Brazilian butt lift ads banned by regulator
Ads for six providers of liquid Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) have been banned for trivialising the risks of the procedures and exploiting women's insecurities around body image.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said each of the Facebook and Instagram ads for cosmetic providers Beautyjenics, Bomb Doll Aesthetics, Ccskinlondondubai, EME Aesthetics, Dr Ducu, and Rejuvenate Clinics, irresponsibly pressured consumers into booking the treatments.
A liquid BBL, also known as a non-surgical BBL, involves the injection of a dermal filler into the bottom to enhance its volume and shape.
The paid-for Facebook ad for Beautyjenics, seen in October, read: 'Bringing our liquid BBL to the North … Manchester … Limited space available 14th-16th October … Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to get that perfect peachy look!'
The ASA said guidance from the Joint Council for Cosmetic Procedures said liquid BBLs are considered to be surgical procedures, which carry a level of risk.
The watchdog said: 'Undertaking cosmetic surgery should have been portrayed as a decision that required time and thought from consumers before proceeding, because of the risks involved.'
It added: 'We considered that consumers could have been rushed into making a decision to have cosmetic surgery without taking sufficient time to consider the consequences.
'Because the ad created a sense of undue urgency to book a cosmetic procedure quickly, we considered that it had not been prepared in a socially responsible manner and therefore breached the Code.'
The ASA further found that the ad risked exploiting women's insecurities around body image, particularly those with insecurities relating to their body shape, concluding that it was irresponsible.
Bomb Doll Aesthetics, Ccskinlondondubai, EME Aesthetics, Dr Ducu and Rejuvenate Clinics offered time-limited Black Friday deals, which the ASA said pressured consumers into booking the procedures.
Beautyjenics, Bomb Doll Aesthetics and Ccskinlondondubai did not respond to the ASA's inquiries.
Rejuvenate Clinics said it has reviewed ASA guidance and will remove all references to time-limited offers and state in ads that the surgery is carried out by a medical professional with ultrasound to minimise risks and enhance safety.
EME Aesthetics said all its clients are given a full consultation and are under no obligation to book any procedures, and it therefore considers that its ad had not pressured consumers or trivialised the risks of cosmetic procedures.
Dr Ducu said it will ensure it follows the ASA's rules and guidance, that the time-limited Black Friday offer was intended to provide consumers with an opportunity to access the company's services at a discounted rate, and it always encourages consumers to make informed decisions without pressure.
The ASA said: 'In each case, we found that the ads irresponsibly pressured consumers into booking, and trivialised the risks of, liquid BBLs or exploited women's insecurities surrounding body image.
'These rulings form part of a wider piece of work on ads for liquid BBLs, identified for investigation following intelligence-gathering by our Active Ad Monitoring system, which uses AI to proactively search for online ads that might break the rules.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
6 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow review 2025: Soothing neck support for side and back sleepers
The Tempur-Neck stands out from most other bed pillows on the market thanks to its unique design, which follows the natural curve of the neck and head. It's designed for back and side sleepers in particular, and comes in three sizes (small, medium and large) so you can pick the one best suited to your sleep position and body shape. Type: Tempur material (foam)Best for: Side and back sleepersSizes: Small (20" x 12.5" x 3.5"), medium (20" x 12.5" x 4") and large (20" x 12.5" x 4.75")Trial: N/AWarranty: 5-year limitedPrice: From $119 MSRP at Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Pedic mattresses are hugely popular, and the brand has used its signature pressure-relieving Tempur-Material (essentially high-end memory foam), which is both firm yet comfortable, in this best-selling pillow. We felt it strikes the right balance between sturdy support and cushioning comfort — which can help minimize the risk of exacerbating any existing conditions. As a combination sleeper, our tester found the Tempur-Neck to be the most comfortable when lying on her back. This way, her neck felt instant pressure relief that she described as being akin what she'd feel after a neck massage at a spa. She slept on the pillow for over two weeks and was comfortable all night long, never waking up with aches or pains. She even felt that it reduced any muscle tension she experienced. In addition to sleeping on it during the testing period, we also put the Tempur-Neck pillow through other performance tests (more on that below) in which it scored well. Overall, we rate the Tempur-Neck a 4 out of 5 stars considering the various parameters like comfort, support, temperature regulation and durability. Keep reading to find out more… In terms of the cost, Tempur-Pedic pillows are not exactly budget purchases in comparison to some of the other best pillows out there. At MSRP, the Tempur-Neck retails at $119 for a small size, $129 for a medium and $159 for a large, and is in the mid-range bracket for the brand (their most expensive pillow, the Tempur-Cloud Dual Cooling Pillow, starts from $199 for queen when at full price). However, you can snag excellent deals on the pillow during Tempur-Pedic sales. These don't come around as regularly as you'll find at other sleep brands, but when they do, particularly around events like Black Friday and Memorial Day, you'll find that you could save up to 50% or more. The brand also occasionally runs 'buy one get one free' sales, which is the perfect time to stock up on two of your favorite Tempur-Pedic pillows, letting you sleep better for less. Two pillows that are similar to the Tempur-Neck in terms of design and functionality are the Nest Bedding Easy Breather (from $119) and the Sleep Number NaturalFit Ultimate (from $169 to $199) — the first at a similar set of price points and the second coming in a little more expensive. Tempur-Neck pillow: from $119 at Tempur-PedicThe Tempur-Neck pillow is available in three sizes: small, medium and large. A small is priced at $119, a medium at $129 and a large pillow is $159. This price includes a 5-year warranty and free shipping. While the Tempur-Neck is currently full price for a single pillow, you will get 30% off when you buy two. The Tempur-Neck is comprised of a single block of the brand's signature Tempur-Material. Described as having an 'extra firm feel' it is designed specifically for back and side sleepers, delivering pressure relief and relaxing your muscles while still keeping them supported. Unlike regular bed pillows, you don't have to spend your time and effort adjusting the Tempur-Neck to contour your neck and shoulders, since its design follows the natural curvature of your neck and head. As such, it's designed to always give solid support to your neck, without ever compromising on neutral spinal alignment, whether you're sleeping on your side or your back. You can choose between the three sizes, and Tempur-Pedic even provide a handy chart and instructions on the pillow's product page so you can find the ideal Tempur-Neck for your body type. The Tempur-Material is encased in a hypoallergenic knit cover made from 100% polyester, and handily it's both removable and machine washable. Hot sleeper? You have the option of upgrading your Tempur-Neck to include cooling technology, in the form of heat-wicking cooling yarns woven into the breathable cover. This costs $20, but if sleeping hot is a big problem for you we'd recommend a dedicated cooling pillow such as the Casper Hybrid with Snow Technology. That's the basics covered, so now let's take a closer look at how the Tempur-Neck fared across a range of specific performance parameters. This will help you make an informed decision on whether the Tempur-Neck will work for your sleeping style and needs. The Tempur-Neck is one of the few pillows we've found that does not require any additional steps to be set up fully. It arrives in a fuss-free cardboard box, wrapped in plastic film. You don't have to wait for it expand or adjust the loft or firmness by adding or removing fill. Simply tear the plastic off and it's all ready to be slept on. Score: 5 out of 5 I found the Tempur-Neck largely delivered on what it claims. I'm a combination sleeper (side and back) and I specifically loved the instant pressure relief of the foam, which mimics the soothing relaxation of a neck massage or spa. It is on the firmer side and hence is suitable for anyone who needs that extra sturdy support to keep their neck aligned or to reduce the risk of worsening their aches or pains. To test its comfort and support, we put it through a sink-in test by placing a kettlebell weighing 10lb (roughly the average weight of an adult head) on the pillow and leaving it for 5 minutes. As soon as we removed the kettlebell, the foam sprung right back up without even a dent to show that a weight had been placed on it. I also found the Tempur-Neck to be most comfortable for back sleeping since this truly gave my neck and shoulders the feeling that tension was melting away. Since I tend to prefer a pillow with a softer feel and do not particularly suffer from neck aches or shoulder pains, I found the curved design to be slightly distracting after a week. Similarly, if you're someone who wants a pillow that conforms to your neck and head, giving you a cradling effect (like you're sleeping on a cloud), the Tempur-Neck might not work as an everyday pillow. Score: 4 out of 5 Apart from the optional cooling upgrade, the Tempur-Neck doesn't include any cooling features. Since it is made from a type of memory foam (which is known to trap heat), we expected it to cause overheating, but this never happened while testing the Tempur-Neck, although it should be noted that the reviewer is not a hot-sleeper. I was sleeping on the Emma Hybrid Airgrid mattress and used an ordinary department store microfiber duvet during the Tempur-Neck testing period. The knit cover which wraps the Tempur-Neck, however, is not a light breathable material of the type you might find on other pillows. If you're a hot sleeper, you'd be advised to opt for the cooling upgrade or to go for the Tempur-Cloud Dual Cooling pillow, which comes in a breathable cotton cover with cooling gel on either side. Score: 4 out of 5 A pillow may be comfy enough to sleep on but is it easy to clean? This is why we consider maintenance and durability to be key factors when judging the performance of a pillow. Tempur-Pedic is a popular mattress and bedding brand in the US and one of the reasons why it's so well-regarded is its consistent quality. Compared with other memory foam pillows, the Tempur-Neck does not sag or require any fluffing to maintain its shape, comfort and support. Score: 5 out of 5 As per Tempur-Pedic's care guidelines, only the outer cover is removable and can be washed and dried on a cold setting. Air-drying is recommended. Tempur-Pedic also suggests that you should avoid over-drying it or using chlorine or harsh products for cleaning. Score: 4 out of 5 The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck definitely lives up to the expectations. Finding a pillow that strikes the perfect balance of comfort and support is a tricky task for those struggling with neck pains or shoulder aches, and the last thing you need is a pillow that's either too soft or too firm and increases the risk of worsening the pain. If this sounds familiar to you, we believe that Tempur-Neck would be a good choice thanks to its ergonomic curved design and it's firm but instantly pressure relieving Tempur-material. While it's not one of Tempur's most affordable pillows, it sits around the middle of the Tempur-Pedic price range. Temperature control clearly isn't the Tempur-Neck's priority, and this is surely where it falls down compared with similarly-designed pillows such as the Nest Bedding Easy Breather and the Sleep Number NaturaFit Ultimate. The curved shape and the extra firmness also makes it an unsuitable option for stomach sleepers who require a low-loft model or one with a customizable fill like the Coop Home Goods Original pillow. ✅You suffer from neck pains or aches: The Tempur-Neck provides the right combination of cushioning and firm support to soothe any aches or pains. ✅You're a back or side sleeper: The ergonomic design follows the natural curve of the neck and is therefore perfect for side and back sleepers. ✅You need instant pressure relief for your neck: The Tempur-Material used in the pillow gives you instant relaxation which melts away the built-up tension in your neck and shoulder muscles. ❌You prefer a softer pillow: Tempur-Neck is the firmest Tempur-Pedic pillow and its cushioning won't appeal to sleepers who need a fluffy or plush model. ❌You need a more affordable pillow: Tempur-Pedic pillows are not exactly cheap compared to more budget-friendly options in the market. ❌No sleep trial included: Unlike most brands, Tempur-Pedic does not provide a sleep trial or returns for its pillows. Extra benefits are limited to a 5-year warranty and free shipping. 1. Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper pillow: was $119 from $99 at Nest BeddingThis pillow with a similar curved design as the Tempur-Neck, is perfect for side sleepers who like a more softer feel to their headrest. Crafted from a blend of CertiPUR-US certified foam and polyester fiber, the Easy Breather provides plush comfort and contouring in addition to a breathable knit cotton cover for cool sleep (read the full review on the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper pillow for more details). You can now get this at $20 off which takes the price down from $119 to just $99. Extra benefits include a 2-year warranty and 30 night sleep trial. 2. Sleep Number NaturalFit Ultimate Pillow: was $189.99 from $151.99 at Sleep NumberThe NaturalFit is an adjustable pillow with removable fill inserts to suit your sleeping preference. The natural down and latex blend is a dream combination, ideal for anyone who like plush comfort and responsive support (read the full review on the Sleep Number NaturalFit Ultimate pillow for more details). It also comes in a breathable cotton cover preventing any overheating or night sweats (in addition to naturally temperature regulating down and latex). You can grab this now at 20% off, reducing the price of a standard pillow from $189.99 to $151.99, while a king is priced at $175.99 (was $219.99). 3. Beckham Hotel Collection Pillows: was $79.99 from $59.99 at AmazonNeed a simpler pillow which suits all sleeping styles and those prone to overheat during the night? The Beckham Hotel Collection crafted from down-alternative fiber impressed our reviewer who said it provides 5-star luxury comfort within a budget (read the Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow review to know more). It is also a great budget purchase (and hence the top affordable choice in our pillow guide) since you're paying for not one but two pillows. There's currently 25% off, which means a set of queen pillows is now $59.99 (was $79.99).
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Older people ‘bombarded' with ads for funerals, care homes and mobility aids
Older people say they are being 'bombarded' by campaigns for funeral services, care homes and mobility aids by 'out-of-touch' mainstream advertising, a study has found. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said more than a third of the UK population (35%) agreed that older people tended to be negatively stereotyped in ads, with other depictions such as forgetfulness, frailty or not being able to use technology also seen as potentially offensive. While not offensive, depictions such as older people always being wealthy or grumpy, or ads that showed them doing extreme and unrealistic activities, were found to be cliched and irritating. Almost half (49%) said ads using humour at the expense of older people were likely to cause offence. Some 44% believed that older people were either underrepresented or not represented at all in ads, particularly in categories like fashion, beauty, technology and household goods. Respondents also raised concerns about how ads were targeted, saying they felt 'bombarded' by promotions for end-of-life services such as funerals or cremations, life insurance and care homes. The ASA's report, based on focus groups and a survey of 4,000 UK adults, said older people were not only living longer but also continuing to lead full, active lives, contributing to workplaces, families, communities and the economy for longer. However, many of those surveyed said that advertising too often painted a 'very different and outdated picture'. The watchdog said ads showing older people as lonely, purposeless or powerless could be harmful – especially for those aged 75 and over, for whom these portrayals reinforced fears about ageing and social isolation. It also flagged beauty ads that suggested ageing must be 'fought' as potentially harmful. In particular, women aged 65 and over recognised the potential for these ads to cause harm to the self-esteem of women of all ages. The ASA said the findings suggested the ad industry may be 'out of touch' with the reality of ageing. Instead, the public wanted advertising to focus on individuals rather than their age, and portray a diverse range of later-life experiences. The ASA said: 'When ads show older people as vibrant, capable and real, they help rewrite the story of ageing and how we perceive older generations. 'Not only this, but older people represent a significant market with substantial spending power, making them a vital audience for brands that want to stay relevant. 'While we're not currently proposing any new rules, we're hoping that by sharing this research, advertisers will understand how some portrayals of older people are landing with the public today – and where there may be unintended consequences.' Kam Atwal, research lead at the ASA, said: 'As a society, we're living longer, richer and more varied lives. 'Our research reveals that some of today's portrayals of older people in advertising are not being received positively, and that the public want ads to better reflect the varied lives older people lead today. 'This is a real opportunity for brands to embrace the true diversity of later life and take a leading role in challenging outdated perceptions.' Harriet Bailiss, co-head of the Age Without Limits campaign, run by the Centre for Ageing Better charity, said: 'We really welcome this excellent report from the ASA. 'We live in a society where ageism is the most common form of discrimination. We should all want that to end and we all have a role to play in making that happen. 'Advertising has such a powerful influence on society and can help bring about that change and be a force for good, as it has already been for changing other outdated perceptions.'
Hamilton Spectator
20 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Sweaty feet, shaving rash: Sticky-summer advice from Toronto's viral hygiene expert Madame Sweat
'I tell people armpits are like rainforests — moist, dark and full of bacteria,' says Mary Futher, more famously known as Madame Sweat. If you aren't already following her, you're missing out. Madame Sweat is the internet authority on hygiene and personal care etiquette, gross grooming truths and tricks for keeping your body and home germ-free, with 1.1 million followers on Instagram and 18.3 million likes on her TikTok posts. And she happens to be Canadian. For Futher, there is no cleanliness conundrum too unpleasant to discuss, no taboo body issue that is off-limits: Recent screeds include 'The safe way to use cotton swabs,' 'The 3 filthiest everyday items,' and 'You're caring for your scab all wrong.' Before she was the internet's grand dame of hygiene, Futher worked in product development at big beauty brands, including Revlon, Shoppers Drug Mart and YSL, where she learned how active ingredient s really work, and what consumers truly want from their personal care products. Then, about a decade ago, she decided to start her own brand. Instead of pursuing luxe lipsticks or scented body lotions in pretty packaging, Futher's first launch was decidedly un-flashy: a deodorant. 'I've never been one for the sexy items, you'll notice, because I really like digging into things that nobody wants to talk about,' she says. At the time, everyone was on the hunt for a natural deodorant that actually worked, and her Kaia Naturals Charcoal Deodorant was a runaway hit. Its ensuing companion product, The Underarm Bar — for properly scrubbing away sweat before you apply a fresh layer of deodorant — remains her bestseller. Mary Futher's brand Kaia Naturals' bestseller The Underarm Bar, $26, , which contains apple cider vinegar, sea salt and activated charcoal. Madame Sweat's straightforward take on keeping things fresh is, well, refreshing. So we asked Futher to share her top hygiene tips for summer. If you've ever experienced stinky sneakers, wondered how often you need to wash your swimsuit or had your deodorant fail you on a hot day (honestly, haven't we all?), then keep reading for no-nonsense advice. 'You can't stop the sweating, but you can stop the smelling by washing your feet,' says Mary. But think beyond the shower gel you use on your arms, legs and torso. 'It's prudent to keep two different types of body cleansers in your shower,' she says. That's a gentle one for the areas that don't sweat much or get particularly dirty, and a second, more effective soap for your feet, underarms and skin folds. Futher points out that some on SkinTok recommend strong antibacterial cleansers, but those should be used with caution because they can be irritating; she says a soap containing tee tree oil or apple cider vinegar will do the job. If you're not someone who showers every day, at least wash just your feet in the bathtub or sink. Madame Sweat trick: Wash smelly areas like feet daily and scrub for a full 20 seconds using your hands or a soft silicone shower scrubber — but avoid loofahs and shower poufs because they harbour bacteria. If you notice odour coming from under your breasts or your belly button, a yeast infection could be the culprit. 'I've had two DMs this week about smelly C-section scars,' says Futher. Our skin is host to a range of fungus and bacteria — all over the body, all the time — but under certain conditions, yeast or fungus could proliferate, causing an infection. For some, all it takes is a string of particularly steamy summer day and voila, a yeast infection springs up in a skin fold. If you think you have a yeast infection on your body, talk to your doctor to verify; they may prescribe an antifungal cream or direct you to an over-the-counter option to clear it up. Madame Sweat trick: To reduce the chances of an overgrowth of yeast in skin folds anywhere on the body, clean the area daily with a mild cleanser, pat dry, then apply a moisture-absorbing powder or a barrier cream. Impromptu beach days or pool trips when you realize you need to groom stat are to blame for most shaving mishaps. 'You get into trouble when you try to do it fast,' Futher says. Instead, she recommends shaving regularly, so the hairs aren't too long and the skin becomes accustomed to the process, and taking your time as you move through the following steps. First, apply a warm, damp cloth to the area to soften the skin and open the pores. Next, use a cleanser that's exfoliating and disinfecting. Rinse, pat dry, and apply a shave oil: Futher finds these to be more effective than foams or gels, and says moringa oil (a seed oil from the moringa plant) works best. Using a new blade, shave in the direction of the hair growth, rinsing frequently to prevent clogging. Then — and this step is key — wash the area with disinfecting cleanser again, to remove any trace of bacteria that could turn into angry, red bumps. Lastly, pat dry and moisturize. Madame Sweat trick: Friction and perspiration can make shaved areas between your thighs and in your armpits prone to ingrown hairs. Exfoliate every second day with a product containing salicylic acid to keep the hair follicles from filling up with bacteria and dead skin cells. Whether you've spent a day at the beach, lounging at the lake, or doing laps in the gym pool, you need to wash your bathing suit after every use. 'Leaving it wet is the worst thing you can do,' says Futher, adding that just throwing it over a line or balcony fence to dry doesn't quite cut it, either. Laundering your swimwear removes sweat, sunscreen, chlorine, salt and debris from a dip in any kind of water. For best results, wash your suit by hand in the sink using a mild clothing detergent, rinse well, then hang to dry thoroughly. (Never put swimwear in the dryer, as this will degrade the fabric.) Madame Sweat trick: 'The same goes for sports bras,' says Futher. 'If you are prepared to take the time to wash them out by hand and hang to dry every time, you will extend their life by 50 per cent.' We shed some 30,000 skin cells every hour (!) so an old pillow could be up to 30 per cent dead skin cells, dust and dust mites, says Futher. Not only is this revolting, but sleeping on a pile of dust mites can trigger indoor allergies and symptoms like sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. Hypoallergenic pillows, which are made from synthetic materials that discourage mites from thriving, are the best option, but they are pricey. Futher has another recommendation: 'Better yet, buy the hypoallergenic covers that will protect your pillow inside.' Madame Sweat trick: Launder hypoallergenic pillow covers in hot water monthly, to kill mould and mites, and replace your pillows every two years. Baths can be wonderfully relaxing and therapeutic for sore muscles, but they're not a time for getting clean. When you're in the mood for a soak, Futher recommends pre-gaming with a quick shower — otherwise, you're just sitting in your own filth. Wash all your smelly bits, including feet, armpits and scalp, then rinse out your tub before you fill it with warm water to chill in. Madame Sweat trick: 'A shower is for hygiene; a bath is a treat.'
