Home Blog Page 91

6 Best Eyebrow Pens for Natural-Looking Definition

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between brow pencils and brow pens?

According to Childs, brow pencils are used to create the effect of overall density in the brow and can be applied all over, then brushed out and diffused with a spoolie brush. A brow pen is more targeted and precise because it creates the appearance of individual brow hairs. They’re great for sparse brows that need definition at the arch or at the front or tail of the brow.

How do you use a brow pen?

Before you even pick up your brow pen, make sure your brows are “completely clean and oil-free,” says New York City-based makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes. That means no moisturizer, serums, oils, or even highlighter sitting on the brow area—anything slick can cause the pen to skip or fade.

Once your base is on (foundation, concealer, bronzer, and the rest), Childs recommends going in with your brow pen as the next step in your makeup routine. Applying it after your complexion products helps prevent accidentally smudging or covering freshly drawn strokes with concealer.

Especially if you’re a beginner, keep the pressure light when it comes to technique. “I use light pressure and apply a few flicks toward the front of the brow to create a slight cowlick effect and then a few light strokes on the tail of the brow to elongate it,” says Childs. If you’re going for a fluffy, natural finish, Mehta’s tip is to leave a space between strokes, as it will make your arches appear fuller rather than filled in. For the final step, Mehta suggests brushing your brows with a spooley.

Shade choice matters, too. Mehta says to “use a pen that is a bit lighter [than the natural brow hairs] to add dimension and fullness without making the brow too dark.”

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best eyebrow pens, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

Cutting Back on Sweets Doesn’t Curb Sugar Cravings. Here’s What Does

0

You’re probably aware that added sugar isn’t great for your health, and may have tried to scale back as a result. But actually cutting back on sugary foods is easier said than done, especially if you have a sweet tooth. There’s a common hack that suggests having less sweet foods in your diet will make you crave sugar less, but new research suggests that’s actually not true.

In fact, the study, which was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutritionfound that your sweet tooth just is what it is. “It seems our liking for sweet taste is very stable, at least in adulthood,” Katherine Appleton, PhD, study co-author and professor of psychology at Bournemouth University, tells SELF.

The findings can feel vindicating for people who have tried to curb cravings for sweets and failed. But dietitians say you shouldn’t give up if you fall into this camp. Here’s why.

Putting the sweet tooth to the test

For the study, researchers divided 180 people into three groups and exposed them to different levels of sweetness from sugar, naturally-sweet foods, and low-calorie sweeteners. One group ate a diet that was high in sweet-tasting foods for six months; Another followed a diet that was low in sweetness. The third group had foods with a moderate level of sweetness.

The researchers checked in on the participants to see if their preference for sweet foods had shifted at one, three, and six months. The researchers also tracked the participants’ weight and took blood and urine samples to look for changes in their risk of developing diabetes, as well as to check on their cardiovascular health.

After six months, the researchers didn’t find any significant differences between any of the groups in terms of their health. Here’s the kicker: The participants also went back to their original sweetness preferences. So, if they ate a lot of sweet foods before the study, they did the same after the study period was over.

“These results do not support public health advice to reduce exposure to sweet-tasting foods,” the researchers wrote in the conclusion.

Why doesn’t cutting back on sweets work to curb cravings?

The study didn’t dive into that, but there are likely a few factors at play here. It all boils down to the fact that cravings for sweets can be complicated.

“We need to dig into the root cause of what’s causing the cravings to begin with,” Lamees Lahham, RD, a dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells SELF. “Often, it’s a matter of not properly fueling throughout the day, so your body craves the quick energy which comes in the form of sweets.”

Affordable Earbuds & Speakers That Actually Make Your Day Easier

0

JLab Luxury headphones

There are certain things you don’t realize are quietly frustrating you every single day until you finally replace them, and for me, it was my audio.

From earbuds that wouldn’t stay in during workouts to speakers that didn’t really fill the room the way I wanted, I was constantly adjusting something, fixing something, or settling for something that was just okay. It wasn’t a huge issue on its own, but over time it started to affect my routine more than I realized.I also love pairing tech like this with my daily routines posts for easy lifestyle inspiration.

Once I finally upgraded, everything just felt easier. My mornings felt smoother, my content days felt more focused, and even simple things like cleaning or getting ready felt more enjoyable. When something works the way it’s supposed to, it changes your whole experience.

If you’ve been dealing with the same little frustrations, this is one of those upgrades that actually makes a difference.

Get your upgrade with code FELICE and save
💫 Use code FELICE to save

Why Audio Quality Impacts Your Everyday Life More Than You Think

Is Jlab worth the price
JLab noise canceling headphones

Audio is one of those things that blends into your day, but it plays a bigger role than you think. Whether you’re getting ready, filming content, going on a walk, or just trying to relax, the way your audio performs affects how you feel in that moment.

When your earbuds are constantly slipping out or your speaker isn’t loud or clear enough, it pulls you out of what you’re doing. You end up adjusting, reconnecting, or just settling for less than what you actually want.

Those small interruptions add up. They break your focus and make everything feel a little more frustrating than it needs to be.

That’s why upgrading your audio is not just about sound quality. It’s about making your day feel more seamless.

Why I Chose JLab

One of the biggest things that stood out to me right away is how accessible everything feels. You’re not paying an inflated price just for a name, but you’re still getting quality that actually holds up in real life.

That balance is so important to me, especially for everyday products that I use constantly.

Another thing I noticed is how practical everything is. These are not products that just look good online. They are made for real routines, real movement, and real everyday use. Whether I’m filming, cleaning, taking calls, or just relaxing, everything feels simple and easy to use without overcomplicating anything.

Click to see latest pricing + save with FELICE
✨ Code FELICE saves you here too

The Earbuds That Finally Fixed My Biggest Frustrations

One of the biggest issues I’ve always had with earbuds is how often I had to adjust them. It’s one of those things that seems small, but it becomes so frustrating when it keeps happening throughout the day.

With these, the fit actually feels secure. I’m not constantly fixing them or thinking about them, which makes such a difference, especially during workouts or when I’m moving around a lot.

The battery life is another thing I noticed right away. I don’t have to worry about one side dying halfway through what I’m doing. They last through my day, which makes them feel reliable instead of something I have to constantly check on.If you love tech that simplifies your life, you might also enjoy my Rare Beauty Reviews, which highlight quality products that deliver results.

The sound is also clear and consistent without needing to adjust anything. It just works, and that’s exactly what I was looking for.

See why these earbuds outperform others
💫 Use code FELICE

The Speakers That Took Everything to Another Level

Are jlab good regulations
JLab speakers

The speakers were something I didn’t expect to love as much as I do, but they honestly changed the way my space feels.

They’re compact and easy to use, but they still give you that full, immersive sound that makes everything feel more elevated. Whether I’m getting ready in the morning or just having music on in the background, it fills the room in a way that feels intentional and not flat.

One of the coolest features, and something that really stands out, is that you can connect up to 100 speakers together using their LabSync feature. It creates a synced, multi-speaker experience that can completely transform your space, whether it’s for a small setup or something bigger.

It’s one of those features that you might not think you need, but once you realize what it can do, it makes everything feel more fun and immersive.

Explore them here
✨ Don’t forget code FELICE

A More Immersive Experience Without Complication

What I appreciate the most is how simple everything is to use. You don’t have to figure anything out or spend time trying to get it to work the right way.

You connect, press play, and everything just flows. And if you do want more of that immersive experience, the ability to connect multiple speakers gives you that next level without making it complicated or overwhelming.

How This Upgrade Changed My Routine

This is where everything really clicked for me. It wasn’t just about having new earbuds or a speaker. It was about removing all the little interruptions that were happening throughout my day.

I wasn’t constantly fixing my earbuds, restarting my music, or dealing with uneven sound anymore. Everything felt smoother and more natural. And when your routine feels smoother, everything else starts to feel easier too.

Why More People Are Choosing Smarter, Affordable Tech

There’s definitely been a shift toward products that are simple, reliable, and actually fit into your life. People are realizing that you don’t have to spend the most money to get something that works really well. What matters more is how something performs day to day.When something is comfortable, consistent, and easy to use, it becomes something you reach for without thinking.

If You’ve Been Thinking About Upgrading, This Is Your Sign

A lot of the time we hold onto things that technically still work, even if they’re frustrating us. But once you switch to something that actually works the way it’s supposed to, you feel the difference immediately.

It’s one of those small upgrades that has a bigger impact than you expect.

Don’t Forget This Before You Check Out

If you decide to try anything, make sure you use my link and code so you don’t miss the savings.

Get your upgrade with code FELICE and save
💫 Code: FELICE

Final Thoughts

I always want to share things that genuinely make a difference in my routine. This wasn’t about finding something trendy or expensive. It was about finding something that made everyday moments feel easier and more enjoyable.

And that’s exactly what this did. If you’ve been dealing with earbuds that don’t stay in or speakers that don’t really give you that full sound, this is your sign to upgrade.

See why these earbuds outperform others
✨ Use code FELICE

Affiliate Disclaimer

JLab kindly gifted me these items and I make a commission if you use my code and link.

Items marked with an asterisk were gifted. As always, all my reviews are my own. This post contains affiliate links. This means that I will make a commission on any purchase you make when you click on one of my links.

Cardi B’s Triple Dip-Dye Hair Color is a Magenta Masterpiece—Watch the Video

0

Cardi B has been busy. The Am I the Drama? rapper is traveling around the United States on her “Little Miss Drama” tour, selling out stadium after stadium, and getting ready to launch her much-anticipated hair care brand Grow-Good. And amidst all of that, she still finds time to give us the beauty inspo we’ve come to depend on, including the latest installment in the Cardi B Hair Color Hall of Fame: an ombré blend that we can only describe as a magenta masterpiece.

There are a plethora of purple and pink-based tones in this wig—almost an entire Crayola 96-count crayon box’s worth, TBH! Cardi’s multi-tone hair color began with a bright, platinum blonde base, which gradually transitioned to a soft, cool-toned pink and then more vivid fuchsia tone right around her cheekbones, blended with a violet purple. Then, the darker shades took over with dark purple mid-lengths spliced with platinum highlights, deepening into a cranberry-magenta fusion at the ends. We’ve got baby pink, hot pink, violet, midnight purple, and magenta all present and accounted for; the mix of hues feels springy even sans pastels and also coordinates with her dark burgundy nail color. As always, Cardi’s hair was the work of her longtime hairstylist Tokyo Stylez.

Like we said above, Cardi has so much fun experimenting with different hair colors, always with a playful, effervescent energy that shines both on and offstage. In January, she looked like a breath of (minty) fresh air in a long aqua-green wig, and she’s worn all sorts of fun hairstyles while on tour. We did predict that 2026’s hair cut and color trends would bring the drama, so who better than Little Miss Drama to convince us to add a few pink and purple streaks to our color this spring?

7 Best Flash Facial Products to Refine, Brighten, and Smooth in Minutes

0

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a facial-in-a-bottle replace professional facials?

Short answer: Not quite. As Ventresca puts it, “long-term, no, a ‘facial in a bottle’ will not replace a professional facial.” That said, many of these skin-care products “work wonderfully to deliver that instant glow that we all want,” and with regular use, they can offer some longer-lasting benefits. The difference comes down to access: In-office treatments use “certain chemical peels and technologies that only licensed professionals can use,” which can deliver a bigger wow factor and more noticeable results for specific skin goals.

What ingredients should I look for in flash facial products?

Look for formulas that balance exfoliation with barrier support and ingredients that promote brighter skin. “Gentle exfoliants are effective in achieving smooth skin without drying the barrier,” says Dr. Reszko, who recommends options like lactic acid, mandelic acid, fruit enzymes, or low-strength glycolic acid to loosen and lift dead skin cells. Just as important are barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, cholesterol, squalane, and niacinamide, which strengthen the skin barrier and minimize moisture loss. To round things out, she suggests brightening ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, or fermented extracts to target discoloration and defend against free radicals. Together, these ingredients can leave skin looking smoother and more radiant, while also supporting collagen over time by encouraging healthier skin turnover.

What are the tips for creating a DIY facial?

A DIY facial is as much about the experience as it is about the products. “Create a spa-like environment—dim the lights, throw on a cozy robe, add a face mask, get a candle going, and take your time,” says Ventresca. It’s those small shifts that make it feel less like routine and more like a reset. For an extra touch, she recommends stainless steel ice globes: “I use them in all of my facials, and it is each client’s favorite part.” Beyond the vibe, they also help with an instant depuffing effect and a subtly lifted look, bringing that in-office facial feeling a little closer to home.

Meet the experts

  • Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
  • Michelle Ventresca, esthetician and founder of Live by Skin, based in Woburn, Massachusetts

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 flash facial products, 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 of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about 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 are 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.

Christina Applegate’s MS Didn’t Pause for Her Book Tour

0

Actress and ’90s icon Christina Applegate is known for many roles, but especially as Kelly Bundy, the edgy, “dumb blonde” in the controversial and beloved sitcom, Married… with Children. In the last few years, the 54-year-old has largely retreated from the spotlight and public life after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a condition that makes her feel as if she is “on a three‑day‑long sleepless bender,” she writes in her recently released memoir.

Emotional and honest, sometimes dark and often funny, You With the Sad Eyes is a raw and revealing portrait of the actress. Applegate paints a vivid picture of her messy trauma-filled childhood and coming of age while becoming a TV star. She unpacks her complicated entanglements with men, the emotional toll of enduring devastating illnesses, but also the joy, surprise, and discovery of living her life with admirable bravery.

For her book, Applegate mined her memories, but also the journals she has written in since age 13. For years, she hadn’t intended to revisit them, but the challenge of putting her story on the page changed that. “Lucky you—the box is open,” she tells readers in the Preface.

In many ways, Applegate’s memoir is born from the reality that many people with a debilitating chronic illness face. “I no longer care what I say or how I come across or how it makes anyone feel,” she writes. “I don’t have patience for bullshit anymore, no patience for things that are meaningless or merely ‘extra.’ Add to that, I don’t have room for inauthenticity or hidden meanings.”

SELF spoke with Applegate about the process of writing it all down and the truths she has found as she navigates a chapter of life that’s filled with a new kind of uncertainty—but also, thankfully, the love and community she has always hungered for.

SELF: Your memoir is incredibly powerful. Can you tell us why you decided to write this book, and why now?

Christina Applegate: I have nothing else to do. Seriously, I’m just sitting here. Maybe it was time to turn off Bravo for a couple years. I was approached, and someone said, “Did you ever feel like writing a book?” And I was like, “Well, I’ve got a lot to say, so let’s do it. Let’s go there. Let’s write it down. Let’s get it out. Let’s puke it out!”

Caron unveils new perfume boutique on Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris

0

The French brand, founded in 1904 by Ernest Daltroff, is launching a new boutique on Paris’ iconic Rue Saint-Honoré [1].

Designed by Casper Mueller Kneer Architects, the new boutique reflects the vision of Olivia de Rothschild, the House’s Artistic Directorbringing her concept of contemporary luxury — rooted in emotion, intuition, and intimacy — to life.

Deliberately pared back, the boutique creates the perfect space to focus entirely on the fragrances. “In a world that has become too loud, I wanted to create a place that quiets this overstimulation; I wanted everyone to have the space simply to be,” commented Olivia de Rothschild.

To shape the space, Casper Mueller Kneer Architects drew deeply from the brand’s history and essence. “Caron has always been an extremely modern House, almost radical in its approach to fragrance. Our task was to translate that modernity into a place,” emphasized the architecture firm.

From the street, the metal-and-light storefront offers a glimpse into an interior defined by flowing volumes and rhythmic lines. Upon entering, the full range of fragrances is arranged on a series of dedicated architectural volumes. These vertical supports present the bottles at human height, establishing a direct, immediate relationship. “I wanted the product to be at the same level as the person,” explained Olivia de Rothschild.

Inside, reflective metal surfaces cast a halo. Reflections remain diffuse, intentionally blurred

A hallmark of Caron boutiques, the fragrance fountain stands as the centerpiece shaping the space. Entirely reimagined in a contemporary language, the fountain draws inspiration from historic Art Deco luminaires. Through its verticality and central presence, it initiates an upward movement. Integrated lighting reveals its structure: a deliberate contrast of metallic coolness and the warmth of glass.

Just a Reminder That Hailey Bieber Does Totally Mundane Beauty Rituals, Too

0

Hailey Bieber lives an unimaginably glamorous life. Walking red carpets, running a hugely successful beauty brand, modeling said merchandise, being married to a pop star—it’s all fantasy-level stuff for most us. Hell, I can’t even imagine how exquisite her bathroom must be. But it turns out, while she’s in there, she’s doing a lot of the same boring beauty rituals as the rest of us.

Bieber makes getting ready and getting un-ready seem so cool, thanks to the sleek, stylish imagery that accompanies her Rhode products. But if you’re picturing the model-turned-entrepreneur splashing her face in slow motion without making a mess or gliding a balm across her lips in one perfectly glazing swoop, you’re probably right—but there’s more to it. And it’s not as elevated as all that.

Over the weekend, Bieber shared a carousel of recent photos on Instagram, and before getting into anything especially glam, she starts with a photo of herself leaning her face against her baby’s head. And that face has a familiar accessory: a pimple patch, right below her hairline.

Four slides later and we get another selfie with another pimple patch, this time on the especially relatable (at least for me, right this very second) chin area. (Hormonal breakouts, am I right?)

But that’s not the unglamorous only self-care ritual Bieber shares in this adorable photo dump. One more slide in, we see her faux-snoozing in a car with what appears to be a floss pick hanging out of her mouth.

While I don’t expect Rhode to launch floss picks any time soon, I can’t help but wonder if the cute hydrocolloid patches Bieber is proudly sporting could reflect a soft launch of a new skin-care product. And if I know Rhode, they’ll double as stickers for your Rhode Lip Case.


More celebrity beauty news:


Now, watch Alysa Liu get ready:

Follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.

5 Chair Exercises For Abs

0

Most often, chairs are a tool for sedentary tasks, like working at a computer, eating dinner, or binging Netflix. But they can also be used to level up your core strength. Yes, really.

In fact, doing chair exercises for abs can be a surprisingly great and convenient way to show your core some love after you’ve just spent a bunch of time sitting.

The chair is also a smart exercise prop for folks who are new to exercise, since many common ab-igniting moves–like push-ups, planks, and mountain climbers–can be made less challenging by elevating your hands on the chair instead of the ground.

To boot, using a chair can provide tactile feedback that boosts overall core activation. Take the TA bracing drill, for instance: This is a simple yet effective core exercise that Becca Revier, CPT, a personal trainer and Pilates instructor at Life Time Lakeville in Minnesota, has clients do in a chair to hone their ability to fire up their transversus abdominis (TA), a deep core muscle that stabilizes the spine. The chair is a key part of the exercise, providing a tangible support for good form.

Chair ab exercises are also clutch for people who want to strengthen their midsection but can’t (or don’t want to) get on the ground to do so. That may include folks with mobility limitations as well as those whose floors have seen cleaner days. (No judgement.)

Basically, using a chair can make core exercises more accessible to more people, Revier tells SELF. In that spirit, we rounded up 5 awesome chair exercises you can do at home to fire up your abs. You can do these as one-offs in between Zoom meetings as a way to add more core-focused movement to your day, or string them together for a full-body circuit. Katie Pierson, CPT, a Montana-based personal trainer, suggests starting with three sets of 8 to 10 reps of each exercise. Increase that volume over time as you build your strength.

Last thing: However you approach these exercises, make sure to use a stable, stationary chair. Your rolling swivel chair is not the smart choice here. “You definitely want a chair that’s going to keep you where you need to be,” Pierson tells SELF.

Katie Thompson

Grow Good Beauty: How to Get That Cardi B Level Length and Shine

0

Photo Credit: Ig@Growgoodbeauty

Inches Loading: Why We Are Trusting Grow Good Beauty With Our Crowns

If there is one thing we can all agree on, it is that Cardi B has never been a gatekeeper when it comes to the sauce. Over the years, we have watched her hair flourish and reach legendary lengths, and she has always been an open book about the DIY masks and routines she uses for herself and her babies. That is exactly why the hype for Grow Good Beauty is hitting different! Knowing that we are getting a line backed by that kind of proven results means we are more than ready to put our hair care in the hands of this brand. It is giving “trust the process” energy, and honestly, we have the receipts to show that this method really works.

The Ultimate Wash Day Reset

8220491684642479185 C0fddd
Photo Credit: Ig@Growgoodbeauty

The upcoming lineup from Grow Good Beauty looks like it was designed to handle everything from a quick refresh to a deep therapy session for your strands. We are seeing the “Wash Cycle” and “Wash Cycle Plus” shampoos paired with the “Soft Serve” conditioners that look absolutely dreamy for every hair type. Whether you have thirsty curls that need that extra repair or you just want to maintain that sleek, glass like shine, these products are focusing on the foundation of healthy hair. It is all about that “Fiberlace” technology that works to strengthen your hair from the inside out so you can finally stop stressing about breakage.

Certified Length Goals

4620365885562394956
Photo Credit: Ig@Growgoodbeauty

Can we talk about the “Booty Length Certified” energy for a second? Grow Good Beauty is making it very clear that they are here for the long haul, literally. The brand is leaning into that relatable, fun vibe that makes hair care feel less like a chore and more like a win. We love that they are bringing high performance products to the table that cater to the whole family, just like the inspiration behind it. If you are looking to take your hair from “just okay” to “unbelievable,” it is time to get your shelf ready because the Grow Good Beauty era is officially here.

4076358492616789655 8f51d4
Photo Credit: Ig@Growgoodbeauty