Category: Beauty Products

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Is your hair shedding more than leaves this fall? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

As the vibrant colors of summer fade into the golden hues of autumn, there’s more to the fall season than just pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters.

For many Black women, it’s also the season of increased hair shedding. But fear not, because with the right hydration hacks, you can keep your locks luscious and strong all season long. Say goodbye to excessive hair shedding and hello to healthy, radiant hair with these five essential tips:

1. Deep Conditioning Rituals

The cooler, drier air of fall can zap moisture from your hair, making it more prone to breakage and shedding. Combat this by incorporating deep conditioning into your haircare routine. Opt for a rich, moisture-intensive conditioner and use it at least once a week. Consider adding heat by wrapping your hair in a warm towel or using a hooded dryer to help the conditioner penetrate deeply. Your hair will thank you with increased softness and resilience.

2. Protective Styles with Care

Fall is an excellent time for protective styles like braids, twists, or weaves. These styles shield your hair from environmental stressors. However, improper installation or excessive tension can lead to hair loss. Ensure your protective styles are not too tight, and give your hair regular breaks between styles to prevent stress-induced shedding.

3. Scalp Health Matters

A healthy scalp is crucial for hair growth. With the drop in humidity, your scalp can become dry and itchy, leading to scratching and hair breakage. Combat this by keeping your scalp moisturized. Use a light, nourishing oil like jojoba or argan oil to massage your scalp regularly. It not only provides hydration but also promotes blood circulation, which is essential for healthy hair growth.

4. Trim to Prevent Split Ends

Fall is an ideal time for a trim. While it may seem counterintuitive to cut your hair when you want it to grow, removing split ends prevents further damage and breakage. Your hair will appear fuller and healthier without those pesky split ends.

5. Stay Hydrated Inside and Out

Don’t forget that hydration starts from within. During the fall, we tend to drink less water, which can dehydrate our bodies and our hair. Ensure you’re drinking an adequate amount of water to keep your hair hydrated from the inside. Additionally, invest in a good leave-in conditioner or hair mist to maintain moisture levels throughout the day.

Remember, hair shedding in the fall is a common occurrence, but with these hydration hacks, you can minimize it and enjoy gorgeous, healthy hair all season long.

With these hydration hacks, you can keep your hair strands luscious and strong all season long.

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As Summer approaches, excitement starts to fill the air with visions of longer days, short-sleevedtops and leisurely days at the beach. Unfortunately, that’s not all that comes with the warmest time of year. The warmer weather beckons us to shed heavy clothing and show more skin, while invisible UV rays aremasked in warmth of the sun. This is why SPF is a crucial step in our summer skincare regimen.

Many of us may think of SPF as something we wear to the beach or if we’re going to be in the sun for long periods of time. As important as SPF is in those circumstances, it is just as important for daily use. Even just going to and from our car can subject the skin on our face, neck and arms to a world of damage. So, what are the most important things to remember when choosing a Summer SPF? Let’s cover our bases:

Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sun protection is quite popular in the US which is no surprise considering how easily accessible it is. Grocery store and drug store aisles are dominated by chemical SPF products which would lead one to believe that they are the best option. Don’t let that fool you. Physical SPF skincare products aremuch better for your skin, your body and for the environment. Here’s why:

• The mechanism of chemical SPF is to absorb the UV rays into your skin and then, through a chemical reaction, turn them into heat to disperse them. This mechanism heats up the dermis which can cause irritation, redness and discomfort. Physical SPF bounces the light off your skin like a mirror, whichis much more effective.UV rays never absorb into the skin. 
• Some Chemical SPF ingredients can be very irritating to the skin while Physical SPF is typically soothing and calming.
• Chemical SPF works great the first time you apply it but must be washed off before reapplying if you want to get the same SPF. This is because the chemical compound in the SPF must be able to get down into the skin to work. The residue of the expired SPF gets in the way of new SPF, preventing it from working as effectively. Physical SPF can be layered without washing it off.

UVA / UVB Protection in SPF Skincare Products

You always want to use broad spectrum SPF because UV rays are different and both UVA and UVB rays have their own threats. UVB rays are the most common rays that SPF products are created to protect against. They are most prominent in the hottest months of year and the brightest hours of the day. They are responsible for burning the skin. But UVA rays are much more insidious. They are present year-round any time there is daylight. They can penetrate glass and clouds and areknown to degrade our skin’scollagen and elastin. They are also responsible for several different kinds of skin cancer. We always want to make sure our SPF protects against both. 

At jane iredale, we make a wonderful assortment of makeup and skincare SPF products to meet your needs. 

 

We know you’ll enjoy using all our SPF products. Let us know which is your favorite!

Looking for some amazing Black Friday deals at Ulta? Here are some of my favorites that are ON SALE right now! Get them before they are gone!

The beauty sector is a hotbed for innovation, with new online channels giving niche and start-up brands a platform to promote revolutionary concepts. From personalised skincare with a scientific base to celebrity-owned brands promoting inclusivity and social causes, the personal care market is more creative yet competitive than ever before. Focusing on the use of diverse ingredients, which are unusual and natural and provide better results on the skin, is key to winning across beauty categories.

Makeup

Sensory trends have resurfaced in the makeup category following the pandemic. With the ease of pandemic restrictions around the world, many people are looking to splash out on their appearance and look for products that match their personality and interests. Brands are launching tailored products to attend to all needs in the market. GlobalData’s Q2-2021 consumer survey reveals that 23% of global consumers will try new ingredients in beauty products due to curiosity, with this experimental nature rising among younger cohorts.

wet n wild’s new Mega Jelly eyeshadow, launched in the UK, aligns with this demand for experimental products; the eyeshadow features a high pearl suspension and gives an automatic ‘wet look’, which has been popularised by beauty influencers. Moreover, the product is suitable for vegans and infused with cucumber and chamomile Herbasol extract that provide extra nourishing properties, adding a layer of personalization and functionality for health-minded consumers.

Skincare

The skincare category is largely defined by added functionality, better-for-you claims and personalisation that meet and improve specific skin concerns.  Anti-acne is the most demanded claim within skincare products. GlobalData’s Q3 2021 consumer survey reflects that 66% of global consumers found an anti-acne claim to be somewhat or very appealing in skincare products.  The US-based brand, Miss Spa, has released a Chin Hero – a v-line chin patch with anti-inflammatory properties to help avoid breakouts. The product comprises tea tree oil and witch hazel in the formula, which will appeal to knowledgeable consumers who are seeking formulation for a specific concern that can improve their appearance.

Consumers also expect several functionalities in a single skincare product, as this not only saves time and money but adds premium value. Manufacturers are including in their formulations several ingredients to target consumers with a busy lifestyle who need a product that not only helps to save time but also improves the skin concern without the need of buying more products.

Haircare

Sustainability and environmentalism are defining the FMCG landscape as consumers grow more aware of their impact on the environment. As a result, many are searching for environmentally friendly haircare products, particularly given the substantial use of plastic in this category. GlobalData’s research (Q3-2021) suggests that 64% of global consumers agreed that plastic-free packaging is quite if not extremely important to them. Therefore, products like the UKs Aussie Nourishing Hug shampoo bar, which contains 98% of natural origin ingredients and claims to reduce the use of plastic bottles, are a great example of how to provide a haircare product that caters to environmentally conscious consumers.

The interest in natural ingredients in haircare products is also spiking. As a result, brands are including products that claim to use natural ingredients in their formulations to be seen as more appealing.

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GlobalData is this website’s parent business intelligence company.

Nicki Minaj has solidified her status as a trailblazing force in the music industry, making history as the first female artist to achieve the highest number of streams. With her unparalleled talent, innovative style, and unapologetic charisma, Nicki has captivated audiences worldwide, breaking barriers and redefining the possibilities for women in the music realm. Her record-breaking accomplishment not only attests to her immense popularity but also serves as a testament to her enduring impact on the global music landscape. Nicki Minaj continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of female artists, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

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The last year was a big one for payers, with several major M&A deals, according to a recent report from KPMG. This includes CVS Health’s $8 billion purchase of Signify Health and $10.6 billion purchase of Oak Street Health, as well as UnitedHealth Group’s Optum’s $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys. In 2024, payers “will become ever more important in the U.S. healthcare system,” KPMG said.

But there are several challenges ahead as well, such as regulatory pressures against Medicare Advantage and pharmacy benefit managers.

Here are KPMG’s five tailwinds and five headwinds for payers in 2024:

Tailwinds

1. Reduced recession worries: KPMG anticipates slower economic growth in the middle of 2024, but this will improve in the third and fourth quarters with “no recession and no new interest rate hikes by the Fed.”

2. Premium increases: Premiums are expected to rise “sharply” for some insurance members.

3. Margin pressures: Both large and small providers are expected to experience margin pressures. This will lead to some being acquired.

4. Asset integration: There will likely be an increase in “vertical integrations of acquired provider assets,” according to KPMG.

5. Insurance access: Due to continued high employment rates, commercial enrollment will likely be “maximized,” KPMG said.

Headwinds

1. Lending worries: Interest rates will likely stay high, leading to lenders being more wary.

2. Antitrust scrutiny: Federal antitrust enforcement will continue to be strict. This will end or delay some deals, and raise the costs of some deals.

3. Talent: “First-rate technical talent” will be challenging to recruit and retain.

“Companies that innovate to create superior employee value propositions may gain important competitive advantages and create virtuous circles of successful innovation and recruiting,” KPMG stated.

4. Medicare Advantage woes: Margin pressures are expected to rise for Medicare Advantage plans. This will be due to slower growth and reimbursement challenges from rising scrutiny from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In addition, Cigna recently agreed to pay $172 million to settle claims that it sent inaccurate MA diagnostic codes to increase reimbursement.

KPMG added that in October, experts testified to Congress “that while some MA plans offer important services not available in traditional Medicare, many seniors have trouble navigating more than a hundred options, multiple complications, and misleading and even fraudulent marketing.”

5. Crackdown on pharmacy benefit managers: KPMG cited a September report from the American Medical Association that found that vertical and horizontal consolidation of PBMs lowers competition. This in turn hurts patients, self-insured employers and insurers not partnered with PBMs.

“Regulators and legislators may look more closely at PBMs’ role in the drug supply chain,” KPMG said.

Photo: VectorInspiration, Getty Images

The weighing scale can either become a friend or a foe during your weight loss journey. While it does help track your progress, some individuals do not see any change on the numbers on the scale even with crash dieting and intense exercise. Not seeing any difference on the scale can be a big let down. Working hard and feeling stuck can make people lose hope and consider giving up. The weighing scale is a useful tool for tracking weight loss progress, but it’s not always straightforward. Weight fluctuations can occur despite your efforts, influenced by various factors like the time of day and when you last ate. Staying positive and understanding these fluctuations can prevent disappointment with the numbers on the scale. Understanding fluctuations, understanding natural body changes, and maintaining a positive mindset would help to avoid getting disappointed by numbers on the machine and offer a more accurate view of your progress. So, here are 6 Times To Avoid Weighing Yourself.

1. The Day After a Big Cheat Meal:

Cheat meals, all yourself to indulge in guilty foods once a week, outside of your diet plan. Often people tend to pick calorie-dense, carb-rich foods that can slightly impact the numbers on the scale. The excess carbs are stored in the form of glycogen in muscles along with 3 gm of water. After a carb-rich meal, you could gain up to 4 kgs in water weight alone, albeit temporarily. Additionally, a meal high in sodium can lead to water retention, potentially causing a temporary increase in weight overnight. Heavy meals can also cause bloating which too can add up. So, do avoid standing up on the scale after a big cheat meal, you would surely be disappointed by the numbers. Also read: “12 Possible Reasons That The Weighing Scale Isn’t Moving.”

2. During Periods:

During menstrual periods, hormonal fluctuations can cause bloating and water retention. These changes can cause temporary weight gain and might reflect higher numbers on the scale.

3. Evenings and at Random Times Through the Day:

Your weight fluctuates through the day and you tend to weigh your heaviest in the evening. Also, avoid the urge to stand scale every few hours to see if your weight has come down. Your weight can fluctuate up to 2 to 2.5 kgs, and it can happen due to build up of fluids and also depend on what you ate the entire day. It would be ideal to weigh yourself every morning after going to the washroom. That’s when you’ll get your most accurate weight because your body has processed and expelled whatever you ate and drank the day before. Also read: “5 Reasons Why Maintaining A Food Diary Would Help you Lose Weight.”

4. After Sleeping for Just 2 to 3 Hours:

Studies say that sleep deprivation for even 5 days in a row can lead to temporary weight gain. Sleeping for just 2 to 3 hours can lead to bloating and water retention also. Most importantly, your body would not have had enough time to digest or process whatever you ate the day before, so it would be prudent to get quality sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours before weighing yourself.

5. After an Intense Workout:

Our body tends to hold more water to repair muscle damage and it might just add up on the scale. Avoiding stepping on the scale a few hours after an intense workout or even the day after.

6. The day after a festival – Diwali, Christmas, New Year:

Our festivals all about celebrations and feasting. Calorie-dense foods like deep-fried snacks, sweets, and other elaborate spreads which are often carb rich and may impact the numbers on the scale. In fact, indulge yourself during festivals but remember to get back on track right after. Remember consistency is the key!

In the journey towards weight loss, the scale plays a tricky role—it’s a tool to track progress but doesn’t always reflect efforts accurately. However, do understand that weight fluctuations are normal and can be influenced by various factors. To avoid getting disappointed and to maintain motivation, knowing when not to weigh yourself can provide a clearer and more accurate view of your progress. For more such weight loss tips and elaborate diet plans, subscribe to the Rati Beauty app.

12 Possible Reasons That The Weighing Scale Isn’t Moving
5 Reasons Why Maintaining A Food Diary Would Help you Lose Weight

Whether you’re into traditional wedding ceremonies and receptions, or you prefer taking a more casual approach, here are some fun things to consider making a part of your wedding festivities.

1. A wedding highlight video

Most people create a wedding highlight video to preserve the most amazing moments from their big day, starting from the time they wake up in the morning. Ideally, you’ll want to hire a professional videographer for the job to ensure you get a high-quality result.

You can include anything you want in your highlight video, but typically, you’ll want to include all the most important moments, like your vows, first dance, cake cutting, toast, and bouquet toss. In addition to that, many people include the bride, groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen getting ready.

You can also get creative and include some funny moments that happen throughout the day. Your videographer will also include some nice B-roll footage of your guests and the general area where you’re having your wedding.

What you choose to include in your wedding highlight video is up to you, but don’t skip this important way to preserve your best memories from your amazing day.

2. Break dress code norms

If you’re into the casual wedding approach, why not also have a casual dress code? Tell your guests they can show up however they feel most comfortable, or have a casual, yet specific dress code where you allow people to wear jeans, but require a nice top. If it’s summertime, swap out the jeans for shorts.

Some people even extend the casual dress code to their own wedding attire, where brides and grooms wear t-shirts, jeans, shorts, Hawaiian shirts, and sometimes even costumes. One couple threw a costume party and told everyone it was their engagement party, and then surprised everyone by announcing that it was actually the wedding.

3. Have a themed wedding reception

If there’s a theme you and your partner really love, why not incorporate it into your wedding reception? For example, say you have a favorite T.V. series you watch together or you share an interest in a particular fandom. Have a cake custom made to represent your shared interest, and plan your decorations accordingly. It’s actually common for people to have Game of Thrones themed weddings, for example, and you can create any theme you like.

Just be aware that if your theme is too dramatic, some people might not want to attend. Although, that’s really not something you should be concerned about because your wedding is your special day and you should enjoy it to the fullest.

4. Take song requests

Sometimes it’s fun to get your guests involved in picking songs for your wedding. When you send out your invitations, ask everyone to write down their favorite song. Give your DJ the list of songs ahead of time and have them make a playlist. Your guests will love it!

5. Use customizations

Customizing things is fun, and you can go all out for your wedding. For instance, getting custom labels for your wine will give your guests a really cool experience when it’s served.

You can also customize anything you want your guests to take home with them, including etched cups, goblets, or even mini champagne bottles. Some people even go as far as customizing cocktail napkins with “fun facts” about the couple getting married.

6. Get a local bakery to cater your desserts

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t love a homemade apple, pecan, or pumpkin pie. There is just no comparison for a freshly baked pie, and if you want your wedding guests to be impressed with your dessert selection, get the best pies you can find.

Don’t stop with the pies. Look for a bakery that can also make smaller pastries, like almond cakes filled with fruit, butter croissants, almond croissants, and chocolate chip cookies. The more high-end the bakery, the better.

7. Put your dog or cat in the wedding

If you have a fur baby, don’t leave them at home; put them in your wedding! Some people task their dog with being the ring bearer, and others just have their dogs and cats walk down the aisle accompanied by a human companion. Including your pet in your wedding is sure to make everyone smile.

Make your wedding amazing – by your standards

There is no right or wrong way to host your wedding. Whether you prefer casual or traditional attire, costumes or themes, all that matters is you create your special day the way you will enjoy it best.

*We’re committed to transparency. Products marked with an asterisk were given to us to try by the brand. As always, all thoughts expressed on Rouge18 are our honest opinions.

Eyeshadow is my absolute favorite beauty product, so naturally I own 84 eye brushes (actually… I counted).

I used to throw them all in a cup or mug, but it ended up taking so much time to find the exact type of brush I was looking for. That’s when I embarked on a mission to find 1) a makeup brush organizer with dividers to organize my brushes by type, and 2) the right makeup organization system for ease of use.

My acrylic storage in shining armor was a 6-slot organizer from Muji. It’s no longer available, but you can find a ton of other organizers of similar shape to fit your needs at Muji or on Amazon.

Here’s my system for organizing my brushes.

Front Slot 1: I organize my brushes from largest/fluffiest to most detail-oriented. So slot #1 contains all my big, fluffy blending brushes. These are the brushes I use in every look for transition and crease shades. My favorite brush in this slot—I actually have 3 of them—is the Sigma E35 Tapered Blending Brush. 

Front Slot 2: Next, I have all of my detail blending brushes. These brushes are fluffy, but smaller (fewer bristles) and denser (bristles packed tighter together). They deposit more color than bigger brushes, but don’t diffuse shadows quite as much, by design. These brushes are great for deepening the crease or outer v or for just blending in smaller areas. They’re also great if you have small eyes, and typical blending brushes don’t work well for you.

My favorite detail blending brushes are the Sigma E36 Blending Brush, Morphe M514 Detail Round Blender, and Sigma E27 Detail Blending Brush. 

Front Slot 3: Slot 3 is home to my packing/shader brushes. These brushes are flat and dense to deposit intense color on the lids. My absolute favorite shader brush is the Sigma E55 Eye Shading Brush, of which I own 2. I also like the Sigma E21 Smudge Brush for detail shading and Sigma E58 Cream Color Brush for cream shadows.

Front Slot 4: This slot is one of the most exciting ones! Slot 4 is where I keep all of my detailing liner brushes, angle or definer brushes, glitter tools, and brow brushes. When I use a cake liner or when I need to do detail line work, I reach for one of the fine liners from Suva Beauty, my favorite being the Suva Beauty Six Thirty Liner Brush.

My secret to smooth concealer/primer application for a half cut crease is to use the spade side of the NYX Dual Silicone Applicator. It’s silicone, so it applies liquid products opaquely and the spade shape of the brush mirrors the shape of the inner corner of the eye. I also use this brush and other silicone brushes, like the Sephora Collection Give Me Glitter Applicators, for applying glitter or very glittery shimmer shadows. Silicone is easy to clean; just wipe off any remaining product. And, now, you don’t have to worry about glitter particles getting stuck in brush hairs of your traditional brushes.

Rear Slot 1: The slots in the back are where I keep bigger brushes I use less frequently. Rear slot #1 contains all my face brushes. From time to time, I wear foundation or highlight, so I keep these brushes around for that. A big fluffy face brush is also useful for brushing off eyeshadow fallout from your face. I also keep my disposable lipstick wands in a double shot glass in this slot.  

Rear Slot 2: Finally, the last back slot is where I keep concealer/foundation brushes I use to apply eyeshadow primer. My favorites are the Sigma F65 Large Concealer Brush and *Ecotools Class Foundation Brush from their Blooming Beauty Kit.

While this system might seem very involved, it makes doing my makeup in the morning so much easier and faster when I know where everything is!

How do you like to organize your brushes? Did you find any of these tips helpful? Let us know in the comments!

—Obianuju Enworom

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