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The Beauty Treatments I Regret—and the Ones I’d Pay For Again Tomorrow

If you haven’t yet subscribed to my Substack, it’s where I get a little more personal—writing from the heart about self-care, motherhood, wellness, and all things in between. My community loved this post there, so I wanted to share an excerpt with you here.

I recently read a study with findings I honestly wasn’t ready for. Turns out, aging isn’t a slow, steady slide—it happens in waves. There’s a big burst during puberty (makes sense), and then again in our early 40s, when everything seems to accelerate at once (collagen, hormones, skin texture, the works). SO, if you’ve looked in the mirror recently and noticed a new line that definitely wasn’t there a few weeks ago, you’re not crazy.

I’ve had more than a few moments like that lately. A photo from a trip where I was like, Wait, when did that happen? A droopier eyelid after sleeping face down (why do I still do this). And one particularly unflattering gym mirror situation involving my neck that I’m choosing not to revisit. I’m not losing sleep over any of it—but I am motivated.

I love that my close friends lean natural and low-maintenance. That energy is contagious, and I think it’s shaped my own aesthetic more than I realize. But our group chat is also discussing Sculptra, has opinions on microneedling downtime, and whether lymphatic massage is worth the splurge.

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So I figured I’d bring that same group-chat energy here. Even though I love a natural approach, I also really love nerding out on the latest treatments to help us feel our best and most confident. 

My goal with all of this isn’t to “fix” my face or stop the clock. It’s to maintain healthy tone, texture, and collagen levels so my skin can do its thing. Because honestly? No amount of Botox or filler is going to repair skin that’s lost its elasticity—and I think a lot of people find that out the hard way.

I’ve tried a lot over the years, and I have thoughts. Here’s everything—what’s worth it, what I’d skip, what surprised me, and a few things I’m thinking about for 2026.

Unlock the full post here to read about the anti-aging beauty treatments I actually think are worth it. These are the rituals and treatments that help me feel more refreshed, confident, and like I’m supporting my skin in a way that feels intentional.

The post The Beauty Treatments I Regret—and the Ones I’d Pay For Again Tomorrow appeared first on Camille Styles.

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Oyen U35 Bolt+ SSD Review: Fastest On Record, But With a Catch

A gray rectangular storage device labeled "U35 BOLT+" is shown on a dark surface. The bottom left corner features a "PetaPixel Reviews" graphic.

Oyen Digital recently announced the U35 Bolt+ USB4 (80Gbps) portable SSD that makes some pretty lofty promises. Designed for speed and built to withstand the elements, Oyen says it delivers up to 6,000 MB/s transfer speeds. That would be the fastest PetaPixel has ever seen.

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Moffat Takadiwa’s Scrounged Sculptures Confront Africa’s ‘Colonial Hangover’

Moffat Takadiwa’s Scrounged Sculptures Confront Africa’s ‘Colonial Hangover’

When Moffat Takadiwa sees a pile of rubbish—old technology parts, personal care items, clothing—he doesn’t just see a bunch of junk. The Harare, Zimbabwe-based artist has spent the better part of two decades collecting thousands upon thousands of pieces of plastic and metals foraged from landfills near the city’s Mbare neighborhood, where heaps of electronic equipment waste, also known as e-waste, ends up in illicit dump sites. In his studio, vast collections of colorful objects are meticulously sorted into collections.

Takadiwa is known for his elaborate sculptures made from what he describes as “everyday consumer residue”—discarded computer keyboard keys, toothbrush heads, plastic combs, buttons, and more. The colors, textures, and patina of wear and age produce patterns that it’s tempting to describe as “organic,” even though the materials are the opposite.

a detail of an abstract wall-installed artwork by Moffatt Takadiwa made from computer keyboard keys, combs, toothbrush heads, and metal pieces
Detail of “Muchapihwa Korona”

The artist’s current solo exhibition, The Crown! at Semiose, highlights the tension not only between visual harmony, consumer culture, and waste but also those of what curator Fernanda Brenner describes in the exhibition essay as “the tensions of Africa’s post-colonial afterlife.” Takadiwa describes it as the “colonial hangover.” For instance, afro combs appear throughout the show, “rooted in African traditions and the colonial self-fashioning they forced,” Brenner says. “Once tools for grooming and ritual, these combs now bear the weight of resistance and pride in Black political life.”

Takadiwa’s compositions drape, tapestry-like, with repetitive patterns and textures that alternate between softness and brittleness. From the distance, the details of unique components blur into a fabric-like substrate, but upon closer inspection, nail polish brushes, caps, and keyboard keys in various states of aged yellowing emerge as individual tributes to overconsumption and excess. “The result is beautiful, which is where the trouble begins,” Brenner writes. She continues:

If beauty could settle old scores, the art world would have solved more than it has…Rearranging the materials does not erase their origins. If you have ever pressed ‘delete’ and believed the problem was gone, his work offers a quiet correction. Nothing disappears; it only travels, usually to places like Mbare, where Takadiwa opened his artist-run space in what used to be a colonial beer hall.

The Crown! continues through May 16 in Paris. See more on the artist’s Instagram.

an abstract wall-installed artwork by Moffatt Takadiwa made from computer keyboard keys, combs, toothbrush heads, buttons, and pieces of nail polish applicators
“Combed Hair” (2026), keyboard keys, buttons, plastic toothbrush heads, combs, and nail polish parts, 110 1/4 x 61 inches
an abstract wall-installed artwork by Moffatt Takadiwa made from computer keyboard keys, combs, toothbrush heads, and pieces of nail polish applicators
“The Crown (2)” (2026), keyboard keys, plastic toothbrush heads, and nail polish parts, 72 1/16 x 55 1/2 inches
a detail of an abstract wall-installed artwork by Moffatt Takadiwa made from computer keyboard keys, combs, toothbrush heads, and pieces of nail polish applicators
Detail of “The Crown (2)”
an abstract wall-installed artwork by Moffatt Takadiwa made from computer keyboard keys, combs, toothbrush heads, and pieces of nail polish applicators
“Pink Nails” (2026), keyboard keys, plastic toothbrush heads, combs, and nail polish parts, 92 1/2 x 59 13/16 inches
a detail of an abstract wall-installed artwork by Moffatt Takadiwa made from computer keyboard keys, combs, toothbrush heads, and pieces of nail polish applicators
Detail of “Pink Nails”
an abstract wall-installed artwork by Moffatt Takadiwa made from computer keyboard keys, combs, toothbrush heads, and pieces of nail polish applicators
“The Consumer Portrait” (2026), keyboard keys, plastic toothbrush heads, combs, and nail polish parts, 59 1/16 x 54 5/16 inches
an abstract wall-installed artwork by Moffatt Takadiwa made from computer keyboard keys, combs, toothbrush heads, and pieces of nail polish applicators
“Daily Reflections” (2026), keyboard keys, plastic toothbrush heads, combs, and nail polish parts, 70 7/8 x 45 11/16 inches
a detail of an abstract wall-installed artwork by Moffatt Takadiwa made from computer keyboard keys, combs, toothbrush heads, and pieces of nail polish applicators
Detail of “Daily Reflections”

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Moffat Takadiwa’s Scrounged Sculptures Confront Africa’s ‘Colonial Hangover’ appeared first on Colossal.

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The 6 Best New Blushes for Spring 2026

Photograph by Alasdair McLellan, styled by Alice Goddard. Hair by Anthony Turner, makeup by Lynsey Alexander

Blush is no longer just the final step—it’s the product doing the most work in your makeup routine. The prettiest new formulas launching for spring add a flush of color, and they blur pores, boost radiance, and layer in skincare benefits. Creamy textures that melt in like a second skin, luminous finishes that fake a full night’s sleep, and pigment that does double duty as both makeup and treatment will all contribute to improving how your skin looks over time.

From glow-boosting balms to soft-focus powders and serum-infused tints, today’s blushes are designed to enhance more than just your cheeks. Consider this your guide to the multitasking blushes that are hitting the market now.

The Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush is all about flexibility—adapting to whatever look you’re going for. What makes it unique is that it boasts a balm-like texture that even a beginner can blend out, giving you a sheer, barely there tint with one swipe. This product also has the ability to build beautifully if you want more color without ever looking heavy or overdone. Because it’s so forgiving, you can apply it straight from the tube and blend with your fingers (no precision needed) making it an easy, versatile staple, whether you’re keeping things minimal or layering for a more glamorous look.

For an option that does far more than just add a pop of color, this trio gives you a fully customizable cheek in one simple compact. It has a mix of cream, balm, and powder formulas, letting you play with different finishes to create dimension, glow, and a soft-blur effect all at once. The cream absorbs into skin for a natural flush; the balm adds that dewy, lit-from-within sheen; and the powder diffuses everything for a smooth, perfected look. Whether you wear each formula on its own or stack them together, the product is designed to enhance your skin rather than sit on top of it—making your blush look more like real skin, just better.

The Prada Touch Cream-to-Powder Soft Blur Longwear Blush is less about adding color and more about refining your entire complexion. The texture starts off as a silky cream, then quickly sets into a soft-focus powder that diffuses the look of pores and texture. What I love most about this blush is that it lends your cheeks a smooth, almost airbrushed effect. It also blends seamlessly on contact and builds without ever looking heavy, landing on a soft-matte finish that still feels fresh and dimensional—not flat.

If there’s one blush formula that feels tailor-made for spring, it’s this one. The liquid blush delivers that fresh, just-pinched flush in a formula that’s light enough for warmer days but opaque enough to elevate your whole look. The texture goes on as a weightless liquid, then diffuses into a soft, blurred matte that looks like real skin, not makeup. It’s especially ideal as temperatures rise because it sets without feeling heavy or sticky. As a result, you get that breathable, cloud-like finish that won’t slide around by midday. And because it’s waterproof and transfer-resistant, the color will grip without going patchy or fading.

This formula from MCoBeauty doubles as a skincare-infused essential that keeps your face looking hydrated and healthy throughout the day. The blush ingredient list reads more like skincare than makeup, boasting castor oil, jojoba seed oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to nourish, soften, and give skin that naturally plump, dewy look. Even better, it’s designed for true versatility. You can swipe this onto both your cheeks and your lips for a quick, monochromatic moment that pulls your whole look together.

Consider this duo from LYS Beauty your no-fuss blush that takes the guesswork out of adding color and smoothing your skin. It’s composed of a cream layer that melts in for a skin-like base, plus a powder that softly diffuses, helping to even out texture and give cheeks a smoother, more refined finish. Together, the two create dimension without heaviness, so your blush looks fresh and seamless rather than flat. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide and green tea extract, it also helps boost radiance and brighten the look of skin over time, making it feel like a glow-enhancing step as much as a makeup one.

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US military shoots down 4 Iranian drones heading toward Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones Friday that were heading toward the Strait of Hormuz and posed an imminent threat to maritime traffic, according to the U.S. Central Command (Centcom). The U.S. military then struck an Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk, a city in Hormozgan province, and on Qeshm...

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