Renee Rodriguez

As I've gotten older, I've come to accept the fact that I'm not the greatest at making decisions. Am I going to order the burger or the salmon? I'll likely make a game-time decision. Will I wear my black T-shirt or my white T-shirt? The answer isn't clear. Should I get back together with my ex-boyfriend who left the country to find himself but is now back and wants to date? I'm not sure. Sometimes, it feels like I need someone to make all of my life decisions for me, and that's where AI comes in. (Kind of.) For those unfamiliar with the AI website ChatGPT, allow me to give you a basic rundown. You visit the website or the app, type in a question, and then allow the AI bot to answer. You can essentially ask it anything, and the AI bot will formulate answers based on its knowledge taken from the internet. I'm no stranger to using AI. I tried an AI-powered dating app earlier this year to see if it could help me land a date (which it did) and I've also asked AI to help me with my makeup. However, the results from both of those past situations were mixed. Some parts were good, some parts were just OK, and others were downright bad. Since my experience using the app to create an everyday makeup look didn't go totally belly-up, I decided to see if we could create similar magic with a hair-care routine. I have dry, damaged, color-treated hair, and I've been on a mission to get it as long and healthy as possible for years. As someone who writes about beauty full time, I have access to amazing hairstylists, trichologists, and dermatologists, all with a wealth of knowledge about what products would suit me best. Would AI measure up? I was eager to find out. I started by asking ChatGPT a fairly broad question: "Can you help me create a hair-care routine for my dry, damaged, color-treated hair? I'm looking to grow my hair long and strong, and I'm searching for a full routine with specific products." ChatGPT quickly generated a seven-step regimen, and stated I should use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo, a conditioning treatment, a weekly hair mask, a leave-in treatment, a heat protectant, and a scalp treatment. The AI bot also noted that I should get regular trims every six to eight weeks to remove split ends. The AI bot also listed out three specific products per step. I had tested and liked a few of the options, but there were others that I knew I wasn't a fan of; for example, a heat protectant that made my hair feel greasy and a leave-in treatment that made my fine hair feel weighed down. I decided to tell the AI bot which products I had tested and liked in the past and which products I didn't, and from there, I was able to narrow down a list of products that I would use for a week to see how the routine worked for my hair. I settled on the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner For Dry Hair ($67) and the dpHUE Cool Brunette Conditioner ($28) because my color-treated hair often gets brassy. I also opted for the Oribe Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Hair Mask ($66) for use once a week, as well as the Wella Ultimate Repair Protective Leave-In ($35), which would serve as my leave-in treatment and heat protectant for wet hair. When I needed to use a heat protectant on dry hair, I would use the Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray ($46). For a scalp treatment, I went with the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum ($22) I was fairly open to testing a host of new products but there were a few I was nervous about. I'd been in love with my current leave-in treatment for years, and I was nervous that switching to a different product would weigh my hair down or leave it feeling greasy. I also asked the AI bot to make some suggestions for hair tools and luckily, I already owned the majority of what was suggested. However, I asked whether or not I should limit my use of hot tools, and after explaining I used them at least once a day every week, ChatGPT said I should switch to a lower heat setting and only plan to use hot tools one to two days per week, which was not something I was excited about trying out. I'm a hot tools girlie through and through (I can't live without my Dyson Airwrap), but since I knew I was going to be skipping the heat, I decided to ask for some dry shampoo suggestions, and I got the Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo ($15). Once I had everything I needed stocked up and ready to go in my bathroom, I felt like I was ready to take on the world. After a week of testing almost all new products (and hitting the dry shampoo hard AF), I have to admit: the AI bot suggestions weren't half bad. Did I like air-drying my hair? Not really. But I did get the chance to use some heatless hair hacks that I had been seeing on TikTok and I was able to give my hair a much-needed break. On the days when I heat-styled my hair, I actually found that some of the products I incorporated into my routine gave me more volume and left my hair feeling silkier and smoother than other products I used to swear by. Although I don't plan on swapping everything out, I'm incorporating at least four of the suggestions into my weekly hair regimen. All in all, I'd consider this to be one of my most successful interactions with an AI bot. Now, if only ChatGPT could get me a boyfriend. . . Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for PS's TikTok and Instagram accounts.

When it comes to eye makeup, my motto is minimal, minimal, minimal. (Actually, that's typically my motto when it comes to makeup in general, but I digress.) I have hooded, downturned eyes, and unless I'm getting my makeup professionally done, I don't typically do anything crazy or too out of the box. Sure, I'll blend some brown eyeshadow over my lids and occasionally (if I'm really going all out), I'll attempt a wing, but that's basically the extent of my skills. I'm much more into contouring and adding multiple layers of blush for the perfect sun-kissed look. However, my stance on eye makeup completely changed after I saw Victoria Beckham's one-product hack for creating the perfect smoky eye. I recently finished watching the "Beckham" docuseries on Netflix, and it's completely fueled my obsession with all things Posh Spice. I've been scrolling her social media pages like I'm getting paid to do it, and I've been taking extensive notes on her outfits as well as her beauty routines. I tested out a skin treatment she's obsessed with, I just mastered her contour routine, and now, her smoky eye tutorial has my complete and utter devotion. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) "I'm going to show you how I use just one product to create my smoky eye," Beckham says in her Instagram video. The product in question? The Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner ($32) in the shade Cocoa. Beckham starts out the video by saying one of the most important thing she does prior to using her eyeliner is to sharpen it with the proper pencil sharpener because she says it's key for getting a precise line. My pencil was brand spanking new, so I assumed it was sharpened to within an inch of its life. I added a bit of primer to my lids and penciled in my eyebrows, and then I was ready to start following along. (Whenever I do my makeup, I always start with my eye makeup and then I move on to my base, just in case I have any fallout from eyeshadow application.) Beckham starts by drawing a very fine line across both of her upper lash lines, starting at the center of the eye and then carefully drawing all the way out to the side, so I followed suit. I don't often draw liner on my lids because I find that it can occasionally make my eyes look small, but if Beckham said, "jump," I was ready to say "how high?" "I don't rush this part of the process because once this product dries, it is not going anywhere," Beckham said next in the video. Hearing this made me a little nervous because I'm not great at doing my eye makeup, but I found the product to be creamy and easy to spread along my eyelid. Next, Beckham takes the pencil and does tiny little dots in between her lower eyelashes underneath the water line. She says it was a tip a makeup artist gave her years ago that gives the illusion that the lashes are closer together. I had never tried this before, but I found that I liked the look of it. From there, it was onto the actually smoky eye. Beckham says she rubs "quite a lot of product" onto her hand, and then she takes a brush and starts to create definition in the arch of her eyelid. I followed suit, and even though she mentioned that the product wouldn't go anywhere, I found that it was fairly easy to blend out - although I did need to do one eye at a time rather than swapping back and forth from eye to eye as I usually do when finishing my eye makeup. For the last step, Beckham takes the other side of the pencil and using the "nice little spongy thing," she takes the product she's put on her hand and rubs it lightly underneath her waterline. (I think the "spongy thing" might actually be an eraser, but it does work for smudging well.) She then does a little "dip" in the center underneath her waterline to make it a bit heavier, and from there, she's ready to go. She notes that for nighttime looks, to make everything more intense, she'll take some of the product and also add it to the inner lower waterline as well as the upper inner waterline, but since I'm more of a no-makeup makeup girl, I decided to skip that part. The final result? Better than I even imagined it would be. Posh Spice was right: it was super easy to create an entire eye look with just one product, and it didn't require very much skill, which is something I am seriously lacking in the eye makeup department. I wore the look out to dinner with girlfriends, and I was happy to see that everything stayed in place, exactly where it was supposed to be, for hours on end. Although I am fully obsessed with Beckham's tutorial and her favorite liner, I do think the look can be achieved with other similar products. A few of my favorites are the GXVE Beauty Line It Up Eyeliner ($20) and the Caliray Surfproof Eyeliner ($20). I, for one, will be using this routine often for the foreseeable future. Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.

LED therapy is everywhere right now, especially in the beauty world. While LED (light-emitting diode) was first developed for NASA to use (and later was only available in medical offices), it's now something you can use to achieve glowing skin from the comfort of your own home. LED therapy can help treat fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, and inflammation through different wavelengths. Red light helps to stimulate collagen production, while blue light fights against acne. Yellow light has been proven to improve the texture of skin, and infrared light helps with skin elasticity. With so many benefits, it's no wonder that there seems to be a new LED product on the market every day. There are options for just your eye area, just your lip area, and even products that cover your entire décolletage. There are even tools that will massage your face while you get LED benefits - sounds like a dream, right? We'd have to agree, and so do dermatologists. However, because consistency is key when it comes to using LED therapy, it's important to find a mask that works for you and your specific skin-care concerns. Ahead, we rounded up our favorites, so keep scrolling and get ready to hit "add to cart."

If you're on TikTok, more specifically, Beauty-Tok, you've probably seen at least one person singing the praises of infrared hair tools. Whether it's a flat iron, a blow dryer, or a hot brush, infrared hot tools have taken over social feeds, and the obsession doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. While it's always fun to test the next big thing - from beauty tools to hair trends - it's always good to do your own research before diving in headfirst. Quite a few people have claimed that infrared hair tools don't cause any heat damage to your hair, unlike regular styling tools. It sounds a little too good to be true, but is it possible? Infrared technology is often used in saunas and even some skin-care tools, like LED face masks, but its uses for hair are still very new. Ahead, we chat with some hair-care experts who answer all of your burning questions about infrared hair tools, including what they are, how they work, and whether or not they're actually good for your hair. What Are Infrared Hair Tools? So, what even are infrared hot tools? "Infrared hair tools use infrared technology to emit gentle heat that penetrates the hair shaft, helping to style hair without causing excessive damage," Adam Federico, R+Co vice president of technical education, tells PS. While traditional hot tools like flat irons and blow dryers use ceramic plates or metal coils to produce heat, which is then transferred to the hair through direct contact, infrared hair tools emit infrared radiation, which penetrates the hair shaft directly. "The infrared light wavelength penetrates the hair shaft and heats it evenly from the inside out," Gretchen Friese, BosleyMD trichologist, says. "The electromagnetic waves enter the hair's cortex while the heat from the tool works on closing the hair's cuticle." So, there's some merit to the claims all over TikTok, but it's important to note that even infrared tools still cause some damage to the hair - at least compared to air-drying, which is the best for hair health. A popular infrared round brush is the BondiBoost Infrared Bounce Brush ($98), which is an editor-favorite, while a top-rated infrared straightener is the Silk'n SilkyStraight ($189). Benefits of Infrared Hair Tools Infrared hair tools have quite a few benefits, especially when compared to traditional hot tools, but they can be broken down into two simple categories: styling time and hair health. "They tend to cause less damage to the hair because they work more gently and efficiently, requiring lower temperatures to achieve the same results," Federico says. Since infrared radiation penetrates the hair shaft, heating it from the inside out, you can often save time during your styling routine, which in turn reduces the amount of time your hair is exposed to heat. It also helps to heat the hair evenly, whereas traditional styling tools aren't as precise. If you deal with a lot of frizz or static, infrared hot tools can help you with that as well. "The infrared heat helps to seal moisture in the hair, reducing frizz and leaving hair looking healthier and shinier," Federico says. Using an infrared hot tool allows your hair to retain moisture, whereas typical hot tools can do the opposite, essentially stripping moisture from the hair. How to Use Infrared Hot Tools You don't use infrared hair tools any differently than other heat-styling tools. However, it's important to note that infrared hair tools aren't completely heat-free, so you should always use a heat-protectant when styling your hair. Our current favorite is the Dry Bar Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist Coconut Colada Scent ($29). If you prefer products you can spritz directly into wet hair, we'd suggest using a leave-in conditioner after cleansing that has heat protectant included. "I love Divi's 3-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner ($26) because there isn't a greasy residue left on hair and it has amazing detangling power," trichologist Angela Onuoha says. "A smoother surface to work with results in smoother results during and after styling. Divi's formula is able to protect the hair up to 450°F, which is a must when it comes to using heat tools." "I always tell my clients they need to use a good shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask - even if they use no heat at all," Friese says. "Things like hair color, the sun, arid weather, and just the elements we are exposed to can all affect our hair health." Because of this, it's important to choose products that are formulated specifically for your hair type and texture - that includes taking into account whether or not your hair is color-treated. Federico recommends using the R+Co DALLAS Biotin Thickening Shampoo ($38) for fine hair and the R+Co BEL AIR Smoothing Shampoo + Anti-Oxidant Complex ($34) for frizzy thick hair. TL;DR: any form of heat styling can cause damage to your hair, but infrared hot tools are a good alternative to traditional hot tools. Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.

Morgan Riddle doesn't play tennis, but if you know about the sport, chances are, you know about her. If you know about fashion, you also likely know about her. And if you've spent any time at all scrolling TikTok in the last year, you absolutely know about her. The influencer, who is dating professional tennis player Taylor Fritz (who is currently ranked number 13 in the world), has made a name for herself in the fashion and beauty spaces, and her popularity shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. Over the last few years, she's managed to amass a social media following of over half a million people. In one of her most viral TikTok videos, she talks about wanting to "make tennis cool again," and in our opinion, she's achieved her goal and then some. Ahead, Riddle chats with PS, sharing some of her beauty non-negotiables, her worst beauty habit, and more. Morgan Riddle's Beauty Habits When it comes to her "worst" beauty habit, Riddle says it's likely how often she doesn't wash her hair. She goes four or five days, sometimes a week, in between hair washing. "I bleach my hair heavily, so it dries out so much that I actually don't have to wash it as much and it doesn't get greasy as easily," she tells PS. This is also the reason why she always wears a hoodie when traveling. "It's one of my weird things - I have to wear a sweatshirt with a hood and I never let my hair touch the airplane seat," she says. "Then I don't feel as gross from it touching what's obviously touched a lot of strangers' heads." However, Riddle says she still tries to plan her wash days accordingly, so she's cleansing the day she lands somewhere new. She typically rotates between two styles: half-up, half-down, and a low ponytail when her hair is due for a wash. "I'm a fidgeter and I'll play with my hair," she says. "It can come off distracting and maybe insecure, so I usually wear my hair up so I'm not messing with it." Morgan Riddle's Beauty Non-Negotiables Although Riddle considers herself to be pretty low-maintenance, she does have a few non-negotiables when it comes to beauty. Riddle has had keratin-tip (K-tip) extensions for about a year, and she actually visits her hometown to get them installed. "I get them done every five or six months, and I usually fly back to Minnesota because the same girl has been doing my hair since 2017," she says. She loves them because they don't involve a ton of upkeep. "You can wash normally, brush [them] normally," she says. "Like I said, I wear my hair half-up a lot and you can't tell [or] see it because the little bonds are so tiny, that they blend in with my natural hair. They're more of an expense, but they've been the best solution for me." As for nails, while she used to get gel-X manicures, she's switched to press-on nails. "In a lot of the cities we went to, a lot of places in Europe don't offer gel-X," she says. "I was really frustrated with it, so I switched to press-ons and they've been great. I can make them last two weeks." Her favorite brand is Paint Lab because "they have a lot of cool designs." One design she loves is the Paintlab So Strawberry Pink Set ($9). Riddle also swears by the Pan Oxyl Acne Foaming Wash ($3) and says it's the number one thing that's helped with her acne. "I'm super acne prone, especially because I try so many new products with my job," she says. "If I stop using Pan Oxyl for a week, my face erupts. It's the only face wash I'll use and probably will continue using for a long time." Morgan Riddle on Biggest Beauty Splurges While Riddle's hair extensions could fall under this category, she says the most expensive products she owns are probably the Dyson Airwrap ($600), which is an editor-favorite, and the Dr. Dennis Gross LED Mask ($455). "I thought about getting [the mask] for so long," she says. "I kept seeing stuff about how big of a difference it can make for your skin, and you can put it on your head for hair growth. It felt like a worthy investment." She also says she "can't live" without her other Dyson tools. "I have the Airwrap, the Airstrait, and the Coralle; I have everything. I'm a big fan and that's helped with my hair health a lot, too." Morgan Riddle's Favorite Cosmetic Treatments Though it's not a traditional product, Riddle's routine Botox also counts as a splurge-worthy investment. She goes every six months, which she feels also helps her with her acne. "I tend to breakout a lot on my forehead, but it also slows down the sebum production." That's not the only cosmetic treatment she's gotten over the years, though it is the only one she sticks with religiously. She's also had filler in the past. "I haven't gotten filler in a long time, but I loved it. I'm supportive of doing any of that stuff that makes you feel better, and it definitely made me look better," Riddle says. While we're not sure exactly what's in store for Riddle next, we are sure it'll be a win. Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.

TikTok, TikTok, TikTok. Sometimes, I'm not quite sure what to make of you. Yes, you're one of my favorite places to visit when I'm searching for fun new recipes, interesting skin-care products, and nifty hair hacks, but you're also a place where I find myself watching some of the weirdest things I've ever witnessed, especially when it comes to beauty. Over the last few weeks, a new "primer" hack has been going viral on the app. I put primer in quotes because the items being used aren't your typical face mists and gripping products - it's liquid blush and face oil. User Rachel Carlisle is responsible for the new hack, which she has been showcasing on TikTok since January. "I have figured out the secret to your makeup looking absolutely flawless and lasting all day," Carlisle says in one video. Since then, Carlisle has done a lot of videos using her technique, some of which have almost 10 million views. How to Do the Face Oil and Blush Priming Routine @rachelmadisoncarlisle I don’t think i’ll ever do my makeup another way tbh #basemakeup #flawlessmakeup #makeuphacks ♬ original sound - Rachel Carlisle After your skin-care routine, Carlisle suggests priming your skin with a facial oil. She likes the Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil ($22) because it helps with her super-dry skin. Then, Carlisle says the second step is to "blush the hell out of your face." Using a liquid blush, she applies it all over her forehead, underneath her eyes, on her temples, and around her cheekbones. Essentially, it looks like she's making a mask out of liquid blush. Next, she says to add a "little bit" of brightening concealer underneath the eyes and to blend it into the blush. She then goes in with a tiny bit of foundation (when I say tiny, I seriously mean the most minuscule dots of foundation you've ever seen in your life), and blends using a fluffy brush. After, she follows up with contour and blends everything with a brush instead of a beauty sponge. From there, she bakes, and simultaneously applies her bronzer while that's setting. Lastly, she does her eye makeup, highlight, and applies a swipe of the same liquid blush she used to primer her face to her cheeks. My Face Oil and Blush Priming Routine Results I won't lie, Carlisle's makeup actually looks pretty good each time she uses face oil and blush as the base of her makeup but I had no idea if it would work for me. And if I'm really being honest, I thought the whole thing was going to be a total waste of makeup the first time I tested it. Of course, I like the over-blushed look, but I don't like looking like a tomato and that's what I thought the result of this hack would look like. Surprisingly, it wasn't. I followed Carlisle's steps to the T, except I just used what I had on hand rather than the exact products she used in her video. I've been having a lot of issues with acne lately, so while I did love how glowy The Feelist Most Wanted Facial Oil ($78) made my skin, I was a little worried that continued use would make me breakout more. I also went with a liquid blush that wasn't too bright, the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($23), and I was able to blend it into my skin fairly easily. Overall, while I did like the way my makeup looked for the night, I do think you can get a similar look using your typical makeup routine. Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.

A few months ago, I noticed what appeared to be melasma forming on the right side of my face. I'm fairly diligent when it comes to applying sunscreen, especially when it comes to my face because it's prone to becoming littered with freckles after only a short period of time in the sun. Although I also wear a hat when I'm outdoors whenever possible, it seemed as though I wasn't able to fully escape the sun's wrath. Recently, I heard about patches you could apply to your face to block UV rays, and my interest was immediately piqued. They sounded great because you don't need to reapply them throughout the day, they're sweat and water resistant, and they help add an extra layer of protection to cover my melasma. But do they work? First, I tapped an expert to find out. "I like using sunscreen patches in patients with melasma or hyperpigmentation (brown patches on the cheeks and the forehead), Jaqueline Watchmaker, MD, board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Phoenix, tells PS. "Patients with melasma and hyperpigmentation can use all the sun protection they can get." However, Dr. Watchmaker notes that the UV patches have some downsides, especially since they come in sheets and don't often cover your entire face. "Areas not covered by the patch are still at a risk of sunburn," she says. Keep scrolling to read my full review of the Franz SunShield Peptide Patch ($25, for a pack of 5) and find out why they've become a permanent part of my sun-protection routine. About the Franz SunShield Peptide Patch This product is a UPF 50+ sun protection patch. It promises all-day UV protection. It's water-resistant and sweat-resistant. The key ingredients include a hyaluronic acid complex to hydrate the skin, glycerin to prevent water loss, and peptides to smooth fine lines. What I Like About the Franz SunShield Peptide Patch The first time I tested one of these eye patches, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I'm used to applying sunscreen all over my face, but these were a lot different. I actually wasted a couple of the patches trying to figure out how to use them, but once I got the hang of it, I was hooked. At first, it's pretty apparent you're wearing something on your face, but once you apply the peptide serum and let it sit for a few minutes, you're set. Although I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, these don't make me break out the same way regular sunscreen does. Plus, once they've actually settled onto my face, they're essentially undetectable. These have honestly been a godsend for the melasma forming on my face. I can even manage to be in the sun for short periods of time without a hat - something I was never able to do before. How to Use the Franz SunShield Peptide Patch The brand recommends starting by cleansing and drying your skin. From there, remove the backing from each patch and then apply it directly underneath your eyes - similar to where you'd apply an eye mask. Then, remove the top layer of the protective film and apply the peptide essence on top of each patch. When you want to remove them, the brand says all you need to do is roll up the edge of the patch with your fingertips and peel it off. Whenever I use these patches, I follow the instructions perfectly for application. However, when it comes to removing them, I occasionally have to use tweezers to help me out because I have long fingernails and the edge can be difficult to grip. I usually put them on in the morning after applying the rest of my skin-care products. Once I put these on, I add SPF to the rest of my face. What to Consider Before Trying the Franz SunShield Peptide Patch One thing to consider is that these patches don't cover the entire face, so you'll still need to use SPF. I personally love to use them for extra coverage, especially when I have melasma developing. They can be a little tricky to figure out at first, so if you're having trouble, I'd suggest watching the video on the brand's website, which you can find here. Additionally, these patches are pretty pricey. At $25 for a pack, you're essentially paying $5 per application. For me, they're worth it because getting lasers or miconeedling to treat my melasma is a lot more expensive. That said, if you're diligent about swearing SPF and hats, you might be OK with skipping this product. Rating: Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.

If you listen hard enough, you can hear millennial and Gen Z women around the globe collectively flinging their hair ties out the window. Why? One simple reason: the claw clip is back. The hair accessory has had a massive resurgence, and it's continued to gain popularity over the last couple of years. Now, you'd be hard-pressed to find a person without medium to long hair who doesn't own a claw-clip - they're that popular. They've been all over our social media feeds, they're loved by celebrities, and they are a hair trend we can 100 percent get behind. Not only does the accessory instantly give you a chic little twisted updo, it's also less damaging to your hair than elastics. Plus, it's been our tool of choice when testing out some of the most popular hair hacks on the Internet, like the layered claw-clip ponytail hack, as well as the viral claw-clip ponytail hack. Whether you're already a lover of the hair tool and you're looking to add a few more to your collection or you're dipping your toe into trying the accessory for the first time, we've got you covered. Ahead, we rounded up some of the best claw clips, including the best claw clip for long hair and the best options for curly hair. Keep scrolling to check them out.

I've tested some pretty weird beauty products in my day, but testing a makeup applicator that looks like a mix between an alien's penis and a ball sack might just take the cake. The product in question is the Leia Ultraflesh Blender. Invented by celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson, the product has taken social media by storm for its extremely . . . provocative shape and appearance. You have to admit, even the name makes it sound like a sex toy. Still, when I saw beauty influencers like Meredith Duxbury singing the tool's praises, I knew I had to give it a try. At $59, the cost seemed a bit pricey for a product applicator, but according to the brand, one Leia can replace 12 disposable beauty sponges. The Leia promises to be nonabsorbent, hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and sustainable. After watching a few how-to videos, I learned that this applicator isn't just for makeup - it can also be used to apply skin-care products (the feel of the Leia pressing into your skin is meant to mimic skin-on-skin contact). Keep scrolling to read my full review of the Leia Beaute Ultraflesh Blender ($59). What I Like About the Leia Ultraflesh Blender When it comes to the Leia's pros, I love that this applicator is hygienic and sustainable. Even after I wash a makeup sponge, there are times when I feel like it isn't truly clean. After washing the Leia with cleanser, I could physically see that it was completely free of any makeup. I also love that I don't have to apply as much product when I use it. The Leia didn't absorb any makeup, and I didn't need to get it wet to use it, so a tiny amount went a long way. Plus, it truly did give my skin a smooth look that I haven't really been able to achieve with beauty sponges or brushes. I did find concealer to be the most difficult thing to apply with the Leia, mostly because it felt a little too big and wobbly for a precise application to my delicate under-eye area. I also had a difficult time with the contour - again, I felt like I couldn't be as precise as I normally am with a brush or beauty sponge. I also found the texture of the Leia itself to be a little tricky - it would stick to and pull on my hair if I got too close to my hairline when applying makeup, and I also felt that it was kind of a magnet for fuzz and tiny pieces of fluff. Once I was finished applying my makeup, all I had to do to clean the Leia was massage it with a small amount of face wash under running water. The product buildup came off quickly and easily - no crazy scrubbing required. After, I stored the Leia in the convenient ventilated case it came with - a feature I really appreciate. (I've often wondered what to do with a clean beauty sponge I'm taking with me on the go, since I don't want to store it in my dirty makeup bag.) The Leia made the cleaning and storing processes completely easy and carefree. How to Use the Leia Ultraflesh Blender @meredithduxbury I may or may not be using this everyday 😂 ib: @stephhui ♬ original sound - Meredith Duxbury I typically use makeup brushes to apply my products and a beauty sponge to blend everything out. When I used the Leia for the first time, one thing I noticed was the texture. It didn't feel anything like a sponge or brush; in fact, it felt a tiny bit sticky. It actually reminded me of the sticky-hand toys from the '90s that I used to throw on glass windows as a kid. I noticed when playing around with it that fuzz and hair seemed to almost migrate to the applicator, and I hoped I wouldn't have any issues when actually doing my makeup. I started off the test with foundation, dotting the makeup on the areas of my face that needed coverage. The Leia has a smooth side and a textured side, and per the brand's instructions, I used the textured side of the Leia to tap the makeup into my skin. (Pro tip: only use about 50 percent of the product you would normally use. Since the Leia isn't absorbing the makeup, there's a lot more left over to blend out on your skin.) I applied concealer to my face using my fingertips and then used a gentle tapping motion with the textured side of the Leia to blend everything out. To apply contour, I used the smooth side of the Leia to stamp my contour product along my cheekbones. From there, I used the textured side to blend everything out. I also used the Leia to apply my cream bronzer, but since the rest of my products were powder-based, I opted for my regular brushes and sponge when it came time to apply those. What to Consider Before Trying the Leia Ultraflesh Blender Overall, this product will most likely replace my beauty sponges, but it won't replace my makeup brushes entirely. It's a great tool for achieving a smooth base for makeup, but it definitely can't do everything my other makeup tools can. Rating: Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.

Whenever anyone asks me about my biggest beauty regret, my answer is always the same: over-waxing my eyebrows. When I was in the 8th grade, thin brows were in, and I wanted mine as thin as possible. That meant waxing, tweezing, and even shaving off way more hair than necessary, which left me with a constant surprised look on my face for years. Fast forward to now, and there isn't any product or treatment I won't try if it promises fuller-looking brows. (I'm even in the midst of researching eyebrow transplants.) Over the years, my eyebrows have filled out a bit more, but they're still not exactly where I want them to be. I've tried serums and tints, but my brows have never returned to how thick and full they were back when I was 13. I use a brow pencil whenever I need to go out in public, but for years, I've dreamed of the day when I can leave the house with nothing on my eyebrows. When I heard about an "eyebrow mask" made from a plant extract known as "Usma eyebrow growing grass" by the Uyghur people in Northwestern China, I immediately wanted to test it out. Initially, I was skeptical since it's an all-natural product made with just three ingredients - usma extract, lye, and water - but since using it, I've been completely converted. Keep scrolling to read my full review of the Nãzuk Usma Extract Eyebrow Mask and find out whether or not it worked for me. About the Nãzuk Usma Extract Eyebrow Mask This product is an eyebrow mask that promotes fuller, thicker eyebrows. It's made with just three ingredients: usma extract, lye, and water. Usma is a cruciferous plant used by the Uyghur people to promote eyebrow growth. The product comes with one fl oz of the eyebrow solution, a small bowl, and a small mixing spoon. What I Like About the Nãzuk Usma Extract Eyebrow Mask I've been using this eyebrow mask for a little over a month now, and I'm impressed with the results I've noticed. I honestly think I started to see a difference after just two weeks, especially when it comes to how my eyebrows feel to the touch. I could tell that they seemed softer and more hydrated, and although some growth serums leave my brow area dry and flakey, I noticed the opposite after using this product. Now, my eyebrows are noticeably darker, and I even have tiny hairs growing in areas that were completely sparse just a few months ago. Also, although I'm no stranger to using products full of chemicals in the name of good eyebrows, I love that this mask only has three ingredients. The results have made me feel good about discontinuing use of other products because I know that this product - even though it's not filled with questionable ingredients - actually works. How to Use the Nãzuk Usma Extract Eyebrow Mask To use the formula, you first have to make it. The brand says you should start by mixing one tablespoon of dry Usma formula with one tablespoon of warm water into a bowl. From there, it suggests dipping a thin cotton swab into the "juice" and applying it to your eyebrows. After you've allowed it to dry, you should reapply it several times, letting it dry in between each application. Then, let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to fully absorb into your eyebrows. When the 30 minutes is up, wash off the product. The brand recommends repeating use daily or at least three times per week. To reap the full benefits of this eyebrow mask, I've been using it daily. I like to apply it in the morning, before I shower and before I apply any skin-care products. I typically wear it while I'm working out so that I can multitask and I'm not just sitting around waiting for it to dry. I leave it on for 30 minutes, but occasionally I go a bit over if I'm doing a longer workout. What to Consider Before Trying the Nãzuk Usma Extract Eyebrow Mask One thing to note is that this product isn't the simplest to use. You essentially have to mix your own paste, and the process involves measuring. (I'm terrible with anything involving numbers.) Additionally, it's not something you can just put on before you go to bed at night since you have to reapply it multiple times and then wash it off after 30 minutes. All this to say, it does involve a time commitment when it comes to making the product and wearing the product. I found a way to easily add it into my routine, but it is something to consider before making a purchase. Rating: Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.