✨ tape & travel

Two social-loved upgrades arrive in your inbox: one quietly smooths scars (and maybe even forehead lines) while you sleep, the other frees your hands, and your budget, from pricey terminal beverages. Ready for an easy glow-up?

Originally designed for post-surgery recovery, silicone scar tape is now a social media darling for both scar fading and wrinkle smoothing. With over 40 million posts, creators are showing how this flexible, skin-hugging strip helps lighten old scars and soften fine lines, no needles, downtime, or $300 Botox price tags required.

Silicone sheets have long been used to fade raised or discolored scars by locking in moisture, blocking bacteria, and regulating collagen. Dermatologists back it, and so do Redditors, from thyroid cancer survivors to moms treating C-section scars (though don’t be afraid to wear those bikini-scar badges of honor proudly!).

Now, younger beauty fans are using the same logic for wrinkle care. Silicone tape is part of the face-taping trend, meant to “lift” skin for better hydration and reduce movement while you sleep. It’s not retinol, but people say it helps.

If you’re looking to buy, here’s my rule of thumb: if it’s medical or goes on/in your body, stick with trusted brands (especially on Amazon 👀).

For you intellectuals who really want to get into the science of it, check out this PubMed study.

Who's doing it (and what to buy):

I tested this before a wedding and was pleasantly surprised, I looked oddly refreshed, like I’d actually slept eight hours (eight hours of sleep? What’s that? I have toddlers... iykyk). I can see why people stock up. Have you tried it on a scar or for sleep lines? Hit reply and tell me how it went.

Forget balancing your latte on a suitcase while sprinting to your gate. Luggage cup holders are the new fix we didn’t know we needed. The most popular versions are soft, double-slot drink sleeves that slip right over your carry-on handle. Others are built straight into the suitcase. Either way, it’s a hands-free way to keep your caffeine or water close.

Travel is still surging, nearly 3 million people move through U.S. airports daily, and yet, frustration with flying hasn’t budged. Enter the rise of comfort-first carry-on hacks. Travelers are hungry for gear that takes the edge off the experience. Whether you are are mom dragging kids through security or a professional on a solo work trip, these are coming in handy.

Luggage cup holders are part of a growing wave of practical, under-$30 travel upgrade, think neck fans and silicone toiletry bottles. Big brands aren’t the focus here, so for these I’m not as worried about Amazon and Temu finds.

Who's doing it (and what to buy):

I haven’t tried this one yet, but water’s always my first stop after security, so a hands-free spot to stash it sounds pretty ideal.

Until next week,
Tana - Glow Up Trends ✨
Staying the same was never part of the plan

Some links are affiliate links, which help keep this newsletter free (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for the support!