Culture | Feb. 2025
THE BUZZ: FEBRUARY 2025
By Dustin O’Regan
CLEANICAL SKINCARE
Veriphy is redefining skincare with an approach called “cleanical”—clean, natural ingredients that yield proven clinical results. For Veriphy, it’s not just about keeping ingredients pure; it’s about delivering real, visible results. The journey began with a groundbreaking discovery of PhytoSpherix®, a vegan form of glycogen, known for its impressive anti-aging and hydration benefits. This powerhouse ingredient became the foundation for a brand built on purity and proof. Veriphy prioritizes high concentrations of PhytoSpherix® in every product, carefully combining it with other natural, sustainably sourced ingredients for maximum effectiveness. Veriphy’s transparent approach means rigorous lab testing, sharing clinical results, and letting the products speak for themselves. For anyone seeking skincare that’s fresh, fun, and seriously effective, Veriphy’s “cleanical” line has it all. For more information, visit veriphyskincare.com.
WELL BEING IN A BOX
Source & Self offers an extraordinary world of brands curated to nourish your body, mind, and soul. The wellness company sources clean-living favorites plus indie brands from around the globe, cultivating sustainable solutions for people and the planet. Visit Source & Self to find everything you need to elevate your health and well-being. For more information, visit source-self.com.
HAIR RAISING
Balmain Hair marked its 50th anniversary with a collection of three luxurious hair perfumes, crafted by award-winning perfumer Cécile Zarokian. These unisex fragrances are designed to elevate your hair’s natural allure while leaving a lasting impression. Cardamom 1974 offers a sophisticated yet accessible blend of cardamom, rose, patchouli, and vanilla, balanced by bright citrus and fruity notes, evoking the confidence of wearing a Balmain blazer. Vetiver 1974 reflects Balmain’s core values of empowerment through robust woody notes of vetiver, cedarwood, and balsams, complemented by florals and zesty rhubarb for an exciting, grounded scent. Ginger 1974 embodies the iconic Balmain silhouette with a bold, sensual fragrance of ginger, fir balsam, suede, and white musk, ensuring you stand out. Each fragrance is carefully formulated with premium ingredients to provide an elegant and captivating olfactive experience for your hair. For more information, visit balmainhair.us.
CENTRAL’S GOT TALENT
See the stars of tomorrow at the Hinsdale Central Variety Show on February 12 and 13. The auditorium will come alive with singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, and other talented individuals and groups. Over the years this hallowed stage has been a stepping stone to big careers for performers. central.hinsdale86.org
STEP OUT SHOES
Samantha Dong’s injury led to a shoe collection so beautiful she was named the Rising Star in Accessories by Fashion Group International’s Chicago chapter. When Samantha couldn’t find shoes that don’t hurt. She teamed up with the best creative minds including designer Sara Jaramillo and podiatric expert, Dr. Roxann Clarke, to design stylish and pain-free heels for all women. This collaboration spawned Ally, an innovative fashion brand for women by women, renowned for our signature pain-free heels. We are passionate about empowering women through fashion and making luxury footwear more accessible for women on the move. Ally makes heels that are scientifically engineered to alleviate pain. Even better, the pumps, flats, and boots are perfectly sculpted for that luxury shoes thrill. The Chicago showroom takes appointments and Zoom fittings are available. ally.nyc
CHARGE ON
The Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology is the electric vehicle of the moment. The iconic silhouette is apparent, as is the terrain-loving ability to climb at the steepest grades. Navigation with electric intelligence will plan the fastest route and pinpoint charging stations along the way when necessary. Its bark is just as ferocious as its bite with the G-ROAR sound experience. Separating the G 580 from the electric pack, this feature emits a deeply satisfying growl at the start of acceleration, reminiscent of its gas powered sidekicks. mbusa.com
SIP SIP HOORAY
Artist Ashley Ann pours her love for visual storytelling and her passion for celebrating community into limited-edition mugs. The Hinsdale Mug is an oversized work of porcelain art, ringed with intricate hand drawings of local landmarks. Sure to be a favorite, avoid fighting over this latte-style vessel by picking up several for home and more to send local love to every valentine. It’s perfect for morning coffee, soup, and even late-night ice cream. Find this collectible at Café La Fortuna, 46 Village Place, Hinsdale.
CUPID’S FAVORITE
Flirtify any Valentine’s Day gift with a Cheeky Chonk. These adorable food-themed plushies flip inside out for an adorable two-fer treat. So squishable. Strawbootie and friends are available at Target stores.
THREADS OF HERITAGE
Two dynamic multisensory exhibitions are coming to the Field Museum this month, Africa Fashion and Connecting Threads: Africa Fashion in Chicago. Organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Africa Fashion features immersive displays of cutting-edge haute couture and ready-to-wear apparel animated by multimedia. Its companion show, Connecting Threads, organized by the Field, explores Chicago’s African design scene and its roots. The exhibitions open on February 28. Africa Fashion runs through June 29, and Connecting Threads will remain open until March 1, 2026. fieldmuseum.org
GOWNS FOR GOOD
Give another life to your pre-loved prom attire. Mothers Trust Foundation is proud to announce its 5th anniversary for the Pop Up Prom Shoppe in 2025. New and gently used formal dresses, shoes, purses, jewelry, men’s suits, ties, vests and cummerbunds are being accepted. All donations may be dropped off at University Center of Lake County (1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake), Mothers Trust Foundation (400 E Illinois Road, Lake Forest) or any Zengeler Cleaners location. motherstrustfoundation.org
DINNER AND A SHOW
Downtown Chicago comes alive this month with two of the most anticipated events of the year—Chicago Restaurant Week and Chicago Theatre Week. Restaurant Week runs now through February 9 and offers diners special prix fixe menus at more than 470 restaurants across the city. Theatre Week begins on February 6 and offers 10 days of discounted tickets to more than 100 exciting performances in every corner of the city at venues such as Lyric Opera, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Goodman Theatre. choosechicago.com
FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY: AUTOSHOW
First Look for Charity stands as one of Chicago’s greatest one-day fundraisers, regularly generating nearly $3 million for 18 area nonprofits. Guests can direct the proceeds of their ticket purchase to any or all of the 18 charitable organizations that benefit from this extraordinary night. Held at McCormick Place on February 7, the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens, it is anticipated by socialites and car buffs alike. Enjoy drinks, elegant hors d’oeuvres, and desserts while being the first to explore the nation’s largest auto show. chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity
HEATPOD2
Relax with an at-home sauna blanket—infrared heat therapy for deep relaxation and rejuvenation. The second-generation HeatPod is an infrared sauna blanket that delivers whole-body heat therapy for improved recovery, better heart and systemic health, natural pain management, and stress relief. hydragun.com
LOFTIE ALARM CLOCK
Wake up feeling refreshed with a two-phase alarm that mimics your body’s natural waking process. Get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer with soothing sleep sounds, meditations, white noise, personalized sleep stories, and more. Designed for peace of mind. byloftie.com
IMPROVE SLEEP
The Bearaby’s organic Cotton Napper is a knitted weighted blanket to help you fall asleep faster and feel calmer, naturally. Made of 100% organic cotton. bearaby.com
PERSONAL WELLNESS RETREAT
Transform your backyard into a personal wellness retreat with Nightjar Sauna, founded by Chicago native David Stoffer.
Inspired by a trip to Finland, where authentic sauna culture thrives, David Stoffer set out to offer an elevated sauna experience to North America. In 2023, he launched Nightjar to bring the best of sauna and cold plunge therapy to those seeking a more enriching wellness routine right at home.
Nightjar specializes in crafting custom luxury saunas and cold plunges, blending beautiful design with expert craftsmanship. Stoffer and his business partner John Smits, share a background in high-end remodeling with a commitment to health and fitness. Each sauna is built with both aesthetics and function in mind.
One of the core wellness practices Nightjar promotes is contrast therapy, the combination of sauna and cold plunge sessions. Using a Nightjar sauna with high heat exceeding 174 degrees and pouring water on the rocks to create steam will help to relax muscles, improve circulation, and detoxify the body through sweat. Combining the cold plunge with sauna will invigorate the body and enhance circulation by causing blood vessels to constrict and expand. This combination not only boosts cardiovascular health but also strengthens the immune system and provides a natural energy boost.
To create your own backyard wellness oasis, visit nightjarsauna.com to start customizing your sauna and cold plunge.
