Harmony Evans's Blog, page 669

Lena Werner Models Lively Fall Style in Vogue Turkey

Photographed by the lens of Can Buyukkalkan, Lena Werner graces the pages of Vogue Turkey’s October 2023 issue. The fashion editorial unfolds in Istanbul, a city where ancient history and modern fashion collide. The focus? Fall fashion, but not just any—think vibrant hues that are made to stand out from the crowd.

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Lena is a face you might remember from Emporio Armani’s spring campaign, and here, she is equally charming in looks styled by İdil Ekinil Kocaaydın. Ismail Inan, the hairstylist, gives the stunner’s locks a carefree, mussed look, while makeup artist Batuhan Sara opts for a more understated palette.

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The fashion choices are varied: from a ruffled dress that seems to dance in the wind to a lace-adorned top that whispers elegance. Add a floral print dress, retro sunglasses, printed mules, and even adidas sneakers to the mix, and you’ve got a style narrative that’s as diverse as the location itself.

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Bill Maher Calls Border Issue a Disaster for Democrats, Says They Look Like ‘Sanctuary City Hypocrites’ (VIDEO) | The Gateway Pundit

Every once in a while, Bill Maher gets something right.

On his program this weekend, he was talking about the border crisis and he called it a ‘disaster’ for Democrats and said that the ‘sanctuary city hypocrites’ have been called out.

This is also a reminder that people know who is to blame for this problem.

FOX News reports:

Bill Maher calls Biden’s about-face on the border a ‘disaster for Democrats’: He’s ‘adopting’ Trump’s policy

“I feel like this is a disaster for the Democrats,” Maher began. “Trump today said he wants Biden to apologize because it looks like Biden was adopting his policy. This does not look good for the Democrats.”

He continued: “Also they look like sanctuary city hypocrites. They were the ones who said, ‘Look, we’re the compassionate people. Everybody should get a shot here.’ And then when they started sending — I mean the quotes from Eric Adams, this is the mayor of liberal New York, ‘This issue will destroy our city.’ The governor [Kathy Hochul], ‘If you’re going to leave your country, go somewhere else.’ Keep walking is from the governor of New York? They put out a flyer in New York City now, says, ‘New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world. You are better off going to a more affordable city’… I understand there’s a little ‘I told you so’ on the border.”

ABC News contributor Sarah Isgur responded by telling Maher it’s “even worse” than what he described since Democrats would accuse Texas of being “racist” for decrying the migrant crisis.

She also pointed out that there were “2 million” border crossings in 2022 and that New York City received just a fraction of that. Estimates are about 110,000 migrants.

Here’s the video:

Bill Maher on the border: “I feel like this is a disaster for the Democrats. Trump today said he wants Biden to apologize. Because it looks like Biden is adopting his policy. They look like Sanctuary City hypocrites.”

“They need to apologize to Texas” pic.twitter.com/ceS7i759KH

— Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) October 7, 2023

Sending illegals to sanctuary cities has completely reshaped this issue.

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Netflix faces stiff competition despite growth in India

Netflix’s partnership with Reliance Jio hasn’t yielded the expected growth in India. A report by AllianceBernstein, as covered by TechCrunch, reveals Netflix’s 6.5 million subscribers, trailing behind Amazon Prime Video’s 20 million and Disney+ Hotstar’s 40 million.

A significant challenge for Netflix in India is its sparse native content. Only 12% of its titles are local, while Prime Video boasts 60% domestic content. Despite efforts to promote Indian originals, Netflix lags behind competitors in offering diverse regional content.

Emerging markets come with unique challenges. AllianceBernstein analysts note that streaming services in these markets compete not just with each other but also with cheaper linear TV and Internet video. Platforms like YouTube dominate in India, making it a key growth area for social media.

A strategic partnership to boost Netflix’s growth in India

Netflix joined forces with Jio Platforms, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, to access Jio’s vast user base. While JioCinema gains popularity with its varied content, the Netflix-Jio collaboration aims to enhance its reach in India.

TechCrunch reported in August that the partnership provided Jio’s 450 million Indian users easier access to Netflix. This move was part of Netflix’s strategy to penetrate the Indian market. Yet, it still struggles to rival the subscriber count of competitors like Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar, who’ve better catered to local tastes.

Maxwell William

Maxwell William, a seasoned crypto journalist and content strategist, has notably contributed to industry-leading platforms such as Cointelegraph, OKX Insights, and Decrypt, weaving complex crypto narratives into insightful articles that resonate with a broad readership.

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MUST SEE! New Anthem “FREEDOM” by Black and Latino Personalities Takes on Marxist Left and IS GOING VIRAL – AMAZING VIDEO! | The Gateway Pundit

A new song released earlier today called ‘FREEDOM’ featuring the most influential and controversial voices of our generation is going viral!

“FREEDOM” was produced by Jimmy Levy Music and includes dozens of American black and latino activists and personalities.

** You can support this amazing effort by purchasing FREEDOM here.

From the Video: Amidst a firmament consumed by the oppressive grip of government overreach and tyrannical control, a man by the name of Jimmy Levy emerged, poised to make a difference. Fuelled by the holy spirit, he set out to bring together a group of gifted individuals. United by a common thread, they poured their souls into recording the timeless and evocative hymn of FREEDOM.

Executive Produced by Leila Centner, Cara and Curtis Leopardo

Produced by Eastern Films

Music by The Pushers

Inspired by Michelle Lubin Terris

Check out this video to see this OUTSTANDING LINEUP of popular personalities and leaders in the FREEDOM moevement.

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The misfires of AI — what about hallucinations of the chatbots?

Some of the first instances of “hallucination” of the chatbots were reported in April 2023. This phenomenon occurs when chatbots and/or people see what isn’t there, and the problem is getting worse. Schools and universities (and businesses) are trying to figure out how to fix this issue before it gets too big. Well, it has already gotten too big.

For those who mess around with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Bard (and the like) recognized the issue when Ben Zimmer of The Wall Street Journal wrote about it. In Zimmers’ own words:

For instance, I asked Bard about “argumentative diphthongization,” a phrase that I just made up. Not only did it produce five paragraphs elucidating this spurious phenomenon, the chatbot told me the term was “first coined by the linguist Hans Jakobsen in 1922.” Needless to say, there has never been a prominent linguist named Hans Jakobsen (although a Danish gymnast with that name did compete in the 1920 Olympics).

AI researchers are calling this issue “hallucinations.” Can machines actually become unhinged and deviate from reality? Apparently so. Here is an interview on CBS’s “60 Minutes” with Google CEO, Sundar Pichai, who recognizes the problem of AI hallucination all too well. Pichai says that “no one has been able to solve the hallucination, yet and that all AI models have this as an issue.”

The Interesting Subject of Hallucination in Neural Machine Translation

Here is the interview — listen closely.

Here is an open review worth looking into the immediate problem plaguing the industry at present, written by several scholars working with Google AI in 2018. Why are we just hearing about this in the last few months — and why is it worsening?

CNN said it this way, “Before artificial intelligence can take over the world, it has to solve one problem. The bots are hallucinating. AI-powered tools like ChatGPT have mesmerized us with their ability to produce authoritative, human-sounding responses to seemingly any prompt.”

Yesterday, Wired stated, “Chatbot hallucinations are poisoning web search.” It really is difficult to tell the difference unless you know the actual truth. The artificial intelligence tells you the information in the most confident tones, and the response seems true — untell you search further and find out that it is not true.

Are these AI hallucinations preventable? But here are the worst chatbot liars — those who profess to know medical knowledge. Imagine the parent who does not have medical training — like most of us. Picture this: late one night, you have a sick child, and you want to ask search whether you should give the kid a little Tylenol or take them to the emergency room. The bot instructs you erroneously, and your child is injured. Most could detect a few issues arising from this scenario.

PubMed — the official website of the United States government responded to chatbot scientific writing. Here. Even the government is a little concerned.

Let’s hope the chatbots get an overhaul soon.

Featured Image Credit:

Deanna Ritchie Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

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Sorel Sale 2023: Score Up to 40% Off Right Now

With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they’re betting you’ll love. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping! Explore the SHOP

Known for its insulated and snow-proof boots, Sorel is a shoe-craftsmanship powerhouse. The brand offers durable boots constructed out of quality materials like waterproof leather and fleece lining. But boots aren’t the only type of footwear Sorel offers. For two innovative outside-the-boot examples, it also offers adaptive footwear and a podiatrist-approved sneaker collaboration with artisan coffee company Alfred. It’s also been spotted on numerous celebs, including Katie Holmes and Jennifer Aniston. And who are we to say no to getting celeb-worthy, podiatrist-approved, durable shoes from Sorel while they’re on sale for up to 40 percent off?

There are so many styles part of the Sorel sale, including its signature wave sneaker, functional sandals, and even cozy slippers (we spotted the Coffee Run Slipper for just under $60 in an oh-so-fun-for-fall cheetah print fur!).

We combed through the sale section to round up the best Sorel shoes on sale. Scroll down to shop our top picks.

Shop our favorite picks from Sorel’s shoe sale:

Kinetic Impact Lace II Sneaker — $85.00

Originally $145, now $86

Lightweight, breathable, and stylish, the Kinetic Impact Sneaker is ideal for a run to the grocery store, or a walk in the park. These kicks are constructed out of a lightweight foam to provide you comfort all day long, and the rubber outsole provides traction to prevent slips and falls.

Kinetic Impact II Strap Sneaker — $86.00

Originally $145, now $86

Another iteration of the Kinetic shoe, the Impact Strap Sneaker is easy to put on. Despite not having any laces, the large strap secures your feet, and the foam midsole provides the cushioning you need in order to walk comfortably for miles.

ONA 503 Knit Sneaker — $75.00

Originally $125, now $75

A mix of breathable knit and suede, these are the ultimate transitional shoe. You can dress them up or down and walk for miles in them as they boast an expertly molded footbed with just the right amount of cushion. There are two neutral colors to choose from.

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Women’s Kinetic Impact Slide High Sandal — $78.00

Originally $130, now $78

Folks who live in a warmer climate may still be in the market for a slip-on that is comfortable, supportive, can go with anything, and provides a little life. And no matter where you live, now’s a great time to shop ahead of next season for these slides that come in fun shades and a versatile design.

Kinetic RNEGD Caribou Boot — $90.00

Originally $150, now $90

This shoe makes me want to live out my Blake Lively dreams and wear my hiking boots all the time. This pair from the Sorel sale is both cozy and chic, and all three color combinations are on sale.

Lennox Hiker STKD Boot — $120.00

Originally $200, now $120

Whether you’re a traditional hiker, and urban hiker, or both, this boot can go the miles with you. Designed as a “hybrid hiker,” it’s waterproof and thoroughly cushioned but can still be paired with any outfit. There are also other colors available and on sale if the combat boot look of this black leather option isn’t for you.

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.

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Biden Gets Testy, Rambles About a Dog in a Lake After Reporter Asks Why Majority of Americans Say the Economy Sucks (VIDEO) | The Gateway Pundit

Joe Biden on Friday delivered remarks on the disastrous September jobs report.

The Biden Regime is once again using voodoo math to make it appear the September jobs report was a total blowout and ‘better than expected.’

“The U.S. economy added 336,000 jobs in September, the Labor Department said. Economists polled by Dow Jones expected 170,000 jobs. To be sure, wages rose less than expected last month.” CNBC reported.

According to Zero Hedge’s analysis of the September jobs report, 885,000 full-Time jobs were lost, 1 Million+ part-time jobs were added, and record number of people have multiple jobs.

A real deep dive into the numbers reveals a different story. The jobs added are mostly seasonal (teachers) and part-time work.

Biden took a few questions after his remarks.

A reporter for the Associated Press asked Biden why most Americans don’t feel positive about the economy.

“Why do you think most people still don’t feel positive or feel good news about the economy?” a reporter for AP asked Joe Biden.

Biden got testy with the reporter, lied about the jobs numbers and blamed the media’s spin for his crappy economy.

“Look, I gotta choose my words here. You all are not the happiest people in the world – what you report. And I mean it sincerely. It gets more legs when you report something that’s more negative. I don’t mean you’re picking on me. You turn on the television and there’s not a whole lot about ‘boy saves dog as he swims in the lake,’ ya know? It’s about ‘somebody pushed the dog in the lake,’” Biden said before his brain broke.

Inflation is still high, gas prices are soaring, groceries are expensive, mortgage rates are close to 8%, rent prices are at record highs and wages are down, but people aren’t feeling positive about the economy because of the media’s so-called ‘negative’ coverage. Got it?

WATCH:

Biden getting pissy with the liberal media even after a softball from Darlene Superville — an AP reporter who pens one love letter after another for this WH — is just too much. pic.twitter.com/kgvLFfo8cQ

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) October 6, 2023

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Top Strategies of Lead Generation for Technology Companies

Lead generation is a critical aspect for all types of businesses, regardless of their industry or size. It allows businesses to generate sales leads, nurture prospects, and convert them into real paying customers.

However, in the absence of a lead generation model, businesses struggle to find new customers and grow their business. 

The digital era brought many technology companies into the limelight, specifically after Covid-19. Fast-track digitization enabled the rise in demand for tech professionals globally. This has underpinned the technology sector’s health and put it at the top of the pile.

Numerous technology firms today have created and captured future growth opportunities and saw the biggest jump in median five-year annual TSR. Now that we know tech comes out on top, the question is, can it stay there? To ensure its consistent growth, it becomes requisite for technology companies to generate leads.

In this piece, we’ll go through the best strategies for lead generation for technology companies to help them reach their prospective customers.

Technology companies convert leads into prospects. Image Credit Here.
Lead Generation for Technology Companies- Top 12 Strategies!

Any marketing plan must include lead generation as a key component. It can help you identify new customers, attract potential customers, and drive revenue for your business.

You can produce leads for high-value prospects through customized B2B lead generation efforts. But the question is: how do you go about it? How do you implement these strategies? To help you out, we have compiled a list of strategies facilitating lead generation for technology companies.

1) Build an Interactive Landing Page

Having a well-designed and optimized landing page is crucial for generating leads. A professionally designed website can build trust and credibility with prospects, increasing their likelihood to purchase.

In terms of design, ensuring the landing page is visually appealing and easy to navigate is essential. It includes using a compatible layout, clear and persuasive language, and highlighting the key features of the products or services.

The landing page should be optimized for conversions. It includes using A/B testing to experiment with different design elements and using analytics tools to track the page’s performance.

A landing page’s speedy opening and mobile device optimization are also crucial. It entails implementing a responsive design and enhancing pictures and other content to load devices quickly.

2) Use Chatbots

Chatbots can respond to frequently asked questions and qualify leads by gathering information from potential customers through a conversational interface. They can simultaneously handle a large volume of 24/7 leads without human interaction. It enables organizations to reduce labor expenses while expanding their reach and consumer base.

Additionally, chatbots can be programmed to ask specific qualifying questions, which can help identify and prioritize high-quality leads. It also ensures that the sales team spends time on the most promising opportunities.

The chatbot can ask questions to gather information such as contact details, budget, and project requirements. The collected data can then be used to determine if the lead is a good fit for the business or should be passed on to a sales representative for further follow-up.

3) Host Webinars

Hosting a series of webinars to educate potential leads on addressing a particular need is ideal for positioning your company as a thought leader. You prove your knowledge and win over potential consumers by offering insightful information on a specific subject. It can raise brand recognition and trust, eventually encouraging leads and sales.

Webinars can also be used to introduce new products or features and provide demonstrations or case studies to showcase the value of your products and services. Additionally, webinars can also be used to engage with potential leads, allowing them to ask questions and provide feedback. It can also help to qualify leads further and identify their areas of interest.

Tech and software companies market research. Image Credit: Here. 4) Offer Free Trials

Offering free trials can be a great way to generate leads for a business. They offer potential customers the opportunity to try out the product or service before committing to a purchase, which can increase the likelihood of them becoming paying customers.

By allowing potential customers to try a product or service without paying any penny, businesses can build trust and demonstrate the value of their offering. Free trials can also gather valuable information about potential customers, such as their needs and preferences, which can be used to tailor future marketing efforts.

5) Use Content Syndication

Content syndication is publishing similar content to other websites to increase visibility and reach a larger audience. By syndicating your content, you can get more visitors to your website, which can then be converted into leads through calls-to-action or other forms of engagement. It might assist you in growing the audience for your brand and producing quality leads.

However, it’s important to note that when you syndicate content, you should include a rel=” canonical” link pointing to the original source. This tells search engines that the original content is authoritative and should be indexed, while the syndicated copies should be ignored.

Moreover, it ensures you don’t run into issues with duplicate content, and your website’s SEO is not affected. However, you must choose the correct platform for content syndication to ensure the right visibility and audience.

Lead identification content strategy. Image Credit: Here.6) Send Surveys

Sending out surveys can be another effective lead-generation strategy for a business. By making the survey available across multiple channels, you can increase the chances of reaching a wider audience and getting more responses to boost the conversion rate.

Surveys allow businesses to gather valuable information about potential customers, including their needs, preferences, and pain points. This information can be used to tailor marketing efforts and create targeted offers that are more likely to be successful.

Furthermore, making more educated assessments of your product and marketing strategy will enable you to understand your target market’s demands better.

7) Explain Complex Topics in Videos

Using videos to explain complex topics is another excellent way to engage and educate potential customers about your product or service. Videos aid in simplifying complicated ideas and making them easier to understand for your target audience.

Videos facilitate lead generation for technology companies by demonstrating the capabilities of the software or other technical products. They can show how the technology works in a real-world setting and give potential customers a better understanding of its features and benefits.

Remember that the video should be concise, brief, and professionally crafted. It should be tailored to the target audience’s preferences and highlight the key features of your products that add value to their lives.

Generate high-quality leads for market research. Image Credit: Here.8) Consult with Recent Clients for Referrals

Asking for referrals from existing customers can also drive leads for a business. This strategy can be particularly effective if the existing customers have a positive experience with your business, as their referral carries more weight than a traditional advertisement. It is a mere fact that happy and content customers are more eager to share their experiences with their friends, relatives, and coworkers.

There are many ways to ask for referrals. It may include offering incentives, such as discounts or rewards, for customers who refer new business or simply including a referral program as part of the customer’s experience.

It’s important to make it easy for customers to refer others to your business by providing them with a referral link or code.

Qualified leads social proof lead generation approach. Image Credit: Here.9) Collaborate With Influencers

Influencer marketing has become a popular and effective lead-generation technique for technology businesses. By collaborating with industry influencers, you can reach a wider audience and generate a high ROI through authentic and personal sales techniques.

Influencer marketing can be effective for businesses that sell consumer products or services, as it allows them to showcase their offering in a relatable way. Influencers’ recommendations are more believable than traditional advertising since they’ve gained the audience’s trust.

Influencer marketing campaigns can be implemented on various social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. The campaigns can include sponsored posts, giveaways, product reviews, influencer takeovers, and more.

It’s important to note that influencer marketing should be well-planned and executed, as it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Finding the right influencers that align with the brand’s values and target audience is essential. Also, to measure the campaign’s success, it is important to establish clear goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) before starting the campaign.

10) Ask For Testimonials

Customer testimonials can be a powerful tool for B2B lead generation in the technology industry. Positive reviews can help to enhance a company’s reputation and be used to promote its products or services. Additionally, satisfied customers may be willing to refer their contacts to the company, which can also be a valuable source of leads.

Furthermore, customer reviews can also increase website traffic by making it more likely that a company’s website will rank higher in search engines. This can lead to more potential customers finding the company’s website and potentially bringing in more leads.

11) Use Social Media

Being active on social media can help you generate more leads. Are you thinking how? The idea is to increase brand awareness and make it easier for potential customers to find and contact your business through social media.

You can increase your visibility by regularly posting engaging content, responding to comments and messages, and actively reaching out to potential customers.

Additionally, social media platforms have built-in features to create targeted ads and campaigns to reach specific audiences. But, companies need to evaluate which channels their target audience is most active on. Instead of dividing their attention across too many platforms, they should prioritize those channels.

A company may attract a larger audience by being active on several social media platforms. However, it also requires resources to maintain and create content for those channels.

Technology sector lead generation campaign landing pages. Image Credit: Here.12) Leverage Intent Data

Intent data can be a valuable tool for B2B technology companies to generate leads. The term “intent data” describes user actions that reveal a definite interest in purchasing or conducting research. These acts can be as simple as looking at product or price pages, downloading whitepapers, or conducting keyword searches or other resources.

By analyzing the actions of potential customers, B2B technology companies can gain insight into the interests and needs of their prospects.

Using intent data, you can target these prospects with personalized messaging and offers, increasing the likelihood that they will engage with your company and ultimately become loyal customers.

Technology and software companies. Image Credit: Here.

 

Wrapping Up

Lead generation strategies are the most critical aspect of sales. An organization’s sales funnel is empowered by drawing in more leads. And in today’s digital world, there are an array of options to nurture leads and improve sales.

The primary purpose is understanding the needs and interests of your target audience and matching their expectations. Try adapting one or more of these strategies to improve your lead generation efforts and spur your company’s market growth.

To win in this competitive market, you need the best Lead Generation System made for SaaS companies.

Inner Image Credits: Provided by the Author; Pixabay; Thank you!

Featured Image Credit: Provided by the Author; Thank you!

Nikita Sikri Founder, Aim2write

Nikita Sikri is a content creator who simplifies complex ideas and structures words to make them easy to understand for all audiences. She creates the voice for the brand and lets them deliver a unique way to communicate with its global audience. She is a professional writer and editor- currently running a content writing agency, Aim2write, in Gurugram, India.

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Try a Wine Facial to Enhance Radiance and Anti-Aging| Well+Good

As a Brit, I am all too familiar with the annual tragedy that is summertime in the UK. Every year, without fail, bikinis, sandals, and dresses gather dust while umbrellas and wellies wear thin from overuse. But even by our standards, the weather this summer was abysmal; a grim montage of blustery BBQs, flooded festivals, and washout weddings. As storms raged outside our London apartment, my boyfriend and I finally cracked: We booked flights to Mykonos and didn’t look back.

And it’s safe to say that our holiday didn’t disappoint. Our days were spent languidly relaxing by sun-speckled waters, greedily gorging on feta and tzatziki, and meandering back to our hotel each night with full bellies and cheeks flushed pink from one too many glasses of local wine. One thing that was not on my bingo card for this holiday, however, was that I’d be voluntarily smothering grapes all over my face rather than drinking them.

On the last day of our adventure on the Grecian island, I decided to book myself in for a facial at Ciel Spa, a retreat perched atop a rugged cliffside that appeared to be a welcome relief from the hectic old town and raucous beach clubs.

While browsing the spa menu, my curiosity was piqued by the option of an “Aegean grape facial.” According to the spa’s website, this facial was intended as an “antioxidant treatment with red grape stem cells” with results including “deep hydration, improved elasticity, anti-aging protection, and wrinkle reduction.”

I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. Was I reading this right? It had never even occurred to me that grapes could be such a skincare powerhouse. Were grapes nature’s best-kept beauty secret? I was about to find out.

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The benefits of grapes for skin

Vinotherapy—or the use of grape seeds, stalks, and skins in beauty treatments—has become increasingly popular thanks to an increase in understanding of the benefits that grapes can have on skin.

“Studies have shown that the phytochemicals in grapes can enhance wound healing,” says board-certified dermatologist Lauren Eckert Ploch, MD. “They also have antioxidant activity greater than many vitamins we associate with antioxidant activity, like vitamins C and E.”

Much of the power of grapes comes from an antioxidant called resveratrol, which works to “neutralize fine lines and established wrinkles while softening hyperpigmentation,” says Lenga Grigoriadou, founder of Lenga Oenotherapy, a wine-based line of skin care. It does this by stimulating the production of Sirtuin 1 proteins in our cells, which staves off cellular aging and enhances the health and longevity of the skin.

Grape juice also contains another superstar antioxidant polyphenol called delta-viniferin, which “protects the skin from the attacks of free radicals, enhances radiance and color tone, and promotes firmness by activating collagen synthesis,” says Lenga.

So though drinking too much wine can leave skin dull and dehydrated, there are radiance-inducing reasons to apply it topically.

What happened when I tried a wine facial

After a ferociously windy and dusty quad bike ride along a steep, mountainous dirt track, I finally made it to Ciel Spa, and it’s safe to say that the view was well worth the treacherous journey. It honestly felt like I had stepped straight into a painting; a palette of sapphire and turquoise blues swirled together like brushstrokes, and the whole scene was put into sharp relief by the luminously bright, whitewashed houses dotted across the cliffside. It was a scene of surreal beauty, and I was hypnotized by it. I snapped out of this trance when Joanna, my spa therapist, warmly welcomed me before ushering me over to my treatment bed beneath a canopy.

My Aegean grape facial began with Joanna massaging Lenga Oenatherapy’s Facial Cleansing Milk ($12), composed of grape and chamomile extract, into my skin using upward motions. The creamy cleanser glided effortlessly onto my sensitive skin, causing zero irritation. What’s more, it smells divine. It’s got the heady, slightly herbal aroma of grapes combined with an indulgent cocktail of natural oils and essences, and I felt like I could get drunk just from inhaling it.

Next came a second cleanse with a tonic lotion designed to completely remove residual dirt and makeup, which prepped my skin for a gentle, physical exfoliation. Then it was time for a facial massage using Lenga’s Dry Oil ($20), which is composed exclusively of six natural oils: grape, almond, argan, prickly pear, apricot, and macadamia. Because it’s a dry oil, “it doesn’t leave your face oily or block your pores,” Joanna assured me. And she was right: Post-application, my skin didn’t feel heavy with grease—it was silky-smooth and well-moisturized.

Finally, she smothered my fave with a hydrating mask that contains a superstar ingredient known as delta-viniferin, “an antioxidant polyphenol found in grape juice that protects the skin from the attacks of free radicals, enhances radiance and color tone, and promotes firmness by activating collagen synthesis,” says Lenga. Then, she topped things off with a hydrating serum and moisturizer.

By the time I emerged from my Aegean grape facial, I felt deeply replenished. While the experience itself was dripping in decadence, there was more to it than that. When I looked in the mirror, I was genuinely taken aback by how glowing and healthy my skin looked—there was a visible, immediate difference in my complexion.

When I reunited with my boyfriend, he was equally impressed with the results—so much so that he couldn’t stop caressing my face and saying that it felt “like a marshmallow” (a surprisingly accurate way to describe the bouncy, velvety quality of my post-facial skin). The results lingered for a few days, too—even after our flight home, my face still felt cushiony soft.

Though you’ll have to jet to Greece to get your hands on Lenga Oenatherapy’s products, there are plenty of other resveratrol-rich formulas that can help you recreate this dreamy facial without ever leaving your bathroom.

Global Images 07-23

Mary Kay, TimeWise 4-in-1 Cleanser — $26.00

The resveratrol in this cleanser comes in encapsulated form, meaning that it releases slowly into the skin over time for maximum effects. It pairs the ingredient with niacinamide (to brighten skin) and peptides (which deliver a plumping effect), so you’ll get benefits that go beyond just clean skin every time you wash your face.

Caudalie, Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence — $59.00

French skin-care brand Caudalie is lauded for its wine-inspired products, and this brightening formula is well worth adding to your routine. It combines resveratrol with glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliant that melts away dead skin cells to resurface the skin and allow for peak penetration of whatever products you put on next.

SkinCeuticals, Resveratrol B E — $168.00

Resveratrol is one of three potent antioxidants in this overnight serum (it’s paired with baicalin and pure vitamin E), which work together to scavenge free radicals and stave off visible signs of skin aging. If you’re going to splurge for one resveratrol-rich treatment to add to your routine, make it this one.

Caudalie, Resveratrol Lift Retinol Alternative Firming Cashmere Moisturizer — $69.00

Caudalie’s resveratrol products are so good that it wasn’t enough to include just one of them on this list. The brand’s Resveratrol-Lift Firming Moisturizer pairs its antioxidant benefits with a vegan collagen alternative to visibly lift and firm skin, plus hyaluronic acid and shea butter for hydration. As an added bonus, the formula is infused with microscopic pearlizers that provide an instant lit-from-within radiance that will have you swearing your skin is fresh from an actual facial.

ARCONA, Wine Hydrating Mask — $44.00

Similar to the mask that was used during my pro-grade treatment, this formula pairs grape seed and wine extracts with ultra-nourishing ingredients like carrot oil, vitamin E, and shea butter. For a boost of brightness and hydration, add it to your routine 2-3 nights per week.

Korres, Santorini Grape Velvet Skin Drink — $50.00

Korres’ “skin drink” packs a triple threat of grape-derived ingredients—grape extract, resveratrol, and grape seed oil—into its formula, and they all come straight from Santorini. It’s essentially a Greek island vacation in a bottle, and is a great final step for your DIY wine facial.

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.

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FOX News Cancels Televised Forum With Candidates for Speaker of the House | The Gateway Pundit

FOX News was planning to hold a televised forum with three candidates running to replace Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House but the event was cancelled shortly after it was announced.

Members of the House GOP were not thrilled with the idea and the candidates eventually pulled out.

This was probably a smart move.

The Hill reported:

Televised Fox News Speaker forum called off after candidates pull out

Plans for a televised Fox News forum with three contenders for House Speaker fell apart soon after they were announced.

Host Bret Baier was slated to have House Majority Leader Scalise (R-La.), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Republican Study Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) for a Monday event that Fox News billed as a “joint interview” rather than a debate.

But the unusual move — nationalizing an internal GOP conference decision — prompted backlash from GOP members, and changes to the plans

A spokesperson for Jordan first said he wanted to adjust the schedule so that the candidates talk to the GOP conference first. The conference is scheduled to host a closed-door forum Tuesday.

“Mr. Jordan is always happy to share his plan for the country, but he believes it is crucial to meet with the GOP conference before the event,” a spokesperson for the Ohio lawmaker said in a statement first shared with CNN.

People are talking about this on Twitter:

House Republicans should have enough sense by now to make decisions without playing to the whims of hostile media. If they truly cared about the American people, they would forgo the televised side show & vote to approve Jordan. #Republicans #Speaker https://t.co/rJKKj6BwBO

— Dr. Carol M. Swain (@carolmswain) October 6, 2023

I will not be participating in the televised debate,” Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern wrote on X hours after the event was announced.
“We need to make this decision as a conference, not on TV.
The Republican conference needs a family discussion.”
https://t.co/TldRAwkSq2

— Marc (@servantmarcus) October 6, 2023

A planned Fox News forum with 3 potential speaker candidates (Scalise and Jordan, plus Hern, who has not declared), is off, multiple sources tell NBC. “A lot of members pissed that this could play out so publicly when they want to solve this behind closed doors,” a source said.

— Rebecca Kaplan (@RebeccaRKaplan) October 6, 2023

Not everything that happens in DC needs to be made into a cable TV event.

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