A blurry photo of a woman with her hair blowing in the wind

3 Things the Recent Election Tells Us About Gen Z

The 2024 election didn’t just show us who’s taking the next four years at the White House — it gave us a glimpse into Gen Z’s shifting political landscape.
One of the biggest surprises was the conservative shift Gen Z — particularly Gen Z males — have gone through over the last four years. With their first presidential vote in 2020, Gen Z seemed to lean progressive, but this year revealed some surprising changes in priorities and participation.
Here are three takeaways on what Gen Z’s vote in 2024 tells us about where they’re heading politically.
1. Gen Z Turnout Dropped — Except Where It Really Mattered
In 2020, Gen Z showed up in record numbers, making their voices heard on issues like climate change, racial justice, and healthcare. This time around, however, their overall turnout dropped by roughly 10 points, with only 42% of 18- to 29-year-olds voting. Yet in battleground states, where every vote counts, Gen Z’s participation hit 50%, according to Tufts CIRCLE. This shows that when Gen Z feels their vote could sway the result, they show up. But nationally, the drop in turnout signals a sense of disillusionment with the broader political process and perhaps an emerging doubt about whether either major party truly represents them.
Gen Z’s mistrust in political institutions may explain this shift. As a generation more skeptical of traditional systems than their predecessors, many young people seem to feel that going to the ballot box won’t translate into the change they want to see. With inflation, housing costs and student debt weighing heavily on their minds, many feel that neither party has adequately addressed their needs.
2. Gen Z is Less Solidly Progressive Than Expected
For a generation that’s often painted as overwhelmingly liberal, the 2024 results showed that Gen Z is anything but monolithic. Exit polls showed fewer young voters supporting Kamala Harris compared to Joe Biden’s numbers in 2020, and there was a notable swing toward Trump among young men. Trump’s focus on economic issues resonated strongly with young men struggling with the cost of living and student loan debt.
Young women, on the other hand, still leaned away from the GOP but were less enthusiastic about Harris than they were about Biden in 2020. This softer support for Harris reflects a shift in Gen Z’s priorities. Issues like abortion, which ranked as the top concern for 44% of young voters in 2022, fell to just 13% this year. Instead, the economy was the top issue, with Gen Z voters who prioritized economic concerns largely backing Trump. For young men especially, the GOP’s messaging around economic independence and individualism struck a chord, with Trump reaching them through platforms they frequent — like Joe Rogan’s mega-popular podcast — helping him connect in ways traditional Democratic outreach failed to match, despite Harris’ savvy social media accounts.
3. Gen Z’s Economic Anxiety is Redefining the Political Conversation
Perhaps the most significant revelation is that Gen Z’s vote was driven not by idealistic social issues but by pragmatic economic fears. Young voters are entering adulthood at a time of high rent, seemingly unattainable homeownership and rising prices. Even with broader economic indicators showing improvement, Gen Z feels the pinch — and that’s pushing them to vote more with their wallets.
Melissa Deckman, a political scientist with the Public Religion Research Institute, pointed out that while economics is on every generation’s mind, Gen Z feels particularly stressed due to their current living situations.
“Economic anxiety is really palpable among this generation,” she said. “They’re disproportionately more likely to feel the pain of the economy because they want to move out of their parents’ basement. They can’t afford rent or to buy a house. They have massive student loan debt. There’s a sense among younger people that the American dream isn’t really available for them.
“Even though you have, on a macro level, some indicators of the economy doing quite well – low unemployment, some growth, there’s even actually been a reduction in inflation – that doesn’t matter,” she continued. “Because you have younger Americans really feeling the pinch of higher prices. In many ways, maybe young voters were just like older Americans, in voting their pocketbook and being unhappy with the status quo politically.”
Gen Z is growing up, and with them, their political attitudes are evolving, grounded more in personal financial concerns than progressive ideals. In the years to come, both parties will need to listen closely to this generation’s voices. For now, Gen Z has made it clear: the economy speaks louder than words.

A forest filled with lots of trees covered in snow

Do Wine Purifiers and Carafes Really Make a Difference? Here’s What a Somm Has to Say (Plus an On-Sale Set to Snag)

Peppery! Toasty! Floral! DecfdsfsJKHKJHdvsvvfdfqdfqdfxvxanter or bfbfbfbfcarafe? To aerate, or not to adfsdfsdferate? Wine comes with its own language, norms, and accessories that, frankly, can be intimidating. Case in point: I love wine, but I absolutely freeze when a waiter picks me for the first taste (the pressure). But at a recent book club—code for wine night—my friend spent the evening refilling our glasses from a gorgeous carafe, and the whole thing felt sophisticated and knowledgable. So before we left, I offered to host next month—and then I impulse ordered the Üllo Original Wine Purifier + Carafe on my way home.
My immediate next move was tapping Scott Taylor, sommelier and beverage director at Harris’ in San Francisco, for all the insights. Aside from making you feel très chic, what do wine purifiers and carafes actually do? The bottom line: These accoutrements actually make a difference—and they’re worth investing in, no matter what kind of wine-o you are. The Üllo two-in-one package is on sale for just $100 this week, so now’s a great time to upgrade your accessories *and* improve your wine fluency.

Üllo Original Wine Purifier + Carafe — $100.00

Originally $140, on sale for $100

Pros:

Easy for anyone to use

Made from hand-blown, lead-free crystal which is ideal because it’s non-porous and can keep sediment from collecting and altering the taste of your wine

Brings out wine’s flavor and removes its impurities, such as excess sulfites, which have been linked to increased hangover-like symptoms like headaches

Dishwasher-friendly

Looks totally chic on your table

Cons:

Pricey when not on sale

Filters are disposable and can only be used a few times

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The case for using a carafe
Did you know that “carafe” and “decanter” can be used interchangeably? (And just like that, you’re one step closer to fluent.) “Pouring wine into a carafe or decanter can be a very important step towards optimizing the potential of the wine,” Taylor says. “Aerating the wine (allowing oxygen to get in) can cause the wine to open up, bringing a lot of the flavors and aromas out to the forefront where they may have been masked by things such as alcohol, sulfur, and bacteria.”
When it comes to the make and model of your carafe, Taylor recommends clear, high-quality glass or crystal. “Crystal makes for good decanters or carafes because it is non-porous, keeping any sediment from collecting in the container that could potentially alter your wine in a negative way,” he says. The Üllo carafe passes his test with its ultra-transparent, artisanal crystal that’s hand-blown and lead-free.
Wine purifiers 101
Next up on the lesson plan: purifiers. “A wine purifier removes impurities, along with naturally occurring undesirables such as sulfites and histamines,” Taylor says. Sulfites are chemical compounds that present themselves during the wine fermentation process, he says. They can help preserve wine, keeping it from oxidizing prematurely (which causes it to spoil) and preventing unwanted bacterial growth. “Excess levels of sulfites have been attributed to itching, headaches, and hangover-like symptoms,” he says. Hard pass.
Histamines are naturally occurring chemicals that your immune system produces—and alongside wine, they’re found in some common foods like spinach, eggplant, cheese, nuts, and chocolate. While you likely can’t stay away from histamines altogether, it’s a good idea to try limit excess consumption of them, Taylor says.
The Üllo purifier works on any white, red, or rosé by using filters that help remove only the artificial sulfite preservatives and none of the natural compounds that make wine taste and smell like, well, wine. The purifying attachment fits easily on any individual wine glass and any of Üllo’s carafes. In addition to its purifying powers, a simple on-off switch gives you the option to selectively aerate your wine.
You may have heard that wine purifiers are the secret to hangover-free drinking. While high levels of sulfites and histamines can lead to unpleasant physical symptoms, Taylor notes that this is, unfortunately, a myth—alcohol content and dehydration are in fact the culprits. So go easy on your intake, and don’t forget to tank up with water. As for me, I’ll be at home memorizing my wine lingo, role playing scenarios with an imaginary waiter, and practicing my carafe pours—just in time for book club.

A bicycle is parked in front of a building

PSA for Anti-Morning People: We Tried Plnt Mushroom and Greens Powders, and They’re the Newest A.M. Hack

Your alarm blares. You hit snooze for the third (or thirteenth) time. You finally roll out of bed, and it’s a mad dash to get dressed and caffeinated before dashing out the door or logging onto your first Zoom meeting. Sound familiar? Listen—not everyone’s a morning person, and that’s more than okay.
Here’s the good news. There’s a simple addition to your routine that might make getting up feel less like climbing Everest: plnt® mushroom and greens powders. Available at The Vitamin Shoppe, these blends are packed with nutrients to make your mornings a little more energized and help you take on the day without the jolt of a caffeine-packed energy drink.
“Greens and mushroom powders are gold when it comes to nutrition and may be an energizing add to any morning routine,” says Brittany Michels, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian with The Vitamin Shoppe. “Including a greens powder is one of the easiest ways to supplement an array of nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds.” Add a stir-in to your daily routine, and she says you can expect to experience positive effects like mental clarity and energy*—plus the long-term benefit of filling in nutritional gaps.
Curious to see if these powders could really make a difference in the morning and beyond, three of our prone-to-hit-snooze editors added plnt® to their daily lineups. From stirring a scoop into juice to mixing a spoonful with hot water and creamer, they tested just how versatile and impactful these superfood blends can be. Keep reading to get their honest reviews, stock up yourself, and usher in new levels of a.m. energy.

plnt® Mushroom and Greens Powders

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plnt® Energizing Greens Powder

$35

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plnt® Organic Lion’s Mane Powder

$32

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plnt® Vital Greens Superfood Powder

$50

For energy, efficiently
A typical morning with my one-year-old: Itsy Bitsy Spider on repeat, eating scraps off her high chair and calling it breakfast, and generally feeling like I’ve lived five lives before the clock hits nine. In other words, my schedule is no longer my own, and efficiency has taken on a *whole* new meaning.
Given my fallen-by-the-wayside daily nutrition and my general need for a nap, I jumped at the opportunity to give plnt® Energizing Greens a try. “This [unflavored] green powder includes energy-producing* B vitamins from an array of organic leafy greens, natural caffeine from matcha and green coffee bean, and energy and endurance benefits* from the mushroom cordyceps,” Michels says. Adding caffeinated nutrition to my morning routine is, um, overdue—but the real draw for me is the ease of use. I’ve made it a habit to give myself exactly seven seconds (self care) to stir a scoop into a chilled cup of water or almond milk, and then—feeling nourished, newly energized*, and very accomplished—I turn my attention back to the little one. If only I’d found this powder a year ago. — Helen Johnson, Branded Content Editor
To help with focus and clarity, all day long
Stress and I are intimately acquainted (I’ve got a busy job, two little kids, and about a million messages from schools, doctors’ offices, and after-school activities—oh, and what am I going to make for dinner tonight?). Read: I’m often moving so fast, that my focus and clarity are not at their peak, especially in the morning.
So when I got the chance to try plnt® Organic Lion’s Mane Powder, designed to offer adaptogenic stress support* and promote brain and cognitive health*, I was intrigued. The superfood formula is meant to be mixed into hot or cold water, and you can add creamer if you’d like—I do. The result is somewhere in between coffee and tea, with a slight caramel taste that goes down super smooth (it’s not mushroom-y at all, I promise). After one cup, I completed a long, in-depth brainstorm then started jamming on tasks with an efficiency I hadn’t experienced in… a while. Suffice it to say, it’s become my new post-breakfast beverage—no mid-morning slump here. — Eva Rohan, Senior Director, Content + Strategy
As a functional caffeine-free option
I’ve been off the morning caffeine grind for quite some time, but I still want a special bev to sip on in the mornings while my roommates drink their iced coffees—and if I can find one that puts the fun in functional (think: stress, immune, and digestive support*)? Even better.
Enter plnt® Vital Greens Superfood Powder: Formulated with organic leafy greens, microgreens, and a blend of powerhouse vegetables like beets, broccoli, and kale, it’s designed to help promote energy* thanks to green tea leaf extract and antioxidant-rich fruits. Beyond the greens, it’s packed with adaptogens to help balance stress*, immune and liver-supportive* herbs, and a mix of digestive aids (including fiber, enzymes, and probiotics) for whole-body wellness*, Michels says. I’ve started mixing a scoop into a glass of lemonade for a refreshing way to sneak in extra nutrients while satisfying my sweet tooth (check, check). This nourishing powder has earned a permanent place in my morning routine, zero extra effort required. — Maeve McCormick, Assistant Branded Content Editor
Hey wellness seeker! Friendly reminder that—like all of wellness—the supplements you take are personal. Well+Good always recommends checking in with your health-care provider before adding a new supplement to your routine.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

A red sports car parked in a garage

C’est la voiture de JOACHIM, Tu me la prêtes ?

The holidays are upon us, and if you’re planning to host Thanksgiving dinner this year, you’re probably already mapping out the menu, hunting down the best ingredients, and, let’s face it, preparing for a few inevitable kitchen disasters. After all, cooking a feast fit for family and friends requires more than just a Pinterest-worthy recipe—it requires the kind of cookware that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Michelin-starred kitchen. The problem? The best cookware pieces often come with a price tag that could rival the cost of your entire grocery list. But don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered.
If you are down to shell out the cash, we’re here to inform you that investing in these kitchen essentials not only elevates your cooking game but might actually make hosting feel a little less chaotic. Sure, it’s not cheap, but the right tools can make you look like a culinary genius (and avoid sending your guests straight to the takeout apps). So, whether you’re an aspiring chef or just trying to survive the holidays with your sanity intact, these are the luxury pieces our own staffers use (who are not pros, FYI) that’ll have you cooking *like* a pro. Yes, chef!
The cookware *actually* worth your cash, according to staffers

Made In 12″ Stainless Clad Frying Pan — $129.00

“After years of buying the cheapest nonstick pans I could find (some of which only lasted a year, while others I’ve had since college), I knew it was time for an upgrade. I wanted to find a large frying pan that’s not only built to last but made with high-quality materials I can trust.
Made In’s 12-inch stainless-clad frying pan fits that bill. It cooks food more evenly and quickly than my previous nonstick pans and is also super easy and low-effort to clean (just soak in warm, soapy water and lightly rinse!). It’s also got just the right amount of heft to it—not too light that it’s shifting around on the burner, but not too heavy to pick up. I broke it in on the first night with homemade chili!” – Allison Forsyth, Senior Health Editor
Read our Made In Cookware CeramiClad review here.

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Benchmade Station Knife — $320.00

“I had the opportunity to see Benchmade’s kitchen cutlery in action at a media dinner this fall, and I cannot express enough how amazing these knives are. If you’re a serious home chef that wants a knife that cuts through ingredients like butter, the Station Knife is for you. It’s expensive, no doubt. But the quality is top-notch.
Benchmade blades are all lasercut from premium stainless steel and paired with featherlight handles to give you comfortable control while you chop, slice, and dice. They’re all hand-assembled and sharpened in Bend, Oregon with the utmost precision and care. And if they do get dull, the brand has frees sharpening services for the life of the knife. So, yeah, it’s expensive. But when you really widdle down (lol) what you’re paying for over the life of a tool you use every day, it’s worth every penny.”— Francesca Krempa, Commerce Editor

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Great Jones The Dutchess — $180.00

“I like to cook large meals on weekdays to save myself time, and the only pot that can handle the job is this Dutch oven. It holds a lot. I recently used it to make eight hefty servings of arroz caldo, my favorite chicken and rice porridge, that lasted throughout the week. Its tall walls keep everything where I want it—in the pot and off my clothes—and the enamel-coated interior is easy to clean. You can also clean it in the dishwasher, but my machine is too small for the pot’s size. Yes, it’s big, and while I lack the space to store it out of sight, I don’t mind leaving it on my stovetop. It’s the most handsome piece of kitchenware I own,” – Danielle Calma, Commerce Writer

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Caraway Fry Pan Duo — $280.00

“I’m a huge Caraway fan—shout-out to the brand’s food storage sets and organizers—and the fry pan duo is no exception. This set comes with a 10.5-inch pan and an eight-inch pan, which are both great for sauteing veggies, cooking up stir-fries, preparing eggs and proteins, and so much more. They’re lightweight enough to be easily maneuvered around but sturdy enough to feel really luxe, and they feature a non-toxic, non-stick coating that is SO easy to clean.
Another great bonus is that they are oven-safe up to 550°, so you can pop them in the oven to finish up cooking or keep your food warm. I have the black-and-gold colorway, which is from the Iconics collection, but truly any color would make a great addition to your kitchen,” – Katie Maguire, Senior Commerce Director

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Goldilocks Cookware Set Plus — $225.00

“I was looking to replace my hodgepodge of mismatched pans that had seen better days. I was eyeing another stainless 12-inch pan, but I came across this set that was around the same price for a full set instead of just one pan. I actually got it as a gift and it’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.
I love having a proper sauce pot, lids that fit, and especially love the roomy 12-inch skillet. Our food always cooks evenly and the pan heats well and quickly—even my husband who doesn’t cook often noticed the difference. The pots and pans clean easily, can go in the dishwasher (on occasion), and are simple to clean by hand. Overall this is a great set for the price,” – Jessica Willison Reyes, Commerce Business Manager

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Smithey 3.5 Quart Dutch Oven — $225.00

“Smithey crafts pieces that truly feel like an heirloom. Dutch ovens are always such a hefty piece of kitchen equipment so I’m happy to keep it out on my stovetop to double as decor. We’ve tested it out with some fall roasts and even movie night popcorn, it pairs well with my induction stovetop, cooking evenly and fast. I recommend seasoning it a few times before you use,” – Jenna Gibson, VP, Creative

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a couple of animals walking across a snow covered slope

The Case for Adding a Braising Pan to Your Kitchen (and Why I’m in a Committed Relationship with This $121-Off One from Le Creuset)

I’m a millennial, which means I’m currently living between the worlds of undeniably-an-adult and but-1995-was-15-years-ago. So even though I’m a married professional and mom to a toddler, I still call my mom at the grocery store (for the final time, are scallions the same as green onions?) and my kitchen is stocked with mismatched, hand-me-down pots and pans that might be a health hazard to my entire family. It’s that last detail that had me recently considering a very adult cooking upgrade—and ultimately springing for a high-quality Le Creuset braising pan.
After only a few kitchen sessions with my new pan, plus a conversation with pro chef Stephen Chavez, I am happy to announce that this is the do-it-all pan your kitchen (and mine) has been waiting for. Order one for yourself while it’s majorly on sale and read on for my review to find out why I’m now a sing-it-from-the-rooftops braising fan.

Le Creuset 2-Piece 3.5-qt Multi-Function Cast Iron Braiser with Grill Lid — $279.00

$400 retail value, originally $320, on sale for $279

Pros:

All-in-one pan for braising, grilling, roasting, baking, sautéing, and more

Easy to use and great for one-pot, make-ahead recipes

Durable cast iron lasts for generations (literally)

Delivers delicious, economical, and nutrient-rich meals

Cons:

Pricey (when not on sale) but worth the investment

On the small side if you’re cooking for four or more

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What is braising?
So what’s so special about a braising pan—and what even is braising? “Braising is one of the seven classic French methods of cooking,” says Chavez, who’s a senior chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles. “It is cooking medium to small cuts of meat or vegetables in a covered vessel with a small amount of liquid, using low heat, for a long period of time. In the U.S. we commonly refer to it as stewing.”
Why add a Le Creuset Braising Pan to your kitchen?
As I was thinking about ways to adultify my daily routine, I had a few criteria in mind: Any upgrade needs to be seriously user-friendly, have some lasting power, and fit seamlessly into my small New York City apartment. Oh, and bonus points if it sounds fancy when I mention it to friends. The Le Creuset braising pan checks all these boxes. For starters, it’s basically the original crockpot (with more surface area!), ideal for low-maintenance, make-ahead recipes that anyone can nail. According to Chavez, that set-it-and-forget-it convenience is the biggest reason people like to braise.
If I’m going to add any hardware to my very snug kitchen, I want to know that it’ll outlast every culinary fad and hold up for years of future cooking. Braising has been around for ages (“truly part of the history of cooking from all cultures and countries,” Chavez says)—and as for the pan itself? My mom (slash grocery-store consultant) swears by her Le Creuset cast iron dishes, which her grandmother passed down when she got married almost 40 years ago. So I know for sure that this thing is in it for the long haul.
How to use a braising pan
While Chavez says braising is best for meat (think: beef stew or osso buco), it’s also a great way to cook vegetables like potatoes, squash, legumes, bitter greens, and onions (think: ratatouille), as well as plant-based protein like tofu and tempeh. You can brown your ingredients first, he says, or simply toss them in with liquid and cover with Le Creuset’s tight-fitting grill lid. It’s designed to evenly retain heat, circulate steam, and return moisture to the food as it slow cooks—and on its own, it functions as a grill pan safe for the stovetop and oven. So yes, this is actually two cooking vessels in one.
The benefits of braising with Le Creuset
What’s firmly set my relationship status to committed, though, are the economical and nutritional benefits of braising. The Le Creuset pan is an investment, no doubt—but knowing it can last for generations makes it feel more than worth it. Plus, according to Chavez, braising is an economical way of cooking because you can opt for less expensive ingredients and still get delicious results. When it comes to its health benefits, “excess liquid will deplete nutrients from the main item and put it into the liquid,” he says. “When you braise and have a smaller amount of liquid, those nutrients will be kept and not lost.”
So let the case rest: The Le Creuset braising pan is *so* easy to use. It promises decades of durability (and your food will taste better with every passing year, thanks to the flavor-retaining cast iron). It moonlights as a grilling, roasting, baking, and sautéing skillet. It makes delicious, nutrient-rich food—and it just sounds so adult. Snag one while it’s on sale, and enjoy the honeymoon phase. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a date in the kitchen.

A man walking on a bridge with a city in the background

It’s Official: This 4-Piece Fragrance Layering Set Will Turn Your Morning Routine into a Much-Needed Spa Moment

Between the end-of-year deadlines and social gatherings ramping up, my calendar is currently chaos. I’m already bracing myself for the holiday hustle and the no-time-for-myself angst that comes with it. Instead of hunkering down for total hibernation, though, I’ve made it my mission to find little ways to refresh and reset every day—so I can take on the season with more joy and a lot less stress.
In the spirit of keeping things simple and effective (read: not overly time-consuming), I decided that my morning routine was a solid place to start—because who doesn’t want to wake up to a moment of self care? I was on the lookout for a spa-worthy addition to my regimen that’s easy to squeeze into my schedule, serves up major tranquility without any grand commitments, and makes sliding out of my seriously cozy bed a little less brutal.
That’s where the philosophy Amazing Grace four-piece fragrance layering set comes in. With products designed to turn any morning into a peaceful, feel-good experience, this collection has everything needed for a moment of true self care, from a hydrating shower gel to a firming body emulsion, a moisturizing hand cream, and a finishing perfume—all in one of philosophy’s most iconic scents (that lingers all day long—in the best way).
Take it from me: This is the kind of simple luxury that transforms a run-of-the-mill morning into a total spa moment that’ll keep you centered and blissed-out, no matter what your to-do list looks like. And on November 1 only, the full set’s on sale for just $85.

Philosophy Supersize Amazing Grace Holiday Four-Piece Layering Set — $85.00

Originally $97, now $85
Set includes:

32-oz. Supersize Hydrating Shower Gel, Bubble Bath, and Shampoo
32-oz. Supersize Firming Body Emulsion
4-oz. Supersize Eau de Parfum
7-oz. Mega-size Hand Cream

Pros:

High-quality formula with long-lasting fragrance

Super hydrating (read: essential this time of year)

Products complement each other well and don’t feel heavy when layered

Cons:

Pricey when not on sale

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What I love most about the philosophy Amazing Grace set is that it doesn’t pile on extra steps to my morning routine—it just elevates the ones I’m already accustomed to. Shower? Check. Moisturize? Check. Spritz on a favorite scent? Check. This line takes those everyday basic tasks and transforms them into a sensory experience, all wrapped up in one dreamy, classic fragrance.
Take one deep breath of the best-selling Amazing Grace scent, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a spa—seriously. For me, it strikes the perfect balance of light and floral with just a touch of earthy musk. Since adding this layering set to my mornings, I’ve been getting nonstop compliments at all hours of the day (have I mentioned it’s long-lasting?).
Just the act of applying each high-quality product feels wonderfully luxe, adding to the at-home-spa vibes of my new simple routine. The body wash (which can also be used as bubble bath or shampoo) leaves my skin so soft and moisturized that reaching for the toning, hydrating body emulsion feels like icing on the cake. The hand cream has quickly become my cold-weather savior, keeping my skin smooth and hydrated throughout the day. And the perfume? It’s the ideal final touch—just enough to carry that delicate, calming fragrance with me wherever I go.
This quick (but quality) addition to my morning routine has already made a noticeable difference in how I approach every day of the always-on season. Kicking off the day with a moment just for me—even during the busiest weeks—is helping me slow down, stay present, and celebrate the good stuff. That’s something to hop out of bed for.

The night sky with stars above a mountain

How to Prevent and Treat Dry Skin in the Winter, According to Dermatologists

There’s a lot I love about winter: the crisp air, the cozy wardrobe (sweatpants), relaxed weekends hunkered down at home, and the magic of watching the first flakes of snow hit the ground. Unfortunately, my skin doesn’t always revel in the magic of winter like I do—and joining those snowflakes are my flakes of dry skin.
I’m not alone—a survey of 2,000 people found that 83 percent of Americans say their skin feels different in the winter than it does the rest of the year, and 60 percent would consider their skin “unhealthy” in the winter (with dryness, itchiness, and redness as the top complaints).
While, yes, I am in good company with people struggling with sandpapery skin when winter rolls around, it doesn’t make it any more enjoyable. So, to get ahead of it, I asked board-certified dermatologists Anna Chacon, MD, of Miami Derm, and Tess Mauricio, MD, and CEO of M Beauty Clinic, to give us the lowdown on what causes dry skin in the winter—and how to stop it in its tracks.
Signs of dry winter skin
You’d think this would be a short list—isn’t the sign of dry skin…dry skin? Yes—but that’s not all. Lucky us!
“Other signs of dry skin, besides the obvious rough and flaky feel and appearance, are itching, tightness, and increased sensitivity. Dry skin is often more sensitive to irritation from both products and the environment, causing inflammation and redness,” says Dr. Chacon. If you’re experiencing light burning when applying your skincare products, that’s another possible sign of skin dryness, adds Dr. Mauricio.
What causes dry skin in the winter?
A few things going on during the winter months can zap your glow. The major one is that lovely crisp winter air, which means less humidity, which in turn means less moisture for your skin to grab onto. “Exposure to cold air can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness,” says Dr. Mauricio.
Your daily habits play a part too, she explains—which means things don’t necessarily improve when you get indoors. “When it’s cold, people take hot showers and baths, which can further dry and irritate the skin. Also, indoor heaters can drastically reduce humidity levels, leading to dry skin.”
How to prevent and treat dry skin
Don’t worry; you don’t have to turn off the indoor heating to help prevent dry winter skin. Whether you’re heading into the season or already dealing with dry winter skin, you have options.
Don’t linger in the shower
Cap your showers at five or 10 minutes, says Dr. Mauricio—and keep the temperature lukewarm, not sizzling hot (even though we know how cozy they feel). “We all want to take hot showers when it is cold, but hot showers and baths can strip the skin of its natural oils, worsening dryness.”
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
In addition to staying out of scorching hot water, Dr. Chacon says don’t neglect your water bottle. “Drinking water will hydrate your skin from the inside out, helping to combat the signs of dry skin,” says Dr. Chacon.
Switch up your moisturizer
“Where in the summer using lightweight or gel-based moisturizers that allow the skin to breathe is commonplace, thick and ultra-emollient ointments and creams are better suited to provide a barrier of protection to the skin,” Dr. Chacon explains. Hydrating ingredients like urea, ceramides, or shea butter can also help, says Dr. Mauricio, adding not to forget your lips, she says. “Use a moisturizing face balm with petroleum jelly or beeswax to prevent chapping.”
Moisturize immediately after cleansing
After you get out of the shower or wash your face, keep that moisture there. “Apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer within three minutes after cleansing to lock in moisture and restore the skin barrier,” Dr. Mauricio says. A great option for this? Rhode’s new Barrier Butter ($38), which we recently tested and can confirm: it’s thick, hydrating, and packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, murumuru butter, and ceramides to keep the skin feeling plump.
Moisturize as you cleanse, too
Be suspicious of your skincare faves, not just your face creams. “Harsher, more chemically laden washes will strip the skin of those good oils, making your skin dry and dull,” says Dr. Chacon. “Reach for gentle cleansers and products that leave the natural oils in your skin,” she recommends. We love the Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser ($30), which has a creamy gel texture packed with ectoin and chamomile to moisturize and soothe.
Exfoliate—but don’t overdo it
“Gentle exfoliation can help dry skin when followed by moisturizing serums and cream,” Dr. Mauricio says. But you can have too much of a good thing, she cautions—over-exfoliating can worsen dry skin and irritate skin by stripping natural oils. “Exfoliate no more than once a week with a gentle product.”
Use a humidifier
You can’t control the humidity outside, but you can do something about it at home. Adding some extra moisture to the air in your home can help to combat the effects of extreme weather and offer some extra moisture for dry skin to absorb,” Dr. Chacon says. Make it part of your bedtime routine. “A portable humidifier helps maintain moisture in the air, which can prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated, especially overnight while you sleep,” Dr. Mauricio says.
Moisturize on the go
You don’t have to shut yourself inside with your face next to the humidifier all winter. When you’re out and about, top off in between your morning and evening skincare routines. “Carry an atomizer or spray that you can pull out and offer a dose of moisture to quench your skin’s thirst while on the go,” Dr. Chacon suggests.
Accessorize
“Protect your skin with gloves and scarves to minimize exposure to cold wind,” Dr. Mauricio says. That sounds like permission to treat yourself to a little cashmere scarf for the holidays, right?
The bottom line
Winter is coming (for your skin). But some tweaks to your skincare routine and daily habits can go a long way in keeping dryness, flakiness, itchiness, and redness to a minimum. Don’t stress it too much: look for gentle, hydrating ingredients in your cleansers and moisturizers, keep the air at home moist with humidifiers if possible, and protect your skin from the bitter chill, and dry, flaky skin should be on its way.

A play set with a slide and a ball pit

Your Happiness Calendar for November 2024

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November 2024 Happiness Calendar for Educators

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