Emmy Hayes Condon
Your daily guide to feeling, looking, and living your best.
Why Every Workout Is Going “Hot”: The Surprising Fitness Trend Taking Over Studios
I’ve noticed an influx of “hot” workout classes creeping across my ClassPass app lately, and what began as Hot Yoga has evolved into a wave of warm-room classes — from hot Pilates and hot cycling to heated HIIT, barre, and strength training.
One reason this trend is catching on is the sense that heat intensifies a workout. Many people find the added sweat, the rise in heart rate, and the deep muscle loosening satisfyingly “real.” And some experts suggest that hot workouts boost flexibility and circulation and might even help with recovery or stress relief.
There is some research supporting potential benefits: a systematic review of hot yoga found that repeated practice may lead to improvements in flexibility, balance, strength, and even bone density over time in healthy individuals. Still, scientists caution that many claims around hot workouts are overblown. For instance, a heated yoga class doesn’t necessarily burn more calories or offer substantially better fitness gains than a standard room-temperature session.
What many people interpret as an “intense workout” in a heated room may simply be the body reacting to external temperature — sweating more to cool down, not because they’re exerting extra effort.
So, the “heat everything up” fitness trend is booming, riding on the appeal of sweat, intensity, and novelty. And while there are some real benefits — especially for flexibility, mobility, and mental refreshment — heat doesn’t automatically make a workout better. That said, if you love the sensation and stay hydrated and safe, a hot-workout class can be a fun, effective addition to your winter workout routine.
How to Fix Dry Winter Skin: Hydrating Products Your Skin Will Love
Winter skin doesn’t play around. The cold air outside, the toasty (read: moisture-sucking) heat inside, and the constant switch between the two can leave your face feeling tight, flaky, and just… irritated. But with a few smart tweaks, you can survive dry-skin season and keep that barrier happy all winter long.
Think of your skin barrier like your favorite cozy sweater: when it’s strong, you feel protected and comfortable. When it's worn down, everything feels scratchy and uncomfortable. This time of year, the key is to give your skin more support than usual—with hydration, nourishment, and gentler products that don’t strip away your natural oils.
Here’s your cold-weather survival kit:
Swap to a creamy, non-foaming cleanser
Try: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser or Mediheal Hyaluronate Ultra Hydration Cleanser
Pro Tip: Look for hyaluronic acid and glycerin on the ingredient list!
Try: SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier or COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence
Use a barrier-repair moisturizer
Pro Tip: Ceramides, squalane, and fatty acids are your winter MVPs.
Try: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, The Inkey List Omega Water Cream , or cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream
Seal in moisture with an oil
Pro Tip: Use especially at night.
Try: The Ordinary Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Mist throughout the day
Pro Tip: Your skin will thank you.
Try: Personal Day Trust Me On This Hypochlorous Acid Spray or Beekman 1802 Milk Shake Facial Toner Mist
Don’t forget body care
Try: OSEA Collagen Body Lotion or Kopari Ultra Restore Body Butter
Wellness Editor–Approved Cyber Monday Deals: The Best Beauty & Self-Care Finds of 2025
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I hope you've finished off all your Thanksgiving leftovers. I indulged in plenty of turkey and cranberry sauce sandwiches, but I'm now looking forward to the seasonal cookies and hot chocolate as winter settles in across the country. |
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Today is also Cyber Monday, and if you're still on the hunt for good deals, there are plenty to be found. I've put together a list of my favorite picks and items that have been featured in out wellness edit coverage over time! |
Happy Shopping! |
What Is the 5-3-1 Rule? The Simple Social-Wellness Habit Everyone’s Talking About
Have you hear of the 5-3-1 Rule? It's a simple and sweet social-wellness framework from social scientist Kasley Killam argues our social life, yes, the people we talk to, hang with, connect to, is as essential to our health as skin care or workouts.
Here's how it works:
- 5 stands for spending time each week with five different people or social groups, not just your inner circle, but acquaintances, co-workers, neighbors, casual friends.
- 3 means nurturing at least three close relationships every month, those people you trust deeply, who really see you for you.
- 1 stands for aiming for one hour of social interaction every day. It doesn't have to be a big, planned hangout, even a brief call, a quick chat while doing errands, or a walk with a friend can count.
The gist is that our "social muscles" need training, not just occasional sprint sessions but consistent, intentional connection.
Why bother? Because strong social ties both broad and deep — have been shown to boost emotional and overall well-being, reduce loneliness and stress, and even support more resilience in life's ups and downs.
Importantly, the 5-3-1 Rule isn't meant to be a rigid checklist or a source of guilt. It's more like a baseline guideline, some people may need more or fewer connections depending on their personality or lifestyle.
Think of social wellness like skin care for the soul — a little intentional care here, and there goes a long way. If you ever feel lonely or "out of rhythm," this could be a gentle, realistic way to reconnect.
Skin Longevity Is In: The New Way to Future-Proof Your Face
Skin longevity isn’t just a trend, it’s a shift toward embracing lasting skin health rather than chasing quick fixes. Think of it like tending a garden: you're nurturing your skin’s ability to thrive—cell by cell—over years.
Major beauty brands and experts are now framing skincare as “aging well” instead of “anti?aging.” Estée Lauder launched a scientific platform around skin longevity back in 2023, and L’Oréal rolled out a “skin?age calculator” to better predict how treatments impact cellular health. Dermatologists highlight that this approach targets the root causes: DNA damage, oxidative stress, barrier function, and inflammatory senescent (“zombie”) cells, rather than merely smoothing fine lines.
So what does a skin?longevity routine actually look like? Experts suggest layering UV protection, antioxidants such as vitamins C/E, niacinamide, peptides, retinoids, NAD+ boosters, and barrier-reinforcing hydrators like hyaluronic acid.
And don’t forget: lifestyle matters too—sleep, stress management, diet, and exercise all support your skin’s cellular health.
Skin longevity invites us into a long?term love story with our skin. It’s proactive, science-backed, and holistic—perfect for anyone who’s ready to treat their skin with lasting care, not just cover it up.
Ask Clara:
"How much sleep should I get every night?"
Your Guide to the Great Lock-In: The TikTok Trend Helping You Build Better Habits Before New Year’s
So there's this trending challenge called "The Great Lock-In", blowing up on TikTok and Instagram lately. The idea: between now and the end of the year, you commit to dialing in your routines. Everything from workouts and walks, to nutrition, sauna sessions, Pilates, or just clean eating — with the hopes of stepping into the new year feeling stronger, healthier, and more grounded.
On the plus side, experts say it's a great way to build habits — consistency really adds up. One trainer noted that committing to a goal for a period increases the odds that it becomes a long-term lifestyle shift. Psychologically, hitting small wins (like taking daily steps or eating protein-rich meals) can boost your self-esteem and motivation in the long term. Also, doing this as part of a trend can feel less intimidating if your friends are doing it with you; it's a built-in support system.
But there are caveats. If you go all-in too hard, you could burn out, feel isolated, or swing into perfectionism. It's especially risky if the "lock-in" starts overshadowing everything else — friends, family, holidays, rest, and mental health.
The sweet spot? Approach it with flexibility. Rather than "do everything," pick one or two realistic habits that feel doable for you. Use a SMART goal method: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound.
Focus on the process (like "I'll walk 15 minutes daily") rather than stressing about a certain result (like "I'll have abs by January"), and maybe the upcoming new year won't feel so daunting.
Clinically Proven Skincare Is Outperforming Celebrity Beauty — But These Star Collabs Still Win
In today’s beauty world, something interesting is happening: science-backed skincare brands are quietly (and quickly) outperforming celebrity-backed beauty lines, and it’s not because star power isn’t powerful anymore. It’s because shoppers are getting savvier and spending their money more wisely by reading ingredient lists, researching clinical trials, and looking for dermatologist-backed results before they click “add to cart.”
Brands that invest in research, patented ingredients, and visible skin improvements are earning serious trust. Think: formulas backed by science, not just selfies. These brands feel educational, transparent, and results-driven, which resonates in a world where beauty routines are increasingly looking like wellness rituals.
But here’s the twist: celebrity isn’t “out” — it’s just evolving. When a celebrity acts as a spokesperson or collaborates on a limited-edition product, it often performs beautifully. Why? Because it feels more authentic and less like a quick brand cash grab. Consumers love it when a public figure is genuinely associated with a product they actually use or helped co-create, especially when it’s a temporary, special drop that feels collectible and exciting.
The magic formula? Science + star power. The most successful beauty moments right now are when clinically proven brands partner with celebrities in a thoughtful way, like a dermatologist-approved product getting a celebrity co-sign, or a limited-edition collab that creates buzz without sacrificing formulation integrity.
The latest beauty brands making the most buzz right now:
What GLP-1 Users Are Really Craving Right Now
It turns out America’s love affair with Ozempic and other GLP-1 weight-loss meds isn’t crashing the food industry after all—but it is changing the way millions of people eat and shop. New insights from Circana show that about 23% of U.S. households now include at least one GLP-1 user (that’s roughly 30 million people!), and their habits are shifting in some fascinating ways.
For starters, protein is having a major moment. Because GLP-1 users are focused on preserving muscle as they lose weight, they’re reaching for more high-protein, easy-grab foods. Think deli meats, granola and snack bars, seafood, yogurt, sports drinks, fresh citrus, gum, and yes… beef jerky. Their daily meals skew “sensible with a side of treat”—eggs for breakfast and chicken for lunch, but also fries at lunch and cookies at dinner. We love a little balance.
And here’s a fun twist: GLP-1 users were already big shoppers before starting the meds, spending 25–40% more than the average household on clothes, shoes, and accessories. Once they’re actively on GLP-1s? Their shopping energy only goes up—especially for handbags. There are also noticeable bumps in activewear, boots, denim, and casual pants.
Some worry that long-term GLP-1 use might dull joy or motivation. But as dosing gets more personalized, experts expect experiences to vary widely. Until then, GLP-1 usage continues to shape our culture beyond just health, but what we buy.
Ask Clara:
"Tell me more about GLP-1 medication"
Your Guide to Meaningful Holiday Conversations (Without the Drama)
The holidays are here, bringing cozy gatherings, delicious meals, and plenty of quality time with loved ones. But let's be honest—they can also bring those tricky conversations we'd rather avoid. Whether it's navigating differing viewpoints or tiptoeing around sensitive subjects, knowing how to communicate thoughtfully can transform potentially awkward moments into opportunities for genuine connection.
The key to enjoying your holiday gatherings isn't avoiding real talk altogether—it's approaching conversations with intention and grace. Having a few strategies in your back pocket helps you stay grounded when things get heated, listen with curiosity instead of defensiveness, and pivot gracefully when needed.
The magic happens when you strike a balance between heartfelt, meaningful exchanges and lighter, fun topics that keep the mood joyful. Ask about someone's proudest moment this year, share gratitude for small things, or reminisce about favorite family traditions. These conversations strengthen bonds and create memories you'll cherish long after the leftovers are gone.
We've put together some conversation starters to guide you through both the deep talks and the delightfully shallow ones—because sometimes you need to discuss life's big questions, and sometimes you just need to debate whether pumpkin pie is actually overrated (in my opinion, it’s not!)
To keep the holiday mood light, sprinkle in some fun and engaging topics:
Memories and Traditions:
“What’s your favorite holiday memory from childhood?”
“Are there any family traditions you’d like to start or revive?”
Travel and Experiences:
“What’s one place you’ve always wanted to visit?”
“Have you tried any new hobbies or activities this year?”
Lighthearted Debates:
“What’s the best holiday movie of all time?”
“Would you rather live in a snow globe or on a tropical island?”
Gratitude and Aspirations:
“What’s something you’re especially grateful for this year?”
“What’s a goal or dream you’re excited to work toward in the new year?”
Ask Clara:
"How do I navigate difficult conversations?"
The New Shower Glow-Up: Why Your Bathroom Routine is Getting an Upgrade
Step aside, bath bombs and Epsom salts—there's a wellness revolution happening right in your shower, and it's all about elevating your daily routine with smarter, more intentional products.
Shower Filters: The Skin & Hair Game-Changer
If you've been battling stubborn acne, dry patches, or dull hair, your water might be the culprit. Shower filters are having a major moment, and for good reason. They work to remove chlorine and harsh chemicals that can wreak havoc on your skin and strands, especially if you're dealing with hard water buildup. Users are reporting softer skin, shinier hair, and fewer irritations after switching.
African Net Sponges: The Hygienic Exfoliator
Forget loofahs. African net sponges are the new must-have for anyone serious about exfoliation. Unlike their bacterial-harbor cousins, these net sponges are more hygienic and incredibly effective at sloughing away dead skin, excess oil, and dirt. The result? Smoother, brighter skin that's prepped perfectly for your next step: a rich, nourishing moisturizer.
Shower Oils: Luxury Meets Hydration
Why wait until you're out of the shower to moisturize? Shower oils deliver deep hydration while you cleanse, transforming your routine into a spa-like sensory experience. These silky formulas lock in moisture and leave skin feeling incredibly soft with no greasy residue, just pure indulgence.
Your shower is no longer just about getting clean; it's about caring for yourself with purpose, one luxurious step at a time.
Ask Clara:
"How do I upgrade my skincare routine?"