Every year seems to bring with it a new host of trending skincare ingredients, and in 2024, adaptogens are set to be the next big thing. Long since used in traditional medicine, adaptogens help the body to adjust to the impact of stressors, and in skincare, they help to repair stress-induced skin damage. This ties in with the growing trend for stressed-skin solutions but also, according to Bee, a return to heritage and traditional skincare therapies.
“The world of skincare has become increasingly scientific, complex, and, in some spaces, culturally less accessible and somewhat cold,” she explains. “In adjacent categories like food and health, we are seeing a return to ancient wisdom, looking back to discover our core needs and strip back any unnecessary complications. This movement is present in skincare, too, perhaps most tangibly with products that draw from traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic ingredients.” So expect to see the likes of ashwagandha, neem, reishi mushrooms, ginseng, and Moringa popping up in your skincare formulas over the next year.
I won’t shut up about this body butter. I don’t care how many jars I go through, how many people I talk about it with, or how many years go by. It’s that good. First, it’s the most moisturizing body butter I’ve ever used. Yes, it leaves some residue behind, but I’m okay with that. When you see how glowy and soft your skin is, you’ll be okay with that too. Second, it’s high in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, phytosterols, carotene, and vitamins A, C, D, and E, so it’s like a multivitamin for your skin. Third, it contains absolutely no water or filler ingredients, so you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. Finally, it calms and prevents razor burn better than any other product I’ve tried. So, yeah, it’s my favorite.
PS: If you like the original formula, you’ll probably like the new limited-edition version, called Mutha Body Butter Glow ($110). It has all the goodness of the original formula with a hint of shimmering bronzer for an even better glow.
Every new year, I make a list of goals and resolutions like everyone else to set myself up for success. This usually involves taking stock of where I’m at in different areas of my life and deciding what I want to change and where I want to be. When I looked at the wellness aspect of my life, I noticed a serious hole. I hadn’t been prioritizing working out, meditating, or journaling. I had been so focused on other areas that I was neglecting the one that I needed to nurture most to show up as my best self. This year, I decided that health and wellness are going to come to the forefront for me.
No more skipping Pilates to meet friends for martinis and fries or letting my supplements collect dust on my vanity. At the start of my wellness journey, I knew I would need some assistance from the wellness brands I know and trust. During my latest visit to ALO’s New York City wellness center after a Pilates class and sweat in the sauna, I noticed all of the new wellness products the brand has been introducing, including a new line of supplements. From there, I went on a bit of a shopping spree, and I found some really, really good stuff.
Keep scrolling to take a look at the 30 wellness products I’m buying to keep me on track for 2024.
If you’re not already familiar with Dieux, the brand’s other superstar moisturizer that was launched prior is Instant Angel ($45). This lipid-rich moisturizer is designed with dry skin in mind, but it’s also labeled as noncomedogenic, so you may still be able to use it if you’re prone to breakouts. I loved this formula, but I think it was slightly too rich for my skin and ended up causing a pimple or two. I was incredibly bummed but was ecstatic when the brand dropped a lighter version for us oily folks. The brand’s co-founder Charlotte Palermino loves them both equally. “My personal favorite is layering the two,” she shares. “Because Air Angel floods the skin with hydration, I treat it almost like a hydrating serum and lock it all in with Instant Angel. Normally, I do this at night, and I’m glowing when I wake up! If I had to choose between the two, Instant Angel is my favorite. That’s because I have dry skin, and Instant Angel doesn’t sit on the skin. It sinks in and really reinforces your barrier. The glowiest skin is always happy skin, and that’s what these two do.”
Joyce de Lemos, cosmetic chemist and co-founder of the brand, gives us a bit more insight into Air Angel and what makes it really shine: “[It] was proven through clinical testing to hydrate and moisturize the skin for up to 12 hours after one application. Keeping the skin moisturized is important to maintaining a healthy and optimal lipid barrier function. Also, Air Angel was tested by people with self-perceived acne-prone skin, and it was found to be non-acnegenic and noncomedogenic.”
De Lemos also shares a few more benefits and what makes Air Angel such a smooth operator. “While Air Angel provides the same hydrolipid blend as Instant Angel, the lipid level is lower, and therefore, the texture is less rich than Instant Angel,” she says. “It’s perfect for those who simply prefer gel-creams, live in more humid climates, or have oilier acne-prone skin types that need hydration but not necessarily the heavier level of lipids. For drier skin types, Air Angel can also work great as a hydrating serum to layer underneath Instant Angel.”
I have a lot of things on my bucket list, and going to Greece is one of them. Blame it on my fixation with ancient history or the fact that I’ve watched the cinematic masterpiece that is Mamma Mia! probably 50 times in my life, but I would love nothing more than to leave my responsibilities behind and relax on an island in the Mediterranean for a couple of months.
Unfortunately, I haven’t made it there yet, and to be honest, I don’t see myself making it there for a while. To tide myself over until I’m finally able to book a plane ticket, I can turn on Mamma Mia! again or turn to one of my favorite skincare brands—Korres.
There are a lot of reasons I love this Greek skincare brand. One of the top ones is that it cooperates with local farmers and uses traditional ingredients to create its effective formulas. These formulas target a variety of skin concerns. Do you struggle with dark spots and discoloration? Korres makes a few products that can help. Dryness and irritation? Yep. What about loss of firmness and elasticity? Definitely. Ahead, check out my favorite Korres products. Plus, see proof that they can make your skin glow like a Santorini sunset.
Simply put, epigenetics is the study of how your lifestyle habits and environment can change the way your genes express. I’ve always found this to be a super-interesting topic in itself, but Parker took it a step further to explain how it can specifically affect your skin. “Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression (not changes in genetic material), influenced by environmental factors and choices including diet, exercise, and preemptive skincare,” he explains.
You’ve probably heard it a thousand times before, and this will come as no surprise, but you should definitely be wearing sunscreen, and Parker is here to explain why. “Rationale Skincare represents a comprehensive, customized, epigenetic approach to skin health that addresses the major cause of skin aging—the sun. Eighty percent of facial aging is caused by the sun. Our skin genes, which determine how we respond to the sun and pollution, are given to us by both parents. We cannot change this. However, we do not necessarily have to express genetic skin weaknesses—e.g., acne, pigmentation, rosacea, etc.”
Allen’s perception of beauty has always been influenced by her cultural upbringing as an Inuvialuit living in the Arctic. “The things I always grew up to know as beautiful were handmade Inuvialuit traditional clothes, earrings, crafts, arts, and carvings,” she explains. “They were seen so highly by everyone in my community and always praised and recognized. I always wanted beautiful mukluks or mitts for Christmas, and they were the most valuable thing I felt like I owned.” In the first video I ever viewed of Allen’s, she was holding a pair of traditional beaded bridal slippers made by a local artisan and sharing how important it was to her that she wear them on her special day—even taking precedence over wedding dress shopping.
Another video features Allen doing her makeup with the goal of embracing and enhancing her Indigenous features. When I ask Allen about the most notable beauty practices passed down to her through generations of women in her family, Inuvialuit clothing and jewelry come to mind. She says she feels most beautiful in her traditional earrings, seal-skin mukluks, and mittens. “I feel like I’m really sharing who I am, how I was raised, and what my life growing up in the Arctic was. I hope my audience sees the beautiful way of life it is in the Arctic and in Indigenous culture,” she adds. The majority of her content, beauty based or otherwise, is focused on her identity and culture. Many of Allen’s videos begin with her introducing herself as an Inuk from the Arctic before diving into the subject matter.
Not only that, but Penzi says cloudberry can also stimulate collagen and thus “contribute to firmness and elasticity of skin” while “diminishing fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of photo-aging.” In other words, it’s inherently anti-aging as well as brightening and barrier-strengthening.
Not to sound like a game-show host of yesteryear, but that’s not all! Believe it or not, there’s yet another benefit of cloudberry. It’s anti-inflammatory thanks to its flavonoid content. (Flavonoids are phytochemical compounds). “This helps to soothe and calm irritated skin (eczema-prone, rosacea-prone, inflammatory acne, etc.),” Penzi says. “Additionally, they are rich in omega fatty acids that help to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture.”
So, yeah, it almost sounds too good to be true, but it’s not. Cloudberry can brighten, soothe, protect, and strengthen the skin barrier all in one go. No wonder it’s been trending lately.
We’ve been waiting on pins and needles for the formal U.S. launch of Prada Beauty since August. Sure, we had the brand’s initial launch of lipsticks and eye shadows to keep us temporarily satiated, but we could hardly wait to see what else would come from the sought-after luxury brand. Would it be more modern makeup formulas? Would it be—gasp—a designer skincare line that could stand up to the likes of Chanel‘s or Dior‘s?
Well, six months have passed, and we’re happy to report that Prada Beauty did, in fact, drop a skincare line (and it’s currently exclusive to Nordstrom and the Prada Beauty website). True to what we’d expect, the products are high-tech, thoughtfully formulated, and incredibly chic. In other words, they have Prada written all over them.
The line was formulated with one thing in mind: helping the skin adapt to its environment in real time. As such, each product in the line contains the brand’s Adapto.gn Smart Technology, which is a proprietary complex of ingredients engineered to do just that. Keep scrolling to see the five luxe products worth buying, and learn how they can benefit the skin.
We are in the depths of winter and even Mississippi is having snow and ice. It is flat out cold outside. For those who have to venture out and deal with it, their skin might be effected by the temperatures. Skin can have a difficult time retaining moisture, leading to itchy, dry skin and cracked lips. In truly low temperatures, there may be a warning not to have exposed skin, a true sign of danger for the body and your beauty system.
Can CBD save your skin from cold weather? Yes, the right products have the ability to help fight the damages. CBD can hydrate and calm the skin which can make a difference – especially on the lips.
Photo by rawpixel.com
Studies have found ttopical CBD products are effective for hydration. The infusion of oils and Vitamins A, C, and E that can help deeply moisturize and protect skin along with CBD’s antioxidant-rich properties. Antioxidants are important for dehydrated skin because they can help protect against free-radical damage which can lead to skin looking more dehydrated and with more fine lines and wrinkles.
Make sure you look for products containing pure CBD oil plus along with other oils like grapeseed, coconut, jojoba, marula,or oregano oil for best results.
If you suffer from chapped lipped, look for a CBD-infused lip balm which can help your lips stay hydrated.
Photo by Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images
Have you ever found yourself with more red spots or breakouts as soon as the weather starts to turn? CBD skincare products can help soothe your skin throughout the fall and winter. Studies show that CBD can help regulate and stabilize skin function. It’s also anti-inflammatory. That means it may help reduce acne and redness so you could have clearer, calmer skin this season. Plus, it may inhibit oil production so you breakout less over time.
If you suffer from a skin condition like eczema or atopic dermatitis that only gets worse or itchier as the season’s change, you aren’t alone. CBD is also effective to help with common skin conditions because of it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
But if you also take medications for a skin condition like eczema, always confirm with your dermatologist that it’s safe for you to add CBD skincare to your daily routine before starting.
Miuccia Prada likes to play the contrarian: a onetime communist presiding over a fashion conglomerate, a designer whose notion of sexy tips toward ugly chic. So it goes that a woman known for wearing little discernible makeup is launching exactly that, with Prada Beauty now making its Stateside debut. (The product line made an appearance on the Milan runway last September.) Is it by turns practical, eccentric, militaristic, and oriented for utmost care? Yes to all.
The Monochrome Hyper Matte lipstick bullet is embossed with the crosshatched texture of Saffiano leather, a signature material for Prada’s handbags.
The refillable eye palettes are for archive buffs: Each takes after an original Prada textile, translating retro prints into richly pigmented shadows. Metal-clad lipsticks come in two matte variations; the lip balm is tinted the house’s mint green. Foundation attuned to undertones lends an unfussy polish, while the adaptogen-boosted skin care lineup—cleanser, essence, serum, cream—is as future-forward as Ms. Prada herself. After all, getting older allows for ongoing evolution, as she once put it: “You gain some wrinkles, but— eh—finally, you learn to have fun!”
Prada Beauty
Reveal Skin-Optimizing Refillable Soft Matte Foundation
Prada Beauty
Dimensions Multi-Effect Refillable Eyeshadow Palette in Profusion
Prada Beauty
Monochrome Hyper Matte Refillable Lipstick
Prada Beauty
Monochrome Soft Matte Refillable Lipstick
Prada Beauty
Dimensions Multi-Effect Refillable Eyeshadow Palette in Pulse
Costa Rica is riding a green wave, and no, it’s not just the lush rainforests. The country’s CBD market is booming, with an impressive 333 products now registered. This isn’t just a fad; it’s a full-blown lifestyle revolution, encompassing everything from munchies to magic potions.
2. A Feast of Choices: CBD-Infused Edibles
In Costa Rica, CBD isn’t just a health supplement; it’s a culinary delight. With 257 food products registered, the options are as varied as the country’s biodiversity. Imagine sipping on CBD-infused drinks, nibbling on chocolates, gorging on gummies, or spreading CBD peanut butter on your morning toast. From coffees to brownies, the CBD-infused menu is as enticing as it is vast.
3. CBD Cosmetics: Beauty with Benefits
Move over, traditional skincare! Costa Rica’s CBD cosmetic range is redefining beauty regimes. Imagine slathering your skin with CBD gels, creams, serums, and even lipsticks. These aren’t just vanity products; they’re packed with moisturizing, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s beauty that heals.
4. Cutting-Edge Wellness: Nano Aqua’s CBD Water
Innovation is the name of the game in Costa Rica’s CBD market. Take Nano Aqua’s CBD-infused water, for instance. This isn’t your average flavored water; it’s a technological marvel, enhanced with nanotechnology for superior absorption. Brewed in the heart of…
Gould’s mornings start bright and early with wake-up times falling anywhere between 5:45 and 6:00 a.m. Before launching herself into a busy workday, she does a gratitude practice, something that I admittedly don’t do often enough. This includes journaling, meditating, and just “waking up and saying thank you” before she moves through the rest of her day. I’m not sure if she’s a natural early riser or if it’s been learned through trial and error, but I admire her dedication to taking calm moments for herself. She’s found a way to strike the delicate balance between wellness and her multifaceted career as a cosmetic founder, content creator, and creative director.
The Result:
I’ve wanted to discover solace in the silence, but I haven’t always had the tools or drive to pull it off. It turns out that starting a workday with gratitude can foster an extra helping of positivity to carry me through the day. I finally broke open the lined journal and daily planner I’ve been keeping on my bedside table for a rainy day and spent the first few minutes after my morning alarm writing down five things I’m grateful for, setting my intentions, and taking note of what I hope to accomplish. This was followed by whichever guided morning meditation I stumbled upon on Spotify that led me through deep breathing exercises, affirmations, and stillness.
While rising at the break of dawn isn’t something I would normally be drawn to, I was amazed at how much more time I had to myself in my mornings before switching on my “productivity autopilot,” the driving force behind my work mindset. The controlled chaos of beauty editor Maya didn’t exist until meditative Maya had a chance to set the tone for the rest of the day. Since following Gould’s morning rituals for a week, I’ve found myself wanting to wake up earlier to get as much “me” time in my day as possible. My mornings may not always start while it’s still dark outside, but I love being more of a morning person as opposed to my night-owl tendencies—consider me sold.
There are a lot of organic bodycare brands out there, but it’s a bit rarer now that I find one that’s really worth shouting about. While I’m a huge advocate for higher standards when it comes to my skincare ingredients, some organic lines fall into the trap of being underwhelming or not working very well. Esker products, however, don’t fit this bill.
Featuring a range of high-quality organic bodywashes, oils, and body tools, Esker utilizes a CO2 extraction method that gives these formulas a unique edge. The brand’s founder, Shannon Davenport, broke it down for me.
“I was initially drawn to CO2 extraction because it made a superstar skincare ingredient more appealing,” she says. “Carrot seed oil (daucus carota) is a superb ingredient loaded with naturally occurring antioxidants, but in its traditional steam-distilled or cold-pressed format (as an essential oil) it has kind of a funky smell that is extra musky, almost bordering on kind of a barnyard scent. It’s not a bad scent per se, but not one with mass appeal.
“However, when the ingredient is CO2 extracted, it smells totally different! Earthier, lighter, and almost with a touch of a smokey mesquite aroma. I am obsessed with the scent and then subsequently learned how potent and clean CO2-extracted ingredients are. Our carrot seed process is done by basically putting organic carrot seed root into a sealed chamber and using pressure to allow carbon dioxide to pass through the plant matter leaving the aromatics and/or fatty oil content behind.”
This unique process gives each product an extra aromatic scent and I’m obsessed. Read on for my thoughts on a few favorites from the brand.
I had the privilege of sampling several Esker bodywash formulas, and this one was definitely a favorite. The problem I have with a lot of organic bodywashes is that they don’t lather enough and you have to use a ton to feel clean. Not the case here! This formula has a really nice lather and the scent is incredible. It’s earthy, uplifting, and leaves you with the softest skin. My only wish is that it came larger since I go through it a bit quickly.
My other favorite bodywash I tried from the brand was the clarifying formula. If you’re prone to body breakouts, give this one a go! It offers the same nourishing and softening qualities as any Esker bodywash, but vitamin E and cypress oil in this one help reduce skin inflammation and hydrate without clogging pores.
Honestly, every body oil from the brand is so good. I love that they all feature high-quality organic oils that are noncomedogenic. If your skin isn’t too sensitive to essential oils, then you may even be able to use them on your face! The firming formula is designed to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and tighten the skin. I can’t exactly say that this one product alone tightened my skin since I also use a body retinol, but I will say that the combination of the two keeps my skin feeling soft and looking healthy. Grapefruit and lavender essential oil really stand out in this smell-wise and I always feel like I’ve just gone to the spa after applying it.
For those with sensitive skin who can’t use essential oils, this one’s for you! This ended up being my favorite body oil of the bunch because it provides the most long-lasting hydration. It’s scent-free and contains ingredients like prickly pear seed which has powerful antioxidants, squalane, evening primrose, fractionated coconut oil, and avocado fruit oil. The formula overall is high in vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids that keep skin soft and nourished. I use this one after a shower in the evening and wake up with the softest skin of my life. It’s a perfect winter hydration staple.
This oil is the pair to the brand’s Restorative Body Wash. Carrot seed extract is the foundational ingredient in this formula that’s loaded with antioxidants to reduce the appearance of aging skin. Jojoba oil also makes up the formula which is rich in natural ceramides that help repair the skin’s barrier.
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: $52 is way too much for a hand wash, but trust me, once you try this one, you’ll be hooked. While staying at the Conrad Hotel in Los Angeles once, the hotel’s spa director told me it’s all she uses because it keeps your hands so soft and it smells so good. I, of course, went home and tried it myself. She wasn’t lying. It contains a blend of essential oils that gently and thoroughly cleanse your hands without over drying. They also have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, keeping your hands extra clean. Trust me, this one is worth it. I’m spoiled now and probably won’t be able to use any other hand soap.
The last thing that made my list of top Esker products was the brand’s body planing tool. I wasn’t familiar with body planing until receiving a treatment with this tool. It’s great to have at home to remove any build up on your skin and promotes lympathic drainage without being overly abrasive.
As far as drugstore body lotions go, this is a favorite. It’s designed for extra dry skin so it’s great to reach for in the winter.
Rare Beauty’s newly launched hydrating body lotion contains barrier-supporting niacinamide, ashwaganda extract, and hyaluronic acid. I haven’t gotten my hands on this one quite yet, but I can’t wait to do so.
This is my all time favorite body lotion. It’s hydrating and rich in collagen-supporting ingredients, but is never too thick or greasy. Osea products also always smell amazing—there’s no artificial fragrance, they just smell naturally earthy and wonderful.
This luze vitamin C-rich body oil is a new find for me but it’s incredible. It has ceramides, New Zealand botanicals, and biotech lipids that keep your skin next-level nourished.
Celebrity aesthetician Ian Michael Crumm encourages tailoring your routine to your skin’s specific needs, as everyone’s skin is unique. “If you have specific skin concerns, consult with a dermatologist or aesthetician for personalized guidance,” he suggests. If you have aging skin, for example, Crumm recommends opting for products with retinol, peptides, and antioxidants. In that same vein, your skin type (combination, dry, oily, or normal) should be taken into consideration while piecing together an effective evening skincare routine. Even a change in weather pattern or season can influence the behavior of your skin! Your age can also majorly influence what products should be a part of your nightly skincare routine.
Up until a couple years ago, my skin type was normal, but within a month or so of my 24th birthday, I noticed it was feeling a lot drier, which called for transitioning products in and out of my skincare routine. For dry skin types, board-certified dermatologist Teresa Song, MD, FAAD, of Marmur Medical recommends using a non-foaming, hydrating cleanser followed by moisturizer, retinol, and then a second application of moisturizer, also known as the sandwich method, to offset potential retinoid irritation. “If still feeling dry, one can even add in a hydrating serum prior to moisturizer application,” says Song.
Alternatively, oily and acne-prone skin can benefit the most from foaming or non-foaming cleansers alternated with a sulfur-based face wash twice a week. According to Song, if cream-based moisturizers feel too heavy, but your skin tolerates retinol well, consider moisturizers with water-gel textures. If you fall into this category, prescription retinoid usage may also be effective. Unsure of where to start? There’s a fast and easy way to determine which products to try without breaking the bank or putting your skin’s health at risk.
There are quite a few ingredients derms say you should avoid if you’re pregnant, and board-certified dermatologists Divya Shokeen, MD, and Lauren Penzi, MD, shared a list of the top five ingredients.
Retinoids: Both derms agree that retinoids should be avoided. Even if you’re using a non-prescription retinol, it might be better to exercise caution and forego that for the duration of your pregnancy.
“Prescription retinoids, such as isotretinoin and tretinoin, should be avoided, as they have been associated with birth defects. Over-the-counter retinol products are also best to be avoided due to the potential risk they may pose.” — Shokeen
Salicylic Acid: “While low concentrations of salicylic acid in skincare products are generally considered safe, it’s best to avoid high concentrations or peels, as they can potentially be absorbed systemically.” — Shokeen
Hydroquinone: Both Penzi and Shokeen agree that hydroquinone should be left out of your routine.
“This skin-lightening ingredient is often used to treat hyperpigmentation, but its safety during pregnancy is uncertain and best avoided.” — Shokeen
Formaldehyde: “Found in some nail hardeners and hair-straightening treatments, formaldehyde is best avoided due to potential toxicity concerns.” — Shokeen
Chemical Sunscreen: Penzi says it’s best to avoid chemical sunscreens that contain ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, cinoxate, and more. To be safe, stick with a mineral sunscreen that only contains ingredients like zinc oxide.
A general rule of thumb is to use an exfoliant two to three times a week,” Camp says. “You may want to use it less often if you have a history of particularly sensitive skin.” He notes that overuse of exfoliators can cause redness, dryness, and irritation, so it’s best to start slow. Also, there’s the matter of sun protection. “Exfoliants can make skin more sun sensitive, so it is important to use an SPF moisturizer.”
Pavitt, on the other hand, operates on a philosophy of daily (but gentle) exfoliation. She recommends starting by using mandelic acid every other day and then amping it up to once per day. “This is the perfect acid for irritated, breakout-prone skin or even someone with super sensitivity,” she says. “The only thing I recommend is to isolate your actives within your routine. Don’t have four or five exfoliators in place with retinol, vitamin C, etc.; this is the only time I see people getting irritated when using mandelic acid (they’re using too many actives).”
To avoid going overboard, Pavitt recommends sticking to the essentials. “I recommend starting with a gentle non-active cleanser, followed by a mandelic clearing serum, a noncomedogenic moisturizer, and SPF if you’re using it in the daytime.” Oh, and if you’re not sure whether or not you’re using the right products, she has your back. “Use my pore-clogging ingredients checker at sofiepavittface.com,” she says. “You can input a product’s ingredient list into this search engine and it will tell you if that product has any pore-clogging/comedogenic ingredients in it.”
I’ll start by admitting that I may not be the best test subject for this kind of product. I’m 30 and don’t have many wrinkles yet, but I’m a firm believer in starting a youth-enhancing skincare routine at a young age if you want to see those lasting results. I was also just incredibly intrigued by the technology this product offers.
Housed in the brand’s iconic cobalt-blue bottle, Harmony L’Extrait immediately looks and feels luxurious. Although using the product for a week wasn’t a whole lot of time, I definitely noticed that my skin started to feel firmer and even looked brighter. I also have to note that the product does have a strong fragrance, which I don’t love. If this bothers you or your skin is sensitive to fragrance, you might want to skip this one.
I’ll also admit that I have crow’s-feet forming around my eye area. No matter how much eye cream I use, my eye area still gets dry (ugh). After using the Harmony L’Extrait for a bit, though, I noticed a visible difference in hydration around that area and a softening of those lines. I was definitely happy about that and even noticed a difference around my smile lines, which are getting pretty deep. What can I say? I love to laugh. I also struggle with breakouts from time to time. The formula isn’t really designed to target breakouts, but my skin still had a bit of extra radiance to it that wasn’t there before.
Overall, I really like this product and think that it actually works. I’m going to continue using it for the next few months to see what kind of results I see then. Again, I knew that given my young age and the use of this product for a few weeks, there wouldn’t be dramatic results. If anything, it can be a great serum to use preventatively. I’ve shared a photo of what my skin looks like now anyway. The fine lines around my eyes have definitely softened, and you can tell when I smile. After just one week of use, I’d say that’s extremely impressive.
If you’re looking for a product that’s groundbreaking in its technology and could possibly even act as an alternative to things like Botox or a face-lift, this just might be it. The technology is so revolutionary, and if you were to start using this in your late 20s or early 30s and stuck with it for some time, I think it could eliminate the need for more invasive treatments altogether. If you’d like to dip your toe into using a serum like this without fully committing to an $860 price tag, keep scrolling below for a few wallet-friendlier options.
“Get the Kiehl’s Hand Lotion!” I replied in all caps, looking at my own beloved tube of it on my bedside. She was, after all, in her own words, “cracking,” and I knew this was the only product that would get the job done.
“You don’t get it,” I asserted. “I’m so passionate about it.” She went on to purchase a tube and asked no further questions, as she knows better than anyone that I’m rarely this enthusiastic about one product — especially something as simple as hand cream.
This is also when I realised: I should probably write about this.
It may seem silly to feel this strongly about hand lotion, but I believe the hands (and feet) are far too often overlooked in the world of skin care (and as a longtime beauty editor, I know a thing or two about this terrain). Everyone obsesses over their face, neck, and even scalp hydration, only remembering their extremities when wintertime-induced dryness comes back around.
By the time we reach for the hand cream, let alone a nice hand soap (which is a whole other conversation I can’t wait to have), our skin is already in the state my sister’s was: so dry that it’s cracking!
What happened to preventive skin care, huh? Exactly. Which is why last year, I sought to change that — especially because I have to wash my hands so many times each day (I have four pets).
In the fall I began to incorporate the Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve into my bedtime routine, and within weeks I was hooked: my hands were noticeably softer, and even my manicures were lasting longer than before. (My grandmother’s manicurist once told me to apply moisturiser to my cuticles. It’s basically a form of nail slugging.) My cuticles also looked softer and the skin around my nails completely stopped peeling.
Now I don’t leave home without it. I always pack a travel size — or fill a travel-size tube if the 2.5 oz. option is sold out. Otherwise my hands feel sad and naked, or like prunes upon waking. Even after spending 10 days in the literal desert that is Los Angeles during the dry month of December, I’m pleased to report that my hands are silkier and softer than ever, thanks to the trial tube I brought with me for my holiday vacation.
Text conversation between me and my sister on December 15, 2023
I never paid much attention to face oils because I thought they were just going to leave my skin feeling greasy, heavy, and way too shiny. I wrote them off for the longest time, but then the Who What Wear beauty team tested out a new face oil-serum for a story, and my mind was completely changed. The serum wasn’t greasy or oily at all. In fact, it was lightweight and fast-acting.
I guess I should preface all of this by saying that my skin doesn’t have too many problems other than being prone to dryness. Sometimes, it goes absolutely nuts and gets super parched, red, scaly, and all-around unhappy. In those moments, I’d normally slather on my go-to moisturizers, but now, I also add select face oils to the mix to get my skin under control. These oils absorb into my skin so quickly and leave it much smoother, plumper, and more glowy. The one-two punch of face oil and moisturizer cuts my skin’s freak-out time in half, so my dry and angry skin is moisturized and happy within three to four days instead of a full week. When I add a face mask to the routine, the healing process is even faster.
