US – Luxury publisher Assouline, known for its hand-bound guides to art and culture, has published Metaverse Dream, a travel guide to the metaverse. With previous travel titles taking readers on high-end journeys through Tulum, Monte Carlo and Marrakech, this is the publishing house’s first guide to a virtual place.

Written by gaming expert Paul Dawalibi and venture capitalist Gregory Landegger, Metaverse Dream encourages readers to think of digital worlds as spaces of endless exploration. Scanning the QR code on the book’s cover takes readers to Assouline’s exclusive pop-up boutique in the metaverse, where they will discover additional educational content and artwork.

As the metaverse still feels nebulous to many consumers, Assouline’s future-facing title is an awe-inducing way for readers to immerse themselves in its potential.

China – A new report by strategy and marketing specialist Hot Pot China shows that nearly 50% of Chinese women surveyed aged between 25 and 30 use skincare products to deal with the first signs of ageing.

The sample included 30 Chinese citizens aged 18–30 living in Tier 1 to Tier 3 cities who have bought skincare and cosmetics in the past 12 months, and earn over Rmb5,000 (£606, $726, €684) monthly. Some 40% of the young women surveyed report modifying their skincare routine to deal with the existing effects of ageing.

Consumers as young as 18 have a significant interest in the ageing prevention market, which hints at swathes of opportunities for skincare brands eyeing Chinese customers. In an upcoming webinar on 7 March, The Future Laboratory and Hot Pot China will debunk more Chinese beauty consumer myths. LS:N Global members can already access these exclusive insights in our Reports Bank.