If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

If there’s any ingredient that can help you regrow hair, fill out your over-plucked brows and give you fuller lashes, it’s castor oil. Packed with vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids and other proteins and minerals, this oil is a must-have for hair growth.

It stimulates hair growth by nourishing hair follicles and moisturizing hair from root to tip, according to Global Healing. Castor oil, which comes from castor beans, functions as a conditioner, emollient and lubricant. It contains glycerides of isoricinoleic acid, ricinoleic, dihydroxy-stearic acid, stearic acid, eicosanoic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic and linolenic acid, per this article in the International Journal of Trichology. That all probably sounds like a bunch of scientific mumbo jumbo, but essentially, these elements work in harmony to make hair healthy.

For one, ricinoleic acid moisturizes while fatty acids nourish the hair follicle. Ricinoleic acid has also been shown to improve hair growth. Not to mention, ricin and ricinoleic acid are responsible for castor oil’s antifungal properties.

In other words, you’re definitely going to want castor oil within reach whenever you find your hair lacking in length—whether it’s your locks, eyebrows or eyelashes (or all of the above). Luckily, there’s a product on the market that tackles all of these areas in one fell swoop.

Eva Naturals’ Organic Castor Oil has a 4.3-star overall rating on Amazon, with one shopper saying, “I use it in my hair and my, has been growing like crazy.”

Shop this miracle worker for just $9 on Amazon to get fuller hair—and fast. The oil also comes with two lash wands and two brow brushes to help you get started.

RELATED: This Oil From Amazon Regrows Overplucked, Thinning Eyebrows In a Week—& It’s Nearly Half Off 

Photo: Eva Naturals.

If you need more convincing, another reviewer says, “I have seen a tremendous change. After using lash extensions for several months and having them removed, I lost a lot of my own lashes and after using this product every night for a little over a month now, I have noticed lash growth and fullness.” The shopper adds that they’ve also witnessed fuller eyebrows thanks to Eva Naturals’ castor oil.

As for the timing of it all, another five-star reviewer explains that “Within a week my eyebrows and lashes were longer and fuller. I haven’t seen my actual brows since middle school and they are way better all grown out. I thought I’d have to wait months but this stuff lathered on at night before bed is the trick for quick results. It doesn’t give me acne or irritation on my skin like other products I’ve tried either.”

What more could you need to put this game-changing product into your Amazon cart? The fact that it can tackle your strands, brows and lashes all at once is reason enough to put this front and center in your toiletry cabinet. Stock up on this shopper-approved organic castor oil for $9.

For some of us age 65 or older, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B ) plus supplemental Medigap insurance provides all the healthcare coverage we need. However, others may want more benefits found in Medicare Advantage plans which technically fall under the heading of Medicare Part C.

The Medicare Advantage Option

Medicare Advantage plans provide Part A and Part B coverage as an alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare pays a fixed amount to private insurance companies, which provide benefits to each beneficiary enrolled in their plans. These companies must provide the same Part A and Part B benefits as Original Medicare but may also cover:

• Medications
• Fitness programs
• Vision, hearing and dental
• Transportation to doctor’s visits
• Services that promote health and wellness

Like Medigap supplemental insurance, most Medicare Advantage plans cap out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, enrollees may have lower monthly premiums and other costs than Original Medicare.

The Downsides

While Medicare Advantage plans provide extra benefits, there are some restrictions:

• A plan may allow access only to providers in their network. Original Medicare enrollees can see any doctor accepting Assignment.
• Some plans may permit access to out-of-network providers, but enrollees pay more.
• Medicare Advantage Plans often charge higher out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, copays and coinsurance.
• Some studies have shown that Medicare Advantage plans deny coverage more frequently than Original Medicare.

Different Types of Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans can differ in terms of how they offer benefits:

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

• An HMO requires enrollees to use providers in its network.
• Most of these plans offer drug coverage.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

• A PPO also has its own network. As a result, rules for using out-of-network providers may be less strict, but it could cost more.
• PPO plans typically cover drug costs.

Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS)

• PFFS enrollees can see any provider approved by Medicare.
• Some PFFS plans offer drug coverage.

Special Needs Plan (SNP)

• SNPs customize provider coverage and drug benefits to fit specialized needs.
• SNPs vary in the ways they handle out-of-network coverage.

Medical Savings Account (MSA)

• Under an MSA, an enrollee deposits money into a special savings account to pay for medical expenses.
• MSA plans do not offer drug coverage, but enrollees must join a separate Medicare Part D drug plan.

Medicare Advantage Plan Costs

Medicare Advantage costs differ among plans. Insurers combine benefits to create offerings that differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Premiums

Some plans pay for all or part of an enrollee’s Medicare Part B premium.

Deductibles

Deductibles vary. Higher deductibles often allow for lower copays or coinsurance.

Copays and Coinsurance

Medicare Advantage Plans are not allowed to charge more than Original Medicare for some services like skilled nursing care or chemotherapy. Copays and coinsurance for out-of-network services can be higher for insurers with a dedicated network.

Sign-Up, Renewal and Change Periods

There are several options for Medicare beneficiaries to join, switch, drop or make changes to Medicare Advantage Plans. See the Medicare and You handbook for more details.

Initial Enrollment Period (When First Medicare Eligible)

It usually encompasses the seven months beginning three months before age 65, the 65^th birthday month and three months after that.

General Enrollment (January 1 to March 31)

For Medicare beneficiaries who have Part A and are receiving Part B coverage for the first time during this period, a Medicare Advantage Plan can be joined with coverage starting July 1.

Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7)

Medicare beneficiaries can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan with coverage beginning January 1.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 – March 31)

Those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan can switch to another plan, drop a plan or return to Original Medicare.

Special Enrollment Period (Qualifying Life Event)

In most cases, a Medicare Advantage Plan goes from January to December. However, for people experiencing certain life events (moving or losing other insurance coverage), they may be able to join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan during the year.

How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans

If you’re thinking about a Medicare Advantage Plan, first write down all your healthcare priorities. Items on the list could include:

• What known or potential medical conditions do you have?
• How much out-of-pocket cost can you afford?
• How do plans compare on the following items?
  • Premiums
  • Deductibles
  • Copays
  • Coinsurance
  • Out-of-pocket caps
  • Medication coverage
  • Other services offered beyond Original Medicare
  • Out-of-network options
  • Helpline availability
• What is the insurer’s track record on denying requested treatment?

Also, if a specific service, drug or supply item is needed, ask if it is covered by the plan.

A Medicare Advantage plan could be right for you. But, first, it is essential to compare different Medicare Advantage plans. Second, compare these plans to Original Medicare with supplemental Medigap insurance and stand-alone Part D Drug coverage. Once you have completed this thorough analysis, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right plan.

You can learn more about Medicare Advantage plans by visiting the Medicare website or downloading the latest Medicare and Me handbook. Also, look for my future blog posts on Sixty and Me for more valuable Medicare information. For an even deeper dive, check out my Medicare eBook at Cantissimo Senior Living.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What questions do you have regarding Medicare Advantage Plans? Have you used it for your health needs? Why did you choose Medicare Advantage over Original Medicare?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

If there’s any ingredient that can help you regrow hair, fill out your over-plucked brows and give you fuller lashes, it’s castor oil. Packed with vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids and other proteins and minerals, this oil is a must-have for hair growth.

It stimulates hair growth by nourishing hair follicles and moisturizing hair from root to tip, according to Global Healing. Castor oil, which comes from castor beans, functions as a conditioner, emollient and lubricant. It contains glycerides of isoricinoleic acid, ricinoleic, dihydroxy-stearic acid, stearic acid, eicosanoic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic and linolenic acid, per this article in the International Journal of Trichology. That all probably sounds like a bunch of scientific mumbo jumbo, but essentially, these elements work in harmony to make hair healthy.

For one, ricinoleic acid moisturizes while fatty acids nourish the hair follicle. Ricinoleic acid has also been shown to improve hair growth. Not to mention, ricin and ricinoleic acid are responsible for castor oil’s antifungal properties.

In other words, you’re definitely going to want castor oil within reach whenever you find your hair lacking in length—whether it’s your locks, eyebrows or eyelashes (or all of the above). Luckily, there’s a product on the market that tackles all of these areas in one fell swoop.

Eva Naturals’ Organic Castor Oil has a 4.3-star overall rating on Amazon, with one shopper saying, “I use it in my hair and my, has been growing like crazy.”

Shop this miracle worker for just $9 on Amazon to get fuller hair—and fast. The oil also comes with two lash wands and two brow brushes to help you get started.

RELATED: This Oil From Amazon Regrows Overplucked, Thinning Eyebrows In a Week—& It’s Nearly Half Off 

Photo: Eva Naturals.

If you need more convincing, another reviewer says, “I have seen a tremendous change. After using lash extensions for several months and having them removed, I lost a lot of my own lashes and after using this product every night for a little over a month now, I have noticed lash growth and fullness.” The shopper adds that they’ve also witnessed fuller eyebrows thanks to Eva Naturals’ castor oil.

As for the timing of it all, another five-star reviewer explains that “Within a week my eyebrows and lashes were longer and fuller. I haven’t seen my actual brows since middle school and they are way better all grown out. I thought I’d have to wait months but this stuff lathered on at night before bed is the trick for quick results. It doesn’t give me acne or irritation on my skin like other products I’ve tried either.”

What more could you need to put this game-changing product into your Amazon cart? The fact that it can tackle your strands, brows and lashes all at once is reason enough to put this front and center in your toiletry cabinet. Stock up on this shopper-approved organic castor oil for $9.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

It’s nice to know that we’re living in a time where getting cosmetic procedures like plastic surgery is no longer looked down upon (It shouldn’t be! Do what makes you the most confident! Especially if it’s safe and done by a medical professional!). But for some, going under the knife isn’t in the cards, and finding alternatives that work similarly is like finding a needle in a haystack—nearly impossible to do, but glorious when it occurs.

So, we’re overjoyed to say that one of those needles is on sale. It’s the L’Oreal Paris Collagen Moisturizer. While it’s already sold out on Amazon, it’s available for $11 at Ulta. Here’s a bit more about this beloved moisturizer: The day and night cream was generated to feed your skin “intense hydration” that will, according to the brand, “fill in the appearance of lines and wrinkles and helps restore moisture for smoother, plumper skin.”

Now, we know that marketing lingo can be a bit overstated, but reviewers seem to back all of the above claims. In fact, over 26,000 shoppers have given the product perfect five-star ratings on Amazon.

RELATED: Shoppers Call This Vitamin C Serum a ‘Real Life Filter’—& It’s on Sale For Under $22

Courtesy: L’Oreal Paris.

L’Oreal Paris Skincare Collagen Face Moisturizer

One reviewer who used to rely on botox to minimize the appearance of their wrinkles said this moisturizer replaced their need for the procedure entirely.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or you have something to do other than scroll TikTok — jealous), you’ve seen Drunk D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops go super viral. So viral in fact, they’re sold out almost everywhere. But if you’ve wanted to try them, don’t stress. We found some stellar Drunk D-Bronzi Drops dupes that give a similar look at often a fracture of the price tag.

First, let us explain what these liquid bronzer drops do exactly. It’s actually a serum with cocoa extract, platinum peptides and antioxidant-rich chronocyclin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark spots and dullness. The lightweight formula also has a bit of a bronzy glow, so you get those immediate illuminating benefits while the formula goes to work. You’re not meant to use this as contour or bronzer exactly. Instead, you add a drop or more to any serum, oil or cream for an allover glow. (Do NOT add it to SPF or you won’t get the sunscreen benefits.)

Drunk Elephant.

We found a few in stock on Amazon at a bit of a mark-up. Otherwise if you want this specific bronze look, you’ll have to go elsewhere. And there are options! You can get a similar look and benefits by adding another bronzing liquid to a moisturizer or serum that has skin-softening and anti-aging benefits. Shop the dupes we found, below and get your glow on.

Ulta Beauty.

L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer

Choose from four shades of this “highlighting glow lotion” that can be used as a primer or alone for allover illumination.

Indeed Labs.

Indeed Labs Nanobronze Bronzing Drops

Hurry and grab this tinted serum while you can because some TikTokers are saying it’s even better than Drunk Elephant. It has botanical extracts and hyaluronic acid so you get those skincare benefits, too.

Sephora.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop’lit All-Over Glow Enhancer

You know about the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Skin Tint but did you know there are also subtle glowy skin-enhancers? There are four shades to choose from to get an allover bronze or highlighted sheen.

Saie.

Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Highlighter

There are two shades of Saie’s gel-based luminizer that’s meant to be mixed with foundation or skincare, but can be worn alone, too. The color Sunglow (a warm golden bronze) is often sold out.

Flower Beauty.

Flower Beauty Heatwave Bronzing Essence

This pretty liquid highlighter is infused with golden pigments for a face — and body! — glow.

Courtesy of Versed Skincare.

Versed Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops

These serum-like glow drops also contain skincare ingredients such as moisture-binding peptide polyglutamic acid and antioxidant-rich blackberry extract.