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Nearly half of Americans would rather go into debt than give up their beauty routines

Nearly half of Americans would rather go into debt than give up their beauty routines

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Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US

Losing a job wouldn’t stop almost half of American adults from trying to look and feel good.

Some 46 percent of consumers age 18 and older said they would go into debt to maintain their beauty and wellness routines if they lost their job, according to a March survey by beauty and wellness AI software platform Zenoti.

Respondents are ready to make other sacrifices for self-care, too, including a curtailed social life, delayed vacations, reduced funds for savings and debt repayment.

The survey’s analysis of spending trends found that people would most likely go into debt using credit cards to keep up appearances after a job loss.

Consumer habits indicate that being made unemployed might spur even more beauty spending, the study found. Some 33 percent of respondents said they increased their self-care routines because of workplace stress or burnout.

Respondents are ready to make other sacrifices for self-care, too, including a curtailed social life, delayed vacations, reduced funds for savings and debt repayment (Getty Images for LFC)

Loneliness, financial stress and major life transitions – all situations a job loss could create – are among the top reasons why people increase their beauty and wellness spending. But there was one concession: 45 percent of respondents said they would reduce the frequency of beauty appointments.

The study brings into focus the trade-offs that Americans are making as they negotiate rising costs. While many draw the line at self-care, there are other costs they’re willing to sacrifice to steady their finances.

Entertainment is on the consumer chopping block. Around 40 percent of Americans have dropped at least one streaming service over the past three months, according to a study from Deloitte. The average household spends an average of $69 a month on these services, Deloitte noted.

Restaurants are the most popular area for spending cutbacks as consumers find ways to rein in their finances (AFP/Getty)

Another popular target for spending cuts in the past year is eating out. Some 61 percent of U.S. adults, over age 21, have lowered spending at restaurants, according to a May 2025 study from retail news and analysis firm Chain Store Age. And consumers are making sacrifices in their closets: Just over half (52 percent) say they’ve cut back on clothes and shoe spending.

The cost-cutting reflects a nationwide concern about household finances amid high gas prices and rising inflation.

Consumers are more pessimistic about their financial future today than they were during the Great Recession. Some 55 percent of consumers said their financial situation is getting worse, according to a Gallup poll published Tuesday, compared to 49 per cent in 2008.

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If you live in an Indian metro, skipping Vitamin C may be costing your skin

If you live in an Indian metro, skipping Vitamin C may be costing your skin

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Living in Indian metros like Mumbai and Delhi exposes skin to severe pollution, accelerating aging and pigmentation. Dr. Mikki Singh highlights Vitamin C as a crucial antioxidant defense, neutralizing free radicals and boosting collagen. She advises using stabilized derivatives over unstable L-ascorbic acid for better efficacy and recommends pairing it with SPF for comprehensive protection against environmental damage. Here’s something most skincare content glosses over: the city you live in should be shaping the routine you follow. Metropolitan air, particularly in Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi, is a cocktail of PM2.5 particles, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and heavy metal residues from vehicular exhaust. Studies show that particulate matter levels in these cities routinely exceed WHO safe limits by five to ten times. Not on bad days. On ordinary ones.When these pollutants land on your skin, they trigger oxidative stress, a process where free radicals punch holes in your skin barrier, degrade collagen, and accelerate pigmentation. The damage is cumulative, structural, and largely invisible until it isn’t. For anyone living and commuting in a polluted metro, this is the daily reality their skincare needs to address. And that’s precisely why Vitamin C deserves a much more serious conversation than it usually gets.

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The Future of Vitamin C: Enhanced Formulations And Advancements for Brighter Skin in 2025Vitamin C is an antioxidant. Its primary job is to neutralise free radicals before they can cause cellular damage. In the context of skin, this translates to three clinically meaningful outcomes: it helps reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a concern that is especially prevalent in Indian skin tones, it improves overall radiance, and it provides a supporting layer of photoprotection when used alongside SPF.It also plays a role in collagen synthesis, which means regular use contributes to maintaining skin firmness over time. For metro residents whose skin is under daily oxidative assault from pollution, Vitamin C isn’t a luxury add-on. It’s a functional, evidence-backed response to a real environmental problem. Think of it as your skin’s first line of defence against what the air outside is constantly trying to undo.This is where most conversations about Vitamin C stop being useful. Pure L-ascorbic acid is the form you’ll see marketed most aggressively, and it does work, but it comes with a significant catch. It is inherently unstable. In Mumbai’s humidity, stored at room temperature, it can oxidise within weeks. An oxidised serum doesn’t just lose its efficacy; it can actively irritate the skin.In humid Indian conditions, I steer patients toward stabilised derivatives instead. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate are gentler on the skin, far more shelf-stable, and far more forgiving in terms of storage. They convert to active Vitamin C once absorbed, which means the skin still gets the benefit, without the instability problem. If you do prefer pure L-ascorbic acid, it needs to be stored in a cool, dark place and finished within three months of opening.There’s a widespread assumption that a higher percentage means a better product. With Vitamin C, this is simply not true. A 10% stabilised derivative that has been stored correctly will outperform a 20% L-ascorbic acid that has turned amber-brown. Concentration means nothing if the active ingredient has already degraded. What you’re looking for is a stable, well-formulated product, not the highest number on the label.On the question of layering: Vitamin C amplifies UV protection, but it does not replace it. In Indian sunlight, where intense UVB and UVA exposure combines with photochemical smog, SPF is non-negotiable. Applying Vitamin C without sunscreen is like wearing a helmet but no seatbelt. The two work together, and one without the other is an incomplete equation. Apply Vitamin C in the morning, let it absorb, and follow with a broad-spectrum SPF before stepping out. That’s the sequence that makes it work.Vitamin C in a polluted metro is not a magic shield. But it is one of the most well-supported tools available for skin that is fighting an environment actively working against it. Used correctly, the right derivative, stored properly, paired with SPF every single morning, it delivers real, visible results: less pigmentation, improved radiance, and better protection over time.The full routine still matters. A good cleanser at the end of the day to remove particulate matter, a barrier-supporting moisturiser, and rigorous sun protection are all part of the same fight. Vitamin C is one soldier in that army, but in a city like Mumbai or Delhi, it is a soldier that genuinely earns its place.Inputs by Dr. Mikki Singh, Founder & Medical Director, Bodycraft Clinics

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tallow balm 2

How to Make Tallow Balm

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Years ago I discovered the skin health benefits of tallow. While these DIY tallow lotion bars were a favorite, I wanted something with a softer consistency. The result is this nourishing whipped tallow balm, perfect for even sensitive skin. 

I love how it makes my skin feel so silky and soft. Plus it has natural ingredients I feel good about using with my kids too. I really saw a big difference in my son’s eczema scars after using tallow. Here’s why tallow balm is so great, how to use it, and how to make your own!

The Benefits of Tallow Balm

Unlike other moisturizers and lotions with plant oils, tallow balm is a unique creature. It all starts with animal fat (usually beef fat, but mutton works nicely too) that’s then rendered and purified. It’s similar to lard, which comes from pigs. 

The best fat to use for beef tallow comes from grass-fed suet or leaf fat. This leaf fat is what’s found around the kidneys. Tallow balm benefits the skin in so many ways. 

Since tallow comes from an animal source it nourishes and soaks into our skin beautifully. You can use it for lip balm, soap, moisturizers, and salves. As a balm, it helps with dry skin, eczema, and anti-aging. 

Many people use tallow balm for skin because it’s rich in naturally occurring fatty acids that closely resemble our skin’s own oils. It’s perfect for every age from babies on up. I used tallow balm for eczema on my son and it’s great for diaper rash too. 

Tallow Balm Ingredients

You could use just plain tallow on your skin, but it’s very firm and hard to spread. An easier way is to make tallow moisturizer made with a mix of tallow and liquid oils. This makes it much easier to apply and you get the best of both worlds. The result is a deeply nourishing beef tallow moisturizer that works well for both face and body care.

Some recipes add shea butter, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. I like to keep things simple and mainly use extra virgin olive oil here. I’ve also added a little bit of rosehip seed oil. Since rosehip is astringent it helps the tallow soak in a little better, plus it has amazing skin restoring properties. This anti-aging rosehip facial moisturizer is a reader favorite!

You don’t even need beeswax to thicken this. You can also add some of your favorite essential oils, though it’s totally optional. Frankincense, chamomile, and lavender essential oils are some good ones to consider.

How to Make Tallow Balm

This recipe feels like a whipped body butter, or you can skip the whipping step and it feels more like a salve. Either way works, but I prefer the feel of the whipped version. If you’ve been searching for a simple tallow balm recipe, this one works beautifully because it’s customizable and gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Another question I often hear is how to make tallow balm less greasy. Adding lightweight oils like rosehip seed oil and whipping the finished balm both help create a lighter texture that absorbs more easily into the skin. Olive oil is a heavier oil, so you can replace it with a lighter one (like grapeseed) if you need something less moisturizing. 

Where to Get Tallow

Ok, so maybe I’ve sold you on how awesome tallow is for skin… but where do you get it? You might find high-quality grass-fed beef tallow from a local farmer in your area. If not, I also like to get my tallow online here.

Rendered tallow has an off-white color and may or may not have a beefy smell. Further purifying it helps to get rid of the tallow smell and yields a snow-white color.

How to Purify Tallow

If you’re using tallow for cooking (or even soap making) the smell isn’t strong enough to make a difference. For skincare products though you’ll want purified tallow. You can find a tutorial for how to render tallow here, but here’s how to purify it further.

  • Add 2 cups of rendered tallow, 5 cups of water, and 3 Tablespoons of salt to a crockpot. You can also double the amounts used if you have more tallow. 
  • Set it to low and let it simmer for about an hour.
  • Strain the hot liquid into a large bowl through a fine mesh sieve lined with paper towels or a very clean tea towel or t-shirt fabric.
  • Let the bowl cool in the fridge until firm.
  • Remove the block of hardened tallow from the top of the salt water and flip it over. On the underside, you may see some brown bits, scrape all of these off.
  • You can repeat this process once more if desired.
  • Allow the tallow to air dry at room temp so all of the water evaporates (otherwise it can mold).

Once your tallow is purified, you’re ready to make your own whipped tallow balm at home!

Whipped Tallow Balm Recipe

This silky tallow balm is great for dry skin and all sorts of skin irritations. Great for all ages!

Prep Time2 minutes

Active Time10 minutes

Cooling Time30 minutes

Total Time42 minutes

Yield: 6 ounces

Author: Katie Wells

  • Add tallow to the top of a double boiler and melt tallow over low heat.

  • Once it’s completely liquid add the olive oil and stir.

  • Remove from the heat and add essential oils and rosehip seed oil if using.

  • Pour the tallow balm into a glass jar and put it in the refrigerator to harden.

Whipped Tallow Balm

  • For a whipped tallow balm version, pour the balm into a mixing bowl instead before putting it in the fridge. You want it to solidify to the point it’s firm, but not really hard.

  • Whip the tallow balm with the whisk attachment on a stand mixer or a hand mixer. If it’s too hard to whip, then let it set at room temperature just until soft enough to whip.

  • Transfer to a glass jar for storage.

  • Shelf Life and Storage: Store your tallow balm at room temperature away from direct light and heat. It should last for several months if stored properly.
  • This recipe uses a 1% essential oil dilution ratio. If using for children ages 6 months to 3 years old, then reduce the essential oils down to 7 drops total (.25%) or omit.

Optional Herbal Infusion

You can include even more herbal skincare benefits in your tallow balm. Instead of using regular olive oil (or any liquid carrier oil) use herb infused oil instead. Calendula, lavender, chamomile, or plantain herb are some good options for skin. Here’s how to make an herb infused oil. I used some leftover dandelion infused oil for one batch.

Don’t feel like making it? Toups & Co Organics makes some great tallow balms my family loves.

Tallow Balm Recipe FAQ

1. My tallow balm is too hard/soft. 

Some tallow is harder than others, and some people like their tallow balm harder or softer. If you want a softer version, add a little more oil. If you want a harder version, then decrease the oil or add a little beeswax.

2. Can I use tallow balm for my face?

Yes! I do all the time. Whipped tallow balm on my face makes it feel silky smooth. 

3. My tallow smells like beef, can I use it? 

Yes, but purify it first. See the directions above. Mine still had a very slight beef smell after purifying, but it wasn’t strong.

4. I bought tallow from the store/farmer, do I still have to purify it? 

Yes, most likely, unless it’s already been purified several times and doesn’t have a strong beefy smell.

5. Can I use lamb or pig fat? 

Pig fat is lard and is too soft for this recipe (but makes great French fries!). Mutton tallow from lamb should work, but I haven’t tried it. 

Have you ever used tallow on your skin before? What’s your favorite way to use it? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Global Cosmetics News

ASICS launches beauty campaign focused on post-exercise glow

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THE WHAT? ASICS has launched a new global campaign called “Get The Glow,” promoting movement as a natural way to support wellbeing and achieve a post-exercise glow.

THE DETAILS The campaign features unfiltered post-workout images of individuals and ASICS athletes captured after activities such as running, walking and tennis. ASICS said the initiative aims to challenge beauty standards driven by filters, skincare routines and social media pressure by highlighting the visible effects of exercise on mood and confidence. The company cited research showing that just 15 minutes of movement can positively impact mental wellbeing. The campaign launches amid growing consumer interest in “glow” beauty trends, with ASICS noting increases in online searches and social media conversations around glowing skin. Tennis player Zeynep Sönmez is among the athletes supporting the initiative, which positions movement as an accessible alternative to complex beauty routines.

THE WHY? The campaign reflects the growing overlap between beauty, wellness and mental health, while reinforcing ASICS’ long-standing brand message around the connection between physical activity and emotional wellbeing.

Source: PR Newswire 

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