NO MATTER HOW much time and effort we put into shaving, razor bumps can still make an unwelcome appearance. These pesky bumps not only prevent us from achieving smooth skin, but they can also be incredibly frustrating and uncomfortable. So, to get to the bottom of why these bumps form and how to get rid of them—or prevent them from happening in the first place—we spoke with Sai Demirovic, esthetician and co-founder of GLO Spa NY, Lily Talakoub, a dermatologist at McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center, and New York-based dermatologist Elyse Love to find out all there is to know about razor bumps.

Why do razor bumps happen?

“The term razor bump is used to describe two conditions,” Love explains. “One is skin irritation that can occur with shaving, particularly when shaving with dull razors and/or without shaving cream. This skin irritation causes a rough and irritated feel to the skin.” In addition, “Razor bumps can also describe ingrown hairs that may or may not be visible. Ingrown hairs occur when hair grows into the skin and causes inflammation,” says the derm. “This results in red or skin-coloured bumps surrounding a hair follicle.”

According to Talakoub, razor bumps occur more often in parts of the body that fold, such as the underarms, because of the skin-on-skin contact and the increased moisture that happens in that area. Demirovic adds that razor bumps are common where hair grows the thickest, like the face, neck, bikini area, and underarms. The thicker hairs can cause more irritation and oil production than finer hair, leading to inflammation and possibly even infection.

Demirovic also says hair texture plays a role, and bumps happen more frequently with those who have naturally coarse hair and darker skin tones. “Hair that naturally grows into a curl has a larger risk of getting trapped into the skin than a straight hair can,” she says. These bumps can last up to two weeks, which can make it a never-ending battle when you shave frequently.

How do you get rid of razor bumps?

There are a few ways. “Anti-inflammatory ingredients are helpful,” Love says. “Over-the-counter hydrocortisone may be good enough, but if it’s persistent despite a few days of treatment, it’s best to see a dermatologist for a prescription product.” Plus, she notes that prevention is key: “Topical cortisone use should be limited in this area, so it’s best to take the time to prevent skin irritation by using sharp blades and shaving cream routinely. For ingrown hairs, alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids can be helpful for prevention.”

Love recommends Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment Peel, Nécessaire’s Body Exfoliator, and eos Shea Better Shave Cream, the latter of which “contains moisturizing and anti-inflammatory shea butter and shea oil to support the skin during shaving.” Meanwhile, Demirovic likes using iS Clinical Active Serum or the PFB Vanish Razor Bump Stopper Roll On Shaving Gel, which has lactic, salicylic, and glycolic acids to exfoliate the skin above the trapped hair and kill bacteria trapped in the follicle. She then reaches for aloe vera to soothe the area and calm any lingering inflammation.

How can you prevent razor bumps?

When’s the last time you changed your razor blade? If you can’t remember, it’s been too long. Other than using a sharp and clean razor, there are a few other things to keep in mind to make sure you get a close shave without any irritation.

Talakoub says to shave with — not against — the grain and to shave in a steamy shower to soften the hairs. You’ll also want to avoid leaving your razor in the shower as the dampness can cause it to gather bacteria and mould. Instead, stash it in your medicine cabinet or toothbrush holder.

As for maintenance, Demirovic suggests mixing vitamin E oil with Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion to nourish the skin and recommends using a product like Fur Oil for your bikini area. Talakoub also likes Tend Skin Lotion for reducing ingrown hairs and razor bumps.

If you’ve done all of the above and still commonly see razor bumps, you might want to consider laser hair removal. “It kills the hair all the way down to its root,” Demirovic says. “Essentially, if there isn’t hair growing, there isn’t anything in the way to cause an ingrown hair. Laser can also help reduce the hyperpigmentation and scarring caused by ingrowns.”

Can I shave if I have razor bumps?

You should avoid shaving over razor bumps, as doing so can worsen the problem by causing inflammation and irritation that resembles acne, potentially leading to an infection. “Shaving over razor bumps can also be quite painful and only exacerbate the problem,” says Demirovic. Instead, consider laser hair removal, which is highly effective in getting rid of ingrown hairs and preventing future razor bumps.

How long do razor bumps take to heal?

Razor bumps can take anywhere from a few days to three weeks to heal on their own. However, re-shaving can aggravate the bumps, leading to further inflammation and irritation. It’s recommended to replace razors every month to prevent the worsening of bumps as razors dull over time.

This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US.

SINCE officially joining the royal family in 2011, Kate Middleton — now the Princess of Wales — has not only made her mark through philanthropy work around mental health, families and early childhood, she’s also cemented herself as one of the most influential style icons of our time. Next to spotlighting British designer labels such as Self-Portrait and Alexander McQueen, the princess is often spotted in accessible high-street pieces from the likes of Reiss and Zara.

Her timeless style informs her beauty choices too, with the royal favouring a fresh colour palette with soft smokey eyes. Hair, however, is where Kate flexes her creative side. By royal standards, she isn’t afraid to experiment with various looks – from intricate chignons to playful ponytails — but it’s her glossy, bouncy, blow-out that’s become a signature ‘Princess Kate’ look. While she undoubtedly has a team of experts to ensure her hair appears picture-perfect at every angle, achieving the look at home isn’t impossible.

BAZAAR went straight to the experts to find out how to create the Kate blow-dry.

The right haircut goes a long way

Nailing the haircut is an investment that will not only make achieving an expensive-looking blow-dry that much easier, it’ll also minimise the time spent on everyday styling. Kate’s layered cut provides plenty of movement and bounce even before the heat protector goes on. Becky Lennon, senior stylist at Nicola Clarke for John Frieda, recommends trimming your ends every 12 weeks to maintain a polished finish and supplementing your haircare routine with Olaplex No.3 Hair Protector for impeccable shine and softness.

How to prep for a blow-dry

The classic blow-dry works best on freshly washed hair, says Miffy Goknil, senior stylist at Hari’s salon, a go-to favourite of the royals. Squeeze out as much water as possible to minimise the heat required and don’t forget to use a heat protector to prevent damage.

“Thicker, coarser hair requires more smoothing and will need nourishing, moisturising products to hydrate the hair, help seal the cuticle layer and bring brilliant shine,” offers Goknil, who’s a fan of R+Co High Dive Moisturising Cream and Two Way Mirror Smoothing Oil.

For finer hair, she recommends focusing on volumising and texturising products. “A good root spray or mousse will help lift the root and hold the volume,” she says. “I love to layer both, beginning with R+Co Chiffon Mousse, if the hair needs a boost of texture, followed with Dallas Thickening Spray.”

How to create the Princess Kate blow-dry

Below, Goknil shares her step-by-step guide on achieving a blowout fit for a princess:

1. After prepping, blow dry hair in sections starting from the top with a round brush, making sure to get a good bend on the ends and pinning each section into a hair roller.
2. Allow the hair to cool and set properly before removing rollers or pins to extend its longevity.
3. Shake hair out from the roots to break up sectioning patterns. Add a small amount of serum (or a shine spray for fine hair) to the ends for a glossy finish and a touch of hairspray.

Alternatively, hot rollers or hot brushes will help achieve a similar effect quickly and without requiring too much arm co-ordination.

How to minimise frizz

Despite travelling to some of the most humid countries in the world, you’d be hard-pressed to see the princess with a hair out of place. “With busy work schedules, schools runs and the to-do lists of everyday life, (an in-salon) smoothing treatment will cut blow-dry time by at least half so you can have full and bouncy hair even on the busiest of days,” offers Lennon. “Another major benefit is you don’t have to use as much heat on your hair, so over time your hair will become fuller and healthier.” Smoothing or keratin treatments, which work best on thicker and coarser unbleached locks, often last between 4-6 months.

If you prefer a less permanent approach, there are some easy tips to keep frizziness at bay. “If you have thick hair, blow-dry it from wet instead of rough drying as it will smooth the frizz, close the cuticles and lock in moisture,” says Goknil. For flyways along the hairline, she recommends gliding over the roots in small sections using a styling iron on low temperature. “

Lennon adds: “The nozzle of your hair dryer should always be parallel to the hair and angled downwards to smooth the cuticle to and keep the hair shiny and frizz-free.”

How to refresh your blow-dry

Now that you’ve got a bouncy blow-out, refreshing the style for a second and even third day is easy. Michele Antiga, signature colourist and stylist at Gielly Green recommends simply running a curling tong along the strands to redefine the waves and brushing it out. You can also use dry shampoo on the roots for extra lift. Now all you need is a tiara…

This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR UK.

WE’RE IN AN unending pursuit of enviable skin — the ritual of the skincare routine a key part of many of our day-to-day lives. And while we know to never leave the house without sunblock on, and to never go to sleep without washing our makeup off, there’s much more to unpack when it comes to rejuvenating and nourishing our skin. One innovation in skincare and beauty treatments we’ve been exploring is that of stem cells, an emerging skincare trend over the last year. Here, we speak with two experts to unpack the ins and outs of stem cells, their role in the beauty industry and the products to know. 

Related: Everything you need to know about your skin barrier

What are stem cells?

Before getting into how stem cells can enhance our skincare routine or be used in beauty therapy, we must unpack what stem cells actually are. 

“Stem cells are un-programmed cells that can create another cell, and are capable of self-replication,” explains Rose Bonasera, Director at Elixir Skin Fitness. “They are able to produce growth factors and are also activated by growth factors.”

If there is an area of the body that is damaged, the stem cells can mutate into cell types necessary to replace the impacted cells. Further, it is important to note the type of stem cells used in skincare. 

“Stems cells used within the beauty industry are derived from plants – such as apples [and] raspberries,” explains Dr Barbara Sturm, of the eponymous skincare label. “Plant stem cells are non-comparable to human stem cells, [however] they can be rich in antioxidants, which penetrate the skin at much deeper levels to help repair the complexion.” 

What cells do we use in skincare? 

As mentioned, we are not at a point where human stem cells can be used in skincare products, so most stem cell skincare products will employ plant cells as an alternative. These can protect epidermal stem cells from free radical damage to DNA in human cells, and reverse the effects of photo damage. 

“Stem cell technology can have a huge impact on beauty in a medical and technological world, but human stem cells cannot be used in cosmetic products,” says Dr Sturm. “Stem cells used within the beauty industry are derived from plants and are sold to us as the new beauty trend in skincare — but in fact, though they’re often rich in antioxidants, which penetrate the skin at much deeper levels, their effects on the skin are limited.”  

Plant and human stem cells contain proteins and amino acids, alerting rejuvenation in cells in the body, which may lead to more supple, youthful skin. However, it is worth noting plant stem cell material doesn’t mimic human stem cell activity as there are “genetic boundaries that cannot be crossed.” What plant cells do provide is nutrients and metabolites that can stimulate human epidermal stem cell production, a benefit to our skin. 

“Plant and animal stem cells cannot replicate human stem cells, be recognised as human DNA, jump species from plant to animal to human or regenerate new cells in humans,” says Bonasera. “The only stem cells that can replicate human stem cells, are human stem cells.”  

What is their role in beauty? 

While stem cell therapy has been used in medicine and to regenerate tissue for some time now, it is an emerging concept in both skincare and beauty treatments. 

Simply put, Bonasera says they are the future of skincare. “I have introduced the use of exosomes in the clinic which I am very excited about creating outstanding, predictable results for my clients with many skin conditions and accelerated ageing skin.” 

Stem cells contain amino acids and peptides, two ingredients most skincare aficionados will be familiar with for their part in rejuvenating the skin. These two ingredients are the foundation for cell rejuvenation. 

As stem cells naturally contain antioxidant properties, they foster skin cells, promoting cell turnover and an increase in collagen production. This may lead to fewer fine lines, improved texture and vivacity. 

So, what are growth factors then? 

What is largely charging the growing interest in stem cell skincare is growth factors, a term you may be unfamiliar with but should become acquainted with, especially as their use in skincare is very effective, especially in rejuvenating the skin. 

“A growth factor is more important for stem cell signalling, by contrast to stem cells for growth factor signalling,” explains Bonasera. “A growth factor is a protein molecule with a biological signalling mechanism – they protect existing cells, stimulate the growth of new cells and repair damaged cells.”

This is something Sturm has been looking into with her own brand, particularly with lab-synthesised exomes. These are small vesicles released by cells, containing various growth factors including proteins, peptides, lipids, RNA and DNA, which help encourage skin regeneration. 

“They are one-eight hundredth of the size of a cell, so can travel easily and directly from one to another, and they play pivotal roles in reducing inflammation during ageing for a healthy, youthful-looking complexion,” explains Sturm of the technology. 

“The application of topical growth factors — which are signalling proteins produced by stem cells — can be used instead [of plant stem cells] to help stimulate skin repair and promote new collagen synthesis, epidermal thickening, and the clinical appearance of smoother skin.” 

What is the future of stem cells?

So where to from here, armed with the knowledge of the different stem cells and growth factors? As Sturm says, “we are mammals and not plants,” meaning there is still little evidence to show the clinical benefits of plant stem cell products. The beauty industry continues to embrace technological advancements and as such, we are only at the beginning of the research and development.

Related: Everything you need to know about vitamin C serums, including the 15 best ones to brighten your complexion

POP phenomenon Lady Gaga has a complex relationship with the concept of beauty, she tells me. We’re chatting over Zoom – me in London, her in LA – a meeting set in celebration of her make-up brand Haus Labs by Lady Gaga launching in the UK (exclusively at Sephora on 6th June, for those eager to bookmark the date).

“Things that I might think are beautiful, someone else will see and think they’re extremely grotesque and odd or absurd,” she says. “And I’ve been called all those things throughout my career.” A sartorial chameleon, often presenting contrarian choices, Lady Gaga regularly reinvents herself – and her relationship with beauty has been an evolution as much as her aesthetic approach to it has.

“I don’t know that I’ve always been beauty-obsessed. I think at times I’ve been beauty-adverse, actually. But I am somebody that is artistry-obsessed,” the multi-award winning singer, songwriter and actress tells me. By this, “I mean I can feel very, very inspired by the work of a make-up artist that specialises in beauty make-up, and I also can be completely floored and wowed by a make-up artist that is more editorial, and more fashion.” It’s now that Gaga is making tools for beauty – to enable artistry for others in myriad ways – that she’s “probably the most beauty-obsessed” she’s ever been.

“I do think that there’s a strong mental-health component to beauty,” she elaborates. “And there was a time in my career where I know I felt tremendous pressure to look a certain way when it came to being someone that everybody thought was creative.” During this time Gaga felt compelled to “always” be experimental with her fashion and beauty choices, she shares, though experience brought with it a more nuanced approach.

“I love being educated about the work that I do and so I learned all sorts of interesting ways to apply make-up that were fascinating to me.” She recalls how the first editorial photoshoot that she ever did, here in the UK, was the biggest eye-opener. “I showed up to the shoot with a full face of make-up. I had so much – foundation, lashes, eyeliner, lipstick – and they wanted me to completely wash my face, then the make-up artist applied a very little bit of make-up. I remember thinking, ‘I have no make-up on my face! What is happening? This makes no sense – I’m here to shoot for a magazine!’. But then, over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with all these incredible people, and I learned that beauty is such a spectrum.”

And that, really, is Gaga’s beauty philosophy, both as an artist and a brand founder: “You can do your make-up however you want; we just want you to feel free to be yourself.”

Indeed, Gaga wants to galvanise others to “ensure that beauty is a reflection of who you are, and not a reflection of how you think others want you to be, or standards, or trends”. That’s why Haus Labs is not here to help you look like Lady Gaga (or look like Lady Gaga circa whatever era she’s in). “I didn’t want to make a company that was about me. I wanted to make a company that’s about people that love make-up and giving them what they deserve.” Which is? “For me beauty is not just about the way make-up looks, or how it makes you look, but it’s the artistry of how it’s created” – and that’s means marrying performance with skin-kind properties, she feels.

For example, this not only means eschewing ingredients that Gaga believes “are harmful to your skin”, but formulating with those that are especially advantageous for it. Take the Triclone Skin Tech Foundation – available in 51 shades, no less – which is supercharged with fermented arnica that’s proprietary to Haus Labs. “It’s 860 per cent more potent than regular arnica,” she schools me. “So when you wear our foundation, it’s actually reducing redness and inflammation on the skin, but you’re not sacrificing performance. It’s not like putting a tinted moisturiser on your face. It’s like putting on a very beautiful, high-quality, luxurious foundation.”

Viral videos of users stateside, where the brand has been on sale for some time, beautifully attest to that claim. And, when it comes to colour – something more synonymous with Gaga’s stage make-up – pigments are rated as suitably high-impact and long-wearing.

Having become “fascinated with innovation in the space of the beauty industry, and breaking boundaries,” Sephora – whom Gaga describes as “wonderful partners” – will exclusively stock Haus Labs by Lady Gaga online and at Sephora Westfield White City from Tuesday 6th June. Reaching the British market is another step in her mission “to help be a part of revolutionising the make-up industry”. No doubt she really means it.

This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US.

THERE’S SOMETHING about a bob that is just so chic. Whether it’s sleek and cropped or left tousled and choppy; the short style just has a certain je ne sais quoi that elevates even the most pared-back outfits.

In 2023, the bob is trendier than ever, with stars like Zendaya and Hailey Bieber inspiring us all to book in with our hairdressers ASAP. But, despite how fabulous they look, cutting a bob is not always an easy endeavour. Especially if you’re moving from long locks to a short chop, deciding on the style — and whether you are really ready to commit — can be oddly anxiety-inducing. However, as someone who has done exactly the above, I can guarantee you it’s worth it. So before you rush off to the salon, pursue these pictures of celebrity chops for exact inspiration.

THE ANNUAL Cannes Film Festival might first and foremost be a showcase of the world’s greatest film talent, but it’s also a sartorial spectacle, playing host to some of the most glamorous looks of the year.

As the 2023 red carpets in the south of France demonstarte, this energy is exemplified by the beauty looks, too. From Helen Mirren’s statement hairstyle to Aishwarya Rai’s bold make-up, this year’s beauty details are far from afterthoughts.

Here, enjoy a close-up of the breathtaking hair and make-up looks from the premieres and photo calls as they happen.

Related: Cannes Film Festival 2023: All the opulence by the sea

Beauty notes from Cannes 2023

This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR UK.

AFTERPAY Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) has come and gone for another year. And while we’re busily recapping the top shows and fashion themes, there were some major hair and beauty trends to take note of, too.

Throughout the week, we tapped two top Hair Directors from Redken — who worked on shows including Michael Lo Sordo, IORDANES SPYRIDON GOGOS, Cue and more — to run us through all the trends they were noticing.

The biggest hair trends from AAFW 2023

How to get the looks at home

IF THERE’S one accessories trend that collectively scarred all 2000s kids, it was hair bows. If you were a teen or tween in the early 2010s, chances are you were besotted with those chunky, crisp hair bow clips that had Tumblr in a chokehold. Or perhaps, headbands and scarves, fashioned in a large bow at the front of the head, were more your thing (even Rihanna got in on the trend).

Regardless, it’s safe to say that for many of us, hair bows wouldn’t exactly conjure up the most fashionable of thoughts. So what if I told you they’re back for 2023?

Don’t panic just yet. Only a few months into 2023 and it seems 2023 has been the year of the rebrand — the most recent poster girl being Brie Larson at Cannes Film Festival. The side part has had a chic makeover, Uggs are considered cool and clogs have become a go-to shoe for every wannabe Scandi cool girl. In general, myriad trends that were once considered outdated — and perhaps a little bit tacky — have been given understated makeovers. This same sense of elevation is true of the hair bow.

If you tuned into the recent Met Gala, chances are you saw Emily Ratajkowski and Sydney Sweeney’s resplendent beauty looks. The shared element of each? A simple, black hair bow.

Captain Marvel herself, Brie Larson, even opted for one to tie together her CHANEL look at the Cannes Film Festival this past weekend.

What differentiates these bows from the trends of the last decade is their simplicity. They aren’t the main event, but rather a supporting act. They’re sizeable enough to add an extra something to the look, but not so flashy they take away from or feel incongruous with the outfit as a whole.

I don’t know about you, but the hairbows I owned circa 2014 were blocky and large, in shades of turquoise, coral and (forgive me) chevron print. This new take on the accessory is understated. It feels chic and sort of whispers, rather than screams to be looked at.

The Met Gala wasn’t the only place bows have been on display as of late. The recent autumn/winter shows saw the accessory omnipresent across the runways, with ribbons seen in the hair looks at Max Mara, Zimmermann, Dior and more. And then of course there’s been the love for Sandy Liang’s impossibly cool Recital Bows, which feature small, clipped bows at the head with a train of black or iris taffeta left to flow through the hair.

Given the recent shift in broader fashion trends, the return of the hair bow is not at all surprising. Online, the coquette aesthetic — think babydoll dresses, soft accessories and girlish accents — has been enjoying a revival. This style was popular during the hair bow’s initial reign, so as it has been updated, it’s natural one of its defining accessories has been given a modern upgrade, too.

We’ve also been looking to softer elegance more and more. The autumn/winter shows demonstrated designers’ newfound penchant for simplicity, and shows like Succession have piqued our interest in terms like ‘old money’ and ‘quiet luxury,’ which are underpinned by their understated approach to styling.

That’s not to say the trend is limited simply to black bows, either. A quick search in Pinterest will offer various hair ribbon inspiration, with users sporting silver bows tied at the back of their heads, white options woven through braids, or pink options hanging ponytails.

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My favourite part of this look is that it’s attainable, too. In the contemporary fashion landscape, many trends centre around specific — often expensive — items. The fact that this style can be replicated with some $1 ribbon purchased at a craft store only makes it all the more worth trying.

FOR Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) 2023, haircare brand Redken has brought back their famous on-site styling suite, the Redken Room.

Offering attendees the convenient opportunity to have their ‘dos refreshed throughout the week, the activation has already proven popular with punters. Ahead, take a peek into the Redken room, where talent, media and consumers alike are getting their mid-AAFW hair touch-ups this year.

AFTERPAY Australian Fashion Week 2023 is well and truly underway, and while the fashion has been the star of the show, there are some stellar hair and beauty looks to behold, too.

Notably, Michael Lo Sordo closed the first day of shows on Monday night with a Parisian nightclub-inspired presentation. And, of course, the designer’s nineties-style collection saw models take the runway with that effortless, decade-defining hair to match.

Ahead of the presentation, BAZAAR caught up with Redken Hair Director Richard Kavanagh to chat through the show’s hair look, the trends he’s seeing at fashion week, and how AAFW holds up compared to international shows.

Related: Get a free hairdo at the Redken Room during AAFW 2023

What was your inspiration behind tonight’s hair looks?

The inspiration for the looks tonight really is kind of that effortless party girl; [think] Kate Moss, early 2000s, maybe with a little bit of a hint of Kurt Cobain mixed in there.

How much work goes into preparing the looks?

There’s a huge amount of work that goes into preparing the looks for Fashion Week every year and every show is different.

For Michael Lo Sordo, I’ve been working with Michael for nearly 10 years, so I get the vibe. It’s just a conversation about what’s the energy this season, and it’s always about anchoring the girl. I mean, it’s luxurious. It’s decadent, it’s sexy, so we want to bring that down a little bit, so prep is a lot less intense.

There’s a couple of shows I’ve got on this week where it’s two or three weeks of prep. In fact, this morning, there were nine people in my studio building hairpieces for tomorrow’s show [Jordan Gogos], so it’s pretty crazy.

What trends do you see coming from fashion week this year?

Look, I think this year for Fashion Week it’s really interesting. We’re seeing the continuation of the trend of the individual. We’re seeing lots of haircuts and curls and shapes and people really rocking their own vibe, which is fantastic.

What have been your key products used for tonight’s show?

For Michael Lo Sordo’s show, the key products were dry texture spray from Redken, dry shampoo, and [Redken’s] quick blowout — which is an absolute winner. It’s a real, real refreshing treat to have something that I can just put in the hair and gets the perfect texture instantly.

How does AAFW compare to other fashion weeks around the globe?

Sydney fashion week compared to other fashion weeks around the globe is really different because it feels like home. When I’m in New York or Milan or in Paris, even though we’re working with gigantic brands, it doesn’t feel like home.

If you want to compare the fashion, the fashions up there. If you want to compare the talent, the talents up there.

TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET is entering a new Chanel era. The 27-year-old actor may be a notable style icon — hello Haider Ackermann red jumpsuit — but he’s never starred in a fashion campaign before. That is, until now. The French Maison has now named and famed the star as the face of its top-selling men’s fragrance, Bleu de Chanel — following Chanel’s first-ever male ambassador, the late French actor Gaspard Ulliel.

Back in April, social media ran rife with possible Chalamet / Chanel theories when images surfaced of the Bones and All actor stylishly hitting the New York City streets with Martin Scorcese. The acclaimed director previously shot an equally edgy Bleu de Chanel commercial featuring Ulliel in 2010.

Renowned fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti lensed the evocative supporting imagery — with a white shirt and denim-clad Chalamet embodying the scent reminiscent of CHANEL N°5. Most especially, with Chalamet’s upbringing in Manhattan and French roots — his father hails from Nîmes.

While the full campaign will drop in June, Chalamet revealed his ambassadorship to Instagram on May 16. Exclusively, the internet’s boyfriend told Harper’s BAZAAR Australia/New Zealand he was excited to collaborate with “a fashion and beauty house that has a vast, substantive history with cinema.” Read about the actor’s likely-to-be-legendary Chanel partnership, as well as his thoughts on playing Bob Dylan in an upcoming biopic, below.

Related: CHANEL heralds the return of American glamour

There is a long-standing brand history with Hollywood and cinema—from Gabrielle Chanel’s first visit to Los Angeles in 1930 to dress Gloria Swanson, to an authentic commitment to preserving cinematic masterpieces and continued support of emerging and established directors and actors. Has learning about CHANEL’s connection to the industry impacted the significance of your collaboration? 

Timothée Chalamet: As someone who is passionate about movie making and acting, collaborating with a fashion and beauty house that has a vast, substantive history with cinema meant the most to me. To top that off,  CHANEL has given me an unbelievable creative opportunity to work on a short film inspired by BLEU DE CHANEL directed by Martin Scorsese—the greatest living American auteur of our time.

BLEU DE CHANEL, not unlike yourself, relates to a man deeply connected with himself and the world. The scent plays with many dualities—juxtaposing shadow and light, dusk and dawn, and woody notes with fresh undertones. What does BLEU DE CHANEL represent to you?

What I like about BLEU DE CHANEL specifically is that, not unlike movies and storytelling in general, the scent and the narrative behind it are open for interpretation. It comes down to subtle assertiveness and the unique interpretation of the person who is wearing it and how the fragrance ultimately makes them feel. That’s all that’s important—it doesn’t matter what I think

What are you most grateful for at the moment?

I’m thankful for everything right now, and that I can reasonably know where I’m resting my head at night and that I get to keep doing something I love to do. I’m grateful to start this relationship with CHANEL and to be a small part in the brand’s storied and elevated legacy by helping to inform the next chapter of BLEU DE CHANEL.

What are you most curious about right now?

Honestly, I’ve been thinking a lot about how life would’ve been in New York in the sixties! As I prepare to play Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, I keep ruminating on what it must have been like downtown at the time—mainly because living downtown is so expensive these days. What would it have been like when it was affordable and accessible, and at the same time so rich in art and culture? I’m wrapping my head around that more than anything because even I grew up in a different New York than New York is now. So that’s the thought of the day.

BLEACHED EYEBROWS — perhaps one of the most polarising beauty trends of all time — are well and truly back in fashion.

Once reserved only for high fashion runways (or the very brave), over the last few years the almost-invisible brow look has found its way onto red carpets and into our social media feeds.

I myself have indulged in the trend, undertaking a DIY dye job during the first lockdown of 2020. While the process was a little tedious I must admit, I had never felt more subversive.

If you’ve been lusting over the effortless edgy emulated by the bleached brow, but are nervous to take the plunge, be inspired by the crop of celebrities who have already reached for the bleach.

How to bleach your eyebrows at home

Whilst it is always preferable to make your way into a salon when you are dealing with anything bleach-related, taking your brows from brown to blonde isn’t actually as hard as you may think. Plus, the move is relatively low commitment and can easily be reversed with a tube of tint.

Pick up a facial bleach and set yourself up in the bathroom — I recommend wearing old clothes, just in case of an inevitable bleach mishap. Firstly, clean your face and brows, ensuring you dry the area completely. Then, swipe some vaseline onto the skin around your brows — and be generous! This will stop the bleach from getting onto and irritating (or, as 18-year-old me discovered, burning) your skin.

Mix your chosen bleach according to the instructions on the box, and apply it to your eyebrows with a spoolie, making sure the bleach is covering all of your brow hairs.

Cut some small sections of glad wrap and place them over your brows to help them set. After 10 minutes, remove the plastic and wipe the bleach off your eyebrows.

If they come out brassy, use a spoolie to apply a layer of purple shampoo over your fresh bleach job and let it sit for a few minutes. The last step is, naturally, to debut your new look on Instagram.

@bazaaraustralia

The bleached eyebrow trend is not going anywhere.

♬ stir fry slowed – xxtristanxo