These Are The Best Products For Acne-Prone, Dehydrated Skin This Winter

how to fix dry dehydrated skin best products

Cold weather, minimal sunlight, and all that holiday food can take quite a toll on your skin no matter where you live. But if you're feeling confused about why your skin constantly swings between dry and oily, you might actually be dealing with dehydrated skin instead of dry skin. While the latter is a skin type that comes from a lack of oil production, the former is actually a sign that your body needs more water.

If you're looking to change up your skincare routine, or add something to your skin cycling, but you're not sure how new products will affect your skin, try out a mini option before going for the full size. We'd also recommend giving yourself at least two weeks with a product to allow your skin to adjust.

Here are the types of products we're diving into:

  • Cleansers
  • Serums
  • Moisturizers
  • Exfoliators
Keep reading for everything you need to know about dry skin versus dehydrated skin, and the product recommendations that will make you glow.

How Do I Know If My Skin Is Dry Or Dehydrated?

The main difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin is that dry skin is a skin type, while dehydrated skin is a condition that can happen to anyone with any skin type.

If your skin is dry all year round and doesn't product very much oil, that's a sign you could have dry skin. Whereas if your skin is frequently oily and acne-prone, but it's feeling dry during the winter, you could have dehydrated skin.

Does Dry Skin Mean You're Dehydrated?

Dry skin is because of a lack of oil, or sebum, production. Dehydrated skin, however, is due to a lack of water, whether from internal (diet or how much water you drink) or external factors (weather). That means that dry skin is not a reflection of how hydrated you are.

Should You Exfoliate Dehydrated Skin?

Exfoliation can help remove any dead skin cells that have built up on the surface of your face. That means you won't be dealing with rough skin patches *and* the products you use will be able to penetrate your skin and hydrate better. Just be sure not to exfoliate too much!

How Do You Treat Dehydrated Skin?

Image via Sora Shimazaki/Pexels

While thick lotions and oils lock in natural moisture to fight dry skin, you can take a different approach for dehydrated skin. Increase your water consumption with glasses of water or by eating foods that are high in water value. We're loving this watermelon lemonade and bite-sized cucumber rollups.

You can also use face mists to add an extra layer of hydration and pamper yourself at the same time, or add a humidifier to your room.

Skincare Products For Dehydrated Skin

Face Washes For Dehydrated Skin

Youthforia's New Night Off Face Wash

Made with green tea, apricot seed oil, and green tea antioxidants called tannins, this is one face wash that brightens your skin while it hydrates.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

Not only is this cleanser for all skin types, but it will break down oils and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural hydration.

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

Gentle and hydrating, Glossier's cleanser is pH-balanced and features the cleansing agent that's used in contact lenses, meaning it won't irritate.

Fenty Beauty Total Cleans'r Makeup-Removing Cleanser With Barbados Cherry

The face wash from Rhianna's beauty brand is cruelty-free, clean, and will both comfort and refresh your skin.

Geologie Clear System - 60 Day Acne Routine Level 1 + 2

Instead of merely offering an acne wash that tackles breakouts, Geologie has developed the Clear System which includes two levels of their clarifying gel cleanser, one brightening day cream, and two levels of their repairing night cream. When asked about the formula, Geologie's co-founder and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steve Xu said, "Benzoyl peroxide — though an effective acne treatment — can cause intolerable redness, itching and burning, and many patients will quit these treatments as a result. The first 90 days of starting any new acne system are the most crucial, so our goal was to create a routine that was very effective, tolerable and very enjoyable to use. We did just that with Clear System, and proved it in clinical testing. Now, you don’t have to choose between beating acne and having healthy, hydrated skin. Better yet, you’ll enjoy the process and see the results."

Our Editorial Intern Jasmine had a chance to try the Clear System and has experienced minimal breakouts as a result. It's something she tried for 30 days and recommends for anyone who doesn't want to guess what they should use in addition to a hydrating acne cleanser.

Serums

The Ordinary Niacinamide

Niacinamide works by purging your pores (so don't worry if you breakout the first two weeks you use it — that means it's working!) to refine and smooth. It can help dehydrated skin by preventing water evaporation.

Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum

If you're dealing with blackheads, breakouts, or even excess oil, this is a serum that will improve your skin's texture and the look of your pores.

bareMinerals Skinlongevity Long Life Herb Serum

Niacinamide is one of our favorite skincare ingredients because it helps to heal and protect your skin's barrier. Anyone with dehydrated skin can trust that this serum will encourage healthy cell turnover to ensure you have glowing skin.

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Radiance Boosting Anti-Aging Face Serum

Yes, you can absolutely use a radiance boosting serum that has anti-aging properties when you have dehydrated skin! Some of the ingredients you'll find in this one are hyaluronic acid, Vitamin Cg, and Bifidus Prebiotic.

Tatcha The Dewy Serum

The great thing about this multitasking skincare product is that it smooths, plumps, and locks in the moisture that will keep your skin looking fresh.

Summer Fridays Dream Oasis Deep Hydration Serum

This non-comedogenic jelly-serum features hyaluronic acid and works great for both the dryness and redness that might be affecting your dehydrated skin. Stash it in your carry on or your purse for skincare magic on-the-go.

Moisturizers

Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer

Get rid of dull, dehydrated skin with electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It's like Gatorade for your face!

Supergoop! Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40 Fluid

This SPF is more than just sunscreen — it's got retinol to improve the look of fine lines while also protecting your dehydrated skin from the sun. That's definitely a win-win.

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

We can personally recommend this fragrance-free, hydration moisturizer. The ceramides help improve your skin's barrier, and it works just as well after shaving your legs as it does on your face.

Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream

This dermatologist-approved moisturizer comes complete with baobab seed oil and shea butter, but the best part about it is that it's hypoallergenic. Your dehydrated skin will thank you for the smooth introduction.

Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream

Gentle enough for daily use, this polypeptide cream will help restore your skin to its former glory.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer

If your skin is acne-prone and sensitive to oils, you definitely want to find an oil-free moisturizer that won't make you break out. Not only does this pick not have oil, but it does have hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract, and antioxidants.

Exfoliators For Dehydrated Skin

dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator

A gentle exfoliator will remove dead skin cells without irritating your dehydrated skin, and the combo of oatmeal, rice, and salicylic acid can brighten your complexion in a week.

e.l.f. Gentle Peeling Exfoliant

This is definitely one exfoliant that is gentle on sensitive skin — it's never made us break out! The papaya active ingredient adds a light fragrance and our skin always feels smoother after use. You can also opt for the mini version.

Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

Pull double duty with an exfoliator that's also a cleanser. It'll minimize your morning routine and wake you up with the smell of oranges.

La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub

The "ultra-fine" aspect of this scrub comes from perlite powder, which absorbs oil while spring water and glycerin hydrate.

Neutrogena Bright Boost Resurfacing Facial Exfoliator

If you're looking for an exfoliator for your dehydrated skin that doesn't break the bank, try Neutrogena's Bright Boost Resurfacing Facial Exfoliator. It has glycolic acid and mandelic AHAs in it, making it gentle enough to use on your skin.

Let us know how you deal with dehydrated skin in the comments and check out our email newsletter for more skincare hacks.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Sora Shimazaki/Pexels.

This post has been updated.

If you're a 90s movies (and horror movies) lover, you might agree that nothing beats an old school slasher. I Know What You Did Last Summer, which stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Freddie Prinze Jr., premiered in 1997, combines everything we love about coming of age movies — friends, summer vacation, and drama — with just enough terror to send a chill down your spine. And just like the original, the new I Know What You Did Last Summer features some of the hottest names in Hollywood.

Everything you need to know about the new I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel movie, coming to theaters July 18, 2025.

Is there a 3rd I Know What You Did Last Summer?

Columbia Pictures

Yes, a brand new I Know What You Did Last Summer is coming to theaters this summer. But just because it's a new film doesn't mean it won't have plenty of nostalgia.

"There's lots of '90s in there, so get excited because the '90s are back again!" Jennifer Love Hewitt, who's returning for the movie, told People. "And there's lots of twists and turns. I don't think people are going to expect anything that's coming. It's a really fun ride."

"We approached it like super fans, so I think people are going to be really happy," writer-director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson added. "All the things that you want to see in this movie, you're going to see in this movie."

Who's in the I Know What You Did Last Summer cast?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue/Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images/Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Amazon

The new I Know What You Did Last Summer cast features some familiar faces as well as some new ones. Here's the full cast list:

  • Freddie Prinze Jr. as Ray Bronson
  • Jennifer Love Hewitt as Julie James
  • Lola Tung
  • Nicholas Alexander Chavez
  • Austin Nichols
  • Gabbriette
  • Madelyn Cline
  • Sarah Pidgeon
  • Tyriq Withers
  • Jonah Hauer-King
  • Chase Sui Wonders

What is I Know What You Did Last Summer about?

Brook Rushton/Sony Pictures

In the new I Know What You Did Last Summer, five friends accidentally cause a deadly car accident and agree to keep the secret forever. But when someone starts terrorizing them the next year, they reach out to Julie and Ray for help. And Jennifer Love Hewitt can't get enough of this new "phenomenal" cast!

"It's for them to make it their own and for me to stand by like a proud mom and say, 'It's yours now, take it and run and enjoy,'" she told People.

"When you get a group of young actors together, it can be a recipe for disaster oftentimes," Chase Sui Wonders added. "But everyone in this cast just brought it to the nth degree. We all got along so well. The chemistry between us was so fun and natural and seamless."

Do Revenge's Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is directing and co-writing alongside Sam Lansky.

When is I Know What You Did Last Summer coming out?

Matt Kennedy/Sony Pictures

The new movie will hit theaters July 18, 2025.

Where did I Know What You Did Last Summer film?

Brook Rushton/Sony Pictures

I Know What You Did Last Summer filmed in Australia from October 2024 to March 2025.

Let us know what you're excited to see in the I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot on Facebook!

This post has been updated.

If you've spent the last couple of months glued to your screen watching The White Lotus, then you're already familiar with the genius of Mike White. The insanely popular HBO show just aired its divisive season 3 finale, and plenty of viewers are upset about parting ways with the series for now.

However,The White Lotus is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Mike White's filmography. He's had a hand in plenty of hidden gems and fan favorites, from the hit movie School of Rock to the rom-com The Good Girl and the teen drama Dawson's Creek.

So, as we eagerly await Season 4 of The White Lotus, you can still get your Mike White fix. Here are 10 TV shows and movies that he's worked on.

Scroll to see all the Mike White movies & TV shows you should watch while you wait for the next season of The White Lotus.

Black & White Productions

1. Year of the Dog

In Year of the Dog, Mike White delivers a powerful story about grief and transformation. It stars Molly Shannon as Peggy, a kindhearted woman whose life starts to unravel following the sudden death of her dog, Pencil.

But then, this story of loss turns into a journey of self-discovery as Peggy becomes an animal activist. Year of the Dog was both written and directed by Mike White.

Amazon Prime Studios

2. Brad's Status

This movie stars Ben Stiller as Brad, a guy who starts to question his achievements when comparing himself to his more "successful" college friends during a trip with his son.

The comedy-drama tackles themes of envy, regret, and insecurities, but still has Mike White's signature stamp of subtle humor. Other cast members in Brad's Status include Austin Abrams, Luke Wilson, and Michael Sheen.

Paramount

3. School of Rock

School of Rock is one of Mike White's most successful projects. While the 2003 film was actually directed by Richard Linklater, it was Mike who penned the script and let Jack Black shine as Dewey Finn, who fakes his way into a substitute teaching job.

To this day, School of Rock remains a cult classic that's high energy and takes viewers on a feel-good journey.

Editor's Note: Haley Sprankle wants the world to know this is her favorite movie of all time. In her opinion, it's truly a perfect film and should be a required viewing for everyone. Let's rock today!

HBO

4. Enlightened

Before The White Lotus, there was Enlightened, an HBO series that showcased Mike White's talent for creating complex and flawed characters.

Laura Dern stars as Amy Jellicoe, a corporate executive whose public meltdown leads her down a path of spiritual awakening and reinvention. It's a quiet but powerful precursor to Mike's storytelling style, which he perfected in The White Lotus.

Odeon Films

5. Chuck & Buck

Chuck & Buck is an uncomfortable yet oddly touching indie film that showcases Mike White's talent for balancing cringey humor with emotional depth.

He actually stars as Buck, a socially awkward man who's still clinging to a childhood friendship with Chuck, played by Chris Weitz. This early screenplay, which came out in 2000, laid the groundwork for his distinctive tone.

Fox Searchlight Pictures

6. The Good Girl

Jennifer Aniston stars as Justine, a bored and unhappily married retail worker in The Good Girl. Then, she has an affair with her younger coworker named Holden, played by Jake Gyllenhaal.

This lesser-known rom-com came out in 2002, and Mike White's writing style helps bring out the complexity of seemingly mundane lives. Other cast members in The Good Girl include John C. Reilly, Deborah Rush, Tim Blake Nelson, and Zooey Deschanel.

Paramount Pictures

7. Orange County

Again, Mike's unique perspective brought a clever twist to the teen comedy genre in Orange County. Colin Hanks stars as Shaun, a high school student who's desperate to get into Stanford, but because of an application mix-up, his dreams are derailed.

With the help of his brother Lance, portrayed by Jack Black, he tries to make things right and ultimately realizes he can achieve his dreams closer to home.

Paramount

8. Nacho Libre

You may not have known that Mike White co-wrote Nacho Libre, the strangely sweet 2006 comedy starring Jack Black. In the film, Jack plays Nacho, a monastery cook who secretly moonlights as a masked wrestler to help support the orphans he cares for.

Even in 2025, Nacho Libre remains a cult classic (and continues to inspire plenty of Halloween costumes every year).

Universal

9. Despicable Me 4

The heartwarming and family-friendly Despicable Me 4 is a far cry from The White Lotus, but believe it or not, Mike White had a hand in writing this massively successful animated film, too.

While it's definitely different than most of his filmography, viewers can still feel Mike's style in the movie's mix of bizarre humor and unexpected emotional beats. This iteration of the franchise follows Gru as he balances fatherhood while facing yet another villainous threat.

The WB

10. Dawson's Creek

Lastly, Mike White also flexed his writing muscles on the teen drama hit Dawson's Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003. The show followed a group of close-knit friends as they navigated the messiness of young adulthood and love in a small town.

Dawson's Creek featured stars like James Van Der Beek, Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Chad Michael Murray.

Looking for more movie, TV, and entertainment news? Follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

From winning multiple beauty awards to garnering genuine praise online, Beyoncé's haircare brand Cécred has passed the public's test and that's why I'm so excited it's finally available at Ulta (watch their cute announcement here)! Though I love going straight to Cécred's website to shop for goodies, I love how accessible it's become for customers. Whether you've been itching to try the award-winning Hydrating Shampoo or the Restoring Hair & Edge Drops that keep selling out (they're so worth it!), Ulta's made room in over 1,400 locations and online for them!

Keep scrolling to learn more about Cécred's launch in Ulta, discover Black women's experience with the popular brand, plus see my favorite picks!

Unveiling Cécred's Launch In Ulta

Cécred

Grace Ray, the CEO of Cécred shared how excited the brand is to launch in a major beauty retailer like Ulta in a press release. She said, "Expanding into retail just one year after the launch of Cécred is a powerful testament to the efficacy of our products and the deep connection we've built with our community," (via PR Newswire). She also said, "Our partnership with Ulta Beauty and their salons enables us to bring the Cécred transformation to more consumers of all hair types and textures and experience the benefits directly with a stylist they trust. Ulta Beauty shared our vision for how the brand would come to life in retail in an unprecedented way, and we can't wait for everybody to experience this new chapter with us."

Want to know if Ulta is equally excited about the partnership? Look no further than the retailer's CEO Kecia Steelman. She told PR Newswire, "Launching Cécred exclusively at Ulta Beauty is an exciting milestone for both of us and a reflection of our commitment to partner with brands that work for everyone. From our inclusive brand assortment and best-in-class services to the passionate associates delivering unmatched experiences on our sales floor and in our salon chairs, we offer the perfect landscape to introduce this brand in a unique and engaging way."

Not only that, but Steelman says Ulta feels "honored to co-create a vision that will delight" customers and "drive success" for them as well as Cécred.

Cécred

Additionally, Ulta Beauty and Cécred are offering an exclusive salon experience for customers. Stylists will be trained on how to effectively use products to offer the following services:

  • Cécred Scalp Revival: "Creates a foundation for healthy hair with a gentle exfoliation that nourishes your scalp, removes flakes and buildup, and helps keep your hair hydrated. This service includes a signature Cécred circulation scalp massage. It can be paired with any Cécred treatment and any finished style."
  • Cécred Protein Bounceback Treatment: "Features Cécred’s Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual to help strengthen hair and make it 3x more resistant to breakage. The Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner ensures a perfect protein-moisture balance, deeply nourishing hair while supporting everyday wear and tear."
  • Cécred Hydration & Repair Treatment: "Repairs and restores hair weakened by color, heat, chemical services, and extensions. This service includes Cécred Reconstructing Treatment Mask, which reduces damage in just one use, and Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner to deeply nourish and maintain the ideal protein-moisture balance."

Beginning May 18, Cécred Sundays will take place at a "select 200 The Salon at Ulta Beauty locations!" It'll be a recurring event catered to customers who are looking for a relaxation during their hair appointments, plus they'll receive a complimentary mini Temple Oud candle with any of the above services.

I'm all for it because Cécred's on par with brands like Design Essentials, Olaplex, Aveda, Kérastase and Mizani. It might sound biased, but I've sat in the salon chair enough times to know this isn't your average line. But don't just take my word for it.

I spoke with my community to learn more about their experience using Cécred and they were gracious enough to share their hair journeys as well as thoughts about how the haircare brand fits into their overall routine!

1. Carolyn Gray, Content Creator 

Tone Woolfe

My conversation with Caroyln felt like a huge breath of fresh air. There wasn't a need to code switch (something Black women often navigate when communicating in the workplace and otherwise) as we had an open and honest discussion about her hair journey.

"When it comes to hair, I had two amazing perspectives on two ends of the spectrum in my family. I had my grandmother on my mom's side of the family — which is Caribbean — and they were all about relaxing the hair, doing the hair, having the hair salon in the back of the house that everyone would come to. That was their perspective of having refined, relaxed, and always put together hair...Having this idea that's how hair should be," she says.

On the other hand, her grandmother in the Maryland had gorgeous locs who told Carolyn as a child, "Don't ever let them tell you that they're dreadlocks. Ain't nothing dreadful about them." Ultimately Carolyn got a chance to see one group of women who felt like afro hair or natural hair wasn't 'neat' while the other side of her family believed curly hair is beautiful in a spiritual sense.

This helped prepare Carolyn for working in the corporate side of the fashion and fitness worlds. "I had a short perm there [in fitness] and was spoken to about what types of hair was acceptable on the sales floor or not. I started relaxing my hair in high school because it took my mom hours to manage my hair in its natural state and she fell into 'It's just easier for me this way without having to always go to the hair salon,' thing."

Her relaxer lasted from ages 14 until 27, but she's always played around with colors, short cuts, weaves, and even made her own wigs at one point. Though she knew there was a stigma around natural hair, she's always made it a point to have fun no matter what hairstyle she has.

Denise Stephanie Hewitt

So when Beyoncé announced the launch of Cécred, Carolyn didn't hesitate to send the news to her hairstylist to see how she felt. Her hairstylist's response? "I'm gonna buy the [super] fan bundle! Whatever bundle there is, I'm buying it!."

Carolyn says, "Initially I wanted to get her perspective to see if this would be something to try on my hair. Like, what did she think about the legacy of Beyoncé and her affair with hair as well as her mother's history as a hairstylist." She also reminded me that fans were able to catch a glimpse of Cécred's formulas on a table in her documentary for Renaissance. "I was like, 'what is this gold liquid thing on that table,'" she recalls excitedly.

"I didn't have any negative feeling about it because her mom has been a hairstylist. She [Beyoncé] has to wear weaves and color and I always wondered how she maintained her hair. I also thought how she cares for her hair with all the performing and the things she has to do," she says.

Concerning all of the negative thoughts about Cécred and Beyoncé's hair, Carolyn admits that she was thoroughly surprised at what some people were saying. She actually experienced said negativity in person when she was a part of a panel about Black beauty, but this didn't change her excitement about trying Cécred.

"I feel like my hair looks really healthy and I find that I've had less hair breakage since I've been using it. The reality is that I feel this hair care collection — the entire collection — is replacing the other products I used to maintain my blonde hair and the health of my hair."

She took care to mention that she believes Cécred is on par with Olaplex and K18. "I haven't had as much dandruff either because of that scrubbing shampoo [Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub]. Good Lord, what kind of scrub is that," she says with a laugh. Her only initial gripe is that she wasn't a fan of the shampoo's scent because she has a sensitive nose, but she barely notices it now.

You can watch her full review of Cécred on YouTube.

2. Brittany Waugh, Beauty Content Creator

Brittany Waugh/Instagram

Brittany's hair journey is one that's void of putting chemicals in her hair. She says, "I grew up with a mom who prioritized healthy haircare. I spent the majority of my early childhood in natural hairstyles, only getting press and curls for holidays." The reason for is this is that her mom didn't want her to have damage from coloring her hair or relying on relaxers like she did. Brittany admits, "Even to this day, I am scared to use chemicals."

However, she used to experience pressure to alter her hair growing up. "I wear wigs often, but also wear my hair in a natural pineapple updo to the gym for convenience. In my house growing up, a new hairstyle every week or every two weeks was mandatory, so I have adopted that. However, as I get older, I don't feel as pressured to do this, but more so changing my hair for my enjoyment and wearing it how I feel comfortable."

Now that Cécred is on the market, Brittany shares that she was a little wary about trying the brand's products for personal reasons. "While I was of course excited because it was coming from Beyoncé, I am a person who rarely changes my routine. When I find products that work for me, unless something spectacular comes along and changes my mind, I stick with the products I know work for me."

She's gone on to embrace the brand and says, "I can truly tell that the entire line was well-produced and developed. I am someone who mutually deals with psoriasis similar to Beyonce, so finding products that help with that flare-up is rare. Their Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub with the Deep Conditioner have helped my scalp and hair more than the products I have been accustomed to."

She shared a brief BTS clip of her admiring Cécred's packaging along with a glimpse of her natural curls on TikTok!

3. Chelsea Hightower, Compensation Professional 

Chelsea Hightower

As long as I've known Chelsea, she's always worn her natural hair, and it never occurred to me to ask how she ever felt about it until now. "Growing up, I struggled to fully embrace my natural hair. Being a lifelong natural, I've mostly worn my hair in its natural state. However, as kids, our initial hairstyle choices often reflect our parents' or caretakers' preferences rather than our own," she reflects.

She also says, "My mom chose not to relax my hair when I was young, which greatly influenced my acceptance of my natural hair. However, for a long time, my choice was more influenced by circumstance than by preference. I found myself yearning for relaxed, straight hair, despite my mom’s efforts to encourage me to love my natural curls."

No matter how much her mom encouraged her, it was hard to not be influenced by what she was seeing. Chelsea says, "Most of the women and girls I knew had relaxers, including my mom and eventually my older sister. Despite receiving compliments and praise for my beautiful natural hair, I was still swayed by the prevailing trend of relaxed hair. It wasn't until 9th grade when my mom allowed me to relax my hair that I truly understood and appreciated my natural hair. That single experience of having my hair relaxed was enough to make me realize that I never wanted to do it again—I was mortified by how unnaturally straight and stiff it made my hair feel. I knew I’d be a natural girl for life after that!"

As much as she loves her hair, Chelsea admits that it hasn't always been easy to embrace it in a professional setting due to her own feelings about how she might be perceived. "While no one has explicitly told me to change or straighten my hair, I've felt an internal pressure. With a doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, where I've delved into research on fairness in the workplace and hiring practices, I've come across studies highlighting unconscious biases against people of color based on characteristics like hair," she shares.

Much of her studies and research revealed shocking documented evidence of the biases that POC face due to our hair, definitely playing a role in some of that pressure to conform. She's not afraid to admit that she even made the decision to wear her hair differently when interviewing for her first post-doctorate role. "This concern led me to wear a natural slick-back for some interviews, but for others, I opted for a straight-haired bob wig. Many Black women joke about the 'bait and switch' tactic of wearing a wig or weave for interviews and then revealing their natural hair once hired. That's essentially what I did. Now that I've secured my job, I feel more at ease wearing my natural hair. However, during the interview process, I felt the need to mitigate potential biases by altering my hairstyle."

Chelsea Hightower

When I asked her to share her unfiltered thoughts about using Cécred on her curls, Chelsea eagerly shared how her routine has changed since using the brand's products. "I was really impressed with the Cécred line when I first tried it out. I wanted to minimize bias as much as possible, so I made a conscious effort not to let my admiration for Beyoncé as an entertainer influence my perception of her hair products," she says.

This led her to compare Cécred with another hair care line she frequently uses. "I conducted a side-by-side comparison of Cécred and the other brand to judge Cécred’s performance fairly and without bias...the results spoke for themselves. The curls on the side of my hair treated with Cécred appeared shinier and had better definition on Day 2 compared to the side treated with the other brand. I shared my full wash day comparison on social media, and others agreed with my conclusion that Cécred outperformed the other brand." You can watch her comparison video on Instagram!

Ironically, Chelsea immediately loved the scent of Cécred's products, differing from Carolyn's experience. "Being a scent enthusiast, I appreciate the subtly perfumed fragrance of the products. My favorite product from day one has been the Reconstructing Treatment Mask. Everything about it, from its consistency and scent to the softness it imparts to my hair, is *chefs kiss*! This product recently won the 2024 Women's Health Beauty Award for Best Hair Mask, confirming its quality. It's definitely a product worth trying!"

The only issue she has right now is that she wishes the brand offered more styling products, but we'll see what happens as the year unfolds! Knowing Beyoncé and team Cécred, we could see even more surprises unfold this year. They're already scored huge by being in Ulta, so there's no telling what's next!

My Favorite Cécred Picks Found At Ulta

Ulta

Hydrating Shampoo

If a shampoo claims to be hydrating, I'm all over it because my hair's texture craves moisture. While I wasn't sure what to expect from Cécred's Hydrating Shampoo, I cleared my mind of any preconceived fan bias I may have had prior to using it.

The first thing I noticed is how my coils immediately became bouncy after washing the first section of my hair. That's always my first clue that wash day will go well, so I was excited when that happened.

By the time I finished using the shampoo, my hair was bouncy and incredibly soft.

P.S. It has a slight fragrance, but I actually like it!

Ulta

Hydrating Conditioner

I don't alway use a conditioner after washing my hair, but I wanted to try Cécred's Hydrating Conditioner to see if it paired well with the Hydrating Shampoo. Once again, I applied the product to each section of my hair and let it saturate my strands for five minutes. Once I rinsed it out, I became convinced that I'd found new staples for my wash day.

Ulta

Reconstructing Treatment Mask

I love applying hair masks because they give my coils extra TLC, but this Reconstructing Treatment option has put my regular go-to products to shame. It has Cécred's "patent-pending Bioactive Keratin Ferment" in it which helps pump the brakes on damage and improve hair's overall shine.

I honestly didn't notice if my hair seemed shinier after using this, but I didn't notice as much shedding once I rinsed it out. That's a huge plus for me!

Ulta

Restoring Hair & Edge Drops

Last but not least, Cécred's Restoring Hair & Edge Drops have earned the hype in my opinion. Unlike other serums or growth oils, its texture isn't super thick. In fact, it almost has a watery consistency so you don't need a lot. It doesn't burn and feels like you're applying something handmade by God.

In other words, it feels really good and makes you want to cradle the bottle after you're done making sure your scalp isn't neglected.

My Final Thoughts About Cécred

Jasmine Williams

Whether I'm wearing my natural hair or protective styles, I value using great products to care for my hair no matter what style I'm wearing. As a Black woman, I've faced criticism for having relaxed hair, a pixie cut, braids, sew-ins and more, so I can only imagine how it feels to have Beyoncé's status and watch others decide you're not well-versed enough to have a haircare line.

However, I've searched through hundreds of comments on Cécred's Instagram and there's an overflow of examples of how well the brand works on a variety of hair textures. From people who suffer from alopecia or are looking for products that keep their hair moisturized, Cécred is keeping customers in mind.

P.S. I still can't believe how bouncy and soft it made my coils. The proof is literally in the pudding of the shampoo and restoration mask, so I highly recommend using it!

Cécred's 'A Deeper Understanding Of Hair' Campaign

Wieden+Kennedy for Cécred

Just when Cécred couldn't get any better, they decided to parter with the popular creative company Wieden+Kennedy to also launch a new campaign called A Deeper Understanding of Hair!" A dedicated video on Instagram dives into Cécred's manifesto and it sums up how inclusive the brand is. From specialized hair treatments to the immortal silk press, the brand knows that hair tells a story.

Hair isn't uniform and should never be treated as such. I love that Carolyn, Brittany, and Chelsea dove into their varying experiences and upbringings to share how it all helped shape the way they approach their hair today. I'm also a huge fan of the way they separately champion Black women, giving themselves and others permission to truly love their hair — natural texture and all — without succumbing to the idea that they have to fit into a certain beauty standard.

And while this could all come together without Cécred, isn't it wonderful the way Beyoncé's brought us all together? (And made our hair look and feel good while doing it?) I think so, too!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more "I Tried It" beauty inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

One Tree Hill fans go through a lot throughout the show's 9-season run. Everything from family drama to psycho stalkers, kidnappers, and murder. But there's one down-to-earth moment in the series that confuses fans just as much as the outlandish ones: when Brooke (Sophia Bush) marries Julian (Austin Nichols) and her BFF Peyton (Hilarie Burton) isn't there.

Here's why Peyton (and Hilarie Burton) didn't come back for Brooke's wedding on One Tree Hill.

Why did Peyton not go to Brooke's wedding?

@dramaqueenspodcast hilarie wasn't invited back to Brooke wedding #brulian#austinnichols#julianbaker#sophiabush#brookedavis#haleyjamesscott#peytonsawyer#bethanyjoylenz#dramaqueensoth#dramaqueenspodcast#onetreehill#braley♬ original sound - Drama Queens Podcast

In an episode of their Drama Queens rewatch podcast, Sophia Bush finally explained the real reason Peyton wasn't at Brooke's wedding: Hilarie Burton just...wasn't asked.

"Since you're talking about how much sh—t you got, I feel like this is a really important moment to tell our fans that we were told, Joy and I, that you had been invited back for the episode and said no," Sophia Bush says. "They had essentially asked us in the press to be like, 'Oh, well, you know, she was invited to come but was doing White Collar,' or whatever you were working on at the time...When I talked to you and found out that was a lie, I went ballistic. I was so mad. Oo I was mad!"

Sophia did tell Hollywood Life in 2011 that, "We really tried, and we of course would have been thrilled because their characters were big parts of our story. It doesn’t always work. So for the fans out there who always ask me on Twitter to get the bosses to ask them back, they’ve been asked back… but scheduling conflicts are scheduling conflicts.”

“Quite frankly, we just couldn’t make a deal,” creator Mark Schwahn also told TV Line at the time. “Everybody had the best intentions. But at the end of the day, it just didn’t work out.”

The fact that Peyton didn't show up to Brooke's wedding has always been a pain point with fans because it just doesn't make sense for her to miss her lifelong best friend's wedding! "Peyton should have been at Brooke's wedding," Bethany Joy Lenz says.

"Peyton should have been there and it wasn't up to any of us," Sophia adds.

Hilarie shed some light on the situation from her perspective, explaining that she only remembers getting one call to guest star, but she was heavily pregnant.

"I was pregnant with Gus, it was in October of I guess season 7, and my manager got a call that was like, 'Hilarie's on the board for this episode, so we're trying schedule her travel,'" she explains. "And we had had an epic fallout as I left the show, and my manager had been told all these things by our bosses that were just like horrific about me and that I'd never work again and all this stuff. And so it was just this really pleasant call from, like, a secretary...I was like super pregnant! And I was like 'Uh, I'm unavailable.'"

"We'll just have to do it again," Hilarie adds. Who knows, maybe the One Tree Hill sequel series will feature a vow renewal!

Does Brooke marry anyone in One Tree Hill?

Warner Bros. TV

Yes, Brooke Davis marries film producer Julian Davis after he proposes in the season 7 finale, "Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said the Last Time I Saw You" — my favorite episode of television ever!

What episode does Brooke get married in One Tree Hill?

Brooke and Julian get married in One Tree Hill season 8, episode 13, "The Other Half Of Me."

Check out The One Moment That Proves Brooke Davis Is The Best Character On One Tree Hill for more!

The tennis-core aesthetic is making waves this season, and it's not just for the courts. It's all about bringing sporty elegance into everyday style with classic polos, pleated skirts, and accessories that add a touch of charm. These 42 stylish finds will help you master the trend, both on and off the court.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Master the Look With a Pleated Tennis Skirt

Amazon

This pleated tennis skirt serves both style and function. It features built-in shorts to keep you secure and hidden pockets for extra convenience. And yes, it even has a spot for your phone.

See it on Amazon

Combine Fashion and Functionality With a Tennis Dress

Amazon

With this tennis dress, looks won’t be the only thing you’re serving. It has a flattering fit, built-in shorts with hidden pockets, and a collared neckline that nails the tennis-core aesthetic, whether you're on the court or running errands.

See it on Amazon

Accessorize With a Lightweight Visor

Amazon

A visor is a must for completing your look, and we found the perfect one. It has an adjustable velcro strap for a comfy fit and comes in over 20 colors to coordinate with your outfit.

See it on Amazon

Layer Your Look With a Court Approved Oversized Cardigan

Amazon

Layer your look with an oversized cardigan. This one features the cutest contrast stitching and looks effortlessly chic over a tennis dress or activewear set.

See it on Amazon

Every Tennis Inspired Look Needs a Pair of Slouch Socks

Amazon

These slouch socks add cozy vibes without taking away from the sporty look. They come in a pack of three and pair perfectly with chunky sneakers. You can even grab them in a few color options to mix and match.

See it on Amazon

You Can't Forget a Pair of Chunky White Sneakers

Amazon

Speaking of chunky sneakers, you definitely need a pair to complete the tennis-core look. These have a breathable design, a supportive fit, and they're cute enough to work with pretty much anything.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

This Knit Tee Will Give Any Fit a Sporty Look

Amazon

Collared tops like this knit tee are a foolproof way to rock the tennis aesthetic. It features a cropped fit and classic collar that you can style a million different ways.

See it on Amazon

This Workout Jacket Is a Must-Have

Amazon

Not only is this workout jacket insanely comfortable, it’s also super flattering. The slim fit snatches your waist and gives you that hourglass shape instantly. Plus, it comes in tons of colors and has built-in thumbholes.

See it on Amazon

Add Some Shine to Your Look With These Tennis Bracelets

Amazon

Of course, we couldn’t forget a tennis bracelet, and this set gives you options. It includes three different designs with varying clasps so you can mix, match, or stack them for a layered look.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

Accessorize From Head-to-Toe With These Headbands

Amazon

Headbands are back in style and they’re the perfect tennis-core accessory. This set comes with three headbands in cute color combos, so you can match your vibe effortlessly.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

This Athletic Dress Has Plenty of Support

Amazon

Athletic dresses are comfy, cute, and made to flatter any figure. This one has a built-in bra and shorts for extra support, plus a bold color block design that’ll turn heads on and off the court.

See it on Amazon

This Workout Set Was Made for the Tennis-Core Aesthetic

Amazon

This workout set makes nailing the tennis-core look effortless. It combines a pleated tennis skirt with a cropped polo tee that's perfect for rallying on the court or wearing daily.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

You Can Never Go Wrong With a Romper

Amazon

A romper is always a win. This one has a waist cutout for breathability, layered shorts with hidden compression shorts underneath, and even pockets to add functionality.

See it on Amazon

Add a Neutral Toned Baseball Cap

Amazon

You can never go wrong with a baseball cap. This one comes in neutral and earthy tones, making it perfect for sunny days, sweaty workouts, or hiding a bad hair day.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

This Pullover Has a Built-in Layered Look

Amazon

This pullover is ideal for chillier days while sticking to the tennis-core aesthetic. It features a contrasting collar and a comfy drop shoulder that looks so good paired with any tennis skirt.

See it on Amazon

Keep Your Look Elegant With a Cable-Knit Blouse

Amazon

Add a little texture to your look with this cable-knit blouse. The contrasting color and collared neckline are an easy way to bring some tennis-court energy into your wardrobe.

See it on Amazon

This Sports Bra Has Built-in Padding

Amazon

The tennis skirt and sports bra duo is unmatched, and we found the perfect top. This sports bra has medium to high support with a flattering halter neckline and crisscross back straps that add a little extra flair.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

These Workout Shorts Have All of the Important Details

Amazon

Flattering running shorts are a total wardrobe cheat code. These have a V-shaped crossover waistband and flowy legs for extra comfort. Plus, they come with zippered pockets to keep your essentials secure.

See it on Amazon

This Tennis Dress Is Practical and Stylish

Amazon

This tennis dress will have you looking like the queen of the court. It features an adjustable zipper on top, separate built-in shorts under the pleated skirt, and both inner and outer pockets. Bonus: it has a super flattering fit.

See it on Amazon

Make Your Outfit Pop With Coordinating Socks

Amazon

Socks are a key part of the tennis-core aesthetic, and this set helps you get it right. You’ll get four pairs, all with color-contrast details that make it easy to match different tones in your outfit.

See it on Amazon

Stay Comfortable and Stylish in These Platform Sneakers

Amazon

These Y2K-inspired sneakers blend right into the tennis-core aesthetic. They’ve got a chunky platform for a little extra height, but still feel insanely comfy thanks to their memory foam soles.

See it on Amazon

Carry All the Essentials in This Puffer Tote Bag

Amazon

Of course, we can’t forget a matching bag, and this puffer tote is perfect for tying your whole look together. It has a sporty yet aesthetic vibe with a large capacity that makes it super practical, too.

See it on Amazon

Keep Your Look Simple With a Polo T-Shirt

Amazon

Turn heads with this polo T-shirt. It’s a minimalistic way to lean into the tennis-core aesthetic, featuring a slim fit and a collared neckline that pulls it all together.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

You'll Never Want to Take These Sneakers Off

Amazon

These On Cloud sneakers have been all the rage recently. They totally fit the tennis-core aesthetic and are made from lightweight, cushioned material so you can stay comfy even on your feet all day.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

Pair This Flattering Skort With Anything in Your Closet

Amazon

If you’re going for a more neutral take on the trend, this skort is a good option. It’s made with buttery-soft material and comes in tons of colors that pair easily with any workout top.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

Mix and Match This Work Set

Amazon

Expand your wardrobe with this flattering workout set. The top is made from seamless, stretchy material and pairs perfectly with the colorblock pleated skirt.

See it on Amazon

Keep Your Look Casual With This Oversized Sweater Vest

Amazon

Layer your look with this oversized sweater vest. It has a relaxed, casual fit that works perfectly tucked into a tennis skirt or worn over a dress.

See it on Amazon

The Options for Styling This Sweater Vest Are Endless

Amazon

Elevate your tennis-core aesthetic with this fitted sweater vest. It’s ideal for layering over a collared tee, both on and off the court.

See it on Amazon

Add Tennis-Core to Your Everyday Jewelry With This Charm Bracelet

Amazon

Charm bracelets are a great way to bring a touch of tennis-core into your everyday look. This one has a dainty, lightweight design you’ll barely notice you're wearing.

See it on Amazon

Style Your Look With a Cozy Cardigan Shrug

Amazon

A cropped cardigan shrug is a great way to accessorize and level up your outfit. This one comes in tons of neutral or bold colors, so you can pick one that really stands out.

See it on Amazon

Get This Sports Bra in Any Color

Amazon

If you’re looking for a simple top to pair with your tennis skirts, this sports bra is the one. It fits more like a cropped tank, but still offers plenty of support, and it comes in over 25 color options.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

This Sleeveless Tank Is Made for Sunny Days

Amazon

The loose fit and crisscross-back design of this sleeveless tank is a great way to switch up your tennis-core looks. It’s made from quick-dry athletic material and even has UPF protection for sunny days.

See it on Amazon

These Running Shorts Are Super Flattering

Amazon

These running shorts give the illusion of a skirt, with the practicality of athletic shorts. They have a double-layered design with floaty fabric on the outside and built-in compression shorts underneath.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

This Workout Dress Has Adjustable Straps

Amazon

If you’re still unsure about the workout dress trend, this one’s a great way to try it out. It has a two-in-one design that fits like a romper with a flared skirt layered on top to add shape and movement to your look.

See it on Amazon

This Collared Pullover Is Sure to Keep You Comfy

Amazon

You can never go wrong with a collared pullover, especially when it fits the tennis-court aesthetic. This one comes in a few cute color options, each with a trendy striped pattern that pulls the whole look together.

See it on Amazon

Grab These Leggings in Any Color

Amazon

Leggings are a must for nailing the tennis-core aesthetic. This pair features a flattering high-rise fit with built-in tummy control and booty-lifting stitching that’ll have you looking snatched from every angle.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

This Cropped Top Goes With Any Bottoms

Amazon

Give your outfit a sporty edge with this cropped top. It has built-in padding for support and plenty of stretch, so you won’t have to sacrifice comfort or functionality. Pair it with matching leggings or a tennis skirt for an easy court side look.

See it on Amazon

Style Your Updo With These Hair Bows

Amazon

Level up your hairstyle with one of these gorgeous hair bows. They’re made from silky material and attached to an oversized clip that’ll keep your hair out of your face while you serve looks on and off the court.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

This Sweater Is the Ideal Layering Piece

Amazon

This sweater has a flattering front tie that makes it the perfect layering piece over tennis dresses. It’s made from soft ribbed material and cut in a cropped fit to show off your waist.

See it on Amazon

Add Some Fun Texture to Your Look With This Belt Bag

Amazon

A belt bag is the ultimate way to accessorize your athletic wear. This one adds both functionality and flair, thanks to its soft sherpa texture and range of fun color options.

See it on Amazon

Expand Your Collection With a Pack of Sports Bras

Amazon

With this pack of sports bras, you’ll have the tennis-core aesthetic on lock all week long. Each bra has a comfy fit and a strappy crisscross back that looks great on its own or layered under a top.

See it on AmazonFind it on Walmart

This Workout Top That Every Gym-Goer Knows About

Amazon

Amazon is known for creating and selling some of the most affordable alternatives for expensive athleisure. One of their most popular products that everyone on social media has been raving about is this workout top that looks just like the one from expensive retailers, but at a fraction of the cost. It is extremely stretchy and comfortable, making it the perfect go-to everyday top!

See it on Amazon