Friday

"I am allowed to prioritize my peace."

Happy Friday! Today, we're chatting about:

• What is scent stacking

• A skin tan myth debunked

• Have you filed your taxes yet?

• Everything you need to know about SPF

• Our favorite cream for eye bags

What Scent Stacking Is and How to Actually Do It

If you have spent years searching for the one perfect perfume and still feel like something is missing, scent stacking might be why it never quite clicked. The idea is simple: instead of relying on a single fragrance to do everything, you layer two or more scents to create something that is genuinely your own.

Pinterest flagged it as one of the biggest trends of 2026, and the concept has been quietly popular in fragrance communities for a while. It can start as early as the shower with a scented body wash and lotion, then finish with a perfume or two on top. Each layer adds depth and makes the overall scent last longer too.

The key to making it work is starting with notes you already know you like. If you gravitate toward warm vanilla or earthy amber, look for other products that share those same notes. Scents within the same fragrance family, like florals with florals or warm spices with musks, tend to complement rather than compete with each other.

Once you get comfortable with the basics, experimenting gets genuinely fun. It is one of the rare beauty trends that actually rewards playing around with what you already own.

Your Base Tan Is Not Doing What You Think It Is

Every spring, dermatologists hear the same thing from patients: "I just want to get a base tan before summer." It sounds reasonable. It is also, according to board-certified dermatologist Hallie McDonald, MD, one of the most common and damaging skin myths out there.

Any tan is technically a sign of skin damage. When skin darkens, it is producing extra melanin to defend itself against UV rays. That response sounds protective, but the DNA damage has already happened by that point. For context, a tan offers roughly SPF 3 of protection at best, while dermatologists recommend SPF 30 as a daily minimum.

The long-term consequences of repeated UV exposure include accelerated aging, dark spots, and a meaningfully higher risk of skin cancers including melanoma. Tanning beds carry the same risks as the sun with no added benefit.

The good news is that sunless tanners with dihydroxyacetone (DHA) have come a long way. Current formulas skip the streaks and odd smell while still delivering a believable warm finish. Paired with a daily broad-spectrum SPF 30, which should be worn even on cloudy days since up to 80% of UV rays still come through, your skin can look great this summer and for a lot of summers after that.

File with Cash App Taxes

Now that tax season is here, there's no better time to file with Cash App Taxes. It's fast, 100% free, and it only takes a few minutes. Cash App Taxes is a completely free way to file your federal and state taxes-and get your refund*.

File with Cash App Taxes.

*Learn about Max Refund Guarantee details and eligibility. **Learn about Accurate Calculations Guarantee details and eligibility. Exclusions apply. ***5-day refund estimate is based on filing data from tax year 2024. Refund windows are subject to change for 2025. We do not guarantee when you will receive your refund. Timing estimates are dependent on the timing of your submission of a complete return and when the IRS submits your refund. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Tax Filing Preparation services are provided by Cash App Taxes, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to Cash App for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Everything You Need to Know About SPF

Most of us have been wearing sunscreen since childhood without ever really understanding what the number on the bottle means. SPF stands for sun protection factor and refers to how much longer your skin can be in the sun before it starts to burn compared to wearing nothing at all.

For most people, SPF 30 is the minimum worth reaching for since it blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Dermatologists often recommend SPF 50 or higher specifically because most people apply far less than the recommended amount. The correct amount is about a quarter teaspoon for your face and neck alone plus a full shot glass worth for your body.

The other thing worth knowing is the difference between broad-spectrum and regular sunscreen. Broad-spectrum protects against both UVA rays, which cause premature aging and dark spots, and UVB rays, which cause burning. A sunscreen without the broad-spectrum label only covers one of the two.

Daily wear matters more than most people realize. UVA rays come through windows and clouds without much resistance, which means indoor time near a window still counts as sun exposure. Reapplying every two hours when you are outside is just as important as putting it on in the first place.

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Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Heat can trigger inflammation.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Your skin changes with the season. More sun, more sweat, more exposure—adjust your care to support it, not fight it.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!