So, you’re in the market for cruelty-free, non-toxic nail polish. And if you aren’t, here’s why you should be: new studies from Duke University and Environmental Working Group show that nail polish chemicals can seep into the bloodstream even through the nail bed. Ah! For that reason, and the fact that traditional nail polish has […]
Cool Ideas
This Cool Scientific Survey Accurately Identifies Your Character Strengths
I was first directed to the VIA Character Strengths Survey in the course of taking Dr. Laurie Santos’ class, The Science of Well-Being, which is the most popular course ever offered in Yale‘s 300-year history. As part of an initial happiness assessment, Professor Santos directed us to this character strengths test as part of a […]
The 7 Best Natural Eczema Shampoos of 2026
It’s hard to find an all-natural eczema shampoo that works to calm itch and inflammation without chemicals. Luckily, natural anti-itch shampoos are becoming more of “a thing” now. Accordingly, natural beauty brands are responding with earth-friendly and pregnancy-safe natural eczema remedies that get better every day. Unfortunately, most over-the-counter anti-itch and anti-dandruff shampoos still contain […]
The 5 Best Mineral Sunscreens for Babies (2026 Edition)
This guide to the best baby-safe mineral sunscreens came from our own head-spinning experience searching for baby-safe skincare products in the wake of the cultural revolution currently taking shape around the importance of clean skincare and sun care. Shopping for a natural, baby-safe sunscreen is now easier than ever since there are so many great […]
The 9 Best Natural Eczema Creams of 2026
Suffering from itchy skin? This mild stress response typically happens when your immune system overcorrects itself. Fortunately, these research-backed all natural, steroid-free eczema creams will tone down itch and calm inflammation without using harsh chemicals or steroids. Ultimately, you’ll need a “barrier cream” that protects the skin barrier– which usually means a lotion or cream […]
The 6 Best Reef-Safe Zinc Sunscreens of 2026 (Most Effective + Elegant Formulas)
Reef-safe zinc sunscreen– which always contains physical UV blockers rather than chemical SPF– is better for coral reefs because these formulas don’t contain avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, octisalate, or homosalate– six active chemicals that are known to be toxic to precious marine ecosystems. (And they’re not great for the human endocrine system, either!) It’s important […]
The 5 Best Eco-Friendly Down Alternative Comforters of 2026
When it comes to getting better sleep, your choice of a comforter couldn’t be more important. If you aren’t already using a weighted blanket to encourage deep, restful sleep, these eco-friendly, hypoallergenic down alternative comforters are the next best thing to a prescription. Trust me! This is in part because staying cool is key to […]
How Cold Therapy Became a Pop Culture Phenomenon: Ice Baths, Cold Plunges, The Wim Hof Method & Beyond
Amid the discerning consumers of post-pandemic wellness culture– in which the prospects for future thriving look increasingly like things we used to do in the past— ice baths and cold plunges are having a pop culture renaissance. I first heard about cold plunging almost ten years ago, when the talking heads in the New York […]
How To Roast Fresh Chestnuts in The Oven
Roasting fresh chestnuts in the oven is the modern equivalent of “chestnuts roasting on an open fire…”, the iconic lyrics to one of the most quotable American Christmas songs in the canon. Every year when winter comes around, securing a bag of locally-grown chestnuts and roasting them in the oven is a local food lovers’ […]
5 Cool Clean Beauty Stores in NYC (For Your Bucket List)
New York City’s clean beauty and natural skincare game– while this may at first pass seem to be a very “California” thing– is actually quite excellent. The Big Apple is the fashion capital of the world, after all, and what would a fashion capital be without a copious number of places to explore the world […]