INTERNATIONAL

L’Oréal USA honours women scientists with 2024 FWIS Awards

L’Oréal USA has announced the 2024 For Women in Science (FWIS) awardees, granting five female postdoctoral scientists funding to advance groundbreaking research. Spanning diverse fields, the awardees are tackling critical challenges: Katherine Ennis explores the broader impact of bacteriophages on microbial communities; Emily McGuinness develops sustainable cooling materials to reduce energy use; Caterina Profaci investigates a brain blood flow sensor, PIEZO1, with therapeutic potential; Andréa Hughes studies auroras on Mars and Venus to uncover planetary evolution insights; and Taylor Hersh examines Arctic warming’s effect on bowhead whale communication.

A part of the global L’Oréal-UNESCO initiative, FWIS reflects L’Oréal’s commitment to empowering women in science, fostering innovation, and encouraging leadership. Since 2003, the programme has awarded over US$ 5 million to more than 100 outstanding scientists. This year’s cohort highlights the programme’s enduring support for transformative research and sustainable solutions.

World Wellness Weekend 2024 breaks records with global participation

The 8th edition of World Wellness Weekend, held from September 20-22, saw record-breaking participation, attracting 34 million views and 9,688 venues across 155 countries. The event, which included professionals from the hospitality, fitness, spa, and beauty sectors, aimed to promote wellness and healthier lifestyles globally. This year marked a 54 per cent increase in participation compared to 2023, with over 1,000 new venues joining just weeks before the event. The event’s interactive platform, wellmap.org, allowed venues to showcase their activities and contact information. Countries like Spain, Italy, Brazil, and Japan led the charge, while wellness categories like fitness, beauty and longevity took centre stage in promoting inclusive wellness.

NYX launches holiday makeup collection inspired by Home Alone

NYX Professional Makeup has unveiled a special-edition Home Alone makeup collection in collaboration with Disney and 20th Century Studios. Inspired by the iconic holiday movie, the collection features playful, nostalgia-packed products, perfect for festive gifting.

Highlights include a 24-piece advent calendar styled after the McCallister house, a 12-piece mini lip kit in a collectable paint can, and two Butter Gloss Pizza Vaults nodding to Little Nero’s Pizza. The Ultimate ‘Battle Plan’ shadow palette offers 16 shades for creative looks, while a 14-piece surprise gift box channels the ‘Wet Bandits’ mischief. With this launch, NYX continues its tradition of blending beauty with pop culture at accessible prices.

OPI Launches Metallic Mix Collection in collaboration with DYTTO

OPI has unveiled its new Metallic Mix collection, featuring 12 vibrant shades inspired by metallics, glitters, and the Y2K colour palette. The collection includes a blend of liquid metals and cyber dust glitters, offering hues ranging from futuristic millennium blues to bold, electrifying reds. In a unique twist, OPI has collaborated with global star DYTTO, tying the launch to her debut album. DYTTO’s track Liquid Metal Flows serves as the perfect backdrop for the collection, blending music and colour in a fun, energetic video. The collection offers nail enthusiasts the chance to elevate their manicures into bold, shimmering art.

Wella Professionals announces the return of TrendVision 2024-25

Wella Professionals is bringing back its highly anticipated TrendVision competition, set to showcase groundbreaking creativity and innovation in the hair industry. The 2024-25 edition offers hairstylists worldwide a chance to compete on a global stage, with three dynamic rounds: an online contest, semi-finals, and a thrilling grand finale.

The competition features three categories: Colour Visionary, Craft Visionary, and Academy Stars, catering to professionals and emerging talents. The grand prize includes a trip to Wella’s Global Destination event. In addition to the competition, TrendVision will host mentoring sessions with Wella Ambassadors and a Hair Festival, offering valuable learning and networking opportunities for participants.

Lionel Messi launches signature fragrance -Messi Eau de Parfum

Soccer legend Lionel Messi has launched his signature fragrance, Messi Eau de Parfum, now available in nearly 600 J.C. Penney stores across the US and Puerto Rico, as well as online. Created by renowned perfumer Frank Voelkl, the scent features top notes of cardamom and wild cypress, with warm undertones of leather, cedarwood, and a hint of vanilla. The fragrance is packaged in a deep-blue glass bottle adorned with Messi’s logo. Along with the perfume, Messi has also introduced a gift set that includes a body wash and a toiletry bag.

Sabrina Carpenter becomes Redken’s first global ambassador

Singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter has been named Redken’s first-ever Global Ambassador, marking her first haircare partnership. Known for her signature blonde hair, Sabrina credits Redken’s Shades EQ gloss for her look. She will represent Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate collection, with a campaign launch. As her career soars with her new album Short n’ Sweet and a sold-out tour, Redken also partners with her 29-city US tour. Sabrina shared her excitement, saying, “Beauty and especially my hair is a big part of my identity.”