Growing up, my family had very specific hair categories. One of my older sisters had 'long hair'—the kind that cascaded past her shoulders and invited endless questioning about her diet and my mother's choice in products. The eldest sister had the 'thick hair', a dense, enviable crown that, as we grew older, seemed impermeable to damage from dyes and 'unique' styling. And then there was me, the youngest of three, with hair that, despite all the same genetics and environment, never quite got the memo about growing past my shoulders. So, whenever wash day came around, I became used to my mother uttering the same gentle assurance, "Oh, but Ata has the 'softest' hair."
The older I got, the more I realised that this use of diplomatic euphemism was her way of sidestepping the conversation that many Black women have faced when their hair doesn't possess the length or curl pattern traditionally coveted. However, it inadvertently taught me early on that my tight, 4C coils were something to be carefully reframed or corrected. Since then, for as long as I can remember, society has insisted that a Black woman’s relationship with her hair must fit into one of two sweeping arcs.
(Image credit: Ata-Owaji Victor )
In camp one, there is the tragedy narrative: a story filled with chemical burns from relaxers, self-loathing, and a lifelong reliance on wigs and weaves used strictly as a disguise to conform to Eurocentric ideals. Then, for some Black women, there is the triumphant redemption arc—the emotional "natural hair journey" sparked by a big chop. It is a cinematic moment where you throw away the heat tools, embrace your afro in all its shrinkage-heavy glory, and declare that every kink on your head is a sacred act of political defiance and radical self-love.
For years, I believed I sat comfortably outside both narratives. The last time I saw a box of relaxer—and felt that familiar, sharp burn at the base of my scalp—was when I was 16 and for me, stepping away from chemical straighteners wasn't a radical choice. There was no solemn ceremony in front of a bathroom mirror. Instead, weaning my hair off the ‘creamy crack’ was due to a combination of living in a Black hair shop desert, not wanting to make the 40-minute bus journey to buy the necessary products, and teenage stubbornness (read: laziness) when the baton of haircare was officially passed to me.
Since then, I've gone through a multitude of hairstyles and kept wash days adaptable to my lifestyle; I rarely think or talk about my hair in a negative way. However, looking back, my hair transition has served as a point of questioning in my career as a beauty journalist. My relationship with my hair has never fit firmly into either of these camps, but when Black hair remains such a politicised topic in beauty, can I ever truly be neutral about mine?
It’s a delicate tension that exploded back into the public square early this year, led by TikTok creator @sshoz, whose viral video asking black women, “When’s the last time you left the house wearing your natural hair?” sparked a renewed discussion about the effects of a culture that on wigs, weaves, and protective styles may be harming both Black women’s relationships with their natural texture and outsiders’ perceptions of it. renewed conversations surrounding the natural hair movement by highlighting a crucial flaw within the Black hair space.
It doesn't need to be a political manifesto, a shield, a secret compromise, or an object of worship.
In some ways, both positive reactions have reached a critical juncture in this "third wave" of the natural hair movement—one that exposes how much of our socialisation around Afro hair has produced harmful messaging on both sides of the spectrum. It reveals how broader socialisation continues to shape the ways in which even Black spaces discuss racialised beauty.
Paradoxically, the current natural hair movement often, even if inadvertently, mirrors much of the harshness found in the negative or non-inclusive language that has historically surrounded Afro hair in the West. Hair is still frequently described as "stubborn," "difficult," or "unruly." It is the same language passed down by our mothers and grandmothers—a residual byproduct of survival and assimilation that taught us our natural hair was something to be conquered rather than accommodated. Today, even well-meaning natural hair spaces end up recycling that same punitive vocabulary, demanding perfection under the guise of care. So, with this in mind, is it ever possible to opt out completely?
To put it plainly, according to current research, the answer is no. To exist as a Black woman with 4C hair is to navigate this landscape of hyper-visibility and relentless institutional scrutiny. A recent report by The Guardian highlighted how discriminatory grooming policies persist globally—from classrooms in Jamaica and the UK to corporate boardrooms—enforcing colonial-era ideals of "respectability" and neatness. Even where regulatory progress occurs, the shift is painfully slow. Michelle De Leon, founder of World Afro Day, noted that while progress has been made in some countries—pointing to guidance from the UK’s equality watchdog on school uniforms designed to help prevent hair discrimination—the overall global picture remains strikingly uneven.
Meanwhile, research published by the University of Reading and community organisation TRIYBE explored the profound mental health toll of this hypervigilance, highlighting how Black women carry a constant burden of identity suppression in spaces that police their natural crowns.
Having reported extensively on Black hair politics over the years, I've tracked how we have historically been forced to carve out our own digital spaces to reclaim power—building online communities that paved the way for actionable change by recentering our textures, even in environments that refuse to make room for them. Writer and advocate Zeynab Mohamed captures this tension perfectly when reflecting on the intersecting pressures of visibility, race, and identity. "I think the idea that we can ever feel truly neutral about our appearance is almost utopian, particularly when it comes to hair," Mohamed explains. "Black women and Muslim women often have a complicated relationship with theirs. It can feel as though our hair doesn't fully belong to us; it's constantly being scrutinised, politicised or treated as public property."
Mohamed’s insight hits directly at the quiet dissonance I’ve felt for years. "For a long time, I thought I had a neutral relationship with my hair and my hijab, partly because I wanted to separate myself from all the external commentary," she admits. "But I've realised, it’s not as easy as that. Until we loosen—and ultimately break—the societal expectations placed on women's hair, neutrality will remain out of reach for many Black women and for women who wear the hijab."
Yet, what the current online discourse routinely misses is that for many Black women, protective styling and exaggerated hair aesthetics have evolved far beyond simple tools of assimilation. Many of the styles Black women now wear have expanded into a distinct expressive category, functioning much like the hyper-performative aesthetics embraced by other marginalised groups—such as drag queens—who construct an amplified, stylised version of femininity to protect themselves against misogynoir and societal hostility. In this context, hair becomes an art form, a shield, and a creative declaration of space rather than a quiet retreat into Eurocentric blending.
Sometimes, it’s just hair—and striving toward that plain, simple fact is the most peaceful journey of all.
Still, claiming neutrality while carrying a personal history of quiet adjustments leaves me constantly interrogating my own motives: Is this genuine neutrality, or is it internalised racism at play? Is my choice to step back from the politics of my hair simply a subtle, subconscious effort to render myself "other" or invisible—a protective crouch to avoid the discrimination that comes with being fully seen?
Recognising that pure neutrality might be an ideal rather than an immediate reality doesn't mean giving up on peace. Decoupling my self-worth from my hair texture requires recognising that neutrality isn't a state of complete detachment that you magically wake up with; it is an active choice to unlearn those old, bedroom-fashioned rules and resist the harsh language on both ends of the ideological spectrum. This constant pressure to perform hair care as either a political statement, a cultural armour, or an act of emotional healing is exhausting. We are rarely given permission for our hair to just be hair—dead cells, protein, a canvas, or simply a non-event.
I don't hate my "soft" 4C hair. I appreciate its versatility, its gravity-defying ability to change shape, and the complex history it carries. But I also refuse to spend four hours every Sunday wrestling with detangling brushes and a deep sense of moral duty just to prove a point to the world. Some days, I wear my natural hair because it’s easy. Other days, I wear extensions or a wig because I want a different look without analysing what it means for my soul.
Moving away from the binary of trauma versus triumph doesn't mean erasing the past or diminishing the cultural importance of Black hair. It simply means claiming the right to exist without constant self-analysis. My hair is part of me, but it is not the entirety of my story. It doesn't need to be a political manifesto, a shield, a secret compromise, or an object of worship. Sometimes, it’s just hair—and striving toward that plain, simple fact is the most peaceful journey of all.
from Latest from Marie Claire UK https://ift.tt/klS4cnN
via IFTTT
“Evelyn has spoken,” my fiancé texted my dad after I had made yet another wedding decision, as though I’d issued a royal decree.
It was harmless, but it struck a nerve. Somewhere between getting engaged and getting married, I had become the default decision-maker for our wedding – not only with my fiancé, but for family, friends and suppliers too. If everyone was waiting for my final answer, was it fair that I was then characterised as the one ‘laying down the law’?
It’s the “bridezilla” paradox: brides are expected to care about every detail, keep track of every invoice and ultimately make the decisions. But be too decisive, and suddenly you’re controlling, demanding or taking your big day far too seriously. Funny how rarely we hear the term “groomzilla”.
Women are often labelled “bridezillas” for the very decisiveness wedding planning demands (Image credit: The Vault)
“Bridezilla” dates back to at least 1995, when someone decided the natural comparison for a woman taking ownership of her wedding was, apparently, Godzilla. Wedding culture expects brides to be beautiful, gracious and effortlessly feminine; express a firm opinion, and you’re recast as a rampaging monster.
I’m getting married next month, and while I cannot wait, I hadn’t anticipated that getting engaged would come with an unwanted promotion. Somewhere along the way, I was appointed Head of Nuptials, family liaison and resident expert on matters I had previously given precisely zero thought to.
What exact shade of tie should my father-in-law wear? Should our napkins have raw or hemmed edging? How many trestle tables are “too many”? Do we want goblets or wine glasses?
I made it through almost three decades without strong feelings about the relative merits of drinking vessels. Yet here I was, apparently uniquely qualified to make the call.
When did our equal relationship acquire a project manager?
My fiancé does help, after we spoke about the imbalance, he became much better at liaising with suppliers and taking practical jobs off my list. But almost every question requiring an actual decision still comes to me.
He can follow up on things, but I’m still expected to determine what we want. When I ask for his opinion, he will often say: “But I don’t mind.”
The problem is, neither do I. But a decision still has to be made, and “I don’t mind” transfers responsibility for making it to me.
There’s a difference between sharing tasks and sharing the mental load.
There’s a difference between sharing tasks and sharing the mental load. One person can book a supplier; someone still has to anticipate what needs doing, remember the details and know what comes next.
That’s how an otherwise equal, modern relationship can suddenly begin to look traditional. This isn’t unique to us. A study of recently married and engaged Norwegian millennials found that, even within a generation raised with greater expectations of equality, women often undertook most of the wedding work and were treated as the people who should know what was required.
If you have to remind your partner... you haven’t handed over the mental load; you’ve become their manager.
Marisa Peer, therapist
In her bookConsumerism, Romance and the Wedding Experience, sociologist Sharon Boden suggests that women may come to see men as less competent at wedding planning, while men accept a “sign-off” role because weddings are perceived as a feminine domain. His passivity can then be taken as proof that she naturally cares more, rather than evidence that only one of them has been expected to develop an opinion.
Therapist and author Marisa Peer says dividing tasks doesn’t necessarily divide that underlying responsibility. “If you then have to remind [your partner], check what they’ve done or tell them how you want it done, you haven’t really handed over the mental load; you’ve simply become their manager.”
Apparently, it’s the bride’s job to know everything
It isn’t only partners who reinforce these roles. *Sophie, who is getting married next year, noticed this when her wedding planner created a group chat named “Sophie’s wedding 2027”.
Yet while the wedding industry automatically positions Sophie as the authority, that same authority is treated differently elsewhere. At work, colleagues frequently ask whether she has become a bridezilla.
“When I plan, manage and execute tasks at work, I’m seen as a ‘top performer’ who’s ‘highly organised’, but when brides apply the same standard to their weddings, it’s somehow ridiculed,” she says.
Brides can be praised for being highly organised at work, yet ridiculed for applying the same standards to their weddings. (Image credit: The Vault)
Therein lies the unwinnable logic: appoint the bride project manager, direct every enquiry to her and expect her to have an answer. Then, once she behaves suspiciously like a project manager, accuse her of becoming a bridezilla.
Sociologist Dr Julia Carter argues that this “bridezilla” label helps police how women exercise the temporary authority afforded to them as brides. Her research suggests that wedding culture demands extreme organisation alongside perfectly controlled emotion.
You can’t win the ‘bridezilla’ game
Declining the role doesn’t necessarily help.
Before her wedding in 2024, *Nadia’s future mother-in-law sent her pictures of 13 potential hats and fascinators, demanding her opinion on each. Nadia didn’t care what she wore, so she repeatedly said they looked nice in the hope that she would simply choose one.
Her fiancé then received a call from his mother complaining that Nadia was being “far too picky” and “bossy”.
“The accusation came out of left field, as I was actually being the opposite,” Nadia says. “‘Bossy’ is a really charged term, and I felt hurt by it.”
Marisa says women are expected to care enormously and ensure every detail is right, but when that responsibility manifests as “stress, decisiveness or frustration”, they can suddenly be labelled demanding or controlling.
“But we don’t tend to use the same language when a man is highly invested in an event he is helping to organise,” she says.
I don’t resent my fiancé, but I do resent that he has been allowed to become my deputy while I’ve been cast as our wedding’s chief executive. I resent that “I don’t mind” is a valid answer for him, while I’m expected to form an opinion. Most of all, I resent how naturally our equal relationship slipped into roles neither of us consciously chose.
“Evelyn has spoken” was a joke, but somebody did have to speak. Everyone was waiting for an answer and, as usual, they were waiting for it from the bride.
I don’t believe brides inherently care more about napkins or tablecloths; I think we’re just not allowed to be the one to say: “I don’t mind.”
*Names changed
Shop Couples' Wedding Planning Essentials
Papier
Wedding Invitations
Wedding Vow Books
Papier
Just Married Wedding Planner
Your Confetti
Wedding Planning Poster
from Latest from Marie Claire UK https://ift.tt/8cTERiF
via IFTTT
Autumn officially starts today, and it’s my favourite time of year to organise my wardrobe and give it a refresh. Nothing beats rediscovering hidden gems I haven’t worn for months, alongside investing in a few key new-season pieces to bring my wardrobe up to date. This week, as many return from a final end-of-summer holiday and children head back to school, the temperature shift brings with it the need to adjust our wardrobes after what has felt like an endless summer.
It’s also a key moment in the fashion calendar for brands across the board, from the High Street to designers, as new-season collections land in store. If messy end-of-season sale racks aren’t your thing, step into your favourite shops this month to find immaculate rails filled with inspiring new collections. But, if you’re busy with the back-to-school rush or simply don’t have time to shop for yourself as you settle back into work, fear not.
Below, I’ve selected 30 key new-season buys — from transeasonal autumn jackets to new denim washes and shapes, and the back-to-work accessories worth investing in. I’ve done the legwork, so you don’t have to.
30 of the Most Sought-After Autumn/Winter 2026 New Season Buys
ME+EM
Sharp Shoulder Blazer
If you love Chloé and Celine this season, ME+EM's velvet blazer is perfect for channelling autumn's folk-inspired aesthetic, in a way that feels modern and grownup.
AGOLDE
Big Cuff Jean Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Whilst Barrel jeans are here to stay, Agolde's Big Cuff jeans feel decidedly smarter and a welcomed change from the voluminous pairs currently in my wardrobe.
COS
Angular Leather Heeled Loafers
COS is always my go-to for modern footwear. These brown heeled loafers will be replacing my summer sandals pronto.
Massimo Dutti
Long Flowing Trench Coat
Last season Saint Laurent made a nylon trench one of the most desired pieces of the year. This September, Massimo Dutti has answered our prayers with this High Street version, perfect for elevating everyday school run outfits, whilst making a polished evening coverup.
Reiss
Wool Pinstripe Belted Pencil Skirt in Grey
Skirt suits have taken over as this autumn's go-to workwear look. Avoid a structured white shirt and instead opt for a tonal silk blouse. After dark, simply undo a button, and add the sharpest stilettos you own.
Reformation
Stella Satin Coat
If, like me, you need colour in your wardrobe all-year-round, look no further than Reformation's satin dress coat. Pair with jeans, a tee and flats or as a statement evening coverup.
Sèzane
Basile Bag
Nothing motivates me more than na incredibly chic laptop bag for work.
Finding Fortunes
Halo Ruffle Mini Dress
Autumn calls for richer colour palette. Wear this ruffle detail mini dress in purple with bare legs and evening flats or with tights and boots in the middle of winter.
M&S
Suedette Collared Peplum Utility Jacket
I'm usually a bit of a snob when it comes to faux suede, but having seen this jacket IRL, no one will ever know, it's that good.
Prada
Embellished Satin Slingback Pumps in Black - Prada
Whilst Miuccia Prada's embellished knee-high boots are a little OTT for the every day, this sling-back version will seamlessly take you from desk to dinner.
Saint Laurent
High-Rise Straight Jeans in Blue
Finding the perfect stonewash jeans is no mean feat and when you calculate the cost per wear - this Saint Laurent pair pays for itself.
H&M
Appliquéd Twill Jacket
Its been a while since military jackets were so readily available on the High Street, but for Autumn/Winter 2026 every designer from Khaite to McQueen was championing the style. This H&M version looks way beyond its High Street price tag.
ZIMMERMANN
Zimmermann Spliced Scarf Handkerchief-Hem Skirt
Zimmermann devotees were immediately taken by the collection's scarf-inspired pieces. This skirt from the latest autumn collection is as timeless as it is statement.
Valesque
Cami crushed-velvet shoulder bag
German label Valesque is fast becoming the fashion insider's go-to handbag label to name drop and carry—for when a designer handbag feels too much.
& Other Stories
Long Wool Coat
Whilst it may not feel like winter coat weather, great High Street styles are worth snapping up as soon as you see them.
ZARA
Resin Stone Choker Necklace
Maximalist jewellery is here to stay. This Zara choker is an excellent starting point.
Boden
Fife Suede Chore Jacket
A classic suede jacket is one of the few items I wear all year round. Its the right weight for chillier autumn mornings, and can be layered over a polo-neck when the mercury drops.
Mango
Satin Jacquard Trousers
Rich fabrics such as jacquard and brocade are bringing the mood for autumn. Pair these trousers with a thin grey knit.
ALIGNE
Monroe Denim Maxi Dress
Its time to put away summer's white cotton dresses and switch over to heavier fabrics such as this denim midi dress. I
Dear Frances
Alma Knee Boot
When deciding what pieces to invest in each winter, a great pair of black boots is always top of my list.
LA DOUBLEJ
Feathers-Trimmed Ribbed Cashmere and Silk-Blend Turtleneck Sweater
Adding personality to every day pieces such as a classic roll neck is what the new season is all about. Case in point is this feather-cuffed version from La Double J.
WAT THE BRAND
Faux Fur Collared Bomber - Black
Former editors Sarah and Philippa continue to grown their label WAT The Brand - and this fur-trimmed jacket will make the school run feel that little bit chicer.
Reiss
Oversized Leather Jacket in Aubergine
Celine's cult logo belt is back in stock in new season colours. Style over everything from your favourite shirt to oversized coats.
M&S
Satin Cowl Neck Top
For when a simple white T-shirt feels too casual, opt for a draped blouse, autumn's top of choice.
Jimmy Choo
Faiz 100 Heels
Jimmy Choo's Faiz heels were almost an instant sell-out when they were first introduced last season. Due to popular demand they are now available in black lace and have all the hallmarks of a great occasion heel.
Alemais
Odessa Embroidered Midi Dress
Wear this Alemais dress everywhere from winter weddings to New Year's Eve parties.
Gucci
Paparazzo Medium Top Handle Bag
The Paparazzo bag is just one of the cult accessories Demna Gvasalia has introduced since joining Gucci last year.
Don't save statement pieces like this Staud skirt for special occasions. Instead add a chunky knit, boots and an oversized coat to brighten up your morning commute.
Jigsaw
Shearling Collar Leather Jacket
Jigsaw has long been one of our go-to destinations for investment leather on the High Street. This black leather jacket with detachable shearling collar is smart and versatile in equal measure - exactly what you need when making such a purchase.
from Latest from Marie Claire UK https://ift.tt/j2viRFx
via IFTTT
People have been taking to social media to share the expensive things they believe are genuinely worth the money, so we thought: why not do the same for beauty? With an overwhelming amount of choice in almost every category imaginable—not to mention the ever-growing list of treatments on offer—it can be difficult to know what's actually worth splashing out on. Ahead, top Beauty Editors divulge the truly transformative discoveries that are worth every penny...
Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor
(Image credit: Nessa Humayun)
Iris Magnolac’s Bespoke IM Facial, , £385: Out of all the many facials I've had, Iris Magnolac's has been pretty life-changing. She uses a combination of Golki (South Korean bone-setting massage), myofascial release, craniosacral therapy and lymphatic drainage—and often spends more time on your back and neck than your face. But don't get me wrong: the results are absolutely transformative: I always emerge looking my absolute best; everything, especially the jawline, cheekbones and brows, are lifted (and stay that way for weeks on end). She's a magician, truly.
Keratin Hair Treatments at Haug London Haus, from £230: Keratin treatments, which promise to smooth hair and bust frizz, were all the rage in the 2000s, but seem to have fallen out of favour of late. After having one this year at Haug London Haus in Soho, I can't believe it—this is the only thing that leaves my hair so smooth and sleek that I practically don't need to do anything to it after stepping out of the shower. It's a godsend during a tropical holiday, or anywhere humidity can be an issue. And while previous treatments were known for containing nasties, many formulas—including those used at this salon—are now completely formaldehyde-free, so there's no damage to you or your hair.
Colour at Nicola Clarke Salon with Francesco De Chiara, from £180: If it's good enough for Ariana Grande, it's good enough for me—Francesco at Nicola Clarke in Soho looks after the tresses of a certain Wicked star, and I'm always in safe hands with him. Francesco really gets colour, and I trusted him to take me back to brunette after a particularly disastrous dye job—he's been the man for me ever since. He's also excellent at preserving gloss and hair health throughout it all. If you're there, make sure to see Mitchell Ladbrook afterwards for a very precise cut and blow-dry.
Aerolase Neo at Tan&Co, from £320 per session: I have painfully sensitive skin, which means I'm unable to undergo harsh (yet effective) lasers for hyperpigmentation and scarring. That's why I was so pleased when Teresa Tan of Tan&Co introduced me to Aerolase Neo: a no-downtime laser that's completely pain-free and works on a wide range of skin tones, including deeper Fitzpatrick skin types. I used it to treat scarring, but it's also great for acne, inflammation, redness, uneven skin and even hair removal for those with PMOS. You barely feel like you're having anything done, but the results the following week are astounding.
Waxing at Strip, from £23: It's hard to find a good waxing place, but Strip consistently delivers—which is a dream when you're undergoing something painful, on intimate areas to boot. The practitioners always go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable, and I'm usually in and out within 30 minutes, tops. It costs a little more than other waxing salons, but it's completely worth it, and with locations across central London, including Soho, Broadgate and Islington, it's ideal if you live in the city. Oh, and you can even pop on an LED face mask during your treatment.
Dominic Cadogan, Beauty Editor
(Image credit: Dominic Cadogan)
Maison Crivelli Hibiscus Mahajád Extrait de Parfum, £205: I was introduced to Maison Crivelli a few years ago and while there are several of its scents in regular rotation in my fragrance wardrobe, Hibiscus Mahajád takes the top spot and is easily one of my all-time favourites. I don’t say this lightly! A heady blend of rose, pomegranate, vanilla, amber and leather, the resulting concoction is almost like a delicate cocoon of scent that floats around you all day long. Believe me when I tell you that I’m showered with compliments every single time I wear this fragrance.
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, £69: There’s a part of me that wishes it didn’t love this moisturiser as much as I do, but the skin wants what the skin wants. In fairness, this is one of the hardest working products in my skincare routine. The mere act of applying The Dewy Skin Cream to your skin feels like a luxury and I savour every moment massaging it into every corner and crevice of my face. However, it’s not just the effortlessly, dewy finish that keeps me coming back for more – though that alone is enough to deserve my hard-earned cash. It’s also the silent work it’s doing in the background, plumping, smoothing and brightening the skin that will convince people you’ve turned to tweakments.
Violette_Fr Balm Amour, £27: As a lip product connoisseur, the pockets of my various bags are stuffed to the brim with balms, glosses and tints to make sure my kisser is always looking, well… kissable. While I’m happy to dabble with budget buys, I always feel lost when I don’t have Balm Amour to hand. From its cooling ceramic tip to its nourishing formula that literally doesn’t budge, this sweet, French vanilla-flavoured lip treatment is a luxury that justifies its £27 price tag.
Byredo Vesuvio Eyeshadow Palette, £92: While makeup palettes may have mostly fallen out of favour with the beauty world, they still have a fan in this beauty editor. Not one for the Clean Girls out there, if, like me, you love to serve maximalist makeup on a daily basis, you’ll be similarly obsessed with the 18 shimmering shades that deliver a powerful pop of colour – whether applied with a makeup brush or your fingers before rushing out the door. It’s so rare to find a palette without a single dud shade, making this one worth every penny.
Bamford Attar of Roses Geranium Scented Candle, £70: This is without a doubt the best candle I have ever smelled. Whether or not you’re a fan of rose scents, this will win you over. Somehow simultaneously light and punchy, I don’t understand how either, the fresh scent immediately fills the room (and the rest of the house) without ever feeling overpowering. It’s as if you’ve taken a stroll through the arden of Eden. I know, I know, it’s just a candle, but one sniff is all it’ll take to convince you otherwise.
Byredo
Vesuvio Eyeshadow Palette
Laura Capon, Beauty Editor
(Image credit: Laura Capon)
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Moisture IQ Supplements, £81: I know it seems like an eye-watering amount for a supplement and let’s be real, it is. But truly, no other brand I’ve tried has given my skin real visual improvements, like Advanced Nutrition Programme. The Skin Moisture IQs are my favourite because they truly make me glow, to the point I actually got complemented on my foundation, when I wasn’t wearing any. They come in a blister style pack and each day you have 5 capsules: 1 x Hyaluronic acid + ceramides + manganese, 2 x omegas 3 & 6, 1 x vitamins A & D and 1x Modern Multivitamin + Minerals. It’s so helpful that they have done the work for you in giving exactly what your skin needs and to me it’s as important as a serum.
Hello Klean Shower Head+, £96: I was a late adopter to the filter shower head game and that is something I really regret. Truthfully, I always just thought they would be such a faff fitting. Hello Klean’s Shower Head+ filters out scale, metals and chlorine, while also tracking and reminding you when to change the filter. If you are hesitant and live in an area like London where we’re known for our hard water, I’d say just look at the build up on your sink and taps to give you an idea of what’s being deposited on your head. I used to always love how much softer my hair was on holiday and I feel using this filter is the closest I’ve got to recreating that. Plus, there’s a real difference in shine. Oh, and turns out, after all those years, you just literally screw it onto your shower head.
Dyson Airwrap i.d Multi-Styler and dryer, £379: Despite being a beauty journalist, I don’t think I’m actually high maintenance about many things, except when I have to use a hairdryer that isn’t my Dyson. Whenever I dry my hair with something else, it always feels so dry and fried. In a way that my Dyson would never. I truly think it has saved my hair from so much unnecessary damage over the years and feels a lot softer because of it. In terms of the other attachments, I love the big blow dry brush for cheating an at home blow dry (just make sure you hairspray).
Lancôme Génifique Ultimate Serum, £165: I honestly don’t use really expensive skincare and don’t think you need to, but this Lancôme serum is one of my few exceptions. Just thinking about it makes me want to go and apply it. It first piqued my interest when I learnt that it contains beta glucan, which is the same ingredient that’s in my beloved Rhode Glazing Milk. That was enough to get me to try it and from that first pipette press, I was hooked. Not only is it one of the most hydrating serums I’ve tried, but it gives the most beautiful glow and just feels so damn soothing on the skin. I have to refrain myself from over applying. They call their beta glucan complex, ‘Beta Glucan-CM’ and they say each drop contains 90 trillion of these. Which explains why it’s like my Glazing Milk on steroids.
Hair Colour with Sarah Black at Arkive by Adam Reed, price on consultation: I have been going to Adam Reed’s salon for years because I’ve always felt at home with the quirky sentimental touches Adam has everywhere (a framed gold oak leaf, a mini Grover from Sesame Street, a chandelier made from hair extensions). A feeling that is reflected in the atmosphere, which feels more like going for a catch up with friends than having your hair done. Sarah is Creative Director and after feeling like I was always playing it safe with my colour, I finally sat in her chair and told her to do what she wanted. The result was a peachy colour that has become something of a signature, with chunky high and low lights to add dimension. I’ve always thought that as a brunette, I couldn’t have ‘fun’ colours or that they wouldn’t show up on me and I love that Sarah not only disproved that, but also showed how they can be done in a sophisticated way. I wouldn’t go anywhere else to have my hair done.
Bronzer is like the white T-shirt of my beauty routine. It creates a sun-flushed contour when I’m doing a full glam look and makes me feel more pulled together on those ‘no-makeup’ makeup days. I’m always seduced by the promise of a cream version but I inevitably come back to this Matte Bronzing Brick for a long-lasting, golden-hour glow. The matte powder itself is gossamer fine but also manages to be creamy so it has a handy blurring effect. Imagine your skin bathed in candlelight and you get the picture. The two-tone palette means I can use the lighter shade over the high points of my face – nose, cheekbones, around my hairline – and the deeper tone to sculpt or just add a little more warmth and definition where I need it. It’s as close to a believable faux tan as you can get. Scratch that - it’s foolproof. Bonus points go to the chic refillable packaging.
Serums normally involve 28 days of blind belief that they’re actually doing something to nudge your collagen production up a gear. Not so with P-Tiox, which is why I really believe it’s worth the eye-watering price tag. It’s probably the first serum I’ve used where my skin looks visibly smoother within just a few days of use. I’m not saying this will change your face, but a blend of punchy peptides helps to reduce the appearance of contraction lines – a tiny adjustment that actually has a major impact, especially if you wing it up under the eyes, which is my new favourite hack. In fact, the impressive roll call of ingredients is another reason why it’s been found to help bolster the results of Botox (hence the name). P-Tiox is the serum I’ve reached for over the past six months and I’ve certainly found that it’s coaxed out my very best dewy, glazed skin.
I’m a big believer that skincare alone isn’t transformative. Gravity’s a downer - literally - but throw in a high-tech device and it’s suddenly possible to hoick up your cheeks to where they sat in your teens. Red light is the technology du jour thanks to evidence-backed studies that applying different wavelengths of light to the skin recharges the ‘battery’ in cells. But consistency is key and that’s where I tend to fall down when it comes to those heavy, Stormtrooper-esque masks. Too. Much. Faff. Enter The Wand. True, it isn’t cheap, but it’s clinical grade, which is essentially what you’re paying for. It combines three different therapies into one easy-to-use device: infrared, red-light and radio frequency, all with the aim of boosting blood flow, cell renewal and your skin’s collagen-producing efforts. Best of all, the treatment lasts a mere seven minutes and you can simply move the wand around your face while watching TV or reading a book. I use The Wand religiously three times a week and find it turbocharges the ingredients in my skincare, has an immediate lifting effect but is also an ally when it comes to the long-term health of my skin.
Anyone who has ever sat close enough to me to catch a whiff of my perfume will know that I have been a years-long fan of Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, a scent that conjures up all the charm of a wind-whipped British beach, white-capped waves, the mineral tang of rock pools and salty air. The new Sea Salt & Bergamot Cologne is like it’s summery cousin and leans more into the aromas of a hot day with the unmistakably bright scent of bergamot on a bed of crisp sea salt and warm driftwood. It smells like damp, bare skin with a crust of saltwater warming in the sun. It billows in nostalgic and, above all, joyful with a touch of whimsy. I can’t get enough - and neither can my fellow commuters given the number of times I’ve been asked what perfume I’m wearing.
My best discovery of the summer has been the Shark ChillPill. Cue demos on the bus, at Wimbledon and in coffee shops of how to interchange the attachments and switch up the speeds. Because this isn’t just a viral fan - it’s a really sexy high-speed fan with 10 different airflow strengths that you can dial up or down. There’s even an ultra-fine misting attachment to reset your makeup or revive hot skin. But my favourite is the cooling plate, which feels like you’re holding a sweating can of ice cold Coke to your forehead (this apparently reduces your skin’s temperature by up to 9°C*, according to the brand). Oh, and it’s compact enough to fit into your handbag and can be twisted so it sits hands-free on your desk. I honestly never thought I’d wax lyrical about a fan but given I’ve even used it to blow-dry my hair, it’s proved to be the gift that kept on giving during the hottest days.
Shark
Shark Chillpill 3-In-1 Fan, Mist & Instachill System
Mollie Burdell, Beauty Editor and Broadcaster
(Image credit: Mollie Burdell)
Medik 8 Hydra8 B5 Intense Serum, £48: Medik 8 is one of my all-time favourite skincare brands, and I've always got one product (or more) on the go. Since having my daughter my skin has been so much drier—The Hydr8 B5 Intense serum is the gold standard of hyaluronic acid formulations, and works absolute wonders at instantly blessing me with a much needed hit of hydration.
Botox at the Taktouk Clinic, from £250: Now I’m in my 30s, I’ve really started to prioritise the time for in-clinic facial treatments and one of my favourite spots to visit is the Taktouk Clinic in Knightsbridge. Dr Christine Hall is one of the best in the game when it comes to maintaining my Botox in the most natural-looking way, which I top up every 3-6 months. I’ve also been struggling with hormonal acne, and senior aesthetician Nadia Aminian has created a bespoke treatment plan which involves monthly extractions with booster serums and LED light therapy. Shoutout to my skin-enhancing fairy godmothers.
Curaprox Hydrasonic Pro, £190: If you use something every day, it’s always worth spending the money. For me, an electric toothbrush is an essential piece of kit and I’ve been recommending the Curaprox Hydrasonic Pro far and wide. It makes my teeth feel squeaky clean with minimal effort required and the battery seems to last for yonks.
Joonbyrd Big Time Body Wash, £39: As much as I’m into my budget bodycare buys, sometimes a spurge is justified. We’ve just done up our bathroom and there’s nothing like cracking open a fresh bottle of something boujee to elevate the space even further. I’ve been loving the Joonbyrd Big Time Body wash that makes my skin feel and smell incredible –it’s scented with notes of creamy banana, peach and cacao.
Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner in Cocoa, £33: As a beauty editor and makeup artist it would be remiss of me not to shout out a makeup favourite. I’m never seen without my trusty winged liner, which has evolved from a thick line of jet-black liquid liner in my teens to today’s soft feathered out brown kohl. Nothing works as good at the Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner in Cocoa – the highly pigmented formula blends with ease right after application, then sets and becomes waterproof.
Joonbyrd
Big Time Longevity Body Wash
Zeynab Mohamed, Beauty Writer
(Image credit: Zeynab Mohamed)
Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Pro Toothbrush, £75: At the top of my list is good oral care. Obviously that starts with the basics: regular dentist appointments and hygienist visits. But it also means having a really good toothbrush. I'm obsessed with the Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Pro Toothbrush. I didn't know you could get your teeth that clean at home, and I notice a huge difference whenever I don't use it, my teeth are not as white or don’t feel as clean. Replacing the heads can get expensive but definitely worth it.
Shreddy Superwoman Supplement, £36: Supplements can be expensive, and we're constantly being sold the latest thing we apparently need. I think it's worth investing the time (and money) to work out what your body actually needs, then sticking with those instead of chasing every trending supplement. I've been using the Shreddy Superwoman supplement and the Zooki creatine, and they've become real game changers in how I feel.
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel Illuminating Vitamin Melting Cleanser, £32.80: Finding products that actually work for you is worth every penny. Beauty is already expensive, and endlessly buying products that don't suit your skin only wastes more money. I'm lucky that I get sent lots of products and have access to specialists and dermatologists, but seeking good advice, rather than all the advice has been the best thing I’ve done for my skin. I feel really confident and good, knowing what works for me, and having that go to products you just know will never fail you. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum, the Clarins Double Serum and the Oskia gel cleanser never let me down and are always worth it.
Shark SilkiPro Straight Hair Straightener + Dryer in One Tool, £199.99: Good hair tools are another worthwhile investment. I'm obsessed with my Shark tools. I have thick but fragile hair, so I have to be really careful about what I use. The last thing I want is snagging, breakage or unnecessary damage. I also love the SilkiPro Straight, which was created specifically for Type 3 and 4 hair. It works so well for hair, it leaves my hair smoother, straighter without it taking forever.
Spotlight Oral Care
Sonic Pro Toothbrush - Pure White
Venus Wong, Beauty Writer
(Image credit: Venus Wong)
Monthly Acid Facial Treatments at the Park Hyatt, £165: I travel frequently for reporting assignments, and while it’s a thrilling part of the job, it often leaves my complexion looking dull and tired. What has made a big difference lately is going for a monthly Acid Glow Facial featuring Omorovicza’s signature Acid Milk. This gentle exfoliating tonic from the luxury Hungarian brand utilises a blend of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to resurface and brighten the skin. The treatment concludes with a tightening massage with Cryo massage balls. The spa at the Park Hyatt London River Thames is currently the only place you can experience this facial in London. My skin always looks more “snatched” and lit-from-within, which makes the £165 investment entirely worth it.
Having Chinese roots, I spend a lot of time traveling across East Asia with my family each year, and Le Labo’s Thé Matcha 26 Eau de Parfum never fails to take me straight back to Tokyo. I’ve never encountered a scent that so accurately captures the essence of matcha. The zesty opening of bitter orange and bergamot delivers an invigorating rush (much like that first caffeine hit of the day), before settling into a cosy, nutty embrace of tea and sesame that clings comfortably to the skin. I catch myself sniffing my wrists whenever I’m aching for an Asian getaway, but a vacation isn't quite on the horizon yet.
I’m usually quite low-maintenance when it comes to beauty devices, but the one gadget I’ve consistently built into my daily habit is the Shark CryoGlow LED Mask. It pairs red and blue light therapy, which can help target discolouration, redness and increase collagen production in the skin – with chilling under-eye pads, which instantly depuff and soothe under eyes.
This has been in heavy rotation for me ever since its launch in 2024. It relies on a trio of ingredients I often look for in my skincare: prebiotic peptides to rebalance the skin’s microbiome, hyaluronic acid to draw in hydration, and ceramides to fortify the protective barrier. The featherlight formula melts instantly into my skin without a trace of heaviness, keeping my skin pillowy and hydrating all day, without ever forming that uncomfortable and sweaty sheen in the heat. I breeze through tubs of this so quickly, so the eco-friendly refill pods are an absolute godsend.
Le Labo
The Matcha 26 Eau De Parfum
Madeleine Spencer, Beauty Editor
(Image credit: Madeleine Spencer)
Hygienist appointment at London Smiling, £200: This sits at the intersection between beauty and health – but I always invest there where I can; I think you cannot possibly look good if you don’t feel good. In this case, clean and healthy teeth make me confident to talk and smile without worrying about how they appear.
Boadicea The Victorious Valiant Eau de Parfum, £950: This is so expensive that I dread telling people about it. But I do, because they ask so frequently that I’ve realised this warm, nuzzly spicy floral is pleasing to many noses beyond my own. You’ll find me wearing a spritz nearly every day, or two, if it’s a very special occasion.
Facials with Pam at Mortar and Milk, £250: Each time Pam touches my skin, it gets better. She does that rare thing of making it smoother and bouncier in the instant, but also fosters healthier, stronger skin over time. I’ve been devoted to her since she cleared up my acne around ten years ago and replaced it with glossy skin.
Margaret Dabbs Medical Pedicure, £85: Another maintenance thing here – but one I will forever bang the drum of. Think of your abject misery when having to walk or, worse, dance in a pair of uncomfortable shoes. Now reverse that. That is what medi pedis do to feet, making them not only look but feel oodles better.
Lash Lifts at I Love Lash, from £45: Teresa is an artist, discussing the angle and spray of the lash fringe, and every time I see her my ultra-straight, non-event lashes become things of beauty. In turn, that makes my eyes sparkle, framing them perfectly. It also cuts down my make-up time; it’s remarkable how much heavy lifting a halo of black lashes does.
BOADICEA THE VICTORIOUS
Valiant Eau De Parfum
Bethan King, Beauty Editor
(Image credit: Bethan King)
Teoxane Baby Glow skin boosters at Le Petit Saint, from £800: Think of this next gen skin booster as an injectable highlighter - it’s injected at eight key points on the face where the light naturally catches, think cheekbones, temples etc, and after a few days, the glow and luminosity is better than any make up and lasts a few months.
Suquu The Liquid foundation, £75: I’d normally call someone crazy for spending this on a foundation but this J-beauty brand have nailed the most natural-looking, semi-sheer and lasting formula I’ve ever tried. It stays looking perfect all day, even in a heatwave.
Revive Renewal Elixir Oil, £250: Yes, I was skeptical about this too given the price - but it’s been formulated by a top plastic surgeon who designs skincare for post-treatment recovery and everyone in between. I apply this last thing at night over my skincare and it leaves skin plumper and dewier than anything I’ve tried.
Cloud 9 Air Shot Pro Hairdryer, £369: this powerhouse dries my hair to silky smooth in five minutes flat - the price is worth it for the time I save in the mornings.
Merchant of Venice Renaissance perfume, £288: this bougie Italian brand create the chicest scents in the most jaw dropping bottles and I feel like I’ve got my life together every time I wear a spritz of their latest creation, incense-heavy Renaissance.
Cloud Nine
The Luxury Airshot Pro
from Latest from Marie Claire UK https://ift.tt/Z3XNwKL
via IFTTT
