Devotees claim eyelash growth serums are the Holy Grail, giving you long, fluttery lashes that will have your friends wondering if you’re wearing falsies. It will probably come as no surprise that TikTok has been flooded with videos from users showing off their impressive transformations after several weeks of daily use, with 114m views under the search ‘lash growth serum’. There’s now a huge variety of products on the market – from big name beauty brands to companies that specialise in lashes and brows – and prices vary massively. But do they really work for everyone? Experts run through everything you need to know about lash-boosting serums… What is the science behind eyelash growth serums? All lash serums, whether they’re applied like eyeliner or with a mascara-style wand, are designed with essentially the same aim. “To promote the growth of natural lashes, resulting in longer and thicker lashes with regular use,” says Nima Pourian, founder of UKLash. “By nourishing and moisturising the lashes with ingredients like Panthenol, peptides, and biotin”, serums can “enhance the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream, leading to healthier and fuller lashes”. Some serums on the market contain hormones called prostaglandins – or a synthetic version – that extend the growth phase of the lash cycle, meaning the hairs get longer before they fall out. Others, such as The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum, use peptides to achieve the same aim without hormones. Gabriella Elio, founder of Sweed Beauty, came up with a hormone-free serum after learning some people can “get allergic reactions, pigmentations and are sensitive to serums since they contain prostaglandins”. As with any new beauty product you’re trying, it’s sensible to perform a patch test first. “Although reactions are rare, the eye area can be sensitive, so it’s best to check for any sensitivity beforehand,” says Pourian. “Apply a small amount of the serum to a small area, such as a corner of the forehead, behind the ear, or the side of the neck. Wait approximately 24 hours to observe any skin sensitivity.” It’s particularly important to be careful with products used so close to the eyes, so do your research and buy from a reputable retailer. How long does it take to see results? “The time it takes to see results may vary individually, depending on the stage of the lash growth cycle when the serum is started,” says Pourian. “That’s why it is recommended to use eyelash and eyebrow serums once a day for eight to 12 weeks, which aligns with a full growth cycle.” You’ll have to be patient, because you can’t simply double up to get lengthy lashes twice as fast. “It is crucial to follow the instructions provided with the serum and avoid overuse,” he continues. “Like any other topical skincare product, proper usage and adherence to the recommended application frequency will ensure the best results.” Do you have to keep using the serum forever? “If you discontinue using the product your lashes will continue to go through their natural growth and shedding phases,” says Claire Larsen, global master educator at RevitaLash Cosmetics. “So the new lashes that come back in will be untreated and will appear the way they originally did before starting your lash serum. If you love the results, you are a lifer!” However, you can reduce the frequency of use once you reach the maintenance phase. Pourian advises: “Once you have achieved your desired results, it is recommended to use the lash serum three to four times a week to maintain the length and health of your lashes.” Are there any reasons why a serum might not work? Proper application is key to making sure the serum can get to work quickly and effectively. “If the serum is not applied properly, such as being applied like mascara instead of reaching the roots and hair follicles, it may not yield desired results,” says Pourian. “It’s important to avoid using other products like oil-based cleansers or serums before applying the lash serum, as they can create a barrier, preventing proper absorption.” And remember, you’ve got to be consistent with daily use for at least a few weeks before you’ll see a noticeable difference. “Certain medical conditions, health issues, hormonal changes and lifestyle factors can influence the results of lash serums,” Pourian adds, meaning your lashes might not reach TikTok-worthy proportions, or may take longer to do so. “Genetics also play a role, as individuals naturally have different hair, lash, or brow growth genetics. This doesn’t mean the serum won’t work at all, but it may result in less significant outcomes.” Go long: 8 highly-rated lash serums to try 1. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum, £12.40, LookFantastic 2. L’Oreal Paris Clinically Proven Lash Serum, £11.99 (was £14.99), Superdrug 3. Mavala Double Lash Night Treatment, £17.50, Boots 4. UKLash Eyelash Serum, £37.99 5. RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum, £39.99, Escentual 6. Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum, £42 7. Olaplex Lashbond Building Serum, £64 8. RevitaLash Advanced Sensitive Eyelash Conditioner, £109 Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Sex Education star Patricia Allison: I’ve learned boundaries are extremely important Non-binary influencers share what they wish people understood about their experience Camilla will not receive £360,000 annuity from parliament like Prince Philip did

No matter which salon you visit, a haircut typically follows the same structure. First, a quick consultation to decide on the style. Then a speedy wash, cut, and blowdry, in that order. That’s not the case at Michael Van Clarke’s London salon. Here, the staff cut everyone’s hair while it’s completely dry.

Kim Kardashian is reportedly attempting to reclaim the 20% stake in her skincare line SKKN By Kim from fragrance and cosmetics company Coty

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 12, 2023--

(Reuters) -Kim Kardashian is in talks with Coty to buy back a minority stake in her beauty firm from the

Hairdressers, beauticians and accountants could be at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, a new study suggests. Those working in sales, retail, clothing and construction industries could also carry a higher risk according to a new study published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine. But the authors of the study stressed that “inferences from the results are limited” as they called for more work to examine the links between ovarian cancer risk and different occupations. The team, led by academics at the University of Montreal in Canada, examined data on 491 Canadian women with ovarian cancer and compared it with 897 women without disease. We observed associations suggesting that accountancy, hairdressing, sales, sewing and related occupations may be linked to excess risks Report authors The researchers linked occupations to ovarian cancer risk. They also compared this data to the Canadian job-exposure matrix to examine any potential workplace exposures – for example, if they are more likely to come in contact with a certain chemical while at work. After accounting for potentially influential factors, they found that some jobs may be linked to a heightened risk of disease. Those who had worked as a hairdresser, barber or beautician appeared to have a three-fold higher risk. Meanwhile, women who worked in accountancy for a decade were twice as likely to develop the disease while construction workers were almost three times as likely. Shop assistants and sales people had a 45% increased risk while those who make or alter clothes appeared to have an 85% increased risk. The researchers said that those found to have a higher risk were also more likely to be exposed to a number of “agents” including: cosmetic talc, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, hair dust, synthetic fibres, polyester fibres, organic dyes, and pigments and bleaches. “We observed associations suggesting that accountancy, hairdressing, sales, sewing and related occupations may be linked to excess risks,” the authors wrote. “Further population-based research is needed to evaluate possible hazards for female workers and occupations commonly held by women.” In a linked editorial, academics from the National Cancer Institute in Maryland in the US, point out that women are under-represented in “occupational cancer research studies”. They said the study “reminds us that while the lack of representation of women in occupational cancer studies — and indeed, even potential strategies to address this issue — have been long recognised, there is still a need for improvement in studying women’s occupational risks. “By excluding women, we miss the opportunity to identify risk factors for female-specific cancers, to evaluate whether sex-specific differences in risk occur, and to study exposures occurring in occupations held primarily by women.” Commenting on the study, Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University, said: “The researchers clearly state that their study was ‘exploratory’ and that it is ‘aimed at generating new hypotheses’. “So, it is certainly not claiming that they have definitely found occupational groups, or exposures to chemicals and other agents, that are associated with ovarian cancer. “Even less are they claiming that being in certain occupations, or being exposed to certain chemicals at work, causes an increased risk of ovarian cancer. “Instead, they aimed at suggesting occupational groups, and agents to which women might be exposed at work, that possibly might be associated with ovarian cancer risk, and they say clearly that further research is needed to ‘give a more solid grounding’ to any conclusions that might be drawn about associations between what women do at work and their risk of getting ovarian cancer.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Beekeeping has gone viral – but how easy is it? Everything you need to know about sleep in pregnancy Myleene Klass: Government does not deserve power if miscarriage policy unchanged

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 11, 2023--

Will Poulter has turned fans’ heads after sporting a new look at this year’s Paris Fashion Week. The Bear star, 30, was seen at the Dior Homme Menswear Spring/Summer 2023 show in June with a moustache and a light smattering of facial hair framing his chin and jaw. Although the actor debuting the look more than two weeks ago, fans have begun to sit up and take notice of his dapper appearance after sharing photographs on social media. One tweet that has been viewed more than 8.7m times featuring a trio of photos of Poulter smiling at the camera was shared by a user who goes by the handle @fatfabfeminist. She wrote: “HELLO?? WILL POULTER??? UR KIDDING???” In another tweet, she said: “I cannot express the reaction I had to these pictures but oh my god.” Others admired his “glowup”, with one person writing: “I’ve always thought he was really cute in an awkward way, I’m so glad he grew into his skin.” “This man has had the most insane glow-up,” another said, while a third added: “This should confirm that growing a bear increases your attractiveness ten times more.” In further praise of facial hair, another said: “Facial hair needs to be audited and governed by some centralised agency because the way this just changed my entire worldview on this man is giving me whiplash.” One person wrote: “A light beard will always help frame and sharpen the face thus helping you look aesthetically pleasing and elevates the look from a boy to a MAN. “You go Will Poulter! (Gone are the days that you’ll be compared to Sid from Toy Story haha)” On social media, Poulter has sometimes been compared to the animated character of Sid in the Toy Story franchise. In May, he revealed that he was once even mistaken for Sid while at a urinal in LA, after a man turned to him and asked if he was in the Pixar animated film. “I don’t want to be rude. I also appreciate there’s a meme going round of me – I dressed up as Sid from ‘Toy Story’ for anti-bullying week. So arguably I haven’t helped my case. But [Toy Story came out in] 1995. I was two. And they weren’t doing it through live action,” he said. The Guardians of the Galaxy star wore a short-sleeved white-collared shirt with smart chinos and pale green clogs under a pale multi-coloured trench coat to the fashion show. In terms of his looks, Poulter is also known for his arched eyebrows which are highly expressive. He opened up about his personal style in a 2022 interview with British GQ, in which he revealed he is a “massive sneakerhead”, referring to his love for trainers. He said that when he was younger, he would emulate other people’s style without “really knowing what I was doing”, but now knows which labels “really suit my personality”. Poulter named Frank Ocean, Robert Pattinson and Michaela Coel as celebrities whose sense of style he admires. “I’d also absolutely love and can probably only dream of collaborating with a brand on a collection,” he added. “I’m actually a massive sneakerhead – I’ve had to tell myself I won’t spend money in Flight Club today – but a sneaker collaboration would be pretty cool to do.” Read More Jonah Hill’s ex-girlfriend Sarah Brady accuses him of ‘emotional abuse’ Denise Welch opens up about moment Matty Healy told her he needed rehab Woman exits plane after tirade about passenger who is ‘not real’: ‘I’m not about to be Final Destination-ed’ David and Victoria Beckham throw Prada party to celebrate Harper’s 12th birthday Every Barbie-inspired outfit Margot Robbie has worn so far How to make your summer tan last longer

Both Parker and Broderick received Lifetime Achievement Awards for their major contributions to American theater throughout the years

Taylor Swift is dressed in a purple gown by Reem Acra for the back cover of 'Speak Now (Taylor's Version)'

Under the Mexican heat, Ashley Brewer looked radiant as she wore a magnificent off-the-shoulder, full-skirt white gown during her wedding to Frank Kaminsky

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase Y2K