Jessica DeFino

Theoretically, curing acne seems so simple. Excess oil (also known as sebum) plays a huge part in the proliferation of acne — whether the skin creates too much oil on its own, hormone changes prompt extra sebum production, or pores get clogged with…

After years of subjecting ourselves to heavy foundations, drying matte lipsticks, and so much contouring, Glossier swept in to save the day in 2014. The brand’s first products — Priming Moisturizer, Perfecting Skin Tint, and Balm Dotcom — also felt…

Conventional beauty wisdom says that darker hair colors (and lipsticks, and eyeshadows...) are better for winter, for reasons we can't exactly pinpoint. But this season is different — at least when it comes to 2018's top winter hair color trends.…

A word like "purge" can likely evoke images from a scary movie — or maybe you think of that (equally scary) annual deep cleaning of your apartment, where half of your wardrobe goes into a donation bag to live happily ever after. When it happens to…

Confession: I collect crystals — a lot of them — both for their ~aesthetic~ and mystical properties. A hunk of golden citrine sits on my desk (to call in abundance), right next to a large labradorite stone (to ward off negative energy); I even keep…

If December is the month of treating your loved ones, then November is the month of spoiling yourself. Yes, technically, it is the season of giving — but new new November 2018 beauty products from brands like OUAI, Osea, and Paula's Choice are way…

In an era where #shelfies outnumber #selfies, skincare is king. It’s obvious that on some level, beauty enthusiasts identify with their products, and consider their routine a form of self-care and self-expression — but all of the options can be…

Your hair is an extension of your personal style, so it’s only natural to get the urge to stock up on the new hair products alongside your other seasonal switch-ups. And since temperatures are finally about to dip, it’s officially time to retire…

Technology's great and all, but I'd happily sacrifice my iPhone X and light-as-air laptop for my at-home facial steamer and electronic anti-aging massager any day. (Priorities, right?) And judging by the recent influx of new skincare tools that…

The collective obsession with Meghan Markle is hard to deny — she’s just so relatable. It almost feels like she’s your best friend who just so happens to be a royal duchess — which is why the world watches her every move. Especially since her…

No one ever said that dealing with an itchy scalp and flakes was glamorous, but thanks to the latest crop of luxury dandruff shampoos and treatments that really work (and look good in your shower, too) that's all about to change. Almost everyone…

Much like putting together a great outfit, landing on the perfect skincare lineup is all about the high-low mix. There's an art to crafting a beauty routine that works for you — and the secret lies in sussing out the drugstore skincare products for…

If you're a procrastinator, you're probably trying to pull a last-minute Halloween costume together as we speak. Sure, you could team your classic LBD with a strand of pearls and go as Audrey Hepburn, or don that sequined sweatshirt in the back of…

You know you're getting older when you get an invite to a decade party in memory of the decade that you grew up in. Early 2000s-themed celebrations are all the rage these days, with attendees touting their bottles of wine in their monogrammed Louis…

A bright pop of color is a trend that transcends seasons and mediums — it's one that's utilized in fashion, beauty, and even home decor. There’s no wrong way to incorporate the look into your life: a yellow winter coat breaks up the monotony of…

Over the past two months, I developed a bit of a habit: I couldn't stop Googling non-surgical, non-invasive facelifts. Call it a hazard of the job. As a beauty and skincare writer, press releases for new treatments and cutting-edge techniques appear…

There are two kinds of beauty trends: the ones that rest comfortably in the depths of your saved Instagrams, and the ones that you screenshot and actually dare to try. Super-shiny eyes and highlighter were once the former, but these days, the look…

In 2012 — a year after the K-beauty innovation of BB creams reached the U.S. and sparked an unending trend — Alicia Yoon knew that Korean-inspired skincare routines were set to become the next big thing in beauty — and that there'd be a need for an…

There’s no denying that pollution can have some serious effects on your appearance — it’s proven to impair the skin’s barrier and cause signs of premature aging, like wrinkles and dark spots — but it isn’t just your skin that suffers. “Many people…

To most dermatologists, steroids and skincare go together like peanut butter and jelly. Steroids are the go-to treatment for sudden irritations and allergic reactions — so I didn't hesitate to try them when my dermatologist prescribed topical…