concerns based on hair history, climate, and lifestyle. The primary concerns are dryness, oiliness, brassiness, and compromised hair. For those with curly hair types, a lack of curl definition is a common issue. Your hair type could fall into a couple of different concern categories, such as color-treated and dry. Here are a few common hair concerns with our product recommendations:

Dry Hair

If your hair is dry, try OLAPLEX® products that provide moisture, like Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner, Nº.6 Bond Smoother®, and Rich Hydration Mask.

Oily Hair

Is your hair oily? First, cleanse with Nº.4C Bond Maintenance® Clarifying Shampoo to remove excess oil and build-up. Then, restore weightless moisture with the Weightless Nourishing Mask. From there, keep greasy roots away with Nº.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo.

Brassy Blondes

If you want to maintain your blonde hair and steer clear of brassiness, Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer™ Toning Shampoo and Nº.5P Blonde Enhancer™ Toning Conditioner are for you.

Damaged Bonds

For any hair type, bond-building is essential, especially for hair that is color-treated and compromised. For healthier hair, strengthen bonds with OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™ using OLAPLEX Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment. Identifying your hair type, texture, and concerns brings you closer to healthy, thriving hair because you can specifically address it and eliminate the bulk of trial and error. It may also help you understand any lifestyle and routine choices that affect your hair’s integrity.

Lack of Curl Definition

Those with curly hair know that their curl pattern can change frequently depending on factors like humidity, product buildup, or even their sleeping habits. Luckily, OLAPLEX has many different options for curl support. When you wash your hair, use a shampoo that’s made specifically for wavy, curly, or coily hair types, like Nº.4 CURL Bond Shaper™ Hydrating Curl Shampoo. This moisturizing shampoo gently cleanses, smooths frizz, and boosts curl definition. To deeply nourish your curls, follow with Nº.5 CURL Bond Shaper™ Hydrating Curl Conditioner. This conditioner smooths frizz while detangling and enhancing curls. Like No.4 CURL, this conditioner is also perfect for wavy, curly, or coily hair.

To get a personalized haircare routine, take our Hair Quiz today to find the best products for your hair type and texture.

Sources

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/types-of-hair
  2. https://www.allure.com/gallery/curl-hair-type-guide

What Is Clean Beauty? Why “Natural” Skincare Isn’t Always Safer

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This article was written by Zoe Rom, journalist and podcast host, in collaboration with Osmia Skincare.

Clean beauty is one of the most confusing—and least regulated—terms in skincare, which makes it surprisingly hard to know what’s actually safe.

Ask ten beauty brands what “clean” means and you’ll get ten different answers. Sephora has a list. Credo Beauty has a different one, banning over 2,700 ingredients. EWG has its own scoring system, which doesn’t always agree with either. The brand you’re currently holding has whatever framework its marketing team assembled this quarter. None of these lists agree with each other. None of them are federally regulated. The word “clean” has no legal definition in cosmetics anywhere in the United States.

Sarah Villafranco has been thinking about this problem for a long time. Before founding Osmia Skincareshe spent a decade as a board-certified emergency medicine physician, a profession that trains you, above almost anything else, to ask what the evidence actually says. She’s spent fifteen-plus years watching an industry deploy “clean” as a marketing term while the underlying science gets murkier, not clearer. “I honestly think it sucks to be a consumer right now,” she said, “because it’s just so hard—without dedicating years of your life to study—to know what ingredients should feel safe to you and what shouldn’t.”

That’s not a disclaimer. It’s the reason Osmia exists, and it’s what makes Villafranco a useful guide through a space that has gotten very good at dressing anxiety up as safety.

Is Clean Beauty Regulated?

The word “clean” has no legal definition in cosmetics in the United States. That means brands, retailers, and rating systems are all operating with their own criteria—and those criteria don’t always agree. For consumers, that creates a confusing landscape where “clean” often reflects a brand’s philosophy more than a standardized safety benchmark.

What Is the Appeal to Nature Fallacy in Skincare?

There’s a documented cognitive bias at the root of all of this called the “appeal to nature fallacy”: the tendency to treat “natural” as shorthand for safe and “synthetic” as shorthand for harmful. Research has found that framing products as “natural” significantly boosts purchase intent independent of any actual product differences, and, in a genuinely wild finding, that people rate “natural”-branded cigarettes as meaningfully safer than regular ones despite being chemically identical. The label is doing all the work. The ingredient list is beside the point.

The heuristic isn’t totally wrong, which is part of what makes it so sticky. Simpler formulations are often gentler on sensitive skin. But when this shortcut gets applied indiscriminately it stops being a useful rule of thumb and starts being a marketing strategy. Arsenic is natural. Poison ivy is natural. Botulinum toxin (the active ingredient in Botox) is among the most acutely toxic substances on earth and is entirely natural. Meanwhile, a molecule with a twelve-syllable INCI name might be derived from an oat. The provenance of an ingredient tells you very little about how it actually behaves in a formula. That determination requires toxicology, dose, and context—not vibes and a marketing budget.

Is Natural Skincare Actually Safer?

Villafranco’s take on the word “natural” is worth sitting with:

“It’s not really that gray to me, because I’ve taken such a deep dive on these ingredients… the derivation process can be pretty long. At some point you’re like, this is pretty far from coconut oil.”

Essential oil production involves distillation, steam separation, and significant processing, it’s not a sprig of lavender smooshed against your face. Where naturally-derived ends and synthesized begins is genuinely murky, and brands exploit that murkiness constantly.

That’s why brands like Osmia, who go beyond the window-dressing of “clean” beauty with radical transparency, and a scientific approach to formulating their products is so refreshing. When “natural” ceases to be a useful distinction, it matters even more what ingredients brands use in their products.

The ingredient category Villafranco finds most concerning, and that most consumers have never heard of, is ethoxylates: ingredients treated with ethylene oxide, a known human carcinogen, likely to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, itself a probable carcinogen and environmental groundwater contaminant. Here’s the inconvenient part: a lot of brands that market themselves as clean use ethoxylated ingredients without realizing it. A commonly cited example is phenoxyethanol, a preservative found in many products marketed as a natural alternative to parabens.

“It can be naturally derived in that you can derive it from petroleum, you can also derive it from plant material, but it’s still getting treated with ethylene oxide, and it is still potentially giving off 1,4-dioxane,” says Villafranco.

That’s what the clean beauty checklist tends to miss. The question isn’t whether something sounds like it came from a plant, it’s what it becomes in the process of formulation, at what concentration, and in what context. Osmia’s own avoided ingredients listparabens, phthalates, sulfates, petrochemicals, ethoxylates, synthetic color, and synthetic fragrance, was assembled through years of reading primary literature, not by following a trend.

Clean Beauty Marketing vs Ingredient Transparency

None of this is an argument that cosmetic ingredient safety doesn’t warrant real scrutiny. The FDA’s fragrance loophole, which lets brands list dozens of undisclosed compounds simply as “fragrance”, is a genuine transparency problem. PFAS have documented bioaccumulation concerns. These distinctions are real and worth caring about.

The problem is that “clean beauty” collapses all of these distinctions into a single aesthetic. Ingredients with strong safety records land on the same exclusion list as legitimately concerning ones. The nuance disappears, replaced by a feeling; the feeling of having made the right choice, wearing the costume of safety. Formulation transparency means something different: here’s what’s in this product, here’s why it’s there, here’s what the evidence says.

According to Villafranco, “I will always try to choose the fewest and best quality ingredients I can. What can I put in here that my skin really needs, and what can I leave out that it doesn’t?” That’s a different question than what we can remove from the label to make it look better.”

How to Evaluate Skincare Ingredients Based on Evidence

The distinction that matters is between evidence-based caution and anxiety-driven consumption. One starts with a specific concern, checks the actual evidence, and makes a reasoned call. The other starts with a feeling of threat, finds an exclusion list that validates it, and calls that safety. The wellness industry has made a fortune on the second one. What Villafranco has spent over a decade building is the first one.

“We’re a skin health company. We really just want to try to get people feeling comfortable and healthy in their skin. And my take is if you feel healthy in your skin, you’re going to look awesome,” says Villafranco.

Not younger. Not “cleaner.” Healthy. The difference might sound subtle, but it’s the difference between a company preying on your insecurity to sell creams and serums, or a brand that’s genuinely invested in creating products that meet the needs of real people. (And helping them smell incredible while doing it).

FAQ: Clean Beauty and Ingredient Safety

What does “clean beauty” actually mean?

There is no standardized or regulated definition of “clean beauty” in the United States. The term is used differently by every brand and retailer.

Is natural skincare safer than synthetic skincare?

Not necessarily. Some natural ingredients can be irritating or toxic, while many synthetic ingredients have strong safety data. Safety depends on formulation, dose, and context.

Why is “fragrance” considered a concern in skincare?

The term “fragrance” can represent dozens of undisclosed chemicals, some of which may be allergenic or disruptive to hormone systems.

What should I look for instead of “clean” labels?

Transparency, thoughtful formulation, and a clear explanation of why ingredients are included—not just which ones are excluded.

About the Author
Zoe Rom is a journalist, podcast host, and writer covering science, endurance, and the wellness industry. She co-hosts the Your Diet Sucks podcast and writes about the intersection of health, culture, and evidence-based decision making.

The 2026 Ulta Buy More, Save More Sale: The Best Shampoo and Conditioner Deals

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Dry hair really has it out for us year-round—between cold weather, summer heat, chlorine, and constant blow-drying—but Pureology’s Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner step in to bring it back to life without weighing it down. The shampoo relies on a blend of gentle, sulfate-free cleansers to lift away buildup while delivering hydration with glycerin and conditioning polymers, so hair feels clean but not stripped.

The conditioner, however, is where the real softness kicks in during the last few minutes of your shower: A blend of shea butter, jojoba butter, and sunflower oil smooths and seals the cuticle, while panthenol and amino acids help reinforce moisture and elasticity. It hits that just-right, Goldilocks-level balance of lightweight hydration.

Best for Itchy Scalp: Virtue Scalp Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner

Virtue

Scalp Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Virtue Scalp Remedy Shampoo

Christa Joanna Lee

Your scalp has its own delicate ecosystem—and when it’s thrown off (think: one too many days of dry shampoo), flakes, excess oil, and irritation can show up fast. Virtue’s Scalp Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner both feature gentle, fragrance-free formulas that use salicylic acid and willow bark to dissolve buildup while keeping things calm and balanced. The brand’s proprietary Alpha Keratin 60ku supports stronger, healthier hair right at the root, while soothing botanicals like rosemary, green tea, and rice extract keep irritation in check.

“Virtue’s Scalp Remedy Shampoo—and the corresponding conditioner, which you actually apply directly to your scalp (a surprise, since I’ve always been trained to focus conditioner on mid-lengths)—definitely left my scalp calm and less irritated,” says contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee.

Best for Frizz: Pattern Hydration Shampoo and Medium Conditioner for Curlies

Pattern

Hydration Shampoo and Medium Conditioner for Curlies

Allure creative producer Sydney Malone using the Pattern Hydration Shampoo

Sydney Malone

Hydration can feel like a gamble, especially for textured hair: Won’t all that richness just leave strands flat, heavy, or coated? Founded by curl queen Tracee Ellis Ross, Pattern is all about giving curls, coils, and kinky textures the moisture they’ve always deserved—and the 2025 Best of Beauty-winning Hydration Shampoo proves it. The formula pairs a deeper-cleansing base with glycerin, honey, and nourishing oils like coconut, avocado, and argan to lift buildup without that stripped, dry feeling that can trigger frizz. Then there’s the Medium Conditioner, which features shea butter, castor oil, and panthenol to smooth the cuticle and lock in hydration, keeping curls soft and defined.

5 Signs You’re in a One-Sided Friendship, According to Experts

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Welcome to Asking for a Friend, a weekly series dedicated to solving the messy, awkward, and confusing parts of modern friendship. Because truth is, our platonic relationships are often the most complicated. Send us your friendship dilemmas here, and we might feature one in a future column.


Most friendships will never be truly 50/50, but at the very least they run on an unspoken agreement: both people show up, reach out, and add some fuel to the tank that keeps the engine going. If that balance consistently feels off—not just once or twice, but over the course of weeks or months—it’s hard not to wonder whether something deeper is going on.

You might notice in small but telling ways: Looking back at your messages, it dawns on you that you’re initiating every conversation. They call, if at all, only when they’re bored or when it’s convenient. And then there’s the sharper sting of noticing how effortlessly they find time for other people—just not for you (a surprisingly common frustration you can read more about here).

To be fair, life can get in the way—people get busy, schedules clash, and our friends can’t always be as available as we’d like—but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating or stop you from feeling resentful when you’re waiting days for a simple “How are you?” But how do you know if this is a temporary lapse or a more unhealthy one-sided friendship? Here are the biggest red flags therapists want you to watch out for.

1. They never call or text first.

Look through your texts and DMs: Are you always the first to send a message? When’s the last time they suggested hanging out? You can also experiment by not reaching out to see how long it takes for them to initiate contact. If weeks (or months) go by without a word, their silence may indicate who’s really holding this connection together.

“At a minimum, a good friend (even a busy one) will periodically check in out of curiosity and interest,” Tiana Leeds, LMFT, a therapist based in Santa Barbara, California, tells SELF. After all, someone who truly cares about you should want to know what’s going on in your life, which is why if they consistently don’t try to get in touch (or only expect you to do so), they may not be genuinely interested in your world.