Latest news with #Refinery29Somos
Refinery29
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Sandra Cisneros' The House on Mango Street Went From the Banned-Books List to the Opera
Sandra Cisneros, one of America's greatest writers, says that up until a few years ago, she was over speaking about her 1984 novel, ' The House on Mango Street.' What started as an autobiographical book that she says she wrote during the 'most powerless time' in her life became a work of fiction as Cisneros drew on the harsh realities her students experienced living their lives outside of her classroom across working-class neighborhoods in Chicago. Countless people saw themselves in Esperanza, the book's Latina protagonist, and her Chicago neighbors, making 'The House on Mango Street' a huge success with more than 7 million copies sold, translated to over 25 languages, and becoming a longstanding fixture on required-reading lists — as well as banned-book lists — in U.S. grade schools and universities. As Cisneros published other books and still works on new ones, she never expected 'The House on Mango Street' to have the long life it has had. 'I was kind of tired of talking about my first born. I'm proud of it, but it's not my favorite book,' Cisneros tells Refinery29 Somos. But her classic novel gained a new life when Grammy-nominated composer Derek Bermel approached Cisneros nearly 10 years ago with the idea to collaborate on turning 'The House on Mango Street' into an opera. Excitedly, Cisneros accepted. Together, they co-wrote a libretto — the script of an opera — and brought the characters to life for the first time through songs, orchestral arrangements, and scenes on a stage. On Friday, July 18, the operatic debut of 'The House on Mango Street' drew nearly 1,000 people from across the country and outside the U.S. for its world premiere at Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, New York. 'I had so much fun with this collaboration, and I feel grateful that the book is doing its spirit work and not just in Latino communities. I get letters from people across the globe. It's very shocking, energizing, and confirming,' Cisneros shares. 'I don't know if it will do its spirit work after I'm gone, in 100 years, or 10 years, or 20 years, but it's doing the work it needs to do at this time in history, and I'm very happy that the work is speaking to people whose lives are like the protagonists and who feel it gives them hope. That's what we need to do in times that are dark.' ' "I was a little worried about this opera coming out at this time with this administration, but I believe, and have to trust, that it's opening at the right time." Sandra Cisneros ' Against the backdrop of today's conversations around mass deportations, the continued hypersexualization of Latinas, and the gentrification of Black and brown neighborhoods, among many other topics covered in the book, the opera manages to make the script relevant while still drawing many of its lines directly from the novel. 'We had no idea when we were putting this together how contemporary it was going to be. So last night, as I watched it with the audience, it was chilling,' Cisneros says. 'I was a little worried about this opera coming out at this time with this administration, but I believe, and have to trust, that it's opening at the right time.' While walking the lush, green outdoor grounds of Glimmerglass Festival, I found myself among a crowd of mostly older, mostly white festivalgoers — that is, until I overheard a woman speaking Spanish. Looking to connect with other Latinas, I approached her. Samantha Alvarez greeted me with a smile and told me she's from Pilsen, Chicago, just like Cisneros, She said the inspiration she felt from feeling represented by 'The House on Mango Street' as a kid opened up a world of possibilities and empowered her to start a travel community and podcast called Hood Girls Travel Too. 'If Sandra, a hood girl like me, was creating such an impact in the world with her writing, maybe I could be someone, too,' Alvarez says. ' "If Sandra, a hood girl like me, was creating such an impact in the world with her writing, maybe I could be someone, too." Samantha Alvarez ' Alvarez invited me to sit with her. Before I knew it, I was sitting with 12 other women who are part of Rise & Thrive Latinas, a Chicago-based book club-turned-community for Latinas. The women carpooled together, driving nearly 800 miles from Chicago to Central New York to see the opera. 'For most of us, 'The House on Mango Street' was one of the first times we saw ourselves in a book, especially growing up in Chicago. And there we sat, watching the book that gave us life come to life as an opera — a medium not many of us are familiar with. But this time we were part of the inside jokes, we understood the references, we understood the dynamics Esperanza was experiencing. This time we were not the outsiders, we were home,' shares Rise & Thrive Latinas founder Stephanie Gomez. This, Cisneros says, was exactly her goal: to introduce her characters to a new audience and introduce a new audience to opera. 'The fact that they all drove, these women from different walks of life, all of them in a caravan to come here was so moving to me. And they don't even know each other, except through this Latina book club, and their enthusiasm and their willingness to embrace each other and the story was so gratifying for me, was just thrilling,' Cisneros shares. 'There was even a woman who came from Los Angeles and she wasn't part of the book club, but they grabbed her and said, 'Come on, come with us.' This is what I want to see, an opera where the audience includes my community, including the diversity of faces and people on the stage. That was just beyond my dreams.' ' "The incredible thing about this book is that it's both specific and universal, that almost anybody can see themselves in these characters. Older people, younger people, people of all different races and ethnic origins find themself in the story of their family and their neighborhood in that book." Derek Bermel ' I watched the opera on the edge of my seat, shimmying to the tunes and tearing up at the drama. Derek Bermel, the composer of the opera, created a new layer of depth for the 'Mango Street' characters by infusing the sounds of música norteña, rancheras, merengue, salsa, and hip-hop — all genres that would play in the Chicago neighborhoods in 'The House on Mango Street.' Having grown up in New York City in the 1990s and 2000, I also felt at home. 'The incredible thing about this book is that it's both specific and universal, that almost anybody can see themselves in these characters. Older people, younger people, people of all different races and ethnic origins find themself in the story of their family and their neighborhood in that book,' Bermel says. Bermel and Cisneros worked closely on the songs to ensure they would reflect the characters' origins and personalities. One of those characters is Lucy, one of Esperanza's first real friends when she moves to the neighborhood and whose Mexican-American Spanglish is sprinkled throughout the Tejano-style music in her scenes. ' "It made me feel so connected to my ancestors and the sacrifices that so many generations before us had made." ' 'To be a Latina in this Latina-driven story, in a Latina-written opera, felt like such a privilege and honor when I was cast in the role. I based her off on myself and my experiences growing up in Caracas,' says Samantha Sosa, who plays Lucy. 'It made me feel so connected to my ancestors and the sacrifices that so many generations before us had made. It felt like such an honor to be doing the show, and then when we all did our bows, personally, when I took my bow, I felt like I was taking it for more than just myself, I took it for a community of living people and a community of people that came before all of us in the audience and on stage.' Much like Cisneros shared that her journey out of Chicago to Iowa for her master's degree provided some relief and fresh perspective after years of living in the city, I felt a wave of comfort wash over me while taking a break from New York City and enjoying my time around Cooperstown. I was relieved to get fresh air, look out to the foothills of the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains, and feel the breeze off the Otsego Lake. I stayed at The Landmark Inn, a historic 1856 mansion that was the most relaxing place to rest between visiting Cooperstown's main attractions just minutes away. I found a plethora of cultural connections, from visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame's '¡ Viva Baseball!" exhibit on Latin American baseball traditions — which featured my family's Dominican hometown team Las Aguilas as well as a literal nod to my favorite Venezuelan Mets player Francisco Alvarez by way of a bobble head in the gift shop — to viewing American folk art at the Fenimore Art Museum and walking through the historic village at the Fenimore Farm. I strolled through the Cooperstown Farmers Market, tasted locally made food like chocolates by Madrileña Sonia Sola of Nectar Hills Farm, and sourced the cutest rainbow striped wristlet handmade by Brazilian artist Lucia Emiko. On my final day in Cooperstown, Cisneros and I met at Clausen Lodge and we both admired the view of rolling green hills. We sat on the porch the morning after her opera's premiere and, as we closed our discussion, Cisneros shared why she felt spiritually moved to center her book's vignettes about migration and the threat of deportation in the opera. ' "The story of immigration is the great American story, and I feel that people who don't feel love toward immigrants [suffer from] arrested development." sandra Cisneros ' 'If we don't tell our stories, it will be like it never happened. The story that I was privy to while writing 'The House on Mango Street' is one of great American values. The story of immigration is the great American story, and I feel that people who don't feel love toward immigrants [suffer from] arrested development,' Cisneros says. 'Everybody is on a spiritual path, and if you can't open your heart to love, and you are enclosed with anger, resentment, and revenge, it's because you're not developed as a human being. Politicians that are in positions of power right now are spiritually immature. They haven't come into a place where they can see others who are unlike them with love.' Before parting, Cisneros shared her advice on how to protect our hearts and minds during these politically strife times. 'I think that it's going to be very important that we retreat into connecting with our ancestors and our cultural beliefs, with art, which is our medicine, and with community. Our community is going to be our strength. Who's going to love us, if not us?' Cisneros says. 'We have to go back to our raíces, connect with our ancestors and with our culture. That's the gift that we can give to el mundo: our spiritual generosity, our spiritual vision, our spiritual love.'
Refinery29
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Karol G Is in Her Tropicoqueta Era. Here's How You Can Achieve the Look & Lifestyle Too
When Karol G first announced Tropicoqueta, it wasn't just an album drop — it was the birth of a whole new era. Sonically, it draws on the rhythmic backbone of coastal Colombian genres and Latin pop, while visually it pulls from a lineage of larger-than-life Latina icons. Think legendary Latin American showgirls, Gloria Trevi's rebellious glam, Celia Cruz's unapologetic vibrancy, and the pastel-filtered drama of early-2000s telenovelas. These icons embody the fearless femininity and spectacle that Karol channels through every sequined fringe and neon hue in Tropicoqueta. With the album, Karol invites us to embrace a style rooted in the tropics: playful, bright, and unapologetically Latina (Foreva). In conversation with Karol, she emphasized how deeply personal this project is. 'I wanted this to be my dream album, like the perfect playlist I'd listen to with my inner circle,' she told Refinery29 Somos. That intimacy radiates through every creative choice. The tropical color palette, ruffled skirts, beaded accessories, beach-wave hair, and dewy finishes are all nods to the textures and details woven into our culture. Tropicoqueta celebrates an everyday glamour that exists across Latin America, but it also signals a shift in Latin music fashion, which has long been dominated by streetwear and urbano silhouettes. Karol's maximalist, folkloric approach is a reminder that softness, color, and theatricality are also powerful. Bringing the spirit of Tropicoqueta to life doesn't stop at the music or visuals, either. Karol's even created a real-world version of the era through an immersive Airbnb experience in her hometown of Medellín. 'Welcoming my fans to Medellín means everything to me,' she says. 'After spending two years on tour and being away from home, I realized there's truly no place like it.' Designed as a sensory dive into her world, the Tropicoqueta -themed stay includes charm bracelet making, body art, a curated menu of her favorite local dishes, and music by her go-to orchestra, TOMATE's. It's a chance to feel the heart and soul behind the album firsthand, whether you're there or drawing inspiration from afar. At the core of Tropicoqueta is an alter ego Karol created called Ivonny, a fierce, flirtatious, unshakeable persona who helped access a freer version of herself when life got complicated. Ivonny isn't just a costume or a character; she's a mindset Karol leaned into to push through difficult moments. 'I realized I could get through those low points by stepping into that confidence,' she says. And in that moment of clarity, the tropicoqueta era was born. Tropicoqueta is an open invitation to anyone ready to tap into that same fiery energy. Whether you're chasing the summer heat or just craving a little more color and texture in your day-to-day, this aesthetic encourages embracing the layers that speak to a tropical heritage and strong sense of self. If you're ready to step into your own tropicoqueta era, this is your moment to claim it. Here are five ways you can achieve the look and lifestyle this summer. Adopt the Tropicoqueta attitude. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KAROL G (@karolg) So, what does it really mean to be a tropicoqueta? When we asked Karol, she described her as 'a cute, tropical, flirty girl who's bold, proud of who she is, and lives her life playfully, freely, and authentically.' Tropicoqueta is a mindset as much as an aesthetic, one rooted in confidence as a form of resilience. Karol created her alter ego Ivonny as a way to tap into that energy. And honestly, that's the part that's so relatable. It wasn't about pretending, but rather about amplifying the parts of herself that were already there: magica, mistica, etica, and exotica. The song 'Ivonny Bonita' captures it best: 'tambien tiene miedos, pero eso no la atormenta … ella es tan sensible, tan discreta, tan caliente, inteligente.' She's not perfect, but she's whole. That's the spirit of a tropicoqueta. It's about being multidimensional: soft and strong, ambitious and emotional, and sensual and spiritual. Some days you show up glittering and loud, and others you're quiet but undeniable. Call on your inner Ivonny and let her flirt with the sun, cry if she needs to, and live out loud. Dress to sparkle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KAROL G (@karolg) In Karol's universe, clothes are an extension of the attitude: fearless, expressive, and dipped in sunlight. Think textures that shimmer and sway, like fringe, satin, sequins, metallics. A tropicoqueta's closet leans into movement and sensuality: halter tops that tie low on the back, ruched mini skirts, body-skimming dresses, low-slung skirts, flared pants, lace-up sandals, and crochet bags. The silhouettes are sensual but never stiff. They're soft, draped, and breezy, made for warm nights and open windows. Skin is part of the look, too. A tropicoqueta shows what she wants, when she wants — legs, belly, shoulders — not for anyone else's gaze, but because the breeze feels good and her body is hers to adorn. Color is your co-star, so lean into bright, juicy, sun-charged shades like gold, mango, hibiscus, lime, and turquoise. There's no room for beige minimalism here. Tropicoquetas reject the idea of subtlety in favor of joyful expression. Add all the bling. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KAROL G (@karolg) Tropicoqueta accessories are the exclamation point at the end of your style sentence. Karol's world is layered with details that swing and sparkle. Picture oversized flower-shaped earrings, a real flower plucked from a tree and tucked behind your ear, beaded anklets that jangle, rhinestone-studded hair clips, and rings that look like they belong in a beachside flea-market. Charm bracelets are essential, especially if you've made one with your 'Amiga Mía.' In this aesthetic realm, belts aren't exactly functional, they're for slinging low on the hips with some metallic or pearl-studded details that add dimension. Every accessory flirts with the next. The G in Karol G Now Stands for gloss, glitter, and glow. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KAROL G (@karolg) You want to be bronzed, glowing, and slightly sweaty, just like Karol G on the Tropicoqueta album cover. Start with a luminous, creamy bronzer to get that warm, sun-kissed base going. Then layer on a highlighter with some serious glow factor on your cheekbones, collarbones, and shoulders so you look like you just stepped out of the ocean. Don't hold back on color. Glossy lips in guava pink and coral orange are the perfect shades, and around your eyes you can keep things natural with brown liner or go a little wilder with electric colors like blue or lime green if you're feeling it. For lashes, you want something lush, try falsies or a voluminous mascara.. When styling your hair, think messy beach waves, slick braids, or curls set free. Toss in a bit of sea salt spray or texture spray to keep those tropical vibes seeming effortless. And honestly, if a little mascara smudges while you're dancing and sweating, even better, that's just the glow of living in the moment. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KAROL G (@karolg) If you can make it to Medellín, Karol's Airbnb experience is the dream version of this world. It's set in her hometown and filled with pieces of her real life. 'I wanted people to feel what I feel when I'm home,' she says. 'That energy, that warmth — it's where everything in this era came from.' But you don't need a boarding pass to tap in. The tropicoqueta mood lives in the rituals you create: tiny, tender, extra moments. Host a dinner with your girls and make your favorite comida casera. Throw on a bikini and journal in the sun. Turn your room into a studio and take photos in your fave tropicoqueta outfit, or blast the album while making charm bracelets on the floor. No matter where you are, you can channel that feeling. That's living tropicoqueta.
Refinery29
02-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Refinery29
For Latinas, Glam Isn't Vanity — It's Legacy, Armor & Self-Love
Whether it's hiring a makeup artist for a speaking engagement or doing a full face before running errands, many Latinas know the power of showing up polished. But this isn't just about vanity — it's cultural muscle memory. In many of our households, being "presentable" isn't optional; it's expected. It's a learned behavior passed from one generation to the next, but most of all, it's deeply tied to notions of pride, self-care, and even survival. '[Getting glammed] is a ritual of self-honoring,' Dr. Elena Montalván, a board certified dermatologist based in Puerto Rico, tells Refinery29 Somos. "It's not vanity, it's presence. Preparing myself, whether it's skincare or red lipstick, is a way of saying, 'I matter.' It's the energy I pour into myself before I give to the world." In our culture, glam is a practice that blends aesthetics, spirituality, and strategy. For many Latinas, especially immigrants or daughters of immigrants, beauty routines aren't just for looks — they're a kind of armor. An intentional presentation to claim space in a world that doesn't always make room for us. ' "In our culture, glam is a practice that blends aesthetics, spirituality, and strategy." victoria leandra ' Content creator and Miss Universe Cuba candidate Mia Dio remembers this as part of her upbringing: "My mom used to dress me like a little doll when I was a baby: matching bows and coordinated outfits. Looking back, I think that was her way of showing love. Presentation wasn't just for looks, it was pride.' The expectation to look "put together" was reinforced with both subtle and overt cues: grandmothers who slept in rolos and moms who wouldn't let us leave the house without lip gloss (because we never know who we might run into!). For Rebeca Torres, glam feels almost instinctual. 'My mom always made sure I had everything I needed to look put together, from well-fitted clothes and clean shoes to good hygiene and always smelling like heaven,' she tells Somos. Beauty became such an intrinsic part of her identity that she built a career around it, eventually becoming the Senior Communications Manager at L'Oréal Caribe. But glam can also be about respectability and perception. Dr. Montalván, who navigates the elite and often white-male-dominated field of medicine, understands this firsthand. "As a Latina in medicine, I've felt the weight of 'proving' I belonged. Looking polished was part of that unspoken expectation," she says. "Now, I show up presentable for me, not to fit into someone else's mold." ' "I've felt the weight of 'proving' I belonged. Looking polished was part of that unspoken expectation." Dr. Elena Montalván ' Still, the line between empowerment and pressure is often blurred. "It becomes a burden when looking put together becomes an intense requirement and not just a self-care ritual," Dio, who knows this all too well from her experience in beauty pageants, adds. "But even on my days off, I remind myself I don't owe anyone glam. I do it when it feels good. It just so happens that it feels good more often than not." Torres, on the other hand, says glam never feels like a burden for her. "Getting ready is a form of meditation. It's that moment in the day when I can set myself up for success,' she explains. "And no matter what happens, if I already had that moment for myself, I'm good." This duality is part of what makes the Latina relationship to glam so layered. It's a love language, a shield, and a cultural inheritance. But it's also a demand that can feel unrelenting, unsustainable, and tiring, which is why some have turned it into a ritual instead. From splashing cold water on the face for a spiritual reset to literally praying through skincare routines, the body becomes an altar. "To me, skincare is sacred, non-negotiable," Dr. Montalván said. "Fashion, on the other hand, is storytelling, and I write [my own script] every morning.' Dr. Montalván is known for posting her 'outfit of the day' on Instagram stories every morning. She's an example that you can be both: intelligent and emperifollá. 'My intelligence and my eyeliner are not mutually exclusive,' she says. ' "It becomes a burden when looking put together becomes an intense requirement and not just a self-care ritual." Mia Dio ' These rituals often begin early on in our homes. The matriarchs of our families didn't just pass down recipes, they passed down beauty regimens. My mom used to pour Medalla Light beer on my head at the beach to naturally lighten my hair under the sun, and she knew Agua Maravilla was an affordable toner long before clean beauty became a trend. For Dio, that looks like knowing how to do a blowout or add volume to her hair with rollers because her grandmother still does both, daily. "It's become a way for us to honor the women who came before us," she says. In a culture that can be hyper-visual and where Latina visibility is often filtered through stereotypes, choosing to show up glam is not just expression — it's reclamation. We are not just what's portrayed on Univision or the overly sexualized and 'spicy' movie characters. We are complex and intentional, and sometimes we use our bemba colorá or high heels to say so. Critics might call it vain, but glam in the Latina community rarely stems from ego. "I'd say that's a limited lens," Dr. Montalván says. 'Makeup isn't a mask, it's a choice. Being 'put together' is about alignment, how I look, feel, and carry myself because I learned early on that how you show up sets the tone for how you're treated.' ' "Glam is how we show love to ourselves. It's how we cope. It's how we protect our presence in a world that often overlooks us." Mia Dio ' Dio, also a comedian, echoes the sentiment with her usual wit: "[Whoever thinks that] clearly didn't grow up in a Latino household. Glam is how we show love to ourselves. It's how we cope. It's how we protect our presence in a world that often overlooks us." Torres takes it a step further. "Since when is being vain something negative? Makeup is activism, it's self-expression, it's self-love, it's protection. None of it is vain." What may seem like "just makeup" to some is, for many Latinas, a heritage practice. It's also a response to generational adversity. When society tried to erase, glam helped us assert. When life felt unstable, un buen blower and trimmed brows helped us feel anchored. To show up glammed is to say, "I am here, I am worthy, and I am not hiding." It's the opposite of invisibility.
Refinery29
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
I Tried Shakira's New Hair Line Isima & It Actually Helped My Itchy Scalp
I'm often terrified of trying new hair products. I have scalp psoriasis, and many formulas leave my skin painfully (and embarrassingly) red, flaky, and itchy. But when I heard Shakira's new haircare line, Isima, included products specifically for parched, sensitive scalps, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try. I know what you're thinking, do we need another celebrity beauty line? I thought the same thing. But this one kind of made sense. For years, the Colombian musical icon has been candid about her own hair struggles, from damage due to constant styling and coloring to scalp issues brought on by the intense demands of life in the spotlight. While Shakira may not be a trichologist herself, I was confident she'd collaborate with the right experts to create something that works for the both of us. The performance-focused brand offers a comprehensive range of products developed to meet the diverse needs of Latina hair, which, of course, includes all colors, textures, and patterns. The line features eight products, including moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, exfoliating scalp scrubs and serums, a curl cream playfully named Curls Don't Lie, a deeply reparative peptide hair mask, and a featherlight hair oil that softens without heaviness. At the core of every formula is the brand's TriModal Method, a proprietary approach grounded in biotrichology that simultaneously supports the scalp, strengthens the inner hair shaft (cortex), and protects the outer layer (cuticle). ' "I feel like I have my hair more under control and can wear it more natural and be organic about it. I don't have to be so exposed to hair dryers and curling irons and flat irons. I can just let it be." shakira ' "I'm really happy where I am right now with my hair, especially with my products from Isima," Shakira told Refinery29 Somos. "I feel like I have my hair more under control and can wear it more natural and be organic about it. I don't have to be so exposed to hair dryers and curling irons and flat irons. I can just let it be." Since starting Isima a week ago, I have also just let my hair just be: I've been air drying not using any styling tools. While the line is inclusive of various hair types, many of the formulas cater to those with hair like Shakira's: wavy to curl and often dry or damaged from years of bleaching, dyeing, and heat styling. My hair, by contrast, is straight and virgin, but I still found plenty to love. I started with Iconic, a densifying scalp serum, applying about four full drops directly to my scalp and massaging it in with a soft-bristled scrubber. Ten minutes later, I shampooed with Reset, a clarifying cleanser, then followed with Suavísima, a rich, hydrating conditioner. Out of the shower, I sealed it all in with All In, a restorative leave-in treatment. The full routine left my hair feeling clarified and refreshed and, best of all, never greasy or weighed down. If I had one complaint about the products I used, it's the scent. While the line is marketed as having a soft, floral fragrance, it leaned more toward the territory of a high school boyfriend's cheap cologne. It's not offensive enough to stop me from using the products, but it's definitely not the signature scent I'd like to carry in my hair all day. ' "Isima meets people's complex hair needs. It's about innovation, freedom, and science." shakira ' But what's most important is that "Isima meets people's complex hair needs," as Shakira says. "It's about innovation, freedom, and science." It's also for the girls who want to give the most without doing the most. The name Isima is inspired by the Spanish word "ísima," a suffix used to emphasize the elevated, the best, and the most. It captures Shakira's vision of creating products that don't just work, but also elevate hair to its softest, healthiest, and fullest state. Rooted in both Latin American language and culture, the name also reflects the brand's commitment to sourcing powerful, heritage-rich ingredients from across the region, honoring beauty rituals passed down through generations, and reimagining them through modern science. The Somos team was among the first to try Isima. Each of us has different hair types and hair concerns. Here's what we can say about the products. Reset Clarifying Shampoo, $32 Think of this as your hair's reset button. Designed to gently lift away buildup from product, oil, and city grime, this shampoo brings your scalp back to balance without leaving your strands dry or stripped. It's a great weekly refresh, especially if you're layering on styling products or dry shampoo. Riquísima Hydrating Shampoo, $32 This one's a rich, lathering shampoo made for hair that craves moisture. It delivers a nourishing cleanse that leaves strands softer, smoother, and noticeably more manageable. Suavísima Hydrating Conditioner, $32 If your ends feel brittle, this conditioner is a game-changer. Thick and creamy but not heavy, it helps detangle, soften, and bring life back to dull or overworked strands. Superbomba Triple Peptide Hair Mask, $38 Superbomba is the hero of the line. This reparative mask leaves your hair feeling like silk. It's especially great for hair that's been through heat styling, coloring, or just general neglect. Leave it on while you answer emails or binge your latest show. It's worth giving it the extra minutes. Iconic Densifying Scalp Serum, $42 This leave-on scalp treatment is all about supporting fuller, healthier-looking hair. It's lightweight, non-greasy, and easy to apply. Just massage a few drops into your scalp. With continued use, it aims to bring volume and strength from the root up. We haven't used it long enough to see those kinds of results, but it has definitely cleared build-up on our scalps, so things are off to a good start. This is a do-it-all leave-in that smooths, softens, detangles, and protects without leaving your hair feeling coated or heavy. It's ideal for busy mornings or low-maintenance styling days, and it helps keep your hair strong and silky, whether you're heat styling or air drying. This styling cream brings definition, bounce, and hold to textured hair. It's ideal for waves, curls, or coils that need moisture and structure. Whether you're going for soft definition or a more sculpted look, this product gets your curls where you want them. Delicia Reparative Hair Oil, $36 This is a lightweight, high-shine oil that works just as well for frizz control as it does for adding a silky finish. It smooths ends, adds polish, and gives your hair that glossy, just-styled look, minus the grease. Note: a little goes a long way.
