Beauty Articles

IDUN Minerals Launches Ready Set Refresh & Ready Set Fix Travel Size Duo text Elva Ahlbin     images courtesy of IDUN I’ve been using these two setting sprays from IDUN almost daily, so the fact that they now come in travel size genuinely feels like a small life upgrade. Having them in my handbag makes it easy to refresh my makeup throughout the day — especially when I’m moving between work, shoots, and late meetings. The new IDUN Minerals Setting Spray Travel Size Duo pairs Ready Set Refresh and Ready Set Fix in 50 ml bottles, making them ideal for on-the-go use. It’s a simple concept, but one that makes sense for anyone who wants a comfortable makeup routine that can adapt to real life. Ready Set Refresh Finish: GlowyKey Functions: Preps, hydrates, sets Ready Set Refresh is an ultra-lightweight, all-in-one mist designed to both prep the skin and set makeup while adding hydration. The formula includes glycerin, which helps bind moisture to the skin, and niacinamide (3%), known for supporting the skin barrier and improving texture and tone over time. I often use this spray at several points during my makeup routine — before foundation for extra slip, between layers to help everything meld together, and at the end to remove any powdery finish. The result is skin that looks hydrated and alive, not heavy or made-up. Ready Set Fix Finish: NaturalKey Function: Long-wear fix & hold Ready Set Fix is the final step. It’s designed to keep makeup in place through long days (and nights) without feeling sticky or tight. The formula is featherlight and settles softly on the skin. The finish is natural — not matte, not overly dewy — just that balanced, lived-in look that still feels polished. On days when I know I won’t have time for touch-ups, this is the spray I rely on. Why the Travel Duo Makes Sense This duo works because the sprays complement each other: one to hydrate and refresh, one to lock everything in place. The travel size doesn’t feel like a mini — it’s 50 ml per bottle — so they last, while still being easy to carry. Size: 50 ml x 2Price: 329 SEKAvailable at: Åhléns, Apohem, Lyko, Apotek Hjärtat and additional retailers. A thoughtful, practical launch — and one I’m happy to have with me every day.

Interview: Celebrating 50 years – The French Skincare La Roche Posay text Yasmine Mubarak images courtesy of La Roche Posay The French pharmacy brand La Roche Posay are celebrating 50 years of skincare. To celebrate the achivment and to get a more of an insight in what they think of today’s beauty industry, we got an in-dept. talk with the very knowledgeable Camilla Jensen, Nordic Training Manager. To get advice on how our skin changes throughout the years, what we need and trix on how to make the most our skin! Let’s talk more about skincare! What is your favourite part about La Roche Posay? That we have products that truly help patients with skin concerns so they can enjoy a better quality of life. Our philosophy, “A better life for sensitive skin”, is something very close to my heart as a pharmacist. With simple tips and productrecommendations, we can help people feel better. How would you describe after working with the brand for over 11 years? Have you seen a development of the brand the last couple of years? There’s constant development – both in product innovation with new ingredients and technologies, and in clinical studies where our products complement medicaltreatments to improve adherence and reduce side effects. For example, we haveproducts that can help reduce side effects during cancer treatment. These arelabelled “Also suitable for patients undergoing cancer treatment”. La Roche-Posay is also a pioneer in research on the skin microbiome, where studies have shown a link between imbalances in the skin’s natural flora and conditions such as acne, atopic eczema, rosacea, and damaged skin. That’s why we use probiotic fractions in several product lines to strengthen the microbiome. How do you think the brand has navigated the current popular boost ofskincare brands? La Roche-Posay is a well-established brand that always goes back to its philosophy and core values – focusing on tolerance, using only the necessary ingredients in the right doses for effectiveness, and above all, improving patients’ and customers’ quality of life, since skin issues often affect everything from sleep to mental health. Do you believe the brand has done any changes becoming more popular? We collaborate with medfluencers and brand ambassadors, but what truly makes La Roche-Posay unique in the dermo cosmetics category is that our products are so actively recommended by dermatologists and healthcare professionals. That adds a different kind of trust and value for consumers. Being in the beginning of our 30s, what skincare focus should we think about? SUNSCREEN!! If you want to protect and prevent signs of aging, sun protection is a must. About 80% of visible aging comes from lifestyle factors, and UV light is a huge part of this since it breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin. Of course, you also need a good cleanser and a moisturizer suited to your skin. Many serums can boost hydration, reduce signs of aging, and give more radiance. What is important to think about changing our skincare routine from the “easy 20s” to the more “direct” 30s? What products? What focus? What ingredients? If you don’t have specific skin concerns, your 30s can be a good time to start (if you want) with anti-aging, focusing on dermactive ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol. La Roche-Posay offers several serums and creams specifically designed to target aging, including HyaluB5, Vitamin C10, and Retinol B3. Another common issue is pigmentation or dark spots – often caused by sun exposure, but also age and, in women, sometimes hormone treatments. Our MelaB3 serum with the patented ingredient Melasyl both prevents and reduces pigmentation. And of course: a good cleansing routine and always sunscreen. What ingredients are important for different age groups?Hyaluronic acid is popular across all ages because it’s truly a super-ingredient.Depending on the molecule size, it can plump the skin, reduce wrinkles and finelines, and provide long-lasting hydration. Around 25, many start looking into anti-aging ingredients like retinol and peptides. Consumers 50+ often focus less on ingredients and more on visible results. We also see a growing trend among very young people wanting to use actives, which isn’t recommended since some ingredients can harm children’s sensitive skin. Do you believe more people are finding the pharmacy’s brand? As we go back to basic? Dermocosmetics is a constantly growing category and has gained huge attention on social media in recent years. La Roche-Posay has had several products that really stood out, like Effaclar Duo+M for oily, blemish-prone, acne-prone skin, and Cicaplast Baume B5+, a protective balm that strengthens the skin barrier. Being a pharmacist, what do you believe is important to focus on when finding a new skincare routine, or when we are looking for new beauty products?The most important thing is that customers know what they want to achieve with their skincare. Do they want to reduce redness? Do they have acne-prone skin? Dryness? Signs of aging? It’s less about focusing on ingredients and more about the results of the routine. La Roche-Posay has products that suit all different skin types, concerns, and consumer needs. What are your own favourite products you believe a newbie of the brandshould try?I have many favorites, but I use Cicaplast Baume B5+ for almost everything – fromdry cuticles and small wounds to sunburns and even as a face mask. Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+ is something I apply every day as the last step in my skincare routine. I’m also completely in love with our newest launch, HyaluB5 Suractivated Serum, which hydrates the skin and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The brand is celebrating 50 years this year, what are the main pillars the brand has been popular for so long? Trust from consumers, having products suitable for everyone, pioneering research on the microbiome, strong recommendations from dermatologists, and the fact that all products are formulated for sensitive skin, which is a concern many people experience. Do you know if the brand has a product that is still in the product line for themost amount

The Essentials for November text Yasmine Mubarak As the crisp November air settles in, our beauty routines naturally shift toward deeper nourishment and repair. This month is all about restoring radiance and resilience — from reviving damaged hair to replenishing moisture-starved skin and perfecting the finer details. Whether it’s Ida Warg’s strengthening Repair Shampoo, Lumene’s Pre-Retinol Facial Oil, or The Ordinary’s ultra-hydrating lip duo, these essentials will keep you glowing and confident no matter how chilly it gets. Repair Shampoo & Conditioner, Ida Warg Repair Shampoo is a repairing, rich and strengthening shampoo enriched with algae extract for dry and damaged hair. The shampoo repairs and rebuilds the hair while restoring thehair's natural strength and vitality. A floral, vibrant scent with Arabian jasmine, patchouli and freesia Nordic Bloom Berry Pre-Retinol Facial Oil, Lumene This kind Retinol is a vegan facial oil that deeply nourishes the skin, to give your skin glow even during the winter. The nourishing formula is kind to sensitive skin, and consists of natural moisturizing oils from Nordic berries and caring squalane that makes the skin softer and smoother and gives an inner glow. Use it as your last step in the skincare routine. Big Bad Brow, H&M  There are many brow gels out there, but one of the top picks on the market is the Big Bad Brow, sometimes it doesn’t need to be that hard to find a great product. A buildable eyebrow mascara that visibly adds color and volume to your brows and holds them in place for a natural and comfortable hold. Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm & PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum, The Ordinary The Ordinary creates the perfect lip duo this winter. A gentle chemical-based lip exfoliator with 5% Polyhydroxy Acid (Gluconolactone) to smooth and hydrate lips. Together with a multi-use moisturizing balm designed to hydrate the lips, elbows and cuticles. For smooth lips up here in the North of Scandinavia.  Rich Moist Soothing Serum, Klairs This serum hydrates right down to the cellular level, soothes the skin and provides an optimal moisture balance. Do you have problems with skin that is easily irritated and difficult to calm down? Do you feel like your skin never gets enough moisture? Then this serum is for you. If you give your skin enough moisture, it produces less oil, which means that, for example, makeup fits better. Works for all skin types and especially for sensitive skin. Glow and Plump Glass Skin Hydrogel Mask, Glowid The Glass Skin Hydrogel Mask is a buildable and smooth collagen-boosted hydrogel mask designed to deeply hydrate, improve elasticity, reduce pores, and strengthen the skin barrier. The mask is packed with Centella Asiatica, ceramides, niacinamide, propolis, and ginseng. Set The Day Makeup Setting Spray, Clinique Clinique’s Set The Day Makeup Setting Spray is a new Setting Spray. A weightless mist that don’t only lock makeup into place but gives hydration with aloe water.  Designed to keep your makeup transfer-resistant and waterproof, it holds up against sweat and humidity. If you want to get more beauty tips, check out Odalisque Magazine’s Opiate section, where editors share their favorite products https://odalisquemagazine.com/opiates/

BLEU DE CHANEL L’EXCLUSIF – IN CONVERSATION WITH OLIVIER POLGE CHANEL’S IN-HOUSE PERFUMER CREATOR  images courtesy of CHANEL If I say the word “blue”, what comes to mind? BLEU DE CHANEL is no ordinary blue. It’s not the refreshing blue of a cloudless sky. It’s more intense – the final shade of blue before blue turns to black. BLEU DE CHANEL is a blue that evokes depth and density. How did you create this brand new BLEU DE CHANEL? It was my father* who created the BLEU DE CHANEL line. With L’Exclusif, the idea was to add a new chapter to the fragrance’s story, to reinterpret the theme of BLEU DE CHANEL . To do so, we started with an existing formula; then, like turning a kaleidoscope, we shifted the key components to reveal new facets, intensifying certain notes until new harmonies emerged. L’Exclusif leaves a distinctive mark – textured with leathery notes. What are the olfactory characteristics of BLEU DE CHANEL L’EXCLUSIF? BLEU DE CHANEL L’EXCLUSIF is a “woody, ambery-aromatic” fragrance. Its notes, centred around lavender, are classically masculine. These are followed by the woody and leathery-amber accords. While cedar plays a key role, we built the fragrance’s intensity on a foundation of sandalwood and the leathery, resinous facets of cistus labdanum. Can you tell us about what distinguishes CHANEL sandalwood? The sandalwood we select stands out, first and foremost, for its botanical variety, Santalum austrocaledonicum, but also for its extraction method, which allows us to capture unique woody facets. It is therefore essential to work on the combinations of this sandalwood with other raw materials to give the fragrance its energy. The combinations can hinge on the subtlest details . Sandalwood is a particularly refined and dense wood that needs to be enhanced in order to reveal all its facets. With BLEU DE CHANEL L’EXCLUSIF, you said you wanted to go beyond perfume… For L’Exclusif, the goal was to “go beyond perfume”. We had to find the tone that would express our vision of a masculine extrait by repurposing the qualities of feminine extraits, such as preciousness and intensity, while adding masculinity and depth. To do that, I wanted to delve further into woody notes. By broadening the spectrum of the woody olfactory family, we naturally arrived at leathery notes, which I wanted to be especially amber-like and resinous. These notes in L’Exclusif offer a deep and mysterious expression of masculinity, revealing the complexity of this fragrance. Is the intensity of BLEU DE CHANEL L’EXCLUSIF meant to evoke power? We tend to believe that the first impression of a fragrance must always be decisive. For BLEU DE CHANEL L’EXCLUSIF, however, we also prioritised the trail. Its power comes from the base. That is the great challenge of my craft: to anticipate the points of diffusion of a fragrance, to give it strength without weighing it down; and this case, for its power to rise from the base, yet contribute to the fragrance’s airiness. Does the extraction process require a particular technique? For N°5, Gabrielle Chanel desired an artificial (in the noble sense of the word) perfume – something composed. With that in mind, our aesthetic approach goes beyond raw essences and what nature offers us. We implement bespoke extraction techniques, which allow us to refine the raw materials and obtain unique facets. This is what we did for this BLEU: the sandalwood is notably obtained through an extraction technique specific to the House. The BLEU DE CHANEL line transcends time. Can you tell us about its evolution? It seems that men today are opting for bolder fragrances, genuinely seeking scents that stand out through their trail and lasting power. This marks a shift from the masculine perfumes of a few years ago, which favoured freshness and “clean” notes. In a different era, discretion was a prized quality in men’s fragrances. Today, that characteristic is less sought after; the approach to fragrance has become more emotional, more engaging. That is why BLEU DE CHANEL L’EXCLUSIF found its place so easily: it is a new identity that completes the complex mosaic of BLEU DE CHANEL. How did you collaborate with Sylvie Legastelois on the design of the bottle? Sylvie and I have an ongoing exchange that feeds us both creatively, ensuring harmony between a fragrance and its bottle. I find the shape of this bottle to be spot on. Sylvie has perfectly captured the strength and intensity of this new fragrance, even in the shape of the bottle itself.

J-Beauty! text Sanna Riley images courtesy of Naturie     There’s a lot of talk about K- beauty these days, but let’s not forget about J-Beauty!One Japanese brand I keep coming back to is Naturie Hatomugi. It’s affordable, simple, and surprisingly effective.The Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Essence was the first product I tried from them, and I liked how hydrating it was for such a low price. Recently, Naturie launched the Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Milk, and I was excited to give it a try.The milk has a gentle, mild formulation. A little goes a long way, providing great hydration without breaking the bank. The milky texture absorbs quickly and feels light. After using it on my body, my skin feels very hydrated and soft. It does leave a slight tacky or sticky feel at first, but overall it’s a really nice, affordable product.Compared to more expensive brands, I think this Skin Conditioning Milk truly delivers on its promises—rehydrating the skin without clogging pores and absorbing quickly. A fuss free basic lotion. 230 ml – Ca-pris 169 kr

LH Cosmetics Bids Farewell to Their Iconic Advent Calendar — In Style text Elva Ahlbin LH Cosmetics is kicking off the holiday season with an advent calendar designed to bring out the joy and creativity that define the brand. It’s filled with exclusive launches, full-size icons, and some of the year’s most talked-about products — all packaged in a sleek, roomy pouch designed to live on well beyond December. After several years of releasing calendars, the brand has decided that 2025 will be their last one. “We’ve created calendars for years, always pushing to innovate and improve.  But we honestly feel it’s hard to top 2025’s edition — and we never want to release anything that isn’t 100%,” they say. The calendar includes 25 doors and 27 products, shaped by feedback from their community of beauty enthusiasts. Each day offers a small surprise — from bold color to easy everyday staples — aimed at making December a little more fun and inspiring. While the advent calendar tradition is wrapping up, LH Cosmetics continues to focus on what they do best: encouraging creativity, play, and self-expression through makeup.

MERIT BEAUTY Arrives In Sweden text Elva Ahlbin Minimal effort, maximum impact. This October, American brand MERIT Beauty makes its long-awaited debut in Sweden and Denmark through meritbeauty.com, marking its first step into the Nordic market. Known for its thoughtful, skin-friendly formulations, MERIT has built a loyal following since 2021 by creating routines that are nearly impossible to get wrong and by using carefully selected, well-thought-out ingredients that seamlessly fit into everyday life. Since its launch, MERIT has become a go-to name for those who appreciate a minimalist approach to beauty—one that emphasizes doing more with less and focusing on essentials. In the Swedish market, where simplicity and efficiency are highly valued, MERIT’s philosophy feels like a natural fit. As MERIT’s CMO Aila Morin notes, “Scandinavia has always been a source of inspiration for us. We’ve long had the Scandinavian woman in mind—practical, driven, yet playful. There’s a shared sense of functionality and aesthetic minimalism that aligns perfectly with our philosophy.” MERIT’s product lineup consists of 17 carefully crafted items, all vegan, cruelty-free, and designed with skin-friendly compositions. Highlights include The Minimalist Complexion Stick, Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, and the Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum, which all reflect MERIT’s commitment to thoughtfully chosen ingredients and a seamless user experience. In essence, MERIT isn’t just bringing its products to Sweden—it’s bringing a perspective on beauty that resonates with a Nordic way of life: simple, effective, and designed with care.

CHANEL beauty backstage photo courtesy of Chanel

The Essentials of September Written by Yasmine Mubarak New season, new beauty products. In a wish to explore simplicity, with exclusivity, we have gathered the products we love for the new season. Products that are tested, and approved, not to mention products we have bought again. Find your new favorite hair oil, or skincare products to give you that hydration and protective skin barrier with the products below. The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence Say hi to your autumn favorite, the hydrating, conditioning essence from The Ordinary. I am already on my second bottle. The new essence makes your skin ready for your skincare routine. It’s a hydrating essence that instantly nourishes and restores skin condition, giving softer-feeling skin. The lightweight skincare essence strengthens the skin barrier after one application and keeps skin hydrated and luminous all day. The essence contains a specific combination of four active technologies, which effectively boost skin hydration to increase penetration of skincare ingredients. It instant reliefs the dry and irritated skin, and hydrates it for a softer feeling. Maria Nila Cica Oil The latest product for Maria Nila is their Cica Oil,  an ultra-light yet deeply nourishing hair oil that softens, strengthens and adds shine – without feeling heavy. The formula is enriched with Tiger Grass (Cica) and soothing Peach Blossom. Together, they moisturize and protect sensitive hair for a lovely soft shine. With built-in heat protection (up to 230°C), it is the choice for daily styling. A new must-have for those with fine hair looking for effective hair care. Lush Matcha Face Mask As Matcha has taken over the western world the last couple of years. Lush has created a face mask supercharged with superfoods. This nutrient-rich skincare smoothie will keep your face in tip top condition, leaving it soft, smooth and glowing. Spirulina and matcha are rich sources of antioxidants: compounds that can have a protective effect on the skin against environmental stress, while fresh lemon juice is packed with vitamin C. A generous helping of vegan glycerine keeps the skin looking plump and hydrated. Lush Super Milk Body LotionAs we are getting in a new season, so are our preferables of good and friendly skincare for both our skin, but our planet. The Super Milk body butter is filled with murumuru butter from Brazil and Peru supports local communities by offering them an additional source of income and forest protection for the Amazon Rainforest — the most biodiverse ecosystem in the world. It contains beautiful cupuaçu butter from the Amazon, which is grown in an agroforestry system and organic, Fair Trade cocoa butter that supports smallholder farmers and local communities. Also made with organic avocado oil produced from fruits rejected by the food industry.  Rapunzel of Sweden Tape ExtensionsNew season, new hair. With Rapunzel’s easy extensions you can add volume or length to your hair easily at home. Premium Tape Extensions are used for full hair extension and/or thickening. The soft classic attachment made of transparent polyurethane (PU) follows the shape of the head for maximum comfort and provides a discreet and long-lasting result. The full remy hair gives a natural look and can be easily styled together with your own hair.  Mix Premium Tape Extensions Classic with Premium Tape Extensions Seamless for a natural result without visible attachments. L’orèal Paris Elvital Scalp SerumA scalp serum is a lovely addition to your regime, one of the newest in the bunch is the Elvital Growth Booster Anti-Fall Scalp Serum from L’orèal. This targeted treatment strengthens hair roots, promoting stronger, denser hair from the source for visibly improved results. La Roche Posay Mela B3 Serum The french icon brand, presents it B3 Serum with 10% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and melastyltm that hydrates and makes pigment spots/dark spots on the skin appear less visible. The skin looks refined with a more even and radiant skin tone. Over time, dark spots are seen to have decrease and helps strengthen the skin barrier. Tested on stubborn dark spots and marks from impurities. Suitable for sensitive skin, and can be used on the face, neck and hands. The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support SerumIs it okey to add two products of the same brand! Yes, if they are as good as these two together. The Soothing & Barrier Support serum is a multi-active solution designed to help repair skin barrier, soothe discomfort, and reduce the look of redness. After cleansing and toning, add the serum in your AM or PM routine (I would recommend PM as it gives a lovely glow you wake up with). The serum is gentle and works for people with sensitive skin, or as an addition if you feel irritated, you can use the serum to calm your skin down. It features technologies such as Centella asiatica phytotechnologies, ceramides, niacinamide, and vitamin B12, among others—a complex blend that helps reduce the look of redness, support hydration, and protect the skin from environmental stressors. All the goodies. La Bonne Brosse, Cair Protective Oil Cair’s protective oil is the perfect ally to protect your hair with nutrition and hydration.The hair fiber when used is smoothed, and the cuticles are sealed for repaired, enhanced, and healthy hair. It contains Vitamin E, that helps fight premature aging and external aggressions thanks to its antioxidant properties. Karanja oil: It forms a natural shield that fights UV rays, responsible for many damages to the hair. Polyphenol: Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it protects the shine and intensity of color-treated hair while preserving the keratin structure In addition broccoli oil,  a natural alternative to silicone.