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You’ve Been Using Your Products All Wrong – Iles Formula

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You’ve Been Using Your Products All Wrong.

There’s a quiet intention built into every Iles Formula product. It reveals itself slowly, through the experience, once you begin to pay attention. We know how busy real life can be – and how deeply un-chic it feels to tote around a bag full of your favorite products.

And so in developing the Iles Formula collection, Wendy wanted to ensure we had a handful of multi-use products for travel or taking to the gym. We call it multipurpose. She calls it just good formulation.

Iles Formula Intensive Hair + Body Balm open jar product information card — filed under multi-purpose products, showing uses and benefits on white background

For the Deepest Moisture

The Intensive Hair + Body Balm was created for hair: taming dry ends, flyaways, annoying little bits of frizz that appear without warning. But its creamy, skin-loving texture has a way of migrating to the rest of your routine, too. Beards that need softening. Skin desiring of something richer than a standard lotion.

One product. Even more uses than the label lets on.

Iles Formula Hair + Body Cleanse bottle product information card — filed under multi-purpose products, showing uses and benefits on white background

A Head-to-Toe Cleanse

The Hair + Body Cleanse does exactly what its name promises — and then some. A gentle, sulfate-free formula that cleanses hair and body without stripping either. No tightness, no dryness, no compromise. Just a soft, refreshed finish that works equally well in the shower as a shampoo alternative or a full-body wash. Almost enough to make you question why you ever kept separate bottles.

Iles Formula Rinseless Root Refresh bottle product information card — filed under multi-purpose products, showing uses and benefits on white background

Refresh to New Heights

Rinseless Root Refresh was born as a botanical alternative to answer a very specific frustration:  dry shampoo, and hating the powdery residue they’d leave behind. More specifically, the way it builds up until your hair feels more coated than clean. Rinsless Root Refresh offers none of that, its a liquid that soaks up oil and sweat. By blow-drying roots quickly in opposite direction the scalp is cleared of dead cells and product build up and hair feels as good as fresh day shampoo! In fact often better than a first day shampoo as it delivers gorgeous root volume.

Iles Formula Scalp + Body Exfoliant open jar product information card — filed under multi-purpose products, showing uses and benefits on white background

Take It All Off

The Scalp + Body Exfoliant does something most scrubs won’t: it works differently depending on where on the body use it. In the shower, it gently lifts daily debris and product buildup, unclogs follicles, and is then fully shampooed out. The macro rice grain holds its integrity until warm water dissolves it, not like sugar or salt grains that dissolve way too quickly when dealing with scalps.

A hot tip: Below the neck, you may want to just rinse it off without the soap, unlike the scalp that requires shampooing.

The AHAs, derived from kiwi, are the good-glowy stuff your skin craves. Rinse when you’re ready: we’re in no rush.

Start where the label suggests – then keep going.

Where is Netflix’s Vladimir set? Filming locations revealed

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There are so many lovely things to look at in Netflix’s new show Vladimir. Starring Rachel Weisz as a married English professor who develops a sexually-charged crush on her new younger colleague, this is a series that confronts middle-age lust and desire with steamy, NSFW candour. As such, the camera routinely guides our eyes towards the sculpted calves of said crush, played by Leo Woodall, or the toned bodies of the younger (allegedly hotter) women that Weisz’s character envies. In her fantasy sequences, there are close-ups of Woodall’s hands sliding up her thighs, gripping her breasts, fingers sliding into mouths. Titillating stuff.

But wait, what’s that in the background? Although we’ve been gripped by Vladimir’s portrayal of mid-life sexuality, we can’t help but notice the idyllic scenery in the background, from the lush greenery to the to-die-for architecture. Adapted from Julia May Jonas’ 2022 novel of the same name, Vladimir’s location scouts managed to find filming spots that convey suburban bliss without the stuffiness, providing a delightfully charming backdrop for Weisz’s erotic daydreams. Who knew that sexual transgression could look so picturesque?

Christos Kalohoridis/Netflix

Vladimir filming locations

Although Vladimir is set in the fictional town of Stillcrest in upstate New York, filming took place in Ontario, Canada, over summer last year. The production crew’s main base was in the Greater Toronto Area, but the actual filming locations spread far and wide, from the university campus to the rural areas that set the scene. Here’s the lowdown on each spot.

University of Toronto Scarborough

To accurately capture life on campus, the cast and crew travelled to east Toronto where they set up base in a real-life university. It’s easy to see why. The University of Toronto Scarborough’s Andrew Building received international praise for its design when it was first built in 1964, thanks to its striking brutalist architecture. Other buildings on-site lean into a more modernist vibe, providing a refreshing contrast to the vibrant trees and foliage that surround the grounds. Whether intentional or not, that tension between old and new directly reflects Vladimir’s plot, adding a deeper layer to scenes shot at the university.

Do Vitamin Patches Work? Experts Weigh In on Effectiveness and Safety

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If swallowing a horse pill in hopes of avoiding nutritional deficiencies isn’t for you, it’s understandable to be curious about vitamin patches. These mini patches, sometimes called stickers, promise to deliver the nutrients you need after you slap them on your body.

Vitamin patches are popping up at huge retailers like Target and Amazon, suggesting they’re not going away anytime soon. But there’s not as much information out there about these products compared to their pill or powdered counterparts.

While doctors and dietitians say there’s potential value in using these in theorythey also have some concerns. Here’s why they’re not rushing to recommend vitamin patches.

What are vitamin patches, and how do they work?

Every vitamin patch is slightly different, but the concept behind them is all the same. These patches are usually waterproof and are stuck onto your body to infuse a specific nutrient or vitamin combination throughout the day. Some of those include vitamin B, vitamin D, and multivitamins. For most, you simply remove the patch at the end of the day and toss it.

“The idea is that nutrients move from the patch, across the skin barrier, and into circulation over time,” Scott Keatley, RD, co-founder of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy, tells SELF. The concept can be appealing if you hate swallowing pills. “Instead of taking a pill and having the vitamin absorbed through our intestines, the vitamin crosses the skin and is absorbed that way,” Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, tells SELF.

The patches are activated by body temperature and moisture, explains Sandra Zhang, RDN, LDN, registered dietician nutritionist at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center at Tufts Medical Center. “Fat-soluble vitamins might cross the skin easier than water-soluble ones,” she tells SELF.

There’s limited information on their safety and efficacy.

That’s the big sticking point for experts. “There’s not a lot of data on them,” Howard Greller, MD, associate professor of emergency medicine and medical toxicology fellowship director at Rutgers University – New Jersey Poison Information and Education Service, tells SELF.

While the labels on many of these vitamin patches say they’re for kids aged 12 and up, some look like they’re intended for children given their fun, bright designs. That has the potential to be harmful, although the lack of data about how much of the vitamins get absorbed makes it hard to know for sure, Dr. Greller says.

Estée Lauder Companies to Acquire Full Ownership of Forest Essentials

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THE WHAT? The Estée Lauder Companies has agreed to acquire the remaining stake in Indian luxury beauty brand Forest Essentials, strengthening its long-standing partnership with the Ayurveda-based skincare company.

THE DETAILS The acquisition, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the second half of 2026. Estée Lauder first invested in Forest Essentials in 2008 and increased its stake to 49% in 2020. Founded in 2000 by Mira Kulkarni, Forest Essentials specializes in modern luxury Ayurveda skincare and operates nearly 200 standalone stores across India.

Following the transaction, the brand will remain headquartered in New Delhi and continue operating its vertically integrated model in India, including Ayurvedic R&D, local botanical sourcing and in-house manufacturing. Forest Essentials is forecast to deliver low double-digit net sales growth, and Estée Lauder expects the acquisition to strengthen its position in India’s prestige beauty market, which is set to become the company’s largest emerging market.

THE WHY? The acquisition reflects Estée Lauder’s strategy to expand in high-growth prestige beauty markets and scale culturally rooted brands with strong local heritage and global potential.

Source: businesswire

How To Style Ballet Flats Like A Fashion Pro This Spring

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Cecilie Bahnsen AW26

Launchmetrics.com/spotlight

Image may contain Julia Stegner Fashion Blouse Clothing Dress Formal Wear Gown Wedding Wedding Gown and Adult

Chloe AW26

Alessandro Lucioni

Taking inspiration from both catwalks and street style girlies, we’ve emerged with two very distinct style routes for this spring. One follows suit of soft femininity and embraces the origin of the ballet pump, while the other goes against the grain and utilises the shoe as a counterpart to rough or structured pieces. To find which feels more fitting to your personal style, scroll and find out six different ways to wear ballet flats this season. And don’t worry, none of them require knowing how to do a no stuffing – although if you do, make sure to show it off!


Ballet flats with jeans and a blazer

Image may contain Blazer Clothing Coat Jacket Pants Jeans Formal Wear Black Hair Hair Person Suit and Adult

Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

Image may contain Blazer Clothing Coat Jacket Person Standing Scarf Adult Pants Pedestrian Accessories and Bag

Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

The blazer and jeans combo is truly one for the ages. It merges two different worlds in a hybrid outfit that is both appropriate for work and perfect for a fun day off – and a pair of ballet pumps will perfectly set the whole thing off. Add a pair of socks for a dash of 1980s, or go barefoot for a minimal, contemporary look. Match colours of your ballet pumps with one of the layers on top, ad pick jeans in neutral shades of blue. The key is nailing the proportions between the length of the jean and the ballet pump, so make sure to go for turn-up jeans or cropped jeans that will show the shoe off instead of hiding it.

READ MORE: The best blazers our editors love.

Happy Birthday, Susie Wang! – 100% PURE

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Introduction: The Visionary Who Chose Safety Over Dogma

Think back to the early 2000s. The beauty world was a different place. You either had high-end “luxury” products filled with industrial chemicals that could melt lab benches, or you had “health food store” options that, while safe, often felt like a kitchen experiment and didn’t really deliver results.

Susie Wang looked at that binary and refused to accept it. She saw a world where “clean” was a whisper and “performance” was a shout, and she decided to build a bridge between them. Her journey—from discovering oxidized Vitamin C in her dorm room to building Purity Park in San Jose—has been fueled by what we call Radical Integrity.

Radical Integrity means doing the right thing for the customer even when it’s the harder, more expensive, or more complex path. It’s about choosing “Science-Backed Purity” over industry dogma. Today, as Susie celebrates another year of innovation, we are sharing that “Vibrant Joy” with you. To say thank you for being part of this 25-year revolution, we’re hosting a 50% Sitewide Sale and including a special free birthday gift with your purchase. It’s our way of inviting you to experience the results of a quarter-century of dedication.

Passed the Ultimate Clinical Trial: 25 Years of Time

In the “Clean Beauty” space, new brands pop up every day. They have beautiful packaging and catchy slogans, but they lack the one thing that can’t be manufactured: history. At 100% PUREwe don’t need to guess if our formulas work or if they are safe for the long term. We have passed the ultimate clinical trial—two decades of real-world results and millions of satisfied customers.

Longevity as a Proxy for Safety

When you’ve been in the laboratory since 2004, you accumulate a wealth of data. You see how skin patterns change, how ingredients interact over years (not just weeks), and how to stabilize the most delicate botanicals without relying on harsh “industrial” shortcuts. This longevity is your guarantee of safety. We aren’t testing a “trend” on your face; we are providing you with a methodology that has been refined and perfected for over twenty years.

The Evolution into the New Standard of Clean

Radical Integrity also means being honest enough to evolve. In the early days, we were focused on being “100% Natural.” But as the world changed and our understanding of stability grew, Susie realized that “natural” wasn’t enough. To truly protect the skin, a product needs to be stable, consistent, and effective.

This led to our evolution into the New Standard of Clean. We’ve integrated lab-refined minerals and high-purity, responsibly screened ingredients to support our soul-level fruit pigments. This hybrid approach ensures that your products don’t just start pure—they stay pure and provide a bolder payoff that lasts all day. We’ve moved from purity defined by what we leave out, to purity defined by what we can prove through science.

The Happy Promise: Why We Guarantee Your Joy

One of the hallmarks of Susie’s leadership is her absolute confidence in the engineering behind our products. We know that trying a new brand can come with a bit of “New Brand Anxiety.” Will it work? Will it irritate my skin? Will it feel as good as it looks?

To remove that weight from your shoulders, Susie established the Happy Promise. It’s more than just a return policy; it’s a reflection of our “Radical Integrity.” If you don’t love a product within 60 days, we’ll take it back. We gladly offer an exchange or refund on gently used products (minus shipping costs) because we believe so deeply in the stability and performance of our formulas.

We can offer this because we are “owners,” not “renters.” Because we manufacture our products in our own facility in San Jose, we have total control over the “Chain of Custody.” We know every ingredient is fresh, every batch is small, and every formula is stabilized to perform. When you have that level of vertical integration, you can afford to guarantee joy.

Susie’s Birthday Picks: The Ritual of Resilience

For her birthday month, Susie has curated a selection of her personal favorites. These aren’t just best-sellers; they are the products that represent the pinnacle of her work in “stabilizing nature.” She calls this The Sensitive-Skin Strength Rituala sequence designed for those who want restorative results through the “Science of Silence.”

1. Calendula Flower Cleansing Milk

Susie’s ritual always begins with a gentle reset. This cleansing milk is the antithesis of the harsh, foaming detergents that dominate the mass market. It uses stabilized calendula hydrosols to soothe the skin’s barrier while lifting away impurities. It’s the perfect example of “Clean & Quiet” care.

2. Matcha Oat Face Scrub

Even the most sensitive skin needs to be refreshed. Susie chose this scrub because it utilizes a “cushioning” oat base to ensure the exfoliation is soft and intentional. It smooths the skin’s surface while the matcha provides a potent antioxidant shield against environmental stressors.

3. Matcha Oat Milk Nourishing Mask

This is Susie’s “restorative hug” for the skin. It’s designed to quiet the noise of redness and irritation, flooding the barrier with moisture-binding oats. It’s a moment of peace in a busy world, allowing the skin to refocus its energy on repair.

4. Intensive Nourishing Facial Oil

This product is a direct descendant of Susie’s original 2004 patent for stabilizing vitamins in oil. It acts as a silent bodyguard for your lipids, providing deep, lab-refined nourishment. It’s a concentrated dose of resilience that ensures your skin stays hydrated and protected regardless of the weather.

5. Seaberry Moisturizer

To seal the ritual, Susie reaches for the Seaberry Moisturizer. This is a masterpiece of high-performance engineering. Seaberry is notoriously difficult to keep stable, but in our San Jose lab, we’ve mastered the art of keeping its omegas and vitamins active. It provides a “Spine” of hydration that makes the skin look and feel restored, proving that gentleness is the ultimate form of strength.

Conclusion: A Toast to Radical Integrity

As we raise a glass (or a bottle of Rose Water) to Susie Wang, we aren’t just celebrating a person; we are celebrating a philosophy. We are celebrating the fact that for 25 years, a “Sophisticated Rebel” from San Jose has been fighting to make the beauty world a safer, more transparent place.

We invite you to join the celebration. Use your 50% Sitewide discount to stock up on your favorites or to finally try The Sensitive-Skin Strength Ritual. Take the “Happy Promise” for a test drive and see what happens when you stop fighting your skin and start supporting it with Science-Backed Purity.

Happy Birthday, Susie! Thank you for 25 years of choosing our safety over industry dogma. Here’s to many more decades of vibrant joy and radical integrity.

FAQ Section: Celebrating Our History and Future

What is the 100% PURE “Happy Promise”?

The Happy Promise is our commitment to your total satisfaction and peace of mind. We understand that skincare is a personal journey, and it can take time to see how a formula works with your unique biology. We offer a 60-day window from the date of purchase on 100percentpure.com to try our products. If you aren’t completely happy, we offer an exchange or a refund on gently used items (minus the cost of shipping). It’s our way of ensuring you can shop with confidence, knowing we stand behind our engineering.

How has 100% PURE changed since 2004?

While our “Soul”—our commitment to purity and botanical wisdom—remains the same, our “Spine” has grown significantly. We have evolved from an “all-natural” focus to a Science-Backed Purity methodology. This means we now utilize a hybrid model, combining our signature fruit pigments with safe, lab-refined minerals and high-purity ingredients. This evolution allows us to provide better stability, bolder color payoff, and total compliance with modern safety standards (like MOCRA). We’ve also moved all production to our own state-of-the-art facility in San Jose to ensure total control over our quality.

What is the best way to use the birthday discount?

If you are new to the brand or looking to reset your routine, Susie recommends starting with The Sensitive-Skin Strength Ritual. It’s the perfect introduction to our “Frequency A” (Clean & Quiet) philosophy. These five products work together to repair the moisture barrier and restore the skin’s natural glow. With the 50% discount, it’s the most strategic way to invest in the long-term health of your skin while experiencing the very best of our “lab-refined” technology.

Why is the 25-year milestone so important?

In an industry that moves from trend to trend, 25 years represents a legacy of stability. It proves that our methodology isn’t just a flash in the pan—it’s a sustainable way to care for the skin. It gives us a “Trust Stack” of data and experience that newer brands simply don’t have. For Susie, this milestone is a testament to the community of customers who have supported her vision of a “Toxin-Free” world since the very beginning.

Harry Styles Concert Outfit Ideas From a Fashion Writer & Superfan 2026

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Like me, I was hoping his first live performance post-hiatus would provide some suitable Harry Styles concert outfit ideas. However, I’m assuming that snail-printed baby tees and straight-leg jeans aren’t the vibe he’s manifesting for his Together, Together tour.

A reminder: Harry Styles is set to embark on a seven-city global residency, kicking off in May 2026, to share his fourth album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. The Aperture singer will visit Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne and Sydney, with performances from special guests including Robyn, Shania Twain, Fcukers, Jorja Smith, Jamie xx, Fousheé, and Skye Newman.

Styles’ 12-night stint at Wembley Stadium marks his biggest UK run to date — and with such a momentous event ahead of us, it’s only right we start thinking about our outfits. Lucky for you, being a mega Harry Styles fangirl who is heading to Wembley Stadium on night one, I’ve put some serious thought into it.

Featured in this article:

More generally speaking, when it comes to what to wear to a concert, I urge my friends to opt for some comfy but cool — a combination that makes them feel like the very best version of themselves, while also embracing any pre-set themes.

So for your Harry Styles show, you could go full disco fever, adorning every limb in sequins and reflective, metallic hues. Or, perhaps you’ll be a tad more subtle, sticking with popular ’70s trends, like flares, crochet, oversized aviator sunglasses and dance-friendly platforms.

Personally, I’m equally as excited to hear Man! I Feel Like a Woman! sung live, and so am planning to go full cowgirl, leaning into the western aesthetic we embraced for HSLOT, too. But be reassured; there’s no right or wrong when it comes to concert fashion. It’s simply a case of showing up in what feels good — be that a sequin mini skirt and feather boa combo, or the viral adidas Polka Dot Sprinter Shorts and fashion trainers, prioritising comfort over anything else.

For more from Glamour UK’s Senior Commerce Writer, Sophie Donovan, follow her on Instagram @soph_don.


Ahead, Harry Styles’ concert outfit ideas, according to a fashion writer and major Harry Styles fan:

For those keen to follow Styles’ instructions — you know, ‘disco occasionally’ — I encourage you to embrace disco fever. I’m talking high-glamour pieces embellished with glitter, sequins and colourful gems. Anthropologie’s new-in Mirror Mini Dress has been all over my TikTok FYP (@libsfaulk almost rocked it to see Styles’ renaissance at the Brits earlier this week), and at least I have an excuse to invest now.

20 Hot Ways to Stimulate Your Clitoris for an Amazing Orgasm

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19. Go for double the fun with a rabbit vibrator. This kind of vibe has both internal and external portions (two “ears”) for a best-of-both-worlds situation, Tanner says. Typically, the part that goes inside is also curved to hit the G-spot, while the external portion is nubbier and designed to offer rumbly vibrations to the glans clitoris at the same time. If all goes well, you might even achieve the coveted blended orgasm, an orgasm stemming from stimulation of multiple erogenous zones at once (which can amp up the pleasure).

20. Put your hips into it. No matter what kind of toy you’re using, Dr. Nolan recommends pairing it with Betty Dodson’s “Rock and Roll” method, which involves clenching and releasing the pelvic floor muscles quickly in succession, she says. When you thrust your hips into the toy and activate those muscles, you’re bringing blood flow to the region, she explains, which is key to making any kind of clit stimulation (or sexual activity, for that matter) feel as good as possible and land in a blissful orgasm.

Frequently asked questions about clitoral stimulation

What’s the best technique to use?

Whether you’re touching your own clit or your partner’s, it’s important to know that no two are the same. “Once you’ve met a clitoris, you’ve only met one clitoris,” Tanner says. Meaning, there’s no single type of stimulation that will feel best across the board.

All the experts SELF spoke with suggest starting slow and gentle. After all, a 2023 study found that the clitoris is very sensitive because it has around 10,200 nerve endings. (For reference, your entire palm has about 17,000.) So you don’t want to do too much too quickly.

Using a light, soft touch also helps get the blood flowing to the vulva, which makes the tissue swell and increases sensitivity, so that anything you do down there feels better, Tanner says. It takes time for the clitoris to become engorged, “just like a penis becomes erect,” she says. “The same way that touching a soft penis might not do much for somebody, stimulating a soft clit may not either.” As it becomes harder, warmer, and wetter, though, you’ll want to build pressure gradually, Dr. O’Reilly says.

How do you communicate with a partner during clit play?

As with any kind of partnered sex act, it’s essential to make room for ongoing communication. If you’re diving in with a new partner, both of you should share what you’re into and not, Dr. O’Reilly says. If there’s something particular you’re curious about when it comes to clit stuff, let them know and invite them to share their thoughts, she adds.

Best Face Moisturizers for Every Skin Type — Our Top Picks

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If you had to whittle down all of your skincare products to just one, which would you choose? For most people, it would be a moisturizer. But best face moisturizers have several benefits beyond promoting soft, supple skin and a glowing complexion.


Best facial moisturizer traits? A good cream should also address other issues such as signs of aging, oiliness, acne, and sensitivity. With that said, everyone needs to moisturize, whether their skin is dry, oilyyoung, or mature. The key is choosing the best face lotion for your skin type and age and using it accordingly.

Are you ready to find the best hydrating moisturizer, but not sure where to look? No worries. Here at the Derm Review, we’ve reviewed hundreds of products with a scientific lens to ensure you’re creating a skincare regimen that’s safe and effective. Ahead, 11 best face moisturizers to help promote a healthy, balanced complexion.

Best Face Moisturizer: Summary

Best moisturizer for the face? We’ve got 9 top picks.

BEST OVERALL

BEST: Carrot & Stick The Multi Lift Moisturizer

We recommend using Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum to start. It helps lift, tighten and firm the look of skin thanks to seven plant-based neuropeptides, while synthesized growth factors help keep skin looking radiant. Perfect for overnight use.

FULL LIST

Formulyst Anti-Aging Night Cream With Retinol

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance

Moisture Surge Clinic 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturizer

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Dr Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Best Face Moisturizer: Full List

BEST OVERALL

Best Overall: Carrot & Stick The Multi Lift Moisturizer
This lightweight antioxidant formula is a hydrating powerhouse that leaves skin feeling remarkably smooth and radiant. Overflowing with potent plant proteins, vitamins, peptides, and amino-collagen. Carrot & Stick’s active complex of natural bio-ferments supports greater nutrient density and more efficient absorption. Caffeine adds an energy boost that revitalizes the skin, while botanical elements promote overall conditioning. This formula is suitable for normal, dry, oily, and combination skin.

Use after applying Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum for best results.

FULL LIST

Formulyst Anti-Aging Night Cream With Retinol
Specifically formulated to target the visual signs of aging, Formulyst’s Anti-Aging Night Cream profoundly moisturizes and visibly transforms your skin while you sleep.

An advanced overnight formula penetrating deep below the surface, innovative Encapsulated Retinol Technology delivers a higher concentrate of the essential vitamin retinol to your skin for intense rejuvenation while naturally nourishing jojoba and safflower seed oil lock in long-lasting hydration. So you can wake up to skin that looks and feels beautifully renewed.

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance
Best moisturizer for dehydrated skin? We’ve got you. Dermalogica has specifically developed a nourishing facial moisturizer to restore lipid balance to dry, dehydrated, depleted skin for optimal barrier performance. The formula contains a BioReplenish Complex that delivers a combination of crucial barrier lipids to help enhance the skin’s natural resilience and support barrier recovery.

This formula also contains two forms of hyaluronic acid — sodium hyaluronate and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate — to help enhance the skin’s moisture content and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Moisture Surge Clinic 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
An upgrade to fan-favorite, best-seller, Clinique’s Moisture Surge Intense, Moisture Surge 100H provides moisture for an additional 28 hours longer than the brand’s original formula — even after you’ve washed your face.

This oil-free, gel-cream is ideally suited for oily skin due to its lightweight texture and non-pore-clogging ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and aloe bio-ferment. The brand’s proprietary auto-replenishing technology —  activated aloe water and caffeine — triggers the skin’s rehydration system. You won’t find parabens, phthalates, or fragrances.

Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturizer
Formulated with 1% salicylic acid, a powerful beta hydroxy acid that has incredible pore declogging properties, this popular moisturizer from Origins helps prevent breakouts before they occur. It’s also formulated with bamboo charcoal, a highly absorbent ingredient that helps keep the pores clear.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
This head-to-toe moisturizer by First Aid Beauty can be used as a daily moisturizer to prevent dry skin and help alleviate dry, itchy, and red skin. The skin is said to be left feeling smooth, hydrated, and comfortable after just a single-use.

The main active ingredient in First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration is 0.5% colloidal oatmeal, a skin protectant that has been used for centuries to soothe and heal the skin and reduce inflammation and redness. There are also several emollients in the Ultra Repair Cream, including shea butter and squalane.

Dr Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment
This popular green-to-beige color-correcting cream from Dr Jart banishes redness and helps protect skin from environmental aggressors. It provides SPF 30 protection from UV light, and it even forms a dust barrier to protect the skin from the environment while enhancing the skin’s viability.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Beauty editors love Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer as it provides just the right amount of coverage to even out skin tones while leaving the face feeling soft and hydrated – and natural. The moisturizer comes in oil-free and hydrating formulas.

Best Face Moisturizers: The Bottom Line

What’s the best face moisturizer?

Overall, the best facial moisturizer is Carrot & Stick The Multi Lift Moisturizer. Use after applying Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum for best results.

The best hydrating moisturizer will treat and prevent dryness, provide anti-aging benefits, soothe sensitive skin, and help battle oil and acne. Try to find a formula void of the “suspicious six” and well-formulated with evidence-based ingredients like retinol, antioxidants, salicylic acid, and nourishing plant oils — their concentration and how the moisturizer is packaged is also essential.

What’s the best moisturizer, in your opinion? Let us know in the comments below!

FAQs
Clinically speaking, creams are the most common delivery systems used for moisturizers. Creams are a two-phase system (emulsion) containing two immiscible liquids — oil and water, one of which is dispersed in the other in the form of microscopic or submicroscopic droplets. To be effective, the ratio between oil and water is essential, as well as the type of oil and the amount and type of other ingredients.

Always start with clean hands. A moisturizer should be applied two to three minutes after your serum. Lightly rub the product between your clean fingertips. Then gently dab the moisturizer onto the different areas of your face — forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin — to ensure that the product is distributed evenly all over your face.

Massage approximately a nickel-sized amount on your face (more product is not practical) using upwards and outwards strokes. You can use gentle circular motions, but don’t rub or tug too hard.

The best face moisturizer can be anything from a drugstore buy to a luxurious splurge in our book. More important than price is how well the moisturizer is formulated, including whether or not it contains evidence-based ingredients (and at what strength) and whether or not the packaging protects these vital components.

If not, you’re just wasting money because the product will oxidize more quickly, thus losing its potency.

Moisturizing and hydrating are two different things, even though the terms are sometimes (mistakenly) interchanged. A hydrator, such as hyaluronic acid, draws water to the skin using humectants, which plump, hydrate, and enhance its ability to absorb moisture and vital nutrients.

Moisturizing is about locking in hydration and moisture to protect your skin’s natural barrier. With that said, you typically want to use a hydrator like hyaluronic acid with a moisturizer suitable for your skin type.

If you have acne or oily skin, you may think you can skip the moisturizer, but the opposite is true. Overly dry skin can make acne worse, leading to inflammation and acne flare-ups. If you’re prone to breakouts, stock up on oil-free and non-comedogenic products, meaning it won’t clog pores.

The right moisturizer can help keep excess oil and shine in check; some formulas have micro-fine powders to absorb oils and blur the appearance of enlarged pores. Adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid are all acne and oil-fighting powerhouses.

Anyone with dry, flaky skin should look for ultra-hydrating products containing hyaluronic acid, amino acids, glycerin, and ceramides. Think of these ingredients as moisture magnets that draw and retain water to the skin. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which has a plumping effect on the skin.
Ceramides are like the building blocks of cells- they are oils that support the skin barrier. Speaking of oils, it can be tempting to reach for oil for maximum hydration. While they are deeply hydrating, they’re not meant to replace an actual moisturizer. Instead, think of them as a supplement. Add a drop or two to your cream, or add a layer on top of the moisturizer.

As we get older, the skin develops fine lines and brown spots. A moisturizer containing retinol and peptides can help fight the signs of aging and smooth out the skin’s texture. Other ingredients to look out for are antioxidants, such as vitamin C, green tea, and fruit extracts to help fight the damaging effects of free radicals. Antioxidants also help to nourish and calm skin and leave it looking glowing.

Got normal skin? You’re in luck. If you don’t have any skin concerns or patches of dry/oily skin, reach for a cream with an SPF and just the right amount of hydration. Go with what feels good on your skin. Some people like a creamy texture, while others might prefer a lighter gel-like feel. The goal here is to keep the skin feeling smooth and supple.

But moisturizing does more for your skin than just making it feel soft and supple. For example, if you don’t have time to apply a separate sunscreen, choose a daytime cream with an SPF, a foolproof way to protect your skin.

Another bonus? A layer of moisturizer creates a smooth base for applying makeup. Otherwise, foundation and powder can sink into fine lines and emphasize creases. Even the act of applying moisturizer can do a world of good — massaging it into your skin helps blood circulation and stimulate new cell generation.

Sources:
The Clinical Benefit of Moisturizers,” ResearchGate, December 2005.
Moisturizers: Options for Softer Skin,” Mayo Clinic.
Chemical Exposures: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry,” US National Library of Medicine National Center for Biology.

3 Common Hair Problems and How OLAPLEX Nº.3PLUS Fixes Them – OLAPLEX Inc.

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Apply smaller amount, focusing on mid-lengths to ends

Key Takeaways

  • Everyday stressors can weaken hair internally, leading to hair breakage, dry hair, and color fading.
  • Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment is a 3-minute bond repair treatment that helps deliver real repair by rebuilding hair bonds and strengthening strands from the inside out.
  • Used as a pre-shampoo treatment, Nº.3PLUS improves hair resilience over time, helping reduce hair breakage, improve hair dryness, and restore shine for all hair types.

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Healthy hair doesn’t just look good. It’s also strong, resilient, and protected from everyday stress. But common concerns like hair breakage, dry hair, and dull hair can make even the best styles fall flat. Heat styling, coloring, brushing, even environmental exposure all weaken hair over time, often before you can see or feel the damage.

That’s where Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment comes in. This next evolution of the iconic Nº.3 Hair Perfector® is designed to repair past, present, and future damage, working inside and outside the hair strand to deliver stronger, healthier-looking hair in just 3 minutes.

Best of all, it works on all hair types. Let’s break down three of the most common hair problems and how Nº.3PLUS helps fix them.

What is Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment?

Nº.3PLUS is a pre-shampoo treatment that repairs and protects hair by rebuilding damaged bonds in just 3 minutes, strengthening hair from the inside out.

How to Use Nº.3PLUS for Best Results

  1. Before shampooing, wet hair and squeeze out excess water.
  2. Apply Nº.3PLUS from mid-lengths to ends.
  3. Leave on for 3 minutes.
  4. Rinse, then shampoo and condition as usual.

Use every 1-3 washes, depending on your level of damage.

3 Most Common Hair Problems and How Nº.3PLUS Fixes Them

1. Hair Breakage

Hair breakage is one of the most visible signs of compromised hair health. When hair bonds are weakened by heat, chemical services, or mechanical stress, strands lose their structural integrity and break more easily.

How Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment Helps Reduce Hair Breakage

Nº.3 PLUS is a bond repair treatment that rebuilds all three types of bonds within the hair strand. Unlike traditional conditioners or masks that coat the surface of the hair, Nº.3PLUS works internally to:

  • Strengthen weakened hair strands
  • Reduce breakage, with hair becoming 3x stronger instantly
  • Improve resilience against future damage, helping build a 75% stronger internal structure over time

By reinforcing the hair’s core and cuticle, Nº.3PLUS delivers true hair breakage repair, not just temporary smoothness.

2. Dry Hair

Dry hair isn’t just about a lack of moisture. It’s often a sign of internal damage that prevents hair from retaining hydration. This can lead to rough texture, tangles, and increased breakage over time.

How Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment Helps Repair Dry Hair

Nº.3 PLUS goes beyond traditional conditioners by addressing the root cause of hair dryness. It repairs internal damage that can cause moisture loss while smoothing the cuticle for immediate softness.

Key benefits include:

  • Deep damaged hair repair that improves moisture retention
  • Noticeably softer hair after one use
  • Lightweight hydration using 360° cuticle-to-cortex repair strengthening the hair from the inside out

Used as a pre-shampoo treatment, Nº.3PLUS preps hair for more effective cleansing and conditioning, helping the dryness improve with continued use and achieving 3x more softness.

3. Dull Hair

If your hair looks flat or your color fades quickly, internal damage might be disrupting how light reflects off the hair shaft. This often results in dull-looking hair and reduced color vibrancy.

How Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment Helps Maintain Color and Shine

By repairing bonds and smoothing the cuticle, Nº.3PLUS improves surface integrity, helping hair look shinier and healthier while supporting color longevity.

It helps by:

  • Strengthening hair to reduce porosity
  • Supporting vibrant, salon-fresh color
  • Being color-safe

Healthier hair holds onto color better, making Nº.3PLUS an essential step in any color-care routine.

Advice for Different Hair Types and Textures

Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment is designed for all hair types, whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly or coily, chemically treated, or prone to breakage.

Fine Hair

Curly or Coily Hair

Thick or Coarse Hair

  • Section hair for even distribution
  • Use the Rich Hydration Mask weekly in place of conditioner for added strength and shine

Highly Damaged Hair

Additional Tips for Damaged Hair Repair

Whether you’re dealing with hair breakage, hair dryness, or fading color, No.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment offers a science-backed solution that works at the foundation of the hair.

For best results:

Want a personalized routine based on your hair type? Take our Hair Quiz to start restoring your hair from the inside out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use Nº.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment with Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment?

No, you don’t need to use Nº.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment with Nº.3PLUS. Nº.0 was designed to be used alongside the original Nº.3 Hair Perfector® for an extra boost. However, Nº.3PLUS is a next-generation formula and already delivers that enhanced performance on its own—so Nº.0 is not required.

How is Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment different from conditioner or a hair mask?

While conditioners and masks primarily smooth and hydrate the surface of the hair, Nº.3PLUS works inside the hair to repair damage at its source. Conditioners and masks support softness and manageability, while Nº.3PLUS strengthens the hair structure so it can better retain moisture, shine, and color.