What's the Deal With Long-Lasting Makeup? Here's What You Need to Know (and Buy)

We’ve all been there, you spend a solid chunk of your morning getting your makeup just right, step outside, and somehow by midday it's like... where did it go? If you've been on the hunt for products that actually stay put, you're in good company, and honestly, the beauty world is finally delivering.

Long-lasting makeup has had a serious glow-up lately, and newer brands are leading the charge. Take Sacheu Beauty, for example. You've probably seen their lip liners all over your TikTok feed,  and for good reason. Their Stay-N liner is designed to genuinely not move, whether you're drinking your iced coffee or sitting through a three-hour meeting. It's the kind of product that makes you wonder what you were even doing before.

But great long-lasting makeup isn't just about the formula; it's about how you apply it. A few tips from us to you:

• Always start with a primer. Think of it as the foundation for your foundation. It grips everything and keeps it in place all day. A tried and true and budget-friendly option.

• Set with powder and a setting spray. Together, they're unstoppable. The OG long-lasting spray.

• Apply in thin layers. Thick application actually breaks down faster — less really is more here. A skin tint can be perfect for this!

• Match your products to your skin type. Oily skin? Go oil-free. Dry skin? Cream formulas are your best friend.

Long-lasting makeup is having a major moment — and with the right products and prep, your look can genuinely go the distance.

Ask Clara:

"How do I start a new skincare routine?"

Sexting with ChatGPT: What Could Go Wrong?

Last week, Wired dropped a story that honestly had us putting our phones down for a second. OpenAI is planning to roll out an "Adult Mode" for ChatGPT that would allow users to engage in sexual and intimate conversations with the AI. And while we're all for sexual exploration and autonomy, there are some serious red flags here that are worth knowing about before you go there.

Here's the thing: when you're sexting with an AI, you're sharing your most intimate sexual thoughts because you're lost in the moment — you're vulnerable, under the impression that you're in this cool, co-creative space to explore your fantasies. But unlike a real-life partner, that data doesn't just disappear. Smutty AI chats enable a kind of intimate surveillance that goes beyond your porn-watching history — the details are more specific, and interactions can escalate over months to more and more extreme fantasies.

Even the "temporary chats" feature isn't as private as it sounds. These conversations won't appear in your log history, but they're not truly ephemeral, and OpenAI may still retain a copy for up to 30 days for safety purposes.

As a human-AI interaction expert from the article put it, "I'm for people exploring their sexuality, but I want it to be safe and fun. People have to be very aware that there's a surveillance aspect to the data."

Bottom line? Know what you're signing up for — your fantasies deserve real privacy. And as of publishing, it looks like Adult Mode might be shelved, for now. 

Ask Clara:

"How do I start to build more intimate relationships?"

How Much Sleep Do You Actually Need? (Hint: It Changes With Age)

When's the last time you woke up feeling genuinely rested? If you're struggling to remember, you're not alone. But here's the thing: how much sleep you need isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, and it actually shifts throughout your life.

Babies are basically sleep champions, clocking in at 14–17 hours a day (must be nice, honestly). Toddlers need 11–14 hours, and school-age kids thrive on 9–12 hours. Teenagers — despite what we might've thought about them being "lazy" — genuinely need 8–10 hours because their brains are in full development mode. And us adults? We need 7–9 hours, with older adults (65+) landing right in that same sweet spot.

Now, knowing the numbers is one thing. Actually hitting them is another. A few tips that actually help:

Protect your wind-down time. Treat the hour before bed like sacred space. Dim the lights, put the phone face down, and let your nervous system know the day is coming to an end.

Keep your schedule consistent — yes, even on weekends. Your circadian rhythm runs like clockwork, so erratic sleep times can throw your whole system off.

Watch the late-night caffeine. That 4 PM latte? It might still be in your system at midnight. Try a Sleepy Girl Mocktail instead?

And if you're consistently tired despite hitting your hours, it might be worth chatting with your doctor. Sometimes fatigue runs deeper than sleep alone. Your body's always trying to tell you something — it just helps to actually listen.

Ask Clara:

"How do I improve my sleep?"

Why Your Shower Routine Is Missing One Key Step (And How to Fix It)

How much time do you actually spend moisturizing after your shower? If you're like most of us, you towel off, get distracted, and suddenly you're halfway through your morning before you've even thought about lotion. Same, girl. Same.

That's exactly why in-shower hydration products are about to become your new obsession. The idea is genius: you apply them before you turn off the water, let them soak in for a minute or two, then rinse lightly and pat dry. Your skin is already warm, and your pores are open, which means it's literally the perfect moment to lock in moisture. Science-backed and lazy-girl approved.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Apply to damp skin: don't wait until the very end of your shower. Give it 60–90 seconds to actually absorb.

• Focus on dry zones: knees, elbows, and shins tend to drink up hydration the fastest.

• Look for key ingredients: like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or glycerin for that deep, lasting moisture.

• Pat dry, don't rub: rubbing your towel across your skin removes more of that goodness than you'd think.

Whether you're team body oil, in-shower lotion, or a hydrating body wash, there's something for every skin type and budget. Trust us — once you try it, going back to the old way will feel like a hard no. Your skin deserves this little upgrade.

Editor’s Picks:

• Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer (and if you want a flawless, easiest self-tan, try this option)
• Nécessaire The Body Oil
• Hanni Splash Salve
• Nivea Cocoa Butter in Shower Lotion

Ask Clara:

"How do I keep my skin hydrated in hotter months?"

Retinol vs. Retinal: What's the Difference and Which One Is Right for Your Skin?

Something that's been all over your skincare feeds lately — retinol vs. retinal. Yes, they sound almost identical, but trust me, there is a difference, and once you know it, you'll shop for skincare like a total pro.

Both are forms of Vitamin A, which means they're both working toward the same goal: smoother texture, fewer fine lines, and that lit-from-within glow we're all chasing. But here's where it gets interesting.

Retinol is the classic, the OG. When you put it on your skin, it has to go through two conversion steps before your skin can actually use it. That makes it gentler — great if you're new to the retinoid world or have sensitive skin. The results are real; they just take a little more patience.

Retinal (short for retinaldehyde) is one step closer to your skin's active form, meaning it works faster and tends to show results more quickly. It's stronger, so if you're jumping in, start slow — a few nights a week is your best friend here.

A few quick tips before you dive in:

• Always wear SPF the next morning — both make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

• Moisturize like crazy. Sandwich your retinoid between layers of hydration.

• Don't mix with acids on the same night — that's a recipe for irritation.

Start low, go slow, and your skin will absolutely thank you.

Retinol Products

1. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum — A drugstore go-to that's gentle enough for beginners and packed with ceramides to keep the skin barrier happy.

2. RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Serum — One of the OG retinol brands that dermatologists have trusted for years.

Retinal Products

1. Medik8 Crystal Retinal— The gold standard in retinal skincare. Comes in different strengths (1–10) so you can work your way up.

2. Naturium Retinal Skin Cream — An incredible budget find that punches well above its price point.

Ask Clara:

"What are some easy ways to fight the signs of skin aging?"

How to Depuff Your Face: The Best Lymphatic Drainage Tools to Try Now

If you've been waking up looking like you've been storing snacks in your cheeks overnight, it might be time to get your lymphatic system moving. Your lymphatic system is basically your body's built-in detox network, and when it gets sluggish (hi, salty dinners, stress, and bad sleep), fluid pools and puffiness follow. The good news? A little manual drainage goes a long way.

Quick tips before you dive in: Always work toward your lymph nodes — think light, sweeping motions from the center of your face outward and downward toward your neck. Use a facial oil or serum so your tool glides smoothly, and don't press too hard. This isn't a deep-tissue massage — gentle is the whole point.

Now, the fun part: the tools.

• Gua sha stone — The OG depuffer. Use it in long, upward strokes along the jawline and cheekbones.

• Jade or rose quartz roller — Satisfying, soothing, and great for mornings when you need a quick refresh.

• NuFACE Trinity — A microcurrent device that tones and helps with circulation. Worth the splurge.

• Foreo LUNA 4 — Doubles as a cleanser and a gentle massage tool. Two birds, one device.

• Vibrating facial massager — Budget-friendly and surprisingly effective for lymph stimulation.

Consistency is everything here — even five minutes a few times a week makes a noticeable difference. Your future (less-puffy) self is already grateful.

Ask Clara:

"What are the benefits of regular massage?"

Stronger Muscles, Longer Life: What a New Study Says About Women and Strength Training

A new study that might just make you want to dust off those dumbbells — JAMA Network Open is giving us major motivation to prioritize strength training, especially as we age.

Researchers examined the relationship between muscular strength and mortality among women aged 63-99. And the results? Pretty incredible. The study followed over 5,400 women for an average of more than 8 years and found that greater muscle strength was associated with a significantly lower risk of death from all causes.

Here's what makes this study stand out from the rest: the researchers didn't just ask women how much they exercised (which, honestly, we all fib a little). They used accelerometers to objectively track physical activity and sedentary time, making the findings way more reliable than previous research. And even after accounting for factors such as how much women moved, how long they sat, walking speed, and inflammation levels, muscle strength remained independently associated with lower mortality.

Two simple tests were used to measure strength: a hand grip test and a timed chair stand. Women with the highest grip strength had a 33% lower risk of death compared to those with the weakest grip.  Even more encouraging? The protective association held true even for women who weren't meeting the recommended 150 minutes per week of aerobic activity — meaning strength work can still make a meaningful difference, no matter where you're starting from.

The takeaway is clear: building and maintaining muscle isn't just about looking toned or feeling capable day to day (though both are great perks). It could literally help you live longer. So whether it's resistance bands, weight machines, or bodyweight squats, consider this your sign to get strong — your future self will thank you.

Ask Clara:

"How do I start a strength training routine?"

Botox at Planned Parenthood: What You Need to Know About Their New Wellness Services

Planned Parenthood is officially in its Botox era — and honestly? We're here for it.

Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, the nation's largest affiliate serving much of Northern California and Nevada, has confirmed it's testing new revenue streams through offerings like Botox and IV hydration at select clinics. The move is part of a broader expansion that includes perimenopause telehealth care, nitrous oxide for IUD insertions, and, soon, dermal fillers and laser hair removal. At $9 per unit, Botox at their Sacramento clinic is about 25% less than what nearby medspas advertise — so your wallet will definitely thank you.

Why the pivot? The affiliate is facing an estimated $100 million revenue gap after federal Medicaid reimbursements were cut, and this is their creative way of keeping the doors open for the reproductive health services so many of us rely on. As their senior director of advocacy put it, "We really see this as adapting to the world we're living in and responding to our clients as they move with us throughout their lives."

If you're thinking about booking, here are a few tips:

• Do your research. Ask about the provider's credentials and how many units are recommended for your concern.

• Start small. First-timers should begin conservatively — you can always add more.

• Know your "why." Botox is a medical procedure, so go in informed, not just because it's a good deal.

• Double-dip your support. Getting aesthetic services here directly helps fund reproductive healthcare for millions.

Ask Clara:

"What ingredients are good for anti-aging?"

Trouble Falling Asleep? Here Are Some Tricks to Help You Drift Off Faster

There's nothing more frustrating than lying in bed, staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m. while your brain decides it's the perfect time to replay every awkward thing you've said since 2009. We've all been there, and honestly? It's the worst. But don't worry, because I've got your back with some tried-and-true tricks that'll have you snoozing before you know it.

First up: put your phone down. I know, I know — easier said than done. But that blue light is basically telling your brain it's noon, and we need to shut that down at least 30 minutes before bed.

Next, try the 4-7-8 breathing technique — inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. It sounds a little weird, but it genuinely works like a reset button for your nervous system.

Another game-changer? Keep your room cool. Your body temperature naturally drops when you sleep, so setting your thermostat between 65–68°F helps your body get the memo faster.

And if your mind is still racing, try brain dumping — just grab a notebook and write down everything swirling in your head. Getting it out of your mind and onto paper is surprisingly freeing.

Sleep doesn't have to feel like a battle every night. Try one (or all!) of these, and sweet dreams, friend. You've got this. ?

Ask Clara:

"How do I get better sleep?"

The Benefits of Sound Baths — And Why You Should Consider Attending One

Have you ever tried a sound bath? If not, you're seriously missing out, and I'm about to tell you exactly why you need to put one on your calendar ASAP.

A sound bath is a full-body meditative experience where you simply lie down on a cozy mat while a practitioner plays resonant instruments — think Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, and crystal chimes — and let the waves of sound wash over you. No meditation experience required. No apps to download. Just you, a blanket, and pure sonic bliss.

And the benefits? They're genuinely impressive. Research has linked sound baths to lower cortisol levels (that's your main stress hormone) and improved heart rate variability, which is basically your body's ability to bounce back from stress. Even better? In one study, participants reported feeling significantly less tension, anger, fatigue, and depression after just a single sound bath session.

Beyond the mood lift, sound baths may help shift your brain from active beta waves into slower, calmer alpha and theta states, the same ones linked to deep meditation. Basically, your brain gets to take a real vacation.s

First-timers may actually have an edge, too. Research suggests that people who are brand new to sound baths experience even greater tension reduction than regulars. So there's genuinely no better time than right now to try it.

Ask Clara:

"What are some of the best ways to relax?"