Dr. Diamond’s Metacine HYDR/O Bioactive Hydrolipid Barrier
Early last year, I was one of the first to report on the launch of Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Jason Diamond’s skincare line, which was inspired by his sought-after Instafacial® in-office treatment. Metacine continues to garner attention because the results are really that incredible, and the stellar lineup includes the Plasma Bioactive Growth Factor Serum, Infusion Biomimetic Microcollagen Matrix and Emulsion Retinpro Growth Factor Night Cream, which work together to rejuvenate the skin both inside (by stimulating the production of youth-imparting proteins) and out (by plumping skin and promoting cellular renewal).
The launch of the HYDR/O Bioactive Hydrolipid Barrier marks the first product outside of the Instafacial range, but it is equally as amazing—and no f*cking joke. Designed to rebuild and fortify the skin barrier and flood the skin with bioavailable moisture, the standout ingredients are Bioactive Hydrolipid Fusion of 27 biomimetic molecules that act like the skin’s naturally occurring lipids, SEVEN forms of hyaluronic acid at different weights and biomimetic natural moisture factors that attract water to the skin. (If you’re really a skincare geek, Metacine uses high-energy ultrasonic sound waves to force water and oil-based molecules to bind for out-of-this-world hydration and barrier repair.) As if that weren’t enough, this decadent moisturizer also helps soothe redness, improve skin texture and support a healthy skin microbiome. Yes, it’s pricey, but HYDR/O Bioactive Hydrolipid Barrier is worth every penny—and the packaging is so gorgeous it begs to be displayed.
Check out these clinical results*:
100% of participants had improvement in barrier repair immediately, after 24 hours and one week (measured by Tewameter)
100% of participants had improvement in moisturization immediately, after 24 hours and one week (measured by Corneometer)
100% of participants had less transepidermal water loss after one week
*Third-party independent study of 32 participants
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Elm Biosciences
Martha Stewart shows she’s more than a domestic doyenne (and a marketing mastermind) with the launch of Elm Biosiences, which she co-founded with her long-time dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali (who I’ve worked with and can attest is a leader in this space). The line bowed with just two products, A30 Elemental Serum and Inner Dose Daily Skin Supplement. The antioxidant-heavy serum targets senescent cells, which are basically damaged cells that contribute to visible signs of aging if they’re left to hang around. The oral supplement works in tandem with the serum to address internal factors that can lead to aging, such as inflammation, free-radical damage and hormonal shifts. This project was five years in the making, with Martha saying, “I have been using our products for the last five years in all developmental iterations, and I must say I am extremely pleased with the results.” Sure, Martha has admitted to dabbling with injectables and lasers—but there’s no doubt skincare plays a role in the incredible appearance of her skin. I’ll have what she’s having!
CHI LAVA AirGlide Volcanic Lava Multi-Styler
Despite its mouthful of a name, this tool is designed to simplify your hairstyling (and who doesn’t want that?). Use this on wet hair to dry, straighten, curl or style as you see fit, or on dry hair to achieve the look you’re after. Kitted out with customizable heat and airspeed settings, this high-tech heat tool also helps you streamline your routine and safe space by taking the place of the multiple styling tools you likely have lying around.
Standard Procedure Silk Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen
This Australian cult-favorite sunscreen recently launched stateside, and I’m all for this mineral-based multitasker. In addition to broad-spectrum SPF 50 that meets super-strict sunscreen regulations Down Under and no white cast, you also get antioxidant benefits from vitamin C-rich Kaduku plum and karanja seed extract. Word on the street is that its hydrating non-pilling formula plays extremely well under makeup.
Versed Daily Recovery Rich Barrier Cream
Giving SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Repair 2:4:2 energy at roughly one-eighth the price ($20 compared to $155), this hydrator has arrived just in time for cooler weather—and your skincare routine could probably use a seasonal update since it’s officially fall! You’ll find all the hydration and barrier-loving ingredients your skin needs, including a complex of seven lipids, niacinamide, glycerin and adenosine (a yeast-derived ingredient with soothing and anti-aging benefits). I especially like how Versed tells you how much to use in the morning and at night based on your skin type.
Perricone MD haircare collection
I was the editor of NewBeauty when Dr. Perricone introduced his namesake line—and with much fanfare at that. Alas, the brand never took off but it’s looking to flex by introducing a four-product range—and this it’s even more proof of the “skinification of hair” movement that’s solidly underway. Comprised of the Triple Keratin Repair Shampoo, Triple Keratin Repair Conditioner, Intensive Moisture Repair Mask and Damage Defense Treatment Spray, the ingredient call-outs are a keratin complex to strengthen strands and reparative amino acids and traditional skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Could the days of all-in-one skincare/haircare be coming?
Blair Skincare Scalp Serum
I’ll let you in on a little industry secret… Over-the-counter products (with the exception of those with minoxidil, which is an FDA-approved drug) are not allowed to claim they make your hair grow—but they can say they nourish the scalp, fortify hair follicles and promote visibly fuller, thicker hair. This skincare serum for your scalp is powered by exosomes (shocker!), growth factors, a slew of peptides and natural botanicals that work to optimize scalp health—which does indeed help follicles grow stronger, healthier hair. (Wink.)
I love a cheap thrill, and trying drugstore mascaras has become a thing for me. For the record, I’m a die-hard tubing mascara devotee, so I’m focusing on these formulas for the time being.
e.l.f. Lash XTNDR ($8)
Pros: Great separation, no clumping, natural look
Cons: If you want the look of real lash extensions, this won’t do it
Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara ($14)
Pros: Gets each and every lash, adds major length
Cons: It goes on a bit thick, so I comb through my lashes (before it totally dries) with this for more separation
Essence Lash Without Limits ($5)
Pros: Instant wispiness and recommended by my BFF (subscribe to The Modern Vanity!)
Cons: Hard to find in-store, so I had to Amazon it
If you have any budget-friendly favorites, please share!
I may use affiliate links that allow me to earn a small commission on items purchased through my Substack. I work my hardest to only link products that I have tried or otherwise would purchase myself!

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