WTF Is Micro-Needling: An Expert Breaks It Down

Apr 25, 2016

We’ve been known to go to great lengths in the name of beauty (remember when I dyed and permed my eyelashes?), but everyone draws the line somewhere. If you consider yourself to be the adventurous type when it comes to this realm of experimentation, I ask you — would you ever stick your face with hundreds of tiny needles to get seriously flawless skin? Your gut reaction may be something along the lines of WTF NO WTFFF, but — brace yourself — this method, called micro-needling or micro-rolling, has become one of the most buzzed-about beauty trends in the industry. We investigate:

As someone who’s a *huge* fan of micro-needling myself (seriously, it’s amazing!), I wanted to learn as much as I could about this practice that seems so scary to some. I chatted with Kerry Benjamin, at-home micro-needling expert and founder of StackedSkincare, a spa and product line designed for use with micro-needling. She explained what micro-needling is, how it can step up your overnight skincare routine game and have you wake up looking gorgeous. Here’s what you need to know about micro-needling.

WHAT MICRO-NEEDLING IS + HOW IT WORKS

To put it simply: Microneedling is a skincare method that involves poking the top layer of your skin with tiny needles so it’s forced to repair itself, leaving it bright and plump. It’s not as intense as it sounds (take it from this wuss), and the results are serious thanks to the use of a special tool. “You use a device that has hundreds of tiny needles on a roller that is used to stimulate collagen and drive active ingredients deeper into your skin for maximum efficacy,” Kerry explained. “The needles stimulate epidermal growth factors to boost collagen and elastin and increase absorption of active ingredients by more than 90%. Basically, this procedure is one of the most powerful and effective ways to stop early signs of aging and prevent new wrinkles from occurring.”

WHAT MICRO-NEEDLING REALLY FEELS LIKE

Needless to say, the concept of micro-needling isn’t for everyone — we’re talking about hundreds of tiny needles here. That said, it really doesn’t hurt like you might imagine would, and there is no waiting period after (no, you won’t even come close to bleeding). “You can even do this an hour or two before an event or date night,” Kerry said. “It will instantly plump and hydrate your skin.”

MICRO-NEEDLING MUST-HAVES

Not all micro-needling rollers are created equal. For at-home use, Kerry recommends using a roller with .25 millimeter-sized needles like this Collagen Boosting Micro-Roller ($30) up to five times per week, depending on your skin. A roller this size will give you noticeable results, keep the whole process pain-free and drive the good stuff in your serums deep into your skin. “If you’re buying a skin serum, you should buy a roller, and vice versa,” Kerry said. “They go hand-in-hand and make each other work optimally.” The more you know! Kerry doesn’t suggest using larger needle sizes at home, BTW, because it’s more difficult to use them properly and therefore a greater chance of damaging your skin.

BEST SERUMS TO USE

When you’re in the market for a serum to accompany your micro-roller, Kerry says that “micro-needling works best with serums that contain ingredients such as stem cells, peptides and hyaluronic acid,” she said. “These are the types of ingredients that will maximize the effects of micro-needling because they stimulate collagen, speed up cell turnover, lift hyperpigmentation, smooth out fine lines and firm, plump and hydrate your skin.”

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(Photo + YouTube video via StackedSkincare)

9 Best-Smelling Body Washes That’ll Have People Asking, “What’s That Amazing Scent?”

The best part of taking a shower, other than getting clean, of course, is all the delicious scents. From shampoo and conditioner to body scrubs, nothing truly compares to a good-smelling body wash. I recently discovered Lush’s amazing Sticky Dates shower gel, and I don’t think I can ever go back to bar soap now. These best-smelling body washes smell just as great in the shower as they do outside of it, and are sure to earn you tons and tons of compliments – all while treating your skin so nicely.

Check out our top picks for the best-smelling body wash below!

Lush

Lush Sticky Dates Shower Gel

This shower gel from Lush is undeniably sweet-smelling. I think it smells like straight-up dessert – I had to fight off the intrusive thoughts to eat it when I was in the store checking it out (don't judge, okay?). It lathers up luxuriously, and always feels nourishing and hydrating on my skin. It's formulated with organic date syrup, sandalwood oil, and orange juice to properly cleanse off your bod. I already know I'm going to buy a bigger bottle once my sample size one runs out!

Promising review: "The scent of this body wash is sooo mouthwatering. I love the light lather and the soft scent left on the skin after rinsing off. Definitely worth the hype!"

Target

Saltair Seascape Serum Body Wash

You won't be able to stop sniffing this heavenly body wash. It smells spot-on to a dreamy island getaway! I love this formula in particular because it's crafted with hyaluronic acid, which helps add even more moisture to the skin. Extra points to this body wash since the bottle's so cute!

Promising review: "Oh man. Boy do I love this scent. Reminds of the fresh smell of the sea when I visit the Carribbean Islands. Im just in a trance when I'm in the shower."

Amazon

OUAI St. Barts Body Cleanser

If there's one thing OUAI absolutely nails, it's their scents. From their hair oil to shampoo, I fall in love with the products over and over again after every use. Their body wash is no exception, especially this one in the scent St. Barts. You get a little bit of every note: floral dragonfruit, orange blossom, and tuberose, plus a nice gourmand dose of and Baltic amber that feels oh-so sophisticated. The formula is made with jojoba oil, which expertly hydrates the skin, deep down. Dreamy!

Promising review: "I’ve been using the OUAI Body Cleanser for a few weeks now, and it has become a staple in my shower routine. The first thing that drew me in was the scent—it’s light, fresh, and lingers subtly on the skin without being overpowering. It makes showering feel like a mini-spa experience."

Amazon

Nécessaire The Body Wash

For a fancy(ish) body wash that smells downright divine, reach for this one from Nécessaire. It's packed with eucalyptus, which is uber-refreshing for a nice wake up call in the AM! The body wash is boosted with plenty of lipid-rich oils and niacinamide, which can help strengthen the skin's natural barrier.

Promising review: "I have very sensitive skin but I also really like things that smell good! After reading reviews I decided to give this a try. My skin didn’t react to this at all (yay!!) and the smell is great! Super relaxing and perfect for after a long day. The bottle came well packed inside its own box - this was great because it didn’t leak or anything. The bottle is also really big so I think with cleaner ingredients & great smell it’s worth it!"

Target

Olay Cleansing & Firming Body Wash

If you're in love with clean scents, this body wash from Olay delivers. Not only does it smell so fresh and so clean, it's heavy on skincare benefits. The formula includes collagen and a vitamin B3 complex that nourishes for "beautiful, healthy-looking skin."

Promising review: "My new go-to body wash! I so love the smell! I felt so luxurious and soft after each use!"

Sephora

L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Shea Shower Oil

Though it's not technically a body wash, this shower oil still lathers up gorgeously to cleanse your skin. Its main ingredients are shea oil and shea butter, which nourish the skin like no other, leaving it as soft as can be. Dry skin-havers will fall in love with this one!

Promising review: "Ten stars. One of my absolute favorite shower indulgences. This smells amazing. A warm, soft musk scent that lingers long after your shower is over. It leaves my skin feeling brand new, so soft and super smooth. I absolutely love going to bed with this scent on my pajamas and even waking up the next day to get dressed and still feeling so soft and smelling pretty. Not a strong scent whatsoever. A very soft, musk like skin scent."

Amazon

Aesop A Rose by Any Other Name Body Cleanser

You've likely never smelled a body wash like this one before. It combines notes of rose petal, cardamom, and black pepper for a punchy, yet floral-heavy scent. The aroma can come off as super saturated upon first impression, so a little goes a long way.

Promising review: "I love the Aesop products because I have very dry skin and am allergic to perfume soaps. After many trials and errors with other products this was recommended and I love it ! Worth every penny. Wish it also came in travel size because the hotel soap bars don't measure up."

Target

Dove Shea Butter & Vanilla Pampering Body Wash

Forget all the frills and fancy stuff – sometimes a basic vanilla scent works the best! This gentle body wash is friendly on all skin types and boasts the perfect balance of shea butter and warm vanilla for an uplifting shower experience each time. Your skin will look instantly cleaner, fresher, and more moisturized!

Promising review: "My favorite body wash!! It smells amazing and is so affordable. The scent really lingers."

Amazon

Method Pure Peace Body Wash

If I had to compare this body wash to anything, it'd be Glossier's signature Glossier You perfume. It smells sooo good. The mix of floral peony and pungent pink salt just work together so well! The clean formula is gentle on the skin and always leaves it feeling noticeably soft and moisturized.

Promising review: "One of the standout aspects of this body wash is its formula. It’s paraben- and phthalate-free, which is reassuring for those with sensitive skin or anyone conscious about the ingredients in their skincare products. The wash lathers well, providing a luxurious feel while gently cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. My skin felt clean and hydrated after use, which is a big plus."

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

The “Miraculous” New Trader Joe’s Snack You Won’t Feel Guilty Eating

There are plenty of Trader Joe’s snacks I could easily eat the entire package of, like the Milk Chocolate Covered Honeycomb Candy and the Ghost Pepper Potato Chips – but they’re definitely not intended to be eaten in a single sitting at the cost of a gnarly stomachache.

But, TJ’s is constantly innovating, and their newest snack surprisingly defies all expectations: the serving size is actually the entire package. Fans are nothing short of intrigued.

Reddit

One bag of Trader Joe’s Crispy Dried Watermelon is packed with 1.5 pounds of vacuum-dried watermelon strips, though you wouldn’t guess it at first glance. TJ’s calls it “a true feat of physics,” which is truly enough reason for me to give ‘em a try.

Another notable aspect of this new snack is that each bite doesn’t lose its sweet melon flavor, even though all the moisture is gone. Of course, the most important feature is its serving size being 1 package.

Reddit

Trader Joe’s Crispy Dried Watermelon isn’t yet featured on the grocer’s website, though it’s definitely gained some buzz on social media platforms like Reddit. One user shared their love for the wacky newcomer snack in this thread, saying: “without a doubt, the best thing I’ve ever had from Trader Joe's. It is sooo unbelievable.”

Reddit

A few more users chimed in with praise for the snack, while others remained quite skeptical of its quality and taste.

“I like them,” one person wrote. “It reminded me of sweet plantain chips, except watermelon.”

“You’re the only person I’ve ever seen actually enjoy it,” another user commented.

“I’m glad someone is enjoying it! Our crew sampled it and we all hated it, that’s hilarious,” one more person said.

Reddit

The same user posted a few photos with their comments about the Crispy Dried Watermelon, with one capturing the nutrition facts label on the package. One serving of the sweet snack (the entire bag) has 150 calories, 15mg sodium, 35 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein.

The only real caveat to its miraculous one-bag serving size is it contains 31g of sugar – so, if you’re watching your sugar intake, it might be best to snack on this one slowly.

Reddit

In addition to simply munching on the Crispy Dried Watermelon on its own, TJ’s suggests crushing the pieces to use as a cocktail garnish or even blending it in a food processor with heavy cream and powdered sugar for a watermelon-flavored homemade frosting.

Would you try this wacky Trader Joe's snack? Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to discover more buzzy TJ's items!

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17 Hydrating Vitamin C Serums That REALLY Work: "Bright, Healthy Skin!"

I don't know why it took me so long to discover Vitamin C serums for my acne-prone skin, but now I can't live life without them. They've become the holy grail staples I always stop whatever I'm doing to replace whenever I run out. Why? The benefits of using them are that serious to me. Let's pump the brakes though. What the heck am I even using? Let's dig into my favorite vitamin c serums to add to your vanity ASAP.

The best Vitamin C serums my skin can't get enough of:

My favorite Vitamin C Serum: Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C and E Ferulic Acid Serum
Least Expensive Vitamin C: Bubble Day Dream Vitamin C + Niacinamide Serum
Most Expensive Vitamin C: SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
The Most Innovative: Live Tinted Superbright 15% Vitamin C Serum Stick

Target

Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C and E Ferulic Acid Serum

One of Reddit's skincare threads introduced me to Timeless Skin Care's Vitamin C and E serum, and I haven't looked back since. This gives you a healthy dose of hydration and also works to keep the collagen in your skin from losing its luster. The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the smell. It's not horrible, but it's noticeable for anyone who has sensitive noses!

Sephora

Kora Organics Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum

Kora Organics' Vitamin C serum is a little pricier than the Timeless Skin Care's, but I don't mind making the investment because you don't need to use a lot. A few pumps of this daily will supply your skin with a serum that targets dark spots and dull skin.

Amazon

CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

For a fraction of the price, CeraVe's Vitamin C Serum will not only give you the "purest form" of t l-ascorbic acid, but it's also full of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and Vitamin B5. Your skin will brighten over time and won't feel as textured, if that's a concern of yours.

Amazon

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C Serum + Tri-Peptide Serum

Bring the spa to your private bathroom with Bliss' Vitamin C and Tri-Peptide serum. Aside from those ingredients, it also has green tea extract in it to protect against anything that tries to mess with your skin's barrier. If it sounds like it packs a healthy punch, it's because it does!

Amazon

Curology Brightening Vitamin C Serum with Azelaic Acid

Give your skin back it's glow with one of the less expensive Vitamin C serums on the market. It has azelaic acid in it to help calm irritated skin, but that's not all. This formula plays well with other skincare products and can be worn under your makeup.

Amazon

La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum

If you have sensitive skin, you'll want to use La Roche-Posay's Vitamin C serum. I've tried it before and can say that it targets my problem areas without causing irritation. Featuring two of my favorite ingredients — hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid — it's gentle on skin while being tough on harmful elements.

Sephora

Paula's Choice C16 Super Booster Vitamin C Serum

Finally — a truly fragrance-free serum! They're hard to come by, but Paula's Choice does a great job of making sure our noses won't be offended when we apply this. It tackles dark spots and dull skin, but it also seeps into fine lines to lessen their appearance.

Sephora

Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Don't you just love when skincare products have cute packaging or bottles? Although it's a personal preference of mine, it's not something you have to worry about because it's what inside that counts.

Innisfree's Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C serum will gentle seep into your skin's pores to flesh out bacteria, leaving you with the smoothest and brightest glow over time.

Sephora

Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrating Vitamin C Serum

A serum that promises to give your skin luminosity? It almost sounds like a hoax, but it's not. Drunk Elephant is known for their innovative products so you can trust that your acne-prone skin will happily welcome this in your routine.

Sephora

Dr. Jart+ Brightening Serum with Niacinaminde and Vitamin C

Need as quick of a skin brightening fix as you can get? Try this Vitamin C treatment that works to improve your skin over 7 days. You'll get the best protection and hydration in a shorter amount of time which sounds great IMO.

Sephora

Herbivore Nova 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum

If you prefer the traditional way of getting the benefits of Vitamin C, let Herbivore be your guide. It has clean and environmentally ingredients — turmeric and arbutin —which are hard to come by in skincare. Together, they work to lessen discoloration and create a balanced texture.

Ulta

Ole Henriksen Serum Hydrating Vitamin C Serum

You can count on Ole Henriksen to provide the most soothing skincare products. The brand's Vitamin C serum has True-C Complex, collagen, aloe juice, and more in it to provide your skin with continuous boosts of hydration throughout the day.

Ulta

Buttah Skin Vitamin C Serum

Buttah Skin knows that dark spots can be bothersome for people who have them so their Vitamin C Serum is geared towards lessening their appearance. The ferulic acid and grapeseed extract will gently coat your skin, slowly working their way into your pores to give you the healthy glow you're looking for.

Ulta

Live Tinted Superbright 15% Vitamin C Serum Stick

A Vitamin C serum stick? Why yes, Live Tinted knows that not everyone loves the feeling of using a stopper to distribute what their skin needs. Though it applies like a balm, it quickly turns into a serum smooths fine lines.

Ulta

Bubble Day Dream Vitamin C + Niacinamide Serum

No matter your skin type, you can count on Bubble's Vitamin C and niacinamide serum to give you everything your skin needs without spending a fortune. Perhaps the best part about this formula is that it doesn't have an artificial color.

Ulta

Beekman 1802 Golden Booster Amla Berry Vitamin C Serum

Beekman 1802's Golden Booster serum is full of amla berry because it has even more beneficial properties than other fruits. Harmful environmental factors won't be able to beat it nor will they continue to make your skin go haywire.

Ulta

SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

If you don't mind making an investment, Sunday Riley has one of the BEST Vitamin C serums. It's as hydrating as you imagine and helps to reduce your skin's sensitivity levels. On reviewer said it gave them "bright, healthy skin" — exactly what we're looking for here! Plus, your pores will get smaller with each use.

Need more skincare recommendations? Stop by our Amazon Storefront for more goodies!

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

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Finally, A Habit App That Delivers Results With Your Very Own Personal Coach

Ask anyone who’s found success in their career, hobby, or health – they’ll admit that they didn’t find it overnight. Instead, they’ll attribute their achievements to a simple concept: consistency.

Being consistent is way easier said than done, but it becomes less daunting when you’ve got someone by your side to keep you accountable.

Read on to learn more about Zabit, a new habit coaching app that empowers you to achieve your goals with the help of an expert personal coach.

Zabit

That’s why Roddy Lindsay founded Zabit, a new habit coaching service that relies on pairing clients with personal coaches – AKA the ultimate accountability buddies!

Whether you want to improve your workout plan, decrease your use of social media, limit your alcohol consumption, or get better sleep, Zabit coaches are there to motivate you toward your goals with one-on-one personalized messages, just like you're texting your best friend.

Zabit

“Zabit’s mission is to make accountability universal and affordable. Adding accountability to everyday habits to make them long-lasting should be as easy as ordering an Uber,” said Lindsay, founder and CEO of Zabit. “By combining the empathy of human coaches with the ubiquity of mobile technology, Zabit is forging a new paradigm for behavior change.”

Zabit

Zabit’s personal coaches are psychologists, wellness professionals, and advanced clinical psychology students with at least three years of training, so they’re equipped with all the right knowledge to help you stay on track with your goals, no matter what they are.

When it comes to your personal goals, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Pair with a Zabit coach today – you can get started now with a free 2-week trial. From there, plans start at just $8.99 per week.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on achieving your goals!

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40 Wicked-Good Beauty Products to Achieve Glinda's Glow

Ready to sparkle like Glinda the Good Witch? These 40 "Wicked" inspired beauty products are your ticket to achieving that iconic Glinda glow. Whether prepping for a magical night out or just wanting to channel your inner good witch, these beauty finds are truly "wicked" good! From luminous highlighters to dewy skincare and radiant blushes, these products will help you shine with that perfect, ethereal glow. Get ready to feel "popular" with these amazing products.

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.

Get a Bright Complexion With Volition Beauty Skincare Bootcamp Kit

Amazon

If you really want to get Glinda's glow, you're going to want this Volition beauty skincare bootcamp kit. This kit comes with a strawberry-c serum, snow mushroom water serum, and face sculptor massager. These products visibly brighten, improve the look of firmness, hydrate with a visible plumping effect, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help minimize the appearance of pores and redness, and improve the overall appearance of skin texture.

WTF Is Micro-Needling: An Expert Breaks It Down

WHAT MICRO-NEEDLING IS + HOW IT WORKS

WHAT MICRO-NEEDLING *REALLY* FEELS LIKE

MICRO-NEEDLING MUST-HAVES

BEST SERUMS TO USE

Check out our top picks for the best-smelling body wash below!

The best Vitamin C serums my skin can't get enough of:

Read on to learn more about Zabit, a new habit coaching app that empowers you to achieve your goals with the help of an expert personal coach.

Get a Bright Complexion With Volition Beauty Skincare Bootcamp Kit

Get a Flush of Color With goop Beauty Cream Blush

The Physicians Formula Murumuru Strawberry Jam Blush Gives a Shimmery Finish

Velour-Xtensions Self-Stick Lash Clusters Will Have Your Eyes Pop

Get a Metallic Finish With M2U NYC Metallic Liquid Lipstick

Refine and Renew Skin Overnight With YUNI Beauty Face Serum

Skyn Studio Beauty Candy Crush Lip Care Gives You Soft and Pink Lips

Illuminate Skin With Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Illuminator

Get Perfectly Pink Cheeks With Nabila K Blush

Line Your Lips With NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil

Get a Rosy Eye Look With URBAN DECAY Naked 3 Mini Eyeshadow Palette

This Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Will Be Your Fave Concealer

Get a Shimmering Look With wet n wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Glitter

Create a Unique Look With MAYBELLINE Tattoo Studio Eyeliner

Get a Renewed Complexion With House of Grō After Dark Restorative Night Serum

Rock Sparkly Lips With Catkin Tinted Lip Balm

This Nutrient-Rich Daily Moisturizer Locks In Hydration

Get a Bold Look With NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Vivid Brights Liquid Liner

Chapped Lips Need KALOS CO Tallow Lip Mask

Make an Impact With e.l.f. Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow

Plump Those Lips With BUXOM Full-On Plumping Lip Polish

e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush Gives You Rosy Pink Cheeks

Get a Radiant Complexion With Shiseido Clarifying Cleansing Foam

The wet n wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick Is Versatile

Clinique Almost Lipstick Is "Popular" for a Reason

The Julep Crème-to-Powder Eyeshadow Stick Gives a Russet Shimmer

Brighten Your Complexion With GOODAL Green Tangerine Vitamin C Set

Get Continuous Hydration With Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream

This Peripera Ink Glasting Lip Gloss Gives You High-Shine

Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N-Peel Lasts All Day

This Milani Baked Blush Is Buildable and Blendable

Plump Your Skin With BeautyStat Triple-Plump Coconut Milk Serum

Get Naturally Pink Lips With NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Fat Oil Lip Drip

Get a High-Beam Illumination With ICONIC LONDON Illuminator

The REVLON Eye Shadow Palette Is Crease-Proof

Cleanse Your Skin With Curel Foaming Daily Face Wash

Get a Shimmery Eye Look With Lancôme Idôle Tint Long Wear Liquid Eyeshadow

These Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick Is Long-Lasting

Make Makeup Last With e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

Get a Bold Pink Look With NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Jumbo Eye Pencil

WHAT MICRO-NEEDLING REALLY FEELS LIKE