This image provided by U.S. Agriculture Department shows Hello Fresh Ready Made Meals Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey, where Federal health officials late Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, warned people not to eat certain subscription meal kits containing spinach that may be contaminated with listeria and identified with Est. P-47718 and lot codes 50069, 50073 or 50698.(U.S. Agriculture Department via AP)
(AP) – Federal health officials late Monday warned people not to eat certain Hello Fresh subscription meals containing spinach that may be contaminated with listeria.
The U.S. Agriculture Department issued a public health alert for the meals, which were produced by FreshRealm, the San Clemente, California-based company linked to an expanding listeria outbreak tied to heat-and-eat pasta meals.
The products include 10.1-ounce containers of Hello Fresh Ready Made Meals Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta and 10-ounce containers of Hello Fresh Ready Made Meals Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey. Both were shipped directly to consumers.
The pork pepper pasta is identified with establishment number Est. 47718 and lot code 49107 or Est. 2937 and lot code 48840. The unstuffed peppers with ground turkey is identified with Est. P-47718 and lot codes 50069, 50073 or 50698.
The problem was discovered when FreshRealm notified the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service that the quick-frozen spinach used in the products tested positive for listeria. The spinach was provided by Sno Pac Foods of Caledonia, Minnesota, through their supplier, Del Mar Foods of Watsonville, California. The strain of listeria detected did not match any known outbreak and no illnesses have been reported, FreshRealm officials said in a statement.
Last month, FreshRealm said that tests confirmed that pasta used in linguine dishes sold at Walmart contained the same strain of listeria linked to an outbreak in June. That outbreak, originally tied to chicken fettucine Alfredo, has killed at least four people and sickened 20, with the most recent illness reported Sept. 11.
FreshRealm officials said genetic testing found the outbreak strain of listeria in samples of pasta made and supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California.
Several additional companies including Kroger, Giant Eagle and Albertson’s have recalled pasta salads and other dishes made with products from Nate’s Fine Foods for potential listeria contamination.
Listeria infections can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults, people with weakened immune systems and those who are pregnant or their newborns. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.
About 1,600 people get sick each year from listeria infections and about 260 die, the CDC says. Federal officials in December said they were revamping protocols to prevent listeria infections after several high-profile outbreaks, including one linked to Boar’s Head deli meats that led to 10 deaths and more than 60 illnesses last year.
With year one under its belt, Pappas Restaurant group’s first chef-driven concept has built a major following among seafood fans. Evenings find the dining room and patio full of diners happily slurping down freshly shucked oysters on the half shell, lobster on ice and gorgeous stone crab claws slathered through Creole mustard aioli. Then comes the finest chargrilled octopus in town, a lobster gnocchi dish you never knew was missing in your life, seasonal delights like blue crab stuffed squash blossoms, and mains from a beautiful King Salmon to chicken-fried American red snapper. Pro-tip that has nothing to do with seafood at all: pair something, anything, with the housemade Dill Breaker cocktail.
Houston seems to be having a renaissance when it comes to Italian restaurants; with a growing number of classic red sauce joints, fancy Italian steakhouses and friendly trattorias with scratchmade pastas and pies entering the dining scene over the last few years. With so many new faces in town, it sometimes feels right to revisit something tried and true; especially when that old favorite refreshes its menu to put out fresh-from-the-garden bangers year-round. Celebrating a decade earlier this year, Coltivare is a masterclass in seasonal dining (its name is Italian for “to farm,” “to cultivate,” or “to grow”), with a few menu staples —garlicky drunken mussels, spaghetti with black pepper and parmesan, wood-grilled chicken with pickled grapes — along with rotating specials from gnocchi with sunflower and mint to blistering pizzas topped with roasted duck, charred spring onion and fennel.
This Blueberry Pudding Cake is so easy to make and is made in an 8X8 so it’s perfect for a small gathering or when you just want a snack size dessert.
If you love this recipe you may also want to give this Blackberry Pudding a try! It’s made in a 9X13 and one of our favorite summer recipes.
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
We love any dessert made with fresh blueberries and we also love a smaller dessert. This easy recipe is easy to throw together and a wonderful topped with ice cream. It’s a great summer treat you can really enjoy year round!
🍴KEY INGREDIENTS
Fresh blueberries
Lemon juice
All-purpose flour
Salt
Baking powder
Cooking oil
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon
Sugar
Evaporated milk (could use regular milk)
ToppingIngredients
Cornstarch
Sugar
Water
🍽️HOW TO MAKE
This recipe is easy to make and you can throw it together quickly! You don’t even need a mixer, which is always a plus.
COOKING STEPS
Step 1 Layer your berries in an 8 x 8 x 2 inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Sprinkle the lemon juice over the berries and kind of mix so they are coated. Mix flour, salt, baking powder, cooking oil, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar and milk together and spread over the berries. Add Topping.
Step 2 Boil one cup water in microwave or on stove and mix with sugar and cornstarch in a separate bowl making sure it is well blended. Pour over dough and berries. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 45 to 55 minutes until browned on top. Serve with ice cream or just plain.
⭐TIP
If you want to make this in a 9X13, you will need to double the recipe. Also, take a minute and read the comments on this recipe. Great reviews!
OTHER BLUEBERRY RECIPES
Blueberry Shortcake – This is such a delicious dessert and perfect for any summer gathering! We all love this one.
Sour Cream Blueberry Pie – This pie is so easy to make and has a wonderful crumble topping. Such a hit!
Blueberry Biscuits – Add these to your breakfast menu! We added a powdered sugar glaze and they are so good.
Fresh Blueberry Cheesecake – This is one of our most popular recipes for a reason! The homemade crust is amazing.
This Fresh Blueberry Pudding Cake is wonderful to take to any gathering! It’s made in an 8X8 and perfect for a small group or when you want a snack size dessert.
Prep Time 10 minutesmins
Cook Time 55 minutesmins
Total Time 1 hourhr5 minutesmins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, southern
2cupsfresh blueberriesYou can make this using all kinds of berries
1tablespoonlemon juice
1 1/2cupsall-purpose flour
1/2teaspoonsalt
2teaspoonsbaking powder
3tablespoonscooking oilI used Canola
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
1teaspooncinnamon
1cupsugar
1cupevaporated milkcould use regular milk
Topping:
1tablespooncornstarch
1/4cupsugar
1cupboiling water
Layer your berries in an 8 x 8 x 2 inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Sprinkle the lemon juice over the berries and kind of mix so they are coated. Mix flour, salt, baking powder, cooking oil, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar and milk together and spread over the berries. Add Topping.
Topping Instructions
Boil one cup water in microwave or on stove and mix with sugar and cornstarch in a separate bowl making sure it is well blended. Pour over dough and berries.
Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 45 to 55 minutes until browned on top.
If you love blackberry desserts you must give this delicious blackberry pie a try! It’s a wonderful summer staple and a great addition to any gathering.
If you have followed our site for any amount of time you know we love this Deep Dish Blackberry Cobbler. It’s been a family favorite and past down 2 generations.
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
We love blackberry desserts and this pie is no exception! It’s a delicious summer favorite and one your family will love too. Not a lot of ingredients, made with two crusts and wonderful topped with ice cream.
🍴KEY INGREDIENTS
2 Pie Shells
Blackberries
Sugar
Vanilla Extract
Cinnamon
Flour
Butter
Brown Sugar
Milk
🍽️HOW TO MAKE
We made our own pie crust when we made this pie, but you can easily use store bought. We prefer Pillsbury and you can roll those out and would be fine for this pie.
Step 1 Place bottom crust in your pie place. (Tip: I spray my pie plate with cooking spray before I add the crust. I think this makes the pie come out of the pan easier). Prick bottom crust with fork.
Step 2 Mix all ingredients except butter, milk and brown sugar in a large bowl with a spoon. Pour into pie shell. Cut butter in pieces on top of filling. Place second pie shell on top and cut slits for steam to escape.
Step 3 Very lightly brush just a tiny bit of milk on top of the shell and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar.
Step 4 Bake in preheated 425 degree oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 degrees and cook 20-25 more minutes until pie is brown on top. Let cool before cutting.
OTHER BLACKBERRY DESSERTS
We are a huge fan of blackberry desserts and have quite a few on our website. You can always use the search box to look for all of them, but here are a few of our favorites!
STORING, REHEATING & SERVING SIZE
We store this pie in the refrigerator, and reheat a slice in the microwave but it’s just as good cold! Makes one pie so about 6-8 slices depending on size.
This Blackberry Pie is a dessert your family will love. Perfect on a hot summer day topped with ice cream. Made with two pie crusts and so good!
Prep Time 10 minutesmins
Cook Time 15 minutesmins
Reduce Heat 20 minutesmins
Total Time 45 minutesmins
Course Dessert, Pie
Cuisine American, southern
29 inchpie shells, unbaked (You can make them yourself or use bought. I used Pillsbury frozen pie shells.)
4 1/2cupsfresh blackberries
3/4cupsugar
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1/2teaspooncinnamon
1/2cupall-purpose flour
3tablespoonsbutter or margarine
Milk and 1 teaspoon brown sugar for top of crustOptional
Place bottom crust in your pie place. (Tip: I spray my pie plate with cooking spray before I add the crust. I think this makes the pie come out of the pan easier). Prick bottom crust with fork. Mix all ingredients except butter, milk and brown sugar in a large bowl with a spoon. Pour into pie shell. Cut butter in pieces on top of filling.
Place second pie shell on top and cut slits for steam to escape. Very lightly brush just a tiny bit of milk on top of the shell and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. Bake in preheated 425 degree oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 degrees and cook 20-25 more minutes until pie is brown on top. Let cool before cutting.
I think you could use frozen blackberries in this recipe, too.
Avgeria Stapaki aims to make that first impression a memorable one as the Greek chef tonight — Friday, March 29 — opens Tama, a Bucktown restaurant where inventive Mediterranean-style cuisine stars.
Stapaki and co-owner Adalberto Olaez (Lao Peng You, Boeufhaus) have created an ambitious menu that stands apart from Chicago’s crowded and competitive Mediterranean dining scene. They view the regional genre as more of a guideline than a rule and apply an international lens to singular creations like avgolemono ramen, a Greek-Japanese mashup featuring ramen noodles made in-house, swiss chard “nori,” and crispy chicken; dolma with tabbouleh and beurre blanc; and unctuous short rib orzo. In keeping with the theme of freedom, patrons can expect menu changes multiple times per year, leaving room for seasonal switches and sparks of inspiration.
Stapaki and Olaez have painted, sanded, and sculpted for months to reshape the 80-seat restaurant that sits on two levels at 1952 N. Damen Avenue. On the first floor, Tama will offer counter service and a bar where patrons can find six signature cocktails and a selection of moderately priced wines by the glass. The second floor is devoted entirely to dining and will be available for private events. An outdoor patio is also in the works, as Stapaki navigates the city’s licensing process.
Dolma (tabbouleh, beurre blanc).Tama
Tama marks a fresh chapter for the restaurant space, which previously housed a long line of fine dining restaurants including Michelin-starred Claudia, Stone Flower, Takashi, and Stephanie Izard’s Scylla. A warm and earthy color palette is designed to evoke Greek, North African, and Middle Eastern sensibilities, and the team has installed lush olive trees to lend an organic feel.
The team imported lights from Morocco for the first-floor space and had hoped to bring in even bigger versions for the second floor, but the exorbitant price forced Stapaki to pivot. Instead, she spent a week of eight-hour days sculpting domed fixtures out of cement and plaster. It’s a dramatic departure from the fussy formality of fine dining that’s designed to attract locals with a casual atmosphere and competitive pricing, a place where passers-by can grab a meal and a glass of wine for about $65. “I like that we put our hands on this,” she says. “We painted it, we fixed the lights — we actually worked for it.”
The opening is a liberation day for Stapaki, too, as she is at last free to reintroduce her food to Chicago on her own terms. A veteran chef who began her career at Nobu Matsuhisa’s restaurant in Athens, Stapaki left her native Greece in 2019 and moved to Chicago to lead the kitchen at Nisos, a flamboyant Mediterranean restaurant that was among 2022’s most hotly anticipated openings. In spring 2023, however, Nisos’ owners at Parker Hospitality decided to close and revamp the venue, which has since reopened as a steakhouse. In the end, Stapaki says the split came down to compatibility, and she felt more at home working alongside Olaez, Nisos’ former chef de cuisine.
The thrill of independence, however, is often accompanied by significant pressure, at least in the hospitality industry. Stapaki is acutely aware of the weight of her responsibilities, particularly as Tama has no investors or corporate backing. When the stress feels overwhelming, she says she’s found solace in her friendship with R.J. Melman, president of Chicago restaurant behemoth Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.
She credits him as a steadfast supporter following her mother’s death after a heart attack in Greece during the early pandemic, and a shoulder to lean on when her hopes for Nisos went awry. They’d even considered a collaboration, “But he was like, ‘You don’t need me. I want you to shine on your own,’” Stapaki says. “I liked that.”
Read Tama’s opening menu below.
Tama, 1952 N. Damen Avenue, Scheduled to open Friday, March 29.
This installment of Deep Reviews, like all others, took weeks to complete. Not only do we take our time to research the best products on the market, but we put our top contenders through rigorous testing, which is conducted by our very own editors.
Here’s the 411. We started by looking at other publications—Allure, Byrdie, Glamour, and many others. We created a master list of all the lip balms that were recommended. From there, we compared and color-coordinated the lists, looking at how often each lip balm was mentioned as well as its overall ratings and reviews on major beauty retailer sites.
After all of this, we had our list narrowed down to a mere 10 lip balms. All that was left was to do our own testing, and we did. Each editor received the lip balms and was asked to test, rate, and review them. Once we had everyone’s responses, we assembled them into a document and ranked each lip balm according to the feedback. By the end, we had crowned the best one.
Beyond our knack for scoping out deals and validating trends once they pick up speed, beauty editors possess the unique ability to find the best gifts for our loved ones. In other words, the holiday season is our Super Bowl, with Thanksgiving serving as our half-time to pull together our shopping lists. Everyone knows that the holiday season has a tendency to be as hectic as they are joyful, so I naturally gravitate towards gifts that transport them to their happy place from the comfort of their bath or shower.
To help take some of the pressure off your online or in-person shopping trips, Who What Wear’s beauty editors have banded together to bring you an edit of this year’s ultimate bath and shower gifts from luxurious body oils to circulation-inducing dry brushes. After all, we never doubt the magic that can be found in a bottle of bubble bath at the end of a long day. Check out our 10 top picks below.
*Kitchen Nostalgia is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The landscape of beauty is ever-changing, as new products launch and industry icons receive packaging touchups or formula tweaks. In 2022, we saw innovations in texture, formulation and ingredient blends — and experts seem to agree: It was a blockbuster year in beauty.
Beauty editors spend their days testing all of the latest hair, makeup, skin-care and fragrance drops, usually before they even hit the market. And while they may try hundreds (if not thousands!) of new products each year, there are only a select few that make the cut as newfound favorites.
We asked 13 beauty editors — experts in all things dabbing, blending, smoothing and judging — to share their picks for the very best product launches of 2022. Ahead, see the 33 they chose.
“You couldn’t head out for your morning cup of coffee without running into a celebrity skin-care line this year, but the one that surprised me in the best way was Hailey Bieber’sRhode Beauty. The Barrier Restore Cream, in particular, stood out for a few reasons: Not only did she consult veteran cosmetic chemists and trusted dermatologists to fine-tune the formula, she also kept the ingredients simple yet effective. My sensitive skin is a big baby… but it drank up every last drop of this stuff — no irritation or breakouts in sight.” —Kelsey Castañon, content director, Popsugar Beauty
“Coming from someone who spent half of every middle school P.E. class trying to unstick my hair from my lips, I thought my lip gloss days were in the rearview. Then, I tried this launch from Tarte’s Maracuja line, which is technically more of a ‘bloss’ — a hybrid between a balm and a gloss — than the sticky alternative you might have worn in the early aughts. Still, it gives my lips that Juicy Tube-level shine without the sticky feel. It doesn’t hurt that I also love every single color (I have all nine of them stashed in a different purse, travel bag and makeup drawer) and that the hydrating formula is perfect year-round.” —Castañon
“The name speaks for itself: This Merit serum does exactly what it says. It gives you great skin. For the clean beauty brand’s first foray into skin care, it tried its hand at something so simple, but so efficacious. The niacinamide and hyaluronic acid simultaneously brighten and hydrate. On days when I’m rushing or just want to have a nice morning glow for the gym, I apply this and feel like a new woman.” —Asia Millia Ware, fashion and beauty writer, The Cut
Dior La Mousse Off/On Foaming Face Cleanser, $47, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“This cleanser hasn’t made its way off my shelf since it launched in the spring. I knew I loved it when I was traveling and forgot my skin-care bag, and when I went to Sephora, it was the first thing I reached for. Dior got everything right, from the creamy foaming texture to the way it leaves skin hydrated and deeply cleansed. It’s the one cleanser that I recommend to every person I know. There are so many cleansers on the market, but for me, this one changed the game forever, which says a lot. And it’s luxury beauty at an affordable price. Definitely a top-tier launch.” —Ware
Cay Skin Deepwater Nourishing Lip Mask, $22, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I know the girls love Laneige (myself included), but Winnie Harlow absolutely did something with her brand’s lip mask. Whether I’m going to bed, the gym or just re-hydrating my lips midday, it effortlessly glides across my lips for the ultimate nourishment. I honestly haven’t touched another lip mask since I discovered this, and I have everyone from my boyfriend to my best friends obsessed with it.” —Ware
Jori Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask, $52, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“As someone who grew up with cystic acne, I’m pretty skeptical about most over-the-counter treatments, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It’s labeled as a leave-on mask, but I use it as a spot treatment whenever I see or feel a breakout coming on. It has 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide that allows it to get deep into the pores, as opposed to just sitting on the surface of your skin (which reduces the usual irritation I’d get from using anything with benzoyl peroxide in it). I apply the tiniest amount to an incoming spot one to two times a day, and it stops it right in its tracks.” —Jenny Jin, beauty director, PureWow
Supergoop Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50, $34, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I’m always on the search for a sunscreen that outperforms the last, and this one from Supergoop is a standout this year. The brand calls it a ‘watery lotion,’ and I can confirm that it has a thin, watery consistency that spreads easily and absorbs without much effort. I’ve worn it during sweaty summer days in LA and in crisp fall weather while visiting family in Korea recently, and it never feels too heavy on my skin. On that note, the lightweight texture is comparable to some K-beauty formulas I’ve loved throughout the years like Innisfree and Make P:rem.” —Jin
“Char was first described to me as ‘a comforting scent that’s basically a crisp, cozy fall day in a bottle,’ which is pretty accurate. Featuring tonka bean and ginger top notes, it gives a whiff of warmth and spice that lingers long after you spray it. Depending on my mood, I’ve been alternating between this and ‘Windows Down,’ a lighter, brighter citrus fragrance from the brand. Either way, I’ve gotten compliments from friends and family members whenever I wear these scents — including my mom, who stopped me mid-hug the other day and insisted I spray some perfume on her, too.” —Jin
Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50, $22, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“The struggle to find brown girl-friendly sunscreens is still real, even in the year 2022. So I was extremely delighted to discover that not only does this SPF not leave behind a chalky white residue on my skin, but it’s extremely moisturizing. I love wearing this daily because I feel protected, whether it’s sunny outside or extremely cloudy, and it makes for an incredible base when I do wear makeup.” —Dana Oliver, founder and editor, Beauty for Breakfast
Milk Makeup Future Fluid Cream Concealer, $29, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I live for a multi-purpose beauty product, and Future Fluid wears many hats, from concealer and highlighter to foundation. I don’t have to overdo it with blending, as it melts right into my skin. And I still look like myself, which is a huge plus!” —Oliver
Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Serum Foundation, $34, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“When Danessa Myricks’ Yummy Skin Serum Foundation launched in March, I knew I needed to get my hands on it immediately. Once I tried it, I fell in love with the formula. Honestly, it’s the only foundation I’ve used consistently this year. It feels hydrating (thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil) and gives my skin a beautiful glow.” —Olivia Hancock, beauty editor, Byrdie
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“Futurewise’s Slugging System has been a game-changer for my dry skin, especially the Slug Balm. I love slathering this jelly-like formula on my skin before bed. The moisture-locking occlusive helps prevent water loss, ensuring my skin remains plump and hydrated. And unlike other occlusives, this one doesn’t feel sticky or heavy on my skin.” —Hancock
Ami Colé On Point Precision Brow Pencil, $20, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I’m an Ami Colé devotee, so I always get excited when the brand launches something new. The On Point Precision Brow Pencil debuted in September and has quickly become my favorite brow product. The ultra-fine tip makes it easy to create precise, hair-like strokes. Plus, I love that all the shades are named after braiding hair colors.” — Hancock
“Sunscreen doesn’t need to be fun (after all, preventing cancer is fun enough on its own, IMO), but this fluffy sunscreen makes applying it on yourself or a friend a total delight. It comes straight out of the can just like whipped cream and smells like a hazy piña colada-doused afternoon in Miami. P.S. Any record collector will find this product charming, too, because it reminds me of the Herb Alpert ’65 cover.” —Margaux Anbouba, beauty editor, Elle
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I never thought about how every liquid liner had a cone-shaped brush until I tried this brilliant redesign from Euphoria’s lead makeup artist Donni Davy. The brush is flat and paddle-shaped, so it makes tight lining your eyes or building even, inky cat eyes a breeze.” —Anbouba
Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Powder, $36, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“You only need a dab of this genius blurring balm-meets-foundation to cover skin in an ultra-flattering filter. Buff it into skin and everything looks miraculously smoother and luminous all day long.” —Anbouba
“As someone with curly hair who’s been searching for years, I can attest to the fact that finding a good gel isn’t easy — thankfully, the beauty customization experts at Prose created this one. This styling gel (which is tailored to my unique hair needs) has been one of my favorites this year for sleek buns and ponytails, half-up looks and more — without the flakes.” —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor, Harper’s Bazaar
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Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum, $68, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“The primary ingredients (niacinamide, hylaronic acid, retinal, squalene) were ones I already used individually, so this serum allowed me to simplify my skin-care routine by combining them all. It’s a bit steep in price, but you only need a pea-sized amount to see a dramatic difference, so you get your money’s worth.” — Treasure Brooks, co-founder, The Meteor
“This product was great at evening out stubborn discoloration on my back and chest. Retinols and chemical exfoliants can be tricky on melanated skin, so it’s great when a brand like Topicals is formulated with us in mind. It has a nice consistency, no pungent smell and I think the packaging is so cute.” — Brooks
Initio Parfums Prives Paragon Extrait de Parfum, $370, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“This under-the-radar fragrance brand won’t be so for much longer: Its latest launch — a unisex blend of palo santo and white sage — is hands-down my favorite fragrance launch of the year. It’s intoxicating and will literally stop people in their tracks. (True story: A complete stranger practically fell over herself at a Brooklyn hotel to tell me how much she liked this scent on me). The brand claims that the note blend has powerful emotional properties and was used for centuries by Inca shamans. I know nothing of this, but I can tell that you’ll use this sparingly to make it last as long as possible. It’s that good.” —Brian Underwood, beauty director, Women’s Health
Kate Somerville EradiKate Clarifying Acne Gel Cleanser, $44, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“Acne products have undergone a major makeover this year, and in the words of Lizzo, ‘It’s about damn time.’ This is stuff people who have breakouts will actually want to use, and I consider Kate Somerville’s EradiKate line as part of this shift. This lovely gel cleanser with 2% salicylic acid — a trusted acne-fighting ingredient — foams beautifully, has a pleasant slightly herbal aroma, and looks snazzy on your bathroom counter. It’s a win-win for your skin.” —Underwood
Fresh Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum, $55 (from $110), available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“It’s said that ‘good things come to those who wait,’ and we’ve been waiting a long time for this serum — Fresh scientists have been at it for 15 years, in fact. The results are a revelation: This blend of a proprietary tea compound, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramide III boosts skin’s resilience against pro-aging stressors. And, like most Fresh products, it’s a joy to use — lightweight, soothing, just…wonderful.” —Underwood
“I can’t help but scream out its name everywhere I go. Dieux Skin’s Instant Angel is formulated with fatty acids, ceramides and glycerin to deeply moisturize skin. It comes at an amazing price point and is created by a brand that genuinely cares about its consumers. That, and it makes my skin look and feel happier and healthier each time I apply the buttery formula.” —Hallie Gould, senior editorial director, Byrdie
Chanel Éclat Lunaire Oversize Illuminating Face Powder, $88, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I love the size of this product; it’s absolutely massive. The finish is satin-y without sparkle and lights up my skin in all the best ways. Use it on your eyes, cheekbones and wherever else you’d like to sprinkle a subtle, golden rose highlight on.” —Gould
Iconic London Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint, $32, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“The perfect skin tint does exist, thanks to Iconic London. The formula is lightweight, but offers enough coverage for my full-beat babes and still looks great after a long day of work and events.” —Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor, Elle
Eadem Dew Dream Hydrating Cleansing Balm, $30, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“Whether I’m drunk, tired or lazy, I always remember to remove every ounce of my makeup. Eadem‘s cleansing balm melts off even the most stubborn matte formulas with ease — without leaving my skin feeling stripped bare.” —Penrose
Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork Vol. IV Transcendence Palette, $125, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I haven’t been this excited about an eye shadow palette in a long time. I typically reserve pops of color for the inner corners of my eyes or the waterline, but the shades in this palette deserve primetime lid space. One swatch deposits the most insane amount of pigment and blends without any hiccups. And don’t stop at the eyes: Dust on your favorite shade along your cheekbones for extra oomph.” —Penrose
“For the first time, I started experiencing a flaky scalp this year and decided to try this new serum to see if it could help with the dryness. I was pleasantly surprised when this formula gave instant results. Just two to three drops, and my scalp felt and looked more hydrated after one use. ‘Instant,’ ‘after one use’ — I felt like a walking infomercial using this product. It’s been my go-to when I’ve washed gel out of my hair or after heavy heat application.” —Thatiana Diaz, editor-in-chief, Remezcla
Body by TPH Good Daze Vegan Hydrating Body Wash Gel, $9, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I’ve been longtime loyal to my Dove body wash, but this gel did have me choosing sides this year as I reached over for it most of — if not all of — the time. This gel has softened my skin and gives me a sensorial experience that blends well with the steam of my warm showers. My bathroom instantly turns into a spa, without the expensive tab. It’s perfect for the morning, with orange and ginger essential oils that make getting up much more pleasant for a not-so-morning person.” —Diaz
Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer, $30, available here
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“I added this product to my makeup routine as a bronzer, and I can confirm that it lives up to the ‘transforming’ of it all. I dust this onto my cheekbones and around the corners of my face, giving off a foolproof warm glow that’s lightweight. Two bonus takeaways: If you tan on vacation and your foundation shade is now a little off, this powder helps level out the tone, so you don’t have to buy a new one; and it could also serve as a soft eyeshadow. Truly transformational.” —Diaz
“It’s not easy to create a high-performance ‘clean’ mascara — but somehow, Ami Colé did it. With a formula that has 87% naturally-derived ingredients, including shea butter and jojoba oil, not only am I left with voluminous, long, fluttery lashes, but the formula also never flakes or dries out my lashes. This mascara has made me quit some of my high-end faves.” —Kayla Greaves, executive beauty editor, InStyle
Rose Ingleton MD SuperFruit Gentle Brightening Cleanser, $38, available here
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“I feel like I’ve been going on and on and on and on about this cleanser all year — and with an almost perfect five-star rating on Sephora.com and a few awards under its belt, it looks like I’m not the only one who’s obsessed. It’s made with Dr. Ingleton’s signature Jamaican SuperFruit Blend, sugarcane extract, hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5. Expect your skin to feel nourished and supple — never dry! — after cleansing. Plus, it’s made with coconut surfactants, so it will still give you that satisfying lather, but without stripping your pores. No other cleanser can compete — sorry!” —Greaves
Relevant Skincare One and Done Everyday Cream, $38, available here
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“I have been traveling like a madwoman as of late, and my God, this one-and-done cream really saves my ass (and space in my luggage) every time. The impressive formula offers a blend of moisturizing plum oil, niacinamide, kigelia extract, buriti oil and more — plus SPF 40. After I wash my face, I simply slather this on and go about my business.” —Greaves
Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. This in no way affects our editorial decision-making. Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Getting consistently glow-y skin can sometimes feel like an impossibility, especially for the non-Zoë Kravitzes of the world and anyone who simply doesn’t have the time to incorporate a 20-step routine into their day. But if there’s anything social media — and its many filters — has taught us, it’s that a lit-from-within, luminous complexion is still at the top of most people’s beauty wish lists. A new crop of so-called spray-on “serums” is hoping to simplify and streamline the glow-building process: These supercharged takes on face mists pack potent ingredients and an array of benefits into one swift step, creating dewy, even complexions in seconds flat.
The idea behind these formulas, which are thicker than water but thinner than a typical-serum, is to create a simpler, foolproof way to deliver a variety of skin-care benefits onto your face, fast. These mist-and-go alternatives might not check every box a more elaborate routine would, but they’re definitely better than nothing. And, paired with basics like a daily face wash and sunscreen, they’re the lazy person’s solution to building a perfectly respectable skin-care routine.
For those who already rely on an arsenal of products, spray-on serums and facial mists can be helpful for quick midday moisture refreshes, to add an instant glow to makeup that’s turned dull and, of course, for in-flight spritzing while traveling. If your skin leans oily, look to formulas with alpha hydroxy acids, which gently exfoliate to prevent breakouts. If your skin tends to be on the drier side, look for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and, over time, the complexion’s ability to protect itself.
Click through the gallery below for 16 spray-on serums and benefit-packed face mists we love right now.
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Sugar-free soft drinks, which have been around in various forms for almost 40 years, still have their problems. Remember Tab? Remember Coke Zero? Yes, they tasted sweet and saved you drinking some 40 teaspoons of sugar from each 375 ml can, but are they really healthier than regular soft drinks?
Brownie points
When you choose a diet drink, you may end up indulging in other sweet, kilojoule-dense options because you’ve been ‘good’. So, you’ll often see someone sipping a sugar-free drink while eating a chocolate bar, croissant or brownie. It confuses our brains.
Weight loss … or weight gain?
Sugar substitutes do little in the way of weight loss. In fact, the opposite may be true: some diet-beverage drinkers gain weight and have an increased risk of chronic diseases.
A 2010 study published in Physiology & Behavior concluded that regularly consuming sugar-sweetened drinks could lead to weight gain and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In 2013, however, researchers had 200 people replace their sugary drinks with diet varieties or water for 6 months. Their conclusion? The sugar-free-beverage drinkers actually ate fewer desserts than the water drinkers. So there’s that.
A too-sweet taste?
When you drink them regularly, no-sugar soft drinks get you used to a sweet taste. This is a long-term problem for weight loss, as well as for people with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. If your body is used to getting a super-sweet hit from diet soft drinks, it makes managing appetite much more difficult.
The sweetness signal tells our bodies to prepare for kilojoules (or calories) and our appetite is generated in readiness, but no kilojoules arrive. So we’re likely go out and consume other foods. In other words, sweeteners prep our bodies for a sugar fix but then don’t deliver. So sweeteners interfere with the learned responses that normally contribute to glucose and energy homeostasis.
How safe are they?
We know these sweeteners are safe, but what we don’t know are their long-term effects on appetite. So let’s just say, the scientific jury is still out on their long-term effects.
The bottom line
The key is only having sugar-free soft drinks as an occasional treat, not every day or when you feel thirsty. Long term, we don’t really know what these sweeteners are doing to our bodies. One or two is fine (say, if you’re going out to a club), but regularly consuming these zero-sugar drinks may lead to long-term overconsumption of other foods.
