I’d rather skip on foundation than blusher. It just really helps zhuzh up your face doesn’t it? Plus, as I live and work in hot-and-humid Florida, I like to wear as little makeup on my skin as possible. When you deal with this kind of heat almost every day of the year, you need products that actually survive the sweat and humidity.

I have tried LOADS in my time, and my top 2 current favs are Merit Flush Balm in Stockholm and the now discontinued ☹️ Jones Road Beauty Lip & Cheek Stick in Bright Pink. They have replaced it with the Blushing Stick which I’m sure is lovely too, but don’t quote me, as I haven’t tried it yet.

✍️ HOW TO APPLY BLUSHER: I wrote about how I love to apply blush in HELLO! which you can read here!

Anyway, any new blushers that I receive from PRs face stiff competition to impress this critical Beauty Editor ✍️😁🪭, but I’m happy to report that I’ve found a new fave - and it’s only $5 (or £6 if you live in the UK).

The Beauty Ed® Review: e.l.f Cosmetics Sheer For It Blush Tint

This is a water-based blusher that, on first application, doesn’t look like it’s going to amount to anything other than just a watery ‘patch’ of colour on your skin. But as you blend it in (I just tap away at it with my fingers) and build the colour (I love the So Petal shade) it delivers such a lovely seamless finish. It really is so easy to apply that it’s hard to mess up - it just looks really natural.

It can also be used on lips too - which is exactly what I’m wearing in this pic!

How it Compares: e.l.f Vs. Merit and Jones Road

Merit and Jones Road give more of a creamy finish. This e.l.f tint is water-based, so it doesn’t sit on your skin like a balm stick. It sinks right in. So if you want a weightless feel, give the e.l.f one a try!

The other 2 shades e.l.f sent me were Mauve Actually (on the left in the pic below) Burgun-did That (on the right). I’m going to ask my mentees from THE LAB to try those, so look out for their reviews soon.

Let me know if you’ve tried these or if you have a favourite blush that you’d think I’d love!

Leave a comment

Donna x

If you watched me and my family on Channel 4’s Escape to Florida (if not you can stream it here - we are in the first 4 episodes), you’ll know that my skincare routine had to undergo a bit of an overhaul when I moved from London. More hydration and way more protection. I had to really up my SPF game.

But finding a good SPF for your face is hard, right? They either ‘pill’ into little balls as soon as you apply your makeup, leave an ugly white cast on your skin, or just make your face look really greasy.

However, after almost 5 years of living in Florida full-time, and of course as a beauty editor who has tested thousands of formulas over nearly three decades in the industry, I’ve become quite the expert at finding the good ones that don’t do any of those annoying things. Actually, the SPFs that I use now don’t just protect my skin - they help it look instantly better.

Right now, I have 3 favourite SPFs that have survived the ultimate Florida humidity test:

My Top 3 Face SPFs at a Glance

• No7 Prime Forever Skin Preservation SPF 50: Best for a blurring, invisible primer effect that targets early sun damage.

• e.l.f. Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30 : Best for an affordable, pre-makeup radiant base.

• Naked Sundays Cabanaglow Mineral Glow Drops SPF 50: Best for an effortless, dewy beach-town glow without the need for foundation.

How To Layer SPF Under Makeup Without Pilling

One of the questions I get asked often is how to layer sun protection without creating those annoying little grey balls that pill up on the skin. My routine changes depending on what my skin needs that morning and whether I’m wearing a full makeup base.

• The Pre-SPF Step I Always Do: After cleansing, I always apply a serum first. A serum is essential for hydration (remember: dry skin = aging skin) and delivering active ingredients deep down. Right now, I love using a Vitamin C serum. While it isn’t a sunscreen, Vitamin C is packed with antioxidants that act as an extra layer of defense against environmental aggressors like intense sunlight. I absolutely LOVE Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum.

• The Makeup vs. No-Makeup Rule: If I’m not wearing a foundation or base that day, I’ll go straight from serum to a lightweight moisturizer (like CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion), and then apply my SPF. But if I’m wearing a full makeup base, I look closely at how my skin is behaving. If it feels particularly dry, I’ll layer that lightweight moisturizer between my serum and SPF. If my skin already feels nourished and hydrated, I skip the moisturizer entirely and go straight from serum to SPF to keep the layers minimal and prevent pilling under my foundation.

1. The New SPF Discoveries: No7

No7 has absolutely mastered the art of under-makeup SPF formulation recently. I’m currently rotating two of their SPF 50s depending on what my skin needs that morning.

No7 Prime Forever Skin Preservation SPF 50

This is a brand-new discovery for me. It’s part of a new range technically targeted at a younger, 30-something demographic whose skin hasn’t quite shown the visible effects of aging yet, even though any after effects of previous sun damage are bubbling away quietly under the surface. But anyone can still use it. It’s gorgeous under makeup - zero pilling and sinks into skin instantly, making it perfect for makeup.

💌 Read more about the No7 Prime Forever products here - I was lucky to be taken on a trip to Upstate New York to hear all about them

No7 Future Renew Damage Protection SPF 50

This feels just a tad richer on the skin than the Prime Forever version. Just like its sister product, it sits under makeup perfectly without disrupting your foundation.

The Sweat Test: During summer, the sun is already up when I go to the gym or take a walk along the beach. Even though No7 doesn’t explicitly market these as sweat-proof, I’ve put them to the test. They are incredibly lightweight, stay firmly in place, and crucially, they don’t run into your eyes when you start to sweat.

2. The BUDGET SPF I ALWAYS Recommend: e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable Whoa Glow

You all know how much I love e.l.f and this is the SPF base I recommend to my best friend, my closest circle, and my followers non-stop.

e.l.f. Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30 (I ♡ Shade: Sunbeam)

This has been an absolute staple in my skincare routine for a good couple of years now and I’m obsessed with the shade Sunbeam. While it comes in a few shades, Sunbeam gives my skin tone the most stunning, what I like to call (excuse the magazine speak: lit-from-within glow). My only criticism? As a Florida resident, I always prefer a slightly higher SPF factor than 30 for daily wear. But the finish is so beautiful, I keep coming back.

Because I’ve currently run out of Sunbeam, I’ve been testing the Invisible version which has no tint, and I love it. It works exactly like an expensive makeup primer. It is completely weightless, clear, water-resistant, and visually blurs the skin. If you hate the feeling of traditional sunscreen, this lightweight option will change your mind.

3. The Makeup Base With Added SPF50: Naked Sundays

Naked Sundays Cabanaglow Mineral Glow Drops SPF 50 Sunscreen In Illuminating

When I want an effortless glow without a full face of foundation, I wear these drops for my base. The texture is a total dream - completely lightweight and fluid. It’s a bit like a tinted moisturizer, giving just a slight hint of coverage while flooding the skin with a luminous, dewy glow. It’s the perfect one-and-done product for a healthy, low-key day look.

The Midday Refresh: How to Reapply SPF Over Makeup

If it’s just for incidental sun exposure - like leaving the house to get into the car - I love using a quick SPF mist to top things up. The Vacation® Super Spritz Face Mist SPF50 is a personal favorite. BUT if you live in the UK, that isn’t available yet, so I would also recommend La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Anti-Shine Mist Sunscreen SPF50. My brilliant makeup artist friend, Donna May, swears by that one too - you can read more about Donna’s recommendations here.

The Beauty Ed® Tip: If I’m wearing a full face of makeup and know that I’m going to be working or spending a lot of time outside, I use a brilliant industry trick: take a high-quality makeup brush and gently dab a drop or two of your liquid or cream SPF directly over your makeup. It keeps your protection fully intact and actually gives the skin a really lovely, dewy finish rather than disrupting your base.

📹 WATCH ME DO IT:

I hope this helps you avoid those dreaded SPF makeup/foundation ‘pills’! If you have a favourite SPF that manages to survive the summer heatwave, drop it in the comments below - I’m always ready to test and share a new recommendation.

And if you need a top up, don’t forget to shop my current favs through the links above!

Donna

xx

I think you’ll be surprised - I don’t actually take too much away with me when I travel for work, and it’s not just because of luggage restrictions. I’m a creature of habit when it comes to my makeup look and I like to keep it simple. I always revert back to the same ‘no makeup, makeup routine’.

As a beauty editor who has spent over two decades testing literally thousands of products, I’ve learned that packing light or choosing the simple, less-is-more route, isn’t about compromising; it’s about making sure you’re using products that are multi-tasking and work hard for the result. I just want a fresh, glowy look with zero effort.

Here’s exactly what made the cut for my recent work trip:

1. The Best Luxury Base: Victoria Beckham Foundation Drops

These Victoria Beckham Foundation Drops are the new mainstay in my makeup bag. I wrote a detailed review about them here and while I admit, they’re not cheap, and I didn’t pay for this sample myself as they were sent to me to try by the PR, I will definitely be stocking up when I run out.

• Why they works for midlife skin: What I love about them is that they have added skincare benefits and the finish is really natural. As you get older, I think a lot of women tend to put on more product, but less is definitely more - anything heavy is going to sink into any open pores or your creases! And these are really easy to blend with your fingers or a brush.

• The Only Problem: No added SPF. There’s probably a formulation reason for that, because SPF can make a product a bit chalky. So don’t forget to wear an SPF underneath. I wore it right on top of the new No7 Prime Forever SPF 50 Primer, and it sat beautifully. No balling or pilling.

  ---

2. The Multi-Tasking Concealer: Jones Road Your Skin Foundation Stick

For this trip, I wanted a concealer-cum-base that I could swipe over my skin quickly (there was a couple of early morning starts) and for speed and ease of use, I always recommend the Jones Road Beauty Your Skin Foundation Stick which I previously reviewed HERE.

• Application Tip: I suffer with redness around my nostrils so I blended some there, plus I’ve got a little broken vein on the top of my nose that needs a bit of extra coverage. This can be used all over for a lovely, natural base too!

  ---

3. The Brightening Eye Secret: Beauty Pie Under Eye Genius Corrector

I don’t use under-eye concealer anymore. I used to, but then my makeup artist friend Donna May advised me not to. She said, “I don’t think you need it, I don’t think a lot of women need it unless you’ve got really, really dark circles.” She reckons makeup looks so much better without it.

So instead of using it under my eyes, I actually apply the Beauty Pie Under Eye Genius Corrector directly onto my eyelids!

• The Result: It gives a really gorgeous effect. It blends away any redness and makes your eyes appear brighter and more open. It creates a nice base for eyeshadow too. Or just wear it on its own.

4. The Easy Eye Routine: Jones Road ‘Just A Sec’ & Sweed Cloud Mascara

• The Eyeshadow: I love the Jones Road Beauty ‘Just A Sec’ Eyeshadows in Baby Pink and Pewter. They are really lovely with a shimmery gel-like texture and give enough ‘be-dazzle’ to dress up my daytime look to night-time. I just pop my finger in the pot, apply a wash over my eyelids, and it gives that really lovely natural shimmer that catches the light.

• The Mascara: I packed my Sweed Satin Kajal Kohl Eyeliner in Black to tight-line, but I don’t think I even used it the weekend that I was away - I just went for a quite bare eye look. But I did use the Sweed Cloud Mascara in Black. I love it because the wand is really slim and plastic instead of really fibrous, which I find just smudges really easily. This one gets right in the corners.

5. The Perfect Everyday Lip: Victoria Beckham Lipstick in ‘Sway’

For lips, I took the Victoria Beckham Posh Lipstick in Sway. It’s like a pinky nude which works for day and night events. I also packed the Jones Road Beauty The Lip Pencil in Tawny Nude with me, but I skipped that step this trip.

6. The Face-Framing Brow Gel: REFY Clear Brow Sculpt

Doing my brows is a step that I’ve recently added into my regular makeup routine - probably in the last year or so. For this trip, I used the REFY Clear Brow Sculpt.

• Why it’s a favourite: This clear gel fixes your brows in place and gives them that laminated look, that’s really natural. Setting your eyebrows just really gives a nice structure to your face. If you want a tinted one, try this one by Merit.

7. The One Product I Never Skip: Nudestix Nudies Bloom

I would gladly skip foundation, but I hardly ever skip blusher. As a beauty editor, I’ve tried hundreds, and the Nudestix Nudies Bloom in Cherry Blossom is a new fav!

• The Formula: It has the perfect amount of slip and staying power without looking greasy.

• The Packaging: What I also love about this product is that one end has product - you just dab the stick onto your cheeks - and then you take the lid off the other end, and you’ve got a really lovely flat brush to blend the color in. So handy! And space-saving. I really love that.

Anyone else getting extremely tired of social media these days? The competitive algorithm has become so shout-y. Creators and, actually anyone working in media, including me, are desperately trying to get noticed. We need the engagement to earn a decent living. But to be honest, I’m growing tired of being a slave to it.

Turning 50 has really made me think about what I am putting out there on Instagram. I know that my age is my meal ticket to success as a ‘midlife’ Beauty Editor, but I just don’t want to share, what I often see as disingenuous skincare reels with on-screen captions like: “Hard to believe I’m 50: this is what I use on my skin” All while they are accompanied by a flawlessly lit, hyper-smoothed close-up.

To be honest, when I see content like this, my first thought isn’t about the creator’s skincare routine. It’s about the woman watching it. What must that viewer be thinking? “What am I doing wrong? Why don’t I look like that? What do I need to buy?”

It’s the same old comparison trap and it feels a bit smug.

The Reality Check We All Need

We all have days where we look in the mirror and think: “ugh, I look and feel like absolute s*it.” I don’t care who you are, how many serums you own, how much Botox you’ve had, or what year you were born. Hormones shift, stress happens, life shows up on our faces.

When I have those days, the answer isn’t in a miracle cream. It’s about how I talk to myself. It’s about digging deep, accepting the bad day, and intentionally shifting the focus. I look in the mirror and actively choose to find the positives - focusing on what I do like, rather than obsessing over what I don’t.

Writing about beauty in my twenties, thirties, and even my forties felt very different than it does now. Back then, the narrative was often about correction and prevention. But today, while I absolutely want to look and feel the best I possibly can, my perspective has changed.

What a Clear 50 Year Old Mind Has Taught Me

Yes, my job is centered around beauty and skincare, and yes, I will always champion high-performance, science-backed formulas that give midlife skin its glow back. But the truth I’ve come to realize is this: there is only so much beauty you can squeeze out of a bottle.

When you see a woman who looks genuinely beautiful and alive, that glow isn’t just because she applied a retinoid last night or had a luxury facial. The rest of her beauty is made up of the things money can’t buy. It’s the confidence born from doing work that fulfills her. It’s the warmth of being loved by her friends and family. It’s the deep, unshakeable sense of feeling respected by others - and, most importantly, by herself.

That is what actually builds your confidence. Not a smooth and shiny complexion, but a fierce appreciation for the life you’ve built and the woman you’ve become.

I’ve been writing about beauty for over 25 years, and my obsession with brilliant skincare hasn’t changed just because I’ve hit a milestone birthday. Growing older doesn’t mean we stop caring about how we look - far from it. It just means the goalposts have shifted from trying to look 25 again, to looking and feeling like the best possible version of ourselves.

So yes, I am absolutely going to keep testing, reviewing, and sharing the hard-working formulas that I love and are coming right with me into my 50s. But I’m sharing them as tools for self-care, not tokens of perfection. My algorithm (or business) might not thank me, but I want to leave the smug reels behind, and focus on feeding our spirits, and take care of the skin we’re in - during the good and bad days…

Donna

x

As per, I’m writing to you today from hot and humid St. Pete Beach, Florida, where I’ve lived for almost 5 years. But I know, from all the messages that I’ve received from family and friends back in London, that the weather is boiling there too - in fact, I just checked and it’s 4 degrees hotter in London right now than it is here!

I used to love London in the sunshine - there really is no place better. But when it gets past a certain temperature, things kind of come to a standstill. The tube breaks down (any extreme weather affects London Transport right?). And with no air-con, sea breeze or pool to cool you down, there really is nothing more to do than to strip off - bra included - and just wallow. Or, just grab your bikini, and pop to the beach - if you’re lucky enough to live by one like me (sorry, not sorry 😆)

But the problem is, not many of us can do that. We have jobs to go to!

I remember being pregnant with my first son, Oliver, having to commute into London’s Soho every day in early summer. I was working for Hearst back then in 2005, as the beauty editor for a teenage magazine called CosmoGIRL! As it was a monthly, with three-month lead times (meaning you have to write your articles a full quarter before it hits the press) I’d already written the obligatory How to Sweatproof Your Makeup feature.

I’ve written dozens of them over my 25+ years as a beauty editor writing for various titles, but if I’m being completely honest, the headlines are always the same, and the copy is usually just a variation of the same generic textbook advice like (and I quote) “keep shine at bay by switching to powder formulas” or “swap your regular mascara for a waterproof one to avoid smudging.” Are those tips actually helpful, though? Or just regurgitated clichés?

Living in Florida, where the humidity is relentless - even with air conditioning blasting in almost every building - I’ve had to abandon the standard ‘textbook’ beauty advice. Out here, every single day is a masterclass on how to survive the sweat - and humidity.

A couple of years ago, when Florida was hit by 2 devastating hurricanes - Helene and then Milton - we had zero air con and zero running water for a couple of weeks. So trust me, I understand what the real pain points are when you’re hot as hell. The chub rub. The constant upper lip sweat. The Monica from Friends frizz that takes over the second you step out the door…

To make sure I’m addressing what is actually bothering you beauty-wise in the heat, I asked my lovely Instagram community to share their real heatwave pain points. And that they did. Thanks guys!

So here are my tried-and-tested tips for what actually works when it’s hotter than the Devil’s armpit lol…

🥵 Real Hot Weather Issue #1: “I’m not even bothered trying to look decent!”

“The sweating on my face is unreal 🥵 not bothered trying to look half decent 🤣🤣”

Fair! I get it. There is nothing you can really do to totally stop the sweats, and it does get to a point where you just want to give up and sit in front of a fan, naked, with an ice coffee. But what I will say, is that you don’t have to completely give up!

Instead of wearing a heavy base, try using a ‘glowy’ gel or a face bronzer. It’s often all you need to make you feel human again. Plus, they are so lightweight, you won’t have to worry about your base melting off.

The Weightless Glow: I love the Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Multipurpose Illuminator. It’s really lightweight and gives the skin such a lovely natural glow that you can skip foundation and just pop on a bit of blush or bronzer on top.

The Sheer Tint: I’m also loving the Victoria Beckham Colour Wash Bronze Water Tints. I like the Tanline shade. They are watery and really sheer so build them up by layering if you want more warmth.

The Suits-All Blush: For cheeks, Merit Flush Balm in Stockholm is my absolute fav and one I recommend to all my friends no matter their skin tone.

One to Watch: They have just been launched and I can’t wait to try them: the Jones Road Beauty Bright Skin Illuminating Drops.

🫠 Real Hot Weather Issue #2: Melting Makeup & Constant Face Sweat

If you have bothered with makeup, and find it’s sliding away by lunchtime, you need to look at your SPF. Anything too thick and creamy will just ball up and ‘pill’ into tiny pieces either the second you apply your base over the top, or a few hours later when the heat kicks in.

• The All-in-One: Try a base that already has built-in protection like IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream which has SPF 40 or SPF 50 depending if you buy it in the UK or US.

• The Invisible SPF: Alternatively, try a lighter makeup primer with added SPF. The new No7 Prime Forever Broad Spectrum SPF50 Primer Sunscreen is gorgeous.

The Pro Secret For Face Sweat: On this episode of Smiling Gives You Wrinkles®, my makeup artist friend Donna May shared how she manages to keep BBC TV presenters looking flawless when they are filming in the heat for 15-hour days at the Chelsea Flower Show:

“Try not to add more powder. Normally it’s round the sides of the nose and around the top lip, so just take that little bit of extra shine off with oil-absorbing sheets or a tissue, then use a powder puff and just pat it in, dampening it down a little bit.”

The Refresh: Donna swears by the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine SPF 50 Over-Makeup Mist for extra over-makeup protection and a bit of a cooling refreshment.

🩹 Real Hot Weather Issue #3: Chub Rub & Boob Sweat

This came up many times in my DMs.

“The boob sweat 🤦🏼‍♀️ never had a problem pre-baby, now it’s real! 🥵🫠”

Thankfully, there are actually sticks designed especially for this issue and to be fair, they’re mostly pretty good.

The Lifesaver: I personally rate the Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick. I tried it after interviewing the brilliant founder, Kate Sturino, for this article in HELLO!. It goes on smooth like a regular stick deodorant, doesn’t stain your clothes and really does the job the whole day.

👁️ Real Hot Weather Issue #4: Sore, Dry Eyes

I feel your pain here. I have suffered with dry eyes since I was a teenager - apparently I don’t fully close them when I sleep (😳) which causes them to dry out.

When your eyes feel scratchy and sore, I’d suggest skipping mascara entirely to avoid irritating them further. 100% avoid tubing formulas as the tiny tubes that flake off when your remove them might trap in your eyes. But if you can’t bear to go entirely bare:

The Gentle Volume: Use a formula like Clinique High Impact™ Mascara which is opthalmogically tested, won’t irritate sensitive eyes and gives a lovely, natural volume.

The Quick-Set Liner: For definition, choose a gel liner like Ilia Clean Gel Eyeliner which ‘sets’ really quickly and behaves itself on sensitive eyes.

The Beauty Editor Mascara-Free Face Hack: Personally, I don’t wear mascara during the day when it’s this hot. If I want to lift my face and give it structure, I’ll just wear a brighter lipstick instead. I’m loving the e.l.f Glow Reviver Slipsticks that are like a lipstick/lipgloss hybrid. My fav shade is Loveslick - a warm pink.

Frame the Face: If you feel ‘naked’ without eye makeup, add definition to your eyebrows instead to open up your face. I love the Refy Clear Brow Sculpt Gel, brushing it upward through my brows to give them a lifted, naturally ‘laminated’ finish.

🦁 Real Hot Weather Issue #5: Hair Frizz!

As one of my followers put it:

“My hair is naturally curly and I [normally] blow dry it straight but with this weather I wash it every morning and rub in products and let it dry naturally and I just scope it up, but I caught a reflection today of myself and I look bloody awful XXX”

Same same. But you can get your hair looking more than half decent if you follow this ‘air dry’ method that I’ve nailed down to a tee. No frizz allowed:

1. Ditch the Silicones: Use a silicone and sulphate-free shampoo. Silicones actually dry the hair out over time, and the drier your hair is, the more moisture it will suck out of the humid air, causing it to poof! I love the Chāmpo shampoos, and the Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo is great.

2. Swap Rinse-Out For Leave-In Conditioners: You want your hair to be as smooth as possible to trap the moisture in so go straight for high-performance leave-ins to trap moisture deep inside the hair shaft. My absolute fav (and probably one of my most recommended products) is the K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask - I’ve written about it loads - read more about why I (and loads of you too) love it here.

3. The Multi-Tasker: I also love the Michael Van Clark Lifesaver UV Leave-in Styling Treatment. It’s a phenomenal multi-tasker that treats, styles, and protects hair against UV rays all at once. I slather it on damp hair and let it air-dry. If you have wavy hair like mine, it defines your natural texture without the crunch.

🌟 The Ultimate K18 Air-Dry Power-Combo

You all know how much I absolutely love the original K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask, but the K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil is the real secret weapon for toning down the frizz in between shampoos. Just make sure you use it quite sparingly.

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The Beauty Ed®’s Note: As a beauty journalist with over 25 years experience, I have witnessed how the ‘viral skincare’ trend has changed how we shop. But let’s be honest, looking cute on camera doesn’t always equate to cute results on the skin. And when the Grace & Stella PR asked THE LAB to try some of their products, I couldn’t think of a better person than my brilliant contributor . I wanted her to give this ‘cool girl’ brand an honest, real-skin test. And that she did…

Beyond the pretty packaging: can a ‘cool-girl’ brand actually deliver high-performance skincare results?

Grace & Stella might just be the next viral skincare brand, so when their products landed on my desk, I was obviously going to put them to the test.

I got sent their eye patches (as seen on Emily Blunt in The Devil Wears Prada 2, mind you) and their *adorable* pimple patches. I’m a sucker for anything that looks fun, so they really had me from the get-go.

The Overnight Fix: Testing the Internet’s Favorite Pimple Patches

I feel like I’ve tried every pimple patch out there since the Starface ones became super popular in 2020. While my go-to pimple patches are usually whatever is the best value from Amazon, the Grace & Stella ones piqued my interest because they are SO cute - sue me, I’m easily influenced.

The Ingredient Upgrade: More Than Just Hydrocolloid

Most pimple patches are just standard hydrocolloid patches that draw out the oil and gunk from your blemishes. On top of that, the Grace & Stella ones also contain Salicylic Acid (which reduces swelling) and Tea Tree Oil (an antiseptic to combat acne bacteria and speed up healing).

The added ingredients make these super effective not only at calming the redness of angry blemishes but also at reducing their size and drawing them out of the skin more quickly. Since going on Accutane a few years ago, my skin has definitely improved and I don’t get nearly as many blemishes as I used to but I do get the odd pimple here and there. These patches are so aesthetic that they almost make you want to get a pimple just so you can use them, so I was actually quite delighted to get to test them out.

I’m a pimple patch overnight girl, and by the time I had woken up, the redness and swelling had gone down, and with a little dab of concealer, it was like there was nothing wrong in the first place.

The Prime Day Verdict: The best part is that the patches are included in the Amazon Prime sale from the 23rd-26th June and are nearly 15% off!!

The £0.83 Pamper: Putting the Viral Eye Masks to the Test

As an avid beauty fan, the first thing I noticed about these eye masks is the number of pairs you get in a single box - 24! For a little comparison, Sephora’s best-selling eye masks are the Topicals ones, which come in a pack of 6 pairs for £20 ($22 in the US!), which comes to around £3.30 per use. BUT, the Grace & Stella masks are currently £20 for 24 pairs, which is around £0.83 per use. So it’s pretty clear to see which ones are the most cost-efficient. Okay, maths lesson OVER, let’s get into the eye masks themselves.

Grace & Stella are really spoiling us with 6 different kinds of eye masks to try! Energising, moisturising, restoring, firming, illuminating and revitalising - I received the illuminating ones (which were actually the perfect selection because I am noticing dark circles at the ripe age of 22).

When I first received these, I put a pair straight into the fridge because I just knew that the added coolness would upgrade the experience, and I was right (shock!) It also made me wonder if I should invest in one of those skincare fridges for my bedroom, but that may be taking things too far, even for me.

The Application Test: Do They Actually Stay Put?

Anyway, when I tried them the next morning, one thing that immediately stood out to me was that they weren’t slipping down my face every five seconds (huge win!) and the cooling effect made me feel de-puffed and more awake. While you definitely don’t need a pair of eye masks every day, they feel like a little treat when you want an elevated morning routine, or a pamper night in.

The Beauty Ed® Approved: The Honest Verdict

It’s hard to cut through the noise in the beauty industry, but I think Grace & Stella have done just that. Not only are their products effective and cute, but they also come at a reasonable price point that doesn’t make you dread your restock.

Here is how they stack up:

Grace & Stella Pimple Patches Verdict

Best For: Overnight blemish healing and calming acute inflammation without stripping the skin barrier.

The Experience: Somehow, these pimple patches strike the perfect balance; they stay put firmly on your spots, but they are gentle to take off. I find that some pimple patches that look playful, like this, aren’t always the most focused on skincare, but the Tea Tree Oil and Salicylic Acid in these give you genuine results. I have no complaints (and I’m a Virgo, so that’s pretty rare!)

Grace & Stella Illuminating Eye Masks Verdict

Best For: A cost-effective, cooling luxury treatment to de-puff the under-eyes and prep skin for makeup.

The Experience: I don’t know that I noticed a huge difference visually, but as a pampering treatment, they definitely made my morning routine feel a little more luxurious, and they feel amazing on my under eyes. I’d also definitely repurchase these over other brands I’ve tried; they’re cost-efficient, look good and feel fabulous.

Now, please excuse me while I scroll the rest of their website, adding to my wishlist!
P xx

Today’s announcement that the UK will be banning social media for under-16s is huge, especially for the beauty industry - and it’s a moment I’ve been preparing for.

Reclaiming the Roots of Responsible Teen Media

Long before algorithms dictated what girls saw in their feeds, I learned exactly how to speak to young demographics with absolute responsibility. As an editor on the core team of CosmoGIRL! magazine back in 2001, we built trust through real, fun and approachable imagery and genuine skincare education - long before digital filters existed.

That specific, pre-algorithmic media blueprint is exactly why I launched THE LAB. As a beauty editor with nearly 30 years of industry experience, I designed this mentorship program to be the calm, truthful alternative to fake influencer culture for high school and college students.

How the UK Social Media Ban Impacts Gen Alpha Beauty Marketing

Today’s news that the UK government is planning a full social media ban for under-16s by spring 2027 is a very welcome one.

But let’s be real: this probably won’t completely get teens off the platforms (they’ll just fake their dates of birth). But what it will do is force the beauty industry to completely shift how they market to this demographic. And that is a brilliant sign. It’s going to force brands to be more responsible, more thoughtful, and to finally lead with purpose.

I know from personal experience that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are the absolute golden ticket for these brands. As a Gen X creator, I see it all the time - it can feel like total crickets when you’re trying to get brands involved in any kind of commercial partnerships for midlife. But the second you mention younger demographics? You have them instantly engaged.

If brands want to keep that engagement once that ban is in place, they need to stop looking at these teens as easy sales and start looking at community-driven programs like THE LAB that talk about beauty in a responsible, meaningful way, and they have to start leading with purpose.

Why the Beauty Industry Must Pivot from Sales to Youth Education

Yes, beauty is a business, but profit cannot be the primary intention when approaching teens. The focus must shift to skin health education, truth, and transparent reviews.

Teenagers are incredibly savvy. They know ingredients, they know formulas, and they spot disingenuous marketing a mile away. They don’t want filtered hype; they want real, peer-to-peer recommendations.

Beauty at this age should be fun, creative, and joyful - not a clinical obsession with anti-aging before they’ve even finished school.

Building THE LAB as a Responsible Solution to Algorithmic Beauty

The era of predatory, algorithmic youth marketing is facing a massive shift. If you’re a brand looking to pivot your strategy toward something more purposeful, or a student wanting to learn how to create honest, impactful media, this is the perfect time to work with me and be a part of THE LAB.

What are your thoughts on the ban? Do you think it will actually force beauty brands to clean up their acts, or will they just find a new backdoor? Let’s talk in the comments below.

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Lately, I’ve been missing the camaraderie of working in an office amongst a team. So it’s nice to get ‘out’ so to speak. Plus, now that I live in Florida, it’s great for me to attend beauty press events as much as I can. When I lived in London, they were ten-a-penny, so now I cherish them 💕

Inside My Finger Lakes No7 Press Trip & Staying at The Inns of Aurora

Anyway, this No7 press trip was in Finger Lakes - a beautiful area in Upstate New York, and it was an honour for me and The Beauty Ed® to be invited alongside other amazing journalists from legacy media brands like Allure, Good Housekeeping, Instyle and Refinery 29.

Before I get into the new No7 skincare products, I must give a shout out to the hotel we stayed at: The Inns of Aurora. What a magical place! It was founded by the creator of American Girl dolls and no wonder - it almost feels like you are living in a dolls house fantasy when you’re there. In the most natural, down-to-earth way.

The setting by the lake is absolutely stunning! We went lake boating, to the hydrotherapy spa, bird-watching (saw some Bald Eagles nesting) and even did some glass blowing.

🎥 Watch the Finger Lakes Press Trip Vlog: You can come behind the scenes, see the stunning lakeside property, and watch me test the skincare as well as attempt to glass-blow a flower (!) over on my channel. Click here to watch the full vlog and subscribe to @thebeautyedvlog on YouTube!

The New No7 Skincare Launches Landing in the US

OK, back to the No7 skincare launches - which was the whole reason why I was there! These ranges have already launched in the UK in Boots and are becoming available here in the US over the coming months (more info below). While neither is technically targeted at my own midlife skin, they are filling some massive gaps in the market:

No7 Prime Forever (Best for Late 20s & 30s Skin)

First up: Prime Forever, which is launching in the US in August - find it at Ulta and No7 Beauty. Prime Forever is designed to preserve all the good stuff (like collagen) while your skin is still in its prime. It’s a fantastic range if you’re in your late 20s and 30s - a demographic that is often ignored. You’re coming out of your 20s, you aren’t seeing deep visible signs of aging yet, but your natural collagen stores are just beginning to deplete.

The formulations focus heavily on a brilliant peptide blend to preserve skin elasticity. My standouts from the line are the Preservation Serum and the SPF 50 Primer (which sits beautifully under makeup with absolutely zero balling or pilling). The Weightless Moisturiser is also a treat - it has this fascinating, bouncy memory-gel texture that flattens itself back out in the jar so it’s always smooth as you pop your finger into the jar.

No7 Good Intent (Active-Free Hydration for Teens & 20s)

Next up is Good Intent which is available NOW in the US and also in the UK. Good Intent is a non-active skincare collection with the most beautiful pastel packaging - the bottles are so soft and tactile. Because it’s active-free and deeply hydrating, it’s perfect for teenage and 20-something skin types. But I love it too! Especially the Radiance Reflect Spray Serum. I’ve never tried a serum spray before and as this is one of my must-do skincare steps, I am obsessed! It’s so lightweight and a great one to keep on your desk to top up your hydration and glow throughout the day.

I’m actually going to send a selection of the Good Intent range to my group of mentees in THE LAB to try - I expect they’ll be fans of the Skin Sip Moisture Milk , which is a beautiful, press-on milky toner that works exactly like the Rhode Glazing Milk which they are all obsessed with.

🍄 Read our full Rhode reviews and breakdown from THE LAB here

I look forward to sharing exactly what THE LAB think once they finish testing them!

In the meantime, let me know in the comments: Do you have someone in your life who fits into these 30-something or teen brackets who would love these?

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The Beauty Ed®s Note: As part of THE LAB, my student mentorship program where I oversee the work of the next generation of beauty writers, I’m so happy to share this helpful piece (especially if you suffer badly with frizz) by Contributing Editor, . I introduced Gia to the PR agency who handle the press for Moroccanoil in the UK as she is the perfect candidate to road test their frizz fighting formulas. And here, she gives an honest review as she trials a complete curl care routine during her travels in hot and humid Italy 🇮🇹

This is a PR/Gifted Review with no obligation to post

After years of bleach, heat styling and trying to force my hair into being something it simply isn’t, this summer in Italy has become an unexpected turning point.

For most of my teenage years, my relationship with my hair was built around control. Blow-dries, straighteners, and endless attempts to tame the frizz. If there was humidity in the forecast, I immediately assumed it would be a bad hair day.

Perhaps it’s the wider beauty conversation moving away from perfection. Perhaps it’s getting older. Or perhaps it’s spending summer in Italy, where the heat, humidity and reality of everyday life quickly make you realise that fighting your natural texture is exhausting.

So this summer, I’ve decided to embrace my natural hair properly…

Coincidentally, I was kindly sent the Moroccanoil Curl Collection to test just before leaving for Italy. Having used Moroccanoil products since my early teens, I wasn’t completely new to the brand. In fact, the original shampoo, conditioner and iconic treatment oil have been staples in my hair routine for years.

What was new, however, was committing to an entirely curl-focused routine and seeing how it performed against the ultimate challenge: an Italian summer.

The Best Routine For Thick, Frizz-Prone Wavy Hair

For context, my hair is naturally thick, dry, wavy-curly and extremely prone to frizz.

When I say frizz-prone, I mean it. If a drop of rain touches it, it expands. If there’s humidity, it expands. If someone merely mentions moisture in the atmosphere, it somehow expands.

Years of bleach certainly didn’t help matters, and whilst my hair is far healthier today, hydration is still something I have to prioritise constantly.

Because of that, I tend to judge products quite harshly. If something weighs my hair down, leaves it sticky or makes my roots oily, I notice immediately.

How To Properly Prepare Textured Hair For Styling: The Clarifying Step

Before using any of the Moroccanoil products, I started with my favourite OUAI detox shampoo.

This is something I’ve become increasingly strict about because so many people underestimate how much product buildup accumulates on the scalp.

If you’re using mousses, curl creams, oils, dry shampoo or hairspray throughout the week, your regular shampoo is not enough.

A clarifying wash essentially gives you a clean slate.

Only after doing this did I move on to the Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo, followed by the Curl Enhancing Conditioner. One thing I immediately noticed was that the shampoo doesn’t foam nearly as much as the Moisture Repair Moroccanoil shampoo. The scent is also softer and less distinctive.

The conditioner, however, was lovely.

Because my hair is naturally dry, I applied a generous amount throughout my lengths and ends. A professional stylist once told me that most people with textured hair simply don’t use enough conditioner, and ever since then, I’ve become much more generous with it.

🐄 I also used the “milking method” that Gustav Fouche previously taught me during an appointment at his Notting Hill salon. It sounds unusual, but it involves taking small, manageable sections of hair and gently running the conditioner down each strand from root to tip with your fingertips, almost as if you were slowly pressing moisture into the hair.

It helps distribute moisture evenly and has genuinely transformed how hydrated my curls feel.

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Dream Review: Is It Worth The Hype?

The standout product in this entire routine was, without question, the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream.

In fact, this product had been sitting on my wish-list long before I received it.

My best friend Maria has been telling me to buy it for months and absolutely swears by it, and now I understand why.

I applied around three pumps through damp hair when it was approximately 90% wet.

The first thing I noticed was how lightweight it felt.

So many curl products promise definition, but leave the hair feeling coated or sticky. This did neither. It almost disappears into my hair.

The second thing I noticed was how smooth my curls looked. Not stiff, nor crunchy, but soft and defined.

The scent is also beautiful without being overpowering, and it gives the hair that luxurious salon-product feeling that makes styling feel less like a chore and more like self-care.

❤️ If I could only recommend one product from the entire collection, it would be this one.

How To Protect Curls and Waves From Summer Humidity

After the cream, I followed with the Curl Control Mousse. Again, I was pleasantly surprised.

I’ve used mousse since I was around thirteen years old, desperately trying to understand my hair texture before I really knew what I was doing.

Many mousses leave a sticky residue or make curls feel hard; however, this one didn’t.

I scrunched it throughout my hair, concentrating particularly around the roots where frizz tends to appear first.

I then added a small amount of gel to the ends of my waves. (This is something I always do during the summer).

No matter what curl products I’m testing, a small amount of gel helps lock everything in place and prevents humidity from undoing all my hard work within the first hour.

The Ultimate Hair Oil For Shine and Smooth Ends

Once my hair had dried slightly, I finished with the Moroccanoil Treatment Oil.

This is the product I’ve used the longest from the brand.

I’ve been buying it since I was thirteen years old, and it remains one of the most reliable hair oils I’ve ever tried. It adds shine, smooths the ends, and somehow manages to make hair feel healthier instantly.

I used a few pumps throughout the length and then headed out into the Bologna heat.

The Honest Verdict: Which Moroccanoil Curl Products Are Actually Worth It?

• The Curl Defining Cream is exceptional.

• The mousse is excellent and will be a product that I repurchase.

• The conditioner is lovely.

• The shampoo, however, was my least favourite product.

Whilst it may work beautifully for someone with a different hair type, I found it made my hair feel slightly heavier, and my roots became oilier more quickly than they usually do.

Interestingly, this is something a few friends of mine have also experienced with Moroccanoil shampoos generally…

That doesn’t mean it’s a bad product. It simply means it wasn’t the best fit for my particular hair.

And I think that’s important to say. Good beauty journalism isn’t about telling people everything is amazing. It’s about explaining what worked, what didn’t and helping readers decide what might work for them!

Final Thoughts

This summer has been less about achieving perfect hair and more about learning to appreciate the hair I already have.

The curls, the volume and even the frizz! Because the truth is, hair doesn’t need to be perfectly sleek to look beautiful. Sometimes it just needs to look like yours.

And somewhere between the heat of Bologna, countless scoops of gelato, and finally letting my natural texture take up space, I’m beginning to think my hair agrees.

If you opened Instagram or TikTok last week, there’s a chance your feed was taken over by dramatic and scary headlines about one of my favourite (and most recommended) skincare brands, CeraVe.

My DMs blew up with screenshots showing viral posts that screamed headlines like: “CERAVE SUED FOR CANCER-CAUSING CHEMICALS.” It even sent me into panic mode - the Beauty Editor that knows that a lot of the time these headlines are just there to scare-monger and for click-bait. But, I get it. When an infographic shows stock images of the products sitting on your bathroom shelf, it’s bound to cause concern.

For me, the headlines hit close to home. Anyone who follows me or reads The Beauty Ed® knows that I am a massive CeraVe fan. I don’t just test and review their products on my socials; I bulk-buy bottles of their Moisturizing Lotion for my household. My sons use their skincare, and my eldest loves their Anti-Dandruff shampoo - it’s a permanent fixture in his shower.

So before you, or I, throw our beloved CeraVe into the bin, I wanted to look at the actual facts and science behind these scare-mongering headlines.

Firstly, I must point out, that this story isn’t new. The wave of panic surrounding CeraVe originally began when independent lab reports were published in early 2024. It has resurfaced recently due to all of the ongoing class-action lawsuits moving through the courts in 2026.

To help me get to the facts, I reached out to the brilliant consultant dermatologist Dr. Nicole Chiang, who I recently invited onto my podcast, Smiling Gives You Wrinkles®. She explains what is exactly going on, what the headlines got wrong, and why you don’t need to panic.

1. The CeraVe Lawsuit is an Ingredient Issue, Not a Brand Issue

The absolute biggest flaw in the viral posts circulating right now is that they use images of standard CeraVe lotions, cleansers, and baby products to grab your attention.

Here is the truth: The lawsuits and underlying scientific reports are exclusively targeting products that contain one specific active acne ingredient: Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO). In CeraVe’s range, this only applies to two specific acne treatments: their Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser and Acne Foaming Cream Wash.

Is standard CeraVe safe? Yes. If your CeraVe product does not have Benzoyl Peroxide listed on the back - if it’s your daily Hydrating Cleanser, your Moisturizing Lotion, or your shampoo - it is completely untouched by this issue. There is zero benzene risk in standard formulas powered by ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide. Your daily staples are perfectly safe.

2. The Science: Why is Benzoyl Peroxide in the News?

So, what is the actual issue with Benzoyl Peroxide?

“Benzoyl peroxide can degrade into benzene under certain conditions, particularly when products are exposed to elevated temperatures for prolonged periods,” explains Dr. Nicole Chiang. “Benzene is a known human carcinogen, which is why these findings have generated concern.”

Essentially, the Benzoyl Peroxide molecule is inherently unstable. If a product containing it is exposed to extreme heat - like being left in a really boiling hot car, stored in direct sunlight, or kept right next to a really hot radiator - it can break down and form benzene. The recent legal drama is based on allegations that these products can become unstable during transit or warm storage conditions before they put on the shelves to be bought.

3. The Reassurance: What Did the FDA Find?

While that sounds frightening, the actual data is reassuring. This isn’t a wildcard ingredient that’s just come out of nowhere; it is one of the most heavily regulated and intensely studied molecules in skincare.

Dr. Chiang urges us to look at the broader picture:

“It is important to put this into context. Benzoyl peroxide remains a well-established and highly effective acne treatment that continues to be recommended by dermatologists worldwide. In March 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tested 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide and found that more than 90% contained undetectable or very low levels of benzene. Six products were found to have elevated benzene levels and were voluntarily recalled by their manufacturers.”

Dr. Chiang also points out a major safety buffer when it comes to the specific CeraVe products in question: they are wash-off formulas.

“CeraVe’s benzoyl peroxide-containing products are rinse-off cleansers rather than leave-on treatments,” Dr. Chiang notes. “As these products are washed off after a short contact time, overall exposure would generally be expected to be lower than with leave-on formulations.”

4. Should We Stop Using Benzoyl Peroxide?

If you or your teenagers rely on a Benzoyl Peroxide cleanser to help control breakouts, the expert medical consensus is clear: No, you do not need to stop.

“Current dermatology guidelines continue to recommend benzoyl peroxide as an effective treatment for acne,” says Dr. Chiang. “In addition to reducing acne lesions, benzoyl peroxide plays an important role in helping to reduce bacterial resistance when used alongside topical or oral antibiotics. This is one of the reasons it remains a cornerstone of acne management.”

Instead of abandoning an ingredient that works, the real solution comes down to how we treat and store our products. “The key takeaway for consumers is that proper storage matters,” Dr. Chiang emphasizes. “Benzoyl peroxide products should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions and protected from excessive heat.”

5. How to Store Skincare Safely: The New Golden Rules

To keep your bathroom completely safe and give yourself total peace of mind, Dr. Chiang recommends following these straightforward rules:

• Keep it Cool: Store benzoyl peroxide products according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ideally at room temperature or cooler. Avoid leaving products in hot environments such as cars, near windows, or in direct sunlight.

• Watch the Thermometer: Discard products that have been exposed to excessive heat (e.g., greater than 78°F / 25°C). (If you live somewhere hot like me in Florida, or your bathroom gets incredibly steamy, consider storing your acne washes in a cool pantry or even the fridge!)

• Refresh Your Stash: Replace your active benzoyl peroxide products every 10–12 weeks. Do not let old acne treatments sit in your cupboards for months or years on end.

• Know Your Alternatives: “If you are concerned about using benzoyl peroxide, speak with your dermatologist about alternatives such as adapalene, salicylic acid or azelaic acid,” advises Dr. Chiang.

Why We Need To Move From “Clean Beauty” to Evidence-Based Beauty

This entire story taps into a much larger issue: the anxiety-driven world of “Clean Beauty.” As a beauty editor, I have always been vocal about the fact that fear-mongering shouldn’t dictate your skincare. As you can see in this article that I wrote for The Sun newspaper’s Fabulous Magazine about 15 (!) years ago…

And Dr. Chiang agrees entirely.

“Clean beauty’ is largely a marketing term rather than a scientific or regulatory one,” Dr. Chiang clarifies. “An ingredient is not safer simply because it is natural, and it is not harmful simply because it is synthetic. What matters is the quality of the evidence, the formulation, the concentration, and how the product is used. From a dermatology perspective, I encourage consumers to focus on evidence-based beauty, rather than clean beauty.”

When we look at the actual scientific evidence, regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA, the UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), and the European Commission’s SCCS are constantly monitoring, testing, and restricting ingredients to keep us safe.

And the list of ingredients that have rock-solid, undisputed evidence supporting both their safety and efficacy when used as directed? It includes the gold-standard ingredients we love: ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid, retinoids, and yes - benzoyl peroxide when stored correctly.

The Bottom Line: You do not need to throw away your bulk-bought CeraVe lotions. My family will absolutely keep using ours. If you use their acne wash, just keep it out of the heat, replace it regularly, and rest easy knowing that real science always trumps a scary 15-second video.

Frequently Asked Questions About the CeraVe Lawsuit

Why is CeraVe being sued?

Certain CeraVe acne products are involved in class-action lawsuits following reports that the active ingredient, Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO), can degrade into benzene - a known carcinogen - when exposed to high heat over prolonged periods. Standard CeraVe lotions and cleansers do not contain this ingredient and are not part of the lawsuits.

Does standard CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion cause cancer?

No. Standard CeraVe formulas - including the Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Hydrating Cleanser, and shampoos - do not contain Benzoyl Peroxide. Because they are powered by ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, they carry zero risk of benzene degradation and are completely safe for daily use.

Is Benzoyl Peroxide banned by the FDA?

No, the FDA has not banned Benzoyl Peroxide. In March 2025, the FDA tested 95 acne products containing the ingredient and found that more than 90% had undetectable or low levels of benzene. Only six products with elevated levels were voluntarily recalled, and dermatologists continue to recommend it as a gold-standard acne treatment.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments! Did this headline pop up on your feed at all? Has it made you rethink how you store your active skincare? Let’s chat below!

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Donna tells me that it was so hot in London during the show! Heatwave hot! And if there’s one thing I’ve learnt during my 28 years working behind-the-scenes on shoots as a Beauty Editor, is that makeup pros like Donna know how to handle makeup and skin in the heat! So I quizzed her on what she used.

THE OVER-MAKEUP SPF MIST THAT WON’T PILL YOUR FOUNDATION

The Pro Product: La Roche Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Invisible Fresh Mist SPF 50+

If you’re sick of your sunscreen balling up into little grey flakes the second you try to blend foundation over it, Donna says you must stop putting SPF face cream underneath your makeup, especially on hot days. Instead use a spray like this one. But this must be caveated by the fact that your makeup base should have SPF in it too. A lot of the TV presenters were using the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream as a base which contains SPF40.

THE FAKE TAN ALTERNATIVE THAT BLURS ‘PASTY LEGS’ AND BLUE VEINS

The Pro Product: Vita Liberata Body Blur

If you hate the patchy, streaky nightmare and awful biscuit-smell of fake tan, try this one - it’s one of Donna’s favourite instant bronzers! It’s great if you want to tan quickly and you can wash it off if you make any mistakes. There’s no smell plus it’s great at concealing any veins or pigmentation patches.

THE BODY GLOW PRODUCT THAT ISN’T STICKY

The Pro Product: REFY Body Glow.

For getting ‘expensive looking’ skin - you know, that glossy sheen that makes your arms, shoulders and collarbones look really glowy - Donna has recently discovered this. She loves it because it doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky which so many other similar products do.

THE BRONZING DROPS FOR FIXING PALE, WASHED-OUT SKIN

The Pro Product: Weleda Sunkissed Bronzing Serum Drops

Donna’s easy hack for adding instant warmth to a pale face? Just mix a couple of drops straight into your daily moisturiser or foundation. She also loves (as I do too) the Naked Sundays Cabana Glow SPF50 Drops, especially if you’re looking for extra protection!

THE SLEEP-IN HAIR MASK THAT FIXES COARSE, STRAW-LIKE HAIR

The Pro Product: L’Oreal Elseve Hydra Hyaluronic Mask

We also discussed how I am on the lookout for a hair product to use in-between shampoos to help smooth out dryness and frizz. Donna swears by this mask which she ‘whacks’ onto damp hair after her shampoo and conditioner and then either leaves her hair to air-dry or finishes it off with a blow dry. She says it’s amazing for fixing menopausal straw-like dry hair! I have some on order already…

By the way….there seems to be all different names for it depending on the country it is stocked in. Elvive…Elvital…Elseve…they all look the same so pretty sure they are!

🎧 LISTEN TO THE FULL CHAT BY CLICKING HERE (AND DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW)

The Beauty Ed®’s Note: Having spent almost three decades struggling to write about fragrance so as not to get caught up in the hard-to-understand pretentious language, THE LAB’s Contributing Editor, captures what KAYALI is about perfectly in this article. The Middle Eastern art of fragrance layering is a trend I am yet to test on myself and I love how the Kattan sisters have shaken up an industry that was so ready to be disrupted!

Inside The Disruptive World of KAYALI Fragrances

Few fragrance brands have managed to balance glamour and relatability quite like KAYALI. Launched in 2018 by sisters Mona Kattan and Huda Kattan, the brand has become one of the most recognisable names in modern fragrance, particularly amongst Gen Z and young millennial beauty audiences.

Earlier last year, the sisters announced a new chapter for the company, with Mona continuing forward as CEO and leading the future vision of the brand independently. For long-time followers of the Kattan sisters, it marked a significant shift, but one that feels deeply aligned with Mona’s identity as the emotional core of KAYALI.

And truthfully, a huge part of my own fascination with the brand began through the series Dubai Bling. (2022)

(Some of the Dubai bling cast including Mona’s husband: Hassan Elamin)

Dubai has always been somewhere deeply familiar to me. My family has travelled there since I was little, so when Dubai Bling first launched, all of us watched it together obsessively. Amidst all the chaos, glamour and inevitable drama, Mona Kattan was like a breath of fresh air.

What intrigued me most were the glimpses inside the her offices and the fragrance world itself. The bottles looked luxurious yet playful; inspired by traditional Middle Eastern perfume artistry, but modernised.

(Mona’s Dubai office)

Why Gen Z Is Obsessed with KAYALI

Unlike traditional fragrance houses that focus on a singular signature scent, Kayali built its identity around layering fragrances together, something heavily rooted in Middle Eastern perfume culture.

Many of the fragrances are rich, warm or fruity-floral, with recognisable notes like oud, vanilla, amber, musk and pistachio appearing throughout collections, but interpreted in a softer, more wearable way for everyday use.

Some of the cult favourites include:

1. KAYALI Vanilla 28

2. KAYALI Yum Pistachio Gelato 33

3. KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow 81

If I had to recommend one fragrance to start with, it would still be Vanilla 28. It is warm without being sickly and rich without becoming overpowering. The blend of brown sugar, vanilla orchid, amber and tonka bean creates something incredibly comforting and expensive-smelling on the skin.

An Honest Review of the New KAYALI Eden Summer Collection

This summer, I tested the new KAYALI Eden Plush Pear 23 and KAYALI Eden Sweet Peach 35 fragrances during my travels through Italy, and both instantly felt perfect for hot weather and long evenings.

They sit under the “Eden” franchise, Kayali’s fruity-floral collection known for playful, juicy scents.

1.Eden Plush Pear🍐 | 23 “The clean girl scent with a fruity twist”

Out of the two, Plush Pear became my favourite almost immediately.

With notes of pear, bergamot, mandarin and gardenia, it smells incredibly fresh without being overly citrusy. The first evening I wore it, I was complimented almost instantly. Even my best friend kept asking what perfume I had on because, in her words, “it just smells clean.”

That is honestly the best way I can describe it.

It has that freshly-washed softness to it, almost like luxury laundry mixed with delicate florals. There is something very effortless about it.

I tested the 10ml miniature version, which has been perfect for travelling. I keep it inside my makeup pouch and reapply throughout the day, especially in the Italian heat where perfume disappears quickly.

The soft coral-pink bottle also unintentionally matched my summer nails, which somehow made me love it even more!

2.Eden Sweet Peach🍑 | 35 “Nostalgia in a bottle”

If Plush Pear feels clean and airy, Sweet Peach is its younger, louder sister.

This one is sweeter, warmer and far more playful. Notes of peach, nectarine blossom and frangipani make it smell almost edible, like a sweet sorbet during the summer.

What surprised me most was how nostalgic it felt…

About a week into testing it, I finally realised what it reminded me of: those iconic early-2000s Victoria’s Secret body mists everyone carried around at school.

The fruity-floral ones every changing room smelt of after PE.

Except this feels like the elevated grown-up version. The same mouth-watering juicy sweetness, but with far better longevity and depth.

It immediately reminded me of the old Pure Seduction era, that hyper-feminine fruity scent profile Gen Z is suddenly rediscovering again through the return of Y2K beauty!

Is KAYALI Perfume Worth The Price?

The miniatures begin at £28, whilst the larger bottles range upwards of £80-£110 depending on size.

Personally, I think the travel sizes are the smartest entry point into the brand, particularly because Kayali fragrances are designed for layering and switching depending on mood.

The KAYALI Eden Obsessions Miniature Set is probably the best option for anyone undecided, especially for summer travel.

And truthfully, that is where Kayali succeeds most: the fragrances feel emotional.

Some perfumes simply smell nice, whereas others become attached to memories, seasons, holidays and versions of yourself. These very much fall into the latter category.

You know the feeling: you’re standing in the shower, rinsing out your conditioner, and you lean back slightly so those annoying loose hairs don’t stick down your back or legs. You then vigorously rub your fingers together to clump together the wet wad of hair you’ve accumulated so that it doesn’t clog up your drain. And then as you flush said wad down the loo, you’re trying to reassure yourself that you’re not going bald!

Ah, yes, welcome to another midlife reality check! One that feels extra familiar to me. In fact, it’s so familar that when you google my name, the phrase ‘hair loss’ immediately follows thanks to how much I’ve written about it for publications like The Daily Mail and HELLO!.

The Hormonal Reality of Hair Loss in Midlife Women

If you’re a midlife woman, please understand that hormones and hair loss go hand in hand. You only have to read the forums on Reddit to know that. One woman shared: “I drop my hair on the ground in one big pile. I then try to hurry my shower, but I’m just presented with another few clumps while I put my leave-in spray in.” Another wrote: “Cleaning a mouse-sized clump of my own hair out of the drain every single morning is a physical countdown of my confidence disappearing down the pipes.”

My Personal Experience: Realising My Hair Loss Was Hormonal

When my hair started showing the classic signs of perimenopausal thinning and breakage - the timing felt like a cruel joke. It was during Covid; my dad was on life support (he thankfully and miraculously pulled through!); my husband was nursing his terminally ill uncle in America while I was back in the UK; I was home-schooling my kids and trying to hold down a job. To say it was a stressful is an understatement.

So I initially dismissed my hair thinning and breakage as stress. I was so concerned that my scalp was balding that I thought it might be alopecia, which my mum suffers from. But then when Covid passed, and my dad got much better, and the kids returned to school, and my husband returned to the UK and work started improving…my hair just continued to get worse. I could see my scalp more and more and the ends would constantly break. So if it wasn’t stress, what was it? It took writing a few articles about perimenopause and hormones for me to put two and two together…

Testing Red Light Therapy: My Honest CurrentBody LED Hair Regrowth Helmet Review

As an award-winning Beauty Editor, I have spent decades testing hundreds of hair products, trying to cut through all the brand marketing fluff so I can give you my honest thoughts about them. Do they work? Are they worth the money? And since my hair loss experience began, I have been road testing all the latest products, gadgets and gimmicks: scalp serums, tonics, supplements, masks - you name it, I’ve most likely tried it.

And while there are a handful of products that really do work (I’ll save those for another feature), when I was sent the CurrentBody Red Light Helmet to test, I was reluctant to believe that it would be one of them.

Even though I knew the helmet was FDA approved and the claims behind the technology were backed by data and science, I was sceptical that this would really work. Why? Strangely, the price point was to blame. Expensive at-home gadgets that promise miraculous-sounding results are rarely worth their money. You’re often better off going to a clinic for a more personalised treatment.

But as a journalist who values science over TikTok trends, I committed to a trial. And now that I’m three months into the process, I want to give you an update as to what has actually happened to my hair and what the experts think about the science behind the helmet too…

My 3-Month Verdict CurrentBody LED Helmet Verdict

Let’s start with one honest observation: three months in - I can’t actually tell if it has made any real difference. However, this must be caveated by the fact that I haven’t exactly been using it properly. The experts at CurrentBody claim that you should see a 123% increase in hair growth after 3 months, BUT in order for this to happen, you must be using the device once daily for at least 10 minutes. This is the part that I have not been doing…

Which leads to my second honest observation: 3 months has given me enough time to realise that while the helmet is lightweight and pretty comfortable considering how cumbersome it is, it doesn’t really fit into my routine that well. Which makes consistency - ie. the entire key to its success - feel like a chore and hard to keep up with in my routine.

Unlike LED face masks, which I find relaxing and soothing to wear while watching TV or reading in bed, I don’t really look forward to wearing the helmet. The kids think I look like an absolute lunatic walking around the house in what they now call - The Tron Helmet. The best option for me is wearing it while I’m working at my laptop. I just have to get used to the passing p*ss take comments if my husband or sons are at home at the same time.

I’ve tried wearing the helmet and my LED mask at the same time too - but that’s uncomfortable and an unrealistic habit that I would never stick to.

There’s also the issue of storing it. It’s big! It comes with a stand, which looks smart, but unless you’ve got a huge f*ck off bathroom or walk-in wardrobe like Kim K, it will probably just end up gathering dust on top of an erm, a trunk like mine or underneath your bed.

Why Holistic Health & Upgraded Haircare Matter Most

The irony is though, that actually, my hair is currently in the best health of its life. Well, its midlife. It’s shiny, it’s strong, and I’ve even managed to grow it past my bra strap - something I haven’t managed to do since I was in my twenties.

But this hasn’t been a quick fix. And you must remember that we can’t expect a $859.99 helmet to undo all of the complex hormonal shifts that we experience in midlife while we keep doing everything else the same.

While testing the helmet (probably around three times a week), I’ve been consistently taking care of myself too. I have daily stress, yes, don’t we all? But I haven’t drank alcohol for two years. I go to the gym most days, and I am using some really amazing hair products (K18 Hair Mask - I am looking at you as per). Oh and I take HRT. So let’s say, the helmet is likely the extra 5%-10% on top. The icing on the perimenopausal hair loss cake if you like…

What the Experts Say: Dermatologist Dr. Nicole Chiang Gives Her Verdict

I recently spoke to consultant dermatologist Dr. Nicole Chiang on my podcast, Smiling Gives You Wrinkles®, who confirmed that while there is “no harm” in trying red light therapy for perimenopausal hair loss, and that there is “great science” behind it, the effects for using an at-home device is nuanced and “quite small.”

“As a main treatment, I don’t tend to see significant improvement in the hair density even after six months down the line. There’s some evidence [it works], and if somebody has significant thinning, I would use it as an adjunct rather than the main treatment.” explains Dr. Nicole Chiang.

Dr. Nicole also notes that if you have thick hair, a bulky helmet like the one from CurrentBody can block the light from reaching the scalp, which may make it less effective and the results inconsistent. So she suggests trying a red light therapy comb - like this one from Hairmax - that parts the hair so the red light accurately and more precisely reaches the scalp skin and so may be more effective.

PROS & CONS OF RED LIGHT THERAPY FOR HAIR: A DERMATOLOGIST’S OPINION

🎬 WATCH THIS CLIP FROM SMILING GIVES YOU WRINKLES®

My Personal Experience: The Fixes That Actually Work

If you find yourself staring at all the hair in your shower plug after every shampoo and feel overwhelmed, I know it’s hard, but please try not to worry! Instead, look at your everyday habits. Think about your diet - are you eating enough protein? Are you keeping hydrated? Are you really stressed? How is your sleep? These lifestyle factors play a huge role in the health of your hair. And please review the products that you are using. Avoid any that contain drying silicones and sulphates. These can strip the hair and scalp of moisture making it more prone to dryness and breakage. Also try not to shampoo everyday - that can really dry out your scalp too!

And if you have the money, and the patience to try out a new long-term routine, there is no harm in trying a red light therapy hair device like the CurrentBody one. I also like the look of the Hairmax comb and the LED caps like this one from Beauty Pie which is currently on sale in the UK for £332. I just think they would be easier to store and pop on while you’re making a cup of tea or answering emails…

💌 YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY…

The Beauty Ed®’s Note: THE LAB Contributing Editor was kindly gifted these glass balms, and with the values that I have stuck with my whole 25+ year career in beauty journalism, she chose to review them honestly and thoughtfully for you reader! We hope you find this review helpful!

If there’s one category that has refused to peak and disappear, it’s the glass lip. In 2026, it has evolved far beyond the original glazed-doughnut moment into something more textural, more skincare-led, and, increasingly, more dessert-coded than ever.

With strong K-beauty influence filtered through sweet treats: lip oils that smell like macaroons, balms inspired by desserts, and formulas that promise shine and hydration in equal measure. The result is a category that sits somewhere between makeup and skincare, and is now one of the most saturated (and genuinely competitive) corners of beauty.

I tested two of the most talked-about ‘glass balm’ launches: Glow Recipe’s Glass Balm in Fig Bingsoo (£19) and Laneige’s Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum in Rose Jam (£18.50), over multiple wear tests to see which one performed better.

Glow Recipe Glass Balm🍧

Glow Recipe’s ‘Glass Balm’ sits firmly in the ‘skincare disguised as gloss’ category. The specific shade ‘Fig Bingsoo’ is inspired by the Korean shaved ice dessert, which makes sense once you understand the texture: cooling, smoothing, and restorative rather than overtly glossy.

The formula combines hyaluronic microspheres and glycerin, designed to draw moisture into the lips and improve surface texture over time. In practice, it doesn’t act as a traditional lip gloss at all. There’s no aggressive shine or lacquered finish; instead, it melts into the lips and leaves a soft sheen.

Sarah Lee, Glow Recipe’s co-founder, describes the process as microscopic spheres moving across the lips, ‘filling in the dry gaps.’

Glow Recipe Glass Balm Review: Performance & Wear Test:

• No stickiness whatsoever

• Sheer-to-medium muted mauve tint

• Subtle sweet scent that doesn’t overpower

It also wears longer than expected for something so lightweight. On me, it faded evenly without the usual dryness that often comes with glossy formulas.

*If there’s a critique, it’s that the ‘plumping’ claim feels more conceptual than visible. You get softness but not plumping.

Rating: 8/10🌟

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Laneige Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum Review (Shade: Rose Jam) 🍩

The new Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum shades are a limited-edition spring collection featuring a sheer black, a lavender, and a rosy pink. As frequent readers will know, I have a longstanding loyalty to Laneige, I religiously use their lip sleeping masks and base products, and it’s also a brand that seems to be a favourite of fellow LAB students too, which made testing this release feel particularly exciting!

The new doughnut inspired shades include: Rose Jam, Lavender Frosting, and Black Plum, although, predictably, Rose Jam was the one I was most drawn to from the outset. In my opinion, it is the most wearable of the three: a rosy pink that captures that glazed, dessert-coded finish.

Rose Jam is also the only shade in the line-up that isn’t glittery or shimmer-heavy; instead, it’s a true glassy gloss, smooth and reflective.

Texture-wise, Laneige is doing something noticeably more substantial than Glow Recipe. It’s thicker, more cushiony, and feels like a gloss-serum hybrid rather than a balm. The shine is stronger on application, more overt, and the pigment is also more immediate, particularly in Rose Jam, where the colour actually holds its own against the gloss.

The scent, however, is where Laneige fully wins. It’s sweet, rose, macaron scent truly embodies that dessert fantasy. It’s the kind of product you notice before you even apply it, which, depending on how you feel about fragrance in lip products, will either be part of the appeal or slightly overwhelming.

I also have to mention the applicator, which is a soft, circular applicator that is reminiscent of a glazed doughnut shape, and actually makes application more controlled than you’d expect from such a glossy formula. It’s a small detail, but it does reinforce Laneige’s strength in packaging-led sensorial design.

In wear, Rose Jam gives you that immediate ‘done’ lip, glossy, slightly plush, visually impactful, but it does soften and fade more quickly than Glow Recipe, particularly after eating or drinking. What remains is more of a stain-like tint rather than the original glass effect.

Still, within the context of a limited-edition drop, it feels very aligned with Laneige’s current direction: skincare-adjacent, highly sensorial, and designed as much for aesthetic pleasure as for functional wear.

Rating: 7/10🌟

Head-to-Head Wear Test Comparison: Glow Recipe Vs Laneige

I wore both products on separate days under similar conditions, with some lip liner and repeated reapplication checks across the day.

Hydration & Formula Lip Treatment: Glow Recipe 💕

It feels like a treatment balm first and a cosmetic second.

Glass-Like Shine Finish: Laneige 🍩

It is significantly glossier on first application. If your priority is a visible glass effect, it delivers more immediately.

Long-Wear Comfort & Texture: Glow Recipe 💗

Both formulas are non-sticky, but Glow Recipe excels for long-wear comfort and ‘forget you’re wearing it’ texture.

Longevity & Fading: Glow Recipe 💗

It lasts longer in a wearable, more evenly textured way.

Sensory & Fragrance experience: Laneige 🍩

The rose-macaron scent is strong and nostalgic.

The Verdict: Which Viral Glass Balm Is Worth It?

Personally, I reached for Glow Recipe’s glass balm more often. It moisturises the lips well throughout the day, sits well under everything, and looks gorgeous layered over the nude lipsticks I wear most days. It feels like a product you finish entirely and immediately consider repurchasing.

That said, Laneige wins on pure sensory pleasure. The scent, the pigment, the glass-like finish.

So, which one wins?

• Choose Glow Recipe Glass Balm for everyday wear and hydration.

• Choose Laneige Glaze Craze for glossy impact and makeup looks.

The Beauty Ed®’s Note: When I launched The Beauty Ed®, my mission was simple: to clear away the white noise of the beauty industry and champion real, unfiltered skin and beauty for women of all ages. Over my 28 years as a beauty editor, I have introduced no-retouch policies at major publications, fought against the pressure of the perfect social media filter, and consistently advocated for the joy of looking like yourself. That is why I am incredibly proud to introduce this article by Lexie Stone, a rising sophomore, competitive gymnast, and a star in THE LAB mentoring program. In a world where social media algorithms often push multi-step makeup on teenagers, Lexie’s fresh take on the viral “glass skin” trend is a breath of fresh air. At just 14, she already possesses the journalistic maturity to remind her peers that their real skin is a unique strength and that makeup should make you feel confident. Amazing work Lexie ✨

A Teen Guide To Liquid, Powder, and Cream Blush

Walking into makeup stores, there are liquid, powder, and cream blusher options for every shade, but I never know which one I should get. As a fourteen-year-old girl, I want my makeup to glow and stay for a long period of time, but figuring out which products and what type is a constant struggle.

Is The Glass Skin Trend Actually Good for Teen Skin?

The glass skin effect quickly exploded on social media, and it is the trending term for mixing skincare and makeup together to create a long-lasting and glowy face. Glass skin gives a natural look rather than heavy coverage and is an easy way to enhance your natural beauty.

However, I am aware that glass skin is heavily advertised by influencers and can create unrealistic standards for teens or anyone who desires glass skin. Plus, a multi-step skincare routine is not always beneficial for every skin type.

It’s important to remember that your real skin is unique: embracing yourself and your skin is an amazing strength to have.

To help me figure out which blush to choose, I’ve broken down each category to research their benefits…

What Is Liquid Blush Best For? (And How To Apply It)

Best for: Dry skin, and anyone wanting to achieve a dewy fresh look.

Liquid blush is often blended with sponges or by lightly pressing it onto your skin with your fingertips. It absorbs quickly and helps to keep skin looking silky and hydrated.

Liquid blush generally fades faster, but a little goes a long way: one or two small dots are enough. Personally, I wear liquid blush to school for a glowy, natural look, but I also wear it out to events with my friends. Depending on my mood and occasion, I will apply more for a bold style.

Lexie’s Pick: My favorite brand of liquid blush would have to be the viral Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. It has strong color pigment so you only need to use small amounts. It also blends smoothly and I love that it’s vegan, cruelty free, and paraben free. Plus, the blush is dermatologist tested so it is suitable for all skin types.

When Should You Choose Powder Blush?

Best for: Oily or combination skin, and if you prefer a classic, matte look.

Powder absorbs oils and provides a matte finish which can sometimes appear heavy. But if you apply it lightly, it can give your cheeks an airbrushed finish.

Lexie’s Powder Blush Tips:

• I always tap my brush before applying it to my face to remove excess powder and avoid patchy spots.

• Make sure to blend powder fully to make sure there is no chalky finish.

• Powdered blush can also be used as eyeshadow and even as a lip tint by taking a small amount and brushing it on your lips. This creates a personalized look.

Lexie’s Pick: One of the most popular powders I see on social media is E.l.f.’s Powder Blush Palette. It comes with four different shades - you can use each shade individually or mix them together to get a more personal color.

Why Cream Blush Is Perfect For Beginners

Best for: All skin types, beginners and anyone who loves a quick, natural look.

Cream blush is hydrating and lightweight - similar to liquid textures and gives skin a dewy, natural finish. Cream blush is built for all skin types and it is easy to blend with sponges or brushes, and can also be applied with your finger.

Often, cream blush is more subtle than liquid or powder blush, and as it often comes in stick form it can easily be swiped and blended onto your skin.

Lexie’s Pick: One of my go to’s each morning is the Makeup By Mario’s Soft Pop Blush Stick. It adds a healthy flush of color to my cheeks, blends really easily and feels comfortable on my skin.

Liquid vs. Powder vs. Cream Blush: How To Find Your Match

Every type of makeup has positives and negatives, and trial and error is a part of everyday life, including your makeup. It’s up to you which option you feel most confident in. Remember: your makeup routine should reflect your personal style, not the unrealistic standards on the internet.

Lexie Stone is a freshman, competitive gymnast, and THE LAB mentee, focusing on feeling confident through your skin. You’ll find Laneige, Refy, Rare Beauty, and Makeup By Mario in her beauty supply.

Every single beauty brand on the planet is screaming at us about peptides right now. Some are even calling them “Botox in a bottle.” FFS! That’s my pet hate. No product will ever work like Botox.

But that being said, as much as I can be skeptical about every new skincare trend and fad (that’s what over 25 years working in the beauty industry will do to you), some are genuinely worth talking about. And peptides definitely fall into that category.

But peptides are not a new ingredient in skincare. I remember writing about them when I was running the beauty desk at InStyle magazine in the mid-noughties, and I presented a trend report about them when I worked as Beauty Director at Boots back in 2015.

Cut to 2026, and all the skincare brands are jumping back on the peptide bandwagon. Why? Because they are such a hot topic in the wellness industry right now. GLP-1s are a form of peptides after all…

So to cut right through all of the headlines and new product launches, I asked my brilliant friend and top consultant dermatologist, Dr. Justine Kluk to explain what peptides actually do, and whether they are worth the space in your skincare routine.

📸 WATCH: CLICK BELOW TO WATCH A CLIP FROM MY LATEST EPISODE OF MY PODCAST, SMILING GIVES YOU WRINKLES®

Listen to the full episode with Dr. Justine Kluk here

How Do Peptides Work? Cellular Messengers vs. Marketing Fluff

Justine definitely helps us strip away the marketing jargon in this clip, right? As she says, simply put, peptides are like the building blocks of proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin. All the naturally forming parts of your skin. We have them in abundance when we are born.

And so when we apply a peptide serum to our skin, they act like tiny, microscopic cellular soldiers that basically tell your skin that it’s falling apart (to put it frankly) and it needs to make more of those proteins that we are born with.

The Beauty Ed® Edit: 3 Tried-and-Tested Peptide Serums I Swear By

So now, you might think that you need to introduce a peptide product into you routine. I think it’s a good idea. They are proven to help skin strength, softness and glow. But before you go out and buy a new product, you might be surprised to find that your existing routine may contain peptides in some shape or form already.

Here are some peptide-rich products that I already have in my routine…

1. Beauty Pie Youthbomb™ 360° Radiance Concentrate

I’ve used this on-and-off for three years and have written about it in my editorials like this one for HELLO!

Beauty Pie is well known for making luxury grade, hi-tech formulas at affordable prices, and this is a perfect example of that. It is rich in their own patented peptide complex which packs a massive punch of 18 different skin-strengthening peptides that focus on giving skin a a lovely softness and glow.

2. No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal UV Defence Shield SPF50

No7 is a brand that I have huge respect for - when I worked at Boots UK I saw how much research and development went into all of their products. And I love this SPF. It’s so lightweight and makes for a gorgeous makeup base. No thick white cast that you can sometimes get with high SPFs. And bonus: it also contains lots of gorgeous peptides too.

3. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

It’s no secret that this iconic brown bottle does wonders for your skin. And it’s no secret that I love it. I’ve been using and writing about it for years. I wrote about it a couple of years ago here for HELLO! and the article went viral. It’s the one product that I always recommend to my friends and followers to buy if they just don’t know where to start with their skincare routine. But did you know that it contains super special peptide technology, which basically keeps your skin safe during the day from all the environmental aggressors (pollution etc) and then shifts gears at night so skin renews itself while you sleep. No wonder it’s one of my faves.

2 New Peptide Serum Launches Worth Your Attention

1. Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP

Medik8 is a brand that I have trusted for a long time - it’s well respected in the industry and I swear by their Retinal. This serum uses a fancy 30% multi-peptide complex that works differently to regular peptides, which are rigid. These fold into nimble shapes that easily lock onto skin receptors. The marketing jargon says that it softens lines within ten minutes - extremely debatable! But I did notice how my skin appeared a little smoother in general once I reached the bottom of the bottle. I really like this.

2. SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Neuro-Peptide Serum

Dr. Justine Kluk actually made me try this! She was skeptical about it’s benefits at first - as it was being marketed as Botox In A Bottle - but once she tried it, she was pretty impressed: "I had a big cynicism because they said it has these peptides in it that reduce muscle movement and can mimic Botox. I was like, here we go again, Botox in a bottle... but then I got sent one and I was like, you know, just the curiosity massively overcame me and I started using it." Justine loved it as she just felt like while it didn’t freeze her muscles like Botox, it definitely gave her skin that ‘glassy glow’ that so many serums promise. And after testing it out myself for a few weeks, I tend to agree.

I want to know your thoughts. Have you found a peptide formula that actually gave your skin that bouncy, healthy glow?

(Lily Collins spotted at Agios Sostis Beach)

The Beauty Ed®s Note: One of the most rewarding privileges of my career to date has been nurturing raw writing talent. Through my mentoring program, THE LAB, I get to give the next generation of writers and creators a platform to cut through the social and digital noise and write about pop culture and beauty with personality, honesty and thought. So when (who is now officially a Contributing Editor), pitched this piece about the new filming locations for Emily In Paris, I knew it would be editorial gold. What I love about Gia’s writing and what we champion at THE LAB is the ability to look past the glossy surface of a trending TV show and analyze the bigger cultural picture. As a Greek girl living in London, Gia brings a unique perspective proving that the next generation of beauty journalists have so much to offer! Over to Gia…

(The Kato Mili: The Windmills of Mykonos)

There are few series that have managed to dominate escapist television quite like ‘Emily in Paris.’ Equal parts chaos, couture and second-hand embarrassment, the show has built an almost cult-like following around its glossy portrayal of Parisian life, and, of course, around Lily Collins’ portrayal of Emily Cooper.

Now, ahead of the highly anticipated sixth season, the internet is once again in detective mode after reports emerged yesterday that filming has officially begun in Mykonos, Greece.

For those who watched the season five finale, the Greece connection was foreshadowed. After Emily’s brief ‘Roman holiday’ era, complete with Marcello Muratori, and an attempted La Dolce Vita reinvention, the finale ended with a familiar complication: Gabriel. In classic Emily in Paris fashion, emotional closure remained entirely unresolved. A postcard from Greece, sent by ex-boyfriend Gabriel while working aboard, hinted that the next chapter may move beyond Paris, at least temporarily…

Spotted: Emily In Paris Production Hits Agios Sostis Beach

This week, Greek media outlets began reporting that production crews had arrived on the island, with filming allegedly taking place at Agios Sostis beach one of Mykonos’ most renowned coastal spots. Reports also suggest that private windmills in the Kato Mili area have been secured as filming locations, while sections of the beach were heavily restricted during production.

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(Agios Sostis beach Mykonos)

Truthfully, Greece makes perfect sense for the Emily in Paris universe. The franchise has always thrived on fantasy travel: beautiful people having emotionally complicated conversations against impossibly picturesque backdrops. After Paris and Rome, the Cyclades feel like the natural next step.

Gia’s Note: As a Greek girl living in London, seeing Emily in Paris potentially collide with Greek summer culture feels oddly surreal. Especially considering Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis previously admitted the show was one of his wife’s favourite comfort watches, something that instantly circulated across Greek media when it was first mentioned.

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The ‘Location Fantasy’ Trend

Beyond the plot itself, the move also reflects a larger television trend: luxury travel-driven storytelling continuing to dominate streaming culture. Much like The White Lotus, audiences are no longer just watching for narrative; they are watching for location fantasy. And few places sell summer fantasy quite like Mykonos.

Whether Emily is truly entering her ‘Greek island era’ or simply passing through remains unclear. But one thing is certain: if Emily in Paris does fully embrace Greece this season, expect searches for ‘Emily in Paris Mykonos filming locations’ and ‘Lily Collins Greece’, to explode over the coming weeks.

📸 Spotted This Week: Lily Collins and Ashley Park were seen filming in the south of Mykonos town

We have already watched Emily’s style evolve from Parisian chic to Italian glamour in Rome, but Greece feels entirely different again… As a Greek girl myself, I can already imagine the direction the styling may take. I do not think we will lose Emily’s femininity or love of colour, but I do think we’ll see her lean into a more Mediterranean softness: white cottons, blue embroidery, woven bags, crochet flats and those effortless co-ord sets that always somehow look chic.

Interestingly, filming has reportedly been spotted near some of Mykonos’ most loved little boutiques known for selling handmade woven accessories and mati jewellery (🧿the evil eye symbol worn for protection and good luck) which instantly made me wonder whether the show will subtly weave those details into Emily’s wardrobe too…

Beauty-wise, I can already picture a shift away from her usual polished Paris looks towards something more bronzed and sun-flushed. Luminous cheeks, glossy lips after a day in the heat, maybe even hints of blue around the eyes inspired by the sea. Lily Collins was recently photographed on set in a beautiful blue embroidered FARM Rio dress, and honestly, it looked exactly like the kind of romantic Mediterranean styling I had imagined for this new chapter of Emily.

✨If you missed my breakdown of the beauty looks, products and trends behind Season 5, you can read my full Emily in Paris beauty guide below.

The Beauty Ed®’s Note: Pretty In Pink is one of my favorite films ever. I love everything that Andie, the main character stood for. She never bowed to peer pressure to ‘fit in’ or felt like she had to dress a certain way. And for her prom, she cut up two different dresses to make her look that was entirely her own. And that’s the kind of attitude that I hope my THE LAB mentees feel. THE LAB gives Gen A and Gen Z students a space where they can talk about beauty on their own terms and in a real life context that is not about beating algorithms or keeping advertisers happy. My background in teen magazine journalism and my legacy in producing transparent, honest beauty content guides my students to create inspiring content that is relatable, honest, educational and entertaining. It helps fuel their education, college applications and as you will see from this brilliant GRWM Prom video shot, directed and edited by THE LAB’s 16 year old mentee, Diana Muzzarelli, it is a lot of fun for them too! This is exactly what Gen Z and Gen A beauty content should be about!

Note: The Summer Fridays Blush, e.l.f Halo Glow Silky Powder Hilighter and Hourglass Lip Gloss were gifted to us, there was no obligation for Diana to use or speak about them. My role is to keep beauty transparent and give these generations an unbiased voice in the beauty space.

🎬 WATCH DIANA GET READY FOR PROM:

Diana’s Prom Prep Breakdown

Whenever I scroll through Tik Tok, you’d think every teenager has a 12-step skincare routine, but Diana’s is simple and a good mix of affordable drugstore brands like Panoxyl and luxury products like the Tatcha Water Cream - which by the way, is her “favorite product literally ever.” Diana is not such a fan of the Dyson Airwrap though! She wouldn’t waste her money on it again!

The Skincare Prep

• PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Foaming Wash: A $14 Target find that Diana credits for clearing her oily skin.

• La Roche-Posay Toner: Diana uses it to balance her skin.

• Byoma Brightening Serum: Diana loves that this saves her money as it combines two of her fav ingredients - niacinamide and hyaluronic acid - and in her words, it saves her steps too! Save those for the dancefloor Diana 👯

• Tatcha The Water Cream: Diana bedazzled her “favorite product literally ever!” She says it’s worth the $93 (!) splurge for its lightweight feel.

• Ouai Body Cream: Diana loves that it doesn’t leave her skin feeling greasy!

Diana’s Take On The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler:

She likes it but wouldn’t spend $500 on it again.

Diana’s Makeup Look

I love that Diana doesn’t wear a thick heavy makeup base - she just uses moisturiser, concealer and hilighter to let her natural beauty and skin shine through ✨

• Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream: Diana uses this as a final skin prep step before applying makeup.

• Summer Fridays Blush (Shade: Dusty Rose): Diana’s new favorite which she describes as “moldable” and “buildable”.

• e.l.f. Halo Glow Silky Powder Highlighter: Diana’s hadn’t found a hilighter that she liked but she likes this, especially for prom, as “it’s going to show up really well in pictures.”

• Ilia Limitless Mascara: For defined, high-impact lashes.

• Rare Beauty Contour Stick: For seamless facial shaping.

• The Lip Combo: A mix of an Ilia Lip Liner and an Hourglass Lip Gloss.

• Saie Concealer: A staple in her makeup routine.

Three cheers to Diana and her friends for taking us to Prom too 📣

Diana Muzzarelli is a Junior, beauty enthusiast and THE LAB mentee focusing on finding sustainable and cruelty-free products that suit everyday needs. Her favorite brands include Amika, Saie, Tatcha and Ilia.

Here’s a pic of Diana and Avery, another amazing THE LAB mentee…

Twenty-eight years worth of testing suncare in the UK drizzle doesn’t quite hit the same way as testing it in the Florida sunshine pretty much all year round 🪭. And while moving from London to St Pete Beach - as seen on the first 4 episodes of Channel 4’s Escape to Florida - has been an absolute dream, it has also meant that I’m dealing with a UV index that would make any other Beauty Editor nervously scream.

But I believe I’ve found my ultimate SPF lineup for 2026, which includes No7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF 50 - a gorgeous everyday, lightweight makeup primer; Ultra Violette Sequin Supreme Screen SPF 50 - a lovely face cream that adds a really lovely natural glow and Naked Sundays Premium Collagen Peptide SPF 50 Skin Tint - the perfect makeup base for holiday! There are also affordable American drugstore options including Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 70 and Target SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Spray.

📺 Prefer to watch this review? Catch the full unfiltered garden tour (there’s footage of woodpeckers and everything lol) and the product rundowns over on my YouTube channel.

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE ON YOU TUBE HERE

Budget-Friendly Family Sunscreens & Lightweight Body Mists

Target SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Spray & Lip Balm: Best $5 Budget Family SPF

This can is absolutely massive and reasonably priced at around $5. It’s brilliant for the kids and a brilliant family staple for beach days.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 70: Weightless Broad-Spectrum Spray

Another fantastic Target find. It goes on sheer, feels weightless on the skin, and offers really high broad-spectrum protection.

Pool Bar London I Scream For Sunscreen SPF50: Scented Sheer Body Mist

A recent discovery that I’m absolutely loving. It goes on completely sheer, a little goes a long way, and it smells gorgeous - like vanilla and coconut ice cream 🍦

Best Everyday Face SPFs & Lightweight Makeup Primers

No7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF 50: Best Lightweight Makeup Primer

This is my go-to everyday SPF. It has a gorgeous, lightweight texture that sinks in instantly, making it a perfect primer for makeup.

Vacation SPF 45 Classic Face Lotion: Hydrating Formula For Dry Skin

A huge fan! I love the retro branding and the formula is gorge too. It has a slightly thicker texture, so if your skin runs a bit dry, you’ll love it. Note: It is scented, so keep that in mind if your skin is sensitive.

Glow-Boosting Sunscreens & High SPF Tinted Coverage

Ultra Violette Sequin Supreme Screen SPF 50: Hydrating Luminous SPF

A beautiful hydrating texture that leaves a stunning, luminous sheen on the skin.

Naked Sundays Collagen Peptide SPF 50 Skin Tint (Shade 3): High-Protection Skin Tint

If you want a bit more coverage with your sun protection, this is fantastic. It’s quite liquid-y, but it evens out the skin tone beautifully.

Naked Sundays SPF50 Golden Glow Glitter Sunscreen Spray: Best Lightweight Shimmer Mist

A lightweight shimmer mist that adds a beautiful, subtle catch in the light to skin.

Naked Sundays PoutScreen Lip Treatment SPF 50 (In the shade ‘Love Letter’): Beautiful Protective High-Shine Gloss

A beautiful protective gloss. It is a tiny bit sticky - as you’d expect from a high-shine gloss - but it keeps lips protected and tinted.

Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50: Best Portable Dewy Touch-Up Stick

An invisible, dry oil stick that’s perfect for throwing in your bag and swiping over the top of makeup throughout the day for extra protection and instant dewiness.

What’s your absolute holy grail sunscreen for keeping your skin protected when the weather warms up? Let me know in the comments below!

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The Beauty Ed®’s Note: In my 28 years working in the beauty industry, I’ve seen how makeup can define an era, and in this article, , one of my amazing Gen Z writers from THE LAB gives such an emotionally insightful perspective on the makeup that shaped her youth. She dives deep into the Half Magic x Euphoria collection, explaining how experimenting with the show’s makeup looks shaped her identity growing up, not surprising when you learn her mum was a M.A.C make up artist too. She takes us on an emotional journey while testing the makeup with such amazing attention to detail. From the front rows of Rosalía’s LUX Tour to her technical application of a perfect taupe liner, this is a makeup review like no other! Enjoy 🐞

Why Euphoria (2019) Defined a Generation’s Beauty Identity

There are certain beauty eras that become attached to very specific stages of your life. For me, Euphoria (2019) was one of them.

When the show first reached its cultural peak, I was 15, stuck at home during lockdown, recreating makeup looks ritualistically with my mum, a professional M.A.C makeup artist. At the time, it looked like trend-following from the outside: glitter lids, bold liners, rhinestones pressed onto skin. But looking back, I think it was something more complex than that.

(My favourite 2020 Euphoria look, inspired by my favourite character, Maddy Perez).

Makeup became a way of rehearsing identity before real life properly resumed. It gave structure to a strange period where everything else felt suspended. And Donni Davy (head makeup artist for Euphoria) understood that better than almost anyone working in beauty at the time. The makeup in Euphoria was never simply an aesthetic; every smudged liner, every flushed cheek felt tied to a distinct character and personality.

Now, as Euphoria returns with a much darker cultural conversation surrounding it, I find it interesting how quickly the impact of its beauty has been flattened into ‘TikTok glitter makeup,’ when for many people my age it represented something far more formative: experimentation, confidence, and a form of escapism.

Which is precisely why the new Half Magic Beauty x Euphoria collection feels so nostalgic for its original audience.

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The Half Magic Beauty x Euphoria collection

This collection was kindly sent to me by Donni Davy’s PR team ahead of release, allowing me to test it properly before launch. And the timing could not have been more perfect, because the same week, I had tickets for Rosalía’s LUX Tour.

For anyone unfamiliar: I am a huge Motomami fan.

Rosalía has long been one of my favourite artists, so seeing her crossover into Euphoria Season 3 as the character “Magick” felt almost too aligned with my interests to process normally.

Her makeup in the series is phenomenal, glossy skin, icy shimmers, exaggerated femininity, this perfect tension between softness and theatricality. Naturally, I decided to recreate my own interpretation of Magick’s makeup for the concert.

I knew I wanted pearls to reference the LUX album visuals, cool-toned glitter, flushed skin, and makeup dramatic enough to hold its own against an all-white lace and crochet outfit.

Half Magic Beauty: Why Donni Davy Stands Out in a Crowded Market

This is not the first time I’ve reviewed Half Magic. My previous review focused on the original line and its Sephora UK launch, but this collection confirmed something I already suspected: this brand understands aesthetic identity better than most celebrity-adjacent beauty launches currently on the market.

And I say that as someone incredibly selective with beauty coverage.

Through my editorial work, I receive constant PR packages, but I cherry-pick carefully. Most brands are derivative, Half Magic is not. It has a visual language entirely of its own, and more importantly, it commits to it fully, and nothing feels watered down for mass appeal.

Getting Ready for Rosalía: The Makeup Breakdown

To create the look, I used pre-existing products by Half Magic & the new Half Magic x Euphoria collection, including:

• The Euphoria eyeshadow palette

• Glitterpuck in ‘Feel Something’

• Beam Trap Illuminating Skin Balm

• Half Magic Magic Flik eyeliner

• Sculptitude lip liner in ‘UR MY TAUPE’

• Extra Plush Gloss in ‘BTCH UR MY SOULMATE’

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  Testing the Half Magic x Euphoria Cream Blush and Highlighter Duo

After applying concealer and a skin tint, I began with the blush and highlighter duo, which pairs two iridescent pink shades: ‘You Love to Be Loved (iridescent light pink) and Love Is a Million Things (rosy magenta), inspired by characters: Cassie and Jules.

Truthfully, I initially struggled slightly with the cream blush texture. I tend to favour highly pigmented powder blushes, particularly for dramatic makeup looks, and at first I found myself having to build this up significantly more than expected. Using my fingers wasn’t giving enough effect, so I switched to a brush and layered gradually until I reached the intensity I wanted.

The highlighter especially surprised me. It felt weightless on the skin, creating this glossy, reflective finish that looked luminous rather than glittery. Slightly wet-looking in the best possible sense. It worked perfectly for the kind of flushed, hyper-feminine skin Euphoria is known for, particularly the softer glow associated with Cassie Howard. For anyone who loves luminous skin and that polished ‘no-makeup makeup’ finish, this formula is great.

The Eyeshadow Palette Is the Standout Product

The eyes were heavily inspired by Rosalía’s character, Magick.

I started with a pink-nude base before layering pale cream tones underneath, then went in with the new palette, which ended up being my favourite product from the entire collection. The pigmentation was exceptional.

I used the shade Lexi, pressing it onto the lids with a flat brush, and genuinely did not need to supplement it with any additional glitter shadows. By the time I built the colour fully, it looked ethereal under light, shifting between shimmer and reflective foil depending on movement.

It made me feel fairy-like, which is exactly what I wanted. The cool-toned shimmer paired beautifully with my white outfit, and overall, this palette absolutely met my expectations.

Does the Half Magic Glitterpuck Survive a 7-Hour Concert?

Next came the Glitterpuck, inspired by Season 1 Rue in ‘Feel Something.’

The Glitterpuck was already one of my favourite products from my first Half Magic review, and this new shade only reinforced that opinion. The formula has this soft, cushion-like texture that sits somewhere between a gel and a pressed pigment, making it incredibly easy to apply.

The shade itself is stunning: frosted white with iridescent lilac and pale blue reflects that catches light constantly. And importantly, it lasts.

I wore this makeup to the O2 for Rosalía’s concert in a completely packed arena, through heat, dancing, sweating, and seven straight hours of wear. The glitter genuinely did not move. In fact, removing it later became its own challenge. That durability alone makes it worth mentioning.

✨Half Magic’s Glitterpucks were also used on Rosalía herself during filming for Euphoria. Whilst her look used Cyber Diamond, the effect is similar: dimensional, wet-look glitter that makes you feel like you are coated in fairy dust.

The Eyeliner and Lip Combo

For liner, I used the Half Magic Beauty Magic Flik liquid liner. The pigmentation is almost marker-like: intensely black and sharp enough for dramatic liner. It worked brilliantly for the outer eye, especially layered against glitter. The only thing I struggled with slightly was the inner corner precision, where I switched to my M.A.C Brushstroke liner instead because the tip was finer.

Then came the pearls…

I applied adhesive pearls underneath the lower lash line and beside my brows, for a slightly surreal, mermaid-like finish. To amplify the look further, I added an old discontinued Make Up For Ever loose glitter containing pale blue and lilac reflects that paired perfectly with the Rue Glitterpuck.

Finally, for my lips, I lined them using Sculptitude in UR MY TAUPE, which Donni Davy herself confirmed on Instagram was used on Rosalía’s character, Magick. The liner is double-ended with taupe on one side and black on the other, making it ideal for sculpting and deepening the lip shape.

I then layered the new ‘BTCH UR MY SOULMATE’ gloss over the top. (Inspired by one of the show’s most iconic scenes).

The gloss is gorgeous: deep rosy-brown, almost like a lacquered version of M.A.C’s ‘Velvet Teddy.’ What impressed me most was the pigmentation. I did not need lipstick underneath whatsoever. Everything glided on effortlessly and it was reapplied throughout the concert.

Final Thoughts: Why Half Magic is More Than Just Nostalgia

What Half Magic continues to understand better than many beauty brands is that makeup is emotional.

People are not buying these products purely because they want shimmer or liner. They are buying into memory, identity and nostalgia. Into the feeling of becoming a heightened version of yourself for an evening.

And perhaps that sounds dramatic, but so is Euphoria. The difference is that Half Magic manages to translate that drama into products that actually function in real life too.