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3 Strength Exercises for Better Knee Stability

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Knee stability exercises probably aren’t top of mind when you hit the gym. But having stable knees is super important in a bunch of different scenarios—from running a marathon to climbing the stairs to squatting down to pick up a child—which means doing these types of moves on the reg is actually a really smart idea.

“Everybody could probably benefit from some sort of strengthening to improve stability of the knee,” Carrie Whitelam, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, a physical therapist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, tells SELF.

Thankfully, incorporating knee stability exercises into your gym routine is easier than you may think: We have three great examples right here, along with step-by-step instructions for weaving them into your workouts.

First though, what even is knee stability…and, um, why does it matter? Read on for all the must-know info.

What exactly is knee stability?

Knee stability can encompass a lot of different things, but to boil it down, it’s “the ability to maintain alignment and positioning of your knee during movement and activity,” Whitelam says.

There are passive structures in the body that help with knee stability, which include certain ligaments, Whitelam explains–such as the ACL and MCL. And there are active structures that help out too, which include muscles such as the quads, hamstrings, and hips, she adds.

When it comes to knee stability, each of these muscles plays a slightly different role: The quads help straighten the knees, the hamstrings work to bend them, and the hips serve as the “steering wheel” that controls the position and alignment of the knees, Braidy Solie, DPT, SCS, CSCS, a Minnesota-based physical therapist and strength and conditioning specialist with Training HAUS, tells SELF.

Basically, another way to think about knee stability is how well these three muscle groups work together to control the joint during movements like squatting, lunging, and stepping up, Solie says. During a squat, for example, you need all three players firing and coordinating with each other to complete the movement correctly and prevent your knee from collapsing inward.

Why does knee stability matter?

Having good knee stability isn’t just about squatting with perfect form. It also helps reduce our chances of knee pain and injury as we exercise, participate in sports, and move about our day-to-day.

The Best Bra Of All Time? Reviewed by Fashion Writers 2026

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Bra FAQs, answered by experts:

What are the different types of bras?

Most of us tend to have a few good bras to rotate between: a push-up bra when we need a little boost, a strapless bra for off-the-shoulder or bandeau necklines, a sleep bra to (you guessed it) snooze in, a couple of the best shapewear bras for extra contouring, and a sports bra for when raising your heart rate.

T-shirt bras are probably the most common for everyday wear, but if you’re wearing something backless, you’ll definitely need a few of the best sticky bras, backless bras, and/or nipple covers, too. And if you’re breastfeeding, new mums have confirmed these nursing bras are game-changing.

But unsure which will suit you best? If you have smaller boobs (anything up to a C cup), bra fit expert and confidence cheerleader, Katie Weir, says: “For a little more projection, smaller boobs may like a moulded plunge bra or moulded balcony to sit flush against the top cup. But it is still as important to get the correct fit and have a firm back band as smaller boob don’t necessarily need as much construction in a bra to hold up the breast tissue.”

For larger chests (anything upwards from a D cup), she adds: “If you are fuller busted and looking for more lift, look out for balcony bra shapes or half cup bra shapes as this really helps to lift the breast tissue towards your collar bones and feature side support as this helps to lift and forward project a heavier bust.

“Thicker straps and a wide back band can also offer more support and comfort for everyday bras, especially if you are above a DD cup. The back band support is essential at any size, as this is where 80% of the lift comes from.”

How do I know my correct bra size?

“A well-fitted bra should feel comfortable to wear all day,” says Emily Mackay, Customer Experience Manager at Bravissimo. “The under band should be firm and shouldn’t pull more than 1 to 1.5 inches away from the side of your body — this is where most of the support comes from.

She continues: “Your boobs should be fully enclosed, without any spilling or fabric wrinkling, so you feel totally secure and supported. If your bra isn’t fitting like this, then it may be time to pop in for a fitting.”

Can I measure my bra size at home?

We’ve got an entire guide if you’re wondering how to measure your bra size yourself. A reminder that wearing the wrong bra size can actually cause some genuine physical problems, but it can be rectified in minutes, so I’d recommend you check out our tips or go for an IRL bra fitting, pronto.

What type of bra is best for everyday wear?

Personally, I’d prioritise comfort and then support — and it seems Emily agrees, too. “Most women prefer to go for a style they feel most comfortable in, and this can be different for every person. A great starting point is to go for bras that have been designed with soft fabrics and comfort features like our Ultimate Comfort Plunge Bra with a cross-front design that eases pressure from the centre of your chest for all-day comfort.”

Which bra is best for large breasts?

“The best bra is a bra that fits,” says Emily. “That’s why we recommend starting with a bra fitting where our fitters can help you find the best fit and style for your shape. Our best-selling style for D cups and above, though, is our Millie Bra (we sell one every 6 minutes!), so this is a great option for comfort and support for bigger boobs.”

How many bras should I own?

You’ll need a few everyday bras that you can wear on rotation, plus a few ‘special’ bras: stick-on bras for backless outfits, sexy lingerie for date nights, and tonnes of nursing bras if you’re breastfeeding. However, there’s no exact number to adhere to.

How often should I replace my bra?

“We always recommend swapping out your bras every 6 to 12 months to make sure that they provide you with the best support,” urges Emily. “We also recommend treating yourself to a fitting every 6 months, as our bodies can change, and so does the support that we need.”


Meet the experts:


How I test the best bras:

It really is as simple as wearing each bra multiple times and under various tops over the course of a month — AKA at various points in my cycle, considering this impacts both my size and shape — to see how they fare. This includes wearing them under close-fitting t-shirts, white shirts, and summer dresses to see whether they provide a flattering lift.

For all styles, from t-shirt bras to various styles of wireless bras and sticky bras, I scored them against the following criteria:

Functionality Did the bra stay put, provide some support and give me the desired shape? Did I have any issues in terms of slipping, twisting or irritation?
Design Is the bra aesthetic and comfortable? How many options do I have in terms of colour and pattern? And what was each bra made of — is the material sustainable and breathable?
Price point Would I be willing to spend that much again? Is it good quality?
Delivery How quickly did the bra arrive, and what were the associated costs?

And, because we’re all different in terms of our chest shape, size and desired support, I also asked my fellow Glamour editors to weigh in on which brands and cuts they love, which also influenced which styles I tested for myself.

Unsurprisingly, only the chest supports that impressed made it into this edit. However, I also tried the following, which sadly didn’t meet my standards:

In terms of what I’m currently testing, stay tuned for these reviews:

Why you can trust me:

I’ve been reviewing underwear, shapewear, activewear, and wellness products, including cotton underwear, sports bras, and period pants, for almost three years — that’s one year at Women’s Health and 18 months at Glamour. During that time, I’ve seen countless trends and advancements, as well as a boom in our options.

To ensure I am an authority on functional fashion, I regularly attend press launches and interview clothing designers and brand founders, asking for their insight and shopping tips.

I also personally review as many new releases as possible. Ahead of my summer holidays, I’ve been reviewing bras from the likes of Boux Avenue, Lounge, H&M and Marks & Spencer to see which supports my 34DD chest best — and have even worn them for a full work day in the office and to weddings, praying and hoping they hold up for hours spent toasting and dancing.

How I Use the Ninja Creami Swirl

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I told you guys how much I disliked the first Ninja Creami so you know my commitment is always to the BEST snacks and that model was not it but guys… the new Ninja Creami Swirl? Absolutely life changing, I use it every single day, it is possibly the best invention known to man and no, I am not even kidding lol… This all started when I had a craving for frozen yogurt but everywhere around me only had crap options loaded with tons of gums and super high sugar so, I thought to myself, maybe I can make my own? And then, I came across the Creami Swirl and it’s been a love affair ever since. If you love healthy, clean, home made desserts, you won’t want to miss out on this one. Keep reading for exactly how we make a 0g added sugar, tasty, high protein frozen yogurt at home!

Supplies Needed

First, you will of course want the Ninja Creami Swirl machine, the one I got comes with 2 pints but you can buy extras here. I also got this 4 pack of color coordinated pints so we have 6 total. This is not needed but it’s nice to have them frozen and ready to go, plus they are cute and color coordinated. Next, you will want to plan your ingredients. I personally made my base Vegan but you can explore other options, the internet has a zillion.

Once you have your supplies ready to go, it’s time to party. The one downside is, you have to wait at least 6+ hours to let the pint freeze so the sooner you start, the sooner you can make it! Below is the base I use for just about all of my flavors, you can change it up anyway you wish, add strawberries, magic shell, sprinkles, peanut butter, etc… the options are endless. I make most of my bases as plain vanilla below and then add in whatever toppings I am feeling at the moment!

Creami Recipe

  • 1 scoop of Holi Mane collagen
  • 1 scoop of Protein Powder of your choice
  • Sprinkle in Monk Fruit to taste
  • 1 cup full-fat canned Coconut Milk
  • 2/3 cup Almond Malk
  • Vanilla Bean Powder to taste, I use a lot.

I take the above ingredients and add them all to the bowl. I add everything but the collagen powder, I add that very last. I add it to the bowl and then mix with an immersion blenderadd in monk fruit and make sure it all tastes good, then, add in the collagen, blend. Pour into the pint and freeze. It is key that they sit in the freezer totally flat or else they will not work. Once you have allowed it to freeze, you will then take it out and prep to mix. I use the Soft Serve then Frozen Yogurt feature, this one has worked best for me so far!

Let it defrost about 10 minutes before making it and then, you’re good to go, home made yummy, healthy, beauty ice cream right at home. I also love making magic shell. I just take Organic coconut oil and mix it with the above chocolate chips and monk fruit to make the tastiest magic shell! I think that is all for now? I will update this as I create new recipes but, you gotta try this and let me know what you think!

Also, adding in the Agent Nateur Holi Mane collagen feels like a really big tip because it delivers amino acids, collagen-supportive nutrients, and adaptogens that help strengthen skin structure, improve elasticity, and support hair growth while protecting against stress-related collagen breakdown plus, those same proteins also act as natural emulsifiers and stabilizers when added to your Ninja Creami Swirl base! The collagen binds water and fat together to reduce ice crystals, and create a smoother, creamier texture, especially in low-sugar recipes. So essentially, it’s supporting your internal structure while also improving the physical structure of your ice cream! A must.

Always top with dye-free sprinkles, some Bakeology cookies, a little coco whip and don’t forget the cherry on top, enjoy! For all of my must-have items in the Organic Bunny shop, view this cart I made here!

At Women’s Sports Bars, the Basketball Is Only the Tip of the Iceberg

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Not your average sports bar

Women’s sports bars—which are often framed by proprietors as a passion project as much as a commercial enterprise—neatly meet that growing demand. Last March, an NBC News analysis found that the number of women’s sports bars in the US was on track to quadruple by the end of the year, increasing from six to around 24 across 16 US states. Several women’s sports bars have opened in New York City alone in recent months, including Athena Keke’s and Blazers in Brooklyn—and, of course, Wilka’s, which is located in Lower Manhattan and first threw open its doors in August.

On a Friday evening in late March, Wika’s was filled with people—mostly women, but some men and nonbinary individuals too—fixated on a row of TVs along the wall broadcasting the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 faceoff between the University of Minnesota’s Golden Gophers and the UCLA Bruins. Most were clustered around the center of the bar for the best possible view. “Everyone watches women’s sports,” the shirt of a passing server proclaimed.

While Wilka’s looks and functions like your average sports bar in many respects (minus the sticky floors, persistent odor, and cramped atmosphere—it’s refreshingly spacious!), the women’s-sports-centric decor choices are probably the most obvious feature setting it apart: framed New York Liberty jerseys in the franchise’s iconic black, white, and seafoam green colors; a Liberty-branded candle on a bookshelf; and bobblehead dolls of hockey player Micah Zandee-Hart and basketball legend Lauren Jackson stationed like sentries in front of colorful spines on that same bookshelf. Two titles written by WNBA legends immediately jump out: “The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions” by retired two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker and “Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You” by the Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson.

In the bathroom, there were stickers plastered on the wall promoting not only the Liberty, but also the New York Sirens, a women’s hockey team; Gotham FC, a New York-area women’s soccer team; and Unrivaled, a Miami-based women’s basketball league that boasts Reese and Bueckers on its 2026 roster. “Love who you want and watch women’s sports,” another sticker read.

McKenna was one of the bartenders working during the NCAA tournament that night, frantically mixing drinks to keep up with the demand. With Wilka’s, “we’re proving and showing every day that women’s sports matters, even from an economic standpoint,” she said. And the economics matter more than ever, especially for the athletes. Women’s basketball players—the most successful female athletes in team sports—command a mere fraction of what their male counterparts make, a disparity that Reese, Clark, Bueckers, and other players have all spoken out about. Change may be slow, but it’s hard to deny that the energy around women’s sports “is just so good,” one customer, Sam Hankins, 43, an Upper Manhattan resident who uses they/them pronouns, said. “How can you not be into it?”

L’Oréal strengthens its high perfumery strategy with Scentsorium by Margiela

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The Parisian fashion house had already seduced perfume lovers with the collection Replica and its fragrances evocative of memories and shared moments, launched in 2009 in partnership with L’Oréal. With Scentsoriumthe brand is now making its debut in the luxury perfumery segment, still within the fold of the global beauty giant.

Each formula of the collection of six gender-neutral fragrances (Blaze of Stillness ; Silent Fury ; Anguish and Awe ; Tender Defiance ; Delight in Despair ; Fit of Folly) is made from a deliberately limited number of ingredients, using a method that the brand describes as “ surgical sensoriality », in the manner of his haute couture creations.

This disruptive creative approach is reflected in the design of the bottle. With a simple appearance and a classic parallelepiped shape, it presents a fragmented glass, the internal tensions of which become visible.

According to Sandrine Groslier, Global President Luxe Fragrance Brands at L’Oréalthe collection required more than three years of development, with “ countless iterations ».

« The perfume market is experiencing a turning point. A new generation of consumers is emerging, seeking radical exclusivity “, she explains in a LinkedIn publication.

With a price of 330 euros (350 dollars US) pour 75 mlthe Scentsorium collection marks a real move upmarket compared to the more accessible proposition of the Replica line, and is positioned at the upper end of contemporary high perfumery.

This launch is part of the sustained growth of the high-end perfumery segment and expands the L’Oréal group’s high-end perfumery portfolio, which already includes the fragrances Anatomy of Dreams by Valentino Beauty and Armani/Privé Haute Couture Parfum by Armani Beauty.

At a time when competition is strongly intensifying in this coveted space, Maison Margiela’s new proposition nevertheless intends to stand out through its aesthetic radicality, and thus respond to a market developmentwhich no longer allows itself to be seduced only by exceptional raw materials or by the prestige of signatures but also demands truly distinctive products.

A Note of Gratitude from Iles Formula

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A TIME FOR GRATITUDE

There is a moment each year that invites us to pause.

To reflect on what has quietly taken root. The seeds planted months ago, sometimes years before. In our work, in our relationships, in the rituals we return to each day.

Before we move forward, we wanted to say something simple:

We are grateful.


THANKFUL FOR YOU

To our clients, our salons, our community.

To every individual who has trusted ILES FORMULA with their hair.

To the stylists who bring our formulas to life behind the chair.

To those who have shared their experiences, the transformations, and the quiet moments after that first cleanse.

You are not simply part of this brand. You are the reason it exists.

ILES FORMULA luxury haircare products displayed with Wendy Iles book “Archive II,” showcasing professional salon-quality haircare and signature collection.

THE BEAUTY OF THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

We are deeply grateful for the richness of the Amazon Rainforest. A place where nature exists in its most intelligent form: abundant, balanced, and purposeful.

From Tucuma Seed Butter to Pracaxi Oil, to the vegetal root extracts found within our Haute Performance Signature Collection, these ingredients are not chosen lightly.

They are sourced with care, guided by respect.

Respect for the land, for its biodiversity, and for the generations who have understood their value long before us.

When approached with intention, the forest provides us with what is needed.

And we listen.

Aerial view of the Amazon rainforest with winding river, highlighting the natural source of botanical ingredients used in ILES FORMULA haircare.

FAMILY-OWNED + OPERATED

We are grateful to remain family-owned.

To create without compromise. To formulate without shortcuts. To make decisions guided not by scale, but by standard. Every choice begins with one question: Is this good enough for the hair? This philosophy lives within every formula.

Working alongside people we trust, and care for deeply, is something we do not take lightly.

It is the foundation of everything we buildILES FORMULA luxury haircare bottle with botanical leaves, highlighting natural ingredients and clean beauty formulation.


BLESSED BY BOTANICALS

Our story with botanicals began long before the brand.

Our founder Wendy Iles grew up in Tasmania, surrounded by her father’s opium poppy flower fields. From an early age, she understood that botanicals were not simply ingredients. They were powerful, purposeful, and deeply connected to the land they came from.

And when the time came to deepen that understanding, she knew exactly where she was going— The Amazon Rainforest. This early awareness evolved into something more refined. An appreciation not only for nature’s potency, but for how it can be thoughtfully integrated into modern, high-performance haircare.

At ILES FORMULA, botanicals are not included for narrative. They are selected for performance, balanced with precision, and designed to support the foundation of healthy hair, beginning at the scalp.

This philosophy extends across the collection, including treatments such as our award-winning Scalp + Hair Rejuvenating Booster where scalp care works in harmony.

Wendy Iles standing in opium poppy fields in Tasmania, surrounded by blooming botanical flowers that inspired her luxury haircare formulations.

WITH GRATITUDE

From Tasmania to the Amazon Rainforest, from the salon to your hands, everything we create is connected by a single philosophy:

That care, intention, and understanding will always yield something more meaningful.

We are grateful to share this journey with you.

With gratitude,
The ILES FORMULA Family

4 Sleep Positions That Could Be Wrecking Your Posture

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Fun fact: You’ll be asleep for roughly one-third of your life. And while it’s true you shift and move as you’re snoozing in bed, experts consider sleep positions to be “static,” which means they’re positions you hold during long bouts of inactivity. In other words, even though you’re passed out, those positions aren’t passive. They have a big impact on your muscles, joints, and even your overall health.

Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t one “best” sleep position, says Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, spinal and orthopedic surgeon and founder of NYNJ Spine. This is especially great news if sleep is elusive for you most nights and the thought of adding another potential obstacle into the mix fills you with dread.

“There are some positions that allow the body to be in a more neutral alignment and some positions that can put undue stresses on parts of the body,” says Okubadejo. If hard pressed, he says he’d rank side sleeping in first place, with back sleeping at second, and stomach sleeping last. Ultimately, though, he encourages spine alignment.

“You just have to accommodate for your preferred position in order to not put too much strain on any of those parts,” he says.

Your spine has a natural curve at the upper back (kyphosis) and the lower back (lordosis), and the goal is keeping that gentle “S” in balance during your Zs. It’s when it curves too much or too little that your back will complain.

“Once that balance is thrown off, there’s a higher propensity to have pain,” says Okubadejo. That means whether you’re curled up into the fetal position or spread out like a starfish at bedtime, you should make sure your spine has the right support so it can rest as neutrally as possible.

Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, MD, sleep specialist and spokesperson for the American Association of Sleep Medicine, says you’ll have telltale signs from your body when you’re not positioned well during sleep, like pain, numbness, or tingling. But if you wake up feeling refreshed and don’t deal with health issues like sleep apnea (which can be triggered by lying on your back at night), your best bet is to stick with what’s most comfortable for you.

“Sleep needs to be a cozy, wonderful, welcoming situation, not something that you’re fighting against,” she says. “If you try to sleep in a position that you’re not comfortable in, you’re going to think about it. And the more you think about the fact that you’re not sleeping, the worse your sleep gets.”

L’Oréal sharpens its high-end perfumery strategy with Margiela’s Scentsorium

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The Parisian fashion house had already won over fragrance enthusiasts with its Replica line — launched in 2009 in partnership with L’Oréal — featuring scents inspired by memories and shared moments. With the Scentsorium collection, the brand now enters the luxury fragrance segment, continuing its collaboration under the global beauty leader’s umbrella.

Each of the six gender-neutral fragrances (Blaze of Stillness; Silent Fury; Anguish and Awe; Tender Defiance; Delight in Despair; Fit of Folly) is composed with a deliberately restrained palette of ingredients, using what the brand calls “surgical sensoriality” — an approach that mirrors the precision of its haute couture creations.

This innovative creative vision is echoed in the bottle’s design. Beneath its understated, classic parallelepiped shape lies fragmented glass — subtly exposing the tensions within.

According to Sandrine Groslier, the global president of Luxe Fragrance Brands at L’Oréalthe collection took over three years to develop, with “countless iterations.

The fragrance market stands at a turning point. A new generation of consumers is emerging, they seek radical exclusivity,” she commented in a LinkedIn post.

Priced at EUR 330 (USD 350) for 75 mlthe Scentsorium collection represents a significant step up from the more accessible Replica line, positioning itself firmly within the upper tier of contemporary haute parfumerie.

This launch aligns with the continued growth of the high-end fragrance segment and further expands L’Oréal’s luxury perfume portfolio, which already includes the Valentino Beauty’s Anatomy of Dreams and Armani Beauty’s Armani/Privé Haute Couture Parfum collections.

However, at a time when competition is intensifying sharply in this coveted space, Maison Margiela’s new proposal seeks to stand apart through the radicalism of its aesthetic vision, engaging a market that is no longer swayed solely by material excellence or prestigious signatures, but now craves pieces of genuine distinction.

5 Easy Ways to Make Greener Choices This Earth Month

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What’s one small change you can make towards sustainability?

Earth Month is a great opportunity to look at how our everyday choices impact the world around us. From the products we buy to the habits we practice at home, small decisions add up in ways we don’t always notice right away.

At London Drugs, we believe in a world of greener choices—where all it takes to get started is one small change. Whether you’re exploring eco-friendly productsbuilding sustainable living habits, or making more environmentally friendly decisions, Earth Month is the perfect time to begin your journey toward sustainability.

Why “One Small Change” Matters

Green swaps should be simple, sustainable, and easy to maintain. If you take an all-or-nothing approach, it can quickly become overwhelming.

The goal is to find manageable ways to build into your routine—small shifts that align with what you already do. You might walk instead of driving short distances or keep reusable bags in your car for grocery runs. Building on those habits and pairing them with accessible green products and sustainability programs at London Drugs makes it easier to keep going.

5 Easy Greener Swaps

If you’re not sure where to start, these simple swaps make it easy to incorporate more eco-friendly products and environmentally friendly habits into your routine:

  1. Go Reusable

Single-use items are convenient but contribute to landfill waste. Switching to reusable options, like Stasher sandwich bags, reusable grocery bagsand Papaya Reusable Paper Towelsare some of the easiest and most impactful green choices you can make.

  1. Choose Refillable & Low-Waste Products

Switching to refillable or low-waste options helps reduce waste over time and supports long-term sustainability. Try eco-friendly cleaning products like Tru Earth Laundry Strips or plant-based cleaners from Method.

For personal care, simple swaps like Dr. Bronner’s soaps or Native bodycare can reduce unnecessary packaging while supporting more environmentally friendly ingredients. Unbleached parchment and food wraps from If You Careor everyday paper products made from bamboo, like Caboo tissues and paper towels, can also help reduce your environmental footprint.

  1. Shop Greener Options

Checking labels for responsibly sourced ingredients or lower-impact packaging can make a big difference over time. Look for everyday items like plant-based beverages from Oatlyresponsibly sourced coffee from Level Groundor snacks from MadeGood. These small choices support broader environmental sustainability while making it easier to stick to your goals.

  1. Recycle More Effectively

Contamination and improper sorting often prevent materials from being recycled. Rinse containers, sort items properly, and take advantage of expanded sustainability programs. London Drugs accepts items that don’t always go in curbside bins, making it easier to make environmentally friendly disposal decisions.

  1. Adjust Small Daily Habits

Consistency creates impact. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, washing laundry in cold water, and unplugging unused electronics can all reduce energy and water use.

Support Your Journey with London Drugs

Making greener choices is easy with the right support, and London Drugs offers several ways to get started.

London Green highlights products that meet environmental standards, so you can shop confidently for green, eco-friendly alternatives. London Green’s sustainability programs make responsible disposal simple and accessible, with in-store recycling programs that accept a wide range of items, including:

  • Electronics and small appliances
  • Batteries and light bulbs
  • Ink and toner cartridges
  • Medications and health products

These programs go beyond typical curbside recycling, helping you manage waste more responsibly. Select locations also feature refill stations, like the Store 56 Refill Station, where you can reuse containers for everyday essentials and reduce single-use packaging.

Together, these initiatives make it easier to take your first step—and keep going.

How to Participate in Earth Month This Year

Choose your one small change by picking something realistic and compatible with your routine. Focus on consistency over perfection, and give yourself time to adjust before adding something new. Remember: each small step contributes to a bigger shift toward sustainability.

You can also inspire others by sharing your journey. Post your #OneSmallChange on social media to help spread awareness and encourage others to make their own green choices. Tag London Drugs on Instagram to be part of a growing community working toward a more environmentally friendly future, one small change at a time.

A World of Greener Choices Starts with One Small Change.

Widespread, imperfect action is far more powerful than a handful of people doing everything perfectly. Real change happens when many individuals take small, manageable steps toward environmental sustainability.

London Drugs is here to support your journey with eco-friendly productsaccessible sustainability programsand simple ways to build more sustainable living habits into your daily life. Shop greener choices and see what you can recycle at London Drugs.

Gone Are The Days of Sweating Out Your Silk Press

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Gymwrap by Nicole Ari Parker, voted Women’s Health’s Best Workout Headband, is an innovative headwear brand that prevents moisture from reverting your silk press during your workouts.

Yasss to keeping the edges laid! Nicole Ari Parker shares the inspiration behind her moisture-wicking headbands, Gym wrapplus her essential tips for maintaining your silk press. While well-known for her acting and modeling career, the actress is also a notable philanthropist and entrepreneur.

Photo Credit: Emilynn Rose

As we hone in on Women’s History Month, this topic of health is super important as Black Women have some of the highest incidents of ailments like strokes, hypertension and diabetes. Many women are not working out because they are scared of ruining their silk press or having to spend more money on their hair. *Insert Gymwrap*

Exclusively Interviewed by Madam J

Madam J: What was your personal journey to starting Gymwrap?

Nicole Ari Parker: I found in my personal fitness journey that managing sweat was keeping me from working out. So, almost 15 years ago I made Gymwrap in my kitchen. I made prototypes from Boris’s athletic shirts and experimented until I had something that I liked. I didn’t have a business degree or any experience in fashion design but I knew this was a problem that I could solve. Then I met with manufactures, found one that understood the vision, and things took off from there.

MJ: What do you hope people experience from using your brand?

NAP: I hope people experience the freedom to make movement part of their daily routine. I say movement because running, Pilates, HIIT, etc may not be for everyone but there is something out there for you. I want Gymwrap to help enable you to incorporate your thing into your routine.

Image1 2
Photo Credit: Chris Garcia

MJ: How important is it to be a Black-owned brand in this space?

NAP: Headbands are not new, but being a Black woman led me to the unique insight that “many of us were sacrificing our health for our hair.” This led me to create the Gymwrap with extra sweat wicking capabilities to keep edges protected and make sure that you don’t sweat out your silk press. You can have it all; you can be a gym girlie and glam girlie. So being a Black-owned business for me means that I get to focus on our unique problems and deliver solutions that are best for us.

MJ: What is your hero product for Gymwrap?

NAP: Gymwrap 2.0 a sweat wicking adjustable headband that manages sweat while keeping your edges and silk press intact.

MJ: What is the best technique to protect your silk press with Gymwrap?

NAP:

  • Center part your hair
  • Put each section up in a bun
  • Cover your edges with Gymwrap and tying securely in the back
  • Workout
  • Leave Gymwrap on for an hour after working out or until edges are dry. (If you shower during this time, a shower cap is recommended)
  • Untie shower cap, undo buns, give a quick hairtoss and go.
  • Note: For heavy scalp sweaters try the Gymwrap Full Triangle

MJ: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

NAP: April is African American Women’s Fitness Month and to celebrate we are going to be making some big announcements, everything from new designs to new products. Follow @gymwrap on IG for more details.

I personally had the opportunity to test out Gymwrap for my Pilates and gym workouts as a stretched natural girlie and I’m here to say, they DID that! Edges in tact and hair not reverted. I won’t be doing another workout without my Gymwraps!

Gymwrap is available in the US, UK and Canada on Amazon. Additionally, you can find Gymwrap at Gymwrap.com.