Another year, another avalanche of viral TikTok beauty hacks. There are the tricks that some might say are genius (reversing your beauty routine for glowing skin or rainbow contouring for razor-sharp cheekbones), and the more questionable ones (using lube as makeup primer and drawing on concealer in the shape of glasses to banish dark circles).

As we steam into 2022, a handful of the most-viewed beauty videos are those that champion makeup minimalism. Our collective desire to strip things back could be down to a selection of things. Though it feels like a distant memory, it’s likely you wore a little more makeup than usual during the festive season — and skin always needs a break. Perhaps your WFH schedule means you’d prefer more time in bed over getting ready this January, or maybe one of your New Year’s resolutions is to nail a skincare routine. Either way, a lot of us are after clearer, smoother skin.

TikToker and makeup artist Charlotte Hyatt-Willis recently went viral for sharing a hack that makes her skin look “better than it actually is” — and it doesn’t involve expensive facials, treatments, or lots of makeup. “I’ve got pores, texture and blemishes,” Charlotte tells her followers, “and I used to have acne, so I know how it feels.” Before we get into the hack itself, a caveat: Skin texture isn’t a flaw, it’s entirely normal — and beautiful. Pores are important, too, and serve such purposes as moisturizing skin with your natural oils (which feature antioxidants, like vitamin E, which deflects environmental stressors such as pollution), not to mention getting rid of daily gunk. Pores are friends! But that’s not to say everyone is happy with their skin all of the time.

For plenty of people with excessively oily complexions or acne-prone skin (I fall into both camps), texture can be a point of insecurity. If TikTok is anything to go by, most people aren’t looking to completely iron away skin bumps or pores — in 2022, it’s safe to say we’re very much over the unnatural, air-brushed look. Instead, we’re looking to strip back makeup, like heavy foundation and thick face powder. Charlotte’s hack is a great place to start, as the goal isn’t to Photoshop your face, but rather to feel more comfortable and embrace real, natural skin.

@charlottehyattwillis Reply to @autemlis Shhh…we can fake it!🤫🙌🏻 #makeuptok #beauty #makeupartist #makeuptutorial #ukmua #beautyhacks ♬ She Knows – J. Cole

Charlotte’s first step is to go in with a micellar water or a cleanser on a cotton pad, which she explains exfoliates skin gently and gets rid of any dead skin, as well as old, leftover makeup. Try the new CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water, which boasts niacinamide to hydrate skin and reduce excess oil, and ceramides to soothe and moisturize. The next move is moisturizer, and Charlotte suggests hydrating the skin using something substantial, like Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base. If you’re on a budget, try The Inkey List’s Peptide Moisturizer. Charlotte then applies a blurring primer (Revolution Pro’s Blur Stick) to areas where her pores are most prominent, like the nose, and a glowy primer or highlighter to areas she wants to accentuate, like the cheekbones and forehead. Lastly, she applies a bit of concealer to any blemishes and under her eyes. In a matter of moments, Charlotte’s skin appears more even in tone and texture — all without foundation.

For the sake of my dry winter skin, I’m trying to wean myself off lots of makeup so this seemed like the ultimate trick — and the thousands of views and likes on Charlotte’s video suggested this might be true. Could my face look just as good without foundation? I just want more uniform skin! I started with a glug of Olay’s Micellar Water Cleanser on a cotton pad, removing all traces of oil and makeup I might have missed from the night before, then followed with a heavy helping of Face Theory’s Amil-C Whip with 5% Niacinamide and Vitamin C SPF 30.

Where my skin gets oily (my forehead, nose, and cheeks), I tapped on a little of Benefit’s Porefessional Primer. Makeup expert and founder of Studio10, Grace Fodor, explains that primer makes for a Velcro-esque base underneath makeup, but notes that it locks in moisture, too — brilliant in winter. I then swiped on Supergoop’s Glow Stick SPF 50, to accentuate my cheekbones and Cupid’s bow. Beauty editor tip: I’d recommend applying a moisturizer that contains SPF (or a separate SPF product) all over rather than solely using a sunscreen stick to highlight certain areas of the face. The final step is a dab of concealer where you want it. I applied a little Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Concealer, in the inner corners and underneath my eyes to mask dark circles and on a couple of new breakouts, blending with my finger rather than a brush to melt the product into my skin.

@jacquelinekilikita How to make your skin smooth without foundation #beautyinatik #smoothskin #skincarehack #glowingskin #skincare ♬ Chill Vibes – Lofi Sleep Chill & Study & Lofi Hip-Hop Beats & LO-FI Beats

I thought good foundation was the answer to more uniform-looking skin without splurging on treatments, but this is a great temporary hack. To my surprise, the products worked so well together: The blurring primer acts as an invisible foundation, the concealer cloaks blemishes without appearing cake-y thanks to the thick layer of moisturizer, and the highlighting stick lends a subtle, believable glow. You can add a touch of blush or bronzer, but I didn’t really need it — my skin looked a lot smoother than usual. It pays to get your products right, though. If your skin gets clogged easily, you might prefer a moisturizer labeled non-comedogenic (less likely to block pores), like The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. Also try Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, which is rated by dermatologists, like Dr. Anjali Mahto, and NYX Professional Makeup’s Smoothing Marshmallow Root Infused Super Face Primer.

Thanks to Instagram and TikTok, we’re slowly starting to look kindly on skin texture. But for the days when you’d prefer a little extra coverage (without the chore of taking off layers of makeup of an evening), this hack is smart and effective. It’s my new go-to routine for Zoom calls.

This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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If you're a beauty enthusiast with a TikTok account, you'll know that the '90s are trending big time. Sleek bobs, thin eyebrows (yes, really), and matte skin are all back with a vengeance, but none are getting more hits than the '90s lip.

From ultra-light nude to dark and brooding chestnut, natural lip colors inspired by the celebrities of the decade (think Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Aniston, and Victoria Beckham) are everywhere. It all started with one product: Clinique's Black Honey lipstick. The semi-glossy shade was propelled to viral status after young Lord of the Rings fans discovered that Liv Tyler wore it during filming from 1999 to 2000. On TikTok, the hashtag #cliniqueblackhoney has 19.6 million views and counting, and it's since sold out online as new fans stock up on the shade.

The obsession has cemented our love for '90s-inspired nude lips, convincing brands to get on board the trend — and we had to try it. Ahead, R29 staffers and contributors put five '90s-esque shades to the test. Spoiler: You'll want them all.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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Last year we saw colored roots, bunny-tail blonde, and earthy rose tones take over salons and Instagram feeds across the globe — including in London, where some of the world's best stylists are crafting both cutting-edge looks and classic colors. With spring in full bloom and summer well on its way, this season's breakout hair-color trends are shaping up to be the most sought-after yet.

Our obsession with multidimensional copper, traditional balayage, and nostalgic face-framing highlights doesn't seem to be going anywhere. But with more of us requesting big changes post-lockdown, those failsafe shades and trends are in for a major upgrade for spring and summer 2021.

Ahead, a handful of London's most innovative colorists predict the hair shades everyone will be asking for next.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. The product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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I am notoriously unadventurous when it comes to my hair. The most “dramatic” switch-up I’ve ever made was getting my medium-length tresses cut into a very short, blunt bob. While that was a welcome change, various coronavirus restrictions meant I had to let it grow out entirely. They say you always want what you can’t have, and with salons closed for what felt like an eternity, I began imagining myself rocking all manner of Instagram-worthy hairstyles. The shullet (shag meets mullet), curtain bangs, and feathered layers all featured in my imagination as I geared up for my post-lockdown chrysalis-to-butterfly moment. But what I wanted most was a serious color transformation.

Copper, creamy blonde, and hazelnut are just a handful of the muted yet luxurious shades reigning supreme among those who have attempted DIY dye jobs at home or made sure they were the first ones in the salon this month. I had other ideas, though. Being at home more has allowed me to channel my most authentic self, and that means becoming a lot more in tune with my emo roots. Often filed under nostalgia, TikTok proves emo is alive and kicking, and scene culture (emo’s big sister) even more so. Suddenly, it wasn’t enough to reclaim the full eyelid wing and turn up to Zoom meetings in head-to-toe My Chemical Romance merch. I wanted the hair to match — and it had to be blue.

While moody blue was the ultimate brooding shade to complement our gloomy lockdown winter, iridescent blue is the spring/summer upgrade. On TikTok, the #bluehair hashtag has a whopping 1.1 billion views and counting, as colorists create ocean-blue face-framing highlights and cobalt dip dyes. But as the weather warms up, trends are moving away from concentrated color to much softer flecks, which provide hair with more of a glimmering finish that is brought to life in sunlight.

Inspired by TikTok’s modern emo kids and New York salon Sally Hershberger‘s beautiful blue creations, I booked in to Blue Tit in London’s Dalston neighborhood — one of the most innovative salons for trending color — for my hair makeover. Colorist Declan Haworth has a roster of celebrity clients, from Jessica Woodley to Jack Saunders, and knows exactly how to make hair pop. My hair is naturally brown so some pre-lightening was inevitable and, as it’s pretty dark, it had to be bleach. To save my strands from too much damage, we decided to turn just the top section blue — a smart tip for anyone with thick hair, or a lot of it. This meant that the blue strands would appear like a veil of color over the brown but still make a noticeable difference, with minimal damage.

If your hair is dyed, you’ll know Olaplex is something of a savior to bleached strands, so after using the brand’s reparative treatment, it was on with a blue toner; the salon uses OWAY. When working with a color like blue, which often stains and can be a pain to bleach out should you change your mind, a color toner is a better alternative to a more permanent dye. The whole transformation took around four hours (mostly because bleach was painstakingly painted and reapplied to lighten my very dark hair) and Declan advised me not to wash my hair for 48 hours to allow the pigment to really settle in.

Having never dyed my hair any kind of color before, I was more excited than nervous. Initially, the result appeared to be quite subtle, but as soon as I stepped outside and my hair caught the light, it revealed itself to be a shimmery denim blue with indigo undertones. With every wash, the color should slowly fade to more of a stonewashed denim hue, which is just as versatile (and Instagram-worthy).

With any color transformation like this one, there are things you need to know before going for it. Firstly, you’ll have to rethink your entire hair-care routine. Switching to a sulfate-free shampoo and swapping out your conditioner for a more nourishing hair mask can help preserve color for longer and soften bleached hair, which tends to feel dry and tangle easily. I recently tried Olaplex No.8 Intense Bond Moisture Mask, which is incredible, but BLEACH London Reincarnation Mask is also excellent. Much like red and black, blue pigment is notoriously difficult to control and can end up fading into teal and, in some cases, eventually green. To keep my hair as vibrant as possible for longer, I bought Crazy Color Sapphire Hair Dye [not sold in the US] as a top-up. Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Aquamarine is just as effective and doesn’t stain as much.

Hair is intrinsically linked to identity, as we all know, but I underestimated how much of an impact such a striking color transformation would have on mine. Barely 12 years old, I wasn’t allowed to dye my hair the first time emo was cool, but I’m glad I got to do it now. It’s incredible; I feel like a new person. I think this might be the start of my love affair with color, with fuchsia next on my radar. Watch this space…

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Machine Gun Kelly is a true multi-hyphenate. He already has an acting career, number-one album, and multiple music awards under his belt — and now he’s adding to his impressive CV with the launch of his very own nail polish brand, UN/DN.

If you’re a fan of Machine Gun Kelly (aka Colson Baker), you’ll know that this new venture makes perfect sense, as the musician has long been a fan of nail art. He regularly rocks designs inspired by his latest album, Tickets To My Downfall, as well as The Nightmare Before Christmas character Jack Skellington, not to mention matching manicures with girlfriend Megan Fox. There are Instagram fan accounts and various Twitter threads dedicated to his love of nails and normalizing nail polish on men.

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So what can you expect from UN/DN? The details are still under wraps, but a statement by Unlisted Brand Lab CEO and founder, Candy Harris, shared by Nylon revealed how thrilled the company is to create the upcoming beauty collection with Machine Gun Kelly. “We’re honored to be working with MGK on this rare opportunity to build a brand that will progress a category to embody a cultural shift that has been a long time coming.”

Machine Gun Kelly’s loyal fanbase will already have spotted a couple of nail polish products on his official website in opalescent silver, neon pink, and jet black, which were launched to support his recent album. No doubt the hotly-anticipated new collection will also take inspiration from his recent hits. A bright red named “Bloody Valentine”? Green after “Concert For Aliens”? Either way, it’s going to be a sell-out, as MGK fans have already hinted at on Twitter.

“Ahhh as a person who wears nail polish 24/7 and changes repaints every week, this is so exciting,” said one MGK fan, while another wrote: “This is so big for you & for the fact that it is completely normal for men to wear nail polish.”

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Machine Gun Kelly is often praised for breaking gender norms, whether through beauty or fashion choices. At the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards, people mocked the rapper for wearing head-to-toe pink, to which he responded on Twitter: “Grown men are still insecure of other men wearing pink in 2020?? We don’t do toxic masculinity in 2020.”

Going by the limited information we do have, UN/DN is for absolutely everyone. While there is no indication of the shades and finishes just yet, the collection (which appears to be limited edition) will drop in the fall.

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The Olaplex team has been very busy over the past year, creating a number of at-home products to give our DIY hair-care routines a boost. Last summer, we were introduced to Olaplex No.0, an intensive pre-shampoo treatment with the ability to repair damaged strands fast. Now, this month, Olaplex is unveiling the hotly-anticipated No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask, and it’s already causing a stir among beauty lovers and hair pros alike. The new mask promises to make lackluster hair appear totally revived in just 10 minutes — and, in my experience, it delivers.

What is in the Olaplex No.8 Intense Bond Moisture Mask and how does it work?

Olaplex No.8 works on all hair types, including virgin hair. The star ingredient in all Olaplex products is bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, which the brand says is scientifically proven to add twice as much shine, four times more hydration, and six times more smoothness for all hair types after just one use, according to an independent study. The protein works by repairing damage and relinking hair bonds after they’ve been broken by things such as bleach or color, harsh weather, heat styling, or general wear and tear. When the hair’s bonds are broken, hair often appears split at the ends or frizzy, and feels dry or brittle.

The difference between other Olaplex hair products and the new No.8 is that the latter is souped up with a handful of extra ingredients, many of which can be found in skin care but are also shown to have brilliant hair benefits: hyaluronic acid for an extra hit of hydration, ceramides to speed up repair and lock in moisture, and avocado oil, rosehip oil, and rice bran oil, all of which nourish dry, brittle strands deeply and provide a glossy finish. (Think of it as a more concentrated version of Olaplex No.3.)

According to Lavinia Popescu, vice president of research and development at Olaplex, No.8 has been formulated to avoid protein overload so that hair doesn’t become dry and break over time. Left on for just 10 minutes, the mask coats and absorbs into damp hair strands while the cuticle (the outside layer) is open, so it works from the inside out. No.8 is also free from sulfates, making it a safe option for colored hair and those with a sensitive or reactive scalp.

How do you use the Olaplex No.8 Intense Bond Moisture Mask?

Recommended for use once a week, the mask works best on shampooed, towel-dried hair. The brand’s experts suggest applying one to three pumps through mid-lengths to ends, depending on your hair length and thickness. The formula isn’t at all greasy or heavy; it feels just like a lightweight styling cream with a subtle orange blossom scent. I used a wide-tooth comb to brush the mask through and applied a little to my roots, which sometimes frizz up. Then I wrapped my hair in a hair turban to lock in heat and maximize results.

London-based colorist Samantha Cusick is a huge fan of No.8, and recommends using the hair mask between salon visits. “You can damage your hair by doing nothing to it,” she says. “This works deep inside the hair structure, and everybody has these breakable hair bonds, so everybody benefits. Olaplex is for everybody and every hair type and texture, whether that’s naturally textured hair, virgin hair, color-treated hair, straight hair, and even hair extensions. Curly and natural textured hair tends to need more moisture in particular, and this mask really delivers.”

Does the Olaplex No.8 Intense Bond Moisture Mask work?

Yes, and the before-and-after pictures are proof. In just 10 minutes, the mask breathed new life into my frazzled, split, twice-dyed lockdown hair. After a quick rinse and rough-dry using the ghd Helios, I gasped. My hair felt smooth, soft, and so much easier to manage. My hair has one big wave at the back, which often makes it difficult to wear it natural, but my lengths were so glossy and soft, I felt like I could skip my straighteners. This is the first hair product that has made me consider ditching the heat, so it’s already leagues above anything else I’ve tried.

When I did go to straighten my hair the next day, it took me all of five minutes — my straighteners glided through my hair without snagging. I’m most impressed by how it minimized my broken hairs, frizzy roots, and split ends. I’m in desperate need of a trim, but somehow my hair looks and feels so much healthier. While Olaplex No.8 isn’t a leave-in product, I decided to apply a pea-sized amount to the ends of my hair for extra smoothness and it worked really well, making it a multipurpose all-rounder.

My only complaint is that you have to apply the mask through towel-dried hair, which means getting out of the shower, waiting 10 minutes for it to work its magic, then jumping back in to rinse it out. For lazy people like me, this is a bit annoying, especially when there are so many great deep conditioners and in-shower hair masks out there. That said, in my honest opinion as a beauty editor, the results of Olaplex No.8 are unrivaled. No wonder it’s already racking up five-star reviews.

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TikTok’s beauty enthusiasts can’t get enough of clever trends and techniques that promise to transform skin in a matter of moments, and it’s safe to say each one has us hooked. Right now, facial cupping is having a moment — and judging by the countless tutorials flooding the app, the results are impressive, to say the least.

What is facial cupping?

Even though cupping is big on TikTok right now, the technique is nothing new; in fact, it’s been popular in Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine for centuries. On the body, cupping therapy involves placing glass or silicone cups on either wet or dry skin, which creates a suction effect. This brings blood to the surface of the skin and is said to relax muscles and potentially reduce back and neck pain.

Facial cupping is a little gentler and involves much smaller cups (again, usually silicone or glass) which create a pull on the skin. “Lately it has become a trend for facial use on the premise that the cup uses pressure to draw nutrients to the surface of the skin with the aim of creating healthier looking skin,” says Ioannis Liakas, medical director and skin specialist at Vie Aesthetics. On TikTok, the cups are used in conjunction with skin-care products like facial oils, serums, or masks, which help them glide over the skin easily.

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some real ugly faces yikes, also the oil was for the cupping! #skincare #myskincare #cupping #facecupping #skincareobsessed #skin #skinhacks #massage

♬ original sound – 𝕾𝖊𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖆🦋✨

What are the skin-care benefits of facial cupping?

Much like using a jade roller or gua sha tool, TikTokers love the facial cupping technique for relaxing tense facial muscles, especially along the jaw, and claim it lends the skin a post-facial glow when combined with radiance-enhancing skin-care products like vitamin C or rosehip oil. It’s a favorite among experts, too: Top facialist Antonia Burrell loves facial cupping for providing a temporary lift, while Dr. Liakas pinpoints its potential to contour and sculpt cheekbones, as well as de-puff skin. Some TikTok skin-care enthusiasts claim anecdotally that facial cupping helps minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and scars and stimulates collagen.

How do you do facial cupping at home and does it work?

Inspired by TikTok’s skin-care enthusiasts (and spurred on by how desperately my dull, post-winter skin is in need of a glow boost), I had to give facial cupping a go.

I opted for the Skin Gym Facial Cupping Set, which includes two medium-size facial cups (for cheeks, chin, and forehead) and two micro-cups, which perform better around the nose, eyes, and lips. Facial cupping works best when combined with skin-care products so that the cups can slide across the skin without any friction. I found it’s actually quite difficult to use the cups without product, as they keep popping off my skin. Layering up with moisturizer, serum, or facial oil means they can do their job with ease.

Facial oils seem to be a popular product to work with on TikTok, but Dr. Liakas mentions they could clog pores and spread bacteria if you’re prone to breakouts. He likes vitamin C serums for facial cupping, but says hyaluronic acid serums are also an option and are beneficial for all skin types. You could also use a moisturizer for more slip. I have oily, acne-prone skin, so I chose a lightweight serum: Farmacy Very Cherry Bright 15% Clean Vitamin C Serum. A little goes a long way to create a slick base on the skin.

Dr. Liakas says that keeping the skin taut when passing the cups over your face is key and recommends cleansing your skin afterwards. This is because cupping is more of a DIY facial treatment, rather than an actual skin-care step. Simply follow with your usual skin-care routine afterwards.

I started with the miniature cups and concentrated them on areas where I’d like a little bit of a lift, which is around my eyes and above my eyebrows. The suction was very gentle and the product absorbed quickly as I glided the cups over my skin. While I didn’t notice an immediate difference in firmness, I saw a change in the skin around my nose and lips, which always tends to be quite swollen when I wake up in the morning.

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I tried #facialcupping and it gave me a radiant, post-facial flush. Here are all the main skin benefits. #facecupping

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I concentrated the large cups along my jawline, which holds a lot of tension as I sometimes grind my teeth when stressed or anxious. I found the suction really soothing and relaxing (more so than my trusty gua sha tool), and after five minutes of gliding the tool back and forth over my skin, any tightness dissipated entirely. After 10 minutes in total, it felt like my face had been treated and massaged by a professional facialist. The only difference is the price — and the fact that I didn’t have to leave my bedroom. I loved the natural glow it gave my skin, too, almost as though I’d just got in from a brisk walk in the cold. As a result, I skipped foundation and blush, and just applied a little concealer for the rest of the day.

Are there any side effects of DIY facial cupping?

DIY facial cupping is unlikely to leave you with the large telltale marks typical of professional body cupping — especially if you’re using silicone cups, which are kinder on skin — but it pays to be as gentle as possible. Unlike skin-care tools such as pore vacuums, the pull of facial cups is relatively light so broken capillaries or blood vessels are rare, although Dr. Liakas says they are not out of the question. As with all new skin-care tools and techniques, be mindful, especially if you choose a glass set.

It’s not a great idea to use cupping tools on broken skin as this could cause further irritation. Dr. Liakas also suggests avoiding the technique if you’re sunburned or if your skin has been exposed to the sun recently. Likewise, if you have rosacea, sensitive skin, or active acne, or you’re using retinol and are experiencing flaking or sensitivity, Dr. Liakas suggests giving cupping a miss for the time being.

@fferlopez

Face cupping benefits⚡️ #facecupping #facecuppingmassage #skincare #skin

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What are the best facial cupping sets?

Aside from Skin Gym, there are a handful of other expert-approved facial cupping sets out there. The popular glass WTHN Face Cups are said to boost circulation and relax tight muscles. Antonia Burrell Facial In A Box includes a mini cleansing oil, lotion, mask, facial oil, and moisturizer alongside one large and one miniature cupping tool to treat all areas of the face.

I thought I’d find facial cupping to be a waste of time, but there’s no denying it works a treat when done correctly. If you love skin care and are looking for ways to pamper yourself at home, it’s an easy, effective, and affordable technique that earns my seal of approval.

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Whether you're a seasoned Pinterest pinner or have hundreds of saved photos on Instagram, chances are you're in the mood for a brand-new hairstyle this spring, which makes perfect sense: Well into the UK's third lockdown, this is the longest many of us have gone without a hair appointment. It's understandable that we're all pining for change.

Thankfully, the wait is almost over. On April 12, salons in London and across the UK will open their doors once again, and the industry's top experts are predicting tons of game-changing new haircut trends. There's a style to suit everyone, too, whether you're after a full-on hair transformation or something subtle.

Ahead, discover the biggest hair movements set to take spring by storm, according to the hair world's top professionals.

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From L’Oréal’s Wonder Water to the Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Treatment, a handful of brilliant beauty buys have achieved cult status this year. Right now, though, one product is uniting UK-based skin-care lovers, dermatologists, and aestheticians alike in their obsession: No7 Line Correcting Booster Serum.

The serum has been around for a while, but this month, Boots.com — the e-commerce locale of the UK’s leading beauty retailer — revealed that it was their number-one bestselling product. The must-have status makes sense: Currently, a lot more of us are interested in anti-aging skin care and looking for non-invasive ways to minimize fine lines and wrinkles (and, at £38 or $34.99, it’s a fraction of the price of Botox). The pandemic is a contributing factor, with COVID-induced stress and anxiety taking its toll. After what has felt like the longest winter on record, more time spent indoors and around central heating might mean your skin is looking and feeling zapped of moisture and radiance, too.

I’ve been a fan of No7 skin care for a long time, ever since the Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex transformed my skin. In my late 20s, I’m starting to think more about preventative skin care. While I’m pro-aging and believe there is nothing wrong with natural skin changes, lockdown living has resulted in dry under-eyes and subsequently fine lines, which are only emphasized by makeup and affect my confidence. With its thousands of positive reviews, I had to add the serum to my list of hyped products to try. The results were impressive.

What’s in No7 Line Correcting Booster Serum, and what are the benefits?

Unlike some serums, which can be sticky, No7 Line Correcting Booster Serum feels silky and lightweight, and absorbs in seconds. The star ingredient is Matrixyl 3000+, which Mike Bell, Head of Science Research at No7, explains is a synthetic peptide, or protein. In skin care, proteins act like scaffolding within the skin, keeping it plump and intact and repairing existing damage. “The peptide blend of Matrixyl 3000+ in the Line Correcting Booster Serum is an ideal targeted solution for lines as it stimulates the collagen and elastic that is lost early on in the aging process,” said Dr. Bell in a press release.

Another star ingredient is glycerin, which attracts water to the skin, making it hydrated, moisturized, soft, and supple. When skin is well-hydrated, lines are a lot less visible. Dr. Bell says that the serum is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in eight weeks, but the product’s packaging states it can take as little as one week to notice a difference.

Does No7 Line Correcting Booster Serum work?

While the serum can be used all over the face to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, I wanted to target my under-eyes specifically. I don’t particularly like using eye cream as I find it too heavy and often pore-clogging, so I used the serum instead, concentrating it to my under-eyes and eyelids. My skin is quite sensitive and products applied around my delicate eye area often sting, but this was very soothing. This is skin care, not magic, so I didn’t notice any immediate line-reducing effects but the dry skin around my eyes did become less visible.

I’ve been using the serum for just over a week now and, as you can tell, it really does work to iron away lines. In the before image, my under-eye creases extended outwards; looking at the after shot, it’s as though someone has taken an eraser to my skin. In all the years of trying eye serums, balms, and creams, nothing has worked quite as well as this.

How should you use No7 Line Correcting Booster Serum?

As serums are lightweight in texture, they work best layered under moisturizer. After cleansing in the morning and evening, apply all over or concentrate the serum on target areas, and follow with your moisturizer. For added line-reducing benefits, apply a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning. (Studies suggest the sun is responsible for a whopping 80% of facial aging signs.)

What are the best skin-care products for fine lines and wrinkles?

While Matrixyl 3000+ is an exciting ingredient for preventing fine lines and wrinkles, another component dermatologists love is retinol. The No7 serum doesn’t contain this but it’s one of the only clinically-proven ingredients that really tackles and prevents lines on a more permanent basis, as it forces the skin to regenerate at lightning speed. There are downsides to retinol, though: It can cause sensitivity in the form of flaking, redness, and sore skin, and while it works over time, a product with an ingredient like Matrixyl 3000+ instead might be a better option for reactive or sensitive skin.

I now understand the hype around No7 Line Correcting Booster Serum — and I’ll use it to the very last drop.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Whether you’ve been dabbling in DIY color or are in desperate need of a trim, there’s no denying that COVID-19 restrictions have taken their toll on our hair. Parched strands, split ends, and over-processed lengths are just a handful of problems we’re seeking solutions for, and with salons in some areas still closed, maintaining healthy hair is the responsibility of at-home treatments.

From Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque to The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum For Hair Density, there is a handful of game-changing hair products trending at the minute, but one in particular is making waves among beauty lovers. Enter: The Inkey List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment.

You’ve probably already heard of The Inkey List, best known for its affordable skin-care range jam-packed with dermatologist-approved ingredients like salicylic acid, retinol, and vitamin C. The brand recently branched out into hair care and its latest product is receiving countless five-star reviews. In fact, shoppers are likening it to cult-favorite hair product Olaplex, which is more than twice the price.

When it comes to repairing bleached, dyed, or heat-damaged hair, Olaplex is considered the gold standard, a treatment that all hairstylists recommend time and time again. Previously only available in salons, the brand has since become a mainstay of many at-home hair-care routines, from the No.3 Hair Perfector that started it all to the No.6 Bond Smoother. The remarkable results are all thanks to the star ingredient, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, which is as effective as it is difficult to pronounce.

The featured ingredient in The Inkey List’s Bond Repair is a little different: 10% bis-PCA dimethicone. “Why this hasn’t been used more is surprising,” Mark Curry, co-founder of The Inkey List, told me. He adds that, while a lot of bond-building products only seem to work on fine, straight Caucasian hair, PCA Bond Repair promises to work on all hair types, including thick, curly hair — and it’s all down to the compound itself.

Without sounding too much like a chemistry lesson, the product works on all of the hair’s bonds, specifically disulfide bonds — which are damaged by bleach and color — and ionic bonds, which can easily be damaged and cause split ends. In other words, bis-PCA dimethicone fuses the hair strand back together, repairing damage. “You get an instant impact, meaning way fewer straggly, frizzy bits of hair,” said The Inkey List co-founder Colette Laxton, “but it also repairs over time and strengthens hair, too.” In fact, the team touts the product as one of the most concentrated hair-repair treatments out there right now.

Currently, I’m growing out some chunky blonde highlights. I recently colored over them with brown dye, so my hair feels drier than usual. Cold weather means I’m no longer letting my hair air-dry, so using a hairdryer is taking its toll ever so slightly, and I’m also in need of a chop. My hair isn’t in dire condition, but I’ll welcome anything that minimizes fluffy ends, keeps frizz on lockdown, and makes my hair feel less limp. What’s more, the formula also offers heat protection to prevent frazzled ends during styling.

I often use Olaplex No.3, so is the PCA Bond Repair worth the hype? At first spritz, the texture is very much like Olaplex No.0 — it feels just like water. Per the instructions, I sprayed the product through towel-dried hair (I use the Aquis Hair Towel Lisse Luxe or a cotton T-shirt to soak up moisture as gently as possible) and used a wide-tooth comb to make sure I distributed it evenly from root to tip. I applied the product more heavily to areas that needed a bit more TLC, focusing mostly on my ends.

The pump was difficult to use, which Curry and Laxton acknowledge, but it gets sustainability points for being totally recyclable. (They told me that there is only one supplier worldwide that makes pumps like these.) I set about rough-drying my hair like normal, on medium heat so as not to exacerbate split ends. The first thing I noticed was how thick and strong my hair felt: It was as though I’d had a fresh blunt cut or professional blow-dry. While my hair didn’t feel any softer, it was shiny, and the next morning when I went to straighten it, my flat iron glided through easily. Comparing the pictures, which were taken just after rough-drying and before any styling or straightening, my hair looks a bit longer somehow, too.

Curry and Laxton said that continued usage is the key, as the product acts like scaffolding for brittle hair strands, so it works not only instantly but cumulatively, too. This makes not being able to book in for a trim for the foreseeable future a little more bearable. Laxton says she uses PCA Bond Repair every time she washes her hair, so I continued to use it throughout the week (I wash my hair up to three or four times a week). Again, my hair wasn’t super soft, but it felt resilient and more full. The Cult Beauty reviews speak for themselves, too: “A few sprays of this and my hair feels soft but strong, and the shine is unreal! Will definitely repurchase,” wrote one user, while another championed the product for turning coarse frizz into smooth hair.

Would I use it again? When my hair feels limp, this will be my go-to, but I do love the feeling of ultra-soft lengths. For that, I rely on Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum — it’s more than four times the price of PCA Bond Repair, but it’s my must-have.

That said, they’re completely different products, so there’s nothing stopping you from mixing the two for great results or using PCA Bond Repair on wet hair and smoothing dry hair with a finishing oil. What I would say is that when it comes to hair products, less is more: It’s easier to add than to take away, so if you’re using multiple products post-wash, bear in mind the length and thickness of your hair so as not to weigh it down. For me, six to 10 spritzes of PCA Bond Repair is enough, and I like a pea-sized amount of hair oil for extra smoothness.

Overall, I think PCA Bond Repair gives Olaplex a run for its money, both price- and results-wise. It’s currently exclusive to The Inkey List’s direct-to-consumer site, so be sure to grab a bottle before it inevitably sells out.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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Since relaunching its beauty collection in 2019, Gucci has made headlines everywhere. The luxury brand’s first lipstick campaign divided opinion for ditching models with super-straight, gleaming white teeth, instead embracing beauty in imperfection by enlisting musician Dani Miller and model Mae Lapres to advertise the 58-shade-strong lipstick range. Not long after, Gucci Beauty’s Mascara L’Obscur generated a similar reaction. One image shot on Instagram, captioned “It builds and builds, for eyes that are EVERYTHING,” featured lashes so loaded with product that they appeared “clumpy” or “spidery.” Once again, the unorthodox images didn’t sway some of the brand’s followers, but others loved the bold statement.

Earlier this month, Gucci Beauty added yet another product to its makeup dynasty: the Fluide de Beauté Natural Finish Fluid Foundation. Unlike its predecessors, this one launched relatively quietly and didn’t make much of a splash on social media — but believe me when I say it’s a game-changer.

As a beauty editor, I’ve tried hundreds of foundations that promise to airbrush blemishes and fine lines, impart an otherworldly glow, and stay put all day. The reality is that few really deliver. I have combination skin that’s prone to oiliness and breakouts, and dry, flaky spots that are exacerbated by ingredients like acids or central heating and cold weather. The majority of foundations break me out, collect around parched patches, slip and slide, and — probably the most annoying thing — oxidize throughout the day, turning a dubious shade of orange. (Yes, even high-end products.)

Admittedly, my interest is always piqued by pretty packaging, and Gucci’s Fluide de Beauté won me over with its frosted glass bottle, millennial-pink lid, and delicate gold font. But the formula is the best part: It provides medium coverage yet is so light and silky (that would be star ingredient dimethicone) that it can be built up by layer. Just one pump is enough to cover my entire face — I apply this with the Joy Adenuga Multi-Use Face Brush, which blends foundation quickly and evenly, especially around the eyes and nose.

I find a lot of medium-to-full-coverage foundations chalky and not able to mesh well with skin, but this is completely seamless; it isn’t a chore to work in and doesn’t leave behind any streaks. While the initial finish is matte, it makes my skin glow in all the right places as the day goes on, which I love when back-to-back Zoom calls wash me out and make my skin look flat. What it does to my large pores is especially impressive, though. The phrase “your skin but better” is overused when it comes to makeup, but it hits the nail on the head here. A light veil of this stuff almost looks like I’m wearing a real-life Paris filter as it blankets over my acne scars (both red marks and indents), which I’m often self-conscious about.

For a medium-coverage foundation, Fluide de Beauté’s lasting power rivals most high-coverage foundations I’ve tried — it stays in place all day with no need for powder or touch-ups. It’s also one of the very few products that doesn’t leave me covered in little whiteheads, and it dissolves away with micellar water, cleansing balm, or face wash, depending on your personal preference. At 40 shades, there are still 10 less than the brilliant Fenty Beauty, but there are many options for dark skin with a focus on undertone to ensure the finish is neither ashy nor orange.

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There are one or two catches, however. First, the formula is ever-so-slightly fragranced (lightly floral, much like Gucci Guilty Love Edition Pour Femme). My skin is sensitive to any type of scent in skin care, but it has no problem with this, and I much prefer it to the paint-like smell of some foundations out there. Of course, the big catch is the price tag: If you compare it to other designer brands like Chanel, Dior, and YSL, which are typically around the $40 to $50 mark depending on the type of foundation (bottle or tube, light- or full-coverage), $68 is steep.

If you’re looking for an alternative, I will say I’ve come across a handful of great affordable options lately. L’Oréal Paris Skin Paradise Water-Infused Tinted Moisturizer SPF 19 is very light and dewy in texture and provides medium coverage. Like Gucci, it stays in place and feels like a second skin. The Ordinary Coverage Foundation is also similar in terms of coverage, but I like to mix it with a pump of serum or moisturizer to make it less matte. Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Skincaring Foundation is a little higher in price than the above two, but it matches Gucci coverage-wise and boasts skin-care benefits thanks to hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C, and moisturizing vitamin E.

While these are all excellent products, they definitely aren’t an exact match, so if you’re thinking of treating yourself to a luxe beauty buy for making it through the longest month of the year, consider Gucci’s Fluide de Beauté. If you ask me, it’s well on its way to becoming a cult hit.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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