As is the case with every category in the ever-bulging beauty industry right now, choosing a perfume isn't exactly a straightforward affair. Aside from the boundless scents to choose from, you have to consider olfactive categories, sillage, sustainability, and suitability, among many other factors.

Those who have found their signature scent might be reluctant to venture into unknown territory, while others might go through flacons at a rate of knots, unable to find the one that truly sticks. And for some, it's a complete fluke when they do find the perfume that has people asking them "what are you wearing?" on the tube (for me, that's Diptyque's L'Eau Papier). But there is, in fact, a learned art when it comes to finding the best perfume for you.

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How To Find Your Signature Scent

"Occasion, weather, mood, and olfactive tastes can all influence how we pick our scent," shares Rachel Freeman, Head of UK Education at Creed. "If you're looking to find your signature scent (or scents), consider how you want your perfume to make you feel and when you want to wear it as a starting point," she shares. "Remember, there are no rules with perfume, but understanding olfactive categories and notes can also bring you closer to finding your signature scent."

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What Are Olfactive Categories?

"There are four main olfactive categories — fresh, floral, woody and amber — and each one of these main categories has subcategories within (for example, floral can be soft, fruity or a floral amber)," shares Freeman. "Each category and subcategory will have its own identity, so you might find yourself drawn to the same style of perfume. Understanding olfactive categories can also prove useful if you want to change your scent," she notes. Among the known subcategories, such as the sweet gourmands, aromatics, and heady ouds, a number of newer categories have been cropping up—think cherry perfumes and popular skin scents.

Whether you're searching for a new aroma brimming with novel ingredients or a treasured hero you'll wear forever, below are the best perfumes to try for 2025.

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This article was first seen on ELLE UK.

In ancient Greek mythology, bees were considered divine messengers and often depicted with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. They are also revered in many other cultures, as symbols of good luck, prosperity, teamwork and wisdom.

Little wonder it has been an emblem for Chaumet since the start of the 19th century, when the jeweller counted Napoleon and his wife Josephine as its most famous customers.

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Moving from ornate royal bijoux to sleek modern pieces, Chaumet shines a new light on the bee and bee hive with 12 new diamond and gold creations in its Bee de Chaumet collection, formerly known as Bee My Love. Its Bee de Chaumet Pompon range introduces long, swaying tassels as a dynamic counterpart to the maison’s iconic hexagonal honeycomb motif.

Bee-adorned flexi-cuffs and graphic honeycomb bangles come in a range of materials and thicknesses. There’s also a new white gold parure (consisting of a necklace, bangle, earrings and ring) whose mirrored surfaces are accompanied by the glitter of diamond pavé.

Also joining the ranks is a pair of high-jewellery drop earrings to accompany the bib necklace and cuff that were released late last year: Crafted from rose and white gold, the supple honeycomb earrings bear graduated, brilliant-cut diamonds that start in a closed setting, before ending in a prong setting that appears to suspend them in air.

With its play on proportions and textures that breathe new life into one of the maison’s key collections, the Bee de Chaumet range is a perfect fit for stylish queen bees everywhere.

Johnnie Walker may know whisky, but our April 2024 cover star Yoyo Cao knows taste. As part of the launch of the new luxury platform Johnnie Walker Vault, the multihyphenate fashion entrepreneur worked with master blender Dr Emma Walker to bottle something uniquely her own. The result? A private whisky blend that draws from her go-to comfort cuisines, jet-set memories, and the ephemeral beauty of Japan’s sakura season.

It's bold but balanced, much like Cao, with notes of dark chocolate, warming spices, and a smoky finish—a flavour profile inspired by the rich depth of Japanese cuisine and the elegance of the Sakura season. Here, the content creator takes us through her personal palette.

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You’re a whisky drinker? Colour us impressed! How did you get started on this typical man’s drink?

Whisky being seen as a “man’s drink” is such an outdated mindset. I was drawn to Johnnie Walker because of the rich storytelling behind each blend—it’s a drink full of character, depth, and craftsmanship, which really resonates with me. It’s less about gender and more about appreciating something truly timeless.

Can you share how this collaboration with Johnnie Walker came about?

It felt like a natural collaboration—I’ve always admired Johnnie Walker’s history and how they honour innovation. When the opportunity to work with Dr Emma Walker on the Johnnie Walker Vault launch came up, I was excited to be part of something so thoughtfully crafted. The artistry behind the Vault really speaks to my work as an entrepreneur, where creativity and individuality are everything.

How do you think your Johnnie Walker Vault blend challenges the perception that whisky is just for men?

The Johnnie Walker Vault experience is all about personal expression. My blend reflects my unique style and journey, showing that whisky can be just as layered and bold as the person enjoying it. It’s not about gender—it’s about storytelling, taste, and self-expression.

What’s the best way to convince people to try Johnnie Walker?

The best way is to simply share the experience—let them taste it and see how versatile and refined it can be. There’s a Johnnie Walker for every palate, and once you find your blend, it becomes more than just a drink.

Do you have a favourite Johnnie Walker blend?

After this experience, it has to be my own blend! Emma truly captured my inspirations and preferences and turned them into something so personal and meaningful. It’s like having my own signature scent, but in whisky form.

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How has your palate for whisky changed over the years, and do you have a special way to enjoy it?

I’ve definitely become more curious and adventurous with whisky over time. I used to prefer something smooth and subtle, but now I appreciate a bolder, more layered profile. I usually enjoy it neat, with time to really savour the complexity.

How did you approach creating your very own Johnnie Walker blend? What did you learn from this experience?

It was such a fascinating process! I filled out a detailed questionnaire about my favourite moments, places, colours, and feelings, and had conversations with Emma about my creative world. From there, she selected notes from over 500 rare whiskies to build my blend—it was like turning memories into flavour. I learned that blending whisky is a true art form, just like fashion or design.

How does your whisky blend reflect your personal style and journey?

It captures who I am—elegant but with an edge, thoughtful but surprising. There’s a balance of warmth and boldness that really mirrors the way I approach both fashion and entrepreneurship. It feels like a reflection of the evolution of my personal story

If your whisky blend were an outfit, what would it look like?

It would be something unexpected—classic in silhouette but with a bold, modern twist with an edge.

If you had to pair your bespoke whisky with a dish/dessert, what would it be? When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Perhaps tiramisu, for its rich layers and subtle kick. I explored many dreams, but fashion was the one that truly captivated me.

How can a fashion brand stand out in today's super-saturated, hyper-competitive market? The spring/summer 2025 collections prove that staying true to one's roots can go a long way. From Hermès elegant take on athleisure to Miu Miu amping up its off-kilter girlishness and Dolce&Gabbana paying homage to its Sicilian heritage, the runways this season certainly left behind an indelible impression.

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ECLECTIC ENERGY AT LOUIS VUITTON

This collection capped off Nicolas Ghesquière’s 10th-year celebrations at Louis Vuitton. It was an assertive reiteration of the singular aesthetic he has spent a decade establishing and honing for the Maison—one informed by both the Renaissance and Modernism, sci-fi sleekness and Eighties glamour. This season, he time travelled to the 18th century for his opening jackets with their gargantuan puffed sleeves, nipped waists and flared hips. Only his were light and moved easily, and looked cool worn with bodysuits, men’s shirts and flat leather shoes. Equally interesting were the dropped-waist tops and dresses worn with capri-length shorts, as were the doll-like chiffon shifts studded with giant cabochons. Ghesquière ended on a high note with a trio of jackets featuring the works of painter Laurent Grasso, which looked effortless and expressive worn with shredded crystal skirts.

Related article: The Biggest Runway Trends That Define The Spring/Summer 2025 Season

FLYING HIGH AT CHANEL

This collection was designed in that interim period between creative directors but the Chanel codes are so strongly established by now that the design studio managed to power on just fine, reinterpreting those codes to create a consistent, cohesive lineup that will satisfy the brand’s loyal clients. First up, tweeds, which the studio team made light and fresh by rendering them in sweet, youthful colours. Skirts were cut short or with slits for easy movement. In some looks, the jacket was fashioned into bombers, worn with shorts and platform shoes. Windowpane checks and open-work knits echo the architecture of the Grand Palais—the latter being quite a feat of craft. In the middle of the Grand Palais was a giant birdcage that recalled the one from the Vanessa Paradis commercial shot by Jean Paul Goude. The avian inspiration resulted in some of the collection’s high-flying moments, such as the bursts of bright feather prints, and the plumes—both real and the ones crafted from chiffon—that quivered delicately on capes, dresses and jackets.

Related article: Exude Sporty Elegance In Dior's Spring/Summer 2025 Collection

UNLADYLIKE BEHAVIOUR AT PRADA

For their spring/summer 2025 Prada outing, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons sent out an attitude-laden collection that twisted the notions of good taste and propriety—in some cases, quite literally, with dress straps, skirt hems and shirt collars distorted into strange new forms. Sophistication with a heaping dose of subversion was the duo’s ammo this season. Shift dresses were pierced with dozens of jangling rings; knee-length skirts came with giant holes cut out of them; and pleated skirts were suspended from leather belts by metal hooks. Prada and Simons’ main goal this season was to upend expectations and conventions. In a way, the collection they presented served as a kind of resistance to algorithm-driven predictability. Mirrored and feathered cocktail dresses that would have been ultra glamorous were instead paired with technical windbreakers in raver neons. Other unlikely combos included ball skirts worn with grungy t-shirts, and mariniere knits over flapper skirts.

QUIET SEDUCTION AT HERMÈS

This had to be Nadège Vanhee’s sexiest collection for Hermès yet. While sex has also percolated on other runways, this was the most sophisticated expression of it this season. It was a master class on how the Hermès woman does sheer dressing. The collection was essentially about the lightness and warmth of summer, which got her thinking about sensuality—things that don’t just look good but feel amazing on the skin. Vanhee’s solution was sheer mesh, cut into easy, athletic silhouettes worn with the lightest of leathers. Some of the mesh trousers had zippers running down their entire sides, allowing the wearer to open them up and change their shape. The mesh also worked well as cropped shirts worn with long, lean skirts. One look that struck the polished-casual balance especially deftly was a leather bomber with a train, thrown over a mesh bralette and high-waist briefs.

POWER MOVES AT SAINT LAURENT

In his nine-year tenure at Saint Laurent so far, Anthony Vaccarello has proven that he can consistently and compellingly draw on the Yves Saint Laurent vocabulary to present a comprehensive, contemporary direction for the brand. Spring/summer 2025 marked the first time the designer has channelled Saint Laurent the man himself. Vaccarello opened with a series of sharp yet louche suits that directly referenced how the House founder used to dress in the ’70s—complete with neckties and his signature thick-framed glasses. Vaccarello broke up that mannish proposition with sweeping floor-length paisley dresses worn under leather or suede jackets, before shifting key and ending with the vibrant jewel tones that were another YSL signature, here deployed on little ruffled skirts and boxy brocade jackets.

CHIC SERENITY AT TOD'S

For his sophomore runway collection, Matteo Tamburini envisioned a journey along the Mediterranean coast, translated into a thoughtful wardrobe of elevated essentials. Titled “Artisanal Intelligence”, the collection is meant to be a celebration of the handmade in this AI-powered age. The clothes were quiet, not beholden to any grand theme which can sometimes be constricting. Instead, Tamburini served up beautifully made pieces—often in light leather—that served as an excellent showcase for the House’s “Made In Italy” credentials. There were loosely structured t-shirts in shirting fabric, worn with roomy drawstring trousers or wrap skirts; and pleated dresses that fall in soft, straight lines from the shoulders. Tailoring was easy, made up of single-breasted jackets worn either with no shirt, straight pants and flat strappy sandals; or over scuba-like zip-up tops and tights, with a swish of silk at the hip.

A VERY FRENCH EXIT AT CELINE

For his very last collection for Celine, Hedi Slimane doubled down on the bourgeois chic that became his calling card at the French label. In the past few seasons, the designer has been steadily moving away from his pandemic-era, streetwear-inflected aesthetic. Here, he closed that chapter for good with a resolutely, unabashedly ladylike collection. Slimane had the ’60s on his mind; apparent in the twinsets, skirt suits and minidresses that filled the collection. The skirt suit, in particular, was the collection’s key look—rendered in grey wool, pink tweed or houndstooth, and worn with sequinned, lace or pussybow blouses. The accessories underscored the ’60s story. Think thick black headbands stamped with the Triomphe logo, demure kitten-heeled slingbacks and boxy little top-handled bags; while jewellery included clusters of
pearls on ears and fingers.

PERFECT GEOMETRY

When the worlds of math and fashion collide, what you get is Max Mara’s spring/summer 2025 collection. Inspired by Hypatia of Alexandra, one of the earliest female mathematicians and philosophers from the 4th century, the collection tapped into the elegance of precision and translated it into impeccable tailoring with a trigonometrical twist. For instance, poplin shirts and blazers featured plenty of sharp and square shoulders, with arm cuffs that flipped back into acute angles. Meanwhile, wrap dresses and asymmetric skirts played with the idea of symmetry and highlighted once again the indisputable relationship between geometry and fashion design.

INTO THE BLUE

MCM invites you to take a plunge into the deep end with its spring/summer 2025 collection entitled “Under The Sea”. The German label presented the collection with a high-energy flash mob in the heart of Milan with dozens of dancers grooving to K-pop tunes at the Piazza del Duomo. Continuing the narrative of uncharted exploration from its previous “From Munich to Mars” collection, this season captured the beauty of the underwater world. Highlighting various aspects of the ocean, the collection opened with the theme of “Night Diving”, featuring sleek laser-cut bags inspired by fishnets and gilets crafted from neoprene and diver-style zippers. Meanwhile, “Coral Mountain” introduced brightly coloured backpacks adorned with aquatic motifs, sporty trucker shorts and Cognac Visetos bags with playful coral graphics.

MATERIAL GIRLS AT DOLCE&GABBANA

For a few seasons now, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have been pivoting away from hype-driven trends and going back to their roots—sensuality, sizzle and a specific kind of Sicilian glamour. This season, it was front and centre, right there in the title: Italian Beauty. The collection was a tribute to the iconic blondes of cinema—the Marilyn Monroes and Grace Kellys of the world—and to their pop-culture successor, Madonna, who sat front row. The cone bras that the singer made famous in the ’80s were inspired by the bullet bras that “sweater girls” like Lana Turner and Jayne Mansfield popularised in the ’50s. Here, they jutted out of body-hugging satin sheaths or peeked from underneath trench coats and sheer dresses that resembled hosiery. Some of the pointy cups were built right into the many jackets in the show—a feat of tailoring and an ingenious way to put a distinctive spin on a ubiquitous garment.

A SENSUAL SWANSONG AT GUCCI

In what turned out to be his final runway collection for the House, Sabato De Sarno demonstrated a wider range in terms of silhouette. Where his first two womenswear shows focused on a lean, abbreviated line heavily informed by ’60s Mod aesthetics, here, he switched things up a bit. The looks that made this shift immediately clear were the opening silk dresses—fluidly draped around the body, held together by golden bamboo hardware at the throat, neck or shoulder. The other looks that crystallised that change came at the end, via five sweeping, dramatically oversized coats worn with ribbed tank tops, baggy jeans and mannish loafers. In between, the designer reiterated the codes that he established in his short time at the brand. The Ancora red that was a staple since his debut remained a constant here, deployed on fabrications that range from leather and lace to knits and cottons.

TACTILE MINIMALISM AT SPORTMAX

The Italian label pared things back to bare essentials this season, opening with a series of minimal white and cream looks. Sculptural dresses were hung from suspended collars or featured plunging V-necks, while tailoring encased sheer mesh looks. The body was a particular focal point for this collection—many looks were see-through or draped closely around the figure beneath. Trousers had pinched waistlines that stood slightly away from the body, thus drawing attention to the waist, especially when worn with bandeau tops. The collection was far from austere though, as the studio team also jazzed things up with beaded pieces that added a sense of texture and movement.

COASTAL ELEGANCE AT RALPH LAUREN

Synonymous with luxury and serenity, the Hamptons served as the location for Ralph Lauren’s spring/summer 2025 collection. Alongside the show horses that were trotting in a ring and the rows of vintage automobiles parked near the stables, the idyllic seaside town was the perfect representation of the brand’s enduring all-American heritage. Beyond quintessential eveningwear pieces that included pinstriped blazers and elegant slip dresses ideal for intimate soirees or black-tie events, a more breezy, laidback attitude underscored the collection, with buttoned-up linen shirts, whimsical crochet cover-ups and spacious raffia totes that made for a beach-ready ensemble.

IN THE TRENCHES AT BURBERRY

In his fourth runway outing for Burberry, Daniel Lee demonstrated a newfound ease which signified that he is finally settling into his role at the label. Gone were the overwrought elements that occasionally weighed down his clothes. His spring/summer 2025 collection was more direct and commercial than his previous efforts—and it was all the better for it. There was a new lightness to the way Lee took on the brand’s outdoorsy codes. The signature trench coat was slashed to the length of a moto jacket, worn with knee-length shorts; or deconstructed into flared dresses and short, swingy capes. Leather jackets were shrunken and washed to look aged, giving them an attractive worn-in feel. Anoraks came trimmed with feathers, and trousers were ventilated with full-length zippers running down each leg. The irreverent combo of oversized parkas thrown over sequinned dresses was also appealing—a look that telegraphed Brit cool and nonchalance.

COLOUR THEORY AT LONGCHAMP

Longchamp’s two-part collection for spring/summer 2025 revolves around an exuberant palette. Titled “Think Pink”, the French label’s Spring collection is rendered in various shades of this eye-catching colour—with hues swinging from soft blush to oxblood. From wardrobe staples like cropped jackets and stretch pants to glamorous eveningwear like body-length gowns and velvet suits, these pieces showcased the versatility of pink in an everyday wardrobe. Still maintaining this liveliness but not deviating from its signature Parisian flair is the Summer collection. Here, Longchamp invites one to revel in the picturesque beauty of the countryside. Apart from introducing new iterations of the brand’s iconic kimono jacket, the “Live Green” collection revamped quintessential summer staples like apron dresses and playsuits by incorporating overall-inspired straps and playful gingham prints.

GIRL INTERRUPTED AT MIU MIU

Miuccia Prada’s spring/summer 2025 collection situated the brand’s successes of the recent past within the entire Miu Miu oeuvre. All the things that have long fascinated Miuccia were here—the recontextualised uniforms and archetypes; the cool, slightly kooky minimalism of her ’90s era; the pointedly overt girlishness she subverted in the 2010s; the clashing ’70s carpet prints she loves. The show opened with a youthful cotton shift in white—the very picture of innocence, save for the sliced-open back. It was one of those seemingly simple, instinctive, gestural effects that Miuccia just excels at and which immediately added a frisson to the proceedings. Next came tank tops and sweatshirts draped and layered to look like offhandedly put-together bustier tops. Some of these were worn with gym shorts cut so high on the thigh they were basically high-waisted briefs. The look sure to send the It-girl cohort into a tizzy were the cut-out bodysuits paired with low-slung pleated leather skirts and belly chains.

COMING OF AGE AT ONITSUKA TIGER

Fashion’s fixation with youth is nothing new. Onitsuka Tiger, on the other hand, chose to focus on something far less romanticised: Growing pains. Embodying the theme of “Urban Beats”, the spring/summer 2025 collection was inspired by one’s formative years—the tumultuous yet illuminating journey of finding one’s self-expression and vulnerability amidst a buzzing metropolis. Spotlighting this pivotal transition from adolescence to adulthood, the 50-look collection referenced stylistic movements from the past and future—from ’20s flapper-inspired dresses to futuristic gorpcore influences intertwined with the brand’s streetwear staples. A subversive gender-bending aesthetic also permeated the collection with tuxedo vests layered over black lace lingerie, and cosy textured knits paired with boxy cargo shorts. Meanwhile, the versatile footwear which encompassed utilitarian sandals, sensible leather loafers and square-toe pumps elegantly toed the line between childlike wonder and grownup elegance.

ARTS AND CRAFTS AT ISSEY MIYAKE

It all clicked when creative director Satoshi Kando and his team stayed at the LOG hotel in Hiroshima. Noticing that the washi paper-covered walls had a psychologically soothing effect, Kando was compelled to explore paper not just as a static medium, but as a versatile fabric. Even before the show commenced at the serene Parc Floral de Paris, the runway set—featuring seats made from compressed paper cylinders and walls covered in crinkled white paper—invited audiences to contemplate deeper about texture and materiality. A poetic homage to paper, the show transformed the simplicity of this unlikely medium into innovative creations crafted from woven strips of washi paper combined with fibres like hemp, rayon, mohair and cotton, resulting in textures ranging from airy and fluid to strong and supple.

MATCH POINT AT LACOSTE

Sportswear is baked into the very DNA of the brand—founder René Lacoste was after all, a renowned tennis champion before he pivoted to clothing—and this season, creative director Pelagia Kolotouros looked to reconcile that athletic heritage with contemporary fashion sensibilities. She landed on a compelling mix of elevated athleisure and relaxed tailoring. Think body-hugging polos worn with tailored shorts, or ultra-light trench coats in a techy parka material worn with boxer-like gym shorts. Tennis dresses came cinched and structured on top, and soft and pleated below. Other standouts include polos reinterpreted as sheer blouses embroidered with tennis rackets, the brand’s signature crocodile logo blown up as an abstract print, and a lemon-yellow shift with geometric patterns that evoked both tennis courts and Art Deco motifs.

SUIT YOURSELF AT BOSS

Suiting received a springtime refresh in the latest BOSS collection. The brand, known for its impeccably sharp tailoring, took a softer approach this season—which translated into both the light, unstructured pieces that were shown on the runway, and the new louche attitude with which the models wore them. In recent seasons, BOSS has leaned hard into the gorpcore-office-wear-but-make-it-cool aesthetic. This time around, the brand envisioned the lives of the BOSS man and woman outside the 9-to-5 grind. The collection was simply and aptly titled “Out of Office”, and its key piece was the three-button suit in lightweight fabrics, constructed without shoulder pads or stiff interior workings. For the first time on a BOSS runway, sporty elements played a major role, amplifying the relaxed vibe of the tailoring. There were rolled-up yoga mats and tennis racket bags slung over the models’ shoulders; sneakers were stuffed into their work bags. Otherwise corporate-looking shirts had zippers instead of buttons, while trousers and blousons came with drawstrings to create a more athletic silhouette.

SPORTY SPICE AT DIOR

Athleticism was still on Maria Grazia Chiuri’s mind—she tackled the theme in her June fall/winter 2024 couture show, and she returned to it for spring/summer 2025. It also carried echoes of her very first Dior collection with its reference to fencing. This time around, it was archery—underlined by the presence of Italian archer and artist SAGG Napoli in the show space, shooting arrows at a target while the models walked. Chiuri showed asymmetric bodysuits with one shoulder exposed, followed by tailoring cut in the same way. There were also softly draped dresses that were Chiuri’s modern update on the Grecian peplos. They were worn with gladiator shoes and sandals. For her Dior logo of the season, she took an archival one from the ’70s, slimmed it down and extended it to look like racing stripes. It looked good running down the sides of athletic mesh dresses, tunics and track pants.

Whether you're a beauty novice or a professional artist, a make-up primer has long been hailed as the antidote to fleeting longevity, excess shine and stubborn texture. From blurring formulas to disguise enlarged pores, to plush hydrators to combat flakiness, you can easily find a primer for every skin type and concern. The question is, how do you find the perfect base for you?

"Primers today come in all forms and are targeted for all skin types," says Karl Hodson, make-up expert and Laura Mercier's education manager. "Look for a primer with skincare benefits and see it as part of our regular skincare and make-up routine. Silicone-free primers are preferable regardless of skin type, as silicone can sometimes break down make-up, therefore negating the use of a primer which should enhance longevity, not decrease it."

Think about the purpose of your primer first. Is it to prolong the longevity of your make-up? If so, Milk's viral Hydro Grip Primer could be your ideal match. Do you love a dewy base? A formula with a luminous finish, such as Nars's Light Reflecting Primer, will suit you perfectly. Struggling with problematic skin? Opt for a skincare primer that tackles your oiliness, dryness or rosacea with targeted active ingredients.

Related article: 5 Beauty Trends From Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025

How To Apply Primer

While the debate between brushes and sponges is still ongoing for foundation, the answer to applying primer is far simpler: Use your fingers. "The best way to apply primer is with your fingertips, starting at the centre of the face and working outwards," says Hodson. "For the best results, don’t massage the primer into the skin like a moisturiser, smooth the primer over the skin in a light layer."

Related article: Exclusive: Allies Of Skin's Nicolas Travis On Rewriting The Skincare Playbook

The Benefits Of Using A Primer Before Make-up

On the surface level, a primer's purpose is as basic as preparing your skin and ensuring make-up lasts all day. "A make-up primer helps to perfectly prepare the skin for any make-up that goes on top by creating a smooth, hydrated canvas," Hodson explains. "They will enhance the longevity of your make-up, and nowadays, primers are being developed with skincare properties to help improve your skin long term with regular use."

As with skincare, the ingredients of your primer will determine the deeper benefits it can offer. Oat extract, hyaluronic acid and glycerin all feature in Merit's Great Skin Priming Moisturiser, allowing it to deeply hydrate and plump the skin, as well as creating a bouncy base for foundation. For oily, redness-prone complexions, Isamaya's Colour Correcting Serum uses rosebay willowherb extract to balance excess sebum, while Refy's Glow And Sculpt roller uses niacinamide to lend dull skin a brighter finish.

Related article: Gracie Abrams' Californian Bob Is Spring Coded—Here's How To Achieve It

This article was first seen on ELLE UK.

There are some things in life that feel timeless. A Sunday spent with your mum. The scent of a home-cooked meal wafting through the air. That quiet moment when you realise she’s not just “Mum” but a multifaceted woman who's resilient and quietly extraordinary.

This Mother’s Day, Charlotte Puxley Flowers invites us to honour the woman in your life—whether it’s mum or a chosen mum—with a collection that speaks the language of nature, memory, and understated beauty. Titled "The Art of Mother Nature", the latest flora collection is more than just bouquets—it’s an ode to the rituals that make motherhood what it is. As UK-born, Singapore-based Puxley puts it, this is “a way of articulating the sentiments we often forget to say aloud.”

Puxley’s signature is the way she draws from the English countryside and reimagines it through a tropical, Singaporean lens—her arrangements are painterly, loose, and alive. This collection is a gentle, thoughtful curation of garden-inspired arrangements that reflect the rituals of care, love, and everyday elegance that define motherhood in all its forms. As Puxley writes: “The tear-searching novel that is all our motherhood journeys can be a meaningful part of our lives, no matter the stage we’re in.”

Related article: Best Places to Shop for Mother's Day Flowers in Singapore

The Domestic Goddess

Bake a Cake is designed for the woman who brings warmth and harmony into any space. It is a celebration of soft pastels and quiet joy with French tulips and iris that dance alongside alliums, delphiniums, and roses.

Related article: How To Host An Epic Christmas Party According To These Experts

The Early Riser

Breakfast in Bed comes in a custom striped vase and conjures images of quiet mornings, a cup of tea, and the slow rustle of newspaper pages. With butterfly ranunculus, gerberas and spray roses, it’s designed for those light-filled mornings when the world slows down, just enough.

Related article: 10 Restaurants In Singapore For Comforting Asian Eats That Mum Will Approve Of

The Partymaker

Cook a Meal is joyful and expressive, for the woman who brings vibrancy into every room she enters. Pinks, oranges and purple florals which include roses, mattiola, tulips, and other textured blooms are grounded in an inky blue vase.

The Fitness Junkie

Make a Cup of Coffee is earthy and grounding, with fennel, roses, alliums and blue delphiniums that teleport us to an English garden. It’s a nod to spring, and to the avid nature lover.

The Spa Hedonist

Go for a Walk is a gentle mix of grasses, delphiniums and greenbells and fennel in a perfectly petite vase, an arrangement for a spa-loving mum. It’s designed for smaller moments—a kitchen ledge, a bookshelf, or a quiet corner waiting to be softened.

The Bookworm

Read on the Sofa offers a swirl of pastels—athiriums, roses and fennels—perfect for bookworms and those who are in a cocooned, introspective mood.

Alongside the storytelling-led collection, Charlotte Puxley’s beloved classic arrangements will also be available this Mother’s Day. Whether you’re drawn to the citrus-bright vibrancy of "Bright and Beautiful", the softness of "Peaches and Pastels", the rich romanticism of "Berry Blush", or the tranquil freshness of "Clean and Green", each collection offers a timeless alternative—or complement—to the themed arrangements. All classic bouquets come wrapped in your choice of a classic box bag or handblown Hungarian Pickle Vase.

The full collection is now available to browse at charlottepuxleyflowers.com from 14 April to 11 May, with studio pick-up or delivery at 100E Pasir Panjang Road, #04-05 from 8 to 11 May. Orders close when capacity is reached, so early booking is advised.

The world is evolving — and so are our beauty routines, thanks to rapid advancements in technology and skincare. These days, achieving the complexion of my dreams doesn’t feel so far-fetched, with treatments that promise to enhance skin and delay signs of ageing. Still, some people around me have questioned why someone in her mid-20s would turn to these options. But like many in my generation, I see it differently: For millennials and Gen Zs, it’s less about fixing and more about future-proofing.

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Sharing the same sentiments is renowned Korean dermatologist Dr Do-Young Rhee, MD, PhD, an expert on Alma Lasers, the global innovator of laser, light-based, radiofrequency and ultrasound solutions. "Millennials and Gen Z are redefining skincare by embracing prejuvenation—focusing on prevention rather than correction," he remarks. "Unlike previous generations who sought treatments only after ageing signs appeared, younger individuals are proactively incorporating advanced dermatological treatments into their routines as early as their twenties. This shift has fuelled the rise of gentle yet highly effective treatments."

WHAT IS TITANIUM LIFTING?

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One that has been getting a lot of attention in South Korea is Titanium Lifting, a non-invasive treatment that brightens, lifts, and tightens for a radiant, contoured look. It uses three laser wavelengths—755nm to tackle pigmentation and fine hairs, 810nm to improve the skin texture and vitality while boosting overall rejuvenation, and 1,064nm to break down fat cells, tighten, and sculpt.

Gently heating the deeper layers of skin, it helps stimulate collagen production, improve elasticity, and enhance your facial contours. With two modes, HR (Hair Removal) for overall tightening and brightening and Stack to contour and lift specific areas, the energy used is carefully controlled to tighten without damaging the skin's surface. This makes it painless while still giving you that instant lift and brightening effect.

But with Radiofrequency (RF) and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) also dominating the aesthetic industry, what makes this new treatment stand out? "Titanium Lifting was developed in response to the increasing demand for non-invasive skin tightening and lifting treatments without downtime," replies Do-Young. "While conventional methods like HIFU and RF are effective, they often cause discomfort. Titanium Lifting offers a painless, quick, and highly effective solution that enhances skin firmness, radiance, and facial contouring in just one session."

What that means is that this machine-based treatment is safe for all skin types. "It is particularly beneficial for individuals who seek immediate lifting and firming effects without experiencing irritation or sensitivity," assures Do-Young. "Those with early signs of ageing, sagging skin, or a dull complexion will see the most noticeable improvements."

TRIED & TESTED

I experienced these improvements myself during a trial session at The Aesthetic Studio Clinic & Surgery at Mount Elizabeth Hospital. After going through a simple consultation, followed by a few mugshots, I had a quick face cleanse and headed into the treatment room. There, the nurses used tape to cover my brows, hairline, and lashes. It was later explained that the lasers used would remove the peach fuzz on my face for a brighter complexion, as well as any exposed hair.

Aesthetic physician Dr Jonathan Lee took over and worked in sections, administering the heat evenly over my face. While we went over the entire face with HR mode, we also focused on the lower half using Stack mode. While I did feel a little sting and some heat as we got to the highest wavelength, there was barely any discomfort as Lee made sure to check in and see if I was okay to move up a wavelength.

Overall, I felt at ease throughout, but maybe I have a high tolerance for pain. Once we were done, I saw an instant brightness to the skin. In just a few short days, there was a visible lift to my facie, especially around the cheeks and jowls.

I asked Do-Young what other treatments were trending in South Korea—the ones that give that coveted glass-skin effect. "In Seoul, combination treatments are highly popular, especially Titanium Lifting paired with unipolar RF, which delivers deep dermal heating for enhanced skin tightening and collagen stimulation," he responds. "For optimal results, polynucleotide injections like Rejuran or Vitaran are often administered immediately after these treatments, maximising skin regeneration, hydration, and long-term collagen remodelling. This synergy offers both instant lifting effects and sustained skin rejuvenation, making it a preferred choice for those seeking non-invasive yet highly effective solutions."

Rather that wait for ageing signs to appear, Do-Young encourages me to future-proof my skin with collagen-stimulating treatments, exosome facials, and laser therapy. "Regular dermatological care, combined with hydration, antioxidants, and barrier-strengthening ingredients, is the best way to future-proof skin."

Titanium Lifting is priced at $800 before GST and is available at Gangnam Laser Clinic, Self Aesthetics, Harmony Aesthetics Clinic, KCS Medical And Laser Centre Pte Ltd, Shiro Aesthetic Clinic, The Aesthetics Studio Clinic & Surgery, and The Chelsea Clinic.

Four years ago, Lila Tan was a bright-eyed 18-year-old, balancing modelling with professional football, eager to make her mark in both careers. Today, the midfielder who plays for Still Aerion WFC (Women’s Football Club) has blossomed into a self-assured young woman who knows exactly what she wants from life and isn’t afraid to pursue it.

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IG VIDEO HERE

ON FOOTBALL

Growing up in Shanghai, Tan played football recreationally before joining her brother’s team. “There’s always been a stigma that girls aren’t skilled or strong enough, which made me want to prove myself even more,” she says. As her passion grew, so did her ambition to play competitively.

“I love the game—it pushes my limits and keeps me growing.” She hopes to move abroad, where greater professional opportunities await. But for now, she’s focused on training with her new team and preparing for the Women’s Premier League.

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ON PERSONAL TRAINING

Becoming a personal trainer was a natural move. “I love creating gym content and learning how to optimise my workouts to help me on the field,” she says. She recently started working at Pure Fitness, which has been an eye-opener—though balancing work and training can be tough at times.

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She earned her ACE (American Council on Exercise) certificate, a globally recognised credential in the fitness industry, which has also helped her to understand her body better, improve recovery, and prevent injuries. “It’s all about being the best version of myself, on and off the field. ”

ON TRAVEL & FASHION

Paris, Amsterdam and Bali top Tan’s list of favourite destinations. “I love just walking around and discovering new places,” she says. She keeps it simple when it comes to fashion though she has a soft spot for Hamburg-based streetwear brand Derschutze, known for its detailed embroidery work and Japanese-inspired graphics. "As long as I feel comfortable, I’m happy,” she says.

Photographer JAYA KHIDIR
Stylist NAVIN PILLAY
Hairstylist & Make-up Artist RINA SIM using KEVIN MURPHY and NARS
Photographer's Assistant SHERMAN SEE-THO

We are all aware that daily and regular applications of SPF 50+ are a must to prevent skin damage, dark spots and minimise the threat of premature ageing. As many of us know by now, sun tanning isn’t healthy, and it’s time we stopped normalising it.

Though sun protection is vital, using a thick, all-over sunscreen usually isn’t the best idea for your face. If you have sensitive, combination, dry, or normal skin type, you’ll need a specifically tailored facial sunscreen—ideally with a wearable consistency that lets your pores breathe.

The best kind of facial sunscreens do their work on the down-low, and won’t get in the way of your everyday make-up—with some facial sunscreens even designed to work as a primer for foundation and concealer.

Whatever your wants and needs, we’ve got your sunscreen sorted with the best products to shop now for year-round protection.

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This article was first seen on ELLE AU.