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The K-Beauty boom in the U.S. circa 2015-2016 cemented the culture as a power player in the beauty market. 10-step routines, snail mucin essence, and glass skin are all now part of every beauty lover’s lexicon, with beloved brands and products becoming staples in our routines. But many believe that something was missing to get these products and trends to transcend what could be seen as gimmicky.
“I think consumers were a bit distracted by the novelty and perceived strangeness and cuteness of a lot of Korean products and routines,” says Michelle Lee, former editor-in-chief of Allure and founder of Monologue beauty agency. “That detracted from the scientific innovation and ingredients.”
“American consumers viewed K-Beauty as quirky rather than essential,” agrees Sarah Chung Park, founder and CEO of Landing. “[K-Beauty failed] to replace their trusted drugstore staples or high-end luxury products.”
It’s no easy task breaking into an oversaturated market. And it’s an even harder task continually innovating and maintaining relevance with consumers. Thanks to TikTok and Gen Z’s interest in the skincare category, K-Beauty seems to be getting a second life of sorts. “The modern beauty consumer cares a great deal about ingredients,” says Lee. “This has teed up a perfect environment for Korean brands, who are ingredient connoisseurs.”
So with that momentum, below are the 10 beauty trends that are going to take over 2025 and change the way we look at K-beauty. You heard it here first, straight from the experts who know best.
A Spotlight On Hair Care
K-Beauty has been synonymous with skincare in the U.S. market, but now experts predict that U.S. beauty lovers will be better introduced to K-Beauty hair care. “[It] is another exciting area of growth for K-beauty,” says Charlotte Cho, founder of K-Beauty e-commerce site Soko Glam and skincare brand Then I Met You. “The frequent hair-washing habits of Korean consumers (typically daily or every other day) have driven innovation in advanced formulations and multi-steps hair routines.”
Cho goes on to explain that K-Beauty hair care brands are leaning into comprehensive solutions tailored to some of our most pressing hair concerns, such as hair loss and dandruff, with scalp tonics, mists and nourishing treatments. Lee agrees and says that since the scalp is an extension of facial skin care, it has a natural path to success here. Her recommendation is a brand like Dr. Groot
Fragrance Expansion
Cho says to also expect innovations in the fragrance space. Fragrance lovers are already familiar with beloved K-Beauty brand Elorea, which is Soko Glam’s first fragrance curation, but she says to look out for other fragrance brands such as Nonfiction to take over Korea and Asia markets.
Sun Cushions
It’s no secret that Korean sunscreen is top-tier. Lee says to look out for if and when the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approves UV filters found in Korean formulations (“[This] would open up a whole new world of sunscreens here,” she says). But you’ll also see new forms of sun care. She points to sun cushions, which are similar to the foundation and BB and CC compacts we’ve come to know and love but just in sunscreen. We love the Elroel Pang Pang Sun Cushion, which has a lightweight creamy texture that blends in so smoothly into the skin and provides SPF 50 protection. Alicia Yoon, founder of Peach & Lily, agrees and points to sun protection invisible patches becoming thinner and less noticeable.
Single-Solution Products
A 180 from the famed 10-step routine, experts say that K-Beauty is looking to be more focused in the skincare department. Expect to see products that aim to give you a single solution for targeted areas and problems. “The biggest change will be products newly produced will be more specific to skincare concerns, such as eczema, rosacea, dark spots, or pores,” says Winnie Zhong, founder of New York City-based Asian beauty store Senti Senti. “Products produced will have less to no fragrance, little to no essential oils, minimal, and patented ingredients (more science).”
Park agrees and points to skincare brand Mixsoon, which she says focuses on single-ingredient essences. Something like its Bean Essence has become a hero product, but she says their product lineup is as innovative as it gets and offers many solutions for the most pressing skin concerns. Zhong points to Dear, Klairs, an indie K-Beauty brand that prioritizes simple yet efficient ingredients. Something like its Maple Energy line, she says, is suitable for even the most sensitive skin and helps get that dewy glow.
For Yoon, she sees a lot of conversations around skin immunity and strengthening our skin’s protective barrier with products like the Peach & Lily Rescue Party Barrier Restore Serum.
Cream Lip and Cheek Products
If you’ve been wanting to see more K-Beauty makeup, you’re in luck. Experts agree that next year will be the year more brands make their way to the U.S. market, especially in the lip and cheek category. “Everyone always talks about Korean skincare and complexion products like cushion foundations, but the time has come for excellent Korean cream cheek and lip products to get big here in 2025,” Lee says.
She goes on to say that matte finishes will especially be big next year and points to products like Fwee’s Lip & Cheek Blurry Pudding Pots that give you very pigmented matte color but won’t leave skin feeling dry. She also like Rom&nd for its lip tints in matte and other textures.
Color Diversity
As innovative as the skincare can be, there was a lot left to be desired when it came to its makeup and the shade range provided. But experts say 2025 will be the year that K-Beauty makeup corrects that and finally expands on it. Park credits Tirtir for pioneering the shift and to be on the lookout for emerging brands like Milktouch and Unleashia to launch cushion compacts with over 20 shades.
Overnight Masks
Whether you’re partaking in the morning shed trend or just looking to give your skin some major T.L.C. overnight, experts say that the sheet masks are going to have their moment in 2025. “Koreans are also known for creating and reinventing formats,” says Lee. “With the popularity of the overnight masks from Biodance and Luvum, we’ll start to see some new tweaks on familiar formats like sheet masks.”
“These products, which solidify serum formulas for overnight absorption, are a major focus,” adds Park. “Biodance is already popular, while brands like Sungboon Editor, COSRX, and indie favorites like Luvum are entering the U.S. market with innovative versions.”
Clinical At-Home Treatments
“Korean beauty continues to blur the lines between clinical treatments and at-home skincare by bringing cutting-edge innovations straight to the bottle,” says Cho. “These trends focus on targeted treatments that mimic the effects of professional dermatological procedures, applied topically for convenience and accessibility.”
For example, PDRN, which is the ingredient derived from salmon DNA for its regenerative, was once only available through injectable treatments. Now, she says that brands use PDRN in their serums and creams to repair the skin barrier, boost the skin’s elasticity, and promote wound healing. (Cho also hints at new launches for the new year from Then I Met You, so stay tuned for that).
Another fun innovation that experts are looking forward to are skin-penetrating spicules. Inspired by microneedling, she says that spicules, which are microscopic needles made from marine sponges, penetrate the skin and deliver active ingredients. Park agrees and calls out VT Cosmetics’ Reedle Shot, Mixsoon’s Peptide Cica Hyalshot, and Medicube’s Zero Exosome Shot as the most notable launches to be on your radar.
AI-Powered Devices
How does one improve the viral Medicube? Add AI. Cho says that skin care devices like the Medicube will not only continue its reign on the market, but will soon include AI-tools that allow for a personalized experience. “Looking beyond next year, expect to see advancements in AI-powered diagnostics, apps, and devices will analyze various factors that can lead to customized skincare treatments,” she says.
Prioritizing Sustainability
Beauty as a whole has been pushing for more sustainability in all of its practices. For K-Beauty specifically, Yoon says that packaging will not only enhance user experience but be more eco-friendly. Cho agrees and predicts that we’ll be seeing brands focus on biodegradable or refillable containers and the use of upcycled and plant-based ingredients in formulations. She also sees brands being more transparent around carbon footprints, sourcing practices, and their methods on zero-waste production.
Unless you’re well-versed in all things scent-related or an actual professional nose, there’s only so much a list of notes and ingredients can tell you when you’re looking for a new fragrance to wear. The average consumer, for example, may not know at the top of their head what notes like vetiver or oud really means. So how does one convey abstract notes to the masses and gain a new loyal follower?
The answer may not be as complicated as one would think. When thinking about some of the most beloved brands on the market, many are approaching a vibes-first approach and capitalizing on a feeling before diving into the mixture of notes in the formula. Stephen Nilsen, vice president perfumer at Givaudan, tells Beautycon, that fragrances have always had the ability to spark an emotion upon initial whiff, whether it intended to or not.
“That is the moment when the first smell goes into the brain. And when this happens the first stop is the limbic system, which is the ‘feeling’ center of the brain,” he explains. “This is even before the smelling signal gets to the higher ‘thinking parts of the brain so you can recognize what the notes are. So it isn’t that a fragrance ‘should’ hook a consumer with feelings, it actually does hook consumers with feelings first.”
And that’s what makes today’s cult-favorites stand out from the rest: they’re the ones that lean a hundred percent into it. But, you still may be wondering, what else does it mean to pitch a new scent through vibes? The experts share their thoughts below.
Start With an Emotion
It’s a universal fragrance fact that everyone wants to feel good when they spritz on a scent. Nilsen says to capture that for consumers, brands need to meet them where they are. “That means understanding the positives and negatives in their lives and using that as an inspiration point,” he says. “So what music they like, what activities do they participate in, and what negative things do you want to distract them from. Taking this into account should help target Gen Z and anyone [else].”
Givaudan uses MoodScentz, a design platform that helps perfumers evoke specific moods by combining different note combinations, to create new fragrances. It uses more than 35 years of scientific research and focuses on three main mood categories—relax and unwind, invigorate and recharge, and happy and blissful—that consumers are known to be looking for when searching for a new signature scent. “Fragrances designed with these guidelines have a unique power to make us feel better,” says Nilsen. “From an invigorating shower gel that wakes us up to a scented candle that helps us to wind down.”
“I believe that connecting fragrances with soulless feelings and empty storytelling belongs to the past,” says Romy Kowalewski, creative director & founder of 27 87. “Deeper emotional holistic resonances are what consumers are looking for and feel most connected to.”
Kowalewski’s fragrance brand 27 87, is all about the abstract. Every scent she creates starts with a concept or emotion to better translate those hard-to-describe or unknown notes. “Translating contemporary ideas into scents entails creativity and an abstract state of mind related to the here and now,” she says. “Independence is key for creativity.”
For other perfumers and brand founders, the process of evoking certain emotions is an exercise of an active imagination. Whatever story they do create for their new scents, it all boils down to how they want consumers to feel. “The process for creating a new fragrance is always such a journey,” adds Carol Han Pyle, founder of fragrance brand Nette. “We think about what mood we want to focus on—joy, mindfulness, confidence—and then work backwards.”
“This approach not only makes the scent more relatable but also encourages consumers to enhance with the brand, leading to a loyal following,” agrees Kowalewski.
Hone in Nostalgia
There’s a reason why we are always referencing the cool vibes of the pre-internet ‘90s or the fun disco aesthetics of the ‘70s. We’re all nostalgic and longing for things that make us feel good, something that experts say is key for fragrance lovers—especially for Gen Z. “Give them all the feels,” says Jennifer G. Sullivan, beauty expert and co-host of beauty podcast “Fat Mascara.” “This is a generation that is not afraid of ugly crying on camera; they want to be acknowledged and valued by others, and they want a perfume that comforts them but also confirms that they are worthy and unique.”
Sullivan goes on to explain that fragrances have the ability for many to think back to their youth or romanticize eras that they resonate with, even if it’s a time they don’t remember or actually lived through. If a brand wants to make an impactful scent, she recommends making one that has the ability to smell different on different people. A musk like Phlur’s Missing Person, she says, is a perfect example of this. “The name is evocative,” she says. “Its softness is comforting, and even the color and contours of the bottle give you a sense of cocooning.”
Pyle also likes to draw from nostalgic references. While the main source of inspiration for its scents is the brand’s home, New York City, she credits ‘90s classic film Ghost for inspiring Nette’s latest fruity floral launch Pear Jam. “I loved the huge Soho loft that Demi Moore lived in and always wondered what it smelled like with all of her ceramics there and her favorite Japanese pears,” she says.
Be Playful and Have Fun
Some of the best fragrances don’t have rhyme or reason to it. They could just be interesting notes that work together and have a fun story. “‘Storytelling’ notes have had a come up in fragrance recently. These are notes or accords that might not be a literal extraction of something like citrus, but bring to the mind the idea of something unexpected,” says Tynan Sinks, fragrance expert and co-host of the fragrance podcast “Smell Ya Later.” For example, Sinks points to D.S. & Durga’s Crush Balls, which is tennis-ball inspired. As one can assume, the notes, which are named funny descriptors like “yellow fuzz” or “sporty accord,” are not actually made of tennis ball material. But Sinks says they’re a clearer and more exciting way to describe a citrus scent. “It’s all marketing anyway, so why not get a little creative with it?” he says.
Sullivan agrees and says that she’s noticed more fragrance marketers are putting more effort into naming the accords and notes with something more enticing. It’s a trend she thinks needs to grow. “A brand could list base notes or a base accord of, for example, vanilla, oak, spice, and leather, or they could list something like ‘aged rum,’ which conveys a similar aroma experience with a much deeper connotation,” she says. “I think that moment to convey a feeling to the consumer is such an important one and shouldn’t be overlooked.”
“Fragrance is an artform like music or painting,” says David Moltz, co-founder of D.S. & Durga. “Kavi [Moltz] and I are world builders. We’re not discussing the emotions or moods that you might feel when you smell something that is supposed to evoke a burnt down barbershop. Telling someone how to feel or what to think is strange to me.”
“We all know the notes [marketers] pick to list are kind of B.S. anyway; they can basically say whatever they want,” adds Sullivan. “And they’re certainly not going to be listing out accurate aroma chemical names. So why not use that opportunity to be evocative?”
Be Authentic
Consumers are smart. All experts agree that no matter how brands choose to create scents, it needs to be a launch that makes sense for them and their audience. Sinks says the notion that a brand needs to do one certain thing to capture one specific demographic is an oversimplification of the process and that if every brand did the exact same thing to capture the Gen Z audience, the market would be oversaturated. “If Gen Z has taught us one thing over and over again, it’s that they’re the smartest and savviest consumers who demand a lot more from their brands,” he says. “They’re not an equation to be solved; they’re a generation of people with their own thoughts and opinions.”
“It’s essential to understand that today’s consumers look for fragrances that not only perform but resonate with their emotions and evoke deeper experiences,” agrees Kowalewski. “Be authentic to who you are as a brand,” adds Pyle. “Understand what makes you special and unique and stick to it.”
Brands Who Do It Right
If you’re looking for the blueprint, D.S. & Durga, Nette, and 27 87 are prime examples of brands that built their core fanbase by presenting notes to consumers in innovative and fun abstract ways. Other brands that do this well also include Bath & Body Works, which Nilsen says is one of the first to incorporate vibes into their positioning. “Just walking into a BBW fills you with great vibes,” he says. “They certainly use note composition in their storytelling, but when you think of fragrances like A Thousand Wishes and Sweater Weather, you think of feelings before you imagine a smell.”
Sullivan adds that consumers know to go to Sol de Janeiro to evoke a sense of fun party-all-day-(and night)-long-on-the-Brazilian-beach feel to all its scents while the Harlem Perfume Co. evokes a lush and jazzy feeling to their perfumes. She also loves Maison D’Etto, which was made for the old money horse girl whose sanctuary is the stables.
And don’t count out the fashion houses like Hermes and Chloé. “I think you just know an Hermes fragrance is going to be classic, sophisticated, luxurious but with this clean simplicity; they’re never too showy,” she says. “And the Chloé girl is totally the Chloé fragrance girl: bohemian, flowy, and always super feminine.”
Sinks loves Boy Smells for its editorial approach to their fragrance campaigns, which masterfully builds fully realized worlds for their scents to live in. “It’s an evocative ‘show, don’t tell’ approach that some consumers can get even more out of than simply seeing the scent next to what it’s formulated with,” he says. “Who needs to see another candle next to a stick of vanilla anyway?”
But above all else, the most important thing is to create a good product. “The best way to capture the [demographic], or any audience, is to create something really good,” he adds. “It doesn’t even have to be groundbreaking, just have its own unique perspective, bring something new to the table, and be transparent about how it got there.”
Menopause—and women’s health care in general—is at the forefront. As we learn more about the female anatomy, the more we realize just how little we know about our own bodies. But brands are aiming to change that and help women who are entering this stage in their life.
Menopause—as Gunvor Ekman Ordeberg, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN and co-founder of DeoDoc Intimate Skincare, defines it— is the natural biological process that signifies the end of the menstrual cycle in women. It usually occurs between the ages 45 to 55 and is officially diagnosed after one experiences 12 consecutive months with no periods. This, Dr. Ordeberg explains, is due to a natural decline of hormonal function (a.k.a. a reduction of estrogen) of the ovaries.
Then there’s the perimenopause stage, which she says is marked by fluctuating hormone levels and the period after menopause, which is called postmenopause. According to studies, over 1.3 million women become menopausal each year in the U.S. About 75% of menopausal women experience hot flashes, night sweats, and migraines, while about 60% experience a decrease in their sex drive and vaginal dryness. 45% of women experience irritability, anxiety and even depression. Even knowing of all this, little has been done to address these symptoms.
“As doctors, we heard directly from our patients that they were dissatisfied with existing products for vaginal and vulvar dryness during perimenopause and menopause,” says Hedieh Asadi, MD, a urologist and co-founder of DeoDoc Intimate Skincare. “Since these concerns are very common during this stage of life, we decided to create products based on the feedback from our patients.” And they’re not alone in that endeavor.
Misconceptions
The misconceptions about menopause are many. Too many. Because of the lack of proper education to the masses on the topic, many are left confused on what going through menopause actually means. “Many women know that menopause is associated with hot flashes and the end of their menstruation. However, symptoms such as depression, mood changes, vaginal dryness, vaginal irritation, are caused by menopause and many women are surprised by this,” says Dr. Ordeberg. “Also many women are ashamed to discuss the problems that arise from the vaginal area.”
“Menopause can be really hard physically and mentally on a lot of women,” adds Alicia Robbins, MD, board-certified OB-GYN. “Just because it’s natural or inevitable, [it] shouldn’t mean women have to suffer. Women are living a lot longer than before, yet we tend to live more years in poor quality health [that is] dependent on others. “
The most common misconception about menopause, she says, is that the side effects shouldn’t be taken seriously. Many women are told that these symptoms are part of a “natural phase of life” and to “deal with it naturally.” This can then lead to a misdiagnosis and not treating the right issue before it grows into a more serious problem.
“I really wish there was just more general awareness period,” says Karen Eilber, MD,board-certified urologist and member of the PlusOne Wellness Collective. “Women are blindsided by the abrupt changes they experience (brain fog, loss of libido, painful sex, anxiety, joint pains, etc). Because of lack of awareness, women go to specialists for their individual symptoms, i.e. an orthopedist for joint pains, because she isn’t aware that this could be a symptom of menopause. So when all tests are negative, she is reassured that there isn’t an actual problem with the joint but she still has the pain.”
Menopause Brands That Actually Work
But there are options for women to help them live comfortably while going through this (more on that later). “More brands understand that menopausal women are a strong buying group—they have money to spend,” says Dr. Asadi. “But also through social media there is more awareness about menopause and the taboos around it are slowly being broken.”
She along with Dr. Ordeberg created DeoDoc as a hormone-free solution to ease vaginal and vulvar dryness. Some hero products include the Meno Care Oil Wash, a hydrating oil wash that cleanses without stripping the vulva’s natural microbiome, and the Meno Care Hydrating Balm, a rich and creamy balm that hydrates dry vulva skin.
“I think menopause focused brands are great for the most part because they are normalizing the experience and conversation for women,” says Dr. Robbins. “However, because it can be very hard for women to find accurate menopause information and providers, it’s also a time when women are vulnerable and women can be taken advantage of with products and services that don’t actually work.” For that reason she encourages women to look to digital menopause platforms that will help educate them and help them find the right resources. Midi Health, My Alloy, and Elektra Health are some of the ones she recommends and if you’re looking for a certified practitioner who specializes in menopause, she says you can check The Menopause Society.
“The menopause-focused brands that get it right about menopause are ‘real’ in their messaging which makes women feel heard,” adds Dr. Eilber. “This is especially important because of the gaslighting so many women experience. The brain fog, low sex drive, and not feeling yourself aren’t going to get better with just a glass of wine.”
She recommends looking for brands that offer thorough FAQs on their website and/or online blogs, all of which should be created or reviewed by health care professionals, about menopause. As a member of sexual wellness brand PlusOne, she says she chose to join its wellness collective because plusOne wants to remove the stigma surrounding menopause and sexual health. It also listens to the medical professionals they collaborate with, prioritizing menopause education and the science of menopause.
Another brand she’s a fan of is Naomi Watts’ wellness brand Stripes, as Dr. Eilber praises Watt’s for using her celebrity to bring awareness to the subject. “I admire that she was one of the celebrities to discuss aging and menopause,” she says. “And the product ingredients are clean. For vaginal dryness, she recommends Revaree by Bonafide, which she says is great for women who don’t want to use vaginal estrogen. While not a brand per se, Dr. Robbins advocates for hormone therapy (HT). “[It] can improve quality of life and prevent disease so that women not only live longer, but they live those years in good health [as well],” she says.
Final Verdict
It can still be overwhelming trying to navigate the growing menopause beauty space. When in doubt, all experts agree that you should always consult with your doctor for when you’re feeling your body change or if you have any questions. “Do not hesitate to talk about it with your doctor if you are experiencing any difficulties,” says Dr. Ordeberg. “There is a lot of great medication available that can improve your everyday life.”
“Whether it’s your finances or your health, you will always be your best advocate,” adds Dr. Eilber. “Gather as much information as possible (but always consider the source), see a health care provider who specializes in menopausal management (a great resource to find a provider is The Menopause Society, menopause.org), and be prepared with a list of questions and concerns to make the most out of a consultation with a menopause specialist.”
Ozempic has become a cultural phenomenon, as many have started taking the type 2 diabetes medication to lose weight. In fact, a recent poll done by the JAMA network shows that one in eight Americans have used drugs such as Ozempic.
Other medications, such as Wegovy, an injectable designed for weight loss, and Mounjaro, another type 2 diabetes treatment, have also spiked in popularity for the same reasons. But they are expensive (Ozempic and Wegovy can cost up to $1000 without a prescription) and for those who want to take them may not be able to get them easily—with or without a prescription.
When Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme launched its GLP-1 Daily Supplement back in September, it caused quite a stir. Could these Ozempic alternatives actually be a more natural and less costly solution for those looking to lose weight?
What are GLP-1 supplements?
GLP-1 supplements claim to offer a cheaper and more accessible alternative to medical injections that either treat obesity or have weight loss as a common side effect. They often contain plants, herbs, vitamins, and minerals that are supposed to synthesize GLP-1, the hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss, in our bodies. Supplements such as berberine, which has been touted as “nature’s Ozempic,” has been popular for a while and now more brands are coming out with their own versions to compete.
But according to Dr. Lee, there is little data on how these supplements work in our bodies. Compared to the medical grade products such as Ozempic, she says these supplements likely won’t work as effectively.
Lemme’s GLP-1 Daily Supplement, for example, is made of Eriomon lemon fruit, Sueresa saffron, and Morosil red orange fruit extracts, which the brand claims can increase your innate GLP-1 levels and help facilitate weight loss. Studies show that lemon fruit extract can somewhat raise GLP-1 levels in the bloodstream (though it did not lead to any weight loss) and a study published in Nutrition Research found that those who take saffron extract snacked slightly less than those who were give a placebo, leading to slight weight loss.
But Caroline Messer, MD, double board-certified endocrinologist and founder of Well by Messer says that the studies referenced by the brand are studies that look at how each extract individually can increase GLP-1 and not how the extracts work together in the supplement form to do so. “Even if the assertion that Lemme increases GLP1 is true, this does not mean that it results in statistically significant weight loss,” says Dr. Messer.
Are GLP-1 supplements safe?
Amy Lee, MD, head of nutrition for Nucific, says that these GLP-1 supplements may be considered a safer alternative if you aren’t able to take Ozempic or other medical-grade products—but only if used appropriately at the dose that’s recommended on the label. And there are always risks involved. For example, Dr. Messer says that rapid weight loss from any modality may increase the risk for gallstones. Dr. Lee adds that if you increase the dosage in hopes of faster results, there may be unknown side effects that can impact you negatively.
Supplements in general are not regulated by the FDA. Experts urge consumers to take supplements under the supervision of their primary care physician and to do as much research they can on what they’re ingesting
Is a GLP-1 supplement a substitute for Ozempic?
The short answer to this is no. Both Dr. Messer and Dr. Lee say these supplements are still not a true substitute for Ozempic, as more research needs to be done. “The general public is desperate for a lower cost alternative to Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, etc.,” says Dr. Messer. “[They are] easily fooled by deceptive marketing [with] poor studies [and] baseless claims.”
But we may be close to finding supplements that will be thanks to some technological advances, specifical AI. “I strongly believe that artificial intelligence will allow us to identify plant-based bioactive compounds that will be used as alternatives to synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonists in the future,” she goes on to say. “After screening more than 100,000 compounds, research has highlighted two plant-derived bioactive compounds (TOAD2 and orforglipron) that activate the GLP-1 receptor [and] the hope is that these will be taken orally and have fewer gastrointestinal side effects than tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) and semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy).”
Should people take these supplements?
If your goal is to lose weight, experts say there still needs to be more studies done to show if these supplements are at all effective in losing weight compared to the prescribed drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound. “So far, the OTC products have shown little to no weight loss in clinical trials,” says Dr. Messer.
Name a trend you have pinned on your hair moodboard (e.g. space buns, bubble ponytails, or jeweled accents) and chances are high that those pics came straight from Justine Marjan’s IG. For beauty lovers everywhere, Justine Marjan is a household name and the go-to stylist for our favorite It-girls. And as the ultimate multi-hyphenate, she has pretty much done it all.
Apart from styling today’s mega stars (she counts Ashley Graham, Khloe Kardashian, and Kendall Jenner as clients), she’s spearheaded the hair looks for New York Fashion Week’s biggest shows, is a brand ambassador for TRESemmé and Fenty Hair, and has her own hair collection with Kitsch. But even with the accolades, it’s her love—and unmatched skill—for hair styling that really drives her.
“I love being able to be a part of the process of what makes a woman look and feel her best,” Marjan tells Beautycon. “I love seeing the story of an entire look come together.”
Below, Marjan talks about her journey as one of the top hairstylists in the industry and what she’s looking forward to at this year’s Beautycon. Read on to learn more.
How did you find yourself wanting to be a hairstylist?
Justine Marjan: I’ve always loved beauty, art, and fashion but never knew that being a hairstylist the way I am was a career that existed. Actually, it didn’t exist when I was growing up. I loved doing everyone’s hair growing up, whether that was braiding my friends hair before sports, or cutting and dying all my friends’ hair in our garages as a teen. When I was 18 I was randomly looking for a job and there was a salon across the street from the bus stop I used to go to that looked cool. I walked in and applied for a job and was hired immediately as a receptionist. Through working there I discovered that someone did hair for red carpets, editorials, and runway shows and I was so inspired. I decided to go to cosmetology school.
How did you make sure to create your own lane as a hairstylist?
JM: I always did what worked for me and didn’t follow any linear career path. I started building my career right when social media started becoming a thing and I really used it to market and promote myself. It was through social media that I ended up booking most of my clients and creating relationships with brands. I’ve always used the fact that I love social media to my advantage and it also allows me to use all the other creative tools that I love- like photography, art, and video.
In the era of beauty TikTok and having a viral moment, how have you adapted to the changing social media landscape?
JM: This is always a struggle because social media is always changing. Sometimes I feel like I’ve cracked the code and sometimes I feel like I can’t figure it out. I just try to post what makes me happy and inspired and showcases my work in the best way possible.
What’s been the hardest thing to deal with as a hairstylist?
JM: The uncertainty of a freelance career [and] not knowing why another artist booked a job over you or why a client stopped working with you. It happens to everyone and it’s always a tough pill to swallow.
What does beauty mean to you?
JM: Confidence.
What hair trends do you predict will be big for winter 2024?
JM: The French girl bob, Bardot style updos, Jane Birkin Bangs, Warm copper shades, mixed metal hair accessories
Any haircare or hair styling TikTok trends that you want to dispel?
JM: Wash your hair more often! It’s a myth that stretching out the time between washes is healthier for your hair. If your hair feels dirty, wash it.
What are you most excited about for this year’s Beautycon? What do you hope people take away from your masterclass?
JM: I am so excited because so many people I love will be there this year, like Dana Patterson, Jonathan Van Ness, and Marianna Hewitt. I hope people leave my masterclass feeling excited and inspired to try something new with hair and empowered to do their favorite looks themselves.
What advice do you have for turning your passion into a career?
JM: Find people doing what you want to be doing and work for them. Stay focused, be patient and don’t compare yourself to anyone else.
What are your five desert island beauty products?
JM: Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, Fenty Hair The Richer One Hair Mask, TRESemmé Mega Control Gel, Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, Emi Jay Claw Clips.
What’s the best hair care advice/beauty advice you’ve ever received?
JM: Don’t just follow trends, find what works best for you and what makes you feel your best. Beauty isn’t one size fits all.
One of my biggest beauty gripes is that my lashes refuse to curl. There’s some length there, but they just jut straight out. Amongst the sea of mascaras that have promised to give me long-lasting fuller, longer, and more voluminous lashes (you know, the whole “Lash Extensions in a Bottle” moniker), when paired with my trusty lash curler, very few ever truly live up to those claims. So to my pleasant surprise when testing October launches, I’ve discovered one that actually delivered. Meet my new favorite mascara: the Colorescience Total Lash Mascara.
This mascara truly works wonders. You not only get color, but it is loaded with nourishing ingredients that really take care of your lashes. “As a tubing mascara, Total Lash Mascara, has the best of both worlds: it will coat and wrap each individual lash for a full day’s worth of wear, and it will also come off easily with a gentle cleanser warm water,” writes ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Tanya Khan, MD, in a mass email talking about the launch.
According to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, most mascaras, which are made with wax and emollients, are safe to use for lashes. But if you happen to have sensitive eyes, it’s worth looking for formulations that will be easy for you to take off easily and help you avoid excessive rubbing, etc. and have clinical testing and ophthalmologist tested claims that they won’t cause irritation or negative side effects.
This mascara’s main ingredients include peptides and panthenol and it is labeled as prostaglandin-free. According to King, the peptides, which include a myristoyl pentapeptide-17, help with lash growth while the panthenol, which includes pro-vitamin B5, nourishes the hair. Something that is labeled prostaglandin-free is tested to not cause irritation on the skin.
While it’s definitely easy to wash off and hasn’t irritated my daily contact-wearing eyes, what impressed me most is how much my lashes have changed. After a week’s use, I noticed more definition after curling my lashes. A month into using it, there was a bit more length. Three months and I’ve noticed my lashes looking more full without having any product on. A true beauty god-send. So if you’re looking for a new mascara, give this a try. I’ll be finishing the last drops of this while also silently petitioning for Colorescience to explore the eye makeup space more.
For anyone who battles against chapped lips regularly, the struggle to find a balm that plays well with any colored gloss or lipstick is real. Either the balm is too thick for any color to sit comfortably on or the color ends up negating any of the balm’s hydrating properties. But lucky for us, many of our favorite brands are riding the same wavelength and have all come out with some of our favorite new tinted lip balms.
As cosmetic chemist Ginger King defines them, tinted lip balms are lip products that provide natural-looking sheer color while giving your lips skincare benefits. “Tinted lip balms are regular lip balms with a tint,” says King. “The lip balm base itself must be good and provide benefits for immediate hydration and long-term moisturization.”
Other than boosting hydration, a tinted lip balm can provide a range of other skincare benefits. It depends on the ingredients and formulation, but some tinted lip balms can help with smoothing fine lines and even plumping.
So if you’re in the market for a new lip balm, we’ve got you covered. Below are nine of the newest tinted lip balms that we’re currently loving. Get ready to click “add to cart” and apologies to your credit card in advance.
Launching and maintaining a successful beauty brand is no easy feat. This is especially true when it comes to the countless celebrity beauty brands in the market and the influencer-founded ones, which oftentimes face the most scrutiny from the public. But when entrepreneurs and co-founders Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Ireland—who will be present at our Beautycon event this November— launched Summer Fridays, there was a shift in how everyone perceived products made by content creators.
The year was 2018 when we first met the infamous Jet Lag Mask. Thanks to its minimally chic packaging and ultra nourishing formulation that instantly soothed and brightened skin, everyone couldn’t get enough of it. Fast forward today, and Summer Fridays has launched an entire collection of makeup and skincare— and cemented itself as an essential in every cool girl’s beauty routine.
It’s often said that the marker of a successful beauty brand is one that can stand on its products alone without having to depend on the celebrity of its founders. Safe to say that Summer Fridays has done just that and more.
Below, Hewitt and Ireland discuss creating their own brand and what they look forward to at this year’s Beautycon.
Walk me through your skincare journey. How did you find yourself wanting to launch a beauty brand?
Hewitt and Ireland: We both have always been obsessed with beauty and finding products that actually work for our skin. We realized there was a gap in the market for gentle yet effective skincare, and hybrid-makeup products that felt like a treat to use. That’s when we started dreaming up Summer Fridays—products that are easy to use, give real results, and feel like a little bit of me-time in a busy day.
Looking back on how Summer Fridays has grown, is there anything that you would change? Is there something you wished you launched sooner or waited to launch later, etc.?
H&I: We’ve learned so much along the way, and every step has taught us something valuable. If anything, we’ve learned to trust our instincts more and to take our time to perfect a product before launching it.
What’s the best thing about creating your own brand?
H&I:The best part is seeing the impact we have on people’s lives. There’s nothing like hearing from someone who says our products have made their skincare routine easier or more enjoyable, made them feel more confident, or that they made a new friend at a community event. We love the creative freedom that comes with building a brand and being able to bring our vision to life.
What’s been the hardest thing?
H&I: The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and with that comes the challenge of always staying innovative and ahead of trends. But we see this as a positive opportunity—it pushes us to keep learning, experimenting, and staying connected with our community. It keeps us on our toes and drives us to create products that people truly love and need. The challenges are just opportunities to grow and evolve with our customers.
In the era of beauty TikTok and having a viral moment, how has Summer Fridays adapted to the changing social media landscape? How do you balance staying in the conversation while still staying true to your core consumers?
H&I: We always strive to stay engaged with our community where they are, and that means embracing new platforms like TikTok. We love being part of those viral moments, but our focus is always on delivering value and staying true to our core consumers and community. It’s about finding that balance between being part of the conversation and staying true to who we are as a brand.
What are you most excited about for this year’s Beautycon?
H&I: We’re really excited to connect with the beauty community. There’s such a special energy when beauty lovers, creators, and brands come together for the love of beauty!
What advice do you have for turning your passion into a career?
H&I: If you’re considering a career in beauty, our advice is to start by immersing yourself in the industry—whether that’s by creating content, working at a beauty brand, or getting hands-on experience in any way you can. It’s important to build genuine relationships, stay curious, and always be willing to learn. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Passion is what drives everything, but persistence is what sustains it over time.
Beauty is a crowded space. How did you create your own lane with Summer Fridays? What’s something emerging brand founders can learn so that they too can differentiate themselves from other brands?
H&I: From the start, we knew we had to stay true to our vision and create products that reflected our own skincare and beauty needs. For us, it was all about gentle and effective formulas with a focus on feeling good. We also wanted to create an aesthetic that was instantly recognizable. For emerging brands, we would say: find your unique voice, understand your community deeply, and stay focused on what makes your brand different.
What does beauty mean to you?
H&I: For us, beauty is all about feeling confident in your own skin — it’s about how you feel.
What are your five desert island beauty products?
H&I: We’d definitely have Summer Fridays’s Jet Lag Mask; it’s our go-to for hydration and a skin pick-me-up. We’d also bring a great SPF because sun protection is non-negotiable. A hydrating lip balm, Megababe deodorant to feel fresh, and Unite 7 Seconds Leave In Conditioner, which is perfect for beachy air dried hair.
What’s the best skincare/beauty advice you’ve ever received?
H&I: The best advice we’ve received is to keep it simple, just a few effective products that work for you. And of course, always wear sunscreen!
Whatever your social media app of choice is, chances are high you’ve seen many people wearing a futuristic-looking head piece that emits red light in hopes to gain fuller and thicker hair. But does it actually work?
Board-certified trichologist Bridgette Hill and board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at The Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue, Dendy Engelman, MD, break down everything you need to know about red light therapy. Read on below to learn more.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work For Hair Loss?
These devices use red light therapy, which, according to Hill, is a non-drug modality treatment for hair loss. It incorporates low laser therapy to the scalp and hair follicle as an effective treatment to manage thinning hair and other unwanted scalp conditions.
Red light therapy can work a couple of different ways to address hair loss. Dr. Engelman says that it may help increase cell turnover, stimulate blood flow and circulation, and create a healthy environment for hair to grow.
Hill explains that red light therapy helps promote the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which will then increase cellular metabolism and cellular activity, and reduce oxidative stress to ensure healthy conditions for the hair to grow. She adds that there are even studies that propose that red light therapy extends the anagen phase of the hair cycle, further promoting healthy hair growth.
But both Hill and Dr. Engelman say that there aren’t any studies that prove red light therapy has the ability to block dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is the hormone associated with hair loss. Studies show that an increased amount of DHT can shrink your hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle.
Other Benefits
Other benefits to using red light therapy for your hair, according to Hill, include overall better quality and condition of your strands. She explains that red light therapy can help reduce inflammation and normalize scalp conditions, which will then result in better manageability of your hair on top of the main benefit of possibly seeing new hair regrowth.
The Downsides
The downsides to using red light therapy for hair loss are minimal. Dr. Engelman says that it is generally well tolerated and not harmful. The only downside she can point out is that it can be a pricey endeavor. “Red light devices are expensive,” she says. “So I would recommend doing your research to ensure you’re comfortable with the investment.”
How to Treat Hair Loss
While red light therapy can potentially help with hair loss, it shouldn’t be the only thing you use to combat it. It should be a holistic approach, with you considering different things. “Managing hair loss is multifactorial,” says Hill. “Identifying the body’s internal hair loss triggers cannot be underestimated and must be addressed while incorporating tools like redlight therapy.”
“Hair loss is a highly emotional, oftentimes frustrating concern for my patients,” adds Dr. Engelman. “Treating hair loss is not always simple and it’s not a quick fix as the hair takes time to regrow.”
Along with red light therapy devices, both Hill and Dr. Engelman recommend using topical treatments to help stimulate hair growth. “Combining topical serums with red light therapy to the scalp supports cellular turnover, improves circulation, and blocks harmful androgens,” explains Hill. We like Vegamour’s GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum or Hers Women’s Minoxidil 2% Topical Solution to help with thinning hair. Dr. Engelman adds that she likes to recommend Nutrafol supplements and in-office treatment like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for added support.
If you’re looking for at-home red light therapy devices to try, she likes the REVIAN Red Hair Growth System. While definitely an investment, the results speak for themselves. “I have seen the benefits of this product first hand,” she says. “You just need to use it for 10 minutes a day and I love that it comes with an app to help you track your progress.”
Hill likes the Hairmax LaserBand, which she calls the “leader in red light LLT technology.” “They have extensive clinical trials and a patented parting teeth mechanism that separates the hair fibers to allow unobstructed clearing for red light to reach the scalp,” she says.
So if you’re able to budget it (because most at-home devices are on the pricier side), incorporating red light therapy into your hair routine could be really helpful. With minimal downsides, it definitely wouldn’t hurt to try.
Whenever we have a skin problem, the first person we should see is a dermatologist. French women, however, seek a different healthcare professional to get their enviable skin looking effortlessly clear and radiant: they see their pharmacist.
“We don’t have the large drugstore, American style, so you get to know your pharmacists,” says Natcha Bonjout, pharmacist and founder of Bonjout Beauty. “It’s usually a team of three to four. They see you go through life phases and can adjust [their] recommendations, like dermatologists would,” she says. “But French pharmacists have access to the latest skin care products. In short, French women trust their pharmacists.”
French girl beauty has long been an obsession for beauty lovers everywhere. It’s chic, yet effortless, but it really is a mindset to capture that elusive je ne sais quois. “[It’s] about embracing natural elegance and simplicity,” Bonjout says. “It focuses on minimal makeup, highlighting a fresh, glowing complexion. Hair is typically styled to look effortlessly chic and slightly undone.”
So who better than Bonjout to trust with our French girl skincare needs? Having come from a line of women she says are “obsessed with skincare,” a brand of her own has been a dream since Bonjout was 12. But to do that, she followed the advice of chemist and professor Christine Poelman, who told her that she would need to study pharmacy to become a skin expert. And that’s exactly what she did.
Years as a pharmacist where she tested and reviewed products for Pierre Fabre, who owns beloved French beauty brands such as Avène and Klorane, and worked with L’Oreal and Estée Lauder on formulations for their products. “Over 15 years, I’ve tried hundreds of cosmetic formulations and screened thousands of active ingredients,” she says.
Then came the time to take a leap of faith and create a product of her own. She knew immediately what kind of product she wanted to launch with. “A balm is the healing salve and has always been the most precious ointment to save and restore your skin. I wanted to bring a serum in its most efficient formula: a balmy texture, biocompatible to your skin,” she says.
Working with 12 labs and going through 120 iterations, she finally got it just right. Le Balm is a solid serum that goes on lightweight and fully absorbs into the skin. It’s a universal formula and works on all skin types, even on the most sensitive skin. The best part? It can be used on your face, neck, lips, and décolleté.
The result is a cult product, beloved by beauty editors, experts, and pretty much everyone who tries it. Made with nourishing ingredients, such as ceramides, squalane, and plant native cells such as prickly pear and blue hibiscus, the balm does it all. It soothes, moisturizes, and plumps the skin while also repairs the skin barrier and helps boost your natural radiance. It’s become an essential in most skincare routines, especially if you’re looking to really nail down French girl beauty.
There are a couple of other simple things she says to consider to get your skin looking and feeling healthy. First, you’ll want to choose a few high-quality products over having a large collection of things. French women prefer to invest in key products that are gentle on the skin (they avoid harsh treatments and over-exfoliation) with soothing and nourishing ingredients. If something is multi-tasking, even better.
Next, you’ll have to be consistent with your regimen, sticking to a simple day-to-day routine with the occasional treatment indulgent, such as a facial and massage. “Consistency is key,” she says. “French women adhere to a daily skincare routine that typically includes cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and protecting their skin with SPF.”
But beauty is a holistic approach and French women understand that a balanced diet, hydration, good sleep, and finding ways to de-stress in any way they can can significantly impact skin health. And there is no such thing as looking perfect. “The French beauty ethos celebrates natural beauty and individuality,” she says. “Instead of striving for perfection, they embrace their unique features and focus on enhancing them.”
Some products she’s loving and recommends are the SVR Creme SPF 50+, Caudalie’s Grape Water Moisturizing Face Mist and Vinoperfect Serum, and CIBLE Skin Paris Serum Le Power. And for French girl beauty loyalists, there are two rules one must abide straight from a quintessential French girl. “Consistency and patience are keys to achieving results,” she says. “Listen to your skin; it is smarter and knows better than anyone what is good for it.”
By now, you’ve surely heard (or at least seen all over your FYP) everyone talking about a special method aimed to help you figure out your personal color palette. We’re of course talking about color analysis.
With close to 300,000 posts alone under the hashtag, we’re all trying to figure out what season we fall under and what colors we should and shouldn’t be playing with. (ICYWW, I’m a proud cool winter). But these professional consults are expensive, with sessions costing hundreds of dollars. How can one participate in the latest color theory trend when on a strict budget? Is that even possible?
The short answer to that is yes; there is a way to figure out your color season without having to spend the big bucks. Below, we speak with Haejin Suh, color consultant and founder of Omyo Color Studio in Los Angeles, California about everything you need to know about color analysis and how you can do a DIY consultation on yourself from the comfort of your own home. Read on to learn more.
What Is Color Analysis?
Color analysis is the process of figuring out what shades and undertones work best with your skin tone. As Suh explains it, it starts with the idea that color has multiple different characteristics. Based on how those characteristics bring out your best features or work against them is how you’ll figure out which colors are meant for you.
“If we were to ask our friends to wear their favorite red lipstick to a dinner, we’d notice people wearing various shades of red,” she says. “This is where we break down the colors into different factors: 1. hue (warm vs. cool), 2. brightness (light vs. dark), 3. saturation (vivid vs. less intense), and 4. muted (mixed with gray vs. mixed with white, black, or none of). In short, color analysis uses fabric to determine which of these factors are the most important in creating harmony and evenness with your natural color characteristics (skin tone, eye color, hair color) and facial features.”
The Color Breakdowns
Color analysis studios may differ on how they break down their different color charts. At Suh’s studio, Omyo Color Studio, she uses the Practical Color Coordinate System (PCCS). Developed by the Japan Color Research Institute, PCCS characterizes colors into hues (warm and cool), grayscale (light and dark), and the saturation or intensity of the shade.
She says the four seasons—winter, spring, summer, and fall—are divided into warm and cool color palettes. Spring and autumn have warm colors mixed with yellow while summer and winter have cool colors mixed in (think blue or sometimes less yellow). She breaks it down as the following:
- Spring Warm: light and vivid colors
- Summer Cool: light and muted colors
- Autumn Warm: muted and deep colors
- Winter Cool: icy, vivid, and deep colors
Depending on the colors that work best for you, she says you may have overlapping seasons (for example, if you love light colors, you can overlap between spring and summer). But the point of a color analysis is to narrow down your choices of go-to shades that will become your personal palette.
What to Expect During a Professional Consultation
First, color consultants will remove any makeup you might have on and cover your head if you’ve dyed your hair. Those who wear colored contacts will also be asked to remove those to reveal your natural eye color and give you the most accurate results.
Next is the fabric draping where you’ll try on various colors categorized within the four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Within those fabrics, colors will consist of different hues, brightness, and saturation. Suh says that the color consultant will drape fabrics in front of the client to determine the difference between flattering colors that even out your skin tone and define your facial features versus the ones that create dark shadows or bring out extra pigments that won’t be as flattering. This will help you determine your best color palette into one (sometime two) season.
How long a session lasts and how much it costs varies depending on the studio. She says that most consultations can be anywhere between an hour to 120 minutes. Omyo Color Studio offers a 90-minute consultation for one person at $230. Two clients can come in at the same time for $175 per person for a 110-minute session. Three clients are listed at $130 per person for 120 minutes.
But the best part is that it works across all skin tones—anyone can do a session (if their budget allows). “Color analysis is inclusive and every individual receives personalized attention and tailored recommendations with a deep-seated understanding of diverse skin tones and undertones,” she says.
How to Do a Color Analysis at Home
Professional color analysis is definitely a splurge. But if you don’t want to spend a couple of hundred dollars on a consultation, it’s totally possible to do a very basic version on your own.
First, Suh says that you’ll want to try on clothes to see if you have a stronger preference for warm colors over cool tones, or vice versa. Then, while standing in front of a mirror with natural sunlight, she recommends gathering your more neutral tone clothes and placing them right under your neck to see when your skin is the most even. Here, you will compare warm and cool neutral tones with similar light and dark tones.
What are warm and cool neutral tones? An easy way to figure that out is as follows: she says that beige, ivory, tan, chocolate brown and dark brown neturals are considered warm colors. Pure white, milk white, heather gray, medium gray, charcoal, navy, and black are your cool shades. So when you’re comparing warm versus cool, she says you’ll want to be looking at how ivory compares to pure white, tan versus gray, chocolate brown versus charcoal gray, and dark brown versus black. “Your best colors should not bring out extra redness [and] dullness [or] make you look sallow,” she says. “[They should also not] create dark shadows around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks.”
If you happen to be more neutral between warm and cool tones, she recommends focusing on how dark colors look on you versus light. If dark colors add too much shadow then you might benefit from lighter shades, for example.
There are also ChatGPT options you can turn to, but she says to be wary of them. After experimenting with one of the online programs herself to see if it would align with her best colors, she ended up being assigned two out of the four seasons and a final recommendation that read: “Ultimately, while these suggestions provide a starting point, the best way to determine personal colors is through a professional color analysis session, which takes all individual nuances into account.”
“I definitely agree with this statement,” she says. “Using AI and ChatGPT can be a great starting point to learn about different color palettes. But with the current technology, they cannot be used in place of an in-person [session].”
It wasn’t until I noticed that certain areas near my hairline looked more sparse than normal that I started looking into hair growth products. Instead of panic (hair loss is a normal process many people go through as we get older), I switched out my go-to shampoos, conditioners, and hair oils for ones that promised to get my hair back on track. But a method that has caught my—and many others—attention might be one of the most useful strategies in stimulating hair growth. I’m talking about dermarolling.
Skincare enthusiasts know the benefits of dermarolling for their skin (boost in collagen, firmer skin, etc.), but how does this tool help with hair? To answer that, and address everything else you need to know about dermarollers, we turned to the experts.
Below, they break down what it is, its benefits, and how to use one.
What is dermarolling?
Dermarolling is a form of microneedling. As Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology explains, it involves using a device with small fine needles that will create tiny punctures in the skin. Dr. Garshick says this is done to trigger our skin’s natural healing process, which results in collagen and elastin production. This method is then used on the scalp with the idea that it will help stimulate healthy hair growth in areas that it needs to.
How does it work for hair loss?
“We aren’t sure exactly why this works,” says Neera Nathan, MD, board-certified dermatologist and chief dermatological advisor at Vegamour. “But [we] hypothesize that the tiny punctures stimulate growth factors from the healing process that are beneficial for hair growth.”
Dr. Nathan adds that these tiny punctures also help increase blood flow to the scalp, which may help in getting hair to grow. But this is really only beneficial if you have a widening part or thinning hair on the scalp. For scarring hair loss or conditions such as alopecia, she says dermarollers won’t do much.
The Benefits
Using a dermaroller actually has other benefits other than helping with hair loss. Dr. Garshick says that it can help improve your overall scalp health by boosting blood flow and nutrient delivery. It also boosts collagen production and can help certain scalp conditions such as dryness, flakiness, and dandruff.
The Downsides
But there are a couple of downsides with dermarolling. Dr. Garshick says there is a possibility of irritation and redness, especially if you’re not using it properly or if you have sensitive skin. She adds that there is also a risk of infection if you’re using the tool on open cuts or wounds. Those who are dealing with inflammatory scalp conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or active scalp infections should avoid using a dermaroller. “It is all about careful use,” says Dr. Nathan.
How to Dermaroll for Hair Loss
Dermarolling is pretty easy to incorporate into your routine. First, you’ll want to sanitize your tool before and after use, says Dr. Nathan, with something that contains at least 70% isopropyl alcohol. Next, you’ll part your hair where you want to see more hair growth. Once you’ve exposed the area you need treated, you’ll grab your dermaroller and carefully glide it over the skin. She says to do this five times horizontally and then follow another five times in a vertical direction. Repeat on other thinning areas.
She recommends doing this once a week to start and then you can work your way upwards if you can tolerate it. When looking for a dermaroller to use, she says to look for needles that are between 0.25 to 0.5 millimeters. (“Deeper needles can cause trauma and scarring,” she warns. “[Dermarolling] should be painless”). And be sure to replace the head monthly to prevent needles from dulling.
Dr. Garshick likes the Act + Acre Scalp Dermaroller or the Koi Beauty Dermaroller. Dr. Nathan recommends the Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum and Dermaroller Set, which gives you a dermaroller, replaceable heads, and the best complementary piece to the tool—a hair growth serum.
While you can use the dermaroller on its own to stimulate hair growth, both experts agree that it is more effective when you add a hair growth serum afterwards for maximum results. “Hair growth serums like minoxidil or rogaine are highly recommended for use immediately after dermarolling to enhance absorption and effectiveness,” says Dr. Garshick. “Post-treatment serums containing peptides, biotin, or caffeine can also support hair growth.”
Is it one hundred percent foolproof in the hair growth department? No, but nothing ever is. A little over a month into dermarolling my scalp before I go to bed, I definitely notice the area looks less sparse. If your skin can tolerate it, dermarolling is definitely worth a try.
The only thing I miss in my tiny Upper East Side apartment when I travel is my shower. See, in New York, my hair gets all the compliments. “It’s so soft.” “It’s so shiny. “It’s so healthy.” Washing my hair is a sacred ritual that I enjoy doing.
But whenever I go home to Los Angeles or abroad to Paris or London, I am immediately met with tangled dry strands that look—and feel—not so great. In the end? I regret washing my hair at all. So if you, too, have experienced this whenever you’re away from home, then you might be dealing with hard water.
What is hard water exactly, you ask? And how can you rectify the situation so that your hair doesn’t feel completely dried out? To answer those questions, we turned to the experts. See what they had to say below.
What is hard water?
As Hadley King, MD, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist defines it, hard water is just water that has high mineral count. It is formed when water gradually goes through deposits of limestone, chalk or gypsum. This then causes the water to contain excess calcium, magnesium, and metals that can cause damage to our hair. Soft water, by comparison, says board-certified trichologist Bridgette Hill, is the opposite and is the absence of these minerals and metals.
What does hard water do to the hair?
According to Hill, long-term exposure to hard water can cause buildup on the scalp and hair and will cause an imbalanced microbiome on the scalp. Then you’ll end up dealing with brittle, dry, frizzy, and discolored hair.
“We all have metal in our hair. Metals accumulate inside the hair fiber from environmental factors, erosion inside our pipes, [and] hard water. This can lead to severe hair dehydration, breakage and weakening of the hair fiber,” she says. “When metals in the hair come into contact with oxidants during color, balayage and lightening services, it can result in breakage and inconsistent hair color results.”
Dr. King adds that the minerals in hard water can irritate the scalp, and that could potentially exacerbate dryness, eczema, and psoriasis. “When water contains high amounts of calcium, it doesn’t properly dissolve soaps, detergents and other cleansing products,” she explains. “Meaning that the soap residue is left on your skin and hair (as well as on your clothes and dishes) [and] can dry and irritate the scalp.”
How to tell if you’re dealing with hard water
Hard water is typically found in specific places and environments. Dr. King says that metro areas in the U.S. such as Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Tampa. According to a map drawn by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), you can expect to find hard water mostly in the south west region.
If you’re not one hundred percent sure, there are a couple of tests you can do to see if the water you’re using is hard or soft. She says that soft water will make it easier to form a sudsy-like lather and make it easier to rinse. Hard water will do the opposite.
How does one treat (and prevent) hard water damage?
The best form of treatment is prevention. Dr. King recommends filtering the minerals out of the water to potentially decrease these effects with a filtered showerhead. Something like the Jolie The Filtered Showerhead, which removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants, or the Canopy Filtered Showerhead, which uses activated carbon, calcium sulfite, and a copper and zinc mixture to reduce metals and other contaminants.
Hill says you can purchase home tests and research your location or the location you’re traveling to for data on the water in that area. If you suspect your area of interest might have hard water, she says you could incorporate vinegar rinses in your shampoo regiment or use a pre-shampoo hair treatment to create a barrier against possible buildup of minerals.
She also recommends using shampoos that are designed to remove metals and minerals from hair. Her pick is also my personal favorite: L’Oreal Professionel Metal Detox Sulfate-Free Shampoo. It contains a patented technology to penetrate the inside strand of each hair to remove impurities and metal to keep hair feeling soft and hydrated. After one rinse with this shampoo, my hair immediately transformed from looking—and feeling—like a dry tangled mess to a silky smooth do. I now never travel without it.
Blush is a multi-faceted product that serves many purposes. But for when you’re wanting to get that summertime ethereal flush in an effortless way, there’s one technique that everyone can’t stop talking about: boyfriend blush.
Boyfriend blush is not necessarily new, but after TikTok creator and makeup artist Mallory Osses took to TikTok to bring it back into the zeitgeist, a viral trend has taken over how we are applying our favorite blushes.
But what is it exactly and— more importantly— how does one recreate this look on their own? That’s where we turn to the pros. Consider this your crash course to boyfriend blush. See what the experts had to say below.
What is boyfriend blush?
According to Brooke Barker, a junior resident trainer at Trinny London, blush is typically applied high on the cheekbones to lift the face. Boyfriend blush is a more natural approach.
“Instead of applying it higher, this technique places the blush closer to the apples of the cheeks and blends it downwards,” says Barker. “This will create a fresh, rosy flush that imitates the ruddy cheek that naturally appears.” With a focus on a natural looking flush, she adds that it gives you that effortless glow and can help soften your facial features.
How to do boyfriend blush
Boyfriend blush is fairly easy to do. Barker says to warm up your blush with your fingertips and apply. Beau Nelson, celebrity makeup artist and director of Lashify Pro, gives this pro trick: apply blush in a loose upside down triangle shape, with the brightest part being just slightly below the apple of your cheek and then blend downwards.
When you blend, Barker says to use a fluffy angled brush to gently press product into the skin. Move the brush downward and focus on blending the edges (while maintaining the triangular placement) for a more seamless finish. If you need to add more color, she says to dip your brush with product and press color back into the middle part of the triangle; this will intensify the shade. As a nice added touch, she says to lightly dust some color onto the bridge of your nose and temples to pull it all together.
The type of blush you should use
Nelson likes to use a cream blush, but says you can use powder if you prefer. His picks are the Lashify Flush as it changes color depending on your pH level to get you that natural flush look, the Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil, or the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick.
Barker also likes a cream-based blush, the Trinny London Lip2Cheek, as creams will blend in seamlessly into the skin. “They will effortlessly meld into your skin, leaving you with a natural finish, whether your skin type is oily or dry,” she says. “Their ability to blend into the skin will ensure a flawless appearance from day to night.”
Both her and Nelson are also fans of liquid blushes, with Nelson loving Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush or the classic Benefit Benetint. We especially love the new Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush that will give you vibrant color and is packed with nourishing skin ingredients. It’s a win-win all around.
As the old fragrance adage goes, a spritz of a perfume can mentally transport you to the vacation of your dreams. And, for 2024, wanderlust is on everyone’s minds when picking their ideal summer scent.
From the ever popular beaches along the Mediterranean to the Kenyan coast, our favorite brands are currently inspired by idyllic vacation spots that will bring on the good vibes. Sweet florals and gourmands are as popular as ever, and even surprisingly, notes such as mango and coconut water have become key notes in this season’s best scents.
So if you’re in the market for something new to add to your fragrance wardrobe, you’ve come to the right place. Below are 15 summer fragrances to try this season—and beyond.
As an avid eyeliner lover for most of my life, incorporating my trusty waterproof liner in my makeup routine is a non-negotiable. From a short-lived emo phase to finally perfecting the classic cat-eye, I’ve done it all—or at least I thought I have. While getting my makeup done before a dinner, the makeup artist worked her magic on me and asked if I wanted to tightline my eyes. When I asked her what tightlining was, she just smiled and told me to watch. The rest was history.
What is tightlining and how can you do it on your own? See what this genius makeup technique entails, below, straight from the experts.
What Is Tightlining?
According to celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty, tightlining is the makeup technique of creating the “invisible liner effect.” You fill the space on the top waterline to make the lash line appear to have no blank spaces, thus making your lashes look fuller and darker. “It’s a great way to incorporate liner in a foolproof, non-intimidating way,” Bhatty says.
Tightlining comes with other benefits too. Celebrity makeup artist Dani Parkes says that you’ll bring out the color in your eye, make liner look more seamless, and give you the appearance of a lash tint when apply this technique to your overall makeup look.
How to Tightline the Eyes
There are a couple of ways to do this. Bhatty likes to use a gel liner and a thin angled liner brush to line the top waterline. She says to dip the brush into the liner, but be careful not to coat the brush all the way to the base. (Get excess product off onto a palette or the back of your hand, she says). Then you’ll press brush onto the top waterline until you get your desired effect.
“It should blend seamlessly and make it look like there is no blank space between your lashes and the lash line,” she adds. “If there is any transfer to your bottom waterline, feel free to remove with a q-tip and eye makeup remover.”
Parkes likes to use a waterproof eyeliner pencil for its longevity. She says to lift your lid with one hand and while you look down, draw in the top lash line (the same way you would draw on the bottom). She adds that she likes to draw liner and press it into the inner corner for that “feline look” without being too overt.
You can use any color you’d like to tightline your eyes. Bhatty likes to reach for black to match the color of most lashes and mascaras; she says it’s the best option to get that invisible liner effect. She says that she likes to use something like the Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Liner or the MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Fluidline Eyeliner in Black Track. She also likes Chanel Calligraphie de Chanel with the Chanel Angled Liner Brush.
Parkes loves to use brown. “Brown is my favorite color and brings out eye colors such as green and blue,” she says. “It also makes your eyes look more sultry. I think it’s really cool [to wear] no mascara but tightline my eyes with a brown liner.” Her go-to is the Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro in Perfect Brown, but also likes the Revlon Pencil Eyeliner as they will last all day and come in great colors.
So if this has piqued your interest, give it a try. Chances are high you won’t regret picking up this eyeliner technique. “It’s a beautiful way to make your eyes pop without using a lot of product or skill,” says Bhatty. “It’s really a wonderful way to elevate any makeup look.”
With #beautytok, there’s never any shortage of viral hacks and products to pique our interest. But a particular trend that has flooded everyone’s FYPs has less to do with what moisturizer or blush and more to do with our overall well being. We’re talking about cortisol.
A quick search on TikTok shows that the hashtag #costisol has over one hundred thousand posts, with many people pointing to this hormone for the cause of unexplained weight gain, brain fog, and other health problems. The current fascination with cortisol and why it’s quickly becoming the wellness buzzword of the moment can be explained quite simply: we’re all stressed and will dive in head first to any hack that will help chill us out.
“Our lives are stressful for many reasons and people are searching for ways to manage that stress and improve their health and lives. Cortisol may be a factor for some in the pursuit,” says Samantha Dieras, DCN, RD, registered dietitian and director of ambulatory nutrition services at Mount Sinai Hospital. “Engaging in healthy eating, regular exercise, quality sleep, and mindfulness practices to support stress management will have an overall positive impact on the health and wellness of many.”
“Chronic stress is now being linked to many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, fatigue, prediabetes (preDM) and diabetes (DM),” adds Elizabeth Sharp, MD, IFMCP, board-certified medicine physician and founder of Health Meets Wellness. “I emphasize prevention with my patients, intervening early to reduce stress levels before they lead to chronic diseases can make a significant difference in overall health.”
So what exactly is cortisol? And how much should we really care about it? Dieras and Dr. Sharp break down everything we need to know. See what they say below.
What is cortisol?
According to Dr. Sharp, cortisol is a hormone that is released by our adrenal glands as a response to stress. Also known as the “flight or fight” stress hormone, it is naturally produced and plays a vital role in helping the body manage situations under duress. “I would say it is the stress hormone,” she says.
What does cortisol do for the body?
Cortisol does a lot for the body. Dieras says that it is involved in a wide range of biological and psychological processes, such as how our body responds to stress, our metabolism, our inflammation, blood pressure and blood sugar regulation, and maintaining your sleep-wake cycle. “Maintaining normal cortisol levels are necessary to maintain bodily functions,” she says. “Elevated or depressed levels can negatively affect overall health.”
Causes of high cortisol levels
Many things can cause your cortisol levels to spike. Dr. Sharp lists chronic and acute stress, obesity, insomnia, steroids, and adrenal conditions (such as pheochromocytoma, cushing’s disease, and pituitary disease). Dieras adds that cortisol levels are impacted by the time of day, with a rise in the morning and dip in the afternoon. While that fluctuation is to be expected, she says that prolonged and consistent high cortisol levels can lead to negative health outcomes such as cushing syndrome.
Symptoms of high cortisol levels
How can you tell if your cortisol levels are too high? There are a couple of things to keep track of. Dr. Sharp lists anxiety, delayed wound healing, irritability, thinning of the skin, and increased hunger as some of the symptoms you might experience. But she also says that it’s first important to note that the symptoms will differ between acutely elevated cortisol levels and chronically elevated levels. Acute elevated cortisol levels, she says, will actually increase your energy levels. Chronically elevated cortisol happens under chronic stress and you’ll most likely experience symptoms of fatigue.
Dieras adds that you’ll most likely experience weight gain, muscle weakness, and high blood pressure and blood sugar. For women specifically, she says they might notice excessive hair growth. Additional symptoms can include acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
But both experts discourage self diagnosis. While it’s helpful to keep note of these symptoms, you’ll still want a professional opinion. “See a doctor whenever elevated cortisol levels are detected, so a thorough examination can be conducted to identify and address the underlying cause,” says Dr. Sharp.
“Without consultation from a physician and laboratory results it’s difficult to say that your symptoms are related to elevated cortisol levels,” agrees Dieras. “While dysregulated cortisol may be contributing to these symptoms, there can be additional factors within your life that are contributing to the negative symptoms being experienced that should be addressed.”
How to lower high cortisol levels
There are several ways to get your cortisol levels back to a normal level. The first and most obvious way is to manage stress. Though this is easier said than done, Dr. Sharp recommends engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise and getting adequate amounts of sleep whenever possible can help a lot.
Dieras adds that eating a balanced diet and limiting caffeine can also help. She says that foods high in magnesium, omega-3, and vitamin D have been known to lower cortisol levels. Though research is limited, there are small studies that show that herbs and natural supplements such as ashwagandha can also help reduce stress. But she says it’s important to note that supplements are not highly regulated and if you are interested in taking them, choose ones with third party testing that validate the ingredients. And as always, consult a doctor just to be extra safe.
Sofie Pavitt knows what we’re all thinking: the world doesn’t need more beauty products. But even with product launch fatigue, the cool kids know to make an exception for the renowned esthetician simply because, in true New York fashion, IYKYK.
“No one has any business launching a beauty line in this day and age—I’m very aware of that. [But] I want to draw a line in the sand and say that we’re an acne brand,” Pavitt tells Beautycon over Zoom. “I don’t think people have the guts to do that a lot of the time. They want to do a bit of everything: they want to do a hydration line, they want to do an anti-aging line, they want to do a problematic skin line, etc.,” she says. But Pavitt doesn’t want those with acne-prone skin to feel like an afterthought anymore. “We’re going to take care of you and we’re going to clear it up for you,” the esthetician says.
And speaking of clearing things up, her newest product, Reset Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Mask, launching today, will do just that. “I love using Benzoyl Peroxide products with my acne clients at my skincare studio,” she shares in the press release. “I love it in this short contact application that minimizes the risk of irritation,” Pavitt continues about the product that can be used twice daily. Not only is it sensitive skin-friendly, it’s also jam-packed with oil absorbing kaolin clay, hydrating pantheon, niacinamide for maximum suppleness, and exfoliating glycolic acid.
Leading up to this moment, Pavitt has amassed a cult following of devoted skincare enthusiasts who want a no-frills approach to tackling their acne. But her beauty origin story actually started when she was a designer at Michael Kors, where she found herself traveling to Seoul every 12 weeks. She quickly fell in love with K-beauty’s innovation in the skincare space and decided to go back to school and train to become an esthetician.
Her effective techniques and singular focus on this one skin concern earned her the trust of skeptical insiders and A-list celebrities (she counts “It” girls like Zendaya and Lorde as clients), with long waitlists just to book a consultation at her Chinatown studio. Naturally, the high demand is what inspired the launch of her very own brand, Sofie Pavitt Face.
“When I started online consults, I noticed that there weren’t any really beautiful acne products in the world; they were all drugstore [products],” she says. “My clients– who were quite discerning and liked to shop in Sephora, Bergdorf, Violet Grey, and all the fancy places– were all asking for problematic skin products. So, that really got me thinking about my own product line.”
Her eponymous line currently consists of four products: the Mandelic Clearing Serum, the Clean Clean Cleanser, the Nice Ice Toner Pads, and the newly launched Micellar Cleansing Pads. Each product sticks to her ethos of being acne-focused, separating it from the many that try to be a catch all for every skin concern possible. Plus, they work—and they work damn well.
And just like her treatments and products, Pavitt’s insights on skincare are fun and straightforward. With acne? Do your research on what type of esthetician you need to see and use her ingredient checker to see which ingredients will clog pores. TikTok trends? There’s a lot of B.S. and she confirms that rubbing a raw potato on breakouts won’t cure acne and beef tallow as moisturizer will clog your pores. A hot take? She hates oils and balms for acne-prone skin.
She praises skincare brands, such as Dieux, for their transparency with consumers when it comes to manufacturing processes and commitments to sustainability practices. (“[Its] products are also really cool,” she adds). She’s a huge fan of Soft Services and Experiment and is even a fan of a celebrity beauty brand. “I think Rhode is actually a really fun brand,” she says. “I think Hailey [Bieber] really did something new and everyone loves her. The lip tints are really fun.”
As for the best beauty advice she’s ever received and wants to pass onto others? She says to follow these three tried and true skin commandments: always wash off your makeup, always wear sunscreen, and don’t eat too much sugar. “It will give you wrinkles,” she says.
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