Why Europe Hit Pause on Gel Polish—and What It Means for Your Next Holiday Mani

You know how we love our shiny, chip-free gel manicures? Especially during the busy social season of the holidays? Well, it turns out Europe has hit the pause button on certain gel polishes — and while we’re in the U.S., things haven’t changed yet, it’s definitely worth knowing what’s going on.

In September of this year, the European Union banned the use, sale, and professional application of gel nail polishes that contain a key ingredient known as trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (“TPO”).

The reason? Regulators classified TPO as a “CMR 1B” substance, meaning it’s considered potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction, based on animal studies.

What that means for us here in the U.S.: First, gel manicures are not banned here. TPO is still legal and remains in many gel formulas. But since many global brands sell both in Europe and the U.S., a reformulation wave may come. So even if your salon doesn’t mention it, things may be shifting behind the scenes.

Here are a few smart tips for our nail-loving selves:

• Ask your tech whether the gel polish they use is TPO-free.
• Ensure the salon is well ventilated and the lamp curing time is correct (UV exposure is another side note risk).
• Consider spacing out gel manicures more often or trying an alternative long-wear polish when you’re giving your natural nails a break.
• If you’re pregnant, planning to conceive or have sensitivity issues, it might be especially wise to go for a TPO-free option.

You don’t need to ditch your gel manicure, but it’s totally okay to ask questions and choose what feels best for you. 

The Beauty of Feeling Good: How Neurocosmetics Are Turning Skincare Into Self-Care

Skincare is officially having its feelings era. This fall, “neurocosmetics” are trending everywhere—and it’s not just a fancy buzzword. These products are designed to do more than smooth fine lines or boost glow; they actually talk to your skin’s sensory system, helping to calm your nervous system and lift your mood while they work. Think of it like cozy skincare season—but for your brain, too.

Neurocosmetics connect skincare with neuroscience, focusing on how your skin and brain communicate. When your skin senses calm, your body does too, which can mean fewer flare-ups, less redness, and that relaxed, post-facial kind of radiance.

Brands are leading the way with formulations that include mood-regulating ingredients like neuro peptides, adaptogens, and plant-based actives that soothe the skin and the senses. Like some of these below:

• Future Society Functional Fragrance Library
• Furtuna Skin Replenishing Balm 
• Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum
• LESSE Regeneration Mist 

So, what makes them different from traditional skincare? It’s all about that brain-skin connection. Instead of just treating what’s on the surface, neurocosmetics interact with the skin’s sensory neurons to help it respond better to stress, lack of sleep, or even seasonal changes (we see you, fall fatigue).

The takeaway: skincare is becoming more holistic than ever—less about perfecting, more about feeling good. Because your glow isn’t just skin-deep; it’s emotional, too.

Your Body, But Make It Data: How Wearables Turn Wellness Into a Numbers Game

Have you noticed how our wellness routines are kind of turning into a data catchall? With our smartwatches, rings, sleep trackers and apps, we’re living in this era of the wellness-data economy — and honestly, it’s wild but kind of fun.

Here’s the gist: thanks to wearables (you know, sleek watches and the beloved Oura rings) the market is booming. The global wearable tech sector estimated around $84 billion in value last year, and  isexpected to nearly double by 2030.

What that means? Tons more devices, tons more data. Your heart rate, sleep cycles, stress levels, steps, even recovery metrics all feeding into this big wellness-engine.

And here’s the part that’s interesting: people don't mind to share that data (or at least let the device collect it) because they believe it will help personalize their wellness path. In fact, a report found many consumers would share wearable data with grocers or apps to get tailored health advice.

However, there’s a flip side. On one hand, tracking every little metric can feel empowering — “Oh cool, I recovered 78% yesterday, so I’ll take it easy today and do a yoga flow.” On the other, we risk becoming obsessed with numbers, or assuming more data always means better wellness. Also, the line between wellness gadgetry and medical monitoring is getting blurrier.

So the trend? We’re moving from simple step-counters to full-blown performance dashboards: body, mind, sleep, recovery, all in one ecosystem. The wellness-data economy sees value in our bio-signals — literally turning health into numbers. And for us, the takeaway is: yes, use the tools, but remember you’re still the human using them. The data is for you, not the other way around.

Ask Clara: What are some of the best ways to track my health data?

Are Exosomes the Next Hyaluronic Acid? Why Everyone’s Talking About Them

Have you heard about exosomes in skincare yet? Because they’re having a major moment right now,and for good reason. Think of exosomes as little messengers that help your skin cells talk to each other. They’re teeny-tiny (like, microscopic) bubbles that carry proteins, lipids, and RNA. Basically, the good stuff that tells your skin to repair itself, boost collagen, and calm inflammation. It’s like your skin’s group chat finally got organized.

What makes exosomes exciting is that they don’t just sit on top of your skin but they help other active ingredients actually do their job better. We’re talking smoother texture, bouncier skin, and that “I just got a facial” glow without, you know, actually getting a facial.

And of course, brands are already all over it. Some of our editor-approved picks:

The INKEY List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex:  A lightweight, affordable serum that delivers hydration and glow.

Peach & Lily Miniprotein Exosome Ampoule: A firming, collagen-boosting treat for tired skin.

Skinfix Exo + Ectoin Baume: A retinol-alternative balm that soothes and strengthens your barrier.

Goop Exosome Hydration Therapy Serum: Gwyneth-approved, and packed with millions of cica exosomes.

Medicube Exosome Shot Ampoule:  K-beauty innovation that smooths texture and minimizes pores.

Exosomes are the next big “it” ingredient for glowing, healthy skin—but like any trend, we’re still learning what they can really do. For now, it’s safe to say our skincare routines  just got way more interesting.

Sip, Chew, and Chill: Simple Ways to Support Your Gut This Season

Fall comfort food is some of the best. But between hearty soups, apple pies, and holiday treats, our digestive systems might need a little extra love. The good news? Supporting your gut doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite seasonal snacks. Here are a few of our favorite tools and treats to keep your digestion happy and your belly feeling balanced.

Ritual Synbiotic+: This 3-in-1 prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic supplement is basically a multitasker for your gut. We love that it’s made with Made Traceable™ ingredients and supports both gut barrier and immune health—perfect for cozy season sniffles.

Peppermint Tea: A soothing classic. Sipping a warm mug after dinner can help ease digestive discomfort (and feels extra cozy on chilly nights).

Coregeous Ball: Sounds quirky, but trust us—this soft massage ball is magic for bloating. A few minutes of gentle abdominal massage can help reduce tension and support digestion.

Ginger Chews: Keep these on hand for holiday travel or post-dinner sluggishness. Ginger’s natural anti-inflammatory properties can calm nausea and support gut flow.

Biome Books: Because knowledge is self-care. Add some gut health reads to your nightstand to understand the gut-brain connection and learn how small habits make a big impact.

This season, listen to your gut—literally. A happy digestive system means you can enjoy every pumpkin spice latte and every cozy meal guilt-free.

Fall Back in Love With Your Hair: 5 Easy Ways to Keep It Healthy & Vibrant

Fall weather can be welcome with cooler temps and breezes, but it’s not always kind to our hair. Between chilly temps, dry air, and that endless rotation of hats and scarves, our strands can start feeling a little “meh.” The good news? A few small tweaks to your routine can help your hair stay shiny, strong, and totally swoon-worthy all season long.

1. Feed your hair from within.
Think of your hair like a plant—it needs nourishment to grow! Load up on protein-rich foods like eggs, salmon, and Greek yogurt, plus iron-packed options like spinach and lentils to keep shedding at bay.

2. Go easy on the heat.
Cooler weather means more blow-drying, but your strands need a break. Try heat-free styles a few times a week, always use a protectant spray, and skip tight ponytails that pull on roots.

3. Show your scalp some love.
Your scalp deserves its own fall refresh! Exfoliate once a week to remove buildup, then massage in a nourishing oil like argan or jojoba for a little at-home spa moment.

4. Hydrate, inside and out.
Dry air = thirsty hair. Keep sipping that water and use hydrating shampoos with natural oils or glycerin to lock in moisture.

5. Snip the ends.
Regular trims every 8–12 weeks keep split ends in check and your style looking fresh.

Treat your hair like your favorite cozy sweater—handle it gently, feed it well, and wear it proudly. The shine will follow. ?

The Holiday Getaway Guide: How to Plan a Group Trip Without Losing Your Cool

Let’s be honest—holiday travel can be a lot. Between packed airports, rising prices, and trying to sync up everyone’s schedules, even the most festive getaway can start to feel like a full-time job. Add in group dynamics, and suddenly you’re managing more logistics than Santa’s sleigh team. But with a little structure (and a sense of humor), you can keep your holiday trip merry and bright.

Start with one shared planning space—whether that’s a group chat, a Google Doc, or an app like TripIt or Splitwise. Get clear on the big three first: destination, budget, and dates. Once those are set, the rest falls into place.

And here’s the secret to staying sane: build in flexibility. Not everyone needs to attend every activity. Some might want to hit the holiday market at dawn, while others would rather sleep in and grab cocoa by the fire. Giving people room to breathe = less tension and more joy.

Divide and conquer! Assign roles so no one burns out—one person books the stay, another handles transportation, and someone else can research the best festive dinners in town.

Most importantly, remember what the trip is really about: connection, not perfection. You’ll forget the flight delays and mismatched luggage, but you’ll remember the laughter, the twinkly lights, and that one friend who packed an entire cheese board for the plane.

The Clean Sweep: Fall’s Best Cleansers For Your Best Skin Yet

Let’s face it—between pumpkin spice lattes and brisk morning walks, your skin might be feeling the seasonal shift. Fall weather can bring dryness, dullness, and the occasional breakout, which makes finding the right cleanser more important than ever. Think of this as your cozy skincare reset: a quick guide to the best cleansers for every skin type, no matter what your complexion is craving.

Exfoliating Cleansers: These are your “sweater weather” refreshers. Whether you go for chemical exfoliators (AHAs or BHAs) that dissolve dead skin cells or physical ones with gentle grains, they’ll help smooth away summer buildup for that fall glow.

Gentle Cleansers: Perfect for sensitive or dry skin days, these creamy cleansers clean without stripping—like wrapping your face in a soft cashmere blanket.

Oil Cleansers: Don’t let the name fool you—oil cleansers are great for removing makeup, SPF, and stubborn buildup. Bonus: they hydrate while they deep clean, making them ideal as temps drop.

Brightening Cleansers: Feeling a little lackluster? Reach for formulas with Vitamin C, Niacinamide, or Azelaic Acid to bring back your skin’s radiance and even tone.

Regenerating Cleansers: For a fall skincare upgrade, pick cleansers infused with peptides, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid to plump, smooth, and refresh your skin as you transition into cozy season.

Your Fall Lip Care Edit: 5 Balms That Keep Chapped Lips at Bay

Let’s talk lips—because nothing ruins a cozy fall vibe faster than chapped ones. Between crisp air, pumpkin spice lattes, and endless sips of hot coffee, your lips are begging for a little extra TLC this season. The good news? A good lip balm can be your cold-weather MVP.

First, let’s decode the ingredients list (because not all balms are created equal):

Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter: Deeply nourish and lock in hydration so your lips stay soft, not flaky.
Hyaluronic Acid: Draws in moisture and gives lips that smooth, plumped-up feel.
Ceramides or Beeswax: Strengthen your skin barrier and protect against chilly, dry air.

Now for the fun part—our fall-approved favorites that go way beyond basic:

1. Cocokind Ceramide Lip Blur Balm: Buttery, glossy, and perfect for a latte run.

2. Personal Day Emotional Support Lip Balm: Clean, hydrating, and acne-safe!

3. Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm: Packed with hyaluronic acid for next-level moisture.

4. Fresh Sugar Lip Balm SPF 15: Hydration plus sun protection (yes, even in fall).

5. Tatcha Kissu Hydrating & Plumping Lip Mask: Your overnight secret to baby-soft lips by morning.

Whether you love a tinted moment or a dewy, natural sheen, consider this your reminder to give your pout a little seasonal self-care. Because fall’s better with soft, kissable lips.

The Art of Facial Balancing: Finding Harmony in Your Features

Ever catch your reflection in a café window and think, “Something feels… off,” but can’t quite put your finger on it? That’s where facial balancing comes in—a subtle, art-meets-science approach that helps your natural beauty feel perfectly in sync. And honestly, there’s no better time than fall to refresh, rebalance, and embrace your glow-up season.

Facial balancing isn’t about changing your face—it’s about enhancing what’s already there. Practitioners take a holistic look at your features (cheeks, jawline, chin, even temples) and use delicate touches of dermal filler or neuromodulators to bring harmony and proportion back into play. Think of it as fine-tuning your natural symmetry, the same way you’d switch up your skincare or wardrobe for the new season.

The goal? A refreshed, rested version of you—like you just got back from a peaceful fall weekend away. Results are natural, immediate, and tailored to your unique structure, with little to no downtime (so you can still make it to that pumpkin patch date).

Why it’s worth considering this season:

• Enhances symmetry and restores volume for a balanced, radiant look
• Delivers natural results—no “just done” vibe
• Boosts confidence by aligning how you look with how you feel

Think of it as your face’s version of a fall reset—a little balance, a little polish, and a whole lot of confidence for sweater-weather season.