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Beauty

Beauty

From Acne to Aches: How People Actually Take Care of Their Skin and Body

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Photo by Anna Tarazevich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-shirt-wearing-pink-sunglasses-8151625/

Most people think taking care of your skin just means washing your face and maybe using some lotion. And when it comes to body aches, they imagine stretching or popping a few pain pills. But there’s actually a lot more going on behind the scenes—especially for adults. These days, people aren’t just going to regular doctors or using random drugstore creams. They’re going to places that mix medicine with relaxation. Sounds weird? It’s actually pretty cool.

Skincare Isn’t Just About Looks

It’s easy to think that skincare is all about wanting to look better. But for a lot of people, it’s about feeling better, too. Acne isn’t just annoying—it can really mess with someone’s confidence. Redness, scarring, or skin that hurts to touch? Not fun.

That’s why more and more people are going to professionals for help. A Medical Spa is one place where that happens. These places aren’t regular spas with cucumber slices and relaxing music. They’ve got doctors or nurses working there who use real medical tools. People go there for skin problems like acne, dark spots, and even wrinkles. It’s not about being vain—it’s about getting the right help from someone who knows what they’re doing.

Treatments at these places can use things like lasers or strong exfoliants that you can’t just buy at the store. And even though it might sound fancy, it’s usually all about solving a problem that regular skincare can’t fix.

Getting Rid of Pain Without a Prescription

It’s not just about faces, either. A lot of people deal with body pain—back pain, sore muscles, tight shoulders—the kind of pain that doesn’t go away with stretching. Sure, you could go to a regular doctor, but sometimes all they do is hand over some pills. That doesn’t work for everyone.

Some medical spas and wellness centers offer treatments like massage therapy with medical benefits, not just for relaxing. There’s also red light therapy, which sounds straight out of a sci-fi movie but actually helps with inflammation and muscle recovery. Some people even get treatments that use cold temps or electric pulses to ease chronic pain. It sounds intense, but a lot of adults swear by it.

And these treatments aren’t only for people who are older. Athletes, dancers, and even teens who play sports can end up with pain that needs more than an ice pack. The key is finding the right kind of care that treats the actual problem—not just the symptoms.

Not All Spas Are the Same

It’s important to understand that not every spa can do these things. Regular spas are great for relaxing, sure. You can get a nice massage, maybe a facial, and walk out feeling calm. But they aren’t equipped to treat medical conditions or deeper skin problems.

Medical spas are a mix of a clinic and a spa. That means they follow medical rules and safety standards but still offer a relaxing experience. They usually have real medical pros doing the treatments, so there’s less chance of something going wrong. That’s why people trust them with more serious stuff—things like laser hair removal, Botox, chemical peels, or acne treatments that actually change your skin on a deeper level.

So no, it’s not just a fancy facial. It’s science, comfort, and real results rolled into one.

The Tech Behind the Beauty

One of the coolest parts about all this is the technology. We’re not talking about apps or filters—this is real-life tech that does real things. There are machines that zap away hair, shrink fat cells, or smooth out scars. Some of them use heat, others use cold, and some even use sound waves or light.

For skin issues, lasers are super popular. They target dark spots, acne scars, and even early signs of aging. And unlike what some people think, these treatments don’t always hurt or leave your skin red for days. A lot of them have short recovery times, which is great if someone’s got school or work the next day.

And for muscle or joint pain? Some places use ultrasound therapy or electrical stimulation to help the body heal itself faster. It’s not magic—it’s just science people didn’t have access to before.

Mental Health Gets a Boost, Too

Here’s something most people don’t think about: when your body feels better, your mind usually does too. Dealing with acne or body pain all the time can really mess with someone’s mental health. It can make people feel tired, frustrated, or even embarrassed to go out.

Taking care of your skin or dealing with pain the right way can actually boost someone’s confidence and mood. Some treatments even help with sleep, stress, and anxiety. Things like massage, aromatherapy, and even certain skincare routines can calm the nervous system. It’s not just a nice bonus—it actually matters.

Why People Are Willing to Spend More

You might be wondering why anyone would pay extra for this kind of care when there are drugstore products and gym memberships. The thing is, a lot of people have already tried those things. They’ve used all the creams, gone to physical therapy, and still don’t feel better.

So when they find something that works—something that’s both medical and comfortable—they’re willing to stick with it. And honestly, it makes sense. People want to feel good in their own skin, and they want to move without pain. If a place can help with both? That’s worth something.

What to Know Before Going

Even though these treatments sound cool, they’re not for everyone. It’s always a good idea to do some research or talk to a doctor first. Some treatments aren’t safe for younger people, or they might need a doctor’s approval.

And while most places are safe, it’s still smart to check their reviews, look at their licenses, and make sure they have real professionals on staff. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Feeling Good Is More Than Skin Deep

So here’s the deal: taking care of your skin and body goes way beyond just washing your face or doing a few stretches. There are real medical treatments out there—at medical spas and other wellness spots—that help with everything from acne to aches. They use real science and technology to make people feel better, not just look better.

And even though it might sound grown-up or expensive, these places are becoming more normal for people of all ages. Whether it’s a laser for acne scars or a massage that targets sore muscles, the goal is the same: help people feel good in their skin again.

WANT TO SEE MORE? VISIT BEAUTYCONSPIRATOR 

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Beauty

Should an older woman wear mascara on bottom lashes? 2025

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


At BeautyCaters, our expert team independently curates every recommended product. Purchases through our links may earn us a commission. Explore our transparent selection process.

As we navigate the beautiful landscape of mature beauty, questions about makeup inevitably arise. And, one common query that often surfaces is: “Should an older woman wear mascara on bottom lashes?” This seemingly simple question sparks a broader conversation about how makeup can enhance, rather than detract from, the natural elegance of aging. So, join me as I delve deep into the nuances of bottom lash mascara-exploring benefits and pitfalls, application techniques, product choices, and considerations tailored specifically for mature skin and eyes that celebrate your natural beauty. 

Should an older woman wear mascara on bottom lashes?

Should an older woman wear mascara on bottom lashes?

Yes, but proceed with caution. The decision to wear mascara on bottom lashes as you age is ultimately a personal one. There’s no universal ‘rule,’ but rather a need for customization. If you choose to enhance your lower lashes, prioritize a natural look. Heavy, volumizing formulas can emphasize fine lines and create a shadowed, downward-pulling effect. Instead, consider a lightweight, lengthening mascara, or even a subtle application of brown mascara, focusing on the outer corners. This approach provides definition without adding unnecessary weight, lifting the appearance of the eye. Prioritize a gentle hand and build coverage gradually to avoid clumping and smudging, which can further accentuate wrinkles.

Potential benefits of wearing mascara on bottom lashes

  • Enhanced eye definition: Strategically applied mascara on the lower lashes can create a more defined and open-eyed appearance, adding depth and dimension to the overall eye look. This can be particularly beneficial for those with naturally light or sparse lower lashes.
  • Perception of a more refreshed appearance: A subtle touch of mascara on the bottom lashes can contribute to a more vibrant and alert look, potentially creating the illusion of a more youthful and well-rested appearance. This effect is achieved by emphasizing the eye’s natural shape and brightness.
  • Balanced eye makeup: When applied correctly, bottom lash mascara can help to balance the overall eye makeup look, especially when the top lashes have been heavily defined. This can create a more harmonious and polished appearance.

Potential drawbacks of wearing macara on bottom lashes

  • Increased susceptibility to mascara migration: Mature skin often experiences alterations in texture and sebaceous gland activity, which can heighten the propensity for mascara to transfer or smudge onto the under-eye area. This may result in an undesirable “raccoon-eye” effect, necessitating frequent touch-ups.
  • Accentuation of periorbital rhytids: The application of heavy or volumizing mascara to the lower lashes may inadvertently draw attention to fine lines and wrinkles in the periorbital region. This can create a visual effect that emphasizes signs of aging, rather than enhancing the eyes.
  • Potential for overly dramatic ocular presentation: Excessive application of mascara to both the upper and lower lashes can result in an overly intense or “spidery” appearance, which may not align with the desired aesthetic of refined, mature beauty. A more subtle approach is often preferable.
  • Individualized aesthetic preferences and comfort levels: Many mature individuals may opt to forgo bottom lash mascara due to personal stylistic preferences or concerns regarding smudging and the potential accentuation of aging-related skin changes. This decision reflects a commitment to personal comfort and aesthetic alignment.

Also Read: Can you use mascara as eyeliner?

Tips for applying mascara on bottom lashes

Woman applying mascara on bottom eye lashes
Woman applying mascara on bottom eye lashes
  • Prioritize lengthening formulations: Opt for mascaras formulated to lengthen rather than volumize lower lashes. Lengthening formulas provide definition without adding excessive weight, which can accentuate under-eye concerns. This technique promotes a balanced and refined ocular aesthetic.
  • Employ a horizontal wiggling motion: To prevent clumping and achieve a natural appearance, apply mascara using a gentle horizontal wiggling motion at the base of the lower lashes. This technique ensures even distribution of product and minimizes the risk of “spidery” lashes.
  • Explore the subtlety of brown mascara: Black mascara can sometimes appear too intense on mature skin. Consider utilizing brown mascara for lower lash enhancement, as it offers a softer, more harmonious look that complements a refined, age-appropriate aesthetic.
  • Strategically emphasize upper lashes: If under-eye concerns are a consideration, prioritize enhancing the upper lashes. Well-defined upper lashes can create a lifted, vibrant look without drawing attention to fine lines or dark circles.
  • Maintain a light application: Apply a delicate, thin layer of mascara to the lower lashes, concentrating on the outer corners for a subtle, lifted effect. Avoid heavy applications, as they can contribute to smudging and an overly dramatic appearance.
  • Select smudge-resistant formulations: Choose mascaras specifically designed for lower lash application or those known for their smudge-resistant properties. This is especially important for mature skin, which may be more prone to mascara transfer.
  • Consider individual ocular morphology: Individuals with deep-set or hooded eyes may benefit from strategically defining the lower lash line with liner or by applying a subtle line to the inner lower rim (waterline). This can help to enhance ocular definition and create a more defined eye shape.

FAQs on mascara on bottom eyelashes 

Why is mascara application to bottom lashes discouraged for mature individuals?

Overly heavy applications of dark mascara on both upper and lower lashes can create a stark, “spidery” appearance, which may inadvertently accentuate signs of aging. Modern makeup trends often favor a more natural, lifted look, leading many to omit bottom lash mascara for a more youthful aesthetic.

Is eyeliner on the bottom lashes appropriate for older women?

A delicate application of eyeliner along the lower lash line can enhance eye definition. However, a light touch is essential to maintain a soft, age-appropriate look. An exception exists for individuals with deep-set or hooded eyes, where strategically defining the lower lash line or waterline can create a more pronounced and defined eye shape.

Does mascara on the bottom lashes enhance eye size?

While bottom lash mascara can add definition and dimension, the effect on perceived eye size is nuanced. A light, delicate application can contribute to a more open-eyed appearance, but heavy applications can have the opposite effect by drawing attention to under-eye concerns.

How can I promote the growth of bottom eyelashes?

Bottom lash growth requires patience and consistent care. Utilize a lash serum formulated to stimulate lash growth. These serums often contain ingredients that nourish and strengthen lashes, encouraging healthy growth. It is important to remember that results take time.

Older woman wearing mascara
Older woman wearing mascara

Final word

The question of bottom lash mascara for older women isn’t about rigid rules, but about informed choices. It’s about understanding how makeup can evolve with you, enhancing your features without accentuating unwanted lines. The decision is yours: will you embrace the subtle definition of bottom lash mascara, or opt for a different approach? Regardless of your choice, remember that true beauty radiates from within, and makeup is simply a tool to enhance your inner glow.



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Beauty

It’s been awhile…

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Who is ready to see me and this blog back and better? By “better” I mean that I’ve evolved and therefor so has my content. So much has changed.

I’m excited to share what I’m loving, what’s happening, and anything my heart desires!

I hope to see many familiar faces still with me along my journey, and many new ones as well!

I will be putting a lot of changes into the theme of my blog and updating the store, etc.

See you in 2023… ✨✨✨✨✨

Britanie



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Beauty

Amyl Guard – Brand New & Unique Weightloss Carb Blocker!

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


 

 What is Amyl Guard?

Amyl Guard is a weight loss supplement based on the theory of amylase and designed by Nutraville. It contains 100% natural ingredients that can help you lose weight. Commonly known as a carb blocker, the supplement works by inhibiting the production of amylase, which is responsible for fat storage in the body.
Each ingredient used in Amyl Guard undergoes rigorous testing to prove its potency. The supplement targets the root cause of weight gain; thus, users do not need to follow a strict diet or thorough training and exercise programs.

Lauren, a nurse by profession, developed the supplement after watching her daughter struggle with weight loss for several years. Both Lauren and her daughter were struggling to lose weight by starving themselves. However, her daughter ended up in the hospital due to problems caused by starvation.


Therefore, Lauren began the journey to search for a natural weight loss solution, where she discovered a 5-second Japanese appetizer from a professional biochemist called Nina Zuki. This five-second formula helped Lauren shed more than 57lbs of stubborn fat within a few weeks.

How Does Amyl Guard Work?

Amylase is a digestive enzyme produced in the salivary glands and pancreas; this enzyme begins starch digestion in the mouth and continues to work in the stomach. It plays a critical role in the digestion of sugars from carbohydrates. Amylase breaks down starch fat and converts the nutrients to energy, and many doctors perform amylase tests on patients suspected of having issues with their pancreas.

High levels of amylase combined with other symptoms could indicate a health problem. People with low amylase levels also mean that the pancreas is not producing enough enzymes and thus could be suffering from pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or liver failure.

As people age, the body starts producing excess amylase to help break down food into energy. This action makes the body enter into fat-storing mode. Therefore,

Amyl Guard contains vital nutrients that regulate the production of amylase and facilitates healthy digestion of fats and carbs.

Therefore, the body burns fat for energy, thus preventing any storage that could lead to weight gain. It also limits inflammation that causes fatigue in most people. The combination of ingredients is proven effective. Studies show that excessive amylase production is responsible for obesity in adults above 30. 

Ingredients in Amyl Guard

Each ingredient plays a significant role, and while you might be surprised that there are so few, each one packs a punch. The listed components are:

.  White kidney bean 

.  Bitter melon extract

.  Chromium picolinate 

.  Berberine

Please read below to learn more about each ingredient and understand its effect on weight loss.

White Kidney Bean

The creators explain that including white kidney bean extract was based on the creator’s Japanese heritage, and it has the support of Dr. Oz for the way it impacts weight loss. In a review of the ingredient in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that consumers could lose 22 lbs more than a group of people taking a placebo. In another study over 12 weeks, researchers compared the effects of white kidney beans with a placebo, finding that the users lost seven times the weight that the placebo-takers did.

White kidney beans are also helpful to anyone who wants to reduce high glucose or improve energy levels. It works best when combined with diet and exercise, but the creators of Amyl Guard state that these changes aren’t necessary.

Bitter Melon Extract

The bitter melon extract comes from a Japanese vegetable and is a fantastic way to regulate amylase levels. A Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine study showed that this extract could inhibit amylase by 69% or more. Another study showed that users reduced their waistlines more than a placebo could.

Using bitter melon extract can reduce high cholesterol levels, which is common amongst consumers with poor eating habits. It reduces high blood sugar, and it can help to fight cancer. More scientific evidence is needed, but many people use it for diabetes, osteoarthritis, and other conditions.

Chromium Picolinate

Chromium picolinate can improve fat loss by more than five times what other amylase-blocking ingredients can do. A study by the University of Vermont showed that belly fat and overall weight drastically reduced quickly. It is a supplemental version of chromium, and it can improve how effectively nutrients are metabolized. For that reason, they can also promote weight loss effectively.

According to WebMD, combining this ingredient with an exercise program can improve healthy cholesterol and insulin levels.

Berberine

Berberine has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries, a testament to its benefits. In a Korean study, researchers discovered that using berberine could inhibit the growth of new fat cells. Another study showed a loss of up to six dress sizes.

Berberine can potentially protect the body from many significant diseases, including cancer, heart failure, and fatty liver disease. It also reduces the risk of depression and manages high blood sugar levels.

Buying a Bottle of Amyl Guard

Amyl Guard is only available from the official website. The website has a few different options, though a single bottle is already relatively cost-effective at just $59. If the user is willing to commit to multiple months of use, they can save the shipping fees and time by ordering three bottles for $147 or six bottles for $174.

Along with purchasing the 6-bottles of Amyl Guard, consumers will have access to a couple of bonuses that aren’t available with any other purchase. The first is an e-book called Skinny Carb Cookbook, which shows users various safe recipes for any diet without holding back indulgence. Some of those recipes include grilled cheese sandwiches or brownies.

The other bonus is Skinny Solution Meditations. Consumers who attempt to lose weight might need more support than diet types. In this guide, consumers receive access to four meditations that can help them subconsciously reprogram themselves to lose weight.





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Beauty

SWALEDALE CHATEAUBRIAND & A ROASTED ROOT SALAD. | Barely There Beauty

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Everything about this dish is delicious. Simultaneously fresh but moreish, light but substantial. At it’s heart I’m featuring chateaubriand from Swaledale Butchers and alongside it, my most favourite of salads.

We really like to support smaller businesses where we can, especially over large supermarket chains and I love that butchers and other artisan food producers are branching out and providing the means to purchase their produce nationwide.

Swaledale kindly offered me the opportunity to try their wares, a chance
at which I jumped. Yorkshire-based, top-to-tail butchery from animals
reared on small farms in the Dales, they’ve a wide range from prime cuts
to offal and bones. Choosing lesser known breeds and fresh over frozen, they also curate boxes should you like to try a selection – I have my eyes on this one.

I plumped
for their chateaubriand this time – pan fried, lots of butter, then
roasted whole, sliced thin, medium rare, such a treat.

Vegetarians and vegans alike avert your eyes momentarily as I share this beautiful hunk of boeuf. 

 

Ingredients

The beef:
700g chateaubriand
A couple of sprigs of rosemary
Drizzle of olive oil
Knob of butter
A couple of crushed garlic cloves in skins
Salt & pepper

The salad:
150g washed rocket
300g carrots, peeled & chopped
2 large, or 3 small, beetroot, peeled & cut into wedges
2 good handfuls of pecans
2 tbsps light brown sugar
Chilli flakes
Salt & pepper

The dressing:
Juice of 2 lemons
A scant tsp of mustard
1 finely crushed garlic clove
Chopped rosemary
60ml olive oil
Salt & pepper

 

Method

Preheat an oven to 180C. Toss the beets and carrots in olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 35-40 minutes until toasty and tender.

Meanwhile add all of the viniagrette ingredients into a jar and shake well until combined.

 

In a dry pan over a medium heat toast the nuts until fragrant, before
adding the sugar, lots of black pepper and a pinch of salt and chilli
flakes. Once mostly melted, remove onto a sheet of parchment to cool (I
advise making more than stated here as they’re a moreish snack).

For the beef, I followed Swaledale’s cooking instructions: 

Remove the chateaubriand from the fridge ahead of time to come up to room temp.

 

Season a board well with salt and pepper, roll the meat around to season all sides evenly.

Preheat an oven to 165C.

Sear the meat in a little olive oil over a high heat, quickly brown on all sides.

 

Turn down the heat and add butter, rosemary sprigs and garlic. Once the butter begins to foam, baste the meat.

Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 4 minutes. Flip over the steak, baste and roast for another 4 minutes.

Remove the chateaubriand from the oven to a plate/tray and tip over the
hot butter/juices. Tent with foil and allow to rest for 15 minutes.

Once the vegetables are cooked, remove from the oven and pour over the
viniagrette (everything goes a beautiful shade of cerise thanks to the
beets).

In a large mixing bowl, add the dressed roasted roots, rocket and pecans, toss and take to the table.

Once rested, slice the chateaubriand against the grain and serve.

Chateaubriand-roasted-vegetable-salad

I must note that the beef was delicious. Delightfully, truly tender with a smooth, rounded, beefy flavour.

Thank you to Swaledale for enabling this delicious dinner.

xx

 



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Beauty

Unlock Your Confidence With These Beauty And Style Tips

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence



Unlock Your Confidence With These Beauty And Style Tips
 

Confidence is a tricky thing, but we know when it’s on our side. When it is, the world just feels easier. Everything seems possible, and we move through life with a sense of ease and self-assurance. But when confidence slips? That’s when doubt creeps in, and even the simplest things can feel a little heavier.

There’s no single thing that gives us confidence. It’s usually a combination of many factors, and yes, appearance can play a role. While looks aren’t everything, they do matter when it comes to how we feel about ourselves.

Not everyone looks like a photoshopped A-lister. But honestly, that’s not realistic, and it’s definitely not the goal. Confidence doesn’t come from trying to look like someone else. It comes from embracing your own features and finding ways to enhance what you already have. 

Below Barbie’s Beauty Bits shares some simple ways to boost your confidence by focusing on your style, self-care, and mindset.

Define Your Signature Look To Feel Confidence

Before you can truly refine your signature look, it helps to think about what makes you feel beautiful. When you look good, you feel good, and that confidence becomes part of your style.

Whether you lean toward urban chic, classic elegance, or something more laid-back, finding your signature look gives you a direction to build from. Once you identify it, you’ll find it much easier to put together outfits that feel authentic and flattering. 

Not sure where to start? Check out our article on how to improve your personal style for tips to get you headed in the right direction.

How Dressing For Your Body Type Can Boost Confidence

Yes, you can wear whatever you want. Style is personal, and no one should dictate how you dress. But here’s the truth: dressing to flatter your shape doesn’t limit your expression; it enhances it. No matter your size, you can look absolutely amazing when you choose silhouettes that highlight your best features.

If you’ve ever wondered how to dress to look slimmer, more balanced, or more polished, the answer often lies in understanding your body type and choosing clothes that complement it. When you feel great in what you’re wearing, it shows.

boost-your-confidence-with-these-beauty-tips-barbies-beauty-bits


Take Care Of The Essentials

You can pile on designer boots and sparkly accessories, but if the basics aren’t in check, they won’t carry your look very far. When it comes to beauty confidence, the real game changers are your teeth, skin, and hair. When those three are on point, everything else easily falls into place.


Let’s break it down: 

Your Teeth: If your smile could use a boost, dental aligners, and whitening products can make a big difference.

Your Hair: When it comes to your hair, don’t underestimate the power of human hair clip-in extensions! They are not just for adding length or volume; you can also use them to create dimension, experiment with new colors, or achieve temporary highlights without commitment or damage.

Your Skincare Routine: Now, let’s talk skincare. Have you ever put on makeup only to have it crease, cake, or settle into fine lines? Your makeup isn’t the problem; it’s your skin prep. 

Dead skin clings to makeup, creating texture and exaggerating every little flaw. That’s why exfoliation is key to perfect makeup. Clear away that buildup, and you’ll be amazed at how much better your makeup applies (and how much less you’ll need).

Fitness Activities

Making fitness and wellness a part of your life can have an impact that stretches far beyond your appearance. It’s good for confidence in a general sense. However, it also gives your appearance a noticeable boost. It’s just a fact that going to the gym, practicing yoga, and incorporating movement into your everyday life can tone your body, improve skin, and enhance posture, all of which help you look and feel your best.

And if traditional workouts aren’t your thing, don’t worry. Fitness can be fun, too. Tools like the Infinity Hoop are a great way to get your body moving while enjoying it. This weighted hula hoop not only targets your core and waistline but using it for just 30 minutes can burn about the same number of calories as a 45-minute brisk walk. It’s a fun, low-impact way to tone up and feel good doing it.

Positive Mindset

Finally, remember that your mind can be your friend or your enemy. It all depends on how you speak to it. No one has the perfect appearance, so don’t focus on the parts of yourself that you don’t like. Focus on the good parts! 

 

If you find yourself being critical of how you look (or, indeed, critical of anything about yourself at all), then take a step back and switch to a more positive way of thinking.

In Summary
Confidence isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about enhancing what you already have and owning it. With the right mindset, a few beauty basics, and some style and wellness habits that make you feel good, you’ll be well on your way to looking and feeling your best every day.



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Beauty

I Tried BIAB Nails, the Manicure Dubbed “Armor For Your Nails”—With Photos

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Before getting BIAB nails, I was disillusioned with nail salons. Regular polish chipped the second I left the salon. Gel manicures always chip on me, plus they tend to tear off the top layers of my nails in the removal process (so acrylics were definitely out of the question). BIAB, however, was able to reel me back in after a six-month sabbatical of manicures.

BIAB is the abbreviation for Builder in a Bottle, a formula from nail-care brand The Gel Bottle. It’s risen to TikTok fame—not only for its unparalleled durability (the brand claims it lasts at least four weeks) but also for how it supports healthy nail growth. It started as a major nail trend in Europe, particularly in the U.K., and has since taken over tips stateside.

Curious about what BIAB nails were all about, I visited manicurist Julie Kandalec at her “Nail Artelier” in New York City to try it out. Kandalec has reached for BIAB for the last five years when working with her celebrity clients, like Pink and Jessica Chastain. Read on to learn more about the benefits of getting a BIAB manicure and my experience with it.

  • Anissa Campos is a nail artist based in Chicago.
  • Julie Kandalec is a New York City-based manicurist.
  • Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine in Connecticut.
  • Giorgia Cappella is a UK-based nail tech and the head educator at The Gel Bottle.
  • Kelly Dobos is a cosmetic chemist in Cincinnati.

In this story:

What are BIAB nails?

BIAB is a thick, viscous, multitasking builder gel. Typical builder gel is housed in a pot and used for reinforcing weak nails. It’s often topped with classic gel polish to add color and designs for a structured or hard gel manicure. BIAB, on the other hand, combines the effects of primer, base coat, builder gel, and color into one bottle Kandalec says. “BIAB is strong and durable like acrylic manicures but provides a lightweight, natural finish like gel,” she adds.

The Gelbottle

The GelBottle Inc Builder in a Bottle in Love BIAB

Available in over 50 colors, many BIAB polishes are soft nudes and pastel pinks. “Most [of my] BIAB clients tend to lean towards the more dainty and natural look,” Chicago-based nail artist Anissa Campos says. “But you can also add all sorts of embellishments to your BIAB manicure, such as charms, chrome powder, and airbrush [designs].”

BIAB is for professional use only. You must be a licensed nail tech to purchase a bottle, so you’ll need to visit a salon for a BIAB manicure if you’re not.

What are the benefits of a BIAB manicure?

Daily tasks like typing, household chores, and workout classes can weaken nails over time. A BIAB manicure is a great option for those who want to grow, repair, and reinforce their natural nails, especially if they are brittle. “Think of BIAB as armor for your nails,” Kandalec says. “It gives your nails a protective overlay, which makes them less likely to chip or crack and more likely to grow to whatever length you desire.” Board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara confirms this benefit, adding that strengthening natural nails and making them less likely to split or crumble is an important feature of this trendy new nail formula.

Because BIAB is thicker than the typical gel manicure, you won’t be able to bite through it, which is helpful if you’re trying to break the habit of nail-biting, Campos says. Its viscosity also helps visibly smooth ridges, splits, and discoloration.

It won’t change the actual structure of your nail, though. “It’s very difficult to smooth out ridges,” Dr. Gohara explains. “Ridges are a function of genetics, what we do to our nails, and time. In some instances, medicated topical lacquers may help [even out your nail], but it is not an easy task.”

How does a BIAB manicure compare to a gel manicure?

Both BIAB and gel manicures shield your nail plate, but Campos says the former is more durable, withstanding more of the elements life throws at it. According to Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos, this sturdiness is thanks to a Bis(methacryloyloxyethyl) phosphate, a monomer typically used in dentistry to create fillings, bonds, sealants, and crowns that can endure the wear and tear of polishing and chewing. Gel polish, on the other hand, gets its durability from a lower, weaker concentration of monomers and oligomers, which doesn’t give nails as hard of a coating.





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