Latest news with #MedinaAzaldin
Elle
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
The 9 Best Cowboy-Inspired Perfumes For A Breezy, New Cool Girl Scent
If your summer moodboard is layered with leather boots, double denim, and that iconic Miu Miu cowboy hat, it might be time to embrace a cowboy-inspired perfume. Whether you're still blasting Cowboy Carter or binge-watching Yellowstone like the rest of us, it's almost impossible to find an aesthetic more coveted in 2025 than that of the free-spirited cowboy. Luckily, this breezy world of wild horses, rodeos, and lassos is brimming with atmospheric charm, inspiring a range of woody, leather, and effortlessly magnetic fragrances. 'To me, there's a ruggedness about cowboy fragrances,' says ELLE UK's resident perfume expert and beauty editor Medina Azaldin. 'It's not about specific notes but rather a composition that makes you think of sunsets, soft leather saddles, and hot, dry weather. It's a devil-may-care attitude and a fearless spirit, in a bottle.' Her spritz of choice? 'Saddle by Perfumer H captures the essence of a cowboy perfume, but does it in the most refined, elegant manner. It's soft, worn-in leather that wears buttery smooth on skin thanks to the addition of amber and vanilla.' From smoky woods aromas fit for dust storms and dive bars to soft suede notes for high-fashion outlaws, these are the best cowboy-inspired perfumes to a seamless cool girl scent. This cool-girl-approved brand draws inspiration from some of the world's most iconic nightlife scenes, from Ibiza in the '80s to New York in the '90s. Heathens, Cowboys And The Santa Ana Winds is the ultimate evening scent. Think cowboy perfume notes after dark: palm trees, wild breeze, and a glowing amber base. Fans of D.S. & Durga's original Cowboy Grass will love this limited-edition sibling scent. While the New York brand's original is aromatic and earthy, with notes of Haitian vetiver, white sage, and clary sage, this more feminine iteration leans fresh and floral. Picture peonies, blooming plains, wild grass, and soft musk. Housed in a crystal-like tumbler, this rich, liquor-inspired scent is the ultimate nighttime statement, and a must-try for fans of dramatic gourmand fragrances. Inspired by cognac aging in oak barrels, this evening tipple in perfume form has a nomadic allure that effortless captures the wild, cowboy aesthetic. You'll struggle to find a scent more coveted than Le Labo's most iconic fragrance, Santal 33. Inspired by the wide plains of the American West, this cowboy-worthy perfume has long been it-girl approved, boasting notes of Australian sandalwood, cedar, cardamom, iris, and leather. The best part? It's a true crowd-pleaser, and an effortless blind buy for leather lovers. While the name of this fragrance alone gives it undeniable cowboy appeal, its powdery saddle scent is just as fitting. With notes of leather, violet, and suede, the balanced aroma is perfectly unisex, offering a soft, smoky sillage that suits any occasion. It's also been widely hailed as the ultimate new layering scent by fans. If you came here for an atmospheric cowboy scent that evokes dusty saddles, worn-in boots, and that iconic Stetson hat, this refined yet gentle amber-leather fragrance is your perfume. With a buttery softness, its blend of bright bergamot, orange flower, and jasmine absolute top notes, heart of earthy patchouli and benzoin resin, and a creamy vanilla base creates a bold yet balanced leather which is captivating from the very first spritz. Few A-listers are more in tune with the appeal of cowboy-inspired notes than horse lover and frequent Texas visitor Bella Hadid. 'My partner personally loves Nightcap - both on himself and on me,' the model recently told ELLE UK, following the debut of her signature scent collection at Selfridges. With a sultry aroma of ginger, guaiac wood, vanilla, and sandalwood, if it's good enough for a real-life cowboy, it's good enough for us. Looking for a straight-talking leather perfume? This delicately sweet yet realistic scent has a cosy, woody dry down that wears effortlessly year-round. Also available in candle form (perfect for bringing a cool, rugged edge into your space), this fragrance is a true crowd-pleaser, and effortlessly wearable for both evenings and the office. While cowboy-inspired perfumes are often edgy and raw, they don't have to be. After all, what captures a free spirit better than a Texan golden hour sunset? Picture sweet, green rhubarb, strawberry leaf, and honeydew melon, paired with spicy pink pepper, galbanum, white peonies, and ambrette musk. Yes, this scent is breezier than the aforementioned cowboy fragrances, but its lively floral bouquet doesn't compromise on that spirited, cool-girl energy. Katie Withington (she/her) is the Beauty Writer, at ELLE UK and Harper's Bazaar. Working alongside the ELLE UK Beauty Team, she covers all things beauty for both print and digital, from finding backstage make-up trends at London Fashion Week and investigating buzzy skincare ingredients, to unzipping the beauty bags of Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie. Prior to joining ELLE UK in 2022, Katie studied (BA) Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion and has previously contributed to Red, Good Housekeeping and Prima.
Elle
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
The 5 Coolest Bob Haircuts Taking Over Copenhagen Fashion Week
The street style at Copenhagen fashion week is a sight to behold, as show-goers never fail to deliver ultra-cool haircut trends and fashion inspo to carry us through this season and beyond. While we've been waxing lyrical about French and Italian bobs (they're still a favourite for chic cuts), it turns out that Copenhagen bob hairstyles are the one to beat if you're looking for statement-making looks. Bobs took over the Danish capital, bringing an offbeat Scandi-spirit. Nothing prim or stuffy here, as stylish street style stars embrace a more rebellious vibe with their hair through choppy layers, uneven ends, or by teaming their bobs with equally mesmerising fringes. If you're in the mood for something dramatic, try the wispy, feathery bob which is perfect for fine hair. It's cut to almost a pixie shape, so if you've been considering a tight crop, the Scandi bixie is an excellent way to ease into the style. Elsewhere, full yet extra short bobs make the most out of thicker hair. It's voluminous and brings with it a nonchalant glamour that feels especially fresh for any upcoming heatwaves. There's something here for the more low-maintenance among us too, as Copenhagen fashion week attendees demonstrate how to elevate the longer, easier to manage shoulder-length bob. The cheat sheet? Pile on the hair accessories and make sure your colour is bright and glossy for maximum impact. Meanwhile, a modern mullet or graduated style is an easy way to elevate a curly bob as it brings out the best of your natural texture. If there's one takeaway from the bobs spotted in Copenhagen, it's that there really is no wrong way to embrace a short hairstyle. It's all about dialling into your individuality and attitude. Short, curly haircuts are blessed with volume and movement. This graduated chop, which is shorter in front and longer in the back, is a modern take on a mullet chop. Paired with the trendy boho bangs, this choppy, chin-length bob brings with it a rebellious edge. If you need a sign to take the plunge, this is it. The extra short, earlobe-grazing chop makes an impactful statement; keep styling to a minimal and just pair with fanciful earrings. Grungy, offbeat and undoubtedly cool, this feathery statement cut is a great bob for fine hair types to make an impact. Take it to the next level with a micro fringe and bleached brows. Dial up a short hairstyle with fun accessories such as hair bows and a striking colour. The silver hardware jewellery helps to bring balance to this unapologetically girlish style. Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
Elle
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
24 Hour Early Bird Price: Get On ELLE's Beauty Advent Calendar Waitlist Now
After a year's hiatus, the ELLE beauty team is proud to announce that the highly covetable ELLE Beauty Advent Calendar is back and better than ever for 2025! Designed in collaboration with London's hottest design duo, Chopova Lowena, the beauty advent calendar is breathtaking from the inside out; promising to be standout piece in your home while delivering the most exciting beauty stash for your skin, hair and body. Here at ELLE, our aim has always been to help you navigate the beauty aisles a lot smarter - whether you're shopping for the best blush, brow serum or finding the greatest SPF moisturiser. In the process, we take product testing very seriously - combing through endless formulas to bring you the best recommendations. Hence, everything contained within this beauty advent calendar has been trialled, tested and highly rated by the ELLE beauty team. It's been a labour of love - we're bringing all our favourite, most-used beauty items into your make-up bags and top shelves. Brimming with £705 worth of products (including a digital magazine subscription to keep you informed on all the best and brightest in beauty and beyond), sign up now to get the advent calendar at an early bird price of £125. SIGN UP FOR THE ELLE BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR 2025 - £130 for products worth £705. Sign up now to get it at an early bird price of £125. - An impressive 10 FULL SIZE beauty products! - 17 more covetable beauty products. That's more than just 25 treats. Plus, 2025's ELLE Beauty Advent Calendar comes decked out and dressed up in a showstopping Chopova Lowena design that you can keep forever (this editor recommends using it to store your Christmas baubles). The 25 ruby red drawers conceal products beloved by our ELLE beauty editors such as the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil and Narciso Rodriguez All Of Me fragrance. For more details, read on for a full run down of what's inside this year's most covetable beauty advent calendar worth £705. The calendar goes on sale on September 2nd. Sign up now to get 24 hour early access, where you'll be able to shop the calendar for an early bird price of £125. The calendar is available at the full price of £130, or £149 with an ELLE Collective membership. SIGN UP NOW FOR THE ELLE BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR 2025 ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
