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Exosome Facelift Facial in NYC: The Advanced Skin Renewal Treatment at

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Exosome Facelift Facial in NYC: The Advanced Skin Renewal Treatment at

If you’ve searched “exosome facial NYC,” “best exosome treatment New York,” or “no downtime anti-aging facial Manhattan,” you’re not alone. Exosome therapy has quickly become one of the most talked-about regenerative skin treatments, long embraced in South Korea and now redefining high-performance facials in New York.

At Joanna Vargas New Yorkthe trend becomes something more refined: The Exosome Facelift Facial, a nano-infusion treatment designed to support collagen renewal, improve skin texture, and restore visible calm without downtime.

What Is an Exosome Facial?

Exosomes are microscopic “messenger” particles that help skin cells communicate and function more efficiently. Think of them as intelligent delivery systems carrying proteins, peptides, lipids, and growth signals between cells.

In skincare, exosomes are used to support:

  • Collagen and elastin production

  • Skin barrier repair

  • Hydration and glow

  • Reduction in visible redness

  • Smoother texture

  • Overall skin regeneration

Unlike aggressive resurfacing treatments, exosome facials focus on repair and resiliencenot controlled damage.

What Makes The Exosome Facelift Facial Different in NYC?

At Joanna Vargasexosomes are delivered using nano-infusiona precision technique that creates microchannels in the skin to guide active ingredients deeper into the dermis—where structural repair happens.

Joanna uses the E-50 Skin Boosterwidely recognized as one of South Korea’s leading exosome formulations, selected for its purity and advanced regenerative profile.

“Healthy skin shouldn’t look inflamed or stressed,” says Joanna Vargas. “It should look rested, resilient, and quietly luminous.”

Why Nano-Infusion Matters

Many people searching “exosome facial near me” don’t realize that delivery determines results.

Nano-infusion helps:

  • Enhance absorption

  • Support deeper collagen stimulation

  • Improve treatment precision

  • Minimize surface irritation

The result is a treatment that feels advanced—but looks effortless.

Who Is the Exosome Facial Best For?

Based on top New York search trends, clients typically look for exosome treatments when they want:

1. A No-Downtime Anti-Aging Facial

Ideal before events, work travel, photoshoots, or weekends out in NYC.

2. Skin Barrier Repair

Especially after:

3. Collagen Support Without Inflammation

Perfect for clients noticing:

  • Early jowling

  • Fine lines

  • Crepey texture

  • Dullness

4. Calm, Balanced Skin

Exosomes are anti-inflammatory by nature, making this treatment especially appealing to those with redness-prone or stressed skin.

What to Expect After an Exosome Facial

One of the most searched phrases in New York is:
“Is there downtime after an exosome facial?”

With The Exosome Facelift Facial, most clients experience:

Skin looks composed—not reactive.

Why NYC Clients Are Choosing Regenerative Facials

New York clients are sophisticated. They are searching for:

  • “Advanced facial Manhattan”

  • “Regenerative skin treatment NYC”

  • “Korean skincare facial New York”

  • “Best facial for collagen stimulation”

The shift is clear: clients want treatments that work with the skin’s natural systems, not against them.

The Exosome Facelift Facial reflects that evolution.

Exosome Facial vs. Laser or RF Microneedling

While laser treatments and RF microneedling create controlled injury to stimulate collagen, exosome facials focus on:

  • Supporting natural cellular repair

  • Strengthening the skin barrier

  • Reducing inflammation

  • Enhancing long-term skin resilience

For many NYC clients, it’s the ideal standalone treatment—or a complement to energy-based procedures.

Where to Get an Exosome Facial in New York

The Exosome Facelift Facial is currently available at:

Joanna Vargas New York
Upper East Side, Manhattan

Known for celebrity clientele and clinically driven, plant-based skincare, Joanna Vargas blends regenerative science with luxury aesthetics.

FAQs: Exosome Facial NYC

Is an exosome facial safe?

When performed by trained professionals using clinically sourced exosome formulations, the treatment is designed to support skin health and barrier integrity.

How often should I get an exosome facial?

Many clients incorporate it monthly or seasonally, depending on skin goals.

Is this good before a big event?

Yes. Because there is minimal downtime, many clients book it 3–7 days before events.

Can it be combined with other treatments?

It can complement microneedling, laser treatments, or be used during periods of skin recovery.

The Future of Skin Rejuvenation in NYC

Exosomes represent a shift in aesthetic medicine—from aggressive correction to intelligent regeneration.

At Joanna Vargas, The Exosome Facelift Facial isn’t about looking “worked on.”
It’s about skin that appears rested, strengthened, and unmistakably well cared for.

Book The Exosome Facelift Facial in NYC

If you’ve been searching for:

  • The best exosome facial in New York

  • A no-downtime collagen treatment

  • Advanced regenerative skincare in Manhattan

The next chapter in skin renewal has arrived.

Appointments now available at Joanna Vargas New York. Call 212.949.2350 or email us at salon@joannavargas.com

No, Wuthering Heights is not ‘too hard to read’

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No, Wuthering Heights is not ‘too hard to read’

It shouldn’t be controversial to say that Wuthering Heights is not that hard a book to get through. But, this is a hill (or, perhaps, a moor) I am willing to die on — because the number of people openly struggling to get through it is… concerning to say the least.

Recently, my FYP has filled to the brim with a similar brand of video – videos of grown women who, after seeing Emerald Fennel’s sexed-up film version after the release on Friday, 13th February, 2026, have dashed to Waterstones to pick up their copies (Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi smouldering on the cover, naturally), perhaps expecting a BookTok-worthy rom-com, only to find that it is, in fact, a novel about class, inequality, racism, abuse and generational trauma.

There is also another genre of videos that sees people sharing guides to reading the book. Tips like highlight it within an inch of its life or, even worse, go to Sparknotes after each chapter for a summary.

I will say it: I am concerned. And I’m not the only one:

Let’s be real. Wuthering Heights is, compared to many classic novels, not all that difficult. Sure, a few characters have the same first names, but keeping track of the various Earnshaws and Lintons is a walk in the park compared to some of the Russian classics.

It is also a relatively simple narrative. It is largely plot-driven and mostly linear, once you get to grips with the rather simple story-within-a-story format. This is not a novel that experiments much with form. It is not, for instance, a work of poetic stream of consciousness. Try reading The Waves and get back to me.

In fact, Wuthering Heights is considered to be one of the easiest classics to read, so much so that it is (or was) often assigned to 16-year-old school kids.

Now, before I am accused of sounding snobbish, elitist, or privileged, I would like to clarify: this isn’t about being university educated, or being brought up in a house filled with books, or being encouraged to read as a child. I really think this is more about our education system and the general downward spiral into a largely anti-intellectual society.

Ours is, increasingly, a society that simply does not prize skills like critical thinking or long-form reading. I don’t blame any of the individuals posting about not being able to read Wuthering Heights; I mainly blame the world we are living in. A world that, over the course of the last decade or so, has slowly but surely been teaching us that intelligence, thinking and reading don’t really matter anymore.

The Spring Haircut and Color Trends of 2026 Have Us in Our Gentle Era—With Photos

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The Spring Haircut and Color Trends of 2026 Have Us in Our Gentle Era—With Photos

What can we say? It’s been a long year. What’s that? It’s only spring? Well, in that case, we could all use a little self-care—a spring break, if you will—and this season’s hair trends are reflecting our cultural desire for ease and softness amid a whole lot of stress in 2026.

Our haircuts are floaty and gentle: a shag with airy layers, a softly sculpted bob, or a long cascade of waves to transport you to a tropical island (if only when you flip your hair). Or maybe you’re wearing a shoulder-grazing midi cut, which happens to be an easy, natural evolution from the blunt bobs of last season. These cuts enable us to spend more time daydreaming and less time in the salon.

Spring colors are cozy, familiar classics that feel rich and special but couldn’t be easier to achieve. Dimensional blondes and brunettes offer shine and polish with a low-maintenance grow-out. Sandy-desert caramel and strawberry beige are soft and sweet like fresh linen, with a little sparkle that says “I’m not done causing trouble.”

These trends are like the hair equivalent of taking a deep, cleansing spring breath. Below, the experts detail the soft, gentle styles we can expect to see in a season of beauty rest and reset.

Spring haircut trends

Modern shag

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spring haircut trend 2026 modern shag

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spring haircut trend 2026 modern shag

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spring haircut trend 2026 modern shag on gabrielle union

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Care for Your Curls, the Iles Formula Way

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Care for Your Curls, the Iles Formula Way

Curls have a mind all their own. From loose waves to defined, tight coils, each texture and curl pattern brings its own rhythm and its own set of rules. We at Iles Formula understand what they need, because we live it: Wendy Iles, our founder, is a curly girl, so know your curls are safe here.

Curls can be incredibly delicate. They crave and demand their own moisture, shed chemicals faster than straight hair, and break easily when mishandled. The secret? A ritual designed around hydration, protection, and respect for your hair’s natural shape and architecture.

The Signature Collection is where every routine begins. Our Shampoo and Conditioner were formulated to work together to hydrate the hair without weighing curls down – because curls perform best when they’re nourished from root to tip. A sulfate-free system that protects the cuticle, strengthens from within, and restores that soft-as-cashmere texture curls deserve.

Curly brunette hair being shampooed

Here’s where most make one fatal mistake: rubbing their wet curls with a regular towel. The friction disrupts the cuticle at its most vulnerable moment, causing frizz and breakage. Enter the Iles Hair Turban Towel – a microfiber essential that gently squeezes moisture out without disturbing the curl pattern. Your curls stay in place as they dry, and you avoid unnecessary damage. It’s the step you didn’t know you needed – but won’t be able to skip.

Girl wearing a turban towel from the back

Curl Revive is your weightless hero. A protective styling serum with cashmere texture (versus the silky feel of Finishing Serum) designed specifically for textured hair. It defines movement, locks in hydration, and protects against heat (up to 450°F), UV, humidity, and frizz. For all curl types – and excellent on thicker, coarse, or chemically treated hair, too. Silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free. Just beautifully defined curls with soft movement.

Apply liberally to damp hair. Comb through, diffuse or air-dry. Don’t touch again until fully dry. The result? Curls that look as good on day three as they did on day one.

Wavy hair by the sea kissing a bottle of Curl Revive

Night Serum: What to Use for Best Results Overnight

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Night Serum: What to Use for Best Results Overnight

A night serum is where the real progress happens. Not because nighttime products are magically stronger, but because your skin is finally out of survival mode. No sun, less environmental stress, and more time to recover. If you are going to invest in one step that can make your skin look smoother, brighter, and more even over time, a night serum is usually it.

The problem is most people buy a night serum based on hype, then use it in a way that cancels out the results. Too much product, too many actives layered together, or no consistency. The best results come from choosing one night serum that matches your goal and using it the same way, night after night.

1. What a night serum should actually do

A great night serum should support at least one of these outcomes:

  • Improve texture so your skin looks smoother and makeup sits better.
  • Boost radiance so you look more rested, even when you are not.
  • Support firmness so skin looks tighter and more lifted over time.
  • Calm inflammation so breakouts and redness do not linger.
  • Strengthen the barrier so skin becomes less reactive and holds hydration better.

If your night serum is not doing one of these things consistently, it is basically just an extra step.

2. Match your night serum to your skin goal

The easiest way to choose a night serum is to decide what you want to fix first.

  • Dullness and uneven tone: Choose a night serum focused on renewal and brightening, but without stripping your skin.
  • Fine lines and early loss of firmness: Choose a night serum that supports smoother texture and firmer-looking skin over time.
  • Breakouts and congestion: Choose a night serum that calms inflammation and helps keep pores from getting backed up, without over-drying.
  • Sensitivity and dryness: Choose a night serum that supports the barrier first. If your barrier is compromised, everything else irritates you.

Most people fail here by trying to treat everything at once. That is how you end up over-exfoliated, red, and wondering why nothing works.


3. How to use a night serum for best results

Technique matters as much as the product. If you want your night serum to actually perform, keep it simple:

  • Cleanse properly so you are applying your serum to clean skin, not leftover sunscreen and makeup.
  • Apply to slightly damp skin if your skin tolerates it. This can help spread and absorb more evenly.
  • Use the right amount and do not overdo it. More serum does not mean more results.
  • Seal it in with a moisturizer if you tend to run dry or if you are using active ingredients.
  • Stick with it for at least 4 to 8 weeks. Most results are cumulative, not overnight.

Pro tip: If you are using a strong active night serum, do not stack it with multiple exfoliants. Pick one lane and let your skin improve without constant irritation.

4. The night serum routine that keeps skin calm and improving

If you want a routine that gives results without the rollercoaster, here is the structure that works for most people:

Night
1. Cleanse
2. Night serum
3. Moisturizer

That is it. The routine does not need to be complicated. It needs to be repeatable.

5. A night serum option that fits real life

If your goal is to wake up looking smoother, brighter, and more even over time, the Twilight Night Serum is designed for nightly use as part of a consistent routine.

Use it as your main treatment step at night, then keep the rest of your routine supportive so your skin stays calm enough to improve.

6. When to expect results

With a consistent night serum routine, most people notice:

  • Within 1 to 2 weeks: skin feels more hydrated and looks more rested.
  • Within 3 to 6 weeks: texture starts to look smoother and tone looks more even.
  • Within 8 to 12 weeks: visible improvements in overall glow and fine lines.

If you are not seeing progress by week 6, the issue is usually one of three things: inconsistent use, irritation from too many actives, or not sealing hydration in with a moisturizer.

Final thoughts

The best night serum is the one you will use consistently. Keep your routine simple, apply it correctly, and give it time. Night after night, small improvements add up to skin that looks smoother, brighter, and more even without needing filters.

The Best Rose Skincare: 12 Products Worth Your Money

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The Best Rose Skincare: 12 Products Worth Your Money

Look, I’m not here to tell you how to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Buy the flowers, make the reservation, send the chocolates—whatever works. But here’s what I am going to suggest: before you curate the perfect gift for someone else, show up for yourself first.

Rose has dominated romantic gestures since forever. Greek mythology loved it, The Bachelor turned it into a contract negotiation, your local florist marks it up 300% every February. But here’s what the beauty industry has known for centuries: rose isn’t just symbolic, it’s actually exceptional.

Aesop rose scented body wash in the shower.

I’ve tested enough rose-infused products to fill a small greenhouse, and I can tell you with authority that not all formulas are created equal. The good ones understand what they’re working with—Bulgarian rose otto, rosa damascena, rosa canina seed oil—and deliver anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, skin-soothing benefits. In aromatherapy, rose is clinically proven to reduce stress and elevate mood. It’s the rare ingredient that performs both emotionally and topically.

So this Valentine’s Day, consider this your permission slip to invest in the longest relationship you’ll ever have: the one with yourself. Here’s my edit of rose-forward formulas that actually deserve the name.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm

Elemis took their iconic Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm blueprint and reimagined it with a fresh, juicy, green rose that feels modern yet proper British all at once. The texture is that perfect balm-to-oil transformation that melts away makeup and SPF without stripping, and the rose here isn’t decorative. It’s anti-inflammatory and soothing. Your first cleanse is actually calming your skin while it cleanses. This is the kind of product that makes double cleansing feel less like a chore and more like the opening act of something indulgent.

$72 (100g) at elemis.com, spacenk.com or boots.com

Santa Maria Novella rose water

Santa Maria Novella Rose Water

There’s something almost monastic about this toner. I picture vats of rose petals being distilled in a Florentine monastery, and honestly, that’s not far from the truth. This is pure rose water in its most elemental form. Super refreshing, skin-softening, and versatile enough to use as a toner, a midday refresh, or even a linen spray if you’re feeling extra. Rose water has been used for centuries as a skin-soother and mild astringent, and SMN doesn’t interfere with history. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it smells like the most elevated version of rose you’ve ever encountered.

$40 (250ml) at violetgrey.com or modaoperandi.com and $60 (500ml) at dotshop.com

African Botanics rose essence

African Botanics Rose Treatment Essence

This is where rose stops being romantic and starts being high-performance. African Botanics formulates with incredibly potent botanicals sourced from South Africa, and this essence is no exception. Rose here is part of a complex that includes marula, baobab, and other antioxidant-rich extracts designed to deliver the most hydrated, refreshed, supple complexion you’ve ever experienced. Rose’s anti-inflammatory and skin-barrier-supporting properties make this ideal for anyone dealing with sensitivity or dehydration. It’s exotic, it’s expensive, and it’s worth every penny. This one’s a personal indulgence unless you’re gifting someone who already has everything.

$160 (50ml) at africanbotanics.com or fwrd.com

By Terry rose balm for lips

By Terry Baume de Rose

An iconic French staple that’s been in circulation since 1995, and for good reason. This isn’t just a lip balm. It’s a multi-use rose-scented salve that works on lips, cuticles, dry patches, and anywhere else that needs coddling. The formula is rich without being heavy, and the rose aroma is stunning. Delicate, slightly powdery, unmistakably French. Rose wax and rose flower oil provide both the scent and the skin-conditioning benefits, which means you’re getting comfort and a sensory experience in one tiny pot.

$60 (10g) at dermstore.com, lookfantastic.com or spacenk.com

Rose Fresh Face Mask

Fresh Rose Face Mask

If you’ve been anywhere near beauty circles in the last two decades, you know this mask. The gel texture is cooling and soothing, and yes, there are actual rose petals suspended in the formula. Rose extract and rosewater work to hydrate and tone while cucumber cools and calms. I reach for this when I need to fix skin fatigue. It’s the reset button your complexion didn’t know it needed. The rose here isn’t just aesthetic, it’s doing real work to reduce redness and restore radiance.

$68 (100ml) at fresh.com, sephora.com, lookfantastic.com or boots.com

Jurlique Rose Face Oil

Jurlique Rare Rose Face Oil

This is rose-forward in the truest sense. Jurlique’s biodynamic farm in South Australia grows the roses used in this formula, and you can tell. The scent is exquisite, rich, and true to the flower. This oil is all about nurturing your skin with antioxidants while simultaneously relaxing your senses. Rose hip oil delivers vitamin A and essential fatty acids to support skin elasticity and tone, while rose flower oil provides that aromatherapeutic stress-relief element. A few drops at night, and you wake up glowing and significantly less tightly wound.

$62 (30ml) or $80 (50ml) at jurlique.com

Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream Light

Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream Light

This is the unfussy, effective, understated moisturizer that truly understands the assignment: deliver moisturized, comfortable, protected skin without drama. Dr. Hauschka uses rose petal extract, rose wax, and rose essential oil to soothe and support the skin barrier. It also layers beautifully under SPF and makeup, and it never feels greasy or heavy. I love that this formula has been around forever and hasn’t needed to change because it works. It’s unpretentious, it’s reliable and iconic for all the right reasons. P.S. I prefer the ‘Light’ version for a more daytime friendly texture.

$46 (30ml) at drhauschka.com or lookfantastic.com

Korres Wild Rose Sleeping Facial

Korres Wild Rose Night-Brightening Sleeping Facial

One of my earliest Korres discoveries and still one of the best overnight treatments I’ve ever used. This has been in my rotation for close to twenty years, and I keep coming back to it because the results are undeniable. The soufflé texture melts into skin instantly, and you wake up with genuinely radiant, plump, visibly improved skin. Wild rose oil supplies moisture and fatty acids, while vitamin C and turmeric work on brightness and tone. This is one of very few products that consistently delivers impressive, visible results.

$55 (50ml) at korres.com, ulta.com or boots.com

Aesop rose body wash

Aesop A Rose By Any Other Name Body Cleanser

Aesop does sensorial indulgence better than almost anyone, and this body wash is proof. The rose here is layered with geranium leaf and shiso, which gives it depth and complexity rather than straightforward florality. It’s indulgent in the way a good body wash should be, lathers beautifully, and lingers just enough to keep you company while you’re getting dressed. Rose geraniol oil provides the much-appreciated aromatherapeutic lift. This is the kind of product that turns a regular shower into a moment of intentional self-care.

$53 (500ml) at aesop.com, fwrd.com, dermstore.com or lookfantastic.com

Jones Road Miracle Balm in Dusty Rose

Jones Road Miracle Balm in Dusty Rose

Bobbi Brown’s post-Bobbi Brown project, and this balm is exactly what you’d expect from someone who built a career on wearable, real-person makeup. The Miracle Balm in Dusty Rose is the perfect shade for adding a bit of color and dimension to your face. The formula is sheer, blendable, and works so well on cheeks. There is no rose extract here and rose is only part of the shade name but it absolutely deserves the spot in this roundup. It’s the kind of product that makes you look more awake and pulled together in about 10 seconds.

$38 (50g) at jonesroadbeauty.com and if you’re unsure Dusty Rose would work, take The Shade Quiz (my second most-used shade is Cocoa Bronze)

D.S. & Durga Rose Atlantic perfume

D.S. & Durga Rose Atlantic

If you think you don’t like rose fragrances, this one might change your mind. It’s super unique and clean, skipping the heavy, powdery, grandma-perfume associations entirely. D.S. & Durga describes it as “salt-sprayed rose, coastal sage, new mown hay,” and that’s exactly what it smells like. You get the rose, but it’s lifted and aerated by marine and herbal notes that keep it from feeling cloying or overly romantic. A true standout in the rose fragrance category.

$225 (50ml) and $300 (100ml) at dsanddurga.com, ssense.com or bluemercury.com

Diptych Roses candle

Diptyque Roses Candle

A classic, but not a cop-out. Diptyque’s Roses candle has been in their permanent collection for years because it’s the platonic ideal of what a rose candle should be: fresh, green, slightly dewy, and true to the flower. Imagine sweet but not synthetic and never overpowering. Rose essential oil and rose absolute give it depth and authenticity, and the burn is clean and even. It’s one of those candles that people always comment on, and it makes an excellent gift for anyone who appreciates home fragrance that feels elegant rather than trendy.

$78 (190g) at diptyque.com, bluemercury.com or libertylondon.com

Last word…

Whether you’re celebrating solo, with a partner, or somewhere in between, there’s something beautifully subversive about investing in rose skincare instead of accepting a dozen marked-up stems. And remember: If you don’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else? (Sorry, had to.) But seriously – this Valentine’s Day, the real power move is showing up for yourself first.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and purchase. It costs you nothing extra and helps keep omgbart running. I only recommend products I genuinely use and love, because recommending garbage would be bad for both of us.

M·A·C aims for next $500M in global philanthropy

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M·A·C aims for next 0M in global philanthropy

M·A·C’s VIVA GLAM program has now raised more than $540 million globally since its launch in 1994, according to the brand’s 2025 Impact Report. The update offers beauty industry stakeholders an analysis of how a single product platform has sustained three decades of funding while adapting to shifting social and environmental priorities.

“Together, we’ve built an incredible legacy: $540 million USD raised and over 60 million lives impacted around the world,” M·A·C wrote in the report. “This last year alone, M·A·C VIVA GLAM donated $4.5 million USD to 64 nonprofit partners globally, sharpening our focus on organizations that advance sexual, racial, gender and environmental equality.”

The figures reflect both long-term scale and a more recent strategic shift.

Equality pillars broaden the program’s scope

VIVA GLAM was originally created by M·A·C founders Frank Toskan and the late Frank Angelo in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis. The model was simple: sell a lipstick and donate 100% of the selling price.

More than three decades later, the core mechanic remains unchanged, but the scope has evolved. Last year, which marked the program’s 30th anniversary, the Fund’s mission was expanded to “support equality and healthy futures for all in order to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” the report noted.

In addition to its longstanding support for people impacted by HIV/AIDS, the fund now operates across four defined pillars: sexual equality, racial equality, gender equality, and environmental equality.

For stakeholders, the expansion reflects a broader alignment with multi-issue ESG frameworks that increasingly shape both beauty retailer expectations and corporate reporting.

Global reach and measurable outputs

The program’s scale remains one of its defining features. According to the report, VIVA GLAM has reached 92+ countries and served more than 60 million people since 2013, supporting over 2,000 NGOs globally and helping more than one million people each year.

In fiscal year 2025 alone, the fund distributed $4.5 million to 64 nonprofit partners, M·A·C confirmed.

Across the program’s pillars, the It Gets Better Project reached more than 2,300 youth through three queer prom events and funded more than 15,000 students to participate in community initiatives. Orange Babies distributed more than 1,240 dignity packs and supported 150+ girls with one year of education.

In the environmental category, Plastics For Change Foundation collected 2.5 metric tons of plastic at its Kolkata aggregation center and 281,500 kilograms at a women-led collection site.

The diversity of program partnerships illustrates how the initiative has evolved from a single-issue response model to a broader social impact framework.

Product refresh supports platform longevity

The report also provided some updates to the VIVA GLAM product lineup. In 2024, M·A·C introduced a new silky matte finish and refreshed shade names to align with the expanded mission.

“Alongside the revamped M·A·C VIVA GLAM platform, the iconic Lipstick that gives back 100% has been maxed out to give lips MORE, with a new silky matte finish, new impactful names and new luxe look,” the report stated.

The company clarified that “shade selection does not impact donations allocated among the pillars,” maintaining a unified donation pool rather than linking specific SKUs to specific causes.

In June 2025, the brand extended the platform with a limited-edition Lipglass Air launch in partnership with Kim Petras, with 100% of the selling price donated to aligned charities. These shifts reinforce how incremental product innovation can support a long-standing philanthropic SKU without altering its funding structure.

Employee engagement as an operating lever

The report also emphasized internal activation as a key driver of the program’s reach. M·A·C cites a global network of more than 11,500 artists who support VIVA GLAM both in-store and online.

For example, during World AIDS Day initiatives, the company facilitated more than 100 rapid HIV tests in under three hours at Baruch College in New York City. In Germany, it announced a €100,000 donation to the Deutsche AIDS-Stiftung during the Berlin Opera Gala.

The fund also mobilized $100,000 in wildfire relief donations to the California Fire Foundation following the January wildfires, demonstrating how the platform can respond to emergent crises beyond its core pillars.

Next milestone: another half-billion

While the report reflected on 31 years of activity, it also outlines the next target.

“Now, we’re looking ahead to our next milestone: raising the next half-billion dollars,” said M·A·C.

The report added, “Although raising $540 million+ over the past 31 years is an incredible accomplishment, we need you to keep the M·A·C VIVA GLAM momentum going so we can reach our goal of raising the next half-billion dollars to support sexual, racial, gender and environmental equality for all.”

For industry stakeholders, the longer view may be the most instructive. As cause-driven marketing becomes more common across the US beauty sector, Viva Glam demonstrates how product, purpose, and scale can operate within a single, consistent framework.

Prioritizing Mental Health: How to Break Away from Toxic Behaviors

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Prioritizing Mental Health: How to Break Away from Toxic Behaviors

Mental health is usually the first thing we sacrifice when we are trying to keep everyone else happy. We have all been there, staying in situations that no longer serve us because we feel a sense of loyalty or fear of the unknown. But here is the truth: you cannot grow in a room where the air is thin. To truly flourish, you have to get comfortable with the idea of breaking away from toxic behaviors that stunt your growth, even when those behaviors come from the people closest to you.

Photo Credit: Adobe

Sometimes the heaviest baggage we carry is not our own. It could be a family member who constantly drains your energy, a friend who only calls when they need a favor, or a relationship that feels more like a chore than a partnership. These toxic behaviors often fly under the radar because we are used to them. However, your mental health starts to pay the price when you realize you are shrinking yourself to fit into spaces where you used to belong. Learning to spot these patterns is the first step toward reclaiming your peace.

Screenshot 2026 02 11 At 95723 AM
Photo Credit: Adobe

There is a big misconception that setting boundaries is mean. In reality, boundaries are the highest form of self care for your mental health. Breaking away from toxic cycles means you are finally giving yourself permission to breathe. It might feel awkward at first to say no to a family gathering that stresses you out or to distance yourself from a friend group that thrives on drama, but your future self will thank you. You are exactly who you are meant to be, and you do not need to carry someone else’s negativity to prove your worth.

Prioritizing Mental Health: How to Break Away from Toxic Behaviors
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When you start focusing on your mental healthyour entire perspective shifts. You begin to realize that you deserve to be surrounded by people who pour into you just as much as you pour into them. Growth is a collaborative effort between you and your environment. If your current circle is not encouraging your evolution, it might be time to find a new one. Remember, you have been a force since the day you decided to take your life into your own hands. You give your all to everything you put your name on, so make sure your well being is at the very top of that list.

11 Best Body Lotions for Mature Skin That Help Firm and Smooth

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11 Best Body Lotions for Mature Skin That Help Firm and Smooth

Frequently Asked Questions

Which signs of skin aging appear on the body?

As we all know, aging is a wonderfully natural process that affects every part of our bodies, including our largest organ, the skin. But before we get into treatments, it’s important to understand what’s happening inside your body.

Wrinkles and sagging skin

As you mature, your skin’s once-supple texture becomes more lax due to the loss of collagen, according to Dr. Shirazi. Collagen is the main protein that acts as the support beam for your body’s connective tissues, including your skin, and as you age, your body’s natural supply depletes. This depletion leads to the formation of wrinkles, crepiness, and skin sagging. “Crepey or loose skin, particularly on the abdomen, upper arms, back of the hands, and thighs, known as skin laxity, becomes more pronounced with age,” explains Dr. Shirazi. She also notes that the loss of collagen around blood vessels, particularly in areas with lots of movement, like the backs of your hands, can increase bruising without noticeable trauma to the skin. “This is common on the hands and back of arms, known as actinic purpura,” she adds.

Another visible change? As you age, your skin’s ability to retain moisture and produce much-needed oil also diminishes, according to Dr. Shirazi. This leads to a drier, rougher texture and pronounced wrinkles—while we can’t reverse these processes altogether, we can mitigate them with the right body lotion.

If you’ve noticed a few dark spots pop up on your body, these could be age spots. “Age spots, also known as liver spots or sunspots, can happen when the skin is [over]exposed to the sun,” explains Dr. Patel. Factors like genetics and lifestyle habits can also impact the formation of this form of hyperpigmentation, but you’ll most likely notice it on sun-exposed areas of your skin, like your face, neck, forearms, hands, and legs. “They can come up as raised growths that are tan-dark brown with a wavy surface, called seborrheic keratosis, or they can be flat,” adds Dr. Shirazi.

Like any form of hyperpigmentation, these spots may be permanent, but lotions and creams with brightening ingredients can minimize their pigmentation. To make sure they don’t intensify, we always recommend our golden rule for skin care: Wear (and reapply!) sunscreen every day.

What are the best ingredients for maturing skin?

There’s nothing on the market that’ll erase wrinkles, textural concerns, and hyperpigmentation entirely, but the best body lotion for aging skin can pack quite a few derm-approved ingredients to tone down their look.

Retinol, also known as vitamin A, is known as one of the gold-standard ingredients for aging skin due to its fine line- and discoloration-reducing properties. “Retinols help improve the quality of the skin, lighten discoloration, boost cellular renewal, and stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production,” says Dr. Shirazi. Due to its numerous benefits, Dr. Shirazi recommends incorporating this ingredient into your body-care routine. Keep in mind that retinol’s known to irritate sensitive skin and heighten sun sensitivity, which is why it’s essential to apply retinol at night and use sunscreen during the daytime.

Both Dr. Shirazi and Dr. Patel agree that alpha-hydroxy acids, a group of chemical exfoliators also known as AHAs or fruit acids, play a key role in achieving supple, firm skin. “Our skin cells become lazy with age, so exfoliating acids help promote cellular turnover and remove dead skin cells that build up on the outer skin layer,” explains Dr. Shirazi. She recommends glycolic acid, an intensive AHA that unclogs pores, smooths skin, and even acts as a hydrating humectant.

Like retinol, glycolic acid is an active ingredient that can feel harsh on sensitive skin types, so opt for lower concentrations of the ingredient when introducing it to your skin or try gentler AHAs, like lactic acid. “[Lactic acid] removes dead skin cells, improves skin texture, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Patel suggests.

Overall, antioxidants are a wonderful addition to any skin-care regimen. But, like alpha hydroxy acids, “antioxidants” is an umbrella term for a group of molecules (including vitamin A, shouted out above) that neutralize the effects of free radicals, also known as oxidants, that are created from both your metabolism and external factors, like air pollution and sunlight.

One of the most popular antioxidants is vitamin C. On top of its antioxidant benefits, board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, based in New York City, previously told Allure this ingredient supports collagen production, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and minimizes hyperpigmentation. Since vitamin C can smooth skin, increase cellular turnover, and reduce the look of acne scars, it’s the ideal daytime counterpart to your nighttime retinol and AHAs.

Another underrated antioxidant Dr. Shirazi suggests is coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory, tone-evening benefits. “As an antioxidant, it helps protect and repair the skin by reducing oxidative stress from UV and environmental stressors,” she explains. Beyond its antioxidant properties, she also notes that CoQ10 addresses discoloration like age spots and minimizes the look of crepey skin by supporting skin barrier function, cellular turnover, and production of collagen and elastin, leaving skin firm and supple.

Peptides play a major role in supporting your skin’s firmness and elasticity, as they are short chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the smallest molecules that make up the proteins in your body, so they’re an important part of maintaining skin elasticity and structure. “These short-chain amino acids trick your skin into making collagen and elastin while also calming inflammation and boosting cellular renewal,” says Dr. Shirazi.

What’s more: Peptides are more productive than other skin-firming ingredients due to their smaller molecular size. Particles can only be so big in order to penetrate past the epidermis (the top layer of our skin), and since peptides are amino acids, and not proteins in and of themselves, they can penetrate the skin when applied topically, unlike, say, collagen.

Meet the experts

  • Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
  • Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
  • Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Memphis and founder of Visha Skin
  • Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
  • Stephanie Saxton-Daniels, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology based in Dallas
  • Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD based in La Jolla, CA
  • Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology, based in Toronto, Canada
  • Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City

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 body lotions for mature skin, 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.

Things That Do—and Don’t—Settle an Upset Stomach

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Things That Do—and Don’t—Settle an Upset Stomach

While your mom swears by saltines, TikTok influencers insist you need questionable cleanses and supplements. It seems like everyone has their own ideas about what to do if your stomach is feeling a little…off.

But first, it’s important to know that upset stomach is a pretty general term for symptoms with a number of possible underlying causes—and solutions. “Some people will use upset stomach when they have bloating, nausea, cramping, or acid reflux,” says Bimal Ashar, MD, MBA, a primary care doctor at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Others use the phrase to describe abdominal pain, diarrhea, or indigestion. And the reasons someone might feel this way are as varied as the symptoms. For example, acid moving up the esophagus is to blame for reflux, while nausea can stem from a range of sources, including inner ear issues, motion, pregnancy, and food poisoning.

That’s why Carolyn Newberry, MD, a gastroenterologist and associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, likes to get more granular when her patients say they have an upset stomach. It’s also why it’s best to talk to your own doctor for personalized advice if you’re dealing with ongoing or acute tummy issues, including violent or persistent puking, blood in your vomit or stool, sharp abdominal pain, high fever, or other symptoms that last longer than a week.

All that said there are a few general do’s and don’ts that apply pretty much across the board for an upset stomach. Here, Dr. Newberry and Dr. Ashar break them down.

Strategies that may settle an upset stomach

It’s important to note that there’s not a whole lot of research on treatments for an upset stomach, Dr. Ashar says. Part of the reason for this is, as mentioned, there’s no universal definition of what an upset stomach actually is. Second, it’s tricky to recruit people for studies, since they have to be feeling ill at that moment in order to participate and provide accurate results. Still, there are a few ingredients and strategies that the doctors we spoke with say they’ve seen enough scientific backing and anecdotal evidence to endorse. These are the ones they say are worth trying.

Chew on fresh ginger.

“Ginger has known anti-nausea properties and does have a little bit of clinical research behind it,” Dr. Newberry says. Dr. Ashar agrees, adding that chewing on or making tea with the kind you get in the produce section of the grocery store probably has some benefit. (While ginger ale, for the record, does not.)

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