‘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

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

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

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.

By Lisa Richwine LOS ANGELES Head to any clothing store this summer and you are likely to be

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.

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.

French fashion house Chanel will hold its next Métiers d’Art collection in Manchester. Métiers d’Art collections take place outside of the normal fashion week schedule, and choose a new city for every show. Past collections have been held in Tokyo, Shanghai, Rome and Dakar. The aim of these shows is to put the spotlight on the specialist ateliers acquired by Chanel, showing off the craftsmanship involved. Chanel’s creative director, Virginie Viard – who took over from Karl Lagerfeld when he died in 2019 – will host the show in Manchester on December 7. It wouldn’t be the first time Chanel has picked a UK city – in December 2012, the show was held at the ruins of Linlithgow Palace, near Edinburgh, Scotland. Chanel said in a statement: “Presented in cities and places that inspire the house, from Tokyo to New York, via Dakar last year, this collection bears witness to the historic commitment of Chanel to this exceptional artisanal heritage and its influence around the world.” While London is predominantly seen as the fashion capital of the UK, Manchester has a long relationship with clothes. The city was dubbed ‘Cottonopolis’ in the 19th century – it was home to over 100 cotton mills and was seen as the global centre of the cotton trade. Nowadays, fashion trends in Manchester tend to stem from the city’s thriving music scene – past musical trendsetters include The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Oasis. Chanel has a busy fashion show calendar before it lands in Manchester: it will debut its spring/summer 2025 collection at Paris Fashion Week in September, followed by a repeat showing of its Cruise 2024 collection in Shenzhen, China in November. Blockbuster fashion exhibition ‘Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto’ – dedicated to the designer who established the luxury fashion house – is set to open on September 16 at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. In May, celebrities including Barbie actor Margot Robbie, reality show star Paris Hilton and Spencer actor Kristen Stewart attended Chanel’s Cruise collection in Los Angeles, so it will likely be another star-studded front row in Manchester.

A study has found that paying more for clothes doesn’t always mean they will last longer. Researchers at the School of Design at the University of Leeds performed durability tests on 65 items of clothes retailing from under £5 to around £150. The research showed that durability of both high and low-priced garments ranged from excellent to very poor. Durability refers to how long an item of clothing remains functional and wearable, without requiring much maintenance or repair when faced with normal wear and washing. T-shirts, hoodies and jeans were assessed for several factors including seam strength, resistance to ripping, colour bleeding, shrinking or losing shape. The research – commissioned by environmental charity Hubbub and retailer Primark – found women’s T-shirts priced under £10 outperformed one retailing at around £40. While hoodies priced between £11 and £20 were ranked higher on the durability scale than those priced at just under £50 and around £100. Only negligible differences in durability were found for a pair of women’s jeans priced at around £15 compared to a pair retailing at more than 10 times the price. Of all the garments tested, only menswear hoodies showed consistently higher performance than the lower priced ones. Alongside the study, Hubbub commissioned a survey of 3,000 UK adults on attitudes towards clothing care, revealing that 67% of people expect expensive clothes to last longer. The poll also found people tend to take more care when it comes to costly items, with 64% more likely to hang them up after wearing, 62% removing spills and stains, and 54% willing to carry out repairs. “Durability must become central to the debate on sustainability,” said Aoife Allen, director and fashion lead at Hubbub. “Durable clothes reduce the need for replacement purchases, increase the chance of a longer second life and offer better value for money – a significant concern in the context of the current cost of living crisis.” Other issues can also be considered when thinking about the environmental and social impact of your clothes – such as the materials used in production and transparency of the supply chain. Allen believes retailers and consumers alike must help to tackle the huge issue of clothing waste. “The fashion industry should be designing clothing to last longer, and we can help to make people aware of the simple steps that they can take to help all their clothes last longer,” Allen continues. “This research highlights that the same level of care should be given to all garments, regardless of price, to extend their life as much as possible.” So how do you make clothes last longer? Wash at lower temperatures High temperatures can cause clothes to fade more quickly and they aren’t necessary unless garments are very dirty, “For general washing of clothes that aren’t visibly stained, try washing at 30 degrees or lower and use the eco-setting on washing machines,” says Stephanie Campbell, senior creative partner (fashion) at Hubbub. “Most detergents now clean very well at low temperatures. Try using a shorter washing cycle which can also help prevent clothes from degrading.” Get to grips with care labels It’s important to check the instructions on care labels, especially when washing for the first time, to avoid any disasters. “Following the care symbols helps to avoid shrinking or damaging clothes and helps you care for them in the best possible way, so take the time to check them before washing,” says Campbell. For example, some delicate fabrics shouldn’t go in the washing machine, while others should be put in a net bag to protect them. Only wash an item when you really need to Chucking clothes in the laundry basket after every wear can have a detrimental impact on durability. “Washing clothing too much can cause colours to fade and the garment to start to break down,” says Campbell. “Unless an item is visibly dirty or has a stubborn stain, try spot cleaning marks or airing out odours to keep your clothes looking fresh.” Act fast if you spill something, she adds: “Remember to always treat stains as soon as you can – the longer you leave them the harder they are to get out.” Air your clothes out Air drying is the best way to keep clothes in good shape – as long as you pay attention to the ‘dry flat’ warning on the care label for certain items such as those made from cotton, linen or silk. “Tumble drying can shrink or damage items, so air drying can help to keep outfits fitting well and in good condition,” says Campbell. “It reduces energy bills too.” Repair instead of replacing Try to stick to the ‘make do and mend’ adage no matter how much you paid for an item. Campbell says: “Making a quick fix on a hole as soon as you’ve noticed or finding a local tailor that offers repairs is a simple way to get more wear out the clothes you’ve got and keep on enjoying your favourite items.” Love what you’ve got Sustainable fashion influencers know that ‘shopping your wardrobe’ is key to reducing your clothing waste – and saving money. “Enjoy what you already own, or swap with pals,” says Campbell. “Mix and match what’s in your wardrobe to create new outfits. Add accessories and embellishments or make alterations to update an item and breathe new life into it.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Chanel is set to host a fashion show in Manchester 4 key men’s swimwear trends to rock this summer 10 ways to style up your picnic

Jane Birkin, style mogul and the namesake behind the most expensive bag in the world, has died at age 76. On Sunday 16 July, the British-born actress and singer was found deceased inside her Paris apartment, with French President Emmanuel Macron confirming her death in a tweet, in which he described her “a French icon”. The icon became the muse for Hermès’ archetypal accessory and defined the classic Parisian-chic look in the 70s. Since Birkin’s unlikely 1981 run-in with the brand’s former chairman and head designer, she’s held the highest of honours in luxury fashion. The chance encounter happened when Birkin found herself on the same Air France flight as Hermès executive Jean-Louis Dumas when a bag that was holding her belongings broke and she angrily blamed Hermès for not making a big enough bag to fit her stuff. She complained out loud, unaware that the brand’s artistic director was sitting directly next to her. Not long after, the French fashion house debuted the “Birkin bag,” only offered in a large size to satisfy her wishes. Birkin recalled the consequential interaction in a 2020 interview with Christiane Amanpour from CNN, where she remembered: “I said: ‘Why don’t you make a bag that’s sort-of four times the [size of the] Kelly that you could just leave open and sort of half the size of my suitcase?’” She continued: “He said: ‘well, draw it for me.’ And I think I drew it on the sick bag, a vomit bag in the aeroplane.” Eventually, Dumas turned Birkin’s wishes into a reality. Before she went to purchase the accessory she inspired, Dumas told her she could have one free of charge if he could name it after her. In a 2012 interview with Vogue, Birkin admitted the Hermès had paid her £30,000 for her annual royalty, but she opted to donate the money to her preferred charities. “I got Hermès to fork out for my charities once I saw the fortune they were making. A certain amount of money every year goes straight to my charity and it will continue to after my death,” she said while speaking to WWD in 2011. Hermès will continue to honour her legace by donating to Birkin’s preferred charities in the wake of her passing. Known to cost upwards of $10,000, the Birkin bag is a status symbol as much as an emblem of the relationship between designer goods and practicality. With a waitlist and limited supply of this delicately crafted leather accessory, an air of exclusivity is achieved amongst the fortuitous owners. Vintage models from previous collections are priced and sold anywhere between $30,000 and $500,000 depending on their year, according to Sothebys. These highly regarded handbags mesh conservative and mod fashion codes, celebrating the intersection between Birkin’s and Hermès’ styles. However, following a 2015 investigation into the brand by PETA, which revealed the treatment of crocodiles for their skin, Birkin requested that her name be removed from the bags that were made out of the animal. “Jane Birkin has expressed her concerns regarding practices for slaughtering crocodiles. Her comments do not in any way influence the friendship and confidence that we have shared for many years. Hermès respects and shares her emotions and was also shocked by the images recently broadcast,” the fashion house said at the time. Hermès respected her decision then, but she ended up dropping her request as she was satisfied with how the brand handled the situation, labelling it as an “isolated irregularity.” In a statement, the brand said: “Jane Birkin has advised us that she is satisfied by the measures taken by Hermès.” She was known for her transcendent performances both on set and stage as a movie star and singer, respectively. However, Birkin’s “French girl” aesthetic will have forever affected the fashion industry’s perception of timeless looks. Birkin was a trendsetter, but not in a cyclical way. She would don silk blouses with sheer tights, monochromatic pieces decorated with statement belts, and pendant necklaces. Birkin, who previously favoured large wicker baskets to hold her belongings instead of handbags, would wear a simple white T-shirt and vintage denim combination, taking the most effortless outfit making it elegant. Following the creation of the Birkin bag, she was also looked to as the perfect example for how the expensive bag was meant to be used, with Birkin photographed with her own overflowing Hermès handbag on a number of occasions. “I love the way she wears her bag... Carefree, nonchalant, unpretentious, so iconic,” one person tweeted, while another said: “A well-loved bag should show a little shamble.” Read More Jane Birkin death: ‘Je t’aime... moi non plus’ singer and actor dies aged 76 The most iconic Hermès Birkin bags inspired by Jane Birkin Jane Birkin: Singer, actor and inspiration behind iconic Birkin bag dies aged 76 The most iconic Hermès Birkin bags inspired by Jane Birkin Kim Kardashian’s Skims is now worth $4bn TikTokers are showing off pink outfits they’re going to wear to watch Barbie movie

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 19, 2023--

The president and CEO of Gucci is stepping down later this year