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Interested in DIY Microneedling? Read this First

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Microneedling has a certain mystique to it. The promise of smoother skin, softened scars, and that elusive “glow” can tempt anyone into picking up a device and giving it a try at home. But before plunging tiny needles into your face, it’s worth pausing to understand what’s really happening, what’s at stake, and why this trend demands a level of respect that often gets lost on social media.

Those neat videos you see online tend to make microneedling look easy, almost relaxing. In reality, you’re creating hundreds of controlled micro-injuries and asking your skin to repair itself in a very specific way. Professionals train to understand needle depths, pressure, skin integrity, wound-healing phases, and how to recognize when the skin is saying “yes” versus “absolutely not.” At home, without that trained eye, the margin for error can be thin. The skin doesn’t often scream its warnings; it whispers them, and ignoring those whispers can lead to hyperpigmentation, prolonged inflammation, or infections that aren’t as easy to dismiss as a temporary breakout.

What most people don’t realize is that skin doesn’t behave predictably for everyone. Its response is affected by your history with retinoids, peels, sun exposure, and even stress levels. If your barrier is compromised, microneedling isn’t a tune-up; it’s an added injury that may slow healing rather than spark renewal. And then there’s the question of the device itself. Many DIY tools are not engineered with the precision of professional equipment, and their needles can dull quickly. A dull needle doesn’t pierce; it tears. Torn skin doesn’t heal neatly.

Sanitation is another part of the story that rarely gets told in detail. Professionals work in environments built around sterility. At home, even with the best intentions, there’s a difference between “clean” and “sterile.” When you’re creating micro-channels in your skin, that difference matters. A contaminated tool or product can introduce bacteria where your skin is most vulnerable, and that’s how a routine self-care experiment becomes a dermatology appointment.

None of this is meant to scare you away from the idea. Many people explore home treatments because they want agency over their skincare or because professional sessions are expensive. Those reasons make sense. But if you’re going to take the DIY route, the mindset should shift from excitement to responsibility. Research the science behind collagen induction. Understand the risks specific to your skin tone and type. Consider speaking with a dermatologist before you begin, not because you need permission, but because insight can prevent problems you can’t undo with a serum.

Microneedling can be transformative, but transformation depends on timing, technique, and respect for the skin’s complexity. Before you follow a trend, it’s worth asking what your skin is actually ready for and whether a professional’s hand might give you better, safer results. The most empowering choice isn’t the one that feels most independent it’s the one that protects your skin today so you’ll love it tomorrow.

 

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Beauty

Gracie Abrams Becomes the New Face of Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle Fragrance

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Chanel
Gracie Abrams has been named the new face of Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle fragrance, starring in the campaign for Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu, the latest addition to the house’s iconic fragrance line. The campaign marks Abrams’ latest collaboration with the French luxury brand, further strengthening a relationship that has steadily evolved in recent years.

The appointment follows Abrams’ growing association with Chanel. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter has attended the maison’s runway shows, worn Chanel for major public appearances and previously served as an ambassador for the Coco Crush fine jewellery collection. Her new role sees her front one of Chanel Beauty’s most recognisable fragrance franchises.

Chanel

Speaking to Vogue, Abrams revealed that her connection to Chanel began long before her career in music. She recalled spending time at her grandmother’s vanity as a child, where she was fascinated by a bottle of Chanel N°5  an early memory that introduced her to the house and its legacy.

That personal connection now comes full circle with Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu, a new interpretation of the Coco Mademoiselle fragrance family created by Chanel in-house perfumer Olivier Polge. According to Polge, every Chanel fragrance begins with “a blank page” before developing its own identity. The composition blends vibrant grapefruit and lychee with warm notes of vanilla and amber, offering a scent that balances brightness with depth.

Chanel

Although Abrams has often described her beauty routine as relatively simple, she said fragrance remains an essential part of her everyday life because of the confidence it brings.
“Confidence,” she told Vogue when asked what becoming the face of Coco Mademoiselle means to her. “Fragrance can change the way you carry yourself in a split second.”

The campaign arrives during a milestone year for the 26-year-old artist. Abrams is preparing to release her third studio album, Daughter from Hell, while also set to make her feature film debut in Halina Reijn’s upcoming A24 film, Please, expanding her creative career beyond music.

Away from recording and touring, Abrams said she has been embracing new creative outlets, including drawing pastel portraits and rediscovering her love of dancing. She explained that those pursuits have helped her stay present, adding that filming the Coco Mademoiselle campaign encouraged her to embrace greater confidence and spontaneity.

Chanel

Abrams joins a distinguished list of women who have represented Coco Mademoiselle, bringing her own perspective to the fragrance’s latest chapter. Her appointment reflects Chanel’s continued collaboration with artists whose influence extends across music, fashion and culture while introducing Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu to a new generation of fragrance enthusiasts.

The campaign is scheduled to roll out later this summer, marking another milestone in Abrams’ expanding partnership with Chanel as she continues to make her mark across music, fashion and film.

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Why More People Are Choosing XERF Before Considering a Facelift

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Photo: Instagram/Theliploft

For years, surgical facelifts were considered the most effective option for addressing loose skin and visible signs of ageing. Today, the conversation has shifted. Many people are looking for treatments that support firmer, healthier-looking skin without surgery or a lengthy recovery.

One treatment drawing growing attention is XERF, a radiofrequency procedure developed in South Korea. Already gaining traction in aesthetic clinics and featured by leading beauty publications, XERF is designed to improve skin firmness by stimulating collagen production rather than altering facial structure.
Its appeal lies in a simple idea: healthier skin that looks refreshed without appearing overdone.

What Is XERF?

Photo: Instagram/Theliploft

XERF is a non-surgical skin-tightening treatment that uses dual-frequency radiofrequency energy to heat different layers of the skin. The controlled heat is intended to stimulate collagen production, the protein responsible for keeping skin firm and resilient

As collagen levels naturally decline with age, the skin may begin to lose elasticity, making fine lines and sagging more noticeable. Radiofrequency treatments such as XERF aim to support the skin’s natural repair process by encouraging new collagen formation over time.
Rather than producing dramatic, immediate changes, the treatment is designed to deliver gradual improvements in skin quality.

Why Is It Getting So Much Attention?

Demand for non-invasive cosmetic treatments has grown steadily in recent years, with many people favouring subtle results over dramatic transformations.

XERF reflects that shift. Instead of lifting the face surgically or adding volume with injectables, the treatment focuses on improving the skin itself. It is often considered by people who have noticed early loss of firmness but are not ready to consider surgery.

Its growing popularity has also been fuelled by South Korea’s reputation for advancing skincare and aesthetic technology, with clinics in other regions increasingly adding the treatment to their services.

Can XERF Replace a Facelift?

Photo: Instagram/Theliploft

Not for everyone.
A surgical facelift remains the most effective option for correcting significant skin laxity. XERF is better suited to people with mild to moderate loss of firmness who want a less invasive approach.

For some, it may help postpone the need for surgery. For others, it forms part of a long-term skincare plan aimed at maintaining collagen as the skin ages.

The right treatment depends on factors such as age, skin condition and personal goals, making professional medical advice essential before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.

How Does It Compare With Other Treatments? 

XERF joins a growing list of non-surgical skin-tightening procedures, including Thermage, Ultherapy and Morpheus8.

While all are designed to improve skin firmness, they use different technologies. Thermage relies on radiofrequency, Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound, and Morpheus8 combines radiofrequency with microneedling to address both skin texture and firmness.

Each treatment has its own strengths, and no single procedure is considered the best choice for every patient.

What Happens During the Procedure?

A treatment session usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the areas being treated.

After the skin is cleansed, a handheld device delivers controlled radiofrequency energy across the treatment area. Most people describe the sensation as warmth with occasional bursts of heat.

Because the treatment is non-surgical, there is little downtime. Mild redness or slight swelling can occur after the procedure, but these effects usually settle within a few hours or days.

When Can You Expect Results?

Photo: Shutterstock

Results develop gradually as the skin produces new collagen.
Some people notice subtle improvements within a few weeks, while fuller results may become more visible over the following months. The outcome varies from person to person and depends on factors including age, skin quality and lifestyle.

Some clinics recommend maintenance treatments to help preserve results over time.

Is It Worth Considering

For anyone exploring non-surgical skin-tightening treatments, XERF has become one of the year’s most closely watched innovations. Its emphasis on collagen support, minimal downtime and gradual improvement reflects a broader move towards treatments that enhance the skin rather than dramatically change it.

While it is not a replacement for a facelift, XERF offers another option for people looking to address early signs of ageing with a less invasive approach. As interest in preventative skincare and non-surgical aesthetics continues to grow, it is likely to remain an important part of the conversation.

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How to Prep Your Skin for a Clean, Long-Lasting Glam Look This Summer

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Photo: Pinterest

Achieving a long-lasting makeup during summer can be tricky, heat, and sweat can cause the best looks to fade or break easily. While many focus on the makeup itself, the real secret to a clean, long-lasting glam starts with how well the skin is prepared. A good base not only helps makeup sit better, but also keeps it looking fresh throughout the day, no matter the weather.

The first step is cleansing. Starting with clean skin helps remove oil, sweat, and any buildup that can interfere with how makeup sits. A gentle cleanser works best, especially during the summer when the skin is more prone to irritation.

Photo: Pinterest

Hydration is just as important. After cleansing, apply a water based moisturizer. When the skin is properly hydrated, makeup blends more easily and does not cling to dry, patchy areas. Heavy creams can feel uncomfortable in the heat, so it is better to stick to lighter formulas.

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. In the summer always protect your skin from sun exposure. A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen works well under makeup, but it is important to allow it to absorb fully before moving on to the next step.

Photo: Pinterest

Primer helps foundation grip the skin, it also keeps makeup in place throughout the day. Choosing the right one depends on skin type. A mattifying primer can help control shine, while a hydrating one works better for dry skin.

Photo: Pinterest

For a clean glam look, the base should be kept light. Instead of heavy foundation, a skin tint or lightweight foundation gives a more natural finish. The main goal is to even out the skin tone without completely covering it. Also, blending well is key to achieving that soft, fresh look.

Setting the makeup properly also makes a difference. Powder should be applied lightly, focusing on the T-zone areas such as the forehead, nose, and chin that tend to get oily. After that, setting spray should be used to lock everything.

In the end, a long-lasting summer look is not about using more products. Less is more. With proper skin prep, achieving a clean glam look becomes easier and more effective.

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