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The Importance of Prepping & Priming Hair – OLAPLEX Inc.

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The Importance of Prepping & Priming Hair – OLAPLEX Inc.

Key Takeaways

  • Hair primer is the foundation of healthy hair, and priming hair can repair existing damage and strengthen the hair internally so that treatments, styling, and color perform better with less damage over time.
  • Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment repairs hair at both the cortex and cuticle, improves the 5 visible signs of hair health, and protects against future damage, making it a faster, easier, and more comprehensive upgrade from the original Nº.3 Hair Perfector®.
  • Creating a comprehensive haircare routine inclusive of a hair primer helps to create a healthy canvas that can hold color better, style smoothly, and resist breakage from environmental stress more effectively.

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Prepping the skin and priming before makeup isn’t new to the beauty world, but what about priming your hair? Just like your skin, hair needs a healthy, resilient foundation to perform its best. When hair isn’t properly prepped, things like treatments, styling, and color services don’t deliver the same results, and hair doesn’t look as healthy overall.

At OLAPLEX, priming hair starts with repairing it from the inside out through bond-building science, which is ever evolving through new products like the OLAPLEX Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment. Learn how this universal, professional-inspired treatment helps to repair damage from past and present, while creating the ideal foundation for healthy hair, so your hair is primed and ready for anything.

What Is Hair Primer?

A hair primer is a treatment step that prepares hair by working through existing damage and fortifying it against future stress. It’s the act of properly preparing the hair so that treatments, styling, and color perform can better and cause less damage over time. Instead of just coating the hair, a true primer works internally, strengthening the hair structure from the inside out so that everything that follows can work better and the hair appears healthier and stronger.

OLAPLEX hair priming is powered by patented Bond Building Technology™which helps to target broken bonds often caused by chemical, thermal, mechanical, and environmental damage.

What Does Hair Primer Do?

A hair primer works within the hair fiber to strengthen, smooth, and protect. Unlike traditional masks or conditioners that focus mainly on softness, a primer improves the quality of the hair itself.

By leaving Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment on the hair for 3 minutes, hair is:

  • Repaired internally at the cortex and externally at the cuticle
  • Instantly revived for softness and manageability
  • Strengthened to reduce breakage and split ends
  • Better prepared for styling, heat, color, and other types of environmental stress

Think of it as setting the stage. When hair is healthy at the core, everything you do next is destined to shine.

Finding the Ultimate Hair Primer

When it comes to a hair primer, you want something with fast results, easy use, and more comprehensive hair repair. OLAPLEX Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment builds upon the cult‑favorite Nº.3 Hair Perfector®, for a more universal primer with even better results.

Key Benefits of Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment

  • Repairs all three bond types in hair
  • Delivers immediate softness in just 3 minutes
  • Improves the 5 visible signs of hair health: strength, smoothness, softness, shine, and shape
  • Protects against future damage
  • Color-safe, vegan, and suitable for all hair types

When used consistently, Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment has the ability to transform damaged, dry, or compromised hair into a stronger, healthier canvas.

A Haircare Routine for Maximum Results

Healthy hair behaves differently. It holds color better, styles more smoothly, and resists breakage from heat and stress. When you prep and prime hair regularly, you’re not just fixing damage but also preventing further damage from happening, which is why having a good haircare routine is so important.

Prime & Repair

Apply OLAPLEX Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment to damp hair from mid‑lengths to ends. Leave on for at least 3 minutes, then rinse.

Cleanse & Condition

Shampoo with OLAPLEX Nº.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and follow with Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner.

Use a Hair Mask When Needed

Adding a hair mask to your routine is a great way to keep hair healthy and hydrated. Use the Rich Hydration Mask on medium to coarse hair, or the Weightless Nourishing Mask on fine to medium hair about once a week to boost hydration, smoothness, and shine.

Protect & Style

Apply Nº.6 Bond Smoother® before styling to hydrate and reduce breakage, and OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™ for instant shine and protection.

Stay Consistent with Your Haircare

Bond repair is permanent until hair is damaged again, which is common with all of the heat styling, UV exposure, chemical services, and other kinds of stress we put on our hair, compromising it over time. Like skincare, consistency is key. Regular use of a hair primer keeps hair resilient, healthy, and ready for anything.

Hair primer is a fundamental step in modern haircare. With the new OLAPLEX Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment, priming hair becomes faster, easier, and more effective than ever before. If you start with a strong foundation, then the hair will perform at its best.

Treat your hair like your skin. Prep it. Prime it. Repair it.

The beauty habits affecting your eyes (according to an eye doctor)

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The beauty habits affecting your eyes (according to an eye doctor)

We brush our teeth twice a day without even thinking, yet most of us can’t name a single thing we do to care for our eyes – even though we expose them daily to mascara, eyeliner, lash serums, powders, creams and makeup removers, often for decades at a time.

In this episode of Green Beauty Conversations, Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier is joined by Dr Pam Theriot, optometrist, author and dry eye specialist, to unpack the rarely discussed relationship between beauty routines and long-term eye health.

As Dr Theriot explains, modern beauty habits such as tightlining, waterproof makeup and lash enhancements may seem harmless in isolation, but their cumulative impact can affect the eyelids, tear film, and the tiny oil glands that keep our eyes comfortable.

This unique episode shines a light on a missing piece of the beauty conversation.

From ingredient choices and everyday behaviours to the lack of industry education around ocular health, it challenges assumptions and offers practical insights that could change how you think about caring for your eyes, forever.

Listen here

“We care for our teeth every day, but most people can’t name a single thing they do to care for their eyes – even though sight is the sense we fear losing the most.” — Dr Pam Theriot

In this episode with Dr Pam Theriot, you will hear:

  • Why eye health is missing from the beauty conversation: Dr Theriot explains why ocular health has largely been ignored by the beauty industry, despite decades of product use around the eyes. She shares how recent advances in imaging technology and research are only now revealing the cumulative impact of everyday beauty habits.
  • How cosmetics interact with the eye’s delicate structures: You’ll learn how the eyelids, tear film and oil glands work together to protect the eyes, and why they are so vulnerable to products applied nearby. Dr Theriot explains how powders, pigments and creams can migrate into the tear film or absorb through the thinnest skin on the body.
  • The ingredients and products that raise red flags: From preservatives and alcohol to formaldehyde in lash adhesives and tea tree oil in eyelid products, Dr Theriot outlines which ingredients have been shown to damage cells or disrupt the eye’s surface. She also explains why “clean” or “natural” doesn’t automatically mean eye-safe.
  • Beauty behaviours that quietly contribute to discomfort: Tightlining, waterproof makeup, lash extensions and skipping proper removal are all discussed in detail. Dr Theriot explains how these habits can block oil glands, reduce tear quality and increase inflammation over time.
  • What needs to change in formulation, labelling and education: The episode closes with a powerful discussion on how the beauty industry could take ocular health more seriously – from ingredient choices and warning labels to influencer education and consumer awareness.

Key takeaways include:

  • Eye care deserves the same daily attention as oral care: Dr Theriot highlights a striking imbalance in how we approach self-care. While plaque removal and dental hygiene are ingrained from childhood, eye hygiene is rarely discussed. Yet the eyelids and ocular surface also accumulate biofilm, bacteria and residue that can affect long-term comfort and eye health if left unmanaged.
  • Cumulative exposure matters more than one-off use: Many beauty habits seem harmless in isolation, but the real issue lies in repeated exposure over decades. Daily application of products near the eyes can gradually damage oil glands, disrupt blinking and alter tear composition, increasing the risk of dry eye disease later in life.
  • Behaviour can be just as important as formulation: Even well-formulated products can cause problems when used incorrectly. Applying products too close to the lash line, rubbing the eyes, over-cleansing or failing to remove makeup properly can all contribute to irritation and gland dysfunction, regardless of how ‘gentle’ a product claims to be.
  • Not all irritation is immediate or obvious: Damage to the eye’s structures often occurs silently, long before symptoms become severe enough to seek help. Dr Theriot explains that many patients don’t connect mild dryness or discomfort with their beauty routines, even when clear clinical signs are present.
  • Education could transform how we use beauty products: Greater awareness – from formulators, brands, practitioners and influencers – could help consumers make informed choices without giving up makeup entirely. Understanding where and how to apply products and which ingredients to approach with caution could significantly improve eye comfort over time.

Meet our guest: Dr Pam Theriot, optometrist, author, and dry eye specialist

Podcast 305: The beauty habits affecting your eyes (according to an eye doctor)Podcast 305: The beauty habits affecting your eyes (according to an eye doctor)Dr Pam Theriot is an optometrist, author, and dry eye specialist based in Louisiana. With over 20 years of experience in eye care, she leads the Dry Eye Relief Center at Lusk Eye Specialists, where she helps patients find personalised, long-term solutions to chronic eye irritation.

Her own journey with dry eye began early in her career, when symptoms started affecting her ability to wear contact lenses, run comfortably and apply makeup. That experience shaped her professional mission to help others feel at ease in their own eyes again.

Dr Theriot shares her expertise through her book Alleviate Dry Eye, online courses, a weekly blog, and her Editor’s Pick Award-winning TEDx talk. She is on a mission to help 1 million people learn to care for their eyes as routinely as they care for their teeth by building simple, everyday habits.

Find out more about Dr Pam Theriot and her work:

Special resource mentioned in the episode:

Related episodes:

Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Formula Botanica Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed listening, please share, subscribe and review this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Join over 100,000 other Formulators

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Is The New Vegan Formula Any Good?

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Is The New Vegan Formula Any Good?

Nivea Creme Natural Touch is the first line extension of the iconic blue tin in over 100 years, and that’s not a small thing. This is Vicks VapoRub territory. Ivory Soap territory. A utilitarian, unpretentious staple so embedded in daily life across so many cultures that it long ago transcended the moisturizer category.

As inclusive as a United Colors of Benetton ad, and priced so that virtually anyone anywhere can access it. So when Beiersdorf extended the legacy, they did it the right way: kept the original untouched and added Natural Touch alongside it to meet growing demand for a vegan option. That’s exactly how it’s done.

Nivea creme formulas around the world.

Nivea Around The World

This is where Nivea gets a shaky reputation. The line thrives in Europe and offers far more targeted solutions than what’s available Stateside. Most importantly, the cream in the blue tin is superb compared to what is sold in the US. The latter is heavier, greasier, and far from a joy to use. I covered this in more depth in this post. TL;DR: only buy the Made in Germany tin.

Berlin train station Rossmann and drugstore shopping haul.
Berlin Hbf layover included Rossmann and Apotheke visit. Both successful.

Nivea Creme Natural Touch Ingredient Tweaks

The biggest difference between Natural Touch and the classic comes down to the base. The original is built on mineral oil, petrolatum, microcrystalline wax, and paraffin, held together with lanolin alcohol, known by its historic name Eucerit.

Nivea Creme Natural Touch

That last ingredient deserves more than a passing mention. Eucerit is Beiersdorf’s proprietary lanolin alcohol, a purified fraction of the waxy substance secreted by sheep. It was the discovery that launched the company in 1911, and it was groundbreaking for one specific reason: it was the first ingredient capable of forming a stable water-in-oil emulsion. That’s what made the original Nivea Creme possible.

It has been in this formula for over 100 years. Natural Touch drops it entirely, which is either admirably bold or mildly heartbreaking depending on how deep your skincare history rabbit hole goes. It had to go. Eucerit is animal-derived, and keeping it would have killed the vegan claim.

New vegan Nivea Creme Natural Touch ingredients.

Not to get all Elle Woods on you, but this is what needed to happen: the base became a fusion of caprylic/capric triglyceride, hydrogenated rapeseed oil, Brassica campestris seed oil, sunflower oil, and shea butter. The emulsifier system shifts to polyglyceryl-3 stearate and potassium cetyl phosphate, both plant-derived. Distarch phosphate, a modified starch, is the interesting one. It’s not a common moisturizer ingredient, but here it’s working as a texture builder to replicate that dense, waxy feel the original is known for. Six years and 2,100 prototypes to get there. For a moisturizer. That’s impressive.

Nivea Vegan Natural Touch creme texture on skin

But wait, there’s more!

Sodium ascorbate, a vitamin C salt, acts as an antioxidant to stabilize the plant oils. This matters more than it sounds. Plant oils oxidize. Mineral oil doesn’t. Keeping a plant-based formula shelf-stable without compromising texture is genuinely difficult work. Levomenol, natural bisabolol, rounds things out with a mild soothing element.

Panthenol and the fragrance allergen profile remain identical across both formulas, so the scent is unchanged. That matters, because the smell of Nivea Cream is essentially embedded in cultural memory. Getting that wrong would have been unforgivable.

Here’s the honest formulation read. Mineral oil and petrolatum are excellent ingredients. They’re hypoallergenic, stable, and genuinely effective occlusives. Replacing them with plant oils isn’t automatically better for skin. It’s better for a sustainability story. That’s not a criticism, it’s just worth saying plainly.

Texture comparison of original Nivea and vegan Natural Touch formulas.

It’s also worth distinguishing Nivea Creme from other occlusive heavy-hitters like Aquaphor or CeraVe Healing Ointments. Those are primarily repair-focused occlusives. They seal and protect. Their goal is to help heal from within. Nivea Cream is doing both jobs simultaneously. The glycerin and panthenol actively moisturize while the occlusive base locks everything in. Natural Touch maintains that same dual action, just with a plant-derived base. That’s a harder thing to pull off than it looks, and it’s what separates Nivea Creme from the ointment category entirely.

The Natural Touch is a well-engineered reformulation that earns its claims. That said, the original remains the stronger choice for very sensitive or reactive skin, precisely because of its simplicity.

Nivea comparison of original creme and new vegan formula.

My Experience With Nivea Creme Natural Touch

I opened my tin apprehensive but optimistic. My hesitation had history behind it. The Soft cream formula never won me over, and the Nivea Men version left me only slightly impressed. Natural Touch, however, absolutely wowed me.

Nivea Vegan Creme review (Natural Touch formula).

The texture is just a touch creamier than the original and absorbs just as well. The signature scent is completely intact. Given how central that smell is to the Nivea experience, that alone is a win.

I tested it as a night cream during a recent trip to freezing Poland, which is about as rigorous a dry-skin stress test as you can get. No clogged pores. No pillowcase stains. My complexion can handle Nivea Cream as a face cream, but with Madrid warming up fast, I’m currently rotating lighter options. Natural Touch will be back in heavy rotation come winter.

New Nivea vegan creme with no lanolin.

I picked up my tin for 2.99€ (150ml) at a Rossman in the Berlin train station. Right now, Natural Touch is only available in Germany. Check out eBay.de for a great deal on a multi-pack (the eBay store is by NIVEA btw). More markets should be coming. Based on this formula, the wait will be worth it.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no cost to you. It helps keep my mist habit funded and this blog running. Thank you for reading.

The “Dragon Scale” Nail Trend Will Take You to Another World

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The “Dragon Scale” Nail Trend Will Take You to Another World

Key Takeaways

  • The “Dragon Scale” manicure trend features jelly-like, ultra-glossy cat eye nails.
  • They can be any color, as long as they seem to glow from within.

Have you given your inner child a treat today? If not, it’s time you did—they’ve been so very good and you know better than anyone how much they deserve it.

Apparently, they’re still asking for one of the scales from Dragon Tales. Your mom said that wasn’t possible way back when, but times have changed and it’s absolutely something you can procure now. In fact, you can have ten of them! One on each nail, thanks to the “Dragon Scale” manicure trend.

@_o_at_/Instagram


The Trend

“Dragon Scale” nails are super closely related to cat eye or velvet nails, but glowier. They have a glass-like finish and somehow seem to shine from within. Like most nail trends, this look has roots in Korea. No one is doing it like the K-beauty brands (Japanese, too!), who often feature ultra-fine magnet particles in their polishes that help catch, and redistribute, the light.

“I create the look using ‘cat eye’ gel which is essentially a gel polish with metallic particles which are reactive to a magnet, creating that depth and iridescent effect,” explains Rosie Wainwright of Petal World Studio. “I love using Japanese and Korean brands for my magnetic gel products and am particularly drawn to products with that really fine shimmer effect, rather than chunky glitters.”

Honestly, it’s hard to even do these designs justice in photos. You need to see them glimmer in real life or a video.

@brushedbyb_/Instagram


The design can be any color you wish (new icebreaker question: “what color is your dragon?”), with a sparkly or simply glassy finish—as long as they have that glow, you’re in business. The shape is also up for interpretation, though there’s something special about trying out oval or soft almond if you want to get as scale-like as possible.

@nahands/Instagram


Get the Look

The best way to get dragon scale nails is to head to a salon that specializes in/stocks high-quality Korean or Japanese nail products. They’ll know the precise magnet placement and gel layering techniques so you can get that perfect finish.

@nahands/Instagram


Or, there are always press ons. Kiss has some nice purple ones, and Etsy offers an endless scroll of expert artists who can create a custom design for you based on your dream scale(s).

Come along, take my hand! Let’s all go to dragon land.

Clariant remains cautious on 2026 prospects amid market headwinds

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Clariant remains cautious on 2026 prospects amid market headwinds

The Swiss specialty chemicals group Clariant is adopting a cautious stance toward 2026 amid uncertainty over U.S. tariffswhich are weighing on demand across the chemical sector. Despite the lack of clarity around the reimbursement process, Clariant plans to seek a refund of the tariffs, CEO Conrad Keijzer said during a conference call following the release of the company’s annual results.

The group is not among the companies most directly exposed, since it operates 68 production sites worldwide, the majority of which manufacture locally for regional customers. However, certain components still have to be imported into the United States, meaning the additional tariff costs have been passed on to its U.S. customers. The total amount paid in 2025 is expected to reach approximately 17 million Swiss francs (around 18.6 million)Conrad Keijzer said, adding that Clariant intends to seek reimbursement in order to return the funds to its customers.

While the direct impact on Clariant is limited, the ongoing changes regarding tariffs are fueling macroeconomic uncertainty, to the detriment of demand. Between their invalidation last week by the Supreme Court and Donald Trump’s announcement of a new 10% tariff, there are many “elements in flux,” with “an increased level of uncertainty,” noted Mr. Keijzer.

Stagnant sales

In 2025, this uncertainty weighed on demand, particularly for industrial applications, the group indicated in the press release detailing its results. Excluding currency effects, the group’s sales stagnateddue to a combination of increased demand for components used in agricultural, mining, detergent, and hygiene products, and decreased demand for catalytic products.

Taking into account the negative currency effects of the strong Swiss franc, its annual revenue decreased by 6% compared to the previous year, to CHF 3.9 billion.

For fiscal year 2025, the group incurred a net loss of CHF 41 millioncompared to a net profit of CHF 280 million in 2024, due to an accounting effect related to the December sale of its Venezuelan subsidiary to CMV Química. With this sale, Clariant had to record CHF 230 million in accumulated foreign exchange losses over several years.

Clariant is operating in “a challenging market,” “but is managing the challenges well,” as evidenced by “its improved margins” thanks to cost-cutting measures, commented Sibylle Bischofberger, an analyst at Vontobel.

For 2026, Clariant expects sales to stagnate, given that “macroeconomic challenges, uncertainties, and risks persist.” However, the group reaffirmed its medium-term goals, targeting sales growth of 4% to 6% excluding currency effects, with a 2027 horizon.

Long-Lasting Body and Bounce Start With These Hair Volumizers

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Long-Lasting Body and Bounce Start With These Hair Volumizers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a volumizing hair product do?

According to Toth, a volumizing hair product lifts roots from the scalp. “Some are simply weightless, some give incredible hold and texture, and some coat and surround each strand of hair,” he says.

Raven Hurtado, a Chicago-based hairstylist, echoed Toth. He told Allure“It works great for updos, and you could also use it as a dry shampoo.” Hurtado explains, “You can also touch up your second-day blowout without having any residue.”

While healthy hair can benefit from hair volumizing products, they can also help support damaged locks. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King told Allure“Heredity, stress, poor nutrition, improper care of hair, and environmental damage (such as sunlight and harsh brushing)” can all be potential causes of thinning hair. If that sounds like you, a hair volumizing product could make a big difference, either as a permanent solution or to tide you over while going on a regrowth journey.

How do I choose a volumizing hair product?

Many products claim to be effective volumizers. But before you hedge your bets on a bottle, it’s essential to know your hair type and your desired style. Santiago recommends using a root spray or a mousse before blow-drying if you want your hair to be more touchable and smooth. “If you like feeling your hair more textured, an aerosol spray or volume powder is a great choice,” she adds. If you’re just getting into the hair volumizing game, you might need to try a few different products before you land your best option.

What should I avoid in a volumizing hair product?

King previously told Allure to be wary of heavy oils and silicones, since “not all oils or silicones are created equal.” She mentions that, while they can provide benefits like softening and hydrating, coconut and jojoba are weightier than other oils. Silicones also vary in weight and grade—but you don’t need to be a scientist to determine which is which. “If it feels greasy on your fingers, chances are it will weigh down your hair,” King advises.

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of volumizing hair products, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists—who have a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out 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 are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Done reading? Now, watch this beauty entrepreneur’s story of growing her brand on her own terms:

Why GLP-1s & Menopause Cause Hair Loss & How to Reverse It – Iles Formula

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Why GLP-1s & Menopause Cause Hair Loss & How to Reverse It – Iles Formula

On hormonal changes + hair loss – from GLP-1s to menopause.

You knew your body would be changing – but you didn’t know that meant your hair would be, too. It makes sense that all things linked to hormonal health have effects on our hair: from stress and cortisol levels to weight loss and peri menopause.

As if all the other bodily changes weren’t quite enough. Whether you’re navigating a GLP-1 medication, moving through perimenopause, or deep in the hormonal shift of menopause, the experience tends to feel the same: more strands on your pillow, more in the drain, a ponytail that doesn’t feel quite like yours anymore.

Hair loss linked to GLP-1s (like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, to name a few), or hormonal shifts, whether it’s perimenopause or menopausal, is one of the most common side effects people aren’t warned about upfront. Our take at ILES FORMULA is that even the most personal, intimate of conversations around beauty are deserving of an honest, solution-forward conversation. So lets talk about it, shall we?

pink flowing beside a syringe

Here’s what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Hormonal fluctuation, whether triggered by rapid weight loss or the estrogen and progesterone decline of menopause, disrupts the hair growth cycle at the follicular level. The body, registering change as stress, shifts hair follicles out of their active growth phase prematurely. The result is diffused hair thinning that can feel sudden, emotional and a little (or a lot) alarming.

The good news? The follicle is not gone. It’s dormant. And dormant can be woken up with ILES FORMULA.

looking at scalp of lady on the left and formula on the right

The Award winning  Scalp + Hair Rejuvenating Booster was formulated for exactly this. No prescription. No residue. Just a clinically supported serum that works at the root of the problem – literally. Procapil™️ blocks DHT and strengthens follicles at the source. Biotin and amino acids signal the scalp back into its growth phase. Wasabi extract (yes, really) improves circulation so every active can actually reach where it needs to go.

a circle showing procapcil, a circle showing biotin and amino acids, and another cicle showing wasabi extract

The results speak for themselves: an 80% reduction in hair loss, a 68% increase in hair density, with visible results beginning at the 3-month  mark. This isn’t a quick fix – it’s a genuine restoration.

No drugs. No residue. Just results.

three images of hair growth from the scalp over an 11 week period

We’ll be honest: the results are not overnight. They’re better than that – they’re real. Clinically, users see a measurable reduction in hair fall within the first few months, with visible density returning soon after.

Your body – and hairline – may be changing. But Iles Formula has the solution to stop hair fall right at the root.

a 5 star review of Iles Formula C\Scalp and Hair rejuvenating booster

You Do Not Have to Do Skincare Perfectly – 100% PURE

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You Do Not Have to Do Skincare Perfectly – 100% PURE

Your skin does not expect perfection.

It doesn’t know if you skipped toner, forgot a step, or fell asleep without finishing your routine. It only knows the overall pattern of care it receives — the moments of cleansing, the comfort of hydration, the steadiness of repetition over time.

But many of us carry a quiet pressure to “do skincare right.”

To follow every step, stay consistent no matter what, and keep up with routines that sometimes feel more like rules than support.

And when we can’t maintain that ideal, guilt slips in. We think we’ve failed. We assume it doesn’t count unless it’s done perfectly.

The reality is much kinder than that.

Skin doesn’t need flawless execution. It needs regular care — even when that care is imperfect, simplified, or incomplete. Showing up in small ways still supports your skin’s health, because consistency is built through real life, not ideal conditions.

If you’re here for skincare routine mistakes, an easy skincare routine, and how a minimalist skincare routine can still work — let’s start there.

Why Perfectionism Undermines Consistency

Perfectionism often disguises itself as dedication, but it rarely creates sustainable habits.

All-or-nothing thinking leads to skipped days

When a routine feels like it only “counts” if every step is done, missing one step can make the entire effort feel pointless. You get home late, feel tired, and decide to skip everything instead of doing a shorter version.

Over time, this pattern erodes consistency. Not because you don’t care, but because the routine feels too rigid to fit real life.

A routine that allows flexibility is far easier to return to — and returning is what builds results.

Stress disrupts skin balance

Trying to maintain a perfect routine can quietly add pressure to something meant to be supportive. And stress doesn’t stay in your thoughts alone — it can influence oil production, inflammation, sensitivity, and healing.

So the pursuit of perfection can paradoxically make skin feel more reactive.
Consistency thrives when routines feel calming, not demanding.

What Skin Actually Needs Most

Despite the complexity of the skincare world, your skin’s core needs are simple.

Skin responds to patterns. Gentle cleansing, hydration, and barrier support repeated over time matter far more than whether you completed every step every day.

Think of skincare less like a checklist and more like a rhythm — something you return to, even if the rhythm changes tempo sometimes.

Using products your skin recognizes and tolerates well creates stability. Familiarity reduces the likelihood of irritation and supports the skin barrier, especially during periods when routines are less consistent.

Predictable care creates a sense of ease — for both your skin and your mind.

How Imperfect Care Still Supports Skin Health

Imperfect routines are not ineffective routines.

Partial routines still reinforce habits

Even a single step maintains continuity. Washing your face when you’re tired or applying moisturizer quickly still reinforces the habit loop that keeps your routine alive.

Habits don’t require perfection — they require repetition.

Skin responds to frequency, not flawlessness

Biologically, your skin reacts to how often it receives support like hydration and gentle cleansing. It doesn’t measure whether you followed the “ideal” routine — it responds to the overall frequency of care.

So even when your routine is simplified, your skin is still benefiting. Imperfect care still creates conditions where repair and balance can happen.

A Forgiving Night Routine

This routine is designed to feel supportive rather than demanding — a structure you can follow fully when you have time, or simplify when you don’t. Each step is a reminder that care counts, even when it’s minimal.

1) Cleanse: Even a quick reset helps

Rose Water Gentle Cleanser

Cleansing is the moment you transition out of the day. It removes buildup and gives your skin a fresh start — even if it’s the only step you manage.

Ritual cue:
As you rinse, take one slow breath. Let the act signal that the day is complete.

2) Tone: Gentle balance when you can

Lavender Niacinamide Pore Minimizer Toner

Toning can support balance and comfort, but it’s a flexible step. When you have the energy, it’s a small layer of care — when you don’t, your routine still holds.

Ritual cue:
Press it into your skin with your palms and pause for a moment. Let the stillness be part of the ritual.

3) Moisturize: Comfort without pressure

Rose Water Hydrating Milk

Moisturizing is reassurance for your skin barrier. It seals in hydration and provides a sense of comfort — a quiet signal that your skin is supported.

Ritual cue:
Apply slowly and relax your shoulders as you do. Let the softness register physically.

4) Body Ritual: A small moment of calm still counts

French Lavender Shower Gel

A warm shower can be one of the simplest ways to reset both body and mind. The warmth and scent create a sensory cue that the day is winding down.

Ritual cue:
Let the scent mark the transition from doing to resting. Nothing more is required.

Conclusion: Care Counts When It’s Kind, Not Perfect

Healthy skin isn’t built through flawless routines.
It’s built through repeated moments of care — some intentional, some quick, all meaningful.

When routines feel forgiving, they become sustainable. And sustainability is what allows skin to repair, balance, and thrive over time.

So whether tonight’s routine is one step or four, it still counts.
Because what matters most isn’t perfection — it’s the willingness to keep showing up.

Care works best when it’s gentle, flexible, and rooted in kindness toward yourself.

FAQ

Is it okay to skip steps sometimes?

Yes. Missing steps occasionally won’t undo your progress. Skin health is shaped by long-term patterns, not individual days, so a simplified routine or a skipped step here and there won’t disrupt your overall results. What matters most is returning to your routine when you can — even if that means just cleansing or moisturizing. Think of your routine as supportive rather than strict: it’s there to meet you where you are. Over time, this flexible consistency is far more beneficial than trying to maintain perfection and burning out.

Can minimalist routines still work?

Absolutely. A minimalist skincare routine can be very effective because it focuses on the essentials your skin truly needs — gentle cleansing, hydration, and barrier support. Fewer steps often mean less chance of irritation, fewer conflicting ingredients, and a routine that’s easier to stick with long term. Many people actually see more stable results when they simplify, because the skin has space to maintain balance without constant changes. A routine doesn’t need to be complex to be impactful; it needs to be consistent and well-suited to your skin.

What matters most in a daily routine?

Gentle cleansing, hydration, and regularity form the foundation of healthy skin. Cleansing removes buildup so your skin can function comfortably, while hydration supports the barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Regularity ties it all together — because skin responds to repeated care over time, not occasional bursts of effort. When these basics are in place, your skin has the stability it needs to stay balanced, resilient, and better able to respond to any additional treatments you may choose to use.

Kim Kardashian Channels Carolyn Bessette With ’90s Blonde

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Kim Kardashian Channels Carolyn Bessette With ’90s Blonde

When it comes to hair transformations, Kim Kardashian rarely misses. From waist-length platinum to inky, glassy brunette, she’s built a beauty legacy on keeping us guessing. Her latest switch-up, however, feels less shock factor and more subtle statement: a warm, minimalist blonde inspired by ‘90s style icon Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—with a very modern twist.

Dubbed “Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Blonde” by celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, the new shade marks a noticeable shift from Kim’s signature icy tones. Instead of the ultra-cool platinum she’s known for, this version leans softer and more natural, embracing warmth and depth reminiscent of the minimalist era that defined Bessette-Kennedy’s look.

Courtesy of Dimitri Giannetos

“Usually, we see Kim in icy blonde tones, but this time I wanted to create something different with more warmth and depth,” says Giannetos. “This shade is the ultimate ’90s blonde! It’s edgy while still sweet.”

The color is the standout. Where platinum can feel high-drama and high-maintenance, this creamy blonde reads effortless and expensive. It has the understated polish Bessette-Kennedy made famous in the ’90s—sleek, refined and never overworked. Paired with a smooth, precision style, the hue taps directly into the ongoing revival of quiet-luxury beauty.

But before you call your colorist, there’s a catch: it’s a wig. The transformation is tied to a new project Kim is currently filming, allowing her to fully embody the Carolyn-coded aesthetic without committing to bleach.

“You’ll be seeing it very soon on your screens!” Giannetos teases. “But we did use a custom wig to create this. With someone who has so many projects happening at one time, this is the healthiest way to bring a bold hair transformation to life while also maintaining consistency as she films. This way we don’t have to worry about consistently re-dying her hair and protecting the hair’s health.”

Dispatch From Milano Cortina: How a SELF Editor Spent 7 Days at the Winter Olympics

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Dispatch From Milano Cortina: How a SELF Editor Spent 7 Days at the Winter Olympics

6 p.m.: For a lot of people, the best part of this Tuesday would have probably been interviewing Shaq, which was undeniably cool. But for a queer girl from Oakland, California, it was watching Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu take the ice. Watching Liu, Oakland’s alt treasure, was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. There is such intensity and passion in her whimsical and artful movements. Power and grace in every step sequence and triple-lutz, triple-loop combination. My queer icon, Amber Glenn, takes her position in front of the judges as Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” fills the arena. She cries at the end of her performance and my heart feels heavy for her. She finishes 12th, and Liu, third.

Wednesday, February 18

10 a.m.: I’m sipping a cappuccino at So Natural, a vegan breakfast joint in Magenta-San Vittore, sitting across from a friend I made at a speed skating event. We’re seated outside and the sun warms my face as I take a bite of a pistachio pastry, which to my surprise doesn’t even taste vegan. I check my email. “Media Availability: Ilia Malinin (figure skating),” reads the subject line. I’ve never opened an email so fast. “SELF – 5:24-5:29.” I can work with five minutes.

5 p.m.: This is the first interview I am actually nervous about.

5:45 p.m.: Ilia Malinin walks into the room, and everyone’s heads turn. I watch as he sits for his five minutes with CNN, CBS, ABC, and People. I take a sip of water and take off my jacket—I’m sweating at this point. “Hi Ilia, I’m Katie from SELF. If you want to take a seat here and make yourself comfy,” I gesture to the green couch my tripod is pointing towards. He centers himself and scoots all the way back. I tell him I like his outfit—he’s wearing Nike puffer pants. “Feel free to sit forward, you don’t have to lean all the way back if that’s not comfortable,” I say. “No, I really like being comfortable, this is nice,” he says and smiles at me. He’s almost one with the green velvet, holding the mic with two hands, legs spread, and his feet barely touching the ground. After I ask him my list of questions I hold an array of friendship bracelets before him, asking if he would like to take one. “Cool, yeah!” He picks the red, white, and blue beaded one.

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