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Clariant remains cautious on 2026 prospects amid market headwinds

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The Swiss specialty chemicals group Clariant is adopting a cautious stance toward 2026 amid uncertainty over U.S. tariffswhich are weighing on demand across the chemical sector. Despite the lack of clarity around the reimbursement process, Clariant plans to seek a refund of the tariffs, CEO Conrad Keijzer said during a conference call following the release of the company’s annual results.

The group is not among the companies most directly exposed, since it operates 68 production sites worldwide, the majority of which manufacture locally for regional customers. However, certain components still have to be imported into the United States, meaning the additional tariff costs have been passed on to its U.S. customers. The total amount paid in 2025 is expected to reach approximately 17 million Swiss francs (around 18.6 million)Conrad Keijzer said, adding that Clariant intends to seek reimbursement in order to return the funds to its customers.

While the direct impact on Clariant is limited, the ongoing changes regarding tariffs are fueling macroeconomic uncertainty, to the detriment of demand. Between their invalidation last week by the Supreme Court and Donald Trump’s announcement of a new 10% tariff, there are many “elements in flux,” with “an increased level of uncertainty,” noted Mr. Keijzer.

Stagnant sales

In 2025, this uncertainty weighed on demand, particularly for industrial applications, the group indicated in the press release detailing its results. Excluding currency effects, the group’s sales stagnateddue to a combination of increased demand for components used in agricultural, mining, detergent, and hygiene products, and decreased demand for catalytic products.

Taking into account the negative currency effects of the strong Swiss franc, its annual revenue decreased by 6% compared to the previous year, to CHF 3.9 billion.

For fiscal year 2025, the group incurred a net loss of CHF 41 millioncompared to a net profit of CHF 280 million in 2024, due to an accounting effect related to the December sale of its Venezuelan subsidiary to CMV Química. With this sale, Clariant had to record CHF 230 million in accumulated foreign exchange losses over several years.

Clariant is operating in “a challenging market,” “but is managing the challenges well,” as evidenced by “its improved margins” thanks to cost-cutting measures, commented Sibylle Bischofberger, an analyst at Vontobel.

For 2026, Clariant expects sales to stagnate, given that “macroeconomic challenges, uncertainties, and risks persist.” However, the group reaffirmed its medium-term goals, targeting sales growth of 4% to 6% excluding currency effects, with a 2027 horizon.

Long-Lasting Body and Bounce Start With These Hair Volumizers

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a volumizing hair product do?

According to Toth, a volumizing hair product lifts roots from the scalp. “Some are simply weightless, some give incredible hold and texture, and some coat and surround each strand of hair,” he says.

Raven Hurtado, a Chicago-based hairstylist, echoed Toth. He told Allure“It works great for updos, and you could also use it as a dry shampoo.” Hurtado explains, “You can also touch up your second-day blowout without having any residue.”

While healthy hair can benefit from hair volumizing products, they can also help support damaged locks. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King told Allure“Heredity, stress, poor nutrition, improper care of hair, and environmental damage (such as sunlight and harsh brushing)” can all be potential causes of thinning hair. If that sounds like you, a hair volumizing product could make a big difference, either as a permanent solution or to tide you over while going on a regrowth journey.

How do I choose a volumizing hair product?

Many products claim to be effective volumizers. But before you hedge your bets on a bottle, it’s essential to know your hair type and your desired style. Santiago recommends using a root spray or a mousse before blow-drying if you want your hair to be more touchable and smooth. “If you like feeling your hair more textured, an aerosol spray or volume powder is a great choice,” she adds. If you’re just getting into the hair volumizing game, you might need to try a few different products before you land your best option.

What should I avoid in a volumizing hair product?

King previously told Allure to be wary of heavy oils and silicones, since “not all oils or silicones are created equal.” She mentions that, while they can provide benefits like softening and hydrating, coconut and jojoba are weightier than other oils. Silicones also vary in weight and grade—but you don’t need to be a scientist to determine which is which. “If it feels greasy on your fingers, chances are it will weigh down your hair,” King advises.

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of volumizing hair products, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists—who have a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Done reading? Now, watch this beauty entrepreneur’s story of growing her brand on her own terms:

Why GLP-1s & Menopause Cause Hair Loss & How to Reverse It – Iles Formula

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On hormonal changes + hair loss – from GLP-1s to menopause.

You knew your body would be changing – but you didn’t know that meant your hair would be, too. It makes sense that all things linked to hormonal health have effects on our hair: from stress and cortisol levels to weight loss and peri menopause.

As if all the other bodily changes weren’t quite enough. Whether you’re navigating a GLP-1 medication, moving through perimenopause, or deep in the hormonal shift of menopause, the experience tends to feel the same: more strands on your pillow, more in the drain, a ponytail that doesn’t feel quite like yours anymore.

Hair loss linked to GLP-1s (like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, to name a few), or hormonal shifts, whether it’s perimenopause or menopausal, is one of the most common side effects people aren’t warned about upfront. Our take at ILES FORMULA is that even the most personal, intimate of conversations around beauty are deserving of an honest, solution-forward conversation. So lets talk about it, shall we?

pink flowing beside a syringe

Here’s what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Hormonal fluctuation, whether triggered by rapid weight loss or the estrogen and progesterone decline of menopause, disrupts the hair growth cycle at the follicular level. The body, registering change as stress, shifts hair follicles out of their active growth phase prematurely. The result is diffused hair thinning that can feel sudden, emotional and a little (or a lot) alarming.

The good news? The follicle is not gone. It’s dormant. And dormant can be woken up with ILES FORMULA.

looking at scalp of lady on the left and formula on the right

The Award winning  Scalp + Hair Rejuvenating Booster was formulated for exactly this. No prescription. No residue. Just a clinically supported serum that works at the root of the problem – literally. Procapil™️ blocks DHT and strengthens follicles at the source. Biotin and amino acids signal the scalp back into its growth phase. Wasabi extract (yes, really) improves circulation so every active can actually reach where it needs to go.

a circle showing procapcil, a circle showing biotin and amino acids, and another cicle showing wasabi extract

The results speak for themselves: an 80% reduction in hair loss, a 68% increase in hair density, with visible results beginning at the 3-month  mark. This isn’t a quick fix – it’s a genuine restoration.

No drugs. No residue. Just results.

three images of hair growth from the scalp over an 11 week period

We’ll be honest: the results are not overnight. They’re better than that – they’re real. Clinically, users see a measurable reduction in hair fall within the first few months, with visible density returning soon after.

Your body – and hairline – may be changing. But Iles Formula has the solution to stop hair fall right at the root.

a 5 star review of Iles Formula C\Scalp and Hair rejuvenating booster

You Do Not Have to Do Skincare Perfectly – 100% PURE

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Your skin does not expect perfection.

It doesn’t know if you skipped toner, forgot a step, or fell asleep without finishing your routine. It only knows the overall pattern of care it receives — the moments of cleansing, the comfort of hydration, the steadiness of repetition over time.

But many of us carry a quiet pressure to “do skincare right.”

To follow every step, stay consistent no matter what, and keep up with routines that sometimes feel more like rules than support.

And when we can’t maintain that ideal, guilt slips in. We think we’ve failed. We assume it doesn’t count unless it’s done perfectly.

The reality is much kinder than that.

Skin doesn’t need flawless execution. It needs regular care — even when that care is imperfect, simplified, or incomplete. Showing up in small ways still supports your skin’s health, because consistency is built through real life, not ideal conditions.

If you’re here for skincare routine mistakes, an easy skincare routine, and how a minimalist skincare routine can still work — let’s start there.

Why Perfectionism Undermines Consistency

Perfectionism often disguises itself as dedication, but it rarely creates sustainable habits.

All-or-nothing thinking leads to skipped days

When a routine feels like it only “counts” if every step is done, missing one step can make the entire effort feel pointless. You get home late, feel tired, and decide to skip everything instead of doing a shorter version.

Over time, this pattern erodes consistency. Not because you don’t care, but because the routine feels too rigid to fit real life.

A routine that allows flexibility is far easier to return to — and returning is what builds results.

Stress disrupts skin balance

Trying to maintain a perfect routine can quietly add pressure to something meant to be supportive. And stress doesn’t stay in your thoughts alone — it can influence oil production, inflammation, sensitivity, and healing.

So the pursuit of perfection can paradoxically make skin feel more reactive.
Consistency thrives when routines feel calming, not demanding.

What Skin Actually Needs Most

Despite the complexity of the skincare world, your skin’s core needs are simple.

Skin responds to patterns. Gentle cleansing, hydration, and barrier support repeated over time matter far more than whether you completed every step every day.

Think of skincare less like a checklist and more like a rhythm — something you return to, even if the rhythm changes tempo sometimes.

Using products your skin recognizes and tolerates well creates stability. Familiarity reduces the likelihood of irritation and supports the skin barrier, especially during periods when routines are less consistent.

Predictable care creates a sense of ease — for both your skin and your mind.

How Imperfect Care Still Supports Skin Health

Imperfect routines are not ineffective routines.

Partial routines still reinforce habits

Even a single step maintains continuity. Washing your face when you’re tired or applying moisturizer quickly still reinforces the habit loop that keeps your routine alive.

Habits don’t require perfection — they require repetition.

Skin responds to frequency, not flawlessness

Biologically, your skin reacts to how often it receives support like hydration and gentle cleansing. It doesn’t measure whether you followed the “ideal” routine — it responds to the overall frequency of care.

So even when your routine is simplified, your skin is still benefiting. Imperfect care still creates conditions where repair and balance can happen.

A Forgiving Night Routine

This routine is designed to feel supportive rather than demanding — a structure you can follow fully when you have time, or simplify when you don’t. Each step is a reminder that care counts, even when it’s minimal.

1) Cleanse: Even a quick reset helps

Rose Water Gentle Cleanser

Cleansing is the moment you transition out of the day. It removes buildup and gives your skin a fresh start — even if it’s the only step you manage.

Ritual cue:
As you rinse, take one slow breath. Let the act signal that the day is complete.

2) Tone: Gentle balance when you can

Lavender Niacinamide Pore Minimizer Toner

Toning can support balance and comfort, but it’s a flexible step. When you have the energy, it’s a small layer of care — when you don’t, your routine still holds.

Ritual cue:
Press it into your skin with your palms and pause for a moment. Let the stillness be part of the ritual.

3) Moisturize: Comfort without pressure

Rose Water Hydrating Milk

Moisturizing is reassurance for your skin barrier. It seals in hydration and provides a sense of comfort — a quiet signal that your skin is supported.

Ritual cue:
Apply slowly and relax your shoulders as you do. Let the softness register physically.

4) Body Ritual: A small moment of calm still counts

French Lavender Shower Gel

A warm shower can be one of the simplest ways to reset both body and mind. The warmth and scent create a sensory cue that the day is winding down.

Ritual cue:
Let the scent mark the transition from doing to resting. Nothing more is required.

Conclusion: Care Counts When It’s Kind, Not Perfect

Healthy skin isn’t built through flawless routines.
It’s built through repeated moments of care — some intentional, some quick, all meaningful.

When routines feel forgiving, they become sustainable. And sustainability is what allows skin to repair, balance, and thrive over time.

So whether tonight’s routine is one step or four, it still counts.
Because what matters most isn’t perfection — it’s the willingness to keep showing up.

Care works best when it’s gentle, flexible, and rooted in kindness toward yourself.

FAQ

Is it okay to skip steps sometimes?

Yes. Missing steps occasionally won’t undo your progress. Skin health is shaped by long-term patterns, not individual days, so a simplified routine or a skipped step here and there won’t disrupt your overall results. What matters most is returning to your routine when you can — even if that means just cleansing or moisturizing. Think of your routine as supportive rather than strict: it’s there to meet you where you are. Over time, this flexible consistency is far more beneficial than trying to maintain perfection and burning out.

Can minimalist routines still work?

Absolutely. A minimalist skincare routine can be very effective because it focuses on the essentials your skin truly needs — gentle cleansing, hydration, and barrier support. Fewer steps often mean less chance of irritation, fewer conflicting ingredients, and a routine that’s easier to stick with long term. Many people actually see more stable results when they simplify, because the skin has space to maintain balance without constant changes. A routine doesn’t need to be complex to be impactful; it needs to be consistent and well-suited to your skin.

What matters most in a daily routine?

Gentle cleansing, hydration, and regularity form the foundation of healthy skin. Cleansing removes buildup so your skin can function comfortably, while hydration supports the barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Regularity ties it all together — because skin responds to repeated care over time, not occasional bursts of effort. When these basics are in place, your skin has the stability it needs to stay balanced, resilient, and better able to respond to any additional treatments you may choose to use.

Kim Kardashian Channels Carolyn Bessette With ’90s Blonde

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When it comes to hair transformations, Kim Kardashian rarely misses. From waist-length platinum to inky, glassy brunette, she’s built a beauty legacy on keeping us guessing. Her latest switch-up, however, feels less shock factor and more subtle statement: a warm, minimalist blonde inspired by ‘90s style icon Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—with a very modern twist.

Dubbed “Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Blonde” by celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, the new shade marks a noticeable shift from Kim’s signature icy tones. Instead of the ultra-cool platinum she’s known for, this version leans softer and more natural, embracing warmth and depth reminiscent of the minimalist era that defined Bessette-Kennedy’s look.

Courtesy of Dimitri Giannetos

“Usually, we see Kim in icy blonde tones, but this time I wanted to create something different with more warmth and depth,” says Giannetos. “This shade is the ultimate ’90s blonde! It’s edgy while still sweet.”

The color is the standout. Where platinum can feel high-drama and high-maintenance, this creamy blonde reads effortless and expensive. It has the understated polish Bessette-Kennedy made famous in the ’90s—sleek, refined and never overworked. Paired with a smooth, precision style, the hue taps directly into the ongoing revival of quiet-luxury beauty.

But before you call your colorist, there’s a catch: it’s a wig. The transformation is tied to a new project Kim is currently filming, allowing her to fully embody the Carolyn-coded aesthetic without committing to bleach.

“You’ll be seeing it very soon on your screens!” Giannetos teases. “But we did use a custom wig to create this. With someone who has so many projects happening at one time, this is the healthiest way to bring a bold hair transformation to life while also maintaining consistency as she films. This way we don’t have to worry about consistently re-dying her hair and protecting the hair’s health.”

Dispatch From Milano Cortina: How a SELF Editor Spent 7 Days at the Winter Olympics

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6 p.m.: For a lot of people, the best part of this Tuesday would have probably been interviewing Shaq, which was undeniably cool. But for a queer girl from Oakland, California, it was watching Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu take the ice. Watching Liu, Oakland’s alt treasure, was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. There is such intensity and passion in her whimsical and artful movements. Power and grace in every step sequence and triple-lutz, triple-loop combination. My queer icon, Amber Glenn, takes her position in front of the judges as Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” fills the arena. She cries at the end of her performance and my heart feels heavy for her. She finishes 12th, and Liu, third.

Wednesday, February 18

10 a.m.: I’m sipping a cappuccino at So Natural, a vegan breakfast joint in Magenta-San Vittore, sitting across from a friend I made at a speed skating event. We’re seated outside and the sun warms my face as I take a bite of a pistachio pastry, which to my surprise doesn’t even taste vegan. I check my email. “Media Availability: Ilia Malinin (figure skating),” reads the subject line. I’ve never opened an email so fast. “SELF – 5:24-5:29.” I can work with five minutes.

5 p.m.: This is the first interview I am actually nervous about.

5:45 p.m.: Ilia Malinin walks into the room, and everyone’s heads turn. I watch as he sits for his five minutes with CNN, CBS, ABC, and People. I take a sip of water and take off my jacket—I’m sweating at this point. “Hi Ilia, I’m Katie from SELF. If you want to take a seat here and make yourself comfy,” I gesture to the green couch my tripod is pointing towards. He centers himself and scoots all the way back. I tell him I like his outfit—he’s wearing Nike puffer pants. “Feel free to sit forward, you don’t have to lean all the way back if that’s not comfortable,” I say. “No, I really like being comfortable, this is nice,” he says and smiles at me. He’s almost one with the green velvet, holding the mic with two hands, legs spread, and his feet barely touching the ground. After I ask him my list of questions I hold an array of friendship bracelets before him, asking if he would like to take one. “Cool, yeah!” He picks the red, white, and blue beaded one.

Revlon Expands Production in Spain with New Logistics Hub and Elizabeth Arden Line

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THE WHAT? Revlon is strengthening its Spanish manufacturing footprint with the launch of a new automated logistics hub in Tarragona and the introduction of a dedicated Elizabeth Arden capsule production line.

THE DETAILS The US beauty group has invested more than US$20 million to expand its Tarragona facility near Barcelona, building a 5,600-square-meter warehouse equipped with an automated silo capable of storing 23,000 pallets and preparing B2B orders. The hub, currently in its test phase, will distribute products across Europe and selected Asian markets.

In parallel, Revlon has installed a new production line for Elizabeth Arden’s biodegradable soft capsules, integrating pharmaceutical-grade precision encapsulation technology. The Tarragona plant, which spans 41,000 square meters, will produce up to 400 million capsules annually.

The site employs around 470 people, with 100 additional roles being added, and produces approximately 100 million units per year, 75% of which are destined for the European market. Tarragona is Revlon’s second-largest global plant by volume and technology, complementing facilities in the US, South Africa, Mexico and Italy.

THE WHY? The expansion supports Revlon’s strategy of regionalised production to mitigate tariff exposure and currency fluctuations, while reinforcing its European supply chain and boosting capacity in high-value skincare segments.

Source: Fashions

REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo Review

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*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

Priced at

*REESON is my own brand

REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo Review & Swatches

The REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo is one of my favourite versatile glow products, and it’s just got even better! The original shade, Universalhas been renamed Golden Nudeand there’s a brand-new addition to the line: Champagne Nude. Both shades are designed to give a natural, lit-from-within radiance, whether you prefer a subtle everyday glow or a buildable highlight.

Golden Nude (formerly Universal) remains a warm, universally flattering shade that works beautifully across most skin tones. Its finely milled powder and creamy balm layer blend seamlessly for a radiant, soft-focus finish that doesn’t emphasise fine lines or texture.

The new Champagne Nude is slightly softer and more neutral, making it perfect for those who prefer a lighter, understated glow. Like Golden Nude, it combines a smooth, silky powder with a creamy, dewy balm, creating a glow that can be worn alone or layered over powder for extra luminosity.

What is REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo?

REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo
REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo

This Highlighter Duo contains both a balm highlighter and a powder highlighter that can be used in a range of different ways to achieve your own custom glow:

  • Features a balm and a powder
  • Buildable formula for a custom glow
  • Both formulas contain skincare ingredients
  • Works to hydrate and smooth the skin
  • Smoothing texture that won’t emphasise pores or lines
  • Include oil absorbers to prevent the skin getting too shiny
  • Universal shades that works on a wide range of skin tones
REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo
REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo

Key Ingredients

SQUALANE – boosts hydration and prevents moisture loss

JOJOBA SEED OIL – provides antioxidant protection, and helps increase moisture levels

HYALURONIC FILLING SPHERES – for plumping and smoothing with long lasting hydration

SHEA BUTTER – rich in fatty acids to boost moisture levels, strengthen the skin barrier, and soothe inflammation

APRICOT KERNEL OIL – rich in nourishing fatty acids and antioxidants

SPHERICAL PARTICLES – to scatter the light and give a soft focus effect

MAGNESIUM STEARATE – oil absorbing agent to help balance skin and prevent skin becoming too shiny

NEW: Champagne Nude Shade

REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo - Champagne Nude
REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo – Champagne Nude

Exciting update to the REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo! The original Universal shade has been renamed Golden Nude, and the line now also includes a brand-new shade: Champagne Nude.

Champagne Nude is a soft, neutral highlighter duo designed to deliver a natural, lit-from-within glow. The finely milled powder provides a smooth, soft-focus finish, while the creamy balm melts into the skin for a dewy, diffused radiance that works beautifully across light to medium skin tones. Layer over powder or use alone for a subtle everyday shimmer that doesn’t emphasise texture or fine lines.

Here’s a quick demo so you can see Champagne Nude in action:

I’ve embedded a quick YouTube Short below so you can see it in motion.

Compared to Golden Nude (formerly Universal), Champagne Nude is slightly softer and more neutral, making it ideal for a subtle, buildable glow. Whether you love a gentle everyday highlight or want something versatile for layering, Champagne Nude is a beautiful new addition to the duo.

REESON Highlighter Duo – Golden Nude vs Champagne Nude

REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo Swatches - Golden Nude vs Champagne Nude
REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo Swatches – Golden Nude vs Champagne Nude

REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo Swatches

REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo Golden Nude
REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo Golden Nude

The powder in the REESON Highlighter Duo feels like a liquid. It isn’t shimmery or sparkly, but more like a molten soft gold. The Balm is a beautiful moisturising formula that has a glow without a trace of shimmer.

REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo Golden Nude Swatches - Balm (left) Powder (right)
REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo Golden Nude Swatches – Balm (left) Powder (right)

Powder with Balm layered on top:

REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo Golden Nude Swatches - Powder first with Balm on top
REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo Golden Nude Swatches – Powder first with Balm on top

Balm with Powder layered on top:

REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo Golden Nude Swatches -Balm first with Powder on top
REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo Golden Nude Swatches -Balm first with Powder on top

Check out more images of it on the skin here at REESON Beauty.

How to use the REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo

REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo
REESON Beauty Highlighter Duo

This highlighter is so easy to use. You can use either the balm or the powder alone, or layer them for a custom finish.

I like to use the Powder first, and then apply the Balm on top to melt in the powder highlighter and give the skin a really diffused glow.

For a more amped up gleam, you can use the balm first and then set it with the powder highlighter. This is a higher shine finish but still super flattering and skin smoothing.

Finally, if you like, you can mix the balm and powder together and apply at once. Have a play.

Make sure you also check out the REESON Bronzing Balm.

Where to buy it

Currently, the Bronzing Balm is available exclusively online at REESON Beauty. It is £38.

Black Women Who Revolutionized the Beauty Industry: 5 Icons Who Changed History

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Black women who revolutionized the beauty industry have been the heartbeat of innovation for over a century, transforming the way we think about self care, entrepreneurship, and representation. While the world of cosmetics often feels like it belongs to modern influencers and massive corporations, the truth is that the foundations were laid by courageous women who built empires from their kitchens and changed the cultural landscape forever.

From creating the first haircare formulas for textured strands to demanding 40 shades of foundation as a global standard, these women didn’t just participate in beauty; they reinvented it. Let’s take a deep dive into the stories of the icons who paved the way.

Photo Credit: missouri encyclopedia

Long before “self made” was a trending hashtag, Annie Turnbo Malone was making history. Born in 1869, she was a chemistry wiz who realized that the harsh chemicals women were using on their hair were doing more harm than good. She developed the “Wonderful Hair Grower” and founded Poro College, a massive training facility in St. Louis that taught Black women not just cosmetology, but business etiquette and financial independence.

Madam Walker Model T WM MWFA Aleliabundlescom For AAIHS 5 15 2019
Photo Credit: Madam Walker Family Archives

One of her top agents happened to be a woman named Sarah Breedlove, better known to the world as Madam C.J. Walker. After working for Malone, Walker branched out to create her own legendary line. She became the first recognized self made female millionaire in America. What made her truly revolutionary wasn’t just her bank account; it was her “Walker System” of door to door sales that employed thousands of women, giving them a way out of domestic labor and into professional careers.

Black Women Who Revolutionized the Beauty Industry: 5 Icons Who Changed History
Photo Credit: George Morris

In the 1940s, if you wanted the ultimate luxury experience, you went to Harlem to see Rose Morgan. She opened the Rose Meta House of Beauty, which eventually became the largest African American beauty parlor in the world.

Rose was a visionary who famously said there was “no such thing as bad hair.” At a time when society was pushing Eurocentric standards, she celebrated the natural beauty of her clients. Her salon wasn’t just a place for a haircut; it was a five story palace featuring massage, skincare, a dressmaking department, and even a charm school. She taught the world that Black beauty was synonymous with high fashion and luxury.

The Modern Disruptors: Pat McGrath and Rihanna

Fast forward to the modern era, and the legacy of Black women who revolutionized the beauty industry continues with names that dominate every runway and department store.

Patmcgrath X Lv 600x600 1
Photo Credit: IG @patmcgrathreal

Pat McGrath: Often called the “Mother of Makeup,” McGrath is arguably the most influential makeup artist of our time. Before she launched Pat McGrath Labs, she was the secret weapon for every major fashion house from Dior to Prada. She brought a level of artistry and experimental texture to the industry that simply didn’t exist before.

Rihanna Ledejpg
Photo Credit: Getty Images

Rihanna: We can’t talk about revolution without the “Fenty Effect.” When Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in 2017 with 40 shades of foundation, she essentially told the rest of the industry that “beige” was no longer the default. She proved that inclusivity wasn’t just a nice idea—it was a billion dollar business strategy.

Random recs: Lucian Freud’s drawings, Peter York talks, smells like Studio Nicholson, Blank Street for Fashion Week and more

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