Beauty Director News: Beauty embraces wholeness—discover the wellness-infused products and news that are taking the spotlight

In our new series, Marie Claire’s beauty and style director writes about the self-care products, rituals and routines that work for her, alongside inspirations from the beauty industry. She reveals her go-to products and daily routines from energising morning rituals to restorative evening practices that promote both outer beauty and inner wellness. The series also explores the beauty industry's latest trends, sustainable brands, and the push towards inclusivity.

Neal’s Yard Remedies launches Pollinator Pathways Project

Neal's Yard Remedies launches the Pollinator Pathways, a project to tackle the decline in bee populations. This initiative aims to create a nationwide network of pollinator-friendly habitats and get everyone involved in saving our precious bees.

At the heart of the project is an interactive map where you can add your pollinator-friendly plots. Imagine seeing a patchwork of bee-friendly spaces popping up all over the country. Partnering with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Neal's Yard is on a mission to restore essential habitats for our little pollinating pals.

With over a decade of bee conservation under their belt, Neal's Yard Remedies offers super practical tips on creating bee-friendly environments. From building bee houses to planting the best flowers for foraging bees, they’ve got you covered. Plus, their Bee Lovely Collection not only celebrates bees but also supports these initiatives, with part of the proceeds going to fund more pollinator-friendly projects. And it gets even cooler—fashion designer Bella Freud has jumped on board, designing a special t-shirt for the project. All profits from this sunny yellow tee go straight to bee conservation and nature-friendly farming initiatives. So, join the buzz, get involved, and help create a bee-friendly landscape across the nation.

Embracing Green Baby Day

As a mum, there's nothing more important to me than the health and well-being of my daughter, Eliza. That's why I’m all in for Green Baby Day, celebrated during June 2024. This initiative, led by the Women's Environmental Network (Wen), pushes for a sustainable and toxic-free future for our little ones. More and more parents, including myself, are waking up to the importance of checking the ingredients in baby products.

The Green Baby survey reveals that many of us are worried about the chemicals lurking in everyday items. Studies found hormone-disrupting chemicals like Bisphenols in 60% of 121 children’s products tested, and "forever chemicals" like PFAS that can have long-lasting health impacts. Jayn Sterland, MD of Weleda UK, emphasises steering clear of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in personal care products.

Green Baby Day is all about raising awareness of these chemicals, empowering parents to make eco-friendly choices, advocating for better chemical regulations, especially post-Brexit, and making sure these issues are on the public health agenda. A recent review of UK chemicals regulations post-Brexit shows we need more progress in banning or regulating toxic substances. At home, I try to empower Eliza with knowledge, not scare her. It’s so important to instil these values early on, so the next generation is more conscious of their environmental impact. We both adore Weleda’s Baby Gift Set—it has everything from Calendula All Purpose Balm to Shampoo and Body Wash and Nappy Change Cream.

Discovering the Harmonist's Matrix Metal

I recently popped into The Harmonist’s sleek Parisian boutique and fell head over heels for their fragrance, Matrix Metal. This scent is all about strength, precision, and clarity, and it resonated with my Yang Metal characteristics from my Feng Shui reading in-store.

Matrix Metal has a sharp, metallic accord, that reminded me of freshly forged steel. The cool and crisp top notes of aldehydes and bergamot set the tone first. As the fragrance developed, a heart of iris and violet leaf added sophistication. The base notes of vetiver and ambergris provided a grounding element, balancing the initial sharpness with earthy depth.

At £195 for 50ml, Matrix Metal is definitely an investment, but for those seeking a scent that aligns with Feng Shui elements, it offers a unique and intriguing perspective on personal fragrance.

Stella McCartney facial at Surrenne

I recently treated myself to the Stella McCartney facial at Surrenne, an underground wellness club in London's Knightsbridge. This facial uses Stella McCartney's skincare line, which is filled with good quality, natural ingredients.

The facial embodies Stella McCartney's philosophy of simplicity and effectiveness. It focuses on essential hydration and skin health using three core products: a cleanser, serum, and cream. This treatment aims for long-term beauty rather than quick fixes.

The ambiance at Surrenne is just as well-conceived. The club's design, complete with lighting chosen by psychologists, promotes ultimate relaxation. The treatment room features an AI-powered sound system, creating a calming atmosphere that enhances the experience.

Expect a mix of cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration, possibly with techniques from FaceGym, known for its facial massage and sculpting methods. However, this exclusive experience comes at a price, with club membership costing £10,000 annually after a £5,000 joining fee. But for a high-end skincare session, the Stella McCartney facial at Surrenne is a heavenly splurge.

Sun care myths and solutions

New research from La Roche-Posay highlights common sun care myths that can lead to unnecessary sun damage. With UK temperatures soaring to 29°C, dermatologists are eager to clear up these misconceptions. Did you know, for example, that you can get sunburned within the first 30 minutes of being outside? Or that sunscreen is necessary year-round, not just in summer? UV rays can even penetrate windows, posing a risk indoors.

To stay safe, seek shade between 11 am and 3 pm, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure, reapply every two hours, and wear a hat, t-shirt, and UV-protective sunglasses. La Roche-Posay's Anthelios range, which offers broad-spectrum UVA-UVB protection for sensitive skin, is a favourite of mine for reliable sun safety.

Tata Harper Superkind

Tata Harper's Superkind range is perfect for sensitive skin, offering gentle yet effective formulations that fortify and revitalise the skin barrier. This hypoallergenic collection is free from nuts, gluten, soy, fragrances, sulphates, and harsh exfoliants. Made with 36 natural ingredients, Superkind products protect against environmental aggressors. Key products include the Softening Cleanser, which I love as it cleanses without stripping; the Fortifying Moisturiser, which hydrates and calms dry skin; and the Radiance Mask, which gently exfoliates with mild AHAs. The new Calming Crème combats redness and soothes with botanical ingredients. Free from over 85 common allergens, Superkind tackles dryness, itchiness, and redness, we are all raving about softer, more hydrated skin.

Little Ishga Marine Cream

As a beauty editor, I've fallen in love with Ishga's commitment to harnessing nature's power, dedication to sustainability, organic ingredients and particularly from the Scottish Hebrides.

The Little Ishga Marine Cream is a game-changer for children's skincare. This Soil Association approved moisturiser is 99% natural, featuring fucus serratus seaweed extract rich in protective polyphenols. It promotes skin cell regeneration and collagen production, keeping young skin healthy. Shea butter provides a protective barrier, while apricot kernel oil, aloe vera, macadamia nut oil, and thistle oil nourish and soothe. Lavender and red mandarin essential oils give calming aromatherapy benefits. Packaged in a recyclable aluminium tin, this cream embodies Ishga's eco-conscious ethos. It's especially beneficial for children with eczema, offering gentle, effective care without harsh chemicals.

‘A Beauty Industry That Looks Like You’ campaign

I'm thrilled to share something that's set to be truly impactful: The British Beauty Council has kicked off a campaign called ‘A Beauty Industry That Looks Like You’, aiming to reshape our understanding of who makes up this vibrant industry. While it's known that over 500,000 people are employed within this sector and a vast majority are women, there's a significant lack of detailed data concerning the diversity of these roles.

To bridge this gap, the DEI Committee of the British Beauty Council has developed an in-depth survey to gather insights on diversity, equality, and inclusivity across the British beauty landscape. This survey, running from the 1st of May to the end of July, isn't just for those within the industry; whether you're deeply embedded in the beauty world or just a casual consumer, your input is crucial.

By participating, you're helping craft a future for the beauty industry that truly reflects its audience. I urge everyone to take part—let’s use this opportunity to voice what changes we believe are necessary and what's already working well. Here’s to making a meaningful impact together. Have your say here.

The campaign ‘A Beauty Industry That Looks Like You’ will run from April 30 until July 26 and the results will be presented at British Beauty Week 2024 (October 23-27).

Lumene Invisible Illumination Vegan Collagen Serum in Foundation SPF30

This year, the beauty industry seems to be shifting towards products that are not only efficient and easy to use but also bring comfort and joy without compromise and, of course, are ever more sustainable. Lumene has launched one of my favourite products of their range so far that ticks all those boxes — Invisible Illumination Vegan Collagen Serum in Foundation SPF30, a tinted serum boasting an 89% skincare formula that blends the plumping effects of vegan collagen with a sheer tint to enhance the skin's natural look. The serum offers the coverage of a tinted moisturiser while maintaining an almost undetectable presence on the skin, melding beautifully over my moisturiser, offering a semi-matt but glowing finish that lasts all day without needing touch-ups. It is a buildable formula, but one layer is enough for me. It’s worth noting too that Lumene is leading the way with circularity, at 55% circular, while the global economy is now only 7.2% circular, meaning over 90% of materials are either wasted, lost or remain unavailable for reuse.

Tabitha James Kraan Special Edition Scented Organic Hair Oil Spring Equinox

I've always been sensitive to scents, so finding a hair oil that smells just right is crucial for me. The Tabitha James Kraan Special Edition Scented Organic Hair Oil blends bergamot, lime, bitter orange, ylang ylang, lemongrass, geranium, patchouli, and ginger, which grounds but is also uplifting, especially during spring and summer.

This oil is more than just a sensory delight; it's a pre-shampoo treatment designed to revive dehydrated hair. I use it on my colour-processed hair to boost shine, softness, and smoothness. It’s effective on the scalp too, helping to balance oily and hydrate dry conditions. What makes it even more appealing is that it's made from 100% natural and certified organic ingredients.

Wild Nutrition Food-Grown Pregnancy + New Mother Support

During Maternal Mental Health Week, Wild Nutrition spotlights the profound challenges new mothers face, underscored by their latest product, Food-Grown® Pregnancy + New Mother Support. This comprehensive supplement aims to support mothers through all stages of pregnancy and the crucial 'fourth trimester' postpartum period, offering vital nutrients to aid in everything from foetal development to boosting energy and supporting cognitive function.

However, they are well aware that the support needed by new mothers extends beyond nutritional supplements, with their recent research revealing a stark reality: 40% of new mothers lack a robust parenting 'village' to help navigate the complexities of motherhood, and a staggering 84% experience loneliness during the early years of parenting. The study highlights the discrepancy between the expectations set by social media and the reality of motherhood, with nearly half of the mothers feeling guilty for taking time for themselves and 60% admitting their expectations of motherhood were unrealistic, largely influenced by media portrayals and societal pressures.

This research underscores the vital importance of emotional support and practical help from a diverse support network, which can include family, friends, and healthcare professionals.

Samadhi Himalayan Salt Body Scrub

At this time of year, I'm always on the lookout for a great body scrub to render my skin soft and glowing. The Samadhi Himalayan Salt Body Scrub with Petitgrain and Juniper stands out amongst others. It's not just another scrub—it's a luxurious blend of Himalayan pink salt, organic hydrating oils, and organic essential oils known for their energising and detoxifying properties.

The scrub is best massaged onto damp skin and then rinsed off in the shower. It does a fantastic job of removing dead skin cells, which enhances skin texture, creates the illusion of firmness, and boosts radiance. What I love most is the scent, which feels like summer, captured. After using it, my skin not only feels incredibly soft but also sports a subtle, healthy sheen I love.

Beata Aleksandrowicz

After work one Tuesday night, I found myself on a massage table, feeling stressed. However, after 90 minutes with Beata Aleksandrowicz, a highly skilled massage therapist, I noticed a remarkable transformation. My skin looked visibly lifted, rested and rejuvenated. Beata’s expertise blends Eastern and Western massage techniques, providing natural yet dramatic results. Beata explained that releasing emotional tension was a critical component of her treatment. As she worked with her Home Coming Rose Facial Oil, not only on my face but also my neck and chest, I felt a profound sense of relief. This wasn't just about superficial relaxation; her approach transcends quick fixes, aiming instead to foster a deep connection between inside and outside. She shares her knowledge and techniques of rejuvenating face massage and healing meditations online and one-on-one masterclasses and training and the comforting rose oil is well worth investing in too.

www.beata.website/masterclassesindividual

Tropic Skincare’s Sun Stick, £20

This product is a game-changer for those sunny days. The formula is unscented, invisible, leaves subtle sheen and is perfect for protecting commonly overlooked spots like the forehead, eyelids, nose, ears, lips, and shoulders.

What makes it stand out are its skin-loving ingredients like anti-inflammatory marshmallow root extract and tamanu oil, ensuring skin stays calm and protected. It’s also sweat and water-resistant, making it a robust choice for active days out. Plus, it’s reef-safe, so you can enjoy the sea without harming marine life.

Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream

Designed to blend seamlessly into any makeup routine, this multi-use CC Color Correcting Cream is my go-to for light coverage with a natural glow. With SPF 20, it nourishes and protects, ensuring hydration while minimising redness, dark circles, and pigmentation. Available in ten shades, it's suitable for all skin types. How to use: after your skincare routine, apply a sheer layer starting from the centre of your face, blending outward with fingers, a brush, or a sponge. Allow the hydrating formula to adapt to your true skin tone, building coverage as needed.

By Sarah Maven Daily Moisturiser

For those with sensitive skin like mine, finding the right moisturiser can be a challenge. This Cosmos Organic certified moisturiser is designed to be kind to delicate skin, and is completely free from fragrances and essential oils, which are often the culprits when it comes to irritation and allergic reactions. It's enriched with a potent prebiotic complex, vitamin E, and calming chamomile to enhance skin resilience. Luxurious yet gentle ingredients like squalane, mango butter, apricot, and jojoba oil work together to nourish the skin's barrier. Its clinically-proven formula hydrates for eight hours and includes powerhouse ingredients like prebiotic Inulin, pro-vitamin B5, and vitamins C and E to soothe, strengthen, and nourish. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly, leaving skin hydrated, calmer, and visibly plumped.

Cosmoss Incense Sticks

Cosmoss Incense Sticks are infused with the addictive Cosmoss Sacred Mist scent. Crafted by homeopath and alchemist Victoria Young in collaboration with Kate Moss, each stick releases a light, uplifting smoke, enveloping surroundings in a calming scent. Made with mood-boosting aromatic botanicals, they're a perfect addition to any wellness routine, promoting peace for both your soul and senses. I use during my at-home Sunday yoga session.

Tata Harper x Sky High Farms Nourishing Hand Cream

A collaboration that blends luxurious skincare with a mission for good; every penny from every purchase goes to fighting food insecurity through Sky High Farms' initiatives in New York’s Hudson Valley. What makes this hand cream a must-have? It's packed with the purest farm-grown ingredients from Vermont, it's ethically sourced and cruelty-free and the skin-soothing magic of cold-pressed strawberry seed oil and anti-inflammatory wild pansy extract, plus in the mix is a lush blend of natural butters and a hint of calming lavender, chamomile, and lemon myrtle. It’s not just good for your skin—it’s good for the soul. Grab yours and contribute to a cause that nurtures communities and nourishes your skin.

Childs Farm SPF 50+ Sun Cream

Perfect for family adventures outdoors, Childs Farm's SPF 50+ sun cream offers very high protection for even the most sensitive skin. This dermatologist and paediatrician-approved formula shields against UVA and UVB rays and is water-resistant, making it a reliable choice for all ages from infants six months and up. It’s made without octocrylene to be ocean-friendly and comes in various formats, including this roll on. The packaging uses 70% post-consumer recycled plastic, is fully recyclable and is certified vegan and cruelty-free.

Neuraé Harmonie The Serum

Meet Neuraé, Sisley's groundbreaking venture into neuroscientific skincare, which is designed to direct your senses while catering to your skin's needs. Rooted in a decade of research, Neuraé focuses on mind-skin connection and blends natural elements like red indigo and alpine skullcap extract with soothing fragrances and textures that resonate with your emotional state. Whether you're battling stress, fatigue, or sadness, this line promises to nurture both skin and spirit. The collection includes a transformative serum and trio of moisturisers.

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Sunlit Creamy Bronzing Powder

This bronzer has a silky, creamy texture that effortlessly glides onto skin, thanks to micronised pigments and luxurious oils that go on with ease. Perfect for achieving that sun-kissed radiance all year long, it doubles as a sculpting contour and an eye enhancing shadow. Available in four versatile shades, blend it with Luminous Silk Glow Blush for an extra pop of colour.

Caroline Hirons Gentle Acid Toner

Caroline Hirons’ Gentle Acid toner blends AHAs, PHA, and antioxidant-rich tropical fruit extracts to tackle hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin texture without irritation. The formula combines mandelic acid, lactic acid, and gluconolactone, reducing tyrosinase expression to minimise hyperpigmentation while offering gentle exfoliation. Additional skin-soothing and hydration-boosting actives ensures skin remains well-moisturised and comfortable. For best results, use up to three times a week, applying with a cotton pad after cleansing and pairing with SPF during the day. Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons offers refills and uses FSC-certified, recyclable packaging, partnering with RePurpose Global to offset their plastic use.

Fischersund X 66°North Jöklalykt 30ml

I am totally captivated by the second collab between 66°North and Fischersund and the resulting fragrance "Jöklalykt." It's a breath of fresh air with a mix of recent rain, earthy vibes, wet dirt, and ancient wood, drawing its essence from the eerie beauty of Icelandic glaciers, capturing the moment when hidden earth meets crisp air. I also have a special place in my heart for their first fragrance, Útilykt, which is inspired by Icelandic nature. In it, I smell everything from the wind and sea to freshly cut grass and the headiness of being outside.

Emface

I recently tried Emface, BTL Aesthetics' groundbreaking, needle-free device promising a natural lift and enhanced skin texture. Avoiding Botox, I've aimed for a refreshed appearance, which led me to Emface. In four weekly sessions, my eyebrows lifted noticeably, and my skin felt plumper and tighter. The blend of radiofrequency and electromagnetic stimulation, as explained by the esteemed facialist Teresa Tarmey, targets facial muscles and skin without injections, lifting and sculpting the face subtly. The treatment, which utilises high-intensity muscle stimulating energy, was an entirely new sensation—warm, pulsating, but surprisingly soothing and pain-free. The immediate effect was smoother skin, especially around my forehead, with full results expected at 12 weeks. While Emface isn't a budget option, with the cost starting at £2,000 for a series, it's a worthy investment for those seeking a naturally effective, non-invasive alternative to traditional fillers, particularly for enhancing brows and cheeks, by stimulating collagen and elastin without the discomfort of needles.

Prices start from £600 per session

Orveda Omnipotent Concentrate

A total game-changer. It's like my skincare routine got a major upgrade, giving my old fave, Orveda’s The Vital Sap, a run for its money. The Vital Sap gives me the most radiant, and luminous skin, which can be a challenge given that mine's fairly sensitive - but The Omnipotent Concentrate is now possibly leading their lineup in my estimation, especially when considering that it streamlines the routine; this all-in-one product serves the purpose of a Vitamin C serum for morning brightness and retinol for evening rejuvenation. I also love that the brand approach marries biofermentation and plant cell culture, pushing efficacy and eco-friendly beauty forward.

John Frieda Radiance Reset treatment

I got myself sunbeam blonde hair and I’m obsessed with it - a trend that promises to lift and enhance blonde hair in a subtle way. I dropped into John Frieda on Aldford Street and first had some balayage throughout the mid lengths and ends, then the Radiance Reset treatment - a spa-like facial, but for my hair - which deeply moisturises, boosting the health of each strand and enhancing gloss - basically it hits the refresh button, making my colour shine brighter and hair scream luxury without saying a word. The treatment itself has three steps: they kick off with a deep detox to clear away any buildup, then rebalance the scalp with a mask and a fabulous Indian-inspired massage, and finally move onto some serious repair work. The end result: super soft and shiny hair. Starting at £120 plus a blow-dry, or grab a package of four for £450 at John Frieda Aldford Street or Nicola Clarke at John Frieda.

Prices start from £120

Others Mystic Zingaro 50ml

In today's whirlwind lifestyle, finding peace is more crucial than ever. With 41% of adults reporting high stress in 2021 and a quarter of people in the UK facing mental health challenges, the potential power of scent and sound to soothe our minds is well worth paying attention to. Keelan Doyle, co-founder of Øthers, has tapped into this with their science-driven fragrances (and an app aimed at enhancing well-being). Scent in particular is a potent tool because it is closely connected with our limbic system, the emotional centre of our brain. Of the two new fragrances, my favourite is Mystic Zingaro, which aims to induce a relaxed state. It's akin to a forest of resins and woods, with a subtle hint of incense in the background. What sets Øthers apart is its team of experts - olfactory specialists, neuroscientists, breath-work advocates, music producers, and philosophers. Their app combines the benefits of the scent with sound, technology, and science to biomechanically restore balance.

Dior Inside The Dream

Dive into the heart of luxury fragrance creation with "Inside the Dream," a captivating documentary that takes you behind the scenes at Dior with Francis Kurkdjian, the mastermind behind the iconic J’adore scent. This film is an intimate look into the meticulous art of perfume making, with inspiration drawn from the flower fields of Grasse and India to the final touches that define Dior's olfactory signature. Witness the collaborative spirit of visionaries like Charlize Theron and Dior's creative talents, all united in crafting a fragrance that epitomises beauty and innovation. Directed by Matthieu Menu, this 62-minute journey reveals the challenges, breakthroughs, and sheer passion behind reinventing a legendary scent. From Paris to Los Angeles, this is a year-long voyage across the globe, celebrating the creation of a fragrance that's more than a scent—it's an emblem of luxury, a tribute to craftsmanship, and a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection. Available on Prime Video.

Eyeam Hormone Check Drops

This month I’ve stumbled upon a fascinating wellness brand that marries traditional herbal knowledge with modern nutritional science. Eyeam, co-founded by Roxy and Margo Marrone, stands out with their holistic approach to wellness, focusing on the integration of mind, body, and spirit through nature, science, rituals, and affirmations. Their Hormone Check Drops, £29, are formulated to address a variety of health concerns by leveraging the properties of several potent natural ingredients like milk thistle, agnus castus, chlorophyll, neem, and melissa, with the overall goal of hormone balance, stress reduction, and mind support. I love the philosophy behind Eyeam, which focuses on changing internal dialogue and practicing self-love to transform life, and advocates for a more integrated approach to health, recognising the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and emotional well-being.