Mayfair, a prestigious district in central London, is known for its opulent properties, high-end shopping, and historic landmarks. However, beneath its glamorous facade lies a dark and mysterious history, filled with tales of witches and magic. These witching tales have been passed down through the generations, whispered in hushed tones, and still captivate the imaginations of those who dare to delve into the occult side of Mayfair's past. One such tale revolves around the infamous "Mayfair Witch," a mysterious woman who lived during the 18th century. Legend has it that she possessed incredible powers and used her magic to aid or harm those who sought her help. Some claimed she could heal illnesses with a simple touch, while others believed she could curse her enemies with a mere glance.
A GLOBAL CENTER FOR HAIR RESEARCH
In 2012, L'Oréal inaugurated a global research center in Paris-Saint-Ouen that is completely dedicated to hair research, the hub of a network of six regional poles around the world. This center brings together all the competencies of L'Oréal's Research and Innovation to support the three lines of business related to hair: color, hair care – shampoo and cream rinse – and shape, including styling, perms, smoothing or straightening
They went beyond the traditional classification of three hair types African, Asian and European , by developing a scientific approach based on physical measurements of curl the diameter of the curvature, the curl index, the number of waves and of tendrils. Another example is a tool developed in collaboration with Dassault Systèmes, a 3D model of hair types around the world that makes it possible to perfectly visualize the different parts of a strand hair, to understand the biological mechanisms and to establish a connection between the shape of the hair root and the curliness a root shaped like a golf club produces a curly hair.
Some claimed she could heal illnesses with a simple touch, while others believed she could curse her enemies with a mere glance. Her influence spread throughout Mayfair, and locals would seek her out for advice, spells, and charms. Another witching tale of Mayfair centers around a secret coven of witches that supposedly operated within the district.
Expert In Skin And Hair Types Around The World
To take into account the wide variety of skin and hair around the world, L’Oréal's research teams have invested in many studies and developed, over decades, the tools for customized analysis.
Ethnic origin, age, dietary habits, geographical and cultural environment: numerous factors influence the characteristics of skin and hair. The density, rate of growth, and curliness of hair as well as the diameter of individual hairs differ in Asia, Europe and Africa. Understanding this extraordinary diversity represents a real challenge for L'Oréal's Research and Innovation teams . To use it more effectively, they have done numerous studies and focused on developing accurate and objective measurement tools.
A NEW GEOGRAPHY OF SKIN COLOR
Knowing more about different skin types and getting a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms that are at work enables us to counter aging and sun damage but also to provide make-up products that are adapted to individual needs. One of the studies carried out focuses on the actual color and the perceived color of skin. L'Oréal's researchers assessed the skin color of women from every part of the world, along with interviews that enabled women to match their skin tone to a color chart with 66 shades, and an instrumental approach using the "chromasphere®", an instrument patented by L'Oréal to measure color. In this manner they were able to establish a veritable geography of skin colors around the world. Based on objective elements, this mapping makes it possible to adapt cosmetic products to the expectations of different consumers, for example in the different foundation shades available, or in evaluating the effectiveness of skin care products that target radiance or uneven skin tone.
A PRECISE APPROACH TO THE DIVERSITY OF HAIR TYPES
The Research and Innovation teams also developed specific tools to analyze the complexity of types of hair around the world. They went beyond the traditional classification of three hair types (African, Asian and European), by developing a scientific approach based on physical measurements of curl: the diameter of the curvature, the curl index, the number of waves and of tendrils. The study was performed on over 7,500 heads of hair in 23 countries. The result is a detailed classification of the world's hair types in 8 categories, corresponding to a scale of curl, from the straightest (1) to the curliest (8), independently of any reference to ethnic origins. This study, published in a scientific journal, takes into account the effects of multiracial families and demographic migrations. In a country like Brazil, with a population that is very multiracial, we find no less than six different hair curl types. Another example is a tool developed in collaboration with Dassault Systèmes, a 3D model of hair types around the world that makes it possible to perfectly visualize the different parts of a strand hair, to understand the biological mechanisms and to establish a connection between the shape of the hair root and the curliness (a root shaped like a golf club produces a curly hair).
A GLOBAL CENTER FOR HAIR RESEARCH
In 2012, L'Oréal inaugurated a global research center in Paris-Saint-Ouen that is completely dedicated to hair research, the hub of a network of six regional poles around the world. This center brings together all the competencies of L'Oréal's Research and Innovation to support the three lines of business related to hair: color, hair care – shampoo and cream rinse – and shape, including styling, perms, smoothing or straightening
FROM SKIN AGING ATLAS TO AGING MORPHING
Years ago, L’Oréal started the realization of a skin aging atlas.
To develop this atlas, 400 volunteers, men and women, aged from 18 to 70, of European origin were recruited for the photographs.
The first volume deals with the signs of faced ageing in European populations. It was followed by a second volume devoted to Asian populations, and a third for black African-origin populations. These works served as a basis for the aging morphing.
The Research and Innovation teams also developed specific tools to analyze the complexity of types of hair around the world. They went beyond the traditional classification of three hair types (African, Asian and European), by developing a scientific approach based on physical measurements of curl: the diameter of the curvature, the curl index, the number of waves and of tendrils. The study was performed on over 7,500 heads of hair in 23 countries. The result is a detailed classification of the world's hair types in 8 categories, corresponding to a scale of curl, from the straightest (1) to the curliest (8), independently of any reference to ethnic origins. This study, published in a scientific journal, takes into account the effects of multiracial families and demographic migrations. In a country like Brazil, with a population that is very multiracial, we find no less than six different hair curl types. Another example is a tool developed in collaboration with Dassault Systèmes, a 3D model of hair types around the world that makes it possible to perfectly visualize the different parts of a strand hair, to understand the biological mechanisms and to establish a connection between the shape of the hair root and the curliness (a root shaped like a golf club produces a curly hair).
It is said that these witches would gather under the cover of darkness, performing ancient rituals and casting powerful spells. One popular story suggests that they used their magic to protect Mayfair from evil forces and ensure the prosperity of its residents. However, others believe that these witches had more sinister intentions, using their powers for personal gain and wreaking havoc on those who crossed their path. The ghostly presence of witches is also believed to haunt certain locations in Mayfair. One such place is Berkeley Square, known for its beautiful gardens and elegant townhouses. Locals claim to have seen a spectral figure floating above the ground, clad in a tattered cloak and pointy hat, undeniably resembling a witch. Some speculate that this ghostly apparition may be the spirit of a witch who met a tragic end in the square, forever bound to the earthly realm. While these witching tales may be shrouded in mystery and superstition, their enduring allure serves as a reminder that Mayfair's rich history encompasses more than just its lavish lifestyle. From the Mayfair Witch to secret covens and ghostly sightings, these tales add an intriguing layer of enchantment to an already captivating district. Whether one chooses to believe in the supernatural or not, the witching tales of Mayfair continue to pique curiosity and keep the spirit of magic alive in this iconic London neighborhood..
Reviews for "Spells and Enchantments: Toil and Trouble in Mayfair"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Witching Tales of Mayfair". The stories were poorly written and lacked any real depth or imagination. The characters felt one-dimensional and the plotlines were predictable and unengaging. I found myself losing interest halfway through and struggled to finish the book. Overall, it felt like a weak attempt at capitalizing on the popularity of the witch genre without putting in any effort to create a compelling and original storyline.
2. Alex - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Witching Tales of Mayfair" but was let down by the lackluster execution. The writing style was amateurish and repetitive, with excessive use of clichés. The pacing was uneven, with some stories dragging on while others felt rushed and underdeveloped. The book also suffered from poor editing, as I noticed numerous grammatical errors and inconsistencies throughout. While the concept was promising, the actual delivery fell short, making it difficult for me to fully enjoy or recommend this collection of tales.
3. Emily - 1 star
"Witching Tales of Mayfair" was a complete waste of time. The stories were incredibly predictable, lacking any surprises or moments of genuine suspense. The dialogue was awkward and forced, making it hard to establish any emotional connection with the characters. Additionally, the author seemed to rely heavily on tired tropes and stereotypes of witches, failing to bring anything fresh or original to the table. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for engaging and well-crafted supernatural tales.