During her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour, Billie Eilish shared a simple trick for recreating her childhood freckles. She used a drugstore brow pen on her nose and cheeks.

What makeup tips did Billie Eilish share for her faux freckles?

In a Dec. 21, 2024 TikTok, Eilish revealed her secret to faux freckles. She uses Revlon ColorStay 5-in-1 Semi-Permanent Brow Ink, which was listed at $9.99 at the time.

The clip walked viewers through her pre-show makeup routine. Alongside the Revlon pen, she used products from NARS, Laura Mercier and Makeup by Mario. According to Teen Vogue’s breakdown of her makeup routine, the brow ink carried the $9.99 price when she posted. It was designed to fill and define eyebrows rather than create freckles, making its use in Eilish’s routine an unexpected twist.

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How does Billie Eilish apply her fake freckles?

Eilish uses the pointed applicator to dot the ink across her nose and cheekbones. She then blends the dots with her fingertips for a more natural look.

The sweetest moment came when she held up a childhood photograph of herself with natural freckles and added the caption “Just trying 2 get back to dis.” According to Allure’s coverage of Eilish’s makeup routine, she gently blends the dots after placing them. The look is not about inventing something new. It is about getting back to the kid in that photo.

Why does Revlon’s brow ink work as a freckle pen alternative?

The brow ink’s fine, pointed tip is built to draw precise, hair-like strokes, making it useful for creating small, natural-looking freckle dots without reaching for a dedicated freckle pen.

Revlon’s official product description identifies ColorStay Semi-Permanent Brow Ink as a product designed to fill, define and groom eyebrows. The formula is advertised as waterproof, transfer-proof and smudge-proof, and the brand claims up to three days of wear when used on brows, though that longevity is not guaranteed when the product is dotted onto skin as freckles. It comes in four shades: Blonde, Soft Brown, Warm Brown and Dark Brown.

Can you still buy Billie Eilish’s faux freckle product?

Yes, the Revlon ColorStay 5-in-1 Semi-Permanent Brow Ink is still sold, but the $9.99 price Teen Vogue listed in December 2024 is not guaranteed anymore.

Revlon’s website lists the product for $16.99, so fans hoping to match the original drugstore price may want to compare retailers before buying. Because the formula is intended for eyebrows, anyone trying Eilish’s freckle technique should follow the manufacturer’s directions.

The right hairbrush can make or break (quite literally!) your strands—and that’s especially true if you have thinning hair. But do you really need to splurge on, say, a fancy Mason Pearson brush that can cost upwards of $500 to protect delicate strands? Nope! Our experts say the right hairbrush can help minimize breakage and support healthier-looking hair without breaking the bank. Dollar Tree has several hairbrushes that can help you care for thinning strands for as little as $1.25. 

What is the difference between hair loss and thinning hair? 

“Thinning means your hair is losing fullness over time,” says Keith Kantor, PhD, ND, trichologist and clinical director of Regen Therapeutic. “You may have fewer hairs growing, individual strands may be getting finer or both. A widening part, more scalp showing and a ponytail that feels smaller are useful clues.”

Kantor says that shedding, on the other hand, is a normal part of the hair cycle. “We commonly shed about 50 to 100 hairs a day,” adds Kantor. “If you wash or detangle less often, several days of loose hairs can come out together. That can look alarming without necessarily meaning you are going bald.”

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The #1 Easiest Way To Reverse Thinning Hair: Clean Your Hairbrush Regularly

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What to look for in a hairbrush for thinning hair 

While Kantor says there’s no solid evidence that using a hairbrush will promise new hair growth, regularly brushing can help promote hair health. “Gentle brushing can help you detangle and style while limiting breakage,” says Kantor. “That helps preserve length and fullness.”

“Stimulating the scalp gets the blood flowing to the area, which helps regulate shedding and distribute oil to the ends, which is incredibly nourishing,” adds Jackson Simmonds, celebrity hairstylist. 

But what matters is not just that you brush your hair, but what hairbrush you’re using. “The brush you use is incredibly important, especially if your hair is already fragile or thinning,” says Jewell Faranso Hingorani, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Jewell Clip Luxury Hair Extensions. “Many women invest in expensive shampoos, conditioners and scalp treatments but overlook something they’re using on their hair every single day: their hairbrush.”

So what should you be looking for? “You want a paddle or flat oval brush that can cover a lot of area, and preferably staggered boar bristle, which will detangle and get all the way down to the scalp,” says Simmonds. That said, boar bristles often cost noticeably more than plastic bristles. If boar bristles are out of the budget, Hingorani says it’s important to look for brushes with gentle bristles. And lucky for you, rather than going on a drugstore scavenger hunt in search of these brushes yourself, we asked our experts for their top picks. 

Best hairbrushes at Dollar Tree for thinning hair 

Our experts say finding a good brush doesn’t have to clean your pockets. Even affordable options from Dollar Tree can help: 

Neatly Open Vent Colorful Detangling Hair Brush ($1.25)

“The open-vent design offers a lightweight option for everyday detangling, particularly for finer hair,” says Shamsa Kanwal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Aesthetic Evolution Skin and Laser Clinic. 

If you blow-dry your hair, Faranso says the vented design of this brush allows air to circulate. “For women with thinning hair, minimizing prolonged heat exposure and excessive pulling is important,” adds Faranso. 

Pastel Flexible-Bristle Hairbrushes ($1.25)

“Flexible bristles are something I specifically look for when recommending brushes for fragile hair,” says Faranso. This is because the flexible brush bristles bend when there’s resistance in the hair strands rather than creating additional tension, she adds, meaning it’s less likely to break fragile strands. 

Neatly Flexi Detangling Brush ($1.25)

If your hair is in a fragile state or gets easily tangled, Dr. Kanwal says the flexible design of this brush makes it a great option for detangling without damage. 

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How often should you brush your hair? 

“I’m definitely on the side of brushing smarter, not more,” says Hannah Kopelman, DO, a dermatologist, medical director of New York City Dermatology and co-founder of DermOnDemand. “We’ve all heard about brushing 100 strokes before bed, but there’s no science supporting that advice. Excessive brushing can actually lead to split ends and breakage. I tell patients to brush when they need to detangle or style their hair. If it’s already smooth, there’s no reason to keep brushing.”

Dr. Kopelman also notes that hair texture matters. “For straight or wavy hair, once or twice daily is usually fine, but it’s not necessary for everyone,” adds Dr. Kopelman. “I often recommend detangling curly hair during washing rather than brushing it dry daily, since that can cause unnecessary breakage.”

The bottom line on Dollar Tree hairbrushes for thinning hair

Experiencing hair thinning can make you feel like your entire routine needs to change, including brushing. But as our experts confirmed, brushing can be an important part of a healthy hair routine when done right. That means picking the right hairbrush (like our budget-friendly Dollar Tree finds), not necessarily the most expensive one, and brushing in a way and at a frequency that makes sense for your hair texture.

Walking the drugstore hair care aisle can feel like a gamble when every bottle promises salon-level results for under $15. Beauty editors and professional stylists have weighed in on which drugstore picks are actually worth tossing in the cart for specific hair concerns.

Which drugstore shampoo is best for color-treated hair?

L’Oréal’s EverPure shampoo and conditioner line is the drugstore pick for color-treated hair, according to colorist and Nous Haircare founder Tylor Johnson.

Johnson told HuffPost, “I tell anyone who wants to go the drug store route to go for this line, as it has quality ingredients and is sulfate-free, so it will not strip your hair color.”

Giovanni Vaccaro, a New York City-based hair expert and Glamsquad co-founder, told the same outlet that many drugstore brands include “the same active ingredients used in professional products, like ceramides for strength, glycerin for moisture, and protective polymers for styling.”

What is the best drugstore shampoo for dry or damaged hair?

Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner is a top drugstore pick for dry hair, per Byrdie, while OGx Thick & Full Shampoo with Biotin & Collagen earns the same praise from Yahoo Shopping.

Shannon Stubbs, writing for Byrdie, said the Dove duo added shine, cut frizz and left her tester’s strands feeling “light and clean after air-drying.” She noted the conditioner smoothed tangled hair enough that her tester “was even able to finger-comb it with ease” after a two-minute soak.

Romolini, reviewing OGx for Yahoo Shopping, called the sulfate-free formula “ultra-hydrating, super-gentle” and packed with vitamins and proteins that help repair damaged strands while detangling. She ranked it “hands down the best shampoo we found at this price point.”

Beauty

Drugstore Hair Care Dos and Don’ts, According to Hairstylists

The debate has been going on for years: Is drugstore hair care bad for your hair? The internet, stylists and everyday consumers all seem to have different opinions, making it hard to know what actually is the truth. Not to mention that everyone’s hair is different, and therefore, will respond differently to different products. While […]

Which drugstore shampoo helps thinning or fine hair?

Pantene Abundant & Strong Shampoo paired with the Breakage Defense Conditioner is the drugstore pick from Allure for hair that looks thin or fragile.

Eliabeth Siegel wrote in Allure that the gentle-formula duo “makes hair look so much healthier and fuller.” The shampoo nourishes the scalp with panthenol and niacinamide, she noted, while the conditioner uses lipids to fortify strands against breakage over time.

Siegel added that the immediate payoff is a shine and lushness that she called “priceless,” making the pair a standout for shoppers worried about thinning but watching the budget. The combination is built to deliver visible results from the first wash and gradual thickening benefits with continued use.

What drugstore shampoo adds volume without weighing hair down?

Monday Haircare Volume Shampoo is the pick from Byrdie for lift that doesn’t leave hair looking flat or greasy, writer Shannon Stubbs reports.

Stubbs said the formula is “loaded with ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, coconut oil, shea butter, and macadamia oil” and delivers hydration without weight. Her tester Adi said the shampoo leaves strands feeling clean rather than stripped while giving roots the boost they need.

A little goes a long way, Stubbs added, noting the shampoo “lathers nicely, rinses easily, and imparts gorgeous shine.” For shoppers who want body without buildup, it’s a volume pick that works on fine and medium hair without sacrificing moisture.

What drugstore styling products handle frizz and heat protection?

John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum tackles stubborn frizz and unruly hair with a smoother finish and humidity control, while Not Your Mother’s All Eyes on Me 10-in-1 Leave-In Detangler folds heat protection up to 450°F into a daily styling spray.

The John Frieda serum should be used sparingly on fine hair, which can be weighed down by heavier anti-frizz formulas. For thicker textures that swell in damp weather, a small amount delivers a smoother finish without a trip to the salon.

Not Your Mother’s 10-in-1 helps detangle and smooth hair while offering heat protection up to 450°F, according to the product description. That makes it a one-bottle option before a blowout or curling-iron session.

You know the feeling. You’ve just finished your makeup, you’re heading out the door and suddenly a hot flash arrives like an uninvited guest. Within minutes, your foundation is sliding, your powder is patchy and the fresh face you worked so hard on has melted away. The good news? A few small tweaks to your routine can help your makeup stay put, even when your internal thermostat has other plans.

Makeup artist Laura Geller, creator of Laura Geller makeup—one of the few beauty brands made for mature skin—shares three simple, no-fuss tricks to keep your makeup looking great even when you have a hot flash. Each tip takes just seconds and works whether you’re at the office, out with friends or in the middle of a warm afternoon.

Laura Geller’s 3 best makeup tricks for hot flashes

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8 Best Makeup for Mature Skin Tricks

Just like we might make tweaks to our hair care and skin care routines as we age, our makeup routine likely needs some updating too. Thanks to changes in hormones, skin tone, bone structure and more, the colors, textures and techniques that once looked great on young, dewy, smooth skin can tend to exacerbate the […]

Start with a water-based primer

Your primer sets the stage for everything that follows, so this is where hot flash-proofing your makeup really begins. “I recommend using a water-based primer—it creates a lightweight base without adding extra oil to the skin,” Geller says. “When you suddenly start to heat up, your makeup is less likely to slide around.” 

Her other secret for staying power: When you feel yourself getting damp, resist the urge to wipe your face. Instead, gently blot with a tissue or blotting paper. Wiping drags makeup right off your skin, while blotting lifts away moisture and leaves your foundation exactly where you put it. It’s one of those small shifts that makes a big difference—and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.

Set it with a spray

“A great setting spray is a game changer!” Geller says. Setting spray is a true multitasker when hot flashes are part of the equation. It locks your makeup in place, adds a refreshing mist and—if you keep it cold—offers instant relief the moment a flash hits.

“When applied after your makeup, my Flashproof Anti-Hot Flash Makeup Setting Spray is helps keep your makeup in place for up to 18 hours, sweat and all,” Geller adds. Her smart trick: Stash the bottle in the fridge. When you feel the heat rising, a few spritzes cool your skin immediately and lock foundation so it doesn’t streak down your cheeks. 

Cool down with a chilled roller

For those times when a spray isn’t enough, Geller has one more trick up her sleeve: a chilled roller. “Freeze a jade roller or even a metal spoon and keep it tucked in the fridge door” so it’s always ready when you need it, she says. “Rolling it along the jawline and forehead calms redness and flushing without disturbing makeup.” 

The key is the direction: Roll from the center of your face outward. That way, you’re smoothing your makeup gently in place instead of dragging it across your cheeks. In a minute or two, your skin feels cooler, your face looks calmer and your makeup is still exactly where it should be.

Beauty

‘What Matters With Liz’ Episode 6: Laura Geller on Midlife Beauty (Excl)

“We’re in a cultural moment where aging is being rewritten—not as something to fight—but something to own.” Those are the words of celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur Laura Geller. In this episode of What Matters with Liz, the founder of Laura Geller Beauty, a pioneer in age-inclusive makeup, sits down with host Liz Vaccariello to […]

Your makeup game-plan when navigating hot flashes

Hot flashes may be unpredictable, but your makeup doesn’t have to be. With a water-based primer under your foundation, a chilled setting spray within reach and a cool roller waiting in the fridge, you’ve got a complete toolkit for staying polished through whatever the day throws your way. 

A version of this article appears in the November 9, 2026, issue of Woman’s World.

You followed the directions, waited the right amount of time and rinsed carefully—and still, the hair color staring back at you in the mirror is darker than you wanted. Before you panic, book a salon appointment or spend money on a pricey color-remover kit, take a peek inside your bathroom cabinet. The fix you need might already be sitting on the shelf: a bottle of dandruff shampoo.

Why dandruff shampoo works on fresh color

Dandruff shampoos are designed to cleanse more aggressively than the gentle, color-protecting formulas most of us reach for on an everyday basis. That extra cleansing power is exactly what you want when you’re trying to lift unwanted dye out of your strands.

When color is freshly applied, it hasn’t fully settled into the hair shaft yet. Each wash with a stronger shampoo helps lift a bit more pigment away, gradually bringing your shade closer to what you were originally hoping for. Think of it as rinsing out what you don’t want—one wash at a time—instead of trying to undo everything in a single harsh step.

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Start as soon as you notice the problem

Timing matters here, and the sooner you start, the better your results are likely to be. The fresher the color, the easier it may be to gradually fade before it fully settles in. If you’ve just finished rinsing and realize the shade is too deep, don’t wait a few days hoping it will magically soften on its own. Reach for the dandruff shampoo right away.

That doesn’t mean you need to scrub frantically or wash a dozen times in one day. A steady, patient approach (a daily wash over several days) tends to be gentler on your hair and scalp while still delivering results. Each wash chips away at the excess pigment a little more, so you’re easing the color down rather than shocking it out.

Don’t skip a deep conditioner

Here’s where many of us get tripped up: We get so focused on fading the color that we forget to care for the hair itself. Repeated shampooing with a stronger formula can leave strands feeling dry, especially if your hair tends to be fragile to begin with.

The simple fix is to follow every wash with a rich, moisturizing conditioner such as SEEN Deeper Conditioner. Smooth it generously from mid-length to ends, let it sit for a few minutes while you finish your shower and rinse thoroughly. If your hair feels especially parched after a few washes, give it a deeper treatment—a leave-in conditioner or a hair mask like Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask can work wonders—before continuing with your fading routine.

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A budget-friendly first step worth trying

What makes this trick so appealing is that it doesn’t require a special trip to the beauty supply store or a conversation with a colorist. Most households already have a bottle of dandruff shampoo tucked away somewhere, which means you can start the fading process the very same day you discover your color is darker than planned.

If the dandruff shampoo brings your shade down to something you can live with, you’ve saved yourself time, money and extra chemical processing. And if it doesn’t quite get you all the way there, you’ll have faded things enough that your next step—whether that’s a gloss, a trip to the salon or a milder remover—will have less work to do.

A version of this article appears in the November 9, 2026, issue of Woman’s World.

Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

If your part looks a little wider lately or your ponytail doesn’t feel as full as it once did, take heart: You’re far from alone. Hair can change as we age, and while seeing more strands in the brush can be discouraging, a little extra TLC can go a long way, and there are gentle, affordable ways to care for your scalp, minimize breakage and give your hair the support it needs to look and feel fuller, healthier and stronger.

What’s really happening to your hair after 40

Your hair naturally cycles through growth, rest and shedding, and losing about 100 strands a day is completely normal. What’s not normal is a sudden uptick—and that’s often a signal worth paying attention to.

“By the time women are in their 40s, there’s about a 40 percent chance that they can start to notice thinning,” says Christina Han, MD, dermatologist and medical director at XYON Health Inc. “And by the time they’re in their 50s, about 50 percent will notice increased thinning.”

Thyroid imbalances, PMOS and nutritional deficiencies can all disrupt the hair cycle and lead to excessive shedding, known as telogen effluvium. Han advises talking to your doctor if you spot a sudden change, because treating the underlying issue often turns things around.

Age plays a role, too—female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common form of hair loss in women, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, and it affects roughly two-thirds of women after menopause.

An Annals of Dermatology study also found that hair loss can seriously sap women’s self-esteem and lower quality of life, so if you’ve been feeling down about it, that reaction is valid—and worth addressing.

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Is Rosemary Oil Right for Your Hair Type and Porosity?

Rosemary oil can be an easy addition to a hair-care routine, but the way you use it may need to change depending on your hair and scalp. Fine hair can get weighed down by heavy oils, while dry curls and coils may appreciate a richer formula. Your hair’s porosity matters, too, so here’s how to […]

Does biotin really help?

Biotin shows up in nearly every hair supplement on the shelf, but the vitamin isn’t the magic bullet many women hope for.

“Biotin is a B vitamin—vitamin B7—that plays a role in energy metabolism and helps support healthy hair, skin and nails,” says Ross Kopelman, DO, a hair restoration surgeon in New York City. It’s naturally present in eggs, salmon, sweet potatoes, nuts, seeds and leafy greens, which is why most people already get what they need.

“Most people are already getting enough without even thinking about it,” Kopelman says. “That’s actually why I don’t typically recommend biotin supplements unless there’s a proven deficiency.” He also cautions that high doses can interfere with thyroid and cardiac lab tests and may trigger breakouts in some patients.

If you suspect a deficiency, trichologist Kerry Yates, founder of Colour Collective, points out that biotin does feed the follicle. “It’s known to improve the overall appearance and resilience of the hair, making it shinier, less prone to breakage and generally healthier over time,” she says. For most readers, a comprehensive hair supplement that pairs biotin with other nutrients—Kopelman mentions Nutrafol or Viviscal—tends to be more useful than biotin alone.

The kitchen staple that works wonders

For a hair treatment under $10, it’s hard to beat coconut oil. Dana Ionato, a colorist at Sally Hershberger NoMad Salon in New York City who’s worked with Jennifer Lopez and Scarlett Johansson, calls it a “miracle product” for hair. “Not only does it make your hair healthier, it prevents protein loss and penetrates deep into your hair cortex,” she says.

Stephanie Angelone, a hairstylist at RPZL Salon in New York City, agrees. “It has natural fatty acids that nourish strands, which make it a versatile product that I recommend to every client.” Coconut oil also brings antifungal and antimicrobial benefits that can ease dandruff, tames frizz by smoothing the cuticle and adds shine thanks to lauric acid.

To use it as a weekly mask, Angelone suggests scooping solid coconut oil and massaging it in—or warming it until melted and combing it through. Ionato recommends starting at the ends and working up toward the roots, letting it sit 15 to 20 minutes, then rinsing with shampoo. For a lighter mist, melt a tablespoon, combine with ¼ cup water in a spray bottle and spritz onto hair.

Wellness

How To Prevent Hair Loss in Midlife: Doctor-Backed Tips That Actually Work

Notice more strands in your brush lately or your ponytail falling flat? Us too. About 40 percent of women in their 40s notice hair thinning, and roughly 50 percent of us see it by our 50s, reveals Christina Han, MD, dermatologist and medical director at XYON Health Inc. The good news? Learning how to prevent […]

Smart drugstore buys for thinning hair

Price isn’t always a reliable guide to quality. “The idea that all drugstore products are bad for your hair is a misconception,” celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, founder of Laura Polko Los Angeles, says in her rundown of drugstore dos and don’ts. “However, there are a few ingredients you should watch out for.”

Watch labels for sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfate), silicones (dimethicone), heavy alcohols, parabens and phthalates. “Drugstore hair brands aren’t inherently bad but often use cheaper ingredients like sulfates or silicones, which may cause buildup or dryness,” says Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Renaissance Salon and Spa.

She recommends Pantene Pro-V Repair and Protect Shampoo for its balance of moisture and repair, along with L’Oréal Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Conditioner.

The bottom line

Healthier hair after 50 is less about one miracle product and more about the small, steady choices—protein on your plate, a few minutes of scalp massage, a weekly oil treatment and a careful eye on labels. If shedding doesn’t ease up, your dermatologist can walk you through options like prescription medications, laser therapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. You have more tools—and more time—than you think.

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

You know that look. You catch yourself in the bathroom mirror after a long day—or worse, a long week—and your skin seems to have lost its glow. It happens to all of us, especially as the years go by and as the seasons change. The good news? You don’t need a pricey facial or a cabinet full of serums to bring back some radiance. The brightening fix might already be sitting in your coffee maker.

This two-ingredient scrub uses what you’ve already got on hand, costs practically nothing and takes only a few minutes from start to rinse.

What causes dull skin as we age?

Dull skin happens when dead skin cells build up on the surface and keep light from bouncing off evenly. Add in lack of sleep, stress, hormonal shifts and the general wear-and-tear of daily life, and your complexion can start to look tired even when you’re feeling fine.

That’s where a gentle at-home scrub comes in. Giving your skin a quick, careful buff can help lift away that top layer of dullness and reveal the fresher, smoother skin underneath. And here’s the thing: you don’t need anything fancy. Two simple kitchen ingredients can do the work beautifully.

What you need for this DIY scrub (yes, it really is this simple)

Here’s your whole shopping list—which, honestly, isn’t a shopping list at all:

• ¼ cup used coffee grounds
• 1 tablespoon honey

That’s it. No special tools, no exotic ingredients, no trip to the beauty counter. If you made coffee this morning, you’ve already got half of what you need. Save those grounds instead of tossing them.

How to make and use your coffee scrub

Stir the ¼ cup of used coffee grounds together with the honey until you have a loose, grainy paste. Make sure your face is clean and bare—no makeup, no sunscreen, no leftover moisturizer—so the scrub can actually reach your skin.

Then, using a light touch, gently massage the mixture onto skin. The key word there is gently. There’s no need to press hard or scrub vigorously—the coffee grounds do the work for you. Think soft, circular motions, like you’re giving yourself a mini facial.

Carefully avoid the delicate eye area. The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your face, and it doesn’t need (or want) the exfoliating action of coffee grounds.

Once you’ve covered your face, let the mixture dry. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Pat your face dry with a soft towel, and follow with your usual moisturizer.

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The science behind why it works

The coffee grounds act as a physical exfoliant, buffing away the built-up dead skin cells that make your complexion look flat and tired. Think of it as sweeping the dust off a windowpane—suddenly the light gets through again.

Meanwhile, the honey is a humectant that locks in moisture for a smoother, more radiant finish you can see almost immediately. It also has antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds to help boost skin health.

And there’s a bonus benefit. Coffee naturally contains caffeine, an antioxidant that helps increase circulation and perk up tired-looking skin. So in addition to the gentle polishing and the temporary firming, your skin is getting a little wake-up call too.

Beauty

6 Ways to Use Baking Soda for Skin, Hair and More

Looking for an easy, affordable way to refresh your skincare routine? Say hello to baking soda! This humble kitchen staple isn’t just for whipping up cookies—it’s a secret weapon for glowing skin. From gently exfoliating dullness to reducing sweating and even nixing foot odor, baking soda for skin is a game-changer. But before you start […]

A few friendly tips before you start

A few things worth keeping in mind as you try this at home:

• Use used grounds, not fresh: Spent grounds from your morning coffee are softer and gentler on skin than dry, uncooked ones.
• Light touch always wins: Over-scrubbing can irritate your skin and leave it red. Let the texture do the exfoliating for you.
• Protect your drains: Coffee grounds can clog pipes, so you may want to rinse over a bowl first and discard the grounds in the trash, then do your final splash at the sink.
• Avoid broken skin: If you have cuts, active breakouts or any irritation, give yourself a break and wait until your skin is calm.

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

You know the feeling. You catch a glimpse in the mirror and there they are—tired, swollen eyes staring back at you after a long night or indulging in one too many salty snacks. Cucumber slices are the classic go-to for under-eye bags, but there’s a smarter home remedy that works faster, feels better and takes just two ingredients to make. Keep scrolling to learn how to get rid of puffy eyes in minutes.

Why your eyes look puffy in the morning

Puffy eyes are one of those small frustrations that can throw off your whole day. Sometimes it’s a restless night. Sometimes it’s the salty takeout you had for dinner, or seasonal sniffles or simply the fact that fluid tends to settle around the delicate skin under your eyes while you sleep. Whatever the cause, the tissues around the eye area are thin, sensitive and quick to show it.

The good news is that you don’t need a fancy eye cream to reduce puffiness. A little cool contact right where you need it can do the trick in minutes—and this freezer-ready version beats the old cucumber method hands down.

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How to get rid of puffy eyes in minutes

To reduce puffiness and bags under the eyes, all you’ll need is makeup sponges, rubbing alcohol and water—a mixture you’ll pop in the freezer. The genius is in the alcohol, which lowers the freezing point of the water so the sponges never turn into rock-hard little blocks. Instead, they stay soft and flexible enough to curve gently around the shape of your closed eyes, which is exactly where cucumber slices and other inflexible cold compresses can’t quite reach.

Because the sponges mold to your face, you get cooling relief in all the right spots: the inner corner, the arc under your lash line and that puffy pocket just above your cheekbone. 

Your simple, step-by-step guide

You can put a pair of these together in about two minutes, then stash them away for whenever you need them.

1. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a small bowl.
2. Soak two makeup sponges in the mixture until they’re fully saturated.
3. Wrap each sponge securely in plastic wrap.
4. Place them in the freezer and leave them until chilled through.

When you need them, unwrap one for each eye, close your eyes and press the sponges gently into place. Lie back for a few minutes and let the DIY cool compresses do the work.

Tip: Make a second pair and keep them tucked in the freezer. The moment your original set starts to warm up, you can swap in the cold backups without missing a beat. That little bit of planning stretches your cooling session as long as you want it, no waiting around for a refreeze.

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The bottom line on how to get rid puffy eyes fast

The best beauty tips are the ones that feel almost too simple to work. Two sponges, a few basic ingredients and a couple minutes in the freezer and you’ve got a reusable, soothing fix for puffy eyes that costs almost nothing. Keep a pair ready, and the next time your reflection catches you by surprise, you’ll know exactly what to do.

A version of this story appears in the November 2, 2026, issue of Woman’s World.

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If your hair used to be your crowning glory but lately feels dull, dry or straw-like, it’s not your imagination A survey from GenM and Schwarzkopf found that 35 percent of women ages 45 to 55 experienced hair thinning, 30 percent noticed less shine and 26 percent reported increased brittleness since entering menopause. The good news? Figuring out how to get shiny hair again doesn’t require a splurge at the salon. A few small tweaks at home can bring back the softness and sheen you miss.

Why midlife hair loses its shine

As we age, natural oil production on the scalp drops, which leaves strands thinning, brittle and dried-out. Our bodies also stop producing the cells that make melanin—the pigment that colors hair—which is why new growth often comes in white or gray with a coarse, straw-like texture. Add the fact that years of heat damage from blow dryers or styling tools can lead to frizzy hair. In simple terms, the hair you have now simply needs more TLC than the hair you had at 30. 

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Ready to bring back the healthy, glossy hair you’ve been missing? These smart tips can help:

Try overnight hair slugging

Hair slugging—saturating strands with a nourishing oil or conditioner, wrapping them in a cap or scarf and leaving it all on overnight—is a modern spin on the mayo-under-a-showercap trick your grandmother may have used.

“Slugging is popular for its ability to deeply hydrate the hair, leaving it moisturized and silky in appearance and touch,” says New York-based hairstylist Melanie Staucet. Think of it as an intensive type of hair mask that brings back softness and shine to dry hair. Slugging “can also help to mend split ends and even promote length retention in some cases,” adds hair restoration surgeon Alan J. Bauman, MD.

Pick your oil based on hair type. For fine hair, Dr. Bauman suggests lighter oils like marula or argan. Medium hair does well with castor or coconut oil, while coarser, drier strands benefit from heavier options like jojoba, grapeseed or almond. To do:

• Apply your hair oil of choice from roots to ends before bed
• Comb through
• Tuck strands into a shower cap, bonnet or silk turban 
• Rinse out with your usual shampoo in the morning

One caution from Dr. Bauman: Leaving heavy oils on the scalp overnight can clog follicles and lead to folliculitis, or redness, itching and small pimple-like pustules. So be sure to start slugging an inch or so down the hair shaft, away from the scalp, to avoid any potential irritation. 

Reach for red algae

A sea-based ingredient called red algae is drawing attention for its ability to make brittle hair glossy, suggests lab research in the journal ACS Omega.

“Red algae (Kappaphycus alvarezii) is a marine plant rich in natural biopolymers that can coat the hair strand, seal in moisture and shield it from environmental damage like heat,” explains Michelle Seguin, MD, a physician at Root Functional Medicine. In the study, hair fibers treated with topical red algae and tara extract appeared shinier, smoother and easier to comb. Dr. Seguin says the biopolymers form a film along the hair shaft that smooths the hair cuticle, reflects more light and reduces friction between strands.

Look for the ingredient in shampoos, conditioners or leave-ins such as Eva NYC Repair Ritual Strength Shampoo or Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner. Topical use is key: Farhan Abdullah, DO, notes that “the appearance of the hair shaft is generally determined by external conditioning rather than internal supplementation.”

Add hyaluronic acid to your hair-care routine

Hyaluronic acid (HA) isn’t just for your skincare shelf anymore. The humectant, which helps attract and lock in water, now shows up in shampoos, conditioners, serums and scalp treatments, part of a trend experts call “the skinification of hair.”

“Hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration, which is essential for maintaining healthy hair, but it also improves the appearance of dryness, damage or frizz,” says stylist Rogerio Cavalcante. It’s especially helpful for dry, frizzy, curly or thick hair, and it soothes dry, itchy scalps too. Cosmetic chemist Charlene Valledor recommends applying leave-in HA products to slightly damp, towel-dried hair for the best absorption. If your hair is fine or oily, scale back. When HA attracts water, it becomes heavier and can weigh delicate strands down.

Rinse with homemade rice water

Rice water, the starchy liquid left after boiling rice, has been used in some countries for centuries and costs just pennies to make. The water contains vitamin B, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc and a compound called inositol.

“Inositol also imparts a natural shine to the hair, making it appear smoother and healthier,” Dr. Bauman says. The starch and amino acids also help smooth frizz, reduce breakage and detangle strands. To do:

• Boil rice until the water turns cloudy
• Let it cool, then strain liquid into a mister bottle
• Spritz onto clean, rinsed hair
• Massage rice water into the scalp; let sit up to 20 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water

For coarse or curly hair, use two to three times a week; for fine or oily hair, use sparingly and keep it off the scalp.

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Rethink heat styling

New technology is changing the game when it comes to how to get shiny hair. Of course, you’ll want to start with a heat protectant spray or serum before blow drying or doing any type of heat styling. Now for the smart switch: If you’re due to new hair tools, consider switching to ones with infrared technology, such as Conair’s LED Infrared Thermal Brush. Infrared heat paired with ionic technology allows you to style at lower temperatures, which means less damage and frizz and more glossy shine.

The bottom line on how to get shiny hair

Dr. Bauman says consistency is key. Stick with these routines and that frizz-free, shiny hair you remember can absolutely be yours again.

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Color-changing makeup, meaning the pH-reactive lipsticks, balms, blushes and even foundations that shift shade on contact with your skin, is in the middle of a full revival. If the name Tangee rings a bell, that’s no coincidence. The category traces its lineage straight back to that familiar tube many of us remember from our mothers’ vanities and our own first makeup bags, and the chemistry behind today’s version is giving brands a story that reads as both nostalgic and genuinely scientific. Where it goes next will depend on how far pH-adaptive technology can stretch across the face, and how quickly the next viral launch can turn curiosity into lasting shelf space.

What’s happening with color-changing makeup

Color-changing products are stacking up across price tiers. Tom Ford sells the Soleil Lip Blush Balm with pH-Adaptive Pink Stain, a “24-karat gold-infused, hydrating lip balm that swipes on clear and then transforms to a sultry, personalized pink stain based on your unique skin pH.” At the opposite end, Essence is selling an Aqua Jelly Colour Changing Lipstick for $4.99. Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Blush Balm Lip Tints and the Sephora Collection Color Twister oil-in-stick extend the format to cheeks.

The trend has pushed past color cosmetics, too. Prime Prometics’ Color Changing Foundation for Mature Skin, sold at Ulta, promotes “color-changing technology that instantly adapts to your skin tone.” Luminess’ Liquid Mirage Color Adjusting Foundation + SPF 50 uses “tone-adapting micro-beads.” And the one that started it all, the original Tangee lipstick, is still sold through the Vermont Country Store, which also carries a Tangee color-changing powder blush for the loyal fans who never stopped reaching for it.

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Why it’s happening

Three forces are pushing the category forward.

The first is personalization. Dermatologist Dr. Kiran Sethi, founder of Isyaderm and author of Skin Sense, told Elle India that “pH-activated makeup basically uses a dye or chemical that changes color according to the skin’s pH.” Because every wearer’s chemistry is slightly different, the resulting shade is self-customizing, a feature that’s difficult for a conventional lipstick to match.

The second is the chemistry’s credibility. Cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson told Allure that “Red 27 is pH-driven,” explaining that “when it comes in contact with moisture, the change in solubility and pH causes the dye to turn bright pink.” That shared ingredient gives brands from drugstore to luxury a reliable technical backbone, and it’s the same science that made Tangee feel like magic generations ago.

“These dyes are able to act like pH indicators, meaning the color is unique to you.”
Natalie Mackey, CEO, Winky Lux

The third is social proof. The Youthforia BYO BLUSH Color Changing Blush Oil went viral on TikTok before the brand shut down, proof that a single reactive-color product can capture cultural attention almost overnight, and that the format travels especially well on video.

What could be next after the revival of color-changing makeup

Expect color-changing technology to migrate across the face. Lips were the proof of concept. Cheeks are mid-expansion through Sephora’s Color Twister and the revived Tangee powder. Complexion is where the real test lies. Prime Prometics and Luminess have already seeded the foundation category, and the Luminess line pairs its tone-adapting beads with SPF 50, a sign that brands intend to fold pH or tone-matching claims into functional base products, not just novelty items. Reader action. If you’re shopping for a new foundation in the next six months, check whether “adaptive” means pigment-encapsulated beads, pH-reactive dye or marketing copy. The three deliver very different results, and that distinction matters more as you shop for mature skin.

Expect another viral hit, and expect it to be fragile. Youthforia’s trajectory, explosive attention followed by brand collapse, is the cautionary blueprint. The next color-changing blush or balm to trend on TikTok will likely drive weeks of sell-outs, but the Youthforia story suggests virality alone isn’t enough to keep a brand solvent. Reader action. Before buying into the next viral launch, wait for a second wave of reviews after the initial unboxing cycle, and confirm the brand has distribution beyond its own site.

Expect the pitch to shift from novelty to skincare. Prime Prometics already markets its color-changing foundation as “hypoallergenic and skincare-infused,” and Ford folds a lip balm claim into its pH stain. The next competitive edge likely won’t be the color shift itself, which is already commoditized through Red 27, but what else the formula does, from hydration to SPF to barrier support. Charlotte Tilbury already markets its pH lip tints around moisture reactivity. Reader action. Read the full ingredient deck, not the shade claim. The color change is table stakes now.

The clear takeaway, color-changing makeup is no longer a gimmick revival. It’s becoming a platform claim, and the brands that pair pH science with real skincare benefits are the ones most likely to outlast the trend cycle. The fact that Tangee is still on shelves after all these years tells you the concept has staying power, if the formula earns it.

THREE SIGNALS TO WATCH
1. Any extension of a pH-adaptive formula from lip into cheek or complexion in the next product drop from Ford or Charlotte Tilbury.
2. The next color-changing product to trend on TikTok, and whether the brand behind it has retail distribution to survive the spike.
3. New foundation launches citing Red 27 or pH-reactive dye on the ingredient list, signaling the dye’s move from lip to full-face.

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