Life Style

TikTok is home to some pretty wild claims, and not all of them are worth paying any mind. A video on the app recently went viral where user @Samiasauce talks about her experience using volufiline to fill her hollow undereyes and laugh lines without the use of dermal fillers. For the unfamiliar, dermal fillers are injectable substances that are used to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by adding more fullness to the face. They're often used in the lips, cheeks, and even the temples. They're expensive and minimally invasive, which is why people are always on the hunt for alternatives. Some say volufiline, which is made from a plant extract, can help add fullness to the face sans any needles. The idea that a topical product could garner the same results as filler is a little unbelievable. To get to the bottom of the claims, we tapped experts to answer all of our questions about volufiline, including what it is and whether or not it actually works. Keep scrolling to read more. What Is Volufiline? @samiasauce Replying to @tinoladypink before + after of how l filled my hollow undereyes and laugh lines without filler, and also how to use it and where to get it! Its only been a month since ive started using volufiline and l cant wait to finish the bottle! #volufiline #undereyefiller #filler ♬ nyc in 1940 - berlioz & Ted Jasper "[Volufiline] is a patented plant extract created by French company Sederma that builds volume in the skin," Smita R. Ramanadham, MD, ASPS member surgeon, tells PS. "It is composed of sarsasapogenin, which is an extract from plant root. In theory, it increases lipid and fat storage, which increases the volume of fatty tissue, and subsequently, volume." According to Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board-certified dermatologic surgeon, although it claims to add volume and plumpness to the skin, she says the ingredient isn't well-researched enough to know the full effects. "It's intended to be used to reduce the rate of the natural aging process by plumping and smoothing the skin," Dr. Engelman says. "It's supposed to demonstrate an increase in facial volume over the course of one to two months. However, more clinical data and research is needed to analyze these results." Volufiline isn't widely used yet, but it is available over the counter at retailers like Amazon. However, experts warn against purchasing the product from sellers on the platform. "[It] can be dangerous as many sellers have a raw form of the ingredient available for purchase that is not intended to be in direct contact with the skin," Dr. Engelman says. The ingredient is meant to be mixed with other creams and serums, which may not be clear when purchasing and could potentially lead to negative side effects. Volufiline Side Effects Typically, volufiline is considered safe for topical use in skin care and cosmetic products. However, there are some potential side effects if the products aren't used properly. "Skin irritation, redness, itching, or irritation at the site of application, especially in individuals with sensitive skin [can occur]," Azza Halim, MD, says. She suggests doing a patch test with any new sin-care product containing volufiline before applying it to larger areas of the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Can Volufiline Replace Filler? In short, the answer is no. "Topical products can help supplement facial filler but cannot directly replace the effect," Dr. Engelman says. "With hyaluronic acid-based fillers, we are able to instantly target and fill in wrinkles and more shallow areas of the face. With topicals, it is difficult to replicate the same smoothing and plumping effects." If you're looking for proven treatments that can increase fullness and volume in the face, there are more traditional routes you can take. "For skin plumping effects, hyaluronic acid serums and overall hydration and moisturizers can improve this," Dr. Ramanadham says. Additionally, actual dermal fillers work as well. "Volumizers such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers and biostimulators are injectables that have data to boost the skin's collagen," board-certified dermatologist Kunal Malik, MD, says. "Other treatment modalities that are known to boost collagen but not necessarily fill or volumize are microneedling and microneedling with radio frequency. Fat grafting, which is the placement of one's own fat cells in targeted areas such as the face, is also a treatment consideration and boasts natural results." However, prior to starting any new regimen, it's important to consult with your doctor or a licensed medical professional. Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for POPSUGAR. 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.

Image Source: Courtesy of Chandler Plante/Mariott Bonvoy/Getty Game day style comes naturally to Sydney Carter. Throughout her past two years as the Director of Player Development for the University of Texas Women's Basketball team, you may have caught her in a pair of monogrammed Gucci thigh-highs, a cow-print miniskirt and matching cowboy boots, or even a particularly controversial pair of pink latex pants. Haters will tell you Coach Carter's fashion is "too much" for a basketball game. But in a blockbuster year for women's basketball, where women continue to inspire, break records, and take up space, Coach Carter reminds us there's no such thing as "too much." "I always say if you want to take up space, take up good space," Carter tells POPSUGAR during a discussion hosted by Marriott Bonvoy. "To be taking up good space in a male-dominated field is so empowering." That might mean feathers, rhinestones, or designer brands, but above all, it means staying true to herself and tuning out the criticism. "Women aren't afraid to take up space anymore. We are not afraid to bet on ourselves or show that we are more than what we do on court. We are multifaceted. We are inspirational. We are HERE," Carter says. "Women aren't afraid to take up space anymore." To her point, in 2023, only 42 percent of head coaches for women's teams in NCAA Division I were women themselves. Yet, Iowa State's recent victory over LSU in the Final Four made history raking in 12.3 million viewers on ESPN, while the national championship final (Iowa vs. South Carolina) drew in 18.7 million viewers, making it the most-viewed ever NCAA Women's basketball tournament. This sudden spike is in part due to generational talents like Caitlin Clark, but also to increased coverage, and people like Carter who refuse to dim their light. For several of these burgeoning stars, fashion feels like a natural pairing. Angel Reese, one of the most highly publicized players of the year, announced her journey to the WNBA via Vogue spread. Dawn Staley, head coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks, pushed her team through an undefeated season in a Louis Vuitton bomber jacket. On TikTok, creators have taken to the app to share how they'd style players like Caitlin Clark, even theorizing about hypothetical designer collaborations with Christian Dior. But truthfully, fashion has been a part of women's basketball since its inception. WNBA icons like Sue Bird and Candace Parker have been setting the bar high with their street style for years. In 2016, Seimone Augustus, Rebekkah Brunson, Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen wore "Black Lives Matter" T-shirts to make an impactful statement before a game against the Dallas Wings, even prompting a police walkout. In 2021, Liz Cambage became the very first WNBA ambassador for Rihanna's Savage X Fenty, and at the 2021 WNBA Draft, Charli Collier stepped out in a custom Sergio Hudson look. Following in these women's footsteps, the next generation continues to show out, whether it's on the orange carpet for the WNBA draft, or on their own social media platforms. Fans might come for the basketball, but fashion remains a major part of the players's brand, and it's hard to look away. "There's so many young women that are looking at the game now," Carter says. They might be inspired by a particular player and their skills on the court, but they might also take interest in what they're shopping, who they're wearing, and what makes these women feel and look the most confident. "There could be a kid that's coming there for basketball, or coming there for the fashion show that's happening," Carter says. Having played in the WNBA herself, she has been merging her love of fashion and basketball long before she ever went viral on the sidelines. "I started really early, like wearing my mom's shoes when I was in fourth grade. I wanted to [wear them] with the school uniform," she says. "When I got to college, my college coach noticed every time the banquet came around at the end of the year, I always had on loud colors, a heel, something like that. So I feel like it's always just been something natural for me. Like it's always gone hand-in-hand with my passion for basketball." Given her game-day fashion sense, as a part of the Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience - a loyalty program that enables Marriott Bonvoy members to redeem points earned from travel and everyday activities for exclusive access to premier sporting events, concerts, and restaurants - Carter helped me design a look of my own for the NCAA women's basketball championship game. Image Source: Courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy I started by choosing a style of bomber jacket - an oversized silhouette, with buttons down the front. Thankfully, Coach Carter approved. Then, she noticed my fruit-themed nails (hers are razor sharp and painted to look like pastel basketballs), so we added a patch decorated with hot pink nails to one sleeve of the jacket. I suggested a Cleveland patch for the other sleeve, and we decided to write my name in metallic silver embroidery right beneath the collar. As for the back of the jacket, I already had a phrase in mind. "Eye on the prize," I told Coach Carter, pointing to my eye patch. Having lost vision in my right eye three years ago, I figured the idiom was an appropriate embodiment of Carter's values: to express yourself unapologetically and embrace the things that make you stand out (my rainbow beaded eye patch included). Coach Carter high-fived me and encouraged me to write the mantra in bright pink, using the largest font. "Being your authentic self is your superpower. No one else on the planet possesses what you have. Life is not meant to be lived to please everyone all the time. In fact, that is impossible," she told PS. "If you wake up every day and are happy with yourself and [how] you present yourself. . . you've already won that day." The final design emulated game-day spirit, and it was easy for me to envision myself wearing it to the championship. Although I'm not the world's foremost basketball expert, in that moment, I felt like women's basketball - a space I had always been mildly intimidated by - was actually holding space for me. One that felt supportive, uplifting, and genuinely inclusive in a way I never anticipated, and made me excited to witness even more women excellence. As we gave the jacket one last pass, I wondered aloud if I may have added "too much." Maybe there's a patch I should've left off, or some embroidery I should've toned down. In the midst of my worry, Carter whipped her head around mid-sentence and summed up her entire fashion philosophy in a single eloquent reminder. "What's 'too much?!'" Image Source: Courtesy of Chandler Plante Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for POPSUGAR Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.

Image Source: Courtesy of Chandler Plante/Mariott Bonvoy/Getty Game day style comes naturally to Sydney Carter. Throughout her past two years as the Director of Player Development for the University of Texas Women's Basketball team, you may have caught her in a pair of monogrammed Gucci thigh-highs, a cow-print miniskirt and matching cowboy boots, or even a particularly controversial pair of pink latex pants. Haters will tell you Coach Carter's fashion is "too much" for a basketball game. But in a blockbuster year for women's basketball, where women continue to inspire, break records, and take up space, Coach Carter reminds us there's no such thing as "too much." "I always say if you want to take up space, take up good space," Carter tells POPSUGAR during a discussion hosted by Marriott Bonvoy. "To be taking up good space in a male-dominated field is so empowering." That might mean feathers, rhinestones, or designer brands, but above all, it means staying true to herself and tuning out the criticism. "Women aren't afraid to take up space anymore. We are not afraid to bet on ourselves or show that we are more than what we do on court. We are multifaceted. We are inspirational. We are HERE," Carter says. "Women aren't afraid to take up space anymore." To her point, in 2023, only 42 percent of head coaches for women's teams in NCAA Division I were women themselves. Yet, Iowa State's recent victory over LSU in the Final Four made history raking in 12.3 million viewers on ESPN, while the national championship final (Iowa vs. South Carolina) drew in 18.7 million viewers, making it the most-viewed ever NCAA Women's basketball tournament. This sudden spike is in part due to generational talents like Caitlin Clark, but also to increased coverage, and people like Carter who refuse to dim their light. For several of these burgeoning stars, fashion feels like a natural pairing. Angel Reese, one of the most highly publicized players of the year, announced her journey to the WNBA via Vogue spread. Dawn Staley, head coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks, pushed her team through an undefeated season in a Louis Vuitton bomber jacket. On TikTok, creators have taken to the app to share how they'd style players like Caitlin Clark, even theorizing about hypothetical designer collaborations with Christian Dior. But truthfully, fashion has been a part of women's basketball since its inception. WNBA icons like Sue Bird and Candace Parker have been setting the bar high with their street style for years. In 2016, Seimone Augustus, Rebekkah Brunson, Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen wore "Black Lives Matter" T-shirts to make an impactful statement before a game against the Dallas Wings, even prompting a police walkout. In 2021, Liz Cambage became the very first WNBA ambassador for Rihanna's Savage X Fenty, and at the 2021 WNBA Draft, Charli Collier stepped out in a custom Sergio Hudson look. Following in these women's footsteps, the next generation continues to show out, whether it's on the orange carpet for the WNBA draft, or on their own social media platforms. Fans might come for the basketball, but fashion remains a major part of the players's brand, and it's hard to look away. "There's so many young women that are looking at the game now," Carter says. They might be inspired by a particular player and their skills on the court, but they might also take interest in what they're shopping, who they're wearing, and what makes these women feel and look the most confident. "There could be a kid that's coming there for basketball, or coming there for the fashion show that's happening," Carter says. Having played in the WNBA herself, she has been merging her love of fashion and basketball long before she ever went viral on the sidelines. "I started really early, like wearing my mom's shoes when I was in fourth grade. I wanted to [wear them] with the school uniform," she says. "When I got to college, my college coach noticed every time the banquet came around at the end of the year, I always had on loud colors, a heel, something like that. So I feel like it's always just been something natural for me. Like it's always gone hand-in-hand with my passion for basketball." Given her game-day fashion sense, as a part of the Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience - a loyalty program that enables Marriott Bonvoy members to redeem points earned from travel and everyday activities for exclusive access to premier sporting events, concerts, and restaurants - Carter helped me design a look of my own for the NCAA women's basketball championship game. Image Source: Courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy I started by choosing a style of bomber jacket - an oversized silhouette, with buttons down the front. Thankfully, Coach Carter approved. Then, she noticed my fruit-themed nails (hers are razor sharp and painted to look like pastel basketballs), so we added a patch decorated with hot pink nails to one sleeve of the jacket. I suggested a Cleveland patch for the other sleeve, and we decided to write my name in metallic silver embroidery right beneath the collar. As for the back of the jacket, I already had a phrase in mind. "Eye on the prize," I told Coach Carter, pointing to my eye patch. Having lost vision in my right eye three years ago, I figured the idiom was an appropriate embodiment of Carter's values: to express yourself unapologetically and embrace the things that make you stand out (my rainbow beaded eye patch included). Coach Carter high-fived me and encouraged me to write the mantra in bright pink, using the largest font. "Being your authentic self is your superpower. No one else on the planet possesses what you have. Life is not meant to be lived to please everyone all the time. In fact, that is impossible," she told PS. "If you wake up every day and are happy with yourself and [how] you present yourself. . . you've already won that day." The final design emulated game-day spirit, and it was easy for me to envision myself wearing it to the championship. Although I'm not the world's foremost basketball expert, in that moment, I felt like women's basketball - a space I had always been mildly intimidated by - was actually holding space for me. One that felt supportive, uplifting, and genuinely inclusive in a way I never anticipated, and made me excited to witness even more women excellence. As we gave the jacket one last pass, I wondered aloud if I may have added "too much." Maybe there's a patch I should've left off, or some embroidery I should've toned down. In the midst of my worry, Carter whipped her head around mid-sentence and summed up her entire fashion philosophy in a single eloquent reminder. "What's 'too much?!'" Image Source: Courtesy of Chandler Plante Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for POPSUGAR Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.

I've had acne-prone skin since I hit puberty. While it started as small, textured bumps, over the years the condition progressed to a combination of black and whiteheads that were always relatively easy to get rid of if I just left them alone or popped them (I know, I know). That is, until I turned 26. I had experienced hormonal acne before, but for some reason, that magical year was when my skin decided to kick it into overdrive. This resulted in cystic breakouts in places I didn't even know you could break out. From the middle of my chin to the sides of my lower jaw and even my neck, this new onset of pimples was not only incredibly unsightly but also deeply painful to the touch. It was the first time I started wondering if I should go to the doctor for my acne, but it became a nonnegotiable when I got engaged and starting planning a wedding. I needed to start my journey to clear skin. Thankfully, I was able to see one of the best dermatologists in the game, Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD, who prescribed me a new skin-care routine - the topical ointment Tretinoin 0.04%, a medicated face wash, and a new product called Winlevi. First introduced to the market for the treatment of acne in 2020, Dr. Henry described the latter as one of the best treatments for my hormonal bumps, and it has been lauded as such by numerous other doctors. As dermatologist Ted Lain, MD, FAAD, previously told PS, the easy-to-use cream targets oil production, reducing the amount of sebum that could effectively trigger breakouts. Was I excited about this product potentially changing the game for my acne? Yes. Then I saw the price - and almost opted out entirely. At more than $200, I was skeptical to invest in a cream I had never heard about. However, it's been about eight months of consistent use, and I can't see myself not using Winlevi in the future. Here's what to know about my experience. Winlevi Before and After Before Winlevi in September 2022 vs. a few months into using the cream, February 2024 My Winlevi Cream Experience I started my journey with the Winlevi cream in August 2023. For my regimen, I was told to use it all over in the mornings and then use tretinoin at night. At first I was a bit overzealous and would squeeze out more of the product than I needed, which would leave behind a white cast, so I started dotting a dime-sized amount to my entire face. This has helped not only with the ghostly appearance, but I have also found that it's allowed the one tube to last me months, which makes me feel much better about the initial price. Today, while my acne is not completely gone, I have noticed a significant reduction in the hormonal flare-ups that I was experiencing before. I'm no longer scared about touching my cheeks or neck in fear of aggravating a pimple that was taking up way too much real estate in the first place because, for the most part, the bumps are no longer there. When the odd one does show up, it doesn't grow to the point of being extremely painful. It's worth noting that I am using the cream in conjunction with other medical-grade products: the face wash, which has 10 percent sodium sulfacetamide (which targets bacteria on the skin), and tretinoin, another topical treatment. There are times when I take a break from the latter if I overdo it and my skin becomes sensitive; that is when I realize just how effective Winlevi is. Without the strong exfoliating properties of tretinoin, the Winlevi cream somehow still manages to keep my skin looking relatively clear from breakouts. It also doesn't cause any sensitivity when used by itself - another win for my sometimes easily-reactive skin. Typically, the most I see is some small, under-the-skin bumps left over from previous bouts of acne. Is Winlevi Worth It? It's been almost a year of using this product and I can honestly say that I have no plans to go back to the way life was before it. Eventually, I do want to get to the point where my skin's texture is as smooth as it is clear of acne, but for now, I finally feel like I've found a solid skin-care routine that I can rely on before I look into other options like lasers to address the rest of my concerns. Winlevi is a relatively new drug so there isn't a generic - and therefore, cheaper - version of it available to buy just yet, but if the price tag is too steep for you, there are some instances where it is covered by insurance (like if your particular treatment of acne is deemed medically necessary), which can help offset the cost. Now that I feel like I have this secret weapon, I will never go back to just randomly trying mattifying face creams and hope that they help with my oily, acne-prone skin. Winlevi feels about as valuable to me as gold right now, and with one of the most important days of my life coming up, it couldn't have come at a better time. Related: What Is Your Skin Type? Take This Easy Quiz to Find Out Ariel Baker is the assistant editor for POPSUGAR Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.

I've had acne-prone skin since I hit puberty. While it started as small, textured bumps, over the years the condition progressed to a combination of black and whiteheads that were always relatively easy to get rid of if I just left them alone or popped them (I know, I know). That is, until I turned 26. I had experienced hormonal acne before, but for some reason, that magical year was when my skin decided to kick it into overdrive. This resulted in cystic breakouts in places I didn't even know you could break out. From the middle of my chin to the sides of my lower jaw and even my neck, this new onset of pimples was not only incredibly unsightly but also deeply painful to the touch. It was the first time I started wondering if I should go to the doctor for my acne, but it became a nonnegotiable when I got engaged and starting planning a wedding. I needed to start my journey to clear skin. Thankfully, I was able to see one of the best dermatologists in the game, Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD, who prescribed me a new skin-care routine - the topical ointment Tretinoin 0.04%, a medicated face wash, and a new product called Winlevi. First introduced to the market for the treatment of acne in 2020, Dr. Henry described the latter as one of the best treatments for my hormonal bumps, and it has been lauded as such by numerous other doctors. As dermatologist Ted Lain, MD, FAAD, previously told PS, the easy-to-use cream targets oil production, reducing the amount of sebum that could effectively trigger breakouts. Was I excited about this product potentially changing the game for my acne? Yes. Then I saw the price - and almost opted out entirely. At more than $200, I was skeptical to invest in a cream I had never heard about. However, it's been about eight months of consistent use, and I can't see myself not using Winlevi in the future. Here's what to know about my experience. Winlevi Before and After Before Winlevi in September 2022 vs. a few months into using the cream, February 2024 My Winlevi Cream Experience I started my journey with the Winlevi cream in August 2023. For my regimen, I was told to use it all over in the mornings and then use tretinoin at night. At first I was a bit overzealous and would squeeze out more of the product than I needed, which would leave behind a white cast, so I started dotting a dime-sized amount to my entire face. This has helped not only with the ghostly appearance, but I have also found that it's allowed the one tube to last me months, which makes me feel much better about the initial price. Today, while my acne is not completely gone, I have noticed a significant reduction in the hormonal flare-ups that I was experiencing before. I'm no longer scared about touching my cheeks or neck in fear of aggravating a pimple that was taking up way too much real estate in the first place because, for the most part, the bumps are no longer there. When the odd one does show up, it doesn't grow to the point of being extremely painful. It's worth noting that I am using the cream in conjunction with other medical-grade products: the face wash, which has 10 percent sodium sulfacetamide (which targets bacteria on the skin), and tretinoin, another topical treatment. There are times when I take a break from the latter if I overdo it and my skin becomes sensitive; that is when I realize just how effective Winlevi is. Without the strong exfoliating properties of tretinoin, the Winlevi cream somehow still manages to keep my skin looking relatively clear from breakouts. It also doesn't cause any sensitivity when used by itself - another win for my sometimes easily-reactive skin. Typically, the most I see is some small, under-the-skin bumps left over from previous bouts of acne. Is Winlevi Worth It? It's been almost a year of using this product and I can honestly say that I have no plans to go back to the way life was before it. Eventually, I do want to get to the point where my skin's texture is as smooth as it is clear of acne, but for now, I finally feel like I've found a solid skin-care routine that I can rely on before I look into other options like lasers to address the rest of my concerns. Winlevi is a relatively new drug so there isn't a generic - and therefore, cheaper - version of it available to buy just yet, but if the price tag is too steep for you, there are some instances where it is covered by insurance (like if your particular treatment of acne is deemed medically necessary), which can help offset the cost. Now that I feel like I have this secret weapon, I will never go back to just randomly trying mattifying face creams and hope that they help with my oily, acne-prone skin. Winlevi feels about as valuable to me as gold right now, and with one of the most important days of my life coming up, it couldn't have come at a better time. Related: What Is Your Skin Type? Take This Easy Quiz to Find Out Ariel Baker is the assistant editor for POPSUGAR Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.