Subject:Matter

I love a summer glow, but by the time temps begin to drop, I make it my goal to shed that dead skin, heal all the damage, and repair dry hair so that I can stay plump, dewy, and hydrated as the air gets cool and dry.

Now that we’ve pushed past the extreme dermatological peels and mild enzyme masks or lower percentage lactic and hydroxy acids are readily available, it’s easy to get carried away. People have seen major improvements in their skin texture, tone, and clarity from regular exfoliation with peel pads or an exfoliating toner, so why not put this practice in overdrive?

Come for the lipstick, stay for the laughs. Think of this podcast hosted by David Pirrotta—an industry veteran who has helped build 76 brands (and counting!)—as Waze for the beauty-obsessed, helping you navigate the ever-evolving world of makeup, hair, skin, wellness, and more.

The skin on our bums is very different from the skin on our face. It’s thick, fleshy, comes with a layer of soft downy protective hair, and most blood vessels are much farther from the surface, since we'd otherwise be sitting on them all day.

Because I love to switch up my routine with the season, summer is no exception. I love light, earthy, cleansing, and hydrating products to keep me feeling refreshed and anew in the face of dry heat.

Summer hair is all about embracing the season and being carefree— or at least looking like you are. But what if we could achieve the effortless look with at least a fraction of the actual effort your stylist does when you come in for a trim?

Leanne Citrone, a former hairstylist and co-owner of Andy Lecompte Salon (a West Hollywood hot spot known for its A-list clientele), is finally getting out from behind the chair.

Few things cause acne to flare quite like the stress that goes hand-in-hand with a global pandemic. Now, as protective masks start to come off and we slowly put our faces on full display, it can be tempting to turn to quick fixes that promise to clear things up fast.

Patrick Kelly, the founder of Sigil Scent, has designed transcendent olfactory experiences that continue to inspire. His inner-outer glow is a natural beauty we also find ourselves continually inspired by, so we had to ask about his philosophy, and of course routine!

Even as the masses make their way back to the hustle and bustle of polite society, it’s clear that some things—like indulgent beauty rituals—are here to stay. “Our vision is for our customers to feel comfortable in their own skin quite literally from head to toe,”

I realized that after 2+ decades in the makeup and skincare industry, I’ve lost sight of that earthly connection. I realized I needed to focus my support on discovering and uplifting completely sustainable brands who are doing it like no other.

Known as both the electrical esthetician to the stars and co-founder of ZIIP, Melanie Simon’s journey started from rather humble beginnings. In fact, her passion for perfect skin was sparked by her sister’s science project. “She tested different moisturizers on the skin of nectarines from the same bundle,” Simon explained.

It’s great that we have an entire month dedicated to honoring the earth. We’re happy to move past Earth Day and stretch it for 30, being that it’s the planet we all call home and depend on for every single resource we need to continue our species. It’s… kind of important.

The Nashville-based brand founder may be a shining example of what happens when you hustle, but she also believes in occasionally going off the grid. To “reset,” she takes time away from social media, email, texting, and even her partner to get back in touch with herself.

When we say certain products are moisturizing, and others are hydrating, we aren’t just being clever. We aren’t just having fun with words, or swapping them out interchangeably, willy nilly, just to mix things up. They are indeed very different things. And we need both.

In a world full of problems, any and all solutions are welcome—especially when they involve a hangover-free buzz. Remedy Place, a one-stop wellness shop located in West Hollywood, CA, was created by Dr. Jonathan Leary as both an escape and a health-centric social club.

At Materiae, we are proud every day, not just the month of March. Our female-owned brands are all incredible, innovative, beautiful products that we adore, use, and stand behind.

The founders of Wonder Valley escaped the city to carve out their own desert oasis—and a cult-favorite brand. One could say that Alison and Jay Carroll struck liquid gold when they developed their first olive oil seven years ago.

We see pretty packages staking claims all the time. Adjectives like brightening, evening, smoothing, hydrating, plumping, and exfoliating are all great terms, but how do we know these products do those things, and why?

A good rule of thumb when you’re scanning any ingredient list—especially when it comes to skincare: “If you can’t pronounce it, don’t use it!” says Eric Malka, co-founder of Ingredients®

When life hands you a protective face covering, capitalize on the surface area that’s still visible with mascara, mesmerizing shadows, and more. Here, our favorite ways to take lids and lashes to new levels...

Sacha Mitic, co-founder of cult-favorite brand, Sachajuan, is an “accidental hairstylist.” His inadvertent rise to the top of the beauty world started with an attempt to woo a woman wielding scissors. “When I was 14, I had my hair cut in a big salon in Gothenburg, Sweden by this really cute girl,” Mitic explained.

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.