Pictured: a previously undiscovered hand model sporting the latest in fresh-food mask fashion. Even though there isn’t much in the way of eye candy here, I’ll bet you are going to want to make and use this gunky concoction more than once.
and as I needed to photograph them and am not the most well-versed at selfies (to put it mildly), my hand became an impromptu mask photo model.
Color me surprised at the immediately visible results when I removed the first mask. It didn’t even occur to me that a hand mask would work as well as a face mask. My model hand was brighter, fresher, and smoother. The ‘hand wrinkles’ even seemed diminished. (my husband could see it too)
I’ve been doing hand masks ever since, and that’s what we’re going to get busy with today.
And to answer your question, yes.
You can Put This Mask on Your Face
The secret to this mask is the bromelain-rich ingredient: fresh pineapple. And if you don’t have fresh pineapple on hand, you can substitute with fresh kiwi, papaya, or pumpkin as these fruits also have a natural content of enzymes.
Tip: canned fruit isn’t suitable – it’s gotta be fresh!
If you stick to these proportions, you can pretty much tailor this mask to what you have on hand – choose the clay you want (check this page for a
Did you know the diary industry wastes 870.000 tonnes of whey, a by-product of cheese and milk production, every single year?
What a waste! But, wait, Gio, what has this got to do with skincare?
Meet Byre. It’s a new range of British body washes that rescues whey powder and uses it as their key ingredient. Like this weren’t enough, they also donate part of the proceeds to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution to help support farming family in needs.
Using their body washes definitely makes you feel good. But are they good for your skin, too? Let’s find out:
Key Ingredients In Byre Body Washes
Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine are the cleansing agents that make these body washes work. Their job is to help water mix with oil and dirt, so they can be easily rinsed away.
While they’re at it, they also make the cleanser foam. The higher their concentration, the more lather they make.
Despite their incomprehensible chemical names, these two babies are gentle on the skin. They remove dirt and impurities without drying out skin or irritating it.
Whey is a by-product of cheese production. It’s the liquid that’s left over after the cheese has been curdled and strained.
In skincare, whey protein is a moisturiser. It helps strengthens the skin’s protective barrier and keep skin soft and supple for hours.
Doesn’t matter how gently you cleanse, the process is always a bit traumatic for your skin. Whey makes sure that it stays soft and hydrated even as the surfactants remove oil and dirt.
Let’s Put Them To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion
Byre Body Washes come in three “milk” variants: Full, Semi-Skimmed, and Skimmed. How cool is that?
They all use the same active ingredients (explained above) and have similar formulas. What makes each one stand out is its unique scent and texture:
Full Cream: Milky white, it has the richest texture that feels more like a lotion. It’s the most hydrating of the lot, but doesn’t lather. That makes it perfect for sensitive or very dry skin. The scent? Sweet and soapy vanilla.
Semi-Skimmed: Pearly white, its texture is neither thick nor runny. I dig this one the most. It applies like a dream, is hydrating and barely lathers. The fruity floral scent is heavenly, too.
Skimmed: Translucent white, it has a thin, almost runny texture that lathers a little. It’s the least hydrating, making it perfect for oilier skin types. Or for the men in your life. The earthy, woody scent veers more towards the masculine.
All three body washes do an excellent job at cleansing my dry skin without leaving it tight and parched. They remove all dirt and impurities from my body, leaving it both clean and soft – and me feeling good. Win win.
Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.
No need to wait until Black Friday to score a deal on your favourite beauty products. Sephora is kicking off sale season early this year, with its annual holiday shopping event!
It all starts November 1st, when nearly everything in the store will be marked down for 11 magical days.
And how much can you save? Depending on your status in Sephora’s rewards program, you can access a discount of up to 20 percent off!
Read on for all the details—and most importantly, the best products worth buying.
How to Shop the Sephora Holiday VIB Sale
Sephora VIB sale picks from Dr Roebuck’s, REN, Caudalie, Herbivore, Omorovicza, Volition, Indie Lee, Ole Henriksen and Glow Recipe.
As usual, Sephora is offering a tiered discount, giving the biggest savings plus early access to its best customers. Here are the discounts, key dates, promo codes and exclusions:
20% off for Rouge Members
Shop between November 1st-11th
Use the code HOLIDAYSAVE
Offer is for unlimited use
15% off for VIB Members
Shop between November 7th-11th
Use the code HOLIDAYSAVE
Offer is for unlimited use
10% off for Beauty Insiders
Shop between November 7th-11th
Use the code HOLIDAYSAVE
Offer is for unlimited use
Not a member? Sign up here to become a Beauty Insider (it’s free!)
Restrictions and Exclusions
Now, on top my top picks!
Editor’s Picks: Makeup Removers, Cleansers and Toners
Makeup removers: For a clean alternative to drugstore micellar water, I love BIOeffect and Caudalie. They’re both super gentle, but still highly effective. Tarte also has a new clean formula that’s on my list!
Gel cleansers: The gel cleanser from Indie Lee is my favourite, suitable for all but the driest skin. You also can’t go wrong with Youth to the People or Drunk Elephant. If you’re oily, check out the new one from Caudalie.
Foaming cleansers: If you splurge on one cleanser, make it Omorovicza’s. Even though it foams, it’s non-drying and oh so luxurious. I also recommend the foaming cleansers from Caudalie, Dr Roebuck’s, Consonant and Go-To.
Face wipes: Both Kopari and RMS Beauty make coconut oil-based wipes that are great for taking off makeup. For on-the-go, Consonant’s wipes are super refreshing and feel great on the skin.
Best powder exfoliators: If you can’t tolerate acids, consider the exfoliators from Tatcha and Dermalogica, which use enzymes to gently dissolve dead skin.
Essences: When it comes to essences, SK-II was the original and in my opinion, it’s still the best. However, it’s pricey, so try Tatcha’s instead if you are on a budget.
Editor’s Picks: Moisturizers, Eye Creams and Face Oils
Moisturizers: If you like a lightweight cream or gel-cream, give the formulas from Dr Roebuck’s, Tata Harper or Volition a go. If you want something more nourishing, I’m a huge fan of LXMI and the other two creams from Dr Roebuck’s (No Worries and Nuddy).
Face oils: It’s no secret that I’m a fan of squalane oil, so Indie Lee, Biossance and The Inkey List are all great investments. But lately, I’ve been using the Kopari coconut oil instead and loving it. (And no, it doesn’t break me out, even though I’m acne-prone!) For an oil blend, Herbivore (both Lapis and Orchid) are lovely. If your skin is dry and non-acne-prone, you might like Drunk Elephant’s marula oil.
Editor’s Picks: Sunscreens
Face sunscreens: As you know, I’m all about high-protection mineral sunscreen, and I have a new love: REN! If you find most SPFs too greasy and heavy, I’d highly recommend giving it a try. My other picks in the store are from Drunk Elephant (both Umbra Sheer and Umbra Tinte) and Juice Beauty. The new Naturally Serious tinted sunscreen is also worth a look.
Body sunscreens: For body, I love Juice Beauty because it’s silicone-free, but you can also get good protection from Supergoop! and Shiseido.
Powder sunscreens: I wouldn’t use powder sunscreen as your only sunscreen—rather, I suggest keeping it in your handbag as a top-up. It goes on right over your makeup, and you’ll never be without SPF! The best ones are from Supergoop!, ILIA, Peter Thomas Roth and Tarte.
Retinol: The strongest retinoid in the store is from Drunk Elephant, which has a full one percent retinol. There’s also Alpha-H and Glow Recipe (although they don’t disclose the concentration). If you’re super sensitive, The Inkey List is the mildest option.
Niacinamide: There’s one active ingredient that treats a wide range of skincare concerns and is well tolerated by everyone: niacinamide. Find it in the serums from The Inkey List, Alpha-H and Skin Inc Supplement Bar.
Copper peptides: Believe it or not, copper peptides are on par with retinoids for treating the signs of aging. You can find them in the new serum from Dr Roebuck’s.
Bakuchiol: Another exciting retinoid alternative is bakuchiol, available in serums from Herbivore and The Inkey List. One study found that bakuchiol was comparable to a mild retinol for treating wrinkling and pigmentation.
Editor’s Picks: Face Masks and Sheet Masks
Clay masks: The best clay mask is from Indie Lee—it’s a lifesaver whenever your skin is broken out, irritated or just in need of a pick-me-up. I’ve also got my eye on the one from Omorovicza.
Hydrating masks: I love the jelly-like Dr Roebuck’s mask for non-greasy hydration. If you prefer a creamier texture, go for Naturally Serious or Lano.
Sheet masks: Of all the sheet masks I’ve tried over the years, I still love SK-II’s the best. However, I’d also try Go-To, which has better ingredients than most.
Editor’s Picks: High Tech Tools
Cleansing brushes: I swear by the Foreo cleansing brush for getting your skin super soft and clean without irritation. (And it won’t harbour nasty bacteria.) PMD makes a device that sounds very similar, although I haven’t tried it yet.
Microneedling: It’s safe to do microneedling at home, as long as you choose a device with shallow needles (less than 0.3 mm) and follow the instructions to keep it clean. I have the BeautyBio gadget myself, but there’s also StackedSkincare and Nurse Jamie.
Microcurrent: Another tool that really works is microcurrent. It’s totally painless and if you do it consistently, it can actually tighten and firm your skin. I own the NuFace and the ReFa, and now I’ve got my eye on the NuFace body version to target cellulite!
Light therapy: I’m always talking about the benefits of red light therapy, and while I generally recommend more powerful devices, I think the LightStim is handy for travel. I’m also intrigued by the Dr. Dennis Gross face mask, since it’s hands-free. For occasional breakouts, the Foreo blue light tool zaps bacteria in 30 seconds.
Ice roller: How good does this sound? Pop the StackedSkincare ice roller in your freezer, and once it’s cold, roll it across your face for an instant calming effect.
Pore extractor:Dermaflash uses sonic vibrations to deep-clean pores and then infuse them with your favourite serum.
Lip plumper: If you’re like me and would rather avoid lip fillers, the PMD plumping gadget is great for a temporarily fuller effect.
Primers: Silicone-free primers used to be impossible to find, but not anymore. REN and ILIA both make primer-serum hybrids that help makeup last longer while hydrating your skin.
Tinted moisturizers: For lightweight and silicone-free coverage, I like the tinted moisturizers from Omorovicza, bareMinerals and Juice Beauty.
Foundations: My everyday makeup is the cult classic RMS Beauty concealer and foundation in one, just sheered out with my fingers or a brush. But now there’s a new RMS Beauty foundation formula for those who prefer fuller coverage and a more traditional cream texture. Another option is the Guerlain silicone-free foundation (although it is fragranced). The Kosas foundation broke me out badly, but if you are not sensitive to oils, it may be worth a shot!
Concealers: For a clean concealer, I always use RMS Beauty, but I’m going to invest in ILIA this time and see how that goes! (It’s also silicone-free.) If I need to cover a pimple, Make Up For Ever has been my go-to product for years and years.
Powders: I swear by translucent powders because they tame shine without leaving any texture on your skin. ILIA is my number one pick, but I also like RMS Beauty.
Highlighters: No product is as magical as highlighter for making your skin look healthy and natural. Try RMS Beauty, ILIA or Kora Organics.
Editor’s Picks: Bath & Body
Shower gels: For a sulfate-free cleanse, I recommend the shower gels from Dr Roebuck’s, REN and Consonant.
Bath soak:Herbivore’s coconut milk soak is addictive (and makes a great gift).
Body moisturizers: I’m extra particular about the ingredients in body moisturizers, since they go on a larger surface area and you’re absorbing more product. Dr Roebuck’s, Kopari, REN and Lavanila tick off my boxes.
Editor’s Picks: Beauty Supplements
Collagen: I take Vital Proteins every morning, and they honestly do make a difference with your skin, nails and hair. They also have a Marine Collagen version that is equally beneficial.
Vitamin D: I always look for as few ingredients as possible in my supplements, so I’m impressed that HUM Nutrition has only four (D3, olive oil, gelatin, glycerin and water).
Digestive enzymes: In an unexpected move, RMS Beauty sells an enzyme supplement that eases digestion and increases energy and nutrient absorption.
Magnesium: The Moon Juice magnesium powder should help with relaxation and restful sleep (since most of us are deficient).
Milk thistle: Dark circles are notoriously hard to treat, but the HUM Nutrition supplement is worth trying. It has milk thistle, dandelion root and artichoke leaf to support liver health, and the reviews are super positive.
Editor’s Picks: Gift Sets
Skincare gift sets: A gift set is the best way to try out a luxury skincare line, without having to buy full sizes of all the products. That’s why I think the sets from Dr. Barbara Sturm and Omorovicza are the most worthy investments this year. Also check out the kits from Drunk Elephant, Caudalie and The Inkey List.
High tech tools gift sets: If you’re thinking about investing in a microneedling or microcurrent tool, you’ll get great value with the sets from BeautyBio and NuFace.
Makeup gift sets: If you love clean makeup, the best sets are from RMS Beauty for luminizers, Kosas for eyeshadows and Bite Beauty for lipsticks.
Body gift sets:Herbivore and Kopari have you covered with pampering sets for the body.
Are you shopping the Sephora holiday sale? Which products are on your list?
The one that works best for you. I know it’s a crappy answer – but it’s honest, too. There’s a reason why there are a dozen skin-lightening ingredients out there – and more are being discovered every year.
Sun spots are tricky to treat. Azelaic acid may work wonders for your BFF and not make the slightest dent in your sun spots. You may swear by Alpha Arbutin, but your mum complains it’s not working for her – at all.
This is a case where it’s worth experimenting to find out what works for you. But, there are some sun spots treatments that work better than others – and have the science to back them up.
Here are the best sun spots treatments to try first. Take your pick!
NOTE: Even the best sun spots treatments work slowly. You should see a small improvement within one month, but wait at least 3 before deciding if the product works for you.
Best On A Budget: The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% (£10.00)
Don’t let the price fool you: The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% uses two very powerful skin-lighteners. Alpha Arbutin works by releasing hydroquinone, the gold standard for hyperpigmentation. It reduces the skin’s melanin (pigmentation) production and blocks the activity of Tyrosinase (the enzymes that triggers it). But it’s much gentler than hydroquinone and better tolerated by all skin types. Ascorbic Acid is the pure form of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts collagen, fights free radicals and brightens the skintone. Together, they tackle both premature aging and sun spots.
Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster ($36.00)
Azelaic acid is a godsend for acne-prone skin. To start with, it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and inflammation. Guess what acne is? An inflammatory disease! Plus, itt treats mild to moderate forms of acne. It’s a good alternative to both benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin – and way gentler on the skin. Like that weren’t enough, it fades away dark spots and brightens the complexion.Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Booster pairs it with salicylic acid, an oil-soluble antioxidant that gets inside the pores and exfoliates them from within. Bye, bye acne!
Best Multitasking Treatment For Sun Spots: Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense ($98.00)
Not sure which skin-lightening ingredient to try first to fade away dark spots? Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense combines four: 3% Tranexemic Acid to break down proteins that lead to melanin production; 1% Kojic Acid to inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme that’s responsible for the production of melanin; 5% Niacinamide to brighten skin and reduce sallowness; and 5% HEPES to speed up cellular turnover (the skin’s natural exfoliating process). Because, why not throw everything at those pesky dark spots?
Best Innovative Sun Spots Treatment: SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum ($154.00)
If you can stomach the price, SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum is a powerful skin-lightening cocktail. The star of the show is niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3 that can fade away dark spots… and fight wrinkles, hydrate skin, treat acne, soothe irritation… You can’t go wrong with it. Plus, the serum contains two novel skin-lighteners: Tranexemic Acid breaks down proteins that contribute to melanin production while Phenylethyl Resorcinol inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production.
P.S. The serum also has a sprinkle of antioxidants to help you fight premature aging, too.
Best Treatment For Very Stubborn Sun Spots: Paula’s Choice Resist Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 7% AHA Lotion ($29.00)
When all else fails, turn to Hydroquinone. It’s so harsh, it’s often available by prescription only. If you can get it OTC, go with Paula’s Choice Resist Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 7% AHA Lotion. It has 2% hydroquinone, a powerful skin-lightener that fades away dark spots in two ways: it inhibits the activity of tyrosinase (the enzyme that controls the synthesis of melanin) and increases the cytotoxicity of melanocytes (it kills the cells that produce melanin).
Contrary to popular opinion, it doesn’t cause cancer. But it can cause ochronosis (a bluish discolouration) in people with darker skin tones. It’s also harsh and irritating, so use it in 4 months cycles only (4 months hydroquinone, 4 months another skin-lightener). The lotion also contains 7% glycolic acid, an exfoliant that removes the superficial, damaged layers of skin to fade away dark spots even faster. It even has a sprinkle of anti-inflammatory ingredients, like bisabolol, to help skin better tolerate the powerful formula. Paula has really thought of everything!
What do you think are the best sun spots treatments? Share your picks in the comments below.
Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping
Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.
Is it too early to whisper the word "Christmas", probably but before you are inundated with countless gift guides, I want to quickly draw your attention towards a great gift with a difference; L’Occitane x Unicef – a trio of wonderful bath and body treats in which £10 of each sale goes directly to Unicef. Now who you happen to bestow said suggestion upon is entirely up to you, maybe it is a loved one or maybe that person is yourself, zero judgement from me.
L’Occitane are renowned for their charitable endeavours and this recent collaboration is probably one of their mightiest to date, with no less than £10 from each £29 purchase going straight to Unicef to provide Vitamin A supplements to prevent childhood blindness. It is a great cause and with the festive season right around the corner it is also a great opportunity to grab a gift or two whilst helping others in need – a win/win situation if ever there was one.
In my mind, the L’Occitane x Unicef Gift Sets are the perfect gift for those in your life that perhaps travel a lot (the products are perfectly sized for such occasions) and/or those who enjoy the little luxuries in life. On a more personal note, this is also the perfect opportunity to try out a L’Occitane range that you’ve perhaps had your eye on for a while with next to no commitment (nor guilt).
As mentioned, there are three L’Occitane Gift Sets to chose from:
A beautiful green box full of botanical treats centred around two cult L’Occitane fragrances: Verbena and Herbae for a lush and aromatic sensory experience. Neatly presented such box is: 70ml Verbena Shower Gel, 75g Verbena Soap, 50ml Herbae par L’Occitane Body Milk, 30ml Herbae par L’Occitane Hand Cream and 5ml Herbae par L’Occitane Eau de Parfum. This is perhaps the most adventurous option out of the trio and one I would recommend to those that enjoy fresher and more uplifting fragrances.
Soft, powdery and gently floral is how I would sum up the two fragrances that help to make up the L’Occitane Delicate Petals Collection. A beautiful combination of L’Occitane Terre de Lumiere and L’Occitaine Neroli & Orchidee products are nestled into the super pretty, pink hat box. The contents are as follows: 5ml Terre de Lumière L’Eau Eau de Toilette, 75g Terre de Lumière L’Eau Perfumed Soap, 50ml Terre de Lumière Shower Gel, 50ml Néroli & Orchidée Body Milk and 30ml Néroli & Orchidée Hand Cream.
I’ve yet to met a person who has tried the now iconic L’Occitane Almond collection and not all but instantly became a fan. As you may have guessed, the striking blue box contains an assortment of Almond scented products, alongside a few key Shea Butter treats too, If you are partial to dry skin this is the one for you: 75ml Almond Shower Oil, 30ml Shea Butter Hand Cream, 12ml Shea Butter Ultra Rich Lip Balm, 20ml Almond Milk Concentrate and 50g Almond Delicious Soap.
As mentioned above all of the L’Occitane x Unicef gift sets do costs £29 each but £10 of each sale does go directly to Unicef to help prevent childhood blindness, making this so much more than a beautiful gift under the tree.
“I definitely believe in plastic surgery. I don’t want to be an old hag. There’s no fun in that.”
That’s how Scarlett Johansson felt way back in 2004, according to an interview with B Magazine.
But only a few years later, she denied EVER having plastic surgery herself. After a 2007 Us Weekly article suggested otherwise, she issued a statement calling the claims “outrageous and defamatory,” and even threatened legal action (not that a lawsuit ever materialized).
Still, the Lost in Translation star, now 34, has been followed by plastic surgery rumours to this day.
With her green eyes, blonde hair and bee-stung lips, I’ve always considered Scarlett to be one of the most unique beauties in Hollywood. Is it really possible to win the genetic lottery and end up with her particular combination of features?!
Let’s take a look at her transformation over the years to see if we can find out!
Scarlett in 1997
Scarlett Johansson at a 1997 photoshoot.
First up is this pic from a late ’90s photoshoot, taken when Scarlett was only 12 years old. She’d already been acting for three years at this point! Not only can we see her natural nose, but also her natural hair colour (which was not blonde, but a light ash brown).
Scarlett in 1998
Scarlett Johansson at the 1998 Salute to American Heroes to Benefit the Fresh Air Fund.
At age 13, the only change was that her became a little darker, and she slicked on a very ’90s shade of lipstick (perhaps MAC Twig?). This was prior to having any cosmetic dentistry work, so she does not yet have that perfect “Hollywood” smile.
Scarlett in 1999
Scarlett Johansson at the 1999 premiere of ‘Blast from the Past.’
The late ’90s also saw Gwen Stefani turning bindis into a trend (which would definitely NOT be cool in 2019). Scarlett got on board, pairing hers with some pale lilac eyeshadow.
Scarlett in 2000
Scarlett Johansson at the 2000 premiere of ‘The Beach.’
So, here it is… the photo that Us Weekly used as evidence of Scarlett’s “nip and tuck.” The lighting is particularly harsh on the contours of her nose, I’ll give her that. But can lighting alone account for the differences compared to later photos? I don’t think so!
Scarlett Johansson at a 2000 Max Azria show.
Here’s another shot from the same month, but with much softer lighting. Nope, still doesn’t look like the same nose she has today! Her lips, on the other hand, do match. As you can see in these early photos, they were ALWAYS super plump—even when she was a teenager!
Scarlett in 2001
Scarlett Johansson at the 2001 Hollywood Film Festival.
By the time she debuted in Ghost World at 17, her appearance had really changed. Yes, she’s wearing a lot more makeup (including the dark “ring around the lips” lip liner that was an actual thing back then). But it might not be JUST makeup. I’m wondering if her nose isn’t a little bit less prominent here!
Scarlett in 2002
Scarlett Johansson at the 2002 premiere of ‘Eight Legged Freaks.’
This shot confirms my suspicions. All of a sudden, Scarlett’s career was taking off, and she emerged on the red carpet with a much more groomed, grown-up appearance. There’s the vibrant red hair, sophisticated makeup, and a nose ring to accentuate what looks like a newly reshaped nose.
Scarlett in 2003
Scarlett Johansson at the 2003 Independent Spirit Awards.
Oh yes, once upon a time, Scarlett had a mullet. (“There was a total party going on in the back of my head!” she recalled. “I had a ‘mullet pride’ shirt that I wore.”) My memory’s a little fuzzy, but I don’t think this wispy ‘do was ever hair goals, even back then!
Scarlett Johansson at a 2003 Cynthia Rowley show.
Speaking of weird hairstyles… the same year, she also stepped out in these blonde ringlets, paired with over-the-top false lashes and glossy hot pink lips. Again, I want to point out that her features seem a little more in balance compared to when she was younger. My guess is she underwent a rhinoplasty around 2001 or 2002, before Lost in Translation made her a box office sensation.
Scarlett in 2004
Scarlett Johansson at the 2004 premiere of ‘A Love Song for Bobby Long.’
At age 20, Scarlett took her hair even lighter, to a platinum blonde—a shade that really brings out her star quality. She also ditched the kooky makeup and hairstyles, likely securing a better styling team from here on out. Again, her nose has a different shape compared to before, but I would argue that this isn’t her “final” nose, either.
Scarlett in 2005
Scarlett Johansson at the 2005 premiere of ‘Match Point.’
Remember this phase, when Scarlett was all about the old Hollywood glamour? She always did some sort of retro curls with a red lip, barely-there eye makeup and a low-cut dress. By this point, she had upgraded her smile to make it straighter and more even. But take a look at her nose here, and then compare it to the next shot….
Scarlett in 2006
Scarlett Johansson at the 2006 Golden Globe Awards.
Are you seeing what I’m seeing? Her nose is suddenly much narrower, which makes her eyes and lips stand out even more. Not that anyone probably noticed, when she was wearing this dress!
Scarlett in 2007
Scarlett Johansson at the 2007 Louis Vuitton Love Party.
Next, she switched things up with an extreme bleached blonde, worn straight and pinned off her face. Keep in mind that this was the same year that the nose job allegations started, thanks to Us Weekly. (And that makes perfect sense, looking at these photos!)
Scarlett in 2008
Scarlett Johansson at the 2008 premiere of ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona.’
Then, it was back to a more low-key look in 2008, albeit with a slight vintage flair. The red lipstick shows off her naturally full lips and near-perfect smile, and the darker roots make her blonde colour look natural.
Scarlett in 2009
Scarlett Johansson at the 2009 premiere of ‘He’s Just Not That Into You.’
Before securing her role as Black Widow in Iron Man 2, Scarlett dyed her hair dark auburn, which she attributed to a “subconscious” hope that “they’d give me a call.” Since her skin tone is neutral, she pulls it off every bit as well as the blonde.
Scarlett in 2010
Scarlett Johansson at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.
But it wasn’t long before Scarlett returned to her signature blonde, this time with a warm golden hue. She rocked it with frizzy, messy waves—texture was a big deal in the early ’10s—and lots of black liner.
Scarlett in 2011
Scarlett Johansson at the 2011 Academy Awards.
Who could forget Scarlett’s bob? She was way ahead of the current trend with this choppy, piecey ‘do (and probably inspired countless women’s haircuts over the years!). Her hair colour was a little darker here, and I appreciate that her teeth weren’t blindingly white… yet.
Scarlett Johansson at the 2011 Disney D23 Expo.
Later that year, as her bob was growing out, the dark hair resurfaced—this time, as more of a cherry red than an auburn. (Is there any hair colour this woman doesn’t look amazing in? The answer is no!)
Scarlett in 2012
Scarlett Johansson at the 2012 London premiere of ‘The Avengers.’
Within a year, Scarlett had ditched the red dye and grown out her bob enough to pull it up into this braided updo—all the better to show off her perfectly proportioned features. She was 28 at this time.
Scarlett in 2013
Scarlett Johansson at Comic-Con 2013.
Next, she showed off a full mane of golden blonde waves, I’m guessing with the help of a few extensions. Of all the hair colours she’s tried, this one is my favourite! Smoky, winged out eyeliner makes her eyes pop.
Scarlett in 2014
Scarlett Johansson at the 2014 London premiere of ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier.’
With her hair in smooth waves and a vampy colour on her lips, this look is reminiscent of Scarlett’s old Hollywood style era from the mid-’00s. She was also pregnant here, and it was her last hurrah with long hair for a while….
Scarlett Johansson at the 2014 Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser.
Talk about a radical change! Just like that, Scarlett chopped off her long locks. This was taken just two months after she gave birth to her daughter—but it’s far from the typical “Mom” cut. (She wouldn’t rock Mom hair until 2018!)
Scarlett in 2015
Scarlett Johansson at the 2015 Independent Spirit Awards.
In 2015, she took her short cut even shorter, shaving the sides and then bleaching the top a cool light blonde. Even if you’re not a fan of the pixie, there’s no denying that it puts even more focus on her uniquely beautiful features and flawless skin.
Scarlett in 2016
Scarlett Johansson at the 2016 Toronto premiere of ‘Sing.’
In 2016, it seemed like Scarlett was ready to grow out her pixie. Most people have to go through an awkward stage, but there’s no evidence of that here. The big waves, honey blonde colour and retro cat eyes look incredible on her.
Scarlett in 2017
Scarlett Johansson at the 2017 New York premiere of ‘Ghost in the Shell.’
But at age 33, she renewed her commitment to short hair by buzzing off the sides again and slicking it all back with copious amounts of hair gel. I can’t say I’m a fan of this new, “tough” look, but at least she pulls if off better than Katy Perry!
Scarlett in 2018
Scarlett Johansson at the 2018 Met Gala.
Finally, Scarlett began growing her hair out the following year, and at the same time, decided to dye it a rich, chocolatey brown. (And no, it wasn’t even for Avengers: Endgame.) Honestly, it looks like a helmet!
Scarlett in 2019
Scarlett Johansson at the 2019 premiere of ‘Jojo Rabbit.’
That brings us to 2019, and Scarlett’s hair is back on track! She traded the brown for her go-to blonde (this time, with dark roots), and most likely used extensions to add length and volume. Also, notice her teeth. Not only have they been brightened, but they are now completely even and uniform in size.
Scarlett Johansson Before and After
Scarlett Johansson in 1997 (left) and in 2019 (right).
Scarlett may insist she’s all-natural, but looking at her photos side by side, there’s no denying that a couple features have changed. Even in different lighting situations, with different hair colours and makeup applications, you can STILL see them.
For one thing, her teeth have been made over with whitening treatments and porcelain veneers. It’s now that dazzling, perfect smile that you only see on celebrities.
The main alteration, however, was to her nose—just like so many other Hollywood stars.
I’m going to venture a guess that she had not one, but TWO rhinoplasties. The first one would have been done before 2003, when she wasn’t on anybody’s radar. The second was an even more skillful refinement, done around 2005, right before she became a household name.
“Scarlett’s work is certainly minimal, but it should belong on a list of the best nose surgeries ever done on a celebrity,” says Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley.
“The biggest difference is in the bridge. As you can see, her original bridge was thick, leading all the way up to her brow. The result made the nose look too large for her small and delicate face. The new bridge is distinctly thinner and definitely goes well with her other features. The tip of her nose was rather bulbous, giving it the unfortunately named ‘piggy look’ when combined with the thick bridge. Very little work was done on the tip, however. Just small changes to refine it were used and the shape itself wasn’t changed at all. That’s how she still has the same nose but with just more delicate details.”
Her lips, on the other hand, have had undergone zero cosmetic enhancements.
“A lot of patients ask me to make their lips look like Scarlett’s,” says Dr. Anthony Youn, “but it’s impossible for a plastic surgeon to create perfection like this.”
How do you feel about Scarlett’s beauty evolution? Which of these looks is your favourite? What “beauty work” do you think she’s had done?
Tell me where your pimples pop up, and I’ll tell you what’s causing them.
It’s not a bad Facebook quiz. It’s the theory behind Acne Face Mapping, an ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medical tradition.
If it’s true, it’s the answer to all our prayers. Think about it: if a BigMac is to blame for that huge zit between your eyebrows that always pops up before a first date, eat salad the day before and you’ll wake up with no nasty surprises.
Is it too good to be true? Is Acne Face Mapping really science… or just science fiction?
What Is Acne Face Mapping?
The name says it all. Acne Face Mapping is a map for your acne.
Each part of your face is linked to a specific organ/body system. When this organ is out of balance or sick, your skin lets you know by making a pimple spring up in the corresponding face area.
Here are a few examples:
Between the eyebrows: Liver problems, usually because of junk food or too much alcohol.
Cheeks: Respiratory problems, pollution or allergy.
Chin: Hormonal/menstrual cycle.
Forehead: Digestive problems poor sleep or stress.
Nose: Heart problems/blood pressure.
If you ask me, that chin breakout is totally spot on. Who doesn’t get a pimple there during that time of the month?
It’s likely a coincidence. You’ve guessed it: there’s NO scientific proof Acne Face Mapping works. And yet, ancient Chinese and Indian doctors weren’t totally making this up…
When your skin breakouts, it IS trying to tell you something….
What Your Pimples Are Trying To Tell You
Chinese doctors were right about something: everything in your body is linked. When something on the inside isn’t working properly, it usually shows up on the outside in some way:
When your liver is too inflamed, your skin can turn yellow (jaundice).
When you drink too much alcohol, your skin gets drier.
When you have a leaky gut, you’re more at risk of rosacea.
When you’re hormones are out of whack, your skin breaks out.
Take for example, hormonal acne. The changes in your body increase the levels of testosterone in your skin. More testosterone = more sebum.
The extra sebum can’t flow freely out of the pores anymore. It gets stuck inside, where it mixes with dead skin cells. These clogs attracts P.Acnes, the bacteria that infects skin and gives you pimples.
Diet plays a part in this as well. Dairy, sugar and processed foods are the worst culprits. They can trigger changes in your hormones that make skin pump out too much sebum. You know where this is leading now…
You can breakout all over your face. But have you noticed pimples tend to appear more in some areas and less in others?
The t-zone is the most common breakout zone. Why? Simple: you have more sebaceous glands there. If that BigMac or pre-exam stress triggers the overproduction of sebum, it’s only natural pimples pop up where pores are more likely to get clogged!
But, sometimes, the location of your pimples can help you figure out what’s behind them. Here are a few guidelines (NOT gospel!):
Cheeks: Think about all the things your cheeks get in contact with everyday. Like your pillow. Your phone. Your hands… All those extra impurities it picks up from them can clog pores and give you acne.
Chin: This is usually hormonal. During that time of the month, your body pumps out too much testosterone, a hormone that triggers the overproduction of sebum.
Hairline: Check your haircare products. Chances are, there’s something in there that gives you acne.
If you’re experiencing a breakout in this area, these are the first things to check out. Often, a change in conditioner or pillow can do the trick.
There’s no evidence that Acne Face Mapping works. But there are scientific reasons why your breakouts are always popping up in the same spots. Usually, it’s your cue to change your diet or haircare products. Don’t ignore them.
Have you ever tried Acne Face Mapping? Share your experience in the comments below.
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Cleansing is one of the non-negotiable steps in a skincare routine, and sometimes picking a good cleanser isn’t an easy task. We tend to think of cleansers as less important to “get right”, since it doesn’t stay on your skin for long, but in my opinion finding a cleanser that works for your skin will…
this summer and partly for another project I’ll be sharing with you soon (insert little squeal of excitement because I’m almost bursting at the seams!)
In between everything else I have been working on, a few side projects have popped into being. Today, I’m going to show you how to make something a little different: a salt and pepper shower shaker.
I know this sounds a little weird, but stick with me and all shall be revealed.
Dry Scrub in the Shower
We all know exfoliating scrubs, emulsified scrubs and other scrubby things, but have you ever made and used a dry scrub in the shower?
I hadn’t either until this idea popped up. In many ways, it sounds a little bonkers to bring a dry scrub into a shower. But I’ve been experimenting with a few ways to make it work, and this one turned out quite well so I had to share it with you.
Spoiler alert: despite what it looks like, there’s no pepper in this product.
Packaging: An Integral Part of the Formula
Part of getting this product to work is finding/making appropriate packaging. For this batch, I am using small take-away cardboard coffee cups with a plastic lid that I punched holes in to create the ‘shaker’. It works like a charm.
These cups hold 100 dl / 3.38 fl oz and are the perfect size for a single use. Even though they are sold as single use, I reuse them a few times. The plastic lid can be reused over and over again.
Shower Shaker Ingredients
There are only 4 ingredients to these shakers and you can pretty much put them together any way you like.
Choose salts or sugars that function well as exfoliants (no flaked salt or anything with sharp edges that might scratch the skin). In the pictured batch I am using fine Himalayan Pink Salt.
The ‘pepper’ in this shaker is coarsely ground hempseed flour I bought at a local supermarket. You could also use ground hempseeds (
), or you can replace it with another herb that gives the mixture a peppery look.
Milk powder is added because it adds a little luxurious extra to the mix. I use powdered skimmed milk (from a local supermarket). You can omit this ingredient if you like. I’ve tried this mix with and without the milk, and my skin prefers the addition of milk.
Grated cocoa butter is a little bit of skin-loving magic that gives this mix a fabulous moisturizing boost and leaves skin glowing. There’s just enough added to moisturize the skin yet not enough to create cocoa butter build-up in your pipes (you’re welcome, plumbers).
I’ve made numerous shaker mixes (both with and without cocoa butter), and every time I’ve left out the cocoa butter, it exfoliates just fine but just doesn’t have that ‘fabulous factor’. If you try it yourself, I’m guessing you’ll agree.
The cocoa butter should be grated quite finely and distributed as evenly as possible throughout the mixture for optimal results. I know it’s a bit fiddly to make grated cocoa butter, but it’s worth the trouble. Tip: store grated cocoa butter chilled if you want it to remain finely grated and not turn into a lump that needs to be grated again.
So, are you ready to give this a try? The following is enough for about 5-6 scrubs.
LisaLise’s Salt and Pepper Exfoliating Shower Shaker
Ingredient
Grams
Ounces
Salts of Choice
255
9
Coarse Hempseed Flour
15
0.53
Powdered Milk
15
0.53
Grated Cocoa Butter
15
0.53
Method
Weigh out all ingredients
Place in bowl and stir to incorporate thoroughly
Transfer to air-tight container for storage
Now all you need to do is find/make your ideal shaker that you can fill when it’s time to exfoliate. If you use cups like the one pictured above, it’s easy to measure out a few portions by filling a few cups and storing them dry until use.
How to use a Shower Shaker
Start by running the water and stepping under the shower to get thoroughly wet. Now, turn off the water and grab your shaker. Sprinkle enough mixture into a hand for one limb and scrub to your hearts desire. Repeat until you have exfoliated everywhere and the shaker is empty. Run the water again to rinse off. Dry off as usual.
Not only are you exfoliating and moisturizing in one go, you are also saving water and sharing a bit of sustainable love for the planet.
I can’t think of anything better to wake you up in the morning than a good cup of coffee.
But can it perk up your peepers and rid you of dark circles, too?
The skincare world thinks so. If you’ve been skincare shopping lately, you’ve probably noticed caffeine is popping up in eye creams, antiaging creams and even anti cellulite creams (wth?!).
What makes it so popular? Is caffeine just the latest celebrity child that got the gig thanks to its coffee connection or can it really give your dark circles, wrinkles and cellulite the boot?
Well, you know what they say. If it’s good to good to be true…
If you’ve answered 3, let’s talk. Blood pooling under the eye is often a result of vasodilation. You can tell this is the case if the dark colour disappears when you apply pressure to it.
In this case, caffeine works because it acts as a vasoconstrictor. In another words, it constricts blood vessels on the surface, a trick that reduces both dark circles and puffiness.
Can Caffeine Prevent Wrinkles?
Nope, caffeine can’t make the wrinkles you already have disappear, sorry!
But it can prevent new ones from forming. Caffeine is a powerful antioxidant that can help fight the free radicals that cause wrinkles.
Some studies say it can reduce sun damage, too. I’m waiting for more studies to confirm this, but it sounds promising so far, don’t you think?
Can Caffeine Treat Cellulite?
This one’s a no.
Caffeine may prevent wrinkles and even reduce some types of dark circles but there isn’t the faintest shred of proof that it reduces cellulite.
What caffeine can do is dehydrate skin cells. This magic trick makes them look smoother, tricking you into thinking your cellulite is disappearing.
But it’s an illusion. The smoothness is only temporary. And dehydrating your skin cells isn’t a great idea, anyway.
Can caffeine treat rosacea?
Yes, there’s a bonus, too.
Remember when I told you caffeine is a vasoconstrictor? That can help with rosacea, too. I’ll let dermatologist Leslie Baumann do the talking:
“[because caffeine has the ability to constrict blood vessels, it] can be a tremendous boon to those who suffer from rosacea, which is essentially caused by frequently dilated blood vessels that lose their ability to contract.”
What Are The Best Products With Caffeine?
Shop The Post
The bottom line
I got mixed feelings about caffeine. It has great antioxidant properties and can help you reduce some types of dark circles and even soothe rosecea. But it’s hardly the miracle worker it’s touted to be. It won’t do anything for cellulite or most types of dark circles.
Do you use any skincare products with caffeine? Share your faves in the comments below.
Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping
Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.
Cleansing is one of the non-negotiable steps in a skincare routine, and sometimes picking a good cleanser isn’t an easy task. We tend to think of cleansers as less important to “get right”, since it doesn’t stay on your skin for long, but in my opinion finding a cleanser that works for your skin will…
Dawn Siler 