Spell Magazine April 2021

04 2021

H A I R

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B E A U T Y

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L I F E S T Y L E

Chidera Eggerue Superwoman in the making

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The Feme Collection Afro Puff - Large -colour: 2. © 2021 Feme Ltd.

Made from the finest 100% human hair fibres for a realistic touch

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06 More than a flower girl

16 Spell loves

Contents 04 Scoop Breaking beauty news and the latest hair happenings 06 M ore than a flower girl Spell meets Chidera Eggerue, aka The Slumflower 08 W ild rose A gallery of killer pink and red make-up combos for you to try 10 S alon etiquette for the new normal Tips to improve your next salon trip

08 Wild rose

12 B eauty by numbers The most searched for trends online right now 14 M ake-up for the mandem Yes, men wearing make-up is becoming the new norm 16 S pell loves Feed your inner product junkie

19 Word up!

19 W ord up!

A round-up of must-own hair-related reads for adults & kids 20 F ive reasons to try fermented skincare The K-beauty import everyone’s stockpiling 22 B ulletin The latest news and offers from spellbeauty.com 04 Scoop 04 2021

H A I R

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B E A U T Y

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L I F E S T Y L E

20 Five reasons to try fermented skincare

Chidera Eggerue Superwoman in the making

spellmagazine.com

EDITOR Jemima Cousins SUB EDITORS Gemma Rusiecki, Julie Vuong WRITERS Jennifer Meredith, Keysha Davis, Gemma Rusiecki Julie Vuong DESIGNER Marzena Wilk

FIND US ONLINE @spellmagazine E: editorial@spellmagazine.com

COVER OF CHIDERA EGGERUE FULL CREDITS INSIDE BACK COVER

© 2021 Feme Ltd. Reproduction of the contents of Spell Magazine in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are the author’s own, and may not reflect the views and opinions of Feme Ltd.

P O SCO ry goss! all the indust Bulletin with

"IT'S TRUE SOME HERBS CAN BE MORE BENEFICIAL FOR WOMEN AND OTHERS FOR MEN"

The Herby Imm+ne Box, £29.97

Interview

Harnessing herbs and practicing wellness in a pandemic

BEHIND THE BRAND

Paul Otote and Yemi Awopetu

HERBY

Sharing their passion for herbal remedies, we meet Herby's Paul Otote and Yemi Awopetu, co-founders of the tea brand delighting everyone’s tastebuds

Read the full interview at spellmagazine.com

“We’re really passionate about educating our tribe around the use of herbs. Each Herby tea box comes with its own mini book, which not only details the best ways to use the herbs but also includes a lot of information on the lifestyle surrounding them. We call it the Herby Week, as it's great for a week when each person has time to reset, start that workout or yoga they planned, fix their sleeping pattern and just be more present - all while enjoying a unique tea making experience.

“It’s true that some herbs can be more beneficial for women while others are better for men. For example, yarrow has been touted as a women's herb and has been traditionally used to help regulate menstruation and relieve menstrual SPELL

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cramps. Similarly, herbs such as lady’s mantle and cramp bark feature in our Hera Box because of their benefits for the female body. Meanwhile, herbs like black maca root, panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng are said to be more beneficial to men and these herbs appear in our Zuwa Box. “The way artificial supplements are created differs to how natural supplements are made. They may have a similar structure, but it’s possible that the body can respond differently to them in terms of bioavailability and efficacy. That being said, I wouldn’t wholeheartedly rule them out as bad or good - I’d say it depends on the individual. For example, studies show the differences in

absorption of some artificial nutrients, but cost may be a factor for some people. It’s better to have access to these nutrients than to not have them at all. For those who can make the choice between natural and synthetic, I’d always go for natural food-grown supplements.

“Improving our wellbeing in the pandemic has been a challenge for us all. It’s the micro habits that make a big difference to our wellbeing on a holistic level, so we always encourage the following: try to have a good sleeping routine; attempt to cook a bit more often and aim to eat more whole foods in your diet; go for walks, get fresh air and exercise outdoors.

Honestly, just getting out and being in the sunlight will do you a world of good too.”

Good cause

ROCOCO CHOCOLATES LONDON LAUNCHES THE PERIOD EGG TO SUPPORT CHARITY

Campaign

This Easter, Rococo Chocolates has created The Period Egg (£29.95) to bring awareness to the ongoing fight against period shame and poverty. Five pounds from each sale will go towards supporting the Bloody Good Period charity, which supplies period essentials to refugees, asylum-seekers and those in need. To entice you further, the egg is beautifully wrapped in bright red foil and presented in a signature Rococo gift box.

CURL GENERATIONS SHEDS LIGHT ON CURLY MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUOS

MATCHY MATCHY With LJ Signature you can effortlessly coordinate your headscarf or bonnet with your nightwear.

Its tailored collection includes pyjama sets, kimonos and night dresses that all come with quill print headscarf. Prices start from £16.

Save vs Splurge

News

PICK UP A FREE COPY OF SPELL If you've missed holding a physical copy of Spell Magazine, it’s time to rejoice.

With salons and hair shops set to reopen on the 12 April (hoorah!), you can pick one up in print at your local branch and catch up on all the hair & beauty gossip.

Turn to page 23 for a full listing of stockists.

blackUP Oud Intense 50ml, £43.50

TOM FORD Black Orchid Parfum 50ml, £98 SPELL

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Miss Selfridge

Melanie with her daughter Harmony

Founded by The Curl Talk Project, the Curl Generations photo campaign showcases portraits of curly women and girls from different generations within the same family. Its aim is to shed light on the impact of terms used to describe textured hair, such as ‘unprofessional’, ‘coarse’ and ‘difficult’, which contributes to low self-esteem among young girls who grow up internalising these negative messages.

Visit spellmagazine.com to watch their stories.

Photography: Femelle Studios Hair: Pashcanel Mitchell Make-up: Natasha Wright

More than a flower girl From fighting her own battles to owning a £1k wig, Chidera Eggerue - aka The Slumflower - is no shrinking violet

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Author of the number one Sunday Times bestseller What A Time To Be Alone and brainchild of the #saggyboobsmatter movement, Chidera Eggerue has extraordinary energy. Intelligent, insightful and passionate about life as a woman – a black woman - her forthrightness on issues like sexism, racism and white supremacy has garnered her fans and staunch critics alike.

“WOMEN ARE MADE TO FEEL SHAME FOR INVESTING IN THEMSELVES” In an exclusive interview with Spell, she opens up about her public fallout with a fellow author and spills the tea on her expanding wig collection...

HOW HAS LOCKDOWN 3.0 BEEN?

A lot has been going on to say the least. I decided to go public about my management team supporting a white author who was plagiarising my work and just so happened to belong to the same agency. My main concern was that no one would be believe me, but I felt like my back was against the wall and I had to say something. I’ve been gaslighted and dragged through a media fiasco; to experience this during lockdown has been horrific.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN ONE TO STAND UP FOR YOURSELF?

Because of what I stand for and my presence online, I’m seasoned in

standing up for myself. The internet exposes you to a world of trolls, so the way I equip myself against them is by having a deep inner knowing of who I am and what I’m willing to accept. I don’t need people to agree with my reality for it to serve me.

WHERE DID THE NAME THE SLUMFLOWER DERIVE FROM?

It was inspired by the photographers Street Etiquette who are two guys from New York. They made a project called Slumflower where a young boy from the hood was aesthetically shown wearing flowers. The story was heavy, but the imagery was so delicate and I loved the idea. Being from Peckham and growing up pre-gentrification, people always assumed you must be ‘ghetto’.

I wanted to flip that on its head and choose a name that embraces a beautiful thing growing out of an environment that otherwise wouldn’t necessarily promote its growth.

CARBONCOPIES OF CHIDERA’S COVER LOOK A complete round-up of all the hair and make-up essentials you need to recreate April’s cover look

Bare & Natural Brazilian Lace Wig in Natural Way, £149.99

LET’S TALK HAIR: HOW MANY WIGS DO YOU OWN AND WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE OF THEM ALL?

I think I own 20 wigs and my favourite has to be my big afro. It’s followed me to so many places and served me so well. It’s a synthetic wig I found on either eBay or Amazon. I brushed it out to the max to get it to the texture and volume it is now.

MAC Cosmetics Glow Play Balm in ‘Pinking of You’, £17.50

WHAT’S THE MOST YOU’VE EVER PAID FOR A UNIT?

It’s a custom-made wig and I paid around £1k. Hair is just like a sass thing and for the right wig I’m prepared to put down the money. I feel like black women are made to feel shame for investing in themselves when in fact buying hair is not a shallow exercise.

We can be smart, financially secure and adore ourselves. Where’s the crime?

ColorWow Dreamcoat Supernatural Spray, £24

ON A SCALE OF ONE TO 10, HOW GOOD ARE YOU AT DOING YOUR OWN HAIR AND MAKE-UP?

I’d rate myself seven for hair and a 9.8 for make-up. The only time I don’t do my own make-up is for photo shoots.

When it comes to events and public appearances, it’s easier for me do my own make-up. I really know the nuances to my face, plus it’s part of my ritual to going out and getting amped up for the night.

Follow @theslumflower SPELL

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Lottie Freckle Tint, £24

Batsheva

Pink and red go together like peanut butter and hot sauce: it shouldn’t work, but it just does (try it if you don’t believe us!). Suitable for any skin tone, this colour combo can be electrifying and bold or subtle and romantic - it all depends on the pigments you choose.

@olgadann

@mlflbeauty

WILD ROSE

@patrickta

Salvatore Ferragamo

@danessa_myricks

UOMA Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Sade, £24

@grace.my.face

TRENDS 2021

HUDA BEAUTY Ruby Obsessions Palette, £25

STILA Beauty Boss Lip Gloss in Best Practice, £14

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Style shown: Glamazon Length - Colour 613 © 2021 Feme Ltd.

No tape.

No glue.

No fuss.

Simply laced to perfection.

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Courtesy of Dyson

SALON ETIQUETTE for the new normal Getting the best from your salon experience

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Saying the world will never be the same again after the pandemic would be no exaggeration.

Nonetheless, as the nation forges ahead with optimism and determination, many businesses within the service sector are gearing up to reopen in April. And this includes our dearly missed salon industry.

With many hairdressing businesses completely decimated as a consequence of the financial loss occurred during the lockdowns, the call to action to help support this integral sector of the hair and beauty industry couldn’t be more urgent.

So, here are some suggestions on how you can support your favourite stylist or salon as they set about to re-establish their business post-lockdown.

Offer a tip!

Although the UK doesn’t have a strong tipping culture, according to a survey conducted by OnBuy.com, hairdressing is the second most-tipped profession in the country.

One of the best ways you can show support to your stylist or salon is to offer a tip if you’ve received an exemplary service. In terms of the amount, that’s totally up to your discretion.

However, the average tip for salon hairstylists is around 15 - 20 per cent.

Show up on time!

Punctuality has never been so crucial for the salon industry. The more bums on seats your favourite salon is able to schedule in, the more they will be able to obtain a healthy profit so their business can thrive.

Arrive minutes before your

scheduled appointment time. And if you’re going to be late, notify the salon as they can potentially reshuffle other appointments.

WHAT THE SALONS SAY….

With news that salons could reopen on 12 April, here’s a brief message from some of the UK’s leading hairdressing establishments

Invest in professional aftercare products There is nothing that compares to getting your hair professionally styled and treated. And while replicating your finished look at home is never an easy task, one of the best ways to come close is by using suitable aftercare products. Most salons sell the products they use during hair appointments, so support yours by making a purchase at your next visit.

JUNIOR GREEN LONDON “Following the announcement about the steps to coming out of lockdown, we are delighted to announce that our salon will provisionally reopen in April. However, we will not begin the process of booking appointments until the beginning of April.”

Respect your salon’s cancellation policy.

Even more important than showing up on time, it’s absolutely crucial to respect and adhere to your salon’s cancellation policy.

Always let your salon know beforehand if you’re unable to attend your appointment.

Most salons request at least 24 hours’ notice prior to cancellation, but check the salon’s website to be certain. If you do need to cancel, give ample notice so they can slot someone else in your place.

MY HAIR BAR “To all our dear clients, we would like to thank you for your continued support during this pandemic. In April we will still be working with our new working rota and staggered appointment system with sanitiser stations throughout the salon.”

ELITE HAIR LOUNGE “We absolutely cannot wait to service you again.

FYI, all customers that had appointments that were cancelled due to lockdown will be contacted directly. The diary will then be open for everyone else to book. See you soon!”

Sharing is caring Whether you share an IG story or just recommend your favourite stylist to your friends, your active participation in promoting a salon will really help to boost its profile. It’s likely that while salons rebuild their businesses after the pandemic, many will have to freeze budgets for activities like marketing. This means they will be relying on social media and word-of-mouth recommendations to attract new customers. The simple act of sharing a post will cost you nothing - but it could impact a salon’s business exponentially.

SPELL

HYPE COIFFURE “The salon return is almost in sight, so we’re getting organised for reopening.

Please call to book in with your stylist. Keep an eye on our socials for salon updates and possible special offers.

We look forward to welcoming you all back.”

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BEAUTY BY NUMBERS The UK’s most wanted trends on the come up

+319%

+192%

FOX EYE MAKE-UP

FACE STEAMING Searches for this at-home spa beauty treatment sky-rocketed over lockdown and it quickly became the secret complexionclearing weapon we all needed. @denisevasi

+100%

HENNA FRECKLES

+100%

+186%

In this quirky trend, tiny dots of natural henna paste are applied across the bridge of the nose and cheeks to get a freckled sun-kissed look. @sarahlvf

DIY FACE MASK

Forget Snapchat filters - face sheets and homemade face masks are the new selfie to upload on your feed. With pamper sessions on the up, it’s a beauty bandwagon worth jumping on (with gorgeous results). @glowtimebeauty

BLACKHEAD VACUUM The K-beauty gadget has come to the rescue for removing stubborn blackheads.

Painless and easy to use, you can purchase one for less than £20. @pmdbeauty

Data collated by Tanologist

Eyebrow stencils

Nose contouring @sarandaprapanik

With TikTok users churning out new beauty hacks almost weekly, it’s no surprise that some of the fads from 2020 are tapering off. Here are the trends that have taken a tumble in search numbers...

Pore strips @vicknhope

TAKING A DROP

@thefashionfreakk

Not to be confused with the winged eyeliner trend that’s been around for years, the straighter tip of the fox eye helps to achieve a sexier almond-shaped aesthetic. @makeupbyshaniah

-22% -40% -64% SPELL

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Ponytail - Swing • colour: 1B • © 2020 Feme Ltd.

R E W PO

P U R U O Y

D AYS

EXCLUSIVELY DISTRIBUTED BY FEME LTD feme.com

FRISKY 24”

length

SASHAY 24”

ra Go the ext

KINK 24”

SW I

NG

36”

Available in a variety of head swishing lengths from 19 to 36 inches

Photo Why J Miller

1 2

3

5 4

1. Sleek MakeUP Lifeproof Mattifying Fixing Mist, £6.99 • 2. Un_did Water Tint For Face, £19 • 3. War Paint Foundation, £24 • 4. Green People Volumising Mascara, £17.50 • 5. House 99 All Bright Bronzer, £18 SPELL

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Make-up for the mandem

Foundation is no longer just for women, more men are including it in their daily routine too…

THE NEW NORM: MEN SLAYING THE MAKE-UP GAME

Make-up for men is on the up. According to Allied Market Research, the male global personal care market will reach $166bn by 2022. Rapper A$AP Rocky put the focus on men’s skincare when he became ambassador for the launch of Fenty Skin, while social media influencers are also powering the trend with famous male beauty vloggers such as Gary Thomas, otherwise known as @theplasticboy, fronting campaigns for L’Oréal and Superdrug. When it comes to make-up, the larger-than-life glow ups seen on Instagram are slowly trickling down to the mainstream man. For an increasing number, make-up is now the norm – particularly if you watch TOWIE and Love Island. Even French president Emmanuel Macron has his own personal make-up artist and a hefty cosmetics bill to match. Beauty brands have been fast to take note and we’ve seen an explosion of new launches that are either gender-neutral or specifically for men. So from bronzers to mascara, here are our favourites for the mandem…

SLEEK MAKEUP

Fixing Mist

For men looking for endurance, Sleek Make-Up’s Lifeproof Mattifying Fixing Mist promises to keep products in place for up to 12 hours. Super lightweight and oilfree, the formula is kind to the skin while its gender-neutral packaging will appeal to all.

UN_DID

WAR PAINT

Water Tint

Foundation

Offering sheer to medium coverage, this cooling and hydrating BB cream is enriched with a freshness complex and hyaluronic acid for skincare and enhancement in one hit. Choose from three shades and its colour correcting technology will adapt to your natural tone.

If you suffer from an uneven complexion, this men’s foundation provides just enough coverage to create a flawless yet naturallooking base. The formula comes in a choice of five different shades to suit all skin tones and is perfect for special occasions or wearing every day.

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With a surge in content for male beauty inspo, here are the boy wonders serving subtle make-up vibes for the ‘gram

@duayneavis

@mad_adiyoo

@nicolas_barno

@theplasticboy

GREEN PEOPLE

Mascara

Green People’s gender-neutral mascara is designed to tame unruly eyebrows and define eyelashes in a minimal makeup way. Use it alone or with other products to create a perfectly polished yet completely natural looking result.

HOUSE 99

Bronzer

David Beckham’s grooming range includes this geltextured bronzer that’s great for adding warmth to the skin.

Its natural streak-free finish is completely undetectable – even on beards – and treats the skin to an instant hydration boost for a naturallooking healthy glow.

Uzza

spell loves FEED YOUR INNER PRODUCT JUNKIE From natural retinol alternatives to pastel pink locks, here are the launches we’re lusting after this month

DITCH THE CHEMICALS

Bakuchiol is the new natural skincare ingredient set to replace retinol. Must-try products topping our list include plant-based Monat Botanic Bakuchiol Lotion, suitable even for those with sensitive skin and eczema, as well as the Herbivore Alternative Serum, which works to reduce fines lines and blemishes. Last but not least, the Scientia Peach & Glow Hydra Skin Tonic has been our lockdown 3.0 saviour for reviving dull complexions.

Monat Botanic Bakuchiol Lotion, £80

Herbivore Alternative Serum, £45

Scientia Peach & Glow Hydra Skin Tonic, £24

INSTA LOVE

Pics & captions we’ve liked on the ‘gram this month

@urbanflowerco Caption: Keeping London LIVELY

@suqqu_europe Caption: Let the Spring Sun light up your face with Signature Color Eyes 02.

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@crwndapp Caption: Don’t try to figure out how I get my hair like this. Observe it. Respect it.

MAGAZINE

@zarialyssa.png Caption: When I say self you say care. Muse: @bl0unt

ED’S PICKS

When it comes to beauty, spring is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf. With this in mind, Spell’s editor has curated a new season starter kit to banish tired eyes, perk up dull complexions and give flagging edges around the hairline a kick-start.

IVY WILD Scalp Soother, £8.49

MORPHE 2 Concealer, £12

BAD HABIT Eye Cream, £19

HAIR GAIN Hair Gummies, £29.99

THINK PINK

Pastel hair colours are always a hit for the spring and summer months. But there’s a goto shade this year - and it’s pink. Fun, daring and bold, remember if you plan to dye your own natural hair it will involve some bleaching.

For upkeep, look to Bleach London’s bundle sets that will help keep your hair hydrated and your shade zingy. Price £30

BIG BEAUTIFUL HAIR

Transform your natural locks in a snap with Outre Big Beautiful Hair Clipins. Now available at spellbeauty.com, these human blended hair extensions are a reincarnation of 4a to 4c curl types *fist pumps the air* and blownout texture. Perfect for adding oomph to braid-outs and natural styles that require heat. Tag us in your Big Beautiful Hair pics and we’ll repost @spellbeautyuk. Price from £20.49

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Set your own trends What’s new, exclusive and iconic.

Discover our curated digital hair and beauty boutique today.

Biocare Labs

The Feme Collection Afro Puff HH The Feme Collection V

Lace Wig Gloss Waves

Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap

Baby Tress Edge Styler

SPELLBEAUTY.COM SpellBeautyUk

Urban Twist Passion Twist

WORD UP!

The world is finally recognising black women’s hair in all its complexity and beauty. The shift is apparent from the extended shelf space for curly-haired products in high street stores to a move away from the perception that afro styles are ‘unprofessional’. The change in conversation has been aided by prominent women in the media, such as political powerhouses Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris, who have familiarised, popularised and championed the versatility of afro hair with the wider world. Here are our favourite must-read books that are helping to spread the word about afro hair and all its glory...

Add these brilliant books on black hair to your TBR pile

DON’T TOUCH MY HAIR

by Emma Dabiri, £9.99 (Allen Lane) Described as ‘groundbreaking’ by The Guardian, Irish-Nigerian author Emma Dabiri taps into the conversations swirling around right now about the politics of black hair. You’re sure to #hardrelate to the experiences of the author herself and - like us - find yourself bookmarking your favourite pages. Expect an investigation into the impact of colonialism and the way black people have been conditioned to think about their own hair. Essential reading for all.

TENDERHEADED: A COMB-BENDING COLLECTION OF HAIR STORIES Edited by Pamela Johnson & Juliette Harris, £14.99 (Washington Square Press)

GOOD HAIR: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO AFRO TEXTURED AND CURLY HAIR

by Charlotte Mensah, £14.99 (Penguin)

TEXTURES: THE HISTORY AND ART OF BLACK HAIR

by Kent State University, £39.95 (Hirmer Verlag)

Where would we be without Charlotte Mensah? The first black woman to be inducted into the British Hairdressing Hall of Fame, she’s ploughed her hairdressing knowledge and personal story into this insightful book. It includes intimate autobiographical sections while there’s plenty of tips in here too – from her personal views on co-washing (don’t do it) to a step-by-step guide on traditional bantu knots.

Charlotte has it all covered.

This book is like the Wikipedia of black women’s hair – from essays, poems and stories on its cultural importance and historical significance to quotes, arts and photos. We love the touching letter from A’Lelia Perry Bundles to her greatgrandmother, the self-made haircare pioneer Madam C.J. Walker, who was brought to screen by Octavia Spencer in last year’s riveting Netflix series, Self-Made.

A book that wouldn’t look out of place on the most stylish of coffee tables, Textures weaves academia and art into one beautiful tome. It stretches back to look at the ‘hair-story’ of people of African descent and talks to today’s leading activists and cultural stars, such as artist Sonya Clark, about their perceptions and experiences. Let’s not forget how visually stunning this book is too - it’s definitely worthy of taking pride of place on your shelves.

Taye’s Hairy Adventure

by Zenovia Grant, £7.99 (Amazon)

Your Hair Is Your Crown

by Jessica Dunrod, £6.99 (Lily Translates Ltd)

Coco Loves Her Curly Hair

by Colleen Dixon, £6.99 (Amazon)

FOR THE

kids

Must-have books for early readers that celebrate self-love and the beauty of black hair

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5 REASONS TO TRY

fermented skincare Primark

Here’s why we’re buying into the game-changing Korean beauty trend

essential for the skin’s metabolic processes.” And it gets better...

3. The products absorb easily The fermentation process also helps to break down ingredients into smaller parts, reducing their molecular size and enabling them to be more easily absorbed by the skin: “The ingredients become smaller and possess a lower molecular weight, making them more bioavailable to the skin,” explains Dr Nitasha Buldeo, founder of natural skincare brand Organic Apoteke.

1. Korean women are big fans With their flawless natural-looking skin, Korean women know a thing or two about beauty. So when a skincare trend hits the UK that already has their stamp of approval, you’d better believe we’re taking note. Of course, fermenting natural ingredients is nothing new; humans have been adding yeast and gut-friendly bacteria to foods for centuries to enhance flavour and increase health benefits (think kefir, miso and kimchi).

“Fermentation is a process by which bacteria – or microorganisms like yeast – transform a substrate,” explains Dr Marie Drago, founder of skincare brand Gallinée. This breaks down or alters the ingredients of a natural compound, helping to enhance its nutrients. “It’s one of the oldest skills developed by humans,” she adds. “And the more we learn about it, the more we can use

precise bacteria on precise plants to create exact fermented products that meet our skincare needs.”

2. The ingredients are more active and therefore more potent Just like the fermentation process can upgrade the health benefits of certain foods, it can also increase the potency of skincare ingredients. “Natural ingredients fermented by bacteria can produce a whole lot of new actives,” explains Dr Drago. “Bacteria transform simple fibres or sugars into totally new ingredients such as vitamins, acids or emollients.” Alicia Schweiger, co-founder of Swiss skincare brand Elixseri, adds: “Fermentation produces powerful by-products such as additional proteins, amino-acids, fruit acids, vitamins and polysaccharides. These are remarkable exfoliators, hydrators and collagen preservers, which are SPELL

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4. You can find something for all skin types and concerns Fermented skincare can benefit everyone - the trick is picking out the best ingredients for your skin’s individual needs. So, if you want to fight wrinkles and reduce dark spots without irritating the skin, products containing fermented red ginseng are for you. Or, if you’re looking for a plumper and softer complexion, fermented soy can help boost the skin’s own production of hyaluronic acid. Likewise, green tea seed oil has superior moisturising benefits and the complex fermentation process releases an extra hit of vitamin E, free fatty acids and polyphenols.

5. You can upgrade to fermented skincare today You probably already use fermented skincare products without knowing it. Lactic acid, for example, is derived from fermented milk. And new products are being developed all the time, with beauty brands fermenting a whole host of superfoods - from green tea and wasabi to pumpkin.

“It’s easy to slip fermented products into your skincare routine,” says Karen Gerrard, founder of Seams Beauty.

“Start by replacing your regular toner with a fermented essence to use after cleansing. Many fermented products have multiple uses too, making them time saving as an added bonus.”

Jane Scrivner

FANTASTIC FOUR Elixseri

Supercharge your skincare regime with our fermented favourites

Bobbi Brown

HYDRATION HIT Jane Scrivner Bioluronic Buzz, £32 Containing natural bio fermented hyaluronic acid, this silky gel formula delivers instant hydration to the skin – resulting in an intense plumping effect after the first application and a firmer youthful-looking complexion.

FEEL REVITALISED Elixseri Opening Act Overnight Resurfacing Skin Renewal Treatment, £76 With a fermented blend of nutrient-rich fruits and botanicals, this overnight gel-serum works while you sleep to remove dead cells, cellular debris and product build-up revealing fresher and smoother skin.

ENERGY BOOSTER Bobbi Brown Skin Reviver No.91, £30 This supercharged remedy energises the skin, replenishing it with vital nutrients when it feels tired or damaged. Packed with a potent combination of fermented ingredients, it works under your moisturiser to revive and restore the skin.

Elemis

GLOW UP Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter, £30 Perfect for removing every last trace of make-up and everyday grime, this glow-getting cleanser contains a unique blend of fermented pumpkin and acerola cherry to help brighten, nourish and hydrate the skin.

brands TO BOOKMARK From imported wig accessories to lustworthy skincare and new Instagram fashion brands, here’s what caught our magpie eyes this month.

Remember, you saw it here first!

Wig care

Newcomer

Fashion

WIG WEAR The Strand Stand, $45.99

MELYON Detox Serum, £48

BAD SOCIETY CLUB Icy Cadence Corset Cardigan, £43

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The

SPELL-OMETER What’s hot and what’s not in the world of Spell

SpellBeauty.com

BULLETIN

Launches, promos and discounts you don’t want to miss

GOLDEN GLOW Viola Davis’ Golden Globes glow was created with the affordable L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum!

MS JACKSON NASA has named its Washington, D.C HQ after ‘hidden figure’ Mary W. Jackson, its first black female engineer

#Spellsquad influencer Joanna George tries out new protective styles

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What has changed about the way you style your hair in the last year?

I’ve definitely stepped out of my comfort zone by experimenting with more natural hairstyles. Before I would only wear my hair in a ballet bun, if I didn’t have braids in.

But now I’m rocking braid outs, canerows and headwraps. I’m learning to proudly embrace my natural hair and all of its unique qualities.

What did you like about wearing the latest Urban Water Wave?

It’s great to wear curls/coils whilst still protecting my hair and avoiding heat. It was my first time ever doing a crochet style, and I was thrilled with the outcome. I’ll be doing it again.

Boho faux locs

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NOT

Urban Water Wave, £3.99

HOT

What’s your favourite protective style?

It would have to be either passion twists or Senegalese twists. They’re both styles that I think suit my personality and compliment my features. I’m just in love with how beautiful twist styles look.

Any plans to switch up your look any further?

I prefer styles that don’t draw too much attention. But one trend that I would love to try out is temporaryily temporarily a hair colour wax. I really miss dyeing my hair, so I’d probably go for a gorgeous copper colour.

SPELL

22 MAGAZINE

Follow Joanna @itsjojobaybee To read the full interview and for more style inspo, head over to spellmagazine.co.uk

X-pression Ultra Braid mixed with Urban Water Wave

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