For the festival, Fox’s hair was slicked back away from her face, reminiscent of the wet trend seen on other celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid, and more. The ends of her hair were flipped up to give a flirty vibe to the otherwise very structured look, and she opted out of any additional accessories to allow the style to shine on its own.

The super short cut added a futuristic vibe to her outfit, which consisted of a corset and lace-up garter, stockings, and sunglasses. Fox has never shied away from playing around with wigs and extensions, so fans rarely get to see her natural hair on display. That being said, it was confirmed in January that she had gotten a pixie cut (inspired by Ace Ventura), and she’s been playing around with her new short hair ever since.

A "cunty little bob," a term coined by Leslie Bibb's hairstylist Chris McMillan, has become the colloquial term for a blunt bob in the White Lotus season three era. Bibb's character, Kate, is the prime example of the chop, which hangs a bit shorter than the traditional lob, which typically grazes the shoulders. They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, so I will go out and guess Fox is a fan of Mike White's handywork. (Consider this my formal petition to have Fox appear in the season four cast.)

White Lotus-inspired or not, this haircut is relatively easy to style. It's long enough to air dry but short enough to require only a few minutes of heat styling if that's more your vibe. Ahead, I share the products that can help you get the look at home.

The actress has proved that she can rock pretty much any beauty look under the sun, but I'm always partial to her hairstyles that keep her face (and flawless bone structure) front and center. Yes, her signature lob haircut is eternally fabulous, but there is something so timeless and effortless about sweeping your hair back into a bun. Plus, having shorter hair means the style is très petite and oh-so-cute, but even if you have longer hair, the bun will remain a fool-proof updo. Zendaya's featured a bit of a Y2K-flip at the end, with a little bit of hair escaping the bun to keep the look from feeling too formal.

Not only was Zendaya on hand to reaffirm her status as a fashion and beauty icon, she was also supporting her longtime stylist Law Roach, who is a mentor for the School of Style, an educational training organization that provides fashion courses and career development. We love a socially-conscious queen!

With summer on the horizon and the heat index primed to make us reconsider everything we thought we knew about long haircuts (unless, of course, you're already in LA and the weather is temperate year-round), there's never been a better time to perfect your snatched bun routine. And, as Z has proved yet again, it's so easy to wear the look and look ridiculously stylish, even if you've embraced the short hair trend for spring.

Keep scrolling for your snatched bun essentials to DIY the look at home.

Kim, who's never been one to play it safe with her hairstyles (see: the red bob, braided sideburns, and hime cuts she’s shown off on Instagram), kept it surprisingly low-key this time. She went for loose, beachy waves with an extra-long length that brushed against her hips as she danced. The real showstopper, though, was the volume—it made me do a double-take. It was like it had a life of its own, and it perfectly complemented the red snakeskin two-piece and matching ruby manicure.

Maybe it's the fact that summer's creeping up, or maybe it's just that I'm mentally by a pool at all times, but Kim's look felt like the perfect vacation hair. It’s a cool-girl style we've also seen on celebs like Katie Holmes, and it makes the perfect blank canvas to zhuzh up with trendy hair accessories—a French pin, oversized claw clip á la Millie Bobby Brown, or even a bold metallic cuff. The opportunities here are endless, so if you want to know how you can get a look similar to Kim’s, keep reading for the products and tools you’ll need to have on hand.

Hadid’s hair was pulled away from her face and featured a deep side part along with some long sideburns. The rest of her strands looked wet enough to give that fresh-out-the-shower illusion, but given that she’s in the middle of a bustling set, it’s safe to say that quite a bit of gel was used to get the look.

No accessories were used in the hairstyle, but it still managed to look next-level cool against the red latex suit she sported. This hairstyle has long been a runway and Hollywood red-carpet mainstay, having been worn by the likes of Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, Ciara, Hunter Schaefer, and more.

It’s not necessarily a look I’d recommend wearing every day, but if you have an event that makes you want to look like an ethereal goddess from another planet, I highly recommend keeping this hairstyle in your arsenal. Keep reading for the products you’ll need to have on hand for a recreation that would make Hadid herself proud.

Trust me, you'll thoroughly enjoy wearing a scent that captures the crisp, watery, and sweet fruit. Pear fragrances are silent sleepers of the perfume world. Truth be told, I didn't even realize that a few of my favorite formulas had the note listed in their descriptions. But now that I've gotten the scoop about the category, my undercover love for the scent profile makes so much sense. “Pear tends to give off a fresh and juicy expression,” says founder and chief executive officer of DedCool, Carina Chaz. “It’s a really versatile note that pairs well with sweeter scents—the duo tends to create a really beautiful balance.”

Pear perfumes are an ideal component of curating an olfactory personality or for layering with more gourmand fragrances, but they're also incredible light perfumes you'll wear on repeat during the spring and summer. I have been going down the pear perfume rabbit hole for the past few weeks, so if you’re also ready to expand your fruity-fragrance palette, keep reading to learn all you need to know about this unusual note, and shop the top ten scents every beauty editor loves.

• The Best Pear Perfume Overall: Juliette Has a Gun Pear Inc.
• Best Fresh Pear Perfume: Merit Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum
• Best Gourmand Pear Perfume: Dedcool Aura Eau de Parfum
• Best Floral Pear Perfume: Burberry Her Eau de Toilette with Pear
• Best Vanilla Pear Perfume: The 7 Virtues Vanilla Woods Eau de Parfume

Other Pear Perfumes That I Love

What Can I Layer With Pear Fragrance?

According to Chaz, the notes that are best paired with pear notes are a little more subdued but full-bodied. “Floral, woody, and musky notes always provide a nice addition to a pear composition,” she says. “It’s an incredibly versatile aroma.”

What Should I Look for In a Pear Perfume?

The answer to this question depends on the kinds of perfumes you find yourself naturally gravitating toward. “I'd consider pear fragrances to fall under the fruity category,” Chaz says. “So what you should look for is contingent on if you're looking for a perfume with a sweeter fragrance or more grounded, woody compositions.”

When looking at the scent descriptors, search for notes that regularly appear in the perfumes you already like. My go-to formulas tend to be woodsy, sweet, and a little creamy, so vanilla, iso e super, and ambroxan are likely notes I’d want to see paired with a pear note in a perfume. It’ll take some testing and a good bit of trial and error, but eventually, you’ll come to recognize your signature scent profile.

Why Trust Marie Claire?

Ariel Baker brings over five years of experience in the beauty industry and is a fragrance fanatic, bringing her first-hand knowledge and recommendations to the piece.

Marie Claire is also an expert in fragrance, writing content around fragrance trends, the best perfume releases, and more.

How We Tested

To compile this list of the best pear fragrances, I scoured the internet and combed through countless customer reviews to find the top-rated options on the market. I also asked the Marie Claire team to share their holy grail picks.

For each fragrance I tested, I assessed the fragrance's notes, how long it lasted, and its overall scent as the day went on.

Meet the Expert

I consulted my experts, senior branded content editor Anneliese Henderson and senior beauty editor Samantha Holender, to learn how they tap into these spring 2025 trends. And, to no surprise, they're turning to SHEGLAM for luxe beauty products that don't make you gasp at your credit card statement. "I've never believed that expensive makeup equals better makeup, and these products are proof," Anneliese says. Just for you, we explored four beauty trends that we deemed wearable, affordable, and so 2025 below.

"Hydration in the spring and summer? That's always a trend I can get behind. Juicy lips give me that fresh, moisturized pout that's ready to sip Aperol spritzes on a rooftop somewhere. There are days when I look in the mirror and ask myself, should I just get lip filler? Instead, I swipe on SHEGLAM's Bold Booster lip combo. This lip liner is one of the easiest I've ever used. It's thin, but insanely precise, perfectly defining your lips and making the color look like an extension of them. I start by lining the outside and smudging the product a bit inwards. Once that's done, I take the lip plumper gloss, squeeze it out little by little, and keep building on the product. I don't like to put too much on at once because that's when it starts to look sticky. The plumper was buttery soft, but packed a huge punch—I could totally tell my lips looked more full." — Anneliese Henderson, senior branded content editor

"The fresh-faced complexion trend is the next era of the clean-girl aesthetic. It's simple and not too fussy, but still adds some glow and a little healthy color to your skin. Rosy skin is the name of the game, so I doubled down on pink products. After creating a glowy, hydrated base with the Good Grip Hydrating Primer and applying very light foundation, I started on my flush. The Color Bloom Liquid Blush in the shade Pink Slip gave my complexion the perfect pop of color. Despite being a liquid texture, it actually dries down to resemble a silky powder. When it comes to blushes, I find that the color payoff and lasting power truly rival that of luxe competitors. For a visible tint, I found three dots to be the sweet spot. Then I turned my attention to my lips. I used one of my new favorite combos: The Bold Boosting Plumping Lip Liner (you'll feel a little tingle) with the Hydra Jelly Pocket Lip Jam in Guava Glow (its creamy texture is next-level satisfying)." — Samantha Holender, senior beauty editor

"Nothing says warm weather like a bronzed base and rosy cheeks. The moment it's time for a pool day, I'm pretending like I'm already tanned and ready to go (even if it's fake). My rule with bronzer contour? There's nowhere it can't go. I put it on my jawline, cheeks, forehead, and even on my eyelids as eyeshadow. And I did exactly that: I put it on my face straight from the bottle, and I loved how easy it was. The spongy applicator makes it so just the right amount comes out. The most important step? Blend, blend, blend. There's nothing worse than someone noticing that you faked your glow. No bronze look is complete without a little blush, so the Color Bloom Liquid Blush was the perfect companion. And the blush is ultra-pigmented, so a little goes a long way. Both products are so easy to blend, you could even do it with your fingers if you're in a pinch." — Anneliese Henderson, senior branded content editor

"We've seen colored lashes all over the runways. Add that to the fact that burgundy is the color of the season, and a mauve lash is incredibly on-trend. Colored mascara can be intimidating—and as someone who is typically more reserved when it comes to bold makeup, I decided the most approachable course of action was to opt for a monochromatic look. I leaned into the burgundy color trend, swiping the All-In-One Volume and Length Mascara on my upper and lower lashes. I added a rouge tint to my cheeks with the For the Flush Lip and Cheek Tint (a little goes a very long way, FYI) and topped off the glam with a swipe of the Booster Shine Plumping Lip Gloss in True Passion. SHEGLAM is always on top of the biggest beauty trends, so I know that with one quick purchase on the website, I'll have everything I need to bring wearable runway looks to life." — Samantha Holender, senior beauty editor

As someone from the (stunning) island of Jamaica, I love nothing more than learning the beauty secrets of women from the tropics. From how they began embracing their natural hair to how growing up in a warmer climate influences their present-day routines, I often find myself nodding and reminiscing right alongside them as they reflect—which is exactly what happened when I got a chance to chat with actress Adria Arjona.

Hailing from Guatemala, Arjona grew up having a fraught relationship with her curly hair, which ultimately led her to Morrocanoil products. “This brand really helped me discover my curly hair when I was growing up as a teenager in a very humid environment,” Arjona tells me. “Now, having curly hair is such a big part of who I am, my aesthetic, and how I live my life." She no longer straightens her hair daily and places a big emphasis on hair health. (In a very full-circle moment, Arjona is now the face of Morrocanoil’s new L’Originale Eau de Parfum.)

Her hair routine holds some hidden gems, but Arjona has dozens of beauty products on tap that help make her feel like her most magnetic and beautiful self. Keep reading to see how the actor has curated a "rebellious" beauty routine that never fails to get her In the Mood.

Mine is all about fear, actually. My favorite saying is: “Fail, fail better, never fear, never settle.”

I love curating my shower routine to match my fragrance. So, I like using body washes that smell woody with touches of vanilla and citrus to balance things out and not make them too heavy.

I have only one signature scent—I’m trying to create a story here. I try not to switch it up. With that being said, as cliché as it sounds, I really believe that fragrances have the power to transport you to places, and I don't know this Morrocanoil perfume transports me home. It’s unisex but not too masculine, and I love it. I had an era in high school when all I would wear was really manly colognes. I’m over it now, but this feels like a nice in-between.

I'm a little bit of a rebel. I like very natural makeup. Maybe a thick eyebrow using some gel, a little bit of an over-lined lip, and some chapstick. I also love to leave my hair super curly when I go that route.

A deep red or any kind of wine color, like an Essie Wicked.

My wild curly hair. The bigger, the better. It makes me feel most like myself.

As I get older, I keep seeing parts of my mom and dad in my face. It’s kind of weird, but I also love that I keep seeing parts of my history and heritage continue to come up. I love seeing the lines and wrinkles that have come from the expressions that I regularly make. It’s like watching a map of your experiences in real time, and I love it.

I’m a die-hard believer in icing my face. t's something that I've seen my mom do, and I've continued. It really helps with my rosacea, and if I have a breakout, am inflamed or puffy, or anything along those lines, it helps to calm my skin down immediately.

Shop Adria's Routine

I'll be honest: Hailey Bieber deserves her flowers. She basically launched the white-adjacent nail takeover a few years back with her signature frosty finishes and the forever-iconic glazed donut manicure. While other color trends like mocha mousse and wine are often accompanied by maximalist nail art, white polish is decidedly staying true to its understated persona. It's now a year-round staple with a million (minimalist) personalities: bright and opaque, sheer and milky, shimmery and chrome. Whether you're into polish or press-ons, there's a white nail color that fits the bill—keep reading for my absolute favorites.

Shop My Favorite White Polishes and Press-Ons

Whether you're after a high-shine clear gloss to layer over your favorite lip liner, a lip treatment to smooth lip lines, a tinted gloss that doubles as your go-to lip color, or a plumping formula that gives your lips a visibly fuller look without the sting, there's something out there for every vibe. And because lip gloss is one of the most low-maintenance beauty products (no mirror? no biggie), it's an easy way to elevate your look in seconds. Plus, thanks to upgraded formulas and better-than-ever textures, today's glosses actually stay put—without a glue-like, tacky feel.

Finding the one (or five) to add to your routine can be a bit overwhelming so to help streamline your shopping, I asked dermatologists and makeup artists what to look for. I also tested the top-rated picks, with a little help from the Marie Claire team, to find the lip glosses that live up to the hype. Ahead, the 11 best lip glosses of 2025 that deliver on shine, hydration, and longevity.

The Best Lip Glosses

• Best Overall Lip Gloss: Sephora Collection Outrageous Plump Hydrating Lip Gloss
• Best Shimmer Lip Gloss: Patrick Ta Major Glow Lip Shine
• Best Lip-Oil Gloss: Kosas Wet Lip Oil Plumping Peptide Lip Treatment Gloss
• Most Natural Lip Gloss: Perricone MD No Makeup Lip Oil
• Shiniest Lip Gloss: Makeup by Mario Hydrating Supershine Lip Gloss

Other Lip Glosses I Love

What To Look For In A Lip Gloss

Ingredients

Think of lip glosses as skincare with shine, says board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD. Some of the best ingredients to look for include:

• Hyaluronic acid, which hydrates by pulling in moisture like a magnet
• Peptides, which support collagen for smoother, firmer lips
• Antioxidants (like Vitamin E), to protect against environmental stress
• Moisturizing oils and butters, such as jojoba, shea, or avocado to soften and seal in hydration

Lip Concerns

• Chapped Lips: Look for formulas that hydrate and repair. Key ingredients to look out for include lanolin, shea butter, and squalane, which help soothe and lock in moisture, says Dr. Gohara. Another common ingredient found in lip glosses is hyaluronic acid, which will draw in water for added hydration. She also notes that you should avoid menthol, alcohol, or added fragrance, which can worsen irritation.

• Lip Lines: Opt for glosses that smooth and plump. Dr. Gohara suggests formulas filled with peptides and ceramides—two key proteins that support elasticity and barrier repair. She also adds that bakuchiol and gentle renewers can boost cell turnover without the sting or irritation of retinol. Finally, keep an eye out for moisture-rich formulas "since reflective gloss naturally diffuses the appearance of fine lines."

How Does A Lip Plumper Work?

According to Dr. Gohara, there are two main types of plumping glosses: the spicy kind and the skincare kind. The first type relies on mild irritants—think capsicum, menthol, or cinnamon—that trigger a controlled swelling response. "This mild inflammation leads to temporary volume," Dr. Gohara says. It's the kind of gloss that gives you that immediate, tingly boost right after application.

The second type takes a gentler, more hydrating approach. These formulas use ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides, which draw moisture into the lips and support collagen production for a fuller look over time. "One gives a quick, spicy boost; the other is a slow burn of plumping—think instant vs. investment," says Dr. Gohara.

What Is The Longest-Lasting Lip Gloss?

Gloss isn't exactly known for its staying power—eating, drinking, and talking will wear it down pretty quickly. "Lip gloss doesn't last long," says makeup artist Natalie Dresher. "However, it's such an easy thing to reapply I wouldn't sweat it!"

Still, if you're aiming for longevity, opt for formulas with a slightly tackier texture or a gel-oil base, which tend to grip better than super-slippery options. High-shine glosses that lean balm-like can also wear more evenly throughout the day.

For something even longer lasting, go for a gloss-stain hybrid. These formulas combine the pigment of a stain with a glossy top layer, so even once the shine fades, you're left with a flush of color underneath.

Why Trust Marie Claire?

Siena Gagliano is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire specializing in features, trend stories, and shopping roundups, and has over five years of editing and writing beauty content. She spoke with dermatologists and makeup artists about the newest and trendiest in the beauty space to compile this list of the best lip glosses on the market.

When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.

How We Tested

Marie Claire Beauty Editor, Siena Gagliano, went through a rigorous testing period where she reviewed dozens of lip glosses. After determining the top picks alongside dermatologists and makeup artists, she tested the lip glosses on her lips considering how they feel, how they apply, how long they last, and the ingredients to compile this list of the 11 best lip glosses.

Meet the Experts

Washington is well-known for playing around with different hairstyles, but occasionally, she lets her natural curls take center stage. This look was free of the trendy accessories that we’ve been seeing all over Hollywood (giant claw clips and metallic cuffs have been particularly popular this season)—instead, she opted for a deep side part that created a faux bang. This technique is simple but showcases the versatility of afro hairstyles. It also allowed her rich espresso brown lowlights to take center stage.

Afros are one of my favorite natural hairstyles, thanks to the fact that they are tension-free and let your hair get a break from constant manipulation. That said, my favorite part of the look is the versatility—you can straighten it, braid it, add accessories, or even curl it— the options are endless.

While I’m naturally blessed with my afro, I have to admit, it can be extremely high maintenance. Between ensuring my hair is hydrated, doesn’t get too tangled, and actually frames my face the way I want it to, it can feel like a lot of work just to wear my hair the way it grows out of my head. That being said, I’ve had 28 years to practice, and there are some little hacks I've picked up to keep my afro looking just the way I like it. Keep reading for the products I keep on hand to make sure there are only good hair days ahead.

The formula itself feels instantly luxe—not thick or goopy, but smooth in a way that covers every lash without clumping or requiring five coats to show up. The brush is slim and slightly curved, and the comb-like shape manages to fan, lift, and define each lash in one pass. Most importantly, the mascara didn't smudge or flake by the end of the day—even after getting caught in a rainstorm and frantically running to catch the subway. (I've typically only found this type of lasting power with a tubing mascara or waterproof mascara.)

All that seems great and the less discerning would be sold, but the beauty editor in me wanted to know more, so I consulted cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos to break down the need-to-knows about what makes the Vertigo Lift so impressive. It all starts with some clever chemistry: "The formula contains a few polymers that work to create a continuous, flexible film around each lash, and ensure even pigment dispersion," says Dobos.

One standout? "A film-forming polymer borrowed from sun care formulations that enhances water and wear resistance." In other words, it's designed to handle everything your eyes throw at it—think oily lids, constant blinking, and teary days (which, as someone with chronically watery eyes, I fully appreciate).

But Dobos says the real secret lies in the brush. "The choice of applicator is so important in mascara product development as the brush and formula have to work together seamlessly," she says. This one features a slightly stiff silicone-bristle wand that "combs and separates lashes to prevent clumping," while the built-in wiper (that little piece at the tube's opening) controls how much product ends up on your lashes. Together, the formula and brush create the kind of lifted, defined lashes that usually require a curler and a prayer.

I think it's safe to say the Vertigo Lift has solidified its spot as a permanent member of my everyday makeup routine. And if you, too, want to get in on the magic that is Armani Beauty, pop the new mascara in your cart, and then shop ahead for my other favorite picks from the brand.

Shop More of My Armani Beauty Favorites

That's the case with Diptyque's new City Candles, a 12-piece collection designed to embody the spirit of the cities they are named after. Typically, travelers can only find these luxury candles in Diptyque boutiques in their respective cities, but the brand releases the candles online once a year for a limited time only.

That time is here—from April 11 to April 21, fans can shop candles from cities like Berlin, Hong Kong, and London. This year, there will be a new destination in the lineup: Milan, which captures the heart of the capital of the Lombardy region. It smells like a sun-drenched floral blend of geranium and cardamom with woody undertones. Just like you would expect to see walking in the streets of the Italian city, the jar depicts buildings with sunlit neoclassical façades and balconies filled with flowers.

The other 11 candles come in equally gorgeous 6.5-ounce glass vessels—each depicting the city's architecture and culture with a graphic motif. The candles' scents reflect the native flora and trees of each city, too. The Seoul candle, for example, mirrors the city's modern architecture with a geometric pattern and features notes of hibiscus and incense to embody the city in which flowers bloom in the thousands and temple smoke fills the air.

If you want to reminisce on lavender-scented strolls through Paris or revisit the famous cherry blossom trees in Tokyo, Diptyque's candles can do just that for you. Some options will take you closer to home, too. Die-hard New Yorkers will love the smoky sophistication found in the bronze and blue New York candle, while the palm leaf-laden Beverly Hills candle will fill your room with the light aroma of freesia, mint, and lemon.

Diptyque's City Candles are available to shop online for 10 days only, while supplies last. Judging by online chatter, these candles are going to go fast, so don't wait to snag your favorite if a city catches your eye.

Designing an olfactory personality, a term coined by Guerlain perfumer Delphine Jelk, is a long-overdue perfume application technique that’s just gaining momentum in insider circles. Think of it like the more sophisticated, chicer, and more elegant older sister to fragrance layering. It’s an evolution of the perfume cocktailing experience, treating scent like a complete outfit instead of one, singular statement piece. The principle: spritz multiple perfumes on different areas of the body (and your clothing). “This personalized scent trail is created by combining fragrance, applying one to pulse points, another to your hair, and an all-over scent—perhaps something behind the knees as well,” explains Jelk. This creates an aura around you that is your own bespoke signature.

Strategic placement—like, say, a sexy, date-night scent on the back of your neck and warm and cozy gourmand on your spring trench coat—allows different traits to unfold throughout the day. “Spraying different fragrances on various body areas creates distinctive scent zones,” says fragrance expert Kudzi Chikumbu, also known as Sir Candle Man on Instagram. It allows you to experience a complete fragrance journey without rules and restrictions. Fruits can be layered with florals (a duo that typically end in dissonance), musks can live amongst aquatics, and marshmallow perfumes can mesh shockingly well with green-forward fragrances.

In a world where fragrance is expanding rapidly (the global perfume industry is projected to be worth nearly 58 billion this year), I’ll take any excuse to get quality use out of my collection. Who says I can’t wear eight perfumes a day? To help kickstart some olfactory personality scent-searching, Jelk and Chikumbu are breaking down their top tips for cocktailing a truly personalized sensory experience ahead.

Start in the Shower

“I'm a firm believer in a deep layering experience starting from the shower,” says Chikumbu. This first pick, which will likely come by way of a fragranced body wash, is perhaps the most important. While it’s not necessary for your entire olfactory personality to stay in the same fragrance family, you might want to find an element or note that ties everything together, like fig, rose, or vanilla. “That said, feeling free and trusting your intuition is essential, just as you would when putting together an outfit.”

Think About an Oil

Don’t underestimate a fragrance oil. More concentrated and with less throw than an eau de parfum, an oil is a piece of the puzzle exclusively for you. Apply to the warmth of your inner wrists or pulse points (it depends on how many fragrances you plan to incorporate). Smell yourself (closely) for a grounding deep breath or burst of energy during the day.

Hair Perfume Has Its Moment

While certain shampoos and conditioners are deliciously scented in their own rights, I’ve found that hair perfume is an olfactory game-changer. While you can use a regular fragrance, hair fragrances are specifically formulated with a lower alcohol content. The reason: they won’t dry out or damage your hair. Plus, you can snag some of your favorite scents at a fraction of the price.

Close to the Chest

“Beyond the standard pulse points, I particularly love the chest area,” says Chikumbu. “It's warm, so it helps the fragrance develop.” This is essentially your main event of the outfit, radiating outward to anyone that passes by you. Look for a fragrance with a lot of sillage and lasting power.

A Little Something Extra

Consider throwing a statement fragrance into the mix, whether it’s the small of your back (this will leave a lingering trail), the behinds of your knees, or the back of your neck. I recommend a bold, spicy scent or an edible gourmand for these special spots. “This is your finishing accessory note,” says Chikumbu.

Meet the Experts

Yet the hairbrush, with its straightforward facility—and lack of power cords—is proving to be the year’s most in-demand hair accessory, an elegant reminder of the industry’s return to “slow beauty,” and push towards more conscious consumerism. “I love innovation, and all these tools and gadgets are so fun, but there’s something about the simple foundational things that change the way we feel,” says Dianna Cohen, founder of the haircare company Crown Affair.

Brushes have been a staple of human grooming for thousands of years. The contemporary kind, in the style of a paddle, handle, and bristles, found its footing, like so many categories of beauty, in France. “All the royal courts were very fond [of] beauty and fragrance, but also about brushing tools and combs,” says Pauline Laurent, one of the cofounders of hairbrush company La Bonne Brosse. “You had very lovely objects in silver and ivory, that were like a collection.”

But then came the 20th century and the arrival of plastics like ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which allowed the tool to become mass produced, effectively erasing many of the handcrafted techniques and traditional materials that made the item feel so special.

Now, a variety of brands are leaning back into the art of the brush. Like Laurent, who notes that the goal of La Bonne Brosse, which she founded with fellow beauty industry veteran Flore des Robert, is to create a tool that is just as eye-catching as an ancient brush but with a modern twist that appeals to in-the-know consumers. Think: stylish muted colors, chic branding, and a thoroughly Parisian sensibility. “Just surrounding yourself with things of good quality changes the perception you have of the usage,” des Robert says. “[It’s the] idea of going back to basics, streamlining, and rejecting some of these absolutely alien-looking things that are hard to use.” The plan worked—since launching four years ago, the brand has become social-media catnip for budding influencers, who often style the minimalist brushes alongside other flat-lay-friendly objects, like candles or bar soap; items that are also decidedly low-tech.

Julianne Goldmark, founder of hair brand Emi Jay, adds that most brushes used to be designed for men’s grooming, and did not prioritize the look or customization. “They’re utilitarian, and not the most feminine,” she says. Her goal with Emi Jay and its mini boar-bristle and flat brushes (in ivory, pink, baby blue, and tortoiseshell) is to provide a more sophisticated version of the everyday object, allowing it to spark joy even when it’s not being used. “If I walk into my bathroom and I have a tool out, I’m like, Gotta put it away,” she says. But Goldmark’s brushes are made to be put on display.

While a well-crafted brush can cost anywhere from $50 to $300 (the Mason Pearson boar-bristle brush—a longtime fan favorite—retails for $275), the hope is that a well-made tool will inspire more thoughtful purchases versus the mass-produced drugstore options that feel disposable after a year or two.

And more than just looking good, they’re good for your hair. When Laurent and des Robert created their company, it was important that they made a beauty tool that would prioritize their customer’s hair health first and foremost—through distributing natural oils to moisturize the hair shaft, stimulating the scalp, and improving blood flow—rather than styling.

Cohen’s five-year-old haircare brand features three wooden brushes, each containing different bristles for different hair concerns—boar for thin hair or styling, boar and nylon for scalp care, and wooden pins for detangling all hair types.

All three are striking in their utter simplicity, while offering more advanced features—namely, the array of bristle types—than many brushes of the past few decades. “I want the people who choose our products to feel a sense of joy and pride,” Cohen says. “Not only because it’s beautiful, but also [when they] use it, it reminds them to take care of their hair, and ultimately themselves.”

This article appears in Marie Claire's 2025 Craftsmanship Issue.

As is the case with her first updo, Ross’s hair was pulled to the crown of her head and slicked back to keep her curls in place. Whereas her previous style found the ends of her hair swaying lightly above her hips, this version stopped right at the nape of her neck, courtesy of a very blunt cut. Save for a classic elastic to keep the look in place, no other accessories were added, allowing the chic style to be the star of the show.

Her long-time hairstylist Chuck Amos, whose clientele includes Hollywood A-listers like Nia Long, Vanessa Williams, and more, created the blunt ponytail for Ross's last day in the city. She paired the updo with a white skirt, Sienna overcoat, a Bottega Arco tote, and the same v-cut pumps she first wore at the start of her trip.

Ponytails are a classic hairstyle that offers a variety of styling options (see: the cuff trend, braided ponies, and more), but there’s something about a chic, minimalist version of the look that does it for me every time. I’m not the most handy person when it comes to hair, but with the right YouTube tutorial, some extensions, and hair shears, I figure this look can’t be that hard to recreate. Keep reading to see the products I will be adding to my cart to recreate this look for the summer.

Big Ellie, as she's commonly know, already has a suite of custom jersey dresses by sportswear designer Gabe Stark (in addition to outerwear, jewelry and custom sneakers), a profile in The New York Times style section, "Have You Ever Seen an Elephant Twerk?", and hundreds of thousands of followers on both TikTok and Instagram. Clearly, the mascot is a rising star in the fashion space, but it's time her signature court-side glam—think mile-long lashes and playful hairstyles like braided ponytails to down-to-there weaves—received some much-deserved attention.

Fittingly, the Brooklyn pachyderm with the most notorious court-side glam in the game can now add beauty spokesperson (so to speak) to her growing resume as the new face of Essie. She is now the nail brand's official "Mani Mascot."

The full campaign launches today, April 10, and features Ellie in full court-side glam and, of course, sporting a chic Essie manicure in the team's signature teal. "Essie is excited to champion this momentum and be part of the ever-growing fusion of beauty and athletics," the brand wrote in a press release to media.

Of course it's not unusual for players to land brand contracts, especially with the new NCAA rules granting collegiate athletes the ability to monetize their image and accept endorsement deals (Paige Bueckers, you're an icon), but I can't say that Chicago's Benny the Bull or San Antonio's The Coyote have any brand contracts to their name, or a team of personal stylists. Consider this news all the more proof that the WNBA is just as relevant for basketball fans of all genders, and is committed to reflecting the interests and values of its female audience.

It's no accident that Ellie has resonated so deeply with Liberty fans. The team has made a concerted effort for the mascot to represent the diverse identity of her home borough and the league itself. Not only that, the team that is responsible for styling the elephant—all Black women who jokingly call themselves her "aunties"—is striving to work with primarily Black and Brooklyn-based designers, per Sports Illustrated. And if you've never walked around Brooklyn and engaged in some people watching, you might not realize just how crucial a killer manicure is to the locals. From the latest nail color trends to boundary pushing NFC nails, New Yorkers in-the-know will always bring their best nail game to the table—or, as is the case with Ellie the Elephant, to the court.

Shop a few gel by essie—the brand’s newly reformulated, long wear polish—colors to wear to your next New York Liberty game.

Graham’s nails were first cut and filed into an oval shape, then painted a bright cherry red which popped beautifully against her tan skin. The star opted out of any additional nail art (though I do believe a crown design would add a little zhuzh to this manicure), allowing the stunning shade to stand on its own. Graham’s hair was bouncy and loosely curled, courtesy of what seemed to be a fresh blowout, and her outfit consisted of a monochromatic olive two-piece set and strappy black heels.

Red nails have long been a Hollywood favorite, but they became a bona fide trend in the fall and winter of 2024. From Michelle Obama to Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez—everyone was wearing them. While some people may assign meaning to a manicure color (yes, certain shades are believed to indicate your relationship status) if you're jumping on the red nail trend simply because it's a universally flattering hue and makes your salon decision easier, you're in good company—it's sure to look great on you, too.

This said, if you consider yourself to be an at-home nail tech like myself, or you just prefer to save a few bucks, you can easily recreate this look at home. All you need to do is stock up on a few polishes. Here, I curated some of my favorite reds on the market, so keep reading to channel Ashley Graham’s manicure for yourself.

While Hollywood's elite have access to the best fragrance brands in the business (not to mention plenty of them have their own brands), the majority probably stock up on their favorite scents at Sephora during its bi-annual Savings Event. The retailer's selection includes Taylor Swift's favorite Tom Ford perfumes and many celebrity-endorsed Jo Malone fragrances, after all.

The sale is based on your tiered Beauty Insider status. Sephora Rouge members can earn a 20 percent discount, while VIB and Insiders will earn 15 percent and 10 percent discounts, respectively. The sale is only open to Insider members, but if you're not a member, don't worry—signing up is free. To earn your discount, use code SAVEMORE at checkout, and be sure to do so before April 14 when the sale officially wraps.

The Sephora sale is site-wide and includes everything from luxury skincare to mature skin favorites, plus products from our editors' beauty routines. However, I suggest picking up a new fragrance at a discount while you can. After all, it's not every day you can steal a celeb's beauty routine for yourself.

For a selection of the celebrity-perfumes you can find on sale at Sephora, keep scrolling. There's a luxuriously-scented something for everyone, whether you prefer sweet gourmands or sophisticated musky perfumes.

Some say blondes have more fun, but celebrity hairstylist Temur Hamilton begs to differ. “Brunette hair is effortlessly timeless, elegant, and natural. It has a classic and sophisticated appeal that never goes out of style,” adding that brunettes have the incredible perk of being lower maintenance than lighter colors while still looking “rich and luxurious.” Hairstylist Rogerio Cavalcante notes that, "brunette hair has a beautiful dimension that shifts in different lighting and throughout the day, which I find really cool.”

Countless celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Khloé Kardashian, and Gigi Hadid have recently joined the dark side, ditching their honey-blonde hair for more chocolate tones. Whether you're looking for a major hair transformation or just itching to add some subtle highlights as summer approaches, there are so many beautiful brunette shades and tones.

The never-ending brown options can feel overwhelming, but that’s what I’m here for! Not only have I tried out an array of brown shades myself, but I’ve also compiled a list of 35 luxurious brunette hair colors that you can use as inspo at your next salon appointment. Hamilton and Cavalcante also share their favorite shades, maintenance tips (you'll want a good toning shampoo and hair gloss), and how to know what shades will complement your skin tone best. Keep reading for a full breakdown on all things brunette hair color.

Deep Golden Brown

Let's be real: Zendaya could never look bad. However, Cavalcante points to her deep brunette bob with subtle pops of warm highlights as his all-time favorite hairstyle of hers. "This color is rich and chic," he says. "The golden undertones are gorgeous and work on most skin tones." He also shares that this shade is "great for those who can't decide if they want to go darker or lighter," since the level will vary depending on lighting.

Espresso Martini

This luxurious shade of dark brown is what Hamilton calls espresso. "This extremely deep brunette shade creates a rich, dramatic color similar to the dark tone of coffee," he says. "It’s definitely more intense than other shades of brunette and gives hair a bold and sophisticated edge."

Honey Latté Ombré

I'll never forget when ombré was all the rage circa the 2010s. But, according to Cavalcante, the shading technique is more timeless than you would think, especially with a warm brown ombré. "I love the warmth of this hair color and the very subtle dimension and playfulness that the highlights add," he says. "I personally like brown hair with lighter ends. A homogeneous full color usually looks too harsh and heavy."

Dark Chocolate

While many brunette shades lean warm, a cool or neutral-toned base can sometimes look incredibly natural and chic. Just take it from Hamilton, who says, "This cool-toned brown is incredibly luxurious and sleek. It's a timeless, classic shade that adds warmth to the skin, flattering almost everyone."

Deep Walnut

Cavalcante says this near-copper shade is "definitely one of the most desired browns in my experience behind the chair." He even showed off this exact picture of Sophie Thatcher as inspiration. "I really like the richness and cool undertones. I would recommend this brown to anyone afraid of going dark. "

Caramel Drizzle

This sunkissed brunette color uses a blend of brown with hints of golden undertones, which Hamilton calls "caramel." He says, "This is achieved by applying warm highlights to add dimension to the hair." While beautiful, Hamilton does warn that this color will require more upkeep than most other brunette shades to maintain its vibrancy. Consider adding a hair toner to your shower routine.

Ash Brown

This ultra-dark brown teeters on black due to its lack of dimension and cool undertones. But who said all-over color can't be stunning? Just look at Demi Moore. "This is a more full color, with less dimension and the most natural look—it seems like she just let her hair grow out," Cavalcante says of the star's hair. "This works for people who have a natural high contrast beauty, but I would not recommend it for people with natural blonde hair or very fair skin because it can make them look washed out."

Cowboy Copper

Cowboy Copper was the ultimate hair trend in 2023, and Keke Palmer is bringing it back in full swing. It's the perfect mix of blonde, brunette, and red. Brown locks are toned with a deep red shade, shining bright when the light strikes—and giving the hair a brighter appearance overall.

Cinnamon Spice

The queen of cinnamon-themed nails, makeup, and peptide lip tints even rocks shiny cinnamon hair. Hailey Bieber's hair color combines a beautiful blend of a warm brown base with lighter warm brown highlights all throughout the hair. The dimension is out of this world and is sure to bring light to your face.

Cherry Cola

This spunky shade of brown is super subtle—but don't underestimate its dimension. To achieve it, a dark brown base is toned with a deep red, almost purple-esque shade, which peeks through beautifully. The burgundy hue of the final product is unmatched.

Bronde Balayage

For the ultimate beachy vibes, a bronde balayage is the perfect choice. As opposed to typical highlights, balayage is a highlighting technique that involves hand-painting the hair without any foils. The result is a super natural, soft blend of bright highlights on the ends with a darker root.

Strawberry Brown

We all know and love strawberry blonde, but take the brightness down a few levels, and you've got a gorgeous strawberry brown. The mix of a light brown base with bright pops of orange-toned highlights is unique and chic.

Teddy Bear Hair

This light brown shade utilizes a blend as soft as your favorite stuffed animal. The extra subtle highlights create impressive dimension and lighter-looking hair overall. The golden tones pop in the sunlight, while deeper tones take over in the shade, providing quinetessential rich girl hair.

Mocha Milkshake

Mocha Milkshake is what you get when you combine a deep chocolate shade with streaks of warm highlights. Camila Morrone rocks this color so effortlessly, especially with her thicker, bright brown money pieces.

Smokey Cool Brown

A cool-toned dark brown is so simplistic and never disappoints. It's a rich, full shade that's so bold it's sure to bring the drama. Plus, the stark color allows lighter features to really stand out—just look at Dove Cameron's bright green eyes!

Hazelnut Highlights

Hazelnut highlights are a three-color trifecta. The sunkissed brunette combines warm brown highlights with burnt hazelnut lowlights and a few blonde pops for a glowing contrast.

Old Money Brunette

It doesn't get more luxe than this. The key to nailing an old-money brunette color is neutral tones and ultra-subtle highlights (maybe even baby lights?) that create an impressively natural look. While you may be in a salon chair for hours, the seamless blend of a deep, cool base with a mix of neutral and warm highlights comes across as absolutely effortless.

Amber Waves

Miley Cyrus and her go-to hairstylist Alexis Yoshico have perfected a brown hair color with an amber wash. The singer boasts stunning warm brown locks that are highlighted with a slightly brighter amber shade to frame her face.

Brownie Batter

This fudgy brown color looks good enough to eat. Anna Hathaway has long worn dark brunette locks, and the all-over rich tone with barely-there ribbons of lighter swirls is timeless.

Creamy Latté

I want my lattés as creamy as Jessica Alba's brunette blend. Her medium brown hair is perfectly highlighted with swirls of neutral blonde pops to brighten up the look.

Chunky Blonde Ribbons

'90s fashion will always be iconic, and so will the decade's favorite hairstyles—chunky highlights included. Winnie Harlow's hair is the perfect example of a modern take on the look. The thick ribbons of blonde are ever-so-slightly blended into the rest of her chocolate brown hair.

Ashy Bronde

I've covered cool bases and warm highlights, but what about cool highlights? The streaks of ashy blonde pops can blend so nicely into a warm brown base. The end result is a true bronde tone that's super flattering on those with cooler skin tones.

Hot Cocoa

Olivia Rodrigo is Miss Swiss Miss with dark brown hair straight from the chocolate powder packet. The cool undertone gives her hot cocoa hair a sophisticated, luxe vibe.

Golden Graham Cracker

Before going platinum, Beyoncé was rocking a mane of golden highlights and warm brown locks. Her money pieces were the perfect gilded shade, while her all-over bronze highlights just melted into her base.

Basic Brunette

Let's bring it back to the basics, because you truly can't go wrong with a classic dark brown. No fancy highlights and complicated toner combinations needed—just a neutral brunette color that's never out of style.

Subtle Warm Dimension

It doesn't take much to add dimension. Take Khloé Kardashian's brown bob, for example, which is ever so slightly highlighted with teeny warm blonde streaks around her face.

Sandy Beige Bronde

Blaire Waldorf may be one of the most iconic brunettes of all time, but Leighton Meester's sandy bronde hair is to-die-for. Her roots to mids boast a stunning neutral beige brown color, while her ends hold a brighter blonde-ish hue.

Barely-There Ombré

Rachel Bilson rocks a super faint ombré that ensures the trendy style stays timeless. Her roots are a super rich espresso—almost full-on black—while her ends are one to two shades lighter with a warmer undertone. This is a great option for a low-maintenance, easy hairstyle.

Deep Chestnut

Selena Gomez's dark brown color is incredibly rich and luscious. Her uniform locks hold an amber undertone that shines in just the right light.

"Undone" Brown

Balayage and babylights are all fun and games, but undone, low-maintenance, natural brown hair is still very much in style. To barely spice up your natural color, you can add subtle streaks of nutmeg underneath and through the ends.

Suede Shades

You can add some life to your dark brown locks by adding a slew of chestnut highlights throughout. With a simple root smudge, the brightening streaks will look natural and blend seamlessly into your roots for months at a time.

Mocha Caramel

This mocha caramel color is exquisite. The dark brown base is made super dimensional with streaks of warm caramel and pops of middle-toned mocha, creating a kissed-by-the-sun appearance.

Vibrant Chestnut

Vibrant chestnut is a bright brunette shade paired with subtle undertones in red or golden hues. Its extra warmth and chocolatey richness add extra oomph to a classic brown color.

Sunkissed Streaks

If your hair naturally lightens after a day in the sun, lucky you! If not, you can easily emulate the sun-kissed look by adding a few warm blonde streaks throughout your head, especially around the front. Just look to Bella Hadid for inspo.

Steamy Cappuccino

Sofia Vergara's bombshell brown hair speaks for itself. The rich espresso tone is packed with neutral highlights for an ultra-dimensional appeal and gorgeous swirl of creamy color.

How to Find The Best Brunette Shade for Your Skin Tone

Finding a shade of brown that perfectly complements your skin tone can be tricky. Fortunately, Hamilton and Cavalcante break it down.

Those with warm undertones will want "warm shades like caramel brown, which enhance the golden undertones," Hamilton says. Cooler skin tones, on the other hand, "look best with deeper shades like espresso brown or ash-toned brunettes." He adds that neutral skin tones can pull off almost any brunette color.

How to Maintain Brunette Hair

While brown hair is much lower maintenance than blonde, there's certainly still upkeep. The amount of upkeep, however, depends on your natural hair color. "If your brunette shade is significantly different from your natural color or if you have a lot of grays, a root touch-up every three to five weeks helps keep it fresh," says Cavalcante. "But if your natural color is close to your chosen shade, you can go a few months without touching up—just adding a gloss in between for extra shine."

For color-treated brunettes, Hamilton recommends using color-safe shampoos and conditioners to prevent fading and help preserve vibrancy. He also suggests using color-enhancing hair masks like the Christopher Robin Shade Variation Mask to extend the color and enhance the shade vibrancy. "I really like that it nourishes and hydrates the hair while correcting unwanted tones," he says.

Why Trust Marie Claire

Emma Aerin Becker is an experienced beauty writer, focusing on shopping roundups, digital features, and trend stories. She's a regular contributor to Marie Claire, and has words in Byrdie, Page Six Style, People magazine, and more. She spoke with two celebrity hairstylist to compile this list of brunette hair colors.

Marie Claire is also an expert in hair color, having covered shades of brown, blonde, red, and more.

Meet The Experts

And while I'm always game for a luxury beauty splurge that earns its price tag, there are plenty of options that don't cost nearly as much—and still deliver results. Think: a dermatologist-approved retinol cream that rivals clinical results, a makeup artist's go-to setting spray that actually keeps your base in place all day, and the hair repair treatment that's earned a permanent spot in multiple Marie Claire beauty editors' routines. Many of these picks typically hover above the $50 line, but with the current sale, they finally feel within reach.

Here's the gist: VIB members get 15 percent off and Insiders get 10 percent off using code SAVEMORE at checkout. The event runs through April 14, and if you're not a Beauty Insider yet, you can still sign up (for free!) in just a few clicks. Once you're in, you'll have access to the same deals, plus a handful of other perks like free shipping and returns.

Whether you're restocking your everyday essentials or finally dropping the ball on that trending TikTok beauty product that's been sitting in your favorites for months, these under $50 Sephora Savings Event sale picks are high-impact formulas that won't just sit pretty on your top shelf.

Makeup Under $50

Skincare Under $50

Haircare Under $50

Julia R is a 43-year-old woman living in NYC, who underwent a face and neck lift in December 2024. This is her story, as told to Marie Claire, edited for length and clarity.

It’s so important for me to have great skin quality. I work in a plastic surgeon’s office, Steven Levine, M.D. in Manhattan, and I’ve had Botox, radiofrequency microneedling, fractional lasers, CO2 lasers—I’ve done pretty much everything except threads and Ultherapy. My skin at 43 is the best I’ve ever had it in my life. A few years back, I noticed there was some fullness under my chin, so I tried Kybella and it did a pretty good job of removing that fullness. But then I went on Mounjaro [a GLP-1 medication] and I lost 60 pounds. So now, even though my overall skin health has improved, the skin laxity is really pronounced. When I look in the mirror I feel like no matter how healthy and even-toned my skin is, it’s still just kind of hanging there. There was no picture I would take where I could hide that little gobble under my neck, despite doing all these non-invasive procedures.

This is not the first time I’ve had plastic surgery—my upper eyes have bothered me forever, so I had an upper blepharoplasty four years ago, right before I turned 40, and I had a rhinoplasty last year. But when you lose that much weight, it changes the structure of your face. My eyelids were even saggier than they were before the bleph!

A lot of people think a face and neck lift is only for older patients, but I think my generation is approaching plastic surgery all wrong. A lot of people still have the impression that the pulled back look is what a facelift looks like, so they’re scared. But, as someone who works in medicine, I’ve seen that you have a better outcome if you undergo the procedure before the deep wrinkles set in, which happens in your mid- to late forties. We’ve seen a lot more 40-year-olds come into the office where I work. I think that’s because more people don’t want to wait until they start looking older to have these procedures done.

Doing this now, it’s pulling back the skin when it’s young and supple, rather than when those wrinkles have set in and you might still see them even after the procedure has been done. “​​The primary difference between patients in their 40s and 60s is the extent of aging and amounts of elasticity in the skin,” says Dr. Levine. “Because the younger patient has fewer signs of aging and usually better skin elasticity, they can expect a result that corrects nearly all signs of aging. Even when tissue is perfectly repositioned in older patients, because the quality of skin is diminished, the results can never be what they are in younger patients.” If what bothers you are your neck and your jowls, stop wasting your money with all those non-invasive procedures—it’s time for a facelift.

My Facelift Consultation

Once I decided I was ready for a facelift, the first step was a consultation appointment with my surgeon, Dr. Levine. There, he looked at my face, decided what procedures made the most sense, made sure I was a candidate for them, that I would get a benefit from surgery, and talked about timing. I decided to do my face and neck lift in the winter because why would I want to waste my summer recovering? Also, if it’s winter, I can do a better job of hiding the signs of recovery with scarves and hats. Plus, I knew it would be quieter because everyone leaves the city for the holidays. So we scheduled my procedure for December 19—the last surgery of 2024 for the office. I was off work for two and a half weeks and then was back to the office. I don’t know if I’d really recommend that for everyone, but I didn’t really have a choice.

My Facelift Pre-Op

We did the pre-operative appointment the week of my surgery, which is where the doctor really nails down what is being done, how it’s being done, and if there is anything additional you want to add. I call it the Sephora checkout line—you’re already going under anesthesia, so if there’s anything else you want to do, now’s the time to do it. That’s when I decided that in addition to the face and neck lift, I wanted to redo my upper eyes. The technical terms for what I had done was a face and neck lift with a temple lift and a lateral upper bleph trim. I also did a 25 percent TCA peel on my face with radiofrequency microneedling and CO2 laser on my neck and chest. Because the surgery is done under monitored anesthesia care—so like propofol, not general anesthesia—I needed to do a full pre-op like you would for any surgery. That meant bloodwork, an appointment with my primary care doctor to be cleared for surgery, an EKG. There are a lot of preemptive things you need to have done because this is elective surgery. You need to be as safe as possible and be sure you don’t have any comorbidities that need to be addressed before you put yourself at risk for cosmetic work.

My Facelift Surgery

On the day of the surgery, I hadn’t eaten or drank anything 12 hours before. Usually it’s eight hours before, but if you’re an Ozempic girlie, or a Mounjaro girlie like me, it depends on when your last shot was. Because those slow down gastric motility, doctors have had to change the rules about how long you have to go without eating and drinking before surgery. So it’s 12 hours and you have to do clear liquids before that. So I was hungry when I arrived at the office to check in. I saw the nurse, I saw the anesthesiologist, I saw the surgeon—I saw the entire team to just confirm with everyone what we’d already gone over healthwise. Dr. Levine then marked my face where the incisions would be and I had a chance for any last minute questions, they asked me what song I wanted them to play, and then when I walked into the operating room they had it playing. The anesthesiologist inserted the IV and a few minutes later I was asleep. The last thing I remember saying was “alright guys, love you,” and then I woke up in the recovery room.

We did the peel first, just on my face, then I had the upper lid trim, followed by the face, neck, and temple lift because those are all one incision. And then at the end we did the radiofrequency microneedling and the CO2 laser to the neck and chest. When I woke up, I couldn’t feel any sensations in my face or my neck. I had this big Teletubby wrap encircling my head, so I couldn’t hear that much. With propofol, you tend to wake up pretty spritely compared to general anesthesia. Since my surgery took longer, I was a bit slower to wake up and a little out of it. I don’t really remember the recovery room that well, to be honest.

When I woke up, I thought I had been lying there for an hour, so I was trying to get up and get dressed and go home, but in reality, I had only been awake for like five minutes. In my recovery room videos, I look like a little sleepy baby. I was very comfortable and I honestly don’t remember feeling any pain or discomfort. I do remember that because of the local anesthesia they use that I could not move my mouth that much at first or talk really. It’s like right after you leave the dentist after having work done—I was mumbling a lot.

48 Hours After Facelift Surgery

I stayed in the recovery room for about an hour and a half, then I was discharged. At our office, we usually say that if you have kids or pets or anyone who is going to be harassing you while you heal—or if you’ve traveled a long distance for the surgery—that you get a hotel for those first 48 hours. We always recommend that if you have kids that you don’t really let them see you in those first 48 hours because you have these surgical drains that are attached to your face for the excess fluid and that could really freak them out. But, since I live alone, my apartment was perfect for recovery. I had a private-duty nurse for the first 48 hours, which is a requirement for all patients at our office. A lot of patients extend the nurse past that time, but since I’m a nurse, I didn’t really think I needed another nurse to take care of me after that.

During that time, it’s really important to have them there because you are supposed to be taking it easy and focusing on recovery. I basically was catnapping and watching TV the whole time. I was really tired—your body is expending so much energy healing so you don’t have much for anything else and you get tuckered out pretty easily those first few days. You definitely don’t want to try and be a superhero and like, reorganize all your pots and pans or anything during that time.

I barely ate because I couldn’t really move my mouth and you don’t want to do any chewing on things that are hard or tough. So I did a lot of pineapple juice, smoothies, soups, drinkable yogurt, protein shakes. I did mostly things that I could eat that were easy to chew or soft, like cottage cheese, some high-protein bone broth.

The First Week After Facelift Surgery

In those first few days, the most awareness I had of anything around the surgery was of the surgical drains. They are two, small silicone tubes about the size and width of a spaghetti that are attached to you by two tiny holes, one behind each of your ears. Your face is pretty numb after surgery and for a little bit after, so you can’t really tell what is bothering you. But the point of maximum tension is behind the ears, which is also where the drains are attached. I wouldn’t say it was painful, but there was some spiciness there. And then once the drains come out after two days, I was just like, oh, it must have been the drains that were adding that spiciness. But, those drains are important because they are removing all the excess fluid in your face and making sure you don’t get super swollen.

That tension behind the ears is also why they tell you to limit how much you move your neck and chin post-surgery. Dr. Levine was always saying “chin up” to me because if you bring your chin down you are pulling down all the skin that he just spent all that time pulling up. Looking up is actually easier because it won’t stretch the skin like looking down will. They actually give you this foam neck collar to wear for two weeks after the surgery. I called it the cone of shame. It’s basically to keep you from looking down, left, or right and to just limit that neck movement while the skin heals. Sleeping was an absolute nightmare because unless you are already a back sleeper, you have to try and force yourself to sleep on your back like a mummy. I took Xanax to help and wedged myself in place with a pillow that prevented me from turning my head from side to side.

I also put an electric heating blanket on me because with all of the icing I was doing for my face and neck to stave off the swelling, it was making the rest of my body freeze to death. I also had a huge humidifier to keep myself from over-drying after the peel and the CO2 laser. Those first two days were basically me, in bed, three or four pillows deep, icing like crazy, taking pain medicine whenever I felt pain, humidifier blasting, cozied up under my heating blanket, napping on and off. I didn’t honestly feel a lot of pain—it was mostly discomfort. Like a nagging pressure or pulling feeling. But it wasn’t like there was this excruciating pain or anything.

There was this awareness of something going on behind my ears, but I didn’t feel anything at the temples or in front of my ears. It was just like an annoying awareness of discomfort. The first night was the hardest because it was all the fresh incisions, so I took the meds the most frequently then. But I found that when I wore the neck collar, I had less pain at the end of the day and once the drains were out it just got better from there.

@juliacatalinaruiz

♬ original sound - Julia Catalina Ruiz

How I Healed From Facelift Surgery

I used to be an aesthetician and I actually created a skincare line called Deawy. After working in a burn unit, I developed a product called the Becalm Burn Balm, which is a natural occlusive that’s petroleum free. It uses castor oil, argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and CBD. It creates an occlusive barrier and helps heal because it’s a superfood for skin. So I had that applied to my skin right away after my surgery, on the incisions and on the peel and laser areas, then applied the dressings. Then I just used that for about two and half weeks and nothing else. Once the scabbing from the peel came off, I started doing my red light therapy again to help speed up healing, which I think helped a lot with the swelling and discoloration. That’s pretty much all I did for after care for that recovery time.

My Facelift Surgery Results

I looked in the mirror at my face pretty much immediately after I woke up. With the Teletubby wrap, it was kind of hard to see, but honestly I looked fresh. The peel brought out the brown of my freckles, so you could really see those in my undereye area, but I looked cute. The next morning, the swelling started to kick in and I could see more fluid in the drains and more freckles from the peel, but it was really still pretty decent looking. The wrap comes off after 24 hours, so the next morning we took the wrap off and I just had to wear this chin strap and the drains, but then the drains came out the next day. The incisions looked so clean after just 48 hours and the swelling and bruising were not bad at all. There was a little bruising right in front of my ear, but that was really all there was. It goes back to that idea of the younger and better quality your skin is, the faster you are going to bounce back.

It took about 10 days for the peel to completely heal and then I just had baby skin. I looked refreshed and glowy. But even after just 10 days, my face had healed and my jowls and undereyes are completely different from before my surgery. The skin underneath my neck had tightened up and the little mound was gone. I had almost a heart-shaped face again where before it was boxier. I’m 10 weeks post-surgery now and I would say I’m completely healed but even now I still feel a little tightness. Not pain, it’s just tighter, so I’m trying to limit how much I move my neck. Everyone heals in different phases, so I’m not pushing myself to do things I don’t feel comfortable doing.

I wasn’t really using active [skincare ingredients] before the surgery but now I’m using A313, the French pharmacy retinol, every other day, and beef tallow. I’m not doing much to change the skin, just giving it a little bit of resurfacing to keep the peel fresh, so to speak. And then the beef tallow to kind of nourish the skin. I’m not trying to do anything crazy or add a bunch of new stuff because it looks so good and I don’t want to do anything to dry it out or irritate it. So those are the only two things I’ve added to my routine.

Choosing My Facelift Plastic Surgeon

I chose Dr. Levine, not just because I work in his office, but because I saw him do so many surgeries over and over and the results are always so specifically natural. Even if I didn’t work with him, I would have chosen him as my surgeon after seeing how natural patients look after seeing him. “I tell patients my goal during surgery is to put things back where they used to be,” explains Dr. Levine. I’m a big believer in not choosing your surgeon based on social media. Would you find your pediatrician on Instagram? Would you find your dad's cardiothoracic surgeon on TikTok? There's no governing body to say that they can't doctor their images. There's no legal implication for having an after photo with great lighting and a before photo with shitty, shadowy lighting. You should be using word of mouth, meaning find someone who's had it done and talk to them. What'd you like? What didn't you, what would you recommend? Would you do anything differently?

How I Feel About My Facelift and Neck Lift

Everyone was asking if people knew I had had a facelift, but no one can really register what’s different unless you tell them. When you do it at my age at least, they're not really going to notice a huge drastic difference other than like, wow, your skin looks good. They can't really pinpoint what it is, even though you still feel super fresh. No one can tell that you had surgery even though it’s so soon after the surgery. I think the main thing that I did that a lot of people don’t do is I never questioned the process. Obviously, from seeing it so often it’s something that I understood.

Trust the process. Once you've done all the homework and picked a surgeon you trust, the surgeon has the skills to give you the result you want, so trust that the process is going to turn out well. The more you positive self-talk, the faster it actualizes. Be easy on yourself. Remember that you really wanted to do this. Get excited about it. It's going to be a little recovery. Be aware that if you cut some skin, there's going to be some swelling and tissue distortion, but all of it will go back down. You've just got to give it time.

Meet the Expert

Turner-Smith’s version of the hairstyle looked like a boho dream. After each braid was pulled up to the top of her head and secured with a ponytail elastic, the ends of her hair were wrapped around it to give the style more continuity. This allowed the ombré brown curls at the ends of each plait to complement her gorgeous brown-toned makeup all the more. The actress paired her flirty glam with a black-and-white chevron dress, a grey clutch, and sky-high stilettos. A deep red manicure served as a subtle pop of color to complete the look.

Goddess braids have become a go-to protective style since becoming mainstream circa 2018. Variations of the style were not previously explored, but goddess braids today are an offshoot of the loc version of the style, which was created by Dr. Kari Williams in 2015. Numerous celebrities like Simone Biles, Gabrielle Union, and Zoe Kravitz have been spotted in the hairstyle, and since its inception, it has also graced runways and iconic street style moments alike.

Goddess braids are one of those hairstyles that fall into the “high maintenance to be low maintenance” category (they can take up to eight hours to complete), but once they’re installed, you can get four to eight weeks of wear out of them. That being said, there are some essentials you should have on hand for proper braid maintenance, so keep reading for the products I keep in my own beauty arsenal to prolong my protective styles.

After a few months of this vicious cycle, I decided to kick my regrowth strategy into high gear and tackle the hair loss any way that I could. That meant visiting some hair loss experts for targeted solutions, swapping my usual shampoo and conditioner with follicle-stimulating formulas, and sticking with a consistent routine month after month after month—because nothing will happen if you’re spotty with your regrowth products. Just like having a diligent skincare routine will help you achieve an even-toned, glowy complexion, the work you put into your haircare routine will pay off in your search for thicker, fuller mane.

Ultimately, battling hair loss is a unique process for everyone, but given that mine was due to stress, and the corresponding cortisol, I had a good chance of both regrowing the hair I had lost and minimizing a future significant shed. Now, three years later, I’m still in the process of gaining back my former thickness (remember, hair only grows about six inches per year, and that’s for healthy follicles) but I’m confident, if slightly impatient, that my regimen will help return my long, wavy hair to its former glory.

Brush Before You Shower

I know this might sound counterintuitive, but brushing your hair can stimulate your scalp, bringing more blood flow (and therefore oxygen) to the area, which in turn encourages growth. I’ve also found that brushing before I hop in the shower removes any hairs that are about to fall so the number of strands I find in the shower isn’t so dramatic.

Massage Your Scalp

Another tactic I’ve turned to is giving my scalp a little love before hopping in the shower (again, more stimulation means more oxygen) so I apply a nourishing hair oil before going in for a five-minute massage pre-shower.

Invest in a Nourishing Shampoo

You may think that a shampoo’s sole purpose is to clean your hair and scalp, but when you’re dealing with hair loss, it’s also an opportunity to impart active ingredients to kick start your growth cycle.

Indulge in a Hair Mask

Half the challenge of hair loss is hanging onto the strands you already have, so it’s important to invest in nourishing and strengthening formulas that guard against breakage. I use a hair mask once a week in place of conditioner to really baby my locks and add much-needed moisture.

Add a Scalp Serum

I know, I know, adding in yet another step to your styling routine can feel like a pain, but trust me, you want even more stimulating, conditioning, and nourishing ingredients for your scalp to jump-start growth and promote a healthy environment.

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This spring, shades that sound good enough to eat are still on the manicure menu. Only now, it’s all about juicy, glossy, fruit-inspired nails. A swipe of chocolate is optional—but highly recommended.

Chocolate Mousse

Orange Crush

Strawberry Shortcake

Black Raspberry

This article appears in Marie Claire's 2025 Craftsmanship Issue.

At this point in my career, I understand the notes I return to again and again. I know they're super popular at the moment but gourmand fragrances are a pass for me—although the marshmallow perfume trend is very intriguing—and I don't typically care for anything that's very spicy, too rich in oud, or that's exceptionally fruity. Instead, I lean towards woody, aquatic, floral, amber, and salt scents, all of which compliment my body chemistry beautifully. Until now, I had never really given a lot of thought to smelling like... a tree.

That's not to say Chloé Cedrus is a straight up Christmas tree overload of pine and cedar (which would make a very nice holiday candle). Rather, this perfume offers up a feminine take on a quintessentially woody aroma, with plenty of grounding florals and musks to soften the base. Given that it's part of the Chloé girl world, the scent is of course bohemian, but more refined Earth mother (read: sexy witch) without the hippy, patchouli, incense vibe.

Notes of cardamom, bergamot, and pink peppercorn kick off the top of the scent for an invigorating and slightly spicy first whiff before drying down to a warm heart of Bulgarian rose and earthy cassia bark. The base of vetiver, sandalwood, and cedarwood rounds out the wood-forward fragrance for a perfect balance between elegant and smoky, musky and tender. It's as if you stepped out of a foggy clearing deep in the forest, dressed in some slinky black dress that demands everyone's attention while long tendrils of hair cascade down your back in the crisp twilight air. You know, witch but make it fashion.

Best of all, this is an extremely approachable eau de parfum—definitely safe to blind buy—without ever feeling basic or boring. On the contrary, it's both comforting and intriguing at the same time, luring you in closer to take another whiff. I don't know about you, but that's exactly how I want the people around me to feel when I step into a room—intrigued and a little nervous that a such a powerful woman has entered their orbit. Basically, if you're hunting for some big witch energy this spring (although I can see myself wearing this scent all year long) Chloé Cedrus might become your new fail-safe fragrance of 2025.

I used to think that my skin was just dry, but a facialist confirmed to me once that my skin was also dehydrated. That means I also deal with dullness on top of wintertime flaking and general redness and irritation. And while Marie Claire’s Senior Beauty Editor, Samantha Holender, is the queen of sensitive skin, I will also admit that mine is reactive, prone to hormonal acne, and has a damaged skin barrier (I blame the dozens of face serums I’ve tested). The bottom line is that curating my perfect dry-and-dull skincare routine has been a doozy, and it’s taken lots of trial and error to get it right.

I feel qualified to share my morning skincare and makeup routines because of a moment that took place recently. I walked out of my house in the morning without makeup on, and it took me until 3 p.m. to notice. In all of my trips to the bathroom and my many face-to-face meetings, neither I nor my team had seen anything “wrong” with my skin—it simply looked glassy, hydrated, and even (all qualities I’ve previously relied on liquid foundation and concealer to achieve).

So, keep reading to see my favorite beauty products. Some are new launches, others are all-time best-selling staples, but they all deserve a place in your beauty cabinet if you can relate. Dull, dry skin, get out of here!

Quick Rinse

I'm not always a morning shower-er, but when I do, I luxuriate in the experience. I've had the chance to test out new bodycare brand Cyklar, and spoiler alert: I'm obsessed. The "Sacred Santal" scent is my favorite, and I keep the shower stocked with every iteration. My hair is also in a funky place (it's dry and greasy simultaneously), so I've returned to my old faithful Pureology shampoo and conditioner duo to remedy it.

A Boost of Glow and Hydration

My morning skincare routine is in a really great place right now, but I've had to play it by ear now that the seasons are changing. I've recently swapped my morning cleanser out for a hypochlorous acid spray to give my skin a light refresh without drying it out, which has helped loads. I also double cleanse at night, so my skin is usually pretty squeaky clean when I get up.

Easy Makeup

My makeup routine is in a bit of a transition period. I'm still hunting for the perfect tinted moisturizer, but in the meantime, I've been wearing less of my usual full-coverage foundation or swapping it out for just a concealer. My dream makeup looks glowy, natural, and not overdone, but still polished. Brands like Glossier and Merit help me achieve this look.

Scent Wardrobe

Some people have a signature scent, but I have a scent wardrobe. Highlights include my wedding fragrance from Le Labo (I'm savoring it since it's so expensive), a perfume oil from Cyklar that quickly became my favorite affordable option, and Glossier's new You Rêve scent, which is making me fall in love with gourmand perfumes. There's also a pretty rose perfume from Diptyque that I spritz on when I'm feeling girly. Or, if I'm really in a rush, I'll steal a spritz of my husband's Byredo perfume, Mojave Ghost.

Ross’s hair was pulled into a high updo at the crown of her head. Given her naturally curly texture, a generous amount of gel was likely used to slick back the front for that sleek, glossy finish. The statement-making extra-long ponytail swished just above her hips with every step into the venue.

A milky white manicure, warm-toned makeup, a monochromatic orange outfit, and brown heels completed Ross’s look, and I have to say—the actress has done it again with her statement-making look. Ross has long been well-known for her whimsical sense of style, but it wasn’t until she launched Pattern Beauty that people finally started to see her for the beauty icon that she is. That being said, she has a long history of playing around with everything from her hair to her makeup, having been seen in cornrows, braids, afros, on the red carpet and in casual settings alike.

I’ve been having a ton of fun experimenting with celebrity-inspired hairstyles (I still can’t get the hair accessory that Millie Bobby Brown was recently spotted wearing out of my head), so you can bet that I’ll be taking Ross’s new ‘do for a spin as well. Below, I’ve shared my plan of action to achieve the star’s gorgeous hairstyle, so keep reading for all the tips to recreate this style at home.

For the uninitiated, here's the lowdown on the twice-yearly sale: Sephora Rouge members access the sale first on April 4 and earn a 20 percent discount. Then, Sephora VIB and Insider members can start shopping on April 8 and earn a 15 percent and 10 percent discount, respectively. The sale ends for everyone on April 14. Use the code SAVEMORE at checkout to earn your discount. If you're not an Insider member, don't worry—you can sign up for free.

Whether you're restocking on your favorites or looking to try a new beauty product, this is not a sale to pass up. It's not every day luxury brands like Westman Atelier, Augustinus Bader, and Sarah Creal go on sale, so if you were patiently waiting for a discount, here's your chance. For your shopping pleasure, I've rounded up 27 of my all-time favorite luxury skincare products at Sephora. And if you're curious about other editor-approved picks included in Sephora's sale, we've got the full rundown from our beauty team, too.

Here’s the deal: I struggle to find a formula that flatters my skin tone. I’m incredibly pale and insanely cool-toned, so most bronzers end up making me look tired, sunken, and ruddy (not the vibe). Mindy, on the other hand, is what I would call a stickler for texture. “I used to love powders, but when my skin got older, it also became drier,” she tells me. “I had to switch everything over to a cream base—otherwise it won’t blend out on my skin.”

But Sarah Creal, a brand designed specifically for women over 40, managed to create a bronzer that solves every makeup concern—regardless of age. Available today and retailing for $50, the matte, cream bronzer prides itself on being mistake-proof, easy to blend, and incredibly hydrating. The secret sauce, so to say, is a trio of deeply moisturizing ingredients.

Click open the easy-to-unlock orange container, and you’ll find a compact filled with okra extract, which assists with moisture retention, mushroom extract, which boosts elasticity, and a proprietary Skinlastic peptide complex, which makes skin strong and resilient.

I found that the best technique was to apply the product with my brush in just a few swirls, followed by circular, upward circle motions along my cheekbones, bridge of my nose, and forehead. The formula left no harsh lines whatsoever, and shade 1 (a light, golden bronze) left me looking like I had a mid-summer tan. The best part? There was no oxidation.

Mindy, for her part, gives it a “double thumbs up,” primarily because of the blendability. “It really goes on so smoothly. I can’t get over it. It’s very workable, and while I thought the colors looked really cool-toned in the jar, they’re actually pretty neutral. It’s definitely going in my daily rotation.”

If you, too, want to see what the Sarah Creal hype is about, shop ahead.

In the photo carousel, Moore’s famously hip-length hair is now grazing her shoulders. It's longer than a traditional bob but shorter than your standard mid-length cut—landing somewhere in between. The result? A sleek, polished lob that feels part Texas socialite, part Jackie Kennedy. And yes, it's just as glamorous as it sounds.

A contraction of the term “long bob,” lobs are perfect for those who want a shorter hairstyle but are not ready to fully commit. While stars like Leslie Bibb and Michelle Williams have been championing the cunty little bob trend that has rapidly entered the zeitgeist as of late, lobs are a much more timeless and approachable hairstyle—it echoes a white t-shirt: versatile, easy-to-wear, and looks good with every outfit.

While Moore’s new look is likely due to a wig, lobs are a great option for people who want to grow out a bob or who want to experience having short hair before making the full pixie or buzzcut chop. Keep reading to see the extensions I recommend experimenting with, should you be so inclined to recreate Moore’s look, as well as the products that will keep your hair in tip-top shape while you make your new lob your own.

Here's how it works: using code SAVEMORE at checkout, Rouge members get first access beginning April 4, with 20 percent off, and the ability to share their discount with one friend from April 4-7. Then, starting April 8, VIB members get 15 percent off, and Insiders get 10 percent off, with the event running through April 14. Not a Beauty Insider yet? No biggie—it's free to join, and members get exclusive access to these discounts, plus perks like free shipping and returns.

The line-up this year is top-tier, and when it comes to aging skin, the right products are everything. A primer, concealer, and foundation for mature skin that won't cling to dry patches or settle into fine lines? They've got plenty. A skin-smoothing, wrinkle-softening, collagen-increasing skincare routine? Yep, and dermatologists swear by it. How about products that make your hair fuller, thicker, and maintain vibrant color? Absolutely. Keep reading for the best mature skin beauty picks at the Sephora Savings Event, loved by women over 40.

Makeup for Mature Skin

Skincare for Mature Skin

Mature Haircare

Tools for Mature Skin

For starters, Lopez opted to keep her hair blown out and straight—save for a few waves— with the ends hitting just at her mid-back. Her makeup was soft-lit and provided a halo-like effect, thanks to a shimmery inner-corner highlight, a brown smoky eye, and a glossy lip. A toasty cheek color and a baby French manicure completed the look.

Clad in a black dress with a plunging neckline and outfitted in jewels worthy of royalty, Lopez looked regal on the red carpet. The star has become somewhat of a Broadway darling, as she was spotted at the premiere of Othello just a few weeks ago. She’s managed to do all this while filming her new movie Office Romance, juggling her cosmetics line, and spending time with her children (one of whom was her date to the Othello premiere).

While Lopez has had a dedicated glam team for years, if you’re as obsessed with her hair and makeup as I am, I know just the products that can give you a similar look. Keep reading to see how you can recreate the star’s glam with just a quick trip to your favorite beauty retailer.

Sephora’s yearly Savings Event is, like always, tiered based on your VIB status. Rouge members get the deals the earliest (and receive the highest discount). Starting on April 4, Rouge members get to shop Sephora’s entire site for 20 percent off. The sale opens up to VIB members on April 8, and they receive a 15 percent discount. Insiders also access the discount on the eighth, but they receive a 10 percent discount. If you’re not a member, don’t worry—it’s free to sign up. Alongside the rest of the sale, Sephora’s in-house collection will be on sale for 30 percent off. All you have to do is apply code SAVEMORE at checkout. The deals will officially wrap up on April 14.

Now that you get the gist of the deals (and there are a lot of them!), keep scrolling down. You’ll be able to get an insider’s look into the makeup and skincare routines of our team’s most glamorous members, and read their first-hand reviews of the very products they’re recommending. The prices below reflect a 20 percent discount, so fill your cart before your longtime favorites from cult brands and new beauty launches sell out. We also rounded up the best products for beauty lovers over 40, so check that out for even more beauty goodness.

Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director

Baxter's beauty routines have been well documented. She's written guides detailing the essential steps to achieving flawless skin, the five-minute wavy hair routine she relies on, her hack for the perfect date night makeup look, and, of course, the morning skincare routine she goes back to every day. The bottom line? Her favorite products are must-haves, no matter the look you're going after. Her favorites include products from Japanese beauty hallmark brands like SK-II and indie labels like Dieux Skin and Soft Services.

Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor

Holender's sensitive skin morning routine includes a bunch of heavy-hitting products that don't irritate. There's a face cream from Dr. Barbara Sturm—her "luxury skincare brand of choice"— and a best-in-class concealer from Nars that's also a great pick for beauty lovers with mature skin. Team that with products from her favorite haircare brand, RŌZ, and a glowy base known to be one of the best Charlotte Tilbury products, and you've got a regimen worth copying.

Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer

While her morning routine might be somewhat chaotic, Baker's favorite Sephora finds are surefire hits. They include a concealer from Westman Atelier that other members of our team have already reviewed, a loose powder from Kosas, and a luxe body wash from Salt & Stone. Oh—and there's a techy tool from Therabody she swears by whenever she wakes up feeling a little puffy. "It has both cold and heat therapy to help calm any inflammation. A few swipes around my face and I feel good as new and ready for the day," she says.

Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor

My morning routine has cured my dry and dehydrated skin, so I'm stocking up on products now that they're on sale at Sephora. From the lightweight toner I use to give me a healthy glow to the cream blush that's basically my hack to a summer flush, these are the products I would recommend to anyone. Even if you're not dealing with the same skincare woes, I included a Glossier perfume that took me by surprise and a shampoo and conditioner duo I go back to when I need to reset my hair.

Chances are, you know Ariana Madix. Maybe you’ve been a Super Fan like me since 2013, when she made her bartending-slash-reality-tv debut on Vanderpump Rules. It’s possible you caught on during her Broadway stint, where she played the one and only Roxie Hart in Chicago. If you missed both those boats, then you most definitely caught her as host on Love Island USA. That all being said, I fully expected her beauty routine to be incredibly extra. No judgment at all, but I envisioned Madix’s bathroom and shower to be stocked with gadgets and gizmos galore.

But! After spending 20 minutes with the reality star to discuss Bio-Oil's Scar Stories campaign, I stand corrected. Her approach to beauty, wellness, and aesthetics is incredibly relatable for the average girl. She requires fear tactics to get her butt out of bed (does anyone really just rise and shine?), finds her most effective body care at the drugstore (Bio-Oil for the win), and is still skeptical about the dry brushing craze (although, she’s going to engage in the lymphatic drainage technique anyway).

To learn more about the rituals, products, and habits responsible for helping her step into the sexiest version of herself, read ahead.

I'm whatever the opposite of a morning person is. When I wake up, I snooze the alarm a few times. So honestly, my mantra is just: get out of bed. I remind myself of all of the things that I need to do in order to scare myself into getting up. It’s all about fear tactics.

I am a night shower [person] for sure, but sometimes it's both. If I have to have cute hair in the morning, I need to shower when I wake up and do a blowout. I hate my bathroom, though and I plan on redoing it as soon as I can. Then it will be very sensual and gorgeous. I also don’t know if this even works—I kind of think it’s fake—but I do dry brush. I don’t actually think it’s doing anything, but I am committed to the bit. I love to shower, and then when I get out, I’ll use oil on my body and put a red light mask on it to feel extra luxurious.

Probably Bio-Oil. When you say Bio-Oil, people aren’t like, oh yea, so sensual. But it smells nice and makes my skin so nourished and hydrated. For me, what’s made me feel the most sexy, which may not be inherently sexy, is consistency in my routine. I make sure that I’m doing All The Things for myself even when I don’t feel sexy or I don’t want to. That makes me feel the most confident the next morning when I’m using my fear tactics to get myself out of bed. It makes me think of loving myself not as a concept but as a verb.

I like to layer fragrances. The combination of the moment is a vanilla sandalwood. I’ll start with the Hong Kong scent from Le Labo, which is a neroli and bergamot. It starts floral, but then it leans more citrus and it has a woody cedar in there. Then I’ll use Sol de Janiero Chieriosa 59—the purple one—because it kills it with vanilla.

I'm getting better at doing my own makeup. I have one look, and I know it’s probably dated, and maybe it's very millennial of me, but it's that shadow in the inner corner. I have hooded eyes, and it makes me look awake. I know that Gen Z-ers love to skip shadow, but people ask me if I'm tired or okay when I don't have an eyeshadow. I love a juicy cheek moment. I'm not the greatest at creating it, but I’ll try to do a contour, a blush, and a highlight.

I’m also so into a cool-toned nude lip, which is very difficult because everything turns orange. I’m still looking for that perfect gray.

I like my hair down sometimes, but honestly, I feel hottest in a slicked-back bun because I'm not worried about my hair. If it's down, I'm worried about whether my cowlick showing, right? Then I'm distracted, and then I'm not feeling sexy because I'm thinking about my cowlick.

I don’t own any nail polish. I can't, for the life of me, paint my own nails. I might to some quick press-ons, though. They have some really cool looks. Basically, I’m a nail girl that sucks at nail maintainance.

In the past, I may have just crawled into bed with a makeup wipe and fallen asleep. But I’ve grown. Now, even when it’s late, I force myself to do most of my routine. I’m still going to go to the sink and cleanse. I’m going to apply my Bio-Oil. And, I’m still going to do my sleep mask—even if it means carrying it to my bed. I’ve lived the crusty morning life and I can’t do it anymore.

In the past, I may have been a little bit scared of what aging would look like. Am I going to quote-unquote age well? But I’ve realized there are many things you can’t control. The effects of loving myself are going to make me feel good about going into these bigger ages. I feel privileged that I've made it this far, and hopefully I'll get another 40 or another 60 years. I wanna hit a hundred.

Wash your face before bed. I’m almost 40—and I’m finally listening.

Shop Ariana's Routine

“Powder blush is a go-to for a reason,” concurs celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay Braha. “It’s long-lasting, easy to apply, and gives the skin a soft, velvety finish. I love using it year-round to add a pop of color to the apples of my cheeks or along the tops of my cheekbones.” It's a fool-proof recipe to looking like you got a little sun on a tropical island. That being said, it's no surprise that brands are breathing new life into the category. Saie, Kosas, Westman Atelier, and YSL have all developed upgraded formulas that promise to look silky (not cakey) on the skin.

With so many options on the table, I’ve been busy testing. Here, you'll find my all-time favorites, along with expert application tips from Braha and makeup artist Elaina Badro. Read below for the 13 best powder blushes on the market.

The Best Powder Blushes

• The Best Powder Blush Overall: Kosas Blush is Life
• The Best Highly-Pigmented Powder Blush: Haus Labs Color Fuse Blush Powder
• The Best New-to-Market Powder Blush: Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo
• The Best Velvet-Finish Powder Blush: Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Divine Blush
• The Best Shimmery Powder Blush: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

Other Powder Blushes I Love

How to Apply Powder Blush

Unlike creams or liquids, powder blush doesn’t melt into the skin as easily, so application technique is key. Braha and Badro explain that to get a soft, diffused flush, use a fluffy, tapered brush to swirl into the blush. And don't forget to tap off any excess powder before applying.

Then, brush on the product at the apples of your cheeks and blend upward toward your temples for a lifted effect. To find where to start, Badro recommends smiling in the mirror to catch where your cheeks become fuller. "You can also layer blushes to add dimension or build up the color gradually for your perfect look," adds Braha.

What To Look For in a Powder Blush

"The key to a flattering finish is choosing a finely milled formula that blends smoothly without looking patchy or sitting on top of the skin," Braha says. Badro concurs, noting that "powder blushes should always apply smoothly."

Badro also shares that skin texture plays a huge role in deciding which blush is best for you. "If you have texture on your skin, I’d advise away from shimmer powder blushes and stick to mattes."

Why Trust Marie Claire

Emma Aerin Becker is an experienced beauty writer, focusing on shopping roundups, digital features, and trend stories. She's a regular contributor to Marie Claire, and has words in Byrdie, Page Six Style, People magazine, and more. She spoke with two celebrity makeup artists to compile this list of the best powder blushes

Marie Claire is also a leading blush expert, having produced content about the best blushes in every form, recently released blushes, and niche trends in the blush space. We're constantly scanning and reviewing new launches, as well.

How We Tested

For this story, we sourced editor and makeup artist-beloved drugstore blushes and tested over 11 top-selling formulas. We evaluated each blush based on finish, pigment, staying power, price, and results.

Meet The Experts

On Apr. 2, the actor paid a visit to The Today Show, wearing a puff-sleeve black top, gold layered necklaces, and high-waisted jeans. The cherry on top of the classic look? A gorgeous side-part blowout that allows her shiny espresso brunette color to be on full display. Falling just below her shoulders, Davis’s hair was curled to perfection and devoid of any additional accessories. Minimalist makeup and a soft pink manicure completed the look.

If you, like me, often experience analysis paralysis when attempting to figure out your daily hairstyle, blowouts are an easy and fool-proof way to look super put together. Though you may think they take a super-skilled hand and a heavy hair dryer, there are top-tier hair stylers available today that even a beginner can master. In addition, with the right prep and styling products, you can squeeze a week-long style out of it.

With the summer months coming up, I will be doing my best to minimize heat styling as much as possible to prioritize the health of my hair and, let's be honest, to avoid overheating as much as possible (NYC humidity is tough, people!). Keep reading for the items that will be in my summer hair rotation for the next few months.

To answer all your burning questions about the treatment, we asked two top double board-certified plastic surgeons in New York City, Melissa Doft, MD and David Shafer, MD, to share their expertise. From the average cost and recovery time to the best age to undergo the procedure (hint: the answer isn't what you think), keep reading for all the most important details to know before booking your facelift consultation.

What Is a Facelift?

It's easy to assume that a facelift is just about pulling back your facial skin as tight as it can go to achieve a more youthful appearance, but the reality is much more nuanced. As Dr. Doft explains, “A facelift involves tightening the skin and underlying SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System)/platysmal layer of the face and neck to reposition fat compartments and the platysmal muscle, thereby redefining the jawline." She notes that it is the gold standard for facial rejuvenation, as well as lifting and defining the jawline to re-establish a youthful heart-shaped face. Many patients also use the time they're under general anesthetic to add in other invasive cosmetic treatments, such as a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), fat grafting to the nasolabial folds, marionette and temples, a lip lift, and a chemical peel or laser procedure, according to Dr. Doft.

What Are the Key Benefits of a Facelift?

A facelift can improve several aspects of your face, many of which are affected by the aging process. These include, “a better defined jawline, less fullness under the chin, a more contoured neck, and lifted cheeks,” says Dr. Doft. “It transforms a squared, aged, masculine jawline into a lifted, heart-shaped one.”

Many of these areas can be treated with filler, but, as Dr. Shafer notes, injectables and lasers can't accomplish the same results as a facelift. "It takes it to the next level and does what you can't do with non-invasive procedures, such as removing the skin laxity, repositioning the muscles and soft tissue underneath the skin to contour the face," he says. "The benefits are long-term and you can get very dramatic results. My goal is for people not even to know you did anything, but know you look amazing.”

What Is the Best Age to Get a Facelift?

It would be too easy to say that 50 (or 45 or 65) is the age to go under the knife, but that's simply not the case. Just as the technique can vary from person to person (and surgeon to surgeon) in order to achieve the best results, so does the ideal time to explore a facelift. “People always say, ‘at what age do I get a facelift?,’” says Dr. Shafer. “It really doesn't matter what age. I'm looking at your anatomy and your goals for the procedure and what we can do surgically or non-surgically." The things that he is looking at to determine if you're at the right age for a facelift include the degree of skin laxity, aka how loose the skin is, how much fat or tissue there is in the face, and whether the patient will need to do some ancillary procedures (like fat grafting) at the same time to boost that up.

Dr. Doft adds, "I am often asked about the perfect age and the answer is that there is not one. Each individual ages differently due to genetics, ethnicity, sun exposure, significant weight gain and loss (particularly on the GLP-1s), early menopause, and smoking. All of these factors change how the face ages. I advise patients to proceed with surgery when they find they are looking in the mirror often and are not happy with the view. When aging affects your sense of self-confidence, we should talk.”

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

The beauty of speaking with a renowned plastic surgeon for a consultation is learning what treatments are best for your aesthetic concerns. Often patients who visit a professional looking for a facelift are better suited for a different cosmetic procedure—they just don't know it yet. Says Dr. Shafer, "If you don't have loose skin, and you just have a full neck or ill-defined jawline, then in most cases, you could do something simple like neck liposuction and maybe a little Renuvion, which is a plasma skin tightening device that tightens moderately loose skin. If you have skin where you have to pull it to simulate what you want to look like, then generally, that requires a true surgical procedure where we're going to make those decisions.”

Determining if a patient is a good candidate for a facelift also involves more parameters than just skin quality. As Dr. Doft explains, “I always look for someone who I know that I can make a difference in their appearance by performing the surgery, they are healthy enough to undergo the procedure (some older patients have comorbidities which make them poor surgical candidates), and that they will be happy with the results."

How Do You Prep for a Facelift?

Pre-op protocol can vary depending on your surgeon, but there are some general best practices to keep in mind. Dr. Doft notes that she asks patients to stop smoking for one month prior to and one month after surgery, and asks that patients are at or close to their goal weight. "Losing weight after the procedure can lead to excess skin," she explains. Basically, you need to prioritize a healthy lifestyle before seeking out a facelift in order to both ensure you are a good candidate and to optimize the results of your surgery.

Where Are the Facelift Incisions Located?

This choice is particular to every surgeon and every facelift patient. As Dr. Shafer explains, there is no cookie-cutter approach. "Generally there are two incisions,” he says. “Most people need a little incision underneath their chin, which gives us access to the fat pad so we can define the cervico-mental angle, which is the angle between your chin and neck. It also lets us approach the anterior platysmal muscle, which is causing those vertical bands you see in the neck.

He adds that the other incision will be somewhere around the ear—either in front of the ear or partially in front, and then inside of the ear canal, by the tragus. "The incision has to be customized to what you're doing for the patient—it's not always the same incision," he says. "Factors to consider would be how much skin is being removed, what areas we're addressing on the face, the hair pattern that the patient has." The scars from the incisions will also generally take longer to heal than the swelling from the surgery (more on that in a minute).

What Are the Risks of a Facelift?

A facelift is a highly invasive elective treatment and not something to take lightly. It's extremely important to consider all the risks of the surgery before walking into the operating room (or putting down a deposit). As Dr. Doft explains, “The most common risk is a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) which can necessitate returning to the operating room if large, or it can be handled in the office if small. [Also] poor scarring, asymmetry (all patients have asymmetry before surgery but once the skin is tighter sometimes they notice it more), damage to motor or sensory nerves which can affect facial movements or sensation respectively (less than one percent of patients experience this), contour deformities or unevenness, or being unhappy with the cosmetic results." Be sure to ask your facelift surgeon about the various risks and how to minimize them through proper pre-op care and post-op healing.

How Long Does Facelift Surgery Take?

This is not an outpatient procedure, if you couldn't already tell. From pre-op to seeing the final results, there are many, many weeks dedicated to ensuring you have a successful facelift and achieve the results you're hoping for. As for the surgery itself, Dr. Doft explains that the procedure takes about 4-6 hours and is usually performed with IV or general sedation. That means you'll have an anesthesiologist in the operating room with you in addition to your surgeon and his or her team of nurses. You'll also spend a fair amount of time in the recovery area coming out of anesthesia before heading home to finish healing.

What Is It Like to Recover from a Facelift?

Every patient heals differently from a facelift but the general timeline is about 4-6 months until you see the (almost) final result. Where you will be in the healing process during that timeframe is also subjective. “There's not a set time, like one month and then now you're healed,” explains Dr. Shafer. He prefers to categorize the healing process into three main phases.

“You’re going to have the first phase, which is a couple days; the second phase, which is a couple weeks; and then the third phase, which is a couple months. So the first couple of days you just had surgery—everything going on those days revolves around recovery, whether you're taking antibiotics, putting ice on your face, changing dressings, and resting. Then you’re going to have a couple weeks where you're getting back to your activities, but you're moving slower. Your swelling is going down, any bruising is starting to fade, you start to wander out of the house and feel a little bit more comfortable. And then you're going to have the next couple months, and that's where you're presentable. You might have to make a little extra effort concealing the incisions with your hair and makeup, but you're going back to work, you're going back out. You’re still maybe moving a little bit slower and there might be a little bit of swelling still that you or your surgeon can notice, but most other people wouldn’t."

Essentially, you will be able to see some results from your facelift right away, but the final phase of healing can take up to a year says Dr. Doft. “About 50 percent of the swelling will resolve by six weeks but final healing takes a full year, particularly for the scars to fully heal.”

How Painful Is a Facelift?

Although the surgery itself will be performed under IV sedation or anesthesia (and you'll therefore feel no pain during it), the healing process is much more involved than filler or lasers. Says Dr. Shafer, “If anything, some people experience some temporary numbness after the surgery. There is a sensation of tightness, though, which is different from pain. The way I try to describe it to patients is if you put a helmet on and put the strap one notch too tight under your neck. We put these stitches in your neck to kind of pull the muscle and make a sling under your neck to hold everything in place, and so you might feel this tightness. That can last for a couple days to a couple weeks under there. But it's not something debilitating or distressing.”

You will receive prescription pain meds for the first few days after the facelift but most patients report that they aren't necessary for the full recovery time—over-the-counter meds should be sufficient. You'll also have difficulty chewing, especially anything hard, so prepare for a diet of soups, smoothies, and lots of water to stay hydrated (and heal faster!). You'll also need to change your drains (if you have them), keep your incisions clean, and minimize physical activity. Essentially, prepare to remain at home for at least two weeks to rest and recuperate from major surgery as you won't be feeling your best.

What Is the Average Cost of a Facelift?

How much you'll pay for a facelift is largely determined by the location of the surgeon and their years of expertise in the field. But of all the plastic surgeries on the market, this is definitely one of the pricier options. “The cost range is extreme for this procedure, ranging from $15,000 to $100,000,” explains Dr. Doft. “But I think most surgeons are in the $30,000-60,000 range." Major cities will see the highest prices but also the top talent in the industry—something to consider when shopping for your facelift doctor. Whatever you do, don't let budget be the only factor when considering a surgeon. Talent, experience, bedside manner, high quality before-and-after photos, hospital privileges, and post-op planning are all crucial elements to take into account when you decide to take the plunge and finally get a facelift.

Meet the Experts

Lucky for me, body care brand Flamingo has teamed up with Tinx, creator and author of the forthcoming book Hotter in the Hamptons, as well as woman-owned NYC brewery Talea to create a chic shower beer collection, four words I never thought I'd be able to string together. Apparently I'm not the only woman equally invested in fashion and beauty as well as the joy of a shower beer since the collection was inspired by Tinx's favorite spots to grab a pint and a desire to level-up the self-care ritual for any and all shower beer fans.

As she explains, “Life’s just better when you romanticize the little things—so why not make your shower one of those moments? When Flamingo and TALEA came to me with the idea of pairing a smooth shave with an ice-cold beer, I was instantly in. [This is] the easiest way to turn your quick routine into something to look forward to."

Beer in general isn't always seen as a "feminine" beverage (even though historical evidence suggests that women were actually the first brewers over 7,000 years ago) so I appreciate that the trio is bringing a distinctively girly and fun beer-adjacent product to the body care market. I mean, who doesn't want to stick a cute little beer caddy to the wall of their shower to hold their favorite pale ale or pilsner after a long day of work or to upgrade their lavish everything shower? It's practical self-care at its finest.

You'll be able to purchase Flamingo’s new Moisture Plus Razor and receive the purple Shower Beer Holder free with your purchase directly from the body-care brand, and snag the limited-edition craft beer (an intriguing blackberry lager) at Talea taprooms across New York City while supplies last. Beauty meets beer? Don't mind if I do.

While you or I may scoff at spending a month’s rent on a luxury scent, that is but a fraction of what a bespoke perfume may cost. And for the promise of a scent that cannot be replicated, imitated, or duplicated, money, time, and resources is no object. There are many perfumers in the world who offer personalized services, but there are only a handful from fragrance houses with centuries of heritage.

“People want the story, the history, and they want the legacy,” Ben Krigler says. He’s the fifth-generation nose of the house of Krigler, which his great-grandfather Albert Krigler established in Berlin in 1904. “People [used to] buy jewelry as a show of wealth. Now, to have something that is hidden and not really viewable is actually the new luxury. For [my clients], it’s not only a perfume, it’s a lifestyle. They want something that nobody has. They want something that [means], Krigler has created this perfume especially for me; this is my production. It’s haute parfumerie—there are no limits for cost of ingredients or rules in terms of marketing.”

Krigler’s reputation for bespoke fragrance began in 2022, after a VIP client asked for a sneak peek of the scents he was developing. The client was so enamored with one in-progress formula that he demanded to purchase it as is, giving Krigler the idea to offer previews for the most dedicated of patrons. He began sending a limited number of bottles (sometimes even just one) of what he was working on to his stores, where clients could purchase them—some of whom option that fragrance for themselves, starting at $50,000 (which yields about 40 to 50 50ml bottles). Sometimes, if Krigler happens to be at a store when a client comes to collect their fragrance, they’ll ask him to sign their bottles. (When I spoke with him, he mentioned that he was working on about 20 bespoke fragrances at a time.)

Historically, custom was the primary way to buy perfume; commissioned by the wealthy elite, like a tailor, but for scent. Albert Krigler may have unwittingly begun his house line in 1879 by creating Pleasure Gardenia 79 for his fiancée. But prior to that, Guerlain became a luxury perfume house in 1853, when founding perfumer Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain concocted Eau de Cologne Impériale for Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugénie, earning him the title Official Perfumer to His Majesty in Paris.

In the 20th century, when advertising and celebrity made icons of such scents as Shalimar, Fracas, Chanel No5, and CK One, the perfume market as we know it came to define how we developed a taste for attainable luxury. But in 2006, Guerlain again began offering bespoke fragrance services, with master perfumer Thierry Wasser. “For perfume lovers, the creation of a private scent is the ultimate expression of personal style,” Wasser says.

Once a contract is executed, Wasser meets with a client to discuss their fragrance ambitions either over video call or in person, which he prefers, “since inevitably the topic of fragrance often becomes deeply personal.” With these clients, most of whom commission a one-of-a-kind Guerlain for themselves, “we discuss memories and dreams, tell stories, and obsess over scents. It’s a surprisingly intimate process,” Wasser says. He concocts a few fragrance ideations, meets again with the client or ships samples to wherever they are in the world, and narrows down the final formula through trial and feedback.

The process can take a few months, but the timing also depends on a client’s schedule, and how decisive the customer is after each round of creation, he says. The finalized perfume comes with a custom Moynat trunk, a one-liter Golden Bee bottle, six 100ml sprays, and four 30ml travel sprays. While the exact cost is disclosed upon request, Guerlain’s website states that bespoke fragrances start at $130,000.

For non-royals and perfume illuminati in the market for a personalized scent that costs less than a house, you may want to visit Floris London. The house was established in 1730, earning a royal warrant in 1820. It’s been a fragrance go-to for the royals, including Queen Elizabeth II, as well as Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Ian Fleming, and Oscar Wilde (a hefty namedrop that barely scratches the surface of the house’s historic legacy in British perfumery). With prices starting at a comparatively conservative £750 (just over $900) and reaching as high as £6,000 (just over $7,000), today anyone can come to Floris London’s Jermyn Street shop to design a one-of-a-kind fragrance.

“We’ve been doing this for hundreds of years,” says Roberta Ion, a fragrance and bespoke manager at Floris London. “We are very much about heritage.”

Floris’s sessions usually involve a two-to-three-hour consultation. Ion and her colleagues are the translators and smell brokers for clients, guiding them through the process of familiarizing themselves with the Floris palette and the notes they wish to include in their formula. “Once the foundation of the scent is selected, after careful consideration of how it interacts with the skin, different accords are used to enrich the scent and transform it to something uniquely tailored to their personal taste,” Ion explains. The formula is jotted into Floris’s books, as is their centuries-old tradition, and the fragrance is blended on the spot and poured into engraved 100ml bottles, which the customer may name. Floris’s fragrances won’t require waiting for the most precious and rare of ingredients to be their ripest to harvest. It’s a much more expedited process with an abbreviated palette and less back-and-forth than other prestige houses. But having your own individual fragrance in one day is a compelling way to splurge for almost instant gratification.

Consuming on demand is accessible to nearly anyone now, but having the wealth and raw materials to manifest the exact thing you want—well, that’s
a different kind of luxury. Making a fragrance with the finest ingredients harvested optimally takes time. Climate change has complicated sourcing, with increasingly unpredictable yields each year, on top of land scarcity from large corporations buying up fertile grounds for exclusive use.

A client of Krigler’s managed to circumvent that process all together. “He wanted to use his own raw materials, so we said, ‘Okay, but the only way to do that is to buy the land,’” Krigler recounts of a client who purchased a plot in Bulgaria, which is known for its premium damask roses. “He basically created a perfume that was half a million dollars just because he wanted to have his own production of flowers.” Each year the client sends the juice from the roses to Krigler, who makes another round of his bespoke production.

With the rise of a modern wealthy class from technology and modern industries, some of Krigler’s newer clients are early adopters of crypto—a far cry from 18th-century royalty. “I see the variations every five years,” Krigler notes. “There were people from the banks and real estate years ago, then it became people from the internet who made a fortune selling their concept to other companies. And [now it’s] the blockchain people and those people are getting bigger and bigger.” With these new innovations in finance, people are getting richer more quickly and much younger. “I had a client who came to me back in 2017. He was only 20 or 23,” Krigler says. “[I told him] ‘You know, it starts at $65,000.’” The final bill surpassed $125,000 after the client requested extra bottles and a custom trunk made to house them.

The emergence of a nouveau privileged class comes with newfound anxieties about establishing a legacy, as we’ve seen demonstrated by billionaires adopting science-fiction measures to ensure their longevity. Wasser tells me how Guerlain’s personalized formulas can be passed down to loved ones, a concept he finds especially romantic. “How divine to leave a fragrance legacy to future generations so that they may always recall the most personal, truest version of yourself.” But longevity and legacy are two sides of the same coin, one that fears mortality and one that honors heritage. And what is legacy but the collection of memories that constitute a life? Something scent is particularly talented at retaining.

This article appears in Marie Claire's 2025 Craftsmanship Issue.

Unlike traditional spray perfumes, solid fragrances are wax-based, meaning they're easy to travel with and more discreet to apply, explains fragrance expert Kudzi Chikumbu. But the best part? Solid perfumes are touted as longer-lasting alternatives to their classic liquid counterparts due to the slower rate of formula evaporation and the more potent concentration of fragrance.

While the concept may be ancient, today's formulas feel fresh, thanks to their sleek, cool packaging and skin-friendly ingredients. Whether you're drawn to the aesthetic and nostalgia, or just looking for a convenient, easy way to re-apply your signature scent, mark my words: the solid perfume trend is the next big beauty moment.

Keep reading for how solid perfumes work and my favorite products to hit the market.

Does a Solid or Liquid Perfume Last Longer?

A solid perfume can last longer than a traditional eau de parfum or body mist. The reasoning is that "with a solid perfume, the carrier is generally wax, which allows for slower diffusion," Chikumbu says. This can make it feel like the scent lingers longer, though its staying power "ultimately depends on the fragrance oil percentage."

Because solid perfumes are applied directly to the skin, they also react to body heat, which helps them melt and gradually release the scent throughout the day. To use a solid perfume, just swipe a little onto your pulse points—wrists, neck, behind the ears—and let it do its thing.

Shop the Best Solid Perfumes

Meet the Expert

For starters, Ortega opted for muted brows, falling just short of a completely bleached look á la Lady Gaga back in February. The rest of her makeup was soft, bronzy, and super sultry, thanks to a brown smokey eye and a toasty blush shade. Her new burgundy hair color was on full display in a pin-straight style that allowed the dimension to peek through. And for the finishing touch, Ortega's nails were filed into a short square shape and painted in a neutral-toned pearly white.

These beauty details were the cherry on top of a purple three-piece Versace suit, a stark departure from the grungy, slightly gothic aesthetic she’s become known for since assuming the role of Wednesday Addams for the hit Netflix series Wednesday. While Ortega seems to be experimenting a bit more with her fashion style, it seems her love of edgy glam will never truly go away. (As a fellow indie-sleaze lover myself, I’m here for it.) Keep reading to see how you can recreate Ortega’s hair and makeup look yourself, plus learn a hot tip on how to get muted brows with a product you likely already have at home.

Now I’m incredibly grateful for my wavy hair. It emanates that bed-head Olsen twins vibe all on its own—no heat necessary—and only needs a handful of products to satisfactorily style. Finding the right products, however, has taken a bit of trial and error over the years. Thick creams, which are so nourishing for tighter curl patterns, are too heavy on my hair, but watery serums don’t pack enough punch to keep my S-wave texture smoothed and defined throughout the day. Luckily I’ve found a lineup of tried-and-true formulas to style my wavy hair and keep it looking its best from day to night. Even better? It takes less than five minutes to accomplish.

Start With a Hydrating Shampoo

Textured hair requires more moisture than straight hair, especially if you get regular highlights like me. I always reach for a hydrating formula to kick off the wash day routine, and follow up with the corresponding conditioner to replenish and restore.

Reach for a Leave-In Conditioner

It’s not enough just to use a conditioner in the shower with textured hair. That’s why I always start my styling routine with 3-4 pumps of leave-in conditioner (and comb it through) to keep my hair moisturized and defined before going in with more products. If I skip this step (the horror) because I’m traveling or just ran out of formula (as if) I can feel a noticeable difference in my hair—it becomes rather straw-like. Not cute.

Don’t Skip the Air-Dry Gel/Cream

I’ve yet to find a curly or wavy-haired person who only uses one singular styling product, and I’m very much the same. This step keeps the definition sleek and adds hold, before scrunching with the next product to bring out the full shape of each curl. These are usually lighter formulas meant for looser textures, like type 3A-3C hair, so keep that in mind if your curls are on the tighter side.

Befriend a Curl Serum

As I said, curl creams are too heavy for my texture, so I’m fully on team curl serum to keep my waves bouncy and weightless. I use a quarter-sized amount and divide it between my two hands, then scrunch it into my hair on each side. Then I lift at the roots and smooth any flyaways before tucking the front pieces behind my ears to air dry.

Smooth It Out

Flyaways are a fact of life with wavy or curly hair, and while I generally embrace them, I do try to smooth the seriously rogue ones at my temples so I don’t look like I’ve been electrocuted. A lightweight cream or oil can work here depending on how dry my hair is (I typically use a cream when it’s almost 100% dry and an oil if I’m running out the door at 50% dry).

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While floral profiles—like rose or jasmine—are incredibly popular this time of year, “the most interesting spring scents don’t lean into florals,” says Romy Kowalewski, founder and creative director of 27 87. “They lean into tension. Spring is transitional by nature, so a great spring fragrance captures that in-between.” You'll find fresh takes on peach and cherry, light vanilla perfumes, and even nuanced notes like saffron in the season’s most in-demand scents.

I’ve been testing and finding an incredible variety of scents that I can almost guarantee will give you the best spring fragrance collection you’ve ever had. From traditional floral combinations to stunning molecular fragrances that adapt to your natural scent, these 15 perfumes are unique but still crowd-pleasing—a win-win, if you ask me. Keep reading for tips on how to approach your spring fragrance wardrobe.

The Best Spring Fragrances

The Best Spring Perfume Overall: The Harmonist Yin Transformation

The Best Musky Spring Perfume: Courrèges L'eau Pâle Eau de Parfum

The Best Fruity Spring Perfume: Guerlain L'Art et la Matiere Peche Mirage Eau de Parfum

The Best Floral Spring Perfume: Frédéric MallePortrait of a Lady Eau de Parfum

The Best Gourmand Spring Perfume: Maison Mataha Evasion Bonbon

Other Spring Perfumes I Love