No BS Bulletin 54

Fifty-four

Author

Sarah
March 06, 2025

In partnership with

Welcome to Issue 54 of the No BS Beauty Bulletin!

This week’s Juicy Beauty News has a little bit of everything—from scientific breakthroughs to unexpected beauty trends. Researchers at the University of Maryland may have uncovered a "magic molecule" for skincare, and biotech is making waves in the industry with Estée Lauder looking to the pharmaceutical world for new ingredients. Meanwhile, beauty nostalgia is in full swing as brands like Glossier, Urban Decay, and The Ordinary bring back discontinued products by popular demand.

In more unusual news, 8th graders in Milwaukee have been busy creating their own environmentally friendly sunscreen, and Zoë Kravitz turned heads at the Oscars after-parties by taking the "backless" trend to a whole new level. And over in France, big changes are coming as the country moves to ban forever chemicals from cosmetics, signaling a major shift for ingredient regulations.

The Ulta 21 Days of Beauty sale is officially here! It’s one of the biggest beauty sales of the year, offering 50% off select products daily for the next three weeks. To help you keep track, Cameraman has created a handy Google spreadsheet with all the deals—check it out at nobsbeauty.com/21days to plan your shopping!

And of course, no newsletter is complete without What Did I Buy This Week?, Winner & Loser of the Week, and an About the Dogs (who are back to their winter routine with the return of snow). Plus, a big congratulations to this week’s giveaway winner, Terresa E.! Keep reading for all the details! 😊

Amazed Me! -OMG I need a house here!

Juicy Beauty News

Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty is Here! 🎉 

Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty event is back, bringing daily 50% off deals on some of the most popular skincare and makeup products. If you’re looking to stock up on favorites or try something new, this is one of the best times to shop—just be quick because each deal only lasts 24 hours! The sale runs for three weeks, and while some of the steals are predictable, there are always a few surprise must-haves that make it worth checking every day.

To make things easier, Cameraman put together a Google spreadsheet with all of the deals so you can plan your shopping in advance. You can check it out here: nobsbeauty.com/21days. Let me know if there are any deals you’re excited about! 😊

👀 What did I buy this week?👀

Don’t tell Cameraman!

About the Dogs

This week, the dogs have been back to their winter routine with the return of snow. Lincoln still insists on staying outside as long as possible, even if it means getting covered in snowflakes. Gabby doesn’t mind the cold as much now that she’s feeling great—she’s been keeping up with the big dogs and loving the fresh air. Ike, on the other hand, is less impressed and would much rather stay inside (unless, of course, there’s food to steal). Just another snowy week with this crew! ❄️😊

Winner of the Week - Estheticians

Estheticians deserve far more recognition for the dedication and expertise they bring to their work. My recent visit left me incredibly impressed! The esthetician I saw specializes in advanced laser treatments, and with over 18 years of training and experience, she performed a BBL and Moxi treatment with absolute precision and care. Other estheticians at the clinic I focus on different areas of expertise include nurse injectors, while others focus on weight loss/body contouring, dermaplaning, and facial treatments.

It’s fascinating how some estheticians choose to specialize in certain treatments while others have a broad knowledge base, which often depends on their workplace—whether it’s a med-spa, an independent practice, or a dermatologist’s office. Regardless of their path, estheticians undergo extensive schooling, pass state licensing exams, and often receive additional training at their place of employment to refine their skills.

These professionals are a valuable resource when it comes to skincare. They not only educate clients on maintaining a healthy routine but also help address specific concerns like acne and hyperpigmentation. In many cases, they can even identify issues that may require further medical attention. Every visit to an esthetician is an opportunity to learn something new, and for many skincare concerns, they offer expert guidance without the need for a dermatologist. Their knowledge, skill, and dedication make a real difference in helping people feel confident in their skin!

Loser of the Week - Photosensitive Medications

My loser of the week kind of goes hand-in-hand with my winner of the week. Last week I had a BBL and Moxi Laser treatment session on my face, neck, and chest. It was painful but I toughed it out. It wasn’t until the next day I realized I made a big mistake! Over 25 years I have been on a daily migraine prevention medication. No big deal, right?!?! It is a big deal because (even though I seem to forget this regularly) this medication makes me photosensitive. Also being prescribed antibiotics due to a tooth issue may have also caused my skin to be even more photosensitive than it already was!

I tend to forget this when I’m on vacation or at times during the summer. I have had more than one severe sunburn despite being adequately protected from the sun. This medication increases skin’s sensitivity to UV rays from the sun, leading to a higher risk of sunburn, rashes, or other skin reactions.

Some medications to be aware of that can make some people photosensitive include:

  1. Antibiotics
    Tetracyclines (Doxycycline, Minocycline)

    Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin)

    Sulfonamides (Bactrim, Sulfadiazine)

  2. Acne Medications

    Retinoids (Isotretinoin/Accutane, Tretinoin/Retin-A, Adapalene/Differin)

    Benzoyl Peroxide

  3. Anti-inflammatory & Pain Medications

    NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Ketoprofen)

  4. Antifungals

    Griseofulvin

    Voriconazole

  5. Diuretics (Water Pills)

    Thiazide Diuretics (Hydrochlorothiazide)

    Loop Diuretics (Furosemide, Bumetanide)

  6. Heart & Blood Pressure Medications

    Amiodarone (used for irregular heartbeats)

    Diltiazem, Nifedipine (Calcium channel blockers)

  7. Antidepressants & Mood Stabilizers

    Tricyclic Antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Doxepin)

    Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (Citalopram, Sertraline, Fluoxetine)

  8. Chemotherapy & Immunosuppressants

    Methotrexate

    5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)

    Cyclophosphamide

    Tacrolimus

If you are taking any of these prescriptions please be aware of the potential for increased photosensitivity and take strong precautions to prevent damage to your skin.

In Case You Missed It

Giveaway - The winner is Terresa E.

Big congratulations to Terresa E., this week’s lucky winner! We’re so excited to send you some amazing beauty goodies, and we can’t wait for you to enjoy everything we’ve picked out for you. Check your email for all the details on how to claim your prize!

Also, a huge thank you to last week’s winner, Celeste B., for getting in touch so quickly! Your prize is on its way, and we hope you love everything.

As always, thank you to everyone who entered! Keep an eye on your inbox—you never know when it might be your turn to win! 💕✨

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