My whole TikTok #foryou page is people saying brown mascara is better than black mascara and vice versa. But what makes them different? Apart from their color of course?

The High School Bathroom: Why Fitting In Starts with Mascara

As a fifteen-year-old girl, fitting in is a need. If a group of people start a trend, everyone has a feeling that they need to do the same thing, so they aren’t the odd one out. And you almost never see any girl in high school who doesn’t wear mascara.

I see girls fixing their makeup and re-curling their lashes in the bathroom, while they talk about their terrible schedule for the day and what homework they haven’t finished. Meanwhile, I’m standing there staring at myself. Bare.

I remember that exact feeling whenI started doing my mascara when I was thirteen.

The first coat made me feel like I was putting on a security blanket. It made me feel confident and part of the gang, and I’ve never gone back.

When I started wearing mascara, I used a cheap, Walgreens one that destroyed my lashes. I wanted to fit in so bad. My eyes became red and very itchy, so in the end, all it did was hurt me.

Now, I never leave the house without doing my lashes; feeling confident in my own skin makes a huge difference in my mood.

After that poor experience, I asked my friends for their recommendations - I clearly needed something reliable and safe as my eyes are so sensitive and now I never leave the house without doing my lashes.

Brown vs. Black Mascara: What’s The Real Difference for Your Eyes?

Personally, I think they both suit me well. While the brown brings a softer look to my eyes, the black makes my eyes look very bold.

I usually wear brown mascara during the winter. This is because most of my cooler toned outfits are worn during the winter, and it brings a sense of warmth.

Finding the Right Formula: My Top Pick for Sensitive Eyes

My all-time favorite is Clinique High Impact Mascara. I was gifted this by my mom for Christmas, and I’m so grateful that I was given it. I feel like it is a lesser-known brand in my age group, but it works very well for me because it is formulated for sensitive eyes. It makes my lashes look long and full, while separating them and, even though my eyes are strikingly brown, they still need to be defined.

Why Maybelline Sky High is My Black Mascara Holy Grail

When it comes to black mascara, the Maybelline Sky High Mascara is my favorite. When I started really getting into mascara, I asked my friends for recommendations, and this was everyone’s top pick. I’m all about affordable makeup, and this mascara is never more than $11 at Target. Even though it’s cheap, it works well for my sensitive eyes, while still doing the job a good mascara needs to do.

How I Choose Between the Two

Some of my friends ONLY wear black mascara because they just want it to make their lashes look longer. Those who choose brown mascara prefer a more natural look.

Unsure of which one you prefer? I decide on the ‘vibe’ I am going for! Is it full on dramatic or less is more? This helps me determine which color to choose.

How Mascara Reflects My Daily Mood

I’ve come to understand that choosing between black and brown mascara isn’t just a beauty decision - it’s a mood decision. It’s less about how the pigment looks on my lashes and more about the way I feel about myself when I look in the mirror. Whether I want a bold or softer look, my mascara is a way to express exactly who I am ♡

Faylynn Messer is a freshman, competitive swimmer and THE LAB mentee focusing on skin-positive storytelling. As well as Maybelline Sky High Mascara, you’ll also find Byoma, Summer Friday’s, e.l.f and Laniege in her beauty stash.

Thanks for reading THE LAB by The Beauty Ed®. If you’d like to show your support, please consider subscribing 💌 And please share our work: it keeps thoughtful and truthful beauty journalism alive ♡

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What is Cosmeticorexia?

As a Beauty Editor, mum and also someone who has mentored teenagers throughout my 27-year career, there is no doubt that I am alarmed with the the skincare industry’s current obsession with under-18 consumers. But sadly, I'm not surprised. And now, it even has a name…

‘Cosmeticorexia’ has been making headlines. It has become the industry’s newest buzzword to describe the obsession that teenagers and children have about their skincare routines. An obsession that often sees them using inappropriate products that are not meant for their young, fresh and healthy complexions.

What is the truth about Cosmeticorexia? After 27 years in the industry, I've found it's not simply an "obsession," but a search for agency. While the media focuses on the $698B industry’s influence, The Beauty Ed® THE LAB, my proprietary mentoring group for Gen A and Gen Z students, has identified that for many teens, their skincare ‘obsession’ is actually a search for control and wellbeing rather than anti-ageing.

So while the “cosmeticorexia” headlines are busy panicking, they are missing the most important part of the story: the teenagers’ own perspective. And if we understand what is really going on from their point of view, I think that the industry - and the media - will realise that they need to give these cosmeticorexia "victims" a lot more credit.

Realities from THE LAB: They Seek Control Not Correction

While headlines paint a picture of children blindly following influencers into a “retinol trap,” the voices from THE LAB tell a different story. One of intentionality. For 14 year old Lexie, a multi-step routine is a foundational anchor to help her start her day.

They Seek Control & Self-Care In Their Skincare Routine

“My friends and I talk about waking up forty-five minutes early to do a multi-step skincare routine to limit acne and protect our skin barrier. Skincare is important to me because I feel that my skin is something that I can control.”

Lexie’s point of view is echoed by Donyae, 17, who uses her routine as a mental health tool: “It was one of the first ways I learned to care for myself. My routine gives me time to reflect, check in with myself, and appreciate my growth, personally and in my skin journey.”

THE LAB students prove that the “Sephora Kid” stereotype often misses the mark too:

The industry often assumes these kids are impulsive, but Kira proves the stereotype misses the mark on trust: “I often buy brands that work for my mom or sisters... I tend to not trust social media for recommendations since I find them distrusting most of the time.”

Similarly, Donyae completely upends the “Sephora Kid” stereotype of impulsive buying: “For skincare, I trust myself the most. I research ingredients, pay attention to my skin’s history, and introduce products slowly. I would much rather listen to my skin than hop on the bandwagon.”

Even Mauricio, the only male in THE LAB, views it through a lens of simple hygiene rather than cosmetic vanity: “I view skincare as very important to hygiene... I still like to keep it simple.”

A Call for “Whimsy” in a $698 Billion World

Perhaps Gen A’s most damning evidence against the industry’s “Cosmeticorexia” marketing spin comes from high school Junior Ana, who highlights exactly what the industry has stripped away: Fun.

“I hope to see more emphasis on bringing the fun and whimsy back to beauty,” Ana says. “I really want to make the whole idea of beauty less serious and more focused on what you want to do with yourself.”

Despite having skin struggles that required a clinical approach - using a mix of organic skincare like Eminence, a simple Dove bar, and Tretinoin - Ana’s perspective remains grounded in self-care rather than self-correction. To her, beauty is simply “spending time with yourself... in order to prepare yourself for the day.”

The Industry Pivot: Are Brands Finally Listening To Gen A?

Thankfully, some corners of the industry are beginning to pivot away from ‘collagen banking’ and toward the age-appropriate care that THE LAB mentees are calling for. We are seeing a new wave of brands that focus on ‘barrier-first’ beauty rather than ‘active-heavy’ correction.

Take Marks & Spencer, for example. They’ve just launched Fresh Elements, a range specifically designed for the 12+ demographic. With prices starting at £9.50, it offers the ‘shelfie-worthy’ aesthetic teens want, but with dermatologically approved, gentle formulas that focus on hydration rather than harsh acids. It’s a direct answer to parents who want to give their kids the ritual without the risk.

We are also seeing the rise of ‘founder-led’ transparency with indu, now a fast-growing teen favorite at Sephora. What makes indu different is that it was built alongside a teen committee - much like my own work with THE LAB - to ensure the products actually support the skin’s microbiome rather than overwhelming it.

And then there is the highly anticipated HIKU by Harper (Beckham). While any Beckham-backed launch will inevitably cause a stir, the focus here is reportedly on K-Beauty influences - a category known for its ‘skin-first’ philosophy, lightweight textures, and playful presentation. If Harper leans into not just the education, but also the ‘whimsy’ that Ana from THE LAB craves, it could set a new, healthier standard for celebrity-led teen beauty.

The Skincare Industry’s Missing Link For Gen A

As Gen Xers, our Saturday afternoons spent in The Body Shop were defined by a curiosity that ended at the tester pots. But we didn't buy the Eldeflower Eye Gels because we knew we didn't need them. Today, that "need" is being manufactured by an industry projected to hit $698.38 BILLION by 2026.

But as my mentees at THE LAB prove, you cannot manufacture authenticity and this generation is doing the work that many brands are failing to do: they are listening to their skin.

The beauty industry needs to stop treating Gen Alpha as “fodder” for the next trending headline and start treating them as the researchers they are. And if they want to solve the “Cosmeticorexia” crisis, the solution isn’t giving them more products - it’s giving them more credit.

A Beauty Editor and Gen A Mentor’s Perspective

In the world of beauty journalism, we often fall into the trap of looking at a trend from just one angle, and right now, ‘Cosmeticorexia’ is being viewed through three very loud lenses: the “panicked parents”, the “click-hungry” media and the “revenue hungry'“ brands.

Yes, we’ve heard the horror stories of ten-year-olds demanding Retinol, and we’ve seen the industry reports on the $698 billion gold mine, but if my 27 years in this industry have taught me anything, it’s that you can’t understand the headlines if you ignore the main protagonists.

That is why I started THE LAB. My mentees aren’t just a ‘demographic’ or a ‘slice of the pie’ - they are the ones living the story. And the reality I see is they are a generation searching for a bit of fun, a bit of control, and a lot of ‘whimsy’ in a world that has become far too serious for their young minds.

So in my opinion, if we want to solve the ‘Cosmeticorexia’ crisis, we have to stop talking about these kids as if they are helpless victims and start giving them the credit they deserve. They are the researchers, the ones with the curious minds, and the ones who will ultimately decide if the industry’s obsession with them is on the right course.

So when The Beauty Ed® was offered to test Gustav Fouche’s New Frizz Spritz Treatment, which some marketeers call ‘hair botox’, I was skeptical to see if it delivered. It promises to…

…soften frizz, restore moisture, and make the hair more manageable through heat and humidity.

Being someone with natural waves that are susceptible to frizz - especially because I now live in hot and humid Florida - I wanted to know which category this collagen-infused treatment fell into. Would it live up to the hype and the price tag? Or was it just a waste-of-time? And money?

As the salon is in London, I sent The Beauty Ed® Gen Z THE LAB mentee and fellow frizz-sufferer to try it out. Here’s her honest review:

What Exactly is a ‘Hair Botox’ Treatment?

After the fabulous response to my last visit to Gustav Fouche’s Salon, where I experienced my first 3D dry cut, I returned this week to test the salon’s newest launch: Frizz Spritz, an in-salon de-frizzing treatment.

Positioned as a softer, curl-conscious alternative to keratin, the treatment immediately intrigued me because I have spent years being told to try straightening treatments, yet I have avoided them, fearing that they would compromise my natural texture.

What appealed here was the opposite promise: it is designed not to straighten hair, but to soften frizz, restore moisture, and make it more manageable through heat and humidity.

Frizz Spritz vs. Keratin: Why I Chose a Texture-Safe Alternative

With my annual Italy trip nearing and my hair notoriously reactive to even the faintest suggestion of moisture in the air, the timing was perfect!

Rather than behaving like a straightening service, Frizz Spritz works more as a collagen-infused reparative gloss, borrowing from the technology behind advanced hair botox treatments. The formula is designed to hydrate hair by replenishing lost amino acids, proteins, and moisture, which then help to improve its softness and control without removing the hair’s natural movement.

This is not a keratin treatment! And it’s important to note this is not a miracle cure for 100% of frizz either. Instead, it refines your overall hair texture so curls and waves sit more polished and look more shiny. It’s meant to really help lessen frizz in humid conditions too!

Results are said to last up to three months, which makes it especially appealing as a pre-holiday salon treatment before spring and summer travel.

Starting from £260, it firmly sits in luxury territory, but for hair that struggles with dryness and weather-induced frizz, it offers something far gentler than harsher smoothing alternatives.

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Why I Wanted to Try It on My Own Hair

(the before)

My hair is naturally dry, dense, and deeply prone to frizz.

Years of heat styling, bleaching, and colour experimentation have left my curls permanently thirsty, and in humid weather, the situation escalates quickly. The slightest mist, breeze, or shift in temperature can turn it from defined to expansive within minutes.

I love masks and at-home treatments, but I had never tried an in-salon service specifically targeting frizz and hydration.

The Pro Tip: Why Your At-Home Products Might Be Blocking Your Results

The first step is a double detox cleanse, using a clarifying shampoo to strip away oil, residue, styling product, and anything that could block the treatment from penetrating properly.

This was one of the most useful takeaways from the appointment: even if you shampoo regularly, product build-up can still sit stubbornly on the scalp and lengths, especially if, like me, you rotate through oils, creams, leave-ins, and masks.

Once cleansed, the hair is rough-dried. At this point, I could already see my usual halo of frizz beginning to rise, which made the before-and-after contrast feel even more notable.

The Application: Why the Formula is “Violet-Blue”

The treatment itself has a striking violet-blue tone which I was quite shocked about! But after some research, I have learnt that the blue toning pigments help to ramp up the shine on dry, porous and frizzy hair like mine.

It is applied in meticulous small sections from root to end and then left to process for around 30 minutes before being rinsed out with water only. No shampoo nor conditioner follows.

The final stage is where the transformation really begins: a full blow-dry followed by straightening at high heat to seal the treatment into the hair and lock in the smoothing effect.

The Honest Verdict: Why You Might Want To Skip Mascara

One thing worth noting transparently: this is a strong professional treatment.

While nowhere near the intensity of keratin, I did find the formula made my eyes water during processing, and my mascara did not survive the experience entirely intact. That said, I’m unusually sensitive to strong scents and certain formulas, and the team were incredibly thoughtful, offering me a face covering and making sure I was comfortable throughout.

The sensation passed relatively quickly, and once the blow-dry began, all I could focus on was the shine at the root; it was almost lacquered.

The Humidity Test: Does it Work for Naturally Frizz-Prone Hair?

The full appointment lasted closer to three hours on my hair, rather than the suggested 90 minutes, but that extra time spoke more to the salon’s thoroughness and my hair’s length than anything else.

The immediate result was smoother, glossier, and noticeably more controlled hair, without that unnaturally flattened finish I had feared. Importantly, it still looked like my hair, just the most polished version of it yet.

The real test, of course, will come after my first natural wash and during humid weather, which is when my hair usually reveals the truth.

I’ve been advised to leave it untouched for three days before washing, so I’ll be updating on how the curls settle and whether the frizz remains controlled once the treatment has fully lived in.

For now, as a Notting Hill luxury salon treatment for dry, frizz-prone curls ahead of summer, it feels genuinely promising!

As an unapologetic Dior Beauty devotee, I wait for the house’s beauty drops with great anticipation, and the Dioriviera Summer 2026 collection may be one of its most visually compelling yet.

Putting these products to the test for The Beauty Ed®, I wanted to see if the latest creative vision from Peter Philips, Dior Makeup’s Creative and Image Director, lives up to the hype - especially for our growing community in the UK and the US who value a ‘skincare first’ ‘filtered’ finish.

Designed to channel the azure skies of Provence, this limited-edition collection features the standout 162 Summer Azur Palette - think luminous azure shadows, flushed bronze skin, and packaging adorned with raised daisies and the ladybug motif, a subtle nod to the maison’s longstanding relationship with luck and superstition (and also, coincidentally, a key feature of The Beauty Ed®’s branding)! 🐞

Naturally, I recreated an entire look using the collection, alongside some of Dior’s latest skincare and complexion staples, like Dior Solar SPF, to see how it performs beyond the campaign imagery. And yes, it is every bit as beautiful on the face as it is on the vanity.

(behind-the-scenes: Hermes, my cat opening my Dior parcel)

Skin Prep: The “Expensive Skin” Foundation

A good makeup look begins long before pigment touches the eye. For dry skin, especially, the difference lies in hydration, skin preparation, and a sunscreen that won’t flake under makeup, which is surprisingly rare.

I began with Dior Capture Totale Intensive Essence Lotion, which instantly gives the skin that expensive, lit-from-within sheen. The texture feels spa-like and cocooning, and I tend to reserve it for makeup days when I want the base to look especially luminous.

I followed with the monoi-infused Dior Solar SPF, which remains one of the most elegant sunscreens I own: weightless, glowy, and never chalky, even under concealer. Living in London has only made me more committed to daily SPF; grey skies are no excuse!

For lips, I prepped with Le Baume, Dior’s multi-use balm, which keeps everything soft before gloss or lipstick and doubles as my bedside staple.

Complexion: The Foundation-Free Riviera Bronze

For my base, I skipped foundation entirely and used concealer - Dior Forever Skin Correct (005 Neutral) - blending it over my face.

I’ve increasingly moved away from heavy base products, and this formula works beautifully for that: it provides enough coverage for blemishes and under-eyes, yet remains breathable enough to let the skin feel like itself.

The real star of the complexion, however, is the new Dior Forever Nude Bronze Glow (032 Pink Bronze).

The embossed daisy compact alone feels collectable, but the powder itself gives a believable Riviera warmth rather than a flat bronze.

*On fair skin, it works best applied subtly. I pressed it onto the cheeks first with fingertips, then diffused it with a damp sponge for a soft, sun-touched flush.

The Eyes: Recreating the “Riviera Blue”

The collection’s 162 Summer Azur palette captures that exact late-afternoon Mediterranean blue, somewhere between sky and sea.

I layered the pale blue shimmer across the lid first, before building the sky-blue pigment through the centre using my ring finger for maximum payoff. To create dimension, I deepened the crease with navy tones from older Dior favourites in my collection, creating a soft gradient.

The two additional palettes used:

1. DIOR PALETTE: 233 EDEN ROC

2. DIOR SHOW: PLAN DE PARIS L’ETOILE (Discontinued)

   

   To sharpen the shape, I turned the deepest blue shade into liner using an angled brush, which gave a softer alternative to black while still framing the eye.

   For inner-corner light and highlight, I reached for the Dior Backstage Glow Maximizer Palette 006, mixing the icy tones for that almost wet-look gleam Dior does so well.

   ---

   The Removal Test: The Product That Truly Surprised Me

   

   A good review doesn’t end with the final photo.

   After shooting the look well into the evening, I put L’Huile OFF/ON cleansing oil to the real test, and this may actually be the most impressive product in the entire routine.

   A few pumps melted through layers of concealer, SPF, blue shadow, liner, mascara, and lash glue with remarkable ease. What stood out most was not just the speed, but the after-feel. This is where Dior’s newer, more accessible skincare direction really proves its value. (If you want to understand the strategy behind this shift, read my full deep-dive on the Dior Cleansing Line here).

   Usually, after removing a full-glam look, my skin feels stripped and tight. This left it soft, comfortable, and genuinely nourished.

   🪭 For anyone who wears long-wear makeup regularly, this is where Dior’s newer, more accessible skincare direction really proves its value.

   ---

Read my full article on this range here:

Final Thoughts: Is the Dioriviera 2026 Collection Worth It?

For summer 2026, Dior has delivered exactly what luxury beauty should: colour, exceptional textures, and products that feel as considered in real life as they do in campaign stills.

The standout products for me were:

· L’Huile OFF/ON cleansing oil

· Dioriviera Summer Azur palette

· Forever Nude Bronze Glow

The eyeshadow palette, in particular, captures that rare balance of glam and wearability, a true Riviera blue that still makes sense in London.

And that, perhaps, is Dior beauty at its best.

In my 27 years as a beauty editor, stretching back to my days as Beauty Editor at teen magazine CosmoGirl! to the front lines of the ‘real beauty’ evolution during my stint at Boots UK, where I introduced a strict no-retouching policy - I’ve seen the industry move from hiding “imperfections'“ to slowly celebrating them. Fast forward to today, April 6 2026 and the Rhode x The Biebers drop feels especially full circle.

Introducing a new type of beauty accessory, “Spotwear,” Hailey and Justin Bieber have unveiled five limited-edition hydrocolloid patches (think mushrooms and daisies) designed to be seen, not hidden…

Hailey has reportedly been “precious” about this specific formulation since 2024, ensuring the hydrocolloid material is thin enough to move with the skin but effective enough to heal. It’s a sophisticated marketing pivot; she has moved strategically and smoothly on from last winter’s ‘Ski-Core’ aesthetic, to a $16 sticker that turns a skin struggle into a fashion choice.

Arriving just in time for Justin’s Coachella headline set, this isn’t just a product launch; it’s a masterclass in “wearable skincare.” And as a veteran editor, I’m looking past the viral $16 stickers to ask: has the “Bieber effect” finally made the common breakout a status symbol?

The 2005 Archive: When Spots Were “Bad Habits”

I’ve just dug out a copy of CosmoGIRL! from 2005 from my archives. Lindsay Lohan is on the cover, and inside is a feature I wrote titled “Bust Your Beauty Bad Habits.” My advice for a breakout back then? “Think about the damage you’re doing if you squeeze... then dab it with Superdrug tea tree oil.”

Looking at that advice now seems so outdated! We were effectively teaching a generation that a blemish was a “bad habit” to be “fixed” and hidden.

As high school Junior Donyae from THE LAB says: “I wear pimple patches not only because [they] help me feel more secure going out, but [they] also helps me stop picking at my skin which often leaves scars.”

2015: “No-Retouching” at Boots

By 2015, during my time with the British drugstore Boots editing the beauty and cover pages of their Health & Beauty Magazine, (an in-store glossy that was, back then, the most read women’s magazine in the UK), my approach around topics like breakouts and ‘flaws’ began to shift. I was radically committed to reality; and as the Beauty Director, I made sure that if a model arrived at a beauty or cover shoot with a spot, it would not be digitally erased or retouched out. Instead, we would do with it what we had to use in reality: cover it with concealer.

But oh how I wish Rhode “spotwear” was available back then! I’d have SO been down to quickly replace the concealer brush with a $16 mushroom shaped sticker! I am so here for this evolution of skin positivity!

Unlearning the Shame: Insights from THE LAB

The generational friction is where the “spotwear'“ story gets really interesting. While our generation was trained to hide, THE LAB collective is writing its own rules. Gia from THE LAB calls the Rhode x The Biebers launch “sharp marketing,” noting that for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, these patches have become a staple that genuinely boosts confidence. However, she still feels the generational gap at home: “It’s funny though, as older relatives, especially my dad, always tell me they’re not appropriate when I wear them out in public like at the airport.”

This sentiment is echoed by The Beauty Ed®’s Marketing Manager, Hayley Beard, who admits she was “trained from age 12” to never show a pimple. “I’m learning to embrace imperfections, but it’s a process. It goes back to how I was never allowed to leave the house in pajamas or without looking ‘presentable.’”

Yet, for the students in THE LAB, the goal isn’t male validation or “perfection” - it’s self-expression. As Avery Lurie put it: “I am not wearing makeup for male validation.”

The “Boy Behavior” Barrier & The Bieber Effect

Then, there is Justin’s influence to consider. He personally designed the five shapes, but can his “Coachella factor” truly shift typical “Boy Behavior” as Paloma from THE LAB calls it? She is skeptical: “I doubt my guy friends would wear pimple patches in public. They’re much bigger fans of the clear ones and they normally just wear them overnight or at home.”

High school Junior Donyae from THE LAB has her doubts with boys wearing them too: "I’m not sure many boys would actually wear spot patches. From what I’ve heard, some think they’re too feminine.

We will see the boys wearing a neon mushroom to a festival…and taking a picture for evidence!? 🍄📸

The “Spotwear” Wardrobe: What’s in the Drop?

Justin personally designed these five limited-edition shapes to move the blemish patch from a clinical “fix” to a festival-ready accessory. Here is the breakdown of the Rhode x The Biebers shapes:

• Mushroom

• Daisy

• Jelly Bean

• Bubble

• Curve

The Full Set costs $56 and includes the complete wardrobe of 30 patches plus the new Caramelized Banana Peptide Lip Treatment - a flavor Paloma from THE LAB is “side-eyeing,” but one I suspect will become an instant cult classic. And if this drop is anything like the Sarah Pidgeon campaign we wrote about earlier this Spring, we can expect the formula to be as high-performance as the marketing is shrewd.

The Individual Spotwear Pouch costs $16 - an accessible price point for a “designer” drop, but the students in THE LAB are already weighing it up against their current favorites. As high school Junior Diana perfectly summarized:

“I think spot patches are a great way for us to feel more comfortable with breakouts and to normalize it. I think $16 is reasonable, but I’m curious as to how it holds up against the brands I trust.”

It’s a reminder that even with the “Bieber effect,” performance is still the ultimate currency for Gen A.

The collection will be available to buy online at Rhode.com from April 13th at 9am PT.

The Beauty Ed® & THE LAB’s Final Verdict:

What we love most about the Rhode x The Biebers drop is that it proves that beauty is no longer about hiding; it’s about celebrating YOU! And after 27 years of trying to shout this message LOUD in an industry that was always obsessed with perfection, I am here for it! And so are THE LAB!

The Sephora Struggle: Hype Vs. Health

We are surrounded by trending products that we feel we should buy, but in reality, the popular products are sometimes not what works. Trends can lead to over consumption and are not built for everyone’s skin types.

The culture of modern beauty can lead to insecurities and feeling that you have to buy something just because your friends are talking about it. Walking into Sephora, I am overwhelmed by products advertised by influencers on social media, such as Drunk Elephant, Sol de Janeiro, and Summer Fridays.

The FOMO EFFECT: When Trends Break Your Skin Barrier

The popularity of trending products can drive us to make impulsive decisions. We buy products because of the hype around the trend, not because of the effectiveness of the beauty product.

For example, my friends were talking about The Ordinary, a brand that makes serums, oils, and other skincare products, so when we went to the mall, I felt like I should buy the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides), because my friends said it would benefit my skin. But after about a week of using it, I started to break out and I had to use alternative products to fix the damage - like the Laneige Cream Skin Mist Duo.

So I’ve learned that many highly advertised products can disrupt my skin barrier, cause irritation and lasting damage. Finding products that match your skin type involves a trial and error process. But it’s worth doing to find what works for you!

The Lip Balm Battle: Summer Fridays Vs. e.l.f

Popular products like Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm are circled by the glow of social media, but some people don’t want to spend $24 on a lip balm.

So step forward e.l.f. Cosmetics Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm. This budget-friendly makeup and skincare brand is cruelty free, vegan and affordable!

The Glow Reviver Lip Balm is a buttery tint with a glossy finish and isn’t shy in admitting it’s a dupe for Summer Fridays either. Under the details tab of the product, it states:

“$24 for a lip balm? do butter. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm is only $9!”

🫶🏼

Smart Swaps: Why We Love Dupes

There is no shame in buying products advertised on the internet. I have bought multiple lip balms from Summer Fridays, but it’s important to be aware that finding products to represent your true self is more important than letting the noise of your friends or social media affect your own ideas.

Rhode vs. MCoBeauty

MCoBeauty is another brand known for creating dupes. The MCoBeauty Hydrate & Prepare Milky Toner is considered a replica of Rhode’s Glazing Milk. McoBeauty’s toner is $13.99 for 4.73 ounces and Rhode’s glazing milk is $32 for 4.2 ounces. Falling for trendy products makes me feel like I’ve been duped by brands that promise to help my skin.

The glow around Rhode could be because the founder is Hailey Bieber, who is known to have perfect skin. And this can make us feel like we should have perfect skin too - but there is no such thing as perfect skin! It’s an impossible standard used to try to make us feel better about ourselves.

Great Skin Is About Owning Who You Are

Following trends can leave you feeling like you’re not good enough or you don’t fit in. This is why it’s important to keep in mind that fashion, makeup, and skincare is not a one size fit’s all.

Your image does not need to mirror the influencers promoting the product or models that seem to be perfect. Everyone deserves to look in the mirror and feel confident and proud of who they are.

The appeal of “hype” products can compromise your skin, waste money, and have a negative mental impact. Please don’t be stressed about what you put on your face when you wake up in the morning. Just find products that are right for you and ones that you can trust.

Lexie Stone is a freshman, competitive gymnast, and THE LAB mentee, focusing on feeling confident through your skin. You’ll find Laneige, Refy, Rare Beauty, and Makeup By Mario in her beauty supply.

Thanks for reading THE LAB by The Beauty Ed®. If you’d like to show your support, please consider subscribing 💌 And please share our work: it keeps thoughtful and truthful beauty journalism alive ♡

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The Beauty Ed®’s Note: In my 27 years as a Beauty Editor, I have seen the beauty industry slowly move away from trends that are obsessed with perfectionism towards ones that prize relatability and honesty. And the M.A.C x Xime Ponch partnership was a perfect example of this ‘unfiltered’ shift. The Beauty Ed® contributor Gia Yianni recently spoke to the Miami influencer about her work as a 2022 M.A.C Maker, her love for dupes, and the raw, bilingual reality of being a Spanish speaking creator.

Perhaps it is the heat, or the colour, or the way everything feels just slightly heightened, but spend enough time watching the city of Miami through someone else’s lens, and the gloss begins to give way to something more revealing. Not less curated, necessarily, but more aware of its own performance.

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with Xime Ponch, a Miami-based college student and Latina creator whose unfiltered, deeply relatable voice has earned her a multi-million-strong Gen Z audience across the US and Latin America.

From her work with M.A.C Cosmetics to everyday life in Miami, and the behind-the-scenes aspects, our conversation shifted between content creation, visibility, and what beauty looks like when it is lived rather than simply presented.

The Miami Aesthetic: How Xime Ponch Redefines Visibility in 2026

Xime’s content moves between languages, cultures, and audiences with an ease that feels instinctive. Whilst much of her content is in Spanish (with automated English translation available for her US audience), she has recently begun incorporating English more deliberately into her videos. That duality, between languages, between polished and personal, is what gives her work its traction.

It also speaks to something larger. For years, beauty has operated within relatively narrow visual codes: who is seen, how they are seen, and what is considered desirable have followed a recognisable pattern.

What creators like Xime do, simply by existing within the space as they are, is widen that frame. Not overtly, but meaningfully, enough for people watching to recognise themselves within it. Representation, particularly for younger audiences navigating identity through digital spaces, remains vital.

Inside the M.A.C Maker Programme: The Xime Ponch x M.A.C Cosmetics Collaboration

Given my own longstanding connection to M.A.C Cosmetics, and having grown up with a M.A.C makeup artist as a mother, this was the part of the conversation I was most curious about: Xime’s experience as a M.A.C Maker for M.A.C Mexico.

For those unfamiliar, the M.A.C Maker programme invites influencers to collaborate on limited-edition lipsticks, offering them full creative involvement, from shade development to packaging and campaign imagery.

Xime spoke candidly about the process, describing how surreal it felt to move from consumer to collaborator: designing the lipstick, selecting colours, shaping the packaging, and ultimately seeing the product come to life. The result: a limited-edition exclusive released in 2022, remains one of her proudest achievements.

One moment, in particular, felt universal. Reflecting on her relationship with the brand, she said:

She went on to describe going through her mother’s makeup bag as a child and recognising M.A.C Cosmetics products, a memory that makes her collaboration feel all the more full-circle. From engraving her name into the lipstick to touring across Mexico and meeting people who had purchased it, the experience extended far beyond product development.

What is striking is not simply the partnership itself, but the access it represents. The ability to move behind the scenes, to see how beauty products are conceptualised, developed, and brought to market, has for so long been closed off. Now, that process is becoming more visible, and with it, the industry feels less distant.

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Gen Z Beauty Economics: Addressing Accessibility & Product Dupes

For all the conversation around luxury beauty, there is an equally important one unfolding alongside it: access.

Beauty, at its best, should feel participatory. Yet price points, availability, and exclusivity often complicate that experience, particularly for younger consumers.

This is where Xime’s approach resonates. Alongside high-end recommendations, she consistently makes space for accessible alternatives, from drugstore staples to thoughtful “dupes” that achieve a similar effect without the same financial commitment. Not as a compromise, but as an acknowledgement of reality.

Most people are not building routines in isolation from their budgets. And creators who recognise that, who speak to both without judgement, are the ones audiences return to.

Why Unfiltered Content Remains The Future Of The Beauty Ed®🐞

At The Beauty Ed®, the idea of being “unfiltered” has never meant rejection; of beauty, of products, or of aspiration. It is about understanding what works, what doesn’t, and why, without over-complication.

What Xime’s content reflects, and what makes it resonate so widely, is that same clarity. There is polish, as there is with all content, but more importantly, there is space for honesty, for the in-between moments that make a recommendation feel genuine rather than performed.

As she put it:

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In a digital beauty space that can so easily tip into excess, that transparency is what builds trust.

Beauty is changing, though not always in ways that are immediately visible.

Sometimes, it shifts in tone, in who is speaking, and how they are being heard.

And sometimes, it is as simple as recognising yourself, your language, your experience, your reality, reflected back at you. That, perhaps, is where the real influence lies.

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Not subscribing today? You can still buy the team a coffee. We run on kindness, realness, and a frankly dangerous level of caffeine. Your support (big or small) keeps our beauty stories blooming🌟🐞

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Expert Hair.TOXX Review: Does Hair Cryotherapy Work? | The Beauty Ed® mentee Paloma tests the Hair.TOXX cryotherapy treatment at Haug London Haus. Featuring a deep dive into sub-zero hair science, avocado butter and hyaluronic acid ingredients, and real results for shine and frizz reduction. A real life verdict on the world’s first cold-plate hair treatment.

While my past few adventures with The Beauty Ed® have led me to gyms, I am extremely happy to report that my most recent press appointment was at Haug London Haus, where I was invited to try out a new hair treatment - an environment I happen to be MUCH more comfortable in.

I was trying out the world’s first cryotherapy for hair. Now, I know what you’re thinking: after my whole cold plunging debacle, I must have a penchant for the cold, but I really don’t. And spoiler alert: you do not feel the cold at all…and my hair looked fabulous at the end.

Some quick Hair.TOXX benefits:

• Reduces frizz

• Increases shine

• Does not use heat

• Strengthens hair at cuticle

What more could you possibly ask for?

The experience

I ventured into Fitzrovia on one of those sunny, early-Spring days that make you feel really grateful to live in London. Haug London Haus is tucked away behind New Oxford Street so you already know the location is fab to do some window (or real) shopping afterwards.

When I arrived for my Hair.TOXX appointment, I was told Katie was doing my hair - she was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable on all things cryotherapy and we chatted all things hair throughout the session which made it fly by.

‼️ I’ll keep this next part brief so as not to bombard you with the science:

We started with a double shampoo, which is more of a luxurious experience than you’d expect. We chose a clarifying one to really prep my hair for the treatment.

Then, Katie applied the Hair.TOXX mask to my wet hair, section by section, to ensure literally every single strand was coated. The mask is packed full of super-ingredients like avocado butter, hyaluronic acid and açai berry, which all contribute to healthy, moisturised and shiny locks (the most intriguing part of the invite was the promise of getting my hair up to 264% shinier - a bold claim, but I’m listening). The ingredients also help combat the wear and tear of daily life, like pollution, heat damage and London’s hard water.

Once Katie applied the mask all over, the cryotherapy began. Cryotherapy has been loved by wellness fanatics for quite some time, and in this case, it quickly freezes the mask’s benefits into your hair.

The tool looks like a hair straightener - one plate is coated with a thin layer of frost and the other with LED lights to activate the ingredients. They pass through each section of hair, again not missing a single strand.

Once your hair is successfully frozen, they rinse out the mask and finish the appointment with a blow-dry.

The whole appointment lasts around 45 minutes - most hair masks have to sit in your hair for at least an hour to be able to see a difference so this is definitely time effective. They even sent me home with a bag of Hair.TOXX goodies to maintain the treatment!

Post treatment (AKA, “someone please compliment my new hair”)

The day after my appointment, I had uni, and the first thing one of my friends said to me was “You’ve done something to your hair!”

For journalistic purposes, I made her tell me what exactly she noticed. She said it looked really shiny and even thought I had dyed it - proof that the treatment adds life back into your hair, and really, can you ask for more? Naturally, I launched into a whole explanation of my hair appointment.

Is Hair.TOXX worth it?

A treatment like this one costs £140, with the effects lasting up to five weeks, and I’ve definitely noticed a difference in how my hair feels. I will say, my hair is naturally straight and not prone to frizziness, but since the treatment, I’ve washed my hair three times, and the effects haven’t worn off. It’s definitely smoother, softer and more hydrated.

That said, it’s definitely more of a treat-yourself moment than a regular essential. If you’ve already got fabulous hair, you might not see a change drastic enough to justify the price.

My Final Verdict

I did wonder if this was yet another marketing ploy, and was worried I’d be underwhelmed. But (unfortunately for your bank account), I’d definitely recommend this treatment if you're looking for something to add life back to dull, frizzy hair.

I’m thinking it’s the perfect treatment before an event, after too much heat or dye-job damage, or when your hair / life feels like it needs a reset.

xx P

Disclaimer: This was a gifted treatment from Haug London Haus, but all opinions are my own!

Hair.TOXX is slowly rolling out to salons in the UK and US. Visit their website to find your nearest Hair.TOXX salon.

Thinking of trying? Let us know if you have any questions in the comments ♡

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Last month, Half Magic Beauty, the cult brand founded by Euphoria’s Emmy-winning makeup artist Donni Davy, launched in Sephora UK, bringing its signature glitter-heavy, high-pigment aesthetic to a new audience.

With Euphoria set to return this April after a four-year hiatus, beauty is once again turning its attention to the show that redefined Gen Z makeup: expressive, maximal, and unapologetically experimental.

As both a long-time viewer and someone drawn to bold, high-glam beauty, I tested some of Half Magic’s most talked-about products to see whether they translate from screen to real life.

What Is Half Magic Beauty? The Story Behind Donni Davy’s Brand

Half Magic is a vegan, cruelty-free beauty brand rooted in creative expression. Founded by Donni Davy in 2022, the head of department and visionary behind Euphoria’s most iconic looks, the brand adores bold pigments, experimental textures, and, above all, glitter.

Recreating the Iconic Jules Makeup Look That Defined Euphoria Season 1

Davy’s work is defined by its ability to evoke emotion through makeup alone. From rhine-stoned lids to iridescent washes of colour, each look feels deeply character-driven.

One of the show’s most enduring beauty moments appears in Season 1, Episode 6: Jules, played by the beautiful Hunter Schafer, in a gold-foiled, angelic look.

Glitter brows, golden eyes, and a soft glow combine to create something ethereal yet grounded, a perfect example of how Euphoria blurred the line between fantasy and everyday beauty.

As Davy described it on her Instagram:

“I wanted to evoke something ethereal, romantic, and gothic.” (@donni.davy)

Product Review: Testing the Most Viral Half Magic Makeup

Products used:

• Glitterpuck (eyes + face)

• The Wing Hack Set

• Magic Drip Glitter Lip Gloss

1. Half Magic Glitterpuck Review: Does the Viral Glitter Live Up To The Hype?

The Glitterpuck is easily the hero product.

Unlike traditional glitters, this water-infused pressed formula has a soft, almost cushion-like texture that makes application easy. I used my fingers to tap it onto the lids and build intensity.

What sets it apart is the finish: reflective and dimensional without falldown. It sits somewhere between a gel and a powder, meaning it glides on smoothly but stays in place.

I used the shade Glimmer Pop across the lids, pairing it with a deeper purple eyeshadow underneath the eyes to create definition.

The result feels wearable, but still distinctly Euphoria-coded!

2. Mastering the Graphic Wing: Magic Flik Eyeliner and Flik Eraser

Given Donni Davy’s reputation for graphic liner, expectations here were high.

The Magic Flik eyeliner delivers immediate payoff, an ultra-black pigment that pops in a single stroke. It’s particularly effective layered over shimmer or glitter, where weaker formulas tend to disappear.

As someone who gravitates towards a thicker, more dramatic liner (often inspired by Lana Del Rey), I look for precision and intensity, and this delivers both.

The Flik Makeup-Correcting Pen is where the practicality comes in. Instead of reaching for micellar water and reworking the entire eye, this allows for small, controlled corrections. The paddle-shaped tip makes it especially easy to sharpen edges or clean up flicks without disrupting the rest of the makeup.

3. Magic Drip Glitter Lip Gloss: The Y2K Aesthetic Reimagined

To finish the look, I used the Magic Drip Glitter Lip Gloss in Y2K Cherub.

Glittery gloss is firmly back, and this leans fully into that early-2000s energy, with high shine and multidimensional sparkle, without the heaviness or stickiness that often comes with glitter formulas.

Worn alone, it gives a soft wash of colour. I prefer putting it over a nude lipstick for more of a statement look!

My Verdict: Is Half Magic Beauty Worth the Sephora UK Hype?

If there’s one product worth trying, it’s the Glitterpuck. It’s rare to find a glitter that is easy to apply and highly pigmented without the usual mess. It translates the Euphoria aesthetic into something that works beyond the screen.

With Euphoria returning this April, it feels likely that this kind of maximal, emotionally-driven beauty will resurface again. If so, Half Magic is already ahead of it.

(I was kindly gifted these products by the PR for this review)

A new “Beckham” beauty dynasty is in the works, and this time, the driving force isn’t Victoria. Or David for that matter. It’s 14-year-old Harper Seven. But has her dream really come true? Or is it really a dream of her parents?

Because while news of Harper’s HIKU line - a brand reportedly inspired by the glass-skin perfection of Korean beauty - has sparked headlines and excitement, the conversation inside THE LAB, my Gen Z & Gen A mentorship programme, has taken a more reflective turn.

For nearly three decades, I’ve watched beauty companies rise and fall, many of which were often built on little more than a celebrity name. But for me, this story feels close to home. When I worked on the launch of teen magazine CosmoGIRL! back in 2001, my mission was clear: to provide inspiration to girls responsibly. Back then, we fought to celebrate “flaws” and encouraged our readers to stop striving for an impossible perfection.

Twenty-five years later, my mission hasn’t changed; it has simply evolved into THE LAB. Through this mentorship program, I’m seeing the same cravings for beauty, but in a digital landscape that is far more complex. And to understand what this generation really thinks of a 14-year-old’s K-Beauty dream, I’m passing the mic to my students.

The Bazaar Effect: Why We Root for Harper

If you watched Harper Beckham present her mum with the Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Harper’s Bazaar ceremony in November 2024, you saw exactly why we consider her a breath of fresh air. She was lovely, articulate, and - most importantly - refreshingly natural.

In an industry that often demands 14-year-olds look 24, Harper’s consistent “no-makeup” look (save for a bit of clear brow gel or a lip tint) feels like a modern continuation of what I championed back in 2001. She’s never in heavy makeup, and she carries herself with an aura that isn’t fake or manufactured. Personally, I’ve always thought she’s a great role model for her age. She proves that you can be “the most famous girl in the world” and still look like a teenager.

But as the news of HIKU breaks, it raises another, more difficult question: Who is she doing this for? Is this Harper actually doing it for herself, or is she doing it for "Brand Beckham"?

Industry Vibe Check: The Preschool PR Machine

The speed at which beauty’s “target demographic” is getting younger is nothing short of ‘cringe’ and ‘crazy’. While we discuss Harper Beckham at 14, the industry is already looking younger. Hayley Beard, The Beauty Ed®’s NYC-based marketing manager, points to a viral moment from this very week as proof:

“I also think this taps into young skincare again. This week Arielle Charnas posted her daughters opening their first Summer Fridays PR box—it was for their first-ever fragrance, Sunlit Vanilla. But they are YOUNG. I feel like it’s just getting to be crazy.” — Hayley Beard

@arielle_charnasOur first #PR #UNBOXING 🫶🏼 @Summer Fridays @Olive & June @The Hair Edit @Katiejnyc

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Gia, our Gen Z contributor, agrees. Seeing children - some barely 5/6 years old - unboxing luxury perfumes creates a strange new reality. When brands begin sending luxury PR to toddlers, the generation dividing line gets a little blurry.

The Generation Dividing Line: “We don’t do it for anyone else.”

One of the most common threads in THE LAB’s feedback is their clear motivation for embracing makeup and skincare: they do it for themselves.

As 14-year-old Donyae put it: “We don’t do it for anyone else.” They see skincare and beauty routines not as a means to vanity, but as a path to healing and control.

• Donyae notes that “skincare and beauty routines are forms of healing... approaches that allow us to build confidence and establish healthy habits.”

• Jill defines “feeling like yourself” as “following routines and styles that bring you joy independently of others’ opinions.”

So, if Harper is like her contemporaries in THE LAB, then maybe she is doing it for herself - but is she adult enough to know what is right for her?

A 14-Year-Old CEO? “I actually feel a bit sorry for her.”

This is where the conversation gets a bit sticky. When I asked about the prospect of a 14-year-old leading a global business, The Beauty Ed®’s Gen Z contributor Paloma offered her honest perspective:

“She seems so young to have a business. I actually feel a bit sorry for her.” Paloma

It’s a poignant reminder of the pressure that comes with being a Beckham. While it looks glamorous on Netflix and Instagram, the reality of “Brand Beckham” is something that Harper’s brother, Brooklyn, has recently spoken out about in not very forgiving terms.

The “Cringe” Factor and the Brooklyn Warning

It is hard to ignore the “cringe” factor of the HIKU name (which translates to “repulsed” or “turned off” in Japanese slang), but it is even harder to ignore the words of her brother, Brooklyn.

His bombshell statement that “Brand Beckham comes first” and that his parents “value public promotion above all else” reveals a family dynamic where love and commercial interest can feel intricately linked. If a 26-year-old man feels “controlled” by the family brand, what does that mean for a 14-year-old girl whose name was trademarked at age five?

The Marketing Dilemma

It isn’t just the teens in THE LAB who are questioning the strategy. Hayley captures some of the industry’s skepticism perfectly:

“I love the idea of having a hunger at a young age to start building their future, but I do question the authenticity and if she’s more so the face and the longevity in the future.” Hayley Beard

Hayley’s point hits home. If Harper is just “the face,” the brand lacks the expert authority that Gen Z and Gen A demand.

And when I looked at the responses from THE LAB, a clear pattern emerged: they don’t want a “face”; they want a formula. Donyae mentioned she prefers creators who focus on “realistic routines and ingredient education rather than perfection,” while Kira admitted, “I tend to not trust social media for recommendations since I find them distrusting.”

The “Name-Free” Paradox

There must be a deliberate choice in the branding of HIKU: the “Beckham” name is missing. On the surface, it feels like an attempt to let Harper stand on her own feet. But the brand is managed by H7B Limited, a name referencing Harper Seven Beckham - a trademark Victoria registered when Harper was just five. By omitting the surname, are they protecting her identity, or are we witnessing the birth of a “stealth nepo-brand” designed to bypass the skepticism of Gen Z?

The “Mom” Authority

Interestingly, when THE LAB’s Gen A girls want real advice, they don’t always look to TikTok icons - they look to their moms. Just like Harper is heavily influenced by Victoria, the girls in THE LAB cite their mothers as their primary source of beauty truth:

• Charlotte looks up to her mom because “she always encourages me to be myself.”

• Faylynn trusts her “mom’s beauty recommendations” because they are “honest and true.”

• Ana sees her mom and sister’s routines as a way to “carry confidence.”

This is the Beckham paradox. Harper has the ultimate beauty mentor in Victoria, but if HIKU is seen as a “Brand Beckham” trend rather than an ingredient-led authority, it risks falling into the trust of the parents who are actually the ones that will be buying it for their kids.

The Beauty Ed’s Verdict: Responsibility in the Spotlight

Harper Beckham is a natural star - we saw that on the Bazaar stage - and she will no doubt be a great “face” and “voice” for the brand. Plus, we really admire Victoria’s incredible hustle - her work ethic must give Harper lots of inspiration.

So we hope HIKU’s launch and strategy is done wisely and responsibly. That they partner with credible experts that help to educate their customers about skincare and beauty in an aspiring, age appropriate way. There really is a need for that!

We respect the hustle, but we don’t want to see “Brand Beckham” sell out into another nepo-brand in the vein of the Kardashians.

Good Luck Harper ♡

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I have been doing competitive gymnastics for nearly my whole life. I train for four hours every day of the week. Keeping my hair healthy is a common struggle among most gymnasts.

I hear my friends say they have to wash their hair every night, which is a routine that can be hard to keep up with and can also cause damage. As a 14-year-old girl, I want my hair to stay healthy, but I also don’t have time to keep up with a long routine.

The Florida Gymnast’s Struggle: Chalk vs. Humidity

Gymnastic chalk, which is made up of magnesium carbonate, absorbs my hair’s natural oils and leaves it feeling like straw and creates tangles, causes breakage, and frizz.

Often it’s a challenge to remove, so I have to apply deep conditioner almost every day. Chalk also dries out my scalp, so using products to restore moisture is necessary for me.

As a gymnast, I tumble and dismount into foam pits which are almost never clean and collect dust and sweat. They are made with harsh chemicals like flame retardant, which is bad for hair and skin and cause scalp irritation.

Breaking The Grease Loop: Why Washing Your Hair Everyday Is A Trap

Washing your hair every day is the best way gymnasts can fix this problem, but it’s still not the best solution. It strips away natural oils and leads to damage over time. The scalp reacts to oils leaving your hair and causes greasy-ness.

Foam Pit To The Classroom: How To Survive The School Day With Confidence

As a teenage girl, going to school with greasy hair can make you feel self-conscious and the fear that people will judge you. Naturally, being a human, people will judge you, but you should find confidence in the fact that you’re just being yourself.

A way to combat the damage is using hair masks, hair oil, and leave in conditioner, but with hours of practice and hours of homework, I don’t have the time to construct an entire hair routine, plus using multiple products everyday can get expensive.

Instead, I use three products twice a week. I have tried many different things, such as Monday Haircare and Herbal Essence, but both left me with the same flaky scalp and dead strands of hair.

The 3 Product Moisture Reset: Amika, Moroccanoil and Pureology

After trial and error, this is the 3 product routine that works for me and many of my teammates:

1. Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask: it contains vitamins and nutrients that deeply condition and soften hair strands. I leave the mask in for five minutes before washing it out, and soon I feel hydration being restored. I trust Amika products because they are cruelty-free and certified vegan.

2. Moroccanoil Treatment Original Hair Oil: this is infused with argan oil and is designed to smooth frizz, detangle, and condition. This oil helps me manage my hair and doesn’t give me a greasy look. Using this oil, makes me feel more confident one step closer to shiny and healthy hair.

3. Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray: I love that this can also act as a heat protectant against styling tools. The product covers from the root to the end of each hair and the main ingredient is coconut oil, which helps with repair and traps essential proteins.

Own Your Hair With Confidence

Having healthy and strong hair will boost your confidence and limit breakage, dry scalp, and split ends. Some people use products because they are considered popular or because their friends are using them, but you’re better off finding the products that work for you.

Remember: every girl is different. What fixes one girl’s problem could cause problems for someone else. Owning who you are is the best way to take control of your life and your hair.

Lexie Stone is a freshman, competitive gymnast and THE LAB mentee focusing on feeling confident through your hair. As well as Amika, you’ll also find Laneige, Refy, Rare Beauty, and Makeup By Mario in her beauty supply.

Thanks for reading THE LAB by The Beauty Ed®. If you’d like to show your support, please consider subscribing 💌 And please share our work: it keeps thoughtful and truthful beauty journalism alive ♡

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Since this past summer, I have been on the search for a highlighter that makes my cheeks look like Tinker Bell is sitting on top.

Fortunately, Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Beauty Highlighter Wand may give the pixie dust glow that I have been searching for.

The Application & Texture

In the shade light (aka original), and generally retailing for $44, it provides a luminance that reflects off your cheeks, similar to that of a celebrity’s cheekbones in an instagram post.

Nonetheless, with a small amount, the highlighter can also look incredibly natural. Keep in mind, I have fair, eczema-prone skin and prefer to use this product with an extremely light pink liquid blush: Flower Knows’ Strawberry Cupid All Day Glow Liquid Blush in shade Frosty Strawberry

The glitter is soft, not chunky, causing the highlighter to come across as shiny rather than sparkly.

The wand makes for an application similar to a liquid blush and is easy to blend with a beauty sponge, creating a seamless application.

I would like to add: the highlighter does not pair well with a powder blush underneath, so you may want to consider applying the highlighter before the powder blush.

The ‘School Air’ Reality Check

The formula is very thick but feels weightless on the skin. Regardless, I can attest that the highlighter does not withstand “school air,” and only lasts about a couple of hours.

Unless you have a miracle of a setting spray, Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Highlighter Wand will not survive all day - a little disappointing for the price.

Overall, the highlighter is really nice for a cute selfie, brunch, or a couple of hours at a formal event, but certainly not for 8-hour-plus wear unless your setting spray is fully trustworthy.

✓Pros

• Easy to apply

• Perfectly shiny

• Layers well with liquid blush

• Works well with fair skin

⛌ Cons

• On the pricier side

• Doesn’t pair as well with powder

• Will not last all day

Avery Lurie is a junior, beauty content enthusiast and THE LAB mentee who enjoys writing makeup reviews and opinions on beauty culture. You will most likely see Flower Knows, e.l.f, and M.A.C on her vanity.

Thanks for reading THE LAB by The Beauty Ed®. If you’d like to show your support, please consider subscribing 💌 And please share our work: it keeps thoughtful and truthful beauty journalism alive ♡

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As tempting as it sounds to skip SPF before a two-hour practice in the Florida heat, I advise you to put it on anyway. The long-term effects suck. I speak from experience.

During my first year of playing flag football for my school team in the fall (practices lasted 2 hours, from the beginning of August until mid-October), I noticed some discoloration around my lips. I thought it was just that my lips were dry, and that was somehow affecting the skin around them.

Is Your “Slugging” Routine Making Your Skin Bad?

So, like any other sensible 8th grader, I went to Walmart with my dad, got a tub of Aquaphor and Vaseline, and applied them every night before bed. If anything, it got worse after that.

The rashes became more flaky and spread to both my eyes and in cracked patches around my mouth. My self-confidence completely shrunk; I had no idea what was happening to me. At first I thought it was an allergic reaction to the Aquaphor, so I completely stopped using petroleum-based products. I’ve since done some research and learned from this article in Medical News Today, that Petroleum jelly is an occlusive, meaning it forms a waterproof seal over your skin.

And for an athlete like me, practicing for two hours every day in Florida, this seal trapped heat and sweat against the skin. This ‘greenhouse effect’ just made the inflammation and irritation worse, especially in sensitive areas like the mouth and eyes.

I then switched to natural alternatives like castor and coconut oils, but I ended up looking really oily all the time, and once the oil dried up, it was right back to square one.

The Dermatologists Verdict

I eventually cracked and spent an entire day begging my parents to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. The dermatologist told me that I was facing facial eczema, which has no real cure, but hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid medication, could be a temporary aid. Eventually, it faded away within 3 weeks of applying thin layers of hydrocortisone on the dry patches.

My eczema breakout lasted from September 2024 to March 2025 and it was ultimately all caused by my failure to wear sunscreen during practice. The sun exposure to my face dried out my skin and led to cracks and flakes in specific areas.

Why Sun, Salt & Sweat Made My Skin Worse

The salt from my sweat did not make matters any better and as Dr. Peter Lio, who is the Assistant Professor of Pediatric Dermatology at Northwestern University, explained in this article for the National Eczema Society, sweat actually makes our skin more ‘penetrable,’ allowing salt and bacteria to sink deeper into the barrier than they usually would.

Although most people find that the sun can soothe eczema and help patches itch less, some find that during the summer months, they see an increase in the spread.

The underlying fact here is that all of our skin is different, but you can never be too safe. Prolonged moments in the sun should not be ignored. Wear sunscreen.

Kira Damani is a freshman student, varsity basketball and flag football player and THE LAB mentee focusing on skin-positive storytelling. You’ll find Laneige, Makeup by Mario, L’Oreal Paris, and Laura Mercier in her beauty stash.

Thanks for reading THE LAB by The Beauty Ed®. If you’d like to show your support, please consider subscribing 💌 And please share our work: it keeps thoughtful and truthful beauty journalism alive ♡

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In America’s unspoken guide to being attractive, tanning has sprung to the top of the list. We soak up the sun, salute the spray tan and turn up to the tanning bed. Despite the time and energy we spend trying to improve it, not everyone realizes the true cost is their skin.

According to the FDA, extended time in the sun can lead to severe eye damage and variations of skin cancer, from basal and squamous cell carcinoma to melanoma.

The Biology Behind The Burn

“All three [cancers] can be dangerous. Squamous cell will metastasize more readily than basal cell and can kill you more often than both basal cell and melanoma,” Anatomy Teacher Lisa Peck said:

“People who have melanoma and don’t check their skin regularly usually have a seizure and go to the hospital. They’re diagnosed with a brain tumor, but they find the melanoma, and they realize that it has metastasized to the brain. At that point, there’s no chance of survival.”

Additionally, the Advanced Dermatology and Skin Care Center notes that tanning beds can pose health risks, including immune system suppression, photoaging and more.

Spray tans aren’t off the hook, either. The National Library of Medicine states dehydroxyacetone (DHA) - the main chemical in fake tanners - creates the browning effect, which is potentially genotoxic, meaning it can damage cells’ internal genetic material.

Benefits of Moderate Exposure

While the sun may be burning us to a crisp, it does have some lit benefits. A moderate exposure to UVB enhances our bodies’ ability to absorb calcium, thanks to the rays triggering a chemical reaction in our skin that produces Vitamin D3.

“I feel like [tanning] is natural makeup. It’s better if I’m wearing no makeup than if I’m pale. I feel like it makes me look skinnier,” senior Veronica Sarkis said.

Sarkis isn’t the only one up on the trends. ABC News says the TikTok hashtag #sunburnttanlines has accumulated over 200 million views, reflecting our attachment to bronzed skin and creating the perfect environment for a national tanning obsession.

“[Tanning] is ingrained in our society, at least in Western culture. It signifies that you’re rich enough to go on vacation and have leisurely time to go outside. People don’t really think ‘hey, past thirty, I’m going to start getting a lot more wrinkles and sun damage that can’t go away,’” junior and sunscreen enthusiast Sofia Lee.

In Europe and Asia during the medieval, Victorian and Renaissance eras, being extremely pale was the ideal. Women would even paint their faces white to appear more fair.

Tanning: The ‘Accidental’ Aesthetic

However, that all changed in 1923. Allegedly, Coco Chanel fell asleep on a yacht and got a bad sunburn. Returning from her yacht trip, she appeared more bronze, which set off the tanning craze. Yet, in some cases, the tanning fixation has begun to cross the tan line, leading to a craving that burns our mental health just as much as our skin.

According to rehab.uk, tanorexia is a tanning addiction that’s linked to body dysmorphia and eating disorders. With tanorexia, one may have a psychological or physical dependence on UV. In broader terms, a tanning addiction usually begins when a person is unhappy with their appearance.

“I wish we could somehow teach people to be comfortable in their skin and not feel that they have to have a tan. It’s just so unhealthy, and the incidences of skin cancer are rising dramatically in young people,” Peck said.

The Rise of Tanorexia

In 2018, the University of Southern California (USC) stated that another cause of tanorexia may be the mood-boosting endorphins UV rays provide. They also said that 7 percent of 16-17-year-olds in Los Angeles met the criteria for addiction.

Regardless of the danger, American society expects us to look tan. We may not be simply dipping our toes into the ocean, but also into a beauty “requirement.”

“I feel like the beauty standard is being tan. That’s why I feel more compelled to. Sometimes, if I have a lot of homework, I don’t want to go out and lie in the sun for two hours, but I feel like it will make me look better,” senior Veronica Sarkis said.

Lee added, “I never thought that skin color should be a trend. I just don’t think we should glorify tanning because it’s a little stupid,” she said. “It’s just the color of your skin, and it’s not that big of a deal. If it’s pale, if it’s tan, if it’s whatever. It’s something you can’t really control, so why stress about it?”

Avery Lurie is a junior, beauty content enthusiast and THE LAB mentee who enjoys writing makeup reviews and opinions on beauty culture. You will most likely see Flower Knows, e.l.f, and M.A.C on her vanity.

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Swimming competitively six days a week causes major issues for my skin. You hear every girl say, “I’m breaking out again” at least once in their life, but finding skincare that works for you and keeping up with a routine can be hard for anyone.

And as a 15-year-old freshman, I struggle to find products. The chlorine strips away my natural oils and destroys my skin barrier. It goes through a lot. That’s why skincare is so important to me.

The Budget Brand That Actually Works For Teen Skin

There’s a difference between taking care of your skin, breaking out, and doing nothing to benefit your skin. Doing skincare every day is tiring. Trust me, I get it. But doing nothing to hydrate, exfoliate, or even just cleansing your skin is not good for you.

But I’ve always struggled to find products that work well with my skin type. It has taken me years to find ones that help, are made well, and don’t make me break out.

Yes, I know some products like Korean skincare are really expensive, but the ‘best products’ don’t always work for you. Sometimes, the simpler and the cheaper the product, results in the best products.

Price ranges on skincare are also a major factor for me because I don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that may not work well.

So that is why the center of my skincare routine is a brand called Byoma. I’ve been using them for the past year, and I love it. It’s not too expensive, doesn’t break me out, and has a product for every skin type.

The Acne Taboo: Why Are We Still Judging?

Even though skincare helps with acne, it doesn’t make acne a problem. Some girls feel that they have to wear makeup to “cover their flaws,” but acne is normal. Everyone gets acne, so why are we acting like it’s illegal to look different?

We talk about diversity and “including everyone,” but we don’t talk about how girls are being judged every time they’re looked at by someone. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or boyfriend, we are judged, good or bad. So why are we tearing each other down, even though we’re all the same at some point?

Even if you may not see your friends’ red spots on their faces, that does not erase them. Everyone gets it at some point. So why are we degrading ourselves even though everyone gets it?

And remember: if you do your skincare, you may break out once in a while. But that’s normal! So stop tearing yourself apart because of it. You be you. Don’t be someone else.

Faylynn Messer is a freshman, competitive swimmer and THE LAB mentee focusing on skin-positive storytelling. As well as Byoma, you’ll also find Summer Friday’s, e.l.f, Laniege, and Maybelline Sky High Mascara in her beauty stash.

Thanks for reading THE LAB by The Beauty Ed®. If you’d like to show your support, please consider subscribing 💌 And please share our work: it keeps thoughtful and truthful beauty journalism alive ♡

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If there is one brand that understands the alchemy of scent and summer, it is Sol de Janeiro. Today marks the UK arrival of its latest launch, the Jelly Perfume Balms, and, as someone fiercely loyal to the brand, I approached them with equal parts curiosity and scepticism.

Texture & Application: A Non-Sticky Innovation

I had never tried a balm-format fragrance before. Perfume, to me, has always lived in glass, so this is something else entirely. The texture is softly bouncy, almost cushiony to the touch, melting down into a subtle scent that is thankfully non-greasy and entirely non-sticky. It dries down cleanly, without residue, and leaves a natural glow on the skin.

Why the Solid Perfume Format Works

What makes the format appealing is that it is alcohol-free and encased in a solid balm, the fragrance diffuses naturally as it warms against pulse points. There is no spill risk, no shattered cap at the bottom of a tote, no airport anxiety. At £25, they are compact, TSA-safe, and genuinely practical, the sort of item you can reapply mid-commute without announcing it to the carriage.

The trio arrives in the brand’s most recognisable signatures:

The Scent Profile: Cheirosa 62, 68 and 40

1.Cheirosa 62™ is a pistachio, salted caramel, vanilla indulgence that is never cloying.

2.Cheirosa 68™ is brighter: Brazilian jasmine cut with pink dragon-fruit.

3.Cheirosa 40™, my perennial favourite, is a more sultry floral scent, with black amber plum softened by jasmine and vanilla woods.

Pro Tip: How To Layer for Longevity

Worn alone, the balms create a subtle lingering scent. Layered with the corresponding SDJ mist and body cream (which is how I have been wearing Cheirosa 40), the longevity deepens significantly, carrying through the whole day. I have found myself topping up absentmindedly on the train, the gesture as unfussy as applying lip balm.

The Verdict: Gimmick or Game-Changer

The packaging I also adore, it’s playful without tipping into novelty: translucent, mini, and colourful. It resonates with Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s appetite for texture and collectability, yet it doesn’t alienate those of us who simply want fragrance to feel more approachable. I would be surprised if other brands didn’t follow suit before the year’s end!

Available now in the UK at Boots, or Ulta in the US, the Jelly Perfume Balms feel less like a gimmick and more like a quiet shift in how we carry scent, closer to the skin, and closer to ourselves.

Now that the frenzy surrounding the Stranger Things season five finale is over, it feels only right to fix my withdrawal by writing about Millie Bonnie Bongiovi, not just as an actor, but as the founder of Florence by Mills, her beauty brand that’s redefining Gen Z beauty.

From its clean, vegan formulas to its playful approach to self-expression, Florence by Mills rejects unrealistic, toxic beauty standards while making skincare fun, accessible, and genuinely effective.

As someone who’s grown up alongside Millie, I find her transparency and commitment to authenticity incredibly refreshing, especially as a fellow acne-prone girl. Her products are approachable yet exciting, with that perfect mix of care and personality.

Here are three products I’m especially keen to try:

1. Spot a Spot Patches

A staple in Millie’s skincare routine and TikTok feeds, these hydrocolloid patches do not just conceal pimples; they actively treat them. Infused with tea tree oil and salicylic acid, they soothe, exfoliate, and keep pores clear. And yes, they’re adorable, which honestly makes dealing with breakouts a little less miserable.

2. Love Core Black Cherry Hair & Body Mist

A travel-friendly pick-me-up with notes of black cherry and oud, two scents I associate with summer and indulgence. Lightweight, fragrant, and fun to spritz on the go, it’s a perfect multitasking mist for hair and body.

3. Tint N Tame Clear Brow Gel

This one’s the product I’m most excited about. With thin bristles and maximum hold, it promises brows that stay put without weighing them down, perfect for someone like me who hasn’t used a brow gel in quite a while.

Millie’s ethos, which is playful, clean, and unapologetically authentic, aligns so well with TheBeautyed.’s mission: helping women feel seen, confident, and celebrated in their own skin.

**I’ll be doing a full review soon, so comment if there’s anything from Florence by Mills you want me to try next!

-Gia xo

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Yesterday, I walked into the first session of The Beauty Ed® THE LAB at Shorecrest High School in Florida andI brought two things with me:

1. A bag of the latest, most-hyped beauty launches.

2. My archive of CosmoGIRL! issues from 2001–2005.

What happened? Insightful chaos lol!

The CosmoGIRL! Archive: 2001 vs. 2026

Watching these Gen Alpha students flick through the pages of CosmoGIRL! was a masterclass in Y2K nostalgia. Back when I was writing these articles in my early twenties, we were educating a generation without iPhones or Tik Tok. So I wasn’t sure how a group raised on 15-second vertical videos would react to long-form quizzes and cut-out guides. But the reaction was pure excitement.

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No doubt, it was the “Y2K” aesthetic that they were obsessed with. And the stickers! One of the students even stuck one of them - of Prince William ha ha - on her water bottle. Lol!

I don’t think 25 year old me would have ever imagined that I would be in this situation - watching kids from my son’s American high school - devouring my beauty pages all these years later. But it was a very special moment I can assure you :-)

The Future of Beauty Media!?

Once, we’d got over the excitement and retro-ness of the vintage mags, we spoke about our plans for THE LAB. I gave out a questionnaire that the amazing helped me compile - let’s see if I get any of them back…

In our first official ‘features meeting’ we discussed how THE LAB will come to life. There’s already a huge appetite for hair tutorials and fashion and beauty deep-dives.

I’ve encouraged the "Lab-sters" to leverage my industry contacts too - the room definitely buzzed when I mentioned that Jaime Diaz (the MUA behind Lola Young’s Grammy look) is a follower of The Beauty Ed.® on Insta 🪭

I left the beauty bag reveal until the end…

These squeals of excitement reminded me of my magazine days, when we used to have beauty sales in the office to sell products at discounted prices to raise money for charity.

I noted extra enthusiasm for the Charlotte Tilbury products and there was much amusement over the names of the Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Glosses too 😁

The Loveliest Thing To Come From It

...was the human-ness and realness of it all.

More of that to come…

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The other morning, I overheard a conversation that stopped me mid-coffee sip.

“I need Botox. My forehead is literally moving.”

She couldn’t have been older than 22.

I looked around my lecture hall and realised something: Botox is no longer reserved for Hollywood or women approaching 50. It is as common as laser hair removal and as casual as a morning peel. Girls barely out of their teens, booking injectables with the same nonchalance as a bikini wax. And the accessibility is terrifying.

But when does it end?

First, it was noses. One scroll through 2014 Tumblr and suddenly everyone needed a button nose. Then it was lips, then jawlines, then threads. Now? It is wrinkles, except not just wrinkles, preventative wrinkles. We are pre-emptively ageing before we have ever lived.

And yet, we call it ‘self-care.’

The Rise of ‘Preventative Botox’ in your 20s

The Search Bar Speaks

Ping. Ping. The Google search bar fills. A whole generation of women, begging the internet for solutions to something that is not even a problem yet.

“How old do I have to be to get Botox?”

“How to erase fine lines before 25?”

“Best skincare to stop ageing.”

I can’t help but wonder, what exactly are we so afraid of?

Ageing is a privilege, so why does it feel like a punishment?

I wonder if we were alone on an island, with no reflections, no cameras, no mirrors, would we still want to inject our faces? Would we still crave frozen foreheads and unlined expressions?

If beauty is about looking alive, why are we so desperate to erase every marker of life?

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The Reality of Filler Migration and Frozen Faces

The Filler Trap

The promise of tweakments is always the same: It’s just a little. It’ll wear off. You can dissolve it.

Except, filler doesn’t just go away. It migrates. It stretches the skin. It collects in places it shouldn’t. The cycle never ends, because once we start tweaking, we start seeing flaws where there were none. We go in for a “touch-up,” leave with another syringe, and suddenly, the girl who just wanted a little freshening up has a face unrecognisable to herself.

I have seen it up close. The women in my life who “don’t talk about it”, subtly tweak here and there, until their faces stay frozen in time while the rest of them age. And maybe that’s the real fear. Not just wrinkles, but the inevitable: that time will pass, that no amount of filler, Botox, or resurfacing can truly stop it.

What Are We Really Afraid of?

Growing up, I’d hear women around me say, “You’re so lucky you have young skin.”

“I miss my pre-wrinkle days.”

“God, I used to wear dresses like that, before my legs aged.”

They spoke of their youth like something lost, like a house they once lived in but could never return to.

It never struck me as strange until I got older. Why were grown women comparing themselves to girls half their age? Why was ageing something to fear, rather than just something to be?

I think back to my mother’s words when I questioned getting filler:

“Why are you worried about something you don’t even have yet?”

And she was right. We are pre-emptively mourning something we haven’t even lost.

So maybe wrinkles aren’t the enemy. Maybe they’re just proof that we were here; that we laughed, that we cried, that we lived.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s something worth keeping.

Until next time,

Gia xo

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