Latest news with #Xavier
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Inside the region's first-ever skin Summit: Why L'Oréal chose Saudi as a launchpad for science-led beauty storytelling
When over 400 content creators gathered in the capital for the first-ever L'Oréal Skin Summit, it marked more than a milestone in beauty—it was a glimpse into the future of skincare. Among the expert voices contributing to this conversation was Xavier Fastinger, Head of R&I Development – Skin & Makeup for SAPMENA, whose extensive global experience has helped L'Oréal bridge science, innovation, and local insight across diverse markets. We caught up with Xavier during the summit to discuss the Kingdom's unique potential, the evolving consumer mindset, and why science-first storytelling is the future of beauty. 1) Why was hosting this summit in Saudi such a defining move for L'Oréal? This was a deliberate choice. Saudi Arabia has become one of the most digitally influential markets in the region, and its creator economy is thriving. Bringing the Skin Summit to Riyadh wasn't just about launching a first — it was about connecting directly with a community that's already driving beauty conversations online. The goal was to move beyond product showcases and immerse creators in the science that fuels innovation. That kind of transparency helps foster trust, credibility, and a deeper relationship with skincare itself. 2) You've worked across France, Brazil, and India—how does this region compare in terms of pace and potential? The region's energy is distinct. There's a strong appetite for progress, for knowledge, and for redefining standards. What's inspiring here is that innovation doesn't sit only in the labs—it lives in conversations happening online, in pharmacies, in salons, and on social platforms. In Saudi, you can see creators and consumers alike approaching skincare not just as a routine but as a form of identity and expression. That creates a unique ecosystem where science and creativity can truly collaborate. 3) Sustainability is also becoming central to L'Oréal's R&D. How is that reflected in your work? Sustainability isn't just a trend for us—it's embedded into our research model. Through our Green Sciences initiative, we're working toward a future where 95% of our ingredients are bio-based, mineral, or derived from circular processes by 2030. For instance, we now use fermentation techniques to produce ingredients like Vitamin C from plant starch, reducing environmental impact while maintaining potency. In the long term, sustainable innovation allows us to meet the needs of increasingly conscious consumers without compromising on performance. And it's clear that consumers in this region are increasingly paying attention to these values when choosing their products. 4) What message would you leave with Saudi content creators after this summit? Use your platform to inform as well as inspire. The knowledge shared at the summit—from ingredient science to diagnostic tools—was meant to empower creators to elevate the quality of skincare conversations in the region. You now have access to information and resources that allow you to create content that is not only visually engaging but also rooted in credibility. By combining storytelling with science, you can build stronger trust with your audience—and play a part in shaping a more informed and inclusive beauty culture in Saudi and beyond.
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
sInside the region's first-ever skin Summit: Why L'Oréal chose Saudi as a launchpad for science-led beauty storytelling
When over 400 content creators gathered in the capital for the first-ever L'Oréal Skin Summit, it marked more than a milestone in beauty—it was a glimpse into the future of skincare. Among the expert voices contributing to this conversation was Xavier Fastinger, Head of R&I Development – Skin & Makeup for SAPMENA, whose extensive global experience has helped L'Oréal bridge science, innovation, and local insight across diverse markets. We caught up with Xavier during the summit to discuss the Kingdom's unique potential, the evolving consumer mindset, and why science-first storytelling is the future of beauty. 1) Why was hosting this summit in Saudi such a defining move for L'Oréal? This was a deliberate choice. Saudi Arabia has become one of the most digitally influential markets in the region, and its creator economy is thriving. Bringing the Skin Summit to Riyadh wasn't just about launching a first — it was about connecting directly with a community that's already driving beauty conversations online. The goal was to move beyond product showcases and immerse creators in the science that fuels innovation. That kind of transparency helps foster trust, credibility, and a deeper relationship with skincare itself. 2) You've worked across France, Brazil, and India—how does this region compare in terms of pace and potential? The region's energy is distinct. There's a strong appetite for progress, for knowledge, and for redefining standards. What's inspiring here is that innovation doesn't sit only in the labs—it lives in conversations happening online, in pharmacies, in salons, and on social platforms. In Saudi, you can see creators and consumers alike approaching skincare not just as a routine but as a form of identity and expression. That creates a unique ecosystem where science and creativity can truly collaborate. 3) Sustainability is also becoming central to L'Oréal's R&D. How is that reflected in your work? Sustainability isn't just a trend for us—it's embedded into our research model. Through our Green Sciences initiative, we're working toward a future where 95% of our ingredients are bio-based, mineral, or derived from circular processes by 2030. For instance, we now use fermentation techniques to produce ingredients like Vitamin C from plant starch, reducing environmental impact while maintaining potency. In the long term, sustainable innovation allows us to meet the needs of increasingly conscious consumers without compromising on performance. And it's clear that consumers in this region are increasingly paying attention to these values when choosing their products.4) What message would you leave with Saudi content creators after this summit? Use your platform to inform as well as inspire. The knowledge shared at the summit—from ingredient science to diagnostic tools—was meant to empower creators to elevate the quality of skincare conversations in the region. You now have access to information and resources that allow you to create content that is not only visually engaging but also rooted in credibility. By combining storytelling with science, you can build stronger trust with your audience—and play a part in shaping a more informed and inclusive beauty culture in Saudi and beyond.
Cosmopolitan
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Love and Deepspace Review 2025: Am I Falling for Xavier?
Late last year, I saw an ad on TikTok for a story-based romance video game called Love and Deepspace, a dating simulation otome game, a Japanese term that translates to 'maiden game.' It's targeted to women and follows a female main character who has lived dozens of lifetimes in a futuristic reality full of monsters called Wanderers. The twist? As you try to figure out the truth of the main character's many lives, you encounter five men she's had romantic connections with in her past. You go on dinner dates that turn into steamy encounters, you flirt over text, and at one point, you even fight battles in an alternate world. Thanks to aggressive marketing on TikTok and some sexy billboards in hot spots like Times Square, Love and Deepspace has become one of the biggest titles around the world. According to Sensor Tower, the game made $65.6 million in April 2025 alone. Love and Deepspace creator Infold Games revealed that 50 million players have joined the game in its first year. This was my first proper otome game and from the moment I downloaded it, I was hooked. It was so…simple. The relationships were established. The main character and her five boyfriends were soulmates. And even when the boyfriends end up in cages because they've been affected by a disease that makes them sexually feral, their history and loving characteristics were always still there. There were no hassles around dating and figuring out where we stand. The hard part of falling in love was gone. This could not be further from my actual dating experience. No matter how many times I reactivate my dating app profiles or attempt to talk to someone at a bar, I just never can seem to take dating seriously. It takes so much time and effort to find someone special. I don't have a long list of must-haves or wants. I'm simply looking for someone to put me first, take a genuine interest in me, and make a decision or two instead of saying, 'It's up to you.' While I'm known as the romance queen with my love for the genre in books (I'm an editor for Cosmo Reads, our romance imprint), TV, and movies, I've never actually felt wanted or desired by anyone before. So I figure if it's never happened, why chase it? And yet, here I was 'talking' to five different guys. The love interests in the game (Xavier, Zayne, Rafayel, Sylus, and Caleb) all have their distinct personalities, jobs, and storylines. The main character is not exactly dating them all at the same time, but rather the user is going through five different storylines. This means that each time I open the game, there's something different. Want to play with a virtual claw machine to win some plushies? One of the guys will use their special powers to help you. Need to study or work out? They'll be right by your side, motivating you along the way. Some memories feature romantic moments like the first time you spent the night together. You can even listen to recorded audio that includes spicy double entendres. One of my favorite moments in the game isn't a date at all. In one of Sylus's storylines, the main character comes to one of his houses (yes, he has multiple homes for his own safety because he runs a black-market organization) after getting injured on a mission. He not only bandages her up, he also helps get rid of the enemies who are following her. Maybe it's because, as an eldest daughter, I'm usually the one taking care of everything and holding it all together. But seeing her getting protected, feeling safe, and fully trusting someone else? To me, there's nothing hotter. While I know these guys aren't real and that they're not actually interacting with me, the game does fill a void. Dating in New York City often consists of little more than one-night stands and basic conversations. It can feel impossible to get to know a person. The boys of Love and Deepspace, on the other hand, actually listen to the main character's problems and yearn for her. Chatting with them feels similar to the moment when my favorite 'ship gets together in a TV show or the enemies-to-lovers are forced to share a bed in the book I'm reading. Only this time, it feels tailor-made for me. That's because the main character, who I named Tammy (my nickname), looks like me. While fiction created a safe haven for me to experience romantic feelings through the eyes of different characters, as a 5-feet tall, size 12 Latina, there is almost no representation of women like me in these stories. In Love and Deepspace, however, I am the sexy, desired love interest. I am also a feisty fighter, unafraid to stand on my own and never deterred by monsters or even a bad day at work. Besides a confusing backstory about reincarnation, the character is a blank slate, which means almost anyone can place themselves in her shoes. You know that you're not actually her, but when a sexy doctor is confessing his love, well, you start to get some feelings. That's not to say that I'm actually falling in love with these guys nor do I feel like they could ever replace an actual dating life, but the game give me something my romantic side has always longed for. It's also a lot easier to stay in bed, log onto my account, and replay one of their scenes than find an actual person on a dating app to go on a very likely disappointing date with. I am definitely not the only person who feels this way. High spenders in the game get special VIP perks including a gift box with 'handwritten notes' from the love interests and many women have said they'd rather spend their money on the guys in the game than go on actual dates. In China, where the game originates, players have the option to talk to the guys via their microphone and get AI-generated responses. It's another example of AI as an open, nonjudgmental ear for our problems. Some players say the game has helped them realize what they were missing in their own real-life relationships. According to one redditor, the game helped them learn what it 'means to be loved and treasured.' Some players are lobbying for the game to be rated 17+ so they can get even more explicit (it's currently rated 12+ in the Apple Game Store). While, for me, the game won't be an actual replacement for dating, it did help me realize that when it comes to relationships I want more of that yearning. I want a supportive partner who will be with me in both the good and the bad. I want someone who truly loves me for me. Who is excited for my wins and can comfort me during my losses. It even showed me that while I love dark, broody characters in fiction, I might actually be interested in shy, sunny personalities IRL. It also showed me that I deserve someone who desires me and it gave me hope that someone might be out there. It took the main character several lifetimes to be able to find the loves of her life again, so I can definitely be patient. In the meantime, I'll be playing with my five fictional boyfriends. So if you happen to be a hot cardiac surgeon named Zayne, well, I've been waiting for you.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Local footy captain still fighting after ‘traumatic' facial injury
A local footy captain in Melbourne's north is still recovering six weeks after a 'traumatic' facial injury. Whittlesea's Xavier Dimasi was rushed to hospital during a game against Watsonia in the Northern Football Netball League on April 12. The longtime skipper was celebrating his 100th game for the club when he copped a big hit in the last quarter. He hasn't been able to work since, and still has weeks of recovery ahead of him. 'Xavier has been more than a player,' Whittlesea Football Netball Club wrote in a post on Facebook. 'He's been a leader, a mentor to our juniors, and a genuine role model on and off the field. His commitment to our club and our young players is second to none — always the first to lend a hand, offer a word of encouragement, or give back to the community that he loves. 'A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Xavier and his family with the financial strain of treatment and recovery. Any contribution — big or small — will go a long way in helping ease the burden and get our captain back on his feet.' The GoFundMe page details the full extent of the former Box Hill VFL player's battle. 'The accident resulted in multiple fractures throughout his face, a significant concussion, lacerations to his face and dental damage,' GoFundMe organisers Jaron Murphy and Augusta Dimasi wrote. 'The severe injuries required huge reconstructive surgery to Xavier's face, where six plates have been inserted to repair the damage, as well as a palatal splint to keep his jaw in place while his bones heal. 'Recovery from the traumatic accident has been extremely painful, drawn out and debilitating for Xavier, whilst placing enormous pressure on his partner, Brigid. 'As a result of the extent of Xavier's injuries and pain, he has been unable to work since the accident and isn't expected to return to work for a least another month. 'Brigid has been providing Xavier with full time care, requiring her to rely on her own sick leave to ensure Xav is cared for. With mounting financial pressure and all available leave utilised, Brigid has had to return to work, taking breaks throughout the day to care for Xavier. 'With medical and dental appointments continuing for the next few months, they are under significant pressure to balance health and the costs of recovery. 'Any show of support for Xavier and Brigid will be deeply appreciated during this time and will be used to aid Xavier in his recovery with ongoing medical and dental appointments, procedures and expenses.' You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.
7NEWS
6 days ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Local footy captain Xavier Dimasi recovering from ‘traumatic' facial injury playing for Whittlesea
A local footy captain in Melbourne's north is still recovering six weeks after a 'traumatic' facial injury. Whittlesea's Xavier Dimasi was rushed to hospital during a game against Watsonia in the Northern Football Netball League on April 12. The longtime skipper was celebrating his 100th game for the club when he copped a big hit in the last quarter. He hasn't been able to work since, and still has weeks of recovery ahead of him. 'Xavier has been more than a player,' Whittlesea Football Netball Club wrote in a post on Facebook. 'He's been a leader, a mentor to our juniors, and a genuine role model on and off the field. His commitment to our club and our young players is second to none — always the first to lend a hand, offer a word of encouragement, or give back to the community that he loves. 'A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Xavier and his family with the financial strain of treatment and recovery. Any contribution — big or small — will go a long way in helping ease the burden and get our captain back on his feet.' The GoFundMe page details the full extent of the former Box Hill VFL player's battle. 'The accident resulted in multiple fractures throughout his face, a significant concussion, lacerations to his face and dental damage,' GoFundMe organisers Jaron Murphy and Augusta Dimasi wrote. 'The severe injuries required huge reconstructive surgery to Xavier's face, where six plates have been inserted to repair the damage, as well as a palatal splint to keep his jaw in place while his bones heal. 'Recovery from the traumatic accident has been extremely painful, drawn out and debilitating for Xavier, whilst placing enormous pressure on his partner, Brigid. 'As a result of the extent of Xavier's injuries and pain, he has been unable to work since the accident and isn't expected to return to work for a least another month. 'Brigid has been providing Xavier with full time care, requiring her to rely on her own sick leave to ensure Xav is cared for. With mounting financial pressure and all available leave utilised, Brigid has had to return to work, taking breaks throughout the day to care for Xavier. 'With medical and dental appointments continuing for the next few months, they are under significant pressure to balance health and the costs of recovery. 'Any show of support for Xavier and Brigid will be deeply appreciated during this time and will be used to aid Xavier in his recovery with ongoing medical and dental appointments, procedures and expenses.'
