Don’t attack me, but I didn’t know what hemorrhoids were until last year, during my third trimester of pregnancy. I quickly became well acquainted with the condition—swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum—thanks to the pressure from my growing uterus and baby. By two months postpartum, I was scraping the bottom of my last tub of hemorrhoid cream, certain I’d never have to see (or say) the word again. I was wrong.
Lately, my TikTok For You page has been flooded with women slathering hemorrhoid cream everywhere except where it was intended—most notably under their eyes and across fine lines—claiming it can tighten skin and smooth wrinkles. It’s not the first time people have come on the app talking about butt paste, either. Back in 2022, we’d reported people using the stuff to tackle under-eye puffiness. While there is some logic behind those claims, dermatologists say the reality is far more complicated.
The trend is migrating south, from the under-eye area to the neck. One comment on a TikTok video of a woman using a generic brand hemorrhoid cream reads, “I was a derm nurse, and my 83-year-old dermatologist always recommended this to his patients when asked if there are non-surgical options for turkey neck.” “I’m just gonna use it as an overall body lotion at this point,” another user writes.
So what exactly is giving people the impression that this is some sort of miracle cream? “Many [hemorrhoid creams] contain vasoconstrictors like phenylephrine, which temporarily shrink blood vessels,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “That fleeting tightening effect can look like improvement on the skin.”
In other words, the smoothing effect is real—but it’s short-lived. “It’s a cosmetic sleight of hand,” she adds. “There’s no true skin change.”
While it may be tempting to treat hemorrhoid cream as a multitasking fix, modern dermatologists advise against it. “The risks outweigh the benefits,” says Dr. Gohara. “The formulas in hemorrhoid creams can be irritating, disrupt the skin barrier, and over time may even thin the skin, especially if they contain topical steroids, which some hemorrhoid products do.”
That last point is especially important. According to Dr. Gohara, skin laxity and sagging are driven by collagen loss, elastin breakdown, sun damage, muscle banding, and overall structural changes in the skin—not just surface-level swelling. Temporarily constricting blood vessels won’t address any of that. In fact, repeatedly irritating delicate areas like the neck could potentially worsen crepey texture over time.
Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, also warns that, in addition to phenylephrine, some hemorrhoid creams may contain hydrocortisone—an ingredient that should absolutely not go on your face. “Hydrocortisone can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream to cause systemic side effects in other parts of your body,” De Anne Harris Collier, MD, a Florida-based board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure.”Because hydrocortisone is a steroid, usage over time can affect your adrenal glands, which are responsible for your body’s response to stress.” Dr. Collier adds.
There are safer, more effective ways to address your skin concerns. For neck tightening and sagging, try neck firming creams with retinol; for puffy undereyes, try peptide eye creams; for fine lines and wrinkles, try creams with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and retinol.
The promise of temporary tightening may be tempting, but for real results—and healthier skin—dermatologist-backed options are the smarter investment. So, leave the hemorrhoid cream behind.
Is there a physical activity that helps get you in a creative mood?
For the last ten years, I was one of my father’s primary carers, and that role was very physical, leaving little space for anything else. Much of my creativity came from caring for him and sitting together, talking about old Afghanistan and the places he travelled. Now I have the time, I’m still figuring out what movement looks like for me — but inspiration continues to come through memory, observation, and emotion.
Please summarise the perfect makeup look for AW26 in 3 words.
Big statement, colourful, individual. These three words are shaping the show I’m designing the makeup for this February.
What’s the first thing you do once a show you worked on is over?
I always congratulate the designer and thank them for trusting me with their vision and letting me into their space. But most importantly, I thank my team — individually. I believe in collective success… anything I achieve is because of the people beside me.
Who would you want to have in your makeup chair?
It would be Yasmeen Ghauri. She’s one of the most beautiful women to ever walk a runway, and she truly owned that era. At a time when representation was rare, she was one of the only South Asian models on the runway, and seeing someone from your own community reflected in fashion like that is incredibly powerful. Her paternal roots in Afghanistan add another layer of meaning — it feels like representation coming full circle.
Any beauty or fashion rituals before getting backstage?
Good skin prep is everything — for me and my clients. I swear by the 111SKIN Black Diamond Mask, Huda Beauty powder for longevity, and Kryolan fixing spray, which has been in my kit since day one. My signature look is a small winged liner with dots in the waterline, and fashion-wise it’s always all black, comfy, and practical.
Remembering Jesse Jackson is about more than just looking back at history books. It is about honoring a man who felt like a neighbor, a mentor, and a bold voice for anyone who ever felt unheard. On February 17, 2026, the Reverend Jesse Jackson passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a world that is much brighter because he was in it.
He was the kind of leader who did not just talk about change from far away. Whether he was marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or running for President, he had this incredible way of making every single person feel important. When he stood in front of a crowd and led the chant, “I am somebody,” he was not just saying words. He was giving people the permission to believe in their own worth.
A Life of Big Dreams and Even Bigger Heart
Jesse Jackson was never one to sit on the sidelines. From his early days in the civil rights movement to his groundbreaking runs for the White House in the 1980s, he showed us that no door is permanently locked if you have enough courage to knock. He built the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to make sure everyone had a seat at the table, proving that our differences are actually what make us strong.
Even in his later years, while facing health challenges like Parkinson’s and progressive supranuclear palsy, his spirit remained unbreakable. He continued to show up for the people, proving that your voice never loses its power as long as you are willing to use it for good.
Carrying the Torch Forward
As we spend time remembering Jesse Jacksonwe realize that the best way to honor him is not just through tributes, but through action. He spent over fifty years “keeping hope alive,” and now it is our turn to pick up that torch.
He taught us that justice is a journey, not a destination. He showed us that even when the road is long and the hills are steep, you keep walking. Most importantly, he taught us that love and unity are the most powerful tools we have to change the world.
Rest well, Reverend. We will keep the hope alive, just like you taught us.
Sometimes snoring is more than just snoring. It can actually be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that causes your airway to repeatedly collapse during sleep, briefly cutting off your breathing. It affects up to 32.4% of Americans (more than 80 million people), yet an estimated 80% of those with the condition don’t even know they have it.
Here are the subtle symptoms to look for, the best way to go about getting diagnosed, and the latest treatment options that can help you feel better—all day and all night.
Causes
This condition occurs when your airway collapses or becomes blocked (either partially or completely) while you’re asleep. “People with sleep apnea typically don’t have any trouble breathing while they’re awake,” says Jennifer Martin, MD, a professor at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University in Miami. “But as we fall asleep, our muscles relax, and their airway collapses.”
When that happens you stop breathing, which causes your oxygen levels to drop. That triggers your brain to wake you up so you’ll take a breath. “There can be an arousal from sleep, something in the 3-to-10-second range,” says James Rowley, MD, a professor of medicine at Rush University in Chicago. “You won’t even know it happened.”
As scary as this might sound—I’m sorry, did you say “stop breathing”?—Dr. Martin says it doesn’t get to the point where you could suffocate. “Your brain is really smart; it won’t let you die from not breathing.” Instead, you may just feel really, really tired the next day because you kept waking up.
Types
A quick note about the term sleep apnea: In this article it refers to obstructive sleep apnea, but there is actually another less common form of the condition called central sleep apnea (CSA).
With CSA your brain doesn’t always tell your muscles to breathe during sleep. “When you’re awake breathing is both voluntary and involuntary,” Dr. Martin explains. That means you can make yourself take a breath, but if you forget, you’ll keep breathing anyway. “When you’re asleep it’s only involuntary, and with central sleep apnea that signaling may not work the way it’s supposed to.”
There is also complex sleep apnea. This occurs when OSA becomes CSA while you’re receiving sleep apnea therapy.
Risk factors
What ups the chance of your airway closing while you’re sleeping? One major risk factor is having obesity. Carrying excess weight in the head and neck can mean “there’s less space for your airway, and it’s more likely to collapse,” Dr. Martin says. Abdominal fat can also contribute, making it hard for your chest to completely expand and relax when you’re asleep.
Australian masstige brand MCoBeauty is expanding its global footprint with official retail launch at Walmart in Canada. Beginning January 19, the vegan, and cruelty-free beauty and skincare brand will be available at more than 247 Walmart Canada stores across the country and online at Walmart.ca.
First launched in Australia in 2016, MCoBeauty has built significant momentum across multiple markets. Its entry into Canada follows a period of accelerated expansion in the United States, where it made its debut in Spring 2024 at Kroger’s family of stores, including Kroger, Fred Myer, Ralphs, and Smith’s. In addition to Kroger’s retail network, the brand’s U.S. retail footprint includes Target and Amazon.
“MCoBeauty is built around the idea that accessibility is a form of innovation,” says Meridith Rojas, Chief Marketing Officer of MCoBeauty. “Consumers are increasingly rejecting the notion that luxury beauty has to come with luxury pricing. Our expansion into Canada, starting with Walmart Canada, is about meeting that demand at scale – delivering trend-right, high-performance products at a retailer that reaches millions of shoppers every week.“
The brand said this entry into Walmart Canada aligns with its strategy to deliver accessible luxury at scale in high-traffic, everyday shopping destinations while standing out on shelf through elevated design and packaging within the mass beauty category. Known for its thoughtfully-developed dupes alongside original innovations, all MCoBeauty products retail for under USD 20 while providing luxe-inspired packaging, glass components and smart design enhancements.
“We know our customers want innovative, trend-driven beauty that fits their budget, and we’re proud to welcome MCoBeauty, available first at Walmart in Canada, to our growing beauty assortment in-stores and online,” said Jessica Curtis, Senior Director of Merchandising, Beauty & Personal Care, Walmart Canada. “Available at our everyday low prices, MCoBeauty brings luxury-inspired products to our one-stop-shop experience for Canadian beauty lovers.“
The skin on the neck is thinner and lacks the same oil composition as facial skin, which makes it more prone to dryness and sagging over time, Dr. Hartman explains. Combine that with gravity and the constant craning over smartphones, and it’s an area uniquely at risk for fine lines and sagging. In other words, “tech neck” is very real.
What’s the difference between a face and neck cream?
“Because the skin is more delicate, neck creams are formulated to provide more intense hydration, with a higher concentration of actives that are more suitable for the skin on your neck,” Dr. Hall notes. Some moisturizing agents featured in the creams on this list are hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and squalane to keep the skin smooth and plump. Peptides are a newer area of exploration for neck creams as they’re frequently touted for their skin-firming benefits.
What over-the-counter treatments and ingredients should I look out for?
Aside from the essential hydrators, retinol is a common additive because it promotes collagen production and, therefore, addresses the appearance of wrinkles and improves skin texture. “This can help with skin sagging, wrinkles, and some crepiness,” says James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles. “Since the neck is a sensitive area, the retinol concentrations tend to be low, and the results are subtle.”
When should I consult with a dermatologist?
If you’ve noticed any difference in skin laxity around your neck and chest area, Dr. Wang recommends consulting a dermatologist for an evaluation of any inflammation, lumps, and nodules. He adds that significantly loose skin, like the so-called turkey neck, may require in-office interventions, but neck creams can still be beneficial for replenishing hydration and subtly decreasing the look of lines on the neck skin.
Meet the experts
Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans
Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama
Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston
James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Metropolis Dermatology in Los Angeles
Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
May Hall, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina
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 list of the best neck creams, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—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 are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
The Good Morning Hair Routine is officially the most adorable way to start your day. We all know that morning hair can be a bit of a wild adventure, but Sesame Workshop is turning that daily tangle into a moment of pure joy and self love. By partnering with Dove’s CROWN Coalition and the endlessly charismatic 5 year old viral sensation VanVan, Sesame Street is making sure every child looks in the mirror and sees something worth celebrating.
For many children, hair care isn’t just about hygiene; it is about identity. The CROWN Coalition has long fought against hair discrimination, and bringing that mission to the neighborhood of Sesame Street feels like a perfect match. This initiative focuses on building “hair confidence” from the ground up. Through catchy songs and relatable moments, the Good Morning Hair Routine teaches kids that their hair, whether it is braided, coily, curly, or straight, is a beautiful part of who they are.
Photo Credit: IG @therealvanvan_
Meet the Star of the Show
If you haven’t seen VanVan’s infectious energy yet, you are in for a treat. Known for her viral dancing and “can do” attitude, she brings a sense of authentic fun to the campaign. Alongside Elmo and friends, she helps demonstrate that taking care of your hair is a ritual of kindness toward yourself. The Good Morning Hair Routine isn’t just about the products you use; it is about the words you say to yourself while you are in the stylist’s chair or standing in front of the bathroom sink.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DU53T3Ukew1
This collaboration is a huge step toward ensuring that the next generation grows up feeling proud of their natural beauty. When Elmo and VanVan tell you your hair is amazing, you tend to believe it.
When people search Clear + Brilliant NYCthey usually want one thing: results they can see.
Smoother texture. Cleaner-looking pores. A brighter tone. Skin that looks healthier in daylight — not just right after a facial when everything is dewy.
And in a city like New York, where stress, travel, pollution, makeup, and late nights are part of the lifestyle, you want a treatment that works but doesn’t take you out of your routine.
Clear + Brilliant is that sweet spot: a laser facial designed to refresh, refine, and renew your skin with minimal downtime, especially when it’s done correctly.
At Joanna Vargas New YorkClear + Brilliant is performed as a medical service by a registered nurse under medical oversightwith a protocol designed to protect your skin barrier while delivering visible results.
If you’ve been looking for the best laser facial in NYC that feels luxury-level but delivers clinical change, this is the one to understand.
What is Clear + Brilliant?
Clear + Brilliant is a gentle fractional laser treatment often called a “mini laser” because it improves skin tone and texture without the intensity of deeper resurfacing lasers.
It works by creating microscopic treatment zones in the upper layers of the skin. That controlled stimulation encourages renewal and helps the skin look:
smoother
brighter
more refined
more even in tone
healthier in texture
This is why Clear + Brilliant is one of the most requested options for anyone searching for a laser facial in NYC that delivers results without major downtime.
If you’re exploring other options, you can also view our full medical aesthetics in New York menu.
Who is Clear + Brilliant best for?
Clear + Brilliant is ideal for the client who wants visible improvement but wants it to look natural.
It’s one of the best choices for:
Below are the most common goals Clear + Brilliant addresses.
If your goal is smoother texture and “filtered” skin
If your skin looks rough up close — even when it’s clear — Clear + Brilliant is one of the best treatments because it refines the surface without heavy peeling.
This is the category that gives the biggest “your skin looks expensive” effect with the least disruption.
What to look for:
resurfacing that doesn’t leave you peeling aggressively
hydration steps that support the barrier
a calming finish so you leave bright, not red
Best for: rough texture, dullness, makeup clinging, tired-looking skin.
If your goal is smaller-looking pores and clearer congestion
Many clients in NYC and Northern New Jersey struggle with congestion from pollution, stress, and constant makeup.
Clear + Brilliant isn’t an “extraction facial,” but it can help refine texture and improve the look of pores over time — which is why it’s frequently searched as a laser facial for pores NYC.
What to look for:
a plan that improves clarity without stripping the skin
calming steps after treatment
a realistic series instead of one-off sessions
Best for: clogged pores, blackheads, bumpy texture, city-skin buildup.
Pro tip: If you break out easily, avoid stacking too many aggressive actives right after. Your skin needs calm to heal and renew.
If your goal is brighter tone and fewer visible marks
If you’re dealing with uneven tone, lingering post-acne marks, or early sun damage, Clear + Brilliant can be one of the best treatments because it creates controlled renewal — gently.
This is one of the reasons it’s such a popular search in New York City: people want brighter skin without downtime.
What to look for:
controlled resurfacing appropriate for your skin type
proper spacing between sessions
strict sun protection after
Best for: uneven tone, dullness, post-acne marks, early discoloration.
Important: If you want tone to improve, sunscreen is part of the treatment plan. Without it, you’re fighting your skin every day.
If your goal is minimal downtime (but still real results)
Clear + Brilliant is often booked because it fits real life:
meetings
travel
social plans
events
weekends in the Hamptons
last-minute photos
It’s one of the best answers to “I want my skin to look better, but I can’t disappear for a week.”
Best for: busy schedules, glow with a professional finish, pre-event skin.
If your goal is prevention (and not waiting until you “need” something stronger)
One of the biggest misconceptions is that lasers are only for when something is “bad.”
Clear + Brilliant is one of the best laser treatments for prevention — because it supports ongoing renewal and collagen stimulation without overwhelming the skin.
This is why it’s popular for clients in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who want their skin to stay smooth, bright, and firm.
Best for: early aging, maintaining texture, keeping skin luminous.
How many Clear + Brilliant sessions do you need?
Clear + Brilliant is a “series” treatment — and that’s why it works.
Most clients see the best results with:
3–6 sessions depending on your goal
spaced every 4 weeks for tone + texture improvement
every 6–8 weeks for maintenance
seasonal refresh sessions if you’re already consistent
Clear + Brilliant isn’t meant to be one dramatic transformation. It’s designed to make your skin steadily look better and better — the kind of results people can’t quite pinpoint, but they notice.
If you’re also exploring tightening, you may want to pair this plan with a radio frequency facial depending on your goals.
Clear + Brilliant downtime: what to expect
This is one of the most common searches: Clear + Brilliant downtime.
For most clients, downtime is minimal — but your skin may feel:
slightly warm or flushed for a few hours
mildly red for 24 hours
dry or “sandpapery” for 3–5 days
extra sensitive to sun for about a week
Most clients return to normal activity quickly. The key is smart aftercare.
If you want a glow-enhancing recovery boost, many clients love pairing their treatment plan with our LED red light therapy bed to support calm and recovery.
The biggest mistake after Clear + Brilliant
The quickest way to waste a great laser facial is going home and doing too much.
Clear + Brilliant works by triggering controlled renewal. Your job afterward is to let the skin recover intelligently.
For the first 48 hours, keep it simple:
gentle cleanser
moisturizer
sunscreen every morning
no strong acids
no retinol
no scrubs
no “active stacking”
If you want product support, explore Joanna Vargas skincare designed to protect the barrier while maintaining glow.
Why Clear + Brilliant at Joanna Vargas New York is different
Clear + Brilliant can be performed in many places in New York City — but outcomes vary based on:
who performs it
how the skin is assessed
how the protocol is customized
what’s done before and after
how recovery is supported
At Joanna Vargas New YorkClear + Brilliant is performed as a medical service by a registered nurse under medical oversight.
That matters.
Because the best results don’t come from “turning the laser on.” They come from:
clinical precision
safe settings for your skin
barrier protection
post-treatment recovery support
and a plan that makes sense for your lifestyle
And that’s exactly where luxury and medicine should meet.
If you’re new to lasers, start by booking a book a consultation so your plan is tailored to your skin goals.
Clear + Brilliant FAQ
Is Clear + Brilliant safe for all skin types?
Clear + Brilliant can be safe for many skin types, but the correct settings, timing, and aftercare matter. We recommend a consultation to confirm the best approach for your skin.
How long does a Clear + Brilliant appointment take?
Most appointments take about 30–60 minutesdepending on your treatment plan and prep.
When will I see results from Clear + Brilliant?
Many clients notice brighter skin and smoother texture within a few days. The best results build over a series, with continued improvement over time.
Can I wear makeup after Clear + Brilliant?
Most clients can return to makeup quickly, but we recommend letting the skin breathe for the first 24 hours when possible.
How much downtime is there?
Typically mild redness for about 24 hours and a dry/sandpaper feel for several days. Most clients do not experience heavy peeling.
How often should I do Clear + Brilliant?
For best results, most clients do a series of sessions spaced about every 4 weeksthen maintenance every 6–8 weeks depending on goals.
Is Clear + Brilliant worth it?
Clear + Brilliant is worth it if you want smoother texture, refined pores, brighter tone, and visible results with minimal downtime — especially as a consistent skin-quality treatment.
Book Clear + Brilliant in NYC
If you’ve been chasing that “perfect skin day” — the one where your pores look tighter, your texture looks smoother, and your tone looks brighter — Clear + Brilliant is one of the smartest ways to get there.
This is not about looking altered. It’s about looking like you — just more rested, more refined, and more luminous.
At Joanna Vargas New York, Clear + Brilliant is performed as a medical service by a registered nurse under medical oversightwith a protocol designed to deliver results while keeping your skin calm, supported, and beautifully cared for.
If you’re looking for Clear + Brilliant in NYCwe recommend starting with a consultation so we can customize the right plan for your skin and your goals.
Your glow should look effortless. Your treatment plan should be anything but.
Book Clear + Brilliant in NYC Or book a consultation to build your series
For nearly six years, The Black Beauty Club has championed Black beauty culture. Founded by Tomi Talabi, the platform has become a vital connector for founders, creators, and industry leaders through intentional programming and powerful storytelling.
Now, the organization is expanding its mission with the launch of its inaugural Beauty Vanguard 50 list. The honor spotlights 50 influential innovators, tastemakers, and cultural drivers shaping beauty, fashion, tech, wellness, and culture. To mark the milestone, a special dinner and awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, February 26.
“Beauty Vanguard 50 came from a gap we’ve been seeing consistently: Black beauty continues to set the pace for mainstream aesthetics, but the authorship is too often diluted, misattributed, or flattened into trend coverage,” Talabi says. “I wanted to build a permanent cultural record that names who is actually setting direction, and to do it in a way that reflects how influence is built today across platforms, product, media, art, and commerce.”
The Black Beauty Club founder Tomi Talabi.
The Black Beauty Club
The list is organized around five pillars—Canon Builders, Culture Architects, Culture Drivers, Image Makers, and New Vanguard—and Talabi and her team selected each honoree with great care. “We built BV50 with an editorial process grounded in how power moves in beauty today,” Talabi adds. “We developed a rubric centered on impact, originality, cultural velocity, and structural contribution. We looked at who is changing the baseline, who is building durable platforms or systems, and whose work is shaping both aesthetic language and commercial outcomes.”
Beyond giving changemakers their well-deserved flowers in the moment, Talabi hopes that the Beauty Vanguard 50 becomes a roadmap that helps brands, media, and institutions recognize builders earlier. “Year over year, BV50 becomes an archive you can reference to track how beauty is evolving and who has been moving it, across every lane where standards are set, not just the most visible ones,” she explains.
New Vanguard Award recipient Golloria Georgethe trailblazing influencer who has consistently pushed for greater inclusivity in beauty, truly exemplifies what the list stands for. “I’m genuinely happy that Beauty Vanguard 50 recognizes my contribution to the culture because I don’t just create beauty content. I’m reshaping who gets centered when beauty is taught,” she says.
Ahead, browse through the entire list of Beauty Vanguard 50 honorees.
Canon Builders
Halle Berry Katori Hall Julee Wilson Lubina Himid Ryan Coogler Sir John Tina Knowles Toyin Ojih Odutola Tracee Ellis Ross Zinzi Coogler
Culture Architects
Afua Hirsch Amira Virgil Brooke Devard Good luck Nnadi Give me Fetto Jessica Cruel Nikki Ogunnaike Sharmadean Reid Tokini Peterside
Culture Drivers
Allyiahs Face IShowSpeed Jouelzy Kai Cenat Come down Lauren Lorosa Mara Brock Akil Skylar Marshai Sochi Mbadugha Uche Natori
Image Makers
Bernicia Boateng Love me Grace Dana Scruggs Daniel Obasi Dawn Sterling IB Kamara Ike Eden Welcome Driver Nadine Ijewere Naeemah LaFond Tasha Reiko-Brown
New Vanguard
Anok Yai Awar Odhiang The People’s Owner Golloria George Hannah Traore Kennedi Carter Simi Muhumuza Three Coyes Toni Well done
As consumer awareness around hormonal health and ingredient transparency intensifies, some indie beauty brands are carving out new spaces at the intersection of wellness and skincare.
From fertility and pregnancy to postpartum and perimenopause, shifting hormones can bring visible skin changes that many beauty buyers say remain underserved by conventional beauty products.
Verli, founded by Laura and Marky Beverlin, is one such brand positioning itself within this evolving category. Built around what the company describes as a hormone-conscious philosophy, Verli formulates products to support skin during hormonally sensitive life stages, adhering to EU cosmetic standards and excluding more than 1,600 ingredients it considers questionable.
For this month’s Indie Insights, we spoke with Laura Beverlin, who discusses the brand’s origin story, its approach to defining and communicating endocrine-disruptor-free claims, and how it is building consumer trust in a category often described as confusing by consumers.
CDU: Verli was built around the idea that hormonal health and skincare are deeply connected. What inspired you to create a brand at this intersection of wellness and beauty?
Laura Beverlin: We created Verli because so many women, myself included, were struggling with skin changes that traditional beauty wasn’t addressing.
Once we understood how closely hormones and skin health are connected, it became clear that we wanted to create a skincare brand that was both truly clean and supportive during sensitive life stages.
CDU: Pregnancy-safe skincare is a confusing and often underregulated category. How does Verli approach ingredient selection and formulation to ensure both safety and efficacy?
Laura Beverlin:At Verli, safety is non-negotiable. Because “pregnancy-safe” lacks universal regulation, we choose to lead with rigorous standards rather than marketing language.
Every formula is created in compliance with strict EU guidelines and is meticulously developed without more than 1,600+ questionable ingredients, including parabens, phthalates, endocrine disruptors, and common irritants.
Each formula is biocompatible, pH-balanced, and intentionally crafted to work in harmony with the skin, supporting its natural processes without introducing potential hormonal stressors.
We combine advanced botanical ingredients with clinical testing to ensure that our products are both gentle enough for delicate skin and effective enough for everyday use.
In short: we never ask women to choose between safety and performance.
CDU: You emphasize formulating without endocrine-disrupting ingredients. How do you define and communicate that standard to consumers while staying transparent about what’s truly hormone-conscious?
Laura Beverlin:Hormone-conscious skincare is a responsibility we take seriously and carefully.
Because the science of endocrine disruption is evolving, we focus on what is evidence-supported, transparent, and grounded in consumer safety.
We define endocrine-disrupting ingredients as substances that are known or strongly suspected to interfere with hormonal balance.
This includes phthalates, parabens, BPA, certain fragrance allergens, and other compounds we proactively exclude.
While regulatory agencies debate exposure thresholds, we choose a precautionary approach: we remove them entirely.
CDU: Hormonal shifts, from trying to conceive (TTC) to perimenopause, are often underserved moments in the beauty industry. How does Verli design products and messaging to meet women where they are in these life stages?
Laura Beverlin:Our products are designed to be gentle, non-disruptive, and effective through every stage- pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and beyond.
We meet women where they are with supportive formulas and messaging that acknowledges real hormonal changes without overwhelm or fear.
CDU: As an indie brand, how are you approaching community-building and brand trust in such a sensitive wellness space?
Laura Beverlin:By leading with transparency, researched formulation standards, and warm, educational communication.
We focus on connection over transactions, guiding, validating, and supporting our community with honest, accessible information and high-performing products they can rely on.
Our community shapes our products, our content, and our decisions. That transparency builds trust.
CDU: What role do you see hormone-conscious beauty playing in the broader future of skincare, and how do you hope Verli will influence that evolution?
Laura Beverlin: Hormone-conscious beauty is the next evolution of skincare: one that prioritizes long-term wellness and ingredient integrity.
Verli aims to set the standard with botanically grounded, scientifically backed, non-disruptive formulations that support skin and body harmony at every life stage.
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