November 12, 2021

A beauty ingredient shortage, Olive & June's press-on nails and a case for DIY dermaplaning.

An unexpected beauty shortage

I’m so over these supply-chain problems… I’ve spent the better of two months trying to get a PS5 for my son for Chanukah (no luck yet), and I snag the biggest package of toilet paper possible every time I go to Publix since Costco hasn’t had any in forever. I wouldn’t dare order a piece of furniture right now since my taste would probably change before it even arrived, and I even bought the next few sizes up of Nike Air Force 1’s for my son, well, because I’m paranoid (and he refuses to wear them once they get scuffed or dirty).

I haven’t experienced any supply-chain-related beauty issues personally (yet), but apparently U.K. cosmetic companies are about to find themselves in a manufacturing pickle. Maybe Brexit has something to do with it (I’m not sure), but word has it that the common skincare ingredient ethoxydiglycol is becoming harder and harder to come by. Found in products like vitamin C serums, hyaluronic acid serums, self-tanners, benzoyl peroxide formulas, deodorants, hair dyes and more, this safe ingredient acts as solvent that promotes the penetration of other key ingredients (and minimize streaks in the case of self-tanners).

Is this the end of the world? No (or at least not yet). However, let’s hope we have a hefty stockpile of ethoxydiglycol here in the U.S.!

Nails are back in a big way

In the spring of 2020, I spent A LOT of time exploring home-based hacks for all of my usual salon-based personal maintenance. These included hair color (no success), waxing (ouch), facials (do-able), chemical peels (yes), injectable alternatives (nope, didn’t happen) and, of course, manicures and pedicures. In fact, I purchased a set of red, mid-length press-on Static Nails but never used them because I didn’t actually go anywhere for months.

I have literally gotten one manicure since the pandemic began—because my BFF’s daughter’s bat mitzvah (no further explanation needed). In the weeks since, I’ve compiled a collection of mani inspiration photos because I think I want to try something more fun and unique than a solid color. Then the news broke that Olive & June one of my favorite nail brands) was getting into the press-on game.

Available in 24 Insta-worthy styles in four lengths and four shapes (many of which are similar to my inspo photos), each set comes with 42 nails so you are sure to find the perfect fit. (You also get a prep pad, non-damaging glue, a wooden cuticle stick and a 2-in-1 file/buffer.) And if you want to go all in, check out the Press-On System that includes your style of choice and everything you need for perfectly natural-looking fake nails, including a nail clipper, file, buffer, a deluxe double-sided cuticle pusher, cuticle serum, nail strengthener and removal kit—all housed in a cute carry-all pouch.

And in case you’re wondering, these non-toxic nails are made of 94% post-consumer recycled materials!

Let's discuss shaving our faces

Before a few years ago, I would have balked at the mere mention of “shaving” my face. Please don’t try to picture me with shaving cream on my face and a Bic razor in hand (which is and always will be a hard no), but hear me out for a second. After getting my first professional dermaplaning treatment I was hooked, simply because it’s astonishing how much smoother and more radiant your skin looks minus the peach fuzz. The fact that eliminating this layer of hair also helps your skincare products absorb better and allows foundation go on like a dream are icing on the cake.

I’ve been taking matters into my own hands at home since. I’ve tried several disposable facial razors (not great), devices (pretty good) and professionally-designed tools with replaceable heads (my preferred method)—but there’s a new kid on the DYI dermaplaning block and it’s called Jill.

Such a feminine name should quell any association with man-shaving. The starter set comes with the handle and two different sized razor heads—one wide blade and one petite blade for smaller spots—along with a “gunk pad” for cleaning the razor between passes and a travel case.

My biggest issue with dermaplaning myself is that I rarely think to do it unless I have somewhere major to go (which hasn’t been the norm for quite some time). The beauty of Jill is that signing up for the monthly shave plan is like an automatic reminder to keep it up. You get two sets of blades with each delivery (since you should really replace them after each session)—but you can easily pause or skip your monthly shipment if shaving every two weeks just isn’t happening.

This is totally one of those “never say never” beauty moments—but promise me you’ll never DIY dermaplane drunk (or even after just one glass of wine)!