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Tag: Beauty Product Reviews

  • Considering a Dyson Diffuser? An Expert Talks Us Through How to Use It – POPSUGAR Australia

    Considering a Dyson Diffuser? An Expert Talks Us Through How to Use It – POPSUGAR Australia

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    The wonders of Dyson’s hair tools are unmissable. Plastered across social media are creative Air Wrap tutorials or shared shock and awe at how the Air Strait gets your hair from wet to dry in seconds.

    But as someone with tight, coily hair, I always thought that the tools wouldn’t work for my curls unless they were straightened, stretched or blow dried. Essentially, I was on the outside looking in, and I wasn’t alone. “Convinced Dyson hair dryers are just not for the curly babes,” one X user wrote. Another chimed in: “I’m saddened to announce that after 16 months of trying to convince myself otherwise, the Dyson Air Wrap does not work on curly hair.”

    Haircrush, a Black haircare platform, pledged to change the narrative around Dyson tools by holding an event which re-introduced the products like the Dyson diffuser with curly and coily hair in mind, spotlighting how the features work for our hair type. I have to admit I was impressed. I left feeling like I could finally, confidently, use the Dyson tools.


    Experts Featured in This Article

    Dionne Smith is a celebrity hair stylist and has worked with the likes of Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Bridgeton’s Golda Rosheuvel and India Amateifio and BBC presenter Clara Amfo.


    Dyson stylists and technicians re-introduced us to the Supersonic Hair Dryer (£280, originally £330), using the Wide Tooth Comb (£30) attachment and the Wave+Curl Diffuser (£30) for two separate styles. The Wide Tooth comb uses triangular shaped tongs to carefully detangle and comb your hair, without poking your scalp or breaking as it combs your hair. A standout feature is the magnet that keeps the Dyson attachments firmly in place, making the wide tooth comb “more ergonomic and allows for more tension without restraint”. I’ve been through many so-called universal comb attachments, dangerously taped in place or holding on for dear life while I struggle to blowdry my hair at home, so this sold it for me.

    But it was the Dyson diffuser that I immediately added to my basket on my walk home. Celebrity hairstylist Dionne Smith styled model Kemmy’s hair using the popular finger coiling method. Smith used the Dyson diffuser to elevate the style, adding more volume and definition to the finished look.

    At £30, the diffuser attachment is like no other. Its dome shape allows heat to flow into the bowl, rather than directly to your scalp or onto the tongs, reducing how hot it feels when using the tool – IYKYK. This increases definition without the excessive heat (the Dyson only goes up to 140 degrees, 160 in “boost” mode).

    If you’re intrigued about how a Dyson could work on your hair, or whether to take the plunge and get a Dyson diffuser, here are Smith’s top tips for using the attachment to get defined coils and bouncy curls.

    Your Hair Needs to Be Wet

    Smith says that the main mistake people make when defining their curls is trying to style on dry hair. “Your hair needs to be soaking wet,” she tells us. “Even when taking the style down, you’ll need to wet your hair before detangling.”

    A gentle hand is key here, as your hair can be more fragile and more susceptible to breakage when wet. It’s best to avoid detangling your hair in the shower, so use a spray bottle to dampen your hair instead.

    Soft Versus Hard Curls

    Through your own experimentation, you may already know the difference between using a curling cream or a curling gel. Smith explains that using a curling cream results in softer curls, while a gel can give you harder curls which hold a little longer.

    “Sometimes a gel can be a nightmare to take down once you’re done with the style, so I prefer to use a cream, like Aveda’s Be Curly Curling Cream,” she recommends.

    Start on the Lowest Setting

    Since you’ll be starting with wet hair, as explained above, it’s best to start on the lowest setting when reaching for the dryer. This goes for heat and airflow.

    When it’s time to diffuse, start at the ends of your hair. “I rest the ends of the hair into the dome, which helps to spread the heat throughout the hair and softly dries it,” Smith shares.

    Want More Volume?

    While definition is the main goal, sometimes a little more volume can push your style to new heights. Smith says if your hair is long enough, toss your hair over and diffuse the ends by placing them into the bowl.

    If your hair is shorter, diffuse as normal and then lift your roots slightly by picking them with a wide toothed comb or Afro pick. This will keep the definition in the ends of your hair too.


    Lauren Gordon is the editorial coordinator at PS UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specialises in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.


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  • Spoil Your Mum With These Luxury Beauty Treats This Mother’s Day

    Spoil Your Mum With These Luxury Beauty Treats This Mother’s Day

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    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. POPSUGAR has affiliate and advertising partnerships so we get revenue from sharing this content and from your purchase.

    Is your mum a bougie queen? Has she done you a few big favours in the last 12 months? Whatever the reason, if you’re looking to splurge on your mum, we’re making life easy by rounding up the best luxury beauty treats you can make Mum’s day with this Mother’s Day. So, mark your calendar for Sunday, May 12th 2024, and start hunting for her perfect gift.

    L’Occitane, Almond Shower Oil

    L’Occitane, Almond Shower Oil ($75) Image Credit: L’Occitane

    Turn your mum’s morning shower into an indulgent experience — just in time for winter. The L’Occitane, Almond Shower Oil ($75) has a warm, nutty scent and transforms from an oil into a silky, luxuriant lather. Mum can consider it her in-shower body lotion.

    Alpha-H, Melting Moments Cleansing Balm in Plum 

    Pictured: Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm with Davidson Plum
    Alpha-H, Melting Moment Cleansing Balm ($69.95) Image Credit: Alpha-H

    With a sorbet texture, the Alpha-H, Melting Moment Cleansing Balm ($69.95) lives up to its name, dissolving impurities and makeup in one sweet sweep. This product can be used as an in-shower mask, with a gua-sha tool in front of her favourite “Midsomer Murders” ep or, as it was intended — to melt away the day. The limited edition Australian Davidson plum enriched formula has a soft berry scent making this treatment extra special.

    Portrait of a Lady, Frederic Malle

    Mother's Day Gift Guide: Portrait of a Lady, Frederic Malle
    Editions de Parfums By Frédéric Malle, “Portrait of a Lady,” ($563) Image Credit: MECCA

    Sophisticated, glamorous, opulent and feminine — if this describes your mum then “Portrait of a Lady” ($563) could be her new signature scent. Not your grandmother’s rose perfume, Perfumer Dominique Ropion blended Turkish rose with patchouli, raspberry, blackcurrant, cinnamon, clove, sandalwood, incense, benzoin and musk. It makes for a fragrance that is as complex, compelling and powerful as the mother who wears it.

    SŚAINT Parfum, Modus Vivendi

     Pictured: SŚAINT, Modus Vivendi ($169)
    SŚAINT, Modus Vivendi ($169) Image Credit: SŚAINT

    Cardamon, cedarwood, leather and musk make SŚAINT, Modus Vivendi ($169) smoky, sexy fragrance, perfect for the Mum who’d prefer a glass of whisky and a good book to a bunch of flowers. You can shop SŚAINT fragrances at The Iconic or have a custom Mother’s Day label via the SŚAINT website.

    Dyson Corrale in Limited Edition Vinca Blue and Rose

    Pictured: The Dyson Corral ($699)
    Dyson Corral ($699) Image Credit: Dyson

    Yes, it’s expensive but the Dyson Corral ($699) is one of the best hair straighteners money can buy, delivering truly transformative results. What makes it so special? The Corrale uses flexing copper plates that gently shape and gather hair while smoothing the cuticle. The copper plates move with the hair, not against it. This translates to less hair breakage and the easiest curls-with-a-straightener you’ve ever experienced (this writer thought curling with a straightener was impossible until she tried it with the Corrale).

    Iles Formula, Signature Collection

    Pictured: Isles Formula Signature Collection
    Iles Formula, Signature Collection ($225) Image Credit: Rogue Beauty

    When only the best will do for your mum’s hair, reach for Iles Formula. Founded by celebrity hairstylist Wendy Iles, Iles Formula was originally a private blend, offered to celebrity clientele experiencing hair disasters. Fortunately, the formula was taken to the general public and has won multiple awards. For hair that feels like spun silk, whether natural or colour-treated to within an inch of its life, Iles Formula leaves locks beautifully smooth and soft. We recommend picking up the Signature Collection ($225) collection which includes the original Shampoo, Conditioner and Finishing Serum.

    Estee Lauder, Advanced Night Repair Serum

    Pictured:  Estee Lauder, Advanced Night Repair ($173)
    Estee Lauder, Advanced Night Repair ($190) Image Credit: Estee Lauder

    Advanced Night Repair is one of Estee Lauder’s most beloved products for a reason — it works for pretty much every skin tone. Oil-free and deeply hydrating Estee Lauder, Advanced Night Repair ($190) uses a peptide complex to increase collagen production and skin renewal. You can read more about it in our best night serums round up.

    Lancôme, Absolue Oleo Serum

    Pictured: Lancome Absolue Oleo Serum
    Lancôme, Absolue Oleo Serum ($440) Image Credit: Lancôme

    For a mum whose skin needs some TLC, Lancôme, Absolue Oleo Serum ($440) is an oil-in-serum hybrid potion packed with Lancome’s proprietary grand rose extracts. It nourishes the complexion while strengthening the skin barrier and soothing irritation. A perfect, cocooning winter treat for your mum.

    YSL, Rouge Volupte Shine

    Mother's Day Luxury Gift Guide
    YSL Beauty, Rouge Volupte Shine ($68) Image Credit: YSL Beauty

    What’s a luxury product roundup without one of these gorgeous golden bullets from YSL? The Rouge Volupte Shine ($68) lipstick range makes lips look good. That’s because each formula is comprised of 65% nourishing oils and anti-aging antioxidants like pomegranate extract. Supremely comforting and a delight to pull out of your handbag. It’s impossible to be disappointed by this gift.

    By Terry, Ombre Blackstar 

    Pictured: By Terry, Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon
    By Terry, Ombre Blackstar, Cream Eyeshadow in “Bronze Moon” ($73) Image Credit: MECCA

    Easy breezy bronze the By Terry, Ombre Blackstar, Cream Eyeshadow in “Bronze Moon” ($73) is an exceptional option for the mum with zero time, who likes some no fuss, high impact beauty. It’s also great for someone who finds doing eye makeup without her spectacles tricky,  Either way, she’ll get a buttery smooth metallic sheen in a waterproof, transfer resistant formula that lasts all day. 

    Giorgio Armani, Crema Nuda Tinted Cream

    Pictured: Giorgio Armani, Crema Nuda Tinted Cream ($195)
    Giorgio Armani, Crema Nuda Tinted Cream ($195) Image Credit: Giorgio Armani

    As skin ages, focusing on increasing luminosity and texture, rather than covering up should be your goal. Giorgio Armani, Crema Nuda Tinted Cream ($195) makes achieving this goal easy. The formula blends Giorgio Armani’s unparalleled foundation expertise (they brought us the category-defining Luminous Silk Foundation, after all) with a range of skincare benefits. This product creates a veil of coverage rather than a mask, blurring and softening blemishes and lines while improving overall skin condition.

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    Sangeeta Kocharekar

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  • Acne Flare-Up? We Ask the Experts For the Best Acne Treatments – POPSUGAR Australia

    Acne Flare-Up? We Ask the Experts For the Best Acne Treatments – POPSUGAR Australia

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    Acne is a word bandied around in the beauty industry a lot, which means there is a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to the different types of acne, how it should be treated and how to diagnose it. Although it is most prevalent in the UK for 16-24 year olds (35 per cent), just under half of all adults will experience ‘problem skin’ and a third will go on to develop adult acne.

    “Adult acne has many similarities to acne in adolescent years with regard to both causes and treatments but can have its own distinctive symptoms and signs too,” explains Dr Sonia Khorana, a GP and dermatology expert. “Adult acne can present with more inflammatory, red papules and sometimes fewer blackheads or whiteheads compared to adolescent acne. It usually affects the lower face, particularly the jawline/chin, the area below the jawline, the neck, and sometimes the chest,” she tells POPSUGAR UK.

    If acne is causing you concern, or you want some information on how to help you get your acne under control and prevent further flare ups we spoke to some of the top skin specialists and dermatologists in the UK to find out all the answers.

    What are the main causes of acne?

    When discussing acne, in general you need to consider the following causes: excess oil production, pores becoming clogged by skin cells/sebum and therefore getting affected by inflammation and bacteria, or cystic acne. Although all the aforementioned play a role, there are some other factors to consider specifically when discussing adult acne:

  • Menstrual cycle and hormones and influence of oil/sebum production
  • Products that you may use on your hair – hair pomades, oils and products which could transfer on to your face and clog pores
  • Medications – corticosteroids, lithium
  • Gym supplements – anabolic steroids
  • Diet can play a role for some people (high glycaemic index foods)
  • Stress
  • Genetics
  • Medical conditions like PCOS
  • “It is still not fully understood what all the causes of acne are,” says Tule Parks, founder of Skin Diligent, a company she launched after her daughter developed acne and she wanted to understand the causes and treatment better. “However, we do know hormones and the gut microbiome have an important influence on acne. In the case of hormones, we know that too much androgens (the sex hormones) play a role in excess sebum creation, oestrogen and stress hormones like cortisol also play roles. For this reason, it may be simpler to say that deregulation of hormones (in plural) could be one of the causes of acne,” she tells POPSUGAR UK.

    “Conventionally, acne has been considered as a genetic skin condition,” she continues. “But we now know thanks to more and more research, that acne is epigenetics – in other words, the food we eat, the assault of toxins in our bodies, and the stress we don’t manage, all have an effect on the development of acne. We may be predisposed to having acne, but our lifestyle choices have a much bigger role in acne.”

    How Should You Treat Acne?

    “A multi-pronged approach works best when it comes to acne,” says CeraVe dermatologist, Dr Alexis Granite. “Therefore it is important to optimise a patient’s entire skin care regimen, incorporating oil free products that provide hydration whilst not clogging the pores, as many acne medications may be drying.”

    Dr Granite believes supplements can help support the skin and for some patients, dietary modifications, may also play a role in the management of acne, but unfortunately not enough to control the condition on its own. “For mild acne, prescription creams such as retinoids and topical antibiotics are a mainstay of treatment,” she tells POPSUGAR UK. “For more moderate to severe acne, oral antibiotics, hormonal treatment such as oral contraceptives or spironolactone, or isotretinoin may also be used.

    However, according to Parks this isn’t always the best strategy. “The legislation on these medicines changed a few months ago, and now a GP or a dermatologist can no longer prescribe this drug without a seeking secondary medical advice,” she explains. “Finally, the conventional practitioners are getting some sense that the overall health risks may outweigh the benefits of this drug.”

    This is why there has been a big movement within the dermatologist and skin care community to push for a more holistic approach which considers all the different causes, as well as what will work for your skin. If you are concerned you should always contact your GP and seek information from the NHS

    Are there any ingredients you should avoid if you have blemish prone skin?

    According to Dr Granite, during a flare-up and to prevent further blemishes, you should avoid rich essential oils and heavy emollients. “These can exacerbate acne by clogging pores and causing congestion,” she explains. “Over-stripping the skin with harsh cleansers can also worsen spots by disrupting the skin barrier, so it’s important to strike a balance between a thorough cleanse whilst not over-drying.”

    She also recommends avoiding mineral oil, petrolatum, essential oils, cocoa and shea butters for those prone to breakouts so it may be worth checking the back of your labels if you’re going through a particularly bad period with your acne. “It’s important when dealing with acne to strike a delicate balance between efficacy and potential for irritation. Many of the ingredients we use to fight blemishes can be drying including salicylic acid, AHAs, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids. When acne-fighting ingredients are in overly-stripping products or are overused, sensitivity and irritation can then occur, leading to potentially more breakouts and/or product intolerance.”

    Are there any ingredients you should include in your skincare regime?

    “This is a controversial question as the conventional treatments will push for efficiency without any regards to the side effects,” says Parks. “Contrary to what many people say, well balanced oils are friends of acne sufferers with a damaged skin barrier (as a result of the harsh treatments they have been using, not caused by acne). So it is important to use good oils, not avoid all products with oils.” Parks also recommends adding anti inflammatory ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, into your skincare treatments as well introducing certain acids (BHAs like salicylic Acid) and AHAs to help slough off the dead skin cells, azelaic acid, and well balanced non-saturated oils like jojoba, moringa oils, for improving hydration levels.

    The Best on the Spot Acne Treatments

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  • I Tried Lush’s “Saltburn” Bath Bomb, Inspired by That Bath Scene, and I Have Thoughts – POPSUGAR Australia

    I Tried Lush’s “Saltburn” Bath Bomb, Inspired by That Bath Scene, and I Have Thoughts – POPSUGAR Australia

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    If you missed the hit film “Saltburn”, released in November 2023, where have you been? The salacious movie starring Jacob Elordi, Barry Keoghan, and British favourites Richard E Grant and Rosamund Pike was the talk of group chats over Christmas when it took to Prime Video. “Saltburn”‘s success (including multiple award nominations and being responsible for Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s resurgence) is arguably down to its shocking and disturbingly scandalous scenes that have skyrocketed to virality on social media.

    Scenes we’ll safely label as the “period snack” and “graveyard thrust” have been widely discussed online, but not as much as the infamously controversial bathtub scene where – spoiler alert – Keoghan’s character, Oliver Quick, watches Felix Catton (Elordi) masturbate while bathing, and then sneaks in and licks Felix’s remnants from the plughole. Yes, I was watching through my fingers, too.

    Fresh off the back of the social media furore, beauty retailer Lush has wasted no time in launching a limited-edition bath bomb, creatively titled Saltbomb (£5), so you can, erm, recreate the scene in wellbeing form. It promises to create salty, milky bathwater, packed full of moisture and minerals for a soothing experience fit for an aristocrat. Now, we know what you’re thinking: is this really necessary? Fortunately, I’ve tried it out to let you know whether a bath à la “Saltburn” can really elevate the experience or leave you feeling dirtier than before your soak.

    About Lush’s “Saltburn” Bath Bomb

  • Key ingredients are coconut milk powder and mineral-rich coarse sea salt.
  • It smells the same as the reusable Milky Bath Bubble Bar (£9) – a sweet orange and earthy patchouli scent.
  • As with all Lush products, it’s vegan, cruelty free, and plastic free.
  • What I Liked About Lush’s “Saltburn” Bath Bomb

    Throughout my soak, I did my best to keep what the silky sensation and milky experience was supposed to represent to the back of my mind. As the bath bomb fizzed, the water quickly turned into a traditional white, soapy foam, yet when I stepped into the bath tub, the creamy concoction was obvious. And I liked it.

    At first, the scent was not to my fancy, but after bathing in the remnants of the Saltbomb, the invigorating, citrusy scent quickly won me over. As the notes of sweet orange and patchouli dominate, I couldn’t help but pick up on a cotton fragrance, like fresh laundry, that made me feel refreshed and squeaky clean, while creating a grounding atmosphere perfect for winding down.

    Laced with nourishing coconut and exfoliating sea salt, it made my skin feel soft and moisturised, which is all I ask of a luxurious bath bomb. While the “Saltburn” theme might be a gimmick in terms of marketing, it’s certainly no fad for your bathroom cupboard. Keoghan’s slurping aside, if you can take your mind away from the dark, erotic scene, then it makes for a truly relaxing experience.

    What To Consider About Lush’s “Saltburn” Bath Bomb

    As I continued to bathe, the foam dissolved creating an icy-white, opaque bathwater that resembled the bathtub scene way too much for my liking and my thoughts got the better of me, so if that scene is too prominent in your memory, flashbacks may occur!

    I did want the white, foamy initial form of the bath bomb to last longer. It was over too soon, cutting my bath time short, and encouraging me to reach for more bath bubbles. If you like a quick soak, then it’s fab. If you like to elongate your self-care bath time then prepare to top up.

    If you have a friend that was an Elordi superfan and loves a bath, then this is the perfect gift.

    Where to Buy Lush’s “Saltburn” Bath Bomb

    Saltbomb is a limited-edition treat from Lush. You can purchase it online and on the app.

    Rating:



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