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SkinCare

10 Of The Best Beauty Tools To Gift Skincare Obsessives, From $18

by jummy84 December 15, 2025

written by jummy84

This holiday season, we’ve found the gifts that feel great to get and even better to give. Shop our collection of editor-approved holiday gift guides here.
We all know someone with incredible skin — but getting there takes work. From applying sunscreen to being religious with retinol, chances are they’ve already nailed their skincare lineup. Still, even the best routines can benefit from a little extra help.
Skincare tools have come a long way since the days of intimidating dermarollers. Today’s options include LED masks that help heal and rejuvenate skin with red, infrared, and blue light, microcurrent devices that tone and boost radiance, and cryotherapy tools that de-puff in minutes.
So help them become their own facialist with these 10 skincare tools, starting at $18, all recommended by our beauty director.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Kit

They’ll be hard-pressed to find a dermatologist or esthetician who hasn’t tried — and loved — a NuFACE microcurrent facial toning device. Unlike many facial tools that require weeks of consistent use, results are visible immediately. Using low-level electrical currents, it stimulates the facial muscles to create a lifted, tightened effect. The kit also includes two conductive products, allowing the device to glide smoothly over skin without irritation. Snatched jawline, loading.
NuFACE TRINITY+ Smart Microcurrent Facial Toning Starter Kit, $, available at Ulta

Shark Beauty CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling+LED Anti-Aging & Skin Clearing Face Mask
If you really want to impress your giftee, wearing this mask feels akin to a professional facial. It’s packed with red and infrared LED lights that, once absorbed by the skin, activate fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, which keep skin firm, resilient, and hydrated. Red light is also known to help treat breakouts by reducing inflammation and targeting acne-causing bacteria. This mask does all that and more, with the addition of blue light to help calm redness, plus cooling under-eye technology to soothe tired, inflamed skin.
**Shark** CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling+LED Face Mask, $, available at Ulta

Skin Gym CryoRoll Ice Roller
The skin-icing trend isn’t going anywhere — just ask Hailey Bieber, who famously dunks her face into a bowl of ice water before red carpet events. While that can get messy, Skin Gym’s CryoRoll Ice Roller streamlines the soothing, skin-awakening ritual. Simply fill it with water and place it in the freezer. Once frozen, remove the lid and glide it over your face to de-puff under-eye bags and refresh tired skin. You can even add a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum to boost hydration.
**Skin Gym** CryoRoll Ice Roller, $, available at Ulta

ZIIP Halo Microcurrent Facial Device
One of the smartest microcurrent facial tools available, this device connects to an app on their phone, allowing them to personalize the current sequence based on their skin’s needs — whether it’s lifting, firming, or de-puffing. It also comes with a conductor gel for easy gliding, and its ergonomic design makes it super easy to maneuver. We’ve heard some derms extolling its virtues, and thousands of glowing reviews highlight noticeable improvements in fine lines and sagging skin.
**ZIIP** Halo All In One Microcurrent Facial Device, $, available at Ziip

Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
If an LED mask feels a bit out of budget, consider Solawave’s nifty rechargeable wand instead. It combines collagen-boosting red light with microcurrent to energize facial muscles and tighten skin instantly and cumulatively, plus facial massage and a comforting warming sensation. Using it might just be the best three minutes of their day.
**Solawave** 4-in-1 Skin Care Wand, $, available at Nordstrom

GESKE SmartAppGuided Cool & Warm Duo Eye Massager
If they’re always complaining about feeling — and looking — tired, they’ll love Geske’s cool-and-warm eye massagers. Using them is simple: immerse the tools in warm water for a comforting, under-eye “hug,” or pop them in the fridge for a refreshing cool-down. The liquid inside the tools efficiently conducts heat or cold for maximum effect.
**GESKE** SmartAppGuided Cool & Warm Duo Eye Massager | 7 in 1, $, available at Nordstrom

Nurse Jamie UpLift Neck Sculpt’sure Set
Nurse Jamie’s UpLift mimics the pummeling magic fingers of any facialist — they’ll wonder how they ever lived without it. Thanks to 24 massaging stones, rolling it over the jawline instantly releases tight muscles, leaving the face feeling lighter and your giftee more relaxed. The set also comes with a firming cream to hydrate and nourish skin as they go.
**Nurse Jamie** UpLift Neck Sculpt’sure Set, $, available at Nordstrom

FOREO FAQ™ 201 LED Face Mask
Foreo’s FAQ LED mask is the talk of every beauty editor group chat — it’s that weightless. Made of soft, comfortable silicone, the mask is studded with 600 red, green, and blue LED lights to boost collagen and elastin, reduce redness, and gradually brighten skin. Even better? It’s completely wireless, so you won’t get tangled up while relaxing, and the generous eye openings let you read or watch TV without emerging bleary-eyed.
**Foreo** FAQ™ 201 LED Face Mask, $, available at Nordstrom

PURSONIC Complete At-Home Facial Spa Bundle
Give them the gift of a facial — every day if they like — with Pursonic’s at-home facial spa bundle. It includes a soothing facial steamer that leaves skin dewy, plump, and hydrated, a red light therapy wand to boost skin suppleness over time, and hydrocolloid pimple patches to help breakouts heal quickly.
**Pursonic** Complete At-Home Facial Spa Bundle, $, available at Nordstrom

Shark™ FacialPro™ Glow Glow-Boosting At-Home Facial System
If you’ve got a bit more to spend, it has to be Shark’s FacialPro. This clever device comes with interchangeable liquid tanks and multiple attachments that deliver results similar to a 90-minute professional facial. That includes a cooling-and-warming depuffing massager, an exfoliating tip, and a Hydro Infuse stage that drenches skin in an exfoliating, hydrating serum. And that’s just the beginning. For anyone serious about achieving glass skin in 2026, this will get them there.
**Shark** Shark™ FacialPro™ Glow Glow-Boosting At-Home Facial, $, available at Sephora

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December 15, 2025 0 comments

Lifestyle

Winter skincare alert: 8 morning habits that may be drying out your skin and causing premature ageing

by jummy84 November 27, 2025

written by jummy84

Winter brings a welcome chill. But for your skin, it can be a season of silent damage. The drop in temperature and humidity disrupts the skin barrier, making it more prone to dryness, sensitivity, and premature ageing. However, what many people don’t realise is that some everyday morning habits may be exacerbating these issues, often without any obvious signs until the damage has accumulated.

If you have been making these morning skincare mistakes, time to wake up(Pexels)

How to prevent dry skin in winter

Dermatologist Dr Bindu Sthalekar, founder of Skin Smart Solutions, and Dr Shweta Tripathi, dermatologist, aesthetic injector, and founder of My Skindom, tell HT ShopNow that several common morning skincare habits may be drying out your skin and contributing to premature ageing.

But these can be prevented by avoiding some unhealthy skincare habits in winter.

1. Washing your face with hot water

A steaming-hot splash may feel comforting, but heat strips away essential lipids and ceramides from the skin barrier. “Hot water accelerates transepidermal water loss, leaving skin dry, rough, and vulnerable to fine lines”, says Dr Tripathi. Hot water also strips the skin’s natural moisture barrier and triggers inflammation, which speeds up collagen loss, explains Dr Sthalekar. Both dermatologists recommend switching to lukewarm water that cleans effectively without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture balance.

2. Starting the day without a moisturiser

Skipping moisturiser is a big no. Dr Tripathi explains why:“Overnight, the skin loses moisture and needs replenishment. Opt for barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides, especially in winter.” She also recommends applying a moisturiser within 60 seconds of cleansing to trap moisture effectively. Dr Sthalekar says, “Choose a cream over a gel if you live in a dry environment or spend most of your time in heated spaces”.

3. Applying vitamin C without moisture or SPF

“Vitamin C serums are more potent in 2025 formulations, but they can be drying or irritating when applied to freshly cleansed skin, and can increase photosensitivity and irritation when applied without a sunscreen”, says Dr Tripathi. She also recommends applying a hydrating serum before vitamin C with broad-spectrum SPF 30+.

4. Using harsh or foaming cleansers

Using high-foam, sulphate-based cleansers may leave your skin squeaky clean, but that tightness is a sign of barrier damage. “Over time, this leads to irritation, dullness, and accelerated ageing, so replace them with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that cleans without stripping, ”Dr Sthalekar suggests.

5. Overusing caffeinated drinks before hydrating

“Morning coffee culture is huge, especially high-caffeine cold brews. But drinking caffeine before water can leave your skin dehydrated and looking dull throughout the day,” Dr Tripathi, tells HT ShopNow. Instead, she recommends drinking at least one glass of water before your morning caffeine.

6. Forgetting sunscreen just because it’s cold

Ultraviolet rays don’t hibernate for winter. In fact, UVA, the wavelength responsible for DNA damage and ageing, remains constant year-round. Pair sunscreen with antioxidants for enhanced protection, especially in polluted urban environments.

7. Applying active ingredients to dry skin

Try to reduce using retinoids, acids, and exfoliating serums as they can become harsher on your skin in winter, suggests Dr Sthalekar. Applying them on dry, dehydrated skin amplifies irritation, and sometimes micro-inflammation is a major driver of premature ageing. The best way to include these serums and acids is to layer them strategically.

“If irritation persists, apply every alternate night or use short-contact therapy. This ensures results without compromising the skin barrier”, she asserts.

8. Relying on SPF in makeup instead of actual sunscreen

“Tinted moisturisers and foundations now boast higher SPF levels, but they still don’t provide enough coverage on their own,” Dr Tripathi says. Inadequate sun protection remains the number 1 cause of premature skin ageing. So, she recommends always applying a dedicated sunscreen every morning.

Dr Sthalekar says winter skincare isn’t about adding more steps, it’s about choosing the right ones and doing them mindfully. Small morning changes can preserve skin elasticity, prevent premature ageing, and support a stronger, healthier skin barrier through the season.

(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)

Medik8 Has 30% Off Skincare Favorites For Black Friday

by jummy84 November 26, 2025

written by jummy84

Refinery29’s beauty director Jacqueline Kilikita used this moisturizer down to the very last drop, and while this might not seem like an impressive feat, for a beauty editor whose job it is to try everything all at once, it says something about how excellent it is. “I love the cushiony texture that sits somewhere between a gel and a cream; it quenches my parched patches in seconds, all without leaving behind a greasy or tacky residue,” says Kilikita. The star ingredients are peptides (essentially skin-strengthening proteins), hydrating hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, which act like glue in between skin cells to keep them healthy and happy. “For me, ceramides are a must when I choose a moisturizer, especially in the winter when my skin becomes sensitive to cold weather and central heating,” adds Kilikita. Even better? It doesn’t break her out like other face creams. She’s already on her third tub.

November 26, 2025 0 comments

Hollywood

Manucurist Founder Gaëlle Lebrat Personnaz Wants Your Nails to Have Their Own Skincare Routine

by jummy84 November 11, 2025

written by jummy84

Flawless from head to toe! Manucurist founder Gaëlle Lebrat Personnaz wants you to treat your nails like your skin, and celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber, Margot Robbie, and Gwyneth Paltrow have already gotten the memo.

Not only do the lacquers come in 90+ shades to complement every look, but the vegan, plant-based formulas also take a skincare first approach to nailcare with products that plump, brighten, smooth, and protect.

“Your nails are just as sensitive as your skin,” the CEO tells ET. “Like our skin, nails are exposed to environmental stress, lifestyle habits, and daily wear. You wouldn’t apply a glowing foundation to damaged skin, and the same logic applies here.”

Manucurist

When it comes to nailing the perfect mani, Personnaz says prep is key.

“Always file in one direction, soften cuticles with a drop of emollient, gently buff the surface, and clean the nail plate with a mild remover. Then, apply a thin base layer, two coats of color, and a topcoat.”

From there, use the Active treatment range for polishes that double as serums.

“You can wear them solo, but the real fun is in the layering. Apply one, two, or even three together to create different finishes, just like you would with your makeup routine. It’s nail care that plays like beauty.”

Manucurist

For extra shine, Personnaz reaches for the Green Flash collection for salon-level results or a trend-forward twist.

“I’m inspired by the worlds of fashion, design, art, and even travel. A nail color should spark emotion, just as a beautiful garment or a work of art would,” she shares.

Right now, it’s all about the reimagined French manicure with “micro, upside-down, multicolored and textured pearl, glazed, or glossy tips.”

Because for Personnaz, nails aren’t just an accessory, they’re a statement.

Manucurist

“A manicure is that little detail that changes everything. Like a great pair of shoes or a beautiful bag, it completes your look. Well-groomed nails show that you care about yourself and it gives your confidence,” she notes.

To maintain her mani, the businesswoman always keeps hydrating staples and handy tools close.

“I finish my face routine by applying the extra product to my hands and use the rose nouvelle balm to hydrate my cuticles, hands, and lips. I carry our gentle glass nail file, and whenever I travel, I bring the Complete Nail Serum with me. Before bed, I massage in some cuticle oil for soft hands by morning.”

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November 11, 2025 0 comments

Fashion

The Backlash Over Shay Mitchell’s ‘Dystopian’ Skincare Masks for Kids, Explained

by jummy84 November 11, 2025

written by jummy84

Shay Mitchell is facing backlash for her latest business venture Rini, a skin care line developed for children. On November 6, the Béis mogul and Pretty Little Liars star launched a new line of sheet masks for tiny faces, including two jelly masks for hydration and after-sun care, as well as “everyday” masks that come in three animal faces.

“We created Rini because we wanted products that are gentle, trustworthy, and inspire creativity, elevated by Korean innovation,” Mitchell wrote in a brand mission statement alongside cofounders Esther Song and Matte Babel, Mitchell’s long-term partner. “Rini is where skin care meets play, a world where kids can dream, transform, and explore with dermatologist-tested products parents trust. Our mission is simple: to nurture healthy habits, spark confidence, and make thoughtfully crafted daily care essentials and play products accessible to every family.”

When Mitchell first teased the products on Instagram with a glossy editorial photo of a little girl using a pink jelly mask, the response was loud—and overwhelmingly negative. “I struggle to find the right words to articulate how disappointing and dystopian this is 💔,” commented Sarah Adams (@mom.uncharted), an anti-child exploitation activist prominent on social media. Another wrote, “This is paving the way to future adults with serious body image problems. Not good.”

But what, exactly, is all the outrage about and what else do you need to know? Here’s the TL;DR.

Give me the TL;DR.

Shay Mitchell is facing backlash for launching a new skin care line designed for children. The brand is called Rini, a colloquial term for “children” in Korean.

Wait, I need more. What’s the background here?

Last year saw the boom of “Sephora Kids”—a.k.a. children obsessed with skin care brands like Drunk Elephant, Summer Fridays, and Laneige. Some parents had concerns over their kids using skin care made for adults, specifically products containing actives that could potentially irritate young skin.

Mitchell is not the first to launch a skin care brand marketed towards children: brands like TBH Kids, Rile, and Evereden have created products to help meet newfound demand in a safe and responsible way.

For Rini, Mitchell was inspired by her own daughters. “My girls would always see me with [masks on], especially when getting prepared for any makeup to follow,” she told Elle of the inspiration behind the brand. “They would just come into the bathroom and look at me in the mirror and be like, ‘Can I use that? What’s that?’ I’ll even pass them some deodorant—with a lid on, of course—just so they feel like they can be a part of my routine. I also want them to know that skin care, for me, is about creating healthy habits and about having that self-care time—that’s important.”

Inside the Tween Obsession With Drunk Elephant Skin Care

Children as young as eight and nine years old are begging parents to buy Drunk Elephant products, some costing upwards of $50. How did a millennial skin care brand become Gen Alpha’s most viral gift? Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco investigates.

by jummy84 November 6, 2025

written by jummy84

Korean Beauty, or K-Beauty as we know it, has been taking the global skincare by storm. Known for giving users a ‘glass skin’ look, the Korean skincare routine emphasises on hydration, nourishment, and consistency rather than quick fixes. If you’ve ever wondered how Koreans maintain their glowing, youthful skin, the secret lies in their 10-step skincare routine.

10 step Korean skincare routine for glowing skin(Freepik)

Korean skincare routine

While it may seem lengthy, each step serves a purpose in transforming dull skin into a luminous masterpiece. Let’s dive into this world of self-care and discover the 10 essential steps to glass-like glow.

1. Use an oil-based cleanser that melts away impurities

The first step in the Korean skincare routine is double cleansing, beginning with an oil-based cleanser. This step removes makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and oil-based impurities that water alone cannot dissolve.

Massage the cleanser gently onto your skin in circular motions to lift dirt and grime. Then rinse with lukewarm water. Popular choices include cleansing balms or micellar oils infused with ingredients like green tea, rice bran, or camellia oil.

Why it matters: It ensures a clean slate without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier, preparing it for deeper cleansing.

2. Water-based cleanser: Wash away sweat and residue

The second cleansing step in this skincare routine involves a foaming or gel cleanser to remove water-based impurities such as sweat and dirt. This ensures your pores are completely free of residue from the day.

Look for pH-balanced formulas that are gentle on the skin, avoiding harsh sulphates. Ingredients like centella asiatica, snail mucin, or tea tree extract can help soothe and purify the skin.

Why it matters: Double cleansing helps prevent breakouts and maintains skin clarity by ensuring no impurities linger.

3. Exfoliator: Polish away dead skin cells

Exfoliation is crucial but should be done only two to three times a week. This step helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, promoting a smoother and brighter texture. Choose between chemical exfoliants (like AHA, BHA, or PHA) for gentle resurfacing or physical exfoliants with fine particles for a mild scrub effect.

Why it matters: Regular exfoliation allows skincare products to penetrate more effectively, revealing fresh, glowing skin.

4. Toner: Balance and prep the skin

Toners in K-beauty are not harsh alcohol-based astringents, but hydrating preps that balance the skin’s pH and replenish moisture. They act as the first layer of hydration after cleansing and help the skin absorb the following products more efficiently. Use a hydrating toner with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, rose water, or bamboo extract.

Why it matters: A good toner restores balance and creates the perfect base for layering skincare.

5. Essence: The heart of Korean skincare

Essence is the soul of Korean beauty rituals. These combine the lightweight feel of a toner with the concentrated benefits of a serum. Packed with nourishing and hydrating ingredients, essences promote cell turnover and skin repair. Apply it by patting gently with your palms, not rubbing.

Why it matters: It provides deep hydration and enhances the overall glow, making skin plumper and more radiant.

6. Serum or ampoule: Target specific concerns

Serums and ampoules deliver highly concentrated active ingredients to address particular issues such as acne, pigmentation, dullness, or wrinkles. For glass-like skin, choose serums enriched with niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or snail mucin. These ingredients help brighten and smooth the complexion over time.

Why it matters: This step delivers the most potent nutrients directly into your skin cells for visible results.

7. Sheet mask – Indulge in intensive hydration

K-beauty’s iconic sheet masks are more than just a pampering treat, they are a hydration powerhouse. These single-use masks are soaked in nutrient-rich essence that penetrates deeply into the skin. Use it once a week, and leave it on for 15–20 minutes for maximum absorption.

Why it matters: Sheet masks flood the skin with moisture, leaving it supple, refreshed, and luminous.

8. Eye cream: Nourish the delicate under-eye area

The skin around the eyes is thin and prone to fine lines and puffiness. Applying a light yet nourishing eye cream keeps this area firm and hydrated. Look for ingredients like peptides, collagen, and caffeine to brighten dark circles and smooth wrinkles.

Why it matters: It prevents early signs of ageing and ensures your eyes look as radiant as the rest of your face.

9. Moisturiser: Lock in all the goodness

No skincare routine is complete without a moisturiser to seal in all the hydration and nutrients from previous steps. Choose a texture that suits your skin type, gel-based for oily skin, cream-based for dry skin, or emulsion-type for combination skin. Ingredients like ceramides, green tea, or squalene help strengthen the skin barrier.

Why it matters: Moisturiser locks everything in, ensuring long-lasting hydration and a smooth, soft finish.

10. Sunscreen: The ultimate protection

The final and most crucial step, sunscreen. Even the most luxurious skincare routine won’t matter if you skip this step. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days or when indoors. Korean sunscreens are famous for being lightweight, non-greasy, and perfect for daily wear.

Why it matters: Sunscreen prevents premature ageing, pigmentation, and sun damage, maintaining your glass-like glow for the long term.

Final Thoughts

The 10-step Korean skincare routine isn’t just about layering products, it’s a ritual of self-love and consistency. While it might seem extensive, you don’t have to do all ten steps every day. The key is to listen to your skin and adjust accordingly.

SkinCare

How to prevent dry skin in winter

1. Washing your face with hot water

2. Starting the day without a moisturiser

3. Applying vitamin C without moisture or SPF

4. Using harsh or foaming cleansers

5. Overusing caffeinated drinks before hydrating

6. Forgetting sunscreen just because it’s cold

7. Applying active ingredients to dry skin

8. Relying on SPF in makeup instead of actual sunscreen

Similar articles for you

Give me the TL;DR.

Wait, I need more. What’s the background here?

What age is recommended for Rini?

Korean skincare routine

1. Use an oil-based cleanser that melts away impurities

2. Water-based cleanser: Wash away sweat and residue

3. Exfoliator: Polish away dead skin cells

4. Toner: Balance and prep the skin

5. Essence: The heart of Korean skincare

6. Serum or ampoule: Target specific concerns

7. Sheet mask – Indulge in intensive hydration

8. Eye cream: Nourish the delicate under-eye area

9. Moisturiser: Lock in all the goodness

10. Sunscreen: The ultimate protection

Final Thoughts

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