Woman's World

Hilary Duff Just Dropped a Bath & Body Works Collab We Need

Carissa Mosness — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:38:42 +0000

Hilary Duff is teaming up with Bath & Body Works to help them release several new scents. Yes, you read that right. Lizzie McGuire herself is collaborating with everyone’s favorite fragrance store, and trust us when we say, the campaign needs to be seen to be believed. Below, we share everything you need to know about the collaboration, including when you can expect to see the new scents in stores.

What to know about Hilary Duff’s new Bath & Body Works collaboration

On Monday, July 6, Duff, 37, announced that she’s teaming up with Bath & Body Works to become their new ambassador and creative partner for their Fruit Fusion campaign, which introduces four fruit-forward fragrances—Watermelon Whirl, Berry Bliss, Tangerine Twirl and Banana Blend.

“Fruit Fusion is a clear example of our ‘Consumer First’ formula in action, ” Veronique Gabai-Pinsky, chief brand & product officer of Bath & Body Works, said in a statement. “We’re focused on creating high-quality, innovative products that deliver real performance and make people feel good, while showing up in ways that feel authentic and relevant. This launch brings that together, from innovation and design to the partnership with Hilary, in a way that genuinely connects with our customers.”

All four scents will be introduced in a variety of categories including perfumes, lip oils, body care items, hand sanitizers and accessories. Prices range from $4.95 to $18.95, and according to Duff, each item feels like a “celebration.”

Bath & Body Works

“This brand has been a part of my life since before I can remember. It was the first store where I got to form my identity in a beauty space and start to not buy what my mom had been buying me,” the actress told People magazine. “But also, the new and improved ingredients and packaging are just very joyful and fun and resonate with exactly what I’m doing right now in my own life. I’m in my bright, happy phase, and these products and the scents really speak to that.”

Another thing that speaks to her? The steamy campaign photos and videos, featuring Duff in the rain in a white shorts set, slathering the products on her skin to the soundtrack of Squeeze’s 1981 hit song “Tempted.” Duff says the campaign makes her look “so b-d-ss.”

“I look hydrated, moisturized, juicy, all the things that we want to look like,” she continued. “It’s sweet. And there was a stage of my life where everything was very heavy and woodsy and kind of masculine, and I’m not in that era at all right now. So this is helping me out.”

When to pick up the new Bath & Body Works line

All four scents in the new Bath & Body Works collection are available for purchase in-stores and online now, and they’re perfect for people looking for a simple beauty routine.

“I used to spend hours getting ready. We [moms] have four minutes to get ourselves together. My kids come first. I feel much better about myself when I use the few tried-and-true products that I know work,” the actress said. “I’m also a huge water drinker. I put tons of powders in my drinks. I try to do it from the inside out. And I love brands being transparent about what they’re putting in their products.”

Other skin care products Hilary Duff loves

Along with Bath & Body Works, Duff does have a few other tried and true skincare secrets that she loves.

“I do all the things. I love Botox. I’m obsessed with microneedling and salmon sperm [facials],” she told People. “It [salmon sperm] works so well. I’m making my husband [Matthew Koma] do it. He’s obsessed. He loves it.”

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How Body Serum Became 2026’s Biggest Beauty Trend, With 8 Top Picks Including Dollar Tree Finds

Lauren Jarvis-Gibson — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 19:11:15 +0000

Body skincare is no longer the afterthought of a bathroom routine. Body serum has landed on every dermatologist’s radar, shoppers are extending the multi-step regimens they once reserved for their faces, and the category now spans prestige formulas and Dollar Tree finds sitting on the same shelf in 2026.

In a recent piece for Vogue, Conçetta Ciarlo cited double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp on why the shift is happening. “As people become more comfortable with their facial skin-care routines, it’s common for them to explore how they can best take care of their body’s skin. The popularity of skin-care products targeted to the body speaks to this recent increased interest,” Camp said.

How body serum works

Body serums look and feel different from the heavy creams most people grew up with. Texas-based dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Gordon told Byrdie that “serums are usually water-based, lightweight moisturizers designed to hydrate and often deliver ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, or peptides to the skin.”

That lighter formulation is the point. Active ingredients like retinol, lactic acid and niacinamide absorb faster, target specific concerns and layer well under lotions or oils.

The body serums beauty editors keep recommending

Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum is the formula beauty writers cite most often for bumpy skin. Writing for Allure, Deanna Pai and Annie Blackman explain that it “uses the smoothing and toning properties of retinol alongside a star-studded lineup of squalane, urea, and lactic and glycolic acids to alleviate a plethora of skin concerns, such as rough patches, bumps (shout out keratosis pilaris or KP), and dryness.”

For pure hydration, Ariel Baker at Marie Claire recommends HA Body Hydrator Hyaluronic Acid Face & Body Serum. “From the sodium hyaluronate that deeply hydrates the skin (this is a salt form of hyaluronic acid, but the molecules are smaller, so they penetrate the skin deeper) to the red algae that also hydrates, your skin will be dewy, glowy, and in tip-top shape using this serum. Plus, the formula can also be used on the face, which feels like a two-for-one deal in my brain,” Baker writes.

Byoma Smoothing Body Serum leans on the brand’s Barrier Lipid complex along with succinic acid and blue tansy. BYOMA says the clinically proven formula will visibly brighten, provide all-day hydration and smooth skin texture without stripping the skin barrier.

OLLY Renew Body Lotion Serum is a lightweight lotion-serum hybrid built for overnight use, with niacinamide added to support the skin barrier and promote a more even-looking tone.

Naturium Skin Renewing Retinol Body Lotion is the pick Olivia Dubyak makes at InStyle. She praises its encapsulated retinol, allantoin and shea butter, calling it “lightweight, not sticky, and unscented.”

OLAY markets its Super Serum Body Lotion as an anti-aging formula powered by niacinamide, AHA, collagen peptide, vitamin C and vitamin E, with claims that include 24/7 hydration, visibly firmer skin, smoother texture, more even tone and brightening.

Dollar Tree body serums worth a try

Not every body serum requires a department-store budget. Dermasil Aloe Fresh Moisturizing Body Lotion sells at Dollar Tree, where one reviewer wrote, “I love this product. Use it ever night after shower in summer, keeps skin soft, moisturizer for sun drenched skin.”

Then there is Global Beauty Care Retinol Renewing Double Serum With Peptides, marketed as a budget-friendly anti-aging serum that, per Dollar Tree, “improves the texture of your skin” with a formula that “helps reduce wrinkles and provides a radiant and firm complexion.” It is technically a face product, but it can be used on the body too.

Gel Manicure Savings: How At-Home Systems Are Just Starting to Replace Costly Salon Visits

Lauren Jarvis-Gibson — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:04:46 +0000

Salon visits add up fast, and a regular gel habit can quietly turn into one of the bigger beauty line items in your budget. That’s a big part of why at-home gel kits have moved from novelty to mainstay. They promise the same two-to-three-week wear without the standing appointment. If you’ve been weighing whether a gel setup belongs on your bathroom counter, here’s what the math, the experts and the major brands actually say.

How much a gel manicure really costs

A standard salon gel manicure runs about $40 to $80 per appointment in the U.S., and most people redo gel every two to three weeks. If you book every three weeks, that’s 17 to 20 appointments a year, roughly $700 to $1,600 or more annually. At-home gel nail systems, by comparison, start at $25 to $100 for a full starter kit, which is where the savings argument begins.

That spread is why so many shoppers are doing the math out loud. In a Byrdie piece, celebrity manicurist Lily Nguyen said, “Using at-home gel nail kits is more cost-effective than salon visits, and they’re also convenient and time-saving, letting you do your nails on your own schedule.”

Who at-home gel systems are best for

Gel kits aren’t for everyone, but they fit a specific kind of routine. They tend to make the most sense for people who want low-maintenance nails for two to three weeks at a stretch, professionals who need a consistent look week to week, brides preparing for a wedding and honeymoon, and anyone tired of reapplying press-ons every few days. If you like changing colors constantly, traditional polish may still suit you better, since gel rewards commitment.

The other appeal is scheduling. You’re not booking around a salon’s hours, and a touch-up can happen on a Sunday night instead of a Tuesday lunch break.

Popular at-home gel brands to know

Several mainstream brands now sell complete gel systems with the lamp included, which removes most of the guesswork for first-timers. The big names worth knowing are listed below.

Sally Hansen offers gel polish systems and starter kits aimed at beginners.
Olive & June sells an at-home gel manicure system that includes an LED lamp, base and top coats and gel polish shades designed to last up to 21 days when applied correctly.
OPI sells its own gel nail polish system that also includes a curing lamp.

Sally Hansen’s kit, in particular, gets singled out for ease of use. Writing for InStyle, Allison Lax explains, “This kit only involves three steps, making it simple to follow. The kit contains an LED lamp, one polish color, both base and top coats, and nail care essentials like a file and buffer to help shape nails. What makes the set especially unique is how quickly it works, with a suggested curing time of 30 seconds. Additionally, the kit lasts for up to 10 manicures, which is a good value for the wallet-friendly price (and significantly cheaper than visiting the salon).”

Can you actually get salon-quality results at home?

The short answer from dermatologists and pros is yes, with practice. Technique matters more than the kit itself, and thin coats, clean cuticle lines and full cure times under the lamp are what separate a manicure that lasts three weeks from one that lifts in three days.

In a Good Housekeeping article by Celia Shatzman, Dendy Engelman, M.D., F.A.C.M.S., F.A.A.D., a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, said, “With practice and attention to detail, you can achieve salon-like results at home. Though applying gel polish on your own may take a little longer and require patience to avoid smudges or uneven edges, consistent practice can yield professional-looking results.”

Manicurists are equally bullish on the category. In a piece by InStyle, nail artist Agathe M. told writer Allison Lax, “At-home gel nail kits are an absolute game changer. They bring the precision of salon-quality manicures directly into your home, and you can create a perfect manicure whenever it suits your schedule. It’s all about turning your nail routine into a fun and creative experience.”

What to weigh before you buy a gel kit

Before clicking “add to cart,” think about how often you actually wear gel, how much storage space you have for a lamp and supplies and whether you’re patient enough to learn the application curve. The first manicure may take longer than a salon visit. By the third or fourth, most users find a rhythm, and that’s when the cost savings start to show up in the bank account instead of on a punch card.

A starter kit between $25 and $100 pays for itself after roughly one to two skipped salon visits, which is a quick payoff by beauty-spend standards.

Why More Families Are Upcycling Clothes Instead of Donating an Inherited Closet Full of Vintage Clothing

Ryan Brennan — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:33:13 +0000

Inheriting a loved one’s vintage clothing can feel like sorting through memories, clutter and possible value all at once. Before deciding what to keep and when upcycling clothes makes sense, take a quick inventory. It turns an overwhelming closet into a series of small, clear choices.

Start by separating the collection into a few basic piles:

Designer labels, luxury pieces, vintage sportswear, concert tees or anything that looks collectible
Everyday clothing that is clean, wearable and still useful
Damaged or stained items, or pieces with missing buttons, broken zippers or fragile fabric
Deeply sentimental pieces tied to specific memories, events or people
Items you personally want to wear, preserve, display or pass down

Some of what you find may be worth real money. Designer labels and rare pieces can sell for a surprising amount on the best sites for designer resale, so it pays to look closely before anything goes into a donation bag.

Once everything is grouped, a simple rule keeps the rest easy: sell the valuable, donate the useful and upcycle the sentimental.

When upcycling clothes keeps the memory alive

Upcycling works best for pieces that feel too meaningful to give away but are not practical to wear or sell. Think of a favorite shirt, robe, scarf, dress, jacket, uniform, tie or sweater.

That is what designer Mason Wagner did after meeting Eric, a man with a box of clothes from his late mom and no idea what to do with them. Wagner was not sure either, at first.

“But after talking with my grandmother, a lifelong quilter, I had the idea to piece the garments together and line a jacket with them,” Wagner said in an interview with People. He shared the process and the finished jacket on TikTok, where the video has amassed nearly 500,000 views.

You do not need a designer to turn sentimental fabric into something lasting. Here are a few ways to create upcycled clothing and keepsakes at home:

Turn shirts, dresses or robes into a memory quilt
Use sentimental fabric as the lining of a jacket
Make pillows from sweaters or button-downs
Frame a scarf, patch, label or embroidered detail
Save buttons, trim or lace for smaller keepsakes
Make ornaments, tote bags or fabric-wrapped mementos

Before cutting anything fragile or rare, ask a tailor or upcycling designer what is realistic, and research valuable pieces first. Upcycling clothes is the right choice when the memory matters more than the market. It lets you keep part of the person without keeping the entire closet.

How to sell vintage clothing that has resale value

Selling makes sense when a piece has value beyond the family. That could mean designer labels, vintage sportswear, concert tees, deadstock pieces, rare shoes, collectible jackets or anything in excellent condition.

Scottlynn Krause, co-owner of CS80 Vintage, has lived this. She and her mother inherited a storage unit from a friend’s grandfather who ran a sporting goods store in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The stock sat untouched for decades until they started selling it at flea markets, on social media and eventually through their own website.

“Our goal is to continue Franz’s legacy by slowly placing these pieces with people who genuinely appreciate the memories, craftsmanship, and spirit of the 1980s. We’re exploring ways to carry that energy forward, too. We eventually want to create our own products using our deadstock blanks to keep the 80s aesthetic and story alive for the new generation,” Krause told Business Insider.

A few checks tell you whether a piece is worth the effort:

Look for recognizable labels, rare styles or collectible categories
Check for unworn or deadstock condition
Research sold prices, not just listing prices
Photograph the tags, labels, flaws and measurements
Be realistic about the work, since photos, pricing, shipping and storage all add up
Pause before donating anything that looks rare or unusual

If a piece clears those checks, selling is worth it. Where to sell old clothes depends on the item, since resale apps, auction sites and specialist dealers each suit different categories. The payoff is a second life with a buyer who truly values it.

Where to donate old clothes that are still useful

Donation is often the better call for clothing that is useful but not worth reselling. Everyday coats, sweaters, dresses, shoes, scarves and workwear may not bring in much money, but they can still help someone else.

“There are some organizations that will come and do pickups of a lot of clothing and household items,” professional organizer Lori Reese told CNBC. “You’ll have to do a little research to see what they will and won’t take. But it’s great and time-effective if you can find an organization in your area that will come and pick up your stuff and take it away for you.”

Reese also points out that Goodwill accepts clothing that is too worn to resell and recycles the textiles instead. A few guidelines make the donation pile easy to build:

Donate clean, wearable clothing with practical use
Look for local charities, shelters, community closets or clothing drives
Call ahead before donating large amounts or unusual items
Use pickup services when they are available
Never donate moldy, wet or contaminated clothing
Set aside sentimental or potentially valuable pieces first

When it comes to where to donate old clothes, your options include Goodwill, The Salvation Army, local shelters, neighborhood thrift stores and textile recycling programs. Not every piece has to be rare to matter. Sometimes the best next life for a garment is simply being worn again.

How to decide what to sell, donate, upcycle or keep

The easiest approach is to make a separate decision for each type of item rather than one call for the whole closet. With your piles sorted, the path for each is usually clear.

Here is the quick version:

Sell: valuable, rare, branded or collectible pieces
Donate: clean, wearable and useful items
Upcycle: sentimental, damaged or meaningful pieces
Keep: items that are personally important or part of your family history
Recycle or trash: moldy, contaminated or genuinely unusable items

That last category should be tiny. “Trash should be the smallest category … if you’re doing it right,” Mindy Godding, a CPO and owner of Abundance Organizing, told CNBC.

A loved one’s clothing collection does not have to stay untouched in storage to be honored. The valuable pieces deserve a real second life, and a roundup of where to sell designer clothes takes the guesswork out of that step.

For everything else, the goal is simply to choose the next life that makes the most sense for each piece.

Cost Per Wear Is Becoming Every Smart Shopper’s Most Useful Tool for Avoiding Expensive Clothing Mistakes

Ryan Brennan — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:02:02 +0000

Apparel prices climbed in 2025, and 2026 isn’t shaping up to be friendlier to anyone’s closet. Entry-level apparel prices rose $17 in 2025 compared with 2024, according to the AlixPartners 2025 Consumer Sentiment Index. Tariffs, inflation and fast-fashion fatigue are pushing shoppers to rethink what makes a piece of clothing worth buying.

That’s why a decades-old idea called cost per wear is suddenly the math everyone is running at the register. It has circulated in sustainable-fashion and capsule-wardrobe circles for years, with consistent mentions on social media, but the pressure of a more expensive 2026 is moving it into the mainstream.

How the cost per wear calculation works

The formula fits on one line. Cost per wear equals total price divided by the number of times you’ll wear something (cost per wear = total price ÷ number of wears).

Start with what you actually paid, including tax, shipping or alterations. Then estimate the wears honestly. A pair of everyday sneakers worn three times a week for two years lands at roughly 300 wears. Divide the price by that number and you’ve got the real cost of every time you reach for them. Treat it as a free cost per wear calculator you can run in your head.

Take two winter coats. A $60 fast-fashion coat that survives one season of regular use, about 25 wears, works out to $2.40 every time you wear it. A $220 well-made coat that lasts five winters, around 125 wears, drops to $1.76 per wear. The pricier coat is the cheaper one every time it leaves the closet.

Why cost per wear matters in 2026

“Trends tend to be very specific and difficult to incorporate into many outfits,” stylist Leah Van Loon told the New York Post. “A quality, timeless item will always offer a better CPW than a trendy fast-fashion piece that falls apart or goes out of style.”

The math punishes trend-chasing. A $25 trendy top worn five times costs $5 per wear. Everyday jeans at $80 worn 200 times cost 40 cents per wear. An occasional dress at $150 worn three times runs $50 every time it leaves the hanger.

That arithmetic is reshaping how shoppers approach 2026 fashion trends. It rewards versatility and durability over the rush of something new, and it makes the sustainable pick feel like a financial one too.

Researcher Dr. Lisa Eckmann of the University of Bath’s School of Management wrote in The Conversation that the framework “can prompt shoppers at the point of purchase to consider a garment’s durability and how often they might wear it.”

How to save money by lowering your cost per wear

Reducing CPW is mostly about buying less and choosing better. Elizabeth Cline, a journalist and garment-waste expert, told Green America that Americans “have the most disposable clothing habits in the world” and “wear clothes a quarter of the global average.”

A few habits drop the per-wear number fast.

Buy for versatility, not occasions. Pieces that work for work and weekends rack up wears.
Stick to a cohesive color palette so new items mix with what you already own.
Favor classic cuts over micro-trends that fall out of rotation in months.
Care for what you have. Washing cold, air-drying and proper storage extend a garment’s life.
Repair instead of replacing. A $15 hem or a new zipper buys dozens more wears.
Shop your own closet first. The cheapest wear is the one you already paid for.

That’s the appeal of the method as a tool for how to save money without feeling deprived. Fewer, better pieces. Lower cost every time you get dressed.

Inside the Press-On Nails Boom: 8 Systems That Last 2 Weeks and Transform Your Beauty Routine

Lauren Jarvis-Gibson — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:31:14 +0000

Press on nails have moved from drugstore impulse buy to a legitimate alternative to salon manicures, and shoppers want to know which sets actually deliver on the two-week promise. Here is what to know about press on nails, prep, pricing and the brands worth your money.

How long do press on nails actually last?

Press on nails typically last 1 to 3 weeks when applied with professional nail glue, though longevity depends heavily on how well you prep your nails before application. Brands like Olive & June, Static Nails, Glamnetic, and KISS both advertise wear time of up to 14 days.

Getting close to that two-week mark comes down to five prep steps. Start with completely clean nails, push back your cuticles, lightly buff the natural nail surface, choose the correct size for each finger and apply glue carefully without overdoing it. Skipping any of these steps is the fastest way to watch a manicure pop off by day three.

Which press on nails brands last the longest?

Olive & June, Glamnetic, KISS and Static Nails are among the press-on brands most frequently associated with long wear, with several offering reusable designs that can withstand multiple applications. Many of these systems claim wear times of up to two weeks when applied correctly.

Static Nails, in particular, positions its Reusable Pop-On Manicures as an alternative to gel, dip and acrylic manicures. The brand says its award-winning sets are bend- and crack-resistant while maintaining a natural appearance. Static’s reusable sets typically retail for $16 to $24.

Glamnetic, with sets generally priced between $15 and $20, has also built a reputation for durability. The brand pairs thicker press-on nails with a strong brush-on glue designed to support extended wear, making its sets a popular choice among consumers seeking a salon-quality manicure at home.

What do press on nails cost in 2025?

Press on nails range from about $4 at the drugstore to roughly $24 for reusable luxury sets, putting most options well below the cost of a salon visit. KISS sits at the low end at $4 to $16, while Static Nails tops out at $24.

Here is how the major brands compare on price

Olive & June around $10 per set, includes 42 nails in 21 sizes plus glue, prep pad, cuticle stick and file
OPI $9.99 to $16.99, thinner nails coordinated with OPI polish shades
KISS $4 to $16, widely available at drugstores
Celebritips $10 to $16, bold shapes and rhinestone designs
Chillhouse $16, reusable artist-designed Chill Tips
Nail Reformation $16 to $20, minimalist fashion-forward designs
Glamnetic $15 to $20, durable reusable styles
Static Nails $16 to $24, reusable luxury sets

Which press on nails look the most natural?

Olive & June, OPI and Glamnetic are frequently singled out for natural-looking results, with Glamnetic earning praise for realistic short almond sets that can fool friends. Olive & June’s wide size range, with 21 different sizes per set, helps the nails sit flush with the natural nail bed.

Conçetta Ciarlo wrote for Vogue “Glamnetic has all the current nail trends you’ll find at any expert salon from cat-eye velvet finishes to metallic French tips. With inclusive sizing options, you’ll find the perfect fit to match the size of your natural nail bed.”

OPI focuses on natural-looking shapes and classic colors, with thinner, lighter nails for a more realistic feel that pairs with existing OPI polish shades.

Are pre-glued press-on nails worth it?

KISS is one of the most widely accessible press-on nail brands, offering multiple systems that cater to different levels of convenience and longevity. Its imPRESS line is pre-glued for quick application and designed for short-term wear, typically lasting around a week, making it a popular choice for beginners or anyone seeking a fast, no-mess manicure for events or weekends.

Karla Ayala, a licensed cosmetologist, told Byrdie that the KISS imPRESS line stands out for its convenience. She noted that the pre-applied adhesive allows for a quick, mess-free application process and said the nails can be applied in just a few minutes, holding up for about a week during wear tests.

While pre-glued nails generally do not last as long as glue-on systems designed for extended wear, they remain appealing for temporary use, such as short trips or weekend events.

KISS also offers traditional glue-on press-on sets designed for longer wear. With proper prep and application, these styles can last up to 14 days, positioning them among the more durable budget-friendly options available.

What about reusable press-on nails like Chillhouse?

Chillhouse Chill Tips are designed to be worn, removed and reapplied across multiple manicures, and at $16 per set they include a nail file, cuticle stick and non-toxic glue.

Writing for Byrdie, Khera Alexander noted that Chillhouse’s press-ons stand out for their affordability and design-forward approach. She highlighted that the sets can be worn multiple times and come with essential application tools, adding to their overall value at the $16 price point.

Static Nails and Glamnetic also lead the reusable category, while Nail Reformation leans into modern, minimalist designs at the $16 to $20 price point. For bold, event-ready looks with rhinestones and statement shapes, Celebritips runs $10 to $16 per set.

How Pheromone Perfume Actually Works and What the Research Confirms About Its Attraction Claims

Lauren Jarvis-Gibson — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:10:17 +0000

Pheromone perfume is everywhere right now, promising wearers a chemistry-fueled edge in dating, social settings and self-confidence. But the science behind those bottles is far less settled than the marketing campaigns suggest.

Fragrance founders, perfumers and health writers all describe these scents as products that tap into human biology. Researchers, meanwhile, say the actual mechanism by which they work remains uncertain. That gap between what the label promises and what science can prove is exactly why pheromone perfume has become one of the more debated buys in fragrance.

How pheromone perfume is supposed to work

Pheromones are biological cues the body releases naturally. Ashlee Posner, founder of transparent fragrance manufacturer Lucent Laboratories and State of Change, told InStyle that “pheromones are chemical signals that humans release that can relate to mating and fostering social bonds.”

Pheromone perfumes attempt to mimic or amplify those signals in a wearable formula, with the implicit promise that a few sprays could shift how someone is perceived.

What is actually inside a bottle of pheromone perfume

According to a Healthline guide by Meredith Goodwin, common ingredients in pheromone perfumes include androstenone, androstadienone and estratetraenol. These compounds are naturally present in human sweat or urine. Some pheromone perfumes also contain essential oils to round out the scent profile.

In other words, the so-called active ingredients are real human compounds, lab-formulated and blended into a fragrance.

What the science says about pheromone perfume

Here is where the marketing and the research part ways. Writing for Vogue, Ivana Rihter notes that “There is no specific scientific data supporting the theory that pheromone perfumes attract sexual attention all on their own. In fact, the very existence of pheromones in humans ‘remains uncertain,’ according to the National Library of Medicine.”

Rihter adds that “it is hard to say in certain terms that these perfumes are guaranteed to attract a mate the same way animal pheromones are known to do.”

In other words, the claim that spraying on a fragrance will trigger attraction in another person is not supported by hard evidence.

Why people still feel pheromone perfume works

Even without conclusive science, many wearers swear by their pheromone fragrance. There are a few reasons that may be the case.

The placebo effect is powerful. Believing a perfume will boost attraction can change behavior, posture and confidence in ways that genuinely shift social outcomes. Scent itself also has a strong link to memory and emotion, which can make a familiar fragrance feel charged with meaning.

Jérôme Epinette, the French perfumer behind Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa 59 Perfume Mist, told Vogue that “Scent is so closely linked to memory so it’s inevitable that scent becomes emblematic of our attraction as it’s so closely connected to someone’s aura, The pheromones may play a role in triggering this connection and lust for the other.”

In that view, the fragrance acts less as a chemical override and more as a sensory cue that brings out confidence in the wearer and association in the person nearby.

What pheromone perfume cannot do

Based on current research, what remains unproven is that any perfume can create instant attraction, control how another person responds or guarantee a romantic result. Those promises stay in the realm of marketing rather than medicine.

If you enjoy the scent and the confidence boost it gives you, that is reason enough to wear it. Just know that the chemistry happening is more likely between you and the bottle than between the bottle and a stranger across the room.

Dealing With Heat Damage? L’Oréal Debuts Near-Infrared Light Hair Tool That Styles Below 320 Degrees

Allison Palmer — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:35:08 +0000

Near-infrared light has been quietly powering at-home red light therapy devices for years, but CES 2026 changed the conversation completely. In January, the same wavelength showed up inside a hair straightener, a paper-thin face mask you wear for 10 minutes, and a webcam-sized clip that delivers light therapy while you sit at your laptop.

The pitch from every company on the show floor was the same: NIR doesn’t have to be a scheduled wellness session anymore. It can fit into what you’re already doing. Here’s what actually launched, what the science supports, and what you can realistically expect.

What near-infrared light actually is

Near-infrared light sits just past the visible red portion of the light spectrum. It penetrates deeper into the skin and hair than visible light and is the same core mechanism behind the at-home red light therapy panels that have surged in popularity for skin tone, fine lines, and hair support over the past several years. What shifted at CES 2026 isn’t the science. It’s where the technology is showing up.

Instead of a dedicated panel you stand in front of, NIR is now being built into everyday objects. That changes who uses it, how often, and for how long, which matters because consistency is the biggest factor in whether light therapy produces visible results.

L’Oréal’s new hair tool that styles with light instead of heat

L’Oréal’s Light Straight + Multi-styler was named a CES 2026 Innovation Award Honoree. It uses patented near-infrared light to reshape the internal hydrogen bonds of each hair strand at under 320 degrees Fahrenheit. That matters because conventional flat irons regularly hit 400 degrees and above, the point at which keratin starts to break down.

L’Oréal’s own consumer research found that 58 percent of women surveyed linked heat to their hair damage. Company instrumental testing showed the device works three times faster and leaves hair twice as smooth compared to premium competitors. Those numbers are self-reported and haven’t been independently verified, which is worth keeping in mind. R&D wraps at the end of 2027, and no price or launch date has been announced yet.

L’Oréal’s flexible LED face mask that fits like a sheet mask

The second L’Oréal device to earn a CES 2026 Innovation Award is an ultra-thin LED face mask, currently in prototype form. It’s one millimeter thick, made of flexible silicone, and developed with iSMART Developments, a specialist in LED device innovation. The mask delivers red light at 630 nanometers and near-infrared light at 830 nanometers through an integrated skin-safe microcircuit. Sessions are ten minutes, designed for daily use, and target fine lines, sagging, and uneven tone. L’Oréal is targeting a global 2027 launch at a price described as below the highest-end LED masks currently on the market, though a specific figure hasn’t been confirmed.

The laptop clip that delivers NIR while you work

Sunbooster, from SunLED Life Science, is the most immediately available device from CES 2026’s NIR lineup. It clips to a laptop, monitor, or tablet and projects near-infrared light while you work, designed for two to four hours of passive daily use. The pitch is indoor daylight deficiency: the idea that most of us aren’t getting enough natural sunlight exposure during a standard workday, and that NIR can partially address the energy, mood, and skin effects of that deficit. It tracks your daily dosage and is priced at approximately $235.

The company references human and laboratory studies from the University of Groningen and Maastricht University, though the full studies aren’t publicly linked. A phone case and NIR-enabled monitor are in development. Coverage comes from CyberGuy’s CES 2026 roundup and TechRadar’s hands-on report.

What’s been proven and what’s still a promise

Near-infrared light therapy has a real research foundation. The wavelengths used across all three CES devices, 630 to 850 nanometers, fall within the range most studied in clinical photobiomodulation research for skin, hair, and cellular health. What doesn’t yet exist is independent verification of these specific products’ performance claims.

L’Oréal’s numbers come from its own labs. Sunbooster’s university citations aren’t directly accessible. That doesn’t mean the devices won’t work. It means they’re products to evaluate carefully when they reach market, not ones with a fully published track record yet.

When these devices will be available and what to do in the meantime

Sunbooster is available now at roughly $235. L’Oréal’s LED face mask and Light Straight styler are both targeting 2027 launches with pricing still to be announced. If you don’t want to wait, at-home red light therapy panels and masks from established brands are already widely available and use the same core wavelengths.

CES 2026 introduced a new way to deliver NIR, not new science behind it. The at-home devices already on the market remain the most accessible way to start building consistent NIR use into your routine right now.

Meet the 4 Skin Longevity Products Dermatologists Recommend and the Lifestyle Habits That Do the Rest

Allison Palmer — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:24:12 +0000

The best skin longevity routine is only partly about what you put on your face. Research consistently points to the same conclusion: the gap between aging well and aging prematurely is largely determined by daily habits, what you eat, how you sleep, how you move and how consistently you protect your skin from the sun.

That means the path to healthier skin over decades isn’t a 12-step regimen or the latest proprietary serum. It’s a small set of evidence-backed topical steps layered on top of lifestyle choices that drive far more of the aging picture than any product can.

How lifestyle shapes skin longevity more than products

Before any cream enters the conversation, the foundation is what happens inside the body. Up to 80 percent of visible skin aging is attributable to cumulative unprotected UV exposure over time, per a 2013 study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. That doesn’t mean avoiding the sun. Time outdoors supports vitamin D synthesis, mood and circadian rhythm.

The other lifestyle levers carry comparable weight. A Mediterranean-style eating pattern reduces the chronic low-grade inflammation, sometimes called inflammaging, that degrades collagen and impairs skin repair. Replacing ultra-processed foods with whole, colorful foods is one of the most evidence-backed anti-aging moves available, and it costs less than most serums.

A January 2026 study in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal found significant differences in skin moisture between low and moderate-to-high activity groups, attributed to improved blood flow, stress reduction and collagen production. About 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week is among the most effective systemic anti-aging interventions available.

Sleep matters just as much: poor sleep impairs barrier function and skin repair, and prioritizing it is as defensible a skin strategy as any serum. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, degrades collagen and slows barrier recovery, and stress management is an underrated longevity lever that appears on no product label.

Once lifestyle is in place, the topical routine becomes simpler than the beauty aisle suggests. A July 2025 network meta-analysis in Scientific Reports reviewed 23 randomized controlled trials covering 3,905 participants and identified a short list of ingredients with consistent evidence behind them.

Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on the face and hands is the single most impactful topical step. Every other ingredient underperforms without it, and it applies year-round regardless of skin tone.

Retinoids are next: the Scientific Reports analysis ranked retinol and tretinoin highest for fine wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Prescription tretinoin has the strongest evidence, reinforced by a November 2025 review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, while over-the-counter retinol is well-supported and more accessible. Start low, go slow and buffer over moisturizer to reduce irritation.

A ceramide-rich moisturizer to support the skin barrier matters more than most serums sitting beneath it, and antioxidants like vitamin C and niacinamide round out the core with documented effects on collagen, pigmentation and barrier function.

Why the skin microbiome is the next frontier in skin longevity

One of the more interesting recent developments involves the skin microbiome as a marker of how skin ages. An October 2025 study in the British Journal of Dermatology examined 65 women between 40 and 50 and found those who looked younger than their age had a more resilient microbial community on their skin.

The same research suggested retinyl propionate shifted the microbiome toward a younger-looking profile within four weeks. The study was funded by Unilever and all authors were Unilever employees, so independent replication is still needed before microbiome-targeted skincare earns the same standing as SPF or retinoids.

Why less is more for a skin longevity routine

One of the clearest shifts in dermatology guidance is the case against over-layering. Stacking too many actives disrupts the skin barrier faster than it can repair. A small number of well-chosen ingredients consistently outperforms complex multi-step routines, and dermatologists increasingly recommend simplifying rather than adding more.

Some nights a cleanser and moisturizer is genuinely the right call. Skin repairs most actively during sleep, and occasional minimal-product nights support rather than undermine that process. Letting skin breathe isn’t neglect. It’s barrier-first thinking.

A March 2026 review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology noted that most experimental longevity interventions are not yet ready for routine clinical adoption, which is worth remembering next time a new serum promises to reverse your biological skin age.

The takeaway from current research is steady and unflashy: protect your skin from UV, eat and sleep in ways that lower inflammation, move regularly, manage stress and keep your topical routine short and consistent. That’s what the evidence actually rewards.

Shop Ella Langley's Show-Stopping ACM Awards Jewelry Now

Carissa Mosness — Mon, 18 May 2026 22:30:50 +0000

Country music superstar Ella Langley swept the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards last night, thanks to her song “Choosin’ Texas.” And thanks to her stylist Stefani Colvin, Langley looked absolutely stunning doing it! In fact, if you’re anything like us, you probably spent a good chunk of the show mesmerized by her gorgeous necklace—and here’s the best part: You can actually get it for yourself! From statement earrings to that showstopping necklace, Langley’s jewelry had everyone talking. Ready to steal her red carpet style? Keep reading for all the details on Langley’s ACM jewelry and where to shop to get the look.

What to know about Ella Langley’s ACM Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott jewelry

Ella Langley in 2026
Getty

For the ACM red carpet Langley chose to wear a floor-length white gown with a corset top and train. She paired it with dangly silver earrings and two rings, all part of the Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott line.

Ella Langley’s ACM earrings

Left: Dani 14k White Gold Statement Earrings; Right: Lee Luxe Silver Drop Earrings
Kendra Scott

For her earrings, Langley wore the $2,500 Dani 14k White Gold Statement Earrings. According to the Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott website, “These two-tier drop earrings feature a small kite shape and our signature silhouette, captured in genuine gemstones and surrounded by pavé diamonds and solid gold.”

To copy the look, you can buy the style Langley wore or you can opt for a similar Kendra Scott style with a lower price tag: the $65 Lee Luxe Silver Drop Earrings. They’re like the ones Langley wore—at a fraction of the cost.

Ella Langley’s first cocktail ring

Left: Dani 14k White Gold Cocktail Ring; Right: Elyse Sterling Silver Double Band Ring in Ivory Mother-of-Pearl
Kendra Scott

No red carpet look is complete without a statement ring and one of Langley’s picks at the ACMs was the Dani 14k White Gold Cocktail Ring. The $1,500 piece features Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott’s signature oval shape.

“The Dani 14k White Gold Cocktail Ring is a must-have for any cowgirl’s jewelry box,” says the company.

Want the same vibe for less? Try the Elyse Sterling Silver Double Band Ring in Ivory Mother-of-Pearl—a similar look for $59.97.

Ella Langley’s second cocktail ring

Left: Abbie Vintage Silver Etch Frame Cocktail; Right: Davis Sterling Silver Cocktail Ring in Ivory Mother-of-Pearl
Kendra Scott

Langley’s other ring was the Abbie Vintage Silver Etch Frame Cocktail Ring. It costs $98, making it the least expensive piece she wore. But you can get a lookalike Kendra Scott ring for even less! We’re talking about the Davis Sterling Silver Cocktail Ring in Ivory Mother-of-Pearl. It’s $54.97 and has a similar gemstone and cut.

Ella Langley’s ACM necklace

Langley paired her Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott jewelry with a dandelion necklace and ring from Whitehouse Brothers.

“Ella Langley did nothing short of rocking it at the 2026 ACM awards in her custom jewelry from Whitehouse Brothers,” the company wrote on Instagram. “These meticulously hand-fabricated pieces were designed in honor of the Dandelion album and tour. Layers of 18K yellow gold form a custom dandelion bolo necklace and matching ring, each featuring organically engraved petals illuminated with cushion cut fancy vivid yellow diamonds. Soft details of the yellow gold paired perfectly with the look of the evening.”