‘Absolutely Delicious! 6 Stars Would Not Be Enough.'
Hi. Kim here, pinch hitting for Melissa.
If you're reading this, it's probably Wednesday. And if you're like me, you're probably at work. (Actually, this is my work, but let's not get lost in the details.)
A question: What gets you through the workday, besides taking a moment to read newsletters? For me, it's my work wife. You may know her as Julia Moskin.
From the moment I moved to New York from the Bay Area several hundred years ago she has given me the kind of invaluable information only a New Yorker can give. Like: If you look cabdrivers in the eye while you are crossing the street, they are less likely to hit you.
We've been through endless editors and Thanksgivings. We wrote a cookbook and helped beget New York Times Cooking. Her love of Le Creuset runs deep. She wrote about it this week. When I got married, she gave me a Le Creuset Dutch oven in classic flame. I say 'me' because I kept it in the divorce.
She also has given me recipes (finally, she gets to the damn food!). Just last night I made sauce gribiche with the recipe she got from the editor Judith Jones. It's the best thing for lightly steamed spring asparagus.
Julia has a thing for fried chicken, and one of her best recipes is this super crispy yangnyeom dak, or Korean fried chicken, which she adapted from Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee. It's fast, because you are frying boneless thighs (although wings work) that have spent an hour or so in a bowl with onions and garlic before getting tossed in cornstarch, and gently dropped in oil. You probably have almost everything you need for the simple gochujang glaze already.
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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
No 69-Year-Old Looks Like Kris Jenner IRL. Not Even Kris Jenner.
Illustration by Allure; Source images: Getty Images, Adobe Stock You will forgive me if the number of times I've uttered, 'Geezus Christ,' in the past few days has hit some kind of record. I was asked to write something about Kris Jenner's new face (you have presumably seen at least some of the flood of photos and online conversations that have saturated news and social media feeds since its debut a couple of weeks ago). I've consequently spent what now feels like half my life peering at many of those photos and drowning in mostly vacuous content about what appears to be her vastly changed appearance. I say 'appears to be' because there's really no way of knowing what Kris Jenner actually looks like. Which is one of the reasons for my incessant muttering. I've examined so many photos of the Kardashians/Jenners at this point that I can't even tell them apart. (Not that I was an expert at that even before this week.) The resemblance between Kris and Kim—I think it's Kim—after Kris's most recent facial renovation is similar enough that in photos they look like AI sisters, if not twins. Yet there's a 25-year age difference between them; one of them has birthed six children, is a grandmother of 13, and is only five years younger than I am at the cusp of 75. But in photos, the Kris/Kim's look basically the same age. Geezus Christ. I want to make it clear from the start that I don't judge anyone for their aesthetic choices, my attitude being: It's tough enough trying to reconcile the fact that, as mortals, we could vanish at any moment, so: Whatever gets you through the night. If that requires an all-out effort to diminish the manifestations of your gradual physical deterioration, bless you—go for it. The problem for me isn't, then, choosing to have plastic surgery. The problem is the way the results of that choice are represented in our news and social media feeds. Bottom-line, we're fed a steady diet of… junk food. Prime example: I just watched a plastic surgeon detail on his million-plus follower YouTube channel each step as he determined them, year by year, of Kris's facial evolution. But the photos he used to demonstrate the work she had done were obviously heavily filtered or otherwise edited. So, though he may have extensive experience with facial anatomy, without access to Kris's actual face, he was basically spinning a tale. At the end of the story, an estimated cost of the proposed work pops up: Not the kind of elective surgery money you or I will likely ever enjoy. But—this surgeon points out—you can afford the skin care he's selling, at a much more reasonable price. Small consolation for the sad fact that we can't afford the procedures Kris may or may not have had to make her look like—well, I have no idea what she actually looks like. And neither do you. Geezus Christ. I did find a 2022 video of Kris without makeup, promoting Kim's SKKN skin-care line. Barefaced, she looks very different, nicely preserved, like any well-cared-for civilian you might run into shopping for skin care at your local Walgreen's (you can only buy SKKN online… but you get my gist). According to many accounts, including some of her own, Kris had submitted to, by then, more than one facelift, a panoply of in-office treatments including neurotoxin, microneedling, and whatever else you might think of—or might not even think of, like an earlobe reduction—but her face still looks appropriately, pleasantly, if not excessively lived-in. Her glow, she claims, is due to the seven-step before-bed skin-care routine she has just demonstrated. Geezus Christ. I have no idea what she actually looks like. And neither do you. In the May 2025 version of Kris, she's presenting with a generally smaller face, a more tapered chin, softly oval face shape, and an emphasized jawline. Her new hairstyle, with bangs and a bow, is kittenish. In fact, the whole impression bears a remarkable resemblance to a classic anime girl, a look achieved not only with a facelift and other procedures, but maybe with weight loss, and definitely with elaborately and skillfully applied makeup, a more youthful hairstyle, and on most of these photos: digital filters. (While the Internet has been awash in images of Kris Jenner, I could find only two that were captured in the wild and not coming to us from her owned-and-operated social feed.) This iteration, in its freakish youthfulness and unnatural perfection is what finally shifted my Geezus Christ into the more secular Holy sh*t. Not because of the magic performed by a plastic surgeon, a makeup artist, a hairstylist, and the filters. It's because this artificial representation is being welcomed not only as if it were real, but as if it were achievable—and even desired—through aesthetic procedures. Some of the recent headlines include Kris Jenner's New Look Stuns Fans, Kris Jenner's Glow-up Sparks Positive Reactions, and from this very outlet, Kris Jenner's New Face Is a Great Case for Keeping Plastic Surgery Old School (although this did stand apart as a reported story on the surgical specifics of the type of facelift Jenner's surgeon is known to perform). I can't really say what beauty is. But I can say what it is not. It is not this, this 'sanitized digital simulacra of selfhood that appears online,' as Sophie Gilbert elegantly put it recently in The Atlantic. Nobody looks like Kris. Not even Kris. The detriments to our mental health of what Gilbert calls the 'subtle psychic violence' of the desire resulting from exposure to these simulacra are well-documented. Is there any hope for a more reasonable, healthier, more human and reality-based approach to beauty? The facial plastic surgeon Steven Dayan has proposed a model, as reported in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, called the 'Special Theory of Relativity for Attractiveness.' An editorial published in the Journal of Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology distills it this way: Dayan suggests that 'the pursuit of physical beauty alone is not enough, that… people also desire to appear genuine and feel confident. In other words, attractiveness is a multidimensional concept comprising beauty, genuineness, and self-esteem, with 'naturalness' being an interpretation of the optimal balance of these factors. It is a reminder that beauty, like time, is a relative concept, shaped by individual perspectives and cultural contexts.' Holy sh*t. What a divine idea! Read more from Valerie Monroe: At 74, I Don't Consider the Words 'Old Lady' Derogatory Mikey Madison Winning Best Actress Over Demi Moore Isn't Ageism Thank You, Bridget Jones, for Still Looking Like Bridget Jones Originally Appeared on Allure
Elle
2 days ago
- Elle
Yes, Even Steam Can Straighten Your Hair—Here Are the Best Tools Experts Love
While traditional hair straighteners can have salon-quality effects on your hairstyle du jour—think sleek texture, enviable gleam, and tamed flyaways—the hot tools are not always beneficial for hair health, especially when it comes to maintaining moisture. What if we told you there was a one-step fix to straightening your hair while keeping moisture intact? Enter the best steam hair straighteners, which offer all the aforementioned perks without zapping the hair of moisture. 'Steam allows for a gentler, more hydrating straightening process compared to traditional dry heat,' says Min Kim, a celebrity colorist and the US and global ambassador of L'Oréal Professionnel. 'The water vapor in steam helps maintain the hair's internal moisture levels while smoothing the cuticle. This results in less breakage, reduced frizz, and a shinier, more polished finish.' Kim particularly recommends a steam hair straightener for anyone with frizz-prone, textured, dry, or color-treated hair. 'It's also fantastic for smoothing high-porosity hair and maintaining softness in blonde or sensitized hair that typically loses elasticity from too much heat exposure,' she says. When selecting a steam hair straightener for at-home styling, Kim recommends looking for models that support consistent steam output and have adjustable settings. She also notes that straightening tools with high-quality ceramic or anodized plates will pay off for long-term hair health. In short: 'You want a device that not only straightens, but also nourishes and protects the hair in the process.' Which tool deserves your trust? Ahead, browse our guide to the steam straighteners that earn the highest praise from industry pros and savvy home stylists alike. 'The L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod is an excellent example of steam technology in action,' Kim says. 'It uses continuous steam to straighten or style the hair while preserving softness and integrity.' As a plus, the coveted tool does more than just straighten the hair. Edgar Parra, a senior stylist at Benjamin New York, says that 'it's a great investment [because] clients can easily curl and straighten their hair with it for versatile styles.' Heat settings: 350 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit Plate type: Anodized aluminum Features: Leak-free water tank, detachable comb, intelligent heat control Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars Our expert says: 'This delivers strong, even steam. It doesn't require much heat to get a really smooth, flawless result.' — Jill Turnbull, editorial and backstage hairstylist Designed to straighten the hair in 10 minutes flat, Wavytalk Steamline Pro performs multiple functions. The multitasking tool is a steamer, brush, and straightener all in one. It even comes with a silky scrunchie designed by influencer Danielle Athena, who helped develop the product and give it a moment of TikTok fame. And if you like your straighteners candy-colored, you're in luck: This model is available in white, baby blue, and ballet pink. Heat settings: 320 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit Plate type: Rather than plates, this has a straightening brush with patented 3D teeth Features: Anti-scald shell, automatically turns off after 30 minutes, universal voltage compatibility, comes with accessories including hair clips and a protective glove Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars Our expert says: 'This three-in-one tool is great for all hair textures. It leaves the hair smooth, hydrated, and glossy. It's perfect for someone on the go seeking that salon-style blowout at home.' —Edgar Parra For a hybrid between a traditional flat iron and a steam straightener, this Steam Therapy Flat Iron comes recommended by the pros. Cheryl Bergamy-Rosa, a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Contents Haircare, notes that this two-in-one tool has adjustable heat settings—five, to be precise—which makes it a practical choice for at-home styling. Designed to straighten the hair with or without steam, the tool has a base station reservoir that can refill its tank in 60 seconds. Heat settings: 338 to 455 degrees Fahrenheit Plate type: Titanium-cushioned Features: Removable comb, extra-long floating plates, sensor heat technology Amazon rating: 4/5 stars Our expert says: 'Look for soft or cushioned plates that flex under pressure, such as the titanium-cushioned plates in this Steam Therapy Flat Iron. These adjust to the hair's thickness and ensure even contact, reducing the risk of snagging or uneven straightening.' —Cheryl Bergamy-Rosa With an impressive six heat settings to choose from, which range from 300 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, Hot Tools' steam straightener gets a stamp of approval from Turnbull. Beyond its adjustable settings—with the lowest heat settings catering to fine and thin hair—the device offers plenty more room for a customized styling session. It's a steam-optional device, has steam-control settings ranging from high to low, and can also put out continuous or intermittent steam. What's more, it can help create straight, wavy, and curly looks. Heat settings: 300 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit Plate type: Ceramic Features: Center steam channel, dual voltage for travel Amazon rating: 4.1/ 5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'This is the best flat iron I ever bought for my wavy, thin, fine hair. I love it! Doesn't fry my hair or burn it. Great price, great product.' Offering eight to 20 minutes of continuous steam, Angelique's professional-grade tool is another one of Turnbull's picks. It can be used as a regular flat iron or a steam styler, and it has adjustable heat settings. The product is particularly recommended for those with thick or coarse hair, and the brand recommends adding a few drops of chia oil into the water tank for glossy, extra-smooth results. Heat settings: Multiple, ranging from 300 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit Plate type: Ceramic-coated tourmaline crystal Features: 360-degree swivel cord, dual voltage, heats up in 60 seconds Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'My hair is hard to tame, and I've got to say this works. It is the best straightener I've ever used. I think it's even better than the one my hairdresser uses.' With six adjustable heat settings, DoriSilk's easy-on-the-budget straightener has settings that cater to a range of hair types, including thin, curly, thick, and coarse hair. The tool is compact and relatively easy to use, and its floating, ceramic-coated tourmaline plates help boost the hair's shine. Heat settings: 300 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit Plate type: 3D ceramic tourmaline Features: Floating plates, lock and unlock function, fast-heating core, 360-degree swivel cord Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'I have always wanted to be able to straighten my hair with ease, but it always took me like 45 min to get my hair straight. With this steam styler, it takes me no time and my hair is shiny and straight for days! I'm obsessed!' 'Steam heat drives moisture deeper into the hair fiber while straightening, helping to maintain hydration and elasticity—two things traditional flat irons often take away,' Turnbull says. 'It's gentler on the cuticle and lowers the risk of breakage. Instead of drying the hair out, steam supports the hair's natural moisture balance.' She likens the process to ironing clothes, noting that linens and cotton smooth out better with steam. 'Hair reacts the same way,' she says. 'As with any heat tool, overuse or improper technique can lead to damage, especially if you're not protecting the hair,' Kim says. That said, she notes that the best steam hair straighteners are thoughtfully designed to reduce the risk of hair damage compared to traditional flat irons. 'The key is using a steam straightener on tangle-free, dry hair, and avoiding high heat on compromised or overly porous strands,' she says. It's also important to manage expectations. 'Steam alone just doesn't give the same results as a traditional flatiron,' says Vanessa Ocando, a celebrity hairstylist in New York City. 'If your hair already has a soft wave and you're just trying to tame frizz or get a bit more polish, they can work really well.' In short, she says: 'I wouldn't reach for one if I wanted super sleek hair, but it's great for someone who wants a natural finish with movement, not a flat, pressed look.' 'Steam straighteners are a godsend for those with thick, coarse, curly, or dehydrated hair types and textures,' Turnbull says. 'They're also a perfect match for color-treated or chemically processed hair, as they smooth without aggressively dehydrating. If your hair tends to need more moisture, is frizzy or dull, a steam straightener could be your new best friend.' When it comes to steam styling, 'Preparation is key to maximizing both results and protection,' Kim says. She reiterates that starting with clean, dehydrated hair is always best, as steam straighteners work best on dry strands. 'Use a lightweight heat protectant that complements steam technology and gently detangle hair before styling to prevent unnecessary tension,' she says. 'Additionally, sectioning the hair and working in small, even pieces also allows for a smoother, longer-lasting finish.' 'Go for a steam straightener with adjustable heat settings and a steady, diffused steam output,' Ocando says. 'Ceramic or tourmaline plates help keep things smooth and even.' She adds that if the straightener comes with a comb attachment, that's all the better. 'It helps guide the hair as you pass through while adding some tension to smooth out waves,' she says. Finally, when considering which steam straightener to buy, 'Keep in mind that steam straighteners are more about soft styling and frizz control than sleek, pin-straight hair,' Ocando says. 'They're perfect if you like a more relaxed, touchable finish.' Min Kim is a celebrity colorist and the US and Global Ambassador for L'Oréal Professionnel Vanessa Ocando, a celebrity hairstylist based in New York City Edgar Parra, a celebrity hairstylist and a senior stylist at Benjamin New York Cheryl Bergamy-Rosa, a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Contents Haircare Jill Turnbull is an editorial and backstage hairstylist and the founder of Jill Turnbill Beauty As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE contributor Jenny Berg spoke to experts about the benefits of steam hair straighteners. Using expert insights, she searched the internet for the top-rated models on the market. 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Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Netflix, Martha Stewart, T.O.P And Lil Yachty Welcome You To The K-Era
Lil Yachty, Martha Stewart and T.O.P appear in Netflix's new K-content campaign. Let's face it—a collaboration between lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart and South Korean rapper and actor T.O.P was something no one saw coming, but that's precisely what happened when Netflix revealed its latest ad for Korean content. The two-minute video on Netflix's YouTube channel also features American rapper Lil Yachty, himself a longtime K-culture fan who famously paid tribute to the iconic K-pop boy band BIGBANG (of which T.O.P is a former member) in 2016 by freestyling to their songs. (And seeing as how T.O.P is clearly his favorite BIGBANG member based on that clip, it was probably only a matter of time before he and the real T.O.P found themselves in the same video.) In Netflix's promotional clip, Stewart is caught crying while watching the hit K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines. When told that she doesn't speak Korean, Stewart responds, 'I don't, it speaks to me.' Stewart is later seen actively engaging with and taking cues from other blockbuster Korean shows like Squid Game, All of Us Are Dead and Physical: 100. She also chats with Lil Yachty about Single's Inferno while wearing a snail mucin sheet mask on her face—one of (many) items popularized by the ever-growing K-beauty trend. T.O.P (real name Choi Seung-hyun), who plays Thanos in Squid Game season 2, appears in Stewart's dressing room in the latter half of the video and flashes her the classic Korean 'finger heart' sign. At this point, the camera cuts to a barrage of additional K-culture references found throughout the room, from the song 'Like Jennie' by BLACKPINK member Jennie blasting from a speaker to a tray filled with Korean snacks and beverages to Stewart wearing an Extraordinary Attorney Woo T-shirt. 'I've seen this before… You're in deep on K-content. Don't worry, she'll be fine,' T.O.P remarks, at least according to the English subtitles. (A more literal translation of what he actually says would be something like: 'Oh, I see you're hooked on not only K-content but Korean culture as well. Don't worry, that happens to everyone.') He then makes his exit with the now-iconic 'Skrrt!'—which all three stars repeat at the very end while dressed in Squid Game tracksuits. Social media reactions to the unexpected collab have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with many users praising Netflix for the surprise video and gushing over T.O.P's appearance in the clip. Some of the user comments on the "Welcome to Your K-Era" video on Netflix's YouTube channel More user comments on Netflix's new K-content promotional video Commenter on YouTube references the 2016 BIGBANG tribute video in which Lil Yachty raps and talks to ... More cardboard cutouts of BIGBANG members. Screenshot of a post on X Netflix's slogan for its 'Welcome to Your K-Era' campaign is 'You Don't Have to Speak It to Love It' (for anyone who's interested, a more literal translation of the Korean phrase would be: 'Even if you don't know the language, you know the feeling!'), acknowledging the power of K-content to resonate with audiences across the globe despite the language barrier. That said, as an aside, it should be noted that the Korean language is also experiencing a worldwide boom these days. For instance, a recent study by the Modern Language Association found that out of the 15 most commonly taught foreign languages at U.S. colleges and universities, Korean was the only language to show remarkable growth between 2016 and 2021—a whopping 38.3% increase in enrollment over that five-year period. Biblical Hebrew and American Sign Language were the only other languages that showed increased enrollment—9.1% and 0.8% respectively—while all other foreign languages showed a marked decline in enrollment over that time period. To feed your K-content obsession—and perhaps help you improve your Korean listening comprehension skills—Netflix now has a 'Welcome to Your K-Era' panel on its interface, which serves as a one-stop shop to find all your favorite Korean films and shows on Netflix. (Tip for those new to Korean movies and shows: ALWAYS watch them subbed, NEVER dubbed!) Residents of Los Angeles, California might have also seen these Netflix billboards along Sunset Boulevard featuring Korean-only captions, often superimposed on ads for popular Netflix Korean shows: Billboard in LA with Netflix's new K-content slogan "You Don't Have to Speak It to Love It" written ... More in Korean (a more literal translation would be: "Even if you don't know the language, you know the feeling!") Netflix billboard in LA for 'Squid Game' that reads, "It's now time to end the game" in Korean Netflix billboard in LA for 'Single's Inferno' that reads, "Jun-seo over Tae-oh, you've crossed the ... More line" in Korean Netflix billboard in LA for 'The Glory' that reads, "You've messed with the wrong person" in Korean There's also a video billboard in New York City's Times Square that shows all of these ads along with a few more featuring other Korean shows. Below is a still frame for the K-zombie thriller All of Us Are Dead: Netflix digital billboard in Times Square for 'All of Us Are Dead.' The Korean words read, "Now our ... More school is in the middle of a survival class." Netflix's K-content promotional campaign comes on the heels of its global fan event Tudum, which featured many K-culture moments both during and in the lead-up to the live event held in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 31st. That weekend, Tudum coincided with other events in Los Angeles that celebrated K-culture, including an epic sold-out concert by K-pop boy band Stray Kids (whose global fanbase is predominantly non-Korean), a concert by Korean singing legend Baek Ji-young, and 88rising's annual Head in the Clouds music festival, which saw many K-indie and K-pop artists take the stage at the Rose Bowl, including BIGBANG's leader G-Dragon (dubbed by many fans as the 'King of K-pop') and iconic K-pop girl group 2NE1. As I've mentioned before, it's a K-content world, and we're all just living in it. And Netflix is one of the players leading the Korean Wave, known as 'Hallyu" (한류) in Korean.
