The Internet Is Furious Over Meta’s AI Glasses but Sales Are Booming—We Looked at Why People, Women in Particular, Are Worried

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When Kylie Jenner posted about her collaboration with Meta Glasses—making a pair of £359 opticals that can tell you everything from the weather forecast to what to make for dinner in her voice—a lot of users saw red. "SAY NO TO SURVEILLANCE CAPITALISM," posted one. "The people don’t want this," commented another. The biggest objection seems to be that as well as incorporating Meta AI, meaning you can ask questions on-the-move, and the ability to translate more than 20 languages with a simple voice command, you can "capture memories hands-free" (read: secretly take photos of your food without judgment or, more worryingly, another person).

@everybodyhateselon

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The Instagram account @everyonehateselon has dubbed them "pervert glasses", with its own ad that depicts a pair on the face of Jeffrey Epstein. Its tagline speaks volumes about how the accessory is being perceived by its critics: "Glasses for people who don't do consent." Others are coming up with clever ways to "hack the system". An Instagramer user called @marie4pole posted: "Women are being advised to play Disney songs when they notice a man is recording them with Meta glasses without consent." Her conclusion? "Because apparently music is more protected than women in 2026."

The language that's being used to object to these glasses, and their technology, has been notable. "Fascism chic for summer," Gabriella Karefa-Johnson wrote on her Substack Brain Matter, referencing the launch party thrown by Meta (in attendance? Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet and Mark Zuckerberg, who accessorised with a pair of, you guessed it, Meta glasses). "Need some of you to get a single scruple and F A S T. Stroking the surveillance state for an open bar and dj-set is just sad ):," continued Karefa-Johnson. Spying, gathering intelligence and giving citizens the power to operate covertly in plain sight? This might sound like a dystopian thriller set in the Cold War, but it's happening today—right under our noses.

(Image credit: @kyliejenner)

EssilorLuxottica, who owns the eyewear brands Ray-Ban and Oakley, has beat its profit forecasts not in spite of its tech glasses but because of them. According to a report by Reuters, published on the Business of Fashion: "Franco-Italian eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica reported a 15 percent rise in first-half adjusted operating profit on Tuesday [28 July], comfortably beating analysts’ expectations, while revenue growth ​was ⁠driven by strong demand for AI-enabled glasses ⁠and products in its myopia management portfolio."

If you're glasses-shopping at Meta—where you can choose between spectacles and sunglasses made by Meta itself, Ray-Ban or Oakley—myopia might not even come into the equation. The BoF article continued: "The Ray-Ban maker made adjusted ​operating profit of €2.75 billion ($3.13 billion) in the six months to June 30, compared ​with a Visible ⁠Alpha analyst consensus of €2.46 billion."

The hype machine is clearly working. For as many people who are voicing their concerns and calling them "creeper glasses", as one person did underneath another photo of Kylie Jenner, others are being influenced: "Obviously bought them already!!! 😍," reads the comment directly underneath.

(Image credit: @kyliejenner)

Maybe the entire debate is, in fact, moot—and, like driverless cars, they'll be not so much a choice but an inevitability in the future (at least for those who can afford to keep up with technology). Mark Zuckerberg certainly seems to think so. In June 2025, Fortune reported on the following comment made by the Meta CEO. “I think in the future, if you don’t have glasses that have AI or some way to interact with AI, I think you’re kind of similarly, probably [going to] be at a pretty significant cognitive disadvantage compared to other people and who you’re working with, or competing against."

Technological advances that make people's lives more "advantaged" are inevitable. But if the billionare makers behind them (as well as the promoters like Kylie Jenner; also a billionare), haven't considered what the consequences might be for more vulnerable members of society if they are misused, then it's not just a failure of responsibility but potentially dangerous. I've worn glasses for short-sightedness since junior school, have owned at least seven pairs (of all descriptions) since and can say with a degree of certainty that one of Meta's—even the cat-eye style of Kylie's—won't be telling me the "feels like" temperature anytime soon. Call me a Luddite, or a person at a "signature cognitive disadvantage"—that's fine—but a pair of glasses doesn't need to find me a recipe or take a photo of the resulting dish.

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Why Do Men Ruin Your Birthday?

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In January 2025, beauty YouTuber Gigi Beauty, also known as Gabby Sterling, took her then-husband, King Adri (Ari Aiano), on an all-expenses-paid eight-day trip to Dubai for his birthday. Later that year, on 18 November—her 30th birthday—he asked her for a divorce.

"He left me crying there on my birthday, the whole day for two days straight," she later said in a now-deleted video. Although he briefly retracted his request, the couple announced their divorce three months ago.

@teat0kdramapage

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When I put the question out, more than 120 women got in touch. My inbox was overrun with stories of happy memories sabotaged by the men they were close to. Though I came across this through the use of birthdays, it became clear that this was a much bigger problem sullying any possible moment of joy potentially experienced by women.

I spoke to clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr Sophie Mort about why this seems to happen. From a clinical perspective, she says it's often twofold: significant occasions bring difficult emotions to the surface, while the pressure of the moment can overwhelm people who feel "ashamed, resentful, depleted or uncomfortable with emotional expectations."

It guarantees the maximum effect, and it guarantees the memory belongs to them permanently.

Dr Sophie Mort, clinical psychologist

Though poorly timed, she explains how the timing of these confessions may just be “avoidance reaching its limit”. She does acknowledge, though, that sometimes this is done on purpose.

“For some people the timing is the point, because it guarantees the maximum effect and it guarantees the memory belongs to them permanently. That deserves to be named plainly.”

​Because so many of these moments involve men, I question if this is something unique to straight relationships. Socialisation can provide certain scripts and permissions, but it does not make the behaviour inevitable. She tells me: “Some forms of “masculine” socialisation may also shape how insecurity is expressed. Men can be encouraged to value control, self-reliance and emotional restraint, while vulnerable feelings are treated as weakness. Saying, “I feel irrelevant,” “I am frightened you will outgrow me,” or “I am ashamed that I am struggling” may feel less available than anger, criticism or withdrawal.”

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The most haunting example of this behaviour was around work. Many women shared that the night before big interviews, the first day of a new job, or even sharing the news of a new role, created fertile ground for arguments, fights, ghosting and silent treatment.

​“My mum's ex took the family car to the garage on the first day at her new job when she was planning to drive to work. There was nothing wrong with the car, and nothing had been mentioned before. He was a mechanic,” Lenna told me.

“I had an ex-boyfriend that started a massive argument with me the night before a huge interview. When I broke up with him, he admitted it was because he wanted me to be exhausted for the interview and not get it. Got it anyway, though, so that showed him.” April shared.

I got cheated on while I was overseas for my father's funeral

In 2024, on the first day of her new job, Samadreeta’s ex broke up with her and blocked her everywhere. “I couldn't even get to enjoy the achievement properly because I was feeling miserable the whole day,” she writes.

“Within research on intimate partner violence and economic abuse, employment sabotage is a recognised pattern.” Dr. Mort shares. “It can include interfering with someone’s ability to study, find work, attend work or progress in their career.”

Some men may have learned, explicitly or implicitly, that a female partner’s time, care, domestic labour and emotional attention should remain available to them.

When men aren’t eclipsing the joys, they’re making the difficult moments harder. “I phoned my then-boyfriend of four years after finding out my nan had passed away, and he decided that was the right time to tell me he’d cheated on me three days before”, Amy remembers.

Anita had a similar experience: “I got cheated on while I was overseas for my father's funeral. Found out when I got back and had a mental health spiral which landed me in hospital with a serious migraine. He refused to believe it was due to his behaviour and it must have been because of my smoking.” ​

Several women spoke of men suddenly feeling neglected when they had to redirect time and energy caring for elderly or sick parents. In so many of these cases it seemed that time not dedicated to the relationship was an affront to the men, as if women could not be loving partners and carers to others. Dr Mort chimes in on this observation: “Some men may have learned, explicitly or implicitly, that a female partner’s time, care, domestic labour and emotional attention should remain available to them, or that her ambitions should fit around the existing arrangements.”

My boyfriend called me while I was on my best friend's birthday girl trip, saying he was going to unalive himself. He did the same thing while I went on a solo trip for my birthday too,

Many of the stories people shared centred on holidays: girls' trips, solo travels, and even family holidays. “My boyfriend called me while I was on my best friend's birthday girl trip, saying he was going to unalive himself. He did the same thing while I went on a solo trip for my birthday too,” Amie tells me.

Not even sporting events were safe; the night before Molly ran her first-ever marathon was one she’ll never forget: After not hearing from him for months, I got a message from him saying he was in the hospital because he drank too much and it was because of me…I ruined his life when I ended our relationship. He was also in the running community and knew the marathon was the next day. I slept so poorly that night.

"It taught me to dread days that were about me"

Several women spoke to me about a lingering fear of celebrating achievements or even sharing them with people, for fear of reliving the disappointment. These moments begin to feel “unsafe”, Dr Mort tells me, “because experience has taught her that being celebrated comes with a cost.”

Even Dr Mort felt the weight of this too: “As a woman… I’ve experienced this myself; it taught me to dread days that were about me. So much so that I spent this birthday alone for the first time so I could fully ensure nothing anxiety-provoking was likely to happen. The phenomenon is real; it has lasting consequences.”

Despite her own experience on this, she reassures us that these moments need not be ruined forever; you can reclaim these moments and celebrations and form new memories. This doesn’t mean “forcing yourself to feel positive about what happened”, she stresses. “It may mean celebrating again with safe people, choosing a different date, creating a new tradition or simply deciding that the original event does not get to be the final version of the story.”

She tells me to invent new traditions by first asking: what was taken from you? That way you can figure out the most effective way to re-write the story and not feel like you’ve lost a moment that can never be recovered.

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After the Pillow-Face Era, Filler Is Rebranding Itself as Natural-Looking—Here's What That Actually Means

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Cast your mind back about a decade and you’ll remember celebrities were all sporting a particular look. Pillowy cheeks, snatched jawlines, and lips that arrived in a room before they did. Filler blindness was real and it took years to snap out of it. Some celebrities have since been honest about their overuse of fillers, and have disclosed their decision to dissolve theirs. Courteney Cox spoke openly about reversing her filler, and Kristin Davis, who described being “ridiculed relentlessly” over hers, did the same. While megastar Ariana Grande stopped lip filler in 2018, telling the press she felt she looked overdone.

It took a while for the wider population to follow suit, but as a new, more subtle beauty aesthetic reigns supreme, the decline in popularity of dermal filler has felt notable. And yet filler has not disappeared; it has reinvented itself. Cue a new category of filler that claims to do what its predecessors could not—mimic the flexibility, elasticity and movement of natural facial tissue.

Intriguing, but in this era where biostimulators have become the injectable of choice, the question is whether this is a genuine technological breakthrough or an industry in need of a rebrand.

How We Got Here

Dermal filler is an injectable gel, almost always made from hyaluronic acid, a substance our bodies already produce to keep skin hydrated and structurally supported. Injected into specific areas of the face, it’s traditionally been used to replace lost volume, soften lines and folds, and reshape contours—think the cheeks, lips, jawline, temples, and under-eyes. Sounds great, right? Well, to understand where filler is going, it helps to understand where it went wrong.

“Hyaluronic acid isn’t the problem. It’s still one of the safest, most predictable and most versatile products we have. The issue has been how it’s sometimes been used. For a number of years there was a trend towards bigger lips, fuller cheeks and sharper jawlines, with some patients having repeated treatments before the previous filler had fully settled or broken down. That’s where the overfilled look came from. In my opinion it’s never been the material that’s damaged filler’s reputation; it’s been poor patient selection, poor technique and, quite simply, using too much,” says aesthetic doctor and founder of The Aesthetics Doctor Clinic, Ahmed El Muntasar.

In the UK, the problem was compounded by something the industry has spent years trying to change. Currently, anyone can legally inject dermal filler without medical training or a single qualification. The result has been a proliferation of practitioners working without the anatomical knowledge, emergency protocols or clinical judgment to know when to stop. According to the British College of Aesthetic Medicine’s (BCAM) annual clinical review 2025. 3,002 complications were treated by BCAM members in 2024 alone, of which 67 per cent were caused by non-medical practitioners, and 87 per cent involved dermal fillers.

Filler 2.0 Explained

Traditional hyaluronic acid fillers are crosslinked, meaning the HA chains are chemically bonded together to create a gel that holds its shape. The manufacturing process, which traditionally uses heat to accelerate the reaction, tends to fragment those long HA chains into shorter pieces, which then need more crosslinking to hold together. The result is a stiffer, less mobile product that’s injected into a face that’s constantly moving.

The next generation, including Teoxane’s RHA range, MaiLi and Evolus Estyme, are all made differently, but what they have in common is that they all preserve the natural long-chain molecular structure of hyaluronic acid. Manufacturers claim this results in a flexible, bouncy, stretchy mesh that mirrors the exact behaviour of natural skin tissue.

Is There a Visible Difference?

As a beauty editor for over two decades, I’ve seen the evolution of filler, and I get why it needs a rebrand. We’ve had ultrasounds prove filler stays put far longer than we were originally told it does. We’ve seen how it migrates into surrounding areas, and how it can create an uneven texture. And it makes sense why these new fillers sound exciting, as the marketing around this new category taps into the natural aesthetic we’re all gravitating towards. It’s this new desire to simply look like a refreshed version of yourself that has got aesthetic beauty junkies ditching filler and opting for the likes of polynucleotides, peptides, and collagen-stimulating injectables and devices instead.

But is the marketing that claims these new fillers behave like our skin tissue actually backed by reality? “In some patients, yes, particularly in areas that move a lot like the lips and around the mouth. The filler can feel softer within the tissue and facial movement may look a little more natural when someone smiles or talks. That said, I think the difference is more subtle than some of the marketing suggests,” believes El Muntasar.

And that’s because the best brands on the market have always formulated their HA fillers slightly differently depending on what area they are intended to be used on. If you’re looking to bolster a weak chin or build cheek support, you need a product that’s firmer and provides more structure. If you’re using filler in the lips, you’ll want it to be softer; the market already has options for that.

“The biggest potential advantage, however, is in highly mobile parts of the face. Areas like the lips, around the mouth and parts of the mid-face naturally stretch and compress thousands of times a day, so having a filler that’s designed to move more naturally can make sense,” says El Muntasar.

And that’s exactly what aesthetics doctor at Reborne Longevity, Jennifer Owens, has seen over the last year and a half as one of the first to get her hands on the Evolus Estyme filler. She says she’s seeing “more natural movement, and a better result from less product,” but she cautions that “patients need to be careful not to assume the product alone does the work; the hands doing the injecting matter enormously.”

Your Injector Matters

All those over-injected faces we’ve seen in Hollywood and social media have one thing in common, and that’s a practitioner who didn’t know when to stop. “Any filler, new or old, can look wrong if it’s placed inappropriately. The dermal filler itself is not what you are paying for when you’re having a treatment like this, you’re paying for the expertise: the diagnosis, the assessment, the appropriate treatment plan from someone who knows what they’re doing,” explains Owens.

For anyone considering filler (new or old), the British College of Aesthetic Medicine’s Vet It Before You Get It campaign is a practical starting point. They provide questions—covering practitioner qualifications, medical supervision, insurance, product sourcing, emergency protocol, and clinic governance—that you can ask before anyone goes near your face.

The Future of Filler

While there has undoubtedly been a shift in what we want to look like, El Muntasar notes he’s “not necessarily seeing fewer people asking about filler. Rather, I’m seeing patients asking for a different type of result. They want subtle improvements. They want people to notice they look well, not to notice they’ve had treatment.” And that’s why filler fear won’t last long, because it’s one of the safest and quickest routes to lifting, supporting and smoothing out the skin.

Marketing aside, what the experts agree on is that the biggest advantage of this new category of filler is how they behave in highly mobile parts of the face. However, there’s still very much a place for sturdier fillers of old.

The pillow-faced era was not the fault of traditional dermal fillers; it was the fault of how they were used. So the question of whether the next chapter looks different will be answered not by new technology alone, but by whether injectors have finally learnt that less is more.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice - always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before treatment decisions.

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What Lily Loves: Saint Laurent's Future Collectible, the Return of the Sarong, Plus a New Mango Collection I've Already Added to Basket

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Welcome to What Lily Loves, a personal edit of the pieces, places, and ideas currently inspiring me. Think of it as your insider guide to what’s shaping my wardrobe and daily rituals. From standout finds and under-the-radar designers to shopping destinations, cultural hotspots—from restaurants and theatres to podcasts—here are the latest discoveries I’m loving.

(Image credit: @lilyrussobah)

The Designer Drop

Saint Laurent

SAINT LAURENT

Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Fleece Sweatshirt

Whilst it is most definitely not sweatshirt weather, designer collectables wait for no one. This Saint Laurent piece riffs on the embroidered logo sweatshirts Yves Saint Laurent produced throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, updating the house's signature branding with the more recent "Saint Laurent Paris" logo introduced by former Creative Director Hedi Slimane. It may be quite an investment, but if there was ever a sweatshirt capable of making even the most casual of days feel decidedly fashionable, this is it.

Spotlight On

Sarongs

My holiday wardrobe isn't complete without a wide selection of sarongs. I usually head to the beach wearing a kaftan or beach dress, but I always take a sarong in my bag for when I want to head to the bar or go for a stroll without covering up completely. Five years ago, it was virtually impossible to find sarongs anywhere other than on holiday, but that has changed. From Toteme to Pucci, investing in statement sarongs that will continue to bring joy year after year is one of my favourite pre-holiday purchases.

Shop the edit:

Farm Rio

Floral Fringed Linen-Blend Beach Cover-Up

Oseree

Animalier Metallic Lurex Coverup

Cala de la Cruz

Luana Printed Beach Cover

AWAY THAT DAY

Away That Day Santorini Sarong

TOTEME

Printed Cotton and Lyocell-Blend Scarf

Pucci

Manuba Cotton Beach Cover-Up in Multicoloured

New In This Week

Mango

Whether you're looking for an easy holiday dress, a standout occasion piece for a destination wedding, or are already planning some smart tailoring investments ahead of autumn, Mango ticks all the boxes right now.

Shop my edit:

MANGO

Short Patterned Dress

MANGO

Satin Handbag - Women

MANGO

Blazer Suit Lapel Detail

MANGO

Flared Cream Suit Trousers

MANGO

Leather Block-Heel Sandals

MANGO

Sequin Embroidered Dress

On My Radar

NIGO: From Japan with Love at the Design Museum

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NIGO: From Japan with Love is the Design Museum's first-ever retrospective of pioneering Japanese designer and creative director NIGO. Founder of A Bathing Ape (BAPE) and HUMAN MADE, co-founder of Billionaire Boys Club with Pharrell Williams, and Artistic Director of KENZO, NIGO has played a defining role in bridging the worlds of streetwear and luxury fashion. The exhibition explores his influence across fashion, music and design through more than 700 objects, including rare pieces from his personal archive. It runs at the Design Museum until 4 October 2026.

Tickets are available to book online at designmuseum.org.

In Case You Missed It...

What Lily Loves: The Luxe Upcycled Handbag, the Investment Bikinis I'm Packing Plus the TV Show I Can't Stop Watching

The New Alchemy: The Return of Jewellery with Personality

From Chanel to Balenciaga—I Can't Stop Thinking About These Incredible Haute Couture Fashion Week Looks

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I Wanted My Bare Skin to Look Glowier—Rhode's Latest Product Delivered It Without a Drop of Foundation

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I'm not someone who wears makeup every day. If I'm going to an event or filming content, I'm guaranteed to be wearing it, but when I'm just meeting a friend for coffee or doing a grocery shop, I like to leave my skin with just skincare on. Since I go bare-faced more often than not, I'm always on the hunt for other ways to boost my glow.

I've long been a fan of the original Rhode Glazing Milk for the glass-skin look it gives, and the way it soothes my perioral dermatitis. So when they launched their Highlight Milk versions, I was all over them immediately. To be honest, it's such a simple concept; I'm surprised no brand has done this before. Rhode has taken its milky, moisturising, soothing Glazing Milk and added pearlescent, luminising particles to turn it into a bare-skin enhancer, or a glow-giving makeup primer. It's genius, and it's completely levelled up my radiance and garnered me more than a few compliments.

rhode

Highlight Milk

How We Test

I wanted to test this product in two ways. First, I wanted to make sure that these Highlight Milks had the same moisturising and soothing skincare benefits as the original Glazing Milks. It was important to me that the skin benefits were not compromised with the addition of the luminescence. Secondly, I wanted to test just how glowy they made my skin, both on their own and under makeup.

I have been using these daily for at least six weeks—they are firmly part of my routine now and are very unlikely to leave it. So I’ve had time to test these products thoroughly, in many different scenarios and in many different temperatures. When I say these have my stamp of approval, it’s because they haven’t failed me once.

(Image credit: @alifewithfrills)

First Impressions

I was so happy when I discovered that these had exactly the same texture and feel as their original counterparts. They're also scent-free, great for sensitive skin and apply the same way and sink in just as quickly, leaving that famous non-sticky, non-tacky glass-skin glaze. Except now, that glaze comes with a pearlescent luminescence that makes the skin genuinely shine (in a good way). Like the original, they're still packed with skin-barrier-fortifying ceramides, plus hydrating glycerin and moisturising antioxidant vitamin E.

I tried two of the four shades—01 Pearly Pink and 02 Pearly Champagne—both recommended for my pale skin, with the other two shades better for deeper skin tones.

As for the packaging, it is in typical Rhode style—cylindrical plastic canisters in muted, neutral tones—and it suits the dispensing of this product perfectly.

(Image credit: @alifewithfrills)

Rhode Highlight Milk 02 Pearly Champagne (Image credit: @alifewithfrills)

How to Apply

As I've already mentioned, these look incredible on both bare skin and under foundation. While you'd apply the original Rhode Glazing Milk as one of the first steps in your routine, much like any milky toner or essence, the Highlight Milks look glowiest applied last—after SPF, before makeup. Or better still, apply both ways to really maximise the luminescence.

As with any skincare essence, lotion or moisturiser, apply the Highlight Milks with your fingers, massaging the product in and letting it absorb (and almost dry down) for a minute or two. There's no streaking or downside to using more than you need, so experiment until you find what works for you.

Before Rhode Highlight Milk (Image credit: @alifewithfrills)

After application of Rhode Highlight Milk 02 Pearly Champagne (Image credit: @alifewithfrills)

The Verdict

It's safe to say I'm obsessed with the Rhode Highlight Milks. They're easy to apply, deliver clear skincare benefits every time, and give incredible glow-boosting results. They look best worn alone, but still deliver a solid radiance boost under makeup. If your skin's feeling dull and flat, these milks will save you daily and make you look like the healthiest person in the room. They're also great mixed into foundation—turning a matte base glowy, or sheering out a full-coverage one.

(Image credit: @alifewithfrills)

The pearlescent shine left behind doesn't feel like it's sitting on top of my skin—it feels part of it. Even mid-workout, sweating and wiping my face with a towel, there's no visible layer or residue coming off. In hot weather, nothing gets slippery or slides around either. My skin feels soothed and moisturised, and they visibly add dimension and a more perfected finish. They even work beautifully on the décolletage, delivering a healthier and more glowy look.

Which of the four shades suits you best will depend on your skin tone. Worn alone, I prefer 02 Pearly Champagne—it adds a slight warmth that minimises the look of hyperpigmentation for a more even tone. Under makeup, though, I reach for 01 Pearly Pink, as it's the lightest and lifts my complexion, making my foundation look brighter and more radiant. Worn alone, 01 actually increases the visibility of the redness around my nose from perioral dermatitis, and enhances my dark spots. It really is about experimenting to see what works best for your skin's tone and concerns. The Highlight Milk also comes in 03 Pearly Warm Bronze—perfect for deeply tanned or South Asian skin tones—and 04 Pearly Rich Bronze, suited to Black skin tones.

If you like a glowy skin look, I would urge you to try the Rhode Highlight Milks. They have never let me down and have also remained true to the skincare benefits of the original. I can now, very happily, go makeup-free.

(Image credit: @alifewithfrills)

More to Try

L'oréal Paris

Paradise Lumi Glotion

This gives a similar effect, but it's more makeup with skincare benefits rather than skincare-first. It's a skin tint that boosts glow. It can be worn on its own or under makeup, and comes in 4 shades. Glycerin and shea butter help to hydrate and moisturise the skin.

Drunk Elephant

D-Bronzi™ Bronzing Drops

Just because a brand hasn't turned your favourite milky toner or essence into a luminising version, it doesn't mean you can't. Just add in some of these handy drops yourself to level up that glow.

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As a Brunette, I Was Scared to Try the 'Low-Contrast Brow' Trend—My Features Have Never Looked More Defined

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Our brows have been through it all. In the early 00's, many of us fell victim to the over-plucking craze, à la Pamela Anderson. If you were lucky enough to have yours grow back, you likely dabbled in the full, bushy brow look Cara Delevingne pioneered years later. Next, they were laminated and fluffed up beyond recognition, and now? They're going low-contrast.

What are low contrast brows?

Low contrast brows have been popularised by celebrity make-up artist of the moment, Nina Park, who uses the look to soften and accentuate the facial features she's working with. Instead of the brows being the focal point, they harmonise with everything else including your eye or lip, or your hair colour.

They're a world-away from the bleached brow trend that was all the craze a few years ago. "They're a softer evolution," says Hollie Parkes, renowned brow artist. "Rather than removing all of the pigment, the brows are lightened by just a few shades to create a more diffused, effortless finish."

They're surprisingly versatile, too. "It's particularly beautiful on anyone who feels their brows dominate their features, as softening the colour allows the eyes, skin and bone structure to take centre stage," notes Parkes. "They can also be lovely for blondes wanting a softer grow-out, brunettes looking to brighten their complexion, or anyone wanting to experiment with the bleached brow trend without committing to such a dramatic change."

The key here is subtlety. The brow artist rarely recommends taking the brows platinum, and instead prefers to lift them just a few shades, which is enough to completely change the balance of the face.

What's the process like?

After a consultation with Parkes, I was ready to take the plunge, and as someone with incredibly dark brows (darker than my actual hair), I was a little nervous. I had no reason to be worried, however, as Parkes reassured me: low contrast brows should not be dramatic; you're only going a few shades lighter than their natural tone.

First, she began by protecting the skin around the brows with a barrier cream before applying the lightener through the hairs.

"The difference with low-contrast brows is timing," she explains. "We’re not trying to fully bleach the brows, we’re simply softening the colour, so the product is checked regularly and removed much sooner. The aim is to lift the depth of the hair, not erase it. It’s a very controlled process and should always be tailored to the individual’s natural brow colour and desired finish."

In my case, because I have very dark hair, it took a full 10 minutes for the bleach to finish doing its magic, and lighten my brows by three whole (but subtle) shades. After that, Parkes ran a toner through them to ensure they didn't take on too much of a warm-tone.

Nessa's brows before and after the treatment (Image credit: Nessa Humayun)

The results

I was thrilled with my results. They're natural enough not to garner raised eyebrows (pun unintended) from my friends and family, but noticeable enough to make a difference. I find that my features pop more, and they just feel a bit more casual than the super strong, dark look I had before.

Nessa's brows before and after the low-contrast treatment (Image credit: Nessa)

It's also important to practice proper after-care. As Parkes explains, lightening treatments can leave the hair feeling drier, so nourishing them afterwards with conditioning treatments or a brow serum helps keep brows healthy, glossy and soft.

CHAMPO

Pitta Brow Serum

Can you achieve low-contrast brows at home?

Yes, says the brow expert, but she encourages proceeding with caution. "Brows lighten very quickly, so it’s important to work gradually rather than trying to achieve the final result in one go. If you’re unsure whether you’ll like the look, I’d actually recommend trying a lighter-toned brow mascara first. It’s a great way to test the effect before reaching for the bleach."

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18 Iconic Beauty Buys That Are Either on Sale, Have a Discount Code or Both

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The summer sales are going strong, and while it’s a good idea to find some timeless on-sale fashion pieces, the discounts don’t stop there. It’s also a brilliant time to stock up on the best beauty buys.

As a shopping editor, it’s my philosophy to never encourage frivolous sale spending, and that also applies to the best foundations, SPF moisturisers and hair straighteners. That’s why I’ve rounded up only the most iconic beauty buys on sale – tried, tested and loved by Marie Claire UK editors. This way, you get the best of both worlds when it comes to affordable prices and products you’ll actually want to use. Win-win.

Now, normally the most iconic beauty picks will never have a discount, because to be perfectly honest, they sell well enough without one. There is a way around that in the form of buying discounted seasonal gift sets filled with your favourite iconic beauty products (usually in handy travel-sized designs to boot). But some beauty products will simply never go on sale – from the Dyson Airwrap to Augustinus Bader’s celebrity-approved skincare.

That’s where Marie Claire’s discount codes come in. Although I’ve tried my best to include mostly on-sale products below, rest assured that even the ones you see at full price will benefit from some sort of discount via one of our vouchers. It’s a no-brainer, really—iconic beauty buys at a fraction of the price that beauty editors would happily pay for them? Yes please.

Remember, discounts move fast—especially in the evergreen beauty category, so if you see a product you’re keen to try out or stock up on, it’s a good idea to snap it up. Don’t forget to follow the links above each product to our discount voucher pages, where you’ll find savings on everything you see below.

The 18 best iconic beauty buys on sale right now:

Dyson

Did you know that Dyson has a refurbished section where you can find like-new products at a fraction of their original price? Even better – Marie Claire has an exclusive code for an extra 15% off all Dyson refurbished products, allowing for some seriously impressive prices.

Dyson

Refurbished Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ multi-styler

Before you ask, yes, the Airwrap is included in this deal. It’s a worthy investment, adored by beauty editors and hair experts alike. I style my hair with it immediately after washing and am left with bouncy, volumised hair for days.

Dyson

Refurbished Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer

Dyson’s Supersonic hair dryer is another MCUK editor favourite, and you can’t get more iconic than this blue and copper colourway. It’s quiet, efficient and chic—what more could you want?

Harvey Nichols

Harvey Nichols has one of the best beauty sales around right now, and we have a discount code that’ll get you an extra 15% off sale items, among other vouchers.

Laura Mercier

Secret Camouflage Concealer

Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage is hands down the best spot-concealer I’ve ever tried. It’s a highly concentrated formula that immediately covers even dark red spots, but is barely discernible once on the skin. A tiny amount goes a long way, so this little compact will last you ages.

Tan Luxe

The Face Anti-Age Tan Drops

One of team MC’s best face tan picks, these Tan Luxe tanning drops don’t just give an even-toned glow, they make skin feel hydrated and look radiant too.

Clinique

Clinique might not have a sale on right now, but one of our Clinique discount codes will get you 20% off when you spend £40.

Clinique

Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

The Black Honey Almost Lipstick is so iconic it’s had an entire range created from the universally wearable shade, but IMO, nothing beats the original. Wear alone as a flushed-from-within balm or over a nude lip liner for more definition.

Clinique

Bottom Lash Mascara™

One of Marie Claire’s top mascara picks, this tiny brush captures and coats every bottom lash without smudging. Genius.

Cult Beauty

Cult Beauty has 20% off their SPF range right now, and you can save even more with one of our Cult Beauty discount codes.

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+

I’ve used the La Roche-Posay Anthelios suncream for years. For me, nothing beats it in terms of consistency, as it sinks in like a dream but leaves my skin looking instantly radiant.

LOOKFANTASTIC

LOOKFANTASTIC has some great deals on right now, and our discount codes will get you even more savings.

YSL

Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen

If you’re in the market for a light-reflective concealer for under the eyes, YSL’s Touche Éclat is a classic choice for a reason. It genuinely brightens and—most importantly—doesn’t crease throughout the day.

Estée Lauder

Wake Up Radiant Repair + Firm + Hydrate Set

After a serum that’ll repair, hydrate and brighten your skin as you sleep? Look no further than Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair. At 50% off the original value, this gift set is a ridiculously good price.

ASOS

The ASOS beauty sale is also rich in reduced gift sets and on-sale iconic beauty. Save even more with one of our ASOS discount codes.

Sol de Janeiro

Bum Bum Jet Set

This set includes the original Brazilian Bum Bum cream, perfume mist and a delicious-smelling body wash. Basically, all things you’ll get a lot of use out of.

Gisou

Honey Infused Hair Oil

I’ve tried a lot of hair oils in my time, but I always come back to Gisou’s original hair oil for its lightweight hydration and chic packaging.

Debenhams

Debenhams has a summer sale with at least 30% off included beauty. Our Debenhams discount codes will save you even more.

K18

Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

If you have dry, damaged hair, you need to get acquainted with this K18 leave-in hair mask. The fast-acting formula both prevents and reverses damage, restoring your hair’s shine and bounce.

ghd

Decades after capturing all our hearts, ghd is still the most popular straightener brand out there. Our ghd vouchers will get you money off the best models.

ghd

Chronos Professional Hair Straightener

The brand’s straighteners are all iconic, but Chronos has been dubbed the most impressive model by team MC. The smart technology creates the perfect temperature to get a smooth finish with a single swipe, meaning less damage and quicker results.

Boots

Boots has a brilliant beauty sale on right now, and don’t forget to check out our Boots discount codes for extra savings.

Chanel

Chance eau Fraîche EDT

Chanel’s Chance eau Fraîche is a truly delicious summer fragrance. The sort of scent that has strangers stopping you in the street. It’s one of the brand’s lesser-known scents, which makes it that bit more special.

Giorgio Armani

Luminous Silk Foundation

Dubbed one of the best foundations by MC editors, Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk is currently half price at Boots. It has a radiant finish like no other.

Selfridges

Selfridges is synonymous with luxury beauty, so getting a discount with one of our vouchers just makes sense.

Augustinus Bader

The AB Essentials Set

Augustinus Bader is one of those brands that never goes on sale, so this is a more affordable way to try out the bestsellers. Every single AB product I’ve tried has exceeded expectations, and the essentials in this set have to be my favourite of the lot. It’s a great place to start if you’re new to the brand.

Noli

Noli’s summer beauty sale includes big-name brands like Kiehl’s, Aesop and YSL Beauty. Yes, they also have a sale on right now, but you can save on full-priced items too with our Noli discount codes.

L'Oréal Paris

Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Serum

A wonderful hydrating serum, this gives my skin an instant plump, bouncy feel.

Superdrug

Superdrug has a big sale on, and our discount codes will get you an even better deal while stocking up on essentials.

CeraVe

Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid

Just a really good hydrating cleanser at an even better price than usual. I have an oily T-zone but my face feels tight after using most cleansers, this leaves my skin feeling comfortable but not at all greasy.

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