Subject:Matter

Toilet paper shortages. Murder hornets. Political turmoil. Tiger King. Sure, 2020 was bleak, but what better reason to celebrate than a new year and a fresh start? Six beauty pros share their mixology secrets with you just in time to hunker down for the holiday season.

This past year arguably made self-care more important than ever. From toilet paper shortages to election anxiety, it’s fair to say we’ve all needed a pick-me-up from time to time—and the beauty industry made a formidable effort in 2020 to appeal to everyone regardless of where they fall on the gender spectrum.

For most of us, cooler temps can mean dry skin and strange conditions. Even the Los Angeles version of cooler weather can have our skin freaking out, so it’s important we get ahead of the curve and moisturize in preparation.

“There’s so much amazing technology and research that, sadly, never makes it out of the lab,” says Amir Nobakht, MD, half of the dynamic duo behind Heraux, a new skincare brand backed by impressive science.

For most of us, the cooler seasons are a time of unpredictable skin. The dryness on our extremities, especially our legs, is exacerbated by the cold, and eczema, inexplicable itchiness, razor burn, you name it, accompanies some lovely flaking

We know that vitamin C is important, but do we really know why? Do we know just how important? We know we need it for immune support, so we eat veggies high in C like broccoli, bell peppers, strawberries, plums, leafy greens, and eggplant. But topical C is just as crucial.

Used to boarding a plane every other week, Materiae founder David Pirrotta has spent a significant amount of time on the ground adjusting to the new normal. While the jetsetter made the most of the many months he’s spent stationed in California, Pirrotta finally satisfied his wanderlust with a trip to Tulum, Mexico.

If there is one thing that 2020 has inspired, it's the desire for escape. Actually fleeing, however, is more difficult than ever. Enter Olivier Rousteing’s no-fail solution: Cire Trudon candles.

I’m sensing a recurring motif in the self-care world; unisex beauty. The idea that beauty was ever solely for women in the first place is a little outlandish to me…

Necessity is undoubtedly the mother of invention—especially when it comes to unpredictable skin. “It was never my intention to create a brand,” says Saya McDermott, founder of an eponymous range of natural products for face, body, and hair.

Enter essential oils, an age-old remedy that offers relief as well as relaxation. When given the choice between chemicals and natural ingredients, making a decision is simple, “especially when you can achieve safe, effective, and transformative results...

In lieu of slaving over a hot stove when the heat is on, we asked four beauty brand founders for their favorite quick-and-easy recipes so you can spend more time sipping cocktails and dining al fresco this summer.

The global pandemic has likely grounded your summer plans, but the open road awaits! While many Americans have cancelled unnecessary flights, 72 percent are still planning to get behind the wheel in the coming months.

“I think wellness or mindfulness sometimes gets a frivolous rap…but I really feel that it is serving me now,” she says of the daily practices she’s refined for both mind and body over the past 15 years. Here's how Moon Juice founder Amanda Chantal Bacon is staying centered and sane.

While things are slowly entering this uncertain phase of new normal, I want to honor the change of season by mixing things up a bit. For me, Summer always means simplifying when it comes to my skincare, and staying hydrated.

The clean beauty movement is coming for your armpits. “When people consider switching to natural products, deodorant is where many start,” says J.P. Mastey, founder of Corpus Naturals, a brand known for its sustainably manufactured deodorant housed in stylish celadon packaging.

In 2020, the tub is proving yet again to be a welcome and reliable respite; a safe place to melt away stress and watch it swirl swiftly down the drain. We asked six brand founders and bathing beauties how they’re soaking it up in self-isolation so you can take your tub (or shower!) to new levels of bliss.

If your morning commute consists of walking from the bedroom to your kitchen table, couch, or desk, you may be asking yourself if slathering on a protective layer of SPF is really necessary.

One part analyst and one part aficionado, BeautyMatter founder Kelly Kovack was once a self-proclaimed tomboy who “fell into beauty by accident.” Growing up, she never saved her allowance to buy lip gloss or spent hours in front of the mirror perfecting her look. In fact, makeup was forbidden entirely at her Catholic school in Florida.

We might all be experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic very differently, of course. But for a lot of us, it means consuming a bit more alcohol from the comfort of our own homes than usual. If you’ve got nothing on the agenda, it’s hard not to let happy hour creep up a little earlier each day.

Stress manifests itself in many ways—the most visible of which may be the breakouts that continually smack you in the face during a never-ending stream of Zoom meetings.

Master colorist Denis De Souza is here to calm your DIY fears during quarantine. The memes about the world being three weeks away from seeing everyone’s true hair color have made the rounds and while there’s nothing wrong with allowing nature to take its course, there are many that would rather not reveal what’s under the hood. 

We’ve all experienced days where lighting life on fire and starting fresh seems like the best option. Ilia founder Sasha Plavsic, however, actually sparked a match and followed through. Shortly after turning 30 and exiting a decade-long relationship, the Vancouver native decided to abandon a branding job in Southern California and return to her roots.

There are tons of things we can do that will inevitably work to strengthen our immune systems. Sure, there are herbal tinctures, ginger, supplements, and straight up eating well, but believe it or not, laughter truly is a perfect medicine to add to your wellness arsenal.

Finding products that work well can be a bit of a chore. Especially come spring and summertime when, if you’re anything like me, you would rather put your focus into spring cleaning so you can stay poolside all summer. Here are a few of my spring/summer faves!

There is a lot of confusion in the lingo out there when it comes to defining the green beauty space. There’s a lot of buzz words, lies by omission, and green washing, so we took it upon ourselves to clear a few things up so that we all have a better grasp on what is being marketed to us when we are shopping.

So your favorite nail salon is closed and you're responsibly practicing shelter-in-place? Well, now is the time to practice your at home nail art skills while doing your own mani pedi.

Typically, spring is when I like to show a little skin, but given the circumstances and lingering cool temps, I’m taking advantage of this prolonged respite at home. Let’s slow things down and care for our bodies— the time is now for radical self-care.

Yeah, us too. These are certainly uncertain times for all of us, and we are navigating this new and somewhat dark experience one day at a time. Avoid COVID-19 in Comfort and Style With These Self-Loving Activities.

While other countries capitalize on multi-step routines, Aussies often take a simpler approach that is grounded in natural, good-for-you ingredients (many of which are derived directly from Down Under).

We’ve heard of UVs, we are becoming versed in LED and infrared, but have you heard of HEV? It can get a little confusing, but we don’t want to keep you in the dark when it comes to different types of light and their effects on skin.

While asking his inner circle about everything from their favorite burgers to bars, he also inquired about where they got their hair cut. “There wasn’t any place that guys gravitated to, so I initially made a space for myself and my friends,” he explains.

If you’re having trouble sticking to your resolutions because post-holiday bloat has you feeling like effort is futile, you’re not alone.

’Tis the season of giving (and receiving!). We asked a few of our favorite beauty bosses to reveal their holiday wish lists so you can find the perfect present for finicky friends, family, and more. Prepare to surprise, delight, and dazzle with these founder-approved gifts.

Most of the time people give me a funny look when I tell them that I actually prefer fall and winter to summertime. I’ve always been warm-natured and it’s rare for me to feel cold. Chalk it up to being a hot-headed Aries, I guess. Either way, I look at cooler temperatures as an opportunity to use products that focus on replenishment and repair.

’Tis the season of giving (and receiving!). We asked a few of our favorite beauty bosses to reveal their holiday wish lists so you can find the perfect present for finicky friends, family, and more. Prepare to surprise, delight, and dazzle with these founder-approved gifts.

’Tis the season of giving (and receiving!). We asked a few of our favorite beauty bosses to reveal their holiday wish lists so you can find the perfect present for finicky friends, family, and more. Prepare to surprise, delight, and dazzle with these founder-approved gifts.

’Tis the season of giving (and receiving!). We asked a few of our favorite beauty bosses to reveal their holiday wish lists so you can find the perfect present for finicky friends, family, and more. Prepare to surprise, delight, and dazzle with these founder-approved gifts.

’Tis the season of giving (and receiving!). We asked a few of our favorite beauty bosses to reveal their holiday wish lists so you can find the perfect present for finicky friends, family, and more. Prepare to surprise, delight, and dazzle with these founder-approved gifts.

As winter settles in and temperatures drop, why not escape the cold (if only for a moment!) to the sunny days of yore, where steamy afternoons are best spent enjoying a brief “une sieste” after a late nights sipping bottomless glasses of rosé.

Anyone who has experienced a Ladurée macaron knows that a single bite will instantly transport you to Paris, the world-renowned bakery’s birthplace. So, we asked Elisabeth Holder, the co-president of Ladurée U.S. how she escapes…aside from eating one of her brand’s iconic cookies.

We’ve been conditioned for years to reach for the hard stuff (i.e. a bold black drip or a double espresso) every time our performance drops one iota below optimal, or we feel even the teensiest bit of burn behind the eyes. I’ll admit, that makes it hard to cut back, or let alone, cut out coffee completely for the sake of our health.

The former creative director of Calvin Klein Collection’s womenswear said that building his own brand was the “light at the end of the tunnel” after a grueling career as a designer, which included stints at Oscar de la Renta and Gucci.

During New York fashion week, even nails get dressed to the nines—which is where Jin Soon Choi, one of the city’s most in-demand manicurists, comes into play with her rather extensive range of eponymous JINsoon polishes.

When you book a facial, it’s rarely on a whim. It’s a plan with intention, and whether that intention is a deep pore purge or a quick glow for a night out, it’s possible to achieve some pretty winning results without leaving your house or putting on pants.

Whether you want to snap an Insta-worthy shelfie or simply need to clear room in your vegetable drawer for actual vegetables (what, you don’t hoard your sheet mask collection in the crisper?), a mini fridge may hold the answer.

Seasonless Suncare, Skin Tips, and beyond from Dr. Marko Lens, Founder of Zelens. Sun care—a topic often reserved for months spent by the beach, has become a hot word (quite, literally) for all seasons.

Another Father’s Day has come and gone, but for actor, director, and entrepreneur, Melanie Mayron, celebrating dear old dad is something she does 365 days year. In fact, her reason for thinking beyond the small screen (where she nabbed an Emmy for her role as the “artsy and creative” Melissa Steadman on Thirtysomething) and getting into skin care started because of sibling rivalry.

There’s no denying that rosé-fueled lunches al fresco and blissful days at the beach are what the good life is all about, but counteracting the season’s sweaty, frizzy, and sunburned side effects are decidedly less sexy. From strands that cave under heat and humidity to sunscreen-clogged pores, discover nine ways to survive a cruel, cruel summer.