
27 Products From Sephora That Are Totally Worth It
Promising reviews: "I was scared to try this product at first because I have dry, sensitive skin. But I still decided to give it a go. This has been the best face wash I have used and has cleared my face so well! I will buy again and highly recommend!" —Ally"I started using this face wash a couple of months ago, and it's been amazing for my skin! It has cleared up my pores and dark spots so much. It's the only face wash that makes my skin feel clean as someone who is acne-prone." —evamarunowskiPrice: $19+ (available in two sizes)
Some of the internet-famous Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush for the kind of buildable color that is going to make you pink in the cheeks with joy...literally!
Promising review: "I love this blush. I usually go for powder blush, and I was scared to try liquid blush, but I'm amazed with the results. Easy to blend and has a good amount of pigment. Would highly recommend." —gursimran13Price: $15+ (available in 2 sizes, 2 finishes, and in 15 shades)
A Korres Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask if your skin could use a total reset, but you don't have more than 10 minutes. Never fear! This Korres face mask will get your skin back to a perfect balance (and therefore help fight future breakouts) with its signature blend of Greek yogurt, rice extract, and aloe.
Promising review: "This is the first and only face mask I've used an entire jar of, and then I bought more! I love this mask so much. I have combination/oily skin, and it didn't cause any breakouts or increased oil production. I have a lot of redness in my nose and cheeks, and this instantly makes the redness better. My skin feels incredible after this, so silky soft and moisturized. Even though this is expensive, I think it's worth it. I've never had a mask show immediate results before." —TinaOOOPrice: $56
A tube of Clinque's Almost Lipstick in "Black Honey" so you can have that sheer, barely there, glossy look to your lips that is perfect for warmer weather. Plus, it's famously what Liv Tyler wore on the Lord of the Rings set when she played Arwen, so let those elvish vibes roll.
Promising review: "This is my go-to lipstick whenever I want a pretty sheer dark cherry lip. I can describe it as biting into a cherry and having residue on your lips. I love it; it's my third time buying it." —jacquelineb25Price: $25 (also available in "Pink Honey")
The Ordinary GF 15% Serum for skin support in the form of growth factors, i.e., powerful proteins that trigger the body's natural repair mechanisms, helping reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, supporting collagen production, and caring for damaged skin. Lots of reviewers say their skin feels deliciously tight after use!
Promising reviews: "Wow. This product has made a very noticeable difference in my skin. I see fewer wrinkles, and it feels tighter and firmer. I love that it's lightweight and doesn't conflict with any other products I'm using. It will be a daily staple in my routine." —Apples12"The first night I used GF 15%, the next morning I woke up without itching skin. My face was unusually not flaky around my nose, and my forehead wrinkles were less prominent (dryness exaggerates them). Now it's been just a few days, and *I'm skipping steps* in my routine because my skin is looking more moisturized with half the work. I don't know that I've ever been so blown away by a skincare product. It makes so many of my products feel pointless." —ElizabestDPrice: $15.50
Some Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray that has antibacterial properties to help shield your skin from harmful bacteria, cut back on redness, and soothe irritation. Throw it in your gym bag to use before your workout and thank yourself later!
Topicals Unscented Brightening Serum — sometimes you just need to tell hyperpigmentation to walk out the door because it's not welcome here anymore, and you can do that with this kojic acid serum, specifically designed to target discoloration and dark spots.
Promising review: "This serum has noticeably faded my hyperpigmentation and evened out my skin tone, giving me a brighter and more radiant complexion. I appreciate that it's unscented, making it perfect for my sensitive skin. The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it easy to incorporate into my daily skincare routine. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with this product and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to address hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone!" —beautykait Price: $28
The Inkey List Under-Eye Cream for giving your under eyes a little caffeine boost without even having to touch your cup of coffee. Plus, it goes on ~smooth~, so if you want to layer some of that Kosas concealer all of TikTok is raving about on top of your eye cream, YOU TOTALLY CAN.
Promising review: "Great eye cream, great price! This eye cream is fantastic, really does help with dark circles. You definitely see a difference within 1–2 weeks of use." —Nena08HrdzPrice: $11
And a Summer Fridays Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum you need to be thrown into your makeup routine and your "carry-on essentials" packing list, too. This is a super-hydrating overnight serum that uses a retinoid to smooth out wrinkles like you smooth out hotel sheets. Ahh. Satisfying.
Promising review: "Best eye cream!!! I just have to share how amazing this eye cream is! It's honestly the best I've ever used. If you're looking for something to keep your under-eye area hydrated and help with wrinkles, I highly recommend giving it a try. You won't be disappointed!" —OzidagPrice: $46
Everyone's favorite Ilia The Base Face Milk that is making the rounds on the internet for a reason: It is the most perfect base for makeup and gives your skin that dewy glow without, like, weighing it down. If you want to feel like you've been blessed by a milk fairy, this is 100% worth the splurge.
See why it's worth the hype in this TikTok!Promising review: "Improved my skin texture and dryness so much! What people don't realize is this is NOT a heavy moisturizer or face cream. It's a base. You put this on right before you use a heavier moisturizer or face cream. As someone with severe dry and flaky skin, this has stopped all of that texture and leaves my skin more glowy." —chrissyqnsPrice: $28
The Dr. Jart+ icapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment with SPF 30, which I am obsessed with as a person who constantly has little red splotches on my face despite excellent skincare, but I don't always want to wear heavy concealer and tinted whatcha-madoodles to cover it up. The centella in this is a miracle worker and will give you an even, natural skin tone in SECONDS.
A Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream because flyaways simply need to ~fly away~ and leave our fabulous hair twists alone, thanks. This comes with a built-in mascara-like wand to help style and slick your hair into absolute perfection.
Promising review: "I got this because I have so many little hairs, and it definitely helped tame them! Smell is amazing and leaves no residue after use! I loved it so much after my first try using it that I immediately bought another one for my mom, and she loves it!" —SageM23Price: $18
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant — the holy grail of chemical exfoliants because it is easy to use and actually works to clear blemishes, reduce pore size, and clean out all that deep-seated gunk we don't want in our skin. This is basically taking a Hoover to your pores, and you can thank me later for adding it to your cart yesterday.
A Dieux Instant Angel moisturizer with over a thousand 5-star reviews and the kind of "JUST DO IT" attitude from its devotees that will have you wondering how you missed the boat. ("The boat" being peptide and lipids getting together to moisturize your face and mend your skin barrier, of course.)
This product is free of parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, mineral oil, sulfates (and other ingredients), and contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance. It is also gluten-free, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging. Promising reviews: "I have really dry skin and am always trying new moisturizers, but keep coming back to this one. My skin absorbs it, leaving a perfect canvas for sunscreen and makeup, without an oil slick or sticky feeling that I get from other dry skin moisturizers." —lucysunshine7"I have oily, combination, acne-prone skin. I am using tretinoin, so I do get some dry patches from this treatment. I also live in Minnesota, where we have very dry and cold winters. This has SAVED my skin! My skin barrier is so much better. It no longer feels sensitive to the weather, and my dry patches are gone. It wears beautifully under makeup, and it does not make me any more oily during the day. I love the silkiness and the way it makes my skin feel. I understand the hype. I will always have this on my vanity!" —amklickPrice: $45 (also available in a value size)
Some Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Bronzing Drops with Peptides if your sunscreen game is so good that you need a bit of help in the touch-of-sun, glowing department. Use on its own or mix in with your fave moisturizer for that post-beach-vacay sunny look.
Promising review: "Babes, honestly buy it. Love the bronze look, and it blends perfectly with a moisturizer. Also, if you're debating over the price, it's worth it. Mine has lasted over a year I still have product left. Like, it's shocking me!" —LadyLondon4Price: $39
The beloved Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer: One full jar of moisturizer and one full bottle of toner in one glorious package? Yes, please. Whether you're looking to elevate your routine or simplify it, Laneige has designed the ideal addition to your cart.
The perfect little treat, just because you've earned it. Promising review: "This is my desert island skincare product. I've refilled it close to 10 times now and genuinely never want to be without it. It's equally hydrating in Texas summer and the dead of winter and is perfect for my sensitive skin. I've been able to narrow down my routine into this, a serum, and a moisturizer, and my skin has never been happier!" —emborst Price: $16+ (available in four sizes and with a separate mist pump)
A little tub of Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask you're going to wanna keep on your bedside table so you can wake up every morning with Sleeping-Beauty-kissable lips. (Basically, this mask is Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather all in one and the leaning birthday cake.)
A tube of Tatcha Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser for the gentlest wash of your life. With a texture that screams luxury, you'll actually look forward to washing off all your makeup at the end of the day because your face will feel so soft when you're done!
Promising review: "Every time my friends or family come over, they use this. And every time they are like?? OK, wow, that's amazing. It's just the best. I didn't know a cleanser that's on your face for like max 60 seconds could make such a difference, but it does." —KaityLauzPrice: $18+ (available in two sizes)
The Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum to plump your skin and give your face that oh-I-got-eight-hours-of-sleep glow... even if you stayed up too late scrolling through beauty trends on TikTok.
Promising review: "I decided to try this based on the reviews, and I am so impressed. What a great find! I am so pleased with the results and the difference in how my skin looks. This serum leaves skin soft, smooth, and supple. It goes on easily and has no scent. I can use this with other products or alone. It truly does what it says. Love it!" —frangerinePrice: $18+ (available in two sizes)
The cult-fave Supergoop! SPF 40 Glowscreen because the #1 rule of skincare is that you MUST. USE. SUNSCREEN. Otherwise, all those serum and hydration are out the window because the sun will eat it all up. Use this no-cast formula to protect your skin and your looks.
Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional Super Setter spray that will help keep all your hard-earned makeup application in place throughout the day, no matter where it takes you.
The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm because it is everywhere right now: celebrity GRWMs, "what's in my bag" interviews, and very likely your bestie's pocket, too. Super hydrating without being tacky, and with just a *smidge* of color that will have you looking like you just stepped off the set of a period drama, you're going to have a hard time picking just one.
I bought three shades "to rotate between" and now they ALL live in my purse always. Oops.Promising review: "This is my holy grail for extremely dry lips. I love the feeling, and it stays on for a long time." —relax4lfePrice: $24 (available in nine shades)
A Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Soothing Face Mask if you are tired of feeling like sheet masks are just expensive pieces of wet paper. This beauty from Dr. Jart is actually a serum that you apply and lock in with the mask, ensuring you seal all that goodness in so it can work its plumping magic. Plus, it's formulated with allantoin and hydrators to really moisturize and pamper your skin.
Promising reviews: "Best mask I have used in a long time. I used it on my wedding day, and my skin looked flawless. It also stays in place and is more comfortable than any other mask I have ever used. Best results I've seen in a sheet/face mask next to SK-II mask." —MegBecker"I'm absolutely obsessed with these masks! I think they are the only masks I've used that have a very noticeable impact on my skin. I use the collagen mask once a week at night and wake up with visibly plump, silky skin. Can't recommend enough, and yes, it's absolutely worth the price!" —DGrigorievnaPrice: $16 (available in other masks, including a brightening and a firming formula)
A tub of Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream so you can have rich moisture without the breakouts. Especially effective against redness and for folks with sensitive skin, Kiehl's has been around forever (1851, to be exact) and upping its game for YEARS.
Side note that my partner went on a ~skincare journey~ because his skin can be SUPER reactive to products, and now his whole regimen is Kiehl's, including this facial cream! I also SWEAR by (and frequently steal) the hand salve because it is like a mask for your hands, but minus that slimy, greasy feeling. Promising review: "Instantly made my skin feel hydrated and soft! I usually get super dry skin on my cheeks, and I also have sensitivity to fragrances in facial creams, but this moisturizer is honestly perfect. Just one use and I personally saw a difference!" —raspbearPrice: $26+ (available in three sizes and also in a refill)
Some K18 Leave-In Repair Hair Mask Treatment to revitalize your tired tresses and give them the nutrients and fluff they need, too. Simply shampoo like normal and skip the conditioning, because this tiny tube packs a BIG punch and can help you all on its own post-dry-off.
BuzzFeed editor Melanie Aman swears by this stuff:"I bleach my dark brown-black Asian hair blonde every six to eight weeks, so I was immediately intrigued when I first heard some stylists at my salon raving about K18. And it turns out the rest of the world loves it, too, because it was sold out at Sephora the first time I tried to buy it. I eventually snagged a bottle and was gobsmacked at how much softer my hair was. Seriously. I spent the whole day touching my hair, and even my boyfriend agreed that my mane was noticeably silkier.Olaplex was my go-to before I tried K18, and I still stand by it as a product, but I really love that K18 is a leave-in treatment rather than an in-shower mask. Having to let the Olaplex sit for 10 minutes felt like forever, especially when I wasn't taking an everything shower (you know, the ones where you exfoliate and shave). With K18, you let it sit in your hair for four minutes post-shower to activate, and then you can style your hair (or just let it air dry like I do). I've found that my hair is softest the next day, so don't be discouraged if your hair looks or feels the same the day you use it. One last thing: It is pretty pricey, but a little goes a long way. The full-size 50-mL tube lasts me ~four months, and eventually, K18 can become a maintenance product, so you won't need to use it every time you wash your hair."Promising reviews: "This has fixed my hair! My new hairstylist used this on me once before and told me to get some to help fix prior damage from a previous hairstylist, and this has been a life-changer! I started off using it once a week, and now I use it every few weeks." —Mjbaby23"Wow. I have never used a product where I have seen a difference in just one use. It is pretty pricy, but it is so worth it. It left my curls healthy and hydrated. I have 3a curls, divided into three sections, and I used one pump on each section. I love that this brand has light/no fragrance. Curly hair product scents can be very overwhelming and make me nauseous. I would buy this product all over again!" —AnonymousPrice: $29+ (available in two sizes)
An Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening clean mascara that removes easily with warm water so you can rock Rapunzel-like lashes by day and not fear raccoon eyes by night. Plus, it's safe for sensitive eyes and contact wearers, so no worries that you're fresh lifted look is going to cause annoying irritation.
Promising review: "Perfect for sensitive eyes or dry eyes…it does lengthen lash & plump! Love they this is a CLEAN option!" —SunnyHINVPrice: $16+ (available in two sizes and two colors)
And finally, the ultra-fine Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder to help keep your makeup in place without annoying caking. Made with rose wax and almond oil, it also helps hydrate the skin. One of these LIVES in my purse to combat unwanted shine, especially in the warmer months.
Promising review: "Blurs the skin beautifully and makes my skin look so smooth. Great for setting my eyes as well. Prevents creasing and stays in place all day. This is my go-to pressed powder!" —SunnyD418Price: $28+ (available in three sizes and four shades)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


USA Today
10 hours ago
- USA Today
14 kid-friendly foods for boosting the immune system
Foods like yogurt, citrus, and whole grains boost the immune system for kids – Photo courtesy of skynesher / E+ When it comes to keeping our kids (and ourselves!) healthy, the best defense may be a good offense. Sure, you can sanitize hands and practice good sleep hygiene, but perhaps the most important immune system booster comes down to the food fueling our bodies. 'Enjoying a wide range of nutritious foods is the best way for kids to get all the nutrients that are important for the immune system and overall health,' says registered dietitian (and mom) Samantha Cassetty. 'It's also key to encourage an eating pattern that's high in whole foods and low in added sugars and heavily processed foods.' We spoke with a couple of nutritionists to gain a deeper understanding of immune-boosting snacks for kids. Here are 10 foods they recommend for naturally supporting the immune system. Advertisement Yogurt Greek yogurt and kefir are two foods that boost immunity in kids – Photo courtesy of Serhii Sobolevskyi / iStock Via Getty Images Plus This dairy snack contains probiotics that help support gut health, where much of the immune system develops, according to registered dietitian nutritionist Keri Gans. Starting your kid's day with a yogurt (or packing one for the road) is a great idea, in particular low-sugar Greek yogurt, as it offers live active cultures with probiotic activity and high-quality protein. 'The cultures help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a key role in supporting immunity,' Cassetty says. 'Protein helps build and repair tissues, including those involved in immune function.' And because sugar is harmful to your immune system, be sure to choose an option without tons of added or alternative sweeteners. Kefir Kefir, a fermented milk drink that contains numerous good bacteria strains, is a powerhouse for gut and immune health. 'The plain version is tangy, but low-sugar flavored versions are very kid-friendly,' says Cassetty. 'You can use kefir as the base of a smoothie or just serve it as a drink alongside breakfast or an after-school snack. You can even buy it in single-serve pouches to tuck into your kids' lunchboxes.' Blueberries Blueberries have antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and support the immune response. 'Blueberries are naturally sweet and fun to eat, so they're perfect for kids and easy to serve solo or alongside other foods," adds Cassetty. "I like adding them to yogurt, blending them into smoothies, or freezing them for a fun snack on a hot day.' Eggs Eggs are an essential immune-boosting food for kids of any age – Photo courtesy of Irina Taskova / iStock Via Getty Images Plus Just as they do for adults, eggs provide high-quality protein and key immune-supporting nutrients for kids. Gans notes that eggs are a great source of vitamin D, selenium, and choline, which are essential for cell growth and immune signaling during development. Advertisement Ever wonder why sweet potato seems ubiquitous in baby food? They're packed full of nutrients, says Gans. 'Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, a nutrient essential for maintaining skin and mucosal barriers, key first-line defenses in a child's developing immune system," she adds. So even as your kids get older, continue to pack their diets with plenty of this naturally sweet treat. While nuts are healthy in general and an excellent idea for kids, Cassetty recommends walnuts in particular. 'Walnuts can help increase the production of butyrate, a compound made by gut bacteria when they break down certain types of fiber,' she says. 'This compound supports the cells lining your gut, helps maintain a strong intestinal barrier, and plays a key role in regulating the immune system.' Walnuts are a good source of vitamin B6 and an excellent source of copper and manganese, all of which contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system. Consider toasting walnuts with a bit of salt, or seasonings like chili and cinnamon, to give them a new twist. Roasted turkey When packing a sandwich for your child's lunch, consider roasted turkey, a top source of selenium, a mineral that helps regulate the immune system. 'A small portion of roasted turkey provides about half of your daily needs, not to mention it's a great source of protein, which is also needed to help build immune system cells,' says Cassetty. 'When my kid was growing up, I'd cook my own turkey breast to use in sandwiches, but you don't need to do that. Look for high-quality, roasted, sliced turkey at the grocery store. It should be fresh rather than pre-packed, since the pre-packed type is considered a processed meat.' Citrus fruits Orange juice without added sugar is great for boosting immunity in kids – Photo courtesy of fcafotodigital / E+ Whether an orange, grapefruit, or lemon, citrus is a great snack option for your kids. 'Citrus is rich in vitamin C, which supports white blood cell production and immune health,' says Gans. 'Children need this antioxidant to strengthen their immune system as they encounter new viruses and bacteria.' Advertisement You can always juice your fruit for little ones who aren't big fans of the whole fruit, or opt for store-bought juices without added sugars. Carrots When cold and flu season strikes, Gans recommends stocking up on carrots for your kids. 'Carrots are another excellent source of beta-carotene that supports healthy skin and respiratory defenses, which is especially helpful when kids are more exposed to germs,' she says. Whether consumed raw or cooked, carrots maintain their nutritional quality, making them an excellent option for children of all ages. 'Oats deliver a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which helps stimulate immune cells and may strengthen the body's ability to fight off illness,' says Cassetty. 'This special fiber also supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which are closely tied to immune function. Plus, oats provide magnesium, a mineral that helps regulate stress and promote better sleep, both of which are essential for a well-functioning immune system.' Given that stress can increase magnesium needs, oats are a great way to help address this gap. You could try overnight oats with milk and berries, or stir a spoonful of peanut butter and banana slices into warm oatmeal for a kid-friendly breakfast. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds While some children may have nut allergies, seed allergies tend to be somewhat less common. Opting for sunflower and pumpkin seeds can be a great snack option for kids. 'Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and zinc, which are essential for the development and function of immune cells, nutrients that growing kids often fall short on,' says Gans. Pumpkin seeds provide zinc, iron, and selenium — three minerals that play critical roles in supporting immune health. 'These crunchy seeds are also high in magnesium, and they provide plant-based protein,' adds Cassetty. Advertisement Kiwi Kiwi is loaded with vitamin C and other immune-boosting goodness – Photo courtesy of Nungning20 / iStock Via Getty Images Plus


National Geographic
16 hours ago
- National Geographic
Protein is getting added to all your favorite snacks. Is that a good thing?
With all of the talk about protein intake, it can be hard to know what foods can help you get more of the macronutrient. The key is to think about what you want out of what you're eating. Photograph by Aleksandr Grechanyuk, Getty Images From cookies to waffles to mac and cheese, ultraprocessed high protein foods are making big claims about helping you get swole, but nutrionists question whether they can actually help you meet your macro goals. It feels impossible to scroll through social media feeds without running into an influencer scolding you to eat more protein. These same influencers offer tips on how to eat more of the macronutrient while downing ultraprocessed protein-packed foods like boxed mac and cheese, weigh the pros and cons of different protein bars, and swap out dessert for pre-packaged protein cookies—all in the name of gains. 'Protein's the bell of the ball at the moment,' says Brian St. Pierre, director of performance nutrition at Precision Nutrition. It's not just influencers selling the protein craze. Celebrities are launching protein-enriched ultraprocessed snacks and grocery store aisles are stocked with everything from protein potato chips to protein-enriched frozen waffles. 'There is a rise in protein-added foods in the highly processed form,' says Katie Sanders, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, and there's data to back this up. These 'convenience proteins' as they're called are listed as one of the top 10 'macro trends' in the National Restaurant Association's 2025 report. And a 2024 study found that three quarters of those surveyed had consumed a high protein processed food. Nutritionists agree that consuming protein is important but are all these ultraprocessed protein-packed snacks the best way to increase protein consumption? How much protein is enough? Protein is undoubtedly worth the hype it's getting: The macro is proven to help build and maintain muscle and support weight loss and many other important bodily functions. But there's a difference between a well-balanced diet rich in lean meat like chicken, fish, and other healthy protein sources like soy, and one that's packed with the ultraprocessed foods clogging social media feeds 'I think protein is getting a warranted level of attention,' says Marily Oppezzo, Head of Lifestyle Medicine Nutrition and Behavioral Change at Stanford Prevention Research Center. 'The guidelines have been too low for too long and they were measured with outdated methods,' she says. 'It was [based] on surviving, not thriving.' St. Pierre agrees that protein is important (the word itself originates from the Greek proteios, meaning of first importance). But with growing interest comes misinformation—specifically a vast range of recommendations around exactly how much protein you need per day. The current recommended daily allowance for protein—0.8 grams per kilogram of bodyweight—and that, Oppezzo says, is too low for optimal function. Eating 0.8 grams per kilogram of bodyweight is the minimum, and won't facilitate muscle growth or maintenance. 'I think 1.2 is definitely the minimum, and I would say 1.6 is the sweet spot,' Oppezzo says. Eating this slightly larger amount allows the body to thrive rather than just preventing deficiency. St. Pierre agrees: 'Newer research indicates people are better off at 1.2 grams per kilogram, [and] if you are exercising vigorously, then 1.6 to 2.2 grams per kilogram is probably a better target.' (Oppezzo adds that she hasn't seen added benefit above the 2.2 grams per kilogram, even for bodybuilders or those looking for dramatic muscle growth.) That's because our bodies 'don't have a storage form of protein,' says Oppezzo. That makes it different than the other macronutrients: our bodies store both fat and carbohydrates. If you don't eat enough protein, your body could start to pull the nutrient from muscle, which over time can lead to sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) and osteopenia (bone loss). Protein also helps regulate appetite, meaning you feel fuller from fewer calories which can help with weight loss and maintenance. While most of the U.S. population, with the exception of older adults, are getting the minimum amount protein, according to a systematic analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it's unclear whether they're getting enough to thrive, per Oppezzo. 'We don't have evidence that younger people are not getting enough protein,' she says. Compare that to fiber and the protein fixation starts to feel more skewed: 95 percent of Americans don't consume enough fiber to support good health, per a 2017 analysis in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. And a heightened fixation on protein could lead to even less fiber which is found in fruits, vegetables, and food rich with whole grains. 'Getting overly stoked about protein might displace fruits and vegetables and fiber and phytonutrients,' Oppezzo says. (Want a better high-protein diet? You don't have to eat more meat) How beneficial are ultraprocessed protein snacks? If most Americans are already getting enough protein, then what's fueling the boom in ultraprocessed protein-enriched foods? Part of the answer is women who have become increasingly aware of the importance of muscle mass, says Oppezzo. More women are resistance training, according to a 2025 narrative review in Sports Medicine and Health Science. 'And resistance training and enough protein go hand in hand,' St. Pierre says, because the latter helps maximize the benefits of the former. There's been a shift toward marketing muscle gains to women as part of a new aesthetic standard, Sandersadds. While previous generations have emphasized thinness, 'this new protein craze is [about] this idealized muscular body emerging [as a] positive body type of health,' she says. "I don't know a better word for it than thicc with two Cs." It's clear that many of these ultraprocessed foods are marketed to women. Take, for example, the protein-enriched popcorn that reality star Khloe Kardashian recently launched. 'Clearly if [a] Kardashian has a protein popcorn, [women are] her target audience, that's not targeted towards men,' says St. Pierre. The pastel-colored bags of Kardashian's popcorn is a clear departure from protein powder canisters decorated with skulls and dragons, more obviously geared towards men. St. Pierre says these foods are 'not inherently bad,' but, he adds, 'I wouldn't rely on them as a way to get your protein intake.' Unfortunately, that's what he sees many people doing. 'They're finding these ultraprocessed foods, which are okay in moderation, and treating them [as if] they're equivalent to a chicken breast, which they're not.' With all the talk about protein, some people are missing the point, says St. Pierre. 'We want plenty of protein, but we don't want to eat only protein or use protein as a health halo,' he says. A protein cookie is still a cookie. 'That's just a company adding three extra grams of protein to make it sound like it's more beneficial for you.' The key is to think about what you want out of what you're eating: 'If you're eating it for protein, there are better ways to get it,' Oppezzo says. 'I think people have this intense health halo around it, that if I eat protein, I won't gain weight, it's only going to help my muscle and I'd rather eat protein at any cost rather than something else." In diet culture, she says, people tend to mix up morality with food choices, labeling certain ones 'good' or 'bad,' but that kind of black-and-white thinking can lead to overly restrictive eating. That's true of ultraprocessed foods as well; they aren't innately 'bad' and you don't need to cut them out entirely, but they should only be 20 to 30 percent of your daily calories at a maximum, according to St. Pierre. If you make a frozen pizza once a week and decide to replace that with a 'high protein' frozen pizza, 'that could potentially be very slightly helpful,' he says. But like every diet trend, getting too enthusiastic about protein can have drawbacks. While it's a myth that overconsuming protein can lead to kidney problems, Oppezzo says, it can be dangerous for people with kidney disease or on dialysis. In those cases, or if you have any other preexisting conditions, speak to your provider or a dietitian with expertise in your condition, before upping your protein intake beyond the FDA recommendations. And eating large amounts of red meat can raise cholesterol, increasing the risk of a heart attack. There may be unexpected social consequences, too. Sanders points to meal prep culture where people cook a week's worth of macro-balanced food or those who consume lots of protein powders and packaged foods. 'You're divorcing a lot of the cultural aspects that we associate with food in favor of these things like muscle gains,' she says. 'And it's not a hedonistic experience; it's purely related to outcomes and food as fuel.' ( Statin drugs are an Internet villain. Do they deserve it? ) The protein sweet spot The truth is that the influencers and protein-focused doctors and scientists have a point—protein is critically important. But most people can get enough of the macronutrient with a few small tweaks to their diet, rather than canvassing the grocery store for protein enriched snack foods. 'Emphasizing lean protein is going to help you feel your best, look your best, perform your best, whatever your goal might be, it's going to help for the most part,' St. Pierre says. Aim to get that protein from minimally processed whole foods, like lean beef, seafood, eggs, soy-based products, and dairy rich in protein, instead of manufactured protein foods that come in a pretty package. 'People are always trying to overcomplicate [nutrition],' St. Pierre adds. "They're always trying to sell you something new.' For the most part, a healthy diet is simple to execute. 'Eat lean protein, lots of fruits and vegetables, some whole grains, and some healthy fats, and you're going to be in a really good spot.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
What's the Perfect Protein Powder for You?
Protein might be the buzzword of the year. At SELF, we're totally here for it. Fueling your body is key, and protein plays a huge role. It's responsible for keeping you full, helping your muscles recover post-workout, and much more, as we've previously reported. But when reaching for some Greek yogurt or smoked salmon (both high-protein foods) isn't in the cards, protein powder is an excellent alternative. You work hard in the gym, and we work hard through research and testing to make sure you have exactly what you need to keep your gains going. Whether you're a lifter looking for grab-and-go shakes or a home cook experimenting with new protein-packed recipes, there's a protein powder for everyone. Still, finding one that checks off all your boxes can be tough (and time-consuming). To help you out, we created this quick quiz—take it to learn which editor-approved protein powder is your perfect match. Originally Appeared on Self