Beauty

What happens when makeup becomes illusion, sculpture and special effects? These seven transformations push the human face and body beyond conventional beauty — from unsettling film characters to extraordinary body-painting illusions. Some make a person almost unrecognisable; others make you question what you are looking at. Seven demonstrations of artistry, technique and imagination. Which deserves the top spot?

Seven podcasts exploring skincare, beauty science, makeup, industry insiders and the culture behind the products. Listen, discover new perspectives and decide how you would rank them.

RANKD Team Poblacion edition.

RANKD Team Poblacion edition.

RANKD Team Poblacion edition.

RANKD Team Poblacion edition.

RANKD Team Poblacion edition.

RANKD Team Williamsburg edition.

Think exposed brick, vintage fixtures, concrete sinks and a bathroom shelf that looks considered rather than cluttered. The Williamsburg bathroom has a particular mix of industrial character and understated taste. These seven beauty brands bring different things to the room: sculptural bottles, memorable scents, apothecary heritage, playful design and genuinely useful everyday skincare. Some are statement pieces; others earn their place through what is inside the packaging. The trick is knowing which deserves the prime spot beside the tap.

RANKD Team Williamsburg edition.

RANKD Team Williamsburg edition.

RANKD Team Williamsburg edition.

London has plenty of perfume counters, but its most interesting fragrance destinations offer something beyond the familiar designer names. There are specialist shops where you can explore experimental compositions, independent houses with their own unmistakable identities and historic British perfumers whose stories stretch back centuries. These seven destinations are worth visiting for the experience of discovering fragrance, not simply purchasing a bottle. Some bring together unusual makers from around the world. Others invite you to explore one house's distinctive approach to ingredients, composition and storytelling. The selection deliberately extends across London, from Covent Garden and Mayfair to Belgravia and East Dulwich. The strongest fragrance experiences are not confined to one neighbourhood. Whether you are looking for a signature scent, buying a thoughtful gift or simply curious about the extraordinary variety of modern perfumery, these are seven places where your nose can lead you somewhere unexpected. Which deserves first place?

Buying skincare online is convenient, but it cannot tell you how a moisturiser feels, whether a fragrance works on your skin or which cleanser is genuinely suited to your routine. Islington has a surprisingly varied collection of beauty destinations, from specialist skincare boutiques and independent natural-beauty studios to established retailers where knowledgeable staff can help you compare products in person. This guide focuses on seven places offering different reasons to visit. Some specialise in carefully curated skincare, others in botanical formulations, luxury cosmetics, everyday skin concerns or hands-on advice. The selection includes independent businesses alongside established names, because a useful shopping guide should prioritise what each destination actually offers rather than impose an arbitrary rule about ownership. Most are concentrated around Upper Street, Cross Street and Angel, making it possible to visit several in one afternoon. Whether you are building a routine, looking for a gift or trying to understand which products deserve your money, these seven destinations provide a more useful starting point than another list of fashionable beauty brands.

Islington has plenty of places to get a haircut or a manicure, but its beauty and wellness scene offers considerably more interesting ways to spend an hour. Behind the shopfronts of Upper Street, Essex Road and the quieter streets of Canonbury are specialist studios offering everything from Japanese scalp rituals and traditional Thai bodywork to sensory-deprivation flotation and precision skincare treatments. These seven experiences have been selected for their distinctive character rather than their popularity alone. Some are about relaxation, others about grooming, movement or simply taking time away from the demands of everyday life. Each is offered by a specific Islington business, making this a practical guide to treatments worth discovering rather than another generic list of ways to pamper yourself.

Finding a good barber is about more than locating the nearest chair and asking for a short back and sides. The best independent barbershops combine technical skill with an understanding of individual hair, personal style and the small details that make a haircut work after you leave. Islington has an unusually varied barbering scene, from traditional neighbourhood shops to contemporary studios offering precision fades, longer scissor cuts and carefully considered grooming. These seven businesses have been selected for their distinctive approaches, established local presence and the practical reasons someone might choose one over another. The list stretches from Angel and Camden Passage to Essex Road, Upper Street and Holloway. It is designed to help you find a barber who suits your preferences, rather than suggest that every customer needs the same fashionable haircut. Check prices, appointment availability and individual barber specialisms before visiting.

A good hair salon is about much more than an attractive interior. The right stylist understands hair texture, colour history, maintenance and what a client actually wants to live with after leaving the chair. Islington has an impressive selection of independent salons, from creative studios specialising in expressive cuts and colour to established businesses offering carefully personalised appointments. These seven salons have been chosen for their distinctive identities, range of services and clear reasons to visit. Some are particularly interesting for creative styling or colour transformations. Others emphasise consultation, hair health or practical occasion styling. The selection covers Angel, Upper Street, Essex Road, Holloway and Chapel Market, providing useful alternatives to the familiar national chains. Before booking, check individual stylist experience, current prices, patch-test requirements and whether a consultation is needed for more ambitious colour work. Which salon deserves first place?