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  • Dyson Airwrap vs. Shark Flexstyle: We put these top-tier multi-stylers to the test | CNN Underscored

    Dyson Airwrap vs. Shark Flexstyle: We put these top-tier multi-stylers to the test | CNN Underscored

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    This article is part of our series Battle of the Brands, in which we compare category-leading products to their counterparts to determine which are actually worth your money.

    Multi-styler technology truly changed the game of at-home hair styling, and it just so happens that two major vacuum brands are also leading the charge of innovative hair tools. The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete and the Shark Flexstyle Air Drying & Styling System allow users to bring salon-level results home with a bevy of styling attachments and features. Both tools combine drying and styling technology to streamline your routine, so you can blow dry, style and set your hair all with one device.

    On the surface, the Airwrap and Flexstyle have more similarities than differences — but let’s see how they measure up.

    Dyson’s Airwrap uses enhanced Coanda airflow technology to make styling surprisingly quick and easy, whether you’re going for a sleek and straight look or a volumized and bouncy blowout.

    shark flexstyle vs.jpg

    A dryer, curler, volumizer and smoother all in one, the Shark Flexstyle also uses the Coanda effect for smart hairstyling.

    The Airwrap and Flexstyle are multi-styler tools that offer similar features. Both market themselves as hot-tool alternatives that are healthier for the hair than traditional hair dryers, curling irons or smoothing systems because of temperature-measuring technology. According to Dyson, the Airwrap measures airflow temperature more than 40 times per second, ensuring that the device stays under 302 degrees Fahrenheit. The Flexstyle also constantly measures airflow temperature (Shark says 1,000 times per second), and features a no-heat setting so you can use the device to speed up your air-drying time.

    In terms of look and feel, both are sleek and sophisticated. They take up about the same amount of space; however, the Airwrap comes with a convenient storage case to keep the attachments and device organized between uses. Before I get into the attachment comparisons, let’s take a look at the devices’ respective specs.

    Shark Flexstyle

    Dyson Airwrap

    Size

    1.8 inches x 13.5 inches, with an 8-foot cord

    1.9 inches x 10.7 inches, with an 8.5-foot cord
    Weight

    1.54 pounds

    1.5 pounds
    Number of heat settings

    4, plus cool shot

    3, plus cool shot
    Number of speed settings

    3

    3
    Number of attachments included

    4

    7
    Additional attachments offered

    2 (curling-defining diffuser and wide-tooth comb)

    6 (wide-tooth comb, 3 additional Airwrap barrel sizes and lengths, 2 additional smoothing brush sizes and 1 additional round brush size)
    Storage case

    No

    Yes
    Color options

    1

    2

    I tested the tools side-by-side by using the Shark Flexstyle on the left side of my head and the Dyson Airwrap on the right side of my head. Because my hair is naturally stick-straight, thick and very long, I typically have a lazy approach to hairstyling and opt for air drying most days because of the time and effort it takes to completely style my hair. I found both tools easy to use and durable, and it was a breeze to switch from one attachment to the next, making it feel like one smooth-sailing process, rather than an involved routine with a bunch of separate steps.

    dyson shark hair dryer

    The Airwap and Flexstyle both boast a hair drying feature, which allows you to cut down the number of hair appliances in your routine. (The two brands also happen to make tech-driven hair dryers too, the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer and the Shark HyperAir Hair Dryer.) The Airwrap features one Coanda smoothing dryer attachment, while the Flexstyle’s dryer is built into the body of the device and then comes with your chosen dryer attachments based on your hair type (the set for straight and wavy hair comes with a concentrator, while the set for curly and coily hair comes with the concentrator and a diffuser but no smoothing brush). Both recommend starting with towel-dried hair, and then rough drying the hair to 80% before using another styling attachment to finish your look. Each device dried my hair to that 80% state in about 5 minutes, using the max heat and speed settings.

    Between the two, the Flexstyle’s drying feature impressed me the most. To activate its hair dryer, the top of the device rotates and locks in place at an angle. This gives more control for your styling, and almost feels like you’re holding a standard hair dryer.

    Since my hair is straight, I typically use a concentrator attachment on my regular hair dryer to keep it smooth. Having the concentrator attachment on the Flexstyle gave it the same functionality and control.

    The Airwrap’s Coanda dryer attachment, on the other hand, isn’t quite as intuitive. It features two modes, Drying and Smoothing, with the latter utilizing the Coanda technology. The Drying mode features a shot of focused airflow, but it didn’t provide as much control as I’m used to with a regular hair dryer. According to Dyson, the Smoothing mode is for already dry hair, is best for naturally straight or wavy hair and will help tame flyaways. With the Airwrap’s other smoothing attachments, however, I didn’t see a need to use this on already dry hair, and instead tried the Smoothing mode to finish drying my hair. While my hair looked straight and smooth, I didn’t notice any major difference from how it would look after using a standard dryer.

    Dyson Shark smoothing brush

    The Flexstyle has one paddle brush attachment that features short and long bristles, while the Airwrap has two, the Soft smoothing brush and the Firm smoothing brush. I used these to finish my usual straight styled look on 80% dry hair, after using the dryer attachments.

    On the Dyson’s smoothing attachments, the airflow is more concentrated and uses the Coanda technology to attact the hair, however, the Flexstyle’s dual-length bristles gripped my hair the best out of any of the smoothing attachments. Overall, there weren’t any major differences in the final results across the devices — both delivered a straight, sleek look.

    Dyson shark round brush

    To add volume to your ‘do, the Flexstyle offers a large-barreled oval brush, while the Airwap has a round volumizing brush. The Flexstyle’s volumizing attachment more closely resembles the fan-favorite Revlon One-Step Volumizer, whereas the Airwap’s barrel is closer to a traditional round brush.

    Again, I tested these on 80% dry hair. I found that the Dyson’s smaller barrel gave more defined curls, making my hair appear fuller and bouncier. The Shark’s barrel added some volume and a bit of bend to the ends of my hair, but not any super-defined style. Since I have thick hair, I imagine the Flexstyle would make more of a noticeable difference on fine hair.

    Left side: Styled with Shark Flexstyle. Right side: Styled with Dyson Airwrap.

    For me, the Dyson definitely won this round. The round brush was easy to use and gave a polished blowout with minimal effort — I truly love the results every time. In the past, I had tried maneuvering a round brush with a traditional hair dryer and it was always a struggle. My hair would get caught in the brush and I would ultimately give up and just go with straight hair. The Airwrap’s round drying brush combines the two steps, and my hair pulls through easily. I never thought I’d be able to give myself a blowout in under 15 minutes, but here we are!

    Dyson shark curlers

    The Coanda effect curlers are what make these hair tools magic. Both the Shark and Dyson feature this technology, which automatically wraps the hair around the barrel of the curler as the airflow dries and sets the hair. Unlike the wand curlers of my youth (the ones that came with a glove to protect your hand as you hold your hair to the 400-degree tool), there’s no worry of burning any digits with these. The Flexstyle has two 1.25-inch barrels, which direct the curls clockwise or counterclockwise. The previous model of the Airwrap also had separate barrels to switch the direction of the curls, but the current version is able to switch the direction of how the hair is wrapped in a single barrel (a knob at the top can be twisted to choose the direction). Now, the Airwrap comes with two sizes of barrels, a 1.2-inch and 1.6-inch, both with this rotating tip. Dyson also offers two lengths of curling barrels, with one made specifically for long hair. For this story, I tested the Airwrap’s 1.2-inch barrel against the Flexstyle’s curling barrel, since they are closest in size.

    As with the other attachments, the Flexstyle and Airwrap essentially provided the same function with the curlers. However, I found that the Dyson handled my thick hair much better than the Shark. I was able to style my hair with the Airwrap at medium speed, high heat, working in 1-inch sections and it created voluminous, loose curls. For the Flexstyle, I started out with the same settings — medium speed, high heat, 1-inch sections — but had to switch it to high speed because it was struggling to wrap my hair. Even then, the curls weren’t as defined as with the Airwrap.

    Left photo: Left side - Styled with Shark Flexstyle. Right side - Styled with Dyson Airwrap. Right photo: 6 hours after styling.

    By the end of the day, the side styled with the Airwrap had relaxed into waves, while the side styled with the Flexstyle looked virtually straight.

    While the Flexstyle’s hair drying features top that of the Airwrap, Dyson’s device outperformed it overall. The Airwrap’s ability to create next-to-professional-level styles that last — in under 20 minutes — is truly impressive.

    Taking hair type into consideration, I could see that the Flexstyle would work with finer, lighter hair. Since I have thick, heavy hair — and a lot of it — it usually takes more time and power to get styles to set.

    Of course, budget comes into play. With the Airwap at twice the price of the Flexstyle, I would still recommend Shark’s option for those looking for a more budget-friendly multi-styling tool.

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  • The 14 best dandruff shampoos, according to dermatologists | CNN Underscored

    The 14 best dandruff shampoos, according to dermatologists | CNN Underscored

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    When you look good, you feel good, but even on your best day a flaky scalp can be an immediate buzzkill.

    This dryness, flakiness and itchiness, otherwise known as dandruff, is most commonly caused by seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that is due to an overgrowth of yeast. “This is a harmless yeast that lives on us, but due to a person’s body chemistry, it can overgrow on the scalp, ears, eyebrows or nose,” says Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu. “When there’s an overgrowth of yeast, your body develops an inflammatory response that creates an itching, flaking or redness.” This isn’t the only cause of dandruff, though. Those symptoms can also be due to product buildup, allergic reactions, seasonality or medical conditions like psoriasis.

    A common misconception with dandruff is that it is due to dry hair, but that isn’t quite the case. Wu explains that with seborrheic dermatitis, yeast feeds on the oils we all produce, causing an overproduction that leads to dandruff. She sees patients who think their scalp is dry, so they use more oil when they should be doing the opposite. The oil works in the short-term to mask the flakiness, but the symptoms come back because the yeast eats up the oils. “We often see this in people with oilier hair or who don’t wash their hair as frequently,” she says.

    According to Dr. Sumayah Jamal, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, eliminating oils from your routine isn’t necessarily the answer. “There are plenty of approaches that can maintain moisture in the hair while controlling yeast production,” she explains. Your hair texture and quality, along with your hair care routine, determine what kind of treatment might work best. However, it is important to remember that dandruff is not something we can get rid of completely. “Because it’s linked to yeast that’s part of our natural skin flora, we can’t get rid of that,” she says. “Some people have very mild dandruff with intermittent flaring, but some people require ongoing treatment that can’t be cured.”

    dandruffshampoo2

    Both Jamal and Wu recommend trying over-the-counter dandruff shampoos first to treat your symptoms. Ingredients like pyrithione zinc and ketoconazole are effective in killing yeast, and common in a lot of shampoo treatments. If you have dry or coarse hair, be sure to look for a shampoo that won’t take away too much moisture.

    As Wu says, nowadays our hair care is more important than ever to help us feel more confident, considering we typically cover most of our faces with masks, and we have to agree. If you’re on the market for the best dandruff shampoos for your best hair day yet, check out our top-rated picks below.

    dandruffNizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

    If you go to the dermatologist about treating your dandruff, they’ll likely tell you to try this shampoo. In fact, this was recommended by both of our experts because it’s the over-the-counter version of what doctors prescribe patients with more severe cases. Nizoral contains 1% of the active ingredient ketoconazole to help prevent dandruff flare-ups (the prescription is typically 2%). Nearly 17,000 reviewers on Amazon are impressed with its ability to treat symptoms after just a few uses at a pretty affordable cost.

    dandruffNeutrogena T_Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

    This T/Gel shampoo by Neutrogena lives up to its name by providing therapeutic relief of itchiness and flaking. According to Jamal, it’s known to reduce inflammation because it contains coal tar extract. It’s gentle yet formulated to keep working even once you rinse it out. Beyond dandruff, it also works well for people with scalp psoriasis and more severe seborrheic dermatitis. Reviewers aren’t quite fans of the smell but think it’s worth it for the exceptional results.

    dandruffHarry's Anti-Dandruff 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner_

    This new 2-in-1 by Harry’s will be a game changer for those super-flaky days when you need quick relief. For less than $10, you can get the anti-dandruff formula that contains pyrithione zinc to fight even your toughest flakes. The shampoo even comes in three different strengths (with slightly different formulas) — dry scalp, anti-dandruff and extra-strength anti-dandruff — to best suit your concerns.

    dandruffDove DermaCare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

    We can personally attest to how effective the Dove DermaCare collection is for fighting stubborn dandruff. This Dryness & Itch Relief shampoo is, again, formulated with pyrithione zinc to properly care for your dandruff and the symptoms that accompany it. For under $5, you can rid yourself of a flaky scalp as you lather to the soothing smells of coconut and shea butter.

    dandruffShea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo

    Jamal advises that those with color-treated hair should avoid products that contain the ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Essentially, these can be too strong and strip your hair of the color or nutrients it needs. She recommends this African black soap cleansing shampoo by Shea Moisture. It’s made with tea tree oil and willow bark extract for a deep clean that removes buildup while calming the scalp without damaging your color. Reviewers also love it because it controls oil without drying out your hair.

    dandruffbriogeoserum

    Wu recommends this scalp treatment serum because of the charcoal and tea tree oil. “Charcoal is good for oilier hair. It helps absorb dirt and oil,” she explains. The charcoal can remove buildup, while the mix of tea tree, peppermint and aloe works to reduce itchiness and soothe the scalp. This vegan, cruelty-free treatment is super light, so it won’t cause buildup. She advises that if you’re looking for a scalp treatment in between shampoos, choose a serum, not an oil, unless it’s tea tree oil.

    dandruffheadshouldersdeepmoisture

    According to Wu, this shampoo by dandruff-fighting legend Head & Shoulders is great for those with dry hair. This contains 1% pyrithione zinc, which controls yeast but is also infused with avocado oil to bring nourishment to your every strand. Jamal also notes that this shampoo is safe for color-treated hair as well.

    dandruffheadshouldersscalpelixir

    Branching off its legacy of treating dandruff, Head & Shoulders created the Royal Oils line to address the specific scalp needs of those with curly hair. Each product is designed with hydration in mind, to maintain moisture while relieving symptoms of flaky and dry scalps. This scalp elixir is a standout product of the line, recommended by both of our dermatologists, as a way for those with natural hair to treat their concerns between washes. It contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide, menthol and peppermint oil to help relieve itchiness after each use.

    jupiter-balancing-shampoo.jpg

    Jupiter’s dandruff shampoo features 1% zinc pyrithione to help with scalp itching and flaking, and it’s also loaded with conditioning ingredients like coconut oil, squalane and sugar kelp extract. Reviewers love how quickly it relieves sensitive, itchy scalps. Plus, it’s safe for color-treated hair, vegan, leaping bunny certified and free of synthetic fragrances.

    dandruffethique

    Trying to be more conscious of how much plastic you’re buying and disposing? A shampoo bar is your solution. The Heali Kiwi shampoo bar by Ethique is a favorite for both its commitment to zero-waste beauty and for its ability to comfort touchy scalps. The bar contains oatmeal, coconut oil, neem oil and karanja oil to resolve itchiness without weighing down your hair.

    dandruffchristopherobinscrub

    Reviewers can’t seem to get enough of this scalp scrub by Christophe Robin. The scrub works with sea salt to remove residue on the scalp while using sweet almond oil to soothe sensitivity or itchiness. Wu recommends those with oily hair use a scalp scrub in between shampoos. And although this scrub is meant to be used as a shampoo, she advises only to use a scrub once or twice per week to not overexacerbate the skin.

    dandruffpaulmitchellteatree

    If you’re looking for a more natural shampoo to treat your dandruff, a tea tree oil-based shampoo might be worth a shot. Although it may not be as effective as a zinc shampoo treatment, Wu shares that the oil has anti-yeast effects to balance out the scalp. She recommends Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special Shampoo, a well-loved option to thoroughly cleanse the scalp, leaving it with that tingling sensation that cools and soothes.

    dandruffouai

    Apple cider vinegar is another natural ingredient known to help treat dandruff, and it’s a key ingredient of Ouai’s Detox Shampoo. According to Wu, ACV has antimicrobial properties to help remove yeast and is acidic enough to eliminate dead skin cells. However, in most cases, it’s not strong enough to properly control yeast like pyrithione zinc. So if you’re experiencing milder flakiness, this formula works with keratin and chelating agents to literally detox your hair while strengthening it. Better yet, it doesn’t contain SLS, meaning it’s safe for color-treated hair.

    dandrufforibe

    Let’s go ahead and state the obvious that this Oribe bottle will look Insta-worthy in your shower. Luckily, form matches function, because according to reviewers, this anti-dandruff shampoo is as great at relieving your scalp problems as it is beautiful. Sulfate-free and formulated with salicylic acid, this shampoo can break down dead skin cells, reduce itchiness and gently cleanse for a healthy head of hair. It also contains caffeine to energize hair follicles and different extracts that can help protect against breakage and damage.

    Overall, treating your dandruff is all about listening to your scalp, since a successful treatment really depends on how severe your dandruff is. According to our experts, try using your dandruff shampoo once a week, then see how your hair responds to it. You may need to increase the frequency if you aren’t seeing results. If your symptoms don’t go away, consider seeing a dermatologist.

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  • 30 best winter beauty launches to add to your routine | CNN Underscored

    30 best winter beauty launches to add to your routine | CNN Underscored

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    From new makeup must-haves to skin care for your next at-home facial, winter is bringing plenty of excitement on the beauty front. With new releases from some of our editors’ favorite brands — such as Grande Cosmetics, LolaVie, Supergoop! and more — you’ll want to revamp your routine (perfect timing for a New Year’s reset!) with these innovative products.

    Below, check out all the new makeup, skin care, hair care and fragrances worth trying this winter.

    Known for its lash-lengthening serum, Grande Cosmetics’ newest launch promotes fuller and fluffier brows. The tinted gel is infused with brow-enhancing serum, so you can use it like you would a normal brow gel to fill in and shape, while getting thicker brows and better growth over time.

    Inspired by a galaxy far, far away, Pat McGrath Labs’ newest collaboration features eye shadows, mascaras and lip colors made for “Star Wars” fans. This collectable palette features R2D2 on the cover and five stunning metallic shades within.

    A lengthening and long-wearing mascara that isn’t a pain to remove, the new Telescopic Lift mascara separates and lengthens the lashes thanks to unique double-hook bristles.

    This soft brow wax makes it easy to create the feathered or laminated brow look at home. It sets the brows in a flexible hold and won’t turn crunchy once it’s dried. Plus, it contains conditioning ingredients like candelilla wax, jojoba seed oil, shea butter and argan oil.

    If you’re still obsessing over the last season of “The White Lotus” too, this eye shadow palette from Italian beauty brand Espressoh is perfect for recreating some of the beauty looks from the show.

    A full-coverage foundation with skin care benefits, this formula protects the skin with SPF 30 and hydrates with hyaluronic acid. Reviewers have noted its weightless feel

    Available in three shades, this multi-balm allows you to build and blend the color seamlessly. The multi-tasking product is great for mature skin as it is infused with plumping ceramides that boost hydration and help our skin barrier stay healthy.

    Whether you’ve mastered the cat-eye look or are a beginner looking for an easy-to-use liquid liner, this pen delivers true black pigment that is waterproof and smudge-proof.

    This tinted serum feels silky on the skin and blends out for sheer coverage that gives a diffused and blurred effect. It has a glowy finish, and like other tinted moisturizers, it’s easiest to apply with the fingers for a natural finish.

    Supergoop’s latest sunscreen innovation combines mineral SPF 40 with the skin benefits of bakuchiol and L-carsonine, a collagen-boosting peptide. It treats signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and pigmentation while keeping the skin shielded from the sun’s rays, which can make those conditions worse.

    Refreshing and refining, this eye gel features a variety of complexes that deliver active levels of skin-improving ingredients. With 1% algae polysaccharides complex, 1% algae complex and a blend of peptides and glycerin, the gel smoothes, plumps and hydrates the eye area.

    Celebrities and experts swear by Augustinus Bader’s pricey yet effective products, and its new Face Cream Mask is another hit. Like the bestselling Rich Cream, the mask is made to deeply replenish the skin and works great as an overnight mask. It also comes with a metal applicator that can be used to smooth it onto the face and for a bit of gua sha.

    As we’ve learned, aging skin needs ingredients tailored towards boosting collagen, elasticity and hydration. This set from Replenix features three trial-size products — Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Serum, AOX Hydrating Cleanser and Retinol Regenerate Dry Serum — that answer those skin concerns. It comes in a handy cosmetic bag, making it a great option for travel, gifting or both.

    Futurewise is a new line from the creators of skin care brands Starface and Plus. Focused on products for skin slugging, Futurewise is all about saving the skin from water loss and improving the absorption of skin care products. An occlusive is essential to any slugging routine and the Slug Balm creates a protective layer that helps prevent moisture loss.

    And slugging isn’t just for the face. This body balm can help trap moisture close to the skin so it stays soft and hydrated. Plus, the body balm is infused with plant-based retinol alternatives for smoothing skin texture.

    Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) gently exfoliate in this retexturizing night cream. The gentle glycolic and lactic acids also work to diminish the look of dark spots and wrinkles as they keep skin clear of dead skin cells.

    NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a molecule found in all living things that supports cellular function. It’s also at the heart of Aramore skin care, which is backed by research from the Harvard University Stem Cell Institute and Aramore co-founder Dr. Anna Mandinova. By utilizing cellular nutrients that form the building blocks of NAD+, such as niacinamide, it supports skin health and slows signs of aging. 

    Micellar water is one of the best ways to remove makeup, and this gentle formula easily wipes it away. Keep it on hand with some cotton swabs to fix any mishaps while doing your makeup, and then take it all off at the end of the day with a cotton pad saturated in the micellar water.

    This new men’s skin care brand offers a straightforward four-step regimen that starts with the Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. It uses gentle acids to help avoid razor bumps and ingrown beard hairs, and refreshes and hydrates the skin with caffeine and glycerin.

    Rodan + Fields recently launched its first hair care line, which includes this versatile (and benzene-free) dry shampoo. It adds volume, absorbs excess oil and leaves locks looking and feeling good as new.

    Ouai’s new Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is made with salicylic acid to help control the scalp’s oil production and therefore improve the symptoms of dandruff like itching, flaking and irritation. And unlike the clinical smell of other anti-dandruff treatments, this shampoo has a nice herbaceous fragrance.

    Winter weather can zap hydration from the hair, leaving it dry, brittle and prone to breakage. A hair mask can rescue your locks, and this one is especially conditioning, with argan oil and plant proteins that smooth and strengthen the strands.

    The Hair Lab’s unique, budget-friendly hair care system allows you to customize its shampoo and conditioner formulas with added Dose Sets that treat specific concerns like boosting moisture, preventing breakage or rebalancing the scalp, which you can also mix and match as needed. Simply pour each dose set into your Hair Lab shampoo and conditioner, shake them up and you’re ready to use your personalized formulas.

    Celebrity hair stylist and Ulta senior vice president, store and service operations Nick Stenson used his industry know-how to create his namesake salon-quality hair care line. The Moisture Shampoo is a great option for the dry, cold winter that makes hair feel brittle and lackluster as it restores hydration and keeps strands feeling smooth. Pair it with the Moisture Conditioner for the full treatment.

    Especially great for those working with waves, curls or coils, this volumizing foam adds body and hold to the hair while reducing frizz.

    Independent fragrance brand House of Bo makes some of my favorite perfumes. They each highlight natural ingredients that work in harmony, and each bottle is handmade and assembled to reflect the high quality of the fragrance within. With aquatic notes of kelp, banana leaf, magnolia and ylang ylang, El Sireno is one of the three new scents in the Tesoro Collection.

    Menopause is making waves in the beauty space, and now that menopausal skin care is a thing, menopausal fragrance is, too. This unique perfume was made to calm the mind and provide a moment of pause for people going through the midlife hormonal changes. With violet leaf, mimosa, narcissus and hay, the herbal and floral scent is complex, inviting and warm.

    Inspired by the calming presence of water, this functional fragrance has notes of seaweed, salt, cardamom and rose. Combined, they evoke the refreshing feeling of being by the ocean. You’ll want to inhale the feeling (and scent) all day.

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  • 27 beauty products our readers loved in 2022 | CNN Underscored

    27 beauty products our readers loved in 2022 | CNN Underscored

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    Throughout the year, we test and track the best beauty products out there, from those that become viral trends to expert- and editor-recommended picks to the must-haves that our readers can’t live without. As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a look at the latter and rounding up skin care, makeup, hair care and other products that Underscored readers couldn’t get enough of in 2022.

    Whether you’re looking for the perfect everyday moisturizer or a fool-proof way to get a perfect blowout at home, these reader favorites are sure to upgrade your beauty routine. And with the end of the holiday season in sight, they would also make a great gift for any beauty lover. (Procrastination-prone shoppers should check out more last-minute gift ideas, as well as our favorite gifts for women, gifts for men and additional finds from Amazon.)

    These K-beauty sheet masks come in a 12-pack, with each tailored to a specific skin benefit. Whether you need a moisture boost with avocado or a bit of firming with pomegranate, there’s something for all skin types and needs.

    Oral care isn’t just about hygiene, it’s a part of your beauty routine, too. And Crest 3D Whitestrips remain among the most popular at-home teeth whitening systems. The easy-to-use strips use hydrogen peroxide to brighten teeth and remove surface stains, and the brand says you’ll see a difference in three days of use. This pack also comes with four bonus treatments of the 1-Hour Express Whitestrips, which are great for making your pearly whites, well, whiter, in a pinch.

    One of the best under-eye creams, this targeted treatment contains caffeine, vitamins C and B3 and optic brighteners to wake up the under-eye area and reduce the appears of dark circles.

    This two-step kit includes two treatments that will keep your lips hydrated, full and glossy. The overnight mint-infused mask moisturizes the lips, then the ginger essence in the daytime gloss gives them a tingly sensation as it plumps the lips.

    At this point, this cooling ice roller is a cult classic — it’s an editor favorite and never fails to get rave reviews for its ability to de-puff the face, soothe the skin and even ease the pain of headaches, hangovers and sore muscles.

    With over 31,000 5-star ratings, this oil-absorbing face roller is clearly a viral favorite. Like a reusable blotting paper, the real volcanic stone soaks up excess oil so you can stay shine-free where you want to be. The handy tool can even be used over makeup and is the perfect size to take on the go.

    CeraVe is an oft-recommended brand for its effective, gentle formulas that are developed with dermatologists and safe for sensitive skin. This basic moisturizer is perfect for those looking to streamline their routine as it benefits the face and body. In the colder months, you may even want to use it as the moisturizing step in a slugging regimen to get the most out of its ceramide-rich formula.

    Treating acne can be full of ups and down, but thankfully pimple patches are an easy and effective way to spot-treat blemishes. The hydrocolloid stickers absorb the excess fluid, bacteria and gunk within zits, minimizing their appearance and protecting them from additional irritation.

    A drugstore favorite lip balm, this dermatologist-recommended lip butter delivers an emollient-rich layer that shields the lips from dryness. It’s made from plant oils and extracts, such as sunflower seed and calendula, that soften the lips while giving them a nice shine, too.

    Great for those treating keratosis pilaris or targeting body breakouts, this salicylic acid body wash will gently exfoliate for smoother skin. The top-rated product has over 18,000 5-star ratings with many reviewers sharing that they experienced fewer bumps after just one use.

    Tocess Big Hair Claw Clips, 4-Pack

    The key to an effortless ‘do? Claw clips. These ones feature a no-slip grip so they’re great for all hair types and they come in a variety of colors.

    Supergoop! makes excellent sunscreens, including this utterly sheer option. The oil-free formula never feels greasy and even gives a velvety finish to the skin.

    If you’re looking to brighten the under-eye area, this cream contains vitamin C. The powerhouse ingredient not only improves the appearance of dark circles, but helps with minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, too.

    Snail mucin is a popular K-beauty ingredient that made viral waves, particularly with this serum-like product. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, the essence hydrates and plumps the skin and our editorial coordinator Jillian Tracy said her skin “starts to feel nourished the minute this sinks into my pores.”

    Available in 11 flavors, with a mix of tinted and non-tinted shades, Glossier’s fan-favorite lip balm is the perfect companion for no-makeup makeup lovers. The balm is made with castor oil, beeswax and lanolin for smooth hydration whenever you need it.

    An eye cream is an essential step in a skin care routine, as the thinner skin of the eye area is often first to show signs of aging. Containing caffeine and hyaluronic acid, this is one of the best budget-friendly options for targeting dark circles.

    This viral product also has dermatologists’ stamp of approval. The effective treatment features physical and chemical exfoliants with 10% alpha hydroxy acids to slough away dead skin cells that can contribute to the telltale red bumps of keratosis pilaris.

    Did you know that hands are one of the first areas of the body to show signs of aging? Just as you would protect your face and neck from damaging UV rays, use a hand cream with SPF, too. This expert-approved pick also has sea buckthorn fruit to lighten dark spots and argan and meadowfoam seed oils to keep hands moisturized.

    Great for those who work with their hands, this budget-friendly hand cream will restore their moisture without feeling greasy.

    This mascara’s ability to give a false lash effect has earned it over 200,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. It lengthens and adds volume with a few swipes, and reviewers have cited its easy removal as a benefit, too.

    Wet Brush makes some of the best hair brushes out there, including this round styling brush that gives you more control with less pulling and snagging.

    This derm-recommended mineral sunscreen checks all of the boxes: it’s super gentle, safe for all skin types and hydrating.

    Lash serums have become a popular treatment for those looking to enhance their natural lashes, but many on the market are pricey and take months to see results. Reviewers of this one have noted that you can start to see longer, fuller lashes within four weeks with consistent use.

    Keeping your beauty products organized isn’t a chore when you have a cute makeup bag. This travel-friendly sack fits in a surprising amount of products, plus it comes with a matching small zip pouch and a transparent pocket handy for storing smaller items.

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  • The 17 best air-dry creams for frizz-free hair, according to experts | CNN Underscored

    The 17 best air-dry creams for frizz-free hair, according to experts | CNN Underscored

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    It’s important to give your hair a break from the damaging hot tools, UV exposure, dyeing chemicals and other factors that contribute to frizz-prone, lackluster hair. And for hair that needs a bit of extra help, air-dry cream provides a restorative and low-maintenance treatment that makes hair more manageable overall. It tames frizz, conditions the hair and boosts shine while offering a touch of heat-free hold to enhance your natural texture.

    “Air-dry creams are formulated in a very similar way to classic leave-in conditioners but tend to be thicker in texture and incorporate some of the holding capacity of styling products typically more geared towards curly or textured hair,” explains Tom Smith, celebrity stylist and international color creative director for Evo Hair, Tom Smith. “This is to aid them in their ability to define, polish and support your natural texture, even if it forms more of a loose bend or wave rather than a fully formed curl.

    “Air-dry creams will help the locks of your hair stay in place while the hair dries (moving the hair too much as it dries tends to cause excessive frizz) and are soft enough to be invisible in the hair once fully dry,” he adds.

    That said, air-dry treatments can come in a variety of formats, including leave-in conditioners, creams, gels, sprays and oils. The differences can be nuanced and, oftentimes, the varied consistencies provide similar benefits depending on your hair type and texture, which is why the experts we consulted recommended a mix of air-dry products.

    According to Michelle O’Connor, NAHA-winning hairstylist and artistic director of Matrix, those with straighter hair will want to “look for protein-based products that will give the hair hold/strength,” while curly and coily hair types should look for moisturizing ingredients such as Manuka honey.

    Along with paying attention to the ingredient list, Smith recommends choosing the right air-dry product based on its weight and texture. “The less wavy or curly your hair type, the lighter product you should choose. This means opting for a ‘runnier’ product if your hair is fine or flatter, and a thicker cream if your hair is coarser or has a stronger wave or curl,” he explains.

    Air-dry creams and treatments are super easy to incorporate into your hair care routine. While specific usage can vary depending on the consistency of the product, most can follow these general steps:

    1. After towel drying, apply the cream, gel or spray to the length of your hair. Depending on your hair type and the weight of the product, you may want to apply it only from the mid-length to ends to avoid over-conditioning your roots.
    2. Comb the product through with a wide-tooth comb (this helps prevent breakage) or scrunch into hair to enhance curls and waves.
    3. Style your hair as desired, or simply go on with your day.

    And with that, check out the experts’ 17 favorite air-dry creams for different hair types:

    New York City-based colorist and hairstylist Reece Walker loves this repairing treatment, which is technically a leave-in hair mask. It plays well with other styling products and gives “immediate and lasting results to restore strength, softness, smoothness and bounce to hair,” Walker says. “This is the first thing I would put in the hair after shampooing!”

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    Underscored editors tried and loved this air-dry cream from Jonathan Van Ness’ hair care line. It worked on our range of hair types — from stick-straight to 3C curls — making our locks softer and tamed.

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    This long-standing favorite hair oil, which Walker recommends, is a weightless product that keeps frizz at bay while adding shine (without looking greasy). You’ll see and feel the results long after your hair has dried.

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    A pro-approved choice from Walker, reviewers of all hair types love the condition and shine this leave-in product brings. Even those in humid climates say it can keep hair smooth and frizz-free.

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    Smith recommends this smoothing leave-in treatment for those with very coarse or dry hair types. The stylist says it “will support and reduce waves or curls, plus help to smooth frizz.”

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    Editorial hairstylist Akihisa Yamaguchi says this air-dry cream is great for taming frizz and providing a light hold for coarse, wavy and straight hair types.

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    One of Walker’s picks, this cream restores dry, thirsty strands. Suitable for all hair textures, the treatment contains soy protein biopolymer for frizz control, wheat amino acids for conditioning and the Oribe signature complex to defend against environmental elements.

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    Walker also recommends this repairing treatment that acts like a leave-in conditioner for damaged, dry hair. With keratin and green pea proteins, it strengthens the hair while restoring softness.

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    Whether your hair is damaged and dry from coloring, heat styling or environmental factors, Walker loves this treatment that helps repair the hair’s bonds for less breakage and smoother locks.

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    O’Connor loves the entire A Curl Can Dream collection for those with curly or coily hair. She recommends the Moisturizing Cream for those who prefer air-drying, as it provides “the ultimate hydration without the added crunch or flake.” Infused with Manuka honey, the cream gives hair weightless moisture so curls stay bouncy and defined.

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    Smith loves this leave-in spray for those with waves or curls. “The thicker or curlier the hair, the more product you can apply,” the hairstylist says. “A great thing about this product is the unique viscosity allows you to choose between spraying directly into the hair or spraying into your palm and using your hands to apply and twist the product into the hair.”

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    Yamaguchi recommends this curl-enhancing, flexible gel that adds shine and body without weighing the hair down or getting crunchy as the hair dries.

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    Another one of Yamaguchi’s picks for curly and coily hair, this hair cream has thousands of 5-star reviews for keeping curls conditioned and frizz-free.

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    This restorative multipurpose cream can be used as an air-dry cream or heat protectant if blow-drying. It helps detangle the hair, and Smith says it’s best for those with “baby fine hair with minimal wave” since it will “support the hair without a noticeable hold.”

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    O’Connor says this spray, which you apply to damp hair from mid-lengths to ends, is best for straight and wavy hair types. “[It’s] great because the vitamin B5 and protein controls frizziness, strengthens and repairs the hair and is great for keeping color and shine,” the stylist shares.

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    “For medium to coarse hair with a tendency to frizz, Olaplex No. 6 is also a great choice, thanks to its rich texture,” Smith says. The bond-building leave-in treatment helps tame frizz while strengthening the strands to prevent damage and breakage.

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    A detangler, conditioner, shine enhancer and style primer all in one, this frizz-fighting spray is especially great for straight and wavy hair, according to Yamaguchi.

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