Beauty & Style Archives - Suggest https://www.suggest.com/c/beauty-style/ We celebrate the self-awareness, empathy, and wisdom of women in midlife. Tue, 07 Feb 2023 17:39:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.2 https://upload.suggest.com/sg/uploads/2023/02/cropped-Suggest-Favicon-512x512-2-32x32.png Beauty & Style Archives - Suggest https://www.suggest.com/c/beauty-style/ 32 32 Screw Fashion Rules: You Can Wear Black And Blue Together, Even If Your Mother Says It Looks Like A Bruise https://www.suggest.com/fashion-rules-how-to-wear-blue-and-black/2722700/ Wed, 08 Feb 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2722700 L: @idealee.style wearing a black-and-blue outfit on Instagram, R: @leanne.white_ wearing a navy-and-black outfit on Instagram

If you’re over 40, you’ve probably had your fill of fashion rules. You likely grew up following certain style norms: Don’t mix black and brown, no white after Labor Day, and absolutely no mixing prints!

Well, we’re over all the rules and regulations when it comes to style, especially with regard to those guidelines on how you should be dressing at 30, 40, 50, etc. Fashion is all about self-expression, and that includes pairing together whatever colors you choose. Now, designer Ripley Rader is taking on one common outdated fashion “law.”

It’s long been the rule that navy (or any shade of blue) and black shouldn’t be worn together. Even though this “rule” has been debunked over and over again with countless chic ensembles that have combined the two beautifully, it’s still a widely-held belief. But Rader believes in the pairing so much, she even devoted one of her Instagram styling sessions to the topic.

She kicked off the reel by talking about her personal love of the navy/black color combo. “I grew up in the South,” she explained, “and they would always say it looked like a bruise, which I think is funny. But I love it, and I think it’s a really chic combination.”

In the video, she wore a pair of black wide-leg ankle-length pants with a navy turtleneck, a black oversized blazer, and white kicks. For dressier occasions, she demonstrated how to elevate the outfit by changing out the white sneakers for black heeled boots or black patent pumps. The outfit looks simple yet put-together and exudes confidence.

The same can be said for many outfits that have employed the same color pairing. Here are some of our favorites.

From the ruffled navy top down to the black combat boots and everything in between, we are smitten with this fun look!

This outfit screams comfort without losing any style points. The pleated skirt, comfy sweater, and white sneakers are pulled together with a fab Coach belt bag.

These bright blue trousers make for the perfect bold pop of color in this black-and-blue ensemble.

We love a good neutral-colored combo. A caramel-colored sweater draped over a navy top with black trousers and white Veja sneakers looks casual and amazingly chic.

Navy-and-black oversized everything? Especially when you need to bundle up for those cold, dreary winter days? Yes, please!

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The ‘Secret Ingredient’ In This Restorative Hair Mask Is 1.5 Times More Nourishing Than Shea Butter https://www.suggest.com/klorane-cupuacu-hair-mask-overview/2722377/ Mon, 06 Feb 2023 22:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2722377 L: A cut-open cupuaçu fruit, R: A woman applying a hair mask

A hair mask is an intense conditioner that contains rich ingredients in much heavier concentrations than normal conditioners. To keep those locks as healthy as possible, the general advice is to use a hair mask once a week. However, those with dryer, color-treated, damaged, or aging hair might want to use a hair mask more often than that.

When choosing a hair mask, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options. But the inclusion of a new ingredient, cupuaçu, makes this particular hair mask a cut above the rest—and it might just be the key to unlocking healthier hair.

The Low-Down On Cupuaçu

Cupuaçu is one of the most popular native fruits cultivated in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. The fruit’s pulp is used in a variety of food products, while the seeds are often utilized in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Cupuaçu butter comes from the pulp and is considered a modern plant-based alternative to lanolin, an ingredient used in some skincare products that can be irritating for sensitive skin. 

According to a March 2014 study published by the Journal of the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists, cupuaçu has the ability to quickly penetrate the skin and retain moisture. Researchers sang its praises, calling its water absorption properties far superior to that of lanolin and shea butter. 

“Cupuaçu could support 440% of its weight in water … allowing it to function much more effectively as a skin hydrator and plumper [than shea butter or lanolin],” the study explained. “[It] is an excellent emollient that restores elasticity to the skin while providing antioxidants and hydration.”

The study also referred to cupuaçu butter as a “super moisturizer” because it has “water-loving properties.”

Although this research was focused on the skin, skincare and haircare are often closely linked—and certain ingredients can benefit both. After all, your scalp is skin, and healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.

Klorane Harnesses The Power Of Cupuaçu

If you’d like to see what this powerhouse ingredient can do for your scalp and hair, the Klorane 3-in-1 Hair Mask with Organic Cupuaçu Butter is definitely worth a try.

This product fills in the gaps between keratin on individual hair strands to repair and prevent damaged hair. And just as the study above indicated, the cupuaçu butter in this restorative hair mask has been proven to be 1.5 times more nourishing than shea butter.

It’s the best option for dry, damaged hair, and it can be used in three different ways:

  1. For a traditional in-shower treatment, apply the mask to the lengths and ends of your hair, leave on for five minutes, then rinse out.
  2. For an overnight hair mask when you need that deep conditioning treatment, apply to dry or towel-dried hair in the evening and leave on until morning.
  3. For a leave-in cream to be used on very dry hair, apply one or two pea-sized dollops on dry or towel-dried hair.

We’re not the only ones impressed with cupuaçu and just how well it can restore dry, damaged locks; the five-star reviews are rolling in for this product.

“I was very impressed with the way the Klorane mask affected my hair,” one reviewer shared. “The texture was better. It was easier to manage and it held body much better.”

Another wrote, “Been using it for a long time … keep trying other products but always return to the holy grail! With frizzy, curly hair, this is a must-try!”

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Martha Stewart Shared A Filter-Free Selfie And We Need To Know Her Skincare Regimen ASAP https://www.suggest.com/martha-stewart-shared-filter-free-selfie-skincare-regimen-asap/2722206/ Sun, 05 Feb 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2722206 Martha Stewart smiles in all-white outfit

Martha Stewart can teach us all more than how to make perfect scrambled eggs. During a recent visit to the hair salon, the businesswoman shared a filter-free selfie, and WOW! We can’t get over how amazing her skin looks!

At 81 years old, how does Stewart do it? The interior designer credits “a mostly dry January and pilates every other day” for her incredible skin. But we suspect that her skincare routine also plays a role in her flawless complexion.

Thankfully, Stewart mentions the products she can’t live without on her website. The lifestyle icon stresses that it’s not just what products you use but also when and how you use them.

An early riser, Stewart begins her daily routine at 5 a.m. with a face mask that sits for 30 minutes. Her top choice is Yon-Ka Gommage 305, a gentle facial peel that clarifies the skin and reduces redness. Since it’s perfect for any skin type, this magical mask renews the skin and makes it look brighter than ever.

When she’s looking for something a bit more comprehensive, she reaches for the Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask. This collagen and clay-based mask tightens, purifies, and nourishes skin of all types while reducing the appearance of lines and making skin look more vibrant.

After the face mask sits for 30 minutes, Stewart jumps into the shower and then chooses products based on how her skin feels that day. A frequent choice is Mario Badescu Facial Spray. Simple, gentle, and effective, the facial spray is the perfect way to achieve smooth and refreshed skin.

When it comes to serums, Stewart is a firm believer in layering. One of her favorite treatments is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum. This vitamin C serum protects skin from the environment while reducing the appearance of lines.

Another go-to for Stewart is the Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum. The brightening serum uses Vitamin C, collagen, and lavender oil to reveal a luminous look for all skin types. It’s also known to reduce lines, scars, and tighten skin.

Stewart also blessed us with a third serum to try: BioEffect EGF Day Serum. This wrinkle-fighting treatment is ultra-hydrating and environmentally friendly. In fact, the serum only has 7 ingredients that are grown in the company’s ecologically-engineered greenhouses.

While Stewart’s skin may look superhuman, even she’s not immune to the sun. Her favorite sunscreen is SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50.

The lightweight product is water-resistant and boasts broad-spectrum sun protection while boosting the skin’s radiance. Stewart applies it right before going outside for maximum effectiveness. 

After spending the day in the sun, it’s important to moisturize. Stewart most frequently opts for Yon-Ka Pamplemousse because it helps dry and dull skin regain its radiance.

She also uses Mario Badescu Revitalin Moisturizer, which visibly brightens and improves dull skin with allantoin and vitamin E.

With such a great skincare routine, Stewart shows us that age doesn’t matter when it comes to an incredible complexion. You just need a few good products!

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Get An Instantly Slimmer Silhouette With This Easy Style Hack https://www.suggest.com/wearing-metallic-fabric-to-look-slimmer/2721815/ Sat, 04 Feb 2023 12:30:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2721815 Woman searching through a rack of clothing while shopping

There are a number of tips and tricks that can help you achieve an hourglass figure or slimming effect. For instance, dressing according to the golden ratio is recommended to make anyone look taller and slimmer, regardless of weight.

Monochromatic outfits are another great way to make yourself appear longer and leaner. Many of us love our all-black ensembles or other dark colors to smooth over the areas we want a little more coverage.

While most of these tips focus on color and style, the fabrics you wear can also have a profound effect on your silhouette—and this goes beyond how stretchy, thin, or lightweight they might be. In this case, we’re talking about wearing a very specific fabric.

Metallic fabric is eye-catching in a way that, with the proper styling, can produce an instant slimming effect. We know flashy metallic may not be the first fabric you think of when it comes to hiding unwanted curves, but it makes sense when you think about it.

A metallic texture plays on the principle of light and shadow to guide the eye. Similar to the way light is used in paintings and makeup to draw the eye to some areas and away from others (think: highlighting and contouring), metallics can reflect light to visually slim your figure.

Using the right combination of metallic pieces with solid-colored basics will help you achieve this amazing sculpting effect. We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to incorporate metallics into your wardrobe.

Metallic Jackets 

Try pairing a metallic jacket with a neutral top and bottom to highlight the glam. You can see below how the shorter, structured jacket with a looser bottom helps cinch the waist and flatten the tummy, instantly resulting in a slimmer silhouette.

Levi’s Faux-Leather Moto Jacket

$120 Shop Now at Macy’s
  • Available in sizes XS-XL.
  • Fits true to size.

On the other hand, you could choose a longer jacket to elongate your figure and make the metallic fabric the defining feature of your ensemble.

VENUS Sequin Mesh Long Jacket

$69 Shop Now at VENUS
  • Available in sizes XS-3X.
  • Multiple colors available (Rose Gold and Pink).
  • Fits true to size.

Metallic Skirts 

Metallic skirts are super in this season, but to achieve maximum va va voom, opt for a high-waisted A-line skirt. The shiny, flowy movement on bottom will help create a beautifully balanced appearance. 

Metallic Pants

We’ve also noticed some modern iterations of the fierce glam rock pants from the ’70s and ’80s. While embracing similar heavy metal hues, this high-shine trend kicks tackiness to the curb. Consider balancing out your look by pairing a wide leg with a more figure-hugging top.

Alternatively, you can match a pair of skinny metallic bottoms with a black top and/or long jacket to slim your upper half.

Express High-Waisted Metallic Skinny Jeans

$80 Shop Now at Express
  • Available in sizes 00-14.
  • Runs small, consider sizing up.

No matter what style you choose, the key to making metallic fabrics look chic is to invest in quality-made pieces. Opt for leather or faux leather metallics, silks or satins, and as much as possible, avoid polyester.

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This Pro Makeup Artist Created A Liquid Blush That Provides The Perfect ‘Lit-From-Within Glow’ For Mature Skin  https://www.suggest.com/daniel-sandler-watercolour-liquid-blush-overview/2721109/ Thu, 02 Feb 2023 22:30:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2721109 Circular swatches of various Daniel Sandler Watercolour blush colors

Daniel Sandler, also known as the “Patron Saint of Blusher,” is a phenomenal international makeup artist. He started his eponymous makeup line in 2005, and we love the brand for a variety of reasons. 

Daniel Sandler Makeup is refreshingly dedicated to inclusivity, both in its marketing and its products. The brand’s website says, “Our makeup is for all ages, genders, skin types, and skin tones.” There’s even a section dedicated to demonstrating their products on mature skin.

Product ingredients are listed (with explanations) right on the brand site, a step toward transparency that can help consumers make more informed decisions. Plus, the brand is 100% cruelty-free and committed to sustainability practices to reduce its environmental impact. What’s not to love?

But if we could only choose one Daniel Sandler item to add to our makeup bags, the Watercolour Liquid Cheek Colour would be our pick.

About their hero product, Sandler said, “I was working on shoots where I needed the makeup to stay in place but I couldn’t find a blusher that ticked all the boxes.

“I wanted something beautifully sheer, easy to blend, but also super water-resistant in lots of shades. I couldn’t find what I wanted even in professional beauty stores, so I decided to make my own.”

For mature skin, liquid blush is often a much better option as opposed to powder blush, which can dry out the skin and settle into fine lines, resulting in a heavy, cakey texture on the face.

Not so with the Watercolour Liquid Cheek Colours. The liquid blush formula easily blends into the skin, providing buildable and long-lasting color (seriously, this stuff is basically bulletproof). It’s lightweight, water-resistant, and hydrating—so you’ll feel comfortable and luminous. 

You can pick your perfect shade (we’ve swatched 12 of them below) or customize your own by mixing shades together. They’re available in blush, illuminator, and bronzer shades with matte, shimmer, and satin finishes. They can even be used on the eyes and lips for an extra pop of color.

Swatches of 12 different Daniel Sandler Watercolour blushes and illuminators

Daniel Sandler knows that finding the right shade and learning how to apply liquid blush can be intimidating, especially if you’ve only ever used powder blush. Fortunately, he’s provided a shade finder tool along with a beginner’s guide to help you choose your perfect product and learn how to apply it.

There are even tips on how to apply blush for your face shape. Once you get the hang of applying liquid blush (in no time at all), you may even find it faster, easier, and more flattering than powder blush.

One reviewer said, ”I instantly get the most gorgeous lit-from-within glow that I’ve only seen in professional model photographs, and that’s at age 57. Absolutely wonderful products, all of them!”

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I Have Thin, Fine Hair, And This One Volumizing Product Is Superior To Hairspray In Every Way https://www.suggest.com/what-is-texture-spray/2720960/ Thu, 02 Feb 2023 12:30:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2720960 Hairstylist using spray product to add volume to client's hair

Hairspray has been the go-to product for hold, volume, and finishing styles for what feels like forever. But according to one of our Suggest editors, there’s a better product on the market that’s superior to hairspray for all hair types: texture spray. 

As someone with fine, thin hair, she swears by using texture spray over hairspray, claiming better hold and a boost in volume. So what makes texture spray the superior choice? There are actually a few reasons.

The Differences Between Texture Spray And Hairspray

Texture spray and hairspray have different purposes and thus are formulated differently. While hairspray is traditionally designed to “freeze” your style in place, texture spray’s goal is to well, add texture to your hair, which helps to create volume.

While hairspray can at times leave your hair feeling sticky or crunchy, texture spray is more lightweight and typically leaves hair softer but still with some grit.

It is precisely for this reason that texture spray is a great choice for rocking waves or curls as it gives hair a more natural appearance and a bit of movement. It can definitely work for straight styles as well, giving a much-needed lift at the root.

While not quite the same as dry shampoo, texture spray can also absorb excess oil, create definition, and provide support for updos and braids.

Another benefit of texture spray is its safe to use before heat styling. Depending on which stylist you talk to, hairspray shouldn’t be used before a curling iron or flat iron because:

  • It could cause damage to your hair if you don’t let the spray dry first.
  • It could dry out your hair.
  • It could leave a sticky residue on your curling rod or flat iron.

While hairspray can still be used as a finishing spray after texture spray, the latter can definitely smooth down flyaways and provide extra hold to help keep your style in place.

Some Of Our Favorite Texturizing Sprays

The Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray is scientifically engineered to deliver instant, long-lasting volume and texture while providing a soft hold for styling. It has a light, fruity scent, and works well on all hair types for that “imperfectly perfect, lived-in look and feel.” 

You can pump the volume on straight hair or give some piece-y definition to waves. This spray is all about “maximum impact, minimum effort, major results.”

Created with New York City stylists to achieve the “perfectly imperfect undone look”, SGX NYC’s The Do It All 3-In-1 Texturizing Spray is an innovative dry texture spray that gives your hair a refreshing pick-me-up and light hold while enhancing texture.

Formulated with sea botanical extracts for their texturizing properties, this lightweight formula also acts as a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil as well as a hairspray to help lock everything in place (without being frozen). The fruity-citrus-woods scent is just the cherry on top.

Instantly achieve sexy volume and texture without clouding your color by using the Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray. Your hair will never feel weighed down, dull, or sticky; instead, you’ll get “beachy waves on demand.”

There are actually four different ways to use this spray. You can use it before heat styling for protection, as well as after styling for some “extra sexy oomph.” It can also be used for second-day styling to zhuzh up slept-on hair and absorb oil. Or, you can use it to volumize and glam up your ponytail.

No matter what texture spray you choose, the key to getting the best results is all about application. Like any hair product, oftentimes less is more. It is also advised to hold the can about 10 inches away from your hair, spraying from the root to the tip.

For extra volume, lift hair and add an extra spritz right at the root. You can also spray your fingers and work around your scalp for a more relaxed look.

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The Most Exciting Beauty Product I’ve Seen In A While Fades Dark Spots After Just One Use https://www.suggest.com/minimo-turmeric-face-scrub-review/2720869/ Wed, 01 Feb 2023 22:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2720869 Jar of Minimo Skin Essentials Glow Turmeric Skin Brightening Face Scrub

I asked my 10-year-old daughter to help me with this review by letting me take a video of her opening my Minimo Glow Skin Brightening Turmeric Face Scrub. After unscrewing the cap and removing the protective covering, she immediately plunged her finger into it, then promptly licked said finger.

I was like, “Ew, no!” and expected her to run to the sink to wash her mouth out, assuming it would taste like soap. But she was like, “It’s sweet!” and went for another helping. Don’t worry I stopped her, but after that, I couldn’t not taste it myself and she’s right, it’s not bad.

This is not usually how I test my beauty products, and I’m not suggesting you eat your face scrub. But I had to assume that if it tastes good, it must be made of pretty good ingredients. Turns out, at least for this product, that is indeed the case!

Minimo Skin Essentials launched in 2016 and is a women-led, black-owned, made-in-USA brand that’s obsessed with natural, non-toxic ingredients.

The Turmeric Face Scrub is made with organic turmeric, an antioxidant that provides a natural glow, raw Manuka honey to soothe and hydrate, plus organic cinnamon to nourish dry skin and promote an even skin tone. It also includes chamomile and lemon extracts, as well as oils that won’t clog pores.

I have to say this is the most creative use of natural ingredients I’ve encountered in a while, and that goes for the entire line of Minimo products.

I know “natural” is a generic term, but in this case, I mean ingredients you immediately recognize, rather than unpronounceable rearrangements of mysterious molecules. The Minimo face scrub is made of things you probably have in your pantry, formulated in unique ways to clean, soften, and even out your skin tone.

It all adds up to a powerful but gentle (no bleach like some products) exfoliator that naturally buffs away uneven skin tone and dark spots caused by breakouts or scarring. Reviewers also say it has also lightened their under-eye circles, and some have even used it to lighten other parts of their bodies including elbows and feet.

The first time I used it I found out quickly that you need less than you think, so I recommend starting with a dime-sized amount. I gently scrubbed with the heart-shaped applicator and left it on for about three minutes (the instructions say you can leave it up to 10).

I have a teardrop-shaped discoloration on my left cheek that comes and goes. I didn’t expect a single use of the scrub to have any effect, but the discolored patch of skin visibly changed from a brownish shade to pinkish. It also had a rough texture which is now smoother. Needless to say, I’ll be continuing to use this product regularly and monitor my progress.

P.S. it also comes in Lemon Cake scent!

I’m also loving Minimo’s Velvet Cleansing Butter Balm with babassu butter and eucalyptus. I have broken up with face wipes, so I’m always looking for a gentle but effective way to remove my makeup at the end of the day.

It’s pretty thick and unyielding when you first dip into the pot, but after massaging the product between your hands, it gets more malleable. Because of the eucalyptus, it has a menthol scent and feel on your skin, which made me nervous to get it around my eyes. But I needed to get my mascara off, so I risked it. Luckily it was not a problem, and the mascara was eliminated.

After you massage it into your skin, get your hands wet and then massage some more. It will pleasantly foam up a bit and dissolve the makeup and anything else your face has collected during the day. After rinsing it off I made my husband touch my face to feel how soft it was.

I’m not the only one excited about Minimo—thousands of reviewers on Amazon as well as the brand’s website have given them five-star reviews. So if you’re looking for effective products with ingredients you can pronounce, this line might be for you.

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A True Salvation: This Multipurpose Skin Balm Treats My Eczema Better Than A Topical Steroid Cream https://www.suggest.com/balmonds-skin-salvation-review/2720797/ Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2720797 Balmonds Skin Salvation product shot

Now that I’m over 50, my skin is so much more finicky than when I was younger. Back in the day, I would bake in the sun with impunity and ski in freezing weather with nothing more than rosy cheeks to show for it. 

Nowadays, although I never sun-tan and ski significantly less, I keep moisturizer in every room of the house to ensure I apply it after washing my hands, doing dishes, or just sitting at my desk. 

The more often I moisturize, the less likely I am to get dry, rough patches of skin. But they inevitably show up anyway, mostly on my hands, and they are annoyingly stubborn—so much so that I asked my doctor about it. She diagnosed me with eczema and prescribed a pretty strong topical steroid. The medication works, but I don’t like using a steroid multiple times a day and it often feels necessary. 

That’s why I’m thrilled to have discovered Balmonds Skin Salvation, which is now a permanent fixture on my desk. It’s a super-rich multipurpose balm made with oils and herbal tinctures to calm, moisturize, and protect sensitive skin. 

It’s very concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way. It’s packed with beeswax, chamomile, calendula, and hemp seed oil. Notably, it doesn’t contain synthetic ingredients or fragrance, which can exacerbate issues when your skin is sensitive.

It also doesn’t contain paraffin, parabens, phthalates, preservatives, soy, lanolin, nuts, or gluten—so no matter what your diet, allergies, or lifestyle choices are, this powerful ointment will likely fit the bill (sorry about the beeswax, vegans). 

Skin Salvation instantly eases itchiness and softens my skin. You’ll find me massaging it onto the troublesome areas of my hands anytime I’m on a call or doing online research. 

I love that it doesn’t have fragrance because while I actually love scents, it would certainly become overwhelming given how often I apply the product. The lack of fragrance also means it won’t interfere with any perfume or scented lotion you might want to wear.

Kristen Philipkoski with Balmonds Skin Salvation
(Kristen Philipkoski)

I also love that it comes in a glass jar—the less plastic in my life, the better (and I hope Balmonds follows suit with the packaging of its other products!).

Speaking of the brand’s other products, you might also want to check out the two-in-one Natural Shampoo and Body Wash (with my long, coarse hair, I prefer this as a body wash, and it would be great for babies) and the divine Bath & Body Oil (which I love adding to my bath as well as slathering all over my body afterward), as well as their Daily Moisturizing Cream, which pairs perfectly with the Skin Salvation balm. 

While I mostly use Skin Salvation on my hands, it’s perfect for rough, cracked, or red skin anywhere—dry elbows will love it, as will chapped après-ski cheeks.

And you definitely don’t have to be over 50 to use it; it’s also great for diaper rash and dermatitis. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, so it could even be good for your teenager or young adult. It supports a healthy skin barrier no matter your age, and tattoo artists even recommend it for aftercare!

A few other highlights that make me feel good about using Balmond’s Skin Salvation: All Balmonds products are cruelty-free and made of ethical, sustainably-sourced, and 100% biodegradable ingredients. 

Don’t just take it from me—Skin Salvation has more than 2,000 five-star reviews from people who’ve used it for everything from psoriasis, dermatitis, and diaper rash to dry skin and eczema. Plus, Balmonds offers a money-back guarantee, so you really can’t go wrong.

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Over 40? This Genius Eyeshadow Hack Will Create A Natural Looking Smokey Eye In Seconds https://www.suggest.com/applying-eyeshadow-over-40-spoon-technique/2720040/ Sun, 29 Jan 2023 20:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2720040 A closeup on a woman having eyeshadow applied

There is an undeniable power to makeup. The combination of the right products and techniques can not only enhance our features, but at times even transform them (a makeup facelift anyone?).

As we age, not only do we need to be cognizant of finding products for changing skin, but our technique needs to be tweaked as well.

In particular, our eyeshadow application is important to modify. For various reasons, the skin around the eyes begins to sag. To combat that, our eyeshadow needs to go a bit higher on the brow bone so it can be seen.

Kelly Gropp, a 40+ influencer, demonstrated an easy hack for this very problem using a humble spoon. Plus, if you have hooded eyes or are a novice at eyeshadow, this tip is a helpful trick too. 

While it might feel unnatural at first to apply eyeshadow so high on your brow bone, the point of the spoon technique is to help train yourself to do just that. Whatever color palette you choose to use, pick your medium-tone shade and gently follow the curve of the spoon with a fluffy eyeshadow brush.

To achieve a gradient, natural smoky look, Groop then applies a lighter shade in the inner corner of the eyelid (a great tip to help makes your eyes look wider and more awake), and a darker shade on the outside corner using the smaller end of her dual-sided eyeshadow brush. The size and density of the hairs on this brush make it easier to pack on the color just where you want it.

The trick to any eyeshadow look is all about blending, which Gropp demonstrates. Flipping back over to the fluffy end of her brush, she starts with small circular movements around the end corners and then sweeps the brush back and forth along the brow bone.

And that’s it! The final result is stunning but still natural. You could certainly follow up with eyeliner and of course, a generous swipe of mascara.

If you’re looking to achieve this look at home, we love this affordable dual-ended eyeshadow brush from JOAH and the cult-classic Urban Decay Naked2 Basics eyeshadow palette that features six neutral shades that look great on all skin tones (and is the perfect size for traveling).

Gropp ends the video by saying, “I love showing women over 40 how they can love their makeup again.” Make sure to give her a follow for tons of mature makeup tips.  

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Can Math Make You More Fashionable? The Results Say Yes https://www.suggest.com/rule-of-thirds-in-fashion/2719891/ Sat, 28 Jan 2023 21:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2719891 L: Kate Middleton dressed according to the rule of thirds at the Design Museum in 2022, R: Sarah Jessica Parker dressed according to the rule of thirds at the Hocus Pocus 2 premiere in 2022

Many masterpiece paintings and fascinating designs throughout history have owed their visual appeal to something called the “golden ratio.”

Also called the divine proportion, the mathematical ratio of 1:1.618 contributes to beauty, balance, and harmony by arranging subjects along intersecting axes and by dividing lines and shapes aesthetically. 

Aside from its widespread use in art, this mathematical concept is also prevalent in fashion. Known for her impeccable style and a keen eye for balance, Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel was credited with saying, “Fashion is architecture: It is a matter of proportions.”

Chanel’s sentiments have been echoed by many other fashion designers who adapt the golden ratio to balance proportions between garments, creating stunning symmetry within their collections.  

The Rule Of Thirds 

Following the exact golden ratio of 1:1.618 isn’t easy particularly when it comes to fashion. Thankfully, you can use the rule of thirds to achieve the same sense of balance and harmony. A ratio of 2:3 or 3:5, although not quite the divine proportion, is close enough for fashion designers.

Applying the rule of thirds to your everyday wardrobe makes any outfit appear cohesive and well-balanced. For example, a 2:3 ratio between the upper and lower body is a more natural visual division of space than a 1:1 ratio. The latter divides the body in half and results in a boxy, frumpy silhouette. 

The simplest way to accomplish this is to divide your body into thirds and create a visual break along one of those lines. This might be where your top and bottom meet, where a layer ends, or where you place a belt.

A quick way to apply the rule of thirds is to tuck in the front of your shirt, a method known as the French tuck, which instantly splits your outfit into 1/3 on top and 2/3 on bottom. You can achieve a similar effect using a crop top paired with high-rise pants.

Always the classic style icon, Kate Middleton is a master of this concept. The incorporation of a belt was a subtle but effective visual break in her eye-catching teal midi dress designed by Edeline Lee. Not only does it cinch her in at the waist, but it helps to elongate her figure.

Kate Middleton dressed according to the rule of thirds at the Design Museum in London on May 4, 2022
(Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

For an inverse example of this concept, see Sarah Jessica Parker’s look at the Hocus Pocus 2 world premiere. A pair of satin pink cropped pants (a style she is very fond of) helps balance the length of her long floral tunic.

Sarah Jessica Parker dressed according to the rule of thirds at the Hocus Pocus 2 premiere in 2022
(Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

To sum things up, incorporating the rule of thirds into your wardrobe can be a total style game changer. Prepare to reel in compliments like never before.

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Shoppers Say Their Nails Are ‘Healthier Than They’ve Been In Years’ Thanks To This Highly-Rated Product https://www.suggest.com/butter-london-horse-power-basecoat-overview/2719138/ Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2719138 Woman's hands showcasing long, healthy natural nails

Nail health is really important, and there are some telltale signs your nails aren’t as healthy as they could be. Brittle, peeling, and weak nails aren’t just unsightly, they could be signs of an underlying health issue. 

But if your nails are weak due to genetics, frequent manis, or simply aging in general, there’s something you can do about it.

We’ve told you about butter LONDON products before: The Melt Away Cuticle Exfoliator and Sheer Wisdom Nail Tinted Moisturizer both have rave reviews. But they also have a serious workhorse product that can help restore your nail health. 

This powerhouse of a basecoat promises healthier-looking nails. Formulated with horsetail extract, biotin, vitamin B, and calcium, the Horse Power Nail Rescue Basecoat promotes healthy nail growth while also protecting your nails from future damage. The clear coating helps prevent breakage and nail staining as it strengthens your nails. 

The key ingredient, horsetail extract, is an herbal remedy that dates back to ancient Greek and has historically been used for minor wounds and burns. Containing antioxidants and silica (a natural compound found in our tissue), current research suggests horsetail can support nail health.

The cruelty-free Horse Power Nail Rescue Basecoat is free from parabens, xylene, formaldehyde, and gluten. With consistent use, the brand says it can help repair seriously damaged nails in just eight weeks.

“I know this product isn’t advertised for nail biting, but it worked great for me and my nails are the healthiest they have ever been,” one reviewer noted. “Definitely helped strengthen my nails from the 20 years of biting and abuse I’ve put them through.”

“My nails were a mess after using acrylic for years,” another happy shopper noted. “I could not find a product to stop my nails from splitting and breaking. Butter was my answer!! My nails are growing and no more splitting and breakage … Worth every penny!!!!”

Additionally, if you struggle with yellowing nails, the brand’s Mellow The Yellow Nail Brightening Treatment can be another great addition to improving your nail health.

With vitamin E and lemon extract, the natural formula is designed to gently exfoliate nails while the sheer coverage helps improve nail appearance during the healing process.

“My nails are brighter, yellow tint has gone away and they look so much healthier,” said one buyer. “Sheer color great for both men and women. Noticeable results after the [first] week. Highly recommended.”

Whether you want to rock natural healthy nails or keep your nails strong while you apply the nail application you love, butter LONDON has a specialized treatment to help achieve your goals.

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Think Twice: Fillers Can Last In Your Skin For Decades, Even If It Seems Like They’re Gone https://www.suggest.com/fillers-lasting-in-skin-for-years/2717377/ Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:35:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2717377 Gloved doctor hand injecting a vial of dermal filler

Dermal fillers have become an increasingly popular beauty trend in recent years due to their affordability, convenience, and minimal recovery time.

Aside from being fast-acting, fillers are also believed to be a temporary solution to reversing volume loss without surgery or downtime—an ideal option for those who want to test the waters of cosmetic procedures without making a major commitment. 

It’s possible, however, that those who use dermal fillers are making a longer commitment than they signed up for, raising some questions about their permanence.

A Surprising Discovery

Apart from the widely-held belief that these injections are temporary, those who opt for dermal fillers are also told they can be dissolved at any time if they wish to remove them. But we’re discovering that doesn’t always entirely take care of the issue.

Take longtime beauty writer Alice Hart-Davis’ cautionary tale regarding dermal fillers, for example.

Like many, Hart-Davis believed dermal fillers were temporary, so she was shocked when she saw how much residual filler was still present in her face after undergoing an MRI. Although she hadn’t had any filler injections in four years, the MRI showed 35ml of filler still present in her face, more than she’d ever had in the 20 years since she first began dermal injections.

Now in her 60s, Hart-Davis noted that she’d started her filler journey in her 40s and had received extensive treatments over the following 20 years.

Her cosmetic treatments included hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers in her temples, cheeks, and lips. Beyond that, she’d also used injections to smooth her nose-to-mouth lines, fill in tear troughs, and define her jawline, chin, and even the tails of her eyebrows.

Hart-Davis was told that her treatments would last a year or so at most and that in order to maintain her appearance, she’d need to undergo additional regular HA injections. In fact, several clinics actually insist that you visit every six to 12 months to keep your look fresh. 

Even though she was shocked by the amount of filler left over in her face as shown on the MRI, she wasn’t entirely surprised either. In spite of being told about fillers’ limited lifespan and the routine upkeep they required, Hart-Davis had also heard reports over the years of fillers lasting much longer. In the course of following one physician’s research on the subject, Hart-Davis became fascinated by what she learned.

Filler Doesn’t Always Go Away On Its Own

After seeing a number of cosmetic patients with swelling around the eyes, Dr. Mobin Master, an aesthetic radiologist in Melbourne, questioned whether residual filler was to blame. His investigation eventually shone a public light on the longevity of dermal fillers.

Although he knew MRI scans could be useful for identifying filler left in the face, Dr. Master noted that seeing residual filler dating from two to nearly 12 years back on a variety of patient scans was a “surprising discovery.” In Hart-Davis’ case, even her radiologist, Dr. Simon Morley, was astounded by her results.

The residual filler amazingly didn’t appear to be causing any visual issues, yet Dr. Morley said he was “blown away” by the amount left over under her skin. Considering hyaluronic acid is meant to dissolve over time, what could have caused this?

As in Hart-Davis’ case, doctors speculate that hyaluronic acid’s ability to attract water might explain why the residual filler showed up as a larger volume on her MRI scan. There’s also the possibility that the scan picked up on filler that had integrated with her facial tissue as well as plain old leftover filler. Either might explain why the whopping 35ml of filler on Hart-Davis’ scan exceeded the total amount of filler she’d received in her lifetime.

What does this mean for dermal fillers in the long run? Although this information shouldn’t necessarily scare those who use fillers and other facial injectables out of using them, it may shed some light on the potential longevity of your treatments.

Bottom line: When considering filler, it’s important to keep in mind that it might remain under your skin for much longer than you expect.

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I Am Not Too Old For This Outfit—Why Are Other Women Judging Me So Harshly? https://www.suggest.com/dressing-your-age-inspiring-video/2717439/ Tue, 24 Jan 2023 22:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2717439 Influencer Rachel Peru discusses ageism coming from other women

It’s no secret that women are judged for what they wear. And as women get older, the “rules” seem to become ever more stringent. Women are expected to “act their age” and adhere to a milder, primmer aesthetic—it’s ageism at its worst.  

But Rachel Peru is not having it. The model, influencer, and podcast host recently shared an Instagram post featuring a video for which she received some pretty nasty responses. And she’s a model of how to respond when comments get ugly.

In the post, she played a reel she had previously posted on Facebook in which she shared her outfit for going out on a Friday night. She looked fabulous in a longline bralette underneath a black velvet blazer, pants from Zara, and Karen Millen nude pumps. 

When she posted the outfit video online, she received hundreds of negative, ageist comments including some real gems: ”Don’t like the bra look for her age,” followed by, “Will someone give Nan her medication, she’s playing dress up again.” And of course the favorite of age-shamers, “[She’s] too old for this outfit.”

It’s awful when those sorts of comments come from men, but it’s not particularly unexpected. What really bothered Peru was that most of the negative comments on Facebook seemed to come from other women.

“I’m thick-skinned, and I certainly don’t get dressed in the morning to please others,” she said. But she asked that women stop shaming other women. “Women do not have to conform to any dress code because of their age, and we shouldn’t let other women stigmatize or shame us because we want to dress in a different way.”

Perhaps Peru shouldn’t have been so surprised by her fellow female shamers. Dr. Joyce Benenson, a lecturer in human evolutionary biology at Harvard University has studied competition and judgment among women for more than three decades, and her studies show that women are hard-wired for this behavior.

“Within the female community, girls reduce competition by demanding equality and punishing those who openly attempt to attain more than others,” Benenson wrote in a 2013 study published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. Sounds a bit like the plot of Mean Girls, doesn’t it?

But just because we may be predisposed to mean-girl ways doesn’t mean we can’t take a step back, think before we act (or comment), and over time change our behavior. Several kind commenters on Peru’s post proved it’s possible.

One commenter said, “Stunning outfit. Rachel you look amazing.” While another simply said, “Wow, you look fab.” 

Peru suggested we go into the new year being a little bit kinder to one another. And when the judgers inevitably judge, she encouraged her followers to not let our age, or other’s opinions, hold us back.

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You’d Be Surprised By How Few Items Of Clothing You Can Buy Per Year To Comply With The Paris Agreement https://www.suggest.com/paris-agreement-guidelines-for-clothing-consumption/2716759/ Mon, 23 Jan 2023 22:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2716759 Folded clothing with paper earth on top of them, illustration of sustainable fashion

Move over, Paris Fashion Week: A 2022 report from Berlin’s Hot or Cool Institute is swinging the fashion world’s focus toward the Paris Agreement. The report analyzes the fashion industry’s carbon footprint when it comes to manufacturing and consumption. And unfortunately, the findings fall woefully short of the agreement’s goal to combat climate change. 

But if you love regularly updating your wardrobe, don’t despair; the report doesn’t condemn all clothes shopping. But they do have a yearly cap on how much we should be buying (plus some tips for stretching this allowance farther).

Fashion’s Role In Climate Change

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to limit global warming to “well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.” Meanwhile, the fashion sector is well on its way to doubling its carbon emissions by 2030. 

Rising carbon emissions reflect a changing fashion industry that prioritizes speed and quantity over sustainability and quality. Earth.Org reports that of the 100 billion garments produced yearly, 92 million tons end up in landfills. If this trend continues, that number could end up closer to 134 million tons by the end of the decade.

Being Satisfied With Sufficiency

Of course, consumer efforts to reduce global carbon emissions can only go so far in the wake of corporate manufacturing. But the report does present some feasible options the individual shopper can try, like following a “sufficiency lifestyle.”

The report defines this as habits and behaviors “that follow the choice out of free will to limit expenditure on consumer goods and services, and to cultivate non-materialistic sources of satisfaction and meaning.” Or to put it simply: buy less—and when you do buy, buy better. 

Assuming we implement no other solution at any stage of the garment life cycle (more on that later), the report finds that the highest-income countries would need to reduce their garment consumption by up to 75% to achieve the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree reduction target. What, exactly, does that mean for your shopping habits?

Dressing For The Paris Agreement

The magic number is five.

According to the report, limiting the purchase of new garments to five items per person per year would allow consumption levels to fall in line with the Paris Agreement’s end goal.

Don’t think you can manage only buying five new pieces of clothing a year? You’re not alone, and there are other steps you can take to offset your closet’s carbon footprint so you can feel better about buying a little more.

For example, extending the life of a garment by just nine months can reduce its carbon footprint by 25%. Washing your clothing in cold water and avoiding one out of every three washes also minimizes your carbon footprint in terms of energy, detergent, and water used. 

Additionally, the report suggests buying secondhand clothes and responsibly disposing of used garments by recycling or upcycling. However, it emphasizes that reducing clothing consumption to five items per year would have a larger impact than all the other solutions combined. 

While this type of reduction might take some getting used to, we’re planning to use this as an excuse to invest in timeless, high-quality pieces to stretch our five yearly clothing items a bit farther—care to join us?

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Real Fur Is Being Sold As Faux Fur—Here’s How You Can Spot The Difference https://www.suggest.com/real-fur-sold-as-faux-fur-tips-to-tell-difference/2716691/ Sun, 22 Jan 2023 17:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2716691 A rack of fur coats

Mink, chinchilla, fox, and other fur coats were once a sign of status and wealth. But over the past few decades, real fur has (thankfully) fallen out of favor with the rise of animal rights advocacy. 

As a result, manufacturers have tried to simulate the look of real fur, both to fool consumers and to help consumers fool their friends. The practice has been almost too successful because it’s nearly impossible to tell them apart. As a matter of fact, some manufacturers have begun presenting real fur as faux.

As many people steer clear of real fur for moral and ethical reasons, this deceitful practice is a real issue. How can you spot the difference?

The Humane Society’s Findings

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) ran tests on multiple brands and found that many were selling “faux fur” items that were actually made with raccoon dog pelts. This revelation came following a disturbing video that surfaced back in 2005 of the animal being skinned alive in a Chinese fur market. 

Every year, millions of raccoon dogs are raised and killed for their pelts, a fact that prompted the Humane Society to look into where these pelts were actually going and what they were being used for. That investigation led to the HSUS’s discovery that the pelts were sometimes turned into clothing items and sold under the guise of being faux fur, as well as pelts from other animals.

Faux fur comes with its own set of controversies. The fake fur material is made up of petroleum, the harmful environmental impacts of which have some environmentalists saying it’s not any better than real fur. And mislabeling is actually quite common when it comes to garments with fur trim, especially in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

How To Tell If It’s Real Or Fake

With faux fur being so realistic, it can be hard to tell which material you’re getting. But here are some ways to check. 

1. Burn It

This obviously isn’t an option while you’re shopping, but it’s a great technique to test a piece of clothing you already own. Simply trim a few hairs and set them on fire (as safely as possible, of course). 

Faux fur will melt in a sticky way and then cool to form hard plastic balls, which will probably also give off a plasticky smell. Real fur simply singes when you burn it.

2. Don’t Make Assumptions About Price

What might be most surprising of all is that the real-fur products being passed off as fake fur are actually sometimes sold at lower prices. Because most people expect real fur to be more expensive than the synthetic stuff, this has caused some confusion. 

Fur from farmed animals, like raccoon dogs, is sometimes cheaper than faux fur due to the declined demand for real pelts. In fact, the HSUS found real fur parading as faux in items as expensive as $1495 and from designer brands such as Michael Kors, Burberry, and Marc Jacobs.

3. Examine The Tips Of The Fur

Humane Society International spokesperson Wendy Higgins told The Guardian that another tip for telling the difference between real and faux fur is to simply examine the tips of the hair. In real fur, the tips will taper and have pointed ends, while faux fur hairs (which are cut by the manufacturer) will appear blunt.

4. Examine The Base

Another thing to look for is how the hair is attached, so you’ll first need to part the hair to conduct this inspection. Faux fur will have a material woven backing, while real animal fur will have a leathery backing since it’s attached to the animal’s skin. You should also keep an eye out for hair length. Faux fur tends to have a uniform length, while hairs on real fur will have varying lengths.

5. Avoid Buying Online

Because it renders you unable to inspect the piece in person first, avoid buying fur or fur-lined clothing online. European Union regulations state that clothing with fur should clearly state that the piece includes “non-textile parts of animal origin” on the label. However, keep in mind that this rule doesn’t apply to online product descriptions.

6. When In Doubt, Leave It On The Shelf

Even with all these tips, some faux fur sold today is so convincing it’s impossible to tell it isn’t real. There’s also the possibility that it actually is real. If you’re still in doubt about whether or not a fur is fake, it’s best to be safe than sorry and just leave it on the shelf.

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Retinol Not Cutting It? New Pro-Collagen Molecule Is The Secret Behind This Revolutionary Skincare Product https://www.suggest.com/revela-fibroquin-essence-overview/2717309/ Sat, 21 Jan 2023 16:25:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2717309 Woman holding FIbroquin Essence bottle next to face

In the vast world of skincare, there are a lot of familiar players, from retinol to hyaluronic acid to vitamin B and more. Most products available on the market use varying formulas of the same ingredients, but Revela wanted to try something different.

Revela is a skin and hair company founded by Ivy League-trained scientists. They use proprietary AI search technologies to find new solutions to old problems. Revela isn’t finding ways to dress up familiar ingredients—they’re discovering entirely new molecules for the job.

First, the team created a revolutionary hair growth molecule called ProCelinyl™. Now, they’ve moved on to another all-too-common issue: thinning, sagging skin that has lost its bounce over time.

Finding Fibroquin™ Out Of Millions

Using the same AI technology that discovered ProCelinyl™, Revela’s researchers screened five million molecules for their skin-tightening and -firming efficacy. Through continuous lab and human clinical testing, the team narrowed their search to a single solution: Fibroquin™. 

Fibroquin™ is a pro-collagen molecule that lifts and tones the skin by helping to restore firmness, fullness, and bounce to thinning, sagging skin. Moreover, the product is suitable for all sensitivity levels thanks to its gentle formula. 

Despite its gentleness on the skin, Revela’s Fibroquin™ Essence formula boasts a high concentration for maximum efficacy. It’s designed to absorb quickly and layers well under makeup and other skincare products.

Clinical Studies Show Promising Results

In an eight-week clinical study by Revela, Fibroquin™ Essence was compared to a top competitor’s 0.5% retinol.

The study participants showed a 21% measured improvement in skin elasticity—double that observed from participants who used the 0.5% retinol competitor. This increase in skin elasticity resulted in more plump and lifted skin, as quantified by a cytometer, a probe used in clinical studies to test the skin’s elasticity.

Additionally, 93% of participants showed a significant improvement in skin elasticity by week eight—all without any negative side effects.

What makes Revela’s Fibroquin™ better than the competitors? Fibroquin™ works to address the changes in our skin structure that contribute to outward signs of aging. By supporting the skin’s pro-collagen bio-pathway directly, Fibroquin™ aims to achieve firmer, more toned skin from the outside in.

Skincare Products Not Working Are Not Your Fault

We spoke to one of Revela’s co-founders last December about their trailblazing Hair Revival series. He said that the Revela team wanted to veer away from the same ineffective ingredients popular in the skincare market today.

“We saw every serum had retinol or vitamin C, and these are 100-year-old molecules. There’s no way that these are the best we can do,” Evan Zhao said. He added that Fibroquin™ “outsmarted” retinol by tackling its shortcomings in skin elasticity and “has none of the purging periods” commonly associated with these harsher treatments.

Zhao said that beauty brands often market their products to imply that “if these products don’t work, it’s your fault. It’s extremely toxic, and the way they push the blame onto the customers is extremely predatory.”

So, if you’ve been frustrated by the skincare products you’ve tried, perhaps a brand new molecule is exactly the thing that can revitalize your skin. With Revela’s Fibroquin™ Essence, you could see firmer, tighter, more youthful-looking skin in as little as eight weeks.

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How A Humble Lip Balm Can Fix Messy Makeup After A Long Day https://www.suggest.com/on-the-go-makeup-touch-up-tips/2715645/ Tue, 17 Jan 2023 22:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2715645 A blond woman holds a stick of lip balm

During pandemic times, video meetings became the norm, and for many of us virtual is our new way of life at work. And with our faces framed and cropped in the manner of a newscaster every day, makeup has become increasingly important (for some of us—if you abstain, power to you!).

Thankfully, makeup tutorials seem to have increased right alongside the rise in makeup-wearing.

Celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes has led the charge in minimal but impactful makeup ideas. She also shares tricks of the trade, and this one, which helps extend the life of your makeup look without washing your face and starting from scratch, is particularly genius. And it doesn’t require a full makeup bag to accomplish.

Now that we actually have places to go after work, repurposing our daytime makeup is key for saving time and minimizing hassle. Hughes’ technique requires just a few basic makeup staples that easily fit in your handbag, plus lip balm and your fingertips.

“I want to paint a picture for you,” she says. “The picture is your eyeshadow is creased, your foundation’s kinda greasy and oily-looking, your lipstick kinda wore away and there’s just not much definition in the face. You are out and about and you need to touch this up quickly.” 

We’ve all been there. She recommends taking these next steps to revive your makeup, starting with clean, dry hands.

1. Fingers

Rub your hands together to warm them up, then gently swipe and/or dab under the eyes to remove any excess mascara or eyeshadow that may have fallen off. Gently massage the eyelids to smooth the eyeshadow and blend any creasing that may have formed. You might lose some makeup during this part, she says, but that’s okay.

2. Lip Balm

If you have dry skin, then this part is for you. But if you run oily, you might want to skip. Using a clear lip balm, add a little bit of the product to your fingertips and apply it on dull, dry, or flaky patches of skin to help rehydrate.

3. Concealer

Most of us carry around a tube of concealer, so grab that and add some dots of the product anywhere you could benefit from some coverage. Gently dab and blend with your fingertips. The key with this step is to apply lightly, so it doesn’t get cakey or uneven.

4. Lip Liner

Most makeup-wearers also typically carry around some lip product. And if you have to choose between liner and lipstick, go with the lip liner. After blending what lip color you have left with the lip balm, you can use it to redefine your lips.

5. Lipstick

If you’re willing to make room for another item, make it a tube of lipstick. You can add a little color to your lips, blend the product with your fingertips, and then get double duty out of the product by dabbing what remains on your cheeks.

6. Powder

Powder is another product that many of us carry, and it’s nice to have when you’re feeling a little sweaty and overly shiny. Dab it on anywhere that’s too shiny for your liking and you’re good to go!

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If You Loved Moon Boots As A Kid, You’ll Be Happy To Know The Grown-Up Versions Are Just As Fun https://www.suggest.com/modern-colorful-moon-boots-for-adults/2714953/ Mon, 16 Jan 2023 21:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2714953 A pair of silver and a pair of rainbow Moon Boots

Remember Moon Boots?! If you’re drawing a blank, they’re the puffy, space exploration-inspired snow boots that were popular throughout the ’70s and ’80s. Giancarlo Zanatta, an Italian entrepreneur, was inspired by the Apollo 11 moon landing and fashioned his footwear after the boots worn on that mission by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

These boots have been an off-and-on trend for decades, thanks to their legendary look and functionality. They’re perfect for hitting the slopes and partaking in après-ski activities, but they’re also great as just an everyday boot when the weather gets chilly.

I loved my rainbow Moon Boots when I was a kid and wore them constantly. Now as an adult, I still have a very similar pair of gray Moon Boots. 

While Moon Boots never really went anywhere, and they’ve been a constant for many who live in colder temps, they’ve recently made their way back onto the fashion scene. Celebs from Mariah Carey to Dua Lipa have been spotted wearing them, while major designers like Gucci and Prada have come up with their own spins on the style.

These modern iterations are available in every imaginable color, style, and fabric. Here are a few of our favorites.

Available in silver or platinum, these original Moon Boots are nothing less than iconic. With a cushioned footbed, rubber outsole, and round toe, these boots are comfy and bold. (Note that it’s best to size up because these boots tend to run smaller than traditional size scales.)

These gold metallic Moon Boots are insulated for warmth and feature full-length wraparound lacing for stability. The rubber soles provide even more support, and the soft lining allows for breathability and molds to your foot for extra comfort. These boots are great for their original purpose, playing in the snow, but are also sure to make a fashion statement.

We’re all about fuzzy, warm, cozy boots in the winter, and these Moon Boot-esque kicks by Steve Madden fit the bill. Along with faux fur and microsuede uppers, these boots also have lace-up closures and rubber outsoles.

Be still my heart! Last but CERTAINLY not least are these rainbow lace-up Moon Boots, aka the boots of every ’80s kid’s dreams. Walk down memory lane in style with gorgeous rainbow striping on the sides and classic logo lettering on the heels. They’re the perfect blend of trendiness and nostalgia and are sure to give you that feeling of being the coolest kid in school.

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Herringbone Highlights Are The Perfect (And Trending) Way To Embrace Your Gray Hair https://www.suggest.com/herringbone-highlights-gray-hair/2714809/ Sun, 15 Jan 2023 21:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2714809 Examples of herringbone highlights on graying hair

The days of scrambling to cover up gray hairs as soon as they appear (hopefully) seem to be coming to an end. We’re totally here for embracing our natural beauty—but that doesn’t mean the transition will come easily. If you’ve spent a lot of time and money covering up your grays, quitting the dye cold turkey can be tough.

But there are methods of making the transition that can make it less stark or awkward. Some women turn to hair extensions to help with the change, while others go for a big chop to start afresh. 

Yet another technique can assist in the shift to gray hair by making your changing color appear more natural, gradual, and blended. They’re called herringbone highlights, and they’re quickly becoming one of the biggest hair trends of 2023.

Herringbone highlights help you embrace your natural silver streaks by incorporating them into your natural hair color. Having a lighter shade of brown or blonde hair can be helpful for making herringbone highlights look even more seamless, but it’s not necessary.

If you have lighter hair, incorporating both warm and cool highlights in addition to your natural gray will help blend it all together, so even when your color grows out a bit, it won’t look as noticeable.

If you have darker hair, you’ll probably want to stick with only cool highlights, aiming to achieve a final shade that is similar to your natural grays. Also, being more sporadic than heavy-handed with the highlights will achieve a more natural look.

Most hairstylists and colorists will recognize what you want if you ask for herringbone highlights. But if they don’t, request highlights that blend in with your natural gray. Specify that you want your highlights spread throughout the hair in an irregular pattern to mimic natural gray coloring patterns.

Keep in mind that the point of this technique isn’t to cover up your gray hair. Your silvers will be the star of the show because it’s high time we start to celebrate aging and all that it entails.

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Tried & True: This Nail Strengthening Cream From The ’70s Is The Secret To Preventing Peeling And Cracking https://www.suggest.com/barielle-nail-strengthener-cream-overview/2714226/ Fri, 13 Jan 2023 21:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2714226

When it comes to beauty products, many of us are probably clamoring to get our hands on the latest and so-assumed “greatest” options out there. And while time and science have had a significant impact on the quality of products on the market, there are others that have been around the block a time or two and still hold their own.

Enter in Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream, an old-school product that is making a big comeback. It’s been featured recently in Refinery29, Bustle, The Zoe Report, and even Khloe Kardashian’s official app and website, where she revealed it to be the secret to her strong nails. 

This miraculous nail cream has proven its worth since the ’70s, earning Barielle the title of America’s Original Nail Treatment Brand. It helps nails grow stronger and healthier, preventing splits, peels, breaks, and cracks.

One of the best things about this oldie-but-goodie nail cream is that regular salon visitors don’t need to forego their beloved polish to achieve maximum results. A gold-standard product like the Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream, originally created to condition the hooves of million-dollar thoroughbred racehorses, can be applied successfully to both bare and polished nails.

Don’t worry though, the product was reformulated for human use and is both cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. Plus, Barielle’s Nail Strengthener Cream adheres to the “10 Free Promise” that excludes harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde and phosphate.

“I like how this cream absorbs rapidly,” one happy reviewer wrote. “I’ve been using it for just a few days since finding it again recently, and already my nails are growing longer. I first used this product 30 years ago as a high school girl, and loved it then.”

“I discovered this in the early 1970s—it was and has been the best nail treatment I’ve found in those nearly 50 years,” a long-time fan wrote. “This is IT for my nails. I tend to have thin, paper thin, weak, soft nails. I start with this and within a few weeks my nails grow out, look so clean and affluent and nice!”

Even after all these years, Barielle Nail Strengthener remains one of the best nail-strengthening creams available on the market today. It’s one that everyone deserves to have in their nail care arsenal to heal their broken nails, splits, and ridges.

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Would You Wear Horseshoe Jeans? This Oddly Chic Denim Is Selling Out Fast https://www.suggest.com/horseshoe-jeans-trend/2713898/ Wed, 11 Jan 2023 22:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2713898 Pictures of two models wearing horseshoe jeans with a horseshoe graphic backdrop

Some interesting pants trends have emerged in the past couple of years that go way beyond the skinny vs. boot cut or low rise vs. high rise debates. And though some might think of trends as a young person’s game, we’re here for the ones that speak to women in midlife—i.e., those that are comfortable, flattering, fashion-forward, and high-quality.

Take, for example, the return of cargo pants—a throwback to our youth. Then there was the super-elongating split hem, and the slightly weird but very fun double high-waisted jeans

We now submit horseshoe jeans, which might at first seem odd, but they’re selling out and we’re not that surprised. After all, they come from Citizens of Humanity, a brand beloved for pushing the envelope with edgy styles and always delivering premium quality. (Also: Yes they had a horseshoe on the pocket but remove those early aughts low-rise Rock and Republic [R.I.P.] jeans from your mind right now.)

RELATED: Tracee Ellis Ross’ Legging Styling Hack Makes These Comfy Pants Look Chic AF

Citizens of Humanity horseshoe jeans come in a variety of washes including dark blue denim, black, and white. The cut provides an exaggerated, ultra-wide, curved leg silhouette via strategic seams, plus a raw-edge hem for a “perfectly worn look.”

They’re made with 100% cotton rigid denim and have a slightly cropped length, a button fly closure, and a five-pocket design.

The appeal of these jeans is that they’re fitted at the waist, narrower at the ankle, and extremely generous in the thigh, making them easy to move in despite not having any stretch.

You could style them any which way you choose: half-tuck a sweater, pair them with a cropped jacket, or dress them up with a silk blouse. Wear them with heels or heeled boots, or dress them down with sneakers for a day of running errands. However you choose to wear them, these jeans are not for the shrinking violet and will definitely get you noticed.

Some sizes are sold out at various retailers (as of press time, Shopbop had the best selection). Some outlets have started a waitlist for some sizes, and the reviews explain why.

“These jeans are so unique and FABULOUSLY cool. Perfect for dressing up or down. High quality denim … I have a lot of fashion plans with these. Does not disappoint at all!!!!!” one reviewer shared.

Another wrote, “Y’all when I tell you these jeans are AMAZING, believe that. The fit, feel, length and comfort. A little pricey but definitely worth it!!”

A third shared, “I saw these on another person and couldn’t wait to get them for myself. I waited awhile because of the price but they are worth every penny.”

The jeans do run a bit large, so don’t be afraid to order a size smaller than normal if you’d like them to be more fitted at the waist. And even if you’re petite, you can roll them up—or even just cut them off.

As one fan noted, these jeans are worth a try because they are “so unique and different.”

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Meet The Slouchy Boot’s Sleeker, More Versatile (And Currently Trending) Cousin https://www.suggest.com/foldover-boots-trend/2712958/ Tue, 10 Jan 2023 22:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2712958 black foldover wedge boots embossed with buckle

Slouchy boots first made their way onto the fashion scene in the ‘60s. Twenty years later they re-emerged, and once again, in 2023, slouchy boots are trending. Everyone from the Duchess of Sussex to Meryl Streep has been photographed wearing them.

But if you’re not sold on the look, there’s a sleeker version that we think of as a step up. Consider foldover boots the sophisticated, more fashionable distant cousin of slouchy boots.

RELATED: Sarah Jessica Parker Gives ‘And Just Like That…’ Fashion Sneak Peak Featuring A Colorful Mix Of Prints And Some Iconic Shoes

Available in a myriad of materials, colors, and heel heights, foldover boots are versatile and fun. Tall foldover boots look great paired with a shorter skirt and jacket so the boots don’t overwhelm the outfit. Ankle-length foldover booties, on the other hand, can be styled with leather pants, midi-length dresses, or jeans.

Go monochrome in an all-black ensemble with these Jorian crocodile-embossed leather booties. Pair the ankle-length booties with black leather leggings and an oversized black slouchy sweater for an effortless outfit.

Made with crocodile-embossed leather, these pointed-toe booties have a heel height of around 4 inches. The zipper closure makes for easy on and off.

Embrace your inner go-go girl with these 100% leather boots from Kluolandi. The elongating square toe and classic 2.75-inch sculpted heel help add the perfect amount of height without sacrificing comfort.

The long, wide calf not only makes these boots easy to get on and off, but it’s the perfect length to pair with a short skirt and a slouchy sweater. In addition to white, you can score these boots in classic black, creamy apricot beige, or bold red.

These sweet and simple Karine foldover booties will elevate any outfit, becoming a quick staple in your wardrobe.

Made with super soft leather, these square-toe booties have a heel height of 3.5 inches. Pair them with a cozy knitted midi-dress and a leather clutch. The brand recommends sizing up, as these booties aren’t available in half sizes.

Saddle up for making a fashion statement in these bold foldover cowboy boots from onlymaker. Available in pictured green or a more subtle black, these sassy boots feature a 2 inch block heel with a rubber sole for easy walking all day long.

Easily dress up a simple pair of jeans and a basic top or pair them with your go-to little black dress for an instant statement-making look.

Keep it classic with a long trench over a neutral sweater, a mini houndstooth skirt, and these faux fur calf-length boots. Or get a little edgier and pair the booties with a neon-colored sweater and black leggings.

Featuring a block heel, pointed toe, and faux suede material, these cozy boots are the perfect choice for date night or winter parties.

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You’re Tying Your Coat Belt Wrong—Here’s How To Look Like You Have A Personal Stylist https://www.suggest.com/how-to-tie-coat-belt-two-ways/2713133/ Tue, 10 Jan 2023 11:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2713133 Jessica Wang showcases two ways to tie a coat belt

Winter is here, and when Jack Frost comes to town, it’s time to don our coziest outerwear. Most winter coats—whether it’s a hefty wool number, a minimalist cashmere trench, or a trendy teddy coat—include a belt that must be tied. It seems easy enough to tie a simple knot, but why does it always look a bit awkward?

If your goal is to look polished in your coat—rather than like you’re wearing a bathrobe and Netflix is asking whether you’re still watching—we have you covered. 

Jessica Wang, a fashion influencer with millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok, is adored for her styling expertise. The fashion maven offers genius tips for everything from skincare to beauty to viral TikTok must-haves, and she is here to help you tie your coat belt the right way.

RELATED: This Elegant Scarf-Tying Method Has Leveled Up My Outerwear Game

Wang recently shared two simple methods to stylishly tie a coat belt. With just a little extra effort, you’ll look like you have your own personal stylist every time you head outdoors. And the methods are seriously so easy, you’ll have the techniques down pat in no time.

Method One 

  1. Position both belt ends at the front of the coat. 
  2. Crisscross your belt, while pushing one end of the belt upward to make a loop.
  3. Secure the belt by wrapping the opposite end (tail) around that upward loop.
  4. Pull the tail through the loop and secure it for a stylish knot.

Method Two 

  1. Position both belt ends at the front of the coat.
  2. Make one knot at one end of the belt by wrapping a loose loop around your hand and guiding the tail through. 
  3. Insert the opposite side of your belt through the loop and pull to secure. 

Whichever method you choose, your waist will be cinched chicly and the result will appear effortless, even though you watched some videos to get the look.

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Cartoon Nails Are A Viral Nail Trend Influenced By This ’50s Counter Culture Art Movement—And They’re Easy To DIY https://www.suggest.com/cartoon-pop-art-nails-diy/2712128/ Sun, 08 Jan 2023 20:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2712128 Side by side images of the cartoon nails trend inspired by pop art

Nail art has come a long way since the early 2000s—basic designs like polka dots, flowers, and minimalistic styles are cute (and stylish), but artists can get technical and intricate in their nail designs these days.

Nail artists, like all artists, draw inspiration from the things around them—nature, fashion, history, etc. Designs can be as simple as a few gold accents or as complex as a stunning galaxy. And they all somehow fit on a fingernail.

Recently, cartoon nails have gone viral on social media. The style is heavily influenced by pop art, a counter-culture style that dates back to the ‘50s and ’60s. You might associate the movement with Andy Warhol, but it’s much bigger than one artist.

Pop artists rebelled against the traditional art world and ushered in a new era of mass-produced, brightly-colored, accessible, and witty popular art. These artists drew inspiration from advertising, Hollywood, and comic books, repurposing easily-recognized images and making them even more iconic.

RELATED: This Nail Concealer That Keeps Selling Out On Repeat Is Finally Back In Stock—Why It’s So Popular

Although at the time the movement wasn’t taken seriously, especially by the traditional art world, it has become one of the most recognizable art movements of the 20th century.

How Are Nail Artists Using Pop Art?

Pop nail art often uses bold and bright color palettes along with a two-dimensional effect. The most common iteration of the trend involves a surprisingly simple outlining and highlighting technique. The effect gives a two-dimensional look as if the nails have jumped right out of a comic book.

Color options are infinite, from brights and neon shades to more subtle pastels. The look is versatile and works with short or long nails, in any shape from almond to coffin.

Some artists create actual cartoons, depicting the likes of Lola Bunny from Looney Tunes or the whole Scooby-Doo Gang, which requires some artistic know-how. But the simplest style is pretty straightforward, and DIYing is not out of the question.

Read on for a step-by-step process to create the look yourself.

Supplies

Step-By-Step

  1. Apply the base coat and allow it to dry completely.
  2. Apply two coats of color. Make sure it dries completely between coats and before the next steps.
  3. Outline the entire nail with a thin line of black polish.
  4. Add swoops of black accents.
  5. Use the white polish to add pops for dimension.
  6. Cover the nail with a top coat to keep your nails popping and protected.

Whether you DIY or consult a professional to achieve pop art nails, they’re a fun trend to get in on, with a surprisingly rich history in the art world.

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This Celeb-Loved Dry Shampoo Revives And Thickens Thin, Lifeless Locks  https://www.suggest.com/serge-normant-meta-revive-dry-shampoo-overview/2712662/ Sat, 07 Jan 2023 21:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2712662 A woman with a short but voluminous hair style

Serge Normant is one of the leading hairstylists of our time. His work has been featured on fashion magazine covers like Vogue and Vanity Fair, on numerous fashion runways, and in countless television shows (recently with an always fashional Carrie ‘do in And Just Like That…).

To create his picture-perfect styles, Serge Normant developed a line of hair care products that are designed to create shiny, voluminous locks that are the stuff of envy. His cult-classic Dream Big Instant Volumizing Spray is beloved by both Julia Roberts and Brooke Shields, and those ladies know a thing or two about rocking a gorgeous mane.

Yet another product from his line has people talking (not surprisingly Roberts and Sarah Jessica Parker being two of them): his Meta Revive Dry Shampoo.

The Meta Revive Dry Shampoo isn’t your typical dry shampoo—it’s so much more. It also works as a root lifter, volumizer, texturizer, and hair thickener. Formulated with cedar bark extract and Zea Mays, this dry shampoo promises to quickly absorb excess oil while adding shine and softness, all without weighing down your hair.

This product can also work great on freshly washed hair, providing instant lift, body, and hold. Whether you are looking to extend your blowout, refresh your locks between washes, or simply add a little extra oomph to your look, the Meta Revive Dry Shampoo can handle it.

RELATED: This ’80s Hair Washing Trick Can Help Those With Thin Hair Score Extra Volume

Reviewers pointed out that this isn’t a drugstore brand dry shampoo, so a little goes a long way. Others note that this is just as much of a texturizing product as it is a dry shampoo, so if you’re looking to just skip another day of washing your hair, you might want to try something else. But if you want some serious volume and body, this product fits the bill.

“Love, love, love this dry shampoo,” one happy shopper wrote. “My hair tends to fall flat very quickly and gets oily fast … this gives me bounce, lift, and texture and reduces oil.”

“This is by far the best dry shampoo I’ve ever purchased. It does so much more than take care of oil or flatness, it adds remarkable body and volume, and even provides control,” another shopper noted. “I can use it sparingly for big results. This is a product I actually apply the day I shampoo because of the volumizing effects. I highly recommend to buy.”

With these glowing reviews, we’re definitely taking a second look. And if you’re in the market for more body and shine with your hair, Serge Normant’s Meta Revive Dry Shampoo may be worth a closer look for you as well.

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Want Stronger, Healthier Hair This Year? This One Product Is A Must In Your Routine https://www.suggest.com/rene-furterer-complexe-5-overview/2712594/ Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:05:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2712594

A thriving, luscious garden starts with healthy soil. And thriving, luscious hair starts with a healthy scalp. Even if you currently have a favorite shampoo, conditioner, and even post-wash routine, how much thought have you given to your pre-shampoo regimen?

René Furterer’s COMPLEXE 5 is a potent blend of plant-based, detoxifying ingredients that prep, energize, and support the health of the scalp. By deeply cleansing your scalp, Complexe 5 can help restore balance and unveil stronger, healthier hair from root to tip.

Why Your Scalp Health Matters

Poor scalp health leads to clogged pores, which can interfere with your follicle health. Consequently, this can cause hair to appear thinner and duller and even start to fall out. Inflammation and infections caused by poor scalp health can also cause severe itching, rough patches, and dandruff.

Complexe 5 restores scalp health by removing these impurities without stripping the hair. Featuring citrus, lavender, caster, marjoram, soybean, and argan oils, this “warming concentrate” is designed to cleanse and soothe the scalp for results you can see and feel.

A Cult Favorite For A Reason

In a usage test with 110 participants, Complexe 5 users saw an 88% increase in hair strength and an 89% increase in scalp balance over 28 days. René Furterer’s site also reports a study that found the product’s targeted applicator doubled microcirculation, thereby stimulating the scalp which is thought to help promote longer, stronger hair.

One user said they were “absolutely blown away” by how good Complexe 5 made their scalp feel: “This stuff is truly amazing. I figure that the products I’ve used in my hair have created pretty uncomfortable scalp issues for about 15 years, and this miracle elixir cleared it up in five days … This is totally worth the price, and I’d pay a lot more for it if I had to for my next bottle.”

RELATED: Want More Voluminous Hair? Our Top Finds This Year To Help Treat Hair Loss, Thinning, And Flat Strands

Another Complexe 5 user who has been growing out and donating her hair for the last 20 years echoed the same sentiment. “Yeah it’s a tad pricey, but you get a darn good amount!” she said. “I say SPEND THE MONEY on your hair if you want it to look as glorious as possible. Never mess around when it comes to your hair and face care. Buy the good stuff; you’ll be rewarded with healthy, shining, thick locks.”

An Easy Addition To Your Routine

Once or twice a week, apply the Complexe 5 oil using the targeted scalp massager all over a dry, unwashed scalp. (Note: You should apply this product to the scalp only, not the hair itself. Sectioning the hair can help increase application accuracy.) Next, massage the product into the scalp and let sit for five to 10 minutes. Then shampoo and condition as normal.

This pre-shampoo treatment is suitable for all hair types, but those with sensitive scalps may want to proceed with caution. Some reviewers have noted an intense tingling sensation, but also have said it does decrease in intensity with repeated use. Others have mixed the product with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or argan, to lessen its intensity.

René Furterer’s Complexe 5 can help a healthy, energized scalp for stronger, more robust hair—the high-quality topsoil for your luscious, thriving garden, so to speak. Considering the formula’s all-natural ingredients and glowing reviews, we’d say it’s well worth the price.

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A Botox Alternative That Promises To Work For Twice As Long Might Be Hitting The Market This Year https://www.suggest.com/daxxify-alternative-to-botox-overview/2710736/ Wed, 04 Jan 2023 22:55:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2710736 Woman getting injections in forehead

Botox has had virtually no competitors since it received FDA approval as a temporary cosmetic treatment for moderate-to-severe wrinkles in 2002. However, Revance Aesthetics is here to change that. 

In September 2022, Revance announced in a news release that the FDA had officially approved DAXXIFY™ (DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) to improve wrinkles temporarily. So yes, it’s very similar to Botox—but it might even be a step up.

From promising longer-lasting results to being formulated with no human or animal byproducts, here’s how Daxxify might just beat Botox at its own game.

A Neuromodulator By Any Other Name

Daxxify is in the same family of medicines as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin called neuromodulators. Neuromodulators work by injecting a minute amount of botulinum toxin into the lower muscle, which causes the tissue on top to relax. This creates a smoother appearance in the skin (read: fewer wrinkles). 

The FDA’s approval of Daxxify was based on clinical trial data concerning more than 2,700 patients and 4,200 treatments. Around 98% of participants saw little to no wrinkles one day after injection. And for approximately 80% of these individuals, those results lasted around four months.

Moreover, 50% still had no or mild wrinkle severity after six months, and these treatment results were maintained in some patients for as long as nine months after their last Daxxify injection—about three times longer than an average Botox treatment.

What Else Sets Daxxify Apart?

Botox and other neuromodulators contain human serum albumin, which the body synthesizes in the liver. Daxxify, on the other hand, features peptides as its main formula component. Peptides, or amino acids, might be why Daxxify lasts longer than its neuromodulator counterparts.

Additionally, Daxxify doesn’t require refrigeration like Botox (this is also true of other neuromodulators like Xeomin, which has similar cosmetic uses).

RELATED: Botox Is Not Just For Smoothing Foreheads—’Teeth Botox’ Is On The Rise For This Common Issue

While many people would consider longer-lasting effects a good thing, this also makes Daxxify more of a risky choice for first-time treatments. The results of these types of wrinkle treatments vary, resulting in the infamous “botched Botox” looks that have been used as tabloid fodder for decades.  

If your Daxxify treatment causes adverse side effects (2% of users experienced drooping eyelids, while 1% experienced facial asymmetry), you’ll have to wait longer for those symptoms to fade. 

Where Botox Might Have An Edge

In addition to being FDA-approved for cosmetic purposes, Botox can be used as a treatment for many conditions such as chronic migraines, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, muscle spasms, and even severe underarm sweating. It’s also approved for use on all areas of the face, whereas Daxxify is only approved to smooth frown lines. 

Technically, companies can’t promote unapproved uses for their drugs. However, doctors can practice “off-label” utilization, which is prescribing a drug for purposes not yet approved by the FDA. Some scientists believe Daxxify will be no different.

Where And How Can I Get It?

The process of making Daxxify widely available hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing. Revance experienced a minor setback when an FDA inspection found issues with quality control and the working cell bank, which are the cells containing the active ingredient in a drug. 

RELATED: ‘Hair Botox’ Could Be The Fix For Your Dry, Lifeless Locks

However, Revance clarified in a January 2022 statement that the FDA’s concerns were with the manufacturing facility, not the safety or efficacy of Daxxify itself. And based on the September press release, the company has managed to work through those kinks. It’s currently estimated that Daxxify will hit the market sometime in 2023. 

It’s unclear at the moment how much Daxxify will cost. While this longer-lasting treatment will allow people more time between trips to the dermatologist, the cost of one treatment might be higher than a typical Botox treatment. Botox currently ranges from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on where you live. 

If you’re interested in trying Daxxify but you’ve never had an injectable treatment before, it’s recommended to first find a dermatologist you trust and work with them to develop a treatment routine.

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Want More Voluminous Hair? Our Top Finds This Year To Help Treat Hair Loss, Thinning, And Flat Strands https://www.suggest.com/hair-thinning-solution-roundup/2708369/ Sat, 31 Dec 2022 14:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2708369 Woman pulling back hair on scalp to reveal thinning

Hair thinning or loss can affect us at any point in our lives, but it becomes especially prevalent as we age. In fact, hair loss has been directly linked to hormonal changes before and during menopause. (As if the hot flashes, brain fog, and night sweats weren’t enough.)

Unfortunately, there is still a notable stigma around hair loss—particularly in women. We want to break down the negative connotations surrounding this common phenomenon while seeking out effective, accessible solutions to help you feel more like yourself. 

Not every solution will work for everyone, so time and patience are vital in finding the right one for you. Here are some of the well-loved products, treatments, solutions, and techniques we have found this year to combat or camouflage thinning hair.

1. The One Product That Can Provide Instant Lift

Let’s start with one of the easiest solutions for fine or thinning hair: texturizing spray.

This dry finishing product gives your tresses softness and body without weighing them down while absorbing excess oil. It’s a lot like dry shampoo, except it will provide more volume to those with fine, thin hair.

We outline several high-quality options in our texturizing spray round-up, ranging from under $8 to $50.

2. Try This Celeb Favorite Volumizing Spray

Speaking of volumizing sprays, Brooke Shields attributes Serge Normant’s Dream Big Instant Volumizing Spray for her shiny, touchable, and full-bodied hair.

This dry spray has the dual benefits of adding touchable volume and strengthening hair thanks to natural minerals and proteins that work to create mega lift and texture.

It’s no wonder Shields (as well as Sarah Jessica Parker, Meghan Markle, and Julia Roberts) love this product so much.

3. Wash Your Hair Upside Down

Leave it to TikTok to come up with the zaniest (but surprisingly effective) hair volumizing solutions. One trend that took the social media platform by storm earlier this year was upside-down washing.

The name speaks for itself: rather than lathering and conditioning your hair standing upright, you do your hair care routine with your locks hanging upside-down.

Trichologists (hair and scalp specialists) say that upside-down washing stimulates hair growth by improving circulation to the scalp and alleviating the constant pressure of water directly on the crown.

4. You Might Be Using The Wrong Hairbrush

You can try all the hair products you want, but if you’re not using the right hair brush, all your experimenting (and spending) could be for naught.

Did you know that different hair brushes are designed for different uses? We break down some of the most common types, including detangler wet brushes, thermal brushes, wide-tooth combs, bristle brushes, and teasing brushes, so you can find your best tool for the job.

5. A Replumping Hair Mask Is Great For Thin Strands

René Furtere was a hairstylist and salon owner in mid-20th-century France whose ideas about hair regrowth and rejuvenation were insightful far beyond his time. His philosophy was that “beautiful hair grows from a healthy scalp, like a plant in fertile soil,” and his products embody this idea.

The René Furtere Replumping Conditioning Mask is specifically designed for thinning, aging hair. According to a consumer test, 90% of women felt their hair was “re-densified” after four weeks of use.

6. Find Your Ideal Minoxidil Dose

Until 2014, high-dose minoxidil products (a.k.a. Rogaine) were only approved by the FDA for men’s use (seriously?!). Thankfully, women now have a science-backed hair loss solution that is available in 2% and 5% concentrations.

Nioxin Hair Regrowth Treatment For Women With Minoxidil 2% is one option we discovered this year, with some shoppers saying it is “liquid gold.”

Another great option is Keranique’s 5% minoxidil topical foam that can help stop hair loss on the top of the scalp and support hair regrowth.

7. Take A Cue From Rikki Lake And Jennifer Grey

Both Rikki Lake and Jennifer Grey shared their hair loss (and regrowth) journey on social media this year, and we were blown away by the results of their Harklinikken hair regimen.

Harklinikken, which translates to “hair clinic” in Danish, creates highly specialized, paraben- and fragrance-free hair products that focus on an individual’s specific hair and scalp needs. Lake and Grey both use their shampoo, conditioner, and custom extract, and the results speak for themselves.

8. Experiment With Alyssa Milano’s Regimen

When actress Alyssa Milano’s long-haul COVID-19 caused extreme hair loss, she turned to her stylist, Lihn Nguyen, who recommended Nioxin.

Nioxin offers a wide range of formulas for particular hair types and thinning progressions, all of which are designed to help stop hair loss from breakage, promote a healthy scalp for new healthy new growth, and strengthen existing strands.

Milano also swears by Nutrafol, a daily supplement designed to target root causes of hair loss like stress, hormonal shifts, lifestyle, nutrition, and metabolism.

9. Get A Quick Fix With Scalp Foundation

Good things take time, and unfortunately, that also pertains to hair regrowth. If you’re looking for a short-term solution to hair thinning or loss, scalp foundation might be a viable option for you.

Scalp foundation, also called hair or scalp concealer, is a temporary topical product that provides pigment to the scalp to give the appearance of fuller, thicker hair, evens out hairlines, and can even cover roots between color applications. How’s that for a win-win-win product?

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Have You Tried Nail Wraps Yet? This Brand Customizes Them To Fit Your Exact Nail Shape https://www.suggest.com/manime-stick-on-gel-nails-overview/2710070/ Fri, 30 Dec 2022 23:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2710070 Two hands modeling different styles of the ManiMe nail wraps

Maintaining your nails can be a real pain if you’re committed to routine maintenance. Painting your nails at home requires a lot of time and patience, and while going to the salon may seem simpler, it isn’t easier on the wallet. Plus, gel manis and acrylic nails are notoriously damaging long-term.

So what options are left for achieving beautiful nails without the hassle? Does such a thing exist? We’re happy to report that it does (and no, we’re not talking about press-ons).

RELATED: This Tinted Nail Moisturizer Is The ‘No-Makeup Makeup’ Look Of Nail Colors

Nail wraps are a great option for those who want to quickly “paint” their nails using a peel-and-stick method that cuts out any drying time. Despite their convenience, most of these have the same issue as press-on nails: They’re one-size-fits-all, so it takes time and effort to trim them down to your perfect fit.

One stand-out brand, ManiMe, is revolutionizing the nail art game by tailoring its custom stick-on gels to each customer’s specific nail shape. Honestly, they’re so gorgeous, you might never be tempted to get another set of gels at the salon again!

While traditional manicures are expensive, time-consuming, and potentially harmful to your nails, ManiMe’s made-to-order peelable gel decals are affordable, easy to apply, and gentle on nails. Best of all, they last up to 10 days!

Once you’ve selected your favorite design(s), all you have to do is take five photos of your hands. ManiMe will then use your photos to create your custom nail wraps.

Aside from its seamless customization and application process, ManiMe also has some seriously swoon-worthy designs. Choose from a wide range of eye-catching, fun, and modern nail art as well as stunning, luxe solid colors created by ManiMe nail artists.

In addition, they offer pedi (also customizable) and kid’s (standard fit only) nail wraps.

When you’re ready to switch things up, simply peel the stickers off. For an even gentler method, apply lotion along the edges of your nails or soak them in warm water before removing. Alternatively, ManiMe recommends using their Take It Off Nail Cleanser along with a cuticle stick to keep your nails in tip-top shape.

With their ease of application, zero drying time, and one-of-a-kind designs, ManiMe’s stick-on gels make flawless nails possible for all.

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2022: The Year That Gray Hair Went Mainstream For Women https://www.suggest.com/2022-year-gray-hair-went-mainstream-for-women/2696731/ Thu, 29 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2696731 Two women laugh outdoors in fall clothing. Both women have gray hair

2022 may go down in history as the year that gray hair went mainstream for women. From brides and silver sisters to silver hair extensions and aging in Hollywood, more women are now accepting their gray hair and choosing to go au naturel. Let’s take a look at a few stories from the past year of how women are embracing their silver locks.

Silver Hair Care Misting

Keeping graying locks soft and smooth can be a struggle. If you have graying hair, you’ve probably noticed that the texture is different from your other hair. It’s more brittle, prone to breakage, dry, and coarse.

However, with more people embracing their gray hues, there are plenty of tips and tricks to taking care of your hair. One trick is to mist your silver hair before styling. You can then apply products specifically for your gray locks that will keep them hydrated. Read more about misting your gray hair here.

Fired For Gray Hair

Just as women began embracing their natural hues in 2022, at least one woman was presumed to be fired for her gray hair. After 35 years on the job, Lisa LaFlamme, a Canadian news anchor, was let go because she let her hair go au naturel.

Many major news outlets speculated that the respected news anchor was fired because of her locks. The story garnered the attention of many on social media, including large international brands. Read the full story here.

Five Hispanic Silver Sister Influencers

In 2022, several women from the Hispanic community decided to slay the world with their graying hair. In fact, at least five of these women became silver sister influencers thanks to their silver locks. Learn more about the five women here.

Aging In Hollywood

The fountain of youth is a myth that has continued to stay on trend in Hollywood for decades. However, this year the myth was busted by many celebrities, including Sarah Jessica Parker and Andy Cohen.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING: This All-Natural Supplement Restored Moisture And Strength To My Dry, Brittle Strands

When the two stars were spotted at a dinner together, only Parker received any flack for her graying hair. The actress immediately spoke up about the double-standard. Thankfully, she received the support for her dinner date and many other celebrities. Read the entire story here.

Bride Embraces Gray Hair

While many women are concerned about looking older with silver locks, especially on their wedding day, one bride decided to go against tradition. Instead of dying her graying hair, she celebrated her big day with her gorgeous silver locks.

She took the internet by storm and proved to the world that silver is stunning! Read more about the exuberant bride here.

Silver Hair Extensions In Demand

You know that gray hair has gone mainstream when retailers are jumping on the bandwagon! In 2022, gray locks were in such high demand that women began opting for silver hair extensions. It’s a trend we can all get behind. Learn more about the high demand for silver hair extensions here.

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From Cargo Pants To Double-Waisted Jeans, A Look Back At The Most Memorable Pants Trends Of 2022 https://www.suggest.com/top-pants-trends-of-the-year/2704059/ Tue, 27 Dec 2022 15:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2704059 Cargo pants from Ganni, split hem pants from Express, and double waist jeans from Forever 21

Fashion generally goes through cycles, some of which are more tolerable than others. The popularity of different pants styles is no exception. I’ve witnessed my fair share of trends die and be reborn; meanwhile, I’ve been sitting comfortably in my skinny jeans for about a decade now. 

But even I can feel the tides turning, and I’ve begun to hear the siren song of different styles of pants. What was once old will be new again, and high-waisted, wide-legged denim is all the rage now.

RELATED: Treat Yourself: These Buttery Soft ‘Silksweats’ Are The Ultimate Temperature Regulating Loungewear

Here at Suggest, we’ve covered a slew of notable pants trends in the past year. There are a few we hope will stick around for the long haul (love the linen look), but we’re hoping others will stay in 2022 (smell ya later, double-waisted jeans!).

Let’s take a look back at some of our favorites, along with a couple of questionable styles that emerged (or reemerged) this year.

Linen Pants

It bears repeating that we hope linen pants are here to stay. We love the undone, relaxed look they give us and their ability to keep us cool in the hottest months of the year. Celebs like Meghan Markle and Jennifer Garner were spotted wearing this trend in 2022, so we’re hopeful this trend will come back around in the summertime for years to come.

Cargo Pants

These aren’t your ex-boyfriend’s old cargo pants. You know the ones, super baggy with frayed edges and holes galore—those can stay in the ’90s grunge scene where they belong. But we’ve gotta admit, these updated takes on cargo pants are pretty dang cute. They have functional pockets for women (what a concept!) and come in an array of variations: joggers, classic straight-leg, linen, and countless more.

Split-Hem Pants

Split-hem pants seemed to come out of nowhere, but everyone from Tracee Ellis Ross to Margot Robbie sported the trend in the past year. The style can be dressed up or down and, rumor has it, it can even make you look taller. These pants elongate the leg while giving you a chance to show off your shoes. They’re available in styles that make them suitable for everything from the gym to the office and everything in between.

Double-Waisted Jeans

If you’re into trying something different and buttons that go on for days, then the double-waisted jean trend might be right up your alley. These pants make it look as though you’re wearing jeans on top of your jeans, but if you’re into that, we say go for it! We, on the other hand, had very mixed feelings about wearing two waistbands at once.

Whale Tails

This highly-controversial trend from the early 2000s is apparently back, but luckily I haven’t spotted anyone wearing it out and about … yet. Allowing your g-string or thong to peek over your waistline is provocative, to be sure. But the recurrence of this trend means that low-rise pants are also back, and I can hear the collective groan of everyone who never wanted to see those again. We’ll be over here in our high-waisted pants for the foreseeable future, thanks.

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This Elegant Scarf-Tying Method Has Leveled Up My Outerwear Game https://www.suggest.com/scarf-tying-method-tutorial/2703729/ Sat, 24 Dec 2022 22:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2703729 Different stages of tying a scarf

Winter is here, which means it’s officially scarf season. Months of cold weather provide the perfect opportunity to cycle through your scarf collection, whether it’s stocked with chunky knits or classic cashmere. But of course, this season does present one tangled dilemma: how to tie the scarf. 

You might scoff at the simplicity of the question, but I’ve wrestled with my fair share of bunched-up, twisted, or loosey-goosey scarves, and it’s an even bigger drag in a bulky, arm-mobility-reducing winter coat. Luckily, the good ol’ internet has offered a solution to my tricky scarf situation, and it might help you, too. 

After discovering this elegant way to tie a winter scarf, I don’t think I’ll ever return to my former ways again. Prepare to level up your outerwear game for good.

RELATED: To Fold Or To Hang? This Is The Best Way To Store Your Sweaters

To make the most of this scarf-tying hack, it’s best to use a scarf with a bit of extra length. If you can fold the scarf in half, drape it on your neck, and have equal lengths across either shoulder, reaching near or below the armpit, the scarf is long enough. Additionally, this will only work with traditional two-ended scarves (sorry, infinity scarf lovers). 

Now on to the fun part.

To recreate this look at home, drape the scarf (unfolded) across your neck. Leave one side short, around chest-level, and let the rest of the length fall to the other side. Then, tuck the hand on the shorter side over the longer scarf tail, palm side down. 

Using the hand on the longer side, hold the end of the longer scarf tail while the hand you just tucked pulls the scarf toward the shorter side. At this point, you’ll have a portion of the longer scarf tail in front of you. Pull that part of the scarf behind your neck.

This should create a loop around the hand on the shorter side. Next, grab both tails of the scarf with your free hand and raise them to the one with the loop. Using your looped hand, grab the scarf tails and pull them through the loop. 

The result is an elegant, double-tied scarf that lays wider across the chest for a fuller, more luxurious look. And because it’s actually draped around the neck twice, it’s cozier and more secure than a traditional one-loop tie. 

And there you have it: an easy way to revamp your scarves and stay snug through scarf season—er, winter.

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The Best Makeup Tips For Mature Skin We Learned In 2022 https://www.suggest.com/best-makeup-tips-mature-skin/2703032/ Sat, 24 Dec 2022 18:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2703032 A smiling middle-aged woman applies blush

As we age, shifting hormones cause our skin to change. A decline in estrogen levels—which alters collagen and elastin production—cause dramatic shifts in skin texture and reduce hydration levels.

That means your smokey eye might not give the same smoldering look you once achieved. Makeup might settle into lines, breaking up the color. Blush doesn’t have that same livening effect it once did. And powders don’t play nice with drier skin.

But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on makeup. It’s easier than you might think to adapt your beauty products and makeup application techniques to work with your changing skin. Luckily we found some amazing experts and content creators this year who helped us do just that.

1. Place Blush Higher For A Facelift Effect

Instead of applying blush on the apples of the cheeks (as you’ve been advised to do probably since you started wearing blush), Christen Dominique, founder of Dominique Cosmetics, showed us that applying blush higher on the face can transform your appearance.

RELATED: Gen Z Is Obsessed With This ‘Weird’ Blush Application That Is Actually Genius For Mature Skin

She followed up recently with a clever hack for nailing that higher placement: place your thumb and forefinger in an L shape, with your thumb lining up under your cheekbone. Use the L shape as a border to create the perfect, lifted look.

2. SPF Makeup May Not Provide Enough Protection

SPF-infused makeup promises cosmetic benefits plus UVA/UVB protection. But experts say these products don’t always deliver on their promises, and they don’t really protect your skin the way you might think. Instead of relying on SPF-infused makeup to protect your skin from harmful sun rays, it’s best to use actual sunblock.

“You would need six to seven times the amount of makeup to make it as effective as standard sunscreen,” said Kim Harris of Prescott Medical Aesthetics.

3. Avoid Cakey Foundation With This Trick

Dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi revealed that if your foundation looks cakey, the makeup might not be the problem. To avoid the cakey look, first mist your skin with thermal spring water and apply hyaluronic acid to your dampened skin. Then apply your foundation, and blot the excess with a tissue-covered beauty blender.

Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water Soothing Facial Mist

$18.50 Shop Now at Amazon
  • Helps reduce sensitivity, restore skin balance & doesn’t dry out skin.
  • Softens & calms sensitive skin; helps reduce visible redness & burning sensations.

4. Tweak Your Makeup Application After 40

Updating the products we use as we age can make a big difference, but application methods are just as important. Erica Taylor created a reel about the “dos and don’ts” of makeup application for those over 40, covering contouring, blush application, and lip liner.

Her tips included placing contour higher than you’ve probably been taught—essentially on top of your cheekbones—for a lifted look, using cream blush instead of powder, and not lining your lips all the way around for a “happier, more youthful look.”

5. Define Your Eyes After 40 Without Using Eyeliner

Courtney Spencer—whose Instagram brand is all about hair and makeup over 40—showed us how to do a super versatile, mess-free eyeliner method that delivers a soft, smokey look using zero eyeliner. All you need are the right tools—a nice matte eyeshadow color and the fluffy end of an eyeshadow brush.

6. Apply Bronzer Under Your Eyes

Makeup artist Gucci Westman is a genius when it comes to natural-looking makeup for women over 40. The former Global Artistic Director for Revlon has worked with celebrity clients including Drew Barrymore, Natalie Portman, and Halle Berry, and her industry career dates back to the ’90s—so she knows her stuff.

RELATED: Julia Roberts Is A Fan Of This Serum Foundation With Hyaluronic Acid That’s Perfect For Mature Skin

Westman told her Instagram followers that her favorite trick for looking “naturally sun-kissed” is to apply bronzer horizontally across her forehead, underneath her eyes, on her eyelids, on the bridge of her nose, and around the eyes at the temples to connect to the cheeks. We were surprised, too, but it looks amazing.

7. ‘Drape’ Your Blush For A Fresh Look

Gen Z Instagram makeup influencers have been applying blush in unexpected ways. It’s a technique known as blush draping, and it actually harkens back to the ’70s.

Essentially, you use blush instead of contour and bronzer to sculpt your face. Blush draping brings more color and life to the skin, adding a “lit-from-within glow,” and it’s flattering on all ages and skin types. As an added bonus, it gives your face a lift—or at least the appearance of one. 

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This Is The Best Way To Incorporate Collagen Into Your Routine For Maximum Results https://www.suggest.com/heat-deactivates-collagen-supplements/2709831/ Thu, 22 Dec 2022 22:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2709831 a hand mixing collagen powder into a glass of liquid

Collagen supplements are currently all the rage, and proponents declare them to be a veritable fountain of youth. From making your skin, hair, and nails stronger and healthier to keeping your joints in tip-top shape, collagen in powder form seems to be the best way to add it to your diet.

The reason? Some studies have found that our bodies absorb collagen more readily as a powder. But the temperature at which you ingest it can make or break its effectiveness.  

Many people, including some celebrities, add collagen powder to their morning coffee. Turns out, this isn’t the best way to get collagen’s benefits. That’s not to say you can’t add it to coffee, just make sure it’s iced!

How Not To Deactivate Your Collagen

Adding collagen powder to hot coffee, tea, or any other warm beverage is not a good idea. Brooke Russell, an assistant professor of microbiology at Texan A&M University wrote at The Conversation that it’s best to mix collagen with cold beverages to reap the benefits. Russell explained that when collagen is added to anything with heat, its molecule structure melts and any benefits are lessened—and probably negated.

RELATED: Too Much Of This Common Supplement Can Cause Fatigue, Joint Pain, And Even Hair Loss

Collagen powder might dissolve more readily in warm liquids, but no one wants to waste the supplement they paid good money for. So opt for blending it into cold drinks like smoothies, iced coffee, or water.

Consuming collagen along with foods rich in vitamin C, like certain fruits and red peppers, can increase collagen’s effectiveness even more, according to research published in the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine.

Russell also suggests finding a collagen powder that matches your health interests. For example, if you want to improve joint health, collagen type 1 is best. For beautiful skin and luscious hair, collagen type 2 is the best choice. If you’re looking for a powder that does it all, we found an excellent option.

With its yummy chocolate taste, Codeage Multi Collagen Powder makes getting your daily collagen as easy as 1-2-3. And with only one gram of sugar per serving, you won’t have to worry about overindulging.

Codeage Multi Collagen Powder contains all the types of collagen: 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10. Each type plays a vital role, contributing to healthy skin, hair, and nails, as well as joint and bone health. Here’s a quick rundown.

  • Type 1: makes up a majority of the collagen in our bodies and provides structure to skin, ligaments, tendons, and bones.
  • Type 2: this is great for joint support as it is naturally found in elastic cartilage.
  • Type 3: is found in our muscles, organs, and arteries.
  • Type 5: another type that is found in the layers of our skin.
  • Type 10: found in some layers of our skin and hair, as well as in the tissue of the placenta and in the cornea of our eyes.

Codeage’s formula features quality sources for its collagen including grass-fed and pasture-raised hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, organic beef bone broth, organic chicken bone broth, wild-caught fish collagen peptides, and eggshell collagen. You’ll also get medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil) to support energy. It does not contain shellfish, soy, dairy, or gluten.

To avoid clumping, add it to a shaker cup with water. Or, try it with smoothies, iced coffee, cold brew, almond milk, oat milk, or your beverage of choice.

Reviewers Love Codeage Collagen

One shopper described a dramatic difference in their skin, hair, and nails after three weeks. “My skin has a healthy glow and my hair and nail strength/thickness has basically doubled. I have been getting compliments non-stop and notice a serious transformation in my complexion,” they said.

Another reviewer shared, “I have been using for 2.5 weeks and I have seen a huge difference in my hair, skin, energy, joints and muscle recovery!”

Collagen production decreases as we age, but with Codeage Multi Collagen Powder, you can easily add this vital protein back into your system. Just be sure to add it to a cold or room temp liquid!

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Why Shoppers Are Ditching Their Foundation For This SPF-Infused Brightening Serum Tint https://www.suggest.com/tula-sunscreen-skin-tint-overview/2709865/ Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2709865 Side-by-side images of a model wearing the Tula Serum Skin Tinted Sunscreen and dollops of the skin tint in a variety of skin tones

During the hottest summer months, your SPF-infused moisturizer or makeup probably won’t cut it in the sun protection department, especially if you’re sweating profusely or spending time out in the sun or in the water.

But during the winter, we oftentimes let our guard drop regarding sun safety. We get it; it can be hard to motivate ourselves to apply sunscreen when we’re hardly getting any sun. Even with the minimal sun exposure most of us get in the colder months, we still need to protect our skin.

That’s why we’re excited about this multifaceted product from TULA that acts as a skin tint, sun protectant, and serum.

It’ll work beautifully to add a glow to the dull, dry skin many of us experience in winter, and you won’t have to worry about also applying a regular sunscreen! Oh, and did we mention it comes in 30 shades and a variety of undertones?

RELATED: Shoppers Love This Luxury Neck And Décolleté Cream That Helps Lift And Tighten Crepey Skin

Dr. Roshini Raj is a practicing gastroenterologist and the founder of TULA. After discovering the internal benefits of probiotics, she began to research the external benefits too. She founded TULA (which means “balance” in Sanskrit) in 2014 with the goal of helping women feel more confident in their skin.

The Brightening Serum Skin Tint with SPF 30 is TULA’s latest product that combines the company’s proprietary blend of prebiotic and probiotic extracts with other effective ingredients.

This lightweight skin tint provides several benefits, starting with its ability to help even out your skin tone while providing it with broad spectrum SPF 30 sun protection, making it the perfect everyday complexion product. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, and it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores. Plus it’ll provide light-to-medium buildable coverage that won’t make your skin look cakey.

The ingredients include the Rainbow Seabright™ Elixir (seriously, how cool does that sound?). This combo of niacinamide and rainbow seaweed helps brighten the skin while protecting it from environmental damage.

Other notable ingredients include hyaluronic acid and ceramides for hydration along with collagen to improve the look of wrinkles. And of course, the S6Pro Complex™ (the brand’s aforementioned prebiotic/probiotic blend) helps improve the skin’s look and feel by improving its smoothness and balance.

As TULA is primarily a skincare brand, you can rest assured knowing their tinted sunscreen is formulated without any of the bad stuff—you won’t find any parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or fragrance in their products.

With overwhelmingly positive reviews, this SPF skin tint is likely on its way to becoming a bestseller. One TULA customer said, “This product is simply amazing. Love how it goes on for an effortless look. I want a supersized version! It’s basically replaced my everyday foundation routine at this point! Obsessed.”

Although this is sure to be a hero product for any skin type this time of year, we’re certain you’ll love it enough to use it all year long.

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How To Avoid Creating A ‘Skin Sandwich’ With Your Outfit According To This Luxury Clothing Brand Founder https://www.suggest.com/how-to-style-boots-with-pants-skirts/2708893/ Wed, 21 Dec 2022 23:05:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2708893 a woman crosses the street wearing black booties and an orange coat

Amy Smilovic is the founder of the luxury clothing brand Tibi and a self-proclaimed “creative pragmatist.” She enjoys finding balance in her style choices, playing with originality and functionality. She describes her style as chill, modern, and classic.

You can find her on social media doing what she does best—giving cool, easy, and often effortless-looking styling tips.

Recently she posted a video about how to avoid a somewhat controversial topic—the “skin sandwich.” You may ask (as I did), what the heck is a skin sandwich?! Well, it gets a bit technical, so buckle up!

What’s A Skin Sandwich?

Do you ever feel weird about your look and you’re not sure why? Smilovic has a reason you may have never thought of. She starts the reel by saying, “Skin sandwiches are one of the most hotly debated items in my Instagram feed. I’m gonna give you some more clarification on when you’ve got a sandwich and when you don’t. Okay?”

Basically, a skin sandwich is created when two straight lines “sandwich” a narrow strip of your skin. Think about wearing a pencil skirt with a straight hem and boots that almost meet the skirt—but not quite. That little piece of skin makes the skin sandwich.

A pleated skirt, a skirt cut diagonally, cowboy-style boots, or anything that doesn’t make a straight line, even if the skin is showing, would not be considered a skin sandwich. 

RELATED: Modern Shoulder Pads Are The Fashion Hack For A More Balanced Silhouette And Better Looking Posture

You can also get a skin sandwich with jeans and booties when that small section of skin above your ankle shows. Smilovic also says, “Jeans that sausage you tend to be big sandwich makers.”

Let’s break that down a little.

@amysmilovic

Honestly, why this topic is the most often debated in my feeds, I’ve yet to figure out. I think it is just the utter fear that this could happen has many on edge. Regardless, the fear is real- but the fixes are even realer. Ok? And as always, if you think skin sandwich’s are bullshit, and you love yourself a good sliver of skin, then go for it. This isn’t about “good” or “bad” style, it’s about identifying when you felt off, or even like shit, in your look but couldn’t identify the culprit. And in this case, its that piece of meat – right there- wedged between the hemline of your pant or skirt and the top of your boot. Ok?@worldoftibi #skinsandwich

♬ original sound – Amysmilovic

When your jeans “sausage” you it means that your jeans are super tight, but the fix is simple. Wearing jeans that have a looser fit has less of a “sandwich vibe,” Smilovic says. Another fix is to wear socks that either match your shoes or contrasting colored socks that are interesting enough to break up the two parallel lines.

Smilovic ends the reel with some sage advice: “Skin sandwiches are like anything in life. If you don’t feel like you have a problem then you don’t need to fix the problem. Okay?”

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This Tinted Nail Moisturizer Is The ‘No-Makeup Makeup’ Look Of Nail Colors https://www.suggest.com/butter-london-tinted-nail-moisturizer-overview/2708576/ Sun, 18 Dec 2022 21:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2708576 Close up of a natural look manicure

Keeping your nails perfectly polished can be a time-consuming hassle, and it can take a toll on your nails. Discoloration and cracks can be unfortunate byproducts of ongoing gel, acrylic, and other mani applications (like the controversial “Russian Manicure”).

It can turn into a vicious cycle when your nails are in dire need of a break, but they’re not looking so cute without polish. Here to the rescue is “tinted nail moisturizer”—a way to achieve a naturally polished look and nourish your nails at the same time.

Intro: butter LONDON Nail Tinted Moisturizer which offers up sheer coverage that beautifully shines in four natural shades to compliment every skin tone: light, medium, tan, or deep.

It’s a barely-there look, but the benefits for your nails are substantial. The nourishing treatment is perfect for brittle, peeling, and dry nails. Keratin helps to strengthen, arginine prevents breakage, tea tree oil locks in moisture, and vitamin E helps protect against future damage.

What’s more, the tinted polish features butter LONDON’s proprietary Micro Smart Active Technology that is designed to deliver a controlled release of ingredients for healthier nails every day.

The nail treatment goes on just like a normal polish. Brush one to two coats onto clean, dry nails (no need for a base or top coat), and allow them to dry. Plus, shoppers say the product is easy to apply, dries fast, and is durable.

RELATED: This Nail Concealer That Keeps Selling Out On Repeat Is Finally Back In Stock—Why It’s So Popular

“It was the easiest nail polish application I have ever done,” one reviewer wrote. “The nail moisturizer was very ‘forgiving,’ with no need to clean up the edges like I usually have to with regular polish … This stuff is amazingly durable. It’s been a week and there had been zero chipping or peeling, despite me using my nails for things (scrubbing dishes, etc.) that I would’ve hesitated to do with every other nail polish I have ever used in the past.”

Others echoed the sentiment.

“Phenomenal product. Stop hesitating; buy this!” another reviewer gushed. “My nails were weak and broke easily without polish, so I kept trying to find the Holy Grail for nails … I do believe I have found that elusive polish. First and foremost: THIS POLISH DOESN’T CHIP!!! It adds just the right amount of shine and subtle color to my nails. It strengthens them enough that they don’t break at the slightest knock. And it stays looking nice for almost a week at a time, without needing constant touch-ups!”

With butter LONDON’s all-in-one tinted nail moisturizer, you can take on a more sophisticated everyday look while reviving and beautifying your dry nails.

And if you love the natural-nail look, you might also want to check out Londontown’s illuminating nail concealer. With a sheer, pearly shine, this nail concealer helps blur imperfections like yellowing, stains, and pesky white spots.

Whether you go for tinted nail moisturizer or nail concealer (or both!), they’re a great way to quickly and easily keep your nails healthy and your polish polished and chic with minimal effort.

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Even Shoppers With Sensitive Skin Love This Lifting Collagen Cream That Delivers Unbelievable Results https://www.suggest.com/babor-lifting-collagen-cream-overview/2708322/ Sat, 17 Dec 2022 20:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2708322 Cosmetic cream smeared in the shape of a heart on a pastel pink background

German brand Babor has been in the skincare game for more than 60 years. A family-owned company, the brand is backed by aestheticians, tons of research, and a growing sustainability effort. Basically, they know a thing or two about what it takes to make gentle, sustainable, and effective products.

The brand’s Lifting Collagen Cream is no exception. From the clinical-grade ingredients to the company’s environmental commitment, this cream is an all-around winner that will make you feel good in more ways than one.

We’ve told you about their skin barrier protectant, the highly-rated Multi-Vitamin Ampoule Serum. Babor’s concentrated serums are perfect for intensive, targeted treatment. For everyday use, though, the Lifting Collagen Cream is both hydrating and plumping.

This luscious cream hydrates skin while reducing the look of wrinkles and fine lines. Formulated with active ingredients including hyaluronic acid, squalane, and marine collagen, it promises to improve skin’s firmness and elasticity.

Marine collagen, specifically, reduces the look and depth of wrinkles while enhancing skin’s appearance. Hyaluronic acid and squalane deliver a one-two punch of hydration that also helps soothe irritated skin, boost moisture content, and reinforce the skin barrier. Finally, the addition of tripeptides complex plays a key role in helping to firm the skin.

While some anti-aging products can be irritating, reviewers say the cream is even great for those with sensitive skin.

One customer, in particular, was excited about the cream’s soothing benefits. “This was my first time [trying] the Babor brand and I have been loving this cream,” they wrote. “It’s been a great moisturizer and has a calming effect on my skin. My skin definitely looks more hydrated and even.”

HOLIDAY SHOPPING: Under-Eye Bags Run In My Family, And With This Vitamin C Eye Cream You Wouldn’t Know

Many reviewers said the cream was light and non-greasy, had a subtle pleasant scent, and was great for even super-dry skin.

“I have used many BABOR products for many years and none of them have ever done me wrong. I have extremely dry skin and this lifting collagen cream goes on light, feels like whipped butter going on, and locks in moisture that lasts all day,” one reviewer noted. “Cannot recommend this product enough.”

If you’re in the market for a new moisturizer, the Lifting Collagen Cream is a worthy investment and an excellent way to treat yourself.

Holiday Shopping Suggestions

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Shoppers Call This Hair Regrowth Treatment That Keeps Selling Out ‘Liquid Gold’ https://www.suggest.com/nioxin-hair-regrowth-treatment-overview/2708263/ Sat, 17 Dec 2022 14:25:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2708263 A woman touching her long, healthy hair while looking in the mirror

It can be challenging for women to cope with hair loss, believing they are alone in their experience. Many people believe hair loss and thinning primarily affect men, but it affects women quite significantly as well. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 50% of women will suffer hair loss during their lifetime, with female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) being the most common cause. 

In most cases, FPHL occurs with aging, as hormone fluctuations can lead to baldness. In addition, hair loss often gets worse during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels decline. 

It is undoubtedly emotionally and physically challenging to experience hair loss and thinning. But there are several options for treatment, and we’re big fans of one specific hair regrowth solution that keeps selling out—and for good reason.

RELATED: Reviewers Are Raving Over This 3-Step System That Fights Thinning Hair

In the past, we’ve discussed Nioxin’s shampoo and conditioner, more specifically when Alyssa Milano recommended it for COVID hair loss, a troubling long hauler symptom. What sets this treatment apart from the rest are its extremely effective ingredients.

Nioxin’s hair regrowth treatment contains 2% minoxidil, which is also applied topically to treat certain types of baldness (like Rogaine). Plus, minoxidil is the only FDA-approved ingredient clinically proven to promote hair growth.

Best of all, applying it is easy. For optimal results apply the treatment to dry hair and scalp twice a day. Place one milliliter of Nioxin’s Regrowth Treatment drop by drop only in the areas affected by hair loss. Follow up by gently massaging the scalp and you’re finished. 

While the Nioxin Hair Regrowth Treatment is a great place to start your hair regrowth journey, the three-step kit is an ideal way to make your hair irresistibly luscious. With Nioxin’s three-step system, you’ll receive a gentle cleansing shampoo and scalp nourishing conditioner along with the renowned hair regrowth treatment.

Nioxin offers its regrowth treatment in a one- or three-month supply, but keep in mind that because it’s so effective, it’s often sold out. Based on reviews (as one touted, it’s “liquid gold”), it’s easy to see why, so plan ahead! 

“This specific brand was recommended to me by the folks at the Massachusetts General Hospital hair salon. I trust the people at a hospital to know what they’re talking about when it comes to a product like this,” one reviewer wrote. “I’ve been using this product for about a week now and I already feel like it’s doing me a lot of good,” they added.

Another fan of the product wrote, “I have tried everything on the market and this is the only thing that’s worked for me.”

Others agreed, saying Nioxin is superior compared to the rest, “I tried the other more famous (and more expensive) brand for a year with marginal results.”

If you are experiencing hair loss, know you are far from alone. And Nioxin’s Hair Regrowth Treatment could be just the treatment you’ve been searching for.

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Other Hair Growth Treatments Not Working For You? Meet The Revolutionary Solution Actually Designed To Treat Hair Loss https://www.suggest.com/revela-hair-revival-series-overview/2708298/ Thu, 15 Dec 2022 12:25:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2708298 A woman with healthy hair holding a bottle of Revela hair serum

When Revela founders Dr. Evan Zhao, Dr. David Zhang, and Avi Boppana noticed their friends and family growing frustrated navigating the current world of hair loss solutions, they decided to start looking for their own. 

Commonly used ingredients for hair regrowth, like minoxidil and finasteride, were not initially intended for hair growth. Rather, this was an observed side effect of using these molecules for other purposes. And while they work for some, they aren’t as effective for others. 

Before starting Revela, the three founders worked at Harvard researching cancer therapies. Using the same technology they used in the lab, they began searching for the perfect molecule that promotes follicle health. 

In their search, they found ProCelinyl™—an entirely new molecule unlike anything on the market, which they say is precisely what makes it so effective.

Revela’s Revolutionary Hair Revival Series

One of the things we love most about Revela is that this isn’t a large or elaborate hair care system you need to adopt—just one product is all you need. Their Hair Revival Series features two easy-to-use products, either of which is a cinch to add to your routine.

First is their Hair Revival Serum, which is a light, water-based product that can be used daily on all hair types. 

Second is their Hair Growth Concentrate, which is a nourishing, oil-based product. This versatile product can fit into any routine—from normal to dry scalp types. It can be applied daily or used 2-3 times a week as a more intensive scalp mask to strengthen your routine. 

To figure out which product is best for you, Revela offers a short online quiz to point you in the right direction.

Both products feature ProCelinyl™, Revela’s revolutionary, man-made molecule. But first: how did the Revela team find ProCelinyl™, and why do they claim it’s so effective?

Finding The Best Molecule For The Job

The team at Revela used proprietary AI and machine learning methods to narrow down a pool of 7 million molecules by how well they stimulated hair follicle health. What they found was ProCelinyl™.

The next step was rigorous testing for safety and efficacy. First, they observed ProCelinyl™’s effects on human scalp cells. They reported that ProCelinyl™ was found to increase proliferation, or cell growth. The Revela team also observed these cells for signs of damage, of which there were none.

In a clinical trial reported by Revela, a total of 32 women between the ages of 27 and 65 tested Revela for six weeks. Revela reported that 97% saw improvements in their hair, and 87% saw a decrease in hair shedding.

You can read more about the team’s research process in their extensive and highly fascinating white paper.

What Reviewers Are Saying

While Revela’s research and reported findings are exciting, the website’s customer testimonials seem pretty amazing.

Take it from Isabella T., a 54-year-old woman experiencing age- and hormone-related hair thinning, who uses Revela daily. 

“I am so impressed by my results, so much so that I’ve tapered to using Revela once a week because I have too much baby hair—which I’m not complaining about! Application is easy, and the products don’t leave a greasy feeling. Very lightweight—I can’t recommend this enough to anyone experiencing thinning hair.”

Or from Bethany M., a 55-year-old woman who has suffered from stress-related hair loss for close to 30 years. “Viviscal was no longer effective for me, and minoxidil was out of the question due to my beloved cat that sleeps on my head (it’s toxic for cats).”

Bethany took a chance on Revela’s hypoallergenic, non-toxic formula (that’s also safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding). She says she is, “definitely glad I gave Revela a shot. Based on these amazing early results, I am already planning to give Revela at least a full year to work its magic. If this trend continues, I will be a customer for life.”

What Sets Revela Apart

The Revela team created ProCelinyl™ in response to what Zhao calls a “toxic wellness industry” that “makes you feel like if these products don’t work, it’s your fault. These are 100-year-old ingredients; it’s not your fault they don’t work on you. It’s extremely predatory.”

“A lot of different brands will not even do their own experiments,” Zhao continues. “They’ll say it’s proven and backed, but they’re using the claims that the ingredients themselves have. Nobody knows if it’s going to work or not.”

Thus, Zhao says, “it’s not your fault if it doesn’t work. I can guarantee we put in the most effort out of everybody [to determine] a high possibility that it will work. We do a lot of public testing to make sure we’re very confident it works. We think it’s something really worthwhile and something everybody should have access to.”

Start Your Revela Journey Today 

Consistency is key with these products. That’s why Revela offers a 20% subscription discount when you sign up for regular Revela deliveries. The team believes in its products so much that they offer a money-back guarantee if you don’t see visible results after 60 days. 

If you’ve been disappointed by the same old ingredients packaged into different products, then maybe it’s time to consider something different. Revela’s proprietary formula was created by biochemists to fill a clear need in a hair regrowth industry surrounded by buzzwords and 100-year-old ingredients. Zhao says his own mother is a regular user of Revela and loves it—and you just might, too.

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Go Ahead And Cry A River, This Brightening Eye Cream Will Hide The Evidence (And It’s Under $15) https://www.suggest.com/no7-radiance-roll-and-glow-eye-cream-review/2708039/ Wed, 14 Dec 2022 21:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2708039 No7 radiance+ roll & glow eye cream surrounded by orange slices

Some people wear their hearts on their sleeves; I tend to wear them on my face. No matter what my emotion is—indifference, joy, or sadness—it’s practically plastered all over my expression. And this is especially true when it comes to crying. 

I’ve learned the hard way that my eyes are particularly sensitive to the side effects of crying. (You know the whole ‘cute while crying’ trend? This isn’t it.) When I cry, my entire eye area is affected—my eyelids, under eyes, and lash lines swell and redden to near-anaphylaxis-proportions and stay that way for as long as 24 hours. 

A consequence of being highly sensitive, emotional, and a bit dramatic lends itself to my fair share of crying seshes, both good and bad. Luckily, this means I’ve put multiple eye creams to the test, and one drugstore pick has come out on top every time.

Bawl On A Budget With This Drugstore Gem

Post-crying swelling requires an eye cream formula that not only brightens but also reduces inflammation and redness. Any irritating ingredients will only cause more tears and exacerbate the problem. (Can you tell I’ve had a few rounds of trial and error?) 

So far, the best product I’ve found for the job is No7 Radiance+ Roll & Glow Eye Cream. No7 has been around for decades, offering high-quality skincare at affordable prices.

No7’s Radiance+ eye cream is a roll-on formula with a cooling tri-ball applicator that helps soothe the skin as the ingredients work their magic. Vitamin C and caffeine reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. Meanwhile, color-correcting pigments offer an added layer of coverage to brighten the skin.

The Power Of Vitamin C And Caffeine

I typically use the eye cream after my regular cleanser-moisturizer-sunscreen routine. The tri-ball applicator is like a miniature eye socket massage. And while I don’t typically store my eye creams in a fridge (although I have been eyeing these countertop cosmetic fridges because look at them), I’m sure doing so would make applying this product even more refreshing. 

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After applying in short strokes to my under eyes and eyelids, I lightly blend the product into my skin with my fingertips. The eye cream’s tint doesn’t color the skin very noticeably—I’m usually around a medium in a foundation shade, and all it does for my skin is gently brighten the dark, purplish undertones in my eye bags. Overall, the product dries matte with no sticky or oily finish.

It takes around 30-45 minutes for the eye cream to fully reduce the swelling around my eyes, but when it does, it feels nothing short of magical. I’ve revived my eyes in under an hour after a late-night cry sesh left me looking like my face had been stung by bees. And my go-to eye makeup (a dab of concealer, gel eyeliner, and mascara) goes on smoothly with no running, blending, or fading. 

I have no shame in my crying game, but I don’t love not being able to open my eyes the next day. And thanks to No7’s Radiance+ Roll & Glow eye cream, that’s no longer a problem. So, go ahead and let it all out. This eye cream will help keep it under wraps.

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Having Non-Invasive ‘Work’ Done Over The Holidays? You Need This Skin Recovery Set https://www.suggest.com/skinceuticals-post-procedure-set-overview/2702143/ Thu, 08 Dec 2022 12:35:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2702143 SkinCeuticals Post-Procedure Set

The holidays are fast approaching, which means many of us will be catching up on appointments, obligations, and (hopefully) some much-needed rest in the next few weeks. If non-invasive cosmetic work like laser or light therapy is on your docket this holiday break, then you need to check out SkinCeuticals’ comprehensive Post-Procedure Set

Even minimally invasive procedures can leave the skin tender and more prone to external damage. SkinCeuticals, a brand known for its focus on skin science, designed this high-quality skincare set specifically to help aid skin recovery using potent blends of antioxidants, botanical extracts, and mineral barrier protection. 

SkinCeuticals’ Post-Procedure Set includes their antioxidant serum, calming face mask, and broad-spectrum sunscreen which offer extra protection as your skin rejuvenates and heals. You can purchase each item separately or save $40 when buying all three as part of the set.

Step 1: Antioxidant-Rich Serum

The first step of SkinCeuticals’ Post-Procedure regimen is its C E Ferulic Serum. The name comes from its powerful trio of antioxidants: 15% pure vitamin C, 1% Vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid. 

This combination protects against environmental damage caused by free radicals that can contribute to premature lines, wrinkles, sagging, and discoloration. The serum defends the skin against UVA/UVB rays, ozone pollution, and diesel engine exhaust by up to 41%. This protection is particularly helpful for vulnerable post-procedure skin. 

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The C E Ferulic Serum stays active on your skin for up to 72 hours, which means your dollars go even further with this heavy-hitting product. It’s also paraben-free and suitable for all skin types.

Step 2: Mineral Barrier Protection

No skincare regimen is complete without sunscreen, but not all brands are as kind to post-procedure skin as this one. The Physical UV Defense SPF 30 sunscreen was formulated for highly sensitive or very dry skin, combining barrier repair and broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection into one high-quality product. 

Physical UV Defense SPF 30 contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, providing all-day hydration. The formula also contains artemia salina, a plankton extract for extra photoprotection, plus UV and heat stress resistance. This paraben- and fragrance-free sunscreen is ideal for daily use.

Step 3: Botanicals And Moisturizers

Finally, SkinCeuticals’ Phyto Corrective Masque contains a highly concentrated blend of botanical extracts (cucumber, thyme, and olive), dipeptide, and hyaluronic acid. The ultra-moisturizing formula soothes the skin, cooling on contact and restoring natural radiance and smoothness. 

The Phyto Corrective Masque has been tested post-procedure to reduce visual redness and discomfort. But its intense moisturizing power makes this mask a great addition to your skincare routine year-round, particularly after workouts, sun exposure, or other exposure to high temperatures. 

In the evening, generously apply the Phyto Corrective Masque to the face, chest, or neck. The mask can be used as either a leave-on or rinse-off treatment. Alternatively, you can use the Phyto Corrective Masque as an ultra-soothing overnight facial treatment.

Post-Procedure Or Preventative Upkeep

While the SkinCeuticals set was designed for sensitive, post-procedure skin, these products can be used anytime you want extra protection for your skin. This could be after a sunburn (looking at you, over-eager-beach-days over the holiday break), an increase in inflammation, or exposure to other environmental stressors. 

One happy SkinCeuticals reviewer wrote that after using the products for years, they’ve found “it really does work wonders. I use on my face, neck, and chest several times a week. It heals and prevents scarring from occasional breakouts. Keeps skin tone even, and I thought I’d have more wrinkles at 57.”

Another user commented on the Phyto Masque specifically, stating, “I put it on before bed and wake up, and my frown line between my brows magically irons away. I’m so happy with the results of this product I just purchased my second jar.”

SkinCeuticals provides dermatologist-approved skincare with high-quality, clinically tested formulas. Whether you’re recovering from a holiday laser treatment, a winter vacation sunburn, or have naturally sensitive skin, the SkinCeuticals Post-Procedure Set can speed healing and restore your skin’s natural glow, moisture, and radiance.

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To Fold Or To Hang? This Is The Best Way To Store Your Sweaters https://www.suggest.com/should-you-fold-or-hang-your-sweaters/2698401/ Mon, 05 Dec 2022 22:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2698401 sweaters folded in a tipped-over pile and hanging hangers

As winter approaches, it’s time to don our cozy sweaters, cardigans, and turtlenecks. And when we’re not wearing our favorite knitwear on repeat, they need a proper home.

Storing sweaters doesn’t sound complicated, but it caused a heated debate among our editors when discussing this post. We were split on folding versus hanging, but many clothing enthusiasts swear that folding your sweaters is better for their longevity than hanging.

Have you ever bought the perfect sweater that looked amazing when you tried it on, but over time it started to look frumpy and misshapen? That’s much more likely to happen if the sweater was stored on a hanger. Over time, gravity takes its toll. Heavy sweaters made of wool or cashmere are especially vulnerable to stretching out in the shoulders (a phenomenon known as “shoulder boobs,” no thank you) and appearing bottom-heavy.

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No one wants any of that, so folding is the way to go. Don’t have enough shelving space to accommodate all those sweaters? Worry not, you can fold your sweaters and then place them over a hanger without causing damage.

How To Fold Your Sweater

  1. When folding a cardigan, first button it up.
  2. Lay it down with the back facing up and smooth out any wrinkles. Then fold both sleeves across the back.
  3. Fold the right side of the sweater inward towards the middle, then bring the left side to meet it at the center. 
  4. Finally, fold the bottom half of the sweater upward so that it is folded in half.
  5. Either place the folded sweater on a shelf or slide it onto a hanger as you would a pair of jeans.

This method should keep your sweaters organized and (literally) in good shape for longer. We also have a few more helpful tips if you’re looking to reorganize your whole closet soon.

One possible exception to the rule is lightweight summer sweaters made of featherweight cotton or other fabric. Those might withstand a hanger without becoming too stretched out. But when it comes to heavier sweaters, always fold. 

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This ’80s Hair Washing Trick Can Help Those With Thin Hair Score Extra Volume   https://www.suggest.com/reverse-washing-hair-how-to/2694975/ Sat, 03 Dec 2022 21:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2694975 Woman washing the ends of her hair

Washing your hair is a straightforward task, right? A little shampoo, a little conditioner, a little scrub, and voilà—you’re good to go. It turns out, there are methods and techniques that will result in cleaner, healthier hair. For starters, focusing on the scalp where oil production actually happens is important. And according to Jennifer Aniston’s hairstylist, you really should wash, rinse, and repeat when cleansing your hair.

Another hairwashing method has been on the rise lately, but it’s far from new. This process became popular in the ’80s when perming was all the rage and hair needed as much protection as it could get. It is now getting renewed interest, especially for those looking for an instant volume boost.

Referred to as reverse washing, this aptly named technique is simple—you literally reverse the order in which you wash your hair.

How To Reverse Wash Your Hair

After wetting the hair, apply conditioner starting at the ends and work your way up. For maximum moisture benefits, massage the conditioner into your strands and let sit for about five minutes.

Next, add shampoo to your scalp, and be sure to gently massage with your fingertips to remove product buildup at the roots. Using a scalp massager is also a great tool for a thorough clean. Finally, rinse with warm water.

RELATED: This One Simple Change Can Reduce Scalp Build-Up And Increase Hair Volume

The Benefits Of Reverse Washing

The thought behind reverse-washing is two-fold. Shampoo is notoriously drying, so applying conditioner first to dry ends can help protect them from drying out even more.

Additionally, conditioner is often thought to weigh down strands, so by shampooing second, you’ll be removing any leftover conditioner that can result in limp hair post-shower.

As an added bonus, you may even be able to extend the time between washes thanks to the conditioner being shampooed off instead of simply rinsed, the latter of which may cause hair to look greasy quicker.

Who Reverse Washing Is Good For

Reverse hair washing is best for those with thin or fine hair as it can protect delicate strands while giving the appearance of thicker hair. It is also a great choice to try for those that struggle with dry, damaged hair, especially if you color or chemically treat your tresses.

Those with very thick or tightly coiled hair though will probably want to skip this trend. Because reverse-washing essentially is shampooing the conditioner off the hair, this might take away too much moisture this hair type needs.

That said, it’s all about experimenting with what your hair and scalp need on any given day. Who knows, maybe reverse washing may just be your new go-to hair cleansing technique.

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This Cult-Favorite Skincare Brand’s Holiday-Ready Gift Sets Feature Coveted Best Sellers At A Fraction Of The Retail Cost https://www.suggest.com/augustinus-bader-gift-collection-overview/2694656/ Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2694656 Augustinus Bader moisturizers

When it comes to the Rolls-Royce of skincare, Augustinus Bader is hard to beat. Found on the vanities of just about every A-list celebrity out there (including Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham, and Naomi Campbell, to name a few), this luxury skincare brand has earned a reputation for essentially being magic in a bottle.

Thanks to the incredible research conducted by Professor Augustinus Bader, a biomedical scientist with a focus on stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, AB’s flagship products feature their patented TFC8® (aka Trigger Factor Complex) technology. This key combination of ingredients helps to guide the cells in our skin and hair for optimal renewal. From wrinkles to hyperpigmentation to brittle strands, Augustinus Bader’s products are designed to heal, nourish, and protect.

Sometimes you really get what you pay for, and luckily there hasn’t been a better time to try (or gift) these revolutionary products. Just in time for the holiday season, Augustinus Bader has curated their best-selling products in both trial and full-sized gift sets. Cheaper than buying a la carte, these fan-favorite collections are sure to become a new favorite for you or a loved one.

The Augustinus Bader Trial Edit is the perfect collection for those new to the world of AB products. And if you don’t know your giftee’s preferred beauty routine, this set is also a wonderful way to give them multiple skincare options without a huge commitment. 

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The AB Trial Edit contains the Cream Cleansing Gel, a hard-working (but gentle) cleanser that removes dirt and impurities without stripping the skin. The Essence is AB’s toner, which purifies, exfoliates, and shrinks the appearance of pores to reveal smoother, softer, and more vibrant skin.

The AB Trial Edit also features The Eye Cream, a potent formula that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, under-eye puffiness, and dark circles. But the real star of this set is The Rich Cream, AB’s cult-favorite product that is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. 

The AB Trial Edit costs $270 but is a $442 value, which means you can get one for both you and your loved one for close to the retail price of one.

The Hand & Lip Kit is a fantastic option for giftees who are already pretty set in their skincare routine but would enjoy trying a few luxury products on top of it. Plus, what better time to moisturize our hands and lips than in the wintertime, a.k.a. chapped lips and dry hand season?

The Hand & Lip Kit features a deeply moisturizing Hand Treatment that leaves hands feeling soft, supple, and hydrated. It’s the perfect protective barrier against cold, pollution, and other environmental stressors. The Lip Balm provides the same intense moisture, leaving lips appearing plumper, smoother, and more supple.

RELATED: Jennifer Aniston And Sandra Oh Swear By This Moisturizer That Shoppers Say Created ‘Permanent Changes’ To Their Skin

This kit also features both The Cream and The Rich Cream, so your giftees (or you) can decide which level of moisture you prefer. Both creams come in a sachet, which is the perfect trial size to find your ideal AB moisturizer. And, of course, the whole kit is wrapped up in a sleek, royal blue Augustinus Bader zip bag.

Finally, give the gift that keeps on giving with Victoria Beckham by Augustinus Bader’s Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum Sample Set. The Power Serum is a potent 360º treatment that addresses the appearance of past skin damage and strengthens the skin’s barrier to prevent future damage.

It also defends against the effects of digital blue light damage (hi, phone, computer, and tablet screens), indoor and outdoor pollution, and environmental stress. The serum reduces the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles and provides a vibrant, healthy glow. And thanks to the convenient set of six sample sizes, you can either gift someone the whole set or split it up amongst multiple friends—and yourself.

One hundred percent of Power Serum users analyzed saw a significant improvement in their skin’s barrier function after just one use. The holidays can be stressful, but with this heavy-hitting serum, you can at least look like you’re cool, calm, and collected. 

Augustinus Bader’s gift set collection also includes hair treatments, full-size products, and more. So, this year, treat yourself—and your loved ones—to rich, luxurious beauty products that make you feel like royalty without spending like one.

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Not Sure What Products To Use For Your Mature Skin? Meet The Female-Founded Brand Dedicated To Making Skincare Easy https://www.suggest.com/fig-1-beauty-mature-skincare-products/2694962/ Thu, 01 Dec 2022 12:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2694962 A smiling woman applying face cream

Despite many skincare brands touting positivity and inclusivity, navigating the skincare world can often feel like you’re on a bumpy, nameless road without a map. Those with directions are either too elusive or expensive to offer any real directional help. So you remain stuck in the dark, trying to find what works best for your skin and your budget. 

Fig.1 Beauty wants to change that. Made up of board-certified dermatologists, cosmetic chemists, estheticians, and entrepreneurs, the Fig.1 Beauty community seeks to demystify and democratize skincare, making skin health achievable for everyone. (And they do mean everyone—not just A-list celebs and the wealthy.)

From free consultations to eco-friendly, refillable products, Fig.1 Beauty is working hard to change the skincare world for the better.

First Up: Free Consultations

One of the first things that caught our eye about Fig.1 Beauty was its free consultation offering. Unlike other in-office consultations that can cost upwards of $150, Fig.1 Beauty’s consultation is completely free and online, making it easy to figure out the best products for your regimen without ever leaving your home. 

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Simply answer a few basic questions about your age, skin concerns, and current skincare routine. A Fig.1 esthetician will then use this data to create a custom routine that preserves as many of your current products as possible in an effort to reduce waste—because sometimes you only need a few new products, not an entirely new routine.

Online consultations are a great way to learn more about your skin and Fig.1’s products. But you can also navigate their inventory via categories that focus on specific skin traits such as acne-prone, balanced, dry, mature, oily, pregnant, and sensitive. Here are some of our favorite Fig.1 products for mature skin.

Fig.1’s powerful niacinamide treatment is like a spa-day in a bottle. The formula, packed with restorative ions and B vitamins, is designed to soothe stressed, red skin and brighten the complexion, aiding in a more even skin tone.

Other notable ingredients include postbiotic ferments, which nourish skin and support a balanced microbiome that is important for keeping skin glowing and youthful. The combination of copper, magnesium, and zinc all help the skin heal, helping cell turnover and skin renewal for a fresh complexion.

While niacinamide revitalizes the skin from the inside out, glycolic acid does the same from the outside in. Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells to reveal a happy, glowing complexion.

In addition to 4% glycolic acid, Fig.1’s Glycolic Glow Treatment contains PHAs and ultra-hydrating squalane to prevent the redness or irritation that can often occur with exfoliation. The formula is a milky emulsion that has been dermatologist- and allergy-tested on all skin tones and types. This is an excellent option for those with sensitive skin who still want to exfoliate or for exfoliating pros looking for a new, gentler alternative.

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The rejuvenating effects of retinol have long been praised and for good reason. However, retinol can also be abrasive if used incorrectly or on sensitive skinFig.1’s Retinol Night Cream No. 1 utilizes the restorative power of retinol and bioactive peptides to support collagen production, thereby reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

To avoid any negative side effects, Fig.1 prides itself on being totally transparent about the slow-release encapsulation process, their clinical trials, and the amount of retinol in its products (this one contains 0.15%). Fig.1 also has two other retinol products, each with higher levels of retinol, so you can find the one that suits you best without facing the irritated, red-faced consequences.

Fig.1’s Eco-Friendly Promise

The end result is important, but so is the packaging and manufacturing process. Fig.1 has dedicated itself to creating skincare that’s good for us and the planet. One such effort involves offering refillable cartridges you can use with your original glass bottle packaging. 

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We’ve never seen a beauty brand like Fig.1 before—specifically, one dedicated to making skincare more accessible rather than exclusive. Every product is clinically tested to be highly effective, yet Fig.1 keeps their prices reasonably affordable. As stated on its website, Fig.1 makes “high-performance skincare at value pricing.”

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Meet The Butterfly Cut, ‘The Rachel’ Haircut’s More Wearable Cousin https://www.suggest.com/butterfly-haircut-long-layers/2694231/ Wed, 30 Nov 2022 12:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2694231 Two different women with butterfly haircuts

When the iconic ‘Rachel’ haircut worn by Jennifer Aniston first debuted on Friends in 1994, no one knew what to do with themselves. The choppy, layered ‘do effectively took over the world—at least, the haircare world. Celebs and TV fans all flocked to their hairdressers, looking to achieve the same bouncy, girl-next-door-chic hairstyle. 

But Jennifer Aniston? Well, she was far less of a fan. The actress has told numerous news outlets that she found the iconic cut “cringey,” “horrible,” and “high maintenance.” When asked on the Kyle and Jackie O Show if she would rather wear the Rachel for the rest of her life or shave her head once, the star quickly opted for the latter. 

And unless you have a hairstylist like Chris McMillan (who Aniston said she needed “attached to the hip” just to achieve the look herself), a high-maintenance cut like the Rachel probably isn’t a feasible option. 

Luckily, we can keep the Rachel back in 1994 because its cousin, the” butterfly cut,” is here to stay—and she’s more versatile, wearable, and chic.

Meet The Butterfly Cut

According to L’Oreal’s Hair.com, the butterfly cut was first coined by celebrity stylist Sunnie Brook. The butterfly cut features lots of feathery layers, with the shortest falling about two to three inches below the chin. The longer layers, on the other hand, typically fall just below the shoulder. 

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Brook told Hair.com that the varied layers allow its wearer to switch between long and short hairstyles. That way, Brook says, you can experiment with shorter styles like bobs and shags without fully committing to chopping all your hair off. These layers typically look best on wavy or curly hair because the hair’s pattern naturally disguises the edges of the layers. 

That’s part of what made the Rachel such a headache, explained McMillan to The Telegraph in 2016. “It was an easy cut, but it needed regular trims to keep the layers looking sharp.” With the butterfly cut, the layers have room to grow out without changing the overall look.

Is The Butterfly Cut Right For You?

It’s important to remember that the butterfly cut is low maintenance, not no maintenance. Ideally, the 1970s-esque feathered look would add movement, shape, and body to most hair types. But the look might not translate well with tightly coiled or very fine hair. Cowlicks could also pose a problem with the way the layers settle. 

So it’s important to talk to your hairdresser before committing to a chop. If they respond to your request for a butterfly cut with a quizzical expression (not everyone’s on TikTok, okay?), you can also tell them you’d like short, wispy layers at the crown and around your face. A good hairdresser should be able to layer the rest of your locks from there. 

And luckily, if your hair turns out to be a good candidate for this type of cut, styling can be as simple as adding texturizing spray (Julia Roberts and lots of Suggest readers love this volumizing spray from Serge Norman), tousling your locks, and voila. You’ll have bouncy, voluminous hair with feathery wisps that almost look like butterfly wings. It’s no Rachel, but after hearing Jen’s take on that, maybe that’s a good thing.

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Deceitful, Problematic, Or Benign? The Case For And Against The New Crying Makeup Trend https://www.suggest.com/crying-makeup-trend-pros-cons/2692920/ Tue, 29 Nov 2022 23:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2692920 Crying makeup trend demonstrated on social media

Bloodshot eyes, puffy lips, glistening cheeks—crying gives us a distinct look that, for most of us, would not be one we want to show off to the general public. But according to the wellspring of information that is TikTok, “crying makeup” is one of the latest, hottest makeup trends. 

The name essentially speaks for itself; this makeup look is all about achieving that fresh-from-a-cry-sesh face. While straightforward in theory, the trend poses a few underlying concerns that are far more complex. Does this look romanticize poor mental health? Is it deceitful? Or is this all just one big overreaction?

We got our tissues and dove deeper into the issue, breaking down the origins of this trend and its possible benefits and pitfalls.

Breaking Down The Teary-Eyed Trend

“This one is for the unstable girlies,” began @ZoeKimKenealy on TikTok. “If you’re not in the mood to cry, here’s how to get the look with makeup.” Kenealy outlined how she achieved her perfectly pouty look, including puffy soft lips, pink eyes and cheeks, glistening lash lines, and wet Cupid’s bow.

@zoekimkenealy

#greenscreen crying makeup look tutorial 😅 Can I go as a crying person for Halloween or is that not a thing #cryingmakeup #tearmakeup #cryingeyes #makeupforhalloween

♬ Show Me How (Album V) – Men I Trust

While this look is certainly distinct, it’s not quite as original as Gen Z might like to think. But we’ll forgive them, of course, because they also thought skorts were invented last year. However, we’ve seen this heavy-eyed look before.

Fiona Apple, Mazzy Star, and even nihilistic cartoons like Daria—these pop culture icons of the late ’90s made it cool to be crabby. This look, which i-D writer Rayne Fisher-Quann aptly dubbed the “dissociative pout,” has been around for decades.

Just think back to the exaggerated “sad” eyebrows of the 1920s or the dead-eyed gaze of 1960s couture. So what makes this so particularly concerning to some and empowering to others in 2022?

Performative Cosmetics?

As Kenealy explained to The Guardian, the reactions to this makeup trend have been divisive. While some commenters eagerly asked about products and shades to replicate the look, other spectators weren’t as impressed.

“People—mostly men—have been commenting ‘Amber Heard’ on my video,” Kenealy said. Those commenters are referring to a widespread belief, held mostly by Johnny Depp fans online, that his ex-wife, Amber Heard, was fake-crying on the stand about Depp’s alleged abuse. They, in turn, are accusing Kenealy of doing the same.

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Moreover, there’s the argument that makeup looks like these only serve to romanticize poor mental health. Dissociation, anxiety, and depression have all been co-opted by the greater online community as being trendy. “We’re all traumatized,” these trends seem to shout, “and you have to be, too, to fit in with us.”

Of course, that argument could be countered with the benefits of erasing stigma. By bringing these mental health topics into the collective zeitgeist, it can (ideally) be easier for those suffering from these issues to seek help. It provides a sense of community, turning the messaging into, “We’re all traumatized, and there’s nothing to be ashamed about.”

A Pushback On The Patriarchy?

Indeed, some writers are quick to point out that this type of communal acknowledgment is a fundamental pillar of these “emotional” makeup trends. Fredrika Thelandersson, author of 21st Century Media and Female Mental Health, studies online cultures and communities, particularly through the lens of the female experience.

Thelandersson argued that while the makeup might be performative, it’s still serving the purpose of connecting others through similar experiences. “That’s a sort of belonging,” she told The Guardian. “You can make fun of that as much as you want, but it’s still kind of hopeful in a way.”

And as stated earlier, this really isn’t a groundbreaking trend. It conjures up lyrics from Fiona Apple (“Me and everybody’s on the sad, same team, and you can hear our sad brains screaming”) and Garbage (“I’m only happy when it rains, pour your misery down on me”). And according to artist Audrey Wollen, a woman marinating in her own sadness can actually be a form of protest. 

RELATED: No, You’re Not Hysterical: Why Women’s Anger Is Important And Necessary

Wollen, who coined the term “Sad Girl Theory,” argued to Nylon that “the sadness of girls should be witnessed and re-historicized as an act of resistance, of political protest … Girls’ sadness isn’t quiet, weak, shameful, or dumb: It is active, autonomous, and articulate. It’s a way of fighting back.”

It’s Your Party, You Can Cry If You Want To

While some might call this look performative, isn’t that all makeup to a degree? We use makeup to outwardly express our personalities and attitudes. We use white eyeliner and mascara to look (read: perform) like we’re more awake even if we’re dead tired. 

@ecemcelenli Credit @zoekimkenealy 🥀 Crying Makeup aka Pretty when You Cry Makeup 🥲 #makeuptutorial #StemDrop001 #makeup #easymakeup #beginnermakeuptutorial ♬ Pretty When You Cry – Lana Del Rey

And if sadness is the attitude you want to lean into, then who’s to say you shouldn’t? All beauty trends, from simple no-makeup looks to full-on glam and everything in between, are superfluous in nature. We don’t need any of them, period. But we choose to use and wear what we like—and most of the time, those choices are cyclical and predictable. 

And furthermore, in a society where women are vilified for showing negative emotions and constantly told to smile, leaning into the exact opposite is kind of punk rock. Misogynistic naysayers, the likes of whom compared Kenealy to Amber Heard, would likely find any reason to condemn their female counterparts. Crying makeup is just the latest object of derision. 

To cry or not cry: That’s the million-dollar question. Whether you want to give a teary-eyed middle finger to the patriarchy or you like how you look rosy-nosed and glistening, the look seems harmless enough to us. Is it understandable? Er, kinda, though we won’t be rocking the look ourselves anytime soon.

Still, the trend is benign just the same. If you disagree, you could always cry about it.

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Viral French Manicure Hack Promises The Perfect Mani, Even If You Suck At Doing Your Own Nails https://www.suggest.com/nails-inc-french-mani-hack/2694696/ Tue, 29 Nov 2022 12:45:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2694696 A French manicure with a chunky sweater

A French manicure is the epitome of class and elegance, at least according to 13-year-old me. Honestly, though, it’s a chic, timeless look that also happens to be currently trending.

Orly founder Jeff Pink is widely credited with coining the name and look and introducing the French Manicure to the United States in 1975. The name, according to the Orly website, emerged when the nail trend was spotted on Paris runways.

Others say Max Factor came up with a very similar look called “society nail tint,” which was popular in the 1930s. 

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Regardless of its provenance, getting the look will cost you a few extra bucks at the salon, and trying to DIY a French manicure can be frustrating. Luckily, a new viral hack has been making the rounds on social media claiming to provide a foolproof French manicure. But does it actually work?

@matteaboutnails

@nailsinclondon French Mani Hack is for all the babes who want THE classic manicure without the need to call in a pro 〰💖 #frenchmanicure #frenchnailhack #nailsinc

♬ Darling – Trees and Lucy

Many users on TikTok have been enamored with Nails.INC’s new French Mani Hack kit, which includes a bottle of sheer pink polish, a bottle of white polish, and a small tool with a rounded silicone top. After painting on the pink polish, simply swipe a little white polish on the tool and stamp it onto the tips of the nails. Easy, right?

Some nail aficionados are even using a silicone tool with colorful gel polish to take the look to a whole new level.

As it turns out, the idea of stamping on the tip of a French manicure isn’t a new concept or one that needs a specific kit, as other TikTok users demonstrate the same technique using a simple makeup sponge.

Based on the results, it isn’t surprising the special silicone stamp provides a cleaner line than the porous makeup sponge. It also looks much easier to clean and won’t absorb excess polish the same way the makeup sponge would.

That said, we all know social media can make everything look much easier than it is in real life. And if you’re someone who struggles to just apply polish normally, this hack may seem to be too good to be true.

Based on initial but limited reviews of the product, it appears to take some practice to figure out the technique. Accounting for the angle, pressure, and amount of polish needed on the tool can all take a little tweaking to figure out what will work best for your nail length. We can imagine making it even on each nail takes a bit of skill and patience as well.

Still, this looks bounds and leaps easier than attempting to create a French manicure free-handed.

Nails.INC is far from the first brand to sell a product aimed at creating French manicures easier. You might be familiar with half moon guides that, just like painter’s tape, help create a clean line even if you don’t have a steady hand. One Suggest editor personally has tried and loves this technique for creating a clean tip.

When it comes to nail polish in any form, it’s all about a little practice and patience. Of course, a helpful tool to make the task easier is always appreciated, and these French manicure hacks may just be the tool for you!

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Shoppers Love This Luxury Neck And Décolleté Cream That Helps Lift And Tighten Crepey Skin https://www.suggest.com/strivectin-tightening-neck-cream-overview/2691634/ Sun, 27 Nov 2022 20:15:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2691634 Middle-aged woman applying neck cream

We often focus the bulk of our daily skincare routines on our faces. But as we age, the delicate skin of our neck and décolleté deserve some love too.

The skin on these areas is actually finer than the skin on the face and is usually the first part of our bodies to show signs of aging. The neck and its 26 muscles are responsible for performing numerous everyday functions—breathing, chewing, stabilizing the head, and, of course, tilting the head down so we can look at our texts.

All that constant movement does a number on the neck and upper chest. With time, wrinkles and sagginess will start to develop. There’s also the issue of the neck having fewer sebaceous glands than the face, which are essential for maintaining the skin’s natural hydration by secreting sebum.

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Without an abundance of this natural emollient, the skin dries out more quickly and is more vulnerable to sun rays, wind, cold, and other elements. As a result, your neck and décolleté will likely be the first place that lines, wrinkles, welts, and pigment spots appear on your aging skin.

The good news is there are multiple products on the market that address this universal sign of aging. One to consider is StriVectin’s TL Advanced™ Tightening Neck Cream, made specifically for your neck and décolleté.

This best-selling luxury cream is a wrinkle and brightening treatment made with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and a ceramide blend that features StriVectin’s “breakthrough Gravitite-CF Lifting Complex.” The formula claims to improve skin elasticity, provide visible lift, correct the look of uneven tone and texture, and smooth the appearance of neck lines and sagging.

In clinical testing reported by StriVectin, 90% of participants showed tighter, more lifted skin and improvement in horizontal lines and crepiness, while 92% showed more even skin tone on the neck and décolleté after using the TL Advanced™ Tightening Neck Cream Plus for eight weeks.

Many shoppers seem to agree.

“I’m about to be 45 and noticed some weird [crepey] skin in the middle of my neck—it was super noticeable when I ate or drank—so I became really embarrassed to meet people for lunch,” one reviewer wrote. “I ordered this cream 30 days ago and the results are astonishing.”

“I’ve been using this neck cream for a few years now. When I first started using it I thought it was just like any other neck cream. Little did I know how effective it would be,” another reviewer noted. “My neck had become dark with rings around it. After [a] few weeks of use, I looked in the mirror and the darkness was gone and the rings were reduced. I will not be without this neck cream.”

To incorporate the TL Advanced™ Tightening Neck Cream Plus into your skincare routine, StriVectin recommends applying a thin layer twice a day to clean skin. Gently massage in an upward motion around the jawline and on the neck, and in a circular motion into the décolleté.

While the cream does come with a hefty price tag, it is important to note StriVectin is an award-winning skincare brand that prides itself on science-backed solutions for changing and aging skin.

In particular, StriVectin’s prized achievement is its patented NIA-114™ technology, which is an optimized form of niacin. Also known as vitamin B3, niacin is a key compound the body uses to keep the skin healthy. The brand also pledges to use independent clinical testing for all its finished formulas.

It is precisely this research and dedication to proven products that have propelled the brand into one many shoppers know and trust. And with their TL Advanced™ Tightening Neck Cream Plus, it just might be the part of your skincare routine you’ve been missing.

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