Tag: Skincare

Why Titanium Dioxide Might Be the Most Underrated SPF Power Player—Especially If You Have Sensitive Skin

If you’re serious about SPF—and let’s face it, who isn’t these days—you probably already know your way around a sunscreen aisle. Broad-spectrum? Check. High SPF? Double check. But there’s one ingredient quietly doing the work of a thousand marketing campaigns without asking for applause: titanium dioxide. Unlike its flashier chemical counterparts, titanium dioxide isn’t here for the drama. It’s here for results. “It’s a naturally occurring oxide of titanium,” explains board-certified expert. “A brilliant white powder with excellent opacity. Basically, it blocks light—really well.” That means UVA, UVB, visible light, you name it—titanium dioxide is that girl. And she’s stable, too. Unlike chemical sunscreens that might ghost you after a couple hours in the sun, this mineral stays loyal. No breakdowns. No sudden disappearances mid-beach day. So why isn’t everyone screaming about it? Because titanium dioxide doesn’t beg for attention. But maybe it should—especially if you’ve got oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin. It helps absorb excess oil and reduce that midday shine. Plus, it plays nice with rosacea and eczema. No irritation. No drama. It’s also got cosmetic perks. Think: blurred pores, even skin tone, and a soft-focus finish. Yes, it protects. But it also perfects. Now, let’s talk tradeoffs. Titanium dioxide is often paired with zinc oxide in mineral or hybrid sunscreens, and while that means less irritation, it can also mean one thing: the dreaded white cast. Chemical sunscreens usually avoid this, but they can be a lot harsher on sensitive skin types. So what’s the verdict? “The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear.” Translation: Pick your player. But if you want something gentle, oil-absorbing, and blurring—with legit SPF credibility—titanium dioxide deserves a starring role in your routine. TL;DR: Titanium dioxide is like the friend who shows up early, brings snacks, and doesn’t make it about them. Quiet. Reliable. Protective. The SPF soulmate you didn’t know you needed.

Guava Girl Summer Is Here — These Are the Sweet-But-Spicy Beauty Products Everyone’s Talking About

Strawberry had her moment. Vanilla’s feeling overdone. Now? Guava is the main character. In case you missed the shift, there’s a new fruity queen ruling the beauty world — and her name is guava. No longer just a smoothie ingredient or beachside treat, guava has officially entered her beauty era. From Fenty Beauty’s tropical creams to Summer Fridays’ sweet-lipped balms, the fruit is showing up in our skincare, our scent profiles, and our entire summer vibe. The scent? Think sun-warmed fruit and soft vacation breeze. The color? That perfect blush-pink hue that lives somewhere between “I just left the spa” and “yes, I’m glowing on purpose.” Call it Guava Girl Summer, call it the new clean girl era — either way, your body butter just got an upgrade. Below, we’re rounding up the guava-infused products that are trending, selling out, and showing up on every girl’s moodboard. Fenty Beauty Guava Get Away Body Cream If Rihanna said it’s summer, it’s summer. This thick body cream does more than hydrate — it wraps you up in a pink, guava-scented hug. A must-have for anyone pretending they’re on vacation 24/7. Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum Glow Recipe rarely misses, and this pink serum is no different. It’s packed with Vitamin C and guava extract to fade dark spots and leave you gleaming like a glazed donut. Bonus points for the shelfie aesthetic. DIBS Beauty Jam Jam Lipstick in Guava Glaze This pH-adapting lipstick gives everyone a custom flush — aka, your lips but glossier, juicier, and more kiss-me-in-the-sun kinda cute. It’s like guava on the rocks for your mouth. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Pink Guava Internet’s favorite lip balm now comes in Pink Guava, and we can confirm: it’s addictive. Moisturizing, sweet-smelling, and just the right hint of tint? Put one in your bag, your car, your bestie’s bag. Just trust. Korres Guava Elasti-Smooth Body Butter This Greek-goddess-approved formula has all the nourishing oils (almond, avocado, sunflower) plus that creamy guava scent that makes people lean in and say, “Wait, what perfume is that?” We’re done smelling like cupcakes. This season is all about guava-glazed skin, fruit-tinted lips, and a hint of “I just came back from St. Barts” energy.

Rhode’s New Glazing Mist Has Arrived—And It’s Giving Dewy Drama With a Side of Harris Dickinson

Got mist? Because Rhode is here to drench your skincare routine in its dewiest drop yet—and they’ve brought in a new face (and cheekbones) to sell it. In a move that’s equal parts genius and gorge, Hailey Bieber’s cult skincare label just dropped the Glazing Mist—a superfine hydrating face spray promising the kind of glow that could rival a sunrise—and tapped Babygirl star Harris Dickinson as the campaign’s lead. Yes, Harris. Yes, face. Yes, cheekbone architecture. The campaign marks a first for Rhode: Dickinson is the brand’s inaugural male model, and frankly, it’s about time. The moody, misty visuals are serving quiet luxury meets bathroom shelf goals. As for the mist itself? Think of it as your Glazing Milk’s cooler, foggier cousin. Made with magnolia extract, beta-glucan, ceramides, ectoin and panthenol, the Glazing Mist promises hydration, skin-barrier support, and a sense of calm that probably costs more in therapy. Like the rest of the Rhode lineup, it’s cruelty-free, vegan, dermatologist-tested and—bonus—approved by the National Eczema Association. Consider it your passport to Hailey-core glow without a 10-step routine. Retailing at $30 USD, the Glazing Mist is now available exclusively on Rhode’s website. Whether you’re mid-commute, post-Pilates or in desperate need of a midday skin revival, this might just become your new go-to spritz. And if you needed a reason beyond function, well—Harris Dickinson’s doing face for it. You’re welcome.

Ageing Gracefully? Darling, We’re Aiming for Ageing Fabulously! The Secret to Living Better, for Longer.

We all want to live our lives to the absolute fullest, don’t we? Waking up with that sparkling energy to truly enjoy time with our nearest and dearest, chase our passions, and totally crush it at work. Yet, as the years gracefully (or sometimes not-so-gracefully) tick by, many of us find ourselves feeling increasingly tired, a little more fragile, and sadly, more vulnerable to those pesky illnesses. It can feel like age is, quite frankly, getting the better of us. But darling, here’s the truth: ageing doesn’t have to mean declining. No, really! We’ve seen it firsthand. We’ve worked with patients in their fabulous 80s who swear they feel like they’re back in their vibrant 40s. CEOs have emerged from retirement not just revitalized, but practically reinvented. And groups of friends have swapped quiet lunches for globe-trotting adventures that would make a travel influencer blush. The secret, my dear? It’s all about longevity medicine. So, What Exactly Is This “Longevity” Everyone’s Talking About? One of the questions we get asked the most is, quite simply, “How can I live better for longer?” Now, traditional medical practice, while incredibly important, has often focused on treating the symptoms of our ailments – prescribing pills and quick fixes that suppress the immediate problem. But the real root cause? It often remains, only to pop up later as a different ailment or, worse, a recurrence. So, our answer to that burning question almost always boils down to two fundamental elements: truly empowering yourself to feed and protect your astonishing 30 trillion cells properly. By nourishing and safeguarding our cells, our tissues and organs naturally fall into line, taking care of themselves. And that, my dear, is the magic key to setting ourselves up for a truly better-lived life. And that, to us, is longevity. Longevity isn’t just about extending your years; it’s about extending your best years. It’s a sophisticated way of life that allows you to remain the very best version of yourself for longer. It uses cutting-edge science to increase our awareness to the subtle risks of decline, and then, crucially, helps us mitigate those risks before they can express themselves as decline, disease, or disorder. Chic, isn’t it? Midlife Longevity Mistakes We Must Avoid! We’ve all been there, thinking we’ve got it all figured out. But here are some common missteps we often make in midlife that secretly sabotage our longevity goals: Assuming Good Eating and Adequate Exercise Are Enough: While a clean plate and regular jogs are non-negotiable essentials, they’re only part of the puzzle. Factors like sleep quality, stress management, and mental well-being play absolutely critical roles in our long-term health. Did you know your gut, which is essentially your main immune system, can decline from stress alone? Protecting that precious gut microbiome is paramount! Believing Hormones Are Just About Menopause: Oh, honey, no. Hormones are the silent puppet masters impacting everything from our metabolism to our mood and even our brain function. Imbalances can quietly begin long before those traditional midlife symptoms even dare to appear. Get to know your hormones! Accepting Symptoms as “Normal Ageing”: Fatigue? Unexplained weight gain? That frustrating brain fog? Far too many of us just shrug and say, “Oh, it’s just age.” But accepting these signals can lead to missed opportunities for proactive health interventions that could dramatically improve your quality of life. Don’t settle! Lifestyle Habits Sabotaging Your Longevity (Ditch Them, Darling!) If you’re serious about living your best life for longer, it’s time to politely (or not-so-politely) ditch these habits: Eating Processed Food: Those highly processed culprits are often packed with sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives that relentlessly drive inflammation and metabolic issues. Your cells deserve better. Poor Sleep: Chronic sleep deprivation isn’t just about feeling groggy; it impacts your brain health, weakens your immune system, and significantly increases the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and dementia. Beauty sleep is vital, indeed. Chronic Stress: Long-term stress, even when it’s subtle or suppressed, wreaks havoc on your hormone balance, weakens your immune system, and basically puts your ageing process into overdrive. Find your calm! Lack of Movement: Sedentary lifestyles lead to muscle loss, sluggish circulation, and reduced metabolic function – all of which are intrinsically linked to decreased longevity. Get up, get moving, darling! Social Isolation: This one’s a biggie. Loneliness and a lack of meaningful connection can be as detrimental to your health as smoking or obesity. It increases the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and even early mortality. Nurture those connections! 5 Easy Ways to Support Your Longevity (Starting Today!) Ready to truly invest in your fabulous future? Here are five simple (but powerful!) ways to support your longevity: Eat Less, But Better Quality: Focus on whole foods, darling, with a mindful approach to carbohydrates. Want to take it a step further? Explore high-level supplements like glutathione and chlorella (fantastic for detoxing!), Vitamin D (essential for overall body support), and pre, pro, and postbiotics to lovingly protect that precious gut. Protect Your Sleep: This isn’t just about the number of hours you clock; it’s about the quality and consistency of your rest and recuperation. Establishing a regular, habitual sleep process is far more important. Those high achievers waking at 4 am? Their success is down to the quality, not just the quantity, of their sleep. Feed Your Brain: Your brain is working in the fast lane every single minute of every single day. So, nourishing this most vital organ should be a top priority. We always recommend methylated B vitamins and excellent fats like avocado to truly fuel that magnificent mind. Spend Time in Nature Whenever Possible: There’s absolute truth to it being “good for the soul.” Being in nature means you’re away from polluted environments that damage our delicate systems. Even a little “grounding” or “earthing” can help balance you and significantly reduce stress. Get outside, breathe deep! Harness Relationships: This is the cornerstone of longevity, truly. We were designed millennia ago on the savannas, where

SPF Is Expensive Now?! Here’s How To Stretch Every Drop Like Your Rent Depends On It

“Sorry, can we talk about the Elephant in the room, SPF (or Sunscreen)?” — after seeing a post sent by my friend, I hopped on (literally, hopped) to my favorite store and bham! my go-to SPF had gone up by 50%. I walked out of the store without it, understandably offended. Thankfully, I’m not alone. TikTok, Reddit, and every group chat with skin-conscious besties are sounding the alarm: Sunscreen is officially on its luxury era arc. That tiny 30ml bottle? Suddenly feels like you’re buying liquid gold. Spoiler alert: you’re not imagining things. A cocktail of inflation, skincare innovation, and yes, some political shenanigans (hello, tariffs), has SPF prices climbing like your blood pressure on a Monday. And while you should be reapplying it like clockwork — two fingers’ worth every few hours — many are treating sunscreen like a splurge rather than the essential it is. But here’s the kicker: melanoma cases have jumped 31% in the UK over the past decade. Most are tied to UV exposure. So yeah, ditching sunscreen altogether isn’t the smartest rebellion. If your bank account is beefing with your skincare, let’s talk strategy. So, Why TF Is Sunscreen So Pricey? Let’s get nerdy for a sec. According to cosmetic chemists, mineral sunscreens (the ones with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are just expensive to make — especially the good ones that don’t make you look like Casper. Formulating them is basically skincare wizardry: they’re finicky, prone to chalkiness, and need serious finesse to feel smooth on the skin. That finesse? Costs money. Chemical sunscreens (think oxybenzone, octocrylene) are easier to make and generally cheaper. But price doesn’t always equal quality — more on that soon. Cheap vs Bougie SPF: Does It Matter? Good news: in the UK, whether your sunscreen is £10 or £100, it legally has to pass SPF testing before it hits the shelves. So, yes, SPF 50 is SPF 50. “Even luxury brands often use the same ingredient suppliers as budget ones,” says Scott. Translation: You’re paying for packaging, texture, and that soft-focus luxury vibe — not necessarily better protection. Want to feel fancy? Go for it. Want to save your coins? That’s cool too — just pick something you’ll actually wear every day. Can’t Use It Daily? Here’s When To Prioritise Let’s be real: if sunscreen’s become a financial commitment, use it strategically. Check the UV index — if it’s 3 or higher, your skin’s at risk. Most weather apps show it. No need to memorize the UV forecast like a meteorologist — just know that sunny spring through early autumn is high-risk season. But even winter days with bright sun bouncing off clouds? Still a danger zone for UVA (aka the wrinkle and cancer-causing kind). Daily use builds good habits, so you’re covered without overthinking it. But if you skip a rainy January morning? Don’t spiral. Hot Tip: Use Sunscreen As Moisturiser If something’s gotta go, let your daytime moisturiser be the first to walk. A lot of modern SPFs double as moisturisers anyway. They’re packed with hydrating and skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C — the works. This is especially helpful for oily or combo skin: “In summer, many don’t need a separate moisturiser at all.” Fan favourites? CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 (£16.50): Ceramides + SPF = chef’s kiss. The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum (£15.80): Lightweight and hydrating. Garnier BHA+Niacinamide Daily UV Fluid SPF50 (£12.99): Keeps oil in check while blocking rays. The Bare Minimum Checklist (If You’re Only Buying One) If you’re only buying one sunscreen this year, make sure it’s:✅ SPF 30 or higher✅ Broad-spectrum (blocks UVA + UVB)✅ Water-resistant (more versatile) Don’t skimp on the amount. Use two to three finger lengths for your face and neck. Sunscreens usually last about 12 months once opened, but heat and light break them down, so store them like they’re vintage wine. Budget MVPs That Don’t Suck Here’s where it gets fun: Altruist Face Fluid SPF 30 (£7.85): Created by a dermatologist. No breakouts, no white cast, no excuses. Boots SPF+ Mineral Face Lotion SPF30 (£7.50): Editor-approved, wallet-friendly. Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV SPF 50+ (£13): High protection, no drama. Bondi Sands Sunny Cream SPF 50+ (£12.99): Aussie beach vibes in a bottle. Oh, and pro tip: Lookfantastic and Face The Future are slashing prices and removing VAT on select SPF products all summer long. Snag brands like La Roche-Posay, Heliocare, and Medik8 at a discount before your sun damage gets expensive. Final Thoughts Sunscreen shouldn’t feel like a luxury. It’s not a serum, a sheet mask, or a skinfluencer trend — it’s the bare minimum. And while brands keep inflating prices and making SPF feel like it belongs in a jewellery box, science says any decent sunscreen used properly is doing the job. So skip the guilt, watch the UV index, and if you find a formula that feels good and fits your budget? Stick to it like it’s your ex’s Netflix password.