Beauty Grows Wild: Why Nature Will Always Be Smarter Than Skincare Trends

By April Gargiulo, the founder and CEO of Vintner’s Daughter

My friend and mentor, Rosemary Gladstar, says “plants have enough spirit to transform our limited vision.” I love this line so much because it's the truth. The synthetic world pales in comparison to the sophistication, beauty, and power of the natural world. This is why we begin every Vintner’s Daughter formula with the worlds’ most nutrient-rich whole botanicals. It takes more time and is more expensive, but it is the only way to truly feed our skin and bring about the radiance, balance, and health we insist on. Just like whole foods support healthy bodies, our whole plant formulas support your most beautiful skin. Your skin is your largest organ. It is incredibly complex and sophisticated and deserves skincare that honors and respects that. Synthetic, processed ingredients will never meet your skin’s needs in the same way they can never truly meet your body's nutritional needs. There will always be new, trend-driven, fast-fashiony skincare delivering false promises. These moments are more marketing campaign than they are any level of actual product innovation. We are all smarter (the same goes for our skin! than these companies give us credit for. Look up and out. Nature is always the most elegant and powerful solution. To that end, I look for ways to connect with it as much as I can.

I am lucky to live in Northern California and am surrounded by so much natural beauty. I cold plunge with a group of friends regularly in the San Francisco Bay; I get to experience the wisdom and elegance of the ancient redwood forests; the majestic beauty of Napa Valley, and even one of my favorite flowers, queen anne's lace, grows everywhere along the highway. I don't take supplements often, but do everything I can to eat well. I incorporate movement into my day every day. Sometimes I’ll go on the treadmill, sometimes it’s Pilates or a walk with friends, but always something. I meditate every morning and have a deeply ingrained gratitude practice. I know it all sounds a bit monastic, but there are many more moments of joy, presence, and spontaneity that this level of simplicity leaves room for. That’s what is most important to me.

The Night Cream Worth the Splurge: Why Sisley’s Supremÿa Is the Gold Standard

Let’s keep this short: I’m often asked—because I’m a beauty editor—what’s the best face cream? The truth? It depends. Your skin type, your age, your lifestyle, whether you're up all night scrolling or spending hours on the tennis court exposed to sun, heat, and sweat—all these factors matter far more than the name on the jar.

I’m not a dermatologist, but I test hundreds of products a year (more than most derms ever do). So here’s what I’ll say: if you're looking for a truly exceptional night cream, Supremÿa La Nuit by Sisley is as good as it gets. I mean it. 

No gimmicks. Just cutting-edge plant science and a researched formula that's been refined long before “skinfluencers” could legally vote. Yes, it’s expensive, but so is a facial in Beverly Hills, a town where a 50-minute massage can also run you upwards of $1,000. You can find other great items for less but if you want the most advanced, it does not get better than this.

Supremÿa La Nuit is skincare with beautiful results. Use it. You’ll see—you’ll thank me.

Reset the Face: Why Dr. Daniel Gould’s Face Lift Ethos Could Be the Future of Looking Like Yourself—Only Better

You don’t want a cubist doing your face. You want your face. And that is, quite literally, Dr. Daniel Gould’s entire philosophy in a single sentence.

I myself am about to turn 51, and every single one of my friends in my age bracket is considering a face lift. We know serums, face tools, face massages, and even retinol can only do so much. I was introduced to Dr. Gould several months ago and was struck by his face lift protocol—which, after a long discussion, I find appeals to me the most out of all the procedures I’ve looked into.

Tucked into the clinically immaculate but warmly human hum of Beverly Hills, Dr. Gould—plastic surgeon, researcher, and low-key anatomy philosopher—is quietly reshaping how we think about facial rejuvenation. His approach, dubbed the RESET Lift, isn’t just a face lift. It’s a facial thesis of sorts: natural movement, anatomical accuracy, emotional memory, all of it preserved. If I am going to do it—which, I want to; I keep turning it over every night in my mind when my estrogen patch is at its slowest and my anxiety at its highest—this would be the method I would feel most comfortable doing.

But let’s not jump to the scalpel just yet. Dr. Gould’s methodology unfolds across a logic-rich timeline. Prevention, intervention, and reversal, is the phased journey he often outlines to patients. A skincare continuum is how I perceive the RESET Lift. You can consider it a compound interest of sorts, but for your collagen. It all begins in the subtle. Gould is bullish on what you don’t see—namely, the sun, and the insidious cellular aging it triggers. Sunscreen is non-negotiable. From there, he prescribes a compounded nightly retinoid cocktail (tretinoin meets niacinamide meets hyaluronic acid meets turmeric), a sort of bioengineered skincare potion that reads like a dermatological love letter. “Minveritrol,” he tells me, referencing a proprietary antioxidant blend he’s particularly fond of, is like a cellular whisperer, calming inflammation before it leaves its mark. And yes, collagen supplements, a category long dismissed as beauty’s snake oil (which I strongly disagree with, for me it works wonders on my hair and nails), have now earned his scientific blessing, thanks to recent meta-analyses. This is a man who doesn’t deal in fluff. It makes sense—this grounding in science and structure—considering his background: an MD/PhD in bioengineering, 170+ peer-reviewed publications, editorial positions on several academic journals. It’s the kind of quiet pedigree you wouldn’t necessarily guess from his relaxed tone, but it's what draws patients from across the country, even internationally, for his RESET Lift. It’s so good, some have started calling it a destination face lift.

Between preservation and transformation lives the art of smart intervention. Gould’s toolkit includes the usual suspects, like neuromodulators and microneedling, but also CO₂ laser and his personal favorite: platelet-derived healing signals like PDGF, FGF, and VEGF. Basically, growth factors without the gore. “It’s about cellular signaling, and we’re giving your skin the memo to heal, even without a wound,” he says. I nod, taking mental notes while wondering if my face has ever received any memo besides ‘panic.’ I don’t like CO₂ laser and I don’t like microneedling unless it’s my trusted Editrix stamp, which I do because I am prone to melasma triggers.

So, given my issues, I want to tell you about his plans for the main event. Gould takes the deep-plane approach. That means he works beneath the SMAS layer, following the natural architecture of your face like a GPS-guided artist. No tight-pulled, windswept absurdity. No “smile block”—that peculiar post-op effect where people look like they’ve been paused mid-grin for eternity. “Form and function are inseparable. Preserve both, and you preserve you,” he says. It’s hard not to trust a surgeon who references both muscle vectors and memory in the same sentence.

But aging isn’t simply a downward pull. It's a multifaceted process. Over time, the soft tissues of the face don’t just fall straight down; they also move forward. The neck and lower face are like a cylinder with suspended muscles and ligaments that drop down and forward toward the chin as we age, which is why the RESET Lift focuses on more than just vertical lifting. The platysma muscle, for instance, tends to relax and fall forward, contributing to excess skin and sagging. This is where Gould’s RESET Lift excels—it uses multiple vectors (between 60 and 70 degrees), tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy, restoring the face’s natural structure by realigning the tissues in a way that looks, well, like you—just better, as he likes to reiterate. And because the neck is half the battle, he’s engineered a trifecta approach: submandibular gland reduction, platysma repositioning, and fat compartment refinement, resulting in a sculpted jawline that screams, “I sleep eight hours and don’t consume dairy,” whether or not either is true. Post-op care is where Gould’s inner nerd gets to shine. There’s a Day 0 check-in the night of surgery, then Day 1 hyperbaric oxygen and red-light therapy to supercharge healing. Protein loading and bio-optimized skincare follow, with laser or microneedling reintroduced at six weeks, all designed to make your three-month photos look less “recovering patient” and more “How does she look like that without filters?” Safety? Triple-checked. Quad A-accredited surgical suite, board-certified anesthesiologists, emergency redundancies in place. “I’ll take a safe 92 over a risky 100,” he says. (If that isn’t the grown-up energy that we all need...)

What makes the RESET Lift spectacular isn’t just the precision, it’s the intention. Gould is adamant: this is not about transformation, but restoration. “Partial face lifts look partially rejuvenated,” he says. “You want full harmony. You want people to look at you and not wonder if you’ve done something, but rather, remember you the way they did ten years ago. You, just as they remember.”

The outcomes he strives for are clear, rested, vibrant, and unchanged in all the right ways. And that’s the thing: Gould isn’t trying to give you someone else’s face. He’s trying to give you yours, the one that once lit up a room before gravity had an agenda. He’s not remodeling. He’s resetting.

“Education dissolves fear,” he tells me at the end of our interview. And I realize that’s exactly what he does. He doesn’t sell beauty. He explains it. And if I were ever to go under the knife, it would be with someone who knows where every nerve, every plane, every smile lives. Because I want my faceand the truest version of it.

Sisley Paris Le Parfum Hair Rituel: The Freshest Kind of Seduction in a Scent

When Sisley launched their Hair Rituel line, many longtime devotees (myself included) immediately noticed the quietly hypnotic scent woven into the products. Fresh, clean, and unusually sensual for something so light, it was the kind of fragrance that you wanted on your body constantly. I found it to be an emotional upper, if you will, in the world of healing aromatherapy. I remember clocking it right away. And I wasn’t alone, apparently—the question kept coming up, first in passing, then more insistently: What is that scent?

Eventually, Sisley answered, and not with a full-blown perfume, but something more understated: a hair and body mist. It feels like the right move to not get lost in the seas of fragrance launches that all smell like they were crafted in the same lab houses, give or take a few notes.

Again, Le Parfum is something completely different—an element of elegance that is cheerful and still sexy as hell. Lemon, verbena, and a bit of lavender are cool. This combination might be light and easy, but it’s got just enough presence to linger on the skin. It’s fresh, yes, but not sharp. Soft, not vague. There’s even something quietly romantic about it, for something this clean. It works all year, no matter the season or situation.

From La DoubleJ to the Divine Feminine: J.J. Martin on Beauty, Energy, and Aging Well

J.J. Martin

I used to focus so much on how I looked on the outside: my butt, my abs, my thighs, etc. What’s so funny is that as you get older (I’m 52 now) you realize that you just can’t control that (no matter what Kris Jenner says). The wisdom of age has taught me that the more I take time to take care of my insides, the more I regulate my emotions, my nervous system, the more I clear my energy body, the more that I connect with higher consciousness, the more I’ve noticed people commenting on how good they think I look—and I really haven’t changed a goddam thing! 

All of this stuff works. The energy practices that I do are very unique and personal to me. I am braiding and threading many different wisdom practices together with my own creative inventions. I might do some movement in the morning—usually a mix of strength and weights. Then, I typically flow into a lot of free-form movement and noise, which is really helpful for just letting the energy out and releasing any pent-up emotions. 

One of the quickest ways to lose your wellness, I’ve found, is through unprocessed emotions. There’s always a moment during the day—it might be five minutes, it might be 55 minutes—where I’m practicing a kind of mix between Vipassana and a multi-dimensional meditative hookup. I’m always playing with those two realms.

I was a vegetarian for many years and I’ve noticed that I just can’t do it anymore; I simply need more protein now. That has really helped keep me in better shape. I try to not eat that much of it and I try to be responsible with the kind of meat and fish that I’m eating, but just increasing my protein intake all around has made my life much better. Cold plunging and Finnish saunas have also been game-changers for me, particularly when I can do so outdoors, in nature( like under a frigid, arctic waterfall in Forte dei Marmi…or bathing in the sun on Lake Como). I still get totally addicted to wine and sugar so I’m just a better person when I’m not eating or drinking those substances but, you know, we’re all human.

I never wear makeup unless my photo is being taken for work. All those good pictures you see of me, I’m wearing makeup. Normally, I don’t look like that. It even shocks me.

If I had one scent to live with it, would be lavender oil. No additives, no alcohol, nothing but pure oil of lavender. I find it so uplifting and expansive. I also like to make my own brews. Sometimes, I have tons of essential oils at home. I really don’t like synthetic fragrances because I can’t stand alcohol on my skin.

For skincare, Irene Forte just gave me this really good Almond Cleansing Milk and a Lemon Toner Spritz that I’m totally into.

A shaman just told me to start taking maca root powder for menopause symptoms after getting this incredible womb massage and sleeping in scaler waves at a farmhouse outside of Milan, so I’ve started doing that. I was also micro-dosing lithium a few months ago, which was recommended by a doctor friend of mine, and that was really interesting. I like to go through moments of trying different micro-dosing protocols like mushrooms, or kanna. I like to go in phases with them, it’s definitely not a full-time practice.

My wind-down routine is simple. Sometimes it’s reading the New York Times or the New York Post, but honestly these days that just winds me up. I also love to cook. My Florentine boyfriend is an amazing cook and one of the most relaxing things is when we cook together. I love to either cook for him or with him. Otherwise, I like to read channeled texts. I find them really relaxing. The one I’m reading right now is “The Hathors.”

Why Facial Acupuncture Works: Beauty That Starts From Within

By Sarah Bradden

In my years as a wellness expert and facial acupuncture veteran, I’ve seen countless trends come and go—all promising to smooth, lift, and erase. But here’s the truth: real beauty isn’t just skin deep. Your skin is a reflection of everything happening inside. That’s why I approach facial acupuncture from both directions: inside-out and outside-in. By stimulating specific points on the face, I kickstart a cascade of repair, but the real magic happens when we address the root causes beneath the surface.

When a needle is placed in the face, it initiates a cascade of skin repair. Micro-trauma activates the wound-healing response. Fibroblasts begin producing fresh collagen and elastin. Circulation increases, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the dermis. Lymphatic flow clears stagnation, reducing puffiness and inflammation. Fascia releases tension that has held the face in rigid patterns, softening lines at their origin. Over time, the skin becomes brighter, firmer, more supple, and alive.

But the real intelligence of acupuncture lies in what happens within. Each point links to the body’s internal networks. The treatment calms the nervous system, lowers cortisol, and restores balance to hormones. It regulates digestion, improves sleep quality, and supports the immune system. The skin responds to this deeper alignment with resilience and radiance, because it is no longer battling internal imbalance.

This is why there are very few conditions it cannot support. From aging and loss of elasticity, to acne, pigmentation, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, facial acupuncture works beyond the surface. It treats the root causes as well as the visible signs, creating results that endure.

The duality of inside-out and outside-in is what sets it apart from almost every other aesthetic intervention. Beauty does not hold if the body beneath it is inflamed, stressed or depleted. Skin health is always systemic health.

In The Bradden Method, I combine facial acupuncture with light, energy, and traditional Chinese medicine principles, but the essence is always the same. Acupuncture allows the skin to repair itself, because the whole system has been guided back to balance.

Facial acupuncture is not about changing your identity. It is about restoring vitality, refining how we age, and revealing the natural radiance that comes when skin, body, and spirit are in harmony.

True radiance is always written in both directions: from the inside out, and the outside in.

From Mushroom Skeptic to Wellness Believer: How Adaptogens Transformed My Health

By Hazel Graye, actress and model

As a child, I refused any dish if mushrooms were involved—I’d pick them out one by one or avoid the meal entirely. As an adult, my roommate insisted I try her sautéed mushrooms as a stand-alone snack. Wait…mixed in with other foods? On the side? Maybe. But by themselves? I was sure this would be a failure. “Mushrooms are SO good for you, Hazel, just trust me and TRY IT!” my friend commanded. So I did. To my surprise, it was good. Incredible, actually. How could I have avoided and despised anything even remotely mushroom-related up until this point? Mere moments later, after my obvious display of approval, she practically threw her collection of mushroom elixirs and latte mixes at me to immediately implement into my routine, which I agreed to without hesitation.

I became curious to understand exactly how mushrooms are supposedly so beneficial to my health. There are many different types, how was I supposed to keep up? What does it mean to be adaptogenic? I’m a girl who loves holistic health, so oftentimes when there is an herbal option, I feel compelled to give it a try. Adaptogenic mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Chaga, are not only antioxidant- and nutrient-rich, but can also help alleviate stress and anxiety. Upon further investigation, I discovered the capabilities of boosting mood and energy, as well as improving cognitive function, maintaining a healthy digestive system, and even the potential to regulate blood sugar. As someone who struggles with much of that, all I could think to myself was, “SIGN ME UP!”

Mushrooms of all sorts have become a normal addition to my everyday wellness routine, and it really has made a positive impact on my life. In very simple words, I genuinely FEEL better. Not only do I feel physically healthier, but I feel emotionally and mentally healthier too.

Chaga piqued my curiosity with its roots in traditional medicines and immune system support qualities, as well as Tremella for its anti-inflammatory and healthy skin support. I fully trust in anything that Ted Gibson and Jason Backe create, so I was excited to try Ascension, a Ted Gibson Beauty Wellness Science supplement including these adaptogenic mushrooms along with others I’ve already grown to love listed above. 100% organic, 100% vegan, and non GMO—this is going to be good. Plus, blue green algae from Oregon: a mood boosting superfood? Consider me intrigued.

Jason Backe (left) and Ted Gibson, husbands and cofounders of Beauty Wellness Science

Ascension

My routine? I put it in my hot coffee in the morning. How does it taste? It adds a nice, light earthy flavor to the beverage, which I personally like a lot. It’s not overpowering either, so no chalky bits to worry about. How long have I been implementing Ascension into my routine? Three weeks. The real question is: how do I feel? Well, the stress, anxiety, depression, and general overwhelming states of emotion I experience from the season, or the weather, or life happenings, have felt considerably more approachable each morning. So far, I feel enough of an impact to keep including it in my day-to-day practices. I’m focused on taking care of my mind and body, and it never hurts to try supportive supplements. My general mood is brighter and I believe I’m on an upward trajectory with my health overall. So therefore, the last question is: would I recommend it? Yes. I absolutely would.

In Good Hands: Hair Savant Amanda George Reflects on Her 40-year Journey in Color and Craft

Amanda George in her Beverly Hills salon, foils and Matador gloves in hand, celebrating 20 years of her salon, ROIL.

Some practices stay with you forever. Products evolve, trends come and go, and technology constantly reshapes the craft, but a handful of tools remain essential. For me, it’s my gloves.

When I first arrived in Beverly Hills, I was still applying highlights barehanded. One day, a coworker pulled me aside and warned me I was putting my health at risk: the metals in the foils and the chemicals in the color would inevitably seep into my skin after years of exposure. Until then, I had only worn gloves for single-process color. The very next day, I changed my ways.

Of course, not all gloves are created equal. Eventually, I discovered Matador gloves from Germany: custom-size, incredibly durable, and admittedly pricey. But they last a month or two, compared to the disposable gloves most busy salons go through daily. The difference was transformative: not only did I protect my health, but I also dramatically reduced waste. When I think about the environmental footprint of all those discarded disposables, I’m stunned. 

Switching to Matador was one of the simplest, most impactful decisions of my career.

If there’s one piece of advice I’d pass on, it’s this: invest in your second skin. Protect yourself, and protect the planet, one head of hair at a time if you’re in the hair business. 

This philosophy of balance and longevity has guided my entire career including building my salon, ROIL, which this year proudly celebrates its tenth anniversary. When I opened the doors a decade ago, I wanted it to be more than just a place to get your hair done. ROIL was built as a sanctuary: a space where artistry meets wellness, and where clients feel cared for inside and out. Looking back now, I realize the same values that led me to swap gloves years ago are what have allowed me and ROIL to stand the test of time—protecting what matters most, while evolving with intention.

That mind-set carries into my daily life, too. My Oura Ring confirms I’m a late-morning person, so I structure my days to start after 10 AM, leaving mornings free for exercise, intention-setting, and grounding practices. I’m highly scheduled by nature, and it keeps me on track, on time, and sane. One non-negotiable? I never take business calls after 6 PM.

Evenings are about winding down. I stretch for ten minutes, then settle in with a good book or TV show, often paired with a baby pour of exceptional red wine. I also prioritize inner health for outer beauty. I’m diligent about supplements, guided by my functional medicine doctor, Dominique Fradin-Read. Right now, I’m on a regimen of peptides, plus Harklinikken’s shampoo and daily conditioner. I also drink plenty of water before bed to keep my skin hydrated.

For me, it all comes back to longevity: in hair, in health, in ROIL, and in life. Protecting what sustains you is always worth the investment.

How Your Breathing Habits Can Wreak Havoc on Your Longevity—and Your Jawline

By Hedieh Samadi, a board-certified general dentist with an expertise in cosmetic and integrative dentistry.

I’m not a dermatologist or an aesthetician—I’m a dentist. But what I’ve learned from years of studying dental sleep medicine and TMJ dysfunctions might surprise you: the way you breathe at night can shape not only your health, but also your appearance. If your airway is blocked or your jaw is misaligned, you could be aging faster than you realize—sabotaging your complexion, energy, and even your longevity—all while you sleep.

Yes, it’s true your nighttime breathing habits can either ruin or rebuild your health. Your sleep habits and your jaw placement are more important than any serum, supplement or workout when it comes to regenerating cells and rejuvenating your body. And with all due respect, your $600 jar of La Mer may not be living its best life due to how you are sleeping.  Why? Because sleep is not just for rest; it’s where your health, beauty, and vitality are made or unmade. And if there are misalignments and blocked airways inhibiting proper oxygen consumption by your body, you are endangering not just your aesthetics but your longevity.

This is far more complex than just “breathing,” might I add.

As an integrative dentist and a lifelong student of health and longevity, my profession has taught me to realize that nighttime breathing is the most overlooked wellness treatment in America today. It’s the quiet, invisible elixir that sustains beauty, sharpens the mind, and fuels the energy needed to navigate our fast-paced days. Unfortunately, many people are not breathing correctly (breathing through the mouth) and or have untreated cases of sleep apnea that is ruining their health, longevity and complexion’s vitality.

While you sleep, your body’s cells are detoxifying, rebuilding, and rejuvenating, all in the absence of conscious thought. But this intricate process hinges on one simple yet critical element: uninterrupted oxygen flow.

When we breathe through the nose, our airways remain open, unobstructed, and oxygen-rich. This doesn’t just prevent snoring, it ensures that your body gets the blood flow it needs to optimize organ function, balance hormones, enhance immunity, and even encourage skin renewal. If you’re privy to the latest advancements in the wellness world then you’re well aware that modern dentistry is revolutionizing this space by evaluating the airway, its size, shape, and the way our jaw and tongue rest. With new techniques and research, we’re identifying and correcting hidden breathing disruptions before they damage our health. Root-cause dentistry is the quiet game-changer, improving lives and wellness one breath at a time.

How your jaw aligns when you sleep, your sleep posture and the shape of your upper airway can either nurture or obstruct your oxygen flow. This goes far beyond the snoring factor. Even subtle airway resistance can fragment your sleep, igniting inflammation and triggering a cascade of issues, from anxiety to cardiovascular disease.

For women, this issue is especially important. Oxygen-rich sleep supports our hormonal stability, enhances fertility, and promotes healthy pregnancies. After menopause, it helps preserve bone density, protect the heart, and keep the mind sharp. And for young girls, proper nighttime breathing sets the foundation for emotional balance, cognitive development, and overall confidence.

With countless research and experience, my peers and I have also concluded that mouth breathing it’s not just a breathing problem, it is an aesthetic face problem. Mouth breathing isn’t just disruptive to your sleep it’s also reshaping your face. You read that right. Long-term mouth breathing can alter the natural contour of your jawline, leading to a weaker, less defined facial structure. This shift happens subtly, but over time, it can rob you of the strong, youthful profile that comes from proper nasal breathing. Aesthetics aside, these changes can also affect your ability to chew, speak, and even breathe properly during the day.

When your airway is clear, the body enters its most restorative state. The brain detoxes, hormones rebalance, and every organ, including your skin receives the nourishment it craves. The results? A luminous, “lit-from-within” glow no highlighter could replicate, sharper mental clarity, and an energy level that feels limitless.

I know this transformation personally. When I optimized my own airway during sleep, my memory improved, my skin looked fresher, and my focus sharpened. The same happens for my patients. They come to me exhausted and irritable, only to return weeks later with brighter eyes, steadier moods, and an undeniable lightness in their step.

So what to do? Get tested with the appropriate integrative dentists in the field specializing in jaw structure and sleep. One of the most effective and discreet solutions is oral appliance therapy, which gently repositions the lower jaw to keep the airway open all night long. This  is comfortable and life-changing, this therapy can improve mood, mental clarity, metabolism, skin tone, and even intimacy. All from simply breathing better while you sleep.

The truth is that beauty and wellness share a single foundation: deep, oxygen-rich sleep. Without it, no serum, supplement, or workout can truly deliver its full promise. With it, you don’t just look better you live better long term.

So, please consider your sleep patterns. Are you a mouth breather? Are you still waking up tired?  If you’re serious about lasting health and beauty, your next step isn’t in the gym or at the cosmetic counter—it’s in how you breathe at night. Because sleep is where your body heals, restores, and reveals its true vitality. Change your breathing, and you change your life!

Why Your NAD+ Should Be Taken Nasally for Optimal Results

By Nayan Patel, PharmD—a pharmacist, wellness expert, and the CEO and founder of Auro Wellness.

NAD+, known in the medical circles as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is one of the body’s most indispensable molecules. It powers how our cells create energy, helps repair DNA, and supports resilience against everyday stress. In many ways, NAD+ works behind the scenes to preserve cellular efficiency, supporting the body’s energy and overall resilience. From a vanity standpoint, that means: all in all, it makes us look younger, and keeps us looking younger. 

When we talk about healthy aging, few molecules carry as much weight as NAD+. Yet, as we grow older, NAD+ levels steadily decline by as much as 50 percent in some tissues. That decline doesn’t just leave the body fatigued; it sets the stage for inflammation, cognitive decline, and chronic disease.

For years, the wellness industry has searched for ways to restore NAD+. Oral precursors like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) have become popular, and intravenous NAD+ infusions are offered in clinics across the country. But both approaches have real limitations—and when it comes to NAD+ therapies, not all methods are created equal. Oral precursors can be helpful, but much of their benefit is filtered through digestion and metabolism before ever reaching sensitive organs like the brain. IV therapy works quickly, but it’s costly, and often cleared by the liver before enough NAD+ reaches target tissues. Oral capsules of NAD+ itself are poorly absorbed, and IV infusions, while effective in the short-term, are invasive. Nasal delivery stands out for being practical, research-backed, and accessible. For consumers, the key is to look for products with transparent science and delivery methods that ensure NAD+ actually reaches where it matters most.

Nasal delivery offers what I consider the most promising approach to at-home NAD+ replenishment today. The nasal cavity provides a direct pathway to the brain through olfactory and trigeminal nerve routes, bypassing the digestive system and even the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Preclinical studies have shown that intranasal NAD+ can penetrate brain tissue within minutes, enhancing neuronal energy, mitigating inflammation, and providing protection against damage from critical events like stroke or injury. In clinical settings, patients commonly report clearer cognition, better concentration, and higher energy levels, all achieved through a non-invasive, self-administered approach.

As research on longevity continues, one truth is clear: keeping NAD+ levels robust is central to staying healthy as we age. Nasal delivery offers a smarter, science-backed way to do just that, bringing the promise of cellular renewal into the hands of everyday people.

Not Everyone Needs Turmeric: Why “One-Size-Fits-All” Wellness Can Sometimes Make Us Feel Worse

By Lulu Ge, the founder and CEO of Elix, the first modern wellness platform to combine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with clinical research to support whole-body health.

About a decade ago, I first fell for the turmeric trend. You know the one: golden lattes glowing on Instagram and promises of anti-inflammatory magic in every spoonful. At the time, I was navigating hormonal imbalances, fatigue, and digestive issues, and like so many others, I was searching for something (anything) that could help me feel better.

But a few weeks into my daily turmeric ritual, I noticed everything was off: I felt more irritable. My mood swung unpredictably. I struggled to sleep, my digestion stalled, and I found myself stuck in loops of overthinking and rumination. Instead of relief, I felt worse—physically, emotionally, energetically.

It wasn’t until about a year later, when I returned to my roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, that I understood what was happening.

I grew up in a Chinese household where healing was 'food as thy medicine' and prescribed not in pills, but in seasonal soups, medicinal teas, and concentrated herbal formulas tailored to how you were feeling and what your body needed that day. 

My grandfather ran a hospital in Hunan, China. Growing up, he and my grandmother taught us that true health comes from metabolizing the right nourishment coupled with activity and rest, not Band-Aid quick fixes. They always talked about how every decision you make in your day-to-day and especially the foods you consume could either bring you into balance or push you further out of it. 

TCM has been practiced for over 5,000 years for a reason: it works because it’s personal and preventative. Every intervention from acupuncture to herbal medicine to food therapy is based on something called pattern diagnosis, which means looking at the unique combination of physical symptoms, emotional tendencies, environment, and daily habits that shape your wellbeing. That’s why, in TCM, superfoods aren’t simply recommended in isolation, because without understanding your overall pattern, even the healthiest ingredient might not be right for you. Turmeric, for example, is a powerful herb. In the West, it’s often promoted for its anti-inflammatory benefits, but in Chinese medicine, its role is more nuanced: it is a warming herb that moves Qi and blood, and promotes healthy circulation

That can be incredibly helpful for someone dealing with what’s seen as cold and stagnation in the body. But for someone who’s already energetically warm, experiencing emotional stress, insomnia, irritability, or dryness, it can tip the body further out of balance. 

One of the first signs that turmeric wasn’t right for me was right there on my tongue. In TCM, the tongue is a mirror of your internal state, and mine had a bright red tip—a classic sign of excess internal heat. It’s a pattern I’ve seen in so many of us living modern, overstimulated lives. Unless we’re trained to read those signs, it’s easy to miss them and keep adding fuel to the fire.

What I thought was a healing ritual of drinking turmeric shots and lattes was actually exacerbating my pattern of imbalance—liver Qi stagnation with internal heat. In simple terms, that’s stress and tension stuck in the body (like friction creating heat).

The warming nature of turmeric was intensifying my mood swings, disturbing my sleep, and creating the kind of anxious, restless energy that left me feeling ungrounded and even more disconnected from my body.

That experience—and so many others where I was only offered one-size-fits-all quick fixes, from birth control to medications that masked symptoms without addressing the root cause—ultimately led me to create the platform Elix. I was exhausted from endlessly trying this or that, hoping something would finally be the answer to my multitude of symptoms. I knew there had to be another way, one that honored the whole person and understood how everything was connected. I wanted to create something that would allow people to discover their unique pattern of imbalance, and receive 1:1 virtual consultations and customized herbal formulas to support sustainable healing. 

Through Elix’s online health assessment and team of licensed Doctors of Chinese Medicine, we provide an East-meets-West approach to identify root causes along with tailored recommendations for diet, lifestyle, and acupressure, so that each person receives care as unique as they are.

In a first-of-its-kind, IRB-approved clinical study, Elix found that 90 percent of participants experienced improvements in PMS and menstrual symptoms after just three months of taking their personalized herbal formula. From cramps and mood swings to fatigue, bloating, and cycle irregularity, the majority of participants saw significant relief across 15 different symptoms (without relying on hormonal birth control or painkillers). These results affirm what TCM has always known: the right remedy, for the right person, at the right time, can change everything.

If your tongue is red or you’re noticing signs of internal heat (like irritability, trouble sleeping, or a racing mind) consider reaching for cooling or energetically neutral alternatives that help restore balance gently, without overstimulating your system.

Instead of turmeric, try:

• Chrysanthemum tea to soothe the liver and calm internal heat

• Mint or spearmint to support digestion and clear excess warmth

• Pears, watermelon, or cucumber, which are hydrating and naturally cooling

  Or, if you’re craving a nightly ritual to calm a ruminating mind and ease into rest, I often turn to a blend like Elix’s Bloom + Balance Tea or a Yin-nourishing formula like Yin Time—Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal support, made to regulate emotions and replenish the body’s reserves.

  At the end of the day, this isn’t about cutting out turmeric or chasing the next trend. It’s about tuning in and  listening to what your body is telling you, and making choices that feel right to you. Those small, intentional choices can make a big difference. Wellness doesn’t start with what someone else swears by. It starts with paying attention—to your energy, your emotions, your tongue, your cycles. 

Trends will come and go. But understanding yourself, your constitution and your needs—that’s as timeless as the heart of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The upLift 5: The Anti-Aging Device That Actually Works

I like the upLift 5—a lot. It’s one of those rare tools that exceeds expectations. In the ridiculous sea of beauty devices claiming to reverse time, the upLift 5 stands out with its scientifically backed design with real, visible results. This tool doesn’t just promise youthful skin; it delivers on that promise by targeting the underlying causes of aging.

Here's the breakdown: as we age, bone density loss and the effects of gravity become evident, particularly around the chin, jawline, and mouth. These areas are often the first to show signs of sagging and thinning. The upLift 5 is intelligently crafted to address these changes, utilizing advanced high-frequency, low-magnitude vibrations. These vibrations stimulate collagen production, promote elastin, and support bone density, all of which work in unison to prevent the sagging and “collapse” of facial structures that commonly accompany aging.

What truly sets the upLift 5 apart is its cutting-edge vibration therapy, a technology originally developed by NASA to counteract bone loss in astronauts. This innovative science has been expertly adapted to combat the effects of facial aging, delivering non-invasive results with lasting impact. The device works at a deeper level to rejuvenate skin, tone facial muscles, and even strengthen the underlying bone structure—all from the comfort of your home, might I add. 

And let’s be clear: it’s incredibly easy to use. Just five minutes a day is all it takes to start seeing results. Plus, the device automatically turns off. You barely have to think about it. Over time, you’ll notice a firmer, more sculpted jawline, lifted contours, and smoother skin. Fine lines and wrinkles will visibly diminish, while the muscles and tissues beneath your skin are strengthened and rejuvenated. The result is a youthful, refreshed appearance that speaks for itself. An added bonus: just like every wife west of the 405, all you have to do is lie there.

Frizz Outsmarted: Goddess BioTech Blowout Hair Mask Is a Superior Leave-in Conditioner

Leave-in masks and I have never seen eye-to-eye. I find them clingy, overly perfumed, and prone to leaving a film I didn’t ask for. My Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Hair Mask has long held sovereign status in my routine—it’s as close to perfect as a rinse-out hair mask can get. Still, even royalty benefits from a rotation every now and then. Which brings me to the Goddess BioTech Blowout Hair Mask, which deserves a glowing review. This leave-in conditioner gives hair an unmistakable density, coating strands with a truly weightless feel. Post-blowout, I even add a tiny bit more to smooth out the whole thing and seal it all in. Suddenly, frizz retreats, and eventually, doesn’t exist. Think of this less as a leave-in and more as a finishing serum, if you will. This product has earned its high regard. 

I’ve Built a Career on Precision—Why Would My Skincare Be Any Different?

By Garren

In a world overrun by excess, true expression is always in the edit. Image-making is often less about invention and more about the curation: knowing what to take away, what to refine, and frankly, when to stop. As Irving Penn once said, “What isn’t pleasing isn’t working.” That taught me so much about training your eye to see what works—and more importantly, what is not working. Therefore you challenge yourself to see something special. And adjust. That principle also allows one to flourish and create with succinct intuition.

I am an imagemaker. I’m also hairstylist of a certain age and generation. I’ve been fortunate to work with the most erudite visionaries in fashion, photography, and makeup. I was trained by the best, Polly Mellen, of course. Given that, my personal image and appearance are not taken lightly. These days, my fashion sensibility still veers toward quiet luxury. I wear navy more than black, I find it softer, more dimensional, yet still sharp. My lines are clean and close, gravitating toward tailoring that respects the body. No one does that quite like Thom Browne. There’s precision in his designs that speaks to me, and his creations feel tailored perfectly for my body.

My grooming rituals are meticulously considered. I’ve long been devoted to Sisley skincare products, particularly the Sisleÿa and Supremÿa collections. Twice a year, without fail, I commit to the brand’s La Cure skincare regimen: four weeks of regenerative skin repair, which delivers results I’m consistently pleased with. As with everything in my life, I prefer to identify what truly performs, and I’ll remain loyal when it exceeds expectations. The Supremÿa Eye Cream is also a staple for me, and as someone whose hands are always at work, their Sisleya Integral AntiAge hand cream is indispensable, keeping my hands soft, supple, and impeccably nourished.

Of course, I also enlist other care for my aesthetic regimen—but, of course, with expert restraint, because I never overdo it. I see Dr. Robert Anolik regularly; he has a gentle but skilled hand, and he handles the more targeted treatments that keep my face, neck, and hands balanced and lifted, always with subtlety and precision. He understands that good work is invisible. He does Fraxel for any brown spots on my head and hands, as well as baby doses of Botox and filler when needed for upkeep. Scalp care, too, is critical. I started going bald at age 20/21 and I have my husband, Thom Priano, shave my head. I use R+Co Bleu Essential Shampoo to keep the area healthy, then follow up with Sisley All Day All Year Essential Anti-Aging Day Care. And when going out or working on location, I am always covering my head with my favorite terrycloth-lined bucket hat by Hermès.

I’m a believer in vitamins and take magnesium supplements both day and night. My husband, Thom, (a revered hairstylist in his own right) is vegan and a gifted cook. He’s the chef in our household; our kitchen is our aromatic sanctuary, and his cooking reflects the way we both approach self-care: essential elements, executed with precision. We eat organic and clean, and we start our dinners at a civilized 5:30 PM time slot.

People often assume that after all these years, you stop caring about your image or your look. In truth, I care even more—only now, my focus is sharper, directed with greater intensity at fewer, more precise details. I don’t chase anymore; I’ve reached a place where I can fully enjoy and appreciate both my personal life and my career with ease. In the end, a well-lived life is like a great haircut: it should never feel forced, but rather naturally perfected.

The Intelligent Blowout: L’Oréal Professionnel’s AirLight Pro Redefines At-Home Styling

The L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro is a quiet disruption in the overheated world of at-home hair tools. I love it, it’s excellent and if you don’t have all day, let me cut to the chase: it dries your hair very fast but doesn’t over-dry your hair. It uses infrared heat and has a powerful motor that smoothes and dries to perfection. 

What I’ve found with many so-called “professional-grade” dryers is this—yes, they get the job done. But the job isn’t just about speed or sleekness, it’s about the integrity of the hair itself. Far too often, these high-heat devices win the race by burning through the hair’s moisture barrier. Your blowout might look great that night, but by morning? You’ll experience frayed ends, flat roots, and a lingering sense that your strands have been through a bit too much. 

The irony of investing in a premium tool that slowly erodes the health of your hair isn’t lost on me. High wattage shouldn’t come at the cost of long-term damage. The high-speed air flow in the L’Oréal dryer (which comes courtesy of its 17-blade motor, clocking in at 130 mph) combined with infrared light dries the hair efficiently while preserving its internal moisture. The effect? Hair that feels smooth, resilient, and touchably soft—not just temporarily, but through to the next day. It's a solid investment.

Hydration, Plumped: The Magic Behind Valmont’s Hydra3 Regenetic Serum

When it comes to skincare, you know when something works. It’s not the makeup, it’s not your hormones giving you the glow—it’s the product you applied in the morning and are now seeing—and feeling—results. One of my go-to serums lately for hydration and plumping is none other than Valmont’s Hydra3 Regenetic Serum. It’s the kind of product that understands the nuances of skin revitalization: refined, responsive, and remarkably attuned to what my dermal layers crave. Before a night out, it’s superb for plumping and smoothing every little line, leaving a flawless canvas for makeup (I can actually skip primer when I use this). The texture is mercifully lightweight, and I love how it hydrates without that greasy feel. I’m usually wary of hyaluronic acid formulas, but I can wholeheartedly say that this one doesn’t leave the sticky residue you often get with other HA serums. It’s lighter and smoother—and the radiance-boosting results are impressive, thanks to the brand’s proprietary liposomal blend, which always gives my complexion an undeniable glow.

Nailing It: How ePHD Fixed My Weak Nails

I’ve had strong nails forever—technically, since I started secretly growing them out at age 14 behind my parents' backs (yes, rebellious me). Fast-forward to age 50, and suddenly, something’s off. 

Whatever the reason, my nails went on an unfortunate downward spiral for the past six months. That’s when a publicist I trust (someone who knows my very discerning beauty radar) turned me onto the ePHD Bond Repair Nail Treatment from Epres.

Created by Eric Pressly, PhD—one of the brainchildren behind Olaplex (yes, that Olaplex)—the founder of the award-winning Epres hair bonding line, ePHD is a game-changer for nails. This isn’t your average nail treatment: It’s vegan, polymer-free, and contains just two ingredients that deliver results. Why can’t skincare be like this? My nails have been as strong as ever since I started using it.

If you don’t wear polish, simply apply this product to clean nails (yes, men, you’re included in this). If you’re like me and enjoy a good red, it’s your pre-polish step. Apply the ePHD Bond Repair to clean nails, wait a minute or two for it to absorb, and then proceed with your usual base coat, polish, and top coat. The results are immediate, and your nails get stronger with each use.

It’s fairly reasonably priced at $20 (roughly the cost of a manicure in LA), as Pressly wanted to make this product accessible to everyone. Now, this little ePHD nail bonder, along with my AirPods, is always with me at the nail salon.

I’m a Harvard-Trained Derm—This Is the One Serum I Use Every Morning

By Dr. Iris Rubin

As a dermatologist who develops her own skincare formulations regularly, you might assume I’m a product junkie. The truth is, I’m a product minimalist. I’ve been breakout-prone since my teens, and also deal with melasma, so I don’t have time or patience for fluff. I want multitasking products backed by science, with real results, not marketing hype. And yes, I can spot the phony skincare marketing jargon from a mile away. 

So, when I say SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is my go-to vitamin C serum, I mean it. It’s the gold standard for my skin, hands down. This powerhouse protects against environmental aggressors like pollution and UV damage, helps brighten my skin, reduces the pigmentation I have, and smooths the look of fine lines. My only regret? Not discovering it 20 years ago.

SkinCeuticals was one of the first brands to truly dive into the science of vitamin C, and they’ve been leading the charge for nearly 30 years. Their patented C E Ferulic formula is no accident: it’s precisely calibrated with 15% L-ascorbic acid (the most studied form of vitamin C), vitamin E, and ferulic acid, to deliver maximum antioxidant benefits.

My personal routine is simple. After cleansing in the morning, I apply a few drops of C E Ferulic, then follow with moisturizer and of course sunscreen. That’s it. No twelve-step ritual, no unnecessary extras. Just the essentials—and this serum is one of them.

Take it from someone who creates skincare products for a living and reads ingredient lists like novels: this one earns its spot in my routine. I didn’t make it, but I absolutely swear by it.

About Dr. Iris Rubin, MD + SEEN

Harvard-trained dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin created SEEN after seeing countless patients face skin concerns like acne (herself included), eczema, and irritation, without ever realizing that their hair care products could be a contributing factor. A scientist with 5 diplomas from Harvard Medical School, she knew there had to be a better way to get beautiful hair without compromising her skin. Dr. Rubin set out to create a haircare line that was not only tested just like the best skincare products, but also free from ingredients that can clog your pores or irritate the skin. It took Dr. Rubin and her Co-Founder Greg Maged 4+ years and countless formulation iterations to bring SEEN to life. SEEN is a patented, science-backed, award-winning line of skin and hair care designed to promote healthy skin and healthy hair. SEEN’s mission is to help people shine their brightest and be “seen” for their best self. SEEN’s formulas are clinically-proven to be safe for all skin types including sensitive, acne-prone and eczema-prone skin, bridging the gap between healthy hair and skin. SEEN is proud to be clean, vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without clogging oils, silicones, phthalates, parabens, dyes, gluten, or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. SEEN provides financial support to laser clinics in Armenia and Vietnam, which treat children with disfiguring birthmarks and scars. Prior to launching SEEN, Dr. Iris Rubin was Medical Director of the Dermatologic and Vascular Laser Surgery Program at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C. and Maryland, where she treated children with disfiguring vascular birthmarks and scars. 

From Runway to Radiance: My Tried-and-True Skin Secrets

by Kylie Vonnahme

It may sound so cliché, but I can tell you without a hint of pretense that the life of a model is far more than just striking the perfect pose. We’re talking 4 A.M. call times, marathon days that carry well into the late night, and the ongoing challenge of appearing like I’ve actually slept. The real hustle? Making it look effortless. I’ve been in this game for years, and if there’s one thing I can confidently say I’ve mastered, it’s keeping my skin flawless—on and off camera. That’s not an easy feat, and it’s one that came after plenty of trial and error.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, with German roots, I moved to New York City at 17 to launch my international modeling career while earning a business degree from Pace University. I walked the runways for Alexander Wang, Versace, and Chanel, I was featured on the covers of Vogue Mexico and Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam. I’ve spent many grueling years in the industry—which means my skin has been through everything. On these shoots and runways, you’re wearing makeup that’s not your own, you work under hot lighting, and you don’t know how your skin will react to the formulas. Add in the fact that once one job is completed, you’re straight to the pavement, running from one fitting to the next, often drenched in sweat. But in learning to work hard and smart you learn that your skin needs to be constantly hydrated. I exercise diligently, and yes of course, I have my fun, but I also know when to hit the sheets. My skin? It’s my investment. And trust me, I’ve been through the trial-and-error phase…too many times to count. 

 Here’s the truth about my skin: I have dry skin. Daily makeup sessions don’t help, but I refuse to let my glow fade. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been using two products that have never failed me: Natura Bissé’s Diamond Extreme Cream, paired with the brand’s Vitamin C+C Anti Solution. This duo is my holy grail. It gives me that lit-from-within look that no highlighter can fake. Oh, and SPF? Non-negotiable. Natura Bissé's Tinted SPF 40 is a no-brainer for me. I also treat myself to facials every 45-60 days because, let’s face it, my skin deserves it. I rotate visits between @skincarebyalina and @kas_aesthetics. By the way, my favorite mascara (I’ve tried them all) is without a doubt L’Oréal’s Telescopic Mascara. It’s a classic and inexpensive, but gives the best-looking lashes. 

I wouldn’t be sharing this if I wasn’t so certain that the Diamond Cream and Vitamin C+C serum have kept my skin in excellent shape. So, if you’re looking for a skincare regimen that works just as hard as you do, use what I, a professional in my industry—someone who needs to keep their skin at its best not just for the sake of vanity, but for my job—use for excellent results. Trust me, your future glowing self will thank you.

After Years of Sun Exposure, There’s Only One SPF I Rely On

By Monika Blunder

Celebrity makeup artist Monika Blunder, founder of Monika Blunder Beauty, shares her skincare secrets.

I grew up in the Austrian Alps, where summers were filled with long, sun-drenched days spent hiking with my family. These golden hours outdoors ingrained in me a deep respect for sun protection—especially given how intense UV rays can be at high altitudes. Now, as I approach my 50s, that commitment to skincare feels more crucial than ever.

As a professional makeup artist, I’ve long struggled to find an SPF that meets my needs. Many formulas either leave a chalky white cast (which is a red-carpet disaster under flash photography) or pill under makeup. I require a sunscreen that works seamlessly with all skin tones, blends effortlessly into my complexion, and enhances (rather than disrupts) the makeup I apply. That’s why I swear by the Thank You Farmer Sun Project SPF.

When I say this mineral-based sunscreen is a game-changer, it really is. It’s incredibly lightweight and absorbs effortlessly, which makes it perfect to wear under foundation. It even boasts skin-cooling technology, a feature I particularly appreciate during my busy days on set, while traveling, or simply enjoying time outdoors. Whether I’m prepping for a photoshoot or just soaking up a little sunlight, this SPF checks all the boxes.

I’ve learned that aging gracefully starts with a proactive approach to skincare. For those of us who love spending time in the sun or work in the beauty industry, a reliable sunscreen is non-negotiable. Thank You Farmer provides the perfect balance of protection and performance—an absolute must-have for me.

Beyond SPF, there are a few more beauty essentials that help me maintain balance in both my career and personal life. I’m a huge fan of Crown Affair—their shampoo, dry shampoo, and leave-in conditioner have all earned a permanent spot in my routine. When it comes to self-care, I never miss my morning workout at 6 AM. I lift weights and do 30 minutes of cardio, which helps me stay centered and energized for the day ahead. I also swear by sauna sessions and cold plunges; my goal is to one day build one in my home, but for now, I make regular trips to Pure Recovery in Sherman Oaks.

Finally, on the days when I’m feeling a bit lazy or short on time, my go-to product is Elf’s Tinted Brow Gel. It’s a drugstore gem that delivers color, texture, and volume all in one—perfect for when I need a quick fix without any extra effort. As a makeup artist who is constantly on the go, I’ve learned over the years that, in addition to being happy with yourself to the core, true wellness and beauty really comes from making time for the essentials such as the right SPF and prioritizing what keeps me looking and feeling my best, no matter the hustle.