Plus, the clay mask that makes me feel like I'm in a '90s rom-com. | | It’s a dizzyingly busy time of year—in the best way. Between wrapping up our last digital issue of 2023, an endless stream of holiday parties, and getting ready to head to Art Basel Miami Beach this weekend, I’m relying on tried-and-true beauty strategies to keep me in (relative!) harmony. I don’t want to pretend that a clay mask or hair oil is the only secret to staying unbothered, moisturized, happy, in my lane, focused, and flourishing, but, really, they goes a long way. I hope you, too, have your small beauty joys to help you survive this season and beyond. | — Lauren Valenti, InStyle Beauty Director | | | | | | PHOTO: LAUREN VALENTI | TREND TEST | Since Dior’s Spring/Summer 2024 show, I’ve been thinking about the dreamy French twists that hair legend Guido Palau sent down the runway. So when I had a chance to visit Bumble and Bumble’s downtown salon for a dry style, I asked for a ponytail interpretation of the classic Gallic updo, which was achieved with excess U-pins and many blasts of Bumble and bumble’s Thickening Dryspun texture spray. It stayed perfectly intact and, I must admit, received many compliments at the dinner I wore it to that evening. | | | | EMPTY OF THE WEEK | The Outset's Purifying Blue Clay | Due in no small part to the nostalgic feeling they give me every time I slather the thick, powdery paste over my face like I'm in a '90s rom-com, I love a clay mask. I reach for The Outset's Purifying Blue Clay treatment when I'm in need of an equal parts robust and ritualistic skin reset. Its blend of blue clay and charcoal does the heavy lifting to purify, while soothing niacinamide, moisturizing glycerin, and pansy extract ensure my skin isn't left feeling too dry or tight—just glowing. | | | | | | PHOTO: Getty Images | Q+A with Lauren | Q: As soon as winter hits, my hair turns dry, tangled, and dull. What can I do to inject some life and shine back into it? | A: I'm right there with you! Winter wreaks havoc on my curls, and it's the tangles caused by friction with sweaters and scarves that do the most damage. That's why I always like to coat my mids to ends in a lightweight, heavenly-scented hair oil, which supplies moisture and protection to prevent breakage. A tried-and-true favorite is Virtue's Healing Oil, which hairstylist Adir Abergel uses on Jennifer Garner's preternaturally luminous bob ("It's not overly oily and creates an immense amount of shine," he says), as well as fellow pro Mara Roszak's RŌZ Santa Lucia Styling Oil, which always leaves my curls soft and silky.
Read More on InStyle.com | This Is Jennifer Garner’s Go-To Hair Product for Her Signature Bob → | Everything You Need to Know About Hair Oil → | | | | For more, follow Lauren on InStyle, Instagram, and TikTok. | | | | | | We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. | | | | | | | | | |