DMT Beauty Transformation: Karina Hoshikawa

Make Summer Last Forever With This Glowy Self-Tanner

August 11, 2022BruceDayne

Due to my mixed Latinx-Asian ethnicity, I have naturally olive skin that tans very easily — that is, if I’m ever out in the sun, which I typically am not. (Remember: The only safe tan is a fake one!) Here’s where sometimes I phone a friend, with that friend being a self-tanner, for when I want to boost my tan sans UV exposure.

Unlike many beauty products, self-tanners are either really good or really bad with very little gray area. In my experience, faux glows either give South of France or Jersey Shore. I was cautiously optimistic when Malibu Bronze’s Glow Bundle arrived, but, as I’m always on the hunt for a new favorite beauty find, I knew I had to try it out.

Malibu Bronze 1-Hour Dark Tan, $34.99

Aside from how the product develops on your skin, a common gripe about self-tanners is the smell. Inexpensive formulas can sometimes smell chemically and generally unpleasant, which kinda ruins the whole experience IMO. From the initial pump, Malibu Bronze’s 1-Hour Dark Tan gave a great impression. The scent rivaled that of my most luxe perfume but wasn’t overpowering in the least bit. The not-too-sweet floral scent just smelled nice and expensive. I started out my home tan sesh by exfoliating my bod with the Malibu Bronze mitt, which is similar to the beloved Korean washcloths I get on Amazon. (Exfoliating is a key prep step to ensure even, streak-free application.)

Malibu Bronze’s tanner is a foam texture, which I tend to prefer over creams for their lightweight feel and spreadability. Based on my past experience, I’m more likely to miss a spot or two with tanning lotions and waters since it’s not always easy to see exactly where the product is. Anyway, after buffing my skin with the mitt, I applied a few careful pumps of the tanning foam to my arms and legs, sweeping the velvety application glove in large, circular motions to blend everything out. Using the excess product in the mitt, I swept any left over onto my chest, shoulders, and face (including ears!). I’ve had many a makeup artist tell me my face is naturally a bit darker than my body, and besides, I’d rather apply too little than too much.

The brand recommends leaving the tanner on for an hour to let the foam develop, but since I’m already tan and just wanted a hint of glow, I left it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off with a damp washcloth. (The brand also advises against showering until at least six hours post-application.) As with many DHA-based tanners, the tan continues to develop over time. The longer you leave it on, the darker your final result will be. The brand touts its formula as the first tanner to contain squalane (in addition to niacinamide and orange blossom), and I have to say the stuff felt pretty nice on my skin. There was zero irritation and unpleasant smell, and my skin felt soft and smooth after rinsing it off. After a few days, I didn’t look dramatically bronzed but rather like I’d spent a weekend at the beach. I am here for the post-vacay glow, and I love a tanner that does a solid job evening out any uneven tone on my legs, too. (Oh, and did I mention it’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free? I love to see it.)

All in all, I was pleasantly impressed by my Malibu Bronze tanning experience. The stuff is still pricey at $35 for a 7 oz. bottle (St. Tropez’s foam, in comparison, is $42 for an 8 oz.), but you can save a couple bucks by getting the bundle, which comes with the exfoliating and applicator mitts. That said, there are some products I wholeheartedly believe in splurging on, and tanners are one of them. Whether you’re a regular self-tanner or a special-occasions-only person like me, Malibu Bronze’s formula passes the endless-summer-vibe check.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Karina Hoshikawa, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

DMTBeautySpot featured Karina Hoshikawa

Welcome To Refinery29’s First-Ever Acne Week!

June 21, 2022BruceDayne

DMTBeautySpot featured Karina Hoshikawa

These Pimple Patches Have Eradicated The Zits Of Over 86,000 Reviewers

March 14, 2022BruceDayne

As a longtime acne-haver and professional beauty person, I’ve been around the block when it comes to sussing out what actually works to clear my skin from what doesn’t do much of anything — and one tried-and-true pimple product that I personally swear by is Hero Cosmetics’ Mighty Patch Original, a clear hydrocolloid dot that draws out gunk from your pores for quick healing. In short, the stuff works — and insanely effing well, might I add. However, this is far from an under-the-radar secret find: In fact, the product has racked up over 86,000 reviews on Amazon, skyrocketing it to bestseller status on Amazon’s Beauty & Personal Care landing page.

“This saves me several days of walking around with a bloody crater in my face because my previous method of dealing with unsightly blemishes was to pick pick pick.”
amazon reviewer

For the uninitiated, acne stickers like Mighty Patch work by adhering to clean, dry skin and working over time to slowly draw out the contents of your pimple (ew but also yes), plus dirt and excess oil from the surface to collect onto the patch. The patches are made with just one ingredient — medical-grade hydrocolloid, a plant-based gel that gently draws out impurities and encourages healing. “The most important thing to understand about hydrocolloid acne patches [like these] is that they are for use on mature acne blemishes that have ‘come to a head’, so to speak,” explained a highly informed Amazon reviewer who went into microscopic detail about the patches’ function in their 2018 review. “The patches are coated on one side with some mixture of pectin, carboxy-methylcellulose, and polymers that absorb fluid, plus an adhesive. Hydrocolloid pulls the fluid out of a wound, encasing it in a white gel. In the case of acne, the patches will pull the mixture of white cells, bacteria, dead skin, etc. that forms the white head of an infected pore.” The telltale sign of success is the sticker’s display of gross-yet-satisfying cloud of mystery goo that has been successfully extracted from your blemish.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original, $12.99

“I do not claim to understand the science behind these tiny miracles, but they have changed my life,” begins one ~~convert~~ Amazon reviewer. “I spend my workday looking forward to going home and putting one of these bad boys on my newly erupted Mt. Zit because the overnight results are shocking. Not only is it grossly satisfying, but it saved me several days of walking around with a bloody crater in my face because my previous method of dealing with unsightly blemishes was to pick pick pick.” At $12 for 36 patches, Hero Cosmetics’ patches are also among the most affordable on the market. Another plus: They’ve got patches for every stage of your pimple journey, from micropoint dots for emerging zits to ones that help fade post-breakout hyperpigmentation. (Another fave of mine: The extra-thin “invisible” ones that I routinely wear during the day.)

The chorus of reviewers who sing the praises of these minute 12mm stickers is vocal and unrelenting, with pages upon pages of testimony to their quick-acting, skin-saving potential. “These little patches are amazing — I’m convinced they were made by wizards to make spots disappear because that’s what they do,” shares one reviewer from across the pond. “I ordered these a week before my wedding. THANK GOD,” wrote another reviewer. “My blemish went down in 24 hours. And this is coming from someone who has been on Accutane twice and tried every topical cream/gel/patch imaginable.” In another instance of Mighty Patch coming through for love, one reviewer shared this story: “I had a date coming up at the end of the week when I started to get the most giant zit I’ve ever had in my life right in the middle of my forehead. I considered cutting bangs to cover it it was so embarrassing. After using these for only two days, the zit was almost completely gone and I was able to cover it with a little makeup for my date.”

It seems that for chronic zit-poppers — you know who you are — the patches are a kinder alternative to a fingernail, satisfying the urge to extract in a way that’s much less scarring (physically and emotionally). “I’m … guilty of that cardinal sin in zitcare — constantly poking at the blemish,” remarked one reviewer. “[These patches] keep me from myself. I’ve already gone through one sheet!” The dots even reduced a stubborn spot that one reviewer had tried unsuccessfully to remove: “The skin had gotten torn up when I tried to pop it myself, so I was scared it would do something gross.” Happily, after leaving the patch on overnight, the reviewer “woke up and [the pimple] was GONE.” Another wrote: “I suffer from oil clogged pores so I will routinely get huge volcanoes on my face that will produce massive amounts of oil when picked. I know I should not pick at them but I just can’t help myself, dang it.” The Mighty Patch, they explained, “[works] great.” Convincing before-and-after photos from fellow reviewers proudly portray the fruits of the patches’ labor (FYI, maybe skip those if you’re not great with icky stuff) and are about as convincing as it gets when it comes to inspiring you to hit “add to cart.”

“I wish I could give it 10 stars.”
amazon reviewer

Below, shop the OG Mighty Patch alongside several of its pimple-obliterating buddies.

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DMTBeautySpot featured Karina Hoshikawa

Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale Is Stocked With Best-Sellers

March 14, 2022BruceDayne

Shoppers, clear your medicine cabinets. Ulta's beloved 21 Days of Beauty sale is *back*, and you know what that means: Three full weeks of half-off promos on the retailer’s best-selling and most top-rated makeup, skin care, hair care, fragrance, and more. If there’s one thing better than scoring a good beauty deal, it’s 21 consecutive days of deals on all your favorite products.

If this is your first encounter with Ulta's legendary mega sale, here's how it works: For 21 glorious days — starting today — you can shop a selection of Ulta’s most popular products at 50% off. The catch? Each deep deal is live for just 24 hours, so you’ll have to consult our list to see which day your favorite products is going to be on sale and allocate your pennies accordingly.

Ulta has added a host of newcomers to the 2022 roster of standby sale goods, including beautyblender’s “Original” makeup sponge and YouTuber Jaclyn Hill’s popular liquid lipstick. Plenty of reliable longtime best-sellers are in the mix, too; from Tarte's iconic Shape Tape concealer to lash-boosting serums and mascaras from LashFood and GRANDE Cosmetics. Scroll on to see exactly what’s going to be on sale today — and every day from now until April 2.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

TULA Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30

**Date:** March 13
**Also On Sale:** Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, Beautyblender The Original (First Time Steal)

This SPF 30 formula is packed with skin-friendly ingredients that go beyond simple sun protection — including probiotics for smoothing and boosting the skin barrier, pineapple and papaya extracts to even out skin tone, and wild butterfly ginger root, which blocks blue light and ambient pollution.

**Tula** Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream

**Date:** March 14
**Also On Sale:** Smashbox All Full-Size Primers (First Time Steal), Peach & Lily Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment (First Time Steal), select Nudestix Nudies

“Literally love this product so much I bought extras during the Ulta sale so I wouldn't run out any time soon,” wrote a reviewer of this best-selling, glow-bestowing cream packed with antioxidant-rich matcha, peptides for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and the anti-inflammatory vitamin B3 derivative niacinamide to brighten skin. “If you see this on sale,” urged the reviewer, “buy ASAP!!”

**PEACH & LILY** Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream, $, available at Ulta Beauty

LashFood Phyto-Medic Natural Eyelash Enhancer

**Date:** March 15
**Also On Sale:** SeroVital hgh Dietary Supplement 120 ct, COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream

Consistency is key when it comes to this cruelty-free and vegan lash-enhancing serum — reviewers who applied it faithfully were pleased with the results. “My lashes are much longer and voluminous,” wrote one. “This product is expensive, but honestly worth it, and cheaper than extensions in the long run.” We don’t need much more convincing to buy a tube on sale.

**LashFood** Phyto-Medic, Natural Eyelash Enhancer, $, available at Ulta Beauty

StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum

**Date:** March 16
**Also On Sale:** ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

All hail the mighty Vitamin C, a skin care super-ingredient renowned for its brightening properties. StriVectin’s beloved serum contains two types of the stuff, including a highly concentrated dose of acerola cherry extract. Thanks to the addition of retinol — a powerfully corrective ingredient that boosts cell turnover and smooths overall skin texture — this lightweight formula packs a serious skin-enhancing punch.

**StriVectin** Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip

**Date:** March 17
**Also On Sale:** KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Stila One-Step Correct

Maracuja, goji berry, acai, oh my! The name doesn’t lie — Tarte’s ultra-glossy lip balm is absolutely packed with fruity ingredients for a products that offers lips a boost of color *and* hydration. “This is as literally the best lip gloss I've ever bought. It's the perfect mixture between a gloss and balm,” wrote a reviewer. “It's not too heavy and it's not too light. It's not sticky and it's not thin. Don't walk, RUN to buy it.”

**Tarte** Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm, $, available at Ulta Beauty

It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream Anti-Aging Moisturizer

**Date:** March 18
**Also On Sale:** Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum (First Time Steal)

If you want to up your glow factor, look no further than this legendary facial moisturizer, which is packed with every skin-boosting ingredient under the sun — peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, you name it! It’s clocked over 4,300 reviews and 4.5 stars at Ulta alone.

**It Cosmetics** Confidence In A Cream Anti-Aging Moisturizer, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser

**Date:** March 19
**Also On Sale:** Lancôme Idôle Eau de Parfum, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

A multitude of acne-prone reviewers testified that this sulfur-infused foaming cleanser worked wonders for their skin. (It’s also infused with good-enough-to-eat ingredients like honey, rice bran, and oat extract to soothe pores.)

**Kate Somerville** EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

**Date:** March 20
**Also On Sale:** Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream, Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Face Butter, Sunday Riley Flash Fix Kit

This Ulta-exclusive concealer has a reputation for unparalleled coverage among its legions of longtime fans. “It went viral for a reason,” wrote one of over 13,000 reviewers. “Helped with creasing, so creamy, lasted forever, huge shade range, cute packaging. Just chef’s kiss!”

**Tarte** Shape Tape Concealer, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Urban Decay Cosmetics Brow Blade Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil & Ink Stain

Date: March 21
Also On Sale: Dermaflash Mini Precision Peach-Fuzz Removal Device, Nabla Eyeshadow Palettes

Urban Decay’s top-rated brow pencil boasts a unique double tip — one with a pencil, for filling pigment into sparse areas, and one with an ultra-fine-tipped brush, for drawing on hair-like marks.

Urban Decay Cosmetics Brow Blade Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil & Ink Stain, $, available at Ulta Beauty

First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Water Cream

**Date:** March 22
**Also On Sale:** Tula Get Toned Pro-Glycolic 10% Resurfacing Toner, Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner

This oil-free moisturizer is made with coconut water, a natural and super-hydrating base that won’t clog pores. “I've been using this product as my hydrating moisturizer really and it's amazing!” one reviewer exclaimed. “I'll only have to put it on once a day and it keeps my face moisturized the entire day. I'm obsessed with it. The consistency is perfect.” The gel-like texture absorbs quickly for a smooth, non-greasy finish.

**First Aid Beauty** Hello FAB Coconut Water Cream, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Grande Cosmetics GrandeFANATIC Fanning & Curling Mascara

**Date:** March 23
**Also On Sale:** Jaclyn Cosmetics Poutspoken Liquid Lipstick (First Time Steal)

This Ulta-exclusive mascara comes from the makers of GrandeLASH-MD, a longtime cult-favorite lash-enhancing serum. This curling and lengthening product is infused with WIDELASH, the brand’s lash-boosting elixir that contains vitamin B5 and biotin peptide.

**Grande Cosmetics** GrandeFANATIC Fanning & Curling Mascara, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++

**Date:** March 24
**Also On Sale:** Urban Decay*
All Nighter Softening Loose Setting Powder, Origins GinZing SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer

Reviewers swear by the smooth, velvety finish of this matte-fying SPF. “It melts into my skin like butter and after about 15 minutes it's fully absorbed, and I'm not left oily or too dry like some oil free sunscreens,” wrote one reviewer. “Love this stuff as my day time moisturizer. I have very oily, acne prone skin with huge pores. I have had a lot of trouble finding a moisturizer that doesn't leave me looking greasy and lay on top of my skin. My skin feels soooo soft after using this and it really does keep the oiliness at bay. And bonus points for having sunscreen!!!” They added that the “[o]nly thing I don't love is the price for the small tube” — well, 21 Days of Beauty can help with that.

**Murad** Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Clarins Double Serum

**Date:** March 25
**Also On Sale:** Lancôme La Base Pro Oil-Free Longwear Makeup Primer, PMD
Personal Microderm Classic & Clean

The 21 plant extracts — including turmeric and goji berry — in this hydrating serum will help quickly even out skin tone with consistent use. “Works great. It is absolutely worth the money you pay for this product,” declared a reviewer. “When I ran out of my go-to moisturizer I decided to give [this serum] a try,” explained a reviewer. “Omigod. I am such an idiot because in just a week the tone of my skin looks so much better ... firmer, more radiant. My skin had really taken a hit from pandemic stress and I can't believe I let this incredible product sit unused for so long.”

**Clarins** Double Serum, $, available at Ulta Beauty

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Illumination SPF 50+

**Date:** March 26
**Also On Sale:** It Brushes for ULTA Beauty Airbrush Foundation Brushes

The addition of hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, niacin, peptides and antioxidants make this medium coverage foundation-slash-tinted moisturizer hybrid ultra skin-friendly. It’s also bestowed with light-reflecting pigments to impart maximum glow without a glittery or sparkly finish. Said one reviewer: “It makes my skin look flawless and it really has helped improve my skin evenness.”

**It Cosmetics** CC+ Cream Illumination SPF 50+, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

**Date:** March 27
**Also On Sale:** bareMinerals
Loose and Pressed Mineral Veil, Kopari Exfoliating Crush Scrub, Philosophy Hope In A Jar Smooth-Glow Multi-Tasking Moisturizer 2 oz

Stila’s G. O. A. T. waterproof eyeliner doesn’t need much introduction — its fine, marker-like tip is a top-performing favorite of cat-eye enthusiasts everywhere. “10/10,” wrote one reviewer. “I've never tried another liquid eyeliner because this is literally the only one you'd ever need.”

**Stila** Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

**Date:** March 28
**Also On Sale:** Peter Thomas Roth
Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer, Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum

Few ingredients beat charcoal when it comes to detoxifying power, and Origin’s 4.5-star rated mask is formulated with bamboo ash charcoal to soak up impurities and excess dermal debris. “I love this mask,” raved one reviewer. “Anytime I'm struggling with breakouts I can use this and my skin always feels and looks better by the next morning. It doesn't burn or cause irritation, I have sensitive skin. This has been my favorite acne mask for years!”

**Origins** Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores, $, available at Ulta Beauty

GLAMGLOW BRIGHTEYES Illuminating Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream

**Date:** March 29
**Also On Sale:** Urban Decay Hydromaniac Glowy Tinted Hydrator Foundation

A combination of caffeine and hyaluronic acid give this pick-me-up eye cream a one-two punch of brightness and hydration. One reviewer called it “unexpectedly awesome,” noting that it makes their “undereye area look so much brighter and healthier.”

**GLAMGLOW** BRIGHTEYES Illuminating Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Pür 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15

**Date:** March 30
**Also On Sale:** Juice Beauty STEM CELLULAR Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Overnight Serum, STEM CELLULAR Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum

“I've been using this powder foundation for six consecutive years and I've never found anything that works as well as this one does!” raved a reviewer of this powder foundation. “It completely covers my rosacea and keeps my oil under control. I have oily/dry combination skin and this foundation doesn't dry me out at all. Do yourself a favor and buy this!!” The multi-tasking products works as a foundation, concealer, powder, and SPF, and contains skin-friendly ingredients like waltheria extract, shea butter, and vitamin E.

**Pür** 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15, $, available at Ulta Beauty

ZitSticka KILLA Kit Deep Zit Microdart Patch 4-Pack

**Date:** March 31
**Also On Sale:** Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick, MAC Studio Radiance Face And Body Radiant Sheer Foundation

11,000 reviewers have given these targeted acne stickers a near-perfect 4.7-star rating. “It is very effective on those deep cystic pimples,” wrote a reviewer. “I've spent a ridiculous amount of money trying other products. This is the only one that works for me. ... If [there] are particularly bad [pimples] it may not get them to completely go away, but it stops it from growing ... into something worse. If you know, you know; it's worth the money.” Each patch is infused with acne-fighting ingredients that dissolve into skin to break down pimples.

**ZitSticka** KILLA Kit Deep Zit Microdart Patch 4-Pack, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Benefit Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel

**Date:** April 1
**Also On Sale:** Benefit The POREfessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray, Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 & Pure Retinol Correcting Peel

“Finally have real eyebrows,” wrote a reviewer. “Never paid attention to mine. Now after having them shaped and this added I love them.” Tiny microfibers in this top-rated tinted brow gel cling to your eyebrow hairs, bestowing natural fullness, hold, and enhanced color.

**Benefit Cosmetics** Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel, $, available at Ulta Beauty

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

**Date:** April 2
**Also On Sale:** Tarte Maneater Mascara, Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer

One reviewer claimed they would rate this lazy-girl self-tanner “10+ stars” if they could. “I have tried A TON of self tanners,” they added. “I love to tan and I love to be tan, and this is the ONLY product that makes me actually feel like i got a sun tan!!!” One quick spritz will endow your face with a natural-looking glow — no blending or baking required.

**St. Tropez** Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist, $, available at Ulta Beauty

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Spring Clean Your Beauty Routine With Dermstore’s 20% Off Sale

March 05, 2022BruceDayne

Dermstore is welcoming spring early with a site-wide sale on all of its bestselling products. That’s right: The authority on all things skin care, hair and makeup is kicking off its long-awaited Spring Refresh Event, where top brands are 20% off.

This year, over 200 of the retailers luxury brands are getting in on the discounted fun: Heavy hitters include Caudalie, everyone’s favorite sunscreen brand, Supergoop!, and clean makeup imprint ILIA, just to name a few. No matter how vast your beauty haul is, all you need to do is enter promo code REFRESH at checkout to save on your eligible goods. (For non-eligible brands, Dermstore is offering double rewards points to soften the blow of paying full-price.)

To cut through the noise, we’ve rounded up the need-to-cop products that are on sale from now until the event’s last day, March 10. Fill your cart will everything you need to achieve that dewy spring glow — without paying full price.

NuFACE Mini, $209 $167.20

Zap your way to brighter, firmer skin with this (rarely on sale!) palm-sized device that uses microcurrent technology to beautify your complexion. This investment skin care tool “makes you look like you’ve really slept well for about two weeks,” as Refinery29 beauty columnist (and self-proclaimed gadget skeptic) Daniela Morosini explained.

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, $64 $51.2

Removing your makeup has never been more luxurious than with this buttery Elemis cleansing balm, packed with botanical ingredients to slow down signs of aging. (Most Wanted VP Sam Baker swears by this hydrating cleanser as part of her evening skin care routine.)

RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner (6 Month Supply), $150 $120

Ready to ditch the mascara? Achieve visibly longer and fuller lashes within months of using a lash serum like RevitaLash’s fan-fave formula. “Seems like it isn’t doing anything for three or so,” commented one of 141 happy reviewers, “and then — BAM — amazing lashes! Don’t even need mascara most of the time!”

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $37 $29.6

The perfect sunscreen exists, and it’s EltaMD’s UV Clear (which also comes in a tinted option, BTW). Not only is it ideal for acne-prone types, but it has niacinamide to brighten and balance skin. Despite a roster of fans that includes Kourtney Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, and Drew Barrymore, this “skin-friendly, hydrating sunscreen” is still “underhyped,” in the words of Most Wanted beauty editor Karina Hoshikawa.

Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $32 $27.20

This cult-favorite exfoliating toner from Paula’s Choice (“TikTok’s most popular skin care brand,” in the words of beauty writer Jacqueline Kilikita) has beta hydroxy acids to gently slough off dead skin cells, keeping your pores clean and your complexion gleaming.

Wander Beauty Mile High Club Volume and Length Mascara, $26 $20.80

It’s okay for your lashes to be a little extra sometimes — and this castor oil-infused Wander Beauty mascara bestows dramatic volume and definition in a matter of swipes, thanks to the addition of the vegetarian bean oil that’s believed to enhance lash growth.

Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush, $29 $23.20

We’ll always save room for a dewy cream blush in our kit, but there’s something to be said about a pigmented powder formula like Tarte’s beloved long-wear formula. Reviewers love the product’s little-goes-a-long-way lifespan and smooth, easily blendable consistency— all of which earned the legendary product a total of 4.76 stars.

Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask, $38 $30.40

Give your hair some T.L.C. with Briogeo’s bestselling conditioning mask, which nourishes damaged strands back to health.

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My Favorite Minimal White Sneakers Are Fully Recyclable

February 25, 2022BruceDayne

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I’ve always sung the praise of a white sneaker as one of the most versatile shoes you can possibly own. I’m a bit of a shoe hoarder as it is (I’ve previously divulged that I travel with several pairs — even for weekend trips) and have racked up a small collection of white sneaks, from my beloved, worn-in Common Projects to several eco-friendly pairs from French footwear imprint Veja. I’m always on the hunt for new pairs, however, so when I came across Thousand Fell’s Lace Up sneakers, I knew I’d discovered something special. For starters, they were sleek as can be: no ostentatious logo, minimal stitching detail, accent color on the heel tab (in my case, black), and flat laces that lent the shoe an overall elevated look and feel. I could honestly stop there as far as counting the reasons why I loved them, but I haven’t even gotten to the best part: They’re 100% vegan, sustainably made, and recyclable.

Thousand Fell Lace-Up, $120 ($100 + $20 Recycling Deposit)

The NYC-based startup was founded in 2018 by Stuart Ahlum and Chloe Songer, two entrepreneurs with a passion for impactful design. In lieu of dropping a ton of styles, Thousand Fell launched with two timeless signature styles: A classic Lace Up and Slip On. (They have since added a third style, The Court, to their lineup.) The shoes’ water- and stain-resistant faux leather upper is made from coconut, sugarcane, and palm but looks deceptively like the real thing. (A feat!) A cushioned insole made from recycled rubber yoga mats make for supportive wear, and the laces are made from recycled PET. The kicker? Instead of chucking your shoes in the trash if you’re cleaning out your closet, Thousand Fell will take them back and either refurbish them and donate the upcycled pair to someone in need or ensure that the shoe’s raw materials are reused, and you earn $20 off your next pair. (“When customers recycle their TF sneakers with us, we provide them with a $20 credit in the form of a one-time use code on thousandfell.com towards their next pair of TF sneakers,” explains a Thousand Fell representative.)

Thousand Fell Slip-On, $120 ($100 + $20 Recycling Deposit)

But back to the shoes: I usually am in between a women’s 5 and 5.5, but went for the 5.5 to avoid them feeling too snug. Not only did they fit perfectly, but they had almost no break-in period. They also were extremely chic and looked great with leggings, jeans, dresses — pretty much everything in my closet. At $120, they’re not inexpensive, but in my opinion, relatively affordable in terms of a high-quality sneaker and not out of the ordinary compared to other brands. (I personally like investing in things like shoes and bags and will comfortably splurge on a designer shoe that I will wear for a long time. But to each their own!)

As far as the elephant in the room is concerned, now’s as good a time as any to talk about the cleanability factor with these. White anything is obviously begging for spills and stains (I can’t wear a pair of white jeans without getting something on them), and the same is the case for my Thousand Fell sneaks. But — and this is a big but — the key here is that these are magically easy to clean. Mystery puddle drips and signs of everyday wear and tear can magically be wiped away with mild soap and water and voilà, it’s like they’re brand new. (My pair, pictured above, is over a year old. Can you believe?) I know cleaning your shoes sounds like a lot of effort, but trust me when I say it makes a big difference in keeping them looking good for a long period of time and is totally worth it.

Thousand Fell Court Sneaker, $130 ($110 + $20 Recycling Deposit)

You don’t need to look far to find any fashion brand touting sustainability as a core value, but it is rare to actually see a brand integrate responsible practices into virtually every aspect of the product’s life cycle. Thousand Fell could’ve stopped at making a dope sneaker and I probably still would’ve been a fan, but the fact that they’re a brand I can genuinely feel good about has me hooked for good.

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Karina Hoshikawa, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

DMTBeautySpot featured Karina Hoshikawa

The Lightweight, Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer That Takes Skin From Shiny To Dewy

February 10, 2022BruceDayne

When it comes to my skin-care routine, I’ve found a lot of success (read: clearer skin) with keeping it simple: Gel cleanser, serum, lightweight moisturizer, sunscreen. (Add a cleansing balm as a first step and nix the SPF for my night-time regimen.) Despite my job as a beauty writer, I’m relatively low-key when it comes to the products I put on my face. That is, until I tried Omorovicza’s $235 Cushioning Day Cream, which is probably the most luxurious moisturizer to ever grace my skin.

ICYMI, Omorovicza was founded in 2006 after Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza (whose own family founded a thermal bath, the Racz Furdo, dating back to the 1800s) and his wife Margaret sought to bring the healing properties of Hungarian thermal water to a luxury skincare range. A patented complex harnessing the skin-rejuvenating ingredients ensued, and can still be found in the brand’s products today. While it’s not an exact correlation, triple-digit creams tend to be on the richer, thicker side, which doesn’t always agree with my skin. Hungarian beauty brand Omorovicza’s new drop, however, is made for folks like me who love pampering their skin but don’t want something heavy. Ahead, read up as I take the high-end jar for a spin.

Omorovicza Cushioning Day Cream, $235

Right off the bat, I noticed that Omorovicza’s new cream definitely had the cushiony-soft texture that inspired the name. It’s not whipped, nor a gel texture, but rather a medium-weight moisturizer that still absorbs readily. (See swatch above.) Another thing that hit me right away was the scent, which I know is a polarizing topic; I personally don’t mind a little fragrance in products — and it generally doesn’t irritate my skin — but I’ll admit that this one was just a tad stronger than I’d generally like. (The product description says it’s “suitable for all skin types,” but sensitive types might want to be wary.) However, it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. I swapped it in for my moisturizer (and actually used it in my PM routine, too) and got right to work.

Even though I tend to be on the oilier side, I still want my skin to feel hydrated and plump. After massaging a dime-sized dollop onto my skin, I immediately was into the result: My skin felt baby-soft and smooth, with a hint of dewy gleam. (It also created an excellent base for makeup — no dry patches here.) However, it has yet to break me out after nearly two weeks of testing, so it’s got my stamp of approval.

According to the brand, the highlight reel of potent ingredients in Omorovicza’s Cushioning Day Cream include marine plankton extract, microalgae, and a patented complex to help firm and support the skin barrier. While its benefits address early signs of aging, my main concerns aren’t so much warding off wrinkles as they are offering adequate hydration – and in that sense, this moisturizer passed with flying colors.

I’m not the only one who was floored by the results of the elixir, and found. “I was blown away with this cream,” wrote a reviewer named Jenny. “[It] made my skin feel subtle, bouncy, hydrated and so soft.” Joanna also found the moisturizer to be fast-acting: “Really noticeable results in such a short time of using,” she commented. Alyson, a reviewer with “oily and shiny skin” who “[finds] it difficult to find moisturizing products that are designed for my skin type” loved that the product “[offers] sheer luxury” and is “lightweight, so my skin does not feel heavy when using.”

Final Thoughts

As I mentioned earlier, I used this both morning and night even though it’s labeled as a day cream. (If you personally love something more thicc for PM, then by all means go for it!) Now for the not-so-fun part: At $235, this is a very (very, very) expensive product by my standards. Is it indulgent? Extremely. On the plus side, a little went a long way with this stuff; conversely, as someone who doesn’t necessarily demand much from a moisturizer, I probably would repurchase this only as an extra-special treat as opposed to this becoming my new skin-care hero step. (But who knows, maybe I’ll feel differently five or ten years from now!) For now, I will lovingly use up every last drop of this jar — and fully enjoy being a little extra with my reborn skin.

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Karina Hoshikawa, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

DMTBeautySpot featured Karina Hoshikawa

Everything Our Shopping Editors Bought This Month — From “Healthy” Cookie Dough To An E-Reader — For Under $100

February 07, 2022BruceDayne

Cozy turtleneck sweaters, winter skin-care staples, a “Christmas in California” candle — the lineup of what we actually bought ourselves in January reflects the bleak, homebound reality of the mid-winter stretch. Trapped inside our homes, we’re trying out “healthy” cookie dough, finally pulling the trigger on that Kindle and not regretting it one bit, and test-driving top-rated sex toys. There’s one silver lining to our cabin fever — an airtight list of editor-approved products consisting of everything you need to stay warm, entertained, and smelling good while you hunker down on your couch and wait for spring.

As you know, it's the R29 Shopping Team's job to bring you the best-of-the-best stuff worth buying day-in and day-out, and with all of the swag that crosses our laptop screens on an hourly basis, we think the goods that actually grab our attention and inspire us to hit “add to cart” deserve extra accolades. (And, as always, everything you're about to click through clocks in at under $100 bucks.) Because we know that there’s nothing as exciting as snooping on other people’s cart, we’re letting you in feast your eyes on 29 of our monthly favorites, ahead.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.