Latest news with #Anthropologie
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Outdoor dining essentials you need to host al fresco this summer - and they won't break the bank
With temperatures in the UK set to rival those in Ibiza this weekend, Brits are gearing up for barbecues and garden parties. More than just an opportunity to get friends together, hosting outside offers the chance to invest in some decent garden furniture, colourful crockery and all sorts of useful accessories. And, with that in mind, FEMAIL has picked out a range of cute and functional outdoor dining products to make al fresco lunches and dinners even better this summer. The barbecue caddy below, from George at Asda, will make cooking less stressful while Anthropologie's garden tile water pitcher doubles up as a pretty centrepiece for the dining table. There are beautiful, pale blue plates and bowls from George to brighten the table up, as well as stylish wicker place mats from Amazon. Keep children happy with Dunelm's watermelon ice lolly mould - and keep the cooks content with Amazon's bestselling extra large barbecue. On especially hot days, John Lewis' wind-up parasol will provide some much needed shade while Habitat's red bistro set, available from Argos, is perfect for smaller parties. And the best part? All the al fresco dining products here are available to buy online now. Garden Tile Pitcher from Anthropologie £42.00 Shop Blue Ribbed Dinner Set - 12 Piece from George at Asda £18.00 Shop Miami Grey 6 Piece Patio Set from George at Asda £118.00 Shop Uniflame Barbecue Serving Caddy from George at Asda £20.00 Shop Watermelon Ice Lolly Mould from Dunelm £1.40 Shop Keter Cool Bar Ice Bucket Table with Lights from Dunelm £79.20 Shop Aluminium Wind-Up Parasol from John Lewis £79.00 Shop CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Smoker Barbecue from Amazon £159.99 Shop Wicker Place Mats (set of six) from Amazon £19.99 Shop Habitat Annika 2 Seater Metal Garden Bistro Set from Argos £99.00 Shop Palm House Plastic Picnic Tumbler (set of four) from John Lewis £12.80 Shop Waterproof LED Rechargeable Table Light - Pink from DUSK £24.00 Shop Glass Candle Lantern (sold singularly) from H&M £14.99 Shop Daisy Outdoor Food Cover from John Lewis £11.00 Shop
Buzz Feed
8 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
43 Amazon Finds So Good You'll Want Them Delivered ASAP
A luxe loungewear set you'll want to wear for your next BFF probably just to go get the mail in because it's just *that* good. The black trim and asymmetrical hem are the drama you've been missing in your closet! A set of tortoiseshell wineglasses so gorgeous, they'll make you want to invite people over to your humble abode just to show them off — and that's saying A LOT. These stemless glasses are handblown and made of 100% recycled glass, too! My advice? Grab the decanter too to complete the set. Laneige Lip Glowy Balm — a lightweight, moisturizing, and hydrating lip balm that smells like heaven and does the work of an angel. This fantastic blend of ingredients *isn't* sticky like many other gloss/balm combos, and each shade leaves a different, subtle tint! A container of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnadust simply because it's the best cereal ever, and who wouldn't love the taste of it on everything!? Use it on your coffee to start your day in a sweet way, ice cream for literally the best sundae ever, french fries to turn a simple side into "a lil treat", and SO much more. An initial pendant necklace reviewers say is long-lasting and awesome quality for the price. And compared to the much more expensive versions you've probably seen at places like Anthropologie and Nordstrom, that's definitely a win! A stunning pleated skirt that has truly unmatched versatility. Wearing this to work, to a wedding, to brunch, or just on an errand with a pair of sneaks will work 10 out of 10 times. Maybe just get a few different colors while you're at it? A pair of LED stained glass bulbs to fill a room with colorful and inviting lighting. The round bulb protrudes a soft medley of color, while the diamond-shaped bulb showcases direct lines of colorful light. Both are beautiful, so be prepared for tons of "Where did you get that!?" questions either way! A zigzag martini glass set because it looks like something you may have scored at a flea market, but surprise — Amazon for the win. This beautiful glassware set of four happens to be dishwasher-safe, too. Vintage could never! A versatile floral mesh top with a mock neck and long sleeves, making it *perfect* for springtime layering! Wear this beauty under your favorite dress or on top of a basic spaghetti strap tank, and you'll be bound to have heads turning and people asking, "Where did you get that top!?" Many reviewers even compare it to a much pricier brand that shall not be named 👀. A large, versatile scarf sure to be the most used item in your closet. You can wear it as a hair accessory, a top, a belt, or necktie. To quote Cady Heron: "The limit does not exist!" An eight-piece set of measuring cups with wood handles to add a rustic flair to your utensil drawer. The gold finish on these cups is waaay better than those plastic ones you've got sitting in your drawer, don't you think? A rattan plant stand so your plant collection isn't full of the same ole boring pots. Give your green babes some extra height to catch those sun rays, or use it to simply spruce up your living room area. This stand would look adorable just about anywhere and may encourage a new plant purchase, too! OR a hanging disco ball planter to keep the plant party going, even if there's no more floor space. When the bright sun hits this planter, it'll give light to every other plant in the room. A sophisticated pleated statement lamp with a drool-worthy wiggly base that'll have the compliments coming in at quick speed. IMO, this is the definition of a hidden gem! A grassland knitted jumper that'll have everyone ~m~ooing and aahing when they see it! This cutie has the perfect oversized look for anyone who wants to stay warm and cozy. A top-rated Baroque mirror truly fit for a home in need of some leveling up. So get out your favorite dress, strike a ~pose~ for a selfie, and be prepared to brag about how you found this gem for under $150! This beaut would look radiant above your mantel, mounted in your hall, or leaning on your entryway table. A set of velvet colorblock pillow covers for those in need of some extra color in your home. Your couch, bed, and accent chairs will never be the same without 'em! A breezy top-and-shorts set if you're just as obsessed with rickrack trim as Bella was obsessed with Edward (IYKYK). It even features pockets! Now that spring has sprung, go ahead and ~spring~ this into your closet, too. A sleek and slender olive oil dispenser set because it won't take up as much space as those big, bulky bottles oil usually comes in. These hidden gems also come with 37 (!!) labels for things like avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, French vanilla syrup, and much more — because, yes, the dispensers work perfectly for those items, too! A stylish midi tank dress perfect for those with a minimalist closet (or anyone who needs a few more good staple dresses). The material is stretchy, comfortable, and surprisingly thick, according to reviewers! A stunning Bloomhouse dinnerware set that's microwave- and dishwasher-safe. The set — which features deep pasta bowls, dinner plates, and more — comes in moody earth tones that'll immediately level up both your kitchen and your dinner table. A unique glass vase to hold your flowers in something adorably quirky and unusual in the best way. This vase is wide from top to bottom, so your biggest, most beautiful bouquets won't have a problem fitting inside. An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra featuring built-in padding, meaning you don't need to wear a bra. I repeat, NO BRA NEEDED! If you're like me and throw your bra across the room like a shotput Olympic champion when you get home... just get this top now. Oh and you can hike, work out, and do yoga comfortably in it too, but you know, minor detail in comparison. A pair of pointed-toe flats because they're breathable, comfortable, machine-washable, and — surprise! — not a pair of Rothy's, the high-end brand that claims all the same at a much higher price point. Rock these as your go-to office shoes *and* wear them as you galavant through Italy singing "This Is What Dreams Are Made Of". The options are endless. A trivet tree — a genius 3-in-1 home essential set that works as hot dish trivets, beverage coasters, *and* cute decor. Leave this in the center of your dining table so you can easily place your hot-out-the-oven casserole on top... and pass one to the family member who's about to place their hot tea mug on your antique table. 😩 A small pup-shaped hair clip that is secure and holds hair in a cute and comfortable fashion. Reviewers with short or fine hair say it's a must for dog lovers, and for those with thicker hair — try the half up/half down look! These cuties come in tons of breeds like, corgis, labradors, poodles, German shepards, and *so* many more. Wonderskin Wonder Blading One Step Lip Stain Masque, the super fun lip stain that ~glides~ on a holographic blue and peels off to unveil a gorgeous, long-lasting lip stain! According to reviewers, it can withstand any eating and drinking you do throughout the day, too. At this point, it's not a want but a need! A set of unscented twisted candles that come in just about every color of the rainbow (and then some). Your dinner table and/or mantel will officially be complete! A *leak-proof* Simple Modern tumbler — yes, the insulated tumbler you keep seeing all over TikTok for not spilling. Reviewers say the hype is real *and* well-deserved. It includes a straw and a lid, has a convenient handle, comes in tons of great colors, AND is almost half the price of the also viral Stanley Cup. Do you need this? I think yes. A pair of puffy kitten heels you can confidently step out in, knowing you'll be dressed to the nines with unique accessories to match. Honestly, these mules are an Amazon hidden gem, so you might just be starting a new trend. A cool desktop jewelry organizer that's cactus-shaped (love!) and even has a catch-all tray for things like rings and bobby pins. The staggered and hollow branches allow for tons of necklace, earring, and bracelet storage, too. The famous Alleyoop 4-in-1 makeup brush with an angled complexion brush perfect for powder blush or foundation, along with an eyeshadow brush, a brow/eyeliner brush, *and* a blending sponge! It's the perfect size to keep in your purse for touch-ups throughout the day and for saving space in your makeup bag. A strapless mesh bustier because the corset trend will never go out of style, and this one — with a zipper! — is one of the cutest, most affordable, and easiest to get into. This top comes in 20 (!!) cute and bold colors; you may want a different one for every day of the week. A pair of retro-style oval sunglasses with stunning gold detail that makes 'em look pretty dang similar to those $400 Miu Miu shades you've been seeing your favorite celebs rocking lately. This timeless shape oozes "extravagance and wealth, dawling" and they have UV 400 protection on top of it all!? They're clearly a wardrobe essential at this point. A gorgeous pour-over coffee maker set complete with a ribbed coffee dripper, a metal drip stand, and a heat-resistant coffee server. This gem is perfect for any coffee lover who HATES anything big and bulky in their kitchen (...because aesthetic, hello)! You'll have a delicious cup of joe and a new piece of home decor — the best of both worlds! A pack of mesh socks for an adorably elegant finishing touch on an outfit with sandals, heels, or Mary Janes. You can also wear these over thicker socks for some extra ~pizzazz~. A sturdy macrame hammock swing chair that can be hung both indoors and out (because the patio is part of your home sanctuary, too). Can you imagine relaxing in this while reading your favorite book? Sounds like heaven! A flirty corset lace-up sundress giving major Bridgerton vibes if you ask me... minus the custom-made price. In this era, you don't need to be royalty to have a stunning, great-quality dress! It's lightweight and flowy, and — wait for it — it looks extremely similar to the House of CB version that costs over $200 👀. A pair of hypoallergenic hoop earrings sure to be in heavy rotation because they go with *everything*. These chunky but lightweight beauties have an open back and a gorgeous gold, silver, or rose gold finish, too. They've got over 27,000 5-⭐️ reviews, so are obsessed. A pack of Gameboy wall decals as easy as peel, stick, and stare in awe. It'll make a fridge or a bedroom doorway more fun as it doubles as dry-erase boards, too. If that won't motivate you to write down your grocery list, I don't know what will. A rose and heart ice mold that'll make any beverage a floral dream almost too pretty to sip. Using the built-in funnels on the lid, simply pour your liquid of choice into the mold to get six lovely ice cubes hours later. Use it for everything from cocktails to iced coffee and more! Cute handmade macrame hanging baskets, because they can be used for mail, fruit, or even as a small planter (which gives this major bonus points IMO). And with multiple tiers, why not do all three? A Bluetooth typewriter keyboard with a slot for your iPad or tablet! Reviewers also use it for their laptops and entire WFH stations too, and just use the slot as a phone holder. If there was anything that'd motivate you after hours in front of a screen, it'd be this! Waiting for your new stuff to be delivered like: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
8 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
28 Chic, Comfortable Alternatives To Denim Shorts
A pair of cheerful, super lightweight boxer-style shorts so comfy and adorable that you are about to put all other styles on notice for the rest of the year — especially since these are a MUCH cheaper alternative to the $98 Reformation version. A pair of super lightweight ruffled elastic shorts you will be SO happy you invested in when you need an elevated piece to toss on without thinking. (It's too hot out there for brain cells.) A pair of printed drawstring shorts for anyone who has had it up to HERE with minimalism and needs some cheerful colors and patterns back in their life. These are especially great because the more colors you can sneak into your shorts, the more tops you can match them with! It's perfect closet math. An oh-so-sweet ruffled skort so you can have all the daintiness of the tiered, flowing layers with all the security of comfy built-in shorts. TRY IT, wind!! I dare you! A pair of high-waisted workout shorts with a comfy scrunch-elastic waistband reviewers compare to the Lululemon version. These are lightweight, quick-dry, and come in so many adorable colors that your butt might just want them on rotation until laundry day. A pair of faux-leather pull-on shorts to finally dispel anyone of the notion that you can't live on the edge *and* live in pure comfort at the same time. These shorts! Contain! Multitudes!!! A pair of cult-fave cinched athletic shorts for a chic pleated look that's not only super comfortable, but gives your booty a little lifting action. 👀 These are so wearable that tons of reviewers mention that once they tried them, they immediately went back for more! A timeless flowy pleated skirt with some major ~swish, swish~ energy that will feel so breezy your legs will be like, "Shorts? Pants? Never heard of them." A lot of reviewers swear by this versatile number for traveling, since it packs well and can be dressed up or down! A pair of elevated, effortlessly chic wide leg petal sweatpants that look like they fell out of an Anthropologie ad. Reviewers love how cozy and breathable these are, and that the style is perfect for indoor lounging *and* outdoor errands. A pair of deliciously breezy pull-on high-waisted linen shorts so elevated that you'll slide them on and start hallucinating that you have a summer home on Nantucket and a glass of cold lemonade in your hand. A pair of brightly colored bike shorts made with cooling Tencel and oh-so-soft cotton so cute and comfy that your oversize tees and crewnecks will be falling over themselves for a chance to get worn with them. A pair of ruffled gingham shorts with the sweetest little retro vibe that will make you feel like you just fell out of Barbieland. A pair of fluttery running shorts to keep you breezy and chill when the sun decides to *aggressively* join the party. Practicality aside, who wouldn't want to cosplay as a butterfly? ✨ A pair of Nike Pro 365 bike shorts well-known for the perfect amount of compression and Dri-FIT tech fabric that keeps you cool even in the sweatiest of circumstances. Reviewers especially love the care that went into designing them so they don't ride up! A pair of paperbag high-waisted shorts that say "fashion, but make it BREATHABLE." Not to mention that darling little bow will give even the most neutral outfit some personality, so you get maximum cuteness for minimal effort. A charming and oh-so-comfortable tennis skirt with built-in shorts — reviewers compare the buttery soft quality to Lululemon's Align Skirt, and love the secret inner pocket on the shorts for stashing keys and tennis balls. A pair of wide-band cropped palazzo pants so ultra soft and lightweight that every now and then you'll be like, "Wait — am I wearing pants?" Also, leave it to this chic cut to take a sweatpant and turn it into a statement pant. Free People's Morning Breeze Shorts, aka what happens when shorts and a skirt have a sweet little vintage-inspired baby. (A baby that just happens to *love* to lounge.) A pair of Buff Bunny–inspired booty-highlighting biker shorts for anyone who wants to add some fun prints and colors to their favorite ~asset~ when they're on the move, for a fraction of the usual $48 price. Girlfriend Collective's retro-style drawstring contrast shorts designed to be water-resistant, wind-breaking, and sun-protective — impressive on their own, but even more considering they're made with 100% recycled material. Go, adorable little eco-friendly shorts, goooo!! A pair of ventilated walking shorts perfect for anyone looking for a little more sun coverage on hot days. These are designed to be super lightweight and breathable for the feel of a shorter length with the protection of a longer one (plus POCKETS)!! Aerie's Trouser Fleece Shorts, which are so soft and comfortable that they're less of a short and more of an address, because I see no logical reason not to live in them. A pair of cinched drawstring linen shorts that play so nice with all your breezy summer tops that they'll be the MVP of your warm weather wardrobe. Reviewers especially love that the linen is so high quality! A pair of high-waisted SleekTech Cargo Ankle Pants so beloved that reviewers are basically shouting from the ceilings about them — they're ultra lightweight, breathable, and delightfully stretchy, making them functional enough for workouts and elevated enough for just about everything else. A pair of eyelet embroidered shorts with some real "seaside Bridgerton" energy that will make you feel timeless, dainty, and delightfully carefree all at once. Why settle for being the belle of the ball when you can also be the belle of the beach? A pair of mid-rise Bermuda shorts that are somehow giving quiet luxury even though the coziness of them puts all your favorite pajama pants to shame. A pair of boxer-style "Caviar Dreams" shorts illustrated with the most adorable (and expensive) version of Girl Dinner your eyes ever did see. These are not only an oh-so-comfortable option for the summer, but a subtle wink-nudge to anyone in charge of snacks that you are NOT going to settle. A pair of show-stopping slitted trousers that are pretty much as close as you can get to being a mermaid on dry land. Nothing but love for this skort that dared to dream of a bigger life!
Cosmopolitan
a day ago
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
The viral K18 repair treatment has been a staple for 6 years – why it's worth the hype
It was summer 2018, and I was working the fitting room at an Anthropologie in Chicago. A swift stride past the full-length, tri-fold mirror made me do a double-take, followed by some serious panic. The back of my head was, truly, horrendous. It wasn't just split ends or a little knotting. It was full-on breakage, right where my hair would go into a ponytail, that looked like a serious flyaway situation. I finished my shift and immediately walked to the Sephora in the mall in search of anything that would help make my hair look healthier. Little did I know at the time, this would be the love story I'd share over and over again for the K18 hair mask. You've seen it all over social media: A hair mask that promises to fix all your broken hair in four minutes. Too good to be true, right? In my experience, it freakin' works. Really well at that. But what exactly is K18, where did it come from, why is it everywhere, and will it actually change your life? Lemme get into it. K18 started with one single product: The Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask. But since then, it's actually grown into a full haircare line focused on repairing damaged hair at every step (shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, volumising spray, oil, etc.). The mask, though, is still the most talked about product. It's a repairing treatment that's loaded with a patented peptide that helps strengthen hair (more on this below). It's actually a leave-in mask, so instead of the usual rigamarole of standing naked in the shower for 10 to 20 minutes waiting to rinse out your deep conditioner, you just smooth it onto wet hair after shampooing, then leave it on for four minutes before layering on anything else (like a leave-in conditioner or volumizing mousse). But what's most important... Here's the thing: K18 is quite different from the standard bond-building treatments that have begun popping up in its wake. "Typical bond builders work just below the surface, rinse out when hair is washed, and only work on one type of bond for a short time," says hairstylist Devante Turnbull. K18, however, works much deeper, and it's all thanks to the K18PEPTIDE, a patented peptide developed from biotech that "mimics the hair's structure at its core by reconnecting polypeptide chains at the molecular level," Turnbull explains. "This helps strengthen the hair from damage it may have endured from bleach, color, chemical, and heat services, leading to stronger hair," he says. That's not to say K18 doesn't also do the same repairing as a traditional bond-building treatment (it just does it in a much stronger way). "Bond builders help to repair the hair starting from the inside out, not just make it 'feel' better," says hairstylist Marc Ballance. "Think of them as really good strengthening treatments that help bring your hair back to life." FAQs: In general, you can use the K18 hair mask about once a week. But Turnbull recommends starting with your first four to six washes if you're looking for a hard reset on your hair. From there, you can use it as needed, up to once a week. "You'll truly see the progressive results if you follow this cadence, and then you can treat your hair as you see fit," he says. Yes, too much strengthening can potentially do the opposite, making your hair feel brittle and dry, says Ballance. Which brings us to.. Your hair can potentially feel dry after using K18 because it's not meant to add moisture, but rather repair. "K18 rebuilds the inside of the hair, but it doesn't hydrate," says Ballance. "Try using a leave-in conditioner or hydrating mask in your routine to balance it out," he adds. You can potentially see a difference after your first use of the K18 mask, says Ballance. "It's one of those rare products where you actually notice results pretty quickly," he says. But Turnbull notes that you'll really notice the biggest result after four to six uses. In general, though, "the more you use it, the more it helps rebuild your hair," Ballance adds. Olaplex is another popular strengthening treatment on the market, but the two are fairly different. First of all, Olaplex is a rinse-out mask that you should apply to wet hair before shampoo and conditioner. It's also best used in a system, not just the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, but also the No. 4 Shampoo, No. 5 Conditioner, No. 6 Leave-In, etc. Meanwhile, the leave-in aspect of K18, coupled with the fact that it only requires one product to do some damage control, makes it quite a bit simpler. One isn't necessarily "better" than the other; it really just comes down to personal preference. But... 'Having used both products extensively on multiple clients with varying hair types, I always find that K18 achieves a significant—and immediate—difference in the hair structure," hairstylist Jae Manuel Cardenas previously told Cosmo. I also personally prefer K18 for all of the reasons above (I'm lazy, sorry). Let's get into my whole experience, though... Super fine, kinda thin, extremely oily—that's the SparkNotes of my hair. I was trying to grow my hair long for months, but as it goes, it got to the top of my bra strap and refused to grow any longer. Instead, my ends looked sparse and my roots were limp. Not a vibe. In the past, I've highlighted my hair to a bright, honey-esque blonde, but currently, I'm working with basically entirely my natural color with a few rogue highlights sprinkled throughout. But! I do heat style my hair very consistently, which has damaged it a lot. I just prefer how my hair looks when Because my scalp is so oily and my hair is so fine, I don't need too much moisture. Which is why the skip-conditioner aspect of the K18 mask is legit perfect for me. Once every two weeks, I'll wash my hair in the shower, then immediately smooth a pea-sized dot of the mask all over my hair from roots to ends. (Ofc, if you have thick hair, you will likely need a bit more to cover your entire head.) While the K18 is doing its thing, I'll put my makeup on, then add on any leave-in products (usually a wave spray or some kind of volumizing product) before blow drying. But I've air-dried my hair many times after using K18, and my results are still pretty much the same. I've been using K18 since that fateful summer day in 2019, so the results over time have been the most impressive. Truth be told, my hair doesn't really sustain too much damage now that I have this in my arsenal, because of how well it has strengthened my hair strands. Immediately after I use it, my hair feels extremely soft. Like, shockingly soft. My ends are sealed, my flyaways are smoothed down, and my hair just looks like how I imagined it did before I started attacking it with box dye, bleach, and straighteners as a teenager. When I decided to give this experiment a go a second time, I knew it would need to include a haircut. K18 is amazing, but it can only do so much. Obviously, my cut took away a lot of the dead ends. But it was K18 that made my hair look this shiny, smooth, and healthy. I haven't had a hair routine without the K18 hair mask in nearly six years, and I cannot imagine ever going back. Truly, it's the best repairing product I've ever tried. Yes, it's expensive, but I use so little that a bottle lasts me quite a long time. I also have healthier hair now, so I'm never sitting in a salon chair begging my stylist to coat me with whatever hydrating, repairing treatment they have to try to fix whatever damage I've done, saving me a lot of money over time. I've also stopped bleaching my hair so often, I've switched to a shower filter, I get regular trims, I use v high-quality hair products—all of which have definitely helped make my hair healthier over time. As much as I love K18, no one product can be a cure-all for intense damage. But I definitely credit the K18 mask for kickstarting my hair-health journey. My hair might not be longer, but gosh, does it look so much better. Shop the K18 hair mask Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories that range from shampoo for oily hair to the Scandi hairline trend. She regularly tests and analyzes hair products for efficacy, while working with the industry's top experts to assess new formulas and brands. Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Cosmopolitan
2 days ago
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
K18 Hair Mask Review 2025: I Tried the Viral Repairing Treatment
It was summer 2018, and I was working the fitting room at an Anthropologie in Chicago. A swift stride past the full-length, tri-fold mirror made me do a double-take, followed by some serious panic. The back of my head was, truly, horrendous. It wasn't just split ends or a little knotting. It was full-on breakage, right where my hair would go into a ponytail, that looked like a serious flyaway situation. I finished my shift and immediately walked to the Sephora in the mall in search of anything that would help make my hair look healthier. Little did I know at the time, this would be the love story I'd share over and over again for the K18 hair mask. You've seen it all over social media: A hair mask that promises to fix all your broken hair in four minutes. Too good to be true, right? In my experience, it freakin' works. Really well at that. But what exactly is K18, where did it come from, why is it everywhere, and will it actually change your life? Lemme get into it. K18 started with one single product: The Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask. But since then, it's actually grown into a full haircare line focused on repairing damaged hair at every step (shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, volumizing spray, oil, etc.). The mask, though, is still the most talked about product. It's a repairing treatment that's loaded with a patented peptide that helps strengthen hair (more on this below). It's actually a leave-in mask, so instead of the usual rigamarole of standing naked in the shower for 10 to 20 minutes waiting to rinse out your deep conditioner, you just smooth it onto wet hair after shampooing, then leave it on for four minutes before layering on anything else (like a leave-in conditioner or volumizing mousse). But what's most important... Here's the thing: K18 is quite different from the standard bond-building treatments that have begun popping up in its wake. "Typical bond builders work just below the surface, rinse out when hair is washed, and only work on one type of bond for a short time," says hairstylist Devante Turnbull. K18, however, works much deeper, and it's all thanks to the K18 Peptide, a patented peptide developed from biotech that "mimics the hair's structure at its core by reconnecting polypeptide chains at the molecular level," Turnbull explains. "This helps strengthen the hair from damage it may have endured from bleach, color, chemical, and heat services, leading to stronger hair," he says. That's not to say K18 doesn't also do the same repairing as a traditional bond-building treatment (it just does it in a much stronger way). "Bond builders help to repair the hair starting from the inside out, not just make it 'feel' better," says hairstylist Marc Ballance. "Think of them as really good strengthening treatments that help bring your hair back to life." FAQs: In general, you can use the K18 hair mask about once a week. But Turnbull recommends starting with your first four to six washes if you're looking for a hard reset on your hair. From there, you can use it as needed, up to once a week. "You'll truly see the progressive results if you follow this cadence, and then you can treat your hair as you see fit," he says. Yes, too much strengthening can potentially do the opposite, making your hair feel brittle and dry, says Ballance. Which brings us to.. Your hair can potentially feel dry after using K18 because it's not meant to add moisture, but rather repair. "K18 rebuilds the inside of the hair, but it doesn't hydrate," says Ballance. "Try using a leave-in conditioner or hydrating mask in your routine to balance it out," he adds. You can potentially see a difference after your first use of the K18 mask, says Ballance. "It's one of those rare products where you actually notice results pretty quickly," he says. But Turnbull notes that you'll really notice the biggest result after four to six uses. In general, though, "the more you use it, the more it helps rebuild your hair," Ballance adds. Olaplex is another popular strengthening treatment on the market, but the two are fairly different. First of all, Olaplex is a rinse-out mask that you should apply to wet hair before shampoo and conditioner. It's also best used in a system, not just the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, but also the No. 4 Shampoo, No. 5 Conditioner, No. 6 Leave-In, etc. Meanwhile, the leave-in aspect of K18, coupled with the fact that it only requires one product to do some damage control, makes it quite a bit simpler. One isn't necessarily "better" than the other; it really just comes down to personal preference. But... 'Having used both products extensively on multiple clients with varying hair types, I always find that K18 achieves a significant—and immediate—difference in the hair structure," hairstylist Jae Manuel Cardenas previously told Cosmo. I also personally prefer K18 for all of the reasons above (I'm lazy, sorry). Let's get into my whole experience, though... Super fine, kinda thin, extremely oily—that's the SparkNotes of my hair. I was trying to grow my hair long for months, but as it goes, it got to the top of my bra strap and refused to grow any longer. Instead, my ends looked sparse and my roots were limp. Not a vibe. In the past, I've highlighted my hair to a bright, honey-esque blonde, but currently, I'm working with basically entirely my natural color with a few rogue highlights sprinkled throughout. But! I do heat style my hair very consistently, which has damaged it a lot. I just prefer how my hair looks when Because my scalp is so oily and my hair is so fine, I don't need too much moisture. Which is why the skip-conditioner aspect of the K18 mask is legit perfect for me. Once every two weeks, I'll wash my hair in the shower, then immediately smooth a pea-sized dot of the mask all over my hair from roots to ends. (Ofc, if you have thick hair, you will likely need a bit more to cover your entire head.) While the K18 is doing its thing, I'll put my makeup on, then add on any leave-in products (usually a wave spray or some kind of volumizing product) before blow drying. But I've air-dried my hair many times after using K18, and my results are still pretty much the same. I've been using K18 since that fateful summer day in 2019, so the results over time have been the most impressive. Truth be told, my hair doesn't really sustain too much damage now that I have this in my arsenal, because of how well it has strengthened my hair strands. Immediately after I use it, my hair feels extremely soft. Like, shockingly soft. My ends are sealed, my flyaways are smoothed down, and my hair just looks like how I imagined it did before I started attacking it with box dye, bleach, and flat irons as a teenager. When I decided to give this experiment a go a second time, I knew it would need to include a haircut. K18 is amazing, but it can only do so much. Obviously, my cut took away a lot of the dead ends. But it was K18 that made my hair look this shiny, smooth, and healthy. I haven't had a hair routine without the K18 hair mask in nearly six years, and I cannot imagine ever going back. Truly, it's the best repairing product I've ever tried. Yes, it's expensive, but I use so little that a bottle lasts me quite a long time. I also have healthier hair now, so I'm never sitting in a salon chair begging my stylist to coat me with whatever hydrating, repairing treatment they have to try to fix whatever damage I've done, saving me a lot of money over time. I've also stopped bleaching my hair so often, I've switched to a shower filter, I get regular trims, I use v high-quality hair products—all of which have definitely helped make my hair healthier over time. As much as I love K18, no one product can be a cure-all for intense damage. But I definitely credit the K18 mask for kickstarting my hair-health journey. My hair might not be longer, but gosh, does it look so much better. Shop the K18 hair mask Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories that range from shampoo for oily hair to the Scandi hairline trend. She regularly tests and analyzes hair products for efficacy, while working with the industry's top experts to assess new formulas and brands. Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
