Why are people turning to data to perfect their bodies? How are people’s ideas of ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ changing? Why are women looking for quick beauty fixes? And how is social media turning products into cult pieces?
Everyone wants to get involved in fitness tracking, with devices from Fitbit, Apple, Jawbone, Samsung and countless others flooding the market. But while some present users with unreliable readings, Skulpt promises precise data and tailored tips. Can it change the way we bulk up?
Dr. Organic Snail Gel: beauty with the ‘ewww’ factor
case study·
21 Jan 2016
The sight of a snail is often met with disgust, with many considering the slimy-skinned molluscs to be pretty gross. So imagine putting some on your face and letting them roam around. Disgusting? Mad? It’s actually a new beauty treatment gaining supporters across the UK.
Whether you rinse and repeat religiously each morning or hold out until you can no longer ignore the grease, hair washing is a regular part of women’s personal care routines. But with long-held notions of ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ shifting, how’s the hair care sector catering to the contemporary consumer?
Whether you’re the contouring queen or a minimalistic gal, a lot of women aren’t prepared to spend more than five minutes putting their face on in the morning. And there are more products than ever that offer time-saving shortcuts to help women feel beauty-rich, even when they're time-poor.
If you’re spending a laborious half an hour each evening going through the whole ‘cleanse, tone, moisturise’ routine, you clearly haven’t heard of micellar water. Set to simplify your skincare routine, this all-in-one magic potion could have you tossing in the towel and turning off the tap.
In a rush? No make-up brush? No worries. Milk understands the way young women think about and use beauty products. Sold as ‘high concept, low maintenance’, it's inspired by and designed for creative, cool girls – providing mascara that’ll stay on all weekend and lipstick that’s actually kiss-proof.
EOS lip balm has become a cult hit, selling over 1,000 units per week at Selfridges in 2013 and being named the fourth most influential brand in the world for female Gen Yers. But how has a seemingly dull product spawned one of the most coveted and identifiable brands for women around the globe?
Strava: the cycling community getting us off the couch
case study·
23 Feb 2016
Strava, the socially focused, GPS-powered activity tracker, has taken the fitness world by storm. It’s had an especially profound impact on the world of cycling, with thousands of riders going to extreme lengths to claim the virtual prizes it offers. But what makes the platform so addictive?