Beauty Articles

On Building Better Beauty: A Conversation with Andrea Rudolph text Natalia Muntean Rudolph Care has always moved at its own pace. Since the beginning, the vision has been clear and uncompromising, even as the beauty industry around it has accelerated at lightning speed. “Our vision remains the same,” Andrea Rudolph says. “To demonstrate that it’s possible to create something truly effective and sensorial, while also taking care of your health, nature and the future. But it is a very long and difficult journey.” Founded in 2009, Rudolph Care was built on the conviction that luxurious skincare does not have to come at the expense of responsibility. The Danish journalist set out to prove that quality, safety and respect for life could coexist with high performance and pleasure. That conviction still guides the brand today. “Rudolph Care has never been about rushing or launching countless new products,” she explains. “From the very beginning, we chose to do things properly.” Looking out at the wider landscape, Andrea Rudolph notes how quickly the beauty industry continues to expand, with an ever-growing flow of new products and trends. Against that backdrop, Rudolph Care has remained committed to its original principles, focusing on depth rather than speed, and on long-term responsibility rather than rapid growth. That long-term thinking has shaped every aspect of the brand – from its deliberately slow international expansion to its lasting relationship with the Amazon. The discovery of the açai berry came during a trip to Brazil while Rudolph was pregnant with her first daughter, a moment she remembers as almost serendipitous. “Everything was just falling into place,” she recalls. The ingredient’s powerful properties, combined with visual inspiration drawn from the violet and matte colours of a nocturnal moth, formed the foundation for what would grow into one of the most recognisable Danish brands. “That just became kind of meaningful.” Nearly two decades later, açai remains central, not only as an ingredient, but as a philosophy. Rudolph Care continues to collaborate with around 200 local families in the Amazon, supporting education and protecting the wild forest land. “The more we sell, the more we protect,” Rudolph says. “Harvesting the berries is a way to give peace to this place and not cut down the trees.” Today, nearly 20 years after Andrea Rudolph had the idea for Rudolph Care, she remains both pragmatic and hopeful. “I really hope there will be more brands like ours so we can lift together,” she says. “We need an international voice when it comes to responsibility.” And despite the frustrations, giving up has never been an option. “I cannot stop,” she admits. Natalia Muntean: You launched Rudolph Care in 2009. How has your vision of the brand evolved since then?Andrea Rudolph: Actually, the vision hasn’t changed much. Rudolph Care’s vision has never been about rushing or launching countless new products, we chose to do things properly from the very beginning. There is a constant stream of new products and trends entering the market, especially targeting children and young people. Products filled with plastic, chemicals and lacking proper certification. Our vision remains the same. To demonstrate that it’s possible to create something truly effective and sensorial, while also taking care of your health, nature and the future. It is a long and challenging journey, and it has never been about quick money. NM: Tell me a little bit about the focus or the star of your brand, the açai berry.AR: It was a long time ago. I was pregnant with my daughter, and we were in Brazil. Around that time, Greenpeace had asked me to join a campaign where they tested people’s blood, and I thought I would do very well because I felt healthy and grew up with organic food. I was shocked because it turned out that I was the one with the most chemicals in my blood, and far more of the harmful ones. I realised then that so much of it comes from beauty products, and I started looking for the right ingredients because I wanted something that truly works, but at the same time, I wanted it to be safe. We were sitting on the beach in Brazil, eating açai ice cream – a frozen blend of the açai berry that is really tasty. As we talked about the berry, someone said, “Oh yeah, this fruit is so amazing. It has these benefits and so many antioxidants.” I began exploring the berry more deeply, discovering the documented effects of its unique properties on the skin, results that can be seen and felt. And then, everything was just falling into place. We had another magical moment where we saw a beautiful moth, like a butterfly that is awake at night, and its colours became an inspiration for how the product packaging was going to look; the violet, rose and grey – and the matte finish. NM: That just became kind of meaningful.AR: Exactly. And the açai is really powerful. What we have now is a collaboration for almost 20 years with 200 local families in the Amazon. It’s a community out in the Amazon wild; it’s not harvested from a plantation. Harvesting the açai berries every year is a way to bring peace to this place and not cut down the trees and the forest. The more we sell, the more we protect. We protect quite a big area. We produce the açai oil close to its source and then bring it to Denmark. All our products are made in Denmark, and all packaging is sourced from Europe. We work closely and do a lot of things with this community. We support the local school for the kids, we made a new roof, bought new furniture and books. We really want the girls and all the kids to go to school. NM: You mentioned expanding into several markets. Were there some markets more difficult to convince about your vision?AR: I think for me, it’s been important that we grow in a slow, natural way

Hermès Introduces Plein Air Luminous Matte Foundation Hermès Beauty has unveiled Plein Air Luminous Matte Skincare Foundation, a new complexion launch designed to blur the line between make-up and skincare. Described as a “second-skin” foundation, it delivers a luminous matte finish while smoothing the appearance of pores, fine lines, and signs of fatigue. In user testing, 91% reported that the colour remained true after application, while the formula offers up to 16 hours of wear with resistance to heat, humidity, and perspiration. Built with a skincare-first approach, the formula contains 71% ingredients of natural origin and an 82% skincare base. Key ingredients include niacinamide to improve overall skin quality, pure hyaluronic acid for hydration, and white mulberry extract to help protect against oxidative stress. Hermès reports up to 24 hours of hydration, alongside high satisfaction rates for skin that appears smoother, firmer, and more elastic with continued use. Developed under the creative direction of Gregoris Pyrpylis, Plein Air is available in 34 shades across five intensity families and three undertones, aiming to suit a wide spectrum of skin tones. The foundation is housed in a graphic glass bottle designed by Pierre Hardy, reflecting the house’s enduring focus on objects that balance function and aesthetics. The launch is complemented by a perfecting primer and dedicated tools, forming a complete Hermès complexion ritual. Image Courtesy of Hermès

Linn Weilar’s Curated Christmas Gift Edit images courtesy of Biodance Linn Weilar is the founder of Nordic Cosmetics & Healthcare and a key figure behind the rise of Asian beauty in the Nordic market. Raised in Jönköping and with more than a decade of experience in the media industry, including TV4, she is now leading her fourth company with a clear focus on quality, longevity and wellbeing. This is her christmas gift guide.       Biodance Collagen Gel Toner PadsFormulated with ultra-low molecular collagen, hyaluronic acid and fermented galactomyces extract, these pads boost hydration, support skin elasticity and deliver a smooth, glass-like finish. Ideal for improving texture and minimising the appearance of pores. Biodance Vita Niacinamide Gel Toner PadsFocused on radiance and tone correction, this version combines niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich botanical extracts. Perfect for addressing pigmentation, dullness and uneven skin tone while maintaining optimal hydration. Biodance Cera-nol Gel Toner PadsDesigned for sensitive or compromised skin, these pads feature ceramides, panthenol and hyaluronic acid to strengthen the skin barrier, calm irritation and provide long-lasting moisture – particularly beneficial during colder months. Biodance Sea Kelp Gel Toner PadsWell-suited to oily or combination skin, this lightweight formula uses sea kelp and marine minerals to balance sebum production and keep pores clear, without weighing the skin down. Biodance Vita-C CreamA brightening vitamin-rich cream that helps even skin tone and revive dull winter skin. Powered by stable vitamin C and glow-enhancing actives, it restores radiance when the complexion needs it most. Beauty of Joseon – Dynasty CreamA deeply nourishing classic that strengthens the skin barrier and delivers intense hydration. With ginseng, rice extract and squalane, it leaves the skin plump, smooth and luminous throughout the winter season. images courtesy of Beauty of Joseon

Selahatin x Rick Owens: The Anatomy of a Ritual Written by Natalia Muntean In the space where private ritual meets public identity, Selahatin and Rick Owens have created an alliance of essence. This collaboration, born from a bold Instagram ad, evolved into an 18-month journey to distil discipline into flavour, and ceremony into form. The result is more than a product line; it’s a sensory bridge between two worlds that speak the same refined language. Every object was designed to transform the daily routine into an intentional act. Guided by the principle of “monochrome” complexity, the team developed a signature aroma that holds opposites in quiet tension – black pepper against vanilla, sharp citrus against cool rosemary. Selahatin founder Kristoffer Vural discusses this intriguing collaboration. Natalia Muntean: The intention was to develop a “monochrome” yet complex signature aroma for the collaboration with Rick Owens, “unorthodox” even. Can you walk us through the creative process of blending the elements to create a scent that harmonises both Selahatin’s and Rick Owens’ visionary worlds?Kristoffer Vural: We began with one idea: a monochrome flavour. Both worlds already speak that language – disciplined, refined, and a little severe. The process was intuitive. We kept shaping it until it felt like Rick – sharp lines, quiet tension, opposites balanced just enough to hold. It tastes like his universe, but it’s still unmistakably Selahatin. It’s a new way to experience his world – through flavour. NM: Ritual is described as the core bridge of this collaboration. How did this shared philosophy shape the design and function of each product, moving from concept into physical form?KV: We didn’t start with a strategy – we started with the ritual itself. What do you touch? What do you taste? What do you want to have in your mouth? The decisions became intuitive: materials, shape, flavour – everything needed to feel sharp, disciplined, and worth returning to. NM: How long did the development process take from the initial concept to the final products, and what was the most challenging aspect to perfect?KV: The development took about 18 months – shaping something simple well is always hard. The horn toothbrush demanded incredible precision, and getting the flavour right was its own challenge. There’s a tension between strength and nuance: the fresher it gets, the less of a journey you allow. We kept refining until those opposites held each other in place, and before we were done, we had made over 150 iterations.  NM: How did you ensure the collaboration felt like an authentic extension of both brands, rather than a simple co-branding exercise?KV: Authenticity comes from alignment, not logos. Rick and Selahatin already share a discipline in how we approach the everyday – refined, minimal, and built with care. That’s why it feels natural. We didn’t force a connection; we revealed it. NM: For both you and Rick Owens, personal journeys of recovery and essence are mentioned. How did those deeply personal narratives become the foundation for a collaborative project meant for a wider audience?KV: Personal stories shape the work, but we don’t need to explain them. What matters is that the result feels true – and people can sense that when they use it. NM: This collection elevates daily routines into devoted ceremonies. Do you see this collaboration as a statement on the evolving role of luxury and mindfulness in everyday life?KV: Yes. Luxury is shifting toward the things we touch every day. If a small ritual can bring clarity in a noisy world, that feels like a step forward. NM: Where do you see the future of such ritual-focused products heading?KV: Toward simplicity. Toward things that feel honest and close to us. The future of ritual is making the everyday worth paying attention to.

A Londoner’s Guide to Party Season Beauty Prep text Maya Avram   A magical time in the city, the festive season brings a flurry of refined dinners, glamorous parties and exclusive events to usher in the holidays — and soon, the new year. Here, I share the beauty routine that keeps me looking my best, whether I’m dining under candlelight or posing for flashing cameras. Best Treatment for Radiance Elenique Skin Clinic Hydrafacial, from £200 Full disclosure, I am very late to board the Hydrafacial train. As someone with sensitive, acne-prone skin, I see facials more as clinical upkeep than pampering, typically opting for the short-term pain, long-term gain of mesotherapy and the like over the enveloping calm of a facial massage.   Well, consider me a convert, because the post-treatment glow-up I experienced at the expert hands of Elena Cudworth, founder of Elenique Skin Clinic, was undeniable. Combining methodologies such as lymphatic massage and LED therapy, this treatment cleanses, purifies and hydrates the skin on a deep level, effortlessly sidestepping any irritation. Add-ons like the Vortex-Fusion serum, which Cudworth recommended for its balancing effect, offer antioxidative protection in addition to infusing the skin with moisturising peptides and hyaluronic acid. By the end, my complexion was visibly sculpted and delightfully luminous, leaving me feeling positively lighter. With no downtime, consider it your go-to pick-me-up for a season of fabulous parties and elegant soirées. Best Treatment for Balance and Brightness Thomas Clinic, DNA Essential Skin Grade 1 Laser Treatment, from £160 If you have been in London long enough, you’ll know Debbie Thomas is the undisputed queen of lasers. Her eponymous clinic is renowned for its staggered approach, delivering holistic therapies tailored to your skin type and aspirations. The DNA Essential Skin Grade 1 treatment is ideal for the party season as it focuses on renewal, delivering instant nourishment and radiance. This is achieved through a medley of mild peels, extractions and microdermabrasion, followed by Byonik pulse-triggered cold laser, red and blue LED light therapy, lymphatic drainage, radiofrequency and ultrasound infusion, plus a suite of targeted serums and masks, which will leave you feeling like a new and improved version of yourself, rendering it the ultimate last-minute party season indulgence. Best Treatment for Overall Renewal Strip, Skin Rejuvenation, from £90 This collagen-boosting treatment is another great ‘sit through it and you’re done’ option that delivers instant results with zero downtime. The non-ablative laser gently heats the skin to around 40°, stimulating collagen production within the deeper dermal layers and building results cumulatively over time. Sensorially speaking, the heat is entirely manageable, and while you may experience some redness under the warm light, as someone with highly reactive skin, I can assure you that by the time you leave, your complexion will be nothing less than plump, harmonised and rejuvenated. Case in point: I went on a full night out straight after my session, minimal touch-up required (although it might be different for those of you who go out with base make-up, which you’ll have to remove ahead of your appointment). The key benefit, however, lies in the fact that this treatment is compatible with other therapies, allowing you to mix and match it with any treatment on this list to amplify its already impressive effect. Best Treatment for Scalp Health Taylor Taylor London, Hair and Scalp Analysis, £20 Finally, I can’t talk about party prep without mentioning haircare. Always on the lookout for new ways to help my luscious locks contend with London’s nefarious hard water, I was excited to have this scalp analysis done. Using a small trichoscope, your stylist examines the different areas of your scalp, which are then analysed by the salon’s proprietary AI software — created in partnership with expert trichologist Tiffany Hall — to offer tailored haircare recommendations based on the unique findings. From hair count and density to excess sebum production and inflammation, the software diagnoses concerns and recommends personalised treatment plans. One of its suggestions to me, for example, was to introduce a weekly scrub to my routine to help clear out product build-up and manage sebum production. The best part? Your stylist will kickstart your scalp health journey right there in the chair, before sending you out with the most voluminous blowout.

The Essential Winter Kit: Eight Products Your Beauty Routine Needs This Season text Yasmine Mubarak Winter brings snowfalls and cozy evenings, but it also brings dry skin and hair. To help you stay glowing and hydrated all season long, we’ve rounded up eight winter products that combine high performance with everyday practicality. Below, discover the heroes your routine shouldn’t be without. Klairs Maple Energy Infusing Serum Designed for dry, dull skin, this luxurious serum repairs your skin with its Maple Syrup Revitalizer™ complex. The formula combines Maple Syrup that strengthens the skin barrier and provides antioxidant protection. In addition, 3 Peptide Complexes that boost collagen. With clinically tested improvements this serum leaves the skin firmer, smoother, and visibly more luminous. Find it here  Rapunzel of Sweden – Single Invisible Clip-ins  For instant volume or added length, Single Invisible Clip-ins from Rapunzel of Sweden are a winter styling secret worth embracing. Whether you’re designing a party hairstyle or refreshing your everyday look, these genuine hair extensions blend seamlessly. The clips are added in for secure, comfortable wear, and the invisible design allows placement even near the face without detection. Style them alongside your natural hair for a flawless, natural finish. They can be worn alone or combined with the Invisible Clip-ins Light Volume or Medium Volume for a customized result. Find it here   Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF 20  Cold weather often leads to redness, and uneven tone, which is why Lumene’s CC Color Correcting Cream is a must-have for achieving a fresh, glowing skin during winter. This lightweight, medium-coverage formula instantly neutralizes redness, creating a natural finish. Powered by Nordic lingonberry and Arctic spring water for essential hydration, the CC Cream also protects the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays with SPF 20. Suitable for all skin types, it’s a multitasking winter must-have. Another winter essential from the finish brand, since it’s December, is Lumene’s Christmas Advent Calender. I am on day 8 and it has brought me much joy with a great selection of the brands must-haves. A lovely introduction to the brand for those interested in great skincare and makeup.   Find it here Ida Warg Repair & Shine Hair Oil  The winter months are notoriously unforgiving on hair, leaving it frizzy, brittle, and in desperate need of nourishment. Ida Warg’s Repair & Shine Hair Oil is a great addition. Formulated with Squalane and Avocado Oil, this weightless oil strengthens hair, and adds a silky, natural shine without weighing the hair down. It also has an amazing sweet scent that cheers you up. Suitable for all hair types, it’s a simple step that instantly elevates your winter hair routine. Find it here  Eucerin Urea Repair Plus 10% Lotion Winter skin requires moisture, and Eucerin delivers exactly that. Urea Repair Plus 10% Urea Lotion is for very dry skin, and intensely softens the skin. This is my second winter season using it, and it’s a must have. Infused with urea and other natural moisturizing factors, it soothes tightness, and helps prevent future dryness. The formula is fragrance-free and ideal for skin that needs extra attention during the cold months. If you rather have very sensitive skin AtoControl Calming Balm is designed for irritated, dry, and sensitive skin, to calm itchiness and strengthen the skin barrier. Making it suitable for babies, children, and adults alike.  The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum Winter dryness often hits the lips first. This gentle yet effective lip treatment from The Ordinary uses 5% gluconolactone (PHA) and 1.5% AHAs to smooth rough texture. Thanks to its larger molecular size, PHA works on the skin’s surface, making it ideal for sensitive lips. With glycerin for moisture it promotes renewal. Use it alone or layer under the brand’s Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm overnight for intense smooth lips.  Lush Massage Oil Bars Treat yourself with one of Lush’s melting bars, each naturally rich in vitamin E to boost skin elasticity, softness and hydration. The massage oil bars are made using fresh, natural ingredients including cocoa butter, shea butter and the finest essential oils. Each is tailored to a specific need from soothing post-workout muscles, to pregnancy massage or even just to smooth your dry skin for some everyday luxury. Warm between your hands and sweep over the skin to boost circulation, aid relaxation and deeply hydrate. Perfect for your entire body or where you need that extra boost of smoothness.  Find them here Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream   The ultra hydrating facial cream is enriched with 4.5% Squalane with a lightweight texture with a large boost of hydration to leave skin softer. It’s clinically demonstrated to hydrate 15 layers deep for softer, smoother, and healthier looking skin. Paraben-free & fragrance free. Not to mention, it has been recived the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance ™  Winter doesn’t have to compromise your beauty routine. With the right products — from a shine-boosting hair oil to deeply hydrating skincare. These essentials not only protect against winter’s harsh conditions but also elevate your daily self-care ritual