Search Results: Tatjana Freund

How Beauty Tourism Is Reshaping Beauty Standards
What Is Beauty Tourism?
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There are all kinds of reasons to travel across the globe, from expanding your view of the world, to eating incredible food. However, the latest travel trend has less to do with changing your perspective, and more to do with changing your body. 

For one, beauty tourism, as it’s known online, is the practice of traveling abroad with the specific intention of getting beauty treatments in another country, some as noninvasive as cheap hair extensions, and some as intense as going under the knife. 

Countries like South Korea and Turkey have become centers for this kind of travel, and it has become more common to see photos of airports and planes packed with nose-plastered travelers and hair-implanted men. But as its popularity grows, we have to ask the question: Is beauty tourism safe?

For starters, it should be known that the United States is also a common destination for people seeking speciality treatments. “I have a significant population of patients from western Europe, including Spain, Ireland, Italy, and Greece. People are willing to travel for a super-specialist,” says Dr. Benjamin Caughlin, a facial plastic surgeon at Impressions Face and Body, based out of Chicago. 

Thanks in part to Hollywood stars–who can become almost like walking ads for various beauty treatments, surgeries, and doctors–it’s no surprise that people fly to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago to seek out the best of the best. 

Finding the right doctor—especially for invasive, risk-heavy procedures like plastic surgery—is paramount. Some overseas locals have become known for their skills in certain areas. “Hair transplants and rhinoplasties are very common in Turkey. They perform these procedures frequently and have become very skilled at them,” says Dr. Caughlin. 

Similarly, skin treatments in South Korea have become almost legendary. “I think the Korean beauty concept is genius and works well,” says double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. “Many of my patients have had a very good experience. I think if patients want to venture out and want to try cutting edge technology and skincare, it’s safe to go to South Korea.”

However, seeking out the best of the best is hardly the only reason why beauty tourism has ballooned. Sometimes people go abroad because patients are seeking out treatments that, for better or worse, are not legal or common in the United States. 

“Many people go to Korea for stem cell facials, salmon sperm injections, and skin tightening treatments that are not FDA-approved here in the United States,” says Dr. Lal. “Many patients go to South America for injectable fillers that are not currently available in the United States. The FDA has a very rigorous process in the United States and things take much longer to get approved for the safety of the general public.” 

When BBLs–Brazilian butt lifts–reached new heights in popularity, patients seeking this surgery often went abroad, because many American plastic surgeons ban this procedure in their offices due to its high risks to patients. Even when the sought-after treatment is considered generally safe, countries with looser regulations than the United States can become hubs for beauty tourism. 

It has to be said, however, that the answer as to why beauty tourism has expanded is simple: The price. “I think the number one driving factor for why people are going overseas for plastic surgery is cost,” says Dr. Rukmini Rednam, plastic surgeon and founder of Dr. Rednam Plastic Surgery. “In places like Turkey, Mexico, Korea and the Dominican Republic, to name a few, the US dollar can go a lot further. So despite travel costs, people feel that plastic surgery in some of these places abroad is more within their reach and affordable.”

It is true that within the United States, the price of plastic surgery, skin treatments, and hair extensions has reached heights that mean the combined cost of plane tickets, hotels, and the treatments abroad can be less expensive. However, this mindset can come with many risks. “I think it’s worth going to specialists. However, be cautious about shopping only on price,” says Dr. Caughlin. “There are excellent surgeons who charge less than others, so don’t base your decision solely on cost.”

On the operating table and off, traveling abroad for surgery comes with increased risk. “While I understand the appeal of traveling abroad, there are several important factors to consider,” says Dr. Rednam. “Every country has different regulations for surgeons and facilities, and if you do not live in that country, you really have no way of knowing what these are for that country. You may not even have an actual trained plastic surgeon operating on you.”

Even if all goes well with the procedure itself, complications could arise once you return home. “If you have a complication, you will not be able to see your surgeon again unless you travel back to their country. I’ve seen many patients who return after traveling abroad for surgery who have an issue and are unable to get any help from their treatment clinic,” Dr. Rednam continues. 

This is a worry for Dr. Caughlin as well. “Consider access to your surgeon post-operation. I give all my patients my cell phone number. One issue with overseas surgery is the lack of access when problems arise. I’ve treated patients in Chicago who had surgery abroad and encountered issues like infections or abscesses. I know surgeons in almost every major city worldwide whom I trust and can refer patients to.”

And then there is the simple matter of getting home. Even treatments like hair transplants or more invasive facials can become infected, and airports are hardly sterile environments. For many surgeries, in particular BBLs, blot clots are a major concern. 

“We know from studies that long flights after big surgeries are not safe and not recommended. Most of these patients are often quickly on return flights which puts them at risk for blood clot complications,” warns Dr. Rednam. That is not even getting into the physical discomfort people can experience flying at high altitudes in cramped conditions. 

While prices may be raised at home, experts agree that going overseas on a beauty tourism trip is rarely a good idea. “Beauty tourism can be safe in any country, but it depends on the specific clinic, doctor, and team. You need to do your research. Word of mouth is often the best way, along with reviews and board certifications. However, certifications can vary by country,” says Dr. Caughlin. Even the most skilled team, however, cannot ensure no complications arise. Having a doctor near where you live could be life-saving if a complication did occur after returning home.

In most cases, the US does offer similar, if not the exact same, treatments within its borders. Despite this, experts are not expecting the rates of beauty tourism to dip. “Given the cost of consumables and services in the United States, I expect beauty tourism to increase, since procedures are so much cheaper outside the United States,” says Dr. Lal. While social media shows the excitement of beauty tourism, be aware of the drawbacks. “Just because your friend or someone on social media had surgery abroad and did fine and had no issues does not mean you will. Every person’s body can respond differently to surgery and having reliable aftercare is not a luxury but a necessity,” says Dr. Rednam. As beauty tourism becomes more popular, we can expect more procedures, and more practitioners to get in on this burgeoning market. Dr. Lal warns, “as tourism increases, the number of complications will increase.”

These Are the Rising Makeup Artists You Need to Know About

We know the big names in beauty–our Pat McGraths, Charlotte Tilburys, and Isamaya Ffrenchs. These are the incredible makeup artists whose work we’ve seen countless times, on all-star iconic models like Naomi Campbell and on the runways of the hottest shows at fashion week. 

But who are the next generation of makeup artists that we should start paying attention to? Maybe you recognize their work, but you don’t yet know their names. Well, that’s about to change. 

Below are the 10 rising makeup artists who you should start paying attention to, because any second now they’re going to be propelled into icon status.

Carolina Gonzales

You may not know Carolina’s name, but, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve seen the stunning looks she’s created. She’s the artist responsible for Sabrina Carpenter’s gleaming highlight and dewy blush, and she’s also worked with Gigi Hadid, Blake Lively, and Camila Mendes. She currently works with Armani Beauty, which explains why all her clients leave her chair with an immaculate complexion.

Nadia Tayeh

If you’ve ever seen a photo of a model on a red carpet and gawked over their makeup, odds are Nadia was the mastermind behind the look. She’s worked with beauties like Bella Hadid and Justine Skye, creating not just pretty looks, but ones that stand out from the crowd. Clean girl makeup isn’t her vibe—she’s known for graphic eyeliner moments and not shying away from color.

Sophia Sinot

Let’s talk about artistry. Sophia’s work is not just pretty–it is impactful. Whether she’s working with Doja Cat or Emma Chamberlain, her work is like moving art. From alien glamor on the runways to Hollywood sophistication on the red carpet, Sophia never misses.

Andrew Dahling

When it comes to going bold, Chappell Roan’s on-stage makeup looks have made waves. Rather than going for cute and classy, makeup artist Andrew Dahling has gone deeply theatrical with her looks. From feathers as lashes and painting Chappell completely green, we’re definitely going to see Andrew’s name on more and more icons.

Melissa Hernandez

Makeup doesn’t need to be wild to be impactful. Melissa Hernandez has worked with some of the biggest stars–including Olivia Rodrigo, Sydney Sweeney, and Zoey Deutch. She’s particularly skilled with keeping the skin beautiful and natural, with every detail blended to perfection. 

Neil Young

If you’ve been binging Bridgerton and become obsessed with Nicola Coughlan, you’re not alone. For most of her iconic red carpet moments, makeup artist Neil Young was in charge of her looks. With flirty lashes, glowing skin, and perhaps inspired by retro ‘60s looks, Young has brought his skills to new heights in the past few years.

Raoul Alejandre

If you, like us, are obsessed with anything Zendaya does, then you need to meet her makeup artist. Raoul has also worked with A-listers like Angelina Jolie and FKA Twigs, but perhaps he’s best known for creating Zendaya’s smokey, ‘20s-inspired look for the Met Gala red carpet. His looks can be both editorial and everyday, and we can’t get enough.

Tildaxx

If you’ve ever zoomed in close on a photo of FKA Twigs to admire her makeup, you have Tildaxx to thank. Not just a makeup artist, Tildaxx works with prosthetics and special effects to create otherworldly creations that stand out from the crowd. 

Kali Kennedy

When it comes to icons, Kennedy has worked with them all. From Charli XCX, Alexa Demie, Sabrina Carpenter, she has created ‘90s-inspired, bold looks that are vibey and creative. With sharp cat eyes and overlined lips, Kennedy’s work has a true signature.

Yadim Carranza

One word: Rihanna. Some of her most bombastic, incredible looks were created by Yadim. His works have been featured in fashion campaigns like Miu Miu and Marni, and on magazine covers, and span everything from no-makeup makeup look and bold ‘80s-inspired creations. 

Should We Trust Dupe Skin Care?

These days, when a buzzy new product hits the market and sells out immediately, you don’t have to worry. Odds are, your favorite drugstore company will make their own version within the month, probably with lower prices and better shade ranges.

Take the Dior lip oil, for example. The product went viral on TikTok and became the new must-have. But in just a few weeks— and well into the next months— they went from cornering the lip oil market entirely, to becoming just one on the shelf, and one of the most expensive ones at that. When it comes to makeup, maybe this is all healthy competition. But, these days, skincare is the latest category to inspire copycats. And that begs the question: Should we trust these skincare dupes?

Defining what exactly a dupe is is part of the issue. In makeup, we can see similarities with packaging, formulation, or the hues a product is offered in. For skin, mimicry may be more subtle, but it still happens. “Duping skincare is possible,” double-board certified dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal tells BEAUTYCON. “It all comes down to ingredients. While not all products are exactly the same, many have similar ingredients that can provide the same results.” So if a moisturizer goes viral for its dewy formula, instead of looking for similar packaging, keep an eye on the active ingredients they list. If you see those repeated on another, more affordable product, you might have found a dupe.

There are some brands that have made duping almost an art. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s iconic Hyaluronic Serum costs a whopping $325, but skincare fanatics noticed that it’s very similar to The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum, and costs less than ten dollars. Meanwhile, Supergoop!’s sunscreen is a must-have for many people, but influencers found that e.l.f.’s new Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen is a nearly perfect dupe. When it comes to moisturizer, two of the most popular options on the market are Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream and the Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Nourishing Whipped Moisturizer. According to some experts, both can be duped by Byoma’s $17 Moisturizing Rich Cream.

But is duping skincare safe? Unlike most makeup, skincare is not just for cosmetics, but can be for skin conditions as well. Many ingredients could have adverse effects if not formulated properly, so extra caution is needed… and that doesn’t mean that duped skincare products should be avoided. In fact, there are certain product categories that Dr. Lal things are worth finding a dupe for. “Never spend over twenty dollars on a moisturizer or hyaluronic acid,” says Dr. Lal. “These are products that often contain basic ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, cetearyl alcohol, petrolatum, dimethicone and/or hyaluronic acid.”

Even better, these are all ingredients that are both common and safe for the skin. But even skin acids can be duped. “AHA and BHA products also do not need to be expensive because these too are cheap ingredients. Retinoids can be a save or splurge but this can be an easy save with a prescription from a dermatologist. Vitamin C can be a save or splurge but be careful to find a product that comes in an opaque bottle or pump so your product doesn’t easily break down.” There are a few categories where it’s important to get a high quality product. “Splurge on growth factors and peptides often which are not interchangeable. Splurge on a good sunscreen because sunscreens are your number one defense! Find one you like and stick with it!” insists Dr. Lal.

The bottom line? When it comes to skincare, the most important thing is that your skin is healthy, which doesn’t mean spending an arm and a leg on the newest, buzziest product. It’s way more important to be consistent with your routine, protect it from sun damage, and to be safe with active ingredients. So the next time you see a viral product and aren’t sure if you should take the plunge, wait just a moment: There’s a dupe for that! 

The 10 Best Foundation Brushes for a Flawless Base

Of all the tools that are essential for keeping us looking our best, the humble foundation brush should never be overlooked. After all, nothing can ruin a great look quite as quickly as a harsh, un-blended line or some patchy concealer. And while it might seem like every brush more or less does the same thing, that actually couldn’t be further from the truth.

“The type of foundation brush you select is super important and can impact the desired coverage and finish,” Sabena Collier, makeup artist and Bobbi Brown Pro Artist, tells BEAUTYCON. The type of bristles, density of the bristles, and application method can all dramatically impact how your foundation sits on the skin. Depending on your desired look, finding the right brush is paramount.

When you’re shopping for a foundation brush, there are a few very important factors to consider, explains Collier. It all comes down to your skin, and your preferences. “For more textured skin that has acne, scarring, or enlarged pores, I’d recommend using a damp makeup sponge. The softness of the sponge helps the product to apply evenly onto the skin. For application, use light tapping or bouncing motions,” says Collier.

“For a sheerer application of foundation, I would suggest using a less dense foundation brush or sponge. This allows you to control the amount of product you’re adding to the skin using light sweeping or gently pressing motions. For a medium to full coverage, I would suggest using a denser or flatter foundation brush. This will allow you to apply more product with a seamless application.” 

So whether you prefer “no-makeup makeup” or a full beat, here are the 10 best foundation brushes and sponges you can use to get a flawless base.

These 10 Summer Eyeliners Are the Pop of Color You Need

Cold days are behind us. Along with our skin becoming dewier and our blush becoming stronger, adding a pop of color on our eyes is one of the easiest ways to embrace summer makeup. Neutral eyeliners– like your typical black or brown liner– will always have their place in our makeup bags. But adding an unexpected hue can add a dramatic oomph to any look. “Colorful eyeliners are super fun and a great way to enhance any makeup look,” Sabena Collier, makeup artist and Bobbi Brown Pro Artist, tells Beautycon.

But which color to choose? While you should certainly feel free to snag the color that you’re the most drawn to, Collier has a few tricks to make it easy. Depending on your hair color and eye color, certain eyeliners might pop more than others. “For dark brown eyes and darker hair, you can truly use any color. However, green and purple are great complements.”

Meanwhile, for blue eyes and blonde hair, Collier recommends “warmer tones such as a gold shimmer or orange eyeliner.” As for red hair? “I love using gold or green eyeliner to enhance their look.” And, when it comes to what Collier herself is using this time of year, she gravitates towards orange, yellow, gold, green, blue, or purple color eyeliners. “These colors are beautiful and a great way to enhance your spring makeup looks.”

If you find that your eyeliner tends to fade throughout the day, Collier also has a few tricks to help the look last longer. To get the most out of the look, “I would recommend priming the eyelid before application for color payoff and longevity benefits,” Collier says. “A pro tip for applying colorful eyeliner is to layer it on top of a black eyeliner. This will enhance the color by giving it a more vibrant and bolder effect.”

Whether you decide to opt for something vibrant and neon, or a more subtle, everyday shade, here are the 10 best summer eyeliners that will give your makeup the pop it deserves.

Can Vanicream and Castor Oil Really Save Our Skin?

By now we know that skin care is a marathon not a race, and we should be wary of any product that has huge claims. And yet, when TikTok influencer Vanilla Swirl went viral earlier this year in a video where she stated that combining castor oil with Vanicream’s iconic Moisturizing Cream was the key to her glowing, acne-free skin, I immediately bought the duo to test out. Her recipe is simple: Add one pump of the Vanicream moisturizer, dribble on a few drops of the Sky Organics Castor Oil, mix, and apply before bed. 

For context, I have the unlucky combination of being acne-prone and dry, which means that my skin constantly craves thick, luscious creams, but breaks out immediately when I use them. In the past two years, I’ve been relegated to the gel cream section of skin care, mournfully watching my friends slather on heavy moisturizers. The idea that some extra oil could actually help my skin is groundbreaking–especially when the entire bundle costs less than $40. 

I was not the only skeptic. For every comment under Vanilla Swirl’s video that raved about her routine, there was at least one naysayer who claimed that castor oil broke them out. Dr. Karan Lal, a double-board certified dermatologist, was also hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. “I think castor oil is fine for those that want a natural moisturizer and don’t have acne,” he tells Beautycon. For people who do suffer from breakouts, like me, Dr. Lal was a little more stern. “Using an oil with a thick emollient can lead to breakouts as oils do clog pores,” he says.

This warning aside, there is some anecdotal evidence that suggests that castor oil could potentially help with acne. “Castor oil is an anti-inflammatory oil that has multiple fatty acids that can help restore the skin barrier,” Dr. Lal adds. “It also has some weak antioxidant properties.” Still: “I don’t recommend castor oil for those with acne despite it having weak antimicrobial properties because acne is more complicated than just colonization with C.acnes. It is a disease of the sebaceous gland and oils can enter these glands and cause inflammation.” Vanicream’s Moisturizing Cream on its own is a great non-comedogenic moisturizer for acne-prone skin that many people swear by. With this information in my back pocket, and after going through my fourth or fifth tiny bottle of $44 moisturizer, I decided to take the plunge.

My first impression was that castor oil is a lot thicker than other oils I’ve tried in the past. And secondly, the smell is not for the uninitiated. Slightly earthy and definitely reminiscent of an ashtray, I could see why some people couldn’t stand the stench. After a few uses, though, I hardly notice the odor anymore. The combination definitely feels thick–it doesn’t dry down in a hurry either, but stays on the skin. While I personally love feeling slathered in oils, I can see why someone else would hate the texture. 

It’s been about a month now of using this combination, and coincidentally or not, I haven’t had a single breakout since beginning. The breakouts I did have are healing, and there’s a lovely radiance to my skin for what feels like the first time in months. Not to mention, when I use Vanicream and castor oil under my makeup, it goes on perfectly– no dry patches ever, and my cream products blend like a dream. I could be imagining it, but I also have a feeling that my brows and lashes are looking a little more luscious, too, thanks to castor oil’s hair-growth properties. The best part? After a month of using these products twice a day, I’ve still barely made a dent in these jumbo-sized products.

These days, I’m slowly making my way through my Vanicream, occasionally adding in a few drops of castor oil when my skin feels particularly dry, or to use as a makeup primer. Whether or not this combination of products is the key to perfect skin remains to be seen, but all I can say is that it’s certainly not going to leave my routine any time soon.

What Is Mandelic Acid, and Why Does Your Skin Need It? 

In our never-ending pursuit for clear skin, mandelic acid has joined the ranks of other AHAs and BHAs that experts are turning to for gentle exfoliation. You might be familiar with glycolic acid and salicylic acid. These two are popular ingredients that are readily available in acne-busting products. 

Meanwhile, mandelic acid is new on the scene, and gaining popularity fast. Not only is mandelic acid more gentle than its alternatives, but it works just as well, if not better. 

Here, find out why you need to start incorporating mandelic acid into your routine– and the best products to do it with.

What is mandelic acid?

In the skincare world, it’s easy to think that stronger is better, but that’s not always the case. Many acne-fighting products can use very high concentrations of active ingredients, which can damage the skin barrier, cause excessive dryness, redness, and even scarring. That’s just one of the reasons why mandelic acid is becoming so sought-after. 

“Mandelic acid is a weak alpha hydroxy acid that usually comes from almonds,” explains dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. “It is a very large molecule, therefore it only penetrates the superficial layers of the skin. It is a mild exfoliant and promotes cell turnover. It is great for patients with acne.” 

Because it’s not considered as powerful as other alpha hydroxy acids– also known as AHAs, such as salicylic acid– it still exfoliates and clears the skin, without causing barrier damage. That makes mandelic acid a great option for anyone with sensitive skin. “This is a great acid for sensitive skin, someone who has a lot of actives in their routine already, or someone who is breakout-prone. It’s also ideal for clients with a higher Fitzpatrick skin type, as some AHAs can lead to hyperpigmentation on a darker skin tone,” adds esthetician Sofie Pavitt.

What does mandelic acid do?

Mandelic acid, like other AHAs, is an exfoliant that helps promote cell turnover. Not only can this help battle breakouts, but it can improve other common skin issues. Pavitt says, “The exfoliation from mandelic acid can be amazing because it’s very gentle. If you’re dealing with acne, your skin can feel quite irritated so this is an ideal acid for breakout-prone clients. It’s also antibacterial so can help in reducing acne-causing bacteria and has a brightening effect.” 

Even for sensitive skin, mandelic acid can be used safely and effectively. “Mandelic acid is one of the most tolerable acids to use in the skin. It is safe for sensitive skin. It is great for all skin tones and skin colors. It helps with acne, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and textural irregularities,” says Dr. Lal.

Additionally, if your skin is mostly clear, adding mandelic acid in the morning can help keep your skin bright and healthy, and keep your pores clear. Mandelic acid can also be used in body care products, like body wash, to treat everything from body odor to breakouts.

How should mandelic acid be used?

Because mandelic acid is so gentle, it’s very easy to incorporate into a daily skincare routine. “If you’re using a mandelic acid serum, it is preferable to use this in the morning on dry skin, and combine it with other actives such as hyaluronic acid and your moisturizer,” says Dr. Lal. “It is important to make sure that you are wearing sunscreen if you are using mandelic acid products because alpha hydroxy acids can increase your risk of getting red from the sun.” 

One of the great aspects of mandelic acid is that it’s gentle enough to pair with your other active ingredients. “Anyone who’s looking for gentle exfoliation, this acid works well with other actives such as retinol and BHAs also. I put almost all of my clients on a mandelic acid,” adds Pavitt. 

If you have extremely sensitive skin, you might want to consider opting for wash-off products like cleansers or masks that contain mandelic acid, as a way to dip your toe. “Mandelic acid can be used in a body wash and or as a serum. The body wash is great for patients that have acne and or body odor. Because body wash stays on the skin for a short period of time it is best for those with sensitive skin and dry skin,” adds Dr. Lal.

Expert-approved mandelic acid products

Do The Innersense Products Really Work For Curls?

Call me easily influenced, but when Innersense’s hair products began going viral on TikTok, I immediately paid attention. These days, it’s hard to get through a week without there being a new “it” product for curly hair–whether it’s a new tool or a hydrating leave-in, anything to make wash-day easier. 

On their website, Innersense markets itself as a planet-friendly, health-focused brand. Online, reviewers are completely obsessed with their innovative, nourishing products that are designed to work together. And while they’re not exclusively a curly brand, it seems that we’ve adopted them nonetheless. Always the skeptic when it comes to buzzy brands, I decided to try Innersense’s line on my 3A-ish curls. I tried five products: The Detox Hair Mask, the Hydrating Cream Hairbath, the Hydrating Cream Conditioner, the Quiet Calm Curl Control cream, and their viral I Create Hold styling gel.

The husband and wife-owned brand’s popularity might have grown since the dawn of TikTok, but their first burst of major curly attention in 2014 when “Our products were discovered by a worldwide curl specialist group which put our brand on the map, figuratively and literally,” Innersense founder Joanne Starkman tells Beautycon. “We didn’t start a clean hair care brand as a trend, we did it as a genuine concern for the health of people, hair and the planet.” Innersense has a huge list of ingredient no-no’s, which includes all silicones, with the goal of creating a brand that not only improves the overall health of your hair and scalp, but does so without compromising on style and effectiveness.

My specific hair type can fluctuate between 2A and 3A curls, depending on its length and health. When I wear my hair curly, I’ll typically stick with lightweight products like a gel and a mousse. I was slightly nervous to begin using Innersense’s styling products, in part because internet reviewers and the brand itself both claim that the brand uses highly-concentrated formulas, which I imagined would weigh my hair down. 

Because Innersense products are designed to work best with other products from the brand, they recommend beginning with the Detox Mask. “This clarifying mask detoxifies the scalp and hair to give flat, lifeless and greasy hair a detox. Its truly unique formula purifies hair and scalp of buildup and product residue without stripping away the hair’s natural oils to leave the scalp feeling refreshed and hair feeling fluffy, soft and light. It’s a game changer for all hair types and textures, converting those who give it a try to loyal brand users,” says Starkman.

Both the hydrating shampoo and conditioner felt lovely on my hair. The shampoo lathered surprisingly well, despite its creamy texture, but I wasn’t sold yet until I tried the styling products. Per instructions, I used a tiny pea-size amount of the cream and a good pump of the gel, and let my hair air dry. The I Create Hold styling gel is known for creating a firm cast, which I found to be absolutely true. When my hair was fully dry, it still had that wet-looking, crunchy cast that can either be great news, or a sign of a terrible week ahead. The moment I began crunching out the cast, I became inducted into the Innersense cult. My curls were defined, shiny, and felt like they had no product in them at all. The best part? They stayed that way for days.

Just in case it was a fluke, I called another curly-haired beauty editor friend and demanded that she test the line as well. Time and time again, we came to the same conclusion: Our curls have simply never looked better. “The love and support in our social media communities are a reflection of those who have not only fallen in love with our products, but also our brand and its commitment to people and planet. It’s amazing to have seen the growth of our social platforms and the enthusiasm from our community for our brand,” Starkman adds. As a newly-minted member of this enthusiastic community, I can safely say: Innersense is well and truly worth the hype.