SPF cocktailing: Why you should steer clear of the buzzy TikTok trend
‘SPF cocktailing’ is the latest beauty trend to make waves on TikTok. It’s all about mixing your favourite SPF with another product – such as concealer or highlighter – and applying that as a ‘cocktail’ onto skin. In theory, the idea sounds good – the aim is to reduce the white cast some SPFs leave, and mean less steps slathering products onto your skin in the morning – but dermatologists and skin experts have started pointing out the potential dangers of this new trend. “SPF cocktailing is a recipe for disaster in so many ways,” says Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics. “By mixing SPF with products such as concealer or highlighter you are leaving the skin entirely exposed to the dangerous UV rays, which will very likely burn the skin and potentially lead to skin cancer down the line, not to mention leaving you more prone to premature ageing.” Dr Paris Acharya, leading aesthetic doctor and face surgeon agrees, saying: “When you mix an SPF with your other make-up products, such as foundation or concealer, you are changing the overall properties of the SPF and diluting the strength of the product. “This will therefore reduce the protection that you will be getting from the SPF. There may also be certain products within your make-up products that may interfere with the way that your SPF is meant to work.” However, Perry understands why people might be looking for ways to make their SPF look better. “Sunscreens are notoriously cosmetically unattractive purely in part to the ingredients. The reason for this is that’s how they prevent the sun’s rays penetrating into the skin. The suncream companies already try to dilute this down as much as possible in order to make it cosmetically acceptable, however I appreciate in some instances this does not quite go far enough.” So for Perry, it is a “balance between having someone wearing something that will protect your skin, versus not wearing it”. He adds: “I don’t advocate mixing the ingredients together, as it may reduce efficacy. I do believe though that if this is the only way people will wear sunscreen, then some sunblock is absolutely better than no sunblock.” But make no mistake: the best option is wearing SPF that hasn’t been mixed with any other products. “It only takes one sunburn in a lifetime to lead to skin cancer. [Skipping sunscreen] isn’t something you should be doing at all, and in no way should be encouraged,” says Perry. If you do want to reduce the white cast of sunscreen, Perry’s advice is to “apply a good moisturising cream prior to using a sunscreen – this will help the sunscreen absorb into the skin and reduce the tint”. While Perry doesn’t recommend mixing your products together, he does suggest that layering is fine: “If you apply them all separately and give them a chance to absorb first.” Acharya has some other recommendations for best practice when it comes to sunscreen. “My ultimate top tip is to always use a broad spectrum SPF. Broad spectrum protects you from both UVA and UVB rays which helps the skin to stay youthful and will help to reduce premature ageing and sunspots,” she advises. “Another important tip for using an SPF is to always apply it to the face and neck to ensure full coverage and protection of all exposed areas. The skin on your face and neck is some of the first to age on your body so it’s vital that we care for these areas properly.” Acharya recommends an SPF30 or above for your face, and adds: “It is always recommended to reapply your SPF throughout the day at least twice to maintain maximum protection.” 5 of our favourite SPFs… These sunscreens are so good, you’ll want to apply them solo. 1. Collistar Protective Sun Cream SPF 50+, £35, LookFantastic 2. Caudalie Vinosun Protect Very High Protection Lightweight Cream SPF50+, £23 3. Paula’s Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50, £33.15 (was £39) 4. Biore UV Aqua Water Essence Sunscreen SPF50, £15.99, Superdrug 5. PCA Skin Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, £42
2023-07-21 18:56
Are Joe Rogan and Brendan Schaub friends? Ex-MMA fighter reveals JRE podcaster convinced him to retire: 'I was embarrassed'
Brendan Schaub recalled the controversial podcast moment when Joe Rogan pushed him to quit MMA
2023-07-21 18:16
Are Kardashians profiting from Addison Rae and Charli D’Amelio? TikTok stars' appearance on their show speaks volumes
Addison Rae and Charli D’Amelio seem to be making a smooth transition from TikTok stardom to more traditional celebrity status
2023-07-21 16:26
8 sensational summer scents for men
The final step in your grooming routine, a spritz of cologne means you’re styled, smelling fine and ready to head out the door. And if you’re looking for a fresh scent you’re in luck, because this season there’s a wave of fragrance launches perfect for complementing summer outfits. Here’s our pick of the best new colognes for summer… 1. Barbour Coastal For Him Eau De Parfum, £76 for 100ml, The Fragrance Shop Inspired by the craggy clifftops of the British coastline, this cologne opens like a blast of sea air, with lingering citrus and spice notes giving it a summery lightness. 2. Molton Brown Wild Mint & Lavandin Eau de Parfum, £120 for 100ml (available August 30) Evoking a dawn stroll through a misty forest in Provence, this unisex scent brings together mint, basil, lavandin (the more potent cousin of lavender) and nutmeg to create a heavenly herbaceous blend. 3. Montblanc Explorer Platinum Eau de Parfum, £79 for 100ml, The Perfume Shop The latest addition to the Montblanc fragrance family, Explorer Platinum takes the original woody scent to icy new heights, with cedarwood, violet leaf and amber notes lending an air of alpine sophistication. 4. L’Occitane Verbena Carrot Flower Eau de Toilette, £56 for 100ml Fans of L’Occitane’s bestselling Verbena shower gel will love this new juice, a sensationally citrusy melange that dries down to reveal a green, woody heart. 5. Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Toilette, £85 for 100ml, The Perfume Shop A manly, marine-inspired cologne, Luna Rossa Ocean swells with zesty bergamot and vetiver, balanced out with tonka bean, resulting in an alluring aquatic fusion. 6. Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Infrared Eau de Toilette, currently £68 for 90ml (was £85), Boots For the man who wants to stand out with his seasonal scent, Spicebomb Infrared is the obvious choice. An intoxicating explosion of saffron, red pepper, cinnamon and tobacco, the rich, long-lasting juice is made for summer nights. 7. Valentino Born In Roma Uomo Intense For Him Eau de Parfum, £96 for 100ml, The Perfume Shop Make like Ryan Gosling in the long-awaited Barbie movie and unleash your ‘Kenergy’ with this fuchsia-tinged fragrance. Born in Roma Uomo Intense takes the original scent in an oriental direction, adding nutmeg, amber and lavandin, inspired by balmy nights in the iconic Italian city. 8. Courreges Seconde Peau Eau De Parfum, £115 for 100ml, The Fragrance Shop Part of a six-piece collection from Courreges, Seconde Peau (meaning ‘second skin’) is inspired by the French fashion brand’s signature knits. The subtle yet sexy eau de parfum combines notes of pine, tea leaf and vetiver to create a delicately woody composition. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Barbie’s here: 7 other fashionable films to watch The qualities to teach your kids that are more important than exam results 6 hacks for handling the heatwave at a festival
2023-07-21 15:25
Sheree Whitfield compared to Drew Sidora as she shares pics with 'RHOA' cast online: 'They look the same'
Sheree Whitfield posted her photo with 'RHOA' ladies Marlo Hampton and Sanya R Ross and was compared to Drew Sidora
2023-07-21 09:15
A Little-Known Tick Trick Allows Them to 'Jump' Onto Your Skin
Ticks can't fly, but they can still defy gravity to start sucking your blood.
2023-07-21 05:20
Margot Robbie’s stylist reveals six barely-seen outfits for Barbie press tour
Margot Robbie gave show-stopping performances on every hot pink carpet of the Barbie press tour, but a few of her planned Mattel-inspired outfits weren’t officially unveiled due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes cutting the world-wide event schedule short. To give the missed looks the recognition they deserve, Robbie’s stylist Andrew Mukamal debuted six never seen photos in an 18 July Instagram post. The first image showed the 33-year-old Australian actress in a Versace form-fitting number – pink, of course. Robbie’s sleek hair and makeup matched the subtle shimmer of the metallic strapless dress, with a neckline that looked as if it was the waist of a pair of pants. In true Barbieform, Mukamal adorned the look with baby pink socks, a white box clutch, pink crew socks, and Versace’s heeled loafers. Robbie and Mukamal took Alicia Silverstone’s iconic Clueless yellow two-piece to a whole new level in the second slide. The Wolf of Wall Street star cut a classic Chanel figure in a tweed two-piece and tortoise-print oval sunglasses by Oliver Peoples. Robbie also donned delicate Christian Louboutin white pumps to mimic Barbie’s signature toe stance, while her fuzzy Chanel crossbody added contrast to the otherwise conservative look. Looking pretty in pink, Mukamal styled Robbie in a double-buckle crop top and matching mini-skirt by Versace. The outfit was topped off with see-through pumps by Manolo Blahnik and a Judith Leiber handbag detailed with a sparkly silver bow. The fourth slide showed Robbie from her Australia press tour look: a strawberry-printed Moschino halter dress influenced by the original Barbie. She also brought back her white Louboutin’s, but paired them with Gentle Monster sunglasses and a bouncy updo. In the fifth image, Mukamal showed off his creation from the Mexico City press tour. Robbie was placed inside a life-size Barbie toy box with a logo-printed pink Versace dress and soft satin shoulder bag to match. The sixth and final slide featured Robbie on the hood of a standout pink Lamborghini in Pierpaolo’s Valentino. Her pointed toe pumps mirrored the mini square-neck short sleeve dress by the luxury Italian fashion house. Among Robbie’s notable looks from the highly-acclaimed film premiere was her dazzling black Schiaparelli ball gown inspired by the vintage Mattel “Solo in the Spotlight” doll. The tight-fitting haute couture piece honoured a classic 1960s style fad with a flounce black hem and red rosette. For the final stop in London, Robbie wowed fans in London by wearing Vivienne Westwood. Mukamal tapped into vintage Barbie when he dressed Robbie in three layers of pearl chokers, a baby pink wrap gown with corset detailing, and a detachable white fur trim. The look was completed with a long train attached to a flower that was stitched on one side and fell to floor. The Greta Gerwig film is set to debut in theatres on 21 June in the US and UK. Read More Margot Robbie admits to ‘pressure’ concerns over Barbie role Ryan Gosling ‘keeps finding Ken dolls discarded’ by his own daughters Recreate Margot Robbie’s Barbie look with these pink heels Chanel is set to host a fashion show in Manchester TikTokers are showing off pink outfits they’re going to wear to watch Barbie movie Margot Robbie has fangirl moment over Love Island stars Ekin-Su, Davide and Liberty
2023-07-21 05:17
The 2023 Guide To Wearing Headbands
Fashion feels like Blair Waldorf’s wildest dream right now. Headbands, the classic ladylike accessory mostly associated with childhood photos and country club gatherings, are one of 2023’s biggest fashion trends, endorsed by both designers and street style stars.
2023-07-21 04:21
Everything's pink: How Barbiecore fashion has fueled a movie's buzz
By Lisa Richwine LOS ANGELES Head to any clothing store this summer and you are likely to be
2023-07-21 01:59
8 Perfumes From The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Worth Smelling
What better time of year to buy your new signature fragrance than during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? None, in our most humble opinion. From fresh florals to gender-neutral colognes, there’s a perfect perfume set for you, and it just so happens to come with a major discount during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. We suggest taking advantage of it, whether you’re trying out a brand for the first time with a discovery set or restocking your ol’ favorite. Nordstrom truly never lets you down with its on-sale perfume sets, whether it’s for a gift for a friend or a from-you-to-you moment. Keep on scrolling to see our top picks of fragrance sets worth getting this Nordstrom Anniversary Sale season.
2023-07-21 00:28
House passes Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill
The House on Thursday passed a Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill to renew funding for the agency for the next five years.
2023-07-20 22:52
Drunk Elephant’s Illuminating Serum Beats Its Bronzing Drops, Hands Down
Achieving a bronze glow that looks natural is no easy feat. Sure, there are illuminating serums, dewy oils and highlighters which offer a glass-like shine. But many will have you looking like an Oscar award, while others are so bright, they give Ross from Friends after a spray-tan.
2023-07-20 22:27