The Mancunion • 21st April 2021

The gua sha: a miracle mineral massager or Instagram’s latest culturally appropriated accessory?

Influencers and skincare enthusiasts alike are always on the hunt for a new skincare tool to reinvent our routines. There were mini-fridges that kept your skincare items chilled, and pore vacuums that forcefully sucked out dirt. However, the latest skincare craze is the gua sha – the mineral massaging tool claiming to create a more sculpted face. But does the gua sha really work? And, more importantly, is this trend actually cultural appropriation of its Chinese origins?

The Mancunion • 13th March 2021

Bye-bye Becca: why this cult cosmetics brand failed to survive 2021

Last week, Becca Cosmetics announced that they will be closing down in September. This marks an incredibly sad end to an era for makeup artists and beauty lovers alike – Champagne Pop was the cult-status product that taught many of us how to glow. But how did this happen? We will be diving deep into Becca Cosmetics to understand how this drastic fate came to one of our favourite cosmetics brand in 2021.

The Mancunion • 5th March 2021

Speak up and stand out with this stylish local accessory brand

Luna Manchester isn’t just another fashion accessories brand – no, they’re the voice of our generation. Activism meets accessories in this quirky and creative brand. From their ‘pussy power’ iron-on patches to their ‘protect trans lives socks’, Luna is putting the term ‘fashion statement’ to the ultimate test.

The Mancunion • 18th February 2021

Sulphate-free shampoo: A sin or a saviour?

All my fellow greasy-haired girls, this one is for you. When sulphate-free shampoos rocketed to stardom a few years ago, I was eager to put them to the test and see if the answer to my haircare prayers was finally here.

The Mancunion • 12th February 2021

An ode to Topshop: the trends our teenage selves thankfully threw out

With the recent announcement that Topshop and Topman are now owned by ASOS, our highstreet shopping experience has definitely faced a blow. While these shops were our source of some stylish pieces at a price that we could trust, they also acted as a reminder of our 13-year-old selves who wanted to feel grown-up and shop at the trendiest store in town.

The Mancunion • 20th January 2021

Gimmick-free and gender-inclusive: the Manchester bodycare brand taking on the beauty industry

2020 has been a year of challenging bigger brands for their unfair, and often exploitative strategies. A trying year in which fighting for change within the fashion and beauty industry has never been more vital.

The Mancunion • 17th December 2020

In the Beauty Bag #4: Fashion Editor Daisy Bradbury

Do you stick to a beauty routine? I definitely try to but being in lockdown and hardly leaving the house has caused me to be more lenient with this. I have hardly worn makeup this year, although I still make a conscious effort to keep on top of my skincare routine and not neglect it. What are your favourite makeup products? I prefer more natural makeup looks these days, so my favourite products tend to be sheer, glowy foundations (Flower Beauty’s Light Illusion Foundation is my absolute fav

The Mancunion • 4th December 2020

Why this Black Friday was the most damaging to date

Black Friday isn’t a new phenomenon – it has been around since 2010 in the UK, but has been growing bigger and bigger every year. What is new, is that this holiday is being extended to an almost month-long succession of discounts and sales. It should really be called Black November at this rate.

The Mancunion • 20th November 2020

Embrace geek-chic this winter with Manchester’s best sweater vests

Sweater vests are often considered to be the ugly stepsister of jumpers: they’re a little bit old-fashioned and reminiscent of something your grandad would wear rather than a stylish option. That is until they were reclaimed as this winter’s new hottest trend.

The Mancunion • 13th November 2020

Why we’ve had enough of designer labels profiting from ‘poor’ clothing

We’re no stranger to ripped jeans and distressed crop-tops, but the fashion industry has started taking it a bit too far in their outlandish commodification of worn and old-looking clothing.

The Mancunion • 23rd October 2020

Your winter wardrobe staple based on your zodiac sign

Our horoscopes have a lot to say about us, from personality traits to our compatibility in a relationship, but have you ever thought about letting your star sign dictate your wardrobe?

The Mancunion • 16th October 2020

Appearance in the age of Zoom: How to dress for a virtual class

Following The University of Manchester’s decision to suspend face-to-face teaching, students have become increasingly familiar with Zoom classes and virtual learning. Although we’ve quickly gathered the online etiquette of muting the mic when you’re not talking and not joining a lecture late (that bell sound can become very irritating), there’s one thing we haven’t quite cracked – what do you wear to a virtual class?

The Mancunion • 15th October 2020

Style saviours you never realised originated from black communities

Black people have made massive contributions to the fashion industry and are to thank for some of our favourite styles, yet many people are unaware of this. Don’t believe me? Well, how many of these iconic trends did you realise we owe to black communities?

The Mancunion • 29th September 2020

5 unexpected fashion trends to hit the streets of Manchester this autumn

Autumn is no longer just plaid skirts and chunky sweaters – be bold as we explore 5 unexpected trends for this season and how to achieve them in Manchester.

The Mancunion • 24th April 2020

Why Instagram influencers are important now more than ever

In times like these, we all need someone to turn to and keep us going. Although Instagram influencers are primarily known for recommending that new mascara or showing off their latest finds from Pretty Little Thing, their value might go further than this during the pandemic.

The Mancunion • 24th April 2020

Are virtual runways the next step for the fashion industry?

The coronavirus outbreak has caused a mass cancellation of events worldwide and the fashion industry hasn’t been immune to this. Although February’s Fashion Week shows were only marginally impacted, it’s looking less and less likely that the June shows will go ahead. In light of this, is it time that the industry changes their methods and transition to virtual catwalks?

The Mancunion • 5th March 2020

The Ordinary: the brand making clinical skincare accessible

The more you pay on skincare products, the more results you’ll see – this is a common myth that skincare brand The Ordinary are challenging, offering effective clinical technologies for a price that puts some drugstore brands to shame.

The Mancunion • 27th February 2020

In conversation: Manchester fashion blogger, Sophia Rosemary

Manchester-based fashion blogger and influencer, Sophia Rosemary, started her Instagram account in 2013 to share her outfits and style inspiration. Now with over 200,000 followers, she has recently launched an online vintage store, Top of the Town.