Latest news with #LaRochePosay
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Most cosmetic items sold by third-party sellers on Amazon, eBay, TikTok and Vinted are fake and could be a health hazard, a study suggests
Most cosmetic items sold by third-party sellers on Amazon, eBay, TikTok and Vinted are fake and could be a health hazard, a study suggests. Researchers described their findings as 'alarming' and warn people 'enticed' by discounts on counterfeit designer goods risk being harmed by 'toxic' ingredients. They purchased 34 makeup and skin products from sellers that have collectively sold thousands of these items. This includes products advertised as being from eight well-known brands including Charlotte Tilbury, La Roche Posay, Maybelline, MAC and The Ordinary. But investigators from consumer champion Which? concluded 23 of the 34 items (67 per cent) are likely to be counterfeit. In each case, they conducted visual checks on the packaging and contents, and compared them with the genuine products purchased from trusted retailers. Four out of 11 products ordered on Amazon were deemed to be fake, as were eight out of 11 products purchased on eBay, five out of six products ordered from TikTok shop, and six out of six items bought on Vinted. Doctors say the consequences of using counterfeit products can be 'grave'. Fake cosmetics, perfumes and other beauty and hair products have previously been found to contain animal faeces and urine used as a stabiliser, as well as cancer-causing and toxic ingredients such as arsenic, lead and mercury. Consultant Dermatologist Dr Aamna Adel said the lack of regulation or oversight in the production of fake goods means they may be incorrectly formulated even if they contain genuine active ingredients, such as glycolic acid or retinol. This poses the risk of skin irritation, skin infections or even chemical burns, she added. In contrast, legitimate cosmetics undergo safety checks and are manufactured under controlled conditions. Which? said many of the dupes were difficult to spot and only became apparent when directly compared with the genuine samples. A bottle of Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray looked the part from the outside, but on closer inspection researchers noted it had a cloying floral scent, distinctly different from the genuine sample. Similarly, a MAC Macximal silky matte lipstick in shade Ruby Woo purchased from Vinted for £15 - £10 less than the recommended retail price - arrived in packaging very similar to the genuine version, but when closely compared, the lipstick bullet itself was subtly different with a smudged logo that did not match up with the original. A tube of La Roche Posay Effaclar Serum purchased on Vinted smelt suspiciously like shampoo, while the sample bought from Vinted had completely different text on the side of the box. When Which? researchers purchased discounted tubes of CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum from Amazon, eBay and Vinted, all three came in different packaging to the genuine product and were missing the safety markings researchers would expect to see. It was difficult to get any serum out of the bottles using the pumps, but when they did it was clearly different in consistency and colour. The Ordinary product listings were some of the most popular researchers found. The two listings on eBay had collectively sold more than 2,600 items and nearly 1,000 were sold on Tiktok Shop. This was 'all the more surprising' as these were among some of the most affordable items in the investigation, with products all retailing at less than £10, researchers said. Phil Lewis, Director General of The Anti-Counterfeiting Group, said even on cheaper fake products the profit margins are 'extremely high', meaning consumers should be on their guard even if discounts seem more realistic. Which? is calling on the government to reform the enforcement system and advising shoppers to be vigilant when buying items from online marketplaces. It said the safest way to buy cosmetics products online or in-store is to buy directly from the brand website, or one of their affiliated retailers or approved stockists Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at Which?, said: 'It's alarming that Which? was able to find such high volumes of what appeared to be potentially dangerous counterfeit cosmetics on popular online marketplaces, where teenagers in particular are likely to be enticed by what seem to be big discounts on popular brands. 'Consumers should be as confident in the products they buy online as the items that they purchase on the high street, but in reality they risk buying untested, unregulated and potentially toxic cosmetics. 'Trading Standards needs to take decisive action to prevent these products from making their way into people's homes, but because of limited resources and competing demands, counterfeit investigations are being deprioritised in many parts of the country. 'The government must ensure there are clear duties on online marketplaces to prevent the sale of counterfeit goods, and urgently commit to the reforms needed to ensure our consumer enforcement system is fit for the 21st century.' The online retailers all said they prohibit the sale of counterfeit items and take action to prevent fakes being sold. A spokesperson for L'Oréal Groupe, the parent group for CeraVe, La Roche Posay, L'oreal and Maybelline said: 'L'Oréal Groupe takes the threat of counterfeit products very seriously. 'We are committed to the fight against counterfeiting to protect consumer health and safety, and the integrity of our brands,' it added. 'We actively collaborate with law enforcement agencies worldwide and with online platforms.' Charlotte Tilbury and The Ordinary did not respond to the researchers' requests for comment.
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Life Hack: How to treat sunburn and help it heal as fast as possible
If you didn't know we recently had a heatwave, our internet activity will inform you pretty quickly. Part of my day job involves monitoring trends on social media and search engines. Last week, I noticed a spike on Google Trends with people searching for ways to treat sunburn as quickly as possible. Despite all the weather warnings and knowing we should stay in the shade and wear a high-factor SPF to protect our skin from cancer and accelerated signs of ageing, it's likely many readers of this column will also have slipped up in the sunshine and are now sporting some painful patches. There's no judgement here: in the minutes between a dip in the ocean and reapplying suncream, my shoulders got burned too last week. Sometimes we just aren't quick enough to prevent it. So, if you were unlucky and have the red stripes to prove it, here are some tried-and-tested ways to treat your sunburn and have your skin looking and feeling healthy as quickly as possible. First steps As soon as you realise you're burning, get out of the sun. Drink plenty of water to ensure you don't become dehydrated (and remember, beer and alcohol will not hydrate you). To cool down your skin, don't use ice or an ice pack. Instead either hold a damp towel against your burn or have a cool shower or bath. Slather on an aftersun cream, such as aloe vera. Do not use petroleum jelly on sunburn as this can actually trap heat into the skin, making it worse. Keep your burned skin covered until it fully heals to protect it from direct sunlight and if you have any pain, you can take a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Never pop any blisters that may form and do not scratch or try to remove peeling skin. Remember, severe sunburn is very serious and could lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Contact your GP if your temperature is high, if you feel dizzy or sick, or if you have a headache and muscle cramps. How long until it heals fully? As well as feeling painful and uncomfortable, you can feel quite self-conscious after suffering sunburn. Sunburned skin usually gets better after a week, but you can help it heal as fast as possible with a few extra steps, with most being quite intuitive. As mentioned above, moisturising sunburn immediately can help to soothe it, but continuing to moisturise the area liberally can also help it to heal and fade faster. The best moisturisers for sunburn and irritated skin are the simple, unscented ones. Many skincare brands make aqueous cream, a gentle emollient moisturiser that you can buy in a pharmacy for about €5. As well as hydrating the skin as a moisturiser, it can also be used as a cleanser. Another cream I swear by for sunburn is La Roche Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5+, a repairing and soothing balm that helps to repair the skin barrier. I have used this on sunburn in the past and found it cleared up faster than usual. You can also mix aloe vera into your usual lotion for a moisturising boost for dry and sun-damaged skin. Hydration from the inside out is also key to healing. Continue to drink plenty of water while your skin recovers, around eight glasses a day. When we are properly hydrated, the body's healing process quickens, shortening recovery time. It can also help to regulate a higher body temperature caused by sunburn. Another important consideration is knowing when to leave your sunburn alone. Ignore the itch and the urge to peel any flaking skin away — the skin underneath is healing and needs that layer to stay in place for now. Constantly scratching at your sunburn will slow down your body's healing and can also increase the risk of an infection, setting you back even further on the recovery timeline. Read More Life Hack: Two TikTok cleaning techniques I use when tidying my home
Times
6 days ago
- Times
Win a luxury seven-night French château stay for ten guests worth £12,000
Just imagine . . . you and nine of your favourite people embarking on une balade around the grounds of a glorious château in the heart of the Loire Valley — glass of local wine in hand — having feasted on a lunch of regional cheeses, charcuterie and artisan baguette. Well, that dream could fast become reality: we've paired up with Oliver's Travels to offer you the chance to win a week-long stay at Château Les Bains, a stunning belle époque residence set in a dreamy riverside location near the spa town of La Roche-Posay. The property delivers views across 17 acres of parkland and vines that undulate to the river and there's space for up to 20 guests — seven bedrooms are found in the main house, and there's an additional trio of rooms in a separate cottage. Days here can be spent basking poolside, getting competitive in the games room or tending the vines (before pootling to the in-house cellar). There's also a grand kitchen that inspires trips to the local market and will have you wondering why you didn't move here years ago. So what are you waiting for? Oliver's Travels is providing this prize, offering the winner exclusive use of the property for seven nights on a self-catering basis, plus daily housekeeping service. The fridge and pantry will be fully stocked with up to €200 worth of products. The prize also includes two LeShuttle car passes that will cover ten people. As the château's capacity is 20, you're able to invite an additional ten guests at your own expense. You'll need to book your stay at least six weeks in advance, and travel between October 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026. Blackout dates are July, August, Christmas and Easter. For more information, click here. For your chance to win, simply vote in each category in this year's Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards. There are 17 categories in total. Click here to vote. For the full list of prizes, see closes at 23.59pm on August 31, 2025. Open to residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years or older, excluding employees and agents of the Promoter and its group companies, or third parties directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion and their affiliates, and their immediate families and household members. One entry per person. Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries. No cash alternative and prize is non-transferable. Subject to availability, Prize must be redeemed within one year and booked at least six weeks in advance of departure date. Prize must be taken between October 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026, subject to availability and blackout dates apply including Christmas, New Year, Easter, and July 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Winner and his/her guest(s) are solely responsible for ensuring they are available to travel and have valid travel documentation (including passport/visa/visa waiver as may be required), obtaining adequate travel insurance and appropriate vaccinations/inoculations for foreign travel at their own expense. Winner can invite additional guests, up to a total of twenty (20), at their own expense. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the prize-winner. Prize is subject to Oliver's Travels terms and conditions. Stay must adhere to the terms listed here: Your information will be used to administer this Promotion and otherwise in accordance with our privacy policy at and those of the partners. Promoter is Times Media Ltd. Full T&Cs apply — see
Telegraph
6 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
The six budget skincare products our experts buy on repeat
There are some beauty products that warrant a more expensive price tag; certain serums and luxury make-up that have real dressing table appeal. But then again, there are some brilliantly affordable products that perform so well there's no need to pay more than £15. Here are the high street skincare products our beauty and fashion team buy on repeat. Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm 40ml, £11, La Roche-Posay on Cult Beauty I was first introduced to this moisturiser around nine years ago, when I had my first son. I was looking for an alternative nappy cream to the default option at the time: Sudocrem, the bright, white paste that came in a hefty grey plastic tub. I found the formula too greasy and gloopy. Cicaplast Baume B5, I was told by a few friends, was the alternative choice. A popular product in French pharmacies – but pleasingly also available at Boots – it came in an easy-to-dispense tube, was fragrance-free and felt like a luxury moisturiser. I was sold, and have been using it ever since. It's packed with soothing ingredients like panthenol and vitamin B5 and is one of those all-purpose creams that can be used by the whole family. When my middle child had a little patch of mild eczema on his cheeks as a toddler, this was the only cream that helped. More recently, I've used it on my own face if I've spent a bit too much time in the sun or if I've used too strong a skincare product. I slap a dollop of this on my face and all is well by the morning. For me, this is the sort of cream that belongs in a first aid kit at home. I'll always have a tube of Cicaplast to hand. Gentle skin cleanser, £17, Cetaphil from Boots Moons ago when I first began writing about beauty, New York dermatologists were recommending this humble cleanser to mortals like me looking for inexpensive skincare that doesn't strip the skin. Two decades ago that wasn't as easy as it is now, thanks to brands like The Ordinary that made affordable unsexy skincare cool and credible. Originally developed in 1947 by a Texan pharmacist for customers with sensitive skin, Cetaphil is a soap-free, non-comedogenic (meaning it won't block your pores) range that works as well on my dry 51-year-old skin as it does on my daughter's blemish-prone complexion. Though these days the brand is available in the UK, I still miss the thrill of bringing bottles back home in my suitcase from the US. As the name suggests, you can expect a gentle foaming cleanser containing panthenol, niacinamide and glycerine to cleanse and hydrate without the tight skin feeling. A little goes a long way but when I do run out I order their roomy (710ml) refill pouch. Facial Superfood Oil by Q&A, £8.50, Sephora If you enjoy using oils as part of your skincare routine, especially massage, you'll know they can get pricy. Mature skins especially, tend to soak up the oils, and the afterglow you can achieve through a combination of gua sha and the right oil becomes addictive. I try to massage my skin at least once a day, either using a gua sha jade stone (I love Hayou's upgraded gua sha tool with its serrated edge on one edge, which really allows you to get into fine lines, stimulating the skin's own collagen production and a curved edge for sculpting cheekbones) or my hands. With consistent use, the reduction in lines and depuffing (which results in a more 'snatched' look) can be remarkable. As prep, I like first to apply a serum containing actives. DoSe has hyaluronic acid, squalane and ergothioneine, which protects against oxidative stress and pollution, with antioxidant properties that help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It's a competitive £30 and lasts around six months. On top comes an oil. Even if you follow a gua sha practice primarily to decongest your skin and treat spots, you should never attempt any massage without using oils or you'll find you're pulling and dragging your skin. You need enough decent glide, but not so much that you can't get a grip on the skin. Q+As superfood facial oil is an excellent weight for massage – nourishing but not too thick. It contains Vitamins A, C, E and F – lots of lovely fatty acids to plump and feed skin, at an excellent value for money price that means you can use it as liberally as needed. You could pop a moisturiser on top, but it's not mandatory. Hydrating Moisturiser by CeraVe, £12.37, Boots When I took the prescription retinoid drug Roaccutane to treat my adult acne, I was delighted with the skin-clearing effects. However, around three years after completing a course, I noticed that my breakouts were creeping back. I was disappointed and considering going back on the medication for a second course – until I started using CeraVe's Facial Moisturising Lotion (along with the brand's Hydrating Cleanser) exclusively about a year ago. Within a few weeks, my skin cleared up and (touch wood) it's stayed clear since, with just the odd pimple to deal with every now and then. The moisturiser itself feels light and is non-comedogenic, but having niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides in there seems to be the key, for me, to achieving enough hydration without disrupting the delicate oil balance. I think it's all about finding what works for your skin and given that you can pick this up for as little as £13, it's definitely worth a try. Water Boost Micellar Facial Gel Wash, £2.47, Superdrug I've never been one to overcomplicate my skincare, I've stuck to the same routine for 10 years. From a young age I would see my mother, who has enviable skin, use just a bar of Dove soap. I've followed the same simple ideology. As someone with sensitive skin, I have three pillars that make a holy grail skincare product. It must be gentle, perfume-free and very hydrating. In the mornings I'll use Simple's Water Boost Micellar Facial Gel Wash to prep my face for skincare and make-up. In the evenings, I'll use the brand's Protect 'n' Glow Express Glow Clay Polish to help remove any make-up residue. This is perfect to use after a day of running around the city, and I love how I can buy both products for under a fiver. Hydrating Cleanser by CeraVe, £12.50, Cult Beauty I struggled with acne for years and it wasn't until I consulted dermatologist Dr Ophelia Veraitch that I cleared up my skin. My serums are personalised with minimal but active ingredients and I rely on slightly pricier products like Skinceuticals sunscreen and Ilia Base Face Milk which don't clog my pores. However, for a cleanser, Dr Ophelia recommended CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which comes in at £12.50. I use it twice a day, in the shower in the morning and between my make up remover and night serum in the evening, making sure my skin is damp before I apply. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin I highly recommend checking to see if products are non-comedogenic before buying, which has saved me a lot of money and grief over the years. CeraVe's cleanser is gentle, hydrating and works with the other actives in my serums which means I'm not stripping away my skin barrier. It's available in big supermarkets and lasts for at least 6 months, bringing the cost per use to less than 3p – bargain!
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I tried the viral £3.49 Lidl tan as a pale girlie – it doesn't smell, looks 10/10 & I was amazed by how long it lasted
IT'S the tan that's taken the internet by storm - but is the viral Lidl tanning mousse really worth the hype? According to one beauty buff, the answer is yes. 2 2 The discount supermarket sent shoppers into a frenzy after launching their very own fake tan just in time for summer - and compared to cult favourites, Lidl's Marbella Glow is significantly cheaper. While other viral brands retail around the £10 mark, the German store's version costs just £4.49. Thrifty beauty buffs can choose the vegan-friendly tan in three shades - Medium, Extra Dark and Ultra Dark. Bargain-mad TikToker, only known as @ kittsandpieces on the platform, went for the latter option, sharing her honest thoughts online. The PhD student, who dubbed herself a '' pale girlie '', started the process by showering and ensuring her skin was moisturised before applying the bronzing mousse. To ensure the tan doesn't stick to particularly dry areas, such as elbows and knees, the blonde stunner used Ultra-Repairing Soothing Balm by La Roche-Posay. The balm, which she claimed was ''a game-changer'', is currently on offer on Amazon for around £8, and for best results, the TikToker left it on for 20 to 30 minutes before applying the tan. After covering herself in the dark mousse, the Lidl shopper was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the tan dried. Raving about the wallet-friendly buy, she said in the video: ''No sticky feeling going to bed and no bad tan smell either.'' The following morning, the TikToker hopped into the shower, rinsed off the tan and was amazed by the results. Katie Price moans 'oh my god I'm so ugly' as she shows off BALD eyelids after removing fake lashes and make-up Sporting a gorgeous glow which made her look like as if she's just returned from a sunny holiday, the student said: ''10/10 for me.'' The best part? According to the shopper, the sun-kissed glow lasts almost a week too. ''I find I get a solid 4/5 days out of it with showers and all, it's even survived my swimming.'' Fabulous' £10 Fake Tan Test FINDING the perfect fake tan isn't easy. That's why Fabulous tested a number of fake tans which cost less than £10.. *If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Superdrug Solait Self Tan Mousse Medium - £4.79 (was £5.99) - Buy Now Tester: Abby Wilson, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer Review: "This product give a very natural looking tan and if you wanted something a bit bolder, I'd suggest leaving it on longer or choosing a darker shade. I'm impressed with the results, but now my entire room stinks of the stuff. If you're on a budget and want a tan for last-minute plans, I would say this is one to try. " bBold Dream Mousse Tan in Dark - £9.50 - Buy Now Tester: Josie O'Brien, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer Review: "The first thing that hit me about this tan was the 'juicy watermelon' scent - it's delicious. I was left with a natural bronze hue rather than orange glow. My only qualm is that the tan seemed to stick to my dry patches and accentuated 'strawberry skin' on my legs. I'm still adding this tan to my arsenal though - the smell, colour and texture are dreamy." St Moriz Professional Medium Tanning Mousse - £4.99 - Buy Now Tester: Kate Kulniece, Fabulous Writer Review: "Not only does St. Moriz mousse leave you with a gorgeous bronzed glow, but it also smells fabulous - think Piña Colada on a sunny beach. At first, I was a little bit sceptical cause I'm a gradual fake tan girlie, but this quick developing St. Moriz number may change it all." Mixed reviews But while the money-smart shopper was raving about the bargain buy, not everyone had the best reviews. ''Yes it's good but be careful !! heard of horror stories from this tan especially firsthand ended up in a&e with a swollen face,'' wrote one of the 36k viewers. Another chimed in: ''it does smell, lovely red undertone, doesn't last long.'' Someone else said: ''I did it today and planing to wash it in the morning.
