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WHAT’S CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION THIS MONTH

P erhaps it’s because it’s the month of love, but beauty seems to be on everyone’s minds right now. But if you’re thinking of buying, or asking for, makeup this Valentine’s, you might want to watch Beauty

Laid Bare on BBC Three first. This three-part programme sees four young adults investigate the cosmetic industry to find out the real price that the world is paying for our obsession with artificial beauty. Though the presenters’ attitudes towards makeup seem initially superficial, they begin to question their own relationship with cosmetics when they attempt to get the truth from big beauty businesses on topics like animal testing, wages and recycling. Despite some of the shocking facts posed by

Beauty Laid Bare, it manages to provide a sense of hope and optimism. The proof that makeup can do good comes in the form of Shirley Raines, who offers makeovers to the homeless in downtown Los Angeles. Available on BBC Three from 2 February, it really is a must-see.

The BBC Radio 4 documentary series Art Of

Now explores worldwide cultural issues and trends, and this month they are looking at aesthetics from a different angle. The episode on 18 February, sees lecturer and writer Vicky Neale offer a mathematician’s guide to beauty by meeting the artists and mathematicians working together to redefine and innovate the art scene.

Make a note in your calendar to check out the events happening in your area this British Science Week (6-15 March). Most universities will have a programme for the festival, but you might also want to try running your own activity – why not gather friends and family one evening to take part in a Star Count (p90)?

“Four young adults investigate the cosmetic industry to find out the real price we’re paying for artificial beauty”