 Plus, the no-nonsense magic of a Hydrafacial.  |  | | And we’re back! I hope that whatever your holiday break looked liked, you feel (relatively!) refreshed for 2024. After spending much of mine cleaning my overflowing inbox, closet, and beauty cabinet, I certainly do. But while I put in the work to feel light and free at this first blush of 2024, I’m resolving to be decidedly softer with myself in the year ahead. For the first time in a long time, I’m focused on going far, not fast; working smarter, not harder; and making more room in my life to nourish my mind and body. That means more reading (less scrolling!), unplugged time with loved ones, and making time for things like acupuncture and hot yoga. Ambitious, I know! Happy New Year, and here’s to hoping we all, kind of, stick to our bright-eyed and bushy-tailed resolutions. | | — Lauren Valenti, InStyle Beauty Director | | | | |  | | PHOTO: LAUREN VALENTI | | What’s on Lauren’s Desk | | It’s only January, and the beauty world is already in the mood for love! Cherry red continues to be the color of the season—and it’s splashed all over my desk. First, by way of a tube of lipstick queen Poppy King’s Original Sin, a gorgeous universal shade that boasts shimmering flecks for a luminous finish. And then, a bottle of Aerin Rose de Grasse Rouge, which evokes a bouquet of freshly cut roses with a touch of sweet honeycomb. Adding to the beauty is a compact of Guerlain bronzer powder, which casts golden pearl pigments in leopard print (my favorite neutral!). And lastly, saving my winter-worn complexion is Bonjout Beauty’s Le Balm, a supercharged solid serum formulated by French pharmacist Natasha Bonjout. It’s packed with 68 (!) actives, including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and prickly pear. I love keeping it in my bag to target dryness and soothe my skin on the go. | | | | | | BEAUTY TIP OF THE WEEK | | | “The velvet nails [effect] can be used over any color, but truly shines when applied over dark colors like black. The contrast between the dark base and polish creates a beautiful, eye-catching look.” | | — Tara Hayes, New York City nail artist | | | | | EMPTY OF THE WEEK | | Isla Beauty Tone Balance Elixir | | Over the past few years, bathing my face in Isla Beauty’s cult-favorite elixir has been one of the most delightful steps of my skin-care routine. I simply love reaching for the sleek golden bottle and tapping the light, refreshingly scented essence into my skin with my fingertips. My face just drinks it up, instantly becoming dewier and plumper. At the same time, my skin looks consistently clearer and more vibrant thanks to all of its skin barrier–strengthening ingredients, like glycerin, wild berry complex, and botanical extracts. | | | | | .gif) | | PHOTO: Lauren Valenti | | | MUST-TRY TREATMENT | | Hydrafacial | | Whenever I’m asked where someone should begin their facial journey, I point them toward a Hydrafacial for a no-nonsense and robust treatment that will leave skin thoroughly decongested, hydrated, and healthy. It’s a four-step treatment using special vortex technology that begins with cleansing and exfoliating to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum. After, gentle extractions are performed using a satisfying (and safe!) suction tip to vacuum trapped blackheads, dirt, oil, and impurities. Finally, the skin is infused with a cocktail of plumping and nourishing serums customized to your needs for deep hydration. I went for a Hydrafacial right before the holiday break, and it was such a satisfying reset, giving me a smooth, supple, and glowing complexion for the festivities ahead! | | | | | 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. | | | | | | | | |  |
