Hello! It’s your skincare obsessed bestie. Thanks for inviting me to drop by, and I can’t wait to start sharing my recs with you. Here is what you can expect from me this week.

• ICYMI: News, trends, and things to chat about over brunch

• WAY TO GLO: Authentic skincare tips

• GLO ABOVE & BEYOND: Business stories in beauty

• GLOSSIP: Sales events you won’t want to miss

ICYMI

• TRENDS🤟 

  - Top moments from Paris Fashion Week

  - TV adaptation of Lessons in Chemistry comes out next week!

• BUSINESS🤝 

  - A well-deserved Nobel Prize

  - Amazon’s secret price-gouging algorithm

• RANDOM🙌 

  - The mystery of these mummies are unraveling

  - Size matters 

• FOR FUNSIES 😁💖 

  - And she’s free, free fallin’

  - This space junk just got fined

WAY TO GLO!

What items do you typically pick up when you visit Trader Joe's? Personally, Trader Joe's holds a special place in my heart, even more so than Costco. This sentiment goes back to my college days when I lived right above the Union Square Trader Joe's at NYU. It became a cherished routine for me to make a stop before heading home from school, often spending hour+ exploring every aisle and discovering new products. Remarkably, some of the items I stumbled upon during that time are still popular today, enduring the test of time. Nowadays, when I shop there, I prioritize making healthier and more mindful choices for my well-being. Below, I've compiled a list of my favorite anti-inflammatory grocery items from Trader Joe's.

The No Joke Ginger Shot / Turmeric Shot

Ginger and turmeric shots are highly regarded for their potent anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of bioactive compounds like gingerol in ginger and curcumin in turmeric. These compounds have been shown to inhibit inflammatory pathways in the body, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. When combined in a concentrated shot, they can deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory punch, potentially helping to alleviate symptoms of various inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or muscle soreness. Additionally, both ingredients have antioxidant properties, which can further combat oxidative stress and support overall health, making ginger and turmeric shots a popular choice for those seeking natural ways to reduce inflammation and promote well-being.

Cilantro

While cilantro is primarily celebrated for its culinary contributions, it also offers potential benefits for skin health and inflammation. Cilantro contains an array of antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation when applied topically or consumed. These antioxidants may contribute to reducing skin redness, puffiness, and irritation. Additionally, cilantro is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, which can nourish the skin, promote collagen production, and maintain overall skin health. Although research on cilantro's specific effects on skin health is limited, its antioxidant and nutrient content suggests that it may have some anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties when integrated into skincare routines or diets. I enjoy cilantro in my soups or salads.

Cape Gooseberries

You don’t see these bad boys often, but when you do, you have to make sure to snatch a box. Gooseberries are packed with anthocyanins which prevents inflammation caused by pain, swelling, and redness. Also, due to the presence of polyphenols and other antioxidants, these berries may help in treating disorders like asthma which is basically the inflammation of tracheal passage.

Pineapples

Yes, you can get these everywhere. But pineapples are so good at preventing inflammation, I try to replenish as soon as I run low. Pineapples are renowned for their ability to combat inflammation due to their rich content of bromelain, a powerful enzyme with natural anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelain works by breaking down proteins that contribute to inflammation, reducing swelling and pain in various parts of the body. This enzyme not only helps alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like arthritis and muscle soreness but also supports overall immune function. Moreover, pineapples are a great source of antioxidants such as vitamin C and manganese, which further bolster their anti-inflammatory effects by neutralizing harmful free radicals. Incorporating pineapples into your diet can thus be a delicious and nutritious way to promote better health and reduce the risk of chronic inflammatory conditions.

Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Made from fermented apple juice, ACV is praised for its versatility and numerous health properties. It contains acetic acid, which may aid in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness and enhancing metabolism. Additionally, ACV is thought to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those looking to stabilize their energy levels. Its natural acidity also lends itself to use as a skin toner, hair rinse, and even as a versatile ingredient in culinary applications. While research is ongoing to fully understand its effects, many people incorporate apple cider vinegar into their daily routines for its potential wellness advantages and its distinctive tangy flavor. This version carried by Trader Joe’s also includes the “Mother”, which is great because that means it contains a cloudy, stringy substance that appears in the liquid. The mother is a colony of beneficial bacteria and acetic acid-forming bacteria, along with enzymes and proteins. It's typically a sign that the ACV is unfiltered and has not undergone the extensive processing and filtration that some commercial vinegar products do.

Frozen Crushed Garlic Cubes

These frozen garlic cubes are honestly NEVER NOT in my freeze. They are such a flavorful addition to any stir-fry or casserole dish. But most recently, I have been leveraging these in my home-made hummus recipes. Besides, garlic is great for the skin due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties (thanks to allicin), anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant content, collagen-boosting capabilities, and potential for reducing dark spots. It can help combat acne, soothe irritated skin, protect against oxidative stress, promote collagen production, and even out skin tone.

Frozen Cod Provençale with Ratatouille

This is my no-guilt, go-to, frozen lunch option when I don’t have the time to prepare a full meal from scratch. You've got two elements at play here: "cod Provençale" (pronounced Pravensal, with a soft "ç") and "Ratatouille" (a dish you probably recognize from the famous movie). When we say something is prepared "Provençale style," it typically means it's cooked in the fashion of Provence, a region in Southern France known for its signature blend of ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, saffron, peppers, anchovies, olives, olive oil, and wild herbs. The ingredient quality in this dish is actually phenomenal for the price-point. Most importantly, unlike many frozen options, this one actually uses extra virgin olive oil instead of canola oil.

Like this stuff? It would mean the world to me if you can share with your friends and family! Your support is the best kind of motivation 😃 😃 😃 😃

GLO ABOVE & BEYOND

Remember this ancient rose water facial mist I was raving about this past summer?

In a thrilling turn of events, L'Oréal has officially bid adieu to this eco-conscious beauty gem, Sanoflore. The brand is now in the hands of French investment powerhouse Ekkio Capital and the dynamic Sergio Calandri, who not only takes the reins as Sanoflore's new CEO but also boasts the founder's title at Inula Group, the steward of other coveted natural product brands.

The backdrop to this riveting saga dates back to L'Oréal's 2006 acquisition of Sanoflore, a move that set the stage for a seismic shift then in the beauty industry towards eco-friendly cosmetics. Sanoflore, rooted in the picturesque Drome region of southeastern France, embarked on a journey of international expansion under L'Oréal's tutelage, capitalizing on the surging demand for organic products.

Fast-forward to 2023, it seems that L'Oréal is pivoting its strategy through this divestiture. The group explained in a public statement that L'Oréal’s goal is to always maintain a robust and complementary portfolio for long-term success. And as of now, “the success of L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty is based on a strategy and a business model centered on brands recommended by healthcare professionals”. Under these circumstances, the division has opted to exit Sanoflore and concentrate on the dermatological brands such as La Roch Posay, Vichy, and CeraVe within its portfolio.

GLOSSIP

• CASHBACK

  Rakuten up to 6% cashback on Sephora, up to 4% off on Ulta, use my referral link to receive $30 when you sign up.

• SALES EVENTS

  Philosophy 30% off Friends & Family Sale 

  Mario Badescu 30% off Friends & Family Sale

  Avene 25% off Fall Friends & Family Sale

  La Roche Posay 15% off sitewide

That’s it for today friends! Will see you again next week!