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Kate Hudson’s ‘Drag Race’ Hair Belongs in Studio 54

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When Kate Hudson stepped onto the RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 11 stage as a guest judge, all eyes were on her—and not just because of her show-stopping gingham bubble dress. Her hair, a cascade of airy, frothy curls with smooth curtain bangs, commanded the room with the kind of effortless glamour that feels made for a drag stage.

The look was the work of celebrity hairstylist Marcus Francis, who drew inspiration from two of the most iconic hair muses of the 1970s: Donna Summer and Jerry Hall. For Francis, the assignment was a full-circle moment. “It’s always a dream to have a client be a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race,” he says. “We all had an absolute blast that day, especially since we all got to flex our glam skills for the show that welcomes being extra.”

Images courtesy of Marcus Francis

Hudson’s gingham bubble dress set the creative tone, and Francis knew the hair had to match its boldness. He began on damp hair, combing Joico Dream Blowout Thermal Protection Crème ($27) through from roots to ends, then layering in Joico Power Whip Whipped Foam ($23) to build volume and hold from the foundation up. He kept Hudson’s signature curtain bangs smooth and controlled with a small round brush, while rough-drying the rest of her hair to preserve its natural texture—a technique that gives the finished look a lived-in quality rather than a stiff, over-worked finish.

Then came the curls. Working in half-inch sections with a quarter-inch curling iron, Francis wrapped each section away from the face, sealing each one with a spritz of Joico Heat Hero Glossing Thermal Protector ($24). After allowing every curl to cool completely, he separated them by hand to achieve that airy, frothy volume—keeping the roots deliberately flatter near the crown so the shape reads as effortlessly glamorous rather than overwrought.

To finish, Francis styled the bangs, positioned Hudson’s playful sailor hat, and locked the whole creation in place with Joico Hold Hero High Hold + Shine Boosting Finishing Spray ($23), ensuring the look would hold up under the bright lights and high-energy atmosphere of a Drag Race taping. The result was a masterclass in retro-modern glamour—a hair look that felt at home alongside the show’s most extravagant queens.

Yes Chef! Victoria Monét Just Graduated From Culinary School

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Photo Credit: DALVIN ADAMS

Victoria Monét is proof that we really can do it all. The R&B sensation took to Instagram on May 4th to share some major news that has us all cheering. While most of us are struggling to just get through our weekly meal prep, Victoria was busy earning a degree from the Institute of Culinary Education. She shared a series of photos looking absolutely radiant in her chef whites and captioned the post with so much heart. She mentioned that after she walked the stage that night, she would officially be a graduate.

It is honestly so inspiring to see her chase a passion that has nothing to do with the charts. She gave a huge shoutout to her support system including her family, her daughter, her teachers, and her hardworking team. Victoria admitted that going to school while simultaneously creating her next album was an absolutely crazy ambitious idea. She joked that this was just one of her fifty side quests in life. From 4 a.m. alarms for class to late night sessions in the studio, she proved that she is the ultimate multitasker.

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Photo Credit: IG @Victoriamonet

We are so obsessed with her “Yes Chef” energy right now. It is one thing to be a Grammy winning artist, but it is another thing entirely to humble yourself as a student and learn a new craft from scratch. Victoria Monét graduated from culinary school and reminded us that it is never too late to start a new chapter or try something outside of our comfort zones. Whether she is serving up hits or a five course meal, we are definitely seated and ready for whatever she cooks up next.

How to Get Through Silk Press Season Without Damaging Your Hair

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For Black women, a silk press isn’t just a hairstyle; it’s a transformative event. There’s something invigorating about leaving the salon with silky, flowing hair—often curled or bumped into a voluminous style like a fluffy bob or artfully layered into a butterfly cut.

As exciting as it is to have a silk press appointment on your calendar, many Black women harbor a quiet fear that the heat required to get their hair bone-straight will fry their strands. (You know, the panic that sets in when the water is running down your hair in the shower, but your curls aren’t bouncing back to their natural state.) The Black community has, in many ways, come to accept heat damage as an inevitable part of straightening hair. Some people have even gone as far as “training” their curls to withstand prolonged heat, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Brendetta Ashley, a hairstylist in San Francisco, says the key to achieving a sleek, long-lasting silk press that doesn’t destroy your curls and coils is less about the heat-styling itself and more about prep and maintenance. “If the prep is done right, the silk press will last,” says Ashley, who notes that properly cleansing, conditioning, and wrapping hair is essential.

Ahead, experts share their best tips for achieving a glossy silk press that lasts—and doesn’t cost you your curls.

How to prep your hair for a silk press

Just as an artist would not start painting on a dirty canvas, you can’t silk-press dirty hair and expect beautiful, lasting results.

The stylists we spoke to agree that the key to a healthy silk press actually starts before a flatiron goes anywhere near your head. “The first thing you need to do is cleanse the scalp,” says Ashley, who suggests using a clarifying shampoo to remove any dirt and oil buildup.

We love the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo, which uses charcoal to gently exfoliate and cleanse the scalp of flakes and buildup. Olaplex No. 4C Clarifying Shampoo and the Cecréd Clarifying Shampoo + Scalp Scrub also provide a deep cleanse without drying out the hair.

Briogeo

Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

Olaplex

No.4C Clarifying Shampoo

Cécred

Clarifying Shampoo + Scalp Scrub

Teyana Taylor and Wale: The Collab We’ve Been Waiting For

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Finally! Teyana Taylor Drops Bed of Roses ft Wale

Stop everything you are doing because the collaboration we have all been lowkey dreaming about is officially here! Teyana Taylor just broke the internet by announcing that her smooth new track is live, and honestly, our playlists were not ready for this much soul. She hopped on social media to share the news, and you could practically feel the excitement radiating through the screen. It is one of those moments where an artist really listens to what the fans are begging for, and seeing her bring this vision to life makes the wait totally worth it.

Photo Credits: Prince Williams / Contributor via Getty Images

Teyana kept it super sweet and direct when she dropped the announcement, making us feel like she was talking right to the inner circle. She shared the news with a caption that said, “Y’all asked… so it’s only right we delivered 🌹🥀🌹 BED OF ROSES FT. @wale OUT NOWWWWWW 🫶🏾🫶🏾”. That kind of energy is exactly why we love her because she stays so connected to the people who have been riding with her since day one. This song feels like a warm hug for the R&B soul, and having Wale jump on the track just adds that perfect poetic layer we didn’t know we were missing.

The chemistry between these two is absolutely unmatched, and it is clear they put a lot of heart into this release. Whether you are winding down after a long day or just need something sultry to set the mood, this track is going to be on heavy rotation for a long time. It is so refreshing to see two legends come together to create something that feels timeless and fresh at the same time. Teyana Taylor Bed of Roses ft Wale is officially the anthem for the season, so go ahead and turn the volume up because you are going to want to hear every single note!

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Photo Credits: Youtube

Aptar Beauty’s Double Click adds convenience to Twist-to-Lock aerosols

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The distribution systems specialist recently filed the Double Click trademark to accelerate the rollout of this technology across the aerosol market through its hoodless Twist-to-Lock actuator range.

Audible signal

The Double Click technology features a distinctive, audible double signal confirming that the actuator is securely locked or unlocked. Combined with tactile cues like textured finger pads or ribbed collars, it enhances confidence and ease of use for all users.

This sound feedback adds to the smooth twist motion and wide ergonomic finger pad design of the Twist-to-Lock collection to support a more inclusive user experience, ensuring consumers with different levels of motricity can operate aerosols safely and comfortably.

E-commerce ready

Aerosols equipped with the patented, lockable Twist-to-Lock mechanisms with Double Click technology are fully compliant with Amazon’s ISTA-6 testing protocols. They are assured to minimize the risks associated with transport and e-commerce distribution network pressures, like leakage, accidental actuation or breakage.

Brands and consumers benefit from improved transit safety and product integrity with less risk of returns linked to transit damage,” highlights Aptar Beauty.

Sustainable and versatile by design

The hoodless design of the Twist‑to‑Lock aerosol actuators eliminates the need for an overcap, lowering the use of resin in design up to 55% compared to traditional actuators and cap combinations. Additionally, the actuators of the collection are POM-free [1]with some being PCR capable, available with up to 100% PCR content.

The Twist-to-Lock collection offers a high level of versatility with many customization options delivering a wide range of formulas, without compromising on spray quality and performance,” adds Luigi Garofalo Global Category Director, Personal Care & Home Care, Aptar Beauty. “Our aerosol portfolio offers a broad range of valves and actuators to mix and match with different finishes and decoration to support brand equity. This versatile collection adapts to a wide spectrum of formula types, from sprays to powders and gels.

Aptar Beauty says the global beauty Valve and Bag-on-Valve market is showing good recovery after a post-COVID drop. According to the group, market forecasts stay promising, mainly due to the booming hair care category and rising consumer expectations around safety, convenience and sensoriality.

These Korean Vitamin C Serums Deliver Instant Glow Anytime, Anywhere

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Korean vitamin C serums different from Western formulas?

Korean vitamin C serums are more about the long game than instant gratification, unlike some Western formulas. Instead of leaning heavily on high, potentially irritating doses of pure L-ascorbic acid, Korean versions often use stabilized derivatives layered with barrier-supporting ingredients, making them easier to tolerate and pair with soothing components like cica to keep skin balanced, says Dr. Sheu. You’ll also notice lighter, more fluid textures designed to slot easily into multi-step routines. That said, our experts emphasize that formulation matters more than origin—L-ascorbic acid is still the most well-studied form of vitamin C, so it’s always worth looking at the ingredient list.

Are Korean vitamin C serums generally better for sensitive skin?

Korean vitamin C serums are often better suited for sensitive skin types, but not always. In general, Korean skin care is often formulated with lower-irritation potential and barrier-supporting ingredients, which can be helpful if your skin concerns include dull skin or working toward a more even skin tone—especially for those with sensitive skin. But that doesn’t mean every formula is a safe bet. “Some Korean vitamin C products contain essential oils or fragrance, so check out the ngredient list rather than assuming K-beauty equals gentle,” says Dr. Sheu.

Do Korean vitamin C serums oxidize as quickly?

Many Korean vitamin C serums oxidize more slowly. “But that has less to do with being Korean and more to do with the type of vitamin C used,” says Dr. Kim. Formulas that rely on stabilized derivatives like ethyl ascorbic acid or ascorbyl glucoside are naturally more resistant to oxidation than pure L-ascorbic acid, no matter where they’re made. “That said, proper storage away from light, air, and heat matters regardless of which form is used,” adds Dr. Sheu.

Meet the experts

  • Claire Y. Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
  • Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified medical doctor and Medical Director of PureenMD based in Fort Lee, New Jersey
  • Sarah Sheu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Valley Medical Center based in Maple Valley, Washington

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our review of the best Korean vitamin C serums, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients, efficacy, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, determined that every product excelled in each category—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we can fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Trending Cushion Sunscreens Are Convenient, But Are They Effective?

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If you haven’t heard of sunscreen cushions yet, you probably will soon. Recent data from Spate shows interest in the format is up more than 2,600 percent, and once you see how convenient they are, it’s easy to understand why. From mess-free application to advanced formulas that make SPF touch-ups far less annoying, there’s a lot to love about the trending format.

Ahead, experts share everything you need to know before adding one to your skin-care routine.

  • Sarah Chung Park is the creator of K-Beauty World
  • Michelle Shieh is the Derma Science Director at Shiseido
  • Victoria Fu and Gloria Lu are cosmetic chemists and the cofounders of Chemist Confessions
  • Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist

What Are Cushion Sunscreens?

“Cushion sunscreens are a Korean beauty innovation that delivers SPF through a sponge-soaked applicator housed in a compact—the same format you may know from cushion foundations, but formulated specifically for sun protection,” says K-Beauty World founder Sarah Chung Park.

“The cushion format was actually pioneered in Korea, and Korean brands have spent years perfecting it across both dedicated sunscreens and hybrid makeup products that build SPF directly into their coverage,” she continues. “You tap the puff onto the soaked cushion and press it onto skin for a seamless, buildable application that feels nothing like traditional sunscreen.”

What Are the Benefits of Cushion Sunscreens?

“The biggest advantage is convenience. Cushion formats are designed for life on the go—you can toss one in your bag, reapply in your car, at your desk or between meetings without missing a beat,” says Chung Park. “That alone is a game-changer for reapplication throughout the day, which is where most people fall short with sunscreen.” Applying sunscreen can feel sticky or inconvenient when you’re not using the right formula, but Chung Park says cushion sunscreens make the experience genuinely enjoyable.

“A sunscreen in cushion form allows for more controlled application of the product using the included puff applicator. This is especially useful when you need to apply sunscreen on top of makeup,” says Shiseido Derma Science Director Michelle Shieh.

Cosmetic chemists Victoria Fu and Gloria Lu agree that the “main benefit is the ability to reapply and touch up sunscreen and foundation coverage in one go.” They also note that cushion sunscreens can potentially provide higher coverage than traditional tinted sunscreens.

“Korean brands have pushed the format further by developing cushion foundations with meaningful SPF built in, so you’re getting coverage, skin-care benefits and sun protection in a single step—very much in line with the Korean philosophy of maximizing results without adding complexity to your routine,” says Chung Park.

Proper Application Is the Key to Efficacy

Are cushion sunscreens as effective as other sunscreen formats? It depends, because the sponge may not deliver all the product directly to the face, says cosmetic chemist Ginger King.

The experts say cushion sunscreens can work just as well as any other sunscreen, as long as they’re applied correctly, but Fu and Lu note that cushion sunscreens are often under-applied. “What matters most with any sunscreen is applying enough product and reapplying every two hours—and that’s actually where cushion has the edge, because the format makes reapplication so easy that people actually do it,” says Chung Park. “A sunscreen you’ll reapply is always more effective than a sunscreen you won’t.”

Fu and Lu recommend applying an additional sunscreen product as your main SPF base. They say “cushion sunscreen is best used as a second layer for the desired makeup look or reapplication in a pinch.” Chung Park agrees, noting that people should pair a cushion sunscreen with a dedicated SPF underneath for full coverage.

“Korean consumers are among the most demanding in the world when it comes to sunscreen—they want protection, but they also want their skin to look and feel beautiful, so brands are pushed to innovate in ways that Western formulations haven’t always prioritized,” says Chung Park. “Just make sure to pair it with a dedicated SPF underneath for full coverage, and use the cushion for effortless touch-ups throughout the day.”

To get the best coverage, Shieh recommends lightly dabbing the puff into the sunscreen two or three times before pressing it onto the skin at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Then, of course, reapply every two hours.

The Best Sunscreen Cushions to Try

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“I personally recommend the Sulwhasoo UV Wise On-the-Go Sun Cushion,” says Shieh. “It’s easy to apply, lightweight and leaves minimal white cast—perfect for either over or under makeup.”

The lightweight, serum-like texture helps hydrate, soothe and cool the skin. Fu and Lu also recommend Sulwhasoo’s cushions for a comfortable finish and wide shade range.

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‘Chung Park also recommends this cushion foundation. “It’s not a dedicated sunscreen, but it’s a beautiful example of how Korean brands build meaningful sun protection directly into their makeup. It’s SPF 30 PA++, vegan and made with clean ingredients, and it wears like a dream—featherlight with a satin finish that looks like your skin.”

She adds that the formula is infused with niacinamide, squalane and bakuchiol, “so you’re getting real skin-care benefits layered into your coverage.”

Unleashia Satin Wear Healthy-Green Cushion Foundation

3 / 4

This hydrating cushion compact foundation is infused with botanical extracts that deliver skin-care benefits alongside SPF protection while providing light-to-medium, buildable coverage.

“I ONLY wear this cushion compact!!! I love it so much that I flew to Seoul from my home in San Francisco just to shop AMOREPACIFIC skin care when it was not available in America,” writes one user. Fortunately, it’s much easier to get your hands on now.

AMOREPACIFIC Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

4 / 4

The hydrating, sheer formula behind this sun cushion from the K-Beauty–favorite brand helps moisturize and replenish skin throughout the day while making SPF touch-ups feel effortless.

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLOCK Sun Cushion SPF 50

The shocking true story behind Netflix’s Should I Marry a Murderer?

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It wasn’t until 27 December 2020 that Muirhead formally reported McKellar to the authorities. She has said she spent the intervening weeks gathering further information about him, including confirming details about where Parsons’ body had been disposed of.

Following her report, both McKellar brothers were brought in for questioning, and acting on Muirhead’s information, Parsons’ body was recovered by police in January 2021.

Three years later, the trial finally took place. Robert McKellar pleaded guilty to covering up the death and was sentenced to five years and three months in jail. Alexander McKellar also pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and was sentenced to 12 years.

Why did Muirhead stay with McKellar after the incident?

McKellar and his brother remained living with Muirhead after the initial police questioning, unaware that she had already reported them to the authorities. Even once this was revealed, the couple had a fierce argument, but Muirhead ultimately moved back in with him on the estate while police continued gathering evidence.

This detail has clearly unsettled viewers, judging by reactions across Reddit threads and TikTok discussions. However, it is also difficult to fully comprehend what you might do in the same situation, given the intensity of the emotional and psychological conflict involved.

“There is something deeply relatable about staying in a relationship that you know is bad for you, and Caroline was determined to own these mistakes as a lesson to others who might ever be caught in a similar situation,” Should I Marry a Murderer? director Josh Allott said in a press statement.

What’s missing from Should I Marry a Murderer?

The Netflix documentary is told largely from Muirhead’s perspective, meaning significant parts of the victims’ stories and wider context are not fully explored on screen. For those wanting a broader view, viewers are encouraged to watch the BBC documentary The Vanishing Cyclistwhich aired in August 2025.

Additionally, some critics have argued that the McKellars’ difficult upbringing is underexplored in the series. While the show does briefly allude to their past, including a specific incident in which their father was previously charged with weapons offences, alongside some contextual input from residents of their hometown, it doesn’t really delve much deeper into their background or formative experiences.

The production also notes that both Police Scotland and Victim Support Scotland declined to participate in the documentary, meaning their official responses to Caroline’s claims of investigative shortcomings and lack of support are largely absent from the narrative. As a result, viewers are left with limited insight into why she was not, at the time, reportedly offered more substantial victim support or mental health intervention. They maintain they gave her “appropriate support.”

Furthermore, what is not included in the documentary, however, is that she was allegedly told at the last minute that cameras from an upcoming BBC documentary would be allowed in court, something which caused Muirhead to panic and leave without giving testimony.

Watch Should I Marry a Murderer? on Netflix

Ice Cream Nails Are The Sweet Treat Your Manicure Deserves This Summer

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From mermaid glam to the renaissance of jelly sandals, this year is all about reclaiming what we loved as children. So it’s no surprise that ice cream nails are well on their way to becoming one of summer 2026’s biggest nail trends.

According to Juli Russell, Sally Beauty DIY nail expert, the sudden popularity of ice cream nails is to be expected. “One of the hottest trends this year has been 3D nail decor and charms,” she points out, which play a major part in most ice cream nail designs. “The drippy, delectable ice cream dream manicure features chunky, 3D glitter over velvety smooth creme polish for a summer manicure that looks good enough to eat.”

As for why this style is trending, aside from the obvious association with childlike wonder in summertime? Ice cream nails aren’t just cute but are completely customisable, super versatile, and most exciting of all, actually easy to recreate at home.

“They’re so easy to DIY and fully customisable,” says Juli. And they really are. Whether you prefer minimalist manis, French tips, pops of pigment, or mismatched nails, there is no shortage of ways to wear the trend.

One of the most popular – and sweetest – ways to wear ice cream nails? Paint “dripping” ice cream on your nail tips in place of the classic French tip, resulting in what we like to call the ice cream French mani. If you’re feeling more adventurous – or have more of a sweet tooth – other ice cream nail designs incorporate fudge, doughnuts, sprinkles, and more. It’s really all about the aesthetic you prefer.

“The ‘secret sauce’ to creating the look is in the ice cream, which – in this case – is a chunky glitter polish like the sprinkles you’d get at your favourite scoop shop,” says Juli. “You can opt for an opaque coloured base polish that has chunky glitter or a clear glitter polish and paint it over a white or nude base.” It really is that simple.

This Is the Exact Red Nail Polish Selena Gomez Is Wearing Right This Second

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Red nail polish is truly timeless. Any year, any time of year, it works and wows. And yet, after literal years of all-but-naked nails, seeing it on a celebrity does just read as classic—it reads as downright daring. With the number of times we’ve seen it starting to crop up on red carpets after such a noticeable absence, we’re starting to think red nails can be both classic and trendy at the same time. And the latest lovely example of the red nail resurgence: Selena Gomez.

On Wednesday, May 6, Gomez attended the Los Angeles premiere of her Only Murders in the Building co-star Martin Short’s new Netflix documentary, Marty, Life Is Short. Hairstylist Ashley Ruiz pulled her hair back into a super sleek bun, and makeup artist Jenna Nicole gave her an almost-red magenta lip with a flawless, delicate cat eye. And while any nail color would have worked with the black, beaded Carolina Herrera dress she wore, Gomez and go-to nail artist Tom Bachik went with an absolutely perfect and easily accessible red.

Photo: Getty Images

“We haven’t used a bright red on Sel in a while, and she loves how good it looks,” says Bachik, who tells Allure he’s been back and forth between LA and New York this week thanks to Met Gala events. And that bright red? Olive & June CV, which is available as both a long-wearing nail polish and a gel polish.

Olive & June Long Lasting Nail Polish in branded component on a light gray background

Olive & June

Long Lasting Nail Polish

close up of Selena Gomez's hands wearing diamond rings and a red manicure

Photo: Getty Images