The “Bentley of Serums”: Does Clean Beauty Really Deliver?

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After interviewing Tata Harper about her most ambitious skincare formula, we decided to put it to the test. The results caught us by surprise.

A few months ago, we sat down with clean beauty pioneer Tata Harper for our Living Well interview, discussing everything from skin longevity to the science behind her famously complex formulations. One product in particular stayed with us: Elixir Vitae, a serum Harper described as the “Bentley of serums.”

That's quite a comparison, even by luxury skincare standards. But when Harper explained the thinking behind the formula, we were intrigued. Could a botanical serum really deliver noticeable results on deeper wrinkles, an area where even expensive skincare often falls short?

There's a lingering perception that clean beauty delivers beautiful textures and glowing skin, but conventional actives do the heavy lifting when it comes to more stubborn signs of aging. We decided to give Elixir Vitae a closer look, incorporating it into our routine to see whether it could challenge that assumption. What happened next genuinely surprised us.

When More Really Is More

While the skincare industry has spent years celebrating minimalist routines, Tata Harper takes a decidedly different approach. Her philosophy is rooted in combining multiple botanical ingredients and technologies rather than relying on a single hero active.

“Elixir Vitae best represents what makes our approach different,” Harper told us during our interview. Developed without a target price point in mind, the serum brings together 72 high-performance ingredients designed to address multiple visible signs of aging, from deeper wrinkles to loss of firmness and volume.

Of course, more ingredients don't automatically mean better results. Concentrations, delivery systems, and how ingredients interact matter far more than the number on the label. But Harper's maximalist philosophy raises an interesting question: Why limit a serum to one or two concerns when you can formulate something designed to address several at once?

What's Actually Inside?

The ingredient list reads almost like a botanical encyclopedia, but several components Harper highlighted during our interview help explain what makes Elixir Vitae interesting.

Kelp polymers, date seed extract, and narcissus bulb are among the ingredients Harper identified as part of the serum's wrinkle-focused approach. Marine-derived polymers can help create a smoother-looking skin surface, while the botanical extracts contribute to the formula's broader strategy for addressing visible signs of aging.

Microalgae carotenoids bring antioxidant activity into the equation, while pistachio crystals, jugo bean, and dabberlocks seaweed are among the ingredients Harper associates with improving the appearance of skin volume, firmness, and elasticity.

Rather than treating wrinkles, skin density, and firmness as entirely separate concerns, Elixir Vitae is designed to address them simultaneously. It's an ambitious approach, although the presence of promising ingredients doesn't automatically establish the effectiveness of the finished formula.

The Forehead Test

Here's where things got personal. We weren't looking for another serum that simply made skin feel hydrated or look radiant. There are plenty of excellent products for that. What we really wanted to know was whether Elixir Vitae could make a noticeable difference in deeper, more established wrinkles, particularly those stubborn forehead lines.

After approximately two weeks of incorporating the serum into our routine, we began noticing a visible difference. The deeper lines across the forehead appeared less pronounced, and the overall skin surface looked smoother. It wasn't an overnight transformation or anything we'd compare to an injectable treatment, but the improvement was noticeable enough to make us pay attention.

That was the surprise. We're accustomed to seeing serums deliver an immediate boost in hydration and radiance, but noticing a change in the appearance of more established forehead wrinkles felt different. Of course, this was our personal experience, not a clinical trial, and improved hydration can temporarily soften the appearance of lines. Still, it challenged our expectations of what botanical-focused skincare could accomplish.

Does Clean Beauty Have a Performance Problem?

For years, clean beauty has sometimes been treated as the gentler, more sensorial alternative to serious anti-aging skincare. Beautiful packaging, luxurious textures, and thoughtfully sourced botanicals are wonderful, but can these formulas actually compete when performance is the priority?

Harper addressed this distinction in our interview, explaining that her approach has always focused on what goes into a formula rather than simply what gets left out. It's a meaningful distinction in an industry where the word clean remains loosely defined and frequently misunderstood.

The reality is that natural ingredients aren't inherently safer or more effective, just as synthetic ingredients aren't automatically superior. What matters is the science behind the formulation, and Elixir Vitae offers an interesting example of how sophisticated botanical skincare has become.

It won't replace sunscreen, retinoids, or professional treatments, but our experience suggests that dismissing botanical skincare as purely indulgent may mean overlooking some interesting formulations.

Why the Bentley Comparison Makes Sense

There's something wonderfully extravagant about calling a serum a Bentley, but after learning more about Elixir Vitae, we understand Harper's comparison. As she told us, “I think of it as the Bentley of serums because it brings together multiple advanced ingredients and technologies in one exceptionally high-performance formula.”

For Harper, Elixir Vitae represents the culmination of her maximalist approach to skincare, combining an unusually extensive collection of ingredients rather than building a product around one trendy active. It's also a product she told us she uses every day.

Whether that makes it the right serum for everyone is another question. For us, the most compelling part wasn't the luxury analogy or the ingredient count. It was noticing a visible improvement in an area where we hadn't expected one.

And in a beauty landscape overflowing with promises, that's what made this particular serum worth a closer look.

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TCM Book Club: 5 Things We Learned From ADHD Body and Mind

Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas connects nutrition, the gut-brain conversation, and compassionate approaches to neurodivergent well-being.

Ever walked into the kitchen and forgotten why you were there, skipped lunch without noticing, or spent more energy planning a simple task than actually doing it? ADHD can shape daily life in ways that go far beyond attention. In ADHD Body and Mind, the neuroscientist and nutrition researcher explores the relationship between digestion, nutrition, stress, and everyday experiences of neurodivergence. His perspective is less about forcing a perfect routine and more about understanding what support can look like in practice.

+ ADHD involves more than attention

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, but its everyday effects reach beyond concentration. Executive-function challenges can affect noticing hunger, moving between tasks, preparing meals, and settling into sleep. Toribio-Mateas’s mind-and-body framing makes those experiences part of the conversation.

A day that looks unproductive may involve considerable invisible effort, especially when someone is tired, overstimulated, or struggling to recognize physical needs. Better self-care does not eliminate ADHD. It can, however, make support more responsive to the circumstances in which someone is trying to function. Attention is only one part of the experience, and difficulties with organization or emotional regulation are not simply failures of willpower.

What to try: Track sleep, energy, and stress alongside concentration for a week. Look for patterns that help you understand when everyday tasks feel easier or harder.

+ The gut-brain relationship is promising, not a proven ADHD cure

The gut and brain communicate through neural, hormonal, immune, and metabolic pathways. Toribio-Mateas draws on microbiome research to explore this relationship, including questions scientists are asking about ADHD. Early associations are intriguing, but they do not establish that gut bacteria cause ADHD.

That distinction matters when supplements are marketed with confident promises about focus. Findings remain preliminary and inconsistent, and microbiome testing cannot diagnose ADHD. The research offers a developing biological perspective, not a proven dietary cure. Current evidence does not establish that changing gut bacteria reliably treats ADHD.

What to try: Prioritize a varied, tolerable diet rather than buying supplements that promise to fix focus. Discuss persistent digestive symptoms with a qualified professional.

+ Food routines should reduce friction

Eating well involves more than knowing which foods are nutritious. Remembering meals, buying groceries, tolerating textures, and assembling food when energy is low can all be challenging. A perfect meal plan is not useful if it requires more steps than someone can reliably manage.

The book’s compassionate nutrition perspective encourages accessible options and flexibility over rigid rules. Protein, fiber, and dietary variety support general well-being, but no specific diet has been established as a universal ADHD treatment. The immediate goal can simply be making regular nourishment easier. Rigid dietary rules can add work to an already demanding day.

What to try: Keep a small rotation of satisfying, easy-to-prepare meals and familiar groceries. Make nourishment accessible rather than requiring elaborate meal planning.

+ Stress and rest are part of the picture

ADHD can intersect with sleep difficulties, emotional regulation, sensory overload, and the demands of frequent task switching. Toribio-Mateas places nervous system support within this broader experience instead of framing every challenge as a failure of discipline.

A quieter workspace, a movement break, or time to decompress may make daily life more manageable. These strategies can support comfort and coping, but they should not be confused with treatments proven to reduce core ADHD symptoms. The aim is to reduce unnecessary friction. Relaxation practices may support coping, but they are not substitutes for evidence-based ADHD care.

What to try: Notice physical tension before pushing through a difficult task. Try a short walk, gentle stretching, or a comfortable breathing break.

+ A useful routine works with your needs

One-size-fits-all routines can become another source of frustration when attention, energy, and sensory needs fluctuate. The book’s compassionate framing asks a better question than why a habit failed: what made it difficult to sustain?

Support might mean visible reminders, repeatable breakfasts, fewer decisions, or movement that feels enjoyable. A flexible routine can still have structure. It simply starts with how a person actually functions instead of demanding that they conform to an idealized schedule. Supportive environments and manageable expectations can make daily activities easier.

What to try: Choose one recurring point of friction and simplify it: a reminder for breaks, convenient meals, or a less distracting work environment.

Shop the Book

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The Fragrance Moodboard: Find Your Next Signature Scent Based on Your Personality

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Are you a cozy gourmand, an effortless minimalist, or someone who likes to leave a little mystery behind?

You know those people who always smell incredible and somehow their scent just fits? There's the expensive hotel friend, the fresh-out-of-the-shower one, and the “wait, what are you wearing?” mystery. Think of fragrance like a personal style. You might be soft and comforting on some days and a little more magnetic after dark. Instead of chasing bottles or trends, start with personality. From viral favorites to niche discoveries, here are twelve fragrances to match how you move through the world. And don't be surprised if more than one feels like you.

Find Your Fragrance Personality

+ For the One Who Makes Sweet Look Sophisticated

Juliette Has a Gun | Powder Love

Your vibe: Cashmere sweaters, fresh sheets, slow Sundays, and a sweet tooth you never hide.

Marshmallow and cotton candy bring the sweetness, while sugared almond and orange blossom keep Powder Love soft rather than sugary. Tonka and powdery musk settle close to the skin, making this feel like a cozy hug with a flirtatious streak.

You'll love it if: For anyone who loves a sweet, powdery gourmand without the candy-store overload. Shop the scent

+ For the Person Who Always Knows the Coolest Places

Fulton & Roark | Flower District

Your vibe: Flower markets, vintage finds, and a neighborhood restaurant you knew about first.

Flower District smells more like a flower market than a bouquet. Grapefruit and tart rhubarb open bright, while tomato leaf and violet leaves bring that crisp, green scent of freshly cut stems. It's fresh and a little unconventional, just like the person who always knows where to go.

You'll love it if: For the floral lover who wants something greener and more interesting. Shop the scent

+ For the One Who Believes in Everyday Indulgence

Athena Club | Bare Gold Hair & Body Mist

Your vibe: Candlelit evenings, plush robes, and always ordering dessert.

Bare Gold smells like dessert dressed in cashmere. Marshmallow, spun sugar, whipped cream, vanilla chiffon, and white chocolate make it creamy and delicious, while sugared musk, benzoin, and sandalwood give the sweetness a warmer finish. The hair and body mist is an easy way to make an ordinary routine feel indulgent.

You'll love it if: For fans of creamy, warm gourmands who want a little luxury every day. Shop the scent

+ For the One Who Wants to Know What All the Hype Is About

Commodity | Milk Orchid

Your vibe: Beautiful basics, a carefully curated routine, and a few TikTok discoveries that actually lived up to expectations.

Commodity Milk Orchid has earned its viral reputation by making a familiar idea feel unexpected. A cool milk accord meets marshmallow, mahogany wood, and tonka bean, while toasted sesame and benzoin add a gently nutty warmth. It's creamy, woody, and grown-up, not simply sweet.

You'll love it if: For anyone curious about the viral milk-fragrance trend who still wants sophistication. Shop the scent

+ For the Hopeless Romantic

LoveShackFancy | Just a Girl

Your vibe: Silk dresses, handwritten notes, and making an ordinary Tuesday feel like an occasion.

Sugared apricot and vanilla orchid give Just a Girl its playful opening, while jasmine, almond, and madeleine evoke a tiny Parisian pastry shop. Tonka milk, French vanilla, and amber keep it warm and romantic. It's unapologetically sweet, with a soft, polished finish. 

You'll love it if: For someone who loves romantic, pastry-inspired fragrances and a little everyday fantasy. Shop the scent

+ For the Art Lover Who Appreciates the Unexpected

Maison Millais | Clementine and Edward Steal a Painting

Your vibe: Independent galleries, interesting dinner guests, and clothes nobody else owns.

The name alone sounds like a great story. Black pepper, liquor, and olibanum give this fragrance a spicy, resinous opening; geranium, jasmine sambac, and immortelle add a floral twist. Patchouli, guaiacwood, and musk make the finish deep and intriguing. It feels creative without trying to prove it.

You'll love it if: For someone who prefers a niche scent that starts conversations. Shop the scent

+ For the Romantic Who Lives Like She's in a Movie

Maison Millais | Citiette

Your vibe: European city strolls, tailored coats, and fresh flowers just because. 

Citiette opens with pink pepper and Italian bergamot, then moves into Egyptian jasmine, hyacinth, and peony. Sandalwood, white woods, amber vanilla, and musk give the florals a soft, powdery finish. It's romantic and polished without being overly sweet, the fragrance equivalent of looking effortlessly put together.

You'll love it if: For lovers of elegant florals with a warm, woody softness. Shop the scent

+ For the One Who Makes Effortless Look Easy

ELOREA | Git

Your vibe: Crisp white shirts, understated jewelry, beautiful skin, and always looking pulled together.

Git brings an airy elegance to the fragrance wardrobe. Lychee and lotus leaves create a dewy, gently fruity opening, while peony, lotus blossom, iris, and rose make the heart soft and floral. Ambrette and musk keep the finish delicate and close to the skin. It smells clean and polished without feeling like laundry detergent. ELOREA describes its fragrances as vegan and cruelty-free, which is distinct from a clean-formulation certification.

You'll love it if: For someone who prefers a fresh, quietly elegant floral that feels effortless. Shop the scent

+ For the Mysterious One

Octavia Morgan | Room 33

Your vibe: Intimate cocktail bars, late dinners, and knowing when to say less.

Room 33 doesn't need to shout. Pink pepper, violet leaf, and pear create a fresh, subtly spicy opening, followed by jasmine and tuberose. Sandalwood, amber, and vanilla make the finish warm and sensual. It's the sort of fragrance people notice when they lean in a little closer.

You'll love it if: For someone who likes warm florals and a quietly magnetic presence. Shop the scent

+ For the Dreamer With a Dramatic Side

Liquides Imaginaires | Morning Star

Your vibe: Old hotels, mythology, and conversations that stretch past midnight.

Morning Star plays with contrast. Bergamot and pink pepper meet cinnamon and incense for a bright but smoky opening, while jasmine and a milky accord soften the edges. Cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, and musk give it an atmospheric finish. It's complex, memorable, and made for someone who likes a little drama after dark.

You'll love it if: For lovers of spice, incense, and fragrances with a story to tell. Shop the scent

+ For the One Who Feels Most Alive After the Rain

Fulton & Roark | Cloudland

Your vibe: Misty mornings, quiet getaways, and that earthy smell just after a storm.

Cloudland takes inspiration from the air after rainfall. Citrus zest and transparent jasmine open the scent, while jasmine sambac, ylang-ylang, and cashmeran soften it. Ambrox, skin musks, and moss give it an intimate, earthy finish. It's fresh without smelling like detergent and floral without resembling a bouquet.

You'll love it if: For someone drawn to airy, mossy, skin-like fragrances with depth. Shop the scent

+ For the One Who Turns Every Night Into an Occasion

Ellis Brooklyn | PLUM TONIC

Your vibe: Last-minute reservations, rooftop cocktails, and always staying out for one more song.

PLUM TONIC opens with sparkling mandarin, juicy plum nectar, and açaí, then brings in peony, iris, and violet leaf for a polished floral twist. Amber, cashmere woods, and sugared musk warm up the finish. It's fruity and playful, but sophisticated enough for the dinner that turns into a whole night out.

You'll love it if: For someone who wants a glamorous, juicy fragrance with a soft, musky finish. Shop the scent

So, What's Your Fragrance Personality?

Maybe you're a minimalist who secretly loves a sweet gourmand, or a hopeless romantic who sometimes wants to smell mysterious. You don't have to choose one version of yourself. The fun is finding the scents that feel like you, whatever the day has planned.

The post The Fragrance Moodboard: Find Your Next Signature Scent Based on Your Personality appeared first on The Chalkboard Mag.

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The Best Fall Candles to Make Your Home Feel Instantly Cozier

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Fall candle season can go wrong surprisingly fast. One minute you are trying to make the living room feel cozy, the next it smells like a pumpkin pie got into a fight with a cinnamon broom.

This year, we are taking a more interesting route. The candles we keep reaching for are woody, green, smoky, floral and occasionally gourmand, but never predictable. There is pumpkin for people who swear they hate pumpkin candles, vanilla that smells more jungle than bakery and a fir scent for anyone already eyeing the holiday decorations.

In other words, canceling plans just got considerably easier.

Blueme Comfort Wild Sage & Pumpkin Candle

Pumpkin Got a Very Good Makeover

If the words “pumpkin candle” immediately make you think of whipped cream and cinnamon, meet the exception.

Blueme’s seasonal Comfort wraps harvest pumpkin in sage leaf, wild thyme, warm spice, ambered acorn, vanilla and cashmere woods. It is still unmistakably autumn, but in a quiet, expensive sweater kind of way. Light it on the first genuinely chilly night and suddenly staying home feels less like a lack of plans and more like excellent judgment.

SHOP BLUEME COMFORT WILD SAGE & PUMPKIN

Flamingo Estate Jurassic Vanilla Candle

Vanilla Has Left the Bakery

Flamingo Estate would like you to forget everything you know about vanilla candles.

Jurassic Vanilla was inspired by a wild vanilla varietal growing in the Yucatán, and it smells appropriately untamed. Green vanilla meets cypress, guaiac wood, smoked saffron and vetiver, creating something lush, earthy and just a little mysterious. There is sweetness hiding in there, but absolutely no cupcake.

This is the candle for someone who says they do not like vanilla. We would enjoy proving them wrong.

SHOP FLAMINGO ESTATE JURASSIC VANILLA

Jenni Kayne Topanga Glass Candle

Fall, Los Angeles Edition

Some of us are waiting for sweater weather while it is still 78 degrees outside.

Jenni Kayne’s Topanga understands. Green leaves, eucalyptus, moss wood and grapefruit make it fresh and outdoorsy, while vanilla quietly warms everything up. Inspired by horseback rides through Topanga Canyon, it smells like opening the windows on a perfect California afternoon and deciding that, yes, this absolutely counts as fall.

Bonus points for looking extremely good on a coffee table.

SHOP JENNI KAYNE TOPANGA

NEOM Sparkling Joy Scented Candle

For Anyone Who Does Not Need Another Sleepy Candle

Not every candle needs to whisper, “perhaps you should lie down.”

NEOM’s Sparkling Joy is all ginger, lime and vetiver, bright enough to wake up a room without losing that cozy seasonal feeling. It is particularly good around that late afternoon hour when the sun has disappeared, your energy has followed it and dinner still needs to happen.

Consider this the candle equivalent of changing out of your daytime sweatpants into your nicer evening sweatpants.

SHOP NEOM SPARKLING JOY

Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Candle

The One That Makes People Ask What You’re Burning

No.04 Bois de Balincourt does not need to announce itself. It simply makes everything around it smell better.

Sandalwood and cedarwood give it that creamy, woody base, while vetiver, nutmeg, cinnamon and amber add just enough warmth. The result is polished, sexy and quietly addictive, the fragrance equivalent of someone whose house is always mysteriously immaculate.

Light it before people come over and accept the compliments.

SHOP MAISON LOUIS MARIE NO.04

Beauty Pie Rose Libertine Luxury Scented Candle

For the Person Who Likes Their Roses a Little Darker

Part of Beauty Pie’s holiday collection, Rose Libertine is one of three signature home fragrances alongside Champs D’Erables and Fir Balsam. While the collection brings back seasonal favorites and introduces limited-edition treats, this is the one for anyone who prefers their holiday atmosphere with a little romance. Juicy raspberry meets saffron, agarwood and patchouli, with vanilla softening the edges. Think chic hotel suite, not a bouquet left on the kitchen counter.

For the nights when fresh flowers simply are not dramatic enough.

SHOP BEAUTY PIE ROSE LIBERTINE

Kai Skylight Candle

For the Person Who Is Not Ready to Give Up Flowers

While everyone else is piling on the woods and spice, Kai is still bringing flowers to the party.

Skylight is built around gardenia and white exotic florals, giving the room something creamy, fresh and transportive. It feels especially good in a bedroom or bathroom, where a giant smoky fireplace scent can occasionally feel like overkill.

Fresh sheets, skincare done, candle lit. The evening may now begin.

SHOP KAI SKYLIGHT

Cedar & Myrrh Sun Salute + Stillness Wellness Candles

Choose Your Post Work Personality

Cedar & Myrrh has created two very different answers to the question: how are we ending the day?

Sun Salute is deeper and moodier, with citrus, cardamom, charred cedarwood, olibanum, oakmoss, patchouli and vetiver. It is the one to light when you want everything to feel grounded, woody and a little ceremonial.

Stillness is softer. Lavandin, chamomile, sweetgrass, vanilla musk and clary sage make it feel more like dim lights, a robe and a phone that has finally been placed face down.

Get one depending on your mood. Get both if your mood changes hourly.

SHOP CEDAR & MYRRH SUN SALUTE

SHOP CEDAR & MYRRH STILLNESS

Voluspa Noble Fir Garland Classic Candle

Your First Step Toward Holiday Mode

There is a point every year when fall quietly becomes “maybe I should put the tree up.”

Noble Fir Garland is for that exact moment. Fir needles and cedarwood give it that crisp evergreen smell, while amber and cashmere musk keep things soft and cozy. It feels festive without making your home smell like peppermint bark or a Christmas cookie tin exploded.

You are not decorating early. You are simply setting an atmosphere.

SHOP CEDAR & MYRRH SUN SALUTE

Snif Way With Woods Candle

Nature, With Better Seating

Snif describes Way With Woods as woodsy, but thankfully it does not require hiking.

White tea and mandarin keep things airy at first, then sandalwood, amber woods, vetiver and musk settle in and make the whole room feel warmer. It is outdoorsy without being rugged, cozy without becoming heavy and ideal for anyone whose preferred relationship with nature involves looking at trees through a window.

Rain optional. Sofa strongly encouraged.

SHOP SNIF WAY WITH WOODS

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What’s in Our Cart: The Beauty Finds Worth Shopping During Sephora’s Savings Event

Some of the links in this story are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to purchase—helping us continue to share mindful, inspiring content.

Consider this our master list of everything our editors are adding to their carts for the Sephora Savings Event. From skincare staples we keep coming back to and makeup that earns its place in our routines to fragrances worth discovering and beauty tools we've actually put to the test, these are the finds we're shopping, and why we think they're worth your attention.

SKINCARE

Dieux: Deliverance Serum + Instant Angel

We've covered Dieux before, and what we appreciate is the brand's thoughtful, fragrance-free formulations. Deliverance combines niacinamide and peptides to help improve the appearance of redness and uneven tone, while Instant Angel delivers serious moisture with barrier-supporting lipids. Two strong picks for anyone focused on keeping their skin barrier healthy.

SHOP: Deliverance Serum | Instant Angel

YSE Beauty: Your Favorite Ex + Xtreme Glow Serum

When we interviewed Molly Sims, she shared that Your Favorite Ex is one of her go-to products before events. The glycolic acid pads help smooth texture, while Xtreme Glow Serum adds hydration and a dewy finish. Two smart picks for getting skin makeup-ready.

SHOP: Your Favorite Ex Pads | Xtreme Glow Serum

Caudalie: Resveratrol-Lift Firming Serum

Caudalie's Resveratrol-Lift Serum is a solid option for anyone focused on firmness and fine lines. Its lightweight texture makes it easy to incorporate into a routine without adding another heavy treatment.

SHOP: Resveratrol-Lift Serum

MERIT: Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

MERIT's Great Skin Serum combines niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for hydration and a naturally luminous finish. We especially like it as a makeup-prep step when you want your complexion to look fresh without relying on heavy foundation.

SHOP: Great Skin Serum

Paula's Choice: Skin Perfecting 2% BHA

There's a reason this exfoliant has remained a favorite for years. Its 2% salicylic acid formula helps unclog pores, address blackheads, and smooth uneven texture. A particularly good option for congested or oily skin.

SHOP: Skin Perfecting 2% BHA

Then I Met You: Living Cleansing Balm + Snail V-Fill Eye Cream

Living Cleansing Balm is a standout for removing makeup and sunscreen without leaving skin feeling stripped. The Snail V-Fill Eye Cream combines snail mucin, peptides, and Volufiline to hydrate and smooth the appearance of fine lines around the eyes.

SHOP: Living Cleansing Balm | Snail V-Fill Eye Cream

Tower 28: SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

We've featured Tower 28 before, and SOS Spray remains one of the brand's most useful products. Formulated with hypochlorous acid, it's an easy addition to your routine for calming the appearance of redness and irritation.

SHOP: SOS Daily Rescue Spray

Summer Fridays: Lip Butter Balm

Lip Butter Balm delivers the comfort of a nourishing lip treatment with the finish of a gloss. The tinted versions are especially good for everyday wear when you want a little color without committing to lipstick.

SHOP: Lip Butter Balm

EADEM: Le Chouchou Peptide Lip Balm

Le Chouchou combines gentle exfoliation with moisturizing ingredients to help smooth dry lips. The glossy finish and cooling metal applicator make it feel more elevated than your average lip balm.

SHOP: Le Chouchou Lip Balm

Tatcha: The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50

Tatcha's The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50 brings a lightweight, milky texture to daily sun protection. It's an easy choice for anyone who wants high SPF without the feel of a heavy sunscreen.

SHOP: The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50

THOME: The Glow SIGNATURE

This at-home skincare device uses dual-frequency ultrasound and is designed to support the appearance of hydration, firmness, and radiance.

SHOP: The Glow SIGNATURE

MAKEUP

Rhode: Pocket Blush + Highlight Milk + Pocket Bronze

Hailey Bieber's Rhode has been all over social media, but beyond the hype, there are a few products we genuinely love. Pocket Blush gives cheeks that fresh, just-pinched flush, Pocket Bronze adds believable warmth, and Highlight Milk delivers the kind of glow that makes skin look especially good in natural light. These are the three we'd actually put in our cart.

SHOP: Pocket Blush | Highlight Milk | Pocket Bronze

Kosas: Revealer Extra Bright Color Corrector + Cloud Set Powder

Dark circles are no match for a little pink color correction. We especially love the pink shade Magic for helping neutralize dark circles and brighten the under-eye area without piling on concealer. Finish with Cloud Set Powder to soften shine while keeping skin looking like skin.

SHOP: Revealer Extra Bright Color Corrector | Cloud Set Powder

Rare Beauty: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush + Brow Harmony Gel

Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is famous for its pigment, and a tiny amount goes a long way. Brow Harmony Gel keeps brows lifted and defined without looking stiff. Two easy upgrades to an everyday makeup routine.

SHOP: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush | Brow Harmony Gel

VIOLETTE_FR: Bisou Balm Sheer Matte Lipstick

Bisou Balm is for the days when you want a soft, blurred lip without the precision of a full lipstick look. Its sheer matte color gives that effortless, lived-in French-girl finish.

SHOP: Bisou Balm Sheer Matte Lipstick

Makeup by Mario: F4 Dual-Ended Foundation and Face Brush

A good foundation brush can make just as much difference as the foundation itself. Mario's dual-ended F4 brush gives you control for blending complexion products seamlessly, with a smaller end for more precise application.

SHOP: F4 Dual-Ended Foundation and Face Brush

HAUS LABS: Triclone Skin Tech Foundation

Celebrity beauty brands don't always live up to the hype, but Lady Gaga's HAUS LABS has earned its place in the conversation. The brand's clean beauty approach is compelling, but it's the Triclone Skin Tech Foundation that really stands out. With buildable coverage and one of the most skin-like finishes we've seen, it evens out the complexion without looking like you're wearing much foundation at all.

SHOP: Triclone Skin Tech Foundation

Tower 28: MakeWaves Mascara

MakeWaves Mascara uses a curved brush to lift, lengthen, and define lashes without an overly dramatic finish. We especially like that Tower 28 develops its products with sensitive skin in mind.

SHOP: MakeWaves Mascara

Saie: Glowy Super Gel

For a natural glow without obvious shimmer, Glowy Super Gel is worth trying. Wear it alone, mix it with foundation, or apply it as a subtle highlighter.

SHOP: Glowy Super Gel

ILIA: Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

For days when a full face of foundation feels like too much, ILIA's Super Serum Skin Tint is an easy favorite. It gives skin a sheer wash of coverage with a fresh, dewy finish, plus mineral SPF 40. Think your skin, just a little more even and luminous.

SHOP: Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Ciele: SPF 30 Primer

For makeup that does a little more, Ciele's SPF 30 primer brings sun protection into the complexion routine.

SHOP: SPF 30 Primer

HAIRCARE

RŌZ: Foundation Shampoo & Conditioner + Santa Lucia Styling Oil

Celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak knows what makes hair look good, and we explored her approach in our interview. The Foundation Shampoo and Conditioner provide gentle cleansing and hydration, while Santa Lucia Styling Oil adds shine and helps control frizz without weighing hair down.

SHOP: Foundation Shampoo | Foundation Conditioner | Santa Lucia Styling Oil

Crown Affair: The Hair Towel + The Leave-In Conditioner + The Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

The appeal of Crown Affair is how these three products work together without turning haircare into a ten-step routine. The Hair Towel absorbs water without the rough rubbing of a regular bath towel, making it especially useful if your hair is prone to frizz or breakage. Follow with The Leave-In Conditioner for slip and softness, then The Texturizing Air Dry Mousse for touchable volume and definition when you want to skip the hot tools. It's a particularly smart trio for making air-dried hair look intentional.

SHOP: The Hair Towel | The Leave-In Conditioner | The Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

OUAI: Bond Repair Balm

We've reviewed OUAI's Bond Repair Balm, and it's worth considering if your hair has been through frequent coloring or heat styling. Unlike a traditional conditioner, it's designed to target damage within the hair fiber.

SHOP: Bond Repair Balm

K18: Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

If your hair feels brittle after bleaching, coloring, or frequent heat styling, K18's Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask is worth considering before buying another rich conditioner. Its peptide-based formula is designed to help repair damage within the hair, rather than simply coating strands for temporary softness. You apply it after shampooing, skip conditioner beforehand, and leave it in, making it a focused treatment for compromised hair rather than an everyday moisture mask.

SHOP: Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

DAE: Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream

The reason to add DAE's Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream to your cart is versatility. It can tame flyaways on a sleek ponytail, bring definition to natural waves, or act as a smoothing styler before a blowout, so you don't need a separate product for every look. If your bathroom shelf is crowded with half-used styling creams, this is the kind of multitasker worth considering.

SHOP: Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream

Vegamour: GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum

If thinning hair or a widening part has you rethinking your routine, Vegamour's GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum is a more targeted purchase than another shampoo promising volume. It's a leave-in scalp treatment designed for consistent use, so the appeal is treating the scalp directly rather than temporarily making strands look thicker with styling products. Results aren't instant, but for someone ready to commit to a daily scalp-care step, it's a more purposeful addition to the cart.

SHOP: GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum

T3: Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler

The Aire 360 is the pick for anyone who wants a bouncy blowout or soft curls without juggling several hot tools. When we interviewed T3 founder Dr. Julie Chung, she told us this is the tool she reaches for every morning, praising its easy one-handed styling and interchangeable curling barrels. That firsthand founder insight makes it an especially compelling addition to the cart. Read our interview with Julie Chung for more on the technology and the thinking behind T3.

SHOP: T3 Aire 360

Dyson: Supersonic r Hair Dryer

After years of using Dyson's original Supersonic and the Nural, we tested the Supersonic r to see whether the upgrade was actually worth it. Our verdict: the lighter, curved design made drying and styling noticeably easier, especially around the roots and back of the head, while the Powerful air attachment became our everyday favorite. You don't need to replace a dryer you already love, but if you're shopping for a premium tool, this is one we can recommend from experience. Read our full Supersonic r review for the comparison.

SHOP: Dyson Supersonic r

FRAGRANCE

PHLUR: Vanilla Skin

If you love vanilla but don't want to smell like frosting, PHLUR's Vanilla Skin is the one to try. Creamy vanilla meets warm woods and a touch of spice, giving it a soft, lived-in warmth that feels more grown-up than a typical gourmand. It's especially appealing for everyday wear or layering when you want something comforting without being cloying.

SHOP: Vanilla Skin

Ellis Brooklyn: PLUM TONIC Eau de Parfum

Ellis Brooklyn's PLUM TONIC is a fresh take on fruity perfume, with sparkling mandarin, juicy plum nectar, and açaí up top, softened by florals and warm, musky woods. It's a great choice if you want something playful and juicy without the one-note sweetness of a typical fruity fragrance. Think of it as an evening scent with sparkle, not syrup.

SHOP: PLUM TONIC Eau de Parfum

Juliette Has a Gun: Pear Inc.

Juliette Has a Gun's Pear Inc. is an easy recommendation for someone who wants a clean, fresh scent that still feels distinctive. The juicy pear note brings a little sweetness, while the musky finish keeps it airy and close to the skin. It's a particularly good choice for daytime, warmer weather, or anyone who finds richer perfumes overwhelming.

SHOP: Pear Inc.

by/rosie jane: ROSIE

For anyone who loves the idea of a signature scent that doesn't announce itself across the room, by/rosie jane's ROSIE is worth a sniff. Soft rose and clean musk give it that just-showered, naturally-good-smelling quality. It's subtle enough for the office and easy to wear alone or layer, especially if you prefer skin scents to statement perfumes.

SHOP: ROSIE

LoveShackFancy: Secret Crush Eau de Parfum

LoveShackFancy recently introduced Just a Girl, but Secret Crush remains our favorite. We featured it in our gourmand fragrance edit for its combination of champagne, Chantilly cream, bourbon vanilla, and soft musk. Sweet and romantic, but with enough depth to keep things interesting.

SHOP: Secret Crush Eau de Parfum

DedCool: Mochi Milk Eau de Parfum

We included Mochi Milk in our favorite gourmand fragrances, and it's still one of the more interesting interpretations of the category. Marshmallow, rice milk, peach nectar, and warm woods create a soft, comforting scent without becoming overly sugary.

SHOP: Mochi Milk Eau de Parfum

Henry Rose: London 1983

Henry Rose's London 1983 is worth exploring if you want a fragrance with a little more character than your everyday clean musk. Its warm, polished feel makes it a compelling option for evenings or cooler weather, especially if you prefer an intimate scent over one that fills the room.

SHOP: London 1983

BODYCARE & GIFT SETS

Dolce Glow: Aqua Mist

If you want a believable, sun-kissed complexion without baking in the sun or committing to a full-body self-tan, Dolce Glow's Aqua Mist is an easy addition. The fine facial mist lets you build color gradually and refresh your glow between tanning sessions, with less fuss than applying a traditional tanning mousse to your face. It's especially useful when your face fades faster than the rest of your body.

SHOP: Aqua Mist

PHLUR: Heavy Cream Body Butter

PHLUR's Heavy Cream Body Butter is worth considering if you want a body moisturizer that doubles as a fragrance ritual. Its rich texture suits dry skin, while the cozy scent makes applying it after a shower feel like a treat rather than another chore. It's especially appealing if you enjoy layering scented body products with perfume.

SHOP: Heavy Cream Body Butter

Josie Maran: Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter

Josie Maran's Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter is worth stocking up on if regular lotion never seems to be enough for dry skin. Its whipped texture feels more indulgent than a basic moisturizer, while argan oil helps soften rough patches and leave skin feeling supple. It's an especially useful everyday staple for elbows, legs, and skin that gets tight as the weather cools.

SHOP: Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter

Soft Services x DedCool: Theraplush Xtra Milk Gift Set

This collaboration pairs Soft Services' Theraplush Retinol Hand Repair Cream with a travel-size DedCool Xtra Milk fragrance. It's a thoughtful combination of treatment-focused handcare and a soft, musky scent, making it one of the more interesting beauty gift sets this season.

SHOP: Soft Services x DedCool Gift Set

The post What’s in Our Cart: The Beauty Finds Worth Shopping During Sephora’s Savings Event appeared first on The Chalkboard Mag.

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The $115 Bubble Bath That Makes Staying In Feel Like a Five-Star Vacation

What exactly goes into a $115 bubble bath? In the case of Seed to Skin Tuscany's new The Cloud Nectar, the answer begins in the gardens of one of Italy's most celebrated countryside retreats, where botanical skincare and luxury hospitality have become closely intertwined.

The latest launch from the Italian beauty brand is a fragrant foaming bath infused with neroli, rose, and jasmine, inspired by the gardens of Borgo Santo Pietro. Think Tuscan summers, beautiful florals, and a little five-star escapism without the airfare.

From One of Tuscany's Finest Hotels to Your Bathtub

For luxury travelers, Borgo Santo Pietro needs little introduction. The intimate, 22-room estate near Siena has earned three MICHELIN Keys, the guide's highest hotel distinction, and a place among Tatler's 101 Best Hotels in the World. It's also a recurring favorite in Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards.

But beyond its beautifully appointed suites, acclaimed restaurants, and award-winning spa, the property has something rather unusual: its own organic farm, botanical gardens, and skincare laboratory.

It's here that founder Jeanette Thottrup developed Seed to Skin Tuscany, a beauty line rooted in the relationship between nature and science.

When we spoke with Jeanette for our Living Well interview, she shared how the brand's philosophy grew from a desire to combine traditional botanical knowledge with modern skincare research.

The brand oversees much of its process, from cultivating plants to developing botanical extracts, bringing a distinctly Tuscan approach to its formulations.

Where Botanical Beauty Meets Science

Seed to Skin calls its formulation philosophy Green Molecular Science, combining plant-derived ingredients with techniques including fermentation, extraction, and bioconversion.

These methods are intended to help preserve and optimize the properties of botanical ingredients. It's an approach that informs the brand's broader skincare collection, although The Cloud Nectar is more about the sensory experience than intensive skin treatment.

The sulfate-free formula uses plant-derived cleansing agents to create a generous foam, while glycerin helps support hydration. Its blend of neroli, rose, and jasmine draws inspiration from the fragrant gardens surrounding the hotel.

A Little Luxury for Doing Absolutely Nothing

At $115, The Cloud Nectar is certainly not your everyday bubble bath. But luxury bathing has never been entirely about getting clean.

There's something appealing about borrowing a little of the experience that makes a hotel like Borgo Santo Pietro so memorable. Beautiful fragrance, thoughtful details, and the rare luxury of having absolutely nowhere else to be.

For anyone shopping for the person who already owns every candle, serum, and silk pillowcase imaginable, it's also an unexpected holiday indulgence worth considering.

Tuscany can wait. Tonight, the bathtub will do.

Discover The Cloud Nectar by Seed to Skin Tuscany, $115.

The post The $115 Bubble Bath That Makes Staying In Feel Like a Five-Star Vacation appeared first on The Chalkboard Mag.

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Why Does Some Perfume Give You a Headache? What a Fragrance Founder Wants You to Know

Perfume is deeply personal. A scent that feels effortless on one person can feel completely overwhelming on another, and for some, that difference can come with an actual headache.

Octavia Morgan knows that experience firsthand. Before founding Octavia Morgan Los Angeles, the former hospice and palliative care nurse began developing sensitivities to certain fragrances, which changed the way she thought about scent, formulation, and what performance in fragrance should actually feel like.

We spoke with Morgan about why some perfumes can feel more triggering than others, what “clean” fragrance does and doesn’t tell you, and how she thinks about creating scent with presence without letting it take over. We also got into her newest launch, ROOM 33, and where it fits within the world she’s building.

In Conversation with Octavia Morgan

You were a registered nurse before moving into fragrance. How did that background influence the way you thought about ingredients, sensitivity, and what you wanted your own fragrance brand to stand for?

Being a Hospice and Palliative Care Registered Nurse shaped so much of how I think about fragrance. I worked closely with patients and families during incredibly sensitive moments, and I became very aware of how our environment including scent can affect how people feel

I also have my own sensitivity to certain fragrances, so when I started Octavia Morgan Los Angeles, I knew I wanted to approach fragrance differently. I wanted beautiful, luxurious scents, but I also wanted intentionality behind the formulation. Clean and cruelty-free became non-negotiables for me. I wanted to create fragrances that could have presence without feeling like they had to overpower a room.

My nursing career taught me to listen, observe and lead with empathy. I still bring those principles into everything I create.

When someone says perfume gives them a headache, what have you learned from your own experience and years developing fragrance about why that happens, and what factors tend to make one scent more triggering than another?

I always start by believing the person. Fragrance is incredibly personal, and people can respond very differently to the exact same scent.

From my own experience, I learned that it isn't necessarily as simple as identifying one “bad” ingredient. The intensity of the fragrance, how much is applied, the environment you're wearing it in, and the overall composition can all influence the experience. Certain scent profiles may also be more challenging for an individual than others.

That is why I encourage people who know they are fragrance-sensitive to discover fragrance slowly. Start with a small amount, experience it on your skin, and pay attention to how you feel rather than assuming that because everyone else loves a fragrance, it will work for you.

And if fragrance consistently causes headaches or other symptoms, that's something worth discussing with a healthcare professional rather than trying to diagnose through a perfume label.

When a perfume feels overwhelming, what is usually happening from a fragrance perspective? Is it more about projection, concentration, certain notes, the way ingredients are layered, or some combination of all of those things?

It can absolutely be a combination.

People often assume concentration alone determines whether a fragrance will feel overwhelming, but fragrance is more nuanced than that. Projection, dosage, the materials being used, how those materials interact, and even where you're wearing the fragrance can affect the experience.

I think of fragrance almost like music. You can have many instruments playing together beautifully without any single one screaming for attention. That's what I'm looking for when we develop a fragrance. I want complexity and longevity, but I also want balance.

Luxury doesn't have to mean loud.

Natural versus synthetic is another area where consumers hear a lot of conflicting information. Is it a mistake to assume a naturally derived fragrance will automatically be easier for a sensitive person to wear? What do you think about that distinction when you formulate?

Yes. “Natural” doesn't automatically mean that something will be better tolerated by every person, just as “synthetic” doesn't automatically mean something is harmful.

Natural fragrance materials contain chemical constituents too, and an individual can be sensitive to naturally derived materials. High-quality synthetic materials can also be incredibly important to modern perfumery. They can give a perfumer precision, consistency and creative possibilities that aren't always achievable with natural materials alone.

For me, the conversation is less about natural versus synthetic and more about thoughtful formulation, ingredient standards, balance and transparency. I don't believe consumers should be taught to fear an ingredient simply because of where it comes from.

“Clean fragrance” is everywhere now, but the term can mean very different things from brand to brand. What do you think consumers should actually be asking instead of simply looking for the word “clean”?

I think consumers should ask, “What does clean mean to this brand?”

That's the important question because there isn't one universal definition being used across the entire beauty industry.

Look beyond the marketing language. What standards has the brand established? What ingredients or practices does it prioritize or avoid? Is it transparent about its philosophy? Does it explain why those decisions were made?

At Octavia Morgan Los Angeles, clean fragrance is part of a larger philosophy that includes being vegan, cruelty-free and intentional about how we formulate. But I also think brands have a responsibility to communicate what their terminology means rather than expecting one word on a package to tell the entire story.

You just launched ROOM 33, which we love. What made ROOM 33 the fragrance you wanted to create next?

ROOM 33 came from wanting to create a fragrance that felt like entering a private world.

There is something intriguing about a hotel room—the anonymity, intimacy, anticipation and the idea that for one night, you can become whoever you want to be. I wanted to capture that feeling in fragrance.

ROOM 33 opens with pear and pink peppercorn, moves into tuberose, and settles into blond wood and amber. It's sensual, but it doesn't reveal everything immediately. It draws you closer.

That's why our invitation is simply: Step Inside ROOM 33.

When you picture the person wearing ROOM 33, who are they? What do you imagine about their energy, style, or the way they move through a room?

They don't need to announce themselves.

There's an effortless confidence about them. They understand that presence isn't necessarily about being the loudest person in the room. Sometimes it's about the person everyone notices without quite knowing why.

Their style is polished but personal. They're sensual without trying too hard. There's also a little mystery there. You may meet them and immediately want to know more.

ROOM 33 is that energy in a bottle. SHOP ROOM 33 HERE

How does ROOM 33 sit alongside the rest of your collection? Where does ROOM 33 sit for you personally?

Every fragrance in our collection has its own personality, but they're connected by intentionality, layering and emotional connection.

MIDNIGHT ORCHARD has this warm, decadent quality. DARK ROSE is deeper and provocative. VANILLIN SUPREME explores vanilla in a more sophisticated and unexpected way. LEGENDARY has an especially personal history because it connects directly to my time as a nurse.

ROOM 33 introduces another side of the house. It's intimate, sensual and transportive. It feels like an evolution of where Octavia Morgan Los Angeles is today while still being unmistakably part of our fragrance language.

Personally, ROOM 33 represents stepping into the next chapter. There is something very special about creating a fragrance at this stage of the brand, after everything I've learned as both a founder and a perfumer.

Which fragrance in your collection feels most like a reflection of you, and what about it feels the most personal?

LEGENDARY. It will always have a deeply personal connection to me because its story goes back to my life as a Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse. I wanted something I could wear in that environment that felt polished and sophisticated without dominating the space around me.

LEGENDARY has amber, cocoa and vanilla layered with cedar, spices, musk, sandalwood, papyrus and cardamom. It's warm, grounded and quietly confident.

In many ways, it represents both chapters of my life the nurse I was and the fragrance founder I became. My career changed, but the intention behind what I do never really did. I still want to create something that makes people feel seen, considered and cared for.

The post Why Does Some Perfume Give You a Headache? What a Fragrance Founder Wants You to Know appeared first on The Chalkboard Mag.

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