I've been on a hair growth journey for the past three years. In 2021, I lost roughly a third of my hair (possibly due to COVID-19, possibly due to hormonal changes), taking my hair from thick and strong to fine and brittle. The unwanted transformation sparked a very intense commitment to getting my "old hair" back. I had my own blood injected into my scalp (a process known as PRP, and proven to stimulate hair growth), I tried hair growth vitamins, hair growth oils, and of course, the best hair growth shampoos.

I know firsthand that the right hair growth shampoo can be a game-changer. For me, it was the missing piece in restoring my hair's health. Hair growth shampoos create the ideal scalp environment for stronger, healthier strands. They’re formulated with ingredients such as caffeine, biotin, peptides, and rosemary oil, all known for stimulating follicles and supporting growth (even if anecdotal evidence outweighs the scientific, but hey, I’ll take it).

That said, with hundreds of hair growth shampoos on the market, all claiming to strengthen and lengthen strands, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s where I come in. With years of experience testing these formulas firsthand—along with insight into what works for others—I'm here to help you cut through the noise and find the best of the best.

Ahead, discover our carefully curated guide to the ten best hair growth shampoos, complete with recommendations from hairstylists and dermatologists. Whether you’re growing out a short cut or tackling hair loss, I'm confident you’ll find a formula designed to help you reach your hair goals. But first, let's get into the expert guidance that informed our shampoo picks.

What To Look For in a Hair Growth Shampoo

Board-certified dermatologist Jerry Shapiro, MD, recommends natural ingredients like vitamin B3 and castor oil. He also encourages buyers to find formulas that incorporate caffeine and niacinamide. "Caffeine reverses the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main hormone involved in hair loss. It is also known to increase blood circulation to the scalp and extend the anagen phase," he explains. "Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, an essential nutrient that supports many cellular processes. It also plays an essential role in preventing inflammation."

Meanwhile, fellow dermatologist Shani Francis, MD, recommends avoiding hair growth shampoos with harmful sulfates that can strip your hair of the natural and essential oils that it needs. Sulfate-free shampoos cleanse without lathering, so they're gentle on hair. Other ingredients to avoid? Parabens, silicones, and phthalates.

All three chemicals are commonly found in haircare products—and can send your hair growth journey in the wrong direction. "Parabens are preservatives that have been proven to mimic estrogen and disrupt the delicate hormonal balance," explains Dr. Shapiro. "Sulfates usually dry or irritate the scalp and skin. Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a preservative to avoid bacterial growth, but is a potent allergen. Phthalates are hidden in fragrances, but they are endocrine disruptors."

Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, Antonella Tosti, MD, also emphasizes the importance of taking care of your scalp and hair follicles. She warns to steer clear of the preservative MCI/MI (Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone), "which can cause scalp inflammation and hair loss." She also advises avoiding UV filters, including titanium dioxide nanoparticles and oxybenzone/benzophenone.

The Best Hair Growth Shampoos

• Best Hair Growth Shampoo Overall: Nutrafol Scalp Microbiome Shampoo
• Best Hair Growth Shampoo for Hormonal Hair Loss: Evolis Promote Shampoo
• Best Hair Growth Shampoo for Thin Hair: Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo for Thinning Hair

How Can I Stimulate Hair Growth?

The best hair growth shampoos may speed up your lengthening process, but they have their limitations and, like everything, take time to see true results.

That said, there are other practices you should consider adopting to stimulate hair growth for longer, healthier hair. Dr. Francis says that supplementing a hair growth shampoo with a diet rich in omega-3s, fiber, sulfur ("our hair has a lot of sulfur in its internal structure"), and protein will really speed up the process. Foods like lean meats, leafy greens, nuts, beans, and fish fit the bill. And most importantly, when it comes to diet, make sure you drink a lot of water. Francis recommends two liters a day if you want to see results.

Now, if you really want to see growth, incorporate other types of haircare formulas that contain ingredients like finasteride or minoxidil—the active ingredient in Rogaine—that are clinically proven to speed up hair growth. And as always, a board-certified dermatologist or trichologist can work with you to create a regimen for your specific hair loss issues, and potentially recommend in-office treatments like corticosteroid injections, laser treatments, or PRP therapy.

Why Isn't My Hair Growing Quickly?

Many factors can contribute to hair not growing as quickly as you'd hope. Most roads lead back to your overall health and habits. Dr. Tosti points out that androgenetic alopecia—the most common cause of hair thinning in young women—"is often precipitated or aggravated by environmental factors that cause increased hair shedding." Those can include everything from systemic disorders to medications and crash diets.

Dr. Shapiro adds that "stress is one of the main causes in young adults, and causes telogen effluvium (large number of follicles in resting phase)." Diets low in iron, zinc, and Vitamin D, or low-calorie or protein-heavy diets, can also be responsible for hair loss, he says. In addition, "medications for acne containing vitamin A, antibiotics, antidepressants, birth control pills, steroids, and weight control pills can also produce hair loss."

Both Dr. Shapiro and Dr. Tosti advise patients to keep an eye on their central part line—if you notice a gradual widening of the line, your hair could be thinning. And if you're thinking of taking supplements to get the necessary nutrients, just don't overdo it. "What some people don’t realize is that most hair, skin, and nail supplements are multivitamins," Dr. Francis explains. "As with anything, balance is key."

Why Trust Marie Claire?

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

How We Tested

Marie Claire is an expert in skincare and hair growth treatments, covering everything from the causes of thinning, aging hair, to firsthand experiences with treatments such as Alma TED. For this story, we sourced editor favorites and tested over 15 hair growth shampoos. We scoured the Internet for customer reviews to ensure each was rated highly, and consulted with board-certified dermatologists and leading hairstylists. We evaluated each option based on ingredients, overall performance, and more.

Meet the Experts

It started with an Instagram infographic, which featured colostrum on a list of "It Girl Must-Haves" along with collagen, green tea, and sleepy girl mocktails. Next, a TikToker popped up on my "For You" page claiming that colostrum aided her gut and immune health. A week later, one of my favorite podcasts ran an ad for a colostrum powder, claiming that it eradicated the host's chronic bloating. Then, like clockwork, one of my colleagues asked me, "Have you tried colostrum yet? It's helped me so much with hair growth."

I can't go five minutes lately without stumbling upon an ad or testimonial about bovine colostrum, which is a form of milk secreted during the first few days after a cow gives birth. I'm not alone: A quick search for "colostrum" on TikTok yields more than 19,000 posts with the hashtag for the supplement. Meanwhile, there are dozens of TikTok and Instagram accounts devoted to colostrum's benefits, one of which has over 169,000 followers.

According to its overnight fanbase, colostrum gives users bright skin, lustrous hair, bloat-less midsections, and, if you're nursing, free-flowing breast milk. "Colostrum is gaining a reputation in the cosmetic and beauty industries as the new miracle ingredient for hair and skin health," Min-Qing Lee, GP, Chief Medical Officer of Hair and Skin Science, says. Certified pharmacist Sue Ojageer, CPGx, agrees, comparing the colostrum craze to the recent obsession with collagen supplements, in which influencers and celebrities thanked collagen powder and collagen-rich bone broth for their smooth skin and luscious hair.

As with any viral miracle product, I'm skeptical. Can one spoonful per day of this powder really deliver health-changing results? I spoke to non-brand-affiliated, board-certified professionals in pharmacy, dermatology, gynecology, and endocrinology to uncover, once and for all, whether colostrum is truly worth the hype.

What Is Colostrum?

Colloquially referred to as "liquid gold," Dr. Lee describes colostrum as the earliest milk produced in humans, cows, and other mammals, both during pregnancy and immediately after birth. "It’s the first nutrition we receive, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antibodies," Dr. Lee tells me.

Colostrum excretes from a mother's mammary gland in the first two to three days after birth, and it's thicker and more yellow than normal breast milk. Dr. Lee and Dr. Ojageer say that colostrum also contains healthy fats, sugar, protein, growth factors, and white blood cells to promote newborns' development during their first days of life.

Jolene Brighten, ND, a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, adds that colostrum is packed with immunoglobins, which protect the body from infectious disease.

Rest assured that you're not drinking someone's breast milk if you're taking colostrum in the form of a pill or a powder to mix into your coffee. Board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology Brendan Camp, MD FAAD, confirms that commercially available colostrum is derived from cows. Just like milk, bovine colostrum comes from a cow's udder—but it's the very first batch of milk the animal produces after having calf, whereas the milk you drink from a carton is produced later.

What Does Colostrum Do for Hair and Skin?

Like collagen, colostrum is hailed as a savior for hair, skin, and nail health on social media.

"The antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, peptides, and prebiotics in colostrum are thought to have skin-boosting properties," Dr. Camp says. It can allegedly minimize visible signs of aging by supporting collagen and elastin production—however, he says there isn't enough data to support this claim quite yet.

There is also limited evidence that colostrum can meaningfully increase hair growth, Dr. Lee says. The bovine immunoglobins found in colostrum do contain Vitamin A, zinc, and hyaluronic acid—all of which promote scalp health and, therefore, healthier hair. Dr. Lee also says that colostrum's antibacterial properties support cell turnover and reduce inflammation, which can address scalp health and overall skin woes. However, multiple factors can impact one's skin health—so Dr. Lee cautions that the results of adding colostrum to your diet may vary.

Finally, colostrum's impact on gut health can also lead to better hair and skin. "There are a handful of studies that suggest bovine colostrum may enhance immunity, as colostrum seals the mucosal barriers to protect the body's immune system from inflammation which can positively affect the gut, influencing skin health," Lee explains.

Going off of this limited number of studies, colostrum can therefore help not only with aging, but also with atopic dermatitis, sunburn, irritation, or sensitive skin. However, more research is still needed to say for sure.

What Does Colostrum Do for Gut Health?

Colostrum packs the biggest punch when it comes to your gut health. Immunoglobins in colostrum aid in "gut healing," Dr. Brighten says, which can ameliorate issues like traveler's diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.

When your stomach is functioning properly, the rest of your body functions well, too, Dr. Ojageer points out. "Gut health balances the hormones in your body that affect mental health, skin health, and sleep," she says, comparing colostrum to a probiotic with added proteins, growth factors, and other essential nutrients. However, she warns that you shouldn't replace your daily probiotic with colostrum altogether, especially if you're relying on the former to stave off urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, or other issues related to your vaginal pH balance.

And when it comes to using colostrum supplements for bloating and weight management—a claim that TikTokers have been repeating—Dr. Brighten says the evidence is inconclusive yet again.

"It can certainly help with bloating, depending on the cause," she admits, "but people should be aware that it can also cause bloating." Most of the evidence that it makes any impact on the gut's appearance is anecdotal at the moment.

Bottom line? If colostrum helps you and you're not experiencing any side effects, you should feel free to continue using it. However, if you're trying colostrum for the first time, be sure to manage your expectations.

What About Colostrum for Nursing Mothers?

Double board-certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist Lucky Sekhon, MD, says colostrum's high protein and low fat content make it easy for babies to digest and that it "plays a crucial role in ensuring that breastfeeding gets off to a great start." However, she stresses bovine colostrum supplements aren't necessary for nursing mothers.

Since mothers naturally produce colostrum in the first few days postpartum, or even before a baby is born, it's not a necessary addition to a nursing routine. "The focus should be on ensuring that the baby is latching properly to receive the colostrum directly from breastfeeding," Dr. Sekhon explains. "If for some reason a mother cannot breastfeed, colostrum [from the mother] can sometimes be expressed and fed to the baby using a spoon, cup, or syringe."

She adds that while nursing, it's especially crucial to check with your doctor before taking any supplements, including colostrum.

Who Shouldn't Take Colostrum?

Just because it looks like everyone is trying colostrum online doesn't mean it's a necessity for your wellness routine. Every physician I consulted recommended checking with a doctor before using colostrum, and Dr. Lee advises looking at the other ingredients in your colostrum supplement before experimenting. "Some supplements or products may contain additives, including common allergens such as soy," he explains.

First and foremost, avoid colostrum if you have a dairy allergy (bovine colostrum is a form of milk, after all). And since colostrum is an animal byproduct, it's not a good fit for vegans. Some activists have voiced concern over the ethics of taking bovine colostrum away from nursing calves, too.

Furthermore, Dr. Lee says that, as with any supplement, you're unlikely to see results from your colostrum intake unless you're already deficient in the nutrients that it contains.

"Taking nutritional supplements is recommended for individuals with confirmed nutritional deficiencies contributing to hair loss or those seeking to optimize their health," he says. "I would not recommend it for individuals without deficiencies or to those with contraindications to specific supplements."

Finally, there is no such thing as a miracle drug. Users should manage their expectations and ensure that the rest of their lifestyle habits support their overall health. Dr. Ojageer and Dr. Lee remind patients that hydration, exercise, good sleep hygiene, and healthy, balanced diets are the keys to one's overall health (including hair and skin health).

Colostrum is harmless for most users and could (pending further scientific study) support your health. Even then, Dr. Lee says, "Results will differ according to each individual based on their dietary habits and nutrient absorption. Sufficient outcomes may take time, requiring patience and consistency."

The verdict? Colostrum may just be the new collagen. It's packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that support gut, skin, and hair health. But just like collagen, it's essential that anyone who tries it manages their expectations with a healthy dose of skepticism. A TikTok recommendation isn't the same as research or professional medical advice.

Meet the Experts

There’s no right way to “do” wellness, but Marie Claire’s Doing Well offers a glimpse into the self-care mantras, therapies, and affirmations practiced by industry trailblazers.

When I met Emmy Award-winning celebrity chef Carla Hall, she was participating in a summit for the QVC 50, a selective group of 50 women over 50 who approach life enthusiastically. Hall, in my experience, expresses a particular passion for self-care, going out of her way to remain healthy, strong, and flexible, even if that means multitasking while she's on the go.

"I do 30-second intervals of balancing exercises when I'm brushing my teeth because as you get older, it's all about being stable and sturdy," the former Top Chef and Top Chef: All Stars contestant explains. "I work on balance and stretching, and I do this routinely. I'm going to do it right here." Hall then rose from her seat and bent to touch her toes, her face effortlessly grazing her knees. I marveled aloud at how flexible she was—significantly more so than me.

Hall is the picture of good health, with a bounce in her step that she owes to regular workouts and a nutritious diet. She even advised me on my own wellness journey: When I mentioned that I was experiencing shin splints after going on runs, she asked, "What is your gait like? How are you running?" Once again, she rose from her chair and demonstrated both correct and incorrect running gaits, explaining in detail how best to land to minimize my risk of injury.

Everyone can benefit from Hall's wellness wisdom, whether in terms of mental health, nutrition, or, in my case, fitness. Here's hoping that, through the practices she describes ahead, we can all catch some measure of her infectious energy and exceptional joie de vivre.

Oh, my God, there's so many things that I do. I'm all about wellness. But, this is a wellness trend that may be when you're in high altitude: I've never had oxygen.

I do meditation. I do chants. I am a proponent of Enneagram and astrology and following it to see where your pitfalls may be. I have marked my calendar with special dates because I'm like, "Okay, this date I should rest. This date, I should think about starting something new." I also do tarot cards—I'm taking a tarot class. I think all of that is great for mental health, because you feel like you're in control of whatever tools you can use to help center you.

I tried kegels, but I don't know if the issue is that it's not working or that I'm not interested in keeping up with it. Intermittent fasting and stuff like that doesn't seem to work for me because most of my energy is in the morning, so I need to eat. Otherwise, I feel less mental clarity. Maybe it's because I didn't do it long enough. My husband's body works that way, but mine doesn't.

I also did microneedling once. I felt like I had so many scabs on my face, I couldn't do it again.

I think movement. I did 23andMe and had my panel done, and it said I carry the gene for late-onset Alzheimer's. My grandmother had Alzheimer's and my mother has early dementia. One of the things that I was told was that if you exercise three to five times a week and get your heart rate up, that it will cut that number down by 83 percent because of the oxygen it gives to the brain. So I walk; I work out with light weights. We have a Peloton and we have a Tonal at home. If I'm in a hotel, traveling, and I'm not going to go to the gym, I put in an audiobook and I just walk for 20 minutes up and down the steps.

My husband teaches yoga and meditation, and he does sunbathing. So for me, a low-brow thing to do is just to go outside, take your shoes off, and let your feet touch the ground. I learned about nature walks years ago and how you can allow the earth to ground you. It costs nothing. Go to a park, take your shoes off, and be grounded.

I love massages. I love facials. I've been getting facials since I was 24 years old. And it makes all the difference in the world, especially because I'm wearing makeup constantly, so I just can't clean the pores out. When people are like, "Oh, you look really great," I think: I chose to look great. I've been getting facials since I was in my mid-twenties. And I never go to bed with my makeup on—ever, ever, ever, ever.

My wellness vibe is definitely proactive. I don't wait for somebody to tell me something; I don't want to wait for something to go wrong. I eat well, I move, I meditate for mental health—I'm already thinking about my whole body. For example, I eat out a lot, so, when I'm at home, I eat very simple food. A lot of people are like, "Oh, what are you cooking? It must be fatty, sugary, and salty." But actually, no. It's pretty boring and plain at home. I mean, it's tasty, but it's nothing wild.

I belong to a spiritual group, the Athena Warriors Sisters, so I've been meditating and making declarations for four years. I used to have somebody that I would speak to all the time, and now I have a nurse practitioner that I go to. We always give the power to a doctor, and I decided this year that I wanted to have somebody who knew more about menopause. I can call her at any time. I can say, "This is what my body's doing," and she gives me articles to read. She's very proactive.

I also go to a place called Nava in the DC area, and I get my blood drawn quarterly, every four months. I talk to the doctors there about how I'm feeling and my nutrition.

Even though we have the Tonal and Peloton machines, because I travel so much, I do the on-the-go workouts, too. You can do exercises wherever you are. Because it is guided, you feel like you are being held accountable. And every time that I see in the app that I've worked out this many times or for that many weeks in a row, it makes me feel good.

The other app I have is MyFitnessPal. When I work out, I wear the polar heart monitor, that automatically tracks to MyFitnessPal. And then I can also put my meals in so I can see if I'm getting my micronutrients. I'm not concerned about calories necessarily, but you need calcium, you need fiber, you need protein. I'm on baking shows and know that I will be eating sugar, so I need to ensure that I'm getting fiber before I eat those desserts because I don't want my sugar to spike. Even carbohydrates—you need carbohydrates. I want to make sure that I have enough fiber. And as you get older, you are more prone to your A1C numbers. I do watch those numbers, I watch my cholesterol, and I make sure that is balanced with carbs. I'm not carb-phobic. I'm also definitely thinking about protein: Most older women only eat 63 percent of the protein that they actually need.

I get facials, I get massages, I get IV drips regularly. I get the NAD drip, which is long, and I get the multivitamins when I travel.

I want to live until I'm 104, specifically because my great-grandmother passed away at 103, and I want to beat her. I think because I have that mindset, I take care of my temple. With my eye on that prize, I have been doing everything I could to take care of myself.

I gave myself permission to not work out for six months so that I could enjoy the couch time, and it was really great mentally. I didn't feel guilty. Now that I'm back on the workout routine, I enjoy the process of feeling the strength in my body. And as I get older, the stronger I feel, the sexier I feel. That's sort of my journey. It's just wanting to be sexy as I turn 60. It's my sex-ty journey.

I feel happiest when I am collaborating with people and it's a healthy, nurturing environment. When you look around and everyone is enjoying their part of whatever is happening, it's really beautiful.

My husband always says that I'm so gullible when somebody says that something works. I do brain scans because Alzheimer's runs in my family, so if you give me anything dealing with the brain, I'm in. I do this test at Nava called WAVi, and my husband and I got it. I'm very competitive, so I was like, "I'm ready. I'm sitting. I'm ready. I'm ready to play. I love games." And the lady said, "You can relax," but I was like, "But I want to win. I want to beat the score." She was like, "You're so stressed out," and I said, "I know, but I want to win." She's like, "This is not really about winning."

I did very well, by the way. And I told my husband, "I want you to take it because I want to see if I beat you." He took it, and I did beat him.

Never eat carbs. I mean, it's just not true. Your body needs carbs. It's a balance. Or to just get the salad. I don't know where that came from. So many women think the default is to do a salad. It's not really feeding your body. Everybody's like, "Oh, let me get a salad," and you have all that dressing and all those other things, but you don't have protein.

Use oil cleaners! When I was 18 or 19, in college, and my skin was always breaking out—mainly because I didn't understand how to take care of my kind of skin. I had combination skin or oily skin, and no one said that all this astringent stuff was really drying out my skin and making it worse. I went through that until I was 24. When somebody gave me oil to clean my skin, I was like, "No, but my skin is oily. Why give me oil?" It's counterintuitive. I should have taken the oil.

My wellness routine is sacred to me. Working out, taking my supplements, and having self-care evenings (complete with a multi-step skincare routine and journaling session) bring me so much inner peace. The importance of creating daily habits that support your health and well-being can't be overstated. Over the years, I've identified some must-have products for my routine, and they're more affordable than you might think. Some of my essentials are a cushioned yoga mat (I found one for $25), an affordable moisturizer that performs like a high-end one, a viral hair oil, and a celebrity-loved collagen supplement. Luckily, CVS has all these items and more. Keep scrolling to shop my essentials. (Psst: They're all under $38.)

Kourtney Kardashian just shared the arguably unconventional way she decided to treat that "ick" feeling.

On April 10, the entrepreneur and reality television star shared a selfie on her Instagram stories, revealing that she drank her own breast milk because she was feeling ill. (And no, we're not just talking about a little "sip" here, folks.)

"This filter is crazy and I just pounded a glass of breast milk because I feel sick," she wrote on her selfie, which featured the mom of four smiling while she gave the camera an enthusiastic thumbs-up sign.

"Goodnight!" she added.

While the consumption of breast milk will not actively harm a grown adult, no scientific study has shown that the "direct adult consumption of human milk for medicinal properties offers anything more than a placebo effect," one study notes.

"Human breast milk is not delivering the nutritional benefit it touts online," Dr. Sarah Steele of Queen Mary University of London told CBS News in 2015.

(Not trying to "yuck" on someone's "yum," just, you know, science.)

While drinking a glass of breast milk may not have any scientifically proven benefits, there's no denying that the mom of four has done her part in normalizing breastfeeding and breast pumping.

In March, Kardashian shared a carousel of photos on Instagram, including a photo featuring the mom pumping breast milk for her infant while wearing black lace lingerie and matching black kitten heels.

"That's life," she captioned the post.

Kardashian just welcomed her fourth child with husband and Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker in November 2023. She also shares Penelope, 11, and sons Reign, 9, and Mason, 14 with her ex, Scott Disick.

Earlier this week, Kardashian also shared a meaningful message about body positivity and acceptance during the pregnancy and postpartum period.

"Your body is beautiful at all stages. During pregnancy as we are glowing and growing, postpartum as we are healing and shrinking, and then that period I find the hardest as our bodies are still adjusting," she wrote.

"And if you're breastfeeding, that's a whole other part of it. I try to be kind to myself as my body finds a new normal. The pressure put on us to bounce back when everything is new and different isn't realistic. Life is beautiful, you are beautiful. Just a little reminder (for me too;)."

Sarah Jessica Parker is determined to help her twin daughters cultivate a healthy relationship with food.

During an interview for a recent episode of Ruthie’s Table 4 podcast, the Sex and the City icon opened up about the way she and husband Matthew Broderick demonstrate healthy eating habits for their 14-year-old daughters, Tabitha and Marion.

“I (have) girls. I didn't want them to have a relationship with food that was antagonistic or they felt like this was their enemy and that they were going to have to sort of like stake out a position with food,” the actress explained.

"In our house, we have cookies, we have cake, we have everything," she continued. "And I think as a result, you kind of have a healthier relationship. My daughters will have the figures they have and hopefully they'll be healthy and they’re athletes and they enjoy food."

The Failure to Launch star went on to explain that she did not have what would be considered a "non-restrictive diet" as a child, which certainly impacted how she views food—particularly types of food that have historically been labeled as "bad."

“And of course all we did the minute we moved out was buy Entenmann’s cakes and cookies," she added. "I didn't want that (for my kids)."

One 2013 study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that higher levels of higher pressure-to-eat or food restriction placed on children by their parents can lead to adolescent disordered eating behaviors and practices in the future.

“The most common origin story that I hear from parents for their child’s eating disorder is an attempt to eat ‘healthier,’ often based on messages they’re getting from school and from the larger culture,” Oona Hanson, a family mentor at Equip, an eating disorder treatment program, told The Washington Post in 2023. “Other than an anaphylactic allergy, there’s nothing in a food that can do more harm to a child than fear of food. The intention to have kids be healthy is great, but unfortunately, a lot of what we’re doing is counterproductive.”

Sarah Jessica Parker went on to say that her and her husband take turns cooking for their family.

“On Sunday, Matthew cooks. We both cook every single day, every single day. We probably eat dinner as a family every night," she explained. “We love to cook. And it's boring to keep saying to each other: 'What are we gonna eat? What are we gonna eat? Are you going to go to the grocery store? Am I going to go to the market?' But it's kind of just what we do."

The proud mom—who also has a 21-year-old son, James—says her efforts to help her children create and maintain a healthy relationship with food seems to be working, too.

“We don't think of ourselves highly as like chefs or anything like that," she explained. "Our children always...they always say, like: ‘Wow, we're really lucky. We get to have dinner every night.'"

Rebel Wilson is opening up about the way people started treating her following her weight loss.

In an exclusive interview with People and ahead of the release of her tell-all memoir Rebel Rising, the actress discussed the beginning of her "year of health" during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, she says she slowly lost weight in order to "drastically change" and eventually harvest her eggs.

(Wilson welcomed a baby girl on Nov. 7, 2022, via surrogate.)

“I was getting quite a lot of attention for the weight loss,” she told the publication. “I thought: ‘Gosh, people are so intrigued by this.’ Literally, I got more attention for weight loss than any movie I'd ever done.”

The Pitch Perfect star went on to say that while she knows "that's superficial," it "was nice" to receive the attention.

"I went, ‘Oh, is this what hot people experience all the time?’ Their life must be so bloody blessed,” she went on to add, noting that people would hold the door for her and pay her more attention as a result of her smaller size.

While it was hurtful to realize how little people cared while she was larger, Wilson admitted that the added attention was "such positive reinforcement" that ended up motivating her to continue maintaining her healthy routine.

“It was interesting to know exactly what it's like to be invisible sexually and then to be visible,” she added. "I've experienced both sides of the coin.”

In the age of fad diets and Ozempic, the comedian added that it's common for people to "think that there's some magic pill, or some sick special diet, or exercise regime or whatever" that will magically help a person lose weight or get healthy. (It's worth noting that losing weight and being healthy are not always the same thing. Size is not an indicator of any one person's health.)

As she prepares to release her memoir into the world, Wilson says she hopes her book and her own lived experience will “give people the message, if they're like me and an emotional eater, that it's not about that stuff."

"It's literally about working at a healthier way to deal with your emotions, and there is no magic solution," she added. "And then maybe me telling my story might encourage them to do the same and make healthy change in their lives."

I often ask myself, "Do I really know what's going on in my body?" As I near my mid-30s after giving birth twice, I know that my body can do extraordinary things—but I don't know everything. How much did my hormones fluctuate during both pregnancies and how does that affect me now? Why does my hair feel so different now than it did a few years ago? Why did I just discover the four hormonal stages my body experiences each month and why didn't I learn about that in sex ed? There's a reason why there are no answers to the questions so many women have about their bodies: There hasn't been enough research.

Co-founders Alex Taylor and Victoria Thain Gioia found themselves asking similar questions during and after their pregnancies. Startled by the lack of research and regulation in the prenatal vitamin industry and its one-size-fits-all approach to women's prenatal nutrition, they teamed up to create their own supplement company, Perelel, to address the industry's many disparities.

Today, Perelel offers supplements and vitamin routines for women in many different stages of life, but it's not stopping there. The company has pledged $10 million to women's healthcare research to help close the research gap and provide more access to essential reproductive care.

I had no idea how critical this situation was until I heard Taylor and Gioia discussing it during their panel at Power Play in Los Angeles earlier this week. The statistics are, frankly, shocking.

"Women have been omitted from clinical trials from the late 1970s until the late '90s, and even as recently as a study in 2009. Women are still severely underrepresented in medical studies," Taylor said during the panel. "Most of what we know is based on trials done on white men."

Make it make sense—because it sure doesn't to me.

When Marie Claire editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike asked the two women why they decided to take on this ambitious challenge, their answer was clear: "Women make up half the population, but we give birth to 100% of the future."

Women's healthcare is vital, and creating a product that meets a woman at every stage in her life is an obvious step in tackling the gender research gap if you ask me. But Perelel's commitment extends beyond supplements. The company has committed a portion of its pledge to the Magee-Women's Research Institute to further advance reproductive research, and it's partnered with the Good+Foundation to donate over $2.5 million worth of vitamins to women in underresourced communities.

I'm a mother to a daughter, the daughter of a woman who struggled through menopause, and a friend of so many incredible women who have dealt with fertility issues. I care deeply about the issues Gioia and Taylor discussed during their inspiring panel, but the research gap is something we all should strive to close. As the founders of Perelel said, "We give birth to 100% of the future."

Kourtney Kardashian isn't afraid to get real about the not-so-glamorous side of motherhood.

On Wednesday, March 13, the reality television star shared numerous photos on Instagram highlighting what life is like after she gave birth to her son, Rocky, four months ago.

In the post, Kardashian shared a candid picture of herself breast pumping while standing up in what appeared to be a changing room or walk-in closet. The entrepreneur is wearing black high heels and a black, lacy body suite, which is rolled down in order for her to pump milk for her son, who she shares with her husband and Blink-182 drummer, Travis Barker.

"That's life," Kardashian captioned the post, which also featured a photograph of the proud mom and dad walking their son in a stroller and baby Rocky's little hand holding onto dad Barker's necklace.

The mom of four—who also shares three children with her ex-boyfriend, Scott Disick—is being praised for showing such a raw, candid picture of what breast pumping is like for moms and postpartum, lactating parents who choose and are able to breastfeed.

"LOVE the pump picture. Women deserve to be worshipped," one fan posted in the comments. "Our bodies literally create and grow life and then feed it… with the same body."

"Pumping and looking amazing!" another wrote. "Why not show it off, thank you for normalizing pumping and breastfeeding."

Even big sister Khloe Kardashian chimed in, writing: "That’s my sister!!!"

Earlier in the week, Kardashian shared a nostalgic, throwback video of her previously pregnant self, revealing to fans via the caption that she has been "daydreaming about when I was growing my precious angel and thinking about how important what I put in my body was at that time."

"Breastfeeding requires lots of energy from my body and I want to make sure I’m getting the right source of essential nutrients for the growth and development of my baby boy (food play such a big role too of course!)," Kardashian continued to write in the caption, which served as a promotion for a company that produces supplements and vitamins.

There's no shortage of hair growth products on the market, especially given that nearly 40 percent of women deal with female pattern hair loss. The growing industry, projected to be worth 5.6 billion by 2032, means that there are more hair growth oils, hair vitamins, and hair growth shampoos to choose from than ever before. Ironically, the best option might be something already sitting in your kitchen cabinet: rosemary oil.

Using rosemary oil for hair growth has become a lengthening, strengthening, hair-loss-stopping fascination on TikTok in recent months. More than 31,000 HairTok posts are tagged with #rosemaryoilforhairgrowth, displaying before-and-after photos of thinning, receding hairlines dramatically transforming into thick, waist-length hair.

But the ingredient isn't necessarily a new discovery. The anti-inflammatory essential oil has long been said to stimulate circulation and promote nerve growth when applied directly to the scalp. Board-certified dermatologist Naana Boakye, M.D. notes that rosemary oil has been a mainstay home remedy for hair loss for years and that scientists have been seriously looking at its potential since 2010.

Still, research is limited. This begs the question: Is rosemary oil for hair growth actually effective? Ahead, Dr. Boakye, along with board-certified dermatologists Joyce Park, M.D., and Jenny Liu, M.D., and licensed trichologist Anabel Kingsley, explain what the purported miracle treatment can and can’t do for your hair.

Does Rosemary Oil Support Hair Growth?

First things first: there are limited studies on the benefits of rosemary oil for hair growth. Nothing is guaranteed, but the body of available research makes doctors think that "rosemary oil may promote hair growth by improving scalp circulation, stimulating hair follicles, and creating a healthy scalp environment with it's anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties," says Dr. Park.

One of the most prominent pieces of research, published in 2015, found that rosemary oil was a natural alternative with comparable benefits to two percent minoxidil, a prescription topical for hair growth commonly found in Rogaine. However, the study isn't thorough enough to deem rosemary oil the best course of action for hair growth.

"Minoxidil five percent remains the gold standard, and the study didn't compare rosemary oil to five percent minoxidil," adds Dr. Park. Plus, Kingsley points out that this study had too small a sample size to be definitive and that its subjects were all men.

The takeaway: "There is limited evidence to support that rosemary oil causes regrowth," says Dr. Boakye. That said, it's not out of the question; it just may be best used as an addendum as opposed to primary treatment. "In my professional opinion, rosemary oil may work better as an adjunct or for those who, for their own personal reasons, cannot or don't want to take minoxidil," says Dr. Park.

Will Rosemary Oil Make My Hair Thicker?

While there is little evidence to support that rosemary oil can actually grow new hair, it's hard to deny the thousands of positive, first-hand experiences. More likely, says Dr. Boakye, is that customers notice an increase in hair thickness after regularly applying rosemary oil with a scalp massager (or by massaging the area with their fingers) because the practice stimulates the follicles. However, this stimulation can be attributed more to the massage than to the rosemary oil itself.

Will Rosemary Oil Stop My Scalp Itchiness?

If the dry weather has your dandruff at an all time high, good news: rosemary oil can help with itchy scalp. "Rosemary oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can reduce itchiness caused by dandruff or mild scalp irritation," says Dr. Park, noting that it causes less itching than minoxidil. That said, rosemary oil can also cause irritation or an allergic reaction, so always do a patch test first on a small part of your skin like behind your ear to see if you react.

Is Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth Safe?

Kingsley concedes that rosemary oil is “unlikely to cause any harm,” but it's probably not the best addition for those with hyper-sensitive or acne-prone scalps. Hair oils of any kind can exacerbate scalp acne or a greasy scalp and cause contact dermatitis. "People with sensitive skin or scalp conditions like eczema or psoriasis may experience irritation," says Dr. Liu. She urges patients to be cautious with synthetic additives or highly fragranced products and always urges patch testing.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider before using rosemary oil, as its concentrated properties may pose risks in certain cases, Dr. Liu adds.

How Should I Dilute Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth?

Concentration matters. "Rosemary oil is highly concentrated and if it is not diluted with a carrier oil, it could cause scalp irritation, which could result in hair loss," says Dr. Boayke. Mix a few drops (think: three to five) of pure rosemary oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil to avoid irritation. "Massage the diluted oil into your scalp for five to 10 minutes to stimulate circulation," says Dr. Liu.

How Often Should I Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth?

Use rosemary oil two to three times a week for optimal results. "You can leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes before washing or even overnight, provided your scalp tolerates it well," adds Dr. Liu.

When Will I See Hair Growth Results?

Claims that rosemary oil causes near-overnight hair growth are false, because, as Kingsley points out all hair loss treatments need more time for results to appear. “Any treatment for hair loss takes at least three months," she says. "For female pattern hair loss, I say give it about six months.”

Bottom line: Don't take social media's advice alone when searching for a hair growth remedy. “Get your advice from professionals,” Kingsley says. "Go see a specialist and get products that are clinically proven to work.”

Shop The Best Rosemary-Based Hair Products

Why Trust Marie Claire

Samantha Holender has nearly a decade of experience in the beauty industry and is considered an expert on hair growth methods. She has personally reported on Platlet-Rich Plasma injections for hair growth, and tried hair growth devices like AlmaTed and KeraVive.

Marie Claire is also an authority in the hair growth space, reporting on the best shampoos and conditioners for hair growth, the best hair growth oils, and reporting on trend hair growth remedies like ginseng oil.

For this story specifically, we also spoke to three board-certified dermatologists as well as a trichologist.

Meet the Experts

Welcome to Beauty Around the Clock, Marie Claire's weekly peek into the daily lives of some of the most game-changing men and women in their industries. Ever wonder how they get it all done in a day? Here's your answer.

Liza Soberano is the first to admit she has a “love-hate relationship” with beauty—products, standards, commentary, all of it. “It can take away from important things. Sometimes it’s just a distraction,” the Lisa Frankenstein star, who starting acting in her early teens, exclusively shares with Marie Claire. “But I acknowledge that beauty plays a big role in the industry I work in, so I’ve been able to appreciate beauty in all different shapes and forms.” 

Despite some pain points with the industry as a whole, Soberano is the first to admit that taking care of herself holistically (skin, body, mind) is a huge priority. She’s simple on the skincare front, but goes all-in on self-care—even when that means quality time with her couch and TikTok. She doesn’t care for heavy makeup—unless said makeup is blush. In that case, she’ll be putting it on her cheeks, nose, and, yes, even her chin. Her workout routine? 10,000 steps a day and serious strength training. 

To get the full breakdown on the actress’ beauty and wellness routine, favorite K-beauty fragrance, and must-have hair products, scroll ahead. 

Rise & Shine

I'm a morning person. I normally wake up at around seven or eight and, while I do have an alarm, it's not hard to wake me up. I honestly wake up maybe five to 10 minutes before my alarm even goes off. It’s funny because whenever I travel my road managers are always confused about how I’m so awake.

Morning Maintenance

I like to keep my beauty routine in the morning very simple—especially when I'm in the Philippines because the weather is very humid there. I wash my face, probably put some sunblock on, and that's it. I like any sunblock that comes in stick form because I hate getting the product on my hand—it feels like such a waste to me. On days where I know I'll be meeting with a lot of people, I'll do a little bit more. But generally I like to keep it simple, especially when I'm not working because I like to let my face rest. 

Power Start

I used to be a breakfast person, but over the past few months I've been trying to fix my eating habits. I started intermittent fasting, so I’ve kind of taken breakfast out of the equation. I normally eat my first meal at 12 and that meal is usually a breakfast meal. I love avocado toast. I love oatmeal. I love breakfast food.

Signature Makeup Look

I love just a clean, minimal makeup look. I'm not very talented when it comes to doing my own makeup, but I love a cat eye and I love blush. I love adding blush onto my nose and to my chin. I just kind of go crazy with it. The Patrick Ta one is my favorite.

Fitness Fix

One thing I've been really conscious about over the past year is making sure I get my 10,000 steps a day. I thought it was normal for us to hit at least 10,000 a day, but you have to put in the effort to hit that number. I try to go on a walk in the morning with my dog. That's our kind of bonding moment. I usually hit the treadmill for 30 minutes for a little fast-paced cardio. Then I try to go to the gym at least twice a week. I love lifting weights—it just makes me feel so strong.

Self Care Ritual

I wear heels when I'm at work, so my legs are always killing me. Immediately when I get home I go and lay down. I bought these patches from Japan—I don't even know what you call them—but they're supposed to help soothe your legs. They heat up when you stick them on. I do that and then I raise my legs up against a wall and just sit there for 30 minutes. I get my daily dose of TikTok when I do that, too.

Signature Scent

I have three scents that I rotate depending on my mood for the day. There's this one brand from Korea called Tambourines, and my favorite scent of theirs is called Camo; it’s more of an earthy, musky scent. But my signature scent that I've been wearing for years now would probably be Chanel Chance. I’ve also added Tom Ford Blanc into my collection.

Hair Help

I'm very particular about my hair. I have very thin, fragile hair, so I try not to put too much heat on my hair. Even with my hairstylists, I always instruct them to put a heat protectant on and not over-dry my hair. Personally, I like to shampoo and conditioner every day because I get oily pretty quickly. I put in a Kerastase hair serum and then a hair cream once my hair is dry. I never brush my hair when it’s wet either—it just dries.

Cheap-But-Chic

I'm always looking for lip balms. I probably have a million lip balms because I'm always putting them in bags, switching bags, and then forgetting that I left my lip balm in a different bag. My lips are always chapped, so I love Aquaphor. 

Beauty Icon

I would say Audrey Hepburn is a classic beauty. I feel like she had a very simple beauty routine as well. She was such a lovely person based on all the interviews I've read. I feel like she was a really good person, a lovely woman, and a sweet lady. All of that naturally came out and made her even more beautiful. 

Daily Playlist

I listen to a lot of K-pop actually. I'm obsessed with NewJeans, which is a girl group. I'm also a huge fan of Dua Lipa. I love Rihanna. Oh, and Ariana Grande's new song has been on repeat.

Backup Career

I probably would still be in school because I wanted to become a clinical psychologist. 

P.M. Routine

At night is when I try to get all the vitamins and nutrients into my skin routine. I normally start off by double cleansing. If I have makeup on, I want to make sure everything is off of my face. I’ll go in with a toner and then I'll go in with two types of serums from this Phillipino brand called Deoproce. I usually do like a hyaluronic acid serum and a glycolic acid serum, which is amazing. Then I’ll go in with a gel-based moisturizer that feels a bit lighter. After that, I like to lather on a thicker moisturizer, which usually feels like Vaseline. I use this baby skincare brand for eczema called Aveeno. I have very dry, sensitive skin, so that just locks in all the moisture. 

Wind Down

When I lie down in bed, I'm normally on my phone. I’m trying to change it because it’s a bad habit. Currently I’m trying to limit my screen time to 30 minutes. I usually like to put on a movie or a TV show and just keep it on in the background to help me fall asleep. Sometimes I’ll listen to a podcast or even Headspace to meditate a little before sleeping. 

When you desperately want longer hair, waiting can feel like watching paint dry: painfully slow and mildly infuriating. Thankfully, there are ways to speed up hair growth beyond your go-to shampoos and conditioners. While hair growth vitamins and hair growth oils have their devoted fans, as a beauty editor, I know firsthand that the right hair growth shampoo can be a game-changer—possibly the missing piece in your impatiently awaited hair transformation.

Hair growth shampoos work by creating the ideal scalp environment for stronger, healthier strands. They’re formulated with ingredients such as caffeine, biotin, peptides, and rosemary oil, all known for their ability to stimulate follicles and support growth. Plus, some formulas even contain Minoxidil, the only FDA-approved ingredient proven to regrow hair. That said, with hundreds of hair growth shampoos on the market, all claiming to strengthen and lengthen strands, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. With years of experience testing these formulas firsthand—along with insight into what works for others—we’re here to help you cut through the noise and find the best of the best.

Ahead, discover our carefully curated guide to the 15 best hair growth shampoos, complete with recommendations from hairstylist and dermatologists as well. Whether you’re growing out a short cut or tackling hair loss, I'm confident you’ll find a formula designed to help you reach your hair goals.

• Best Clarifying Formula Shampoo: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo  
• Best Clinical-Strength Formula Shampoo: Rogaine 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution for Hair Thinning and Loss
• Best Shampoo for Curly Hair: Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Shampoo
• Best Shampoo for Natural Hair: African Pride Moisturizing Shampoo Honey & Coconut Oil Shampoo
• Best Shampoo for Straight Hair: Virtue Labs Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair

What To Look For, and Avoid, in a Hair Growth Shampoo

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jerry Shapiro recommends natural ingredients like vitamin B3 and castor oil. Furthermore, he encourages buyers to find formulas that incorporate caffeine and niacinamide. "Caffeine reverses the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main hormone involved in hair loss. It is also known to increase blood circulation to the scalp and extend the anagen phase," he explains. "Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, an essential nutrient that supports many cellular processes. It also plays an essential role in preventing inflammation."

Meanwhile, fellow dermatologist Dr. Shani Francis recommends avoiding hair growth shampoos with harmful sulfates that can strip your hair of the natural and essential oils that it needs. Sulfate-free shampoos cleanse without lathering, so they're gentle on hair. Other ingredients to avoid? Parabens, silicones, and phthalates.

All three chemicals are commonly found in haircare products—and can send your hair growth journey in the wrong direction. "Parabens are preservatives that have been proven to mimic estrogen and disrupt the delicate hormonal balance," explains Dr. Shapiro. "Sulfates usually dry or irritate the scalp and skin. Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a preservative to avoid bacterial growth, but is a potent allergen. Phthalates are hidden in fragrances, but they are endocrine disruptors."

Dr. Antonella Tosti, a Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, also emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's scalp and hair follicles. She warns to steer clear of the preservative MCI/MI (Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone), "which can cause scalp inflammation and hair loss." She also advises avoiding UV filters, including titanium dioxide nanoparticles and oxybenzone/benzophenone.

Can Shampoo Make Your Hair Grow?

Yes, the best hair growth shampoos can speed up your lengthening process. There are other practices you should consider adopting in pursuit of longer, healthier hair. Dr. Shani Francis, board-certified dermatologist and member of DevaCurl’s Expert Curl Council, says that supplementing a hair growth shampoo with a diet rich in omega-3s, fiber, sulfur ("our hair has a lot of sulfur in its internal structure"), and protein will really speed up the process. Foods like lean meats, leafy greens, nuts, beans, and fish fit the bill.

Most importantly, make sure you drink a lot of water. Francis recommends two liters a day if you want to see results.

Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Natural and Curly Hair

Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Thinning Hair

Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Scalp Health

Why Isn't My Hair Growing Quickly?

Many factors can contribute to hair not growing as quickly as you'd hope. Most roads lead back to your overall health and habits. Dr. Antonella Tosti, a Fredric Brandt Endowed Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami and President of the American Hair Research Society, points out that androgenetic alopecia—the most common cause of hair thinning in young women—"is often precipitated or aggravated by environmental factors that cause increased hair shedding." Those can include everything from systemic disorders to medications and crash diets.

Dr. Jerry Shapiro, a dermatologist at the New York University School of Medicine who specializes in hair loss, adds that "stress is one of the main causes in young adults, and causes telogen effluvium (large number of follicles in resting phase)." Diets low in iron, zinc and Vitamin D, or low-calorie or protein-heavy diets, can also be responsible for hair loss, he says. In addition, "medications for acne containing vitamin A, antibiotics, antidepressants, birth control pills, steroids, and weight control pills can also produce hair loss."

Both Dr. Shapiro and Dr. Tosti advise patients to keep an eye on their central part line—if you notice a gradual widening of the line, your hair could be thinning. And if you're thinking of taking supplements to get the necessary nutrients, just don't overdo it. "What some people don’t realize is that most hair, skin, and nail supplements are multivitamins," Dr. Francis explains. "As with anything, balance is key."

Meet the Experts

Misty Copeland is known for breaking boundaries. In 2015, she became the first Black ballerina to be promoted to principal dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. She has also narrated a documentary about her life, toured as a dancer with Prince, and appeared on reality television. On top of a busy career, Copeland juggles her roles as a mother and partner, and is constantly seeking ways of giving back to her community through means such as the Misty Copeland Foundation, which fosters increased diversity in the dance space.

"It's so much fun to be able to step outside of what's expected of a dancer and what a dancer's career can look like," says Copeland. "That it doesn't just have to be on a stage."

She's even ventured beyond her lifelong passion for performing, venturing into spaces such as nutrition and wellness in order to educate others about holistic well-being. Most recently, she's partnered with Optimum Nutrition, whose whey protein she calls "a safety net" that allows her to sustain herself "as a busy mom and athlete."

"I'm just constantly on the go," she explains. "For me to know that I'm going to get the protein I need every day, it's an important building block."

Ahead, I talk to Copeland about how else she manages to stay balanced and healthy on a day to day basis. Plus, she details her most valuable strategies for keeping sane, and how she re-centers on the craziest of days.

I'm so not a wellness trend girl. I've been a professional athlete—ballerina—for over 20 years, so I feel like I know my body well. And I feel like whenever I might dabble in something different or something new, it's really not a full-scale change type of thing. It's like, "What can I do that will enhance what I'm already doing?" Something that I feel like should have been important years and years ago, that I guess you could call it a trend, is the mental health focus, especially with athletes. 23 years ago, when I joined American Ballet Theater, it wasn't something that was really focused on. And so I would say the mental health trend is something that I'm just more conscious of, because being mentally prepared and rested is equally as important as the physical aspect of what I do as an athlete, but also as a mom and as a working woman.

Maybe something that people might find a little woo-woo that I swear by is floor barre classes. I feel like people don't really know enough about it, but it's an actual training technique that was created a long, long time ago. And it's like doing a ballet barre, but you're laying on your back or your side or your stomach. It's really just kind of taking away all the weight of your body and gravity and just kind of laying and still working those same muscles that you would in a ballet barre class. But looking at it, people might be like, "What in the world are you doing?"

I've tried some things that are kind of out there, and I try and give things like a real chance. Cryotherapy is one thing that I've tried that people are probably like, "What are you doing?" I think overall it is doing good things for your body, but I didn't feel enough of a change. I literally gave it a year of trying cryotherapy. I would try it before I went to ballet class, I would try it after rehearsal, I would try it before a performance. And I know that it's good for inflammation and just getting the blood flowing, but I feel like it just wasn't something that really worked for me.

The most important thing is just listening to yourself and listening to your body and what you need, because I think that can differ day to day, depending on what you're doing. But I make sure that my body, my mind, and my spirit are all aligned and that it feels holistic.

Mornings I always set aside for my son. I have to have at least an hour just to set him up for the day and show him that I'm there. I may not be there for the rest of the day, or maybe I have to go and travel in the night, but I'm there with him in the mornings. That's how I always like to start my day.

Talking about brain breaks, it's just finding brain breaks to step away from all that I have to do, and finding a chance to move my body in some way throughout the day. That can range from a Pilates class or cardio or just stretching or taking a ballet class. But I think that it's also important to have meal planning, so that I can just open the fridge during the day and heat something up that I've actually made that's healthy and homemade, or make a quick protein shake. That's something that's super easy for me. And that can be a consistent thing throughout my days, no matter how it might change. And then dinner with the fam, I can just completely unplug.

So my routine changes up, but I make sure that I have a checklist of those things that are really important to me to keep my mind, body, and spirit aligned.

This sounds so silly, but sometimes an Uber ride is a good reset for me. And something as simple as hydrating and getting off my phone. Even with Optimum Nutrition, being able to make a Gold Standard protein shake in the Uber—you'd be surprised at all the things I can get done in the back of an Uber. But being able to do that reload, reset, fuel my body— something as simple as that, I think, is a good way to reset.

I have something that I've probably done for the last decade. I do it once a year, and it's usually in the midst of our most brutal, rigorous performance season, which is typically the summer season performing at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center. On Sundays, I'll reserve a private room at the Mandarin Oriental, the spa treatment room, for me and my husband. And eat lunch, get spa treatments, have the private jacuzzi in the room. That's something that once a year, I'm like, "My body and my mind and my soul need this."

I would say I'm flexible. I would say that it's really important for me to remain open in terms of how I'm approaching wellness in my life, because things are constantly changing. I am a mom, I'm constantly on the go. I'm traveling. And so I think that I just have to be open to making changes.

And it's hard. I mean, I think some people work in a way where it's like you need consistency in your routine. My husband is that way. He's not good when we're traveling for vacation or something. He's like, "I need to be home so I can have this routine," but I can kind of adjust and make things happen no matter where I am. And I think that's how I thrive best is if I'm just kind of open and adjusting to the things that are happening around me. Especially having an almost two-year-old, you have to be able to think on your feet and shift.

My husband is really great, a really great person to turn to. I think that he's pretty versatile in terms of the stuff he reads, especially about health and nutrition. He's just got a diverse way of thinking. And so he's always someone that's really good for me to turn to for advice. But of course my team, too. I've always been of the belief that you surround yourself with people that are smarter than you and that you can learn from. And so that mentee-mentor relationship is something that I'm always talking about and that's really important. Even within the teams that I'm building around me, whether it's my manager, the executive director of my foundation, my partner, or my production company. They're all incredibly strong women that are really intelligent and I can always go to for great advice.

I'm so not tech-savvy, but one app that I've used for a while that's really good is Headspace. Just in terms of the focus and meditation and sleep—all of those things. That's one that I've leaned on for some time.

Resetting can look like so many different things. I think about a bigger picture of a reset, which can literally be like, "I am away and I'm traveling. I'm leaving." And when I get back to reality, I reasses what my routine looks like and try to find a new balance as to what might've not been working last time where I might've needed a reset. So that would typically stem from my sleep, my fitness and nutrition routine, and how work fits in and around all of that.

But if it's just like, "Oh, I need a daily quick reset within the day," I would just step away from what I'm doing; put the phone down. I think the priority is assessing my body. What is it that I need? Do I need to fuel my body in some way so that my mind can begin to optimize from the highest place that it can?

Right now, I feel like I'm really trying to take everything that I've learned as a dancer and as a ballerina and bring that to a variety of communities. I'm in this head space and mindset of education: arts education, ballet, dance education, even when it comes to health and nutrition. All of these things are really important to me within the Misty Copeland Foundation, all of these are components of our signature program, this free ballet class that we started. So I think that that's kind of the state of mind I'm in. It's like giving back. How do we make the next generation better and more than us? And just using everything that I've learned, all of my experiences—my personal and professional experiences—to give to others.

Just having brain breaks, and mentally being able to stop working when that time comes in the day. That has been hard for me throughout my career, especially when you have so many things you want to do, so many goals you want to achieve—it's hard to shut off, and you're willing to do whatever it takes, whenever. And I feel like I'm now in a place where, mentally, things just have to be more balanced if I'm going to be healthy and present enough to take care of another little being, as well as doing everything else that I'm doing within my career.

On a beach with my husband and my son, just chilling, listening to some Sade.

This might be funny to people, but I've tried barre classes a lot, and I feel like people look at me and they're like, "What are you doing in here? You're Misty Copeland. You're a professional ballerina." But I like to try things out and see why people are drawn to it or really trying to figure it out. I'm someone that just swears by a ballet class, and barre classes are not for me, but I understand why people love them so much. It's easier than committing to a full ballet class, which is something that you really have to put the time into in order to really understand what it is you're doing. A barre class takes a lot of those elements, but combines them with other cross-training tools. But I just think it's funny when people are like, "What are you doing here in this barre class?"

I've been told that it's the fitness part of what I do as a dancer that is most important. And to me that's so backwards, because diet is more than half the battle, and it's really about finding a balance. If your body is not being fueled, then you can't do the fitness. You can't excel in terms of the exercise and the physical aspect of what it is that I do as a dancer. And so that's something that I'm constantly telling young people: that those things are equally as important, and just to stay really well-balanced when it comes to the fitness and the diet.

I think that it would just be to follow your own path and find your own way of being holistically healthy for you. It doesn't have to look like anyone else's journey. And that's really been this theme that I've lived by. I started dancing at a late age, at 13 years old. I wasn't promoted to principal dancer until I was 32, which is ancient. I was the only Black woman in my company for the first 10 years of my career. All of these things, they didn't look like this typical path for a dancer, for a ballerina. And so I feel like I apply that to everything that I do, that these things don't have to look like what other people are doing, but it's important to find what works for you.

Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr., better known as Common, is one of the most legendary artists of our time. A seasoned rapper, actor, author, and activist, he is the first hip hop artist to have won a Grammy, Academy Award, and Emmy Award. He's also written a number of books, including children's books and memoirs, and his latest book, And Then We Rise, out January 23, delves into the artist's journey toward finding physical and spiritual fulfillment.

"And Then We Rise is about access," he says. "It's me telling my story in a way so people recognize I wasn't born like this. I learned the ways of South Side and all those types of things that made me have to return to my peaceful nature and God-like nature. It's really about expressing to people, "Man, you can do this. This is something for you that you can do that will truly change your life and your way of being and your way of thinking."

The title of the book itself is an allusion to Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise," and is, for Common, a way of showing up for Black and Brown communities, and particularly for those who "just might not be aware of what tools we have accessible to us to get to happiness."

"When you've been exposed to these things, you've got to come back and give people freedom with the information; with the freedom to actually free themselves. This book is more like, 'Yo, find out the things that will work for you so that you can get to your place of happiness and joy and health and wellness and spirit,'" he tells me over Zoom. "We human beings, we on the planet, we're going to encounter difficulties. But what tools do I have when I'm pissed off in this situation? What do I have that can help me to not cross the line and end up things going worse?"

Ahead, Common delves into his immaculate wellness routine. He also touches on many of the themes in his book, including nutrition, the mind-body connection, and how he works to empower others by empowering himself.

I haven't tried Pilates, and somebody told me to try that.

[holds up a stick of Palo Santo] I'm lighting Palo Santo.

I actually don't like quinoa, and quinoa is something that people expect me to like because I'm vegan. They're like, "Yo, we got this quinoa," and I don't like that. I know it's a wellness thing that people are really into dietary-wise, but I'm like, "I really don't like that."

I get up in the morning, I do my reading—I read scriptures and I do my prayers—and then I have a quick time to meditate and I go exercise. I'm going to get up at whatever time and do that. I need that for me. It also prepares me to go out and be sure, when I'm dealing with negative energy or have mishaps in throughout the day, that I don't feel like I'm off my square. If I do get off my square, I've got the tools to get right back on it.

One of my favorite times of the day is after I've done my prayer and reading and I've worked out and I'm about to start the day. That's when I'm sitting there taking my vitamins and supplements and the day is about to start. That's a great feeling for me.

If you talk to some people in the hood, you'll be like, "Man, what's going on? How you doing?" And some people are just like, "Same shit every day," or "Same shit, new day," or, "Man, I'm breathing or whatever. I woke up." I mean, waking up is a positive thing. Sometimes people talk about negative things, and that ain't good for the mental and spiritual diet. You've got to shut those things down and also get into practice of saying things that are better for you, for your mind, and for your body. Even if it is, "Yo, I woke up," that you could say, "I woke up," or you could be like, "Man, I woke up today!" That's a good thing. That's positive. That's something to be thankful for. You start with that thanks.

Our parents, because of the situations that they were dealt, a lot of their mentality was survival. But we have opportunity to really thrive and really be fruitful and be happy and apply our traditions to new things that we've learned, whether it's therapy or it's eating a cleaner diet. People think I'm like, "Yo, you got to be a vegan." But no, it's just paying attention to what you're putting in your body, being aware, and making sure you are getting some simple things that just help you have a happier life and have better energy in life. If you find a balance, it's all good.

The biggest thing is our meats, and the way they do our meats now in America, especially. I have people who work on my team who are from Europe, and when they come here they see our chickens and they're like, "Wait, what?" They won't even eat the chicken because they're like, "No way, this is not natural." Like the fact that I can go to Italy and see people that eat pasta all the time and they're not as overweight as we are here in America just shows that, man, a lot of stuff that's going in our foods is not of the best quality. What we eat affects our emotional state and our health.

My mother used to say, "Quit worrying and quit stressing. You're going to cause yourself to get sick." 'Cause I didn't realize how much mental health affects the physical body and vice versa. I didn't realize, and the component my mother didn't know was that me eating cleaner actually took stress off of me. I wasn't weighed down as much. I felt—and I still feel—clearer in my thoughts.

The clarity, the lightness, the energy, even just being able to rap clear was important to me, and I saw the positive effects. It was not even any research that I did besides my own experiment within myself.

Dr. Tracy is a person that I've learned to trust so much in philosophy and healing. She's worked with my mother and helped her in dealing with some issues physically. She's helped me through so much, and she ties the physical with the spiritual and the mental. I learned more and more about the connection between all these things that I'm talking about in the book—like the spirituality, physical health, mental health, and diet—from her.

Then my therapist is somebody I go to. I mean, it is not "advice," but it's definitely understanding. One of the things I liked to acknowledge within myself was the patterns that I would repeat in my life and fears I had that just came from childhood, from my own traumas, and from things that didn't even seem like they might be trauma, but they were, or just feelings that I had that I never knew existed until I went to therapy. In dealing with that, I was able to decipher what's old baggage and what's actually present in my life.

No, no. My biggest app is the way I feel.

A lot of times people would call me during the pandemic and be dealing stress, asking me about health things. They were dealing with a lot. I was like, "Man, I have peace right now. I know there's a lot going on in the world, and I'm compassionate towards what's going on in the world, but I also have peace." "What is this peace?" "Well, this is my spiritual thing for sure. This is me still getting my workouts in at my house, and so on. This is me."

At certain times, it was talking to my therapist during the pandemic on the phone, or it was me drinking my water and having my green juices. All this was contributing to a certain health and peace. Even during that time, I was able to find some peace, and I want us to be able to find that peace. Also, this is a way to combat all the division and the negative energy being spewed out. It's like, man, part of my revolution is being like, "Yo, I'm going to be happy. I'm going to get myself happy in my community and get other people happy, and all that stuff you're spewing ain't going to take me down. It ain't going get me all. I don't get into conversations when people come to me talking, "Oh man, you see what this dude did? And they're doing that." I'm like, "Man, okay, well, what are we doing?"

I'm feeling really inspired and excited about the book. I was having a conversation with somebody close on my team and I was saying, "Man, I really feel like this book is one of my offerings to our communities and to people as a way to express love and information and caring, and it's a way for me to express revolution in one of the ways that I believe real change happens."

Keep it moving with positive thoughts. Man, I always talk about it and I have to work on it myself. This is all practice. I'm working, and it becomes me more and more. This is who I am now. I tell my daughter, "Yo, say some good things before you go in there and take that test. You studied, you're prepared." For me, this is my preparation in life to be able to go out and enjoy things.

Honestly, sometimes it's just being alone with my music and being creative,. That morning time that I have to myself really gives me happiness. Especially being an artist and being out in the public—you've got to give, you're going to give. I love that I get to love and give to myself, and the most important connection I have is the connection with the most high, with the Creator of the heavens and earth and God. For me to go first to God, it's like it's a reminder of who I am and it gives me a peace and a joy that I love.

I still love just being out with loved ones too. Whether it's my friends who I grew up with and that's just going to dinner, or a partner that I'm in a relationship with. If I'm in one, just spending time with that person is great. I enjoy those things too, for sure.

One of my best friends—52 years old—he just went and he got a manicure and pedicure. He said, "Man, why ain't you telling me man? This is good!" I said, "Listen, I've been telling you, self care." I mean, we hear this now more than ever. It's underrated, but it's like, man, I got to a point where I understood there was no activism without self-activism.

The idea that [therapy] is something that we don't do. That it's something for people that are weak and it's not something that we do within our community. It was said, and it wasn't said in this exact was, but it was like, "You're too strong to be going to therapy. You Black, you don't need that. White people are doing that because they don't have the strength." That's kind of what the mentality was—that we're tough, we've been through difficult things, we survived. And it was like, nah. I mean, we need this too. We're human beings, and it is a human quality and a human experience for someone to experience trauma and to actually work on it and heal from it. It's got something that can work for somebody where it's somebody that's Indian, somebody that's Latino, somebody that's Black, somebody that's white, somebody that's Native American, somebody that's Asian— it has no color agenda to it.

If I could tell my teenage self something, it would be that it's okay to go outside of the box that you've been surrounded by in your environment, and to find ways to really love yourself. Meaning, part of just the way I ate was just because of the way I grew up, and doing anything different sometimes would get you ridiculed. Gratefully, I was able to be free enough within myself to, at a certain point, just be like, "Look, this is what I'm doing. I'm going to the Thai food restaurant because I like them; I'm going to try that. Yeah, y'all might be like, 'Man, that's some crazy different stuff,' but I'm going to try." Or I'd be like, "No, I'm removing beef and pork from my diet because that's just what I'm choosing to do. Yeah, mom, you might want me to eat that at Thanksgiving, but, no, that's not my life choice." I would've told my young self to be courageous enough to go outside the box, and that would incur spiritual wellness and mental health wellness.

And the way I would've pitched it to my young self is like, "You're going to be more supreme than you ever thought you could be if you do these things." That would've affected me because I wanted to achieve; I wanted to live the most purposeful and fulfilled life that I could. If I would've really connected the fact that these mental health things would be helpful and that the diet would be helpful, I would've been applying that. I would've.

Over the last few years, I’ve learned one of the most valuable lessons in skincare: No matter what your skin type or what the season is, hydration is key. Even though I have combination skin that tends to break out from time to time, focusing on hydration counter-intuitively keeps my skin more balanced and clear. While moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens have played a major role in achieving my new glow, facial oils have ensured that my skin barrier is strong and that my face is soft to the touch. 

More and more brands have copped onto this trend recently, releasing luxury facial oils that promise to repair damaged skin and combat the havoc brought on by environmental factors like sun exposure and extreme cold. The latest brand to do so is Keys Soulcare, which was launched by music legend Alicia Keys.

Keys Soulcare’s new facial oil is made to restore moisture to dehydrated skin while you sleep. Its most prominent ingredient is squalane, which moisturizes and softens skin, with the brand touting that 97 percent of respondents in a four-week study said their skin felt softer the morning after use. The oil is also formulated with ingredients like pomegranate seed oil and prickly pear oil, which are packed with nutrients meant to support the long-term health and appearance of skin. 

This product release coincides with Keys Soulcare’s new partnership with Amazon, marking the first time that the brand will be available for purchase on the online mega-retailer (better skin and two-day delivery? Hard to resist). 

As though all of this news didn’t constitute enough excitement, the brand teased that they would be releasing big news online via Amazon Live tonight at 6:30 PM Eastern Time. 

While you wait for the big news, check out Keys Soulcare’s newest release, along with their other skin-supporting fan favorites. 

Shop Keys Soulcare

Emma Jones had tried moisturizer. In fact, Emma Jones had tried multiple moisturizers—and lotions and serums and soaps. But the 35-year-old real estate agent, with freckled, fair skin that itched and flaked, couldn’t find a skincare product that relieved her chronic dry spells. So when she came across a blog that mentioned genetic skin testing, Jones decided to give it a try. She ordered a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) kit from GeneHabit, a genetic testing platform that promises skincare insights that “can help you understand your skin’s genetic risk of developing skin conditions such as premature aging, sun damage, skin elasticity, skin allergies” and determine if you are “predisposed to certain skin conditions, like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and wrinkles.” And it doesn’t just reveal the future of your face, but what’s dimming your glow now; deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that show up as skin problems. 

For $99 and a quick spit in a tube, Jones would get a personalized skincare report, created by scientific experts, along with a recommended beauty routine. “I had never considered that my genes could have such a significant impact on my skin,” she says. “I had previously focused on external factors, like the weather and the creams I used.” 

When Jones received her genetic dossier, she discovered she had a gene mutation that caused her skin to be very dry. To help, GeneHabit recommended—a moisturizer. But the report did go deeper, in that it suggested she incorporate products specifically containing niacinamide—an ingredient that helps to regulate moisture by acting as a barrier—into her beauty routine and add more antioxidant-rich foods such as fish, eggs, and orange juice into her diet. Jones found the process “enlightening” and the information “invaluable” in guiding the choices she made for her complexion. And after a few weeks, she did see improvements. 

Like Jones, many people are turning to DNA testing to help them figure out the complexity of their skin and to come up with a personalized plan. With just a swab of the inside of their cheek, a few drops of saliva, or sometimes a blood sample, they can garner specific insights, based on their genetic makeup, into how their skin will age, how to treat skin conditions, and sometimes how to stop problems before they happen.

Beauty biohacking is a big, burgeoning industry within the skincare and wellness space. According to the 2023 DNA Based Skin Care Products Global Market report, the $6.5 billion genomic skincare industry is expected to grow by a few more billions by 2027. With their unique-to-you approach to skin health, these next-generation companies are the antithesis of a beauty space that can feel crowded with an overwhelming amount of options and opinions.

DNA testing doesn’t make predictions about skin health in the clairvoyant you’re-going-to-get-a- pimple-tomorrow kind of way. Instead, after sending in your saliva or blood sample, it’s evaluated by a team of scientific experts who study your genetic makeup and send you a detailed report two to six weeks later.

Multiple different genes influence the way skin responds to UV rays, pollution, stress, and poor nutrition, and some individuals carry genetic variations that make them more susceptible to premature aging, says Sara Harcharik Perkins, M.D., assistant professor, department of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. It’s using these DNA markers that companies claim gives them the ability to provide a tailored skin diagnosis.

“Our clients have been happy that they don’t have to guess and buy products that aren’t effective; instead, they invest a little upfront to ensure that the products they choose are going to work,” says Darya Rzaca, an esthetician and co-owner of Atelier Beauté in Brooklyn, a skincare clinic that offers DNA analysis. Rzaca says the tests allow her to understand whether a person is predisposed to having acne or pigmentation problems, and provide insight into collagen production rates, skin elasticity, and sensitivities. 

On a bigger scale, companies like Nordic Labs in Denmark have begun offering DNA testing, too. Using a small blood sample, the Nordic Labs’ DNA Skin division tests for 18 gene variants associated with skin health and aging, collagen formation, inflammation, breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and even oxidative stress. From the resulting information, the company generates a comprehensive, holistic report highlighting personalized nutritional, wellness, and skincare recommendations to support an individual’s needs.

The beloved French skincare brand Biologique Recherche even offers My Beauty DNA Services at select spas and salons around the world. Using DNA sequencers, the company says it analyzes more than 600,000 genetic variations of the human genome to better understand each individual’s genetic predispositions, which are undetectable using other diagnostic instruments. “By being aware of these cutaneous predispositions, it will be easier to target the problems that need to be treated preventively to best protect your skin,” says Rupert Schmid, co-chairman of Biologique Recherche. 

Other beauty biotech companies, like Parallel Health, are focusing their attention on your skin’s microbiome. Just like the gut, the skin has its own unique ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites that can affect its integrity. Keeping it in balance is essential for maintaining a healthy complexion. If the microbial diversity of the skin’s barrier is out of whack, you’re more susceptible to chronic inflammatory skin conditions, such as dryness, acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis; it can also manifest itself as skin sensitivity, wrinkles or an uneven skin tone.

That DNA testing is new means there’s a lot we don’t know. Research is not yet robust and more studies need to be done. “Scientists do not understand the biology of skincare well enough for [true] gene-personalized skincare to be a reality at this point,” says Valerie Horsley, Ph.D., professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology and dermatology at Yale University. “We do not understand fully how the DNA sequence can change skin traits.” And high hopes can be costly. While the price of a comprehensive DNA test used to be around $1,000, you can still expect to shell out anywhere from around $100 to as much as $300. (Beware of low-priced tests online as lab fees are often an additional charge.)

Dr. Perkins agrees: Unbiased research, conducted independently, and not by for-profit companies is needed. But she also agrees that personalized skincare is of value and worth working towards. “The goal of tailoring skincare to the individual is important. The genetics and epigenetics of skin aging—and other skin conditions, including hyperpigmentation, acne, and rosacea—is an exciting and evolving field,” she says. “While one day we may have the research to make this process a viable skincare protocol, we’re not there yet.” That’s okay, though, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., associate professor of dermatology and director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Ultimately [DNA testing] can help consumers better select products and ingredients that meet their individual needs,” he says. Sometimes it’s confidence—not a cure—that’s needed to stick to a regimen that can lead to healthier skin.

When Agatha Achindu first immigrated to the United States to attend college, she simply couldn’t buy into the aisles of canned foods in the grocery stores. Having grown up on her parents’ farm in Cameroon, West Africa, she was used to her family huddling into the kitchen to turn their farm-fresh produce into plates of comfort meals. She brought this tradition to her campus. At first she would cook organic meals for her close friends, then began hosting community dinners for up to 50 fellow classmates. 

After graduating she landed a six-figure job as an IT executive where she worked for about two decades. But in 2006, she walked away.

These days, if you ask Achinda how her wellness business is doing, she’ll cheerfully respond with “Which one?” After ditching her tech career to become an integrative nutritionist and chef, she created Life Unprocessed, a series of cooking workshops to help local families in Atlanta (where she now lives with her husband and youngest son) bring healthy lifestyle choices into their own homes. Then a year later, she launched Yummy Spoonfuls, a line of organic toddler foods that is now available at Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods. She now considers her new cookbook, Bountiful Cooking, her latest venture, as it’s another platform for transforming kitchens across the country.

She says layering together these products and services–as well as embarking on political advocacy efforts that have led her to present at Capitol Hill–is what makes her not just a health coach, but a “wellness architect.” Here, Achindu shares how she built a career dedicated to helping families live life unprocessed, and eat flavorful, nutrient‑dense foods that can help prevent chronic diseases that are plaguing us. She even gives us a behind-the-scenes of how she brought her healthy bites to big-box stores across the country. Last, she wants people of all backgrounds to discover that Africa, too, has its own nutrition culture, and delivers numerous benefits that is lacking in the standard American diet.

MC: Tell us about how you started Yummy Spoonfuls Organics.

Agatha Achindu: I worked as an IT executive and life was good. But I wanted to make a difference in my community. I started hosting cooking workshops on the weekends but I never planned on going into business. Word spread and local hospitals and organizations with mommy and me classes began inviting me to teach. People would ask me ‘What is your brand called?’ I’d answer ‘I don’t have one, I’m just a frustrated mom trying to make a difference.’ But eventually I branded it as Life Unprocessed.

It grew into a following of 45,000 moms via email alone. This was before Facebook. I noticed the same moms would come back even if it was to learn the same recipes over and over because of the community but also because it was convenient to dedicate this time to cooking. But my kitchen and my house got packed. It came to a point where my husband feared we were going to get in trouble with our subdivision for having so many people over.

So in 2006 I launched Yummy Spoonfuls to make the same food I’ve been teaching at these workshops. Meals without preservatives and artificial flavors.

MC: What made Yummy Spoonfuls so disruptive compared to other legacy brands in the baby food aisles?

AA: They are cooked and frozen because freezing is the oldest method of preserving food. I did all my paperwork, and pitched it to the regional market buyer for Whole Foods at the time who happened to have an eight-month-old baby. It was a sweet potato and broccoli blend and she screamed with joy. The VP of Whole Foods happened to be there and she asked him to taste it. He thought it was an Italian ice because it was so sweet and delicious. She told him, “No it’s baby food!” 

I literally didn’t have to do my presentation. Today we are also in Target and Walmart. We sell flash-frozen veggie, grain and protein bowls and bites with no sugars, preservatives, additives, or artificial ingredients ever added. It was the first-ever USDA-certified organic line of toddler foods that the other legacy brands never aimed to feed children.

We got to a point where in 2015 we were trying to raise money because we just couldn’t make food fast enough. In 2016 we got into a partnership with a parent company called Juggernaut, and I maintain a minority stake in the company. 

MC: Do you still run Life Unprocessed, even after all the success with Yummy Spoonfuls?

AA: Yes, it is not a tangible product but I still work with families to change lifestyle choices. It’s an extension of who I am. We live in a society where unfortunately the way we eat and the way we live causes so much disease. The CDC and World Health Organization listed the top causes of death and seven of the 10 are attributed to diet and lifestyle. Type-2 diabetes used to be called adult onset diabetes but it’s visible in children today as young as two. With Life Unprocessed, I am breaking that cycle of poverty. The next generation doesn’t have to adopt these lifestyles and through better nutritional choices they can find a clear path to sustainable health. I still do consult families today. Part of why I wrote Bountiful Cooking is to bring the same recipes and spirit of my Life Unprocessed workshops to anyone’s home. 

I have had clients who have flown me from Atlanta to Phoenix or Los Angeles just to work with me for a few hours. I’ve been so grateful. I pay it forward by teaching at a low-income neighborhood in the same city for free. 

MC: What’s the best way to bring change to our food economy and support family nutrition?

AA: By voting! When we think about politics, it’s always the big stuff like the presidential elections and people don’t realize that food is politics and it starts at the local level. We have to put people in office who share this value that organic fresh food is not just for the elite, it's for everyone. 

What the market subsidizes depends on who we put in office. It is the reason we can buy a McDonald’s hamburger for cheaper than a bowl of salad. So voting on the local level is so important. I have gone all the way to present to Congress for the “Plate of the Union” on this issue. 

MC: You call yourself a wellness architect. What does that mean, exactly?

AA: There is so much more to holistic health. It’s not just exercise and diet, it's how we sleep, the relationships we keep, and types of pots and pans we use, and the environmental toxins we keep out. I consider myself an architect because I am building a whole person. It doesn't matter if you drink green juice with kale and broccoli everday; if your mind isn’t right you will not find sustainable health.

I’m a wellness architect because, look at me, I am not airbrushed. I am truly what I eat. I am 56 and never had a cavity. At my age I never had a hot flash. Society and patriarchal medicine has led us to believe these symptoms are normal and inevitable. So we as mothers have to look back to matrilineal cooking, and say 'let me see how I can change this narrative through nutrition, so my daughter does not have to suffer.'

MC: Why is it important to share your Cameroon and Nigerian roots with American mothers?

AA: I once shared a post about a traditional breakfast snack food common in most African countries; it has a lot of different names but in Nigeria it is called puff puff. It’s plain sugar, yeast and flour. In America we are convinced this standard American diet is better but American doughnuts are packed with at least 12 ingredients, while this puff puff has only three. It’s much cleaner and can be made from scratch. Let us return to the foods we came from which are more nutritious and more wholesome. The human body has the capacity to heal when provided the nourishment it needs. 

Heidi Klum is super comfortable in her body, and she does not care what anyone has to say about it.

What she's got a problem with, however, is false media reports about her diet that could potentially affect people's health negatively—and I cant say I disagree with the points she makes on that front.

On the day she gave a recent interview to People StyleWatch, the supermodel and TV personality was in the news over an unfounded rumor that she ate 900 calories a day. (For context, healthy adults need between 1,800 and 3,000 calories daily depending on their age, gender, and lifestyle habits, per WebMD.)

Klum told the interviewer that she doesn't care about stories discussing her own body, weight or habits. "But the calorie thing I was very upset about," she said. "Not for me, because people say stuff all the time. I can't help that. But when it really affects other people, possibly where they possibly could get ill from following something stupid that someone made up. Then I get upset."

Addressing the reports, Klum continued, "I'm not a calorie counter. I never have. I've always been lucky that I've never had that obsession to count calories or whatever."

Obviously and unfortunately, models' bodies are constantly scrutinized both because of the nature of their job and because of media attention, but Klum is lucky that she feels great about herself these days. "I'm super comfortable naked today," she told People.

Klum also explained that her husband Tom Kaulitz has encouraged her to take a more relaxed approach to her diet and lifestyle. "When he met me, he said, 'You can always also eat a little bit more.' And I was like, 'What are you talking about?'" she said.

"And I guess looking back, I was much thinner than I am today. When you're a model ... I guess I was exercising harder. I was running around outside, jogging and all of this stuff. Over the last few years, and especially since I've met him, I've just been more relaxed."

Relaxed can never be a bad thing in my book!

There’s a part of me that doesn't quite believe in supplements. Let me explain. Sure the thought of keeping my bones strong, reducing my risk for developing cancer, and minimizing anxiety and stress that comes with being an American Black woman sounds appealing, but I can't prove they really work. To some degree, most vitamins make me feel slightly better If I'm taking them regularly, but I wonder if it's a placebo effect or if the supplement is actually working? My thoughts were solidified last year when Harvard Medical School published an article declaring that Americans spend $35.6 billion a year on dietary supplements and very little show evidence of benefits. Was I on to something?

I continued to stand firm in my belief until I met Lemme, Kourtney Kardashian Barker’s line of gummy supplements with clinically-studied ingredients. I started my journey to better health with Lemme Matcha (for increased energy), and then Lemme Chill (for less stress), and ended with Lemme Focus (for deeper concentration)—all of which did exactly what they said they would do. No side effects. No gimmicks. I instantly had a change of heart.

Next week the celebrity backed line is set to launch its first-ever beauty gummy vitamin, Lemme Glow, that was formulated by an all-female medical team. Lemme Glow is designed to promote hair, skin, and nail health at a cellular level through the help of vitamin A, C, E, and biotin. “The perfect beauty vitamin should have a blend of vitamins, minerals (macros and trace), and collagen,” the entrepreneur and socialite tells me. “This is very rare in the industry but important for us when formulating Lemme Glow. Glow uses grass-fed collagen and we’re one of the only brands that use vitamin A in its natural beta carotene.”

The newest Lemme addition is baked by skincare experts, and if it's any consolation,  the Kardashian clan has given it their stamp of approval. ”We’ve been testing this gummy for over two years,” the POOSH founder says. “My friends and family have all tried different versions but we knew this formulation was the strongest. It’s also my daughter’s favorite [within the collection] so it made my decision [to launch it] easy.”

I asked Kardashian to explain what wellness means to her, especially as she recovers from a recent pregnancy complication. “People should do whatever they need to in order to feel their best,” she happily explains, days after an urgent fetal surgery. “For some, that means leaning into all things self-care, like facials, body brushing, acupuncture and supplements. But for others, it may include avoiding foods that don’t make you feel your best, getting a solid workout in, or just taking time to read a good book or do your favorite hobby. I think balance is key and not restricting yourself too much. Live that life!”

Lemme Glow will be available to purchase exclusively on lemmelive.com on September 12th, 2023 and on amazon.com on September 19th, 2023.

Two things I love in the skincare world: iS Clinical and retinol. I’ve been using both for over a decade, so it’s understandable that when the former launched the latter, I was automatically on-board. That said, retinols, retinoids, and retinol-alternatives are launching what feels like every other day, so it takes a really special formula to actually bring something new to the scene. Per some intense testing, and a conversation with the brand’s founders and clinical director, I’m confident that this Retinol + Emulsion 0.3 does just that. 

It’s an anti-aging powerhouse (as all retinoids are), but comes with the added benefit of protecting skin health and boosting hydration, while sideswiping common retinoid side effects like dryness, irritation, and redness. Instead, it’s clinically proven to make skin feel and look healthier, better, and more radiant, while combating dehydration, free radicals, and radiation. To get the full breakdown (and a first look!) at this just-launched product, read ahead. 

How It’s Different

iS Clinical is known for its high-efficacy, clinically-backed skincare. It’s a science-backed brand that delivers results, which is why I found it so surprising that there was no retinol in the range—until now. The reality is, the brand has spent years working to create a formula that delivers the youth-boosting results of a retinol, without compromising skin health. “When we set out to create a new retinol-based product, we knew it had to be completely different from anything on the market by not only offering boosted performance in several areas, but the formula also had to effectively address skin concerns in a way that had not been seen before,” brand founders Bryan Johns and Alec Call exclusively tell Marie Claire. 

So over the past few years, they’ve been hard at work identifying botanical ingredients that work to boost the power of retinol, along with antioxidants and growth factors that will enhance the look of radiance and plumpness that much more. “In short, we have created ultra-high-performance formulas that are clinically proven to effectively address the signs of aging (such as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reducing the appearance of an uneven complexion, and helping to reduce the appearance of blemishes) while it offers hydration and protection from free-radicals,” they add. 

The Ingredient Low-Down

Understanding an INCI list is an overwhelming task to say the least. Getting a grasp on this formula however is pretty easy. There are three main categories: The ingredients that are going to boost collagen and elastin, the ingredients that are going to strengthen and hydrate the skin, and the ingredients that are going to work overtime for antioxidant protection. 

This product in particular contains botanically-derived retinol, as well as bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative, as well as rice bran extract, rosemary extract, and vitamin E—a complex that boosts retinol’s potency. I was a little hesitant here—higher potency can mean a higher likelihood of irritation. But that’s where shea butter, ectoin, and tripeptide-1 swoop in; all are focused on strengthening the skin, soothing irritation, and creating a strong, hydrated skin barrier. The third prong: Vitamin C, an antioxidant that's going to brighten skin and protect against environmental stressors (read: pollution, free radicals). 

How to Apply

Application protocol is pretty similar to other retinoid products on the market—you want to ease into the process to make sure you can tolerate the formula. Despite this product’s focus on hydration and a healthy skin barrier, retinol can still be irritating. As such, start out using two to three pumps every two days a week for three weeks. Should all go well, you can apply the product three days a week (aka every other day). If your skin still feels ok after the increase, you might even be able to tolerate daily use. 

Retinol does increase sensitivity to the sun, so you should only apply this at night and make sure to wear an SPF of 30 or higher during the day. 

My Review

To know me is to know I have sensitive skin. Surprisingly, I’m able to tolerate retinoids fairly well (probably because I’ve been using one vitamin A derivative or another since the age of 12), but every new product poses a risk. Will I have dry flakes? Redness? Irritation? Who knows. Regardless, it’s my job to test. 

My first impression of the product was oddly comforting. The retinol + emulsion feels more like a lotion than anything. The bright yellow hue threw me off a bit, but I was pleasantly surprised by the seeming moisturizing feel of the product. Plus, the brand’s clinical director, Dr. Charlene DeHaven, told me that the product was specifically designed to minimize “irritation, redness, peeling, dryness, and sensitivity,” and I was breathing a sigh of relief. 

Over the course of a few weeks, I noticed my skin looked brighter, firmer, and plumper than before. While I don’t have a ton of wrinkles at this point in my life (I’m still in my 20s, for the record), I did notice that my skin was smoother and more even-toned. Most interestingly though, I found Dr. DeHaven’s promises to hold true. My skin wasn’t burning or tingling in the slightest. In fact, it actually felt more hydrated and balanced than before. Hard to believe, I know. But don’t knock it until you try it. 

As someone who writes about beauty on a weekly basis, I know some cardinal rules: always wear SPF, never go to bed with makeup on, and leave pimples alone. While those first two rules are deeply engrained into my routine, I must confess I'm a picker. A bad picker. Any time I get too close to a mirror or feel a bump on my skin, I get the nagging feeling that I have to physically remove the blemish myself. Trust me, I know just how worse off my skin is from this destructive habit and I'm hoping one day I can kick the habit for good. But because that day hasn't happened yet, I've had to go down a rabbit hole of vitamin C serums to combat the acne scars that have sprung up from my picking habit. 

I'm sure you've heard just how crucial a great vitamin C serum is in your skincare routine. As Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, previously told MC, the hero ingredient works wonders for healing inflammation, smoothing rough spots, reducing fine lines, and fading dark spots and scars (my primary concern). Through all my years obsessed with beauty, I've tried a number of brightening serums, from expensive to affordable formulas and from both well-known and under-the-radar brands. None have offered the true brightening and dark-spot-fading action I've been searching for. That is until I got my hands on Sunday Riley's C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Serum. 

I've never been one to pass up a good sale, especially when it involves makeup and skincare. When I saw a two-pack of Sunday Riley's serum (one of the few popular vitamin C serums I hadn't yet tried) discounted at Sephora, I decided to hop on the chance to try it out for myself. Was it a bit hasty to buy two of a product I didn't even know I liked? Sure, but it was too good of a deal to pass up, and, of course, returning them was always an option. Now three months later, I can proudly say that my search for a brightening serum has come to a close. As I'm nearing the end of my second bottle, I'm convinced Sunday Riley's vitamin C serum may be one of the best face serums out there—here's why. 

The Formula

Sunday Riley's vitamin C serum is jam-packed with good-for-you ingredients, so let's get into it. The star of the show here is 15 percent THD ascorbate, which is a stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C. This ingredient fights against signs of aging like dullness, sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. It's also what gives this serum its brightening powers. Additionally, this serum is formulated with phytosterols, AKA plant sterols, which help reduce skin sensitivity and redness, as well as saccaride isomerate extract to reduce the size of pores and reinforce the skin's moisture barrier. Finally, this serum includes glycolic acid, a type of alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA which gently removes dead skin cells and refines skin texture. All of these ingredients combine to make an all-in-one brightening and anti-aging serum. 

The Texture

I'm happy to report that there's none of that dreaded stickiness or tackiness that can come with some facial serums here. Sunday Riley's vitamin C serum is slightly creamy, totally lightweight, and provides a nice extra dose of moisture. It also doesn't take too long to absorb into the skin, which is a major win when you're rushing through your skincare routine on busy mornings. 

My Review

As I mentioned previously, I've been using Sunday Riley's vitamin C serum for a little over three months, and boy am I impressed. Every morning after cleansing, I apply just one pump and it leaves the nicest subtle glow, perfect for wearing under makeup. It also has a subtle citrusy scent, which isn't overpowering and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. Speaking of sensitive skin, I've been burned by vitamin C products before to the point where my skin broke out in horrible tiny white bumps. Thankfully, this serum wasn't too harsh for my sensitive skin and strikes the perfect balance in the strength of its ingredients. 

The real kicker for me was seeing my acne scars disappear within weeks. Over my three months of use, I've had plenty of bad breakouts—the kind with deep, painful pimples that leave a bad brown scar. But after using this serum consistently, I couldn't tell you where I had those breakouts as the scarring is completely gone. When any new breakouts pop up, I notice they start to fade in about a week or so, and by week three, any lingering scarring is near invisible. I also have to mention that my skin is so much brighter than a few months ago. Before, I always felt my skin was on the dull side, but now it almost has a lit-from-within look, something I didn't think could actually be achieved until I tried this serum. Finally, I've noticed my skin feels smooth to the touch, when before I had annoying rough patches on my forehead and chin. 

All in all, Sunday Riley's vitamin C serum checks all of my boxes. My skin has a newfound radiance I thought could only be achieved by model genes. Since this serum has cleared my dark spots so much, I don't feel the need to wear heavy foundation or slather on concealer. Instead, I stick to a light layer of tinted moisturizer and call it a day. I will admit that I haven't noticed a huge difference in terms of my pores and fine lines, so if those are your primary concerns you may want to opt for a different serum. And coming in at $85, this serum is certainly pricey, but one bottle lasts nearly two months, and even longer if you don't use it every day. 

Welcome to Beauty Around the Clock, Marie Claire's weekly peek into the daily lives of some of the most game-changing men and women in their industries. Ever wonder how they get it all done in a day? Here's your answer.

Valentina Sampaio is nothing short of impressive. If you’re unfamiliar with her boundary-breaking resumé, let me give you a crash course. She became Victoria’s Secret’s first openly transgender model in 2019, landed the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2020, and became an Armani Beauty ambassador in 2021—all while being a huge advocate for transgender equality both in the US and her home country Brazil. She’s a model on a mission to say the least, and is determined to prove that beauty is more than just meets the eye. 

“Beauty is subjective and can mean many things to many people. But for me, beauty is the transmission of our essence—it’s something that comes from inside of us and transcends our body,” Sampaio exclusively tells Marie Claire. “I think of beauty as being good with yourself; it comes from within our soul. It’s not an outside view. I have my skincare routine and love my products, but there’s also a self care component that translates to self love.” 

To get an inside peek at the habits, rituals, and of course, beauty products, that power the model’s day, keep reading. She walked us through every hour of her life, ahead. 

Rise & Shine

I wake up naturally—especially when I’m here in New York because I have my routine. The first thing I see when I wake up is my little dog. Then I like to have my green tea and take a very relaxing shower. After that I take my puppy and we go for a walk around the neighborhood. He’s the fluffiest little ball; he’s really sweet. 

Morning Maintenance 

In the morning, I wash my face with this cleansing that’s from Brazil—I don’t think you guys have it in the United States. After that, I go in with SkinCeuticals Blemish Solution Toner and a vitamin C serum, usually from La Roche Posay or ISDIN. I feel so good with vitamin C because it gives me really glowy skin. I love the Shiseido Moisturizing Cream. Then I use the sunscreen from La Roche Posay or even from Elta MD. That’s it, that’s my morning regime. 

Power Start 

I go to the gym in the morning after I walk my dog Leo, so I do a protein meal as a pre-train meal. I take two tablespoons of Yoki Tapioca. It’s a Brazilian staple from the indigenous people there. It’s really healthy and you can find it here in New York. I mash a banana with cinnamon and have a cup of black coffee. That gives me plenty of energy for boxing. Then after boxing, I have toast with scrambled eggs and some fruit. A tangerine, or mango, or a banana—I try to have five different types of fruit throughout the day. I love papaya; that’s something that I miss from Brazil. We have better berries in New York though. 

Fitness Fix 

I go boxing every day—I love it. I work with a trainer at my gym and we have a lot of fun. It’s very de-stressing for me. My day truly starts after boxing. During the session I’ll feel so tired, but after the session I regain all my energy. 

Signature Look

The makeup look that I like is more natural, glowing, healthy skin. I have a group of products that I use every day. I love the Nars Creamy Concealer. They also have a color corrector that I love to use before the concealer. I apply it under the eyes and over any red marks. I go for a BB cream over a foundation because it’s light and more natural. For blush? I normally use lipstick because it’s creamier. I use the Benefit Lip Tint. I’ll also put it on my lips for some color. For mascara, I go with the classic Armani Beauty one. 

Self Care Ritual 

I work and travel very intensely, but when I have some downtime, I try to disconnect. When I am not working, I try to spend time with people I love and doing activities that bring me joy. This process really, really helps me to recharge my energy and spirit. If I have more time, I'll try to back home to Brazil and spend time with my family.  

Signature Scent 

Right now, I’m using the Heavenly Fragrance. I love the versatility and warmth of Heavenly. It’s a fragrance I can wear day-to-day and also for any major life moments or a night out. 

Hair Help 

I workout every day, so I have to wash my hair every day because it gets sweaty. I always try to use a hair mask—even if I leave it in for only two or three minutes. I love the one from Kerastase. There’s also a French brand called Leonor Greyl and they have great products for curly hair. I don’t use conditioner, just a mask. If I know I’m going to wash my hair the next day, I also like to apply oil to the middle and ends of my hair because I have very curly hair, so the oil keeps it hydrated. 

Cheap-but-Chic 

I’ll probably get ice cream at a drugstore. Ben & Jerry’s Ulta Caramel Cone with the core—I can never find it in the supermarket. It’s only at the drugstore, but it has brownie, blondie, and ice cream. 

Daily Playlist 

I always have a big diva like Rihanna, Beyoncé, or Anita playing. There's so many more though. Miley Cyrus, of course. Whitney or Mariah, too. 

Beauty Icon

My beauty icon is definitely Brooke Shields in Blue Lagoon. I really identify with her simple and natural beachside beauty. I also found Grace Jones very inspiring growing up—both for her strength and views of color, but also her very confident androgyny. There's also Boy George. When I would watch his music videos on TV, especially Karma Chameleon, it was very inspiring to me. 

Backup Career 

I think I’d be doing biology or veterinary stuff, something taking care of animals. I could have also done architecture. 

P.M. Routine 

At night, I wash my face and then I use this Ivy C serum that has vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and also retinol. It’s a Brazilian brand, too. It’s called Mantecorp Skincare and you can find it here if you really look for it. I also apply the ISDIN eye cream, which helps with my dark circles. Then, I use the Laneige lip sleeping mask in the berry flavor. 

Lights Off 

In the evening, I like to do yoga. I always put something on TV to help me fall asleep . I’m watching the second season of White Lotus right now and it’s really fun. 

Lizzo has been incredibly open about her relationship to her body over her years in the spotlight, and her fans are so grateful for her willingness to change the narrative.

For her most recent dose of refreshing honesty, the multi-award-winning musician stitched a TikTok in which the original user said about their fitness journey, "weight loss comes with the territory, but I'm not trying to escape fatness."

Lizzo then agreed with the original video's important message, saying, "heavy on the not trying to escape fatness. Heavy f***ing on it."

The star went on to explain why exercising is so important to her, and why it has absolutely nothing to do with weight for her.

"I have a very high-performance job," she said.

"For 90 minutes a night, I have to do choreography, I have to sing, I have to dance, I have to rap, and I have to play the flute. And I have to emote, and hype a crowd in very tight clothes, sometimes clothes where it restricts my breathing.

"It's fun. I love my job. It takes a lot of physical endurance to do what I do, and I used to be very rockstar lifestyle, used to throw myself around on the stage. As I got more professional in my career, I started to take the physical part more seriously."

Lizzo then explained that her holistic health is the most important thing for her, and that that's what motivates her to move her body and eat a balanced diet where she can.

"I've always loved moving my body. I've always loved working out," she said.

"I'm very holistically conscious, like I am very hippie-dippie and woo woo when it comes to food and supplements and just thinking about my body and the environment, and I think a lot of people see a fat person that way and immediately just assume everything they're doing is to be thin."

The star wanted to make sure to set that assumption straight.

"I'm not tryna be thin. I don't ever want to be thin. The goal is always here," she said as she tapped her head.

"Once I started working out for mental health, to have balanced mental health or endorphins, so that I don't look at myself in the mirror and feel ashamed of myself, and feel disgusted with myself, exercise has helped me shift my mind, not my body. My body is gonna change, everyone's bodies change. That's life."

Fans rushed to the comments to celebrate Lizzo's message.

One person wrote, "THISSS! I can love my fat body and focus on my HOLISTIC health"

"healthy does not equal skinny," said someone else.

Lizzo truly is a gift to us all.

Ben Affleck opened up to Drew Barrymore on the actress’ eponymous talk show on Friday about his wife, Jennifer Lopez—specifically her diet.

After Barrymore asked Affleck if he and Lopez had any “cheat” meals, he responded “I’m going to tell you something that’s going to upset you. Jennifer just eats whatever she wants. Whatever she wants. Pizza, cookies, ice cream—everything.”

Now, that doesn’t tell the whole story—Lopez is a famed gym aficionado who works out religiously. And Affleck admitted that, continuing “She works out. I mean, I work out, too. But I don’t magically appear to be 20 years old with perfect skin and the whole thing. There’s no taking away the work ethic. The work ethic is real, the discipline is very real, but also, the superhuman thing is real. She’s the most gorgeous woman in the world. She looks spectacular.”

Barrymore, per Us Weekly, said she wasn’t “surprised” by Lopez’s commitment to her fitness routine. According to the outlet, Lopez said of her workout regimen “I’m always evolving and looking for things that keep me excited and motivated. I’m not afraid to challenge myself, so I’m open to pushing myself, which is what I’m doing right now as I rehearse for my new album, coming out this summer.”

Lopez added that exercise is a “motivating factor” in her daily life, and that she frequently hits the gym early in the morning.

“I try to make good choices and balance my time,” she said. “I think there’s a positive correlation between exercise and mental health. When you find a good balance through determination and focus, we’re naturally pushing to be the best version of ourselves.”  

Today, Tuesday, April 4, is a very special day for skincare aficionados. It’s national vitamin C day, which means that it’s quite possibly one of the best days of the year to stock up antioxidant-packed serums, eye creams, and moisturizers galore. Don’t believe me? Just wait until I clue you in to one of the best sales going. Skincare Essentials, a retailer specializing in professional-grade products, is offering 30 percent off their vitamin C products. All you have to do is spend $99 (not a problem) and enter the code VitC30 at checkout. 

The retailer offers a pretty tight, top-notch edit, so you honestly can’t go wrong. But, if you really want to know the best of the best, read ahead. We’ve rounded up the top 10 vitamin C products—all of which can be yours for 30 percent off. So get your credit card ready and prepare to have brighter, more even-toned skin. 

What’s Vitamin C, Anyway?

Sure, you can get your daily dose from a cup of orange juice, but when applied topically—in a stabilized form—vitamin C has loads of skin benefits. “Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage that occurs from exposure to UV, pollution, and other environmental stressors,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick tells Marie Claire. “It helps brighten the skin, it helps improve hyperpigmentation, it helps support and boost collagen production, and it’s especially great when paired with sunscreen to provide extra protection against UV radiation.” 

Shop These Vitamin C Products

It’s pretty rare that a new skincare launch genuinely gets me excited anymore. There’s a disturbing number of items on the market (Sephora’s website has nearly 3,000 options, for reference), so it takes a lot to actually add something innovative and new to the overwhelming pool of products. Enter the brand new, just launched (like, right this second) Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum, which is designed to reduce wrinkles, address acne, fight hyperpigmentation, and firm skin—all without the irritation of traditional retinols.

“We look at what is considered the gold standard in the market and see if it is something we feel our technology can improve upon,” says medical doctor, scientist, professor, and skincare founder Augustinus Bader about the company's decision to expand their range. “For The Retinol Serum we wanted to create a highly efficacious formula, that could also be used by wider consumers, those with more sensitive skin, or those who might have been nervous about trying retinol based on other experiences.” 

Intrigued? So was I. That’s why I asked Professor Bader exactly what to expect from the $350 serum’s formula. To get all the details, keep reading. He’s breaking down why the retinol is different from everything else out there, how the team cooked up a formula safe for sensitive skin, and what results you can expect from *consistent* use. 

What’s the Ingredient Lowdown?

Just like all products that fall under the retinoid umbrella (get a full retinol breakdown), this product is designed to speed up cell turnover, a.k.a. the rate at which your skin gets rid of old cells and generates new ones. This particular serum leverages the powers of Pure Retinol (as opposed to stronger retinal or weaker retinal palmitate). “It’s known to reduce and prevent signs of aging and blemishes and efficiently converts to retinoic acid, allowing a higher level of vitamin A to be retained by the skin,” explains Professor Bader. 

While the decision to use retinol as opposed to the other vitamin A derivatives makes perfect sense, it’s not what sets The Retinol Serum apart from other options—it’s the complimentary ingredients that make this indescribably more calming and soothing than competitors. It includes the brand’s proprietary TFC8® technology, which is packed with amino acids and vitamins that nourish and optimize the skin, as well as a slew of hydrating ingredients such as a microbiome blend, which keeps the skin balanced, a zinc complex, which strengthens the skin barrier and reduces oil production, and marine ectoine, which is extremely hydrating. 

How Is This Formula Special?

Excuse my bluntness: But some retinoids can burn your face off. “Cell turnover is happening pretty rapidly with a retinoid, so you're going to see some flaking and light peeling,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sapna Palep previously told Marie Claire about using retinoids. But the chemists over at Augustinus Bader were determined to create a retinol without the common drawbacks. “The Retinol Serum was designed to be a more gentle formula with fewer side effects such as irritation, dryness, redness and sensitivity,” explains Professor Bader. 

As such, they opted for retinol over retinal (which is more irritating) and balanced it out with a healthy excess of hydrating, soothing ingredients that perpetuates the skin’s ability to repair itself. “The result is a formula that promotes continuous renewal along with the accelerated cellular turnover that retinol is known for, allowing for a more comfortable retinol experience that users are more likely to continue using.” 

Who Is It For?

All skin types can use this product, but those who swear up and down that they can’t tolerate a retinol should pay extra special attention. This product was developed specifically for sensitive skin—and was clinically tested on exclusively people with “self-proclaimed sensitive skin.” At the end of a 12-week user trial, 100 percent agreed the retinol did not cause dryness, redness, or irritation.

Just like other retinols, it's also a great option for anyone with mature skin (it builds collagen) or acne-prone skin. “Because retinoids help to regulate skin cell turnover, it works to prevent pores from becoming clogged, which makes it an effective option for acne and breakouts,” Dr. Garshick previously told us. “It can also help to regulate sebum production, helping those with oily skin who may be prone to breakouts.”

How to Use It

As is true with all retinoids, you’re going to want to keep this product in your nighttime routine and layer a pea-sized amount on directly after washing your face. “For retinol and retinoid beginners, we’d recommend using this once every three days and see how the skin copes,” says Professor Bader. “You can then increase it to use every day thereafter.” Then, layer on the moisturizer of your choosing. Just don't forget to wear SPF in the morning—this will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. 

What Kind of Results Are We Talking About?

Let's set some ground rules. You’re only going to see results if you use this product consistently. In clinical trails, users reported started seeing results around the two week mark, but it’s going to take around 12 weeks to see the full extent of the results. As for what you can expect? The brand’s clinical trials provide a little insight. They gave the product to 63 men and women aged 25 to 70. At the three month mark, 87 percent said they noticed an improvement in their blemishes (it’s worth noting that not everyone in the pool was dealing with acne), 69 percent said their skin was more even, 68 percent reported an improvement in skin texture, and 56 percent said their fine lines and wrinkles were less noticeable. 

We all know that haircare involves far more than simply choosing the right best shampoo and conditioner, particularly when you have natural hair. When you have textured hair, it's important to choose moisturizing leave-in conditioners, shampoos for natural hair, hair masks, and scalp treatments so that your hair can look its bounciest and healthiest. Because hair strands are made entirely of protein, it's also important to take in enough of this nutrient—ideally through your diet, but also through a topical protein treatment for natural hair. 

"Hair is naturally made of protein, so when your hair lacks it, it's important to restore it with the protein it needs," says Kiara Brumfield, a chemist and cosmetologist who works in Product Development at Universal Beauty Products. "Protein treatments are a great way to repair hair strength and prevent breakage, which, in turn, can contribute to hair retention."

She adds that protein treatments can be the perfect pick-me-up for tired, over-treated, or damaged hair. 

"Everyone needs protein but those who often chemically treat their hair, use excessive heat, or cause damage from constant style manipulation may need protein treatments more often," she explains. 

Protein treatments are especially great products for natural hair, curly hair, and high porosity hair, particularly if you're experiencing dryness, frizz, dull hair, or weighed-down curls.

"Healthy natural or curly hair, with the proper amount of protein, has great elasticity, shine, and strength," she says. "But if there is a lack of protein it can cause curls to loosen and hair strand breakage, affecting the overall appearance."

If you're new to the world of protein treatments, you may be wondering when, how, and what to do from here. So I asked Brumfield to break down all there is to know about protein treatments—what to use, how to use it, and when. 

When and How To Use a Protein Treatment

Incorporating new products into one's well-established hair wash routine is never easy or intuitive. Luckily, many protein treatments are created with ease of use in mind, so adding a new step can be quick and seamless rather than complicated and time-consuming. Brumfield breaks it down for us.

First, she says, "Make sure your hair is clean and free of any build-up before applying a protein treatment." Otherwise, "your hair will not be able to absorb any proteins from the treatment."

When in doubt? "Protein treatments should be applied by following the manufacturer’s instructions," she advises. So if the bottle says it should be applied to clean, build-up-free hair, be sure to cleanse before use. Then leave the treatment on for the time specified in the product's instructions, and wash out. 

As for how often you should break out your go-to protein treatment, Brumfield advises, "Protein treatments should only be used when your hair needs it. Using protein treatments when your hair doesn’t need it will not have any benefits for your hair. You should only use protein treatments if you experience symptoms like breakage when combing, loose curl definition, or low elasticity."

Unlike deep conditioners, which can be incorporated weekly or even bi-weekly into your routine for maintenance, these treatments are more like triages for your curl woes.

Below, the most effective protein treatments money can buy, per hair experts and reviewers. 

Shop The Best Protein Treatments for Natural Hair

• Best Protein Treatment for Damaged Hair: Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve
• Best Protein Treatment for Color-Treated Hair:
• Best Protein Treatment Overall: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein-Strong Treatment

Meet the Expert

As a shopping editor who tries out new products all the time, it's my job to figure out which beauty products deserve holy grail status, and which are better left on the shelf. Summer Fridays' CC Me Vitamin C + Niacinamide Serum is absolutely in the former category. The lightweight formula makes my usually dry, dehydrated, and dull winter skin glow after just a single use; I personally consider it to be one of the best vitamin C serums on the market (read: I'm already on my second bottle). Allow me to wax poetic about why.

The Formula

Summer Friday's best-selling vitamin C serum is formulated with two potent forms of vitamin C alongside niacinamide—an ingredient you might also recognize by the name "vitamin B"—which helps strengthen your skin barrier and reduce the look of dark spots, making it kind of a superhero ingredient when paired up with the
brightening power of vitamin C. The CC Me serum is also made with 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which provides antioxidant protection to your skin as you wear it. The inclusion of squalane adds a boost of hydration, too, and the formula is both vegan and cruelty-free. Consider it an amped-up version of your regular old brightening serum, chock-full of good-for-skin ingredients. 

The Texture

While some serums can be on the sticky side, this one from Summer Fridays is the opposite. It smooths evenly onto the skin without feeling tacky in the slightest. It's made with all skin types in mind and is designed to be non-comedogenic, which means that it won't clog your pores. 

My Review

While many vitamin C serums leave my skin feeling slightly irritated with a burning sensation, this one doesn't. I don't apply it every night—more like three or four times a week—but when I do, I find that it doesn't cause redness. And while I can't speak to how it sits under makeup (I only apply it at night), I've found that it doesn't cause my night cream to pill or separate. However, using vitamin C at any point in your skincare routine does mean that your daytime SPF is even more important, so I make sure to apply sunscreen religiously every single morning. I should note that this serum is more heavily scented than other products in my routine—it's citrusy and a little floral—though I don't find that the scent has been an issue over the two months that I've been using it.

I have deep-set acne scars around my chin area, and my goal with vitamin C was to get my skin to a place where I could rely on a simple tinted moisturizer or a concealer rather than a fuller-coverage foundation every single day. For me, using this serum a few times a week for the past month got my skin to that point. The scars on my face appear less pigmented, and any textured skin has been slowly but surely disappearing.

In short: I consider this to be a great baseline vitamin C serum. It doesn't work as quickly as others that I've used, but what I lose in speed I gain in my skin's overall comfort, even texture, and tone. It's pricey at $68, but I found that one jar lasts a few months. 

Buy It

If you know me, you know I’m oddly passionate about retinoids. I’m a firm believer that every single person over the age of 25 should be using one—and pretty much every dermatologist will agree with me. The vitamin A derivative is an anti-aging powerhouse that speeds up cell turnover, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and boosts collagen. One benefit you typically don’t see listed on the label? The ability to sculpt, which is in part why Murad’s brand-spanking-new Retinal ReSculptTM Overnight Treatment, which starts working in as little as two weeks, is about to shake up the status quo. 

Consider this the official announcement, because the $105 product *literally* just launched—and we have all the exclusive details, before and after images from clinical trials (the proof is in the pudding, so to say), and the breakdown on how the sculpting process actually works (I promise, it’s not just a marketing ploy). To read up on the details, and shop, scroll ahead. 

What’s the Deal With This Retinal Anyway?

If you want to do a deep dive, you’re going to want to check out our one-stop-shop guide to retinoids and retinol that gets into all the science-y, nitty-gritty details. But for now, I’ll go over the SparkNotes version. A retinoid is what you get from your dermatologist—it’s prescription only. If you want to buy something from Sephora, Ulta, or the drugstore, you pretty much have two options: Retinol and retinal. The latter, which is used in Murad’s new product, has been clinically proven to work nearly 11 times faster than traditional retinol. 

But, there are plenty of retinal products on the market, some of which are extremely effective with five stars across the board. The differentiating factor between those products and Murad’s is the delivery system. “Our retinal is encapsulated in an exclusive delivery system for enhanced stability and targeted delivery deep within the skin’s surface, allowing for 2.5 times more effectiveness versus free retinal,” says Dr. Howard Murad, the founder of Murad. To put it simply, the encapsulation protects the power of the retinal until it works its way all the way down to the spot in the skin where retinoid receptors are located. “Not all encapsulates are created equal and the encapsulate we use for our formula is a highly specialized liposome, custom designed for retinal, to not only help drive it deeper into the skin but to target its release where it is most needed,” adds the brand’s VP of Research and Development Andrew Koenig. 

So, Can Murad’s Treatment *Really* Sculpt in Two Weeks?

I’ll admit, I was skeptical. If retinal has the power to sculpt in 14 days, it would have been listed in the “benefits” section of every product, right? Wrong. After consulting with Dr. Murad, Koenig, and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, who is unaffiliated with the brand, it became clear how this technology is different from the competitors.

It boils down to two things: Kangaroo paw flower extract and the retinal delivery system. “Kangaroo paw flower extract helps improve the appearance of sagging skin and smooths wrinkles, giving a sculpted and lifted look to the skin,” says Dr. Murad. It’s rich in ferulic acid, which has been proven to firm the skin, and as a result, tighten the area along the jawline. 

Then there’s the encapsulation of it all. While a prescription product is still stronger, the encapsulation of the retinal does result in enhanced efficacy when compared to other retinals, a quicker turnaround time, and less irritation. Plus, the before and after photos, which were taken four weeks apart, are hard to question. 

Will I Get Irritated?

Irritation is always a possibility, so I won’t sit here and tell you that you’re 100 percent in the clear. That being said, retinal is inherently less irritating than a prescription option, and encapsulated retinal minimizes your chance for dryness, redness, and flaking. The product also contains a handful of calming, soothing, and hydrating ingredients to mitigate the drying effects. “Olive leaf extract, oat lipids, and alpha glucan work together to support skin’s resilience, boost moisture, restore the skin’s barrier, and counter traditional vitamin A drawbacks,” says Dr. Murad. 

My Review

I'll be honest: I've been on a prescription-strength retinoid, at the highest strength, for over a decade. For some reason, I'm able to tolerate it. But because it goes so heavy on the exfoliation, my skin is wildly sensitive and extremely reactive to every other product. I test new skincare products sparingly—I'm not trying to live in a constant state of redness and irritation. But when this landed on my desk a few weeks ago, I decided to give it a real go. I'll never part ways with my prescription retinoid, but I scaled down my usage to every other day in order to test the Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment.

My first thoughts were pleasant: Nice texture, no oily residue, a simple and fairly nonexistent scent. There was no tingling, tightness, or irritation off the bat. Quite frankly, I had no notes. 

As the queen of the sensitive skin club, though, I thought I was just biding time until irritation, flakiness, and dryness set it. But fast forward two weeks and somehow, someway, I completely side-swept all three. Chalk it up to the encapsulated retinal delivery system or the inclusion of olive leaf extract and oat lipids, but my skin felt balanced and looked hydrated. 

I admittedly don't have fine lines or wrinkles yet, so I wasn't expecting to see any dramatic shift on that front—I'll let the before and afters speak for themselves. That said, my skin did look bouncier, more radiant, and if I'm being completely honest, less irritated after the four-week mark. In fact, I'm planning on sticking with this every-other-day routine. 

Welcome to Beauty Around the Clock, Marie Claire's weekly peek into the daily lives of some of the most game-changing women in their industries. Ever wonder how they get it all done in a day? Here's your answer.

When you think of beauty icons, Halle Berry should top your list. Full stop. Decade after decade, the 56-year-old actress has seemingly defied the aging process. She’s a natural beauty whose grace, sophistication, and style don't seem to be slowing down. 

If you’re a fan, you'll also know that Berry is an ardent actress and no stranger to hard work. Currently, she’s busy with two Netflix projects (a sci-fi film, The Mothership, and a thriller, Our Man From Jersey) and a new gig with Pendulum as Chief Communications Officer. And through it all one thing remains constant: her flawless skin.

I sat down with Berry over Zoom and asked her how she defines her signature look; her answer was definitive. “I don't have a signature look.” Indeed, spoken like a true beauty queen. 

Here, Berry shares what fuels her throughout the day, and even takes a moment to share her beauty icon. We’re taking notes. 

Rise & Shine 

The first thing I take in the morning is vitamin A-D-K, fish oils, and collagen in my coffee. Then, I take either Pendulum Metabolic Daily or Glucose Control supplements. Their probiotics have been really helping me heal some gut issues that I've had. 

Morning Maintenance 

I do school runs in the morning. I have two kids, so I'm usually up early, like 6:00 a.m. driving one of them to school. That's very much a part of my mornings. And then I come home and do my fitness routine around 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. I workout usually every day, or four days a week, sometimes five, depending, but usually four days a week.

Power Start

I stopped eating breakfast over 20 years ago. Everybody needs to break their fast from the night at different times, and so I've learned to really listen to my own body and not follow those conventional thoughts that, "Oh, breakfast is the best meal." The best meal is whenever you break fast. And for me, that's around 2:00 p.m. every day. 

I start off my morning with one cup of coffee, and that's all I’ll have until 2 p.m. And I use hazelnut, like milked hazelnuts instead of any kind of milk, and I do a sugar substitute, and that gets me through.

Fitness Fix 

My fitness routine changes. Some days it's more cardiovascular-heavy. Some days it's working with light weights. Sometimes it's calisthenics, sometimes it's yoga, sometimes it's Pilates. I just recently got a Pilate machine at home, which I love, love, love. Sometimes it's that. I just try to mix it up. I think our bodies get used to the same exercises. So for me, it's always been important to do different things all the time.

Signature Look

I don’t think I have one. I know that I’ve steered toward a more natural look. I have realized that less is more and less is best when you're going down that path of life. So I've gotten in touch with just taking care of my skin, staying healthy, exercising, and going down my natural path. I wear very little makeup these days, other than when I'm going out to an event or something like that, but even then, I try to keep it as natural as possible. And in real life, I'm kind of makeup-free these days, I think it's been working for me.

But when I do wear makeup, my makeup artist is always trying new things on me. He uses Chanel and MAC Cosmetics a lot. Ogee Organic makeup is another favorite. It’s easy, it's very creamy. I want my skin to stay supple, so I don't use a lot of powders, or things that make it look dry. I go for nude shades. 

For skincare, I love Knesko, Olga Lorencin—she's been my aesthetician for over 25 years—and Ole Henriksen.

Signature Scent

I'm not really that big on fragrance these days and it's because of my children. They're always telling me, "Mom, that smells terrible. We don't like you smelling like that. You don't smell like mom." They're the ones that deter me from wearing a lot of fragrance.

They like the clean, soap smell. 

Beauty Icon

Dorothy Dandridge. She's been my beauty icon since I can remember understanding what a beauty icon was.

P.M. Routine

My night skincare routine consists of cleansing, moisturizing, using different serums, acids, and masks. I'm sort of mixing and matching and figuring out what's working. I’ve noticed that as I’m going down the path of life, my skin changes a little bit, and so I'm trying different things and finding out what's actually working and what's not. It's been a really interesting and fun process actually.

Lights Out

I eat my last meal around 5:30 p.m and by 6 p.m., I'm done eating. So from 2:00 to 6:00 are the times that I eat food.

When I'm winding down, I usually start with a glass of red wine. I found these wines by Dry Farms. They're a natural wine. They have a low sugar content and they're lower in alcohol, so it makes it an easier drinking wine. Heart disease runs in my family, and so my heart doctor's like, "If you can have a glass of a natural red once a day, that's good for heart health." So that's something that's not every night, but four times a week.

Rewind a few years, and skincare trends were basically made-up names for the same end result. There was glass skin, dolphin skin, jello skin, glazed donut skin—all of which essentially mean the same thing: A healthy, well-balanced, even-toned complexion. But in 2023, consumers are smarter, better educated on the basics, and demanding more from beauty products, treatments, and so-called “trends” across the aesthetics space. As such, brands and professionals have followed suit. Products have to be multitasking at a minimum and in-office treatments are taking a 360, holistic approach that factor in mental state, metabolism, and diet. 

Getting on board with serums that pack in vitamins, peptides, antioxidants, and acids is an easy way to stay at the top of your skincare game—a quick purchase and you’re good to go. But you’re likely going to want to read up on other buzzy treatments, such as buccal fat removal or microcurrent-slash-radiofrequency devices, before jumping in the (board-certified) doctor’s chair. To help guide you on your journey, and break down what you can expect to see over the next 12 months, top dermatologists and aestheticians are breaking down the biggest skincare trends for 2023. 

Buccal Fat Removal

The most talked about trend this year isn’t necessarily the “best.” In fact, you should proceed with an abundance of caution when it comes to buccal fat removal—the results are permanent, and, according to a few pros, don’t age too well. “As many of us know by now, buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that removes the naturally-occuring fat between the cheekbones and jaw bones of the face, with the goal of accentuating one's cheekbones and facial structure, and minimizing an appearance of roundness or fullness,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City. “For patients with full or fat lower cheeks, buccal fat pad reduction can help contour the lower face, instantly making the patient look more structured and defined,” adds Dr. David Shafer, MD, FACS Double Board Certified New York City Plastic Surgeon.

The caveat? Reducing fat in this area is permanent, and therefore might not be the best idea for you or your face shape. “Here's my stance on it: As we age, we naturally lose fat in our face and our faces become smaller. Removing your buccal fat pad is irreversible and although it makes your jawline look slimmer now, it does not age well,” says board-certified dermatologist and founder of PillowTalkDerm Dr. Shereene Idriss. Sure, it can make you look more sculpted and defined in the short run, but it can end up aging your appearance years down the line. As always, consult with your board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for personalized advice. 

Skin Cycling

If you’re on BeautyTok, you’ve heard of skin cycling, a term coined by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe. It’s not a new product (although she does have a great skincare line) or in-office treatment, but rather a recipe that tells you when to apply your products. “It’s a skincare approach that involves applying products intermittently in a four-day cycle, leaving out some products on ‘rest days,’” says Dr. Engelman. “Skin cycling encourages people to apply products strategically instead of piling them on top of each other, and is designed to yield significant results while preventing irritated skin by giving the skin time to recover from more active ingredients and exfoliants.” It’s ideal for those who run on the sensitive side or those who can’t seem to get in a rhythm with their regiment. 

Psychodermatology

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of living with a stress pimple, this next one won’t come as a shocker: Stress impacts skin health. Now, brands are finally getting on board with that logic. “I have noticed an increased interest in the skin to mind relationship, otherwise called psychodermatology,” notes Dr. Engelman. “This looks at how our mental health can directly affect our skin. I have seen psychodermatology emerging in the way we understand the relationship between mind and skin, and also being incorporated into skincare brands’ product lines.” A handful companies, such as Lilfox, are leaning into aromatherapy as a way to destress during skincare. Others, like Dr. Brandt, are using active ingredients like caffeine to fight the effects of stress on the skin. 

Multi-Tasking Products

There was a period of time where single ingredient products were taking over. “We saw products with niacinamide, peptides, or ceramides in the name, as it was the key ingredient, or sometimes only ingredient, in the formula. It was beneficial for ingredient education; understanding the purpose of ingredients and what they do for your skin,” says Dr. Idriss. “However, overtime our skincare routines became a million steps long as we were trying to include every ingredient possible to target our main skin concerns.” Now, those simplistic (albeit still beneficial) products are taking a backseat in favor of multi-tasking, multi-ingredient blends that address a multitude of skin issues in a streamlined fashion. This is in part the ethos behind Dr. Idriss’ own line, PillowtalkDerm. “I wanted a simplified, yet effective routine to target my main skin issue. Across the three products, they include an arsenal of pigment fighting ingredients including: kojic acid, alpha arbutin, licorice root, tranexamic acid, diglucosyl gallic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin c in the form of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.”

Dr. Idriss’ multi-tasking line, along with innovations from brands ranging from Lyma and Orpheus to Environ and BioEffect, has resulted in parred back routines across the board. “After years of being told that a 10+ step regimen was best, consumers are realizing that a more pared down approach can be more effective and is better suited for most skin types,” points out celebrity facialist Fabricio Ormonde. “Consumers are more interested in multitasking skincare that is backed by science.  With advancements in skin care technologies it is possible to have an extremely effective routine with fewer steps. I believe in an approach that is progressive rather than aggressive as it delivers better, long lasting results without damaging the skin.” 

Three-Dimensional Filler

Once upon a time, a doctor would take a syringe of Juvederm and use it to plump up any area that needed a little extra love. But the industry has come a long way and doctors are now taking a 360, personalized approach on the filler front, which is in large part thanks to innovation in the space. “Outside of the US, there are over 400 hyaluronic acid fillers,” points out board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Houshmand. “These fillers are often unique and used for specific areas of the face, for example tear troughs and jawline. In the US, we are seeing these products coming over. It’s about customization, rather than using a multipurpose syringe for all areas of the face.” Every filler has specific properties, such as viscosity and durability, that make them appropriate, or not appropriate, for certain areas of the skin. 

One specific filler you can expect to hear a lot about this year is something called Volux. “Juvederm Volux is the newest FDA approved dermal filler and the first hyaluronic acid based filler FDA approved for jawline augmentation,” explains Dr. Shafer. “Good candidates are those looking to enhance their jawline and add structure to their lower face.” He explains that Volux, along with Voluma, will likely take over when it comes to building structure, while OG fillers like Juvederm Ultra and Vollure will be the go-to for smoothing the skin. 

Quick Contouring

Face and body contouring procedures aren’t new per se, but there are new technologies in the space that prioritize speed and downtime. “Surgical treatments are as popular as ever and combined with new plasma technology, we are able to achieve even better results with liposuction and body contouring,” says Dr. Shafer. For example, there’s a new plasma innovation called Renuvion that you’re going to be hearing more and more about. “It’s a new energy based treatment that can be applied externally or more commonly internally during a liposuction procedure to enhance skin tightness. This is good for patients who are not quite ready for a full on facelift, but want to push the envelope in terms of skin tightening technology.” The minimally invasive procedure is typically used to sculpt the jawline or neck and takes a grand total of one hour. 

EmSculpt, specifically EmSculpt Neo, is also experiencing an uptick. “Patients love that the combination of radio frequency and high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy visibly slim and tone the body in 30-minute sessions,” says Dr. Dendy. “It saves them time and energy, with incredible results.”  

Combination Therapy Treatments

“Combining technologies and aesthetic modalities in a single treatment is something I’ve always believed in,” says Ormonde. “I currently combine radiofrequency with microcurrent  and LED light therapy to address skin tightening, muscle tone, and collagen stimulation in a single treatment.” The multi-tool approach lends itself to more dramatic results. “Clients leave looking more lifted and sculpted and the results improve over the course of a few weeks.”  

Board-certified dermatologist at Russak Dermatology in New York City Dr. Amanda Doyle also recommends multi-modality treatments, specifically microneedling with radiofrequency, for patients looking to even out tone and texture. “The radiofrequency heats the tissue for skin tightening and the microneedling component improves skin texture, scarring and fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Doyle. “It can be done on the face or most areas of the body to improve texture and crepey skin.”

Holistic Approaches

Skincare is no longer just about the physical skincare. Doctors and companies are looking at the whole picture and taking an inside-out approach. For Dr. Shafer and his team, that means looking at a patient’s metabolic function with a fine tooth comb. “The importance of metabolism cannot be overstated. The metabolic approach to anti aging and rejuvenation is the hottest topic of the year. Patients need a consultation, blood work, and body analysis and then a customized treatment focused on anti-aging, sexual health, weight loss, or overall wellbeing,” he explains. While this will look different for everyone, maximizing metabolic function can have an impact on hair growth, skin plumpness, and overall health. 

In a similar vein, you can also expect to see a spike in supplements. “An effective skincare routine that addresses your specific needs is essential, but the addition of skin-specific oral supplements can amplify the results,” says Ormonde, who has a background in integrated nutrition. “I am always recommending a full body wellness approach to skincare by supplying skin with beneficial vitamins and nutrients from within.” That said, you want to ensure you’re using supplements that are vetted and proven to be safe, such as Pure-Encapsulations, Metagenics and Premier Research Lab. 

Mesotherapy

According to Dr. Houshmand, we'll see a rise in something called Mesotherapy, which is already being widely used in France, Japan, and Korea. This year, she says we can expect a specific product (it’s still hush-hush) to make its way to stateside. So, what is Mesotherapy, exactly? “It’s a technique used to rejuvenate the skin by means of a transdermal injection of a multivitamin solution and natural plant extracts that are thought to improve the signs of skin aging,” she explains. The most interesting part about it, is that Mesotherapy is extremely customizable—it just depends on what type of solution your doctor injects into the skin or scalp. “There are many different actives injected depending on what issue is being treated, so it can be used for fat reduction, pigment, hair loss, wrinkles, or pore size. It’s very specific to the goal.”

Hair Health

Chock it up to Covid hair loss or the fact that the beauty community is simply more open talking about the topic, but it’s impossible to deny that there is a massive hike in products and brands focusing and restoring hair growth. Want me to name a few? Michiru, K18, Olaplex, Vegamour, Revitalsh—I can go on. But people don’t want to start and stop their hair restoration at home, they’re going the extra mile. “More and more of my patients are coming in for early interventions for hair thinning, hair loss, and overall hair growth,” says Dr. Houshmand. “I am seeing less use of extensions and wigs. Both men and women want to prevent their own hair loss and optimize growth.” 

Thankfully, the options are plentiful. In addition to topicals like Minoxidil and Rogaine, people can get PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections or AnteAGE hair restoration, which is comparable to a super-charged version of PRP that leverages growth factors. There are also trials underway for Exosomes. “These are different from PRP and different from stem cells,” says Dr. Houshmand. “Exosomes are nanoparticles that have protein, DNA, and RNA from the originating cells and have a powerful role in regenerative medicine by facilitating healing and repair processes. When applied or injected to patients experiencing early signs of alopecia and hair loss, exosomes can stimulate the hair follicles, prevent further hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth as long as the hair follicle is present.” There’s still research to be done and Exosomes are not FDA approved (yet), but it’s a treatment to keep in mind. 

Softer Looking Lips

You do you, but it’s worth saying that overfilled lips are on their way out. “The very large lip look without definition is gone. Patients have been dissolving their filler to start with a clean slate and want more definition, not necessarily volume,” says Dr. Houshmand. “Lip flips are quite popular as are lighter fillers with properties that give the lip a very hydrated look. 2023 in general is the year of enhancing natural features and lips are part of this aesthetic.” 

Barrier Strength

This isn’t necessarily a trend—it’s more like a grand awakening that’s here to stay. “The age of over-exfoliation is finally over and the pendulum has swung. People are becoming aware of the importance of maintaining your skin barrier,” points out Dr. Idriss. “Hence, moisturizing trends like slugging, moisture sandwiches, and skin flooding are taking over SkinTok. A healthy skin barrier is the goal for every skin type, but especially dehydrated and dry skin.” 

This doesn’t mean you should toss all of your exfoliators to the side. Just focus on hydration. “This involves applying skincare to give the skin an ultra-hydrated, dewy, smooth appearance akin to a glazed donut,” says Dr. Doyle. Not sure where to start? Check out our favorite moisturizers and hydrating serums. 

Meet the Experts

Welcome to Beauty Around the Clock, Marie Claire's weekly peek into the daily lives of some of the most game-changing women in their industries. Ever wonder how they get it all done in a day? Here's your answer.

If Brianne Howey weren't an actress, her career might involve caring for little ones. “I have so many younger siblings"—Howey is the oldest of five—"so maybe I would do something in education with kids,” she tells Marie Claire. “But older kids. Ginny & Georgia has changed my mind about teenagers.” 

Howey is referring to the hit comedy-drama on Netflix, where she plays Georgia, a 30-something single mother to her opinionated teenage daughter, played by Antonia Gentry. Season two, which premiered last month, touched on hot topics like mental health and body image. “I think sleep is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves,” Howey says. “I've been on a journey with it, but it's the best thing we can do for ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically.” As for self-care, she’s got that under control, too. She firmly believes in regular facials, good-for-you foods, and drinking coffee—but only after a glass or two of water. 

From gua sha stones to bath oils and hydration tablets, here are her favorite beauty products and rituals the Los Angeles native can’t get enough of. 

Rise & Shine 

What motivates me to get out of bed is definitely my guilty pleasure: creamer in my coffee. But I went on a trip with Jennifer Robertson, who plays Ellen on our show, and she saw that I was drinking coffee first thing in the morning, and she was so mad at me and said, I need to drink water before I drink coffee. So, ever since then, I drink an Emergen-C Vitamin C in the morning, and then I do these Nuun hydration tablets. Then I let myself indulge in my coffee and creamer.

Morning Maintenance

First, I wash my face. I've been rotating between two face washes: Eminence Organic stone crop gel wash and the probiotic face wash. Then I use the probiotic moisturizer also from Eminence Organic. It's just super matte and helps with combination or oily skin. Then I use my gua sha stone. It feels good, and it helps with fine lines.

Fitness Fix

Look, I try to get fitness in where I can. It's definitely not an everyday thing for me. I'll try to make it to Pilates, or yoga class. I love the stretching and the toning. I'll pick that over cardio any day. The days that I can't make it to a class, I just try to get some kind of movement in, and my favorite thing to do is walking to run my errands. I feel like I've checked two things off my list at once—I've moved my body and I've run some errands. And sometimes I just walk my dog to get the blood going and breathe in some new oxygen.

Power Start 

I love scrambled eggs with delicious toast from the farmers market—it also motivates me to get out of bed. I’ll also grab some fruit, whether it's some berries or even just peanut butter on toast. That'll do it for me, too.

Signature Look

I try to keep my makeup simple, clean, and classic. I don't spend too much time on it, but I'll always go for my bareMinerals powder. I've been using a lot of the NARS eyeshadow palettes, too. They just roll on so easy. I also love Rihanna's Fenty liquid eyeliner. I just do a simple black line. That's always my go-to. Then I swipe on either Chantecaille or Clé de Peau Beauté mascara, alternating between those two. And then, I’ll apply Charlotte Tilbury's blush. Finally, I love using YSL under eye concealer. It’s just super whitening. It works wonders.

Self-Care Ritual

For me, self-care definitely starts from the inside out. I don't always have time, as I think most people don't, to go sit and get a ton of treatments done, especially if it's last minute and you're not feeling great. You don't have time to make appointments and go sit somewhere for a few hours. So, I try to fit in self-care at home, when I can, whether it's right before bed or on the weekends. And I love using the 24 karat eye patches. They make me feel completely revitalized. And I just got this Olive and June nail kit because sometimes I can't make a nail appointment. I am by no means good at doing my nails, but it looks like I've gotten gels done and I've done it myself.

I also try to see my facialists at least every other month—every month if I'm super lucky. Because I think it's the most natural way to try to keep skin healthy and maintained. I go to Ava Shambam in Santa Monica.

As for massages, I generally get them at a hotel when I'm out of town. There are some local ones nearby that I'll pop into every now and then, but I probably get facials more consistently than I get massages. But I do take a lot of baths and use the OSEA bath oil. It's a dream and then following it up with their body oil.

Signature Scent

Lately, I have been using a lot of Aesop. They just came out with a new, more floral scent called Rōzu Eau de Parfum. I love it.

Daily Playlist

I am listening to a lot of Leon Bridges, Etta James, and Otis Redding. I like music that's good for the soul. It's also been cold lately. It feels like cozy music. 

Beauty Icon

Every time I see Halle Berry, I'm blown away. I also feel like Charlize Theron definitely does it for me, too. She always has. I look up to her in more ways than one. And Eva Mendes, I just think she is so naturally stunning. She's got it all.

P.M. Routine

One of the first things I do, honestly, is Theragun. And maybe that's why I'm not doing as many massages. I am constantly Theragunning. I use my Theragun all the time, mainly on my hips, my back, and my thighs. Just for all of those tight areas that we carry all of our stress in, especially my shoulders. It feels so good. I think it helps me unwind. I also enjoy making dinner. We go to the farmers market on Sundays, and I'll probably cook two or three times a week. 

I wash my face the same way I do in the morning, except I’ll add a few things. I really love using the SkinCeuticals' sheet mask. I see immediate results when I use it. Also, Organic Pharmacy serums are great. I love using their hyaluronic and retinol ones, but I use the same two face washes.

I also love my La Mer eye cream, and then if I need something else. I'll also add on a little bit of La Mer night cream.

Lights Out

I've been reading a lot before bed, especially with the anticipation of the show coming out. I feel like watching TV makes me a little bit more anxious. So, I've been reading a lot and reading this really good book called The New Wilderness that takes place in the future and it's about raising your kids in a post-apocalyptic global warming world, but about motherhood and what you do for, how you sacrifice. It's a really beautiful book. OSEA also has a really good nighttime bed spray and Olive and June has a nighttime cuticle pen that I use too. And I just feel like all of these things combined, like sensory, mentally, and emotional—I tell myself, this is how we're winding down and it's time to let go and move on.

Breaking news: A Kardashian has caused controversy with a new product launch. This is huge, because the word "controversy" has *literally* never been used in a sentence with one of the Kardashians' names before, not even when Kim told people they just needed to work harder, nor when they cut in line at Disneyland that one time, nor amid multiple accusations of cultural appropriation.

Sarcasm aside, here's the latest: Kourtney Kardashian just launched a new product in her Lemme line of vitamins and supplements: a "vaginal health gummy" called Lemme Purr. This gummy claims to "support freshness and taste" down there.

Predictably, people immediately began to condemn the move in Kourt's comment section.

Ali Rodriguez, M.D., an OB/GYN known as The Latina Doc, wrote, "I’m a gynecologist. This ain’t it. Stop giving your money away. You do not need this."

Someone else wrote, "This makes no sense"

Another person said, "another example of marketing unnecessary projects to women to make them feel insecure enough to buy it."

Another quipped, "no FDA certification but here are these gummies that def aren’t fruit snacks just trust me bro"

Another expressed what many seemed to be thinking: "Weaponizing the patriarchy for profit is misogony [sic]. Promoting misinformation regarding womens health is just a vile thing to do," they said.

Dr. Shirin Lakhani, a U.K.-based general practitioner and intimate health expert, has also commented on Lemme Purr, and advises people not to buy this product.

"No vagina is odorless and they shouldn’t be and they could have a huge range of smells and it might change based on your diet or menstrual cycle. If the smell is unpleasant or pungent, contact your doctor," Dr. Lakhani says.

“This product suggests that women need to smell a certain way—and that’s just not normal and could also lead to women worrying about the smell of their own vagina, when it is completely normal.

"Vaginas are self-cleaning. You don’t need sprays or steaming or douches or perfumes."

While Dr. Lakhani doesn't think the gummies are dangerous as such, she says they're simply unnecessary.

"While the gummies won’t likely cause any direct imbalance in the vagina’s pH, I would suggest looking at food sources to help maintain 'good bacteria' in the body such as live bio yogurt, fermented foods such as Sauerkraut, unfiltered apple cider and Kefir, a yogurt/milk drink," she advises.

"There is a huge market in feminine care out there. But our vaginas are sensitive areas and also, brilliantly, self-cleaning. It doesn’t need anything to assist it in the cleaning process—and other than a healthy diet, it doesn’t need any special supplements.

"And in fact, over-cleansing with perfumed products or douching can disrupt the delicate balance, which helps to maintain its health. This can lead to infections and affect your sex life.

"Our vaginas are sensitive areas. I would recommend washing once a day with water and avoiding perfumes, dyes, preservatives and harsh chemicals."

Acne can be caused by a wide, wide, wide variety of factors. Your skincare routine could need a revamp, your hormones could be out of whack, your pillowcase could be dirty—the reason for your clogged pores and underground pimples are plentiful. And while it’s not always the case, it is possible that your diet could be aggravating the situation. There are a handful of foods that have been proven to have a correlation to acne. The usual suspects? Dairy, sugar, and unrefined carbs. But there’s not a cut-and-dry list of what to avoid—it really depends on how your body reacts to particular foods. 

“Guidelines are good, but it’s important to really understand how your skin changes as your diet evolves,” says board-certified dermatologist and founder of Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery Dr. Dhaval Bhansuali. “Anything sudden, like going keto or fully vegan, can certainly lead to skin changes as your body tries to adjust to the new normal.” That’s why you should keep a food diary, track your breakouts, and of course, work with a board-certified dermatologist. 

But if you want to get an idea of common triggers, scroll ahead. Top doctors are breaking down the most common foods that cause acne. (For more information on how to treat acne, check out our favorite spot treatments or read up on our guide to hormonal acne.)

Does Food *Really* Cause Acne?

Think of food like a piece of the puzzle. It’s certainly not the sole cause of breakouts, but it can certainly contribute—especially when dealing with adult female acne. “We are really in the midst of an epidemic of adult acne. The reasons for this are varied, but it’s likely a combination of hormonal dysregulation, stress, genetics, unadapted cosmetics, dysregulated microbiome, and more,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Evan Rieder. “Diet is part of the picture, but for most people, not the primary culprit.” 

Foods That Cause Acne

Sugar

I’m just as sad about this as you are, but candies, cakes, cookies, and desserts in general are kind of the enemy for clear skin. Reason being: “High glycemic index foods tend to be associated with breakouts,” says Dr. Bhanusali. These types of food will increase insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1, which in turn is going to heighten oil production and make your skin cells stickier. “This sequence of events causes occlusion of hair follicles and blackhead and whitehead formation,” adds Dr. Rieder. 

Processed Foods

The bread basket is tempting, no doubt about it. Unfortunately processed foods and unrefined carbohydrates like white bread, white pasta, pizza, and even potato chips are “especially bad for acne,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Howe. Similar to sugar, processed foods and starches have a high glycemic index. “That causes our body to release more insulin and those high insulin levels set off a cascade of hormonal releases that eventuate in acne breakouts.” You’re better off substituting these foods for brown rice or 100 percent whole grain breads. 

Dairy

Let’s start off with the good news. Cheese, aka the best item in the dairy family, might not break you out. A half win is a win, right? “While dairy consumption in general has been associated with acne, studies show conflicting results, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions. Cheese is exonerated by some studies, while other studies include it,” says Dr. Howe. 

Milk however, particularly skim milk, seems to be the main acne culprit. “Skim milk actually showed a stronger acne association than whole milk. The reason for that is skim milk consumption is correlated with higher blood levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and IGF-1 stimulates greater oil production in the skin,” explains Dr. Howe. “No one knows why skim milk has worse acne effects, but the study authors speculated that it might be due to the processing skim milk undergoes."

Whey Protein

“This is a new phenomenon and we are seeing it more and more often,” says Dr. Bhanusali. “There were reports of whey protein causing increased acne in patients.” That said, it’s also worth noting that those consuming whey protein might already be the target group for hormonal acne. “Protein powders are often consumed in large quantities by teenagers and young adults who are already susceptible to acne,” says Dr. Rieder. “This can be a recipe for a flare.” Thankfully, the fix is easy; switch to a plant-based protein option. 

What Foods are Good for Acne-Prone Skin?

In the same way the sugary, starchy, and dairy-filled foods can contribute to acne, there are certain foods that can actually help minimize acne. “A diet rich in foods with a low glycemic index and that is anti-inflammatory can be good for conditions like acne,” says Dr. Rieder. “This includes foods like fresh vegetables, beans, and some types of fresh fruit.” 

You might also want to seek out food rich in Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, vegetable oils, nuts, flax seeds, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. Dr. Howe explains that these types of foods “might” help acne by reducing inflammation. 

Meet the Dermatologists

A little bit about me: I had pretty extreme hair shedding three years ago. Since then, I've been on a serious journey to bring back my waist-length hair. I've learned that adding inches takes much more than regular shampoo and conditioner. To grow my hair and restore thickness, I've had my blood injected into my scalp via PRP injections (yes, it hurt), tested an in-office device called Alma Ted (it works by infusing energy and growth factor), and tried every hair growth product on the market, from hair growth shampoos and hair growth oils to hair vitamins and collagen powders.

However, the world of hair growth products is daunting and unexpectedly large, filled with scientific-sounding ingredients I had never seen or heard of before. For that reason, I tapped dermatologists, trichologists, and hairstylists to simplify the world of hair growth and recommend the best products, hands down, for overall hair growth. I'm also sharing my favorite products ahead.

Best Hair Growth Products

• Best Hair Growth Shampoo: Tea Tree Scalp Care Regeniplex Shampoo
• Best Hair Growth Conditioner: Nioxin System 2 Scalp Therapy Conditioner
• Best Hair Growth Oil: EssyNaturals Hair Growth Oil
• Best Hair Growth Scalp Treatment: Women's Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam for Hair Thinning and Loss
• Best Hair Growth Vitamin: Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement

What to Look For in a Hair Growth Product

Ingredients

When choosing the right hair growth product for you, board-certified dermatologist Alexandra Bowles D.O., advises you to consider the ingredients in the product. "Minoxidil is one of the most researched and effective topical treatments for hair growth, often used in cases of androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss)," she explains. "It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles and prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle."

While some ingredients may not be direct treatments like minoxidil, they can still offer benefits. "Biotin, a B-vitamin, plays a role in keratin production, which is essential for healthy hair structure," Dr. Bowles adds. "It’s important to consider formulations that include vitamins A, C, D, and E, which nourish the scalp and strengthen hair follicles. Caffeine and green tea extract are also very helpful ingredients, as they stimulate the follicles and reduce hair shedding due to their antioxidant properties."

Hair Type and Concerns

Dr. Bowles also emphasizes the importance of tailoring products to your specific hair type and concerns, such as thinning, breakage, or scalp health. "For example, products designed for those with fine hair may focus on volumizing effects, while products for curly or coarser hair typically include more hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or argan oil," she continues.

Sulfates

"Make sure to avoid any ingredients that can strip your hair or scalp of natural oils, such as sulfates and parabens, as these can disrupt the scalp barrier and worsen hair loss over time. Look for products promoting scalp health, as a healthy scalp is vital for optimal hair growth."

How to Prevent Hair Loss

Be Gentle With Styling

Preventing hair loss isn't straightforward; it’s a multi-faceted process. "Preventing hair loss is often a complex approach that involves gentle hair care practices and addressing underlying health factors," says Dr. Bowles. "From a clinical perspective, this means avoiding tight hairstyles, excessive brushing, and using a wide-tooth comb, particularly when your hair is wet, as it is more prone to breakage."

Use a Heat Protectant

The same goes for heat styling. Minimizing it when possible is critical, according to Dr. Bowles, who explains that exposure to high temperatures can weaken the hair shaft, damaging and inhibiting healthy growth. "Make sure to use a hair heat protectant in these cases to minimize damage," she says.

Don't Forget Sun Protection

Don’t underestimate the relationship between sun protection and hair growth. "Protecting your hair from sun damage by wearing a hat or using UV-protectant sprays is important, as UV rays can weaken the hair shaft by breaking down the protein structure of the hair, particularly keratin, which is vital for strength and resilience," Dr. Bowles adds.

Maintain a Holistic Lifestyle

As with most health issues, diet and stress play major roles. Dr. Bowles recommends a balanced diet "rich in protein, iron, and essential vitamins—particularly vitamin D and B-complex vitamins—which supports healthy hair growth and reduces shedding." She explains that "chronic stress can lead to conditions like telogen effluvium, where excessive hair falls out due to disrupted growth cycles, so incorporating stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can help mitigate this risk."

Stay in Contact With Your Doctor

"It’s also crucial to maintain a clean scalp to prevent conditions like dandruff and fungal infections, which can disrupt hair growth and contribute to hair thinning." If you’re struggling with persistent hair loss, it’s vital to consult a healthcare provider, too. They’ll evaluate potential underlying factors like hormonal imbalances or medication side effects that could contribute to hair thinning, notes Dr. Bowles.

What Makes Hair Grow Faster

Preventing hair loss and speeding up growth usually go hand-in-hand, and Dr. Bowles breaks it down into three essentials: nutrition, scalp care, and supplements.

Proper Nutrition

"Focusing on a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals—such as vitamin A, vitamin C, biotin, and vitamin E—is crucial for supporting hair health at the follicular level. Vitamin A promotes the production of sebum, which keeps hair moisturized, while vitamin C aids in collagen production, vital for hair structure."

Scalp Care

Wanting faster hair growth is the perfect excuse for a scalp massage. "Scalp massages are effective for increasing blood circulation and stimulating hair follicles, which can encourage new growth," she explains. She adds that using rosemary or peppermint oil brings extra benefits since these oils have compounds that promote blood flow and stimulate follicles.

Supplements

Finally, vitamins could be the missing piece if you’re not seeing the results you want. "Certain oral supplements containing biotin, zinc, and iron can be beneficial," Dr. Bowles explains. "These nutrients are crucial in strengthening hair and enhancing its natural growth cycle, ensuring that hair remains resilient and vibrant.

If you are experiencing significant hair loss or scalp issues, it’s important to consult a dermatologist to identify any underlying conditions or personalized treatments that may be necessary."

Meet the Experts

Whether you’re kickstarting your hair growth journey or looking to replace a meh product you didn't love, one of my favorite hair growth oils might be your new holy grail to boost density. Like hair growth shampoos, conditioners, and serums, hair growth oils are specially formulated with plant-based botanicals to nourish your scalp and, with very consistent use, help your hair become its healthiest, strongest, and longest.

Hair growth oils aren't a heavy-duty fix for severe hair loss. (If that’s your situation, an FDA-approved treatment like minoxidil might be a better option.) What these oils do offer is a gentle yet effective way to tackle mild thinning and promote all-around healthier hair—just be sure to check with a dermatologist if you’re unsure about the underlying cause.

Still, don’t underestimate their power. Hair growth oils have earned rave reviews and expert endorsements for good reason. "Typically made with natural oils like castor, rosemary, coconut, or argan oil, these penetrate the scalp and hair shaft, nourishing from within," explains board-certified dermatologist Kristina Collins, MD. "Hair oils condition the scalp, improve blood circulation through massage, and strengthen hair follicles. They’re especially beneficial for those with dry, brittle hair or scalps in need of hydration." Plus, there’s no shortage of options at a variety of price points, including formulas that target not just hair growth but also issues like flakiness, oiliness, dryness—you name it.

To curate this guide, I tested and researched the most popular hair growth oils on the market and consulted with several board-certified dermatologists, brand founders, and experts—including Dr. Collins, Dara Spearman, MD, and Mara Weinstein Velez, MD, among others—to uncover the 15 best options out there. Together, we've answered all your burning questions, like how to apply hair growth oil, how often to use it, how to pick the best formula for your unique hair goals, and more.

The Best Hair Growth Oils

• Best Hair Growth Oil Overall: Fable & Mane HoliRoots™ Pre-Wash Treatment Oil
• Best Luxury Hair Growth Oil: Augustinus Bader The Hair Oil
• Best Hair Growth Oil for Dry Hair: Virtue Healing Oil

What Should I Look for In a Hair Growth Oil?

Different hair growth oils are best for different hair types and needs. Board-certified dermatologist and medical director for Keeps Peter Young, MD, reiterates that ingredients in each oil support healthy hair growth, giving the appearance of thicker hair, rather than growing net-new hair from nowhere. However, hair growth oils can still go a long way.

"Your hair has fat in it, and oils are pretty much pure fat, so putting them on your hair can help restore those naturally-occurring fats," Dr. Young explains. "Oils high in saturated and monounsaturated fats are good because these types of fatty acids penetrate the hair strand more easily. Oils with polyunsaturated fats, on the other hand, don’t have the same effect."

Which so-called optimal fats should you look out for? "One option is coconut oil," he says. "In fact, one study showed that coconut oil assisted with decreasing how much protein the hair lost, which basically means it prevented the hair from getting weaker. Another oil that’s high in saturated fat is palm oil (such as saw palmetto oil), and some options high in monounsaturated fats are almond oil, olive oil, and argan oil."

When shopping for hair growth products of all types, Dr. Young also recommends "plant-based, organic, and raw" ingredients such as biotin, caffeine, and green tea. These are "science-backed ingredients designed to support hair growth and give the appearance of thicker, healthier-looking hair," he says.

How Do I Use a Hair Growth Oil?

It bears repeating: hair growth begins with a healthy scalp. For that reason, Dr. Gohara instructs to massage hair growth oils directly into the scalp to stimulate hair at the root. "Once you’ve shown your scalp lots of love," she says, "you can carry the product through to the ends."

Personally, I use a hair growth oil every time I wash my hair. Anabel Kingsley, master trichologist and president of Philip Kingsley, taught me how to apply oil: After I've detangled my hair and applied my favorite leave-in conditioner, I apply my hair growth oil along my part line. Then, I make other part lines across my head, ear to ear, about an inch apart. Along each part line, I drop thin layer after thin layer of oil, rubbing it into my scalp with my finger every time. Once I'm done, I massage my scalp with my fingers or with a scalp massager so that the oil distributes evenly and absorbs more easily.

How Often Should I Use Hair Growth Oil?

Read the instructions on the back of your hair growth oil very carefully before committing to an application routine. "Some oils have you apply once a day while others are more frequent," Dr. Gohara points out. She adds that it's perfectly all right to use multiple hair products at once, so long as you "couple your hair growth oils with a shampoo and conditioner routine to make sure your hair is getting as clean and nourished as possible." Clarifying shampoos are a perfect companion for hair growth oils, she notes.

Still worried that adding an oil to your regimen will make your hair look greasy? Dr. Gohara points out that many hair growth oils are applied before showering. But if the oil needs to be applied in the morning, you can always wear a sleek bun or ponytail. Indeed, there are countless elaborate updos or quick, easy updos for a day of hair oiling.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

How We Tested

For this story, we sourced editor favorites and tested over 20 hair growth oils. We scoured the Internet for customer reviews to ensure each was rated highly, and consulted with board-certified dermatologists. We evaluated each option based on ingredients, size, texture, overall performance, and more.

Meet the Experts

With all the protein powders, hair vitamins, and other dietary supplements on the market, it's often hard to keep up. Collagen powders, in particular, have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, promising to give customers flowing hair, healthy nails, and supple skin when used in tandem with other high-quality maintenance products, like moisturizers, serums, oils, and shampoos and conditioners. But what do collagen powders really do—and are they worth all the hype?

First and foremost, it's important to understand what collagen is and what kind of role it plays in fostering healthy hair, skin, and nails. Per the National Library of Medicine, collagen is a protein that makes up the structure of many of our cells and tissues. Found in connective tissues, tendons, bones, cartilage, and skin, it aids in immune response, tissue repair, and other essential cellular functions. 

"By age 30, our bodies begin to lose collagen and continue to produce less each year, with production diminishing significantly by the age of 50," notes Nutrafol's Vice President of Product Marketing & Innovation Sam Archer. In regards to hair health, Archer adds: "Our scalps are made up of 75 percent collagen. As we age, the loss of collagen and elastin means that we can no longer hold onto strong hair at its foundation and hair becomes weaker. This can result in hair thinning and loss."

Enter collagen powders, the purported solution to thinning hair, alongside newfound hair and skin health. But the cure for hair thinning, at least, isn't so simple: Archer says, "Collagen peptides can replenish collagen within our bodies, however collagen peptides cannot improve hair growth on its own—which is a common misconception."

Does Collagen Powder Work?

"The evidence is conflicting regarding the effectiveness of collagen powders, and whether or not they work is still up for debate," admits Peter Young, M.D., dermatologist and medical director of skincare company Facet. "There are very few scientific studies on collagen powder, and many of them have come back with mixed results. The theory behind collagen powders is that they can improve and boost our body’s collagen and collagen production, resulting in anti-aging benefits, reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and improvement in skin hydration and elasticity."

However, many people (including me) use collagen powder and find that it produces satisfactory results. "Collagen is a protein known for being a key component in building and repairing bone, muscles, skin (including your scalp), and, yes, hair," explains Ashanti Lation, celebrity hairstylist and founder/CEO of VIP Luxury Hair Care. Furthermore, she explains that she recommends collagen powder to her clients "after childbirth, surgery or any major changes in diet or hormone levels, because these changes can lead to thinning or shedding. Collagen can provide the protein needed to strengthen the hair and lower estrogen levels."

What To Look For in Collagen Powders

As with all food and beverage items you consume, you be aware of what should be―and what shouldn't be―in your collagen powder. Archer says, "Buyers should be on the lookout for naturally efficacious ingredients in their collagen powders, as well as sustainably sourced ingredients." However, she points out that, unfortunately for vegans, "collagen peptides cannot be vegan—collagen can only be made by animals, not plants."

Dr. Young agrees, saying, "Most collagen powders originate from animal sources such as cows, pigs, and fish (“marine collagen”). Hydrolyzed collagens in which the amino acids have been broken down, are easier for your body to absorb. Look for collagen powders with a diverse amino acid profile."

And which amino acid profiles are these? "Bovine (cow) and porcine (pig) sources of collagen powder are best," he says. "You should avoid marine collagen because 'marine' is a blanket term for any aquatic animal, including shellfish, shark and jellyfish, and you never know what you’re getting. These sources of collagen are not easily absorbed by the body." 

When it comes to other ingredients you should avoid, Dr. Young advises staying away from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.

How Do You Use Collagen Powder?

Once you have your collagen powder of choice, you may wonder what to do with it. Luckily, it's a versatile, easy-to-use supplement, and it takes just a few seconds to incorporate into your breakfast routine. 

"Most collagen powders are formulated to mix with a liquid—whether it be water, tea or coffee—to drink once a day. However, serving sizes can vary from brand to brand," says Archer. So pay attention to what the packaging says! Personally, I like mixing my collagen powder into my morning coffee, and I keep the container next to my coffee machine so that I never forget about it. Archer also suggests, "You can also add it to food that contains some water content to help it dissolve, like yogurt, soup, or a smoothie."

Lation adds, "I personally love smoothies, but I’ve seen people add it to their juice mixtures, and even bake with it."

Side Effects

Our experts all agree that before trying collagen powder, it may be best to consult your doctor about whether its ingredients make it a good option for you, particularly if you have preexisting health conditions. And, of course, if you start experiencing troubling symptoms or side effects after starting to use collagen powder, you should stop and consult your doctor.

"Most studies demonstrate collagen powders to be safe to use. The most common side effects are heartburn and stomach bloating," reassures Dr. Young. Some users also complain of skin "purging" after beginning use, meaning that the increase in collagen intake causes some breakouts. For me, these cleared in about a week.

Dr. Young also warns, "Collagen powders should be avoided in people who have a history of or high risk of developing kidney stones. However, consuming collagen in moderation as part of a normal healthy diet is unlikely to cause kidney stones in the vast majority of people."

Finally, Archer points out that women who are nursing or pregnant should consult with their healthcare providers before using collagen powders, as they have not been tested rigorously enough among that population.

The Best Collagen Powders

• Best Collagen Powder for Hair: Nutrafol Strengthening Hair Growth Duo
• Best Collagen Powder for Joint Health: Sports Research Collagen Peptides Powder
• Best Collagen Powder for Skin: Spring Valley Collagen Peptides Powder
• Best Flavored Collagen Powder: Apothekary Better Than Botox
• Best Collagen Powder for Strong Nails: Physician's Choice Collagen Peptides Powder

Meet the Experts

Welcome to Beauty Around the Clock, Marie Claire's weekly peek into the daily lives of some of the most game-changing women in their industries. Ever wonder how they get it all done in a day? Here's your answer.

I say this without an iota of exaggeration: Brooke Shields has one of the most recognizable beauty looks. Despite being a beauty girl through and through, her routine is unexpectedly low-maintenance. She’s adopted somewhat of an if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it approach to skincare, sticking with tried and true products “exclusively” from True Botanicals. She’s unbelievably minimal in her makeup routine—with the expectation of mascara; that deserves *extra* love. Her hair is rarely, if ever, styled when she’s not on set. 

It’s all about the least possible work for the maximum result. But the key there is using products that work as efficiently and effectively as humanly possible and adopting re-centering, solitary rituals that keep her inner and outer self feeling—and looking—the best. 

Here, The Blue Lagoon actress walks us through every little, itty-bitty detail of her day. From her unwelcomed wake up call (she’s BFFs with the snooze button) to her “game-changing” evening cleanser that closes out her routine, here are the habits, products, and rituals that keep her zen in the height of peak busyness. 

Rise & Shine

I set my alarms a little bit earlier than I need to because I like hitting the snooze button. It makes my husband crazy because I’ve been known to hit it more than once. I need that extra time. I can't just jump out of bed. I used to when I was a kid. I would give myself the least possible amount of time. Now, I sort of enjoy having a little bit of time. 

For the longest time I thought I was a morning person, because I love being up in the morning and I love it when it's quiet. But I realized that I don't like getting up. I like being up. So now I’m like, Oh, I might not be a morning person. It was a revelation to me. 

Morning Maintenance 

I do my skincare before I work out. I cleanse—currently I've been cleansing mostly with the Nourishing Cleanser from True Botanicals. In the morning I don’t need as much of a deep cleanse. If I’m going to spin or pilates, I put on a serum with some added vitamin C to it. If I’m going straight to an exercise class, I try not to put much else on my skin. I love the idea of my pores opening up and taking in the serum. I know it would do that anyway, but sometimes I just don’t want to put too much moisturizing cream on my skin—especially if I’m going to a Soul Cycle class and coming right back. 

After my class I have to shower, and then I’ll wash my face again. Sometimes I’ll do a vitamin C serum again, but I typically go right to my everyday skin tint. Even though it might be winter, I still know my skin needs UV protection. This is tinted, so it’s almost like putting a little bit of foundation on. 

Power Start 

I’m not a breakfast person, I’m a coffee person. I either drink PG Tips or I down a couple of espressos. I may make a protein shake, but I sort of hit the ground running. I am almost intermittent fasting, which I don’t do intentionally. My day just starts so quickly and before I know it, it's four o'clock. I'll end up just grabbing some almonds or something like that and then wait till dinner. That’s my bigger meal—I try not to eat it too late.  

I know I don’t eat enough in the morning and I know I should—it starts my metabolism. What I'm starting to do is drink celery juice. I’ll just take Whole Foods celery, make a batch for two days, and just drink a whole glass of it. When you get really good, non-pesticide celery, it’s not bitter at all. It’s actually sweet. I notice that I get energy from it and I'm full because it’s all greens. It’s good to start my metabolism a little bit rather than having nothing in my system except caffeine. 

Signature Look 

I like to cover whatever brown spots or blemishes. I end up putting a ton of mascara on and then I dab a color tint on my lips, my cheeks, and sometimes my eyes. Add a little gloss, and that’s enough for me. I really like Vapour. They do a whole series of colors that are intense, but not harsh. They somehow just give you a little deepening of your natural color. I don’t know how they do it, but they do. I also love Thrive Causemetics Tubular Mascara. I just discovered it and I’m so happy. 

Self-Care Ritual 

I have to spend time alone. It can be anything: It can be exercise, it can be calling a girlfriend. It's gotta be something where I'm not thinking about work. Sometimes I’ll even sit down and needlepoint for however long. I’m currently making a backgammon board and it’s taking me quite some time. It’s been very detailed and I made the mistake of picking a pattern that has small little checkers. I'll always have a puzzle going, too. There's something about having that single focus, hand-eye coordination, repetitive task. I've noticed that I come out of it as if I've meditated. 

Signature Scent 

My signature scent is from Diptyque and it’s called L'Ombre Dans L'Eau, Shadow in the Water. I better have said that pretty, I majored in French—at least I should have good pronunciation. But, it also comes in a solid form so I can always take it with me when I travel. 

Cheap-But-Chic

Lumify eye drops—I will never not buy them when I go into the store. It's the funniest thing. I have 'em in every purse, every makeup kit, everything. It’s the only thing that’s non-addictive and makes my eyes really white.

Beauty Icon

My beauty icon was always Rene Russo. I became obsessed with her from third to sixth grade, which was when she was still living in Manhattan. I just thought she was  so beautiful. She was just always somebody that I thought held herself with such grace, you know? 

Back-Up Career 

I would've been a writer. I mean, I have written and I'm continuing to write, but there's something that I find very enjoyable about the solitary aspect of it, the journey, and the feeling of completion. The other thing I would do—that’s so foreign to my business—is working closely with animals. I used to work at the San Diego Zoo. Unfortunately, now I’m allergic to everything. But, there’s something about non-humans that I really appreciate. 

Hair Help 

I wash my hair with Virtue shampoo. I have to get my roots done every three to four weeks. I sort of brush through my hair and then if I don't have to work, I don't put any iron or heat on it. Because I work so much, my hair is constantly getting over-worked. In order to keep it healthy, I try not to do too much when I don’t have to. Sometimes I’ll put in hair oil. True Botanicals just came out with one and I’ve found that it works as a mask as well. I’ll put it all over my hair, then braid my hair—it’s like a long-term treatment.

P.M. Routine 

I think the Turmeric Cleansing Balm has been the biggest game-changer for me because you don't need really hot water to take it off. It's anti-inflammatory, It has a really great texture (and doesn’t need a soap to remove it), but my skin still feels moisturized after. I don't do the vitamin C at night; I do the vitamin A little ampules. I'll put that on my face and then I'll use the Extreme Cream. I'll follow it with my favorite thing, Moisture Lock. It’s an overnight mask and I’ve seen such a difference. That’s encouraging to me and it takes maybe 20 seconds longer.  

Lights Out 

I am the kind of person that could stay up at all hours. I mean, I don't necessarily wanna be out partying, but I wanna be reading or doing a project or watching a movie or starting a show. There's something about that period of time where I know nobody can call me. Nobody can really need something from me. It's when my daughters are asleep and the day's over, you know what I mean? I revel in that time. And then I just pray to God that I can fall asleep without having to be knocked over the head with a horse tranquilizer. 

Shop Brooke's Beauty Routine 

In the ultimate quest for inner beauty and outer glow, Marie Claire asks our favorite trailblazers to share intel on finding balance in their busy lives. Read it all here, in Beauty Inside & Out. 

When it comes to self care, Elizabeth Chambers believes in the oxygen mask theory. “You can’t take care of others if you don’t have your oxygen mask on,” she says. “So for me, wellness is literally making sure you have that mask on—whatever that looks like for you. Self-care is finding a way to make sure that you're putting yourself first, so that you can be there for your other responsibilities in life.” When her kids Harper and Ford were little, that meant whipping out her oxygen machine during late night breastfeeding sessions (yes, we’re obsessed with this). More recently, it’s taken the form of late-night baths, power walks, and science-packed skincare talks with trusted skincare guru Lena Bratschi. 

Here, the Bird Bakery founder and Food Network host shares the daily practices—and products—that keep her on her A-game. From morning dance parties with the kids to the supplement that keeps her melasma away, Chambers is sharing all her beauty and wellness secrets, ahead. 

Inner Beauty 

Morning Dance Parties 

Especially on school days, we have a full dance party when the alarm goes off. I am not a morning person and neither are my kids. If left to our own devices, we would all probably sleep till 10. My daughter is obsessed with Dolly Parton, so today we had a dance party to "9 to 5." Music is a huge part of our morning. The adrenaline of getting both the kids out the door is better than any type of coffee. 

Productivity Walks 

Walks are everything. They get my thoughts in order, my blood flowing, and my brain going. For years, I’ve always called them urban hikes. I don't love the treadmill walk, I’d rather have a destination. I also weirdly like writing in my daytimer. I'm an old lady with a paper daytimer. Even going through my schedule or filling stuff in that happened in the past few days is really centering for me. I wouldn't call it journaling, but maybe walk and agenda-ing. It has to be productive. I am looking down, answering emails, dictating—it’s a productivity walk. 

Supplement Situation 

So in my twenties, I was obsessed with supplements and detoxing. I was always doing these crazy elaborate cleanses to pass gallstones that I didn't even have and detox heavy metals that probably weren't there. At one point, I think I was taking 45 supplements a day. My dad is super, super healthy and my mom opened the first health food store ever in San Antonio, so it was always a big part of my life. But, I really overdid it. Balance is everything. Now randomly I’ll take some multivitamins—not on a schedule. I really believe in glutathione; I do an IV push every other week. I also do a vitamin B12 complex—that’s huge. I see a boost in energy and clarity. 

Late Night R&R

I love a bath-wine-candle moment. Obviously life doesn’t allow for that all the time, but [when I can,] it’s a treat. A couple days a week I try to go to sleep around 8:30 with the kids. Other times, I’m up until 3:00 a.m.—polar opposites. If I am up until 3:00, that’s when I can do my wind down or actually get work done without being disturbed. I love an Insta scroll and I actually love a photo organization moment. I have 295,000 photos on my phone and my goal is to be better about being able to find photos as I need them. I love using that time to organize my photos.  

Outer Glow 

Melasma Fix 

I had melasma when Harper and Ford were born. I swear, I’ve done every laser and treatment available. But melasma has a mind of its own and there’s nothing more frustrating than someone saying it’s hormonal and there’s nothing you can do. But I cracked the code to melasma. Seven years later, I figured it out! It’s a prescription called tranexamic acid. It was originally used to eliminate heavy bleeding and then they realized it was making skin clearer and brighter. I went on it and I saw a little bit of a difference. Then, this other dermatologist said the acid alone is not going to cure it completely—you need to combine it with a supplement called Heliocare. It’s derived from a fern in the Amazon, which, I know, sounds like every gimmick. But it has completely changed my life. My skin has never been clearer; it’s my best kept secret. 

Science-y Skincare 

I used to use this foaming facial cleanser from Jurlique that I loved so much, then they discontinued it. I tried to reverse engineer it with a lab in LA. It was not the same. I actually never felt like anything made my skin as clean as that product. That was three years ago, but finally I decided to do the combination of Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Foaming Cleanser and Enzyme Cleanser. It creates the cleanliness without the squeaky imbalance of the pH. I love the DNA Vitamin C Crystals—they're incredible. I mix that with a variety of different oils or serums. I rotate my products a lot, but don’t necessarily rotate the lines. I love DNA, I love Osea, and I love Argentum.

My facialist, Lena, is like my skin guru—nobody in the world has more beautiful skin than she does. She’s so smart and is truly a mad scientist. She makes this cold fusion cream in LA and it’s a very buttery, whipped texture that’s just super, super hydrating. Everything I use is Lena-approved. 

Simple Makeup

My makeup routine is super simple—but it works. It’s literally a 45 second makeup routine. It’s efficient and it gets me out the door for drop off. I don’t feel like myself unless I’m wearing Clé de Peau Concealer. I put my concealer directly on my skin and then I take my Artis, which my kids call “The Magic Wand,” and I buff in the concealer. Then I do maybe a half a squirt of Clé de Peau Foundation directly on the Artis brush. I set it with Hourglass Translucent Powder. I always have my lashes lifted and tinted, which saves time in the morning. So maybe I’ll do a little mascara, maybe a cream-based shadow. It’s so fast. 

In-Office Treatments 

When I lived in LA, I was the most high-maintenance human. I didn’t realize it until I moved to an island where they didn’t have any lasers or treatments. I love Dr. Diamond's skin tightening treatment. It's incredible. I really do think emsculpting is incredible. I've done it on my abs. I've done it like on my triceps, and I've done it on my glutes. Consistency is key and I haven't really been able to be my high-maintenance self since I've been in the Caymans.

I also really love something that they’re doing here in the Cayman Islands. It’s not FDA-approved yet, but it’s called Profhilo. It’s an Italian product that is pure hyaluronic acid and it’s basically an injection into your face and neck. I’m scared of filler because, well, I just am. This doesn’t add volume, just texture—it’s moisturizing from the inside. This is the only thing that’s saved me from not having my high-maintenance routine the past two years. I see a really big difference under my eyes and just with the quality of my skin. 

Recipe for Success: Elizabeth’s Granola 

We have a Bird Bakery granola, which I promise you is the best granola you've ever tasted in your life. It can be frustrating because we think of granola as healthy food, but most of them are made with butter and a lot of refined sugar. Ours is made with olive oil, grade A maple syrup, pumpkin seeds, salted pistachios, and dried cherries. It's honestly the perfect snack. My kids love it. I put it over ice cream, have it with yogurt, have it with whatever nut milk—it's just incredible. 

As a devoted beauty enthusiast, I'm no stranger to the best Korean skincare brands. My vanity is stocked with Korean cleansing oils and sunscreens that are internet-famous for good reason. But today, I'm spotlighting another K-beauty must-have that has transformed my routine: Korean moisturizers. With so many options out there, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming, so trust me—you're in the right place for some expert guidance.

The best Korean face moisturizers are formulated to repair the skin barrier, soothe irritation, and leave your skin looking plumper and dewier than ever. Some revive dry, flaky skin, while others are holy grails for hydrating oily skin without causing excess shine. From cult-favorite brands like Laneige and Sulwhasoo to up-and-coming names in the USA like Hanacure and Round Lab, there are countless editor-approved options we're excited to put on your radar.

Keep scrolling for my guide to the 15 best Korean moisturizers on the market, tried, tested, and loved by yours truly and Marie Claire editors. We also consulted two board-certified dermatologists and a K-beauty brand founder—Hadley King, MD, Trisha Khanna, MD, and Peach & Lily founder Alicia Yoon—to break down the main differences between Western and Korean moisturizers. (Spoiler: it's all about texture and ingredients.) In the meantime, get ready to explore, shop, and find your new Korean moisturizer obsession ahead.

The Best Korean Moisturizers

• Best Korean Moisturizer Overall: belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide
• Best Tinted Korean Moisturizer: Erborian Color Correcting CC Cream With Centella Asiatica
• Best Korean Moisturizer for Fine Lines: Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream
• Best Korean Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream
• Best Firming Korean Moisturizer: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream for Anti-Aging

What Makes Korean Moisturizers Different?

There's no hard-and-fast rule that separates Western moisturizers from K-beauty moisturizers, but according to top dermatologists, it mainly comes down to texture and ingredients. "K-beauty moisturizers are often water creams, water gels, or gel creams rather than a standard cream or lotion," explains Dr. King. "These provide a more 'glass skin' effect because they feature multiple different humectants with different molecular weights so they penetrate and hydrate at different levels, providing optimal plumping, hydrating, and smoothing."

When it comes to ingredients, Korean moisturizers tend to be rich in botanical ingredients, like green tea, rice, and ginseng, which support the skin barrier, along with calming components like centella asiatica and snail mucin," says Dr. Khanna. Standout ingredients she recommends looking for when shopping for a Korean moisturizer are "glycerin, skin barrier supporting ceramides, and then soothing ingredients such as green tea." The good news? Plenty of the options on our list are packed with them.

What to Look For in a Korean Moisturizer

• Hydrating Ingredients 

“Korean beauty moisturizers strive to ensure deep hydration regardless of texture or if the formula is oil-based or oil-free,” says Yoon. So, if you're looking for a lightweight Korean moisturizer for oily skin or a rich, peptide-packed cream for dryness, rest assured that it’ll be loaded with skin-loving hydrators. A quick tip from Dr. King, though: "You still need the combination of humectants to hydrate the skin, emollients to support the skin barrier, and occlusives to lock in moisture. Keep an eye out for formulas that tick all those boxes for comprehensive hydration.

• Texture

Texture is largerly up to personal preference, but it's a major factor when selecting the best Korean moisturizer for you. Marie Claire's edit includes gel and water creams, ideal for summer months or those with oilier skin types, and rich creams and emollients, which are best for dry skin. If you have combination skin, assess your current needs (if you're going to the gym a lot, for instance, you might want a more lightweight option), or layer a lightweight moisturizer with a moisture-packed face serum.

• Ingredients Unique to Your Skin Type

As you've probably noticed, I've broken down the best Korean moisturizers by skin type, concern, and personal preference to make it easier to find your perfect match. You'll also spot some superstar ingredients that pop up frequently, like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, alongside unique additions tailored to different needs. For instance, calming formulas often feature centella asiatica for its soothing powers, anti-aging options highlight skin-strengthening peptides, and moisturizers for dry skin strike the perfect balance of humectants, emollients, and occlusives for hydration.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

How We Tested

For this story, we sourced editor favorites (Beauty Editor Samantha Holender recently traveled to South Korea to evaluate the best innovations) and tested over 15 Korean Moisturizers available stateside. We evaluated each moisturizer based on texture, ingredients, and performance, both immediately and over two weeks of use.

Meet the Experts

If there was a magic pill for achieving a perfectly healthy body (and body image) while simply enjoying life, everyone would be popping them like candy. Unfortunately, there’s not. So we turn to meditation apps, self love podcasts, and workout subscriptions. We search for clothes that make us feel good in our own skin and support businesses emphasizing inclusivity. We seek out content creators who seemingly have body image figured out, or wellness gurus with diet plans and fitness routines that promise results. We hit the follow button and become invested in these strangers' lives, because—consciously or subconsciously—we believe we can have that life too. 

As we absentmindedly scroll through their content or impulsively hit the “add to cart” button on products they recommend, these people are working. They’re strategizing, negotiating, filming, and more. Their physical figure—whatever it may be—is attached to their income. Whether they’re benefitting from the TikTok Creator Fund (which reportedly pays two to four cents per 1,000 views) or using their platform as leverage for partnerships and proprietary brands, these individuals are profiting off of the wellness industry, which is projected to be worth nearly seven trillion dollars by 2025.

We spoke to three women whose appearances are directly tied to their profession. Through the public consumption of their body (and their habits and mindset around it), they’ve made an impact in their followers’ lives, prompted change in the fashion space, and shifted ways of thinking. But on the flip side, they’ve had to deal with trolls, struggled to find balance, and learned that it’s nearly impossible to make everyone happy. Here, they candidly share how they navigate the business world when their body is their brand. 

On How One Size Will Never Fit All 

Iskra Lawrence, model, mom, and founder of body care brand Saltair, “accidentally” became a point of inspiration for her followers, 80 percent of whom are, like her, a size 12 to 14. As she’s grown her platform, Lawrence has come to learn that her online community expects her to look a certain way—a way that looks like them. While she has vowed to keep her content as real as possible (no retouching, no editing), she’s also come to accept that fans will come and go as she evolves. 

“Imagine you're in a dress shop. People are coming in to visit the dress shop and they love all the dresses. Then one day, they come in and the shop is filled with shoes. The customers are like, ‘Wait, I always come here for my dresses. I don’t want shoes.’ That’s how my followers treat me when I gain a little weight or lose a little weight. Whenever I have a size shift, whether it’s from working out a little more or having a crazy period, it throws people off. They think: Iskra said she was really happy and confident at a size 12 and she was helping me feel confident at a size 12, but now she’s slimmer—or bigger—and I don’t know if I should believe her. It’s like we’re all running a marathon together and I’m the marker of success. 

Any time I gain or lose weight, there are always comments. I know there are tougher things in life than someone calling out weight gain or weight loss—100 percent. But is it frustrating and annoying? Do I wish for better? It definitely impacts you when you know that there are millions of eyes on you. 

Size is the first thing people notice. We have been sold that our appearance is our sense of worth and that if our appearance changes, something must be going on. Our gut instinct is to praise or criticize a change. We’re taught from day one that wellness is about size and appearance. You lose weight and people say, ‘congratulations.’ That outlook is even in the health and wellness system itself. When I was pregnant, I went to the doctor and the first thing they did was weigh me and tell me that my BMI was high. When this fat phobia intersects into our daily lives, it can be really tough. 

It would be incredible if people could comment on something other than size and shape when they look at a body, but—and I don’t want to be negative—I don’t see that happening any time soon. We would need a total shift in society. We would need to teach, from a very young age, that size is not attached to health or self worth. 

I can’t blame people though. I know how hard it was for me to get out of that mental space. I mean, it’s my whole career to have a healthy mindset. For people who have nine-to-fives that aren’t related to the way they look, it’s a challenge to find time. And it takes a lot of time, and work, and dedication, to change how you think and communicate about wellness. I have a weird empathy sometimes for trolls because it must suck to be stuck in a negative space.”

On How a Step Back Can Be a Step Forward 

Melissa Alcantara, a.k.a. FitGurlMel, firmly believes in giving everything 100 percent at the get-go. For the past few years, she’s channeled all she has into fitness: bodybuilding, training Kim Kardashian, and documenting her workouts. Now, she’s letting go (just a little bit) to focus on the business side of things. She’s amped up content production on her FitGurlMel app, which first launched in January 2021, secured partnerships with brands like Gymshark and Gym Weed, and become more involved in the behind-the-scenes negotiations necessary for the growth of her brand. 

“I’ve lived the majority of my life in extremes. It’s always been 100 percent or nothing. If I was lazy, I was 100 percent lazy. If I was on a diet, it was 100 percent. When I would serve coffee as a waitress in Brooklyn, I gave it my all. I didn’t do that for any other reason than to feel like I was giving everything I had. Since I started my fitness journey, I’ve been on a very strict macronutrient-guided diet and working out at almost 100 percent every day. I would literally get off a 16 hour plane from Australia and go straight to the gym. I wouldn’t even drop off my bags. 

I always did these kinds of things for myself. I started bodybuilding when I knew absolutely nothing about it. I started learning how to use weights and got a coach. I won two categories in my first competition. When I posted a picture, Kim [Kardashian] found my photo and had her people reach out to see if I would train her. Kim is known for her body, so I knew this was going to be big for me. She saw a photo of this super ripped girl, but by the time I actually went to go meet her in person four weeks later, I had gained 25 pounds. That’s a repercussion of competing, but I didn’t know that at the time. I thought: Kim wants me to train her, but she didn’t meet me looking like this. I felt like I had let her down. That pressure was there, but eventually, my body regulated. When that happened, I had a new motivation. It was then all about me feeling good about myself, motivating people, and letting my followers know that they can do what they set their mind to. 

After that, everything happened so fast. All of a sudden I was getting to work with Gymshark, and travel, and meet all these people. I never thought about my personal brand—I never had a thought-out strategy. I’ve always had people dealing with the business end, while I posted what felt natural and good and normal and honest. Over time, my business started to take priority. But I knew that if I was totally focused on eating right and working out, I couldn’t give attention to the day-to-day of my business, which was, ironically, my body. 

For some time, I didn't think I could live in balance. It wasn’t easy; it took work. I had to really be conscious and say, ‘I'm not gonna work out six days a week.’ I’ve finally come to a point where I have more balance in my life. I’ll work out three or four times a week and I don’t even give 100 percent. I eat whatever I want, which is normally home-cooked food, but I’m not always eating wildly healthy. I drink alcohol. My body is always in flux and brands that choose to work with me are not expecting the Melissa from two years ago, or that body. They're more interested in who I am and why it is I choose to do things and the mindset behind it. Now, I’m able to be more involved in talking to brands, negotiating my contracts, all the backend stuff. The irony is people wouldn’t ever know the difference in the way I look. They see me now and still think, Oh my god, you have abs.” 

On Confronting the “Body Positivity” Label 

After being laid off from her music industry job at the onset of the pandemic, Remi Bader signed up for a little thing called TikTok. Fast forward through one viral “Realistic” try-on haul after the other, and the curve model became one of the most successful content creators on the platform, landing major deals with PINK as a size consultant and Revolve (her capsule collection launches August 10). But Bader doesn’t want her honesty to be mistaken for expertise or her candidness to equate to unabridged self love. 

“Everyone very quickly started calling me ‘body positive Remi.’ I didn’t care; I was excited. But over time, I realized I didn’t want to be put inside this body positive box. I don’t feel body positive at the moment and I never want to be inauthentic. I’ve had people come to me and say, ‘Well, you are body positive. It doesn’t mean you need to love your body every day.’ But when I think about body positive content creators, it’s really those people that always show off their body and are able to love their body no matter how it looks—whether they stick out their stomach or are in a certain position. For me, I feel confident when I put on a nice outfit or get my hair and makeup done. That doesn't mean that I love every second of what’s going on underneath. It’s more of body neutrality. It’s accepting that this is me. I’m not going to hide in my room. I’m going to go live my life. 

When I stopped going by ‘body positive Remi,’ it brought about some negativity. Some people would say, ‘Well, she says she’s not body positive so why are we looking up to her?’ That turned into people calling me fat phobic. Not feeling good in my body every single day isn’t body positive and it’s not fat phobic, it’s just me living life. People like to title things and I don’t think that’s necessary. 

I started in this industry talking about my body, so I have to accept that my figure is always going to be tied to my brand. And I have to be okay with the positives and negatives that come with that. I just have to keep reminding myself that I am affecting people in a positive way. The fact that I’m working with Revolve and PINK, helping them with their sizing, and making clothes that are going to fit more bodies—there’s nothing better than that. Of course, I’ve gotten negative feedback for not being the biggest size or not doing enough to help [the curvy or plus-size community], but I’d rather be the smallest, tiniest part of change in the fashion industry than doing nothing at all. 

Most of my followers have been on my journey with me. They know my struggles and they’re happy if I’m happy. There’s always this lingering question: If you lost weight would it affect your brand. First of all, I’m never going to be a size zero. It’s not in the cards for me, but if I were to automatically lose 100 pounds, maybe I’d lose some followers. Maybe I’d gain some more? I try to not let that thought affect me. I’m just trying mentally to be a little more accepting of my current body. 

It wasn’t so many years ago now—maybe around 2016, when the news cycle first started to feel really, constantly cataclysmic—that “self-care” entered the zeitgeist. More than just an instinct to turn inward, self-care can be a necessary and oft-overlooked element of active participation in a scary world: You have to put your own oxygen mask on before helping others; burnout isn’t the road to creating positive change; avoiding compassion fatigue is the only way to stay useful. Sometimes that means doing something just for yourself, or taking some time away from social media, or picking up a new habit like meditation or cooking or running. All good things!

But self-care’s fraternal twin, wellness, offers a more complicated method of coping. Whereas self-care is framed as a strategic retreat before returning to the hard work of world-saving, the pursuit of wellness rarely requires turning back outward at all. The distinction that’s emerged is that where self-care can be actively undertaken, achieving wellness can be a vague, ever-shifting goal post that offers no way of determining when it’s been accomplished. And because it’s so hard to pin down, wellness has created a new foothold for some pretty daring snake oil salesmen. Sometimes they might even try to literally sell you snake oil, but more often it’s an expensive rock to be inserted into a body cavity. (Don’t do that, by the way.) 

Fortunately, several smart and hilarious minds are challenging this conception and adding science, inclusivity, and truly thoughtful analysis back into the conversation. The podcasters hosting the shows below honestly assess wellness fads, deep dive into accepted-as-true claims, and explore the kinds of meaningful self-care that might actually make you feel better. 

Maintenance Phase

Ever wonder what a calorie is actually measuring? Or why protein became such a major part of American diets? Or why some parts of the culture view being fat as a moral failing? Each episode of Maintenance Phase, hosted by Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon, deploys tons of research and clever storytelling techniques to answer these and other burning questions about wellness and diet culture. The hosts are charming, smart, and bring so much empathy and humanity to what can turn out to be some tough topics. Get ready to unlearn everything you thought you knew about the health “facts” you grew up hearing.

Food Psych

Registered dietitian Christy Harrison helps listeners make peace with food. She calls diet culture a “life thief” that leads to body phobia and disordered eating while pretending to be about health and wellness. Instead, Harrison talks to guests about how listeners can improve their relationships with food, body image, and fat acceptance. 

Poog 

Comedic besties and self-described “hags” Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak admit that they love wellness culture, even while they also characterize it as scammy. Ostensibly a show about two hilarious people trying out the strangest wellness fads they can find (note that the podcast’s name is just “Goop” backwards), Poog gets surprisingly deep when Berlant and Novak discuss their insecurities, their health, and how they navigate being a person with feelings in an intense world. It’s like comedy and therapy in a single podcast. 

The F*ck It Podcast

When this podcast started in 2016, host Caroline Dooner mostly discussed the same subjects covered in her book The F*ck It Diet—namely, exchanging the body image issues and disordered eating that diet culture hath wrought for intuitive eating and radical self-acceptance. More recently, the podcast has evolved to look at lots of issues that may seem couched in wellness, but that tend to cause misery. Dooner explores the myths of virginity, productivity culture, and “healthy” dieting in a way that’s irreverent and relatable. 

You Are Good

Less about debunking wellness claims and more about reframing self-care, Sarah Marshall (who also hosts the excellent You’re Wrong About podcast, formerly co-hosted by Michael Hobbes of Maintenance Phase—worlds collide!) and Alex Steed are just two friends who like movies and…can’t that be enough? Each episode of You Are Good takes a classic, feel-good movie (think 9 to 5 and Practical Magic) and uses it as a vehicle for talking about feelings, what it means to find comfort, and the hosts’ and their guests’ own unique experiences of the world. The hosts are so kind and respectful to one another that it becomes a lesson in active listening and offering emotional support, making You Are Good the podcast equivalent of a warm bath at the end of a long day. 

Sounds Like a Cult

You know that saying, “If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck?” Sounds Like a Cult hosts Amanda Montell and Isabela Medina-Maté use this general duck framework to assess various trends to determine if they’re merely a healthy pastime or if they are, well, a cult. Past topics include SoulCycle, multi-level marketing, and sororities, and the hosts look for red flags like exorbitant upfront expenses, fans who become more like preachers for the cause, reviews about a fad’s “life-changing” properties, and pyramid-shaped business plans. The show is well-researched, wonderfully produced, and a little dishy—like discussing trends with your best friends over cocktails. 

Decoder Ring

Television critic Willa Paskin wants to figure out how strange cultural ephemera came to be, and of course that means Decoder Ring veers into wellness territory. Paskin and the podcast's producers do firsthand reporting and go deep on history, making each episode feel like an important document that will explain to future generations (or maybe visiting aliens) why Jane Fonda’s workouts were such a big deal, when “hydration” became a fixation, and how storytelling became a buyable product of its own. 

Diet Culture Rebel

Bonnie Roney once had a fraught relationship with food. As a young gymnast, she spent years on restrictive eating plans, often followed by secretly binge eating—which she thought was a lapse in her own “discipline” but which was actually the result of diet culture myths and an anxiety-inducing relationship she’d developed with food. After becoming a registered dietitian and working on her own feelings around eating, she now hosts a podcast that aims to untangle why so many people feel guilt around food, and how to break free from harmful diet culture cycles. 

Conspirituality

Some wellness trends are silly but essentially harmless. Others, however, can send would-be devotees down a dangerous rabbit hole that leads to things like anti-vax sentiments, pyramid schemes, and even extremist politics. It’s a surprisingly well-trod path, and Conspirituality hosts Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, and Julian Walker want to understand just how New Age pseudo-philosophy started to merge with far-right conspiracies—and how to help people who have gotten sucked in. The hosts cover a new group or individual capitalizing on people looking for betterment each episode, and even keep a running list on their website of so-called "wellness influencers" who have publicly endorsed dangerous conspiracies. 

Welcome to Beauty Around the Clock, Marie Claire's weekly peek into the daily routines of some of the most game-changing women in their industries. Ever wonder how they get it all done in a day? Here's your answer.

Taraji P. Henson is acutely aware of her strengths: a leading actress, an advocate for mental health, an entertainment executive, a singer. The list goes on. You can't mention Henson without thinking of her stunning performance as Cookie Lyon in Empire; if you’re a millennial, her comedic timing and authenticity of her character Yvette in Baby Boy are forever imprinted in your mind. But everything she attaches to her name to turns to gold, which is the primary reason she feels so blessed.

In addition to acting, the 51-year-old also has a deep love for all things beauty. In fact, she launched a haircare line TPH by Taraji (in January 2020) and recently introduced Body by TPH, a scalp-centered line promoting optimal skin health for all bodies, skin tones, and skin types. 

She’s also laser focused on sharing things that bring her peace. “I’m transforming my bathroom into the ultimate self-care sanctuary,” the Minons: The Rise of Gru star tells Marie Claire. “This whole process is what inspired BODY by TPH, and I wanted to give others the same [sense of peace] with products that have spa-like textures and scents.” 

Below, Henson reveals her go-to products, favorite workouts, and why she refuses to take calls or respond to texts on Sundays.

Rise and Shine

I try to start my day with a meditation to set my mind right, so I feel good from the inside out. I always light my It’s Lit In The AM candle and take a moment to center and tell myself, “Today is going to be a great day.” Next, I’ll cleanse and prep my skin depending on the day. That may include an invigorating full body wash with Good Daze or an extra dose of skin conditioning with The Ish Condish. If I need makeup, I’ll do a quick face—but I’m generally very low maintenance! 

Morning Maintenance

To cleanse my face, I keep it very simple with the Deep Pore Charcoal Face Wash by Biore. Paul Scerri Ph Balancing Cream is my holy grail—I have been using that for decades. When I travel, I’ll mix it with two drops of Bio Oil, to keep my skin ultra-hydrated on a long flight.

Power Start

I’ll have a bowl of cereal with a splash of homemade almond milk and fresh fruit. If I feel like having something salty, I’ll make a boiled egg and eat that with some fermented vegetables. I try to maintain a mostly plant-based diet and pay attention to my gut health, but I do believe in moderation!

Signature Look

I love a good face beat, but my signature look is all about less is more. Fresh skin, a defined brow, and some lashes—a little makeup goes a long way, and don’t forget to blend, blend, blend! I learned how to highlight and contour in a makeup class when I attended Howard University to study theater. Once you get that down, you’re set! For fun, I’ll add a pop of color to my eyes or lips.

I also love all things Rihanna and Fenty Beauty. The Killawatt highlighter is everything. I’ll even take the Stunna lip paint and use that on my eyelids or cheeks for an extra pop of color.

Because I’m known for my expressive eyebrows, and I only trust Damone Roberts to keep them in line. When I can’t see Damone, I use an angled eyebrow brush with a spoolie and a bit of eyebrow pencil to perk them up.

Daily Playlist

My taste in music varies. I love discovering new artists and I gravitate to “feel good” music. My current rotation is a blend of classic hip-hop like Mary J. Blige and newer tracks from SZA. 

Fitness Fix

I work with a trainer, and we focus on building stamina and strength training. I’ll do a warm-up walk on the treadmill, followed by weights, and a cardio and abs workout. I also started using this boxing machine called the Nexerys, which I love. I always make sure to get in some glute work, too. I like squats, lunges, anything that helps lift, tone, and tighten it up. 

Self-Care Ritual

For me, much of my self-care starts in the bathroom and Sunday is my self-care day—it’s my wash day and my me day. I don’t take calls or texts on Sunday. 

I firmly believe in practicing the act of self-care anytime, anywhere. My rituals range in simplicity: from enjoying a cup of tea and a few minutes of solitude to creating a full at-home spa moment on a Sunday to pamper myself from scalp to toe. 

I learned how to do my own nails and even taught myself how to make wigs during the lockdown and I love playing around in my home salon.

Hair Help

I am a total #HairChameleon—if I don’t switch it up, I get bored! I love trying new styles, colors, products, all of it. My all-time favorite trend is healthy hair. 

Learn to properly care for your scalp, and your hair will love you for it. The style I’m currently into is a sleek, long bob…but ask me again tomorrow and that may change. 

Signature Scent

I tend to switch up or layer my scents depending on my mood. When we were testing scents for Body By TPH, it was really important to me that we use scent as a tool for self-care as part of the bathing ritual because I believe in the power of aromatherapy. I love that different scents can instantly enhance the mood or evoke a specific memory and that is why in Body by TPH there are notes of citrus and ginger to invigorate the senses and notes of palo santo to help soothe and calm. 

Beauty Icon

My mother. She always looked so polished and put together, and I loved watching her get ready when I was young. She taught me about haircare and introduced me to wash days. I used to “borrow” her makeup and try out these wild looks and she always put up with my experimental beauty phases. 

Backup Career

If I wasn’t acting, I would definitely be in the beauty world. While studying at Howard University, I would create makeup looks in the dorm room and I wanted to go to cosmetology school, but I missed the deadline. 

I would also be an advocate for mental health, an entertainment executive, a singer. Oh wait, I am all those things! But in all seriousness, my career has led to some incredible opportunities, and I feel blessed to live out my dreams. It’s incredibly rewarding to find your lane.

P.M. Routine

I always take off my makeup, cleanse, and moisturize before bed. I also like to brew loose-leaf tea and light a candle. By the time it steeps I’m ready to wind down, and I’ll sip it to help me fall asleep. I try to get plenty of sleep—it’s so important for your wellbeing. 

Shop Taraji's Favorite Products:

Welcome to Beauty Around the Clock, Marie Claire's weekly peek into the daily lives of some of the most game-changing women in their industries. Ever wonder how they get it all done in a day? Here's your answer.

Cleansers, night creams, eyes creams, lipsticks, foundations—Kate Hudson has multiple holy grails across alllllll categories. And, she could talk about their pros ad nauseam. She tests makeup like it’s going out of style and has even formulated some serums and moisturizers in collaboration with Juice Beauty. In short: she knows her stuff. It would have been easy for her to slap her name on a skincare brand and preach “How to Get Good Skin” a la Andie Anderson—there was no shortage of opportunity. But to Kate, beauty isn’t ~exclusively~ about topicals. It’s about health, movement, and wellness.

“It’s obviously so much fun to talk about beauty products, but the reality is that if you’re not feeling good internally then none of that matters,” the Almost Famous star tells Marie Claire. “So what are we doing internally and actively for our brains? What’s our mental activity that’s allowing us to feel beautiful? Then we can put on all the makeup and have fun with that. And it really is so much fun.”

As such, she’s created a balanced beauty routine, in life and business. She gets movement in on the regular and co-founded athleisure brand Fabletics. She maintains a balanced diet and created a comprehensive line of supplements via InBloom. She has a very extensive skincare routine and has launched a handful of products in collaboration with Juice Beauty. Want to find out how she does it all? Read ahead to see what mantras, products, and habits help Kate get through the day.

Rise and Shine

“I find it really hard to sleep past eight—like, ever. Seven is the normal time I wake up, sometimes earlier. I’m a total morning person. I mean, I like my nights out, but even if I’m out, I’m up. The first thing I do every morning is sit in bed and not look at my phone. I try to dream a little bit, look out the window, wake my brain up, and try not to go into immediate mode. Then, I leave my phone in my bathroom. I've been really trying not to look at it until after the kids go to school. I find it to actually be one of the harder habits that I have. It reminds me of the days when I didn't have a phone to distract me from anything. I’d maybe put on the TV if I couldn't sleep or I’d read a book or I’d pick up a landline and call my friends. I realized that those times are actually really important for what's happening in between: it’s the time for you to actually dream ideas.”

Morning Maintenance

“In the mornings, I just wash my face with water. I find that my face gets too stripped when I’m washing it too much—it gets all dull and weird. You know, water does a good job and the wash cloth is a little exfoliating. Then I’ll do all my serums—I change them up all the time. I have three that I curated with Juice Beauty and they all do different things for my skin when it needs it.” 

Fitness Fix 

“My mom [Goldie Hawn] and I have a friend, Dan Buettner, and he’s the ‘Blue Zone’ guy. He studies centenarians and longevity, so he goes around the world and studies what these people are doing that we should be learning from. One of the things is that they don’t do high octane exercise. He’s finding that people that walk a lot, people that walk steep hills eight or nine times a day, and are constantly moving without putting a lot of stress on the body [live the longest]. So, I come from a different school of workout. I don’t believe in overexertion. I like low impact, I do a lot of functional movement. I like my yoga, I like my pilates, and I walk every day. I’m a take-the-stairs-don’t-take-the-elevator kind of person. Our bodies need to be working, but you don’t necessarily need to be running from tigers.” 

Power Start 

“After a workout, I’ll do a protein shake—and I’ll load it. Let’s say I’m doing a Beauty Aura protein shake. I’ll start with a collagen base—I like vanilla—and then I’ll add my Beauty Aura in there. I’ll put Immune Powder in there as well, add coconut water and berries. It’s nice and fruity. I created each product so it had a holistic approach with long term and immediate effects. I also take my Daily Essentials every day, so that’s my greens, my minerals, and my vitamins.” 

Shop Kate's Go-To Supplements 

Signature Look 

“Honestly, I’ve always found that my favorite look is a sun-kissed look. I’ll do a really quick CC cream, then I’ll do my bronzer, and then I’ll do this Tarte blush that I still have from like 2004. I know I should throw it out, but I kept it, I couldn’t let go. It’s my favorite. 

For eyes, I always wished I could have been the girl that could do the big line. But I can’t—I’m not that girl. I have to do a crease above my crease because my eye is so hooded and flat. You know who made a really good matte palette recently? Gwen Stefani. I use it all the time. Her eyeliners are really nice, too. For mascara, I’ve been using Serge Lutens. It’s unbelievable. It’s not super thick, it’s just really black and fine. It’s great for long lashes and it doesn’t clump.”

Signature Scent 

“Anything with orange blossom. I like Jo Malone, but I also really like Le Labo’s.” 

Cheap-But-Chic

“It depends what drugstore you’re talking about. There’s some that have the thing that I love the most: Egyptian Magic. That’s my go-to balm. I put it on my kids, I use it for diaper rashes, I put it on my lips and my elbows. I’ll use it on my hair in the summer—it’s just so good. The other drugstore product that I really like is the Maybelline mascara. It’s always a good mascara."

Shop Kate's Favorite Makeup Products 

Beauty Icon 

“That’s so hard. I really love women and I think there are so many beautiful women. I have some peers that I find to be just stunning, and then I have some older women that I find to just be so insanely beautiful—like Jane Birkin. I like the more rock & roll girls. That’s my energy. Stevie Nicks to me is the ultimate beauty icon. But then I was also growing up in the ‘90s supermodel era. I was the kid who grew up watching George Michael's “Freedom! 90” music video going, ‘Oh my god, these women are just…I don’t even know how that happens.’ Christy Turlington to me was the most beautiful woman in the world. She was so natural and so different and so interesting. But Kate Moss? I was like, ‘Oh, that’s my girl.’ She was a little bit younger than the other girls. I remember watching her energy. She was so unpredictable, a little rebellious, and her face was just beyond.” 

PM Routine 

“Before I go to bed or start my nighttime skincare routine, I’ll take some of the InBloom Dream Sleep—like an hour before I’m ready to sleep. It completely calms my system. For skincare I’ve been using the Beautycounter oil cleanser and I love Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser—it's really good. I also try all the Juice Beauty products and their Probiotic Cleanser. After that—it depends. Once a week, I’ll do GoopGlow. I think that’s just one of the best products and my skin loves it. I’ll typically do two serums. Sometimes it’s my Juice Beauty ones. I also love Symbiome. I like everything they do; they're one of my all-time favorites. Then I take a fan and I fan my skin to let it absorb. I get really into it. 

Omorvizca has a Midnight Radiance Mask, so sometimes I’ll put that on at night. I love Gwyneth’s night cream and the Juice Beauty Overnight Stem Cell Night Cream. And right now, I’m using Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Eye Cream."

Shop Kate's Favorite Skincare 

Fact: Working on the beauty team at Marie Claire means that I get to know all about the cult-favorite products that editors obsess over—before sharing them with all of you. The latter part of that sentence is especially important when the products in questions work like actual magic and are affordable. And no one product fits the bill better than Nuxe's Huile Prodigieuese—it's so good, editors used to stock up on it every time they went abroad so that they wouldn't run out once they returned home. 

The original Huile Prodigieuese retails for $48 for 100ml (and even less for the 50ml option); can be used to nourish both your hair and your skin; and is formulated to be vegan—it's made from 98 percent natural origin ingredients. The oil itself is a blend of seven 100 percent botanical oils, including macadamia, camellia, and argan oil, the latter of which is packed with omega fatty acids and vitamin C. 

But if using a body oil in the summer sounds like it'll end up being a hot, sticky mess, have no fear. Nuxe's Huile Prodigieuese does away with that lasting oily feeling entirely thanks to its dry feel that immediately sinks into the skin upon application. Better yet, the iconic scent—which includes notes of magnolia, orange blossom, and vanilla—subtly lingers on the skin after you apply it. Nuxe has also created formulations that include notes of neroli, bergamot, and pink musk. If you're someone to doesn't love to wear perfume but wants to add a touch of something amazing-smelling into your routine, consider this oil to be your holy grail. 

If you're already a member of the Huile Prodigieuse fan club and are looking for a way to boost your summer glow, use the brand's Nuxe Shimmering Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse formulation in lieu of your favorite self-tanner to give your skin a natural, sun-kissed look. I personally own this version and apply to my shoulders and collarbones whenever I a strapless top or dress to make my normally pale skin look just a little more radiant.

How to Apply Nuxe's Huile Prodigieuese

If you're using Huile Prodigieuese on your face, apply it as you would your normal face oil at the end of your regimen. The lightweight formula can be used in the winter or the summer, and can be mixed in with your favorite night cream for an added boost of hydration. You can also use Nuxe's iconic oil as an all-over body oil right after showering, or use it in specific areas to target stretch marks or to add a natural luminosity. 

If you're using it as a hair oil, apply it to the lengths of your hair for added shine and softness. Or, use it as a more intensive treatment by applying it from roots to ends and leaving it in for up to ten minutes prior to rinsing it out with your favorite shampoo and conditioner in the shower. 

Shop Nuxe's Huile Prodigieuese

Jennifer Aniston is the first to admit that she has a bit of a love affair with wellness, so it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that her The Morning Show co-star Reese Witherspoon hits her up for advice. “Reese definitely loves to sit down with me and ask about different wellness [trends], because I’m obsessed with wellness, obviously,” the Friends alum exclusively tells Marie Claire. “I’m always keen on what the new this is or the new that is, so I find Reese always saddling up to me saying, ‘What the next thing? What’s the newest thing? What are we doing?’” 

While Aniston could easily go off about her ingenious technique for getting a health fix in her morning coffee (more on that later) or lay out her daily workout routine, she tells the Big Little Lies star, who is the “most hardworking young lady,” to simply take a beat. “I always say to her, ‘You work too hard, you need to slow down.’ And she’s like, ‘I know I do. What do I need to do to better myself?’ I say, ‘First of all, you need to slow down!’” 

It’s advice that Aniston also practices in her daily life. In the last three years, she’s made sure to carve out a little more me-time. “Meditation is majorly important, moving my body, drinking water, and getting sleep—those are the basics,” the Just Go With It star says. “And obviously being mindful of what you put in your body.” 

The latter starts bright and early. She puts a healthy spin on her coffee. She mixes her morning cup with a splash of low-fat milk (sometimes almond milk, she’s working on it), Stevia, cinnamon, which is a great antioxidant, and of course Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. “Then I blend it. I get my milk hot and then I have one of those little blenders and get it all frothy. With cinnamon, it just tastes completely different. It’s super yummy.” 

As for the rest of her day? She strives for a well-balanced diet (read: healthy fats, leafy greens, lean proteins) and adds in a little sweet fix with her just-launched Vital Proteins Bars, which she created with the brand. While she’s currently obsessing over the Cold Brew Coffee flavor, she loves the Dark Chocolate Coconut and Peanut Butter Fudge equally as much. “I thought, why not take advantage of getting your collagen powder, but also adding additional nutrients: the lion’s mane, the mushrooms, the matcha powder … We just sort of perfected it and now we’ve got these three great flavors.”

Getting hair to grow can be a struggle. While there are in-office procedures, prescriptions, and vitamins (shout-out to biotin!) that can certainly help, Nutrafol shook up the over-the-counter selection in 2016 when they launched their four-pill-a-day supplement. But the brand is no longer just fostering healthy hair from the outside-in. As of today, they’ve expanded their topical selection to include a system that balances the scalp’s microbiome, which is essentially a community of good and bad bacteria on your scalp that keep the skin and hair healthy. We promise, it’s not as gross as it sounds. 

Nutrafol has launched three products: The Build-Up Blocker, an exfoliating mask, the Root Purifier, a cleansing shampoo, and the Stress Reliever, which is basically an essence for your scalp. They range in price from $49 to $59. Now, don’t get it twisted: having a healthy scalp microbiome does not cause hair growth. But, it will create a happy place for new hair to thrive and help alleviate itching, flakiness, redness, and irritation on the scalp. 

“Nutrafol has spent years studying and researching the impact of our scalp microbiomes on our hair health. Similarly to the gut microbiome, the scalp microbiome shields hair follicles and protects the scalp from infection, toxins, irritation, hair damage, and more,” Nutrafol’s Vice President of Product Marketing and Innovation Sam Archer exclusively tells Marie Claire. “Overall, a balanced microbiome is essential for optimal hair health.” 

While the brand’s launch is certainly exciting, there’s obviously no shortage of scalp scrubs and hair thickening shampoos that promise all the fabulous, life-changing, and amazing things. That in mind, the dermatologist-backed brand did make sure they produced a high-functioning trio that met the highest standards—and worked with all hair types. In fact, they’re the first scalp care system to earn The Microbiome Friendly Seal, which indicates that the products are *actually* beneficial to the scalp’s microbiome and have passed diversity and quality testing. 

Here, Archer breaks down the benefits of each item in the Scalp Microbiome collection. 

Marie Claire beauty editors from around the globe share the beauty trends, muses, and self-care practices popular where they reside.

Esta Plakokefalou, Greece

Beauty Mantra

“Skincare is the new makeup. I believe that if you keep your skin healthy, you need makeup only for a nice glowy finish or a pop of color.” 

Scent Story

“An all-time classic summer fragrance is Bronze Goddess by Estée Lauder. But I also really love Paris Biarritz by Chanel and Ilio by Diptyque.”

Serious Skincare

“My current skincare routine includes: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex; a lotion that gives energy to my skin, like La Mer The New Treatment Lotion; and Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream. At night, I use the eye cream and the lotion plus a mild exfoliating serum, like Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum.”

Makeup Ethos

“I love dewy skin with a hint of color on the lips with a creamy lip balm. I always have Chanel’s Healthy Glow Lip Balm from Les Beiges Collection in my bag, but when I want to give some extra power to the look, I go with red lips. I prefer Yves Saint Laurent’s Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Sheer Matte for its velvety matte finish. For foundation, I go with a lightweight foundation like Dior’s Forever or Chanel’s Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint.”

Self-care Routine

“My free time is really limited, but I always try to hydrate my skin and practice yoga.”

Mani Magic

“I am a bit boring. I always wear my nails short and painted in red or black.” 

Beauty Muse

“I have a thing for French girls, that is why I like Jeanne Damas and Violette, the founder of Violette FR. Alexa Chung is also high on my list and lately I find myself liking Dakota Johnson’s style and hair a lot.” 

Hair Happenings

“My all-time favorite is bangs. Especially curtain bangs.”

Cristina Torlaschi, Italy

Beauty Mantra

“Be yourself and accept imperfection. I believe in cosmetics it’s better [to receive a] good facial with expert hands than a medical surgery procedure. And the inner light that comes when you’re happy or in love is the best anti-aging elixir.” 

Scent Story

“I’ve been wearing Chanel Coromandel for a long time. I prefer warm fragrances with sandalwood and patchouli.” 

Serious Skincare

“Every day I cleanse my skin using a tool like Foreo with a cleansing milk or a creamy balm or oil. Afterwards, I put on a moisturizer and an SPF (at least 30). As for foundation, I don’t put it all over my face, but only where I need it. A few strokes, lightly, on my chin, nose, and forehead for a “nude glow.” And I use my fingers.” 

Makeup Ethos

“I love lip balms, blur sunscreen (I use them as a foundation in summer), oil for cuticles, and above all, a black mascara.” 

Self-Care Routine

“I’m crazy about barre, which is Pilates with a reformer. And a lot of aquagym.”

Mani Magic

“I like nude nails, but very smooth and clear. Stiletto nails are very popular in Italy, but I don’t like them—if I wear a color, it’s always a red or a rouge noire.”

Beauty Muse

“I think that every woman can be a muse. I don’t search for inspiration in celebs, but I do find it in women I meet during travels or in work opportunities.”

Hair Happenings

“I like long, wavy, and natural locks. For summer, I love undone hair; it’s very ‘I’ve just come back from the beach.’”

Fernando Gomez Dossena, Argentina

Beauty Mantra

“If you feel good, everything will be fine.”

Scent Story 

“My favorite colognes are L’Occitane’s Lavender Eau de Cologne and Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic as they take me to the Mediterranean Sea.’’

Serious Skincare 

“In the morning, I wash my face with a mousse cleanser, apply moisturizer, then eye contour and sunscreen. At night, I usually add a serum and an anti-aging eye cream. My favorite skincare product is the line-control cream from Clarins.” 

Makeup Ethos

“I haven’t dared to use makeup yet and I know it’s a big mistake, but give me some time to try genderless products.”

Self-Care Routine

“I try to always sleep between seven and eight hours. I get up early, do yoga or some other exercise and, when I need it, I practice meditation. I also like to run and swim if I am very stressed. I never skip meals. For me, eating four times a day is a law.”

Mani Magic 

“I don’t wear nail polish, but I like nude and pastel shades.” 

Beauty Muse

“My muse is Antonio Banderas. I think that with the passage of time, he knew how to keep himself always changing and evolving, while never resigning his essence and his style. He is a man who over time managed to become more interesting and attractive in every way.” 

Hair Happenings 

“I like natural or simulated natural hairstyles. Water waves, long hair, and natural curls.” 

Lisa Oxenham, United Kingdom 

Beauty Mantra

“Although the right skincare is important, we are also embracing the ‘inside outside’ approach in the United Kingdom, as we become more aware that our faces are a barometer of our inner health, linked to our gut, hormone balance, and psychological wellbeing.”

Scent Story

“Our sense of smell has a direct connection to our mind and I like fresh-country-air scents with a hint of something natural to help soothe me. I often use my Aromatherapy Associates Atomiser with the Forest Therapy essential oil. The cleansing and calming blend of juniper berry, cypress, pink pepper, and wood helps me feel grounded and focused.”

Serious Skincare

“I love Drunk Elephant C-Firma Serum, Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Light Cream, and SkinCeuticals SPF 50. Quality skincare is key, as we no longer want to rely on highlighters or primers to perfect our complexions—the focus is now on skin’s underlying health and products that target specific needs.” 

Makeup Ethos

“I like skipping foundation and using concealer where I need it, or I’ll mix foundation with moisturizer to create a sheer look. In terms of blush and bronzers, I like to play with theapplication—I’ll smudge it on the temples, eyelids, or on my lower cheek. My favorites include: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream, Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, Guerlain Precious Light Rejuvenating Effect Illuminator, Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, and BareMinerals lengthening mascara.

Self-Care Routine

“One of my most effective tips to de-puff, tone, and streamline my body is to soak in Voya Lazy Days Detoxifying Seaweed Bath as part of my weekly self-care ritual. I also find relaxing in a seaweed bath for 20 minutes is a spiritual experience. I discovered Ayurveda and try to incorporate its teachings into my life—it’s about living healthily and holistically through a wholesome diet, rituals, thoughts, and intentions.”

Mani Magic 

“Squeaky-clean nails are always big in the United Kingdom.” 

Beauty Muse

“My mum—she lives by the philosophy that simple is always best.” 

Hair Happenings 

“I get a cut and color at George Northwood’s salon in London for a beachy hair look. Sally Northwood creates beautiful milky lengths and ends but leaves the roots slightly for a more surfy, natural look. 

Sally Hunwick, Australia 

Beauty Mantra

“In Australia, we love natural beauty. Less is more when it comes to makeup, and there is a focus on healthy skin, natural hair textures, and goals for a healthy lifestyle. Love, confidence in yourself, and not constantly comparing yourself to others will always make you feel your most beautiful.”

Scent Story 

“I love the fresh, citrusy notes of Chanel N°5 L’Eau Eau de Toilette for hot and humid Sydney days. For a vacation perfume, I love Dior’s Eden-Roc, which is inspired by Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the French Riviera and smells like a holiday in a bottle.”

Serious Skincare 

“Sunscreen isn’t my favorite beauty product per se, but it is my biggest non-negotiable. We are constantly exposed to sunlight in Australia, so it’s incredibly important to ward off UVA and UVB damage, which can lead to issues such as pigmentation and premature aging.”      

“I try to keep my skin routine simple. I love a really great balm cleanser to get off makeup, SPF, and any grime from the day. My favorites are Eve Lom Foaming Cream Cleanser, Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, and Sunday Riley Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm. Then, I’ll cleanse with a cream cleanser, so it doesn’t strip my skin too much. At night I’ll use a hyaluronic acid by The Ordinary, and I’ll add in a retinol by Skinceuticals maybe three times a week followed by Emma Lewisham 72-Hour Hydration Face Crème and Filorga Optim-Eyes. During the day, I’ll swap in SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic to help brighten my skin and ward off sun-induced pigmentation.”

Makeup Ethos

“I take a minimalist approach to makeup. I love Sisley-Paris Phyto-Teint Nude foundation because it gives a natural finish while also feeling completely weightless. For a more budget-friendly option, I like Rimmel London Kind & Free Moisturizing Skin Tint because it’s great for everyday use. I love the Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush by Rare Beauty for a hint of color on my cheeks. Fenty also has a great blush pot called Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Petal Poppin.” 

Self-Care Routine

“I love to relax in a bath with a candle burning and a sheet mask on my face. It gets me centered and relaxed after a busy day of work and family life.” 

Mani Magic 

“A pinky-taupe shade is always going to be chic. But, if I want something special, I love adding a single diamanté on one nail, or painting my tips a different color.” 

Beauty Muse

“I love Jessica Chastain. She is hugely talented and brilliant, and she always looks amazing, regardless of whether she is dressed up or down.”

Hair Happenings 

“I love hair that has its own natural texture and just looks effortlessly tousled and cool.” 

Damla Suay Lü, Turkey

Beauty Mantra

“Stay away from applying excessive makeup.” 

Scent Story 

“Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne.”

Serious Skincare

“My skincare routine consists of washing my face with a gentle face cleansing gel, applying prebiotic tonic for oily and acne-prone skin, followed by a hyaluronic acid serum. Next, I apply moisturizer followed by a lip balm. My favorite skincare product is Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water because it removes makeup so easily.” 

Makeup Ethos

“I love dewy, fresh, and even-toned skin. When I use a foundation, I look for a thin and light finish. And having mascara is a must. When I want to be sexy, I apply eyeliner and a couple of layers of mascara. I recently used MACStack Mascara and it definitely is a must-have. For foundation, my favorite is Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint. And when it comes to red lipstick I recommend Fenty’s Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored.”

Self-Care Routine 

“When I wake up, I drink a glass of water, then I take a shower. Then, I have my breakfast and a cup of coffee. I try to exercise at least twice a week and do yoga.” 

Mani Magic

“To me, neutral and sometimes red or burgundy nail polishes are enough.”

Beauty Muse

“Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Hailey Bieber.”

Hair Happenings 

“I love having two small braids in the front with sleek, straight middle parts.” 

Sarah Rasheed, Arabia

Beauty Mantra

“It is important for me to stay consistent in my routine. It’s better for me to have three steps that I can commit to than 10 I don’t. I also believe the key to healthy skin is water intake, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and additional measures such as a facial massage, working out, a good SPF, and using a good hydrating cream. It’s important to understand how your favorite beauty products work by knowing what goes into them.”

Scent Story

“I like a fragrance that goes beyond the seasons. Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum captures feelings of femininity that I can wear at any time of the year.”

Serious Skincare

“It really depends on what my skin needs at a certain time, but currently I like La Prairie Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil. My skincare routine is basic: I double cleanse my skin at night, then apply a toner, followed by SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C, Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Cream, and a face oil. Lastly, I use a hydrating eye cream.”

Makeup Ethos

“Wearing (or not wearing) makeup is a personal decision. I see a lot of women here in the Gulf region adopting that philosophy. My favorites include: Hermès Plein Air Complexion Balm, Huda Beauty Lip Contour, and Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer.”

Self-Care Routine

“Reading, exercising often, bonding with nature and animals, listening to good music, sleeping early, drinking chamomile tea, and visiting art galleries.”

Beauty Muse

“Natalie Wood.” 

Hair Happenings 

“Layered lob haircuts.”

Deena Campbell, United States

Beauty Mantra

“My mom always told me that makeup should be used to enhance what you have, not overpower your look. That stuck with me and has served me well.”

Scent Story

“I love seasonal fragrances, but fragrances that remind me of moments in my life tend to have staying power on my vanity. Burberry Brit immediately transports me back to my college days; Tom Ford Soleil Blanc reminds me of my wedding day; and Le Labo Santal 33 is great when I get a touch of homesickness while traveling.” 

Serious Skincare

“I’m a mom of two little ones, so I gravitate towards simple beauty routines that don’t include tons of steps. I love to start with Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser to rid my skin of dirt and impurities, Glossier Invisible Shield for a cast-free sunscreen, and PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment to get rid of the appearance of pesky pores. I also slather myself with Dr. Barbara Sturm’s line for darker skin tones—the hyaluronic serum is my favorite. It’s great when my dry skin needs an extra shot of hydration.”

Makeup Ethos

“Makeup looks with heavy blush, metallic eyeshadows, and toned-down lip colors are big for 2022, but I take the less-is-more approach. I really like what Ami Colĕ is doing in the industry. Her mascara infused with jojoba oil and shea butter is the perfect ticket to a clump-free look. Also, Bobbi Brown’s Skin Corrector and Concealer Sticks give me crease-proof coverage while on the go.” 

Self-Care Routine

“I typically jump-start my day with a cup of matcha tea, it’s a great way to get in a shot of caffeine, but also vitamin C and chlorophyll. At some point during the day, I hop on my Peloton for a 20-minute ride, or join a yoga session.”

Mani Magic

“Press-on nails are big in the United States, but I typically go for short, manicured nails. I’m not into long nails because I’m always typing on my computer.”

Hair Happenings

“Retro, ’90s hairstyles like mullets and bob cuts are popular in the U.S. right now (thanks Euphoria!). I have 4C hair, so this summer I’ll be into textured bangs and tons of braided hairstyles.”

This story appears in the May 2022 issue of Marie Claire. 

In March, Jae Coleman, mother to a 5-year-old girl and 5-month-old twin boys, went on a routine trip to the store to buy formula. “There was none available,” she recalls. “I had to go to eight, 10 different stores before I finally found one that would work for my son.” She’d recently switched one of her sons to a sensitive formula after she noticed he was having trouble with the regular kind. Now, however, she was struggling to track it down. After weeks of frustration, she posted to Facebook, asking for friends and family to help her find her son’s formula. “I quickly realized, on every mom group I’m part of, and every network, everyone across the U.S. was struggling to find formula for their babies.”

As the baby formula crisis—which has seen, according to estimates from product pricing and data firm Datasembly, a national out of stock rate of 43 percent—enters its second month, Coleman’s story is starting to sound eerily familiar. Dozens of mothers, advocates, and support group leaders I spoke with told me similar tales: Going to the store and seeing empty shelves, having to drive miles and miles to find formula to feed their baby. This was back in April, in March, weeks or months before there were any headlines, any official acknowledgement of a shortage. At first they didn’t think anything of it. Bad luck, strange coincidence, these things happen. But then they happened again. And again. Like a horror story, the stray anecdotes and one-off complaints started to coalesce into what was clearly becoming a nightmare: There wasn’t enough formula to go around to feed their children.

Almost immediately, moms went into action, helping each other. Coleman was one of them. She now runs a Facebook group called “Find my Formula (Greater Seattle Area),” which has helped hundreds of mothers feed their babies. “It’s become a full-time job,” she says, of her work within the group. 

For every story about a mother struggling to find the formula she needed, there is another story, of a mother answering her call. There is Melissa, whose baby needs a hypoallergenic formula that is hard to come by; another mom, she says, “knew my situation and knew of another mom with extra of the formula I needed. She reached out to that mom and went out of her way to go and physically pick it up for me.” Or Thalia, whose baby finally came home from the NICU just a few weeks before the shortage began; she’s received donations through a Facebook group. Or Ashley, who was “rescued” when another mom shipped her formula and now wants to “pay it forward” by donating cans of a different brand that’s not well tolerated by her daughter.

If the last two years of the pandemic have taught us anything, it’s that we’re all in this together. Our health, and the health of our loved ones, are not solely private concerns, they are intrinsic to the wellbeing of our communities and should be considered a public good. It’s heartwarming to hear stories like Ashley’s and Thalia’s, to hear about people like Coleman taking time away from their own children to help their community. These stories are inspiring, and they are necessary. But they are also indicative of the stunning lack of infrastructural support for new parents—especially for mothers—in this country.

As Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, executive director, CEO, and cofounder of MomsRising, an advocacy group that focuses on issues facing mothers and families, tells me, “One of the things that we’ve seen is that moms in the U.S. are ignored and made invisible time and time again.”

All too often, when there’s a crisis in America, the onus is thrown back onto the individual. Poor? Get a job. Sexually assaulted? You asked for it. Can’t get formula? Just breastfeed!

You’d think that after the pandemic, Americans would have learned how destructive this pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps rhetoric is. Unfortunately, even when it comes to the formula shortage—a national hunger crisis that affects millions of infants and small children—people can’t stop pointing the finger at each other long enough to see the bigger picture: that the lack of support new parents (and by extension, their infants) get is a systemic problem. Arguing about the benefits of breastmilk as if nursing were merely a lifestyle choice is a distraction. 

It took weeks of fury and sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle before President Biden finally announced decisive action to boost formula supply: Just last Wednesday, he invoked the Defense Production Act to speed up the formula manufacturing process and authorized flights to import brands from overseas. 

In the meantime, it was regular moms and dads who came to each other’s rescue—well before the companies that produced the formula, or the stores that bought the formula, or the government, whose federal grant program, The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infant Children (WIC), accounts for about half of all infant formula purchased in the US. They had to turn to each other because no one else was listening. 

“The tragedy of the infant formula recall and the crisis [it’s caused] is that people often ignore what’s happening to moms until it is a state of emergency,” says Rowe-Finkbeiner. “So it’s not surprising, but it is tragic that moms were the first to raise the alarm to the baby formula shortage.”

Many of the women I spoke with found the formula they needed through a Facebook group founded by Julie Leffell called Mom Friends of Friends. Leffell founded the group in 2019 about a year after the birth of her daughter, hoping to build a small community of new moms; three years later, the group, which is private, has more than 7,300 members across the United States and internationally. Leffell was so inspired by the community she helped build that she quit her job as an attorney to focus on supporting new parents; she now runs support groups that she calls “virtual villages” and has been hired by corporations to coach new parents through their transition back to work. Since the formula shortage has grown increasingly dire, nearly all of Leffell’s time has been devoted to helping moms get the food they need to feed their babies. In the two days before we spoke, she’d made “about 15 or 20” drops of formula to moms in the tri-state area; she estimated that within the same time frame more than 50 swaps, donations, or sales had been facilitated through her Facebook group. 

This is not just charity; it is work. While government bodies are still scrambling to try to ease this formula shortage, stories like Leffell’s and Coleman’s prove that making it through the crisis comes down to more unpaid labor for mothers. 

“People say all this stuff about wanting to support moms, but then you go on maternity leave and no one even checks in on you. I mean, besides that form you fill out at your six-week checkup—your doctor, your company, no one from HR even asks to see how you are doing,” Leffell says. Other examples abound.

The United States is one of the only countries that does not offer national paid family leave. About a quarter of women return to work within just two weeks of giving birth; nearly half of women without college degrees return before six. This doesn’t just impact women and moms: Paid family leave has been shown to reduce infant mortality by as much as 20 percent. It has also been shown to reduce the amount of children living in poverty, and increase rates of breastfeeding. Women returning to work after two weeks have little chance to establish a breastfeeding routine and, if somehow they did, shift work and limited private space at the office would all but obliterate it. 

The United States also has the worst maternal mortality rate in the developed world; American women are three times more likely to die as a result of being pregnant or giving birth than their counterparts in the United Kingdom and Canada, and eight times more likely than women in Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands. Black women are disproportionately harmed. Even when controlling for education, income, and age, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. (The World Health Organization characterizes maternal death as occurring while pregnant or within 42 days of birth, meaning that many women must return to work at a time when the medical community still views them at risk for serious health complications.) If mothers survive pregnancy and childbirth and make it back into the workforce, they then have to contend with the lack of affordable childcare. Even once their children are school-age, mothers grapple with immense worry about their safety; this week's shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, showed once again how vulnerable school children are because of this country's lack of gun control policies. 

The numbers are depressing enough, but the lack of support that new mothers receive goes beyond what can be quantified. The problem isn’t just statistical, it’s spiritual.

Yes, the wheels are now turning to get food to infants. Brian Dittmeier, senior director of public policy at the National WIC Association, the non-for-profit education and advocacy arm of the WIC program, says that, despite perceptions to the contrary, “from day-one there’s been this inner-agency effort” to address the issues caused by the formula shortage. “One of the frustrating pieces is that we still have to wait to see the formula back on the shelves even though supply has been ramped up. It’s not like we can just flip a switch.” Dittmeier noted that in recent days great strides have been made on both the federal and corporate level: Lawmakers worked to pass a bill that would allow low-income families more flexibility in what brands and sizes of formula they are allowed to buy using WIC benefits. The FDA announced it would increase flexibilities on certain imported formulas in an effort to boost supply. 

But those are not long-term solutions. The shortage laid bare the fact that the formula industry in the U.S. is a monopoly, with just four companies producing 90 percent of infant formula, leaving parents and babies disturbingly vulnerable if one brand has an issue. Dittmeier says that the FTC is now investigating consolidation within that industry. “How do we build a more resilient manufacturing sector in the first place so this never happens again? What I’m seeing is both an issue of a highly concentrated sector, but also how highly centralized things are within one company,” he adds, noting that the formula producer Abbott’s manufacturing processes are potentially too reliant on their Sturgis, Michigan factory, which, in February, was shut down due to contamination problems, spurring on the shortage. For many mothers struggling to find food for their babies today, these efforts have come far too late.

On May 13, Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik led a press conference with her House Republican colleagues. She said emphatically, “This is not a third-world country. This should never happen in the United States of America.” It’s a sentiment I heard and read a lot while reporting on this crisis. 

Stefanik and others speak as if a whole other country must have snuck in beneath our borders and sprung up fully-formed. This bad thing over there, that’s not my country. Americans can’t seem to reconcile that this is their country. The complete lack of support is characteristic of their country. 

The pandemic exposed how flimsy our care infrastructure was, how easily childcare could disappear, how little was keeping women—who left the workforce, voluntarily and involuntarily, by the millions—afloat. And now, just as American parents try to get back on their feet after the crushing, destabilizing, flying-without-a-net last two years, another wave has come crashing down on us.

Disasters are going to happen. Hurricanes. Fires. Viruses. We can’t stop them from coming. What we can do is make sure that people have enough resources and support to weather the storm. If, for instance, mothers had access to more affordable child care, or received paid parental leave, this formula shortage might not have been so devastating. People might have more time to track down formulas, and more money to order often pricier supplies from overseas. They might have had somewhere else to turn than a stranger on Facebook. 

“We have a crisis in our country and we can’t wait to build the care infrastructure,” says Rowe-Finkbeiner. She noted that much of what MomsRising is strenuously advocating for—affordable childcare by skilled careworkers paid a living wage, paid family leave, paid medical leave, and an expanded child tax credit—were covered in Biden’s Build Back Better Framework, which passed in the House of Representatives in late 2021 but has since stalled in the Senate. “These are not unsolvable problems. Other countries have solved them and we know how to solve them. It just takes getting over the edge of change, particularly in the U.S. Senate.”

“The pandemic and the shortage of infant formula have been a wakeup call for our nation,” she adds. “When we do answer this call to wake up, we need to make sure we don’t do it half-heartedly, [that] we do it in a way that truly moves our nation forward.” 

No, this isn’t a third world country. It is very much America. But it doesn’t have to be.

In the ultimate quest for inner beauty and outer glow, Marie Claire asks our favorite trailblazers to share intel on finding balance in their busy lives. Read it all here, in Beauty Inside & Out.

Adriana Lima has always approached beauty from a health-first perspective. Think: food is fuel, movement is a must, and take care of your mind. As a mom of two girls and with a baby boy on the way, she’s on a mission to pass down those healthy habits to her kids. “I always want to set an example for my children to take care of themselves—not only on the outside, but also on the inside, with what they eat and how they feel,” the former Victoria’s Secret angel says. 

While becoming a mom has only reinforced her holistic approach to self-care, it simultaneously turned her beauty cabinet upside down. “Being pregnant, I have to be more careful of the things that I use on my body. Everything has to be more clean. I’ve been using everything that’s as organic and pure as possible,” Lima says. She’s traded in her old skincare for natural options straight from the Whole Foods beauty aisle, revamped her shower setup (Weleda body wash is her holy grail), and even started washing her face with exclusively bottled or pH-balanced water. 

To get the debrief on how Lima manages to stay centered—and look good while doing it—keep scrolling. From the newly-launched Waterdrop collaboration that helps her stay hydrated to the essential oil that helps her kids calm down at night, she breaks down her hacks to a healthy mind, body, and soul. 

Inner Beauty 

Hydration

“Being hydrated is something that is very important to me, but I’m going to be real with you: I struggle. But with Waterdrop, I love the idea of having different flavors that are not only natural, but also have some vitamins that help you feel better and more productive throughout the day. You can mix flavors, like guava and mango, so it’s more enjoyable to drink water everyday.” 

Gym Time 

“To get up and go, I like to do cardio. I do five or 10 minutes of jump rope for a warm up. Or, if you’re good with double turns and you don’t want to spend so much time at the gym, do 150 of those—obviously not at once! You can do 10 or 15 at a time. The warm up is great to get the body awakened and the circulation going.” 

Gua Sha 

“I don’t use the gua sha on my face. Funny enough, I use the gua sha the most when I’m working out at the gym. If I have a hurt muscle or something is sore, I’ll use it on the area that’s bothering me.” 

Essential Oils 

“I have diffusers all over my house and I’ll use different types of oils throughout the day, depending on the vibe. At night, I usually use something like lavender. I’ll mix it with a bit of vanilla, too. Because I have kids in the house, I try to calm them down. 

I usually get them [essential oils] at Whole Foods, but there’s one that I like that’s a little pricier. DoTerra On Guard Protective Blend is incredible if you want to guarantee you’re using something clean and pure. It helps with your immune system too. You can use it in your diffuser, on your skin, or even put a few drops in your drink.” 

Outer Glow 

Bottled Water 

“A trick I learned is that when you wash your face, don’t use water from the sink. Use water that is purified or from a bottle. That’s the water that you’re going to want to use on your face—not one from the sink because it’s full of chemicals and encourages bacteria. There’s also a machine you can get that filters the pH of the water.” 

Body Oil

“I wasn’t using Soma Ayurvedic products before I was pregnant, but they're incredible. It’s all natural and plant-based. I love their vitamin C serum, their anti-aging cream, their eye gel, and their body oil. The body oil is jasmine and it smells incredible. Being pregnant, you have to care for stretch marks. I don’t like creams on my skin because I feel that it’s not natural. Oil is a richer and a more natural form [of hydration]—that’s my belief. I use it every day on my whole body.” 

Lightweight Makeup 

“My dermatologist, Dr. Simon Ourian, came out with a foundation and it’s super lightweight. It has sunblock in it and it’s just incredible for your skin. I typically use that during the day since I don’t like heavier or thicker foundations.” 

Body Shimmer

“Patrick Ta made this All-Over Glow Balm that you apply to your skin. I love it for when I want to show my legs. It’s a compact cream, and it’s not oily at all. I use it for the runway, the red carpet, a festival. It’s something I’ll always have on my body.” 

Shower Situation

“I used to use whatever—even if it wasn’t natural and clean. But now, I have to be as clean as possible, so I’ve been using the Not Your Mother’s Naturals shampoo and conditioner from Whole Foods. Then, my newest obsession is the Weleda Creamy Body Wash. It smells like lavender and I’m just obsessed.” 

Recipe for Success: Adriana’s Acaí Bowl 

Mix & Match

“I grew up eating acaí. It’s refreshing and so delicious. You can add whatever fruit you want and granola. If you choose to be naughty though, you put condensed milk in it and add chocolate chips. I usually don’t measure, but I would say it’s approximately a cup and a half of acaí. I put that in the blender and then I like to add a little bit of organic honey. On top of it, I like bananas and blueberries. And that’s it, that’s how I like to eat it.”