In France, specialist beauty retailers have lost significant market share, and people are warier of what they put on their skin. Aroma-Zone says DIY beauty products are the answer. But will French women swap well-loved luxury brands for lotions and potions they have to make by hand?

As experiences – 'memorable events that engage people in inherently personal ways' – become the predominant economic offering, what are the implications for businesses and organisations?

Having trouble choosing the right fragrance? Selfridges has launched an interactive 'Fragrance Lab' for shoppers at its flagship store in London. After passing through 'sensorial chambers', people are presented with a signature scent based on their personal preferences.

Beauty Mate is one of the favourite Australian men's skincare brands. But are Aussie men really that keen to be preened? And how does the modern shampooed, shaved and waxed type sit alongside the traditional view of the Aussie bloke?

It's estimated that sales in Brazil's organic cosmetics sector will grow by 35% in 2014, reaching a sales revenue of R$2 billion. Nearly 85% of Brazilians refuse to consume products from unsustainable brands, and the Bio Brazil Fair in 2014 saw more business return than ever before.

Plastic microbeads found in body scrubs and toothpastes are contributing to $13 billion of damage to marine ecosystems every year, according to the UN. But with Illinois banning products containing them, beauty brands are asking what will replace them.

In light of mass production and the rise of the celebrity scent, even perfume has lost some of its traditional values. Le Labo offers an insight into the heritage of the fragrance industry and provides authentic products that rekindle the romance.

Painstakingly pumped and carefully chiselled – this is the body ideal of the ‘spornosexual’. UK sales of protein products increased from £73m in 2007 to £170m in 2012, and steroid users rose 645% from 2010-2013. But what’s fuelling the quest for more muscle amongst ordinary men?