In this week’s Juicy Beauty News, we’re watching Drunk Elephant take a nosedive—so much so that Shiseido is scrambling for a turnaround plan. Meanwhile, KraveBeauty is back with an upgraded sunscreen, and Redditors are calling out those red light masks for what they really are (hint: it’s not skincare).

In What Did I Buy This Week?—a few quiet additions to the supplement shelf (don’t tell Cameraman), including a new antioxidant blend I’ll be testing for sun protection.

About the Dogs? Everyone’s handling the heat in their own way while waiting for my dad’s pool to finally open. Gabby’s loving the sun, Lincoln’s unbothered, and Ike would prefer air conditioning, please and thank you.

Our Winner of the Week goes to Nutroxsun™, a supplement with rosemary and grapefruit that just might give your SPF a little backup from the inside out. On the flip side, Loser of the Week is—you guessed it—Drunk Elephant, whose sales are sinking fast and taking Shiseido’s numbers down with them.

In Case You Missed It, I reviewed peptide serums, new launches from Paula’s Choice and La Roche-Posay, and shared my thoughts on whether the skincare economy is changing your routine.

This week’s Comment of the Week comes from a reader nervously navigating where to order European sunscreens—don’t worry, I shared my go-to sources that are still shipping without extra fees (for now).

And finally, Giveaway time! Congrats to Matthew M.R.—you’re this week’s winner! 🎉 Laura C., if you’re reading this, don’t forget to check in so we can get your prize to you too.

Scroll down for all the juicy details!

Made Me Laugh

Juicy Beauty News

• Shiseido Q1 disappoints as Drunk Elephant drags down sales
  Shiseido is funnelling resources into a ‘swift turnaround’ for the embattled Drunk Elephant, as it also manages softening US demand and travel retail troubles in China.

• KraveBeauty launches upgraded version of ‘cult-favourite’ sunscreen in SEA and UK

  K-beauty brand Krave Beauty has released an improved version of its “cult-favourite” sunscreen in South East Asia (SEA) and the UK, which it claims to offer higher sun protection and more seamless application.

• Microencapsulated curcumin shows skin health potential: Study

  Daily supplements of a microencapsulated curcumin extract may improve skin health from within, according to data from a new clinical study.

• L’Oréal rumoured to be in talks to acquire Medik8
  The French beauty giant is allegedly eyeing up the vitamin A-focused premium UK skin care brand for acquisition, according to reports

• Real or flake? Experts weigh in on whether TikTok’s viral ‘caveman method’ skin care routine works
  The skincare fad followed by TikTok creator Tia Zakher involves no skincare at all and dermatologists are sceptical

• Once and for all - most red light masks are basically glowing toys.

👀 What did I buy this week?👀

Don’t tell Cameraman!

Zhou Nutrition, Glowfluence Supplement - At IHerb
(Rosemary & Grapefruit sun damage fighting supplement)

NOW Foods, Calcium & Magnesium - At IHerb

Obagi Clear Hydroquinone Serum
(available at Dermatologist or from an Esthetician)

About the Dogs

This week was quiet—no vet visits, just some hot weather and three dogs handling it in their own way. My dad’s pool still isn’t open, which would’ve been the perfect spot for them to cool off, so everyone’s making do.

Gabby actually loves the heat. She’s been stretched out in the sun every chance she gets, totally content to soak it up like a little sun sponge.

Lincoln doesn’t seem to care either way. Whether it’s hot or cold, he’s just doing his thing without much fuss.

Ike, though, is not a fan. He’s been avoiding the heat as much as possible, sticking to shady spots or cool floors and clearly not thrilled when it’s time to go outside.

They’re all hanging in there, but I think we’re all ready for that pool to open.

Winner of the Week -
Grapefruit & rosemary supplement for sun protection called Nutroxsun™

Nutroxsun® is a patented, clinically validated nutraceutical developed by Monteloeder that offers internal protection against sun-induced skin damage. It combines natural extracts of Mediterranean rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to protect the skin from within.

Research has shown that nutroxsun (at 100 and 250 mg dose) administered 1 hour before sun exposure helps to recover faster. Nutroxsun allows for decreasing the UV-induced erythema reaction from the first-day product intake. Nutroxsun consumption significantly increases the individual minimal erythema dose (MED). This increase is accumulative and increases with time.  Last week I did some research on this supplement and it seems to be an effective antioxidant that naturally boosts your skins protection from sun damage and UV rays.  I have started taking this supplement every morning in addition to my Heliocare Polypodium Leucotomos Supplement. 

The manufacturer recommends several products containing Nutroxsun.  You can see the list of products containing this here:  https://www.monteloeder.com/innovatives/nutroxsun/

The supplement I purchased is available at IHerb here:  

https://rstyle.me/+UtMH8S_Fn9NdQVfJXI4fAA

Loser of the Week - Drunk Elephant

Since Shiseido’s purchase of the Drunk Elephant Skincare brand in 2019 for a reported $845 Million, the sales of Drunk Elephant products have plummeted.  In 2024 Drunk Elephant saw sales decline by 24%.  First quarter 2025 sales of Drunk Elephant have also taken a sharp and steady decline of reportedly 65% (Cosmetic Business Website).

This decrease has also led to an overall sales slump for Shiseido. They are stating the causes of the softening of Drunk Elephant sales due to the “Sephora Kids” drama, increased production costs, and challenges with retail in China.

Drunk Elephant has always been a pricey, but trendy skincare brand.  With the state of the current economy it appears people are thinking twice before spending $70+ on a face moisturizer.  There are also many brands that offer fragrance free alternatives for much more affordable prices.  

Some Drunk Elephant brand alternatives include:

Good Molecules - very affordable skincare products with extremely transparent ingredient lists. Most products range from $5 to $20

Alternative to the Drunk Elephant Marula Oil is their Ultra Hydrating Serum
At Ulta:  https://rstyle.me/+wMpIDwWRRWCnOoeur-dGgw

Geek & Gorgeous- affordable skincare manufactured on a regular basis.
Prices range from $9 to $31

Alternative to Drunk Elephant C-Firma Serum is their C Glow Serum
At G&G:  https://geekandgorgeous.com/products/c-glow 

The Ordinary - single note skincare products with a great variety of options.
Prices for The Ordinary range from $6 to $33

Alternative to the Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial Mask is their AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
At The Ordinary: https://rstyle.me/+qdJeLqt3vb5OXzMjBH7QUw

In Case You Missed It

📅 5.08 — Paula's Choice Skincare New! Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Gel-Cream Moisturizer Review

📅 5.09 — La Roche-Posay 🆕 Cicaplast B5 Soothing Repair Spray for Dry Skin Review, How to, & Dupes

📅 5.10 — MIZON Collagen Power Lifting Toner Review, How to Use, Dupes & Alternatives

📅 5.11 — The Skincare Economy - Are You Making Budget Friendly Routine Changes & What Will You Not Change?

📅 5.13 — Best Peptide Serums for Aging Skin - Anti-Aging Peptide Favorites

📅 5.14 — VT Cosmetics Vegan PDRN Essence 100 Serum Review, How to Use, Dupes & Alternatives

Comment of the Week

“where are you ordering European sunscreens from atm??? im sooo scared to order”

I totally get it because it seems like this situation changes by the day.  For European SPF's I've had good luck with French Pharmacy, here:  https://frenchpharmacy.com/collections/french-pharmacy-skincare-for-face/products/la-roche-posay-anthelios-uvmune-400-spf50-fragrance-free?variant=44336017113314 

They are shipping from the US until May 20th from what I understand so there should be no additional fees or tariffs.  If you are in the US finding someone that ships from from the US is apparently important when it comes to avoid extra taxes and duties.

I also ordered from Beautybay in the last month and their prices included all duties and tariffs so no additional fee.  They are here:  https://rstyle.me/+wxmf2pPZpSxzEGnFhuQ89A

For Korea, I recently ordered through Yessttyle and they shipped my package through Japan to avoid the tariffs.  My order took about 7 days and there were no additional charges.  You could also order from Stylekorean which ships from Korea which has a lower tariff than China.  These were my experiences so hopefully you will have a good experience also.  Things seem to change frequently in relation to this so it is frustrating to have to "guess" how to proceed. Nothing is more important than sunscreen so don’t let this situation make you forgo that!

Giveaway - The winner is Matthew M.R.

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