Latest news with #Briogeo
The Star
21-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Star
Vanity Fare: Luxe hair products for stronger, shinier and healthier locks
Luxe haircare essentials can offer shine, strength and volume to your locks, elevating every wash and style. Photo: Hermes From lightweight mists to nutrient-rich cleansers, the latest innovations in haircare blend luxurious formulations with targeted performance. Pamper your locks to not only achieve healthier, fuller locks, but also as a form of sensorial experience. Delicacy of femininity Hermes introduces the Barenia Perfumed Hair Mist, the House's first cyphre fragrance in its newest form. The mist is designed to intensify the trail of one's fragrance and prolong its durability, or to be used on its own for a subtle, intoxicating evocation. Formulated to suit all hair types, it can also be sprayed onto a brush or other styling accessory. Its lightweight bottle, which is inspired by the Collier de chien bracelet, is easy to carry around in its 30ml size. Read more: Ask The Expert: How do you keep your skin looking healthy as you age? For thicker and fuller locks Oribe's Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo for thinning hair helps plump and densify strands for healthier-looking hair. Formulated with a blend of pea sprout and red clover extracts and a biomimetic peptide, this gentle cleanser stimulates the scalp, reduces shedding due to breakage and preserves hair integrity. The brand's Signature Complex (watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower) defends hair from oxidative stress, photoaging and the deterioration of natural keratin. Blot and refresh Briogeo's new aerosol-free Dry Shampoo Puff is a clean, finely milled dry shampoo powder which comes in a compact, portable puff that absorbs excess oil and refreshes your hairstyle. This hair-refreshing innovation is meant to instantly mattify oily roots for a fresh, wash-ready look, featuring a precision puff applicator that allows scalp blotting exactly where you want it. Without any white cast, gritty roots or powder fallout, this formula adds volume, provides antioxidant protection for denser-looking hair and strengthens both hair follicles and strands. Read more: How beauty brands are transforming the skincare experience with facial cabins Smoothing and strengthening Ouai's Detox Shampoo, a clarifying shampoo that deeply cleanses away dirt, oil and product buildup is made with apple cider vinegar while keratin helps strengthen hair. Infused with hydrolysed keratin which makes it colour safe, it's scented with melrose – a rose fragrance with hints of bergamot, lychee, cedarwood and white musk. Use the shampoo once a week when your hair and scalp feels like it needs a deeper cleanse (when the scalp is oily, hair is lacking shine, curls have lost volume and/or shape, etc). Hair restructuring Sisley's Precious Hair Care Oil is designed to provide nutrition, radiance and softness to the hair. With ingredients like passion fruit oil, shea oil, cotton seeds oil and moringa oil, it works to restructure the hair and create a film of light around the fibre. To use this product, apply a small amount to the mid-lengths and ends of damp or dry hair.
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Nancy Twine Scaled Briogeo. Now She's Helping Founders Build Their Mindset
When Nancy Twine launched Briogeo out of her East Village apartment in 2013, she was navigating new territory: a clean, high-performance haircare brand inspired by Twine's mother's DIY formulas, long before 'skinification' of hair became a mainstream buzzword. At the time, she was the youngest Black woman to ever launch a product line at Sephora, and she had just left a role as Vice President at Goldman Sachs. Fast forward to today, and Twine has done what few beauty entrepreneurs (particularly women of color) get to do: scale a brand to global recognition, raise over $20 million in private equity funding, and successfully exit through strategic acquisition (Twine sold Briogeo to Wella Company for a nine-figure sum) — all before turning 40. Now she's entering a new chapter. Today, Twine is announcing the launch of the Makers Mindset Accelerator: a premium video course designed to help CPG founders scale with clarity, confidence and strategy. It's a distillation of the lessons, strategies and lived experience that helped her build Briogeo into a category-defining brand. 'When I launched Briogeo, I had to learn through trial and error,' says Twine. 'I know firsthand how frustrating and overwhelming it can be to figure things out without a clear roadmap, especially when you're trying to scale without access to experienced mentors or inside knowledge of the industry.' The Makers Mindset Accelerator isn't just a high-level overview: it's a paid, in-depth course designed to give founders the exact strategies, insights, and tools they need to scale their businesses faster and with more confidence. It's rooted in real-world experience, not theory. Twine pulls back the curtain on what actually worked — from navigating investor conversations and structuring retail partnerships, to scaling operations and building a product roadmap that lasts. The program is tailored specifically for consumer product founders, a segment often underserved by traditional startup programs. It also includes lessons from industry insiders and a $1,000+ downloadable toolkit with deck templates, hiring checklists, agency databases, and more. Twine calls it 'the in-depth course I wish existed when I was starting out.' The 13-module program includes strategic lessons taught by Twine herself, alongside sessions with industry insiders like investor Alisa Carmichael (VMG Partners), Joe Jackman (Jackman Reinvents), Melissa Rothbaum (Director of Product Development, Fable and Mane), and more. More than just a knowledge share, the Accelerator is also a reinvestment cycle. Revenue generated will go back into the Makers Mindset platform, funding expanded access and future grant opportunities for underrepresented founders. 'Building a successful consumer brand takes more than a great product. It takes resilience and access to the right knowledge at the right time,' Twine says. For Twine, the mindset part of Makers Mindset isn't just branding: it's the root of everything. 'People always ask why I didn't name it something like Female Founders or Builders,' she says. 'I really wanted to focus on this concept of mindset, because it's so foundational for being able to transform your dream into reality.' 'When people think about launching a business, they go straight to What's the next step? Who do I network with? How do I raise money? And while those things matter, they're just part of the journey. The mindset is what gets you through the curveballs. It's what gives you longevity.' That grit and self-belief, she says, is especially critical for women entrepreneurs, many of whom are conditioned to seek external validation. 'So many founders come to me asking, 'Do you think I should do this?' And I always flip it back: 'What do you think?' You don't need permission to pursue your passion. You don't need the roadmap perfectly laid out.' One belief Twine wishes every female founder could shed? 'That you need a 'yes' to move forward. I never take 'no' as a final answer. Sure, doors close, and sometimes that's okay. A few years down the line, you might realize that door needed to close to make room for something better. But I see so many founders treat a setback as a sign they should shut down completely or go back to their day job. Don't. The right doors will open, but only if you trust yourself.' Twine's pivot to education and founder support isn't a departure from her brand-building legacy — it's a natural extension of it. In 2024, she launched the Dream Makers Founder Grant: a $1 million grant that provides early-stage funding to underrepresented female founders (with a focus on Black and BIPOC founders in the consumer goods industries). And Twine credits Ulta Beauty, one of Briogeo's key retail partners, for being a mentor in launching the first Makers Mindset workshop, which debuted on International Women's Day earlier this year. That event marked the official launch of the platform, but the real vision is bigger: an evergreen ecosystem of tools, programming, and support for consumer founders, rooted in strategy, mindset and community. Season 3 of the Makers Mindset Podcast (airing through June 3rd) continues to amplify the journeys of bold female founders, leaders and changemakers, with names like Amy Liu (Tower 28), Monique Rodriguez (Mielle Organics), Shani Darden (Shani Darden Skin Care), and Brigette Romanek (Romanek Design Studio). The season also features Cristina Nuñez of True Beauty Ventures, Meera Bhatia of Fabletics, and Susan Yara of Naturium. The Blueprint Breakdown subseries, an audio-only format designed to dive deep into practical, expert-led guidance (from fundraising to founder wellbeing), is new to the podcast this season. It's one more way Twine is turning lived experience into shared strategy. 'This is about more than business strategy. It's about the psychology and spirit behind what you're building," Twine asserts. She also hopes to model a different definition of success. After a decade spent heads-down building Briogeo, Twine has become a vocal advocate for balance and what she calls a 'life well lived.' Twine also credits her growth to the relationships she's cultivated along the way. 'When I meet someone I admire, I stay curious and stay in touch. I've found that real mentorship grows from mutual respect and vulnerability,' she says. 'People appreciate when you open up and ask for guidance. That's how the strongest connections are built.' It's that same spirit of openness she's bringing to the Makers Mindset platform: part playbook, part support system, all impact. 'When I started out, success meant going all in — sacrificing sleep, skipping meals, constantly pushing,' she reflects. 'But over time, that hustle mindset started to drain me. I realized that if you're not taking care of yourself, you're not doing your business any favors.' That lesson hit home after the sudden loss of her mother, the original inspiration behind Briogeo's early formulas. 'Your business is important, but so is your health, your joy, your relationships. That's what I mean by a life well lived. And that's the future I want to help other founders create — not just a successful brand, but a fulfilling life.' Contributor disclosure: I participated as an expert for Makers Mindset virtual programming, but do not have a vested interest or hold stake in Makers Mindset or any of the aforementioned brands.
Entrepreneur
19-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
I Sold My Company for Nine Figures. Here Are 3 Hard Lessons That Got Me There
These strategies helped me build Briogeo, and it's now part of what I teach other founders Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. I was the founder of Briogeo, one of the largest Black-owned hair brands in the U.S. — but at the start, I had no idea what I was doing. All I knew was that I had a product I believed in, a deep desire to create something meaningful, and the willingness to figure the rest out along the way. It worked out: In 2022, I sold the brand for a nine-figure sum. As I look back on that experience, I realized that the most valuable knowledge doesn't come from textbooks or investors—it comes from what you learn in the trenches. It's why I now teach what I learned in my new Makers Mindset Accelerator. Here are three lessons I share in the Accelerator. They're things I learned the hard way—and that you should start doing today. 1. Hire for Values, Not Just Experience One of the best hires I've ever made had no experience in beauty, had never worked in supply chain (she became Briogeo's first operations manager), and was still learning English. But what she did have was hunger. She was motivated, collaborative, and paid attention to every detail. I invested a lot in training her—and she invested in herself, soaking up every bit of knowledge and becoming one of our top performers. She worked beautifully across teams and built strong relationships externally, too. That experience showed me that skills can be taught. What can't be taught is integrity, drive, and alignment with your company's core values. When you hire for those things first, you build a team that grows with you—and sticks with you through the hard parts. 2. Don't Let Product Outpace Brand For a while, we were killing it on the product side—but our brand was telling a fractured story. Our Instagram looked one way, our website another. Our emails didn't match our visual merchandising. Everyone executing creative was interpreting the brand through their own lens because we hadn't taken the time to really define it. It wasn't until I stepped back that I saw how much opportunity we were leaving on the table. Our product was resonating, but our brand wasn't meeting it with the same level of clarity or consistency. We brought in a branding agency, built a comprehensive style guide, and finally got everything—from tone of voice to typography—on the same page. Once we made that shift, the entire customer experience leveled up. The brand started feeling like it had a soul—not just a SKU. 3. Stop Trying to Do Everything Yourself In the early days, I wore every hat because I couldn't afford not to. But even after the business began generating real revenue, I didn't stop. I held on to every role—operations, marketing, finance—partly because I was used to it, and partly because I believed I could do it all faster myself. That mindset came at a cost. I burned out. I missed critical growth windows because I didn't have the bandwidth to focus on the bigger picture. I waited too long to bring on the right leaders when we needed them most. What changed things for me was investing in an executive coach. He helped me see that holding on too tightly wasn't strength—it was a liability. He challenged me to let go, to trust, and to start building a culture where talented, values-aligned people could take the lead. That's when real scale became possible. I didn't learn these lessons from a playbook. I learned them by getting things wrong, then slowly figuring out how to get them right. That process — trial, error, and evolution — is what shaped me as a founder. And the more I share these stories with other entrepreneurs, the more I realize they're not alone in the learning curve. None of us are.
Buzz Feed
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
30 Sephora Beauty Products That Will Truly Upgrade Your Routine — But For Under $50
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. These will keep your skin, hair, and wallet looking plump. 1. Briogeo Style + Treat Air Dry Hair Styling Cream makes heatless styling the faster (and preferred) method of doing your hair, thanks to its frizz-eliminating formula. Featuring plum oil and yuzu extract, you'll be protecting hair from environmental aggressors and providing lightweight moisture that enhances your hair's natural pattern, for an air-dried finish that won't weigh your hair or routine down. Sephora Promising review: "This hair styling cream brings out the natural curl of my hair and helps the curl stay! It makes my hair feel soft, not 'crunchy' like other products and makes my hair more manageable." — kateybee 2. Rare Beauty volumizing mascara lifts, lengthens, and volumizes each and every strand. For that false-lash effect without the fuss, the curvy, multi-length brush, and long-wearing formula, ensures every wisp is curled and remains sky-high throughout the day. Sephora Promising review:"This is the best mascara I have ever used it makes my eyelashes look longer than they already are and it doesn't flake off or clump and it's really good!" — Kirra12345 3. The Ordinary GF 15% Serum regenerates the look of aging skin with a powerhouse (and now viral) blend of growth factors that reviewers say they can't believe work so quickly and effectively. Within just two weeks, it can help tighten and reduce the appearance of fine lines, dullness, and uneven texture. Sephora Promising reviews: "Wow. This product has made a very noticeable difference in my skin. I see less 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." — ElizabestD 4. Bondi Boost Intensive Daily Scalp Spray bulks up the appearance of thinning hair with a non-greasy, leave-in treatment that won't mess up your look or get in the way of your plans. Its blend of rosemary (a scalp stimulator), redensyl (targets hair loss), and biotin (for healthy hair growth) is easy to use, can be spritzed directly onto the scalp, and massaged in with fingertips. Sephora Promising review: "Starts [growing] baby hairs where I didn't think they could. I've been using this once a day or once every two days for two weeks now I can already see a difference and I can tell I'm not as insecure about wearing my hair up or anything like I was before." — paytzIF 5. Tower 28's SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray packs a major punch for stressed-out skin with only three ingredients. Think: a gentle hypochlorous acid toner with H2O and sodium chloride that can refresh and rescue irritated skin and prevent flare-ups. Sephora Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned clean beauty brand designed for sensitive skin. Their products are nontoxic, nonirritating, vegan, and cruelty-free, so you can rest easy when applying. Promising review: "Nothing helps me when I have an outbreak of perioral dermatitis; I usually have to take antibiotics for it to go away. I saw a derm recommend this on TikTok, so I gave it a shot, and it has actually helped so much that it has cleared my outbreak up! Please give this a try if you suffer from this as well." — smooly "HOLY GRAIL!! I tried this spray for the first time about a year and a half ago. I had moved from a dry climate to a humid climate, and my acne was out of control! I tried so many products before SOS. When I tell you my acne cleared up within a week….SHEESH! I haven't been without this spray since! I keep a mini with me at all times and for travel and recommend it to all friends with skin concerns. Don't walk, RUN to Sephora to get it!" — KuhKristen 6. Nars Creamy Concealer disguises any signs of lack of sleep caused by doom scrolling into the abyss and camouflages hyperpigmentation leftover from acne. Medium-to-buildable, up-to-16-hour coverage paired with a formula that creates radiance? Sounds like a makeup upgrade from the gods. Sephora Promising review: "I had a lot of issues with major creasing from concealers under my eyes. This concealer has worked its magic and doesn't crease! It leaves a beautiful finish, and it does not look heavy under the eyes." — stephfredricksn 7. Glossier Aluminum-Free Deodorant coats underarms in skin-conditioning ingredients and delightful scents (You, orange blossom neroli, sandstone, and unscented) that'll leave you feeling fresh all day — sans irritation. It comes in a handy refillable case, so you can swap out your fragrance depending on your mood. Sephora Promising review: "Pits genuinely smell like sunshine and rainbows. I've tried everything lately and have had no luck with bo no matter how much or how expensive is, even 'mens' deodorant!!! I tried this and it's a complete 180 - Now I'm not self conscious if I'm running late and speed walking or doing downward dog in yoga. Tysm glossier for being my saving grace and never change the formula <3 ik it's an investment but I'm genuinely hooked." — Customer 8. Ceremonia Scalp Massager gently soothes a dry, itchy scalp that's home to pesky dandruff. How? By a) reinvigorating, b) exfoliating, and c) stimulating the roots to really get that deep, deep clean. Plus, it can also be used to gently detangle any knots! Sephora Promising review: "I loved this so much the first time around, that I just bought another one. It truly helps with massaging the scalp in/out of the shower. My scalp feels and looks much cleaner with this around. Highly recommended." — azuraskye 9. Dr. Jart+ color-correcting treatment corrects and neutralizes red blotchiness with a green-tinted cream (throwback to the color wheel we learned about in school!). With SPF 30, this all-in-one treatment can help protect from UV damage *and* assist in masking leftover acne scars. Sephora The active ingredient, Centella asiatica has been recognized for its medicinal use and helps support wounded skin exhibiting inflammation, redness, or blemishes. Promising reviews: " TikTok don't lie! Wow, the reviews are no joke. My skin in relatively clear, but with rosey undertones that I like to cancel out. With this cream I was able to go without concealer and just add blush?! Will continue to rebuy!" — creneed "This stuff is a life-changer for me. I'm early forties with light skin tone and freckles. I have blotchy redness around the nose and dark eye circles. I applied this after my daily moisturizing routine and I'm speechless. I'm not a heavy makeup wearer to begin with so I will be buying the bigger size and ditching all my concealer. Ten-out-of-ten recommend for a NATURAL buy this thinking you'll come out looking airbrushed though." — SaltyPearl 10. Dae 3-in-1 Styling Cream tames flyaways and frizz, and styles edges with a cactus-fruit-infused multitasking finisher that's complete with a built-in wand. Ideal for everyday use when you're setting up your 'do — and even better for a quick, on-the-go fix, you'll be so happy you snagged this. Sephora Psst! Of course you don't HAVE to style your edges because your hair is gorgeous either way, but if you ever want to, this is designed to make sure you do so in a gentle, damage-free fashion. 11. And Fenty Hair The Gelly Type Strong Hold Gel slicks ponytails, updos, and top knots with a high-performance styling formula that keeps 'dos in place and free of crunch, frizz, and residue. Unlike alt gels, it adds shine while actually repairing, nourishing, and hydrating the hair. Sephora Promising review:"I used to use eco gel for styling my curly hair, slick backs, etc., but recently I bought this gel and it is absolutely perfect!! So much better, gives me a perfect cast, keeps my hair slicked back all day, and most importantly it keeps my hair healthy and moisturized unlike some gels! 10/10 definitely recommend." — itgirlval 12. The Ordinary AHA + BHA Peeling Solution reduces the appearance of the oil slick that can show up on your T-zone. With a trio of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, it only needs 10 minutes to rejuvenate, resurface, and decrease congestion caused by the overproduction of sebum. Tired-looking skin, who? Check it out on TikTok! BuzzFeed Shopping editor Daniel Boan (seen using this iconic treatment above) had this to say about his experience: " This is my first ever 'TikTok made me buy it' I've been hooked ever since. I've been hearing about the wonders of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids for a while now (they're chemical exfoliants, meaning they help dissolve and loosen dead skin cells instead of sloughing them off like a physical exfoliant), but never quite knew where to start. When I saw this taking over TikTok, I decided to give it a try. I started off by applying a thin layer of the blood-red product to my face and braced myself for a slight tingling sensation, though it went away after about 30 seconds. Then I let it sit for eight minutes (Don't go longer than 10 minutes! This is potent stuff!), rinsed it off, and was ah-mazed by how instantly bright and smooth my skin looked afterward. It's now become a weekly treatment for me and will always have a permanent spot in my skincare routine." Promising review: "HOLY GRAIL!! This is one of those affordable purchases that I feel have beat the high-end stuff. This peel is sooooooo amazing for spots and acne, works miracles. If you have sensitive skin, please don't shy away from this peel, as there is a less concentrated version. 1-2 times a week of this peel will give your skin a complete glow-up." — fatooma95 13. Merit Brow 1980 Volumizing Tinted Gel subtly fills and fluffs up sparse-looking eyebrows with a soft-hold formula that won't flake or leave a crunchy finish. Sephora 14. Ilia's The Base Face Milk preps and sets your skin up for success when used with or without makeup, thanks to its super lightweight yet nourishing formula. It's designed to strengthen the skin's natural barrier and draw hydration deep into the skin (with notable star ingredients like hyaluronic acid and prickly pear flower extract) to support the renewal process for a smoother complexion. See why it's worth the hype in this TikTok! Ilia's Base Milk has become an essential step in my routine. My skin drinks up the lightweight (but moisturizing) formula, and I can tell the difference in my skin's texture when I forget to apply it prior to my Live Tinted tinted moisturizer or Ilia Complexion Stick. With it, my complexion appears more even in tone, and my products go on smoother and seem to last longer. Cakey-ness and dryness are diminished — plus the glow that's achieved when it's first a word? Luminous. Sometimes, I'll apply it just under some sunscreen when I want to give my skin a bit of breathing room from makeup, and I love the added hydrating benefits it offers without leaving any greasy or sticky residue. Needless to say, the Base Face Milk has quickly become one product that my skin can't live without. 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 flakey skin. This added into my skincare routine has stopped all of that texture and leaves my skin more glowy." — chrissyqns 15. Huda Beauty Loose Baking and Setting Powder blends into the skin and blurs pores and fine lines with its silky vitamin E formula. Don't let all your hard work go to waste — make your makeup last with this finishing step that brightens and can create a crease-free appearance. Reviewers rave that this keeps their look in place for hours. Sephora Promising review:"This is the most thin and blurring weightless powder I've tried. It smells good and it works. I've worked out in 90-degree weather sweating, and this plus the Huda concealer didn't come off or budge. The Huda FauxFilter concealer is perfect to go with this powder, and the two are my holy grail because it doesn't crease and is the most long-wearing and smoothing combo. I have dark circles and very creasy eyes that are dry, and these are the only two products I use, and I feel beautiful." — sonyiahon 16. Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Heat and UV Protector primes parched locks for initial post-shower styling *and* day two RE-styling. This frizz-fighting, leave-in formula detangles and shields each strand from sun rays and hot air so roots and tips of different thicknesses and textures can all receive a spritz wherever they require extra moisture. Sephora Oh! This includes six featherlight oils, including coconut, macadamia, and argania kernel, and can be applied to both damp and dry hair for heat-styling protection or just protection from the drying effects of the sun. Promising reviews:"Makes my hair so smooth and soft! In the winter, my hair tends to get very dry and frizzy. This heat protectant completely prevents that from happening." — MarieneJay "This stuff is a lifesaver. I have platinum/silver hair that gets bleached to death every month, and therefore, I was told not to wash it every day. At night, I sleep with a humidifier next to me, and when I wake up, my hair is a total mess. It's frizz city. So I spray this all over my dry hair and comb it through. My hair is instantly back to normal! I also use it on damp hair just before drying. I never get any buildup, and my hair is never weighed down, no matter how many times I use it. I'll be buying this again and again." — Sephora Customer 17. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum shouts out hyaluronic acid and yummy-scented watermelon as its key players in hydrating and plumping dry, lackluster skin. Apply this after cleansing and toning and before slathering on moisturizer for a naturally highlighted glow that doesn't feel heavy or look greasy. Sephora Promising review:"I love this! It is so moisturizing and makes my skin feel amazing. Doesn't feel greasy or sticky afterward and smells amazing, too! Highly recommend!" — Ranae16 18. Bread Beauty Hair Mask envelops hair in thick, cloud-like softness without weighing strands down. Your hair's new BFF is packed with Australian Kakadu plum and starflower oil that, together, reinforce hair follicles — which can mean less breakage, less time spent detangling, and more velvety-soft texture. One reviewer with 3c curls can be quoted as saying that it "moisturizes thirsty curls." Bread Beauty Supply is a Black woman–owned business that excels in creating haircare for not so basic hair. And they cater to curl types 3a to 4c. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Boyd loves this — here's what she has to say: "I recently started using Bread products and I really love how lightweight and easy they are to use. Since I have mixed textured hair that's been frequently dyed, it tends to get very dry. After using this deep conditioner my hair felt so much better and softer. In addition to that, the smell is A-MA-ZING. Definitely one of my new favorite wash day products." Promising review:"This is one of the best deep conditioners I have ever used. My hair is very curly and prone to being dry. I left it in for a couple of hours, and my curls have not looked this good in years. I've used Bread before, and the results are always the same!!!" — Rosebud827 19. Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask perks up your kisser overnight with an antioxidant-rich formula that intensely hydrates while you sleep. You can thank a berry mix complex featuring vitamin C that slowly releases moisture over eight hours. Sephora Promising review:"I bought this product after seeing it on TikTok, and I can say that it lives up to the hype. I have used it overnight and before my makeup, and it works great either way. It makes my lips feel so soft and hydrated." — annadova 20. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray keeps makeup where you want it and not where you don't, i.e., it won't rub off on your friend's white shirt when you lean in to give 'em a hug. TBH, sweat, rain, and humidity should all just admit defeat, because they're no match for this superhero spray. Tap to play GIF Sephora, This is perfect for normal, oily, dry, and combination skin types. Plus, the vegan and cruelty-free formula lowers the temperature of your makeup for seamlessly smudge-proof, waterproof, and transfer-resistant wear. BuzzFeeder Marquaysa Battle loves this and says: "I use this spray and will swear by it for the rest of my days. I definitely have oilier skin in the summer months and over the years, I've tried a number of drugstore setting sprays that did absolutely nothing. This spray is worth the extra coins. I even wore it to Puerto Rico. Through the blazing sun and lots of ocean splashes, my makeup did NOT budge." Promising review:"When I started using this almost a year ago, I never knew how good setting sprays could be. This legit keeps my full face on for over 10 hours, and I love using it!" — ekramo 21. Crown Affair Refillable Dry Shampoo refreshes day-two (and perhaps day-three and -four) hair with a talc-free powder that can be applied with its soft kabuki brush. For targeted de-greasing of roots and strands of any hair texture, this features ingredients that'll leave hair smelling fresh and absorb excess oils in a snap. Sephora The luxe brush is included! Promising review:"Travel-friendly dry shampoo with a nice scent. Bought this on vacation after forgetting to pack dry shampoo. Normally, I cannot stand the overpowering smell of most dry shampoos, but this one is clean and more subtle. I like the brush, as it allows me to target my roots without wasting product. Works great on my thick hair without weighing it down or making it feel powdery." — gaga23 22. Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter smooths and blurs as a tinted primer and complexion booster. It can be used under foundation or mixed in with it for a soft-focus glow that moisturizes the skin. Sephora Promising review:"This is my favorite makeup product. It is lightweight and gives a bright glow. Never cakey. It easily blends in and gives me the exact coverage I'm looking for." — AshleyLauren18 23. Supergoop! SPF 40 Glowscreen grips makeup and actually keeps it in place — all while shielding you from harmful rays. This comes in a pearlescent lotion that gives light coverage, and features a star-studded lineup of skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, B5 vitamins, and blue-light-protecting peptides that make it *the* morning multitasker. Sephora, Sephora Promising reviews:"I really love this sunscreen. I've tried so many and they usually leave a dry chalky feel. Not this one. I have dry skin and this one feels so smooth and hydrating and I love the glow that it leaves. It will be my new go-to!" — Sephora Customer "Obsessed with this product! I get the perfect no-makeup makeup look. I use it every day and get compliments all the time. It gives you a natural glow while protecting your skin. You don't even need to wear a lot of foundation over it. I use it with the NARS light reflecting foundation, Ilia skin serum, or L'Oreal tinted skin serum. Staple in my skincare routine!" — Sephora Customer 24. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant improves the texture of flaky skin with a brightening formula of salicylic acid and soothing green tea, which deep dive into pores to unclog dirt and debris. *Hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and dead skin have all left the chat.* Sephora If you're new to chemical exfoliants, greetings! You'll definitely want to start off by applying this one or two times a week to take note of your skin's response. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA, also known as salicylic acid) mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by shedding extra layers while *also* unclogging and clearing pores. Promising reviews:"I have very sensitive skin and have zero issues with this product. Get the mini and test it out. My pores are smaller; if I have acne, it disappears. This product is hydrating, so I don't feel tight skin after." — NickCole0001 "Must have in nighttime routine! After using this product 1-2x a week, it has helped my skin tremendously! You can actually see all the gunk coming out on the cotton rounds!" — Sephora Customer 25. Olehenriksen Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment drenches lips with a formula of skin-supporting peptides that hydrate and plump. Fans note how this intensely moisturizes and gives lips a fuller, bouncier look and feel. Sephora Promising review:"Amazing!!!!! I have fuller lips but fine lines, so they can look dull. This almost immediately fills those lines. This is a balm, and that can be a different feeling if you're looking for a gloss with a 'slip' feeling. The gloss effect for me lasts about 2-3 hours, but the benefits, like hydration, last all day. I'm excited to see how continued use of this product works given the peptides." — Sephora Customer 26. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil douses your tresses in hydration with a formula that famously conditions and has ingredients (read: honey, coconut oil, and almond oil) that can help tame frizz and flyaways. Perfect for pre- and post-styling, you can use this to give lackluster hair a lil' boost of shine. Sephora This hair oil works moisturizing wonders for nearly every hair type (from thick and curly to thin and damaged). Check out four ways you can use it in this TikTok! Promising reviews:"Perfect for curls! I was a bit skeptical about this hair oil because I have never found an oil that works for my fine 3a curls, but this is the best hair oil on the market! It hydrates the hair and leaves it shiny but not weighed down nor greasy. Plus the smell is to die for. I wish I had tried this oil sooner!" — Louiebylizzie " Thumbs up for fine thin hair. I have fine, thin hair and I really like this oil. I don't use much, one drop is plenty for me... This is the first and only oil I've used that gives my hair beautiful SHINE without weighing it down, just soft bouncy shiny healthy hair...I've tried tons of hair oils over the years and this one is my favorite." — Lernzy "Not so oily which helps a lot especially with my 4c hair. Smells really good…and improves shine for long hours." — oasare Price: $25+ (available in two sizes) 27. Ilia Multi-Stick streamlines your routine by taking care of cheeks and lips in one go. You'll want to favorite this and keep it close by since this creamy formula leaves a natural pinch of color while nourishing your skin — all you'll need is your finger to blend. Sephora Promising review:"This product is AMAZING — it's so easy to blend, has fantastic pigment, and has such cute packaging. I would definitely order again!" — reaganb1234 Price: $34 (available in nine natural finish shades and three shimmer finish shades) 28. One Size 24-Hour Liquid Eyeliner laughs in the face of other eyeliner equivalents because this baby is waterproof, smudge-proof, and like your ever-reliable BFF, will *never* flake on you. Sephora This is vegan and cruelty-free! Promising review:"I used KVD for years and have tried many others. This is my new favorite eyeliner. It goes on super smooth and mine stays all day." — Sephora Customer Price: $19 (available in three shades) 29. Anastasia Eyebrow Highlighter Crayon conceals any makeup mistakes or pesky hairs that are growing back in, plus it defines the ends of your brows for a flawlessly clean look every single time. Pro tip: Apply this as an end-of-the-day touch-up to ensure your brows are looking sharp always. Sephora I personally s-w-e-a-r by this little crayon for applying the finishing touches to my brows. I try not to pluck them very often but occasionally I'll have the odd hair growing in that just looks out of place — but is too short to tweeze. This creamy, pigmented crayon disguises any annoying little follicles *and* provides a highlighting effect on my brow bone for a subtle form of contouring that seriously lasts all day. Promising review:"Fabulous tool to carve out eyebrows. Easy to use and blend. Couldn't be happier, highly recommend. Tons of product, it is quality and lasts all day."— Sephora Customer Price: $18 (available in three shades) 30. Freck Beauty Face Hack Cream Bronzing Stick sculpts out immediate definition along your cheekbones, nose, jawline, or anywhere you'd like to add a lil' flush of color. This almond-shaped applicator is perfect for beginners to contouring (me!) and comes in a cute, travel-friendly size. Sephora Remi Brixton is the founder of OG faux freckle cosmetic company, Freck Beauty. Her brand is a clean, vegan makeup line based in Los Angeles. Remi, along with her team behind Freck Beauty, is known for creating an attitude in which she prides herself on creating holy grail products that are made for anyone who: "Cares about ingredients, respects the process, but doesn't care about the rules." Watch one TikToker put it to work! Promising reviews: "I love this tiny little contour product. The packing is so cute and compact, but the product itself is great as well! It's great for sculpting my nose, and I love going over it with a powder to make it last all day. Definitely a product worth trying!" — Sephora Customer "I LOVE THIS CONTOUR STICK! It's the perfect shade, and the formula melts into my skin!! It has such a nice blendability that I really like. I also like the fact I can use it on my nose and actually get a nice straight line. If you're looking for a beautiful bronzy shade that blends easily, this is great! I also like the use of it being a stick. It's a cute packaging component." — Sephora Customer Price: $18 (available in five shades) Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.
WIRED
30-01-2025
- General
- WIRED
The Best Heat Protectant Sprays
Photograph: Kat Merck R+Co Bleu Hypersonic Heat Styling Mist for $36: This high-tech-looking aerosol in a recycled aluminum bottle was a favorite during the early weeks of testing—I liked its protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and its frizz-fighting properties. However, it does use a polymer and resin complex to smooth hair, and over time I noticed it was leaving a sticky residue on my hands and heat tools. Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blowdry Perfection & Heat Protectant Creme for $12: I have thick, unruly hair, and this cream protectant felt like it actually made my hair unmanageable and harder to style. It may speak to its effectiveness, but I felt like I had to take too many passes with a titanium flat iron turned up to max temperature. IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray for $34: This aerosol felt like it dried my hair out a bit, and it has the same unpleasant scent as the 4-in-1 (above). I didn't care for it in a liquid spray, but it was overwhelming in aerosol cloud form. Reverie Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-in Nourishing Treatment for $44: I loved this lightweight cream's spicy botanical scent, stylish glass bottle, and the fact that it protects up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (according to Reverie; it does not say so on the bottle). Unfortunately, it did absolutely nothing for my frizz. Sutra Heat Guard Heat Protector for $18: Imperceptibly scented and light, this pump spray seemed promising for use on dry hair, but it had the same issue as Briogeo's Farewell Frizz—even after multiple passes at high temperatures, my hair was unmanageable and would not cooperate with the flat iron. Chi 44 Iron Guard for $19: This drugstore stalwart works well to protect from heat while also tamping down frizz, and the new Botanical Bliss scent is an improvement over the original formula's. However, it left a sticky residue on my hands and heat tools. Sutra Heat Guard Blowout Cream for $24: I love Sutra's IR2 hair straightener, so I had high hopes for this thick and almost fragrance-free cream that's meant to protect up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and reduce drying time, but my hair felt dried out after use. Milk_Shake Lifestyling Thermo-Protector for $18: I usually love Milk_Shake products, but this aerosol spray felt like it dried out my hair and amplified my already hard-to-handle frizz after blow-drying. It also did not add a discernible amount of shine as promised. FoxyBae Cool AF Heat Protectant + Biotin for $13: I like the cheery design of this pump spray bottle, as well as the fact it can be used on wet or dry hair. However, it didn't seem as effective as other brands and was greasy when used on dry hair. Drybar Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist for $28: This keratin- and paraben-free aerosol spray was quite pleasant to use for touch-ups, but it was just a little too lightweight to have any real effect on frizz. R+Co Chainmail Thermal Protection Styling Spray for $36: I appreciated this spray for its ability to add lots of visible shine, but the aerosol nozzle was not as targeted as I'd have liked, creating such a wide-ranging, fine-mist fog that it was nearly impossible not to breathe it in. I also found the cologne-like scent overwhelming.
