BEST FACE OILS OF 2023

 

From Hailey Bieber’s ‘doughnut glazed’ skin as 2022’s beauty trend of the year to this year’s Spring 2023 runway models wearing ‘no-makeup’ as makeup — one thing is for sure: healthy, radiant skin is ALWAYS on trend. For those aspiring to maintain their ‘doughnut glazed’ skin to intrigued first-timer's, here are 2023's best face oils to shop!

The greatest beauty commandment? Every epic makeup look begins with a solid foundation to work with — aka: healthy, radiant, glossy skin.

No one embodies this commandment better than model and fashion ‘IT’ girl, Hailey Bieber. In 2022, Bieber popularized the ‘doughnut glazed’ skin trend when she revealed her secret to glossy, luminous skin stating, ‘my standard when I go to bed at night is that if I’m not getting into bed looking like a glazed doughnut, then I’m not doing the right thing,’ on her YouTube channel.

This year’s makeup trend of the year? Skincare as makeup. Brandon Maxwell and Proenza Schouler’s spring 2023 shows’ focused on ‘no-makeup, makeup’ that allowed fresh skin to take center stage. Other brands like Khaite, Fendi, and Altuzarra also embraced naked-skin for their models (enhanced by a highlighter or a blush/bronzer to sculpt and define).

A year later, and we are all still obsessed with her barely-there makeup aesthetic (all thanks to her glittering, radiant skin). The secret to achieving Bieber’s luminous skin? Consider adding facial oils to your skincare routine. Whatever your skin type – oily, combination, or acne-prone skin – incorporating face oils into your skincare routine is one of the best things you can do for your complexion.

Contrary to what some may believe, face oils don’t (typically) clog pores, cause breakouts, or feel overly greasy. Instead, they seal in skin’s moisture leaving your face with an extra glossy and bright finish!

In comparison to serums and creams, facial oils may seem trivial or even redundant, but the truth is that these oils are rich in nutrients, fatty acids, and other essential ingredients that are great for the skin. While not every skin type will have the same reaction to facial oils, understanding how they work, and your skin type are key to getting the glossy skin you desire.

Having a strong skin barrier prevents water from escaping, thus keeping your skin hydrated. Extreme temperatures strip away the skin’s lipids which causes seasonal dryness. Thankfully, face oils can help. They replenish the lipid layer that is stripped away and moisturizes the skin.

And the best face oils? They are extremely versatile! During winter months, oils layer seamlessly under heavier creams. Then in spring and summer months, an oil is perfect alternative for lightweight hydration! 

Face oils can be of natural or synthetic origin. The best face oils are natural plant based as they work to transform your skin without clogging pores. Synthetic facial oils, on the other hand, are comedogenic and tend to clog pores.

Most face oils are rich in essential fatty acids. This means that they can help balance oily skin by restoring essential fatty acids and providing hydration without leaving a greasy residue behind.

Despite how they may be marketed, face oils aren’t like other types of moisturizers, like creams and lotions, in that they don’t hydrate. They stay on the surface of the skin to help seal in hydration and ingredients of the previously applied ointments.

Since oils don’t contain any water themselves, they don’t moisturize. So, for optimal results use them with a moisturizer. If your skincare routine already includes using a serum daily, apply the face oil after the serum and before the moisturizer. You can also replace the serum with facial oil all together.

Although it’s reassuring that there are so many quality face oils available in today’s market, something for every skin type(acne-prone, oily, dry, and even sensitive skin), finding the right oil can also be quite daunting.

To help you sift through the sea of products, here is a list of the best face oils for every skin type. Discover yours below.

DRY & DEHYDRATED SKIN

Pomegranate, marula, and moringa oils are best. Jojoba and argan oils also work great. Another option is abyssinian oil (it’s high in omega 3 and fatty acids).

JOJOBA OIL AT SAJE

FOR $25

HONEY INFUSED FACE OIL AT GISOU

FOR $60

OILY, ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Hemp oil for blemish-prone skin. Rosehip or pumpkin seed oils are other effective options. Black cumin and grapeseed oils work great for this skin type.

JOSIE MARAN ARGAN OIL AT TARGET FOR $49

KINSKIN CERAMIDE OIL AT CREDO BEAUTY FOR $38

AGING SKIN

Acai oil, which is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, is a favorite.

HYDRABARRIER NOURISHING FACE OIL AT SEPHORA FOR $58

COLLAGEN SUPERFUSION FACIAL OIL AT SEPHORA FOR $85

SENSITIVE SKIN

Many people with sensitive skin gravitate towards natural face oils as they discovered that high-quality, single ingredient oils like squalene work best with their skin type. If possible, one should try performing a patch test before incorporating it into your skincare routine.

DRUNK ELEPHANT VIRGIN MARULA LUXURYFACE OIL $89 AT SEPHORA

PAI SKINCARE ROSEHIP BIOREGENERATE FACAIL OIL AT AMAZON FOR $48

BODY OILS

If your body is in serious need of hydration, body oils are a great resource to take advantage of to boost moisture. Hydrating nut and seed oils such as macadamia, almond, or coconut are your best options.

HINKOI BODY OIL AT TATCHA

FOR $58

NONI GLOW KORA OIL AT SEPHORA

FOR $63

UNSURE OF YOUR SKIN TYPE?

Speak with your dermatologist or aesthetician to make sure your skin can handle any oil. Just because something seems amazing does not mean it’s great for everyone.

 

LAS VEGAS WEDDING CHAPELS

 

From elopements and vow renewals to drive-thru weddings and Elvis impersonators, THIS is the ‘Marriage Capital of the World’, THIS is Las Vegas.

Known for its luxurious resorts, glittering casinos, and bustling nightlife, Las Vegas also caters to couples who are looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding experience. From traditional and classic to quirky and unconventional, there is a venue for every couple.

Although Las Vegas may be the last place most would consider for their big day, with over 50 wedding chapels in the city, it might just be the most perfect place to say, “I do.”

Here are some of the best wedding chapels on the Las Vegas strip that you won't want to miss:

GRACELAND WEDDING CHAPEL

Make no mistake, this is the original and first ever Elvis themed wedding chapel. Graceland Wedding Chapel was the world’s first chapel to conduct an Elvis themed ceremony back in 1977.

If you're a fan of Elvis Presley, the Graceland Wedding Chapel is a must-visit. This chapel has a replica of the Graceland mansion's gates and a life-size statue of Elvis himself.

This iconic venue offers quaint traditional weddings as well as the super-fun and now famous Elvis themed ceremonies. Couples can choose from a range of Elvis-themed packages, including the option to have Elvis walk the bride down the aisle.

Whether you are interested in a legal wedding ceremony or just want to surprise your spouse with a renewal of wedding vows, do it at the chapel that started it all.

CHAPEL OF BELLS

If you are a cinephile this wedding chapel may just be the place for your big day. Hollywood producers and directors have included the Chapel of Bells to feature in their films such as Honeymoon in Vegas, Mars Attack, Indecent Proposal, and Vegas Vacation. Celebrities like Kelly Ripa to Bobby Unser have also tied the knot at this famous chapel on the Las Vegas Strip. You could be next.

Arriving guests pass through a lush garden on their way into the chapel. The chapel is well maintained. It is friendly to all religions and the service is by a non-denominational minister.

They offer wedding packages ranging from low to moderate. Interestingly, the chapel has a low-priced package that includes transportation from your hotel to the Marriage License Bureau and then to the Chapel. They use what they call an executive car rather than a limousine.

LITTLE CHURCH OF THE WEST

The Church of The West is a piece of Vegas folklore, featuring in iconic scenes of Viva Las Vegas starring none other than Elvis Presley and Ann Margret.

Built in 1942, this venue is the only building on the Las Vegas Strip to be listed on the National Registry of Historic Places! Become a part of Las Vegas Strip history by exchanging vows at this historic landmark.

Little Church of the West is a picturesque wedding chapel, situated on one acre of manicured land. The chapel can seat up to 60 guests, and there is a maximum capacity at 75. For a larger venue, they offer the garden as a picturesque and spacious location with gorgeous surrounding trees.

Elvis impersonators can officiate your special day, or you could get bragging rights by having your ceremony right in front of the world-famous ‘Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign. 

LITTLE WHITE WEDDING CHAPEL

The Little White Wedding Chapel has been a Las Vegas institution since 1951, with a variety of packages available, ranging from simple ceremonies to more elaborate events. This chapel has seen many famous weddings over the years, including those of Frank Sinatra, Michael Jordan, and Bruce Willis.

VENETIAN WEDDING CHAPEL

The Venetian Hotel has Venetian inspired buildings, bridges, and chapels. Inspired by old world streets of Italy, the hotel has built-in real water canals, authentic Venetian buildings, and beautiful bridges.

The hotel has three magnificent chapels for weddings. The chapels reflect the beauty of ancient Venice. Their dark wood and muted colors speak an old world elegance not often found.

Other locations include the breath taking Palazzo Water Falls in the atrium. There are courtyards and terraces that after the ceremonies can be converted into a reception area.

CHAPEL OF FLOWERS

Do you have visions of grandiose gardens or of an outdoor wedding? Famous for its beautifully landscaped gardens which provide the most stunning backdrop photographs and overall ambiance, the Chapel of Flowers is the venue for you.

This popular venue offers a wide range of packages, including traditional ceremonies, outdoor weddings, and even Elvis-themed weddings.

GLASS GARDENS CHAPEL

The Glass Gardens Wedding Chapel is designed for couples who want a sophisticated, intimate outdoor Las Vegas ceremony with the comfort and peace of mind that only a climate-controlled environment provides.

Walk through the foyer and into the rustic-chic Glass Gardens Chapel decorated with designer planked walls, a magnificent glass ceiling with a custom lighting system to mimic the sky, and Pinterest inspired wedding decor.

This state-of-the-art Las Vegas garden chapel will delight any couple who desires an upscale garden wedding for a fraction of the cost. The Glass Gardens can accommodate private ceremonies for just newlyweds and large ceremonies for up to 88 guests.

 VIVA LAS VEGAS WEDDING CHAPEL

Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel offers couples the wedding of their dreams — LITERALLY. They specialize in dream themed weddings. From Zombie Elvis weddings to Gothic weddings and even Star Trek themed weddings, this chapel is for those looking for something a little more unconventional.

The gleaming Spanish tile floors and soft green carpet running down the aisle show off the most elaborate bridal trains in traditional ceremonies. This chapel also offers live streaming of ceremonies, so friends and family who can't make it to Las Vegas can still be a part of the big day.

SCENIC LAS VEGAS WEDDINGS

If you can’t seem to decide on which of the above venues works best for your big day, then may I suggest in a picturesque wedding venues located throughout the Las Vegas, Nevada area.

Husband-and-wife duo, Trey and Melissa Tomsik’s company Scenic Las Vegas weddings specializes in such weddings. The company’s mission is to craft once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Whether you desire a classic ceremony in a chapel or a celebration overlooking the Grand Canyon, this business can cater to your preferences and needs.

For striking natural backdrops, you can exchange your vows at the Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, Tule Springs, or Lake Mead.

For those in favor of lush vegetation, wildlife, four serene ponds, and views of mountain ranges, Tule Springs is for you.

Thinking of something a little more romantic? What could be more romantic than being surrounded by red sandstone formations and a vast desert scenery in the Valley of Fire State Park!

For a vineyard elopement, there’s Pahrump Valley Winery who can provide an intimate affair for you and your loved ones.

 

ODD BEHAVIOR OF TATTOOS

 

The mysterious staying power of tattoos and why they are so difficult to remove.

In Kalinga village in the Philippines, 106 years young Apo Whang-Od holds an inked gisi (a bamboo stick with a thorn attached to one end), uses a larger stick to whack it with her right hand, driving over a hundred times per minute into the flesh. This is a centuries old practice of the indigenous tattooing. Tattooing skin since she was a teenager, Apo Whang-Od graces the April 2023 Vogue cover of Vogue Philippines and she is one of the last people on earth who practice ‘batok’.

In the cover photo, Apo Whang-Od is seen gracefully sitting, clad in the symbols of her tribe, the Kalinga. Apo uses delicate and precise tools to ink the stories of the Kalinga onto skin, allowing the wearer to carry history with them through life.

This practice is very spiritual for the members of Apo’s tribe as it symbolizes identity and kin as well as a mode of communicating stories and knowledge passed from their ancestors. It is believed that the designs on their skin protect them from evil spirits and travel with them to the afterlife, whereas tangible possessions do not.

This artistic form of self and cultural expression, tattooing or the carving of wounds into permanent, inked-in shapes that we find aesthetically pleasing, has been around for thousands of years. Tattoos have been discovered on humans as far back as 3,000 B.C. on mummified skin and in 4,900 B.C. tattoos were represented as an ancient art form. One of the strangest and least-studied enigmas, though, is how tattoos survive at all. Why is it that some tattoos quickly fade while others remain intact or their reaction to light (like the sun).

So much of tattooing still remains mysterious. Let’s dig deeper for a better understanding of what is really happening below the surface of the skin when receiving a tattoo.

THE PROCESS

When you get a tattoo, the ink is inserted via needle into the dermis (the second layer of skin). Your body sees this ink as a foreign invader and activates the immune system to seek out and destroy the unfamiliar material.

As part of this process, special white blood cells called macrophages envelop the ink and try to break it down with enzymes to a size small enough to be disposed of through the body’s lymphatic system.

(When the tattoo needle introduces bacteria at the same time as introducing ink, a similar macrophage response takes place. If the bacteria multiply faster than the white blood cells can destroy them, you will get an infection).

However, large tattoo ink droplets are not broken down by these enzymes. Once taken in by a macrophage, the ink molecules are stuck there. It is this trapped ink that you see when admiring your or your friend’s latest tattoo.

REMOVING TATTOOS

If you tattooed your ex-lovers name, what can be done to remove it? Removing tattoos can be quite challenging/difficult because of the macrophage death and renewal life cycle/process. Lasers are used to break up the ink droplets into small enough sizes that the body can successfully remove. This process often takes multiple costly visits with the service technician.

If we can somehow stop the arrival of new macrophages to the area where a tattoo is being removed, it could speed along the laser process and allow the lymphatic system to remove fragmented particles more easily. There is still more research needed to be done before this can be a possibility.

HEALTH & SAFETY

If someone is immunocompromised, is it safe to get a tattoo? The jury is still out. There have been instances of immunosuppressed individuals experiencing severe muscle pain and swelling after receiving a tattoo. However, it is not clear whether this is because of the tattoo process itself or by another external factor (such as an injury) that coincided with the time of receiving the tattoo. It seems plausible that a body already struggling to fight infections could be overwhelmed when a tattoo is added to the equation. More research is needed.

OTHER FINDINGS

Other research has shown a possible link between tattoos and a strengthened immune system. When you get a tattoo, the body’s immune system immediately bolsters itself to fight off infection, but research has found that this happens not just at the “injured” tattoo site but throughout the entire body, and the response has shown to be cumulative.

As part of the body’s endocrine system, levels of cortisol (the hormone known to produce the “fight or flight” response in times of stress) seem to decrease during subsequent tattoo creations.

When cortisol levels are too high over a period, blood pressure and the processing of food can run amok, causing diabetes, and anxiety can become uncontrollable. These decreased moments of cortisol post-tattooing can, thus, be beneficial to overall health.

While tattoos seem only “skin deep,” research continues to show us that they affect numerous body systems, including the immune, lymphatic, and endocrine systems.

 

ROYAL CROWNS & TIARAS

 

Of the 40 countries in possession of royal jewels, here are the most precious and beautiful royal headgear worn by monarchs - kings, queens, and emperors - in the world.

It’s fascinating how such a piece of jewelry can wield so much power, command, and respect, in particular – royal crowns and tiaras. They symbolize power and authority as well as victory, honor, and glory. It is also the most traditional form of headgear worn by monarchs such as kings, queens, and emperors.

Throughout history, works of art depicted royal crowns being brought forth by angels or placed on a monarch’s head by angelic beings. This reinforced the belief that Western Kings were directly anointed by God and that His power flowed through them, protecting the people. Crowns of Roman emperors were represented by laurel wreaths which sometimes took the shape of oak leaver, flowers, or thorns. 

Whatever form the crown took, its intent was the same- to convince the masses that their rulers were chosen and protected by God (or in those times, the gods, or deities). This gave kings and queens a tremendous advantage and a basis for monarchies to produce heirs so that the families in power remained in power.

Besides religious symbolism, crowns and tiaras symbolize wealth as they were made of the finest materials such as metals and jewels. The most dazzling and impressive part of royal crowns are their gems and stones. The Imperial State Crown (which is  part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom) is adorned with some of the most famous jewels in the world. It has the St. Edward’s sapphire, the Black Prince’s Ruby, the Stuart Sapphire, and Queen Elizabeth’s pearls.

Whatever royal crowns, tiaras, and coronets or diadems represent today, they are an important part of culture holding with them historical and artistic value as they were made of the finest materials and craftsmen of their time. Today there are 40 countries with royal crowns and some of them have more than one. Here are some of the most beautiful royal crowns in the world.

QUEEN LETIZIA OF SPAIN

THE FLEUR DE LYS TIARA

Queen Letizia’s favorite tiara is the Fleur de Lys (also known as “La Buena”) — a century old headpiece that was made for her husband’s great-grandmother, Queen Ena of Spain.

Spain doesn’t have crown jewels like other monarchies, but they do have a set of jewels passed from monarch to monarch known as the ‘joyas de pasar’ which translates to English, ‘the jewels that are passed on.’

The collection was created by Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain, who is better known to us as Queen Ena. When she made her will in 1963, she included a codicil that designated a group of her jewels to be passed down from monarch to monarch.

In the ‘joyas de pasar’ collection, Queen Ena included her wedding tiara, the ‘Fleur de Lys’ diadem (aka: ‘La Buena’). The tiara was made by Ansorena in 1906 who included the ‘fleur-de-lis’ symbol of Spain’s reigning family, the House of Borbon, into the design of this stunning headpiece. King Alfonso XIII gave the Fleur de Lys tiara as a wedding present to Ena, his new bride.

QUEEN MAXIMA, DUTCH MONARCH OF THE NETHERLANDS

THE LEGENDARY DIAMOND STUART TIARA

The Stuart diamond tiara was first owned by Queen Mary II, is now in the hands of the This Goliath of a diadem includes one of the rarest and most historic diamonds in any royal collection, the Stuart (or Holland) Diamond. That single diamond alone weighs 39.75 carats. Today, the Stuart Diamond Tiara belongs to Maxima, the Queen of the Netherlands—who is the Netherlands’ first queen consort to have been born as a commoner, as well as outside of Europe.

The Stuart Diamond’s first recorded owner was a member of the House of Stuart: Queen Mary II and King William III of England. They purchased the diamond after they married. Originally set in a brooch, it was later turned into a pendant necklace by Queen Charlotte, and then finally placed in a tiara by order of Queen Emma in 1897 for her daughter Princess Wilhelmina. She would go on to wear the Stuart Tiara at her investiture in 1898 and a smaller version of the tiara -- without the upper row of diamonds, including the Stuart diamond -- for her wedding in 1901). It was designed by Schurmann.  

In May of 2018, Queen Maxima debuted a version of the Stuart Diamond Tiara (without the actual Stuart Diamond itself or the central element that supported it. The large clusters of the tiara were repurposed as earrings, resulting in a much more wearable and balanced tiara.) at the Luxembourgish state visit that spring.

QUEEN ELIZABETH OF THE UK

THE POLTIMORE TIARA

The Poltimore Tiara was made in 1870 by the House of Garrard in London for Lady Poltimore, the wife of the second Baron Poltimore and treasurer to Queen Victoria’s household (from 1872-1874). Lady Poltimore wore this fantastical creation to the coronation of King George V in 1911.

In January of 1959, the family put the tiara up for public auction and was purchased for 5,500 pounds by Princess Margaret. Thanks to Margaret, the Poltimore Tiara is now forever a part of history, as it is the tiara most associated with the princess. She first wore the tiara to her wedding to Antony Armstrong-Jones on May 6, 1960.

This tiara is not your typical royal headgear, as the Poltimore Tiara’s design allows it to be worn in many ways. This convertible sparkler can transform into a necklace (which Margaret did in 1960) or eleven brooches. When worn, the tiara almost appears to float. The tiara’s framework is laced with a brown ribbon, meant to match Margaret’s hair color, which gives the illusion of floating above one’s head. As a tiara, it can also be worn in its full glory or in a slightly smaller version.

Its style is the epitome of Victorian-era jewelry as its diamond scrolls evoke nature, flora, and fauna. The design is an arranged line of cushion-shaped and old-cut diamond clusters alternating with diamond-set scroll motifs. Each of which is surmounted by old-cut diamond terminals, to the collet-set diamond line, mounted in silver and gold (circa: 1870).

After Princess Margaret’s death in 2002, the Poltimore Tiara was held at Christie’s for auction from Margaret’s private collection. The tiara went for 926,400 pounds (now around $1.1 million) to a private buyer. Its whereabouts are unknown.

PRINCESS DIANA OF THE UK

THE LOVER’S KNOT TIARA

Queen Elizabeth loaned the Lover's Knot Tiara to Princess Diana in 1981 as a wedding gift. Although Diana opted to wear the Spencer Tiara (a family heirloom) on her wedding day instead, the Lover's Knot would become one of Diana’s favorite pieces, despite it being so heavy.  

When Queen Mary died in 1953, the crown was passed down to her grand-daughter, Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen wore the tiara several times in the '50s, before moving on to other pieces like the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, which have since become her favorites.

When Diana and Charles divorced, the crown was returned to Queen Elizabeth II. Diana was allowed to keep her jewelry as part of the settlement, but the tiara was on loan from the Queen and thus had to be given back and reportedly put into a safe at Buckingham Palace.

PRINCESS OF WALES KATE MIDDLETON

THE CARTIER HALO TIARA

The Duchess of Cambridge (now the Duchess of Wales) Kate Middleton wed Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge on April 29, 2011, in a highly televised royal wedding that took the world by storm. While her late mother-in-law, the late Princess Diana wore a Spencer family heirloom to her own wedding, Kate chose a sentimental headpiece from the Queen: the Cartier Halo tiara.

Originally purchased by King George VI for his wife, Queen Elizabeth, the Cartier Tiara has quite a history with the royal family. Given that the Duchess of Cambridge was a layperson when she met and then married Prince William, just as Queen Mary was when she met and married George VI, the tiara was likely a deliberate choice meant to pay homage to the Queen Mother herself.

In the months leading up to the wedding, there were rumors that Kate Middleton hoped to wear a whimsical flower crown instead which aligned with her own more casual bohemian taste. In the end, Kate chose the Cartier Halo Tiara for her big day. Kate paired the tiara with an ivory silk tulle veil hand-embroidered with flowers.

The diamond tiara was borrowed from Queen Elizabeth, continuing a royal family tradition, and paying homage to the role she would be marrying into the future Queen of England.

*(For royal events, Kate has been known to wear the Lotus Flower tiara).

The Cartier Halo tiara is now considered one of the most iconic royal wedding tiaras. Comprised of 739 brilliant-cut diamonds and 149 baguette-cut diamonds, the bedazzled tiara is an impressive showcase of royal grandeur without being too over-the-top.

PRINCESS EUGENIE OF THE UK

THE GREVILLE EMERALD KOKOSHNIK TIARA

Although it was widely rumored Princess Eugenie would wear the York Tiara on her wedding day in 2018, she chose the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara. This Tiara was made in ‘kokoshnik’ style by the French jeweler Boucheron in 1919. It consists of rose-cut pave diamonds set in platinum with a total of six emeralds with the largest emerald at its center.

First worn by Russia’s Imperial Court in the early 19th century, this diamond and emerald headpiece is rumored to cost 17 million dollars. Dame Margaret Greville was the tiara’s original owner, a famous society hostess who, upon her death, left her jewels to the Queen Mother.

In 2018, the Queen lent it to Princess Eugenie for her wedding day — making it quite the extravagant “something borrowed.” Eugenie paired the Kokoshnik tiara with diamond and emerald drop earrings, which were a gift from her now-husband, Jack Brooksbank.

QUEEN SILVIA OF SWEDEN

QUEEN SILVIA OF SWEDEN / GETTY IMAGES

THE NAPOLEONIC AMETHYST TIARA

The stones of the Napoleonic Amethyst Tiara are believed to have originally belonged to Empress Joséphine, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, as a set - a necklace, earrings, and bracelet. Hence the name of the tiara.

The jewelry was passed down through her daughter-in-law, Princess Augusta of Bavaria to the next generation, Joséphine of Leuchtenberg.  The amethysts found their way to Sweden when Josephine married the future King Oscar I in 1823. It wasn’t until the reign of the current Queen Consort, Silvia, that the jewelry reappeared to the public but this time Queen Silvia had the amethysts redesigned into the tiara we see today.

The tiara is styled as a circlet and features deep violet-colored faceted amethysts each set horizontally in a diamond surround and separated with interlocking diamond loops.

 

CELEBRITY RINGS & ENGAGEMENTS 2023

 

It’s hard to name a more powerful force than when two celebrities get married to become one unified force: the Power Couple. Here are the star couples of 2023 ready to walk down the aisle.

From their red-carpet appearances to lifestyle(s), nothing captures the world’s attention by storm more than when they fall in love and get engaged. Their engagements conjure up hope of true love and serve as a much-needed reminder of the love and romance in our own lives.

Just into the new year and numerous star-studded couples from John Hamm and Anna Osceola to Lana Del Rey and Evan Winiker to Dylan Sprouse and Barbra Palvin, among others have all said ‘Yes!’ to walking down the aisle with their partner.  

At the heart of these engagements is the engagement ring. The ring signifies the deep connection and undeniable profound love between two people. For celebrities, the engagement ring is more than just a declaration of their love, but a statement piece.

Celebrity engagement rings are just as exciting as their proposals with their innovative design(s) and remarkable quality. Having access to the world’s greatest artisans and jewelry designers, as well as the resources to attain such a piece, celebrity engagement rings are incredible works of art. It’s no wonder they remain a topic of awe for people around the world.

Below are the celebrity couples of 2023 who are ready to say, ‘I do!’ and the magnificent engagement rings.  

KATE BOSWORTH & JUSTIN LONG

A little over a year into their relationship, Kate Bosworth and Justin Long made their official red carpet debut on March 12 at the Vanity Fair Oscars party. The ‘Blue Crush’ actor smiled for the cameras in a plunging gown by Monique Lhuillier as she revealed to the world her massive engagement ring with her hand on Long’s chest.

Bosworth’s engagement ring is a 5-carat round brilliant solitaire diamond set on a thin platinum band. This round-cut diamond, known as a traditional shape for engagement rings, never goes out of style. The ring is valued at an estimated $500,000,

Then on March 15, Bosworth announced the news on her Instagram (along with photos from the Oscars after party) with the caption: “These things are funny to announce. How to do this right? He’s going the distance? I’ve got a Blue Crush? He’s just THAT into me? I’ve won a date with…??? Ok you get it! …If life is short, find the one who brings you endless peace and radical wonder. ✨ @justinlong I am so grateful it’s you.”

*To hear the intimate details of the couple’s proposal, head over to Long’s podcast.

DYLAN SPROUSE & BARBARA PALVIN

After 5 years of dating, the model and actor have made things official. Murmurings of Sprouse and Palvin’s engagement spread like wildfire when eagle-eyed fans spotted a ring on Palvin’s finger earlier in March, when the couple attended Mammoth Film Festival.

A source close to Palvin and Sprouse confirmed the speculations by alerting Entertainment Tonight with this statement, “Dylan and Barbara are engaged. They have been showing off her ring to people and are so happy.”

LANA DEL REY & EVAN WINIKER

SURPRISE!! And a happy one at that for Lana del Rey and Evan Winiker who managed to keep their romance low-key are officially engaged to be married! Rey debuted her gorgeous (3-carat round diamond set on a platinum band with two side stones) engagement ring at the 2023 Billboard Women In Music event in March.

JOHN HAMM & ANNA OSCEOLA

Getty Images

Getty Images

After two years together, Jon Hamm and his girlfriend Anna Osceola are making things official! The news of their engagement was first confirmed in February 2023 and Osceola debuted her (4-carat emerald cut set on a plain yellow gold petite band) ring on the red carpet for the first time at the Oscars after-party.

VANESSA HUDGENS & COLE TUCKER

Instagram: @vanessahudgens

Together since 2020, the High School Musical alum and the MLB player have made things official! Vanessa Hudgens’ engagement ring is proof—a 5-carat oval natural diamond set on a 4-prong gold Tiffany mounting.

CHRISTINA HENDRICKS & GEORGE BIANCHINI

The actress and her boyfriend of 3 years are tying the knot! Hendricks announced their engagement on Instagram with the caption, “We proposed to each other and we said yes!!! I will love and care for him forever.” In a statement through People magazine, Hendricks stated that, “the proposals were quiet and romantic and done separately in special places that have meaning to us.”

REBEL WILSON &7 RAMONA AGRUMA

Wilson proposed to the love of her life with a magical proposal at Disneyland. She worked intimately with Disney to make sure things went off without a hitch as well as jewelry house — Tiffany and Co. to craft the ultimate engagement ring. Quite the stunner, this ring features a round brilliant 2.55-carat natural diamond with a classic Tiffany platinum setting.

ROSALIA & RAUW ALEJANDRO

instagram: @rosalia.vt

Two of Latin music’s biggest stars are making it official! Rosalía announced her engagement to Rauw Alejandro with their new music video for their song “Beso,” which ended with a ring reveal. After a romantic montage of their relationship, the final clip showed Rosalia offering a close look at her new ring with tears in her eyes.

Set on a thin silver band, the stunning diamond appears to be a round shape, it seems that Alejandro proposed with a 4-carat cushion-cut natural diamond, flanked by either oval or trapezoid-cut natural diamonds on each side of the center stone. The center stone is estimated to be about two-and-a-half carats, with three small diamonds set in a triangle shape on either side.

MILLIE BOBBY BROWN & JAKE BONGIOVI

Instagram: @milliebobbybrown

After two and a half years of dating, Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi are engaged! The duo made it official in April with what looks to be a 4-carat round natural diamond engagement ring.

OLIVIA CULPO & CHRISTIAN McCAFFERY

Instagram: @oliviaculpo

It’s about time for these two! After first linking up in 2019, influencer Olivia Culpo and football player Christian McCaffery have made things official with their engagement. The ring itself is a knockout: A 5-6 carat oval natural diamond with trapezoid-cut side stones. Stunning!