Are ‘reef safe’ sunscreen brands simply another example of greenwashing?
The term ‘reef safe’ is not regulated, meaning any sunscreen brand can include the phrase on its product labels. What does ‘reef safe’ mean and are these claims greenwashing? If you’ve been keeping up with skincare trends, SPF for your face and body are likely near the top on your...
Current in Fashion + Beauty
Perfume makers are leaning into gender-fluid scents
Perfume brands begin to pull back from focusing on gender-orientated marketing, as women tire of being told to smell like a precious flower and men reject tree-like scents - and some just want a wonderful mix of both. I might only be speaking for myself when I say this, but...
Lionfish-derived leather alternative heals ecosystems
After witnessing how lionfish have devastated populations of Florida’s native tropical species, a team of diving enthusiasts figured out how to solve the problem: by inventing a new sustainable material. In recent years, the fashion industry has faced increased pressure to become more eco-conscious. The ever-worsening climate crisis demands...
SHEIN launches purpose-driven clothing line
The notorious fast fashion offender has announced a new collection it claims is made entirely from responsibly-sourced materials to help consumers invest in people and planet. Ah, SHEIN. The Amazon of the style realm that’s renowned for profiting off unsavoury labour practices while contributing significantly to the climate crisis. One...
Beauty takes a stand against anti-abortion laws
Over 60 brands have signed a joint statement in support of reproductive rights. Called ‘Don’t Ban Equality,’ the initiative seeks to show corporate solidarity with womxn’s health. Earlier this month, a Supreme Court document indicating the abolition of the Roe V Wade bill was leaked to the public. For almost fifty...
Is the concept of anti-ageing beauty dying out?
The beauty industry is oversaturated with products that claim to turn back the clock on our appearance, but is the rejection of growing older being replaced by new values? Scan the descriptions of pots and bottles shelved inside any beauty store and it’d be difficult to suppress the feeling that...
Why we must cut our new clothing purchases by 75%
If you favour human and environmental wellbeing over the ever-growing consumption of throwaway fast fashion, switching to a smaller wardrobe may be your only option. Regardless of how tempting it is to buy into the flurry of new aesthetics, cores, and microtrends that flood our feeds, there’s no ignoring the catastrophic impact it’s having on our already suffering Earth. While dressing up is a sure-fire way to boost our moods and...
TikTok’s face tape trend has been newly co-signed by a major star
Next up on the list of questionable TikTok trends is using tape to achieve a temporary face lift or to prevent the formation of wrinkles while asleep. But is it legit? Scroll on TikTok and you’ll stumble upon beauty hacks ranging from traditional to taboo, helpful to downright dangerous, or anything from understated makeup looks, full-on glam, and everywhere in between. For many, concealing fine lines or a poor night’s sleep...
How will the UK plastic packaging tax impact beauty?
From April 1, any company manufacturing or importing packaging containing less than 30% recycled materials will be taxed £200 per tonne. For an industry that’s renowned for its insurmountable reliance on plastic, this may well pose some issues. Earlier this month, ‘the most important international deal since the Paris climate accord’ was approved by the United Nations Environmental Assembly in an effort to tackle the mountains...
You decide – is beauty glamourising drug culture?
Harry Styles’ long-awaited cosmetics brand just dropped a psychedelic-inspired collection. Aesthetic visuals aside, there may exist a wider issue with the way these products are being marketed. Whether we like it or not, psychedelics are having their moment. Permeating both mainstream media for their extraordinary medical potential and our social media feeds as young people struggling with mental health conditions increasingly look into them for personal development, hallucinogenic...
