Beauty, Behaviours, Product and People
Research group coordinators: Jekatarina Rogaten and Milica Stevic
Projects
Cult of Beauty
Cosmetics inclusivity was at the heart of the contribution of this project to the Wellcome Collection Exhibition in London. This exhibition delved into the evolving notions of beauty across various cultures and historical periods. The project was rooted in research examining how blind and low-vision consumers interact with makeup and how cosmetic products and packaging design could become more universally accessible and user-friendly for everyone. This work has also been disseminated via industry forums and interviews, as well as peer reviewed journal articles. Click here to watch the Cult of Beauty Film.
Project Lead
Celebrating Consumer Hair Diversity
The project explores the diversity of human hair through various activities and publications. Combining ethnography and surveys to identify optimal approaches for consumer-relevant product testing of textured hair and AI-facilitated analysis of hair images. The project also investigates the role of hair in personal and social identity, aiming to enhance consumer-oriented product development and testing. This research contributes to making cosmetic consumption more sustainable.
Project Lead
Project Researchers
Appearance Matters
This project is part of a larger research interest in the notions of fashion, wellbeing and body image, led by psychology scholars within the Fashion Business School. The Appearance Matters Biennial Conference, June 2024, focused on the role of appearance and body image in people’s lives. Activities include leading plenary discussions on how an understanding of fashion and clothing is essential for psychologists, and a research paper presentation about the relationship with and importance of clothing for first-time mothers as they adjust to their changed body and sense of self.
Project Lead
Project Researchers
Cosmetic Product 3D Printing
The funded project is a research knowledge exchange initiative focused on the 3D printing of cosmetic products. The project investigates innovative uses of 3D printing technology in the cosmetics industry that included developing a prototype demonstrating the potential for customisable, on-demand cosmetic products that could transform the beauty industry by offering people personalised solutions. The project advances understanding of 3D printing applications and addresses key industry challenges such as converting traditional products into 3D printed versions and ensuring material compatibility. The project outcomes include an industry report, presentations and a new 3D-printed cosmetic product. This inaugural project sets the groundwork for future projects on the integration of 3D printing within the cosmetics industry.