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DCYPHER Beauty Concierge | Covent Garden Pop-Up

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DCYPHER Beauty Concierge: A New Beauty Destination in Covent Garden - Come to Our Event This Week

There are very few things in beauty that genuinely feel considered these days. Fewer still that feel intimate, intelligent, and rooted in real expertise rather than noise. Which is why I’m so excited to share The DCYPHER Beauty Concierge, a new pop-up beauty destination in the heart of Covent Garden, and one that my brand REESON is incredibly proud to be part of.

At the heart of the space is DCYPHER’s AI-powered skin matching technology, which can analyse your skin and create a perfectly matched foundation in around 90 seconds. It’s fast, impressively accurate, and quietly transformative, taking the guesswork (and endless trial-and-error) out of finding your true shade. If you’re looking for a thoughtful beauty experience in London, this is it.

Limited Tickets Available! This Thursday, 5th February at 7:30pm, join me, Sam Chapman, and Fleur DeForce for a look at how beauty has evolved from 2016–2026. Tickets are £50 and redeemable against in-store shopping plus a generous good bag – only a few left, so reserve yours now: Book Here.

What Is The DCYPHER Beauty Concierge?

What Is DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge?
What Is DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge?

The DCYPHER Beauty Concierge is a temporary pop-up boutique created by DCYPHER, bringing together a carefully curated selection of beauty and lifestyle brands under one roof. Think less department store, more luxury beauty concierge – personal, calm, and expertly led.

At the heart of the space is DCYPHER’s AI-powered skin matching technology, which can analyse your skin and create a perfectly matched foundation in around 90 seconds. It’s fast, impressively accurate, and quietly transformative, taking the guesswork (and endless trial-and-error) out of finding your true shade. I am loving the Custom Glow Booster, for more info read, DCYPHER Custom Glow Booster Review.

DCYPHER Custom Match Foundation
DCYPHER Custom Match Foundation

The pop-up is open for five more weeks, running until 6th March, and is designed to be as much about conversation, community, and education as it is about product discovery.

Why DCYPHER’s AI Skin Matching Is Worth Experiencing

Shade matching has long been one of the most frustrating parts of buying foundation, particularly if your skin sits outside traditional shade ranges and changes seasonally.

DCYPHER’s AI skin matching technology offers a smarter alternative. In-store, your skin is analysed and a custom foundation is mixed specifically for you, in around 90 seconds. It’s a genuinely impressive experience, and one that feels far more aligned with how beauty should work in 2026.

Where Is the DCYPHER Beauty Pop-Up?

29 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London

Located right in the heart of Covent Garden, DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge is easy to visit whether you’re already in central London or planning a dedicated beauty day. Despite its prime location, the space itself feels boutique, welcoming, and refreshingly unrushed.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Saturday: 11am – 7pm
  • Sunday: 11am – 5pm

Plenty of time to browse, ask questions, and actually enjoy the experience, which feels increasingly rare.

The Brands You’ll Discover at The DCYPHER Beauty Concierge

One of the most exciting aspects of this pop-up is the brand lineup, each chosen for its integrity, expertise, and clear point of view.

Brands featured include:

  • DCYPHER – the main brand behind the pop-up, offering AI skin analysis and custom-mixed foundation in approximately 90 seconds
  • REESON – my own brand, created with intention, simplicity, and modern skin needs at its core
  • Hildun Beauty – a beautifully formulated Irish makeup brand
  • 98 Beauty – an all-natural skincare brand focused on skin barrier health
  • Klira Skin – a dermatology-supported, prescription-style skincare brand
  • Raven James Jewellery – by Fleur DeForce, refined, timeless jewellery
  • RUM Mascara – by Sali Hughes and Sam Chapman, a mascara born from decades of makeup artistry experience
  • What’s That Patch – targeted skincare patches designed to treat specific skin concerns

It’s a lineup that feels cohesive and intelligent, nothing is here by accident.

Events at The DCYPHER Beauty Concierge

THe DCYPHER Beauty Concierge is more than a retail space — it’s also a hub for in-store events, talks, and panel discussions. Full details of all upcoming events can be found on the official landing page.

This Week’s Event: 2016–2026 A Decade in Beauty

The first event takes place this Thursday, 5th February at 7:30pmand it’s one I’m genuinely honoured to be part of.

This panel will explore how beauty — and beauty content creation — has evolved from 2016 to 2026featuring:

  • Me
  • Sam Chapman – makeup artist, co-founder of Pixiwoo, and one of the original beauty YouTubers
  • Fleur DeForce – one of the true OG voices in beauty content creation

Tickets are £50fully redeemable against in-store shoppingmaking it both inspiring and practical. Plus there’s a generous goody bag!

If you’ve followed the beauty industry for any length of time — or are simply curious about where it’s been and where it’s heading — this promises to be a fascinating conversation.

Don’t Miss Out – tickets for this Thursday’s panel are almost gone. Learn, shop, and connect with some of the OGs of beauty content creation. Reserve your seat today.

Why The DCYPHER Beauty Concierge Feels Different

What I love most about DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge is that it doesn’t shout. It doesn’t overwhelm. It invites you in.

In a world driven by algorithms, virality, and speed, this pop-up feels like a return to something more grounded:
expert-led beauty, thoughtful curation, and genuine human connection.

As someone who has been part of this industry for a long time, that feels incredibly special — and exactly why I’m so proud for REESON to be included.

Planning Your Visit

If you do visit, my advice is simple: take your time. That’s very much the point.

DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge FAQs

Where is DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge located?

DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge is located at 29 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London.
It’s right in the heart of Covent Garden, making it an easy stop if you’re shopping, visiting the theatre, or planning a dedicated beauty day in central London.

How long is DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge open for?

The DCYPHER Beauty Concierge pop-up is open until 6th March.

What are the opening hours for DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge?

Monday to Saturday: 11am – 7pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm

What brands are available at DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge?

DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge features a curated mix of beauty and lifestyle brands, including:
REESON
Hildun Beauty
98 Beauty by Lorna Luxe
Klira Skin
Raven James Jewellery by Fleur DeForce
RUM Mascara by Sam Chapman and Sali Hughes
What’s That Patch

Each brand has been selected for its expertise, quality, and clear point of view.

Are there events at DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge?

Yes. A series of events are taking place during the pop-up, including talks with founders and industry experts.
Full event listings and ticket details can be found on the official landing page.

Is DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge worth visiting?

If you’re looking for a luxury beauty destination in Covent Garden, somewhere calm, expertly curated, and genuinely welcoming, DCYPHER The Beauty Concierge is well worth a visit, whether you’re shopping, attending an event, or simply discovering new brands.

The Calming Botanicals That Help Skin Feel Safe and Supported – 100% PURE

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Introduction

When skin feels sensitive, reactive, or unpredictable, what it needs most is a sense of safety. Not intensity. Not stimulation. Reassurance.

This is where calming botanicals play an important role. Ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and lavender are often associated with gentleness, but their impact goes deeper than comfort alone. For stressed or sensitive skin, these botanicals help reinforce the skin’s ability to settle, recover, and maintain balance over time.

Skin that feels unsafe often shows it through redness, tightness, irritation, or sudden sensitivity. These signals are not signs that the skin needs stronger treatments. They are signs that it needs support. Calming ingredients help reduce internal stress within the skin, allowing the barrier to function more effectively.

At night, when the skin is naturally focused on repair, calming botanicals can be especially beneficial. They help create an environment where the skin can relax, restore itself, and feel supported rather than challenged.

Why Calming Botanicals Work Best at Night

Nighttime offers a unique window for skin recovery. Environmental stressors like sun exposure, pollution, and temperature shifts are no longer present, allowing the skin to turn its attention inward.

During this time, the skin becomes more receptive to soothing ingredients. Without the need to defend against daily aggressors, calming botanicals can work more effectively to reduce visible irritation and support barrier repair. This makes nighttime an ideal moment to focus on comfort rather than correction.

Calming ingredients also pair naturally with evening rituals. Their gentle properties align with slower routines and intentional care, helping the skin transition into rest. When used consistently at night, these botanicals support a more stable skin environment, which can reduce reactivity during the day.

By prioritizing calm in the evening, the skin is better prepared to face daily stress with greater resilience.

Calendula: Comfort for Compromised Skin

Calendula is known for its ability to soothe and support stressed skin. Traditionally used to calm irritation, this botanical helps reinforce the skin barrier and promote comfort when the skin feels reactive or compromised.

For skin that experiences redness, tightness, or sensitivity, calendula offers gentle reassurance. It supports the skin’s natural repair processes without overwhelming it, making it especially useful during periods of stress or imbalance.

Calendula is well suited for nighttime use because it works quietly in the background. Rather than delivering immediate intensity, it encourages gradual recovery. Over time, this support helps skin feel more resilient, less reactive, and more comfortable overall.

When the skin feels unsettled, calendula helps restore a sense of calm that allows repair to happen naturally.

Chamomile: Gentle Relief for Sensitivity

Chamomile is often associated with comfort, and for good reason. This botanical has long been used to help calm visible irritation and reduce the look of redness, making it especially valuable for sensitive or easily stressed skin.

When the skin barrier is compromised, even mild exposure can feel overwhelming. Chamomile helps soften that response by supporting the skin’s natural ability to settle. Rather than masking sensitivity, it works to reduce the underlying discomfort that contributes to reactivity.

Over time, consistent use of chamomile can help improve overall skin tolerance. Skin begins to feel less reactive, more even, and better able to handle daily routines without flare-ups. This makes chamomile an ideal ingredient for long-term comfort rather than short-term relief.

At night, when the skin is focused on repair, chamomile supports recovery in a gentle, non-disruptive way.

Lavender: Calming for Skin and Senses

Lavender offers a unique benefit in skincare because it supports both the skin and the senses. For the skin, lavender helps calm visible stress and supports a more balanced, comfortable appearance. For the nervous system, its familiar scent encourages relaxation and rest.

Scent plays a meaningful role in skincare rituals. The sense of smell is closely connected to emotional regulation, which is why calming aromas can help signal the body to slow down. When stress levels decrease, inflammation in the skin often follows.

Using lavender-infused products at night helps reinforce the transition from stimulation to rest. This pairing of skincare and sensory calm creates a ritual that supports skin repair more holistically.

Lavender is not about intensity or fragrance for fragrance’s sake. It is about creating an environment where both skin and mind feel safe enough to recover.

A Botanical-Centered Night Routine

A nighttime routine centered around calming botanicals supports repair without overstimulation. Each step is designed to reassure the skin rather than challenge it.

Cleanse
Begin with a gentle reset using the Rose Water Gentle Cleanser. This cleanser removes impurities while maintaining hydration, helping the skin feel clean yet calm.

Tone
Follow with theLavender Niacinamide Pore Minimizer Toner to balance and soothe stressed skin. This step supports barrier comfort while preparing the skin for moisture.

Moisturize
Apply the Rose Water Hydrating Milk to nourish the skin without heaviness. Its lightweight texture delivers hydration while reinforcing comfort throughout the night.

Body Ritual
Extend calm to the body with the French Lavender Shower Gel. Using it as part of an evening shower ritual helps relax muscles and ease tension, supporting deeper rest and skin recovery.

Together, these steps create a ritual that helps the skin feel safe, supported, and ready to restore itself overnight.

Conclusion

Calm is not something the skin experiences once. It is something that is built over time.

When calming botanicals are used consistently, they help create an environment where the skin feels supported rather than challenged. Ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and lavender do not force results. They encourage stability, comfort, and resilience by reinforcing the skin’s natural ability to recover.

Over time, this sense of safety allows the barrier to strengthen. Sensitivity becomes less frequent. Redness softens. Skin begins to behave more predictably and feel more comfortable in its own rhythm.

Calm ingredients may work quietly, but their impact is lasting. When the skin feels safe, it can focus on repair, balance, and long-term health.

FAQ: Calming Botanicals and Skin Health

Are calming botanicals good for all skin types?

Yes. Calming botanicals are generally well tolerated across skin types, including dry, oily, and combination skin. They are especially beneficial for sensitive or stressed skin, but even resilient skin can benefit from their supportive properties. As with any product, it is best to introduce new formulas gradually and observe how your skin responds.

Can soothing ingredients improve long-term skin health?

Yes. When used consistently, soothing ingredients help reduce chronic low-level inflammation that can weaken the skin barrier over time. By supporting comfort and balance, calming botanicals contribute to stronger barrier function, improved tolerance, and more stable skin behavior in the long run.

Should calming products only be used at night?

Calming products can be used at any time, but they are particularly effective at night. Evening routines allow the skin to focus on repair without environmental stress, making it an ideal window for soothing ingredients. Using calming products at night can also support relaxation, which benefits both skin and overall well-being.

The Best Oud Perfumes That Smell Like Luxury

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Spend enough time reading up on fragrance—or wandering a fragrance department—and you’re bound to hear the term “oud” tossed around. The word itself oozes seduction and mystique, but many people don’t actually know what it means.

In fragrance, oud is one of nature’s rarest botanical ingredients—so scarce, in fact, that it’s rarely used in its pure form. Instead, expert perfumers recreate the essence of oud using a blend of high-quality oils that capture its signature woody warmth and sweetness.

While many popular fragrance brands offer their own interpretations, not all oud perfumes are created equal. Ahead, everything you need to know about this deeply alluring scent.

  • Euan McCall is a Scottish perfumer and the founder of JORUM STUDIO
  • Chriselle Lim is the owner and creative director of Phlur

What Is Oud?

Oud is an oil that comes from Aquilaria trees, found throughout India, China, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. According to Scottish perfumer Euan McCall, founder of JORUM STUDIO, the oil is created when the wood becomes infected with fungus. When the Aquilaria lumber is healthy, it doesn’t produce any odor. “When the older trees are attacked by the fungi, the infection creates an oleoresin in the tree that is removed, chopped and macerated in water before being distilled to yield the oil we call oud,” she explains.

Before it found its way into luxury perfume, oud had long been used in religious and ceremonial practices across cultures for thousands of years.

Why Are Oud Perfumes Pricier Than Other Scents?

Pure, wild oud is an incredibly scarce natural resource, making it impossible to produce at scale. According to McCall, high-quality, commercial-grade oud oil can run around $20,000 per pound, while the finest oils on the market can far exceed that—sometimes fetching high six figures. Using even the smallest amount of real oud oil in a perfume can dramatically increase the price.

What Is Synthetic Oud?

Given the rarity and high cost of real oud, synthetic alternatives are now widely used in fragrance. “Synthetic oud is usually a combination of multiple materials formulated and manufactured by perfumers in order to mimic real oud at a fraction of the price,” explains McCall. It also offers perfumers a unique opportunity to get creative in their formulations, crafting interpretations of oud using other components that feel true and authentic to their personal palette and sensibility.

“It’s worth noting that many oud bases are created using a high percentage of natural materials and are often not the most economical materials,” McCall continues. And while other botanic oils may not be as expensive as oud, they’re still not cheap. He cites cypriol, spikenard, vetiver and patchouli as quality ingredients that exhibit oud-like characteristics. “Armed with these materials, a skilled perfumer can create a close approximation of oud,” he says.

What Does Oud Smell Like?

Owner and creative director of Phlur, Chriselle Lim, describes oud as having “a deep, woody scent that’s super luxe and captivating, but it’s not just the woodiness. There’s a sexy, smoky undertone too.” Perfumes featuring synthetic oud oils often capture this enchanting mix of woodiness, sweetness and earthiness, though they can also incorporate floral or fruity notes that add an unexpected twist.

Depending on which notes it’s paired with, the experience of oud can vary widely. “A couple of my favorite pairings with oud are rose, which gives it that luxurious and romantic scent. Or amber, which adds warmth and sweetness,” says Lim.

When working with genuine oud oil, scent profiles can vary even further. According to McCall, differences in fermentation can produce aromas that range from “intensely sweet and fruity to cheese-like or animalic.” Whether real or synthetic, it’s this unpredictability that makes oud so difficult to pin down—and so endlessly alluring.

Oud Perfumes to Try

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I’ll bet you didn’t know that oud mixes well with fresh florals. When paired together, the earthy note provides a nice contrast to overly sweet aromas. This perfume shows just how beautiful the pairing can be, blending mimosa floral notes with peach skin and oud to create a complex, fruity fragrance.

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Octavia Morgan’s fragrances are made with sensitive skin in mind. Where oud is naturally intense, this scent is much more controlled. Its notes range from fresh and fruity to soft vanilla musk with oud and amber at the heart. The result is a fragrance that feels slightly sensual, yet incredibly easy to wear.

Octavia Morgan Oud Noir

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Rose is easily one of the most opulent floral notes, but when blended with oud, it takes on a deeper feel. Mysterious, playful and a hint rebellious, Kayali’s Oudgasam is a fun take on a classic oud perfume. It even has aromas of sparkling pear and lemon for an added twist.

Kayali Oudagasm

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This oud and rose perfume has a completely different feel thanks to a delicious blend of gourmand notes. At the base, you’ll find a cozy mix of vanilla, honey, musk and plum. The combination may feel unexpected, but it creates the perfect foundation for the other notes, including pear, pink pepper and dashes of saffron. One spritz is really all you need to make a lasting impression.

File Old

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If you tend to gravitate to deep woody scents, you’ll love this fragrance. It blends the earthy scent of oud with ribbons of spice from tobacco, incense and saffron.

Dolce&Gabbana Velvet Desert Oud

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The dragon blood in this fragrance refers to the natural sap harvested from the Amazonian Croton Lechleri trees and gives the scent a mysterious feel. Combined with its other notes, including oud, cedar, frankincense and patchouli, Dragon’s Blood is an intense aroma that leaves a lasting impression.

Heretic Perfume Dragon's Blood

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D.S. & Durga’s ode to oud incorporates an array of global notes—including Bulgarian rose, French lavender, Egyptian papyrus and Afghani saffron—to create a complex fragrance unencumbered by categorization. It’s both woody and floral, spicy and lushly warm. Expert perfumer David Moltz crafted the scent after extensive study of the world’s rarest oud oils, guaranteeing an authentic, richly individualistic experience.

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Byredo’s Oud Immortel leans on an intense woody base of tobacco and moss with striking top notes of incense and cardamom. The aromatic scent leaves an air of mystery and sensuality in its wake. Evoking the timeless, or “immortal,” nature of the quest for the ever-elusive, luxurious oud, this French-made fragrance feels rich and dark yet surprisingly bright.

Byredo Old Immortel

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Though this edition from Jo Malone London is technically a “cologne,” the unisex fragrance is beloved by all genders. And while we tend to seek out the brand for the light and airy quality of many of their beloved fragrances, Oud & Bergamot effuses a darker, more intense and longer-lasting scent than you may expect from Jo Malone. Notes of cedarwood, bergamot, oud and orange create a spicy, sexy mix.

Jo Malone London Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense

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Another genderless favorite from the king of deep and rich perfumes—Tom Ford. This particular scent really leans into its woodiness, featuring sandalwood and rosewood for a truly earthy sensory experience. Amber, vetiver, tonka bean, Chinese pepper and cardamom add complex layers to the scent, resulting in a smoky and exotic interpretation of oud.

Tom Ford Oud Wood

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As an arbiter of modern luxury fragrance, it’s no surprise that Diptyque would throw its hat into the oud conversation. The Parisian perfumery’s Oud Palao takes a different approach to oud, adding Madagascan vanilla to provide the faintest hint of sweetness to the otherwise sultry, earthy scent. Incense, rose, patchouli and cypriol add intriguing depth for a luxurious effect.

Diptyque Oud Palao Eu de Parfum

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Oud Silk Mood is one of those special cult-favorite fragrances in the beauty insider world. Its unique complexity exudes luxury. The scent is a master class in contrasts. Unlike most other ouds, it walks the line between earthy and airy, infused with notes of rose, bergamot, papyrus and Guaiac wood for an unexpected harmony between East and West.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Silk Mood Eau de Parfum

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We’re big fans of the in-the-know indie fragrance brand Juliette Has A Gun. Founded in 2006 by artistic director Romano Ricci, a history of style and craftsmanship informs all his creations. Another Oud is a thoroughly modern and original interpretation of the timeless scent. The fragrance features notes of raspberry, bergamot, norlimbanol and ambroxan for a grand, exuberant essence.

Juliette Has A Gun Another Oud

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We’ve had our eye on indie perfumery JORUM STUDIO since its founding in 2019. And while several of its fine fragrances contain high-quality oud oil (like Nectary and Fantosmia), we’re partial to Arborist—a unique ode to the enchantments of nature. Expert perfumer McCall crafted the scent from memories of his native Scottish woodlands. A verdant blend of forest fruits and raw botanicals mix with the potent base of Spruce and Fir timber to create this dreamy and alluring fragrance.

Arborist's Studio

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French perfume house L’Artisan Parfumer is known for its bold, avant-garde scents. With its woody base and floral accents, Ode a l’Oudh is no different. Fashioned after a mysterious potion, the fragrance mixes the essence of a fruit liquor with the likes of coriander, saffron, nutmeg, vanilla and musk for a soulful and eccentric perfume. It’s a personal favorite of JORUM STUDIO perfumer McCall. He says, “I love it because it’s raw and reminds me of oud plantations.”

L'Artisan Perfumer Ode to Oudh

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Somebody Wood is one of those aforementioned fragrances that doesn’t actually contain oud but is heavily influenced by the historic scent. We love that it’s an oud-inspired perfume that’s actually light enough for everyday wear. “It has that sexy and cozy woody layer with notes of sandalwood and spicy amber,” says Lim. The musky base grounds it in earthiness, while top notes of bergamot and lemon give it a bright, floaty burst.

Phlur Somebody Wood

Givaudan to expand its perfume composition capabilities in Mexico

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The manufacturer of perfumes and cosmetic ingredients is strengthening its presence in Latin America with new capabilities. Givaudan announced an investment of $110 million in the construction of a new perfume manufacturing factory in Pedro Escobedo, au Mexique.

The new composition plant will have a capacity of up to 20,000 to 25,000 tonnes, depending on growth in demand, and will be operational in 2029.

The company explains that this project is part of its “in the region, for the region” procurement strategy, which aims to increase agility, reduce lead times and reduce transport costs and emissions, by bringing production closer together for customers located in Mexico and Latin America.

« Latin America continues to demonstrate strong market dynamics. This new investment clearly demonstrates our commitment to customers throughout the Latin America region with very important markets such as Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean area and the Andean region. It will enable us to meet this growing demand by offering a faster and more flexible service to our customers, supporting our ambitions with Local & Regional customers. “, explain Maurizio Volpi, President of Givaudan Perfumes & Beauty.

« The Pedro Escobedo site was designed to combine automation, scalability and efficiency. This new site will strengthen our supply infrastructure in Latin America and allow us to optimize production flows while reducing our environmental footprint », added Andy Stedman, Global Head of Operations for Givaudan Perfumes & Beauty.

This project also builds on Givaudan’s 2024 announcement to expand its production capacity for fragrance encapsulation technologies at Pedro Escobedo, an increasingly strategic location within the Givaudan Perfumes & Beauty global network.

Foundation Stick vs Liquid vs Powder: Key Differences Explained

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Choosing between a foundation stick, a liquid, or a powder comes down to your skin type, finish preference, and daily lifestyle. In short: sticks are cream formulas that swipe on quickly with buildable, targeted coverage; liquids offer the widest range of finishes and coverage levels; powders deliver lightweight, shine-controlling wear that’s hard to beat in heat and humidity. Pressed powders are compact and great for travel and quick touch-ups, while loose powders offer ultra-blendable, featherlight coverage at home. If you’re comparing foundation stick vs. liquid for everyday use, liquids are the most adaptable, while sticks excel for quick routines and travel. For stick vs. powder foundation, powders win for oil control and a soft-matte feel, while sticks provide creamier coverage. Below, a clean, mineral-first perspective on when each format shines—and how to achieve the most natural, seamless result.

What Is Stick Foundation

A stick foundation is a cream base housed in a twist-up bullet designed for direct application to the skin. You can draw it on like a concealer—then blend with fingers, a brush, or a sponge—for customizable light buildable coverage that’s easy to build. Because it’s solid and spill-proof, it’s exceptionally travel-friendly and ideal for on-the-go touch-ups—think of a foundation stick like our Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick for quick, targeted coverage with fewer tools.

Pros

  • Tool-optional, fast application
  • Portable, mess-free, TSA-friendly
  • Buildable coverage; doubles as a spot concealer

Cons

  • Doesn’t build to the same coverage as many liquid foundations.

What Is Liquid Foundation

Liquid foundation is a fluid makeup base—from sheer, serum-like tints to rich, full-coverage creams—offering the broadest range of finishes and coverage for different skin needs. Liquids often include skincare benefits (think hydrating hyaluronic acid or calming mineral pigments), making them especially comfortable on dry or mature skin. As a format, liquid foundation offers versatility from light, natural coverage to buildable full coverage, with finishes from dewy to matte—ranging from sheer, gel-cream tints like COMPLEXION RESCUE® Tinted Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Mineral SPF 30 to classic mineral liquids like BAREPRO® 24HR Wear Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF 20.

Common finishes and coverage at a glance:

  • Dewy: sheer–medium
  • Satin/natural: light–full (buildable)
  • Matte/soft-matte: medium–full (often long-wear)

What Is Powder Foundation

Powder foundation comes as pressed or loose pigments/minerals for a lightweight, luminous or matte effect that naturally absorbs oil. It’s quick to apply, excels at midday touch-ups, and typically feels featherlight on the skin. Our mineral-first heritage is built on powders like Original Loose Powder Foundation, a lightweight blend of clean minerals. Powders typically offer the longest matte wear and best shine control, making them favorite picks for oily and combination skin, especially in warm weather.

Pressed vs. loose powder at a glance:

  • Pressed: Solid compact that’s the least messy and most travel-friendly; ideal for quick, on-the-go shine control and touch-ups with a brush or puff.
  • Loose: Free minerals in a sifter jar for ultra-blendable, featherlight coverage; great for at-home application and achieving an airbrushed finish with precise layering.

Pros

  • Excellent oil control and fast touch-ups
  • Lightweight, non-greasy feel; often non-comedogenic
  • Soft-matte finish that resists shine

Cons

  • Can cling to dry patches or emphasize flakes
  • Less radiance
  • Brush or sponge required for best results

Coverage Comparison of Stick, Liquid, and Powder Foundations

Here’s the foundation stick comparison you asked for—side by side with liquid and powder for clarity.

Coverage scale:

  • Stick: light buildable; also great for targeted concealing and quick spot-correction.
  • Liquid: sheer/light to full; most buildable and flexible for “your-skin-but-better” to flawless.
  • Powder: light buildable to full; ideal for soft-matte correction with minimal feel.

When to pick one over another:

  • If you want to replace liquid for convenience, a stick can deliver comparable coverage in fewer steps—especially for normal-to-dry skin.
  • If you’re weighing foundation stick vs. liquid for redness or uneven tone, liquids help dial coverage up or down across the face, while sticks excel at strategic, higher-coverage placement.
  • For stick vs. powder foundation on oily skin, powder will control shine longer.

Finish Types and Texture Differences

Think about how you want your skin to look and feel by day’s end.

  • Stick: Typically satin or natural—skin-like with a creamy, balm-like glide; sets without losing freshness when blended well (and with a light set where needed). Good for normal to combination skin; prep drier areas with moisturizer.
  • Liquid: Comes in radiant/dewy, satin/natural, and matte options. Hydrating formulas cushion dry or mature skin; matte formulas resist shine on oily skin.
  • Powder: Classic matte or luminous with minimal glow; ultra-light texture that blurs and controls oil. Best for oily/combination skin or anyone who prefers a non-greasy feel.

Suitability for Different Skin Types

Match the format to your skin’s needs.

  • Oily or acne-prone: Powder foundation typically performs best for oil control and lightweight wear; non-comedogenic liquids or certain sticks can work with oil-controlling skincare and thorough evening cleansing.
  • Dry or mature: Hydrating liquid formulas or new bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Luminous Skin Tint Stick helps prevent settling into fine lines.
  • Sensitive: Mineral-based powders and gentle, fragrance-free liquids are often well tolerated.

Non-comedogenic means a product is formulated not to clog pores—useful for those prone to breakouts. For tailored advice, see our skin-type foundation guide our skin-type foundation guide.

Application Differences and Techniques

  • Stick: Swipe across the center of the face (forehead, nose, chin, cheeks), then blend outward with fingers for speed or the Smoothing Face Brush. Work in thin layers.
  • Liquid: Start with a small amount, then blend with a foundation brush for even, streak-free coverage. Add where needed; sheer the perimeter for a seamless fade.
  • Powder: Use a dense brush or sponge for pressed compacts or a fluffy buffing brush for loose minerals, then buff in small, circular motions for an even veil. For quick touch-ups, a compact puff works well with pressed powder. For a loose mineral technique that prevents caking, try our Swirl, Tap, Buff method our Swirl, Tap, Buff method.

Pro layering tip: Apply a thin liquid base, set the T-zone with powder for longevity, then use a stick for pinpoint concealing. This keeps skin fresh without heavy buildup.

Longevity and Wear Time Comparison

Typical wear, assuming proper prep and setting as needed:

  • Powder: Often leads for longevity on oily/combination skin and in humidity, thanks to superior oil absorption and a soft-matte set. Some bareMinerals powder foundations wear for up to 24 hours.
  • Liquid: Wear time varies; matte, long-wear formulas tend to outlast dewy ones on oily skin, while hydrating liquids keep dry skin comfortable longer. Some bareMinerals liquid foundations wear for up to 24 hours.
  • Stick: Generally provides solid, medium-long wear that improves when lightly set with powder in areas that crease or get shiny. Quick touch-ups are simple and portable. BareMinerals foundation stick has 24 hour wear.

Travel and Portability Advantages

  • Stick: Best-in-class for travel—solid, no-spill, and tool-optional, making it easy to apply in a car, plane, or gym locker room.
  • Powder: Pressed compacts are the most travel-friendly and least messy for shine control and touch-ups; loose powders offer the same performance but require a brush and extra care to avoid spillage.
  • Liquid: Great performance but can leak; must comply with airline liquid limits. You can decant into a travel tube and store upright.

Best for travel verdict:

  • Packability: Stick
  • Fast touch-ups: Powder (pressed) (for shine), Stick (for coverage)
  • Least mess: Stick
  • Most versatile finish control: Liquid (if you don’t mind the liquids bag)

When to Use Stick, Liquid, and Powder Foundations

  • Choose a stick when you need speedy, targeted coverage, a gym-bag or carry-on option, or a foundation-concealer hybrid for spot-correcting.
  • Choose a liquid for customizable coverage, event-ready polish, or hydrating comfort—especially on dry or mature skin.
  • Choose a powder for all-day oil control, soft-matte wear, and featherlight feel with the quickest shine touch-ups.

Hybrid routine:

  • Liquid base for flexibility, powder to set strategic areas for staying power, and a stick for on-the-go corrections. For a mineral-first approach, see our loose powder foundation explainer our loose powder foundation explainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foundation type is best for oily or acne-prone skin?

Powder foundation is typically best for oily or acne-prone skin due to its oil-absorbing, lightweight feel. Non-comedogenic liquids and select stick formulas can also work well with proper cleansing at night.

Can foundation sticks replace liquid foundation in a daily routine?

Yes—if you want quick, targeted application and portability. Sticks offer buildable coverage comparable to many liquids; just blend well and set where needed.

How do I choose the right finish for my skin type?

Dry or mature skin tends to prefer hydrating or dewy finishes; oily or combination skin benefits from matte or satin. Normal or balanced skin can wear any finish based on preference.

Which foundation lasts longer in heat and humidity?

Powder foundations generally last longest in heat and humidity; long-wear matte liquids can also perform well, while sticks may need a midday touch-up.

What is the best way to combine different foundation types for a flawless look?

Use a thin liquid base, set oily areas with powder, and spot-correct with a stick for coverage only where needed. This keeps skin fresh without heaviness.

Postpartum & Proud: The Truth About Pregnancy Hair Loss Every Black Woman Deserves to Know

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For many women, pregnancy brings glowing skin and fuller hair — until months later when the shedding begins and panic sets in. But according to board-certified OB-GYN and maternal health expert Dr. Eboni January, these changes are not random or cosmetic; they are deeply tied to hormonal shifts, nutrition, and the body’s recovery after childbirth. In a culture where hair is closely linked to identity and confidence, understanding what’s happening beneath the surface can turn fear into empowerment. This conversation opens the door to honest, medically grounded insight that helps women protect both their hair and their overall wellness during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Photo Credit: IG @doctorebonijanuary

Mr. Clark: Hair changes are often dismissed as “just part of pregnancy.” From a medical perspective, what’s actually happening inside the body that causes shedding, thinning, and texture shifts during pregnancy and postpartum?

Dr. NOT: During pregnancy, estrogen keeps hair in the “growth phase,” so you shed far less. After delivery, that estrogen level drops quickly and all the hair you’ve been holding onto releases at once — which is why it feels dramatic.

Texture changes come from shifts in progesterone, thyroid activity, and changes in blood flow. Everything about your hair during pregnancy and postpartum is tied to very real hormonal pathways — not imagination. When women understand the “why,” it becomes far less frightening.

Mr. Clark: Many new mothers panic when postpartum hair loss begins months after delivery. How can women distinguish between normal hormonal shedding and signs of an underlying health or nutritional concern?

Dr. NOT: Typical postpartum shedding starts around 3–4 months and can last up to 6–9 months. That pattern is predictable. It’s when shedding:

lasts beyond 9–12 months,

happens in patches,

or comes with fatigue, cold intolerance, or scalp changes that I become concerned about thyroid issues, anemia, or nutritional deficiencies.

In Empowered MotherhoodI talk about how knowing what’s normal protects women from unnecessary fear. Education is powerful ,  it helps you recognize when your body is simply resetting versus when something needs medical attention.

IMG 5092
Photo Credit: IG @doctorebonijanuary

Mr. Clark: Nutrition plays a major role in maternal wellness. Which deficiencies or imbalances most commonly impact hair health during and after pregnancy, and how can women support regrowth safely?

Dr. NOT: The deficiencies I see most often in postpartum women are:

Low iron and ferritin

Vitamin D deficiency

Low protein intake

Low omega-3s, zinc, and biotin

To support healthy regrowth:

Stay on a high-quality prenatal for 6–9 months

Aim for 70–90 grams of protein a day

Supplement only what you’re deficient in

Prioritize hydration and rest

Hair returns when the body feels safe. Education helps women understand that hair loss is often a sign of deeper nutritional depletion , not vanity.

Mr. Clark: With so many hair products and supplements marketed to new moms, what should women look for, and avoid, when choosing treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Dr. NOT: Look for products that focus on scalp health, gentle strengthening, and transparent ingredients.

Avoid:

mega-dose supplements

high-dose vitamin A

retinoids

harsh chemical treatments on a sensitive postpartum scalp

Marketing can be overwhelming, which is why informed choices matter. When women understand what their bodies are actually going through, they aren’t swayed by fear-based advertising.

Mr. Clark: Beyond hair, what do these changes reveal about a woman’s overall postpartum recovery, hormonal balance, and long-term health?

Dr. NOT: Hair is often a reflection of internal healing. Excessive shedding or breakage can point to:

thyroid dysfunction

chronic stress and cortisol imbalance

inflammation

nutritional depletion

sleep disruption

hormonal recalibration

I tell women: your hair can be an early warning system. It’s not superficial, it’s insight into how your recovery is truly going.

IMG 5091
Photo Credit: IG @doctorebonijanuary

Mr. Clark: As an OB-GYN and maternal health advocate, what advice would you give women struggling emotionally with hair changes, especially when beauty and identity feel tied to this season of motherhood?

Dr. NOT: Hair is deeply personal. It carries cultural meaning, history, and identity. When it changes, it can feel like a loss,  and that emotion is real.

My advice is:

Give yourself grace. Your body is not breaking down; it’s healing.

Lean into protective styles during the transition.

Surround yourself with people who speak life into you.

Remember that postpartum is temporary — and regrowth is part of the journey.

One of the reasons I wrote Empowered Motherhood is because women deserve education that honors both their medical reality and their emotional experience. When you understand what’s happening, you reclaim control,  and that confidence shows up everywhere, not just in your hair.

At its core, the postpartum journey is about healing, not just physically but emotionally. Hair changes can feel personal, but they are often signals of the body recalibrating after the miracle of birth. Through education and advocacy — themes she expands on in her book Empowered Motherhood — Dr. January encourages women to replace panic with patience and self-grace. When mothers are informed, supported, and nourished, regrowth follows in more ways than one. Because this season isn’t about losing beauty — it’s about redefining it through strength, resilience, and care for the woman behind the crown.

If your serum isn’t working, this is probably why

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We’ve been told for years that great skin comes down to the latest breakthrough active – the kind with a name that sounds more like a space mission than a skincare ingredient.

But what if the reason your serum isn’t delivering results has nothing to do with missing actives at all? What if the ingredient that outperforms many so-called high-performance actives is already sitting quietly in your formulation, completely overlooked?

In last week’s interview episode, Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier spoke to Dr Jule Lexa Völzke of CLR Berlin about actives, and one insight stopped everything in its tracks. Turns out that the most effective ingredient for many people’s skin isn’t trendy, patented or TikTok-famous. The key is hydration.

Hydrated skin has a stronger barrier, better function and greater resilience. Simple, reliable moisturisation delivered by ingredients like glycerine rarely gets the spotlight yet consistently outperform the most glamorous actives in moisturisation studies.

In this episode of Green Beauty Conversations, Lorraine unpacks why hydration in skincare is so underestimated, how the beauty industry’s obsession with actives has distorted the conversation, and why even the most advanced serum will fail if the formulation fundamentals aren’t right.

If you’ve ever wondered why your skincare looks impressive on paper but underwhelming on the skin, this episode might completely change how you think about performance.

Listen here

“Hydration isn’t a side-effect of good skincare – it is good skincare.” — Lorraine Dallmeier

Key takeaways:

  • Hydration consistently outperforms many actives in real-world use: In moisturisation studies, glycerine is often used as the benchmark because its effects are so reliable and well documented. What the industry rarely highlights is that many trend-driven actives fail to outperform this simple test.
  • The beauty industry struggles to sell the basics, so it sells complexity instead: Hydration doesn’t sound exciting, luxurious or exclusive enough to justify premium pricing. As a result, marketing focuses on actives that appear advanced and mysterious. This narrative pushes consumers away from effective basics and towards products that promise transformation through novelty rather than function.
  • Actives are valuable, but they cannot rescue a weak formulation: Active ingredients absolutely have their place, especially when targeting specific skin concerns with precision. However, they cannot compensate for poor texture, instability or an unpleasant user experience. A product only performs when the whole formulation works. Without a solid base, even the best active will underdeliver.
  • The base formulation is the real star of skincare performance: Brands often highlight a single ‘hero’ active while the real impact comes from humectants, emollients and barrier-supporting ingredients. This skews how consumers understand skincare and pressures formulators to overload products unnecessarily. In reality, actives are supportive players, not the lead role.
  • Healthy skin is built through quiet, unglamorous ingredients used well: The most transformative skincare ingredients are rarely rare, exotic or trademarked. They don’t go viral, and they don’t dominate headlines. More often than not, they are reliable humectants, well-chosen oils and effective occlusives that keep water where it belongs. These ingredients may not be exciting, but they are the backbone of healthy, functioning skin – and the reason your serum either works or doesn’t.

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

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Dolphin Skin Nails Are the Cool-Girl Manicure Taking Over Winter

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We’re deep in winter, and according to the groundhog, the gray skies and bitter cold aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The forecast may not be ideal, but it does have all the makings of a cool winter nail trend. Enter: dolphin skin nails, a sleek gray look that mimics the shiny skin of everyone’s favorite water mammal.

Like its namesake, dolphin skin nails are pretty and elusive. The slick, high-shine finish feels wearable for everyday but chic enough for the red carpet. In fact, that’s where the look was first spotted, when Demi Lovato stepped out at the premiere of Paris Hilton’s documentary, Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir. She paired a soft charcoal strapless gown with a glossy dolphin skin manicure.

The look was created by celebrity nail artist Natalie Minerva, Lovato’s longtime go-to. While it didn’t start as a formal collaboration, the singer-songwriter quickly weighed in on the final result. “We went with a smoky gray magnetic gel, and D said it reminded her of dolphin skin,” Minerva shared in an Instagram Reel.

Lovato is no stranger to edgy beauty moments, and as a trendsetter in her own right. So it’s no surprise that dolphin skin nails quickly went viral.  Ready to unleash your inner Lovato? Ahead, we’ve curated shades that nail the dolphin skin trend.

Nail Colors to Try

1 / 4

A slate-blue polish gives the trend a fresh twist. Infused with shimmery flecks of rose gold, copper and honey, it mimics the way water glistens in the sun.

2 / 4

This magnetic polish is ideal for nailing the dolphin skin look. A subtle shimmer reflects light through a soft gray base. To amplify the effect, use a magnet to manipulate the filaments.

Holo Taco Featured Guest

3 / 4

Reach for this shade if you prefer a fully minimal manicure. The opaque color and softly glossy finish fit the trend without adding extra shine.

Dazzle Dry Tranquil Gray

4 / 4

This sleek gray strikes a balance between subtle and polished. The cool, light-gray shade delivers high-shine payoff in just two coats.

Dazzle Dry Tranquil Gray

Nutrafol re-enters men’s category with age-specific Men 50+ launch

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Developed specifically for men aged 50 and older, Nutrafol’s new Men 50+ formulation is the latest example of age segmentation and personalization in the beauty-wellness and dietary supplement sectors. This trend continues to gain traction as stakeholders refocuse their R&D on physiological changes associated with aging, rather than broad symptom categories.

In men’s hair health, that shift has been slower to materialize, despite growing evidence that hair thinning later in life follows different biological patterns than in younger adults.

Research reshapes understanding of men’s hair thinning

Historically, most men’s hair thinning products have focused on androgen-related pathways, often positioning hair loss as a biologically uniform condition across age demographics. However, a growing body of research suggests that the drivers of hair thinning change over time, and “while androgens like DHT still play a role after 50, they’re no longer the sole, or even primary, factor,” Kim Biedermann, chief R&D officer at Nutrafol, told NutraIngredients.

“For a long time, men’s hair thinning has been treated as a one-size-fits-all issue,” she explained. “After reviewing over 300 scientific papers, and writing summaries of over 100, it was clear that men’s root causes change as they mature.”

According to Biedermann, those changes extend beyond hormones alone, encompassing shifts in inflammation, oxidative stress, nutrient absorption, stress response and cellular aging. Taken together, these factors point to a more complex biological landscape later in life, presenting a challenge to traditional supplement design.

From a formulation standpoint, this required “carefully balancing ingredient doses so they could work together rather than compete,” she added. To further ensure compatibility and long-term tolerability, Biedermann said Nutrafol paid close attention to ingredient form and stability, particularly given age-related changes in digestion and absorption.

Clinical validation tailored to older men

Men 50+ includes saw palmetto, spermidine, Moldavian dragonhead and a blend of standardized probiotics, antioxidants and vitamins. While androgen modulation remains part of the formulation strategy, Biedermann said the emphasis has shifted toward structural support and cellular health.

Clinical testing was therefore designed to reflect the pace of biological change associated with aging, and Men 50+ was evaluated in a nine-month study conducted exclusively in men experiencing age-related hair thinning. The results of this study have not yet been published.

“For this product, we focused on testing on the intended population,” Biedermann said. The clinical study was “one of our longest to date, to reflect the slower pace of biological change that comes with aging.”

Beyond visible outcomes, the study assessed participant-reported measures such as changes in hair quality, shedding and scalp coverage.

“By nine months, the majority of participants reported visible and perceptible improvements,” Biedermann said.

A signal of broader age-based personalization

Within the supplement industry, the Men 50+ launch underscores a broader move toward age-specific formulations, particularly as consumers seek products aligned with longevity and healthy aging.

“Nutrafol Men 50+ is a natural extension of our long-standing approach to life stage specific hair health,” Biedermann said. “We’ve always known hair health isn’t one-size-fits-all and for men specifically, the data has told us what your hair needs in your 20s is very different from what it needs in your 50s.”

Nutrafol said Men 50+ is NSF Certified for Sport and noted that the brand remains the No. 1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth brand in the United States, positioning the product as part of a broader strategy focused on clinical validation and third-party testing.

Chappell Roan’s Makeup Artist on Her Prosthetic Nipple Pasties for the Grammys

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The night before the 2026 Grammy Awards, most makeup artists were home prepping their kits or reviewing the next day’s schedule. Sasha Glasser was at Staples. The makeup artist and prosthetics designer behind Chappell Roan’s faux-tattoos and nipple-less nipple piercings was furiously printing out fake tattoo designs before the office supply store closed for the night—designs she’d be applying onto Roan’s chest and back for the red carpet the next day. “There are different ways to design tattoos for makeup and companies that make really amazing options, but because we decided on the look the night before, I had to print the designs out at Staples 30 minutes before the store closed,” says Glasser, who used one of the shop’s laser printers and waterslide paper to create DIY versions of those at-home tattoo decals you might have applied as a child. “It’s basically a paper that has this shiny wax on top, so the ink sits on top, and the moment you put water on the back, the ink falls off.”

While Glasser was tasked with creating tattoo decals that decorated Roan’s torso, it was the singer’s stylist, Genesis Webb, who designed them alongside her tattoo artist, Jenny Collins (known as @puppypuppyplaytime on Instagram). “The idea was to do something unique,” Glasser says of the designs that mimicked delicate fabrics like lace and embroidery. “That’s why we did them in a brown color, which feels uncommon.”

Courtesy of Sasha Glasser

But it wasn’t Roan’s beautifully faded tattoos that had everyone scratching their heads and losing their minds the next day. It was her nipple prosthetics, complete with piercings and, well, no nipples (a fact that not only had the internet wondering if she was wearing a bodysuit, but also laying bare, quite literally, Instagram’s absurd and outdated censorship of female breasts). “The idea was for her to not be so naked,” Glasser explains.

Glasser may have had to go to Staples to print out Roan’s tattoos, but to seamlessly cover up the singer’s nipples and create fake piercings, she broke out her heavy-duty prosthetic supplies. The nipple covers, which Glasser described as “prosthetic pasties,” were from a new-ish prosthetic brand called Out of Kit. “It’s not like any other type of prosthetic because it has a sticky backing, like a Band-Aid, so you don’t have to glue it down.” For extra insurance, Glasser and her team, makeup artists Malina Stearns and Chelsea Delfino, used Telesis glue, an extra-strong medical-grade prosthetic adhesive that can hold up against far heavier materials than nipple rings and a light-as-air chiffon dress.