FOR YOUR OFFICE SECRET SANTA: No one can resist a candle this cute, but if you’re worried about your coworker burning down the building, you can’t go wrong with a high-quality hand cream. If you’re ready to splurge—especially if they always complain about the frigid office temps—grab this shawl that they can keep at their desk.

Cancer risks, family photo tips, and one very chic museum upgrade.

• The Costume Institute’s new era begins

• Just another reason to rethink ultraprocessed foods. 

• The real running hazard is not sleeping enough.

• Holiday card photos don’t have to be chaotic.

• Your brain and caffeine might be beefing.

Your morning dose of sunshine.

From now on, think of sunshine as an underrated superpower. According to science, soaking up early rays jumpstarts your circadian rhythm (your internal clock), helps regulate cortisol (your stress hormone), and boosts serotonin (your feel-good chemical), setting you up for a happier, more focused, and more energized day. Just 10 minutes of natural light in the morning can do more for your brain than your go-to oat milk latte. 

Essentially, bright morning light tells your brain it’s time to wake up, syncing your body’s sleep-wake cycle and setting you up for deeper sleep later. Plus, sunlight stimulates serotonin—helping you feel calm, focused, and balanced. Overall, sun exposure is linked to benefits like boosting your body’s vitamin D and improving mental health—studies show it may also help treat certain skin conditions and regulate appetite. 

Try this today: Step outside within an hour of waking up and let natural light hit you. Make the most of it by bringing your dog along for a walk, sipping some water, or plugging in an audiobook. Your brain will thank you.

Yesterday, we asked: “What should replace the birthday shoutout?” 

The results prove that when it comes to celebrating, the personal touch wins because 42% of you voted for IRL plans, even if it’s just a quick coffee run. Meanwhile 24% said a surprise handwritten card is the way to your heart (bonus points for cute stationery) and 23% prefer a thoughtful text. Only 11% are going modern with a Venmo + cupcake emoji combo.

Inside K-Beauty’s New Era: Less Steps, More Science.

K-beauty is having a major resurgence in the U.S., and the energy feels different this time. The category has soared past the two-billion-dollar mark, TikTok is pushing Korean routines back into the spotlight, and retailers are racing to secure exclusive Korean brands ahead of Olive Young’s U.S. arrival. But unlike the first wave, which was all about multi-step routines and maximum dew, this new moment leans into repair, practicality, and formulas that work smarter.

Below are the trends shaping this next era and why they’re everywhere right now.

PDRN Skincare

PDRN has fully graduated from insider treatment to buzzy mainstream ingredient. It stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide, a skin-repairing molecule often derived from salmon DNA. Originally used medically to help wounds heal faster, PDRN now shows up in serums and creams aimed at supporting collagen, calming irritation, and rebuilding a compromised barrier. As beauty shifts toward gentle, restorative ingredients, PDRN has become one of the most influential players of the second wave.

Hair Essences

K-beauty’s influence has moved well beyond skincare and makeup, and hair essences are the latest breakout. These lightweight, serum-like treatments are designed to nourish and smooth the hair without heaviness. They soften frizz, boost shine, protect from environmental damage, and give that glossy, healthy finish that Korean haircare is known for. Think of them as the hair equivalent of an essence: fast-absorbing, hydrating, and transformative without feeling like a product. As interest in gentle, scalp-friendly routines grows, hair essences have become a must-have.

High-Performance Sunscreens

K-beauty sunscreens are having a prestige moment. They feel weightless, layer seamlessly under makeup, and rely on advanced filters that provide strong protection without chalkiness, white cast, or pilling. Many formulas double as skincare, packing in niacinamide, calming botanicals, or hydrating essences. This category is exploding because it solves the biggest sunscreen complaints with textures that actually make people want to apply SPF every day.

Overnight Gel Masks

Sleep masks have evolved. Instead of thick, occlusive creams, the new generation is cool, jelly-light