SEP/OCT 2023 91 TAP-TO-SHOP PRODUCTS ISSUE 15 A little more conversation with new YSL Beauty Ambassador IS BLUE the new green? We deep dive into marine beauty
19 A Little More Conversation Award-winning actor and YSL’s new ambassador, Austin Butler, talks all things fragrance, acting and his journey to self-confidence. ISSUE 15 SEPT/OCT INTERVIEW
LF LOVES FEATURES SPOTLIGHT WELLNESS 7 Beauty Opener Meet the highlighter hero that leaves a glass-like glimmer. 8 Wishlist Get the brow factor this National Brow Day with these arch-boosting formulas. 16 Rated & Repurchased The beauty staples that we’ve loved and are going straight back in our baskets. 28 Here Come the Curls We uncoil the best formulas and treatments for curly and textured hair. 54 Ask Aruj Our in-house pharmacist, Aruj Javid, shares her top tips for mature skin types. 68 LF Locker Room Reality star, Joshua Ritchie strips back the cover on his career in adult content. 28 Less is More The multi-functional beauty products that go above and beyond. 44 Is Blue the New Green? We dive into marine beauty with the under-the-sea ingredients making waves. 48 The Pro-Ageing Revolution One influencer shares how she’s learned to celebrate growing older. 32 Skin Sculpting Workout Sculpt your way to a contoured complexion, with a helping hand from NuFACE. 59 Pleasure Seekers The sexperts reveal the best sex toys to spice up your bedroom antics. 58 Don’t Stop the Clock How to navigate the change without feeling like stopping time.
As we prepare to swap our sun-loungers for cosy evenings on the sofa, our In the Spotlight edition is here to help you embrace the changing season. We go backstage with our cover star, YSL Beauty ambassador and BAFTA-award winner Austin Butler (page 19) who talks all things fragrance, acting and his journey to self-confidence. Get the brow factor this National Brow Day with our favourite arch-boosting formulas: from feather-effect gels to sculpting pencils (page 8). With Halloween creeping closer, make your spooky season makeup a scream and discover how to recreate two Insta-worthy looks from the comfort of your home (page 70). To mark Menopause Awareness Month, we speak to a women’s health professional to help us better understand our biological clock, plus top tips on how to manage the change and help us feel more prepared for the journey (page 59). On the hunt for products that promise more than one purpose? We shine a spotlight on multi-benefit beauty, exploring why we’re all looking for more from our beauty collection – with a little help from the trend experts (page 28). Take a deep dive into marine beauty (page 44), as we plunge into the benefits of under-the-sea ingredients, as well as how oceanic products positively impact our planet. However you’re celebrating the new season, discover everything you need to feel fantastic with our latest edition of The Highlight. TEAM LETTER from our Beauty Team... A NOTE
TEAM LETTER Dr Louise Newson In light of Menopause Awareness Month, Dr Louise Newson helps us to better understand our biological clock: “Everyone’s menopause is completely individual: some women may experience little or no symptoms, while others will have symptoms for many months or years.” Learn more on page 58. Joshua Ritchie Strip back the cover on the sex industry as reality star Joshua Ritchie spills the tea on his career in adult content on page 66: “I just think if that’s what you want to do, then be my guest. You’re not hurting me, you’re not hurting my family. If that’s what you want to do, then take the wheel!” Luisa Dunn “I feel all types of ageing choices need to be represented and catered for in the beauty space,” says mature influencer, Luisa Dunn. Turn to page 48 to read how she’s flipping the anti-ageing mantra on its head and instead celebrating pro-ageing. Meet the faces behind this issue of THE HIGHLIGHT Get 22% off your beauty staples at LOOKFANTASTIC.COM when you use the code: HIGHLIGHT22
Find your fantastic inside each drawer with 27 beauty delights across 25 days, including Color Wow, Sol de Janeiro, ELEMIS and more. All yours for just £99! SHOP NOW Worth over £565
MOST WANTED PAT McGRATH LABS Skin Fetish: Divine Glow Highlighter in Lunar Allure 4.9G / £45 Coming SOON GLOW TIME Up the glow factor on your complexion with this lustrous, pressed metallic highlighter. Boasting a high-intensity finish and infused with botanical oils for soft-as-silk application, arch cheekbones and décolletage in a glass-like glimmer for unrivalled radiance. Available in four dazzling shades. WORDS SHEEVA FALLAHI
WISHLIST the BROW factor Ace your arches this National Brow Day with our favourite, foolproof essentials for flawless brows TOM FORD Brow Sculptor Tailor-made for natural-looking brows, discover the ultimate all-in-one brow sculptor, equipped with a luxury pencil, spoolie and sharpener – plus a free refill! 0.6G / £48 DOLCE&GABBANA Brow Liner Create realistic, hair-like strokes with this blendable and buildable brow liner, working to keep your hairs in place for up to 12 hours. 0.25G / £33 GIVENCHY Mister Brow Groom Define and enhance your brows with Givenchy’s sheer brow gel, which is enriched with vitamin B5 for long-lasting, effortlessly tamed arches. 5.5ML / £23 SERGE LUTENS Brow Ink Designed to arch your brows with ultimate precision, this pigmented cream-gel brow ink fills sparser areas to create the illusion of a fuller finish. 5ML / £44 WORDS JEMIMA DAVENPORT
WISHLIST NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP The Brow Glue Instant Styler From laminated looks to natural finishes, this brow glue holds hairs in place for up to 16 hours – for the ultimate, budge-free arches! 5G / £7.99 WEST BARN CO. Soap Brows Enriched with coconut butter, the fan-favourite soap brow formula helps to moisturise every hair while creating a natural-looking, feathery effect that lasts for longer. 25G / £15 ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Brow Freeze Master the feather brow trend with Brow Freeze, a strong-hold formula that grips, sculpts and tames unruly hairs into place. 8G / £23 BENEFIT Hubba Brow Serum Nourish, thicken and improve the appearance of thinner brows with this targeted serum, designed to nourish and volumise for fuller-looking results. 4.5G / £52
BEAUTY NEWS BEAUTY NEWS BEAUTY NEWS BEAUTY NEWS It’s the TikTok trend that injects instant vibrancy and creativity into any look, to boost the mood and spark feelings of joy. Give your eyes a colour pop with NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette – Brights (16 x 0.83g / £16) and swipe Urban Decay Vice Matte Lipstick 7ml in Bad Blood (7ml / £19) on the lips for the ultimate statement look. Dopamine makeup WORDS JEMIMA DAVENPORT
BEAUTY NEWS BEAUTY NEWS BEAUTY NEWS BEAUTY NEWS Combining the coverage of a foundation with the skin-boosting benefits of a serum, these hybrid base formulas are a true game changer. Blend a few drops of L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum (30ml / £14.99) or Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF20 (30ml / £38.50) for a radiant, second-skin finish. The future of foundation
BEAUTY NEWS BEAUTY NEWS BEAUTY NEWS BEAUTY NEWS Adaptogens are herbs, roots and other plant substances that work to restore tranquillity and calm – we love Origins Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion Upgrade (200ml / £38) for soothing and hydrating skin, or Mauli Organic Ashwagandha Booster (90g / £32) to encourage a lit-from-within luminosity. All about adaptogens
BEAUTY NEWS BEAUTY NEWS BEAUTY NEWS BEAUTY NEWS Say hello to happy skin and incorporate targeted spot stickers into your anti-blemish regime. Designed to help visibly minimise the appearance of breakouts while soothing skin, try DISCIPLE Skincare What Spot? Dot (12pcs / £12) or Florence by Mills Spot a Spot Patches (36pcs / £12) to promote a clearer, more comfortable complexion. Power patches
LANCÔME Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Foundation 30ML / £38 LANCÔME Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Care and Glow 30ML / £38 LANCÔME Teint Idôle Ultra Wear All Over Face Concealer 13ML / £28 LANCÔME Teint Idôle Care & Glow Serum Concealer 13ML / £28 Designed for all skin types, tones and textures, our beauty team share why they choose Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear to ace their base ADVERTORIAL “A weightless finish is the main goal of my daily makeup routine, and the mattifying Ultra Wear Foundation helped me achieve exactly that. From the first hour of application up until I removed it at the end of the day, my skin felt super light and not cakey.” Victoria wears: Ultra Wear Foundation in shade 535N and Ultra Wear Concealer in shade 015 “Give me a long-wearing silky foundation that melts into my skin, and I’m sold. I love that it gives great coverage but still looks like skin. Paired with the Care & Glow concealer to brighten up my under-eyes, I’m left with the perfect, natural-looking base.” Aria wears: Care & Glow Foundation in shade 240W and Care & Glow Concealer in shade 240W Victoria, regulatory affairs associate Aria, senior marketing executive ACE BASE of
ADVERTORIAL “I love natural makeup that not only stays put, but still makes me feel like me. That’s what I found in the Teint Idole foundation. Plus, the matching concealer didn’t crease and lasted all day.” Natalie wears: Ultra Wear Foundation in shade 415W and Ultra Wear Concealer in shade 320. “I was really impressed with how the foundation and concealer gave such a natural, second-skin finish that lasted throughout the day. The results speak for themselves – I felt amazing!” Sarah wears: Care & Glow Foundation in shade 400W and Care & Glow Concealer in shade 400W. “My sensitive skin is really hard to please, but this non-drying foundation is my new matte must-have. It’s the first matte-finish foundation that hasn’t dried out my skin, and it’s perfect for covering imperfections." Gaby wears: Ultra Wear Foundation in shade 250W and Ultra Wear Concealer in shade 025. Natalie, social ecommerce assistant Sarah, graduate buying & merchandising executive Gaby, sourcing executive
MARC JACOBS Daisy Drops Signature for Her 30pcs / £28 A fragrance inside a miniature capsule? I’m sold. With an easy-to-apply formula, these scent drops are perfect for dabbing onto my pulse points. They’re ideal for when I’m on the go as they’re just the right size for carrying in my handbag. Did I mention the scent is super fresh and long-lasting too? GUERLAIN Abeille Royale Scalp and Hair Youth Oil-in-Serum 50ml / £115 This serum is the perfect treat for my hair! I love massaging it into my scalp before bed to encourage healthier-looking locks overnight. Enriched with deeply nourishing black bee honey, this liquid gold formula works to enhance and define my curls without weighing them down. MIMA DAVENPORT Beauty Intern ROMA MAY Beauty Intern TRIED & TESTED The beauty buys that we’ve tried, loved and are going straight back in our baskets
TRIED & TESTED AUGUSTINUS BADER The Discovery Duo 2 x 15ml / £130 Two bottles of skin-nourishing goodness make this antioxidant and vitamininfused duo the ultimate combo for my parched post-holiday complexion. Including The Cream and The Rich Cream, I apply the lightweight formula in the morning and swap its richer counterpart into my evening regime. THE ORDINARY Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan 100ml / £12 Packed with amino acids alongside the star ingredient beta glucan, this gel-textured formula plumps my skin with lightweight hydration that lasts all day. What’s more? A little really does go a long way – I haven’t reached for another moisturiser since the day I got it! SHEEVA FALLAHI Editor PENNY LAFFERTY Senior Beauty Writer
Gender-neutral parfums are on the rise, featuring unforgettable, potent notes for everybody to enjoy: from deep, woody accords to fresh, fruity blends. Discover a modern take on classic scents that are destined to become your new signature – for her, for him, for all! WORDS ROMA MAY GOUTAL Eau d’Hadrien Mixed Eau de Parfum 100ML / £165 COACH Green Eau de Toilette 100ML / £68 AKRO Awake Eau de Parfum 100ML / £160 MONCLER Pour Homme Eau de Parfum Digital 150ML / £170 ABERCROMBIE & FITCH Naturally Fierce Eau de Parfum 50ML / £58 FRAGRANCE Uni-Scents
COVER INTERVIEW From playing Elvis in the critically acclaimed movie debut to becoming YSL Beauty’s latest muse, we sit down with Austin Butler for a little more conversation... Image Credit: © Greg Williams for YSL Beauty INTERVIEW SHEEVA FALLAHI SPRITZING STARDOM into
COVER INTERVIEW Image Credit: © Greg Williams for YSL Beauty It’s not every day you get to step into the (blue suede) shoes of one of the most famous stars to walk the planet, but for 32-year-old American actor Austin Butler, starring as Elvis Presley in the 2022 musical drama Elvis is just another string to his bow. Starting his career in television for the likes of Disney and Nickelodeon, Austin has since catapulted to stardom, and has just been announced as the new muse of Yves Saint Laurent Beauty. Sitting down in this exclusive interview – chiseled cheekbones and all – it’s easy to see why he was picked to front the campaign, but I was intrigued to get to know the off-screen Austin...
COVER INTERVIEW Whilst the adage states that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’, Austin believes that our perception of beauty holds a greater meaning: “A lot of the time, beauty is really the lens in which we view the world,” he says. “You could be having an awful day and walk by a rosebush and not appreciate it at all, but when you are really present with that flower, or song, or fragrance, you’re able to experience the beauty of the nuances of whatever you are spending time with,” Austin explains. As the muse of the new YSL Beauty MYSLF fragrance, the actor talks about his passion for scent: “Fragrance is very similar to clothing in the sense that it can augment our day, it can change our mood. Also, our sense of smell, more than any other sense, bypasses our conscious mind and can evoke memories ON FRAGRANCE & BEAUTY... OUR SENSE OF SMELL...BYPASSES OUR CONSCIOUS MIND AND CAN EVOKE MEMORIES AND EMOTIONS THAT WE MAY NOT EVEN REMEMBER. I’M FASCINATED BY THAT
Image Credit: © Gray Sorrenti for YSL Beauty
COVER INTERVIEW and emotions that we may not even remember. I’m fascinated by that.” Recalling his earliest scent memory, Austin shares: “When I was a child, I would sneak into my parents’ bedroom and spray my mom’s perfume on my dad’s gown. And if I sprayed their scent on me before I went to school, it was like carrying them with me throughout the day.” Amassing almost four million Instagram followers, keeping up appearances both on-screen and online is no mean feat. So, how exactly does Austin embrace the truest version of himself? “We all contain so many more facets than we realise, that evolve over time,” he says. “We are so susceptible to comparison in society and the desire to be liked and ON SELF-EXPRESSION... WE ARE SO SUSCEPTIBLE TO COMPARISON IN SOCIETY AND THE DESIRE TO BE LIKED AND APPROVED BY OTHERS. FOR ME, IT’S ABOUT PAYING ATTENTION TO THE SUBTLE QUALITIES OF YOUR OWN TASTES AND DESIRES...
COVER INTERVIEW approved by others. For me, it’s about paying attention to the subtle qualities of your own tastes and desires, and what inspires you. Focusing on that recognition will lead you to realise that you’re unique, so you might as well be true to that and nurture that as much as you possibly can.” With a BAFTA and Golden Globe Award under his belt, Austin is certainly no stranger to the limelight. But what sparked his love affair with the film and entertainment industry? “I think it’s just the endless fascination with human beings,” he admits. “We’re so complex and nuanced, and we’re all just doing our best to navigate this life. Exploring the human condition and living in that curiosity, in combination with all the performances; I just find it endlessly inspiring to watch so many great performances.” ON HIS CAREER... RIGHT NOW, I’M JUST TAKING SOME TIME TO CONNECT WITH MYSELF... I JUST WANT TO WORK WITH GREAT PEOPLE, PEOPLE WHO I LOVE AND ADMIRE
COVER INTERVIEW Image Credit: © Greg Williams for YSL Beauty
COVER INTERVIEW YVES SAINT LAURENT MYSLF Eau de Parfum 100ML / £95 Image Credit: © Greg Williams for YSL Beauty Keeping his cards close to his chest, Austin teases that there are some exciting works in the pipeline for his career, including a film also starring Tom Hardy and Jodie Comer. In the meantime, some much-needed R&R is on the table: “Right now, I’m just taking some time to connect with myself. I really don’t want to go after things that challenge me and make me feel afraid. I just want to work with great people, people who I love and admire.”
TAN-LUXE Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum 30ML / £36 REDKEN One United Multi-Benefit Treatment 150ML / £20 From three-in-one staples to the skinification of beauty, we uncover why we’re all looking for more from our beauty products in 2023... WORDS PENNY LAFFERTY LESS IS more MULTIFUNCTIONAL BEAUTY
“The cost-of-living crisis has definitely affected consumer spend on certain beauty categories,” says Lisa Payne, head of beauty trends at Stylus. “Instead, we see a savvier attitude towards beauty purchases, whereby ‘value for money’ and ‘quality versus cost’ is inspiring consumers to choose products that give them more bang for their buck.” And the positive benefits don’t stop at cost efficiency: “Practicality and convenience are among the main benefits of multifunctional products, with on-the-go consumers wanting efficient, time-saving and high-performing formulas that do many things,” confirms Maya Regan, beauty trends researcher. “Multi-functional products [also] minimise the use of natural resources and waste production.” * ‘The Rise of Multi-Purpose Skin Care Products Understanding Consumer Preferences, Mintel via RevivaLabs, 2023 MULTIFUNCTIONAL BEAUTY An extension of the minimalist beauty trend, multifunctional products are the latest buzzword. But in a world saturated with overconsumption – be it in our beauty collections or our wardrobes – have we finally reached a breakthrough?
Multi-benefit beauty can be defined in two ways: “Firstly, formulas [that] are designed to be multifunctional can be used on many different areas of the face, body and hair to cleanse or nourish,” tells Lisa. “Secondly, formulas feature sophisticated ingredient mixes that allow products to boast a range of benefits and functions in one. The biggest trend here is makeup infused with skincare.” “Beauty consumers are more mindful than ever of overconsumption,” adds Maya. “Sustainability is a pressing topic coming to the forefront of consumer decision making. Alongside this, K-beauty’s ‘skipcare’ trend is spurring consumers to adopt more streamlined routines based on smart multifunctional products, with the purpose of purchasing more sustainably, saving time and decluttering.” The ‘less is more’ adage appears more prevalent than ever, driven by busy schedules, economic circumstances, and, as Lisa suggests, an increased desire for cost-effective formulas: “There is now a “There is now a cool cachet in owning a curated edit of hardworking pieces than a beauty bag overflowing with inferior product” MULTIFUNCTIONAL BEAUTY
cool cachet in owning a curated edit of hardworking pieces than a beauty bag overflowing with inferior product.” But what’s next for multi-benefit beauty? “We are most excited about the functional product opportunities across the consumer goods categories,” teases Lisa. “Think: face oils you can drop onto your tongue for a burst of energy, or snack bars infused with skin-boosting collagen, and perfumes for body and space that alter your mood and mental state!” And you really thought you’d seen it all… NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil 100ML / £32 NUDESTIX Nudies Matte Lux All Over Face Blush Colour in Rosy Posy 7G / £30 MULTIFUNCTIONAL BEAUTY
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Vote for your Cosmetics Icon... From rosy blushers to lash-lifting mascaras, which makeup must-haves take top spot in your beauty bag? Vote for your Haircare Icon... From hair mask heroes to styling saviours, show some love for the ones that make you the mane event. Vote for your Skincare Icon... From high-performance SPFs to clarifying cleansers, crown the essentials that transformed your complexion this year. Vote for your Fragrance Icon... From luxury scents to aromatic candles, celebrate the fragrances you’re proud to call your signature. Vote for your Bodycare Icon... From resurfacing exfoliators to skin-smoothing body oils, it’s time to shout about the Holy Grails that never miss a step in your Roll out the red carpet for our annual Icon Awards, celebrating the beauty heroes that go above and beyond... CHANCE TO WIN A BEAUTY BUNDLE WORTH OVER £3,000! Sign up to our exclusive rewards club LF Beauty Plus+ today for the chance to win 1 of 5 complete Icons beauty bundles when you vote for your favourites! SIGN UP NOW CAST YOUR VOTE
ADVERTORIAL The Jaw Sculptor “The neck and jawline are often overlooked, so we always remind clients to give the area some extra love by lifting and contouring with the MINI+ Device. It sends gentle microcurrents to the skin and muscles to tone and contour for a more youthful appearance.” The Cheek Toner “Our Cheek Pop is a quick treatment that sculpts and defines the cheekbones, bringing back definition to the apples of your cheeks that is lost with age. Perform an extra hold on the cheekbone for one to two beeps to help tone and define those facial muscles.” The Brow Lifter “Using the NuFACE app, perform the Advanced 15-Minute FacialLift holds on the forehead to maximise lift and open the eyes. Then select the appexclusive Skin Tightening Facial to smoothen, tighten and tone the forehead to reduce the appearance of lines.” Skin Sculpting Workout Emma Nowakowski, NuFACE’s AVP of global education, shares how to lift, tone and sculpt your skin NUFACE Mini+ Starter Kit 4PCS / £240
UMBERTO GIANNINI Curl Scrunching Jelly 240ML / £35 CAMILLE ROSE Curl Butter 240ML / £35 We uncoil the best ingredients, formulas and treatments for curly and textured hair WORDS SHEEVA FALLAHI curls here come the BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Curly and textured hair is prone to dryness, with hair types 3A-4C most likely to need extra hydration. Thick formulas, such as butter, penetrate deep into strands to help boost moisture and fight frizz. The buttery consistency helps to seal the cuticle, which in turn protects hair from breakage and promotes stronger locks. Curl butters infused with oil-based ingredients - such as jojoba and macadamia - have additional benefits, delivering moisturising properties to enhance shine. * Source: NielsenIQ ‘Meeting the Moment – Black Beauty Consumers 2023’ Butter Up BLACK HISTORY MONTH With the Black haircare industry estimated to be valued at £1.9bn and projected to reach over £5.5bn by 2026*, understanding the products, techniques and formulations best suited to caring for curly and textured hair is paramount. While education around Black hair is increasingly becoming more mainstream, the textured hair gap still has a way to go. We take a wide tooth comb to unravel the best ingredients and treatments...
Glycerin is a natural humectant that’s found in many curly hair products, known for its ability to reduce the loss of moisture. Particularly beneficial for dry, thick or course strands, glycerin helps to strengthen hair by improving hydration, in turn reducing breakage and damage. Also packed with moisturising properties, the ingredient works to regulate oil production in the scalp, creating a healthy environment for hair to grow. Co-washing is a technique involving cleansing the hair with conditioner as an alternative to shampoo. This helps to minimise stripping curly hair of its natural oils and retain moisture. Note, using an ordinary conditioner is not the same as co-washing, so choose a conditioning cleanser. Co-wash hair once or twice a week by soaking your curls in water and massaging the cleanser into the scalp to rid any build-up or impurities. Leave in for a few minutes for a deeper cleanse, then rinse and finish with your usual conditioner. Go for glycerin Co-Washing is Key BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Forget fly-aways and lay sleek, smooth edges using products specifically designed to control and tame edges or baby hair. While traditional strong-hold gel will keep your hair locked in, targeted products for edges have gel-pomade hybrid formulas that work to provide extra hold without product flaking or build-up. What’s more? They are often infused with ingredients, such as castor oil, that help to moisturise curly or textured hair, and add shine. CHRISTOPHE ROBIN Luscious Curl Cleansing Balm with Kokum Butter 240ML / £35 KERACARE Edge Tamer 240ML / £35 Edge control BLACK HISTORY MONTH
BEAUTIFY Sweater WEATHER Fall into autumn with the looks designed to give you that new-season spirit WORDS MIMA DAVENPORT
BEAUTIFY BARE NECESSITIES Keep your canvas light with Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base (50ml / £52), designed to prep, perfect and moisturise. Next, draw focus to brows with NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil in Espresso (9g / £10), creating the ultimate arch of dreams. THINK PINK! Swipe an energising flush of colour across your cheeks and eyes with the multi-purpose BY TERRY Beach Bomb Brightening CC Palette (9.2g / £42), designed to bestow a rosy glow. Next, seamlessly set your look with Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder in Translucent (29g / £36.50), topped with pearly pigments for radiant, crease-free coverage.
BEAUTIFY STARRY BRIGHTS Brighten up those autumn days by bringing a little radiance to your everyday makeup look. NARS Cosmetics Sheer Glow Foundation in Gobi (30ml / £35) creates a flawless finish with ultraluminous coverage, paired perfectly with Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Cosmic Pink (10g / £29.50) for a colour-popping hint of pink!
BEAUTIFY LEFT ON RED Let your lips do the talking with the pigment-packed Maybelline Superstay 24 Matte Ink Lipstick in Ground-Breaker (35.7g / £9.99) for a classic, true-red pout. Keep eyes neutral to keep the drama on your mouth – we love M.A.C Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot Eye shadow in Groundwork (5g / £20) for dressing lids in a tonal, muted hue.
SMILE MAKERS The Billionaire £49.95 LELO Dot in lilac £159 FOR BEGINNERS’ LUCK FOR THE EXPLORER Discover tantalising sex toys for every kind of play, as the sexperts reveal their top tips for spicing up your bedroom antics ADVERTORIAL SEEKERS Pleasure New to the art of self-love? Put the power into your own hands with this modest personal massager, complete with multiple speed and pulsation modes to help you discover exactly what makes you tick. Samantha, head of pleasure and content at Smile Makers, says: “We tend to hold our breath when trying to orgasm, but our body needs oxygen for blood flow. Breathe deep and feel the difference!” Why wait to embark on your thrilling journey to self-pleasure? This unique clitoral stimulator features Infinite Loop Technology that oscillates in a figure-eight motion, unlocking an earth-shaking new adventure you won’t forget in a hurry. Kate Moyle, psychosexual therapist and UK sex expert at LELO, says: “You have erogenous zones all over the body. Exploring these on your own can help you to work out what you like or [don’t].”
VUSH Muse £85 SO DIVINE Addicted Remote Control Love Egg £54.99 FOR YOUR SOLO ACT FOR COUPLES’ PLAY ADVERTORIAL Get to know yourself on a deeper level with this dual-stimulation vibrator, taking your senses to climax-inducing heights with eight optimised pleasure patterns and five intensity levels – rewarding you the “me time” you truly deserve. Steph Andrews, sexpert at VUSH, says: “Experiment with different masturbation techniques, such as using a vibrator, different types of pressure or strokes, or trying new positions or locations.” Build sexual tension with this playful remote-controlled vibrating egg, equipped with three speed settings and seven passion patterns to maximise your pleasure. Let your partner take charge for double the fun! Melissa, social and marketing executive at So Divine, says: “[A] great way to improve partner play is to introduce sex toys into the bedroom. This can help to spice things up for both partners.”
From wellness supplements to topical skin treatments, we take a deep dive into the oceanic ingredient trend of 2023 WORDS PENNY LAFFERTY green? THE NEW IS BLUE IN THE SPOTLIGHT 1 2 3
Usually found in water, algae are defined as a group of aquatic organisms. They don’t have roots, which means they absorb nutrients directly from the water. Both in and out of the ocean, algae are believed to hold many benefits – and that includes for our skin. “Alongside supporting natural collagen production, algae can help to minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and loss 1/ LA MER Moisturising Cream 15ML / £80 2/ BIOSSANCE Squalane & Marine Algae Eye Cream 15ML / £43 3/ VIDA GLOW Natural Marine Collagen Sachets 30PCS / £39 Algae IN THE SPOTLIGHT As ‘blue beauty’ continues to make waves in the industry, marine ingredients are on the rise. “Aquatic ingredients are often rich in essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, which can be beneficial for all skin types,” explains Aruj Javid, our resident pharmacist. “We’re now seeing those ingredients make their way into skincare, incorporating ingredients like algae and marine collagen, to name a few.”
The global marine collagen market is worth around £560m*, with the ingredient celebrated for its firming and plumping properties. “Marine collagen is hydrolysed to break down large collagen peptides into smaller amino acids,” explains Lauren Dewsbury, senior research scientist at Vida Glow. “This means it has a high bioavailability and is efficiently absorbed into the bloodstream for heightened benefits for skin, hair, and nails.” Despite the many benefits of blue beauty ingredients, Lauren understands we shouldn’t take our ocean for granted: “Blue beauty recognises the power of marine ingredients while prioritising sustainability and ocean conservation,” she states. “Vida Glow’s marine collagen supplement is sustainably made from fish skin, of elasticity with a plumping effect,” shares Aruj. “The sea plant is rich in amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants that can help protect your skin from damage caused by environmental aggressors. Algae are also a humectant, which means they help lock moisture into your skin.” Marine Collagen * Source: ‘Marine Collagen Market’, Expert Market Research, 2022 IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Although not technically a marine ingredient, plant-sourced squalane (a vegan alternative to animal-derived squalene) does help to preserve aquatic life. Aruj confirms: “Plantbased squalane is usually derived from a sustainable source, such as olive oil or sugarcane, so it does not affect the ocean’s ecosystem.” Some brands are entirely committed to plant-based squalane, with Biossance claiming the sugarcane switch helps to save around two million sharks every year. “Vegan squalane also works as an emollient to help soften and hydrate the skin, and acts as an occlusive to help trap moisture and protect your skin barrier. It’s found in so many skincare products now: from serums and moisturisers to eye creams. Even cleansers!” a by-product of the food industry that would otherwise be discarded as waste.” “This is a more sustainable practice, transforming a waste product into a premium material and gives visibility over sourcing. Open water farming means we can better manage resource [and] avoid any by-catch.” Plant-Sourced Squalane IN THE SPOTLIGHT
NARS Radiance Primer SPF35 30ML / £33 GIORGIO ARMANI Luminous Silk Foundation 30ML / £45 Turning the anti-ageing mantra on its head, one influencer shares why growing older should be celebrated WORDS PENNY LAFFERTY PRO-AGEING THE REVOLUTION IN THE SPOTLIGHT
“I didn’t find it “easy” to shift my mindset from negative to positive, and I still believe it will be a lifelong journey,” shares 52-year-old Luisa. “I see [proageing] simply as the direct opposite of anti-ageing. It’s pursuing a mindset that celebrates the ageing journey, finds beauty in it and doesn’t seek to erase [or] demean it at anybody’s expense.” “[The Pro-Ageing movement] is essentially feeling good as we age,” explains Dr Angela Tewari, consultant dermatologist. “This involves a number of important factors, including eating well, sleeping soundly and fully, [but] also ageing gracefully.” Although ageing looks different on everybody, no one is immune from common signs and symptoms: “[We see] *Source: ‘Value of the Global Anti-Aging Market’, Statista, 2023 IN THE SPOTLIGHT If TikTok and Instagram have taught us anything, it’s that there’s no age limit on beauty. However, with the anti-ageing market predicted to reach £73bn by 2027*, model and content creator Luisa Dunn shares how she learnt to adopt the ‘pro-ageing’ mantra.
“Ageing is a privilege, not a punishment. Why would we want to be anti-living?” aged skin in non-sun-exposed areas, which is called intrinsic ageing,” reveals Dr Tewari. “Areas of our skin, such as the face and neck, can become sun damaged [when exposed to sunshine]. This is called extrinsic ageing. In extrinsic or photo-aged skin, a common early feature is dyspigmentation, which we see as sunspots, melasma and increased freckling.” Luisa suggests that our negative perception of ageing stems from a range of external factors, including: “cultural ageism, patriarchal conditioning, capitalism, youth beauty standards, classism, and our own internalised ageism.” It can be challenging to make peace with growing older. “But ageing means to live,” reassures Luisa. “Ageing is a privilege, not a punishment. Why would we want to be anti-living?” “I sat with my [own] feelings and thought a lot about how I could develop a more positive relationship with my ageing body through much kinder eyes,” she explains. “Constantly trying to fix myself to fit the IN THE SPOTLIGHT
AMELIORATE Replenishing Facial Cream 75ML / £24 MEDIK8 Crystal Retinal 6 Eye Cream 15ML / £54 IN THE SPOTLIGHT
“I prefer to be exposed to empowering and uplifting messages around ageing” youth beauty ideal just felt like a merrygo-round of negativity.” Instead, Luisa worked to readjust her mindset and focus on positive changes, such as: “The unapologetic feeling of empowerment from stripping away layers of conditioning, worrying less about others’ opinions, and the wisdom that comes with every trip around the sun,” she shares. “I prefer to be exposed to empowering and uplifting messages around ageing rather than the alternative.” Luisa also predicts brighter days ahead for the pro-ageing movement: “I have personally noticed a big increase in women wanting to focus less on trying to look younger, and more on celebrating their current season of life.” DR TEWARI’S PRO-AGEING NON-NEGOTIABLES? 1 “Eat orange, red and purple fruits, and green vegetables.” 2 “Drink two litres of water per day.” 3 “Get seven hours of sleep per night.” 4 “Keep up your hobbies.” 5 “Look after your skin – use SPF50 with UVA protection.” Luisa Dunn via Silverfox MGMT IN THE SPOTLIGHT
ARUJ SAYS: Firstly, applying broad-spectrum SPF30+ every morning as part of your skincare regime can help protect your skin from UVA rays that can lead to premature ageing. For night time, retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that can help to refine your skin by supporting natural cell renewal while helping to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. How can I minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? Our in-house pharmacist, Aruj Javid, takes a deep dive into your mostasked questions on mature skin EXPERT ADVICE ARUJ RECOMMENDS LA ROCHE-POSAY Anthelios Age Correct SPF50+ Sun Cream 50ML / £31
ARUJ SAYS: As we age, our skin can become dry and can lose its ability to retain moisture. To help replenish your complexion, apply a moisture-rich cream twice daily to your face and neck. Opt for humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine and essential lipid ceramides to help nourish your skin. What are the best skincare ingredients for mature skin? ARUJ SAYS: It is common to experience a loss of skin elasticity and firmness due to a decrease in collagen production as we age and enter menopause. Incorporating proteins and polysaccharides alongside antioxidant-rich vitamin C as part of your diet and skincare routine can help skin to appear firmer. How can I make my skin feel firm and toned? EXPERT ADVICE ARUJ RECOMMENDS ARUJ RECOMMENDS SKINCEUTICALS Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Lipid Replenishment Skincare for Mature Skin 48ML / £148 IMEDEEN Time Perfection (6-Month Bundle) £180
ARUJ SAYS: Not at all, don’t limit yourself – you can absolutely build a mature skincare regime with products that are not labelled as ‘anti-ageing’. There are many skincare products available that can help to hydrate and protect your skin barrier. For example, cleansing with a hydrating ceramide cleanser or applying a broad-spectrum SPF. ARUJ SAYS: Exfoliating can help to remove the build-up of dead skin cells that can cause mature skin to look dull. Chemical exfoliators – such as AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid – can help to smoothen coarse skin texture. Gently exfoliate a few times a week and build up accordingly to suit your complexion. Should I only use skincare products which are labelled ‘anti-ageing’? How often should I exfoliate mature skin? ARUJ RECOMMENDS ARUJ RECOMMENDS EXPERT ADVICE CERAVE Hydrating Cleanser 473ML / £17 AMELIORATE Resurfacing Facial Toner 200ML / £20
BEAUTY QUIZ For stylish types who come alive at night, this sultry blend of black truffle, bergamot and black orchid is the perfect soirée scent. This multitasking powder is ideal for on-the-go perfectionists, mattifying and illuminating the complexion for up to six hours. Quintessentially British, this pomegranate and Casablanca lily scented candle will take pride of place in your chic home décor. This radiance-boosting oil is a must-have for sophisticated skincare obsessives, enriched with a trio of soothing honeys. Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum Spray 50ml / £100 Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder (4 x 3g) / £48.50 Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Home Candle 200g / £55 Guerlain Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil 50ml / £115 MOSTLY A MOSTLY C MOSTLY D MOSTLY B A. A party animal – you’re first on the dancefloor B. A self-care guru – a pamper session is your weekly ritual C. A perfectionist – your everyday looks never miss D. A homebody – you enjoy a cosy night in A. Spritzing yourself with a sophisticated scent B. Treating your complexion to high-quality skincare C. Getting glam with runway-worthy makeup D. Lighting a luxurious scented candle A. A chic city break in New York B. A relaxing escape to France C. A lively sightseeing tour of Milan D. A quiet getaway to the British countryside A. Sarah Jessica Parker – you lust after her stylish lifestyle B. Eva Green – you’re obsessed with her Parisian chic C. Naomi Campbell – you love her glamour and confidence D. The Princess of Wales – you admire her classic elegance Your friends would describe you as... Your favourite little luxury is... Your ideal holiday destination would be... Who is your celebrity beauty icon? Luxury Beauty WHICH PRODUCT ARE YOU?
FAACE Menopause Treatment Mask 100ML / £31 MYVITAMINS Hormone Balance Capsules 60PCS / £10.99 With menopause a hot topic in the women’s health industry, one expert reveals how to navigate the change without feeling like stopping time WORDS SHEEVA FALLAHI DON’T STOP the clock WOMEN’S HEALTH & MENOPAUSE
“The average age of the menopause in the UK is 51. However, it’s really important to know that it doesn’t just happen in midlife,” she says. “Menopause before 45 is known as an early menopause, while menopause before the age of 40 is known as premature ovarian insufficiency, which affects about three in 100 women under the age of 40.” Dr Newson adds that menopause starts 12 months after your last period and while everyone’s experience of menopause is individual, there are some common Amid the ‘pro-ageing’ movement, perceptions of getting older are quite literally getting old. But as beauty industry standards shift, one word that’s on everyone’s lips is ‘menopause’. Fast becoming less of a taboo subject, but one that’s still widely misunderstood, we asked Dr Louise Newson - founder of the Newson Health Wellbeing and Menopause Centre, The Menopause Charity, and award-winning menopause app, Balance – for more answers... WOMEN’S HEALTH & MENOPAUSE
VICHY Neovadiol Meno 5 Serum for Menopausal Skin 30ML / £41.50 WOOWOO Manifesto Range Soothing Intimate Moisturiser 75ML / £9 symptoms to look for: “Hot flushes and night sweats are very common, but it is often the psychological symptoms like low mood and anxiety that can have the biggest impact,” she says. “Some women [also] experience joint aches and pains, vaginal dryness, poor sleep, fatigue and brain fog.” Such menopausal symptoms can have a knockon effect on the condition of your hair, skin and even libido. Dr Newson explains: “The WOMEN’S HEALTH & MENOPAUSE
hormones oestrogen and testosterone are important for your libido. The amount of these hormones produced by your body declines during the menopause, which can lead to vaginal dryness and reduce your sex drive.” Similarly, the lack of oestrogen during menopause can lead to more noticeable wrinkles, fine lines, dry and even itchy skin, Dr Newson adds. But it isn’t all doom and gloom, she assures: “Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the first line of treatment and works to replace those hormones your body is lacking, as well as helps to safeguard your future health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.” But good menopause management doesn’t stop at HRT. Dr Newson says: “When it comes to skin and hair-related symptoms, it is important to study your skin and decide what you need, rather than what you think you might need: your routine should be unique to your needs and skin concerns.” What’s more? “A balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and veg and getting outdoors and doing plenty of exercise is essential,” Dr Newson advises. WOMEN’S HEALTH & MENOPAUSE
With Halloween creeping closer, two beauty pros show how to recreate the best spooky season looks at home... WORDS PENNY LAFFERTY Halloween BEAUTY LOOKBOOK STEP 1: “Trace the butterfly outline around your upper and lower lids using shades ‘Evergreen’, ‘Sage’ and ‘Fringe’ from Natasha Denona Retro Glam Palette £64. STEP 2: “Take shades ‘Flutter’, ‘Palladian’ and ‘Marlin’ to cut the crease, creating depth and dimension.” STEP 3: “Blend hues ‘Belle’ and ‘Holly’ under the eyes to complete your glam.” STEP 4: “Apply your favourite complexion products and finish with a spritz of Iconic London Prep Set Glow 120ml / £24 for an ultra-glowy fairycore finish.” Fairycore @muachrissyx BEAUTIFY
Broken Barbie @jadekiely STEP 1: “After prepping the skin with primer and moisturiser, apply your base and then go in with NARS Orgasm Blush 2.5g / £19 all over the lid. Pack it on and blend it all the way to the outer corner.” STEP 2: “Using a big fluffy brush, go back in with the blush, bringing it right to your temples.” STEP 3: “Line your upper and lower lids, then apply your desired pair of lashes to create the ultimate doll-eyed effect.” STEP 4: “For the cracked complexion illusion, take a gel liner and a very fine brush. Keep the shapes as natural as possible – start small and work your way out, adding finer details onto the thicker lines you’ve drawn.” STEP 5: “Highlight the edges of each crack with a white eyeliner, then blend out with your finger to make them pop!” BEAUTIFY
strike it RITCHIE Reality star Joshua Ritchie strips back the cover on life inside the male sex industry INTERVIEW PENNY LAFFERTY LF LOCKER ROOM
*‘18 Shocking OnlyFans Statistics to Show How Big It Is’, TechJury, 2023 **‘OnlyFans Gender Statistics and Trends in 2023’, Gitnux Market Data, 2023 LF LOCKER ROOM Online sexual content is on the up, with popular adult website OnlyFans claiming over 190 million registered users alone*. But with only around 29% of creator accounts on the platform belonging to men**, we got up close and personal with former Love Island star Joshua Ritchie to understand what life is really like as an adult content creator in the male sex industry. “I’d never even sent a nude before I did OnlyFans,” 29-year-old Josh confesses. “I was self-employed [before TV] as a window fitter. I used to [work] with my old man.” Josh left the family business to join the cast of Love Island in 2015, but quickly learned the entertainment industry can be fickle: “Telly and stuff like that, it’s going to earn you money but it’s not going to guarantee you money.” It’s safe to say the prospect of some quick cash was the catalyst for Josh’s raunchy career move. “I know one girl that does [OnlyFans]. She doesn’t get naked on it. She made $1,000,000 in her first six months,” he shares. “I knew I
“I knew I was going to make a fortune” “If you’re making money then who can knock you? I just look at it like a business” LF LOCKER ROOM Josh explains how, if there is a stigma around men and women doing sex work, there really shouldn’t be. “I think if you’re judging it then you’re just small-minded,” he says. “If you’re making money then who can knock you? I just look at it like a business.” was going to make a fortune. So, I did a trial run for about two/three weeks. I probably earnt more money [in that first four months] than what I earned on telly in five years.” But not everyone shares Josh’s liberal mindset. Trolls would leave comments on his Instagram, including: “You’ve gone skint,” and “Has the money run out?” Josh laughs: “But I’m looking at those comments and I’m looking at my bank account. I felt like saying, yeah it ran out – but I’m stacking again now!” So, is there still a taboo when it comes to male sexual expression? Melissa Quick, marketing executive at So Divine, believes this is the case if we take a peep into the sex toy
“The overall trend sees a more open and accepting attitude towards male sex toys and their use for sexual exploration, pleasure and self-care” LF LOCKER ROOM MEN’S SOLO ACT ESSENTIALS space: “There has still been a stigma around male sex toys until more recently,” she says. “This could be because some people may associate male toys with blow-up dolls, or more hardcore toys, when in reality, the majority of mainstream [ones] are more sophisticated.” She’s hopeful that the taboo will continue to fade away: “While the stigma may still exist in certain contexts, the overall trend sees a more open and accepting attitude towards male sex toys and their use for sexual exploration, pleasure and self-care.” SO DIVINE MEN Reusable Pleasure Cup £22 LELO Hugo Prostate Massager £189 SO DIVINE MEN Adjustable Vibrating Ring £26 LELO Personal Moisturiser 150ML / £27.90
THE HIGHLIGHT BY Q: WHAT’S YOUR BEAUTY ICON? Editorial SENIOR BEAUTY WRITER Penny Lafferty “The phrase ‘Beauty Icon’ was made for MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara. The lift and length is second to none – I wouldn’t be without it!” EDITOR Sheeva Fallahi Commercial BEAUTY INTERN Roma May “A game changer in brow power, benefit 24 Hour Brow Setter leaves my arches looking sculpted, fuller and fluffier all day long.” BEAUTY INTERN Mima Davenport COMMERCIAL MARKETING DIRECTOR Rachel Moss SENIOR PARTNERSHIP MANAGER Abigail Small Campaign CAMPAIGN MANAGER Claudia Ing CAMPAIGN EXECUTIVE Faye Glassey CREATIVE DIRECTOR Luke O’Neill Art PHOTOGRAPHERS Jonathan Beer Lauren Elliot Daniel Howarth PRODUCTION LEAD Charley Ellis PRODUCER Meg Branagan STYLISTS Liz Kala Emma Stewart SUB EDITOR Zoë Hill RETOUCHER Amy Asten ILLUSTRATION Faye McCusker Want to get in touch with the team? Email: firstname.lastname@thehutgroup.com For all advertising enquiries or creative solutions please contact: abigail.small18@thehutgroup.com Contributors PROJECT MANAGER Emma Kay CREATIVE ARTWORK TEAM LEADER Ellie Ford “I’ve never had more compliments on my skin than I have since getting the FOREO Luna Mini 3. I use it every day and could never go back to life without it!”
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