In this expert-led guide, Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Clare Kiely demystifies one of skincare’s most powerful yet misunderstood ingredients: retinoids. From the science behind cell turnover to the all-important conversion process, she explains how to navigate the vitamin A family and choose the right retinoid for your skin. Whether you’re a first-time user or looking to level up your routine, this is your go-to breakdown of the retinol pyramid, minus the confusion.

With 25 years of industry experience across clinics, global brands, and international markets, Katie Hughes-Dawkins shares the five unshakeable lessons every aesthetic business should live by. From why a viral moment isn’t a strategy to how trust, team culture, and local nuance shape success, this column is a sharp reminder that true growth in aesthetics is built on substance, not speed.

Khloé Kardashian recently took to social media to clarify what cosmetic treatments and procedures she has had, putting to rest years of speculation. For the beauty industry, this moment of honesty offers a rare opportunity to explore the practical and clinical value of her choices. Her routine highlights the evolution of non-surgical aesthetics and shows how celebrities are embracing gradual, strategic enhancements rather than dramatic overhauls.

The European Union is preparing to ban the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a common photoinitiator found in UV-cured nail gels, from 1 September 2025. The United Kingdom, which often mirrors EU chemical classifications despite post-Brexit independence, is expected to implement a similar restriction in 2026. Although the ban may seem abrupt to those outside regulatory circles, the reasoning is grounded in toxicological evidence and the precautionary principle embedded within EU Cosmetics Regulation.

With summer in full swing and swimwear season upon us, many turn to waxing as their go-to hair removal solution. Yet despite its popularity, waxing remains surrounded by myths that often leave people hesitant or confused about the process. Although intimate waxing consistently makes up the majority of service revenue at Strip, the brand sees a noticeable spike in demand as summer approaches, typically increasing by around 13%. Monica Ella Botros, Managing Director at London’s award-winning Strip Hair Removal Experts, is here to set the record straight, busting common misconceptions and sharing essential facts for a smooth and confident summer.

Professional makeup artist Sarah-Jane Froom shares her go-to guide for mastering Summer 2025’s biggest trend: pastels. From lilac eyes to peachy cheeks and balmy lips, discover how to translate runway colour into wearable everyday looks. With expert tips, high-low product picks and ideas for everything from brunch to festivals, this feature shows how to make soft colour seriously chic — without going full Barbie.

Despite the growing number of injectable products on the market, only seven botulinum toxin type A formulations are currently licensed by The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for aesthetic use in the UK. Each has undergone rigorous evaluation for safety, quality and efficacy. For practitioners, the real point of interest lies in how these products differ in formulation, clinical behaviour and treatment outcomes.

Carbonated water has become an unexpected yet scientifically grounded addition to professional facial treatments. What began as a K-beauty trend has gained global interest, not only for its refreshing feel but also for its documented effects on skin cleansing, circulation and oxygen delivery. Behind the bubbles lies a cascade of physiological mechanisms that enhance skin health, particularly when tied to the Bohr effect.

Professional skincare has moved well beyond one-size-fits-all facials and generic body wraps. The new generation of treatments is tailored, sensorial and quietly high-tech, delivering real results with none of the post-treatment fuss. Whether it's a facial built around your dosha type, a cellulite treatment that doesn't rely on suction, or a spa ritual that begins at your feet and ends with mineral SPF, this year’s standout launches are precise, personal and refreshingly low-key.

In this roundup, we spotlight the newest professional beauty treatments that deserve your attention. From biotech facials to device-led contouring, these are the ones already making waves in clinics and treatment rooms across the country.

Some stories aren’t written, they’re felt. And Oscar Emil tells his through scent. At just 17 years old, Oscar Hedegaard, known through his eponymous label Oscar Emil, is reshaping the conversation around scent with a voice that is both disarmingly honest and artistically bold. His debut line, The Love Collection, is not a typical launch. It is an emotional archive, a deeply personal expression rendered in perfume.

Getting anti-wrinkle injections in your 20s, I have learnt, is a controversial thing to do, and I have to admit, it's not something I thought I would be doing at the age of 27. With the rise of popularity in aesthetic treatments (and alongside this, of my insecurities) I knew I would be getting anti-wrinkle injections sooner rather than later, but I had envisioned waiting until I hit 30. But what would really change when I entered into my third decade of life? After my consultation with Dr Ash Soni, my mind was settled. There was no point waiting when the frown lines at rest were already appearing, and so I began my Botox journey.

Food-inspired perfumes, often called foodie fragrances, have become a beloved category in modern perfumery. They capture the aromas of edible treats, from rich vanilla and chocolate to spicy cinnamon and even bakery delights. This report delves into the types of foodie fragrances, the chemistry behind their creation, and the market trends and brands driving their popularity. Insights from fragrance experts, scientific sources, and industry reports are included to provide a thorough and accessible overview.

Our columnist Nez Hasan shares her expert guide to skin prep for permanent makeup, from brows to lips. With nearly a decade of experience in enhancing natural beauty, she explains how small steps like exfoliating, hydrating and avoiding harsh products can make a major difference in pigment retention, healing and results. Whether you're new to semi-permanent treatments or a returning client, this is your go-to checklist for flawless, long-lasting results.

Esperer, founded by CBT-trained psychologist Dina El Adlani, is blending facial treatments with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The CBT Facial is less about miracle ingredients and more about reconnecting skin with self-worth. It’s catching quiet momentum as one of the boldest ideas in the beauty world. Not because of the products used, but because of what they’re paired with.

Wellness has moved from the margins to the centre. In the United States, the industry is now worth over $2 trillion, making up nearly one-third of the global wellness economy. This figure reflects more than a market trend. It marks a change in how people live, spend, and seek comfort in a fast-moving, fragmented world.

Our Columnist Lisa Franklin explores how menopause is far more than hot flushes and mood swings. From dry eyes to disrupted sleep, she reveals how hormonal changes affect the whole body — and why it’s time we stop treating these symptoms in isolation.

There’s something almost instinctive about the impulse to zap a spot the moment it appears. A dab of toothpaste, a splash of rubbing alcohol; anything to shrink it overnight. But this common “drying out” approach to treating acne is not just outdated; it may be doing more harm than good. For professionals guiding patients through acne care, the conversation is shifting from surface-level quick fixes to strategies that support skin barrier integrity, minimise inflammation, and accelerate proper healing.

In ecological terms, rewilding refers to the process of restoring natural ecosystems; giving land and species space to return to their original, untamed state. It’s a regenerative approach, rooted in the belief that when we let nature take the lead, remarkable things can happen. With its new Rewilding Facial, Lush Spa takes that same philosophy and applies it not only to the products on your skin, but to the nervous system, too. Think of it as rewilding for both the planet and the self.

There’s a quiet shift happening in London’s wellness landscape — one that’s trading fast-paced, clinical environments for slower, more intentional spaces where design, hospitality, and care are treated as a single, seamless offering. And nowhere is that shift more clearly felt than at The Six, a newly opened salon and wellness destination in Mayfair that feels less like a place to get a haircut and more like a cultural experience.

Matcha drinks are everywhere right now — from trendy cafes to our social feeds, that vibrant green powder is stealing the show. But matcha isn’t just a delicious drink, it’s also a total game-changer for your skincare routine! Packed with antioxidants and skin-loving nutrients, matcha can help your skin glow just as much as your morning matcha latte perks you up.