This J-Beauty Serum Has Completely Transformed My Skin
Just off the western coast of Japan, the Goto Islands have stunningly blue water, tree-covered hills, and a special plant: the camellia flower. Camellias look almost like a mono-colored kaleidoscope, their petals overlapping to create a perfect circle. These flowers aren't just beautiful, they're also functional, which is why Shiseido has whipped them into skin care. Most recently, these camellias are the star ingredient in Shiseido's new Ultimune Power Infusing Serum—which has made me a believer in the idea that flowers can transform your skin.
According to the Japanese skin care brand, the camellia's picturesque environment in the Goto Islands is also what makes them so nourishing. Though these islands are pretty, they also have a semi-harsh climate—they're prone to strong winds and whiplash weather changes. Camellias have adapted, making them resilient. (Hardy plants being used in skin care is nothing new—think about drought-resistant flowers like lavender or calendula.) In the new Ultimune serum, Shiseido used the same fermentation process as Japanese sake makers to boost the camellia's efficacy.
'Through the fermentation, we are able to increase the amino acid volume to 3.4 times higher,' a representative for Shiseido tells ELLE. In your skin, amino acids (the building blocks of proteins, to take you back to biology class) may work to help boost collagen, help repair wounds, and balance your skin's microbiome, according to a 2020 study in Amino Acids in Nutrition and Health.
The serum doesn't just use fermented camellia to bolster skin health—it also utilizes the entire plant, from the petals to the stems. The seed oil and extract promote collagen production and boost moisture, while the leaf and flower extracts tamp down inflammation. The serum also has other actives, like reishi mushroom and iris root, which work to protect the skin barrier.
Using this serum is a truly sensorial experience. First of all, I'm a sucker for anything red (it's kind of my color), so I already knew the bottle would have a place front-and-center on my vanity. The formula feels like it sinks into your skin instantly and leaves you with a dewy glow. I rarely finish serums—I have so many to test that I barely get halfway done with one before I'm onto the next. I used this serum every day for three months, but it still caught me off guard when I found that I was out of it. To me, actually finishing a bottle of anything is a testament to how good it is.
After using the Ultimune Power Infusing Serum consistently, I found that my normally dry skin looked much glowier and plumper, and I even felt like the fine lines and wrinkles on my face looked less pronounced. It mixes well with my routine and never pills under moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup. In a rare move, I'm planning to open another bottle. It's one of the few products I've tried that has earned a permanent spot in my ever-changing rotation.
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Elle
11 hours ago
- Elle
Serena Williams on Using GLP-1s, Motherhood, and Redefining Diet Culture
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. The most famous female tennis player of our time is on a GLP-1 drug. If that makes you have some feelings, 23-time Grand Slam champion and decorated Olympian Serena Williams understands. 'GLP-1s have gotten a stigma, and I feel like there should be more open conversation,' she tells me. 'A lot of people are on them, and it's okay to be on them.' Williams is the new ambassador for the telehealth start-up Ro, joining former basketball star Charles Barkley, who also announced in April that he was on a GLP-1 drug via the company. (In full transparency, her team disclosed that Williams's husband, Alexis Ohanian, is a Ro investor and on the board.) Below, Williams talks to ELLE about why she decided to start using a GLP-1 and the diet-culture myths she hopes the drug will help dismantle. Did the decision to go on a GLP-1 come from your doctor? I do a lot of research on everything that's out on the market. After I had my second kid, I lost a lot of weight within two weeks. But after that [time], no matter what I did, I couldn't [lose any more weight]. Every single day, I would get my 30,000 steps. I ran and trained. Even after my first daughter, I never got back to the level that I wanted to be. In the HBO documentary Being Serena, my coach talks to me about my weight, and at the time, I was thinking, 'This is a tough conversation,' because you could already see me physically doing every single thing. I needed to try something different, so I was like, I'm going to have to try these GLP-1s and see how it affects my body. Are you on a specific GLP-1? I am on Zepbound through Ro. What's your experience like on the drug? I have a lot of illnesses, so I'm so used to injections, and they didn't bother me at all. I haven't had any side effects. But every single person and every body is different. My body is like a stallion. You posted some pictures recently, and fans 'defended' you by saying you weren't on a GLP-1 drug. Some even called the speculation negative. How do you feel about it being characterized that way? First off, I never heard or read that. I don't read any stuff, but it's important to talk about what I am doing. I like to have very honest conversations with myself. I've always been a pretty transparent person, probably because I grew up on the very public tennis court in front of millions of people. Everyone's journey is different. I work out. I don't 'just' take them. You can see all the work that I do and how my body really didn't change until I got on one. It was really important for me and for my confidence to be at the weight that I'm used to being on. It is also very healthy for me, especially for my body, joints, and knees, particularly as I get a little bit older. Everyone is allowed to have their own opinion. But it's important for me to own my own narrative and tell my own story. Like you alluded to, people sometimes think that going on a GLP-1 is the lazy way to lose weight. That's exactly why it is so important to tell my story. There are a lot of people out there who can relate—maybe they have had a child, and they're like, Okay, I've done everything. I've gone to the gym. [They may need to] hear that Serena not only did the gym, she played professional tennis, did all the training, and [even] she could never get to where she was at when she was her healthiest. I'm not trying to get to the way I was when I was 16, but I want to be at a healthy place. People want and need to hear that it's not the easy way out. It's not. It is something that I feel like my body personally needed. Do you think GLP-1 drugs are upending this long-held idea that losing weight comes down to willpower? I can speak to that personally. I was traveling on tour, playing a professional sport at a very high level, eating extremely healthy. It didn't matter what I did—there were just some things that wouldn't change. A lot of people can say, 'Well, I don't want to go on a GLP-1, because I can change the way I eat.' But they don't understand. Sometimes people do change the way they eat. They do change the way they work out. They do absolutely everything, and it doesn't work. That may not be everyone's story, but that's my story. I remember training before my last US Open. I was training for four hours in the sun in the summer in July or August. I didn't even eat that day because I was working out so hard, and I always eat after I work out. But I didn't lose anything. I actually had a stomach. I always was curious about that. I was like, How is it that I can be training for four hours, and I still have this extra mom weight on me? Has being on a GLP-1 affected your muscle mass? No, I actually weigh more than I look. I have a ton of muscle on me. I look lighter than what I actually am because of my muscle mass. So again, everyone's story could be different. That's just my personal body. Does it affect your appetite? Yes, and that's what I think a GLP-1 does. It definitely does make a difference in your appetite. I don't really know, but I think it also gave me something that my body may have been just missing. I am still trying to understand more of the science behind it. I know that some people haven't been able to eat as much, but I still have a pretty interesting appetite. Has it quieted any food noise? I've never been a foodie. I've never been a person that thinks about food or their next meal, because as a professional athlete, that's never what I think about. I never really had food noise. Sometimes I forget to eat, so it's totally different for me. Would you have considered using GLP-1 drugs while you were playing professional tennis? To be perfectly honest, I wish I had this after I had [my daughter] Olympia. I wonder what would have happened if I was actually able to lose the extra weight that I needed to lose, even though I had done everything that I could. It makes me think, but I try not to think too hard about it. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
The 8 best portion-controlled meal prep lunch boxes for a healthy, nutritious meal
Glass, plastic or stainless steel? Choose the best bento box for your midday fill-up. Portion-controlled bento boxes take the guesswork out of meal prep, helping you manage portion sizes with built-in compartments, adjustable dividers or smaller containers. Inspired by the traditional Japanese bento — "which has been used in Japan for over 100 years," explains Rebecca Schubert, MS, RDN, NBC, dietitian and owner of One Step Nutrition Coaching — these lunch boxes offer a structured way to balance your meals. Besides portion control, Moushumi Mukherjee, MS, RDN, dietitian and owner of Dietitian Moushumi adds, "A bento box can encourage you to add more nutritious foods and increase diversity in your meals." With each empty compartment, you're naturally inclined to include a mix of fresh fruits, vegetables, protein-rich cheese or fiber-packed nuts. Mandy Enright, dietitian and worksite wellness specialist also points out that using a bento box can set you up for weight management success since home-prepped meals give you greater control over ingredients and portions. Plus, these reusable boxes cut down on single-use waste and may save you time and money in the long run. The best meal-prep lunch boxes come in various designs. They typically have two to six compartments and are made of materials ranging from glass and stainless steel to durable, food-safe plastic. After testing 15 bento boxes and talking with three dietitians specializing in weight loss, it's clear that some options are better than others. Read on for our picks of the best portion-controlled bento boxes of 2025. Table of contents Best overall portion-controlled meal prep bento box More meal prep bento boxes we like for 2025 Factors to consider when buying portion-controlled bento boxes How we chose the best meal prep bento boxes FAQs Other products we tested Meet our experts Update, Aug. 20, 2025: We've confirmed current pricing and availability for all products. Our top picks for the best meal prep bento boxes remain the same. (back to top) Best overall portion-controlled meal prep bento box (back to top) More meal prep bento boxes we like for 2025 (back to top) Factors to consider when buying portion-controlled bento boxes Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a bento lunchbox: Type Although bento is a particular type of lunch box that originated in Japan, the definition has expanded as the boxes have become more popular. For the most part, bento boxes are lunch containers containing divided or stackable sections that allow you to pack multiple foods separately. However, some bento-style lunch boxes may include other features, like dressing cups or insulated bowls to keep food warm. Which option to choose depends on the types of foods you tend to pack. Material Bento boxes are commonly made from plastic, glass or stainless steel, each with benefits and trade-offs. The best material for you depends on how and where you plan to use it — whether for daily meal prep, portable lunches or keeping food at the right temperature. Plastic is lightweight and budget-friendly, making it a good choice for everyday use. Some plastic bento boxes are microwave- and dishwasher-safe, but not all. Even when labeled "microwave-safe," certain plastics may still leach particles into food when heated, which is something to consider. Glass is heavier but offers better durability and safety, as it does not absorb stains or odors. Most glass bento boxes are microwave- and dishwasher-safe, though their lids may not be. While bulkier than plastic, glass is an excellent choice for a sturdy, nontoxic container. Stainless steel bento boxes are more expensive but offer superior insulation and durability. Traditionally, stainless steel is not microwave-safe, but some brands — like Klean Kanteen — have introduced microwave-safe stainless steel options. Stainless steel is the best choice if you need a bento that keeps food hot or cold for extended periods. Size and capacity You can find bento boxes in various sizes and storage capacities. I recommend choosing a larger one for lunch, since they're more versatile. Larger bento boxes can easily accommodate bulky foods like salad greens and other fresh produce. Plus, as long as they contain dividers or cups, you can still use them for portion control. However, small bento boxes are great for portion-controlled snacks and smaller items. Insulation If you don't have a way to reheat or chill your lunch, choosing an insulated bento box is essential. Glass and stainless steel are more insulating than plastic. However, thicker plastic can still provide some insulation for your meal. Some bento lunch boxes, like the OmieBox UP, include an ice pack for cold foods and an insulated soup cup for hot foods. Number of compartments Bento-style lunch boxes can have a single large compartment or multiple sections designed for different foods. Many feature removable or adjustable dividers, allowing you to customize the layout based on your meal. Some also include small lidded containers for dressings or saucy foods, separating everything neatly. More compartments can be beneficial for portion control and balanced nutrition. Schubert explains that including a variety of foods in portion-controlled amounts provides a greater diversity of nutrients to support optimal health. "The small compartments also help ensure that we don't over-consume calories," she adds. When choosing a bento box, consider the number and type of compartments that best suit your meals. A single or two-compartment box may be ideal if you prefer simple, one-dish lunches. If you enjoy variety in your meals, a bento with multiple sections can help keep your food organized, fresh and properly portioned. Ease of cleaning The bento boxes I tested were easy to clean, though some required more effort. Many were dishwasher-safe, while others needed handwashing to maintain their quality. Stackable bento boxes tend to have more components, including lids, dividers and gaskets, which means extra washing time. I recommend choosing a single-layer glass bento box with a dishwasher-safe lid, like the Bentgo Glass Lunch Box, for the most straightforward cleanup. (back to top) How we chose the best meal prep bento boxes Selecting the best portion-controlled bento boxes started with expert insight. I consulted three registered dietitians specializing in weight management to better understand the benefits of portion control and the key features to look for in a lunchbox. As a dietitian myself, I kept these principles in mind while selecting and testing each box. Over the course of a month, I tested 15 bento boxes, evaluating how well they allowed for portioning different foods. I used a variety of meals, including hot and cold foods, salads, soups, sandwiches and snacks, to see how each box performed. Practicality was another major factor. I assessed whether the boxes were microwave-safe, easy to clean, leak-proof and portable. Each bento box was used at least once, though I tested most of them multiple times to get a true sense of their functionality and convenience. (back to top) FAQs Are bento boxes good for portion control? Yes, divided bento boxes can help with proper portion sizes. "Larger sections can be used for main meals, veggies, fruits or protein," says Enright, "while smaller sections can be used for healthy fats, condiments or [treats] like cookies or chips." What is the difference between bento and Bentgo? A bento box is a type of lunch box that originated in Japan. It has stacked or divided containers for different foods. Bentgo, on the other hand, is a modern brand that manufactures bento-style lunch boxes. While inspired by traditional bento boxes, Bentgo designs often incorporate leak-proof seals, microwave-safe materials and kid-friendly features, making them a popular choice for families. What is the difference between an ekiben and a bento? Ekiben and bento are Japanese meal boxes that serve different purposes. Bento refers to a general pre-portioned meal packed in a box. Ekiben is a specialty bento sold at train stations across Japan, specifically designed for travelers on long-distance trains. These meals are intended to be eaten cold or at room temperature, making them convenient for journeys where reheating may not be possible. Are bento boxes good for meal prep? Bento boxes are excellent tools for meal prep. "When it comes to meal prep, bento boxes can't be beaten for their simplicity, ease of use and convenience," says Schubert. "Plus, you don't need additional containers. You can put the foods directly in the box, which makes cleanup a breeze," she adds. (back to top) Other products we tested In addition to the top-ranked bento boxes, I tested several others that didn't make the final list but still deserve recognition. Here's a quick look at the other contenders: Simple Modern Porter Bento Box: This solid design has a lid that securely seals each section. However, the portion sizes are too small to accommodate an adult's lunch, because it's designed for children. Pampered Chef Bento Box: This stackable bento comes with an open and a divided tray and was similar in size and shape to the Monbento box. While cheaper, it lacked the extras, like the removable food cup and 3-year warranty. UVI Lunch Box: If you want a hot, fresh lunch, you'd love this option, which can steam your food. However, since it needs to be plugged in, I wondered about its practicality for people who need to eat on the go. Packit Mod Bento: I love the concept of this bento box, with dividers that snap in and out so you can adjust the sections. Practically, though, I found it difficult to estimate how much space each food would need before I loaded it into the box. W&P Bento Box: This was a nice-looking bento box, and I especially liked the built-in strap to keep the lid closed. However, it lacked insulation to help keep food cold. Modern Picnic Food Container: This sleek, microwave- and dishwasher-safe container held up to its promise of being leak-proof. It's also stackable for easier storage. However, it doesn't have two divided sections for portion control. S'well Bento Box: Just as with the Packit Mod Bento, I liked that this stainless steel box includes a removable tray divider, allowing you to adjust the size of the sections. While it's refrigerator- and dishwasher-safe, it can't be used in the microwave. The lid was also a bit tricky to put on, which could make this leak-proof container less so if it is not sealed carefully. (back to top) Meet our experts Rebecca Schubert, MS, RDN, NBC, registered dietitian and owner of One Step Nutrition Coaching Moushumi Mukherjee, MS, RDN, registered dietitian and owner of Dietitian Moushumi Mandy Enright, MS, RDN, RYT, registered dietitian, author and worksite wellness specialist Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business Wire
ClearStrand-ASD, First-of-Its-Kind Autism Screening Tool, Now Available in Japan
NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LinusBio, a leader in precision exposome medicine, announced today that ClearStrand-ASD™, its biochemical autism screening test, is now available to patients and providers in Japan for research use through its partnership with YAC Bio. This milestone marks LinusBio's first international expansion and represents a significant step in the company's mission to enable earlier identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) globally. Today marks a transformational moment in our mission to make early autism screening accessible worldwide. Share ClearStrand-ASD requires only a strand of hair to detect molecular signatures associated with autism spectrum disorder. This innovative, non-invasive approach provides healthcare providers with an objective screening method that can help identify ASD risk as early as one month of age, allowing families to pursue intervention during the most crucial period of early development. "Today marks a transformational moment in our mission to make early autism screening accessible worldwide," said Dr. Manish Arora, Founder and CEO of LinusBio. "Japan represents our first step beyond U.S. borders, and we chose this market because of its sophisticated healthcare infrastructure and commitment to pediatric developmental care. Japanese families dealing with autism concerns will now have access to the same cutting-edge screening technology that has already helped multiple American families get answers earlier than ever before." The Japanese launch builds on ClearStrand-ASD's successful rollout across the United States, where it is now available in 49 states. YAC Bio will partner with hospital systems in Japan to facilitate the implementation of this first-of-its-kind biomarker test for autism. LinusBio's expansion into Japan is facilitated through its existing partnership with YAC Bio (part of Y.A.C. Holdings), the Japanese multinational that invested over 1 billion yen in the company. Beyond providing market access, Y.A.C. Holdings contributes manufacturing expertise and automation capabilities that support LinusBio's scaling efforts globally. "By combining the world's only hair-cutting robotics technology with the innovative hair exposome analysis developed by LinusBio in the United States, we have contributed to the development of the world's first biomarker screening test for autism spectrum disorder. Following its launch in the U.S., we are now offering this test in Japan through our group company, YAC Bio," said Takefumi Momose, President and CEO, Y.A.C. Holdings Co., Ltd. "We sincerely hope that this test will support individuals, families, and communities in Japan who are concerned about autism." The Japan availability of ClearStrand-ASD represents the first phase of LinusBio's international expansion strategy, with the company evaluating additional markets where ClearStrand-ASD could address unmet needs in early autism detection. About ClearStrand-ASD ClearStrand-ASD is a biochemical test intended to help health care providers rule out autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children 1 to 48 months. The test analyzes a strand of hair to map the dynamic patterns of an individual's unique biological responses at a molecular level to environmental exposures over time and uses an algorithm to assess the likelihood of autism. It is not a genetic test and must be ordered by a licensed health care provider (Rx only). ClearStrand-ASD is performed at LinusBio's CLIA-certified laboratory (CLIA #31d2307499). For more information visit: About LinusBio LinusBio (Linus Biotechnology Inc.) is a patient-centric, breakthrough science precision exposome medicine company headquartered in New Jersey. The Company's program pipeline comprises precision exposome medicine biomarkers and target discovery across disease domains for which historically no molecular endpoints have been available in medical practice or for clinical trials, including CNS (autism spectrum disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), gastroenterology (inflammatory bowel disease), renal disease and oncology. LinusBio is actively exploring additional international partnerships to expand global access to its innovative diagnostic solutions. For more information, visit About Y.A.C. Holdings Y.A.C. Holdings is a Japan-based company specializing in developing, designing, and manufacturing mechatronics-related products. The company collaborates with LinusBio on hardware innovations to scale testing capacity, driving breakthroughs in robotics and laboratory automation.
