BLUSH Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021

F R E E | S U M M E R 2 0 21

Help YOUR mental health with a DIGITAL DETOX

Tik-Tok

-approved BEAUTY BUYS

Going

out-out IS BACK IN EVERY SS21 TREND TO KNOW

Beauty Boss:

at home with

Lottie Tomlinson

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BLUSH | C O N T E N T S

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CONTENTS

68

Summer

78 39 The War on Waste: Recycling your Beauty Empties

52

Beauty 6

A Year of Change: LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER NEWS

8

Beauty Boss: At Home with Lottie Tomlinson

12 TikTok Made us do it — Are These Beauty Buys Wishlistworthy?

13

Snip, Snip! Fresh Hair is Officially Back on

16 We’re Stuck in a Worldwide Self-Love Crisis 20 What Beauty Means to Me: Talmesha Keonna 23 How-to: Insta-worthy Soap Brows 25 Nailed it!

26 Summer Inspo: Boho Beauty 29 Beth’s Story 34 Fix (Face Mask Acne) 36 Can Beauty Really Save the World?

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Leisure & Lifestyle 40

Your Guide to Making a Rented Flat Feel More Like Home

44 Housewarming Gift Ideas 46 Home Trends for SS21 with Furniture Village

Ultimate Travel 51

5 Things to Try: Barbados

Style 64 Get the Look: Your Favourite Netflix Shows

52 The World’s Most Instagrammable Hotels

68 SS21 Trends: All Pink Everything

54 Take a Look Inside the UK’s New Safari-Lodge Experience

69 SS21 Trends: Life’s a Beach

57 Stunning UK Holiday Destinations you May Never Have Heard Of

70 SS21 Trends: Monochrome Magic 71 SS21 Trends: Feel-Good Prints 73 Rental Fashion — The Best Pieces to Borrow 74 Influencer Style Hacks: 4 Ways to Wear… Sheer 76 The 00s Called… Bootcuts are Back 78 Fashion Shoot

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BLUSH | W E L C O M E Welcome to the other side of lockdown!

90 Health & Fitness 86 Your A-Z of Staying Healthy this Summer 90 The Best At-Home Workout Apps 91 Why Skyrunning is *the* Wellness Trend to Try in 2021 92 Why you Should be Taking a Social Media Detox as Normality Returns 94 At Home with Fitness Influencer, Ellie Hoad

The SS21 issue is all about navigating our new reality. And, whether it’s clearing up the face mask acne we’ve been dealt (p34), or planning the ultimate blow-out trip to one of the world’s most Instagrammable hotels (p52), it’s safe to say we’re grabbing this unexpected way of life by the horns and making the most of it.

This is my first issue as Editor of BLUSH — but just know I have spent many, many years writing and rewriting my first *ever* Editor’s letter, so I think I’m pretty well-versed for the adventure. I can’t wait to share my passions with you alongside some top minds in the industry, and provide some much-needed escapism.

For your reading pleasure, we’ve also got incredible beauty features with Lottie Tomlinson (p8) and the low-down on the viral TikTok products that are actually worth buying (p12), alongside at-home fitness inspo from Ellie Hoad (p94).

I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has been involved in creating this issue, and I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as the amount of hard work and creativity that has helped bring it together.

See you back in some kind of normality. Feels good saying that,

doesn’t it?

Sophie Editor COVER CREDITS Photographer: Gabriel Tapic Hair and Make-up: Art Francis Cansing Co-Photographer: Henry de Guzman Model: Julliana Gasendo Disclaimer: BLUSH Magazine is published bi-annually (twice per annum) by Seven Star Media Ltd. No part of BLUSH Magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted to any form without permission.

Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of Seven Star Media Ltd, and are included to provide advice only. No content is a substitute for professional medical advice. During printing, images may be subject to a 15% variation. © Copyright of content belongs to individual contributors with the magazine copyright belonging to Seven Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Please either keep this magazine for future reference, pass it on for somebody else to read, or recycle it.

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@sophthompson

CREDITS Executive Editor Lee Gatland Art Director Richard Hejsak Managing Editor Sophie Thompson sophie@sevenstarmedia.co.uk Brand Consultant: Jordan Martin

SALES TEAM sales@sevenstarmedia.co.uk 01959 574 556 Printed By Buxton Press Ltd Published By SEVEN STAR MEDIA LTD, 184 Main Road, Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent Tel. 01959 543659

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A YEAR OF CHANGES UK Cancer charity, LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER, reflect on how they’ve adapted to a ‘new normal’ since the Coronavirus pandemic hit, by overhauling their service offering

I

t’s been a strange year for everyone. But, within a week of the first lockdown, the Look Good Feel Better team had rallied together and planned, tested and introduced virtual workshops via Zoom to replace their usual face-to-face sessions held in over 140 locations nationwide. Adapting to a virtual environment for their cancer support workshops was one thing, but the charity also took the opportunity to expand and diversify its offering to best reach those most in need... and so far Look Good Feel Better has run over 40 virtual workshops in 2021 alone.

With the success of launching virtual experiences for both women and men under their belts, Look Good Feel Better continued to listen to the needs of beneficiaries and further diversified

its offering, adding hair loss and nailcare workshops to its roster.

The nailcare workshops in particular, have proven very popular as a way for women living with cancer to gain some practical tips on how to manage dry, split or sensitive nails as a result of their treatment.

Karen was one of the women who attended: “Earlier this year I came to a nail workshop on Zoom, where I learned all

about how to care for my hands.

My nails are very dry and brittle and my skin suffers too, because of the chemotherapy I had last year.

“After the session, my sister went out and got me lots of nailcare

treats which have made the world of difference to my nails... they’ve never looked so good! It was a very enjoyable session and increased my confidence.”

It’s a welcome break for those undergoing treatment right now.

A study carried out by Macmillan Cancer Support during the Covid pandemic found that 570,000 people in the UK with cancer (19%) have barely left the house because

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they’re scared to do so, and 9% have experienced panic or anxiety attacks — or even suicidal thoughts because of the virus.

The team are now trialling chair yoga workshops in collaboration with Abi Mills Yoga to help with breathing, muscle pain and overall wellbeing, as well as putting together a new programme around body confidence. As the name would suggest, the body confidence workshops are about addressing confidence issues during and postcancer treatment – an area highlighted by previous workshop attendees as something they would like more support with.

Look Good Feel Better has run over 40 virtual workshops in 2021 alone

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There are also already grooming workshops on offer for men, with expert-barbers offering advice on grooming and shaving.

Once restrictions are fully lifted, the charity hope to go back to hosting up to 40 face-to-face workshops every week, supporting over 16,500 people living with cancer every year.

Sadly 1 in 2 of us will have a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime, with around 360,000 people newly diagnosed each year – a figure that is only set to rise due to Coronavirus. So, if you know anyone who would benefit from a confidence-boosting workshop, follow Look Good Feel Better on social media, or visit lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk

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“IT CAN BE TOUGH BEING IN THE PUBLIC EYE SOMETIMES, BUT IT MAKES ME A BETTER PERSON” 8

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Makeup artist and influencer, Lottie Tomlinson, opens up about how beauty has helped her overcome grief and make selflove a priority

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T the age of 22, Lottie has published books, achieved cultInstagram status, and launched her own beauty brand — Tanologist.

First hitting the spotlight when her brother Louis formed part of One Direction, Lottie quickly had to learn to adapt to finding her own platform and has been inspiring young women worldwide ever since, opening up about mental health and her honesty on what it means to be a girl in today’s world.

“It’s been quite a journey for me over the years to find confidence, it’s tough!” She told BLUSH. “I’ve come a long way, and finally feel quite happy in my own skin but it’s definitely not easy to get there. I’ve found over the years that I’ve compared myself to others, especially on Instagram with it being my job.”

She attributes her love of beauty to overcoming her own mental health struggles and dealing with grief whilst in the public eye, adding; “Being able to pamper yourself when you’re down and just doing simple things like sticking a face mask on, or doing your nails completely transform your mood.

It also gives you a way to get your creativity out which I think has been important, especially in the past year.

“It can be tough being in the public eye sometimes, but it makes me a better person as I’m very aware I’m an example to many, which helps me be the best I can be.

“The mantra I live by is, to trust the timings of your life. I think this is something I’ve really learnt in the past few years and you can find a lot of peace in trusting that things will happen when they’re meant to.”

Raised in Doncaster and now living in London as her beauty career grows, Lottie is finally finding her feet, and time for more self-care — that doesn’t involve scrolling endlessly through social media.

“I’ve been coming to the realisation that Instagram isn’t real life, and a lot of what I was comparing myself to was an enhanced version of reality.

“I’ve also found that I feel my most confident when I’m taking really good care of myself... it really does come from within.”

That being said, when asked, she admits

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I’ve been coming to the realisation that Instagram isn’t real life, and a lot of what I was comparing myself to was an enhanced version of reality

her beauty muse is still Hailey Bieber: “I mean who doesn’t love her?! I feel like she just wears exactly what she wants and it always looks amazing because she owns it and she’s confident!”

Lottie’s brand, Tanologist, which was launched back in 2019 is growing faster than ever, and her ride-or-die beauty product of course had to be one of her

own creations.

“Definitely my Tanologist self-tan drops. I say this all the time, but it’s true!

They are such a versatile product and I use them all the time. You can just mix a few of the drops into your moisturiser or foundation as normal, and you’re left with the nicest glow.”

If you’re less-confident when it comes to getting your bronze on, she also stresses that preparation is key, telling us, “Make sure you have no old tan on!

Get those last stubborn bits off, then use a nice exfoliator and moisturiser before applying your fresh layer.”

While it may be the only glow we get this year, Lottie’s hoping to jet off to the Greek island of Mykonos if travel restrictions allow. But equally, if that fails, well, she’s just happy to stay at home and lap up the English sunshine... because nothing beats a tan in a bottle, hey?

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TikTok

made us do it

Are these beauty buys wishlist-worthy?

Videos labelled #Beauty have over 20 billion views on TikTok alone, and it’s quickly becoming the new go-to place to discover products and see them inaction before you take the plunge. But how do you know what’s actually worth your time and what’s totally overhyped? Well, thankfully we’ve done the work for you and tested 5 of the platform’s most viral must-haves right now.

Ba Credit: Roana

ndeira

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, £6.30 WHAT THEY SAY...

The Ordinary is making scientific skincare cool, and the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is the perfect place to start if you’re looking for something to fade scarring and pigmentation. The brand sold over 100,000 within weeks of it going viral and it is famed for its blood-like appearance. It’s only advised to use it once a week though, as it’s reasonably strong, and causes a funny tingle during application.

OUR VERDICT:

7/10 12

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If you’re looking for an acne scarcuring miracle, this isn’t it - but we will say it does a good job of reducing pores and brightening for its price-point, if you use it as part of a regular routine. It’s the ultimate weekly glow-job in a bottle if you can handle the sting!

9/10 Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme, £22 WHAT THEY SAY...

Looking for a Kylie Jenner-approved pout but can’t bear the thought of turning to a needle? This is as close as you’re going to get! This sheer lipgloss has its own patented formula, containing medically-proven blood vessel dilating technology, that still

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BLUSH | B E A U T Y Credit: Oliv ia

manages to hydrate your lips while giving you maximum plumpness.

Grace Her

ring

OUR VERDICT: The best lip enhancer this side of a surgeon’s office. Expect your lips to tingle (...but in a good way), and enjoy your new pout for up to 4 hours, because the results are noticeably different. Good job, Too Faced.

9/10 Dyson Airwrap Complete Hair Styler, £449.99 WHAT THEY SAY...

6/10 Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £28 WHAT THEY SAY...

Paula’s Choice has had a cult following for a while now, but their 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant only began selling out when TikTok found out about it. Designed to shrink and unclog pores, tighten skin and reduce breakouts, it’s packed with salicylic acid and other non-abrasive formulas to remove dead cells from the surface of your skin and beneath.

OUR VERDICT:

The Dyson Airwrap styler has barrels to curl or wave, and brushes to smooth and volumise your hair while protecting it from heat damage. The styler embraces a brand new technology known as the Coanda effect, curving air to attract and wrap hair around the barrel. That’s if you can get your hands on it because there are often waiting lists!

OUR VERDICT: It’s a huge splurge, but once you try the Dyson Airwrap, you see why everyone is so fascinated by it. Even just using it is a totally new experience (minimal heat?!), and we love that there are a number of interchangeable heads depending on what style you want. The only downside is that if you’re looking for tight curls, this isn’t the one. Expect a natural, bouncy blowdry effect.

10/10 Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, £9.99 WHAT THEY SAY...

This new offering from Maybelline includes a unique flexible brush that bends to volumize and extend the areas of lashes you might miss, from root to tip. The mascara’s formula is infused with bamboo extract for fuller lashes that never get weighed down.

OUR VERDICT:

Its brightening formula makes for a great morning glow, but it’s about time we all accepted that there is no product out there that will shrink those pores the way we’re hoping. We love that it helps your skin feel tighter, but overall, we’re yet to see the life-changing results we were promised.

Anyone who uses contact lenses regularly or has sensitive eyes, get ready to meet your maker. This mascara gives a serious push-up effect — the bonus being that you can really coat every lash without it looking clumpy. It keeps lashes firmly in place all day with no drying, but is equally as easy to remove. Winner, winner.

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But what about colour?

Gareth Wiliams, Senior Stylist, gives us the lowdown…

Due to lockdown, consumers have been forced to embrace their roots. When we analyse trends, we often see a complete one-eighty on what has gone before us.

People are going to want to see defined pieces of colour through their hair, taking colour closer to the root again. It’s going to be really exciting; brunettes will become more dimensional, blondes will embrace the butter tones and reds will hit the statement cherry tones.

Balayage is still going to play a key part in these trends, but we will also see the rise of teasy lights, a diffusion technique that allows hair to be lightened whilst being blended seamlessly with another shade. It’s perfect for creating high and lows within the hair — it’s super visible yet super low-maintenance.

! p i n S , p i SnFRESH HAIR IS

OFFICIALLY BACK ON have already naturally curly or wavey As we *finally* head back to hair this cut looks great simply scrunched.

Clients have had time to redesign to the hairdressers, Ricky their look over lockdown and are tired of Walters, Director of 'pretty hair'. The shag leans upon its 70s' heritage to add a level of rock-n-roll to the coveted SALON64, any tired heads of hair needing a revamp. tells us what we’ll all be How to maintain at asking for this year…

What cut to get: The Soho Shag — Gone are the days of one-length hair and chunky layers. After being in lockdown yet again, it’s time for the hair revolution!

Cut to the collar bone and worn with plenty of shorter layers to give max attitude, this cut is best worn dishevelled, and lived-in. Better yet those lucky enough

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home:

A giant waver, texture spray, large curling tong, and a trusted bottle of hairspray is all you need to make 'The Soho Shag' your own.

Who wore it first?

Taylor Swift, Chlöe Grace Moretz, and Fearne Cotton have all supported this look, totally owning the rock-n-roll vibe.

Why we love this trend: Being situated in the heart of Soho our clients are creatives with a head for fashion, and a thirst for knowledge.

They’re clued-up on the what’s-what and who’s-who in celeb culture, and we love hearing input from them.

SALON64 as a brand has been designed to disrupt the norm and these trends certainly are as innovative and gamechanging — exactly what we’re proud to preach!

Get summer-ready and head over to page 68 for the ultimate styling inspo to go with your new look.

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Jameela Jamil 16

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Jameela Jamil

BLUSH | B E A U T Y

WE’RE STUCK IN A WORLDWIDE

self-love CRISIS

2 in 5 Brits say the pandemic has had a negative effect on their self-love, with us 30% more likely to experience anxiety and depression than the global average - and now The Body Shop are fighting back with a self-love uprising.

A

global study commissioned by The Body Shop has exposed worrying results about the way people in the UK view themselves since the pandemic began, with self-love being defined as the recognition and appreciation of our inner worth and value.

When people from cities across the UK were asked to rate themselves out of ten – factoring in everything that defined them including personality, intellect, humour, and looks – the results were confronting.

Just 8% had the confidence to score themselves either a 9 or 10, and more than a third gave themselves a rating of just 6 out of ten or less, with 56% putting the way they look at the forefront of their concerns over how smart they are, and how much money they earn.

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In fact, the cities with the lowest levels of positivity when it came to themselves were Leeds, Liverpool and Birmingham, where 22% of people rated themselves a 5 out of 10 or below. Overwhelmingly, the number one reason for the lack of confidence we have in ourselves has been cited as not only restrictions associated with the pandemic, but the frightening daily government briefings we’ve endured too.

The Body Shop is now using the study to drive a global self-love movement, aiming to spread one million acts of self-love in one year, to create more positive and longlasting change, particularly for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community — two groups who are disproportionately affected by low levels of self-love.

The campaign is already being backed by actress Jameela Jamil and fellow activist and author, Gina Martin, who fought to make upskirting illegal in 2019.

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Jameela Jamil

BLUSH | B E A U T Y

often. It means developing the parts of myself that the world doesn’t encourage me to, or doing hard things and digging up the courage even when I’m scared, because every time I can do that, I’m able to believe

I see the lack of selflove as an emotional pandemic, and one which is sadly hitting younger generations the most

Commenting on the findings, Gina, who is originally from Liverpool herself said: “Shame is a huge barrier to self-love, and when I look at what we are shameful or critical about, I realise it comes from society, not us. We are made to feel shame for our looks, how much money we earn, and if we’re single or not. And to think that the people of Liverpool – where my family are from – are some of the most self-critical, breaks my heart. We should focus on everything that makes us unique and some of the most characterful people in the world.”

The now-28-year-old began campaigning back in 2017 after she discovered a man at a music festival taking a

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picture of her underwear from underneath her skirt. When confronted, she took his phone to the police who said there was no law against him doing so. After posting about the incident on Facebook, her story went viral and an online petition was started to reopen her case, and she eventually managed to get the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019 passed through the House of Lords.

She’s since been at the forefront of equality movements that have seen her host her own radio show on BBC Radio 5 Live, and become an ambassador for UN women.

“For me, self-love is a huge process with no end point, it’s a practice, it’s little and

in myself a little bit more,” she says of her own journey with having a more positive outlook of herself. “Society makes it hard for us to love ourselves. It benefits when we don’t. That’s why we have to fight and that’s why I’m committed to working with The Body Shop to help us all rise up.”

Similarly, Jameela, has battled with her own experiences of anxiety and confidence issues fuelled by online trolling, and is now using her platform to take a stand.

“I see the lack of self-love as an emotional pandemic, and one which is sadly hitting younger generations the most,” she speaks of the campaign.

“Self-love is an inside job. As a woman, being proud of yourself and believing you are ‘enough’ as you are, is an act of social and political resistance in itself.”

Tips on acts of self-love will be shared on The Body shop online’s self-love hub and social media channels. Self-love is not merely a concept, it’s an experience. With this understanding, the one million acts movement highlights that self-love involves action, and we’re all on the same journey to loving ourselves once again.

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WHAT BEAUTY

MEANS TO ME: Talmesha

Keonna

BLUSH sat down with Instagram bodypositivity influencer, Talmesha Keonna, to discuss her journey to self-acceptance, and how she hopes to change the way we view ourselves on social media with her new movement, the Tigress Beauty Club…

S

tarting out her quest for self-acceptance back in 2016, now-30-year-old Talmesha has amassed over 31,000 followers, all striving for one goal: Women to love themselves again.

Living in San Antonio, Texas, and working in the notoriously-high-pressure environment of being a model, she started the Tigress Beauty Club movement to amplify the voices of those also seeking change.

Where and when did your self-love journey begin? What was the turning point?

My self-love journey started shortly after I embarked on a fitness journey. This was a year or two after the birth of my son. I wanted to get back in shape and see my pre-baby body again. I became obsessed with working out, eating clean,

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and using skin-tightening products. My fitness journey was giving me results and I was feeling better about my postpartum body, but I wasn’t 100% satisfied with it.

Especially when I got on social media and saw nothing but women with seemingly perfect bodies. I was standing in the mirror checking my abs and I realised that would never be me again. I no longer had that flat, smooth stomach, no matter how defined my abs were.

The turning point happened when that new-mommy effect wore off, and I wanted to discover myself again. I grew tired and depressed with not feeling at home in my body and only identifying as a mother. I knew in order to do so, I had to find a way to be alright with how I looked.

Was there a point in your life where you weren’t happy with who you were? What was that like?

Honestly, every moment until my journey began. I was taught how I should view myself from television and magazines.

I didn’t know anything about self-love.

It was always “this is what I should look like,” and never “this is who I am and that's enough”. My value of self was completely absent.

How has becoming a mother impacted the way you view self-love?

I owe everything I am today to motherhood. Without it, I wouldn’t be doing this interview. Becoming a mother opened my eyes to the importance of self-compassion. I always want to be the best for my son, and I also want to instill self-love as an important part of his selfdevelopment. It’s shown me that selflove has both good days and bad days.

What is your self-love mantra?

I am a Goddess and an unapologetic woman on a continuous journey worthy of both love and respect in abundance.

I set the tone for what energy I allow to flow into my life and influence my being.

I radiate confidence as I give and receive love. I am love. (One of my favourite affirmations I created while on my journey for when I find myself needing a reminder of who I am).

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How does it feel to know you empower other women to love the skin they’re in?

It’s the most amazing feeling. It’s my journey coming full circle. I always go back and think about how I was when I was starting my journey, hoping and praying to find women that looked like me on social media. I recall how it made me second-guess myself. So, to be able to be a part of such a profound moment in another woman’s journey is a true honour I don’t take for granted.

Finish the sentence: “I feel most confident when…”

I’ve taken time to love myself properly — dancing away my doubts, balancing my desires with my reality, affirming my self-love, and flowing with what feels true to me. When I am consciously aware of where I stand, I am confident.

How has the Tigress Beauty Club helped you reach women going through similar journeys?

I would love to see Tigress Beauty Club touch the lives of millions of women.

Talmesha Keonna

BLUSH | B E A U T Y

I’d love it to become a community so powerful, that it changes the standard of beauty from the 'one size fits all' approach to a world where uniqueness is the aesthetic — applauding every colour, shape, and size.

Are we right to blame social media for unrealistic beauty standards?

I don’t think social media is entirely to blame for unrealistic beauty standards, as many of these standards have been set even before social media. I do, however, think social media makes matters a lot worse. It’s always in our faces, no matter how much we unfollow accounts we want to see less of. That’s why it’s important we all practise self-love before taking to social media, and having communities like Tigress Beauty Club reinforces those practices, so that while we are exposed to unrealistic beauty standards, it reminds us of what’s really important.

Follow Tigress Beauty Club movement on Instagram, @tigressbeautyclub

I was taught how I should view myself from television and magazines. I didn’t know anything about self-love. It was always ‘this is what I should look like’, and never ‘this is who I am and that's enough

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BLUSH loves...

How-to:

Insta-worthy

SOAP

BROWS Those perfectly-primped, fluffy eyebrows you’ve been seeing all over your feed? Say hello to soap brows.

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Get the look

Beauty Bay Soap Brows, £15,

O

riginally donned by the likes of Cara Delevingne back in the ‘10s, the big, bushy approach to eyebrows is still turning heads all these years later — for the right reasons. Pomades, gels, and pencils aside, the soap brow trend requires only two things: soap, and a brush to comb your way to this new, au naturel favourite. Put those tweezers down. What’s more, once they’re in place, they should stay in place ALL. Day. Long.

Eyebrows are back in a big way for 2021, so get your spoolie at the ready, because this is how to achieve the look for yourself, at home:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Dampen a spoolie brush with setting mist (but don’t go overboard, because you want this to hold your brows in place), and brush your brows up gently to create the general, fluffy shape you want.

Once you’re happy, rub your spoolie against your soap bar to pick up the product. Make sure to work in thin layers so you have total control and don’t end up creating a false effect.

Repeat the action of brushing up your hairs delicately and putting them into place. The front should be fluffier, and the tail of your brows more controlled and slick.

Take a brow gel or pomade to fill in any sparse areas!

Tip:

Don’t apply foundation too close to your brows! Makeup mixed with soap = flaking and caking!

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Nailed it!

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Pastels, plenty of abstract patterns and a fresh take on the classic French mani — these are the nail trends you should be looking out for in SS21, and how to achieve them with Instagram nail pro, Charlotte Herberts, AKA @beautyspace_charlotte...

What nail trends are we going to be seeing in 2021?

“The micro-French is a massive trend right now as it's just so versatile. In the summer

you can have fun with bright and bold tips and add abstract extras and just really have fun with it.

In terms of colour, pastel shades are going to see a resurgence. Sage is always huge at this time of year, and baby blue is one to look out for. Stock up on nature colours!”

What’s the key to longlasting nail art?

“The key to long-lasting nail art is the base, for sure. Like with anything, prepping is essential or you’re going to end up with flaking or chipping after just a few days, which is not what you want when you’ve put in so much effort.

“To prep, very gently push the cuticles back with no pressure at all, then file the nails to your desired shape. Also, use cuticle oil twice daily, and add it into your routine as

GET THE LOOK IN 1, 2, 3: THE MICRO -FRENCH:

you would the way you moisturise your face! I wouldn’t recommend cutting your cuticles though, as you can cause serious damage, leave that to the pros.”

How do you keep your nails looking neat like a pro?

“Having a good set of brushes and dotting tools are key for neat, Instagrammable nails.

As much as it pains me to say, spending a bit more on higher-quality ones does make all the difference. Of course, no matter what brushes you have, you need to look after them and clean them regularly.”

A revamped version of the classic French manicure, the micro-French sees nearly-nude nails paired with intricately-designed tips.

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Start with a coat of a clear or neutral base, depending on what you’re comfortable with. You just want your nail to look as clean as possible, ready for the design.

k Get t he loo

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Just like a traditional French manicure, you’ll want to follow the shape of the tip of your nail.

But, because this is a new twist on a classic, why not go all-out and choose a bright colour? We’re obsessed with this summery lavender. It’ll help if you have a relatively thin brush to hand to help you carve the shape. Oh, and don’t worry too much about perfection... it’s abstract!

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The great thing about bending the rules is that you can get super creative. We finished off this design with a clashing canary yellow and went wild with dotting. Tip! If you don’t have a dotting tool, try a cocktail stick.

Prepare to be the nail envy of everyone around you.

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SUMMER INSP

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Bobheoa uty

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Whether you’re a novice or a total pro when it comes

to makeup, knowing how to navigate warmer weather and your beauty can be a real challenge. The good news, however, is that it doesn’t take layers and layers to create an amazing look.

Beautiful makeup can still be simple, yet polished, modern, and shine-proof. sevenstarmedia.co.uk

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This how-to is a soft spring bohemian-inspired look, ideal for daytime, easily transformed into an evening look for those long, summer nights.

1.

Prep, prep, prep! Good makeup starts with hydrated and balanced skin. Incorporating an exfoliator twice weekly and using a quality moisturiser appropriate for your skin type twice daily, will make not only make a huge difference in the texture of your base, but preserve the longterm wellbeing of your skin.

2.

3.

Prime: This step speaks for itself — the longevity, finish and smoothness of your foundation depends on it!

Bronze, blush and underlight: Yes, you read that right, we’re applying these products UNDERNEATH our foundation. Firstly, the colour looks more believable on the skin and it’s also ten times quicker to apply. Cream products will work better for this – but if you don’t have any, even something as simple as your favourite 90s brown lipstick or a tiny amount of petroleum jelly will work just as well.

TIP: Rather than applying directly to the skin, use your fingertips and dab. Remember, even with powders, avoid bringing cheek shades too far in towards the centre of the face – we want things looking lifted!

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BLUSH | B E A U T Y

4.

All about that base: The back of your (sanitised) hand is the best palette. Pump your favourite foundation, evenly pick it up with a foundation brush (a buffer or stipple works well) and apply from the centre of the face outwards, building gradually.

5.

Concealer: This is the one product that may actually hide your biggest life mistakes and deepest regrets.

Use your fingertip or concealer brush, and use a shade slightly lighter than your foundation to highlight your features. Press on the undereye then, set it and forget it!

6.

7.

Brows: Daytime allows for a tinted brow gel – backcomb first, then smooth back down.

Eyes: To keep your look fresh, use a cream blush on your eyelids and softly smudge the edges of the colour with your fingertip to soften. Swipe onto lower lash line and diffuse in the same way. Pair this with some mascara and your look is almost complete.

SHOOT CREDITS: Photographer: @traveler_dou Make-up, Hair & Creative Director:

8.

Lips: For a daytime look, use the same cream blush you’ve used on your cheeks and eyes. To transform into more of an evening look, medium-to-deeptoned brick shades often work well with most outfits… but experiment and find something that makes you feel confident.

@natmichailmua Mentor & Co-creative Director: @byjpmartin Model: @Jordan_p19_

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Beth’s Story BLUSH | B E A U T Y

When Beth was diagnosed with cancer aged just 31, she was stripped of everything she knew, and it took a lot to look and feel like herself once again. Here’s her story…

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cancer diagnosis at any age is scary. There are so many aspects of your life that are affected by a diagnosis that it can feel overwhelming at times. As a 31-year-old, single woman, alongside everything else that comes with cancer, the inevitable changes to my visual appearance felt very cruel.

It was difficult initially, post-mastectomy, and after losing all my hair, including my eyebrows and eyelashes, to embrace my new image without focusing on how I looked and felt before my diagnosis.

I found Look Good Feel Better on Instagram and signed on to a course, as I thought they might be able to help me feel better about my new normal and hoped they may even be able to teach me to draw my eyebrows on properly!

Due to Covid-19, the course was virtual, which admittedly I had reservations about, but it was just brilliant. I met several other incredibly strong women of all different ages, with different cancer diagnoses, and there was something really reassuring about it all. Juliet, who ran the course, was great — she gave us all time to listen to each other’s stories and experiences. She was patient with us throughout and taught us some makeup basics. And I did get those eyebrows I was hoping for after all – and they match my bone structure every-time! Winning.

I went away feeling a lot more selfconfident after the course. I also felt more connected to other people going through a similar journey to me. I really got a lot out of the virtual workshops and am definitely hoping to book on to a

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face-to-face one when the world opensup a bit more.

I think that this journey has been a real eye-opener for me as a nurse, experiencing healthcare from the other side, as a patient. It has made me realise that I want to go into Oncology and specialise within this field to help other people dealing with a cancer diagnosis. I feel like I have a lot to give back and taking so many positives from a very difficult situation has been an achievement in itself. I am very hopeful about what my future has to bring once I finish active treatment too.

applying makeup, taking the time to sit with and embrace your new way of life, and showing yourself some kindness, ultimately makes you feel better, which can only be a positive thing, right? I highly recommend the experience!

Regular virtual workshops are available to people of all genders, and can be booked via the Look Good Feel Better website: lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk

Cancer takes a lot from a person – it even tries to steal your identity, and for me; I felt like it wanted to take my femininity too Cancer takes a lot from a person – it even tries to steal your identity, and for me; I felt like it wanted to take my femininity too, but I haven’t let it! I don’t wear makeup every day and I still feel like me with or without it now. But

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C E L E B R AT E

WOMEN IN

BEAUTY WITH L AT E S T I N B E A U T Y. C O M

JUST £33 WORTH £148

Introducing our Empowered Beauty Edit, a beauty box that is all about celebrating exceptional women in beauty. Championing brands that are founded by, led by or known for celebrating women, inside you’ll find an abundance of exclusive brands and products hand picked by the beauty experts at Latest in Beauty, including Floral Street, Rodial and NAILKIND. Worth over £148, this limited edition collection can be yours for only £33! We’re donating 10% from the sale of each box to our charity partner Look Good Feel Better who provide advice and support to those living with cancer. Don’t miss out.

Floral Street London Eau de Parfums

Studio 10 Lip Perfecting Balm Gloss

EVOLUTION_18 Beauty Gummies

NIP+FAB Vitamin C Fix Scrub

THE BEAUTY CROP Wing Woman Liquid

Rodial Dragon’s Blood Essence Mist Mini

Balance Me Tanning Drops

ZOEVA Spice of Life Highlight Face Palette

JustBe Botanicals JustBe Kind Aroma Roller

Yardley Lily of the Valley Nourishing Hand Cream

NAILKIND Natural and Vegan Nail Polish in Darlin’ Clementine

AVA I L A B L E E X C L U S I V E LY AT L AT E S T I N B E A U T Y. C O M *WHILE STOCKS L AST

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HOW MASCNE (face mask acne) IS WREAKING HAVOC WITH OUR SKINCARE It’s a fight we never expected to endure, but after a whole year of wearing face masks as part of our daily lives, our skin has taken a real beating...

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'M

ascne’ has become part of pretty much all of our skincare vocabulary, referring to the tiny, clustered pimples we’re experiencing from life covered up outside of our homes and in places of work.

PPE (or personal protective equipment) is great for stopping the spread of viruses, but if you’ve seen the viral images of key workers coming off-shift after hours and hours of wearing it, you’ll already know that it’s not-so-great for our skin.

And unfortunately, it looks like we’ll be facing this reality for some time to come. So it’s better to get ahead of the curve, right?

Here’s how to get your mascne woes under control and your skin back on track for summer.

What causes mascne?

Just like regular cases of acne, mascne can be caused by not washing our face masks enough, the laundry detergent we use when we do clean them, or even the actual material of the mask, as well as the friction of having it rub against our skin for extended periods of time.

While face masks are great for blocking germs from spreading, it does of course mean that any droplets you do emit (from breathing, talking or sneezing) get trapped inside of your mask and spread that bacteria to your skin — the perfect humid environment for spot-causing nasties to thrive.

Of course, this is a totally new experience for most of us, so our skin was always bound to react. But, if we react quicker, we should be able to nip it in the bud without squeezing and scratching our way through this new way of living.

mask comes off, use Sudocrem or similar to help repair skin and prevent lesions.

Even on days when you’re not wearing a mask, make sure to use a super-strong moisturiser (your doctor may even be able to prescribe a medicated cream).

Switch up your laundry routine Detergent chemicals can be quite harsh on skin (particularly if you’re naturally sensitive), so removing your masks from your regular laundry load and switching up your wash powder for something more face-friendly could be the answer.

In fact, a good bowl of warm water and some soap should do the trick. Many people opt to wash their faces with soap anyway so it’s not going to cause any flare-ups, but it’s still going to banish the spot-causing bacteria from the day. Best of all, it’s a lot quicker than going through a wash cycle so you can dry and re-use your mask within hours.

Incorporate antiinflammatory ingredients into your skincare...

While ingredients such as niacinamide, turmeric, or azelaic acid may seem too sciencey to fathom, they’re in a lot of amazing skincare products, and have antiinflammatory properties that help to reduce redness and swelling of aggressive spots.

They help to build cells in the skin and prevent reactions from environmental stresses including pollution, sunlight, or in this case — wearing a mask.

BLUSH recommends: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, £5

'Go makeup-free!'

The words no one wants to hear, but will certainly help. Giving your skin a breather will reduce the impact of inflammation, unclog pores, and stop any unnecessary oils from getting trapped — plus, the mask covers your face anyway!

This also isn’t the time to start experimenting with new products. Our skin tends to purge anyway when we try something different, and the added impact of the mask is a recipe for pimples.

But, if you don’t feel like baring all, this could however be the perfect opportunity to nail your eyeshadow skills. Of course, once you’re back at home, you can bring the makeup bag out and start getting creative again.

Anti-Blemish Bio Cellulose Mask, 111SKIN, £12

How to treat mascne: Keep hydrated This is a skincaregiven, but this time, we need to do more than make sure we’re drinking enough water.

Adding hydrating face masks to our routines twice-weekly helps to keep skin packed with moisture, and reverse at least some of the damage the day may have caused.

When you’re masked up, consider using a thick, protective barrier such as Vaseline, to stop any friction against your skin. When your

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BLUSH | B E A U T Y

CAN BEAUTY REALLY SAVE THE WORLD?

Meet the brands paving the way for a cleaner planet, and a more sustainable beauty arsenal

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T ain’t easy being green. In an industry where navigating vegan from cruelty-free and plastic-free from misleading promises, switching your beauty routine to become entirely sustainable is a challenge — but we can all play our part.

Despite the fact we’re becoming more eco-conscious with our purchases, 80 billion shampoo bottles globally are still getting thrown out each year, disrupting marine life and playing its own part in global warming.

But, thankfully, there are plenty of new brands emerging with the purpose of being planet over profit.

Meet Wo and UpCircle.

Two game-changing beauty favourites, with two totally different initiatives that are changing the way we view the industry and the products we buy.

were producing each day, of which they would then pay to be taken to landfill.

Despite working regular jobs at the time, Anna grew up wanting to be a makeup artist and had the lightbulb moment of starting the sustainable brand when she remembered how great the skincare

benefits of coffee can be.

“The very existence of our brand, given our brand mission and model, is a demonstration of taking the lead with regards to sustainability within our industry,” she told us. “We’re the only brand to scale-up repurposing ingredients into skincare formulations.”

Coffee grounds are packed with ingredients that can help reduce cellulite, improve dark circles, and calm inflammation to name a few. And UpCircle have now managed to weave their way into 3,000 retailers in 30 different countries, so we went behind-the-scenes to find out their secret.

Save th UpCircle

Cult skincare brand UpCircle was born in 2016 when founder Anna Brightman and her brother William caught wind of just how much waste coffee shops around London

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Does choosing sustainability mean you compromise on quality?

We’re the only brand to scale up repurposing ingredients into skincare formulations

“Absolutely not. Our rapid growth has proven that not only is a sustainable circular economy model possible, but it’s also extremely popular! Rather than bombarding people with doom and gloom headlines about the scale of environmental issues, we focus on positive change and that we can all make a difference in small steps.

Rather than saying 500,000 tonnes of

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coffee grounds are sent to landfill in the UK each year, we say, each of our face scrubs rescues the equivalent of four espresso shots from being discarded. It’s tangible, it’s uplifting, it makes you feel good, it’s something to be proud to support.”

How easy is it for other beauty brands to become more sustainable?

“If the brand has built sustainability into its DNA then it’s easy. If a brand is only now trying to become sustainable because they can see that the ethics and sustainability credentials of a brand are important to consumers, then it may be more challenging to change what they’ve already built.

We believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that we are keeping ourselves informed of the latest innovations so that our products are the best that they can be and making sure we’re evolving.”

Wo Skincare Wŏ, founded

by Taiwaneseborn Karen LeeThompson, was initially created as an inclusive brand, which meant people with differing needs could all

What environmental impact has UpCircle had so far?

“Our products are natural, organic, vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil-free, sustainable, handmade in the UK, and housed in 100% recyclable packaging. But the key point of difference between us and other brands is that each of our products is made with a core, repurposed ingredient.

In just five years we’ve collected and transformed more than 300 tonnes of used coffee from London cafes.”

One of UpCircle’s newest products, a face toner with mandarin and chamomile, has used the water of 8,000 mandarin oranges, despite only being released in October 2020. Another favourite, the body cream, has rescued approximately 300,000 date seeds from being discarded.

What’s next for UpCircle? Well, in 2020 they tripled the size of their team to meet growing demand, and this year, we can expect launches with repurposed ingredients including the use of seaweed extract and kiwi water. With bold ambition, we’re going to be seeing a lot more of UpCircle on our bathroom shelves.

The mono-dose approach to packaging means that each dispense gives the user the exact amount of product that they need, minimising waste

“Not only that, but our mono-dose packaging reduces our carbon footprint. I’m proud to say that all of our packaging is recyclable, something I believe every beauty brand should be able to say by the end of 2021.”

The mono-dose approach to packaging means that each dispense gives the user the exact amount of product that they need, minimising waste, and making products more purse-friendly.

“As we know only 50% of bathroom (beauty) products are currently recycled, and environmentally-friendly formulations, production practices, and packaging methods have been part of our brand’s philosophy from the start,” Karen says.

“It’s easy for our customers to try it for just 14 days, more than enough time to get you hooked!”

Their best-selling product, the Daily Base™ Comfort Balm, comes in up to 112 individually packaged doses and is a multi-tasking cleanser with a highly effective rejuvenating formula which has already earned it a roster of 5-star reviews - proving there’s really little excuse when it comes to making better choices about our beauty habits.

e world Shop UpCircle now at upcirclebeauty.com

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use the same products effectively and has cut down the need for having an oversaturated routine. So despite being new to the scene (launched in late 2020), a sustainable attitude has been the driver of its success so far.

Speaking of how it came to be, Karen told BLUSH: “Married to an English husband, with two mixed-race children, my drive and focus behind Wŏ is to champion and support people who have similar backgrounds. To be more specific, I founded Wŏ to create innovative beauty solutions that can be shared between my daughters who have contrasting needs and differing physical appearances.

Shop Wŏ at wearewo.com

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Dramatically slow the signs of ageing* Powerful age-defying ingredients penetrate your skin

10 surface layers deep.

3 2 FOR

**

UNSTOPPABLE TOGETHER

*Based on clinical and consumer testing †Source: IRI value sales. 52 weeks ending to 14th November 2020. Email: ukgb@boots.co.uk to verify. **Most Boots, cheapest free on selected No7 skincare. Subject to availability.

Boots.com/No7

the war on wast

BLUSH | B E A U T Y

THE WAR ON WASTE:

Recycling your

beauty empties

We’re more than at-home when it comes to kitchen recycling, but what about our beauty products?

One-in-four Brits value eco-friendly beauty buys but have no idea where to start when it comes to disposing of packaging — proving there’s plenty of work to be done to improve our carbon footprints. Here’s what you can (and can’t) recycle from your bathroom shelf...

RECYCLABLE: Deodorant cans: Both steel and aluminum cans are recyclable! Just take off any other detachable parts, and they’re good to pop in with your regular tins.

Shampoo bottles: Wash them out first and get rid of the lids before putting them with your plastics.

Hairdryers:

Hairdryers can currently be recycled by taking them to a recycling centre.

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Mascara:

While mascara tubes are recyclable, applicators aren’t.

However, a great way to upcycle your brushes is by washing them and donating them to an animal sanctuary, which will use them to brush fleas out of tiny creatures. BRB, crying.

Foundation bottles: If your foundation bottle is made of glass, you can recycle it as usual. Wash it thoroughly and remove the pump though, because there are currently no recyclable pumps on the market.

NOT CURRENTLY RECYCLABLE: Nail polishes Makeup wipes

Makeup brushes (both animal and vegan)

P.S. Many high street stores now offer recycling schemes, in return for discounts and rewards. For more information visit terracycle.com

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BLUSH | L E I S U R E & L I F E S T Y L E

YOUR GUIDE TO

MAKING A RENTED FLAT FEEL MORE LIKE HOME ...And make sure you still get your deposit back!

from plain walls and furniture. If you’re the type of person that kills plants easily (we’ve all been there) there are plenty of fool-proof options out there that take little maintenance and will look healthy all year round. Plants such as Bromeliads, Devil’s Ivy, and Spider plants can also survive low-lit environments.

You could even try growing your own herbs and using them in cooking!

Home sw I

F you’re part of generation rent, it can often feel difficult, or even overwhelming to put your own stamp on the property you’re living in.

With painting and wallpapering a firm no-go for many tenants, we’re officially down to finding inspiration in the simplest of places. Thankfully, there are a few ways around the harsh reality of playing by the

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rules, and it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or style.

After all, this is your home, and you want to come back to a place that feels like one, right?

Fill it with plants

You can never have too many plants.

Bringing a piece of nature inside your home makes it feel more peaceful and adds a pop of colour that you can’t get

Cosy up on a good rug

Rugs are great for two main reasons. The first, is that there’s nothing quite like lying back after a long day and feeling its softness beneath your feet. The second — it covers up the questionable flooring choices that

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may have been installed by your landlord.

As wallpaper is off-limits, it also adds a bit of character to the room and becomes a focal point, which means you can go as bold as you’d like.

The price of good-quality rugs can be off-putting (it only takes a quick Google search to get a glimpse of some in their thousands), but manufacturers usually also have eBay stores where you can pick up pieces for a fraction of their in-store prices, as they’re coming directly from the supplier.

Set the mood (lighting) Having the right lighting instantly makes a home feel more inviting, lifts the atmosphere, and adds a touch of cosiness to somewhere that could otherwise feel quite empty.

Try to go for warmer-coloured bulbs in lamps to get that homely feel, and whiter tones in your main lights to keep things bright. Layered lighting is the best way to get the balance right, and means you can get creative with accents and tones depending on the setting — because you don’t want to put your makeup on in the same light that you read a book.

Industrial lighting is having its moment right now, with brassy tones and glass accents being the choice for home influencers everywhere.

Get thrifty

Try to go for warmercoloured bulbs in lamps to get that homely feel, and whiter tones in your main lights to keep things bright

If you’ve got your eye on 500 Pinterest home accounts at any one time, it can be easy to get FOMO, particularly if you’re on a budget. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Head onto sites like Gumtree and eBay and you can pick up all kinds of treasures for significantly less than you’d pay for them in a shop. There are a lot of dupes out there for what you may think are one-off pieces. Alternatively, if there’s a certain style or era of furniture you like, why not give upcycling a go? You can often find people giving away their old furniture for free so they don’t have to dispose of it themselves, and you can transform it into something beautiful again, while putting your own personal touch on it in the process. That has to be more valuable than forking out!

hang some special photo memories to make your space feel cosier.

For a more textured look, try using a wall tapestry or other wall-filling piece.

A great DIY idea we spotted on Pinterest was to order free wallpaper samples and create them into an adorable, abstract collage.

Keep it bright While plain, white walls are not everyone's cup of tea, they’re standard in a lot of rented properties, and believe it or not, they’re actually doing you a favour!

Keeping the room nice and bright means that it’ll feel bigger, and subconsciously feel like more of a relaxing space, as opposed to dark walls, which could actually make you feel trapped. Plus, influences of Scandi culture is the home trend to be on board with right now, and it involves many a clinically-white wall, and minimalist furniture.

It means you’ve also got full creative control over what you want your colour scheme to be. Having a blank canvas allows you to go wild on the throws and cushions, and really make it your own with fun prints and colours.

eet home Command hooks are your friend

Despite their popularity, it’s surprising how many renters forget about command hooks. The picture-hanging strips (that can take weight from light photographs through to giant canvases) allow you to have artwork and other hangings up without making a mess of the wall or risking your deposit.

Most art galleries sell affordable prints of their works (including the Tate) if you want to go all-out, or you could even just

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Surround yourself with beauty.

Proud to support Blush Magazine

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HOME

sweet home Know someone moving house? Or moving house yourself, and just need an excuse for a treat? Check out the BLUSH edit of the best housewarming gifts to brighten up any new pad instantly…

The Interior Design Handbook hardback cover, Waterstones, £22 waterstones.com

Fleur Antheurium plant, Patch Plants, £20 Fractured pot, Patch Plants, £40 patchplants.com

Ocho Candle in Pastel, MAZA, £24 bymaza.co.uk

Gold mirror tray, Primark, £6

New home biscuit box, Biscuiteers, £25 biscuiteers.com Embellished grey throw blanket, Urban Outfitters, £45 urbanoutfitters.com

Lizzo 1,000-piece puzzle Urban Outfitters, £16.99 urbanoutfitters.com

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BLUSH | L E I S U R E & L I F E S T Y L E Boho face trinket dish in matte pink, Benji’s shop, £6.95 benjisshop.com

Antler candle holder, NEXT, £26 next.co.uk

Floral stemless wine glass, Urban Outfitters, £5 urbanoutfitters.com

Rosé framed art print

by Ciao Chiara, Papier, £54 papier.com

Oliver Bonas doormat, Oliver Bonas, £29.50’ oliverbonas.com

White Speckled Mug, Denby Pottery, £18 denbypottery.com

Best splurge

Smeg DCF02 drip filter coffee machine, Smeg, £179.95 smeguk.com

Five-year memory journal, Oliver Bonas, £14.99 oliverbonas.com Park dogs tea towel set, Cath Kidston, £14 cathkidston.com

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BLUSH | A D V E R T O R I A L

Spring I Home 2021 Trends

Ercol Marlia Chair, Furniture Village, £719

(Arts & Crafts, Soft Luxe, Rustic Loft, Future Pastels)

f working from home has taught us anything, it’s that our homes aren’t just where we live, they’re an integral part of our wider sense of wellbeing — and loving the space you’re in is important.

This spring we’ve hand-picked four beautifully-styled looks for the months ahead, each translated into three key areas: Living, dining, and sleeping.

From Arts & Crafts — an ode to William Morris’ celebration of the decorative arts - to Future Pastels - an ultra-modern take on a classic pastel palette – here are a wealth of gorgeous ideas to inspire renovations, room makeovers and quick-style-updates galore.

Evie Chair, Furniture Village, £699 | Evie Cube, Furniture Village, £299

Evie Bedframe, Furniture Village, £999

Trend:

ARTS & CRAFTS

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contemporary tribute to William Morris’ much-loved design movement, this summery scheme is brimming with colour and character.

From elegantly turned legs, to tufted button-backs and solid oak tabletops, this traditional touch adds a timeless edge.

However, to bring this trend up-to-date, we’ve chosen a bright palette of light pink, terracotta and coral hues that sit perfectly alongside a pretty array of natural-wood finishes. Vases of seasonal flowers, such as mimosa and narcissi, add playful pops of yellow and celebrate the natural bounty of the season.

No Arts & Crafts scheme would be complete without one of William Morris’ signature patterns, and his trailing fruit design balances wonderfully with the larger blocks of colour in the space.

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Angeles Small Sideboard, Furniture Village, £429

Angeles Round Table and ButtonBack Chairs, Furniture Village, £1099

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Trend:

SOFT LUXE

T

HIS season we’ve taken some of our favourite luxury touches and styled them to create an elegant, high-end space that feels relaxed and welcoming.

Using a largely neutral colour scheme, we’ve layered together a striking mix of patterns, textures, and tonal shades to shape a look that offers glamour and style in equal measure.

Stunning marble tabletops are combined with high-shine chrome frames and quiltbacked velvet dining chairs.

Sculptural accessories are carefully chosen to add character instead of clutter and contribute to the over-arching sense of purposeful design throughout this look.

Dolce Table and 4 Chairs, Furniture Village, £1,495

Alexander & James Fabric Accent Chair, Furniture Village, £795

Hypnos Bespoke Emperor KingSize Divan Bed, Furniture Village, £2,399 | Hypnos Bespoke Hurley King-Size Headboard, Furniture Village, £899

Allegra Leather 2-Seater, Furniture Village, £1,595

Dolce Sideboard, Furniture Village, £799

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furniturevillage.co.uk

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Trend:

Harrison Spinks Yorkshire 16500 King-Size Divan Set, Furniture Village, £3,099 | Harrison Spinks KingSize Willow Headboard, Furniture Village, £729

RUSTIC LOFT

I

nfused with laid-back haciendastyle cool, our Rustic Loft look brings together the perennial trend for industrial-inspired furniture with a healthy dose of summer wanderlust.

Rich, terracotta tones, rustic woods and aged leather upholstery come together in harmony to create spaces that are perfect for people looking for a design suited to everyday living.

Generously proportioned dining sets, featuring a mix of benches and chairs, are great for lending an informal vibe to social hubs in the home, whilst velvet upholstery brings a cosiness to any bedroom.

The beauty of this look is its simplicity, but crafted details such as marquetry-style tabletops, welded metal frames and fluted headboard designs ensure that it’s not without serious style.

Terra Dining Table, 3 Cognac Chairs and Bench Dining Set, Furniture Village, £3,495

New England Newport 3-Seater Sofa, Furniture Village, £1,695 | Globe Coffee Table, Furniture Village, £399 | Earth Ladder Shelving Unit, Furniture Village, £499

Vintage Industrial Floor Lamp, Furniture Village, £149

Globe Narrow Sideboard, Furniture Village, £999

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BLUSH | A D V E R T O R I A L Brondby 3-Seater Sofa, Furniture Village, £799 | Brondby Footstool, Furniture Village, £219 | Michelle Collins Abstract Art Rose and Crimson Ruh, Furniture Village, £59

Brondby Chair, Furniture Village, £499

Finn Floor Lamp, Furniture Village, £199 Athos King Ottoman Bedframe, Furniture Village, £99

Bianco Sideboard, Furniture Village, £599

Trend:

FUTURE PASTELS

P

astel shades have taken on a cool new look this season with hints of mint, mauve and ice blue.

Perfect for modern spaces, this spring/summer trend incorporates slickness, featuring high-shine white and chrome finishes, luxe leather upholstery and streamlined shapes.

Textures and tones are layered throughout each space to add depth and tactility, which counterbalances the overarching minimalist aesthetic. Colour is introduced across upholstery and soft furnishings such as cushions, bed linens and rugs to build a refreshing blend of shades that are both sophisticated and stylish.

Eye-catching accessories with statement silhouettes bring a curated touch to the setup and are used to emphasise this trend’s ultra-modern vibe.

Bianco Lamp Table, Furniture Village, £339

Shop the looks at

furniturevillage.co.uk

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5 things to try: BLUSH | U L T I M AT E T R AV E L

Barbados With white beaches as far as the eye can see and some of the friendliest locals around, it comes as no surprise that Barbados has a repeat visitor factor of 39%. Home to Rihanna and completely surrounded by the Atlantic

Ocean — despite being only 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, this Caribbean island is rich in culture and a bucket-list destination for anyone seeking the idealistic way of life and incredible food. Here are 5 things to try on your trip…

5. ...Drink rum 1. Swim with turtles The Barbados Sea Turtle Project work around-the-clock to help keep oceans clean and preserve marine life, with the aim of restoring turtle numbers. That being said, there are plenty of educational tours and trips to visit the many turtles that live off-shore already, and you can even snorkel alongside them if you’re feeling brave and want to witness the beauty of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

ajeed ehathab M Credit: M

2. Find a hidden cave Barbados is packed with hidden caves and caverns, the most famous being Animal Flower Cave — the only accessible sea cave on the island. Discovered in 1780, the Animal Flower Cave is a sea cave in the parish of St. Lucy on the northern tip of Barbados but is believed to be up to 500,000 years old! Not only does it make for a great photo, but the cave is so popular, it now even boasts its own restaurant and bar so you can dine in a seriously special piece of nature.

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Barbados is the home of rum, so expect to drink a *lot* of it while you’re there. Of course, you could have it with a mixer or in a rum punch, but if you want to live like a true local, get ready to be drinking it straight.

4. Take a yacht trip If you want a taste of the high-life while surrounded by crystalclear waters, take a yacht trip! Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on the deck, or unleash your inneradrenaline junkie with some watersports, there’s no better place to take in the sights than off-land.

3. Head to a Friday night fish fry Oistins Fish Fry has become a cult institution in Barbados and is the hot spot for seafood-lovers looking for a Friday night party and a tasty treat. Don’t be alarmed when you see ‘dolphin’ on the menu, though. It’s just what the locals call mahi-mahi. Phew!

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The World’s Most

Instagrammable

HOTELS

Meet the most snap-worthy hotels in the world to tick off your bucket list and dominate and good news — there’s something for every budget...

The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles, California Rooms start from $595 per night (low season) and $995 per night (high season) If you haven’t heard of The Beverly Hills Hotel, you definitely will have heard of Marilyn’s Bungalow. Awash with the A-list seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of LA life, the prestigious hotel houses bungalow number 7, where Marilyn Monroe spent a lot of time during her career. It’s just one of 23 bungalows on the grounds of the hotel, also famously known as The Pink Palace, all of which act as individual homes with private entrances and multiple bedrooms. The hotel itself is known for its iconic salmon, art-deco feel (transporting us back to 40s Hollywood), and Mediterraneanstyle, manicured greenery, right on the doorstep of Sunset Boulevard in one of America’s most-coveted postcodes — 90210.

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Le Riad Yasmine, Marrakech Rooms start from £85 per night Le Riad Yasmine can only be described as a rich green paradise that meets urban jungle in the heart of the Medina of Marrakech. You can expect traditional, Moroccan furnishings fit for a royal in every direction, along with its iconic, tiled courtyard, which boasts a pool and lounge. Despite being in the heart of the city, the riad is super peaceful and homely, and the perfect place to enjoy a Moroccan dinner with locally-sourced ingredients. You may want to reserve as far in advance as possible though, as its popularity and purse-friendly price see it booked up for many months at a time.

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Hotel Plaza Athénée, Paris, France Average room price: £969 per night If you don’t recognise Hotel Plaza Athénée by its name, you’ll definitely recognise *that* backdrop that has appeared in every influencer photo, and yet still remains breathtaking.

The hotel, which is located in Paris’ 8th arrondissement by the ChampsÉlysées, offers the perfect chance to live like an A-lister. It’s particularly hot with the fashion crowd, as it’s on the famed Avenue Montaigne, with high-end stores such as Louis Vuitton and Fendi surrounding its perimeter.

It’s part of the world-renowned Dorchester Collection, so you know it’s going to be high-end luxury.

Be sure to head to the hotel’s wonderful pâtisserie created by its world champion pastry chef Christophe — because that’s what Paris is all about, right?

Treehotel, Sweden Rooms from £441 per night Treehotel offers a unique experience you’re unlikely to find anywhere else; treetop rooms designed by Scandinavia’s top architects, in the middle of unspoiled nature, allowing you to forget about the time constraints of everyday life and enjoy silence. Treehotel is located in the village of Harads, which only has a population of 600, and each tree room has a different, futuristic style, including the Mirrorcube, the UFO room, and the Dragonfly, all of which look eerie and space-like among the backdrop of the forest.

The hotel uses all things ecofriendly and is powered completely by hydroelectricity, so you can holiday happily knowing you’re helping the environment just by relaxing. If you’re lucky you’ll even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Le Sirenuse, Amalfi Coast Rooms from £998 per night

Conrad Maldives, The Maldives Average room price: £700 per night not including £410 seaplane transfer It’s no secret that the Maldives is the place to be for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, complete with incomparable scenery.

Conrad Maldives is situated across two private, tropical islands, connected by a 500m footbridge, and is home to the Maldives’ first underwater restaurant (one of the resort’s twelve restaurants), where you can watch fish and sharks.

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But that’s not all - Conrad even boasts a standalone James Bond-style villa with the master suite situated beneath the ocean. Due to the privacy of the island, you’ll even have to take a 30-minute seaplane ride to and from it. That being said, you’re not going to run out of things to do there, because during your stay you can enjoy the resort’s infinity pools, two spas, tennis courts, three boutiques, water sports centre that loans snorkels, paddleboards and kayaks, and a dive centre where you can book dolphin sunset cruises or snorkelling excursions.

Nestled on the Amalfi Coast just outside Positano, Le Sirenuse is as stylish as tranquillity gets. Although it opened back in 1951, it’s since earned cult status, and is a bucket-list must for travel influencers everywhere, not least down to its iconic ox-blood red, and whitetrim walls. Despite being family-run, the hotel’s restaurant, La Sponda, has its very own Michelin star — and outside its Juliet balcony, the backdrop of the scenic coastline and the Cathedral of St. Mary, which make for the perfect peaceful lunch. Le Sirenuse emulates a ‘home-from-home’ feel (it was originally the owner’s summer house), but with a lot more sunshine, and the opportunity to take a sunset cruise on the hotel’s speedboat.

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TAKE A LOOK INSIDE THE UK’S NEW

safari-lodge experience

Sleep in luxury alongside the elephants and cheetahs at the West Midland Safari Park with this unforgettable stay

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F you’ve ever dreamt of sleeping alongside some of the most incredible animals on the planet, Westmidland Safari Park is now offering a once-in-alifetime experience in the UK, by introducing luxury overnight accommodation.

The eight exclusive lodges are integrated with the park’s animal reserves, offering guests the chance to get up-close with the African elephants and cheetahs in an immersive setting.

The double-story Elephant Lodges are authentically-themed and have traditional thatched rooves, as well as an open-plan living space, dining area complete with kitchen, and a spacious outdoor balcony that overlooks the pen.

The park’s elephants; Latabe, Five, and Sutton, have a new pool positioned in front of the lodges, encouraging them to interact with those staying in them as they go for a drink.

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Similarly, the single-story Cheetah Lodges offer panoramic views of their new habitat, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedroom so you never miss a moment.

You’ve got a very good chance of seeing the animals properly, as their new homes have been positioned so that they feed and relax in front of the lodges.

Both packages include dinner and breakfast in the park’s onsite restaurant as well as admission to the Safari Park itself, with the Elephant Lodges being able to accommodate up to five people, and the Cheetah Lodges, six. Each lodge offers free Wi-Fi, TV, coffee machine, and mini-bar, filled with local produce.

There are already similar initiatives in London Zoo and Kent with lions, but this is the first time there’s been a UK-based opportunity to mix in with the elephants and cheetahs.

Speaking of the grand unveiling, which was delayed due to the pandemic, Chris Kelly, Managing Director at West Midland Safari Park said: “I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved, in delivering beautiful accommodation to offer guests the opportunity to stay onsite for the first time, but also in upgrading stimulating and enriching environments for the wonderful animals we have in our care.

“Our lodges are going to offer a special and unforgettable Safari-stay right here in the Midlands. Guests will be able to get closer than ever before to our wildlife and make friends with their animal neighbours. Being located on our reserves, guests will also have the chance to spot some of our other species and experience all the great attractions we have to offer, making it the perfect retreat for all the family.”

With adult prices for overnight stays starting from £171 and £147 per child, it’s no wonder that this affordable getaway has already been snapped up by many, and is sold out until early 2022. Plus, if you’re a Safari Annual Pass holder, you’re automatically eligible for 10% off.

If you want to have the chance to feed the animals for yourself, they also offer VIP experiences and keeper days which you can tag onto your overnight experience.

The park, situated in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, is already home to over 140 different species of animal and boasts its own four-mile drive-through safari. It’s also known for its efforts in conservation and contains many animals that are on the IUCN's endangered or critically endangered list, as well as working to restore habitats and research animal behaviours.

It first opened back in 1973 and has since become an award-winning attraction for families everywhere, and even boasts its own theme park.

It’s pretty safe to say that this new addition to an already incredible hotspot for getawaylovers will only boost its popularity for some time to come.

For more information visit safari-lodges.co.uk

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From the quaint towns of Yorkshire to the Highlands of Scotland, we’ve done the research for you, and compiled the ultimate guide to your next staycation destination

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t's been a long year for holidaylovers, and while the far corners of the world have been off-limits, we’ve learned to love the country we grew up in once again. Working the 9-5 in the UK, it can be easy to forget how truly beautiful parts of it are, and in some cases, better than going abroad.

The hardest part is knowing where to go. But thankfully, unspoiled nature is just a mere train ride away for most, where you can discover forests, green landscapes, and beaches. England alone has ten national parks so we’re more spoilt for choice than you’d think, and it's a great opportunity to explore somewhere you’ve never been.

Credit: fowey.co.uk

New Forest, Hampshire The New Forest National Park is situated in Hampshire, England, and covers more than 566 square kilometres, made up of picturesque river valleys and woodland. If you’re a history buff, it has plenty to go around, as it was once the royal hunting ground for William the Conquerer.

It’s particularly great ground for exploring, as its many walks (whether you want a casual stroll or full-blown hike) pass through quaint villages, each with their own story and atmosphere.

If you want to see the park from a different angle, you can even ride around on horseback.

Visit nearby village of Brockenhurt

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ENJOYING Home-comforts?

These are some of the most incredible UK holiday destinations you’ve probably never considered Fowey, Cornwall Despite its spelling, Fowey is pronounced Foy (like joy), and is situated on the south coast of Cornwall. It’s an area of natural beauty with its quaint harbour and brightly-coloured houses, making it the perfect backdrop for a warm summer’s day in a bustling beer garden. A regular ferry means you can hop on over to the neighbouring village of Bodinnick and take in the fresh, seaside air and explore somewhere off the beaten-track for tourists too. Fowey is particularly great for its picturesque walks, watersports with a view, and its

proximity to nature hives such as The Eden Project. It’s the perfect place to take a boat tour, or even hire your own to weave between some of the 7,000 yachts a year that dock there.

If you want one of the best views on offer, head up to Catherine’s Castle, where a path filled with wildflowers will take you to Henry VIII’s oncefort, surrounded by the incredible panoramic landscape of the whole of Fowey.

Best play to stay: Trenython Manor House Best place to eat: The Dwelling House, 6 Fore St, PL23 1AQ

to see streets-upon-streets of Tudorstyle houses, which is probably why it was once named ‘Britain’s most beautiful place to live’. Donkeys, ponies and cows plod around, and is as farremoved from city life as you can be.

Other great activities to try include taking a boat out on the Beaulieu River, try your hand at archery, or go wildlife spotting. It’s an amazing place to get up-close-and-personal with nature, without the fancy extras.

If you do want the fancy extras, however, there are a number of incredible spa hotels... one even with its own deer park!

Best play to stay: Forest Park Country Hotel Best place to eat: The Elderflower Restaurant, 4A Quay St, SO41 3AS

Credit: Anne Hall

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Masham, Yorkshire In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the quiet town of Masham exudes traditional British culture, and is a hub for all things craftsmanship. It’s famous for its family-run breweries including the iconic Black Sheep and Theakston breweries (which are ideal for a boozy tour!), and its location in the region of Lower Wensleydale make it a great place to pick up some tasty cheese — straight from the place it was born. The streets are lined with independent cafés and great traditional pubs, and other towns and walking areas are only a short drive away. You can expect family-run shops over supermarket chains, with locally-sourced produce, traditional sweets and other hand-crafted goodies that you won’t find anywhere else.

Arguably one of the most essential places to add to your list is Swinton Park Estate, a 20,000-acre estate complete with its own castle, fine-dining, cookery school, horse riding, spa, and golf course to name just a few of its many, many activities. Grab a room there for the night to get the full experience, and live like a royal.

Best play to stay: Swinton Park Estate Best place to eat: Vennell’s Restaurant, 7 Silver St, HG4 4DX

Ceredigion, Wales

Sparsely-populated coastline makes it a super peaceful area, with the relaxing sound of waves being the only noise you’re likely to hear

Ceredigion is considered to be a centre of Welsh culture and more than half the population speaks Welsh. Its sparsely-populated coastline makes it a super peaceful area, with the relaxing sound of waves being the only noise you’re likely to hear during a night there — and is a real experience of what makes a traditional Welsh holiday.

With a host of rural market towns including Tregaron and Lampete where there’s a thriving art scene, and fishing villages as well as the cultural capital of Aberystwyth, there’s plenty to explore, no matter what your idea of a fun day out is.

Make sure you check out Cardigan Bay too, which is home to big populations of dolphins and porpoises, as well as 5,000 Atalantic grey seals. Head to the cliff-tops to get a bird's-eye view, or take a boat trip if you want to get a closer look at these incredible creatures.

If you’re a cultural fanantic, it’s worth a trip to The National Library of Wales, which contains an archive of every book, photograph, film and piece of music made in the country, and a number of exhibitions and lectures are regularly held there. Pretty cool!

Best play to stay: Harbourmaster Hotel Best place to eat: The Cellar, 8 Market St, SA46 0AS

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Credit: Orla Stevens

Credit: Elaine Craig

Strathyre, Scotland The Scottish district of Strathyre lies in a picturesque location at the head of Loch Lubnaig overlooked by Beinn-ant-Sithean — which is gaelic for ‘Mountain of the Fairies’. Pretty adorable if you ask us.

Aside from small numbers of new housing developments, little has changed over the past 100 years, and the area still feels like peaceful seclusion away from regular life for visitors.

The rugged Strathyre forest extends well beyond the village and is encompassed within the 50,000-acre Queen Elizabeth Forest Park which is great for picturesque hiking, cycling

Packed with Scottish heritage as well as Loch Lomond and a range of famous filming locations, including that of historical drama, Outlander

through forest trails, or even camping by one of the many lochs.

It’s packed with Scottish heritage as well as Loch Lomond and a range of famous filming locations, including that of historical drama, Outlander.

When it’s time to relax, make sure to book into a log cabin for the ultimate cosy experience, and snuggle up by the fire as you take in the sounds of nature. There’s even an alpaca trekking centre, if you’re up for something a little different.

Best play to stay: Ardoch Lodge (self-catering) Best place to eat: Callander Meadows, 24 Main St, FK17 8BB

Windsor, Berkshire Windsor is as quintessentially British as it comes. It boasts the secondhome of the Queen, Windsor Castle, and is just down the road from Eton College where many of the UK’s prime ministers were educated.

Aside from these iconic sights alone (that are no doubt responsible for contributing to the seven million visitors a year that head there), it’s worth a trip for its dreamy stretches of Thames Valley scenery, and the grassy deer-grazed meadows of the perimeter of the town.

Like Buckingham Palace, you can expect a troop of soldiers and a band marching up to Windsor Castle ready for the changing of the guard at 11am — something you can watch if you visit inside.

It’s a great place to shop and

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witness the grandeur of life there, with gourmet restaurants and pubs aplenty, many of which have been passed down through generations of the same families. If you’re a big kid at heart (or looking for a break with actual kids too!), Legoland is nearby and is a haven where Lego and theme park-lovers unite.

Being the 'London' outside of London, the Thames still runs through it, so you could also hire a rowing boat, or even sit by the river in the Windsor Great Park. For a truly luxurious experience, head over to The Waterside Inn, an upmarket French bistro overlooking the water, for a taste of the high life.

Best play to stay: Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa Best place to eat: The Waterside Inn, Ferry Road, SL6 2AT

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BIKINI TOP £15 CMQ7466/CMQ9352 BIKINI BOTTOMS £12 CMQ9354/ CMQ7464 BEACH SKIRT £15 CMQ9344

Give your vacay look a Caribbean twist with our latest swimwear collection. Say hello to our freshest edit, Destination Swim: Bahamas. With a backdrop of breath-taking white beaches and a palette of deep blue and turquoise, The Bahamas really is a tropical paradise. Get ready to seriously turn up the heat with our selection of embellished two-pieces, lavish swimsuits, and luxe cover-ups with intricate detailing, that are perfect for soaking up the Caribbean sun.

SWIMSUIT £25 CMQ7446/ CMQ9339

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Get the look:

ired by inspWE’RE OutTHEfitsSHOWS BINGE-WATCHING

ou y r o f g n i m o c e ’r e w Emily in Paris,

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etflix is dropping so many incredible shows right now, that even we’re struggling to keep up. And with the latest season of The Crown dropping to the conspiracy documentaries that consistently have us up all night, there’s no shortage of titles on our watch list right now.

But between wishing for the next installment of our favourite shows and sparking heated debates about their endings, there’s one thing we simply can’t get enough of: the fashion.

From the 19th-century ballgowns of Bridgerton (which we absolutely wish we could wear to the supermarket), to the chic, Parisian style of our on-screenicon, Emily Cooper, it’s pretty normal to find yourself lusting after the clothes of the characters over the storyline at this point.

Having scoured high and low for the solution to our wardrobe envy, luckily, a lot of what you see on TV is actually available to buy in real life. Hurrah!

Take a peek at these outfits inspired by those worn in our favourite shows (as well as some exact matches), and get the look for yourself.

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Superga 2750 Efglu Plimsolls, John Lewis johnlewis.com

T he C rown Cr e d

tflix

it: Ne

Sheep sweater, Warm & Wonderful x Rowing Blazer rowingblazers.com

Pink gingham trousers,

By Megan Crosby bymegancrosby.com Broderie dress, Zara zara.com

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Wool beret, ASOS Design asos.com

Credit: Netf

Emily in Pa

ris

Nicola twist bag, Kate Spade katespade.co.uk

lix

Hemlock bandana-print skirt, Ganni ganni.com

Cr e d

it: N

etfl

ix

Camera iPhone case, Casetify casetify.com

Self-Portrait crochet-trimmed dress, Net-A-Porter net-a-porter.com

Bridgerton Credit: Netf

lix

Isa Boulder ruched swimsuit, Matches Fashion matchesfashion.com

Antonia faux-pear bag, Shrimps shrimps.com Dreamie embellished heel, Dune London dunelondon.com

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ALL PINK BLUSH | S T Y L E

everything

the lot… t n a w e w d n a , ck a b Hot pink hues are Headband, & Other Stories, £17 stories.com

Pleated dress, Ganni, £195 ganni.com

Peplum blouse, New Look, £19.99 newlook.com

k oo l e h t Get

Bag, H&M x Simone Rocha, £50 hm.com

Wide-fit, mid-heel mule sandals, ASOS DESIGN, £20 asos.com

Structured shorts, River Island, £36 riverisland.com

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Baguette ring, River Island, £10 riverisland.com

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Playsuit, Zara, £29.99 zara.com/uk/ Woven bag, Boohoo, £24 boohoo.com

k oo l e h t t e G

Life’s a beach

Swimsuit, River Island, £38 riverisland.com

PSA: Holidays are back on the cards, and it’s time for a wardrobe overhaul

Bracelet, Isabel Marant, Farfetch, £90 farfetch.com

Sandals, Primark, £8 primark

Straw hat, & Other Stories, £27 stories.com

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Beach dress, H&M, £24.99 hm.com

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magic!

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MONOCHROME od enough go a re a es n li n ea cl d Chic tailoring an black & white… in d rl o w e th e se to n reaso Leather-look trousers, River Island, £20 riverisland.com Oversized blazer, ZARA, £49.99 zara.com/uk/

Drop-pearl earrings, Primark, £2 primark

Knitted vest, Monki, £30 www.monki.com/en

k oo l e h t Get Slouch bag, New Look, £15.99 newlook.com

Sunglasses, QUAY, £39 quayaustralia.co.uk

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Boots, RAID at ASOS, £39.99 asos.com

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BLUSH | S T Y L E Dogtooth shacket, Reserved, £34.99 reserved.com/gb/en/ Animal skirt, Oliver Bonas, £35 oliverbonas.com

k oo l e h t t e G

s t n i r p d oo g l Fee Orson sandals, Kurt Geiger, £149 kurtgeiger.com

d side… l i w e h t n o Take a walk

Fluff dress, ASOS Design, £135 asos.com

Floral midi dress, New Look, £25.99 newlook.com

Nixon Time Teller watch, Urban Outfitters, £125 urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb Bag, Primark, £10 primark.com

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Share it with your family

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n o i h s a f l a Rent BLUSH | S T Y L E

orrow b o t s e c ie p t s The be

Because why sh ould our clothes cost the earth?

T

Sleeper feather-trimmed party pyjama set, £10 per day (RRP £245)

he curiosity for rental fashion is on the rise — with lavish looks becoming more costly than ever, and consumers becoming more aware of the impact of fast fashion, as well as wear-once consumption.

The UK alone sends £140m worth of clothing to landfill each year, so starting to share our wardrobes isn’t such a bad idea. Plus, it means you get to enjoy a taste of luxury for a bargain price, without the commitment.

By Rotation was founded in 2019 when Eshita Kabra-Davies witnessed firsthand effects of textile waste while on her honeymoon in Rajasthan, India. The app, which is now used by over 15,000 people, allows peer-to-peer renting for anyone who wants to make a bit of money from lending out their favourite designer pieces.

Stine Goya rainbow striped dress, £8 per day (RRP £612)

Self-Portrait crystal-embellished top, £15 per day (RRP £260)

ems you it er ft a tgh u so st o m Here are 5 of the right now: p p a n o ti ta o R y B e th can rent on Jacquemus Soleil tote bag, £6 per day (RRP £355) Gucci leather mid-heel sandal, £20 per day (RRP £575)

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STYLE HACKS: 4 ways to wear... sheer

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HEER fabric is so versatile that it’s impossible not to be a bit in love with it. It’s perfect for layering up for a day at the office, adding texture to an outfit, or keeping cool on a beachy holiday.

We know its exposed-nature likened to lingerie can be controversial to some, but there’s going to be no shortage of sheer floating around this summer, as it’s already made its debut in Fashion Week collections from the likes of Christian Dior, Balmain, and Fendi — so we’d better get used to it.

To help us on our style mission to make sheer fabrics wardrobe-friendly, we enlisted some of our favourite influencers to show how they’re styling it this season.

o t n o s a e s e h t ‘Tis @kcdanielle

a & @asosquish

Co-ord it 3-piece jumpsuit, ASYOU at ASOS.com, £32

Styling Crop it

Top, boohoo.com, £12 Jeans, boohoo.com, £20

An exposed midriff is the perfect homage to the summer months ahead, and we particularly love the panel detailing on this Boohoo offering, adding a 90s edge. Crop tops are an it-girl staple for both day and night, and whether paired with jeans or a mini skirt, our wishlist is quickly expanding with options.

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Summer is always co-ord season, and straying away from our usual two-piece, this three-piece, sheer set, is making a case for the return of the Y2K era — a phase ruled by women in pop culture and form-fitting clothes. The great thing about co-ord sets is that you look effortlessly polished, and you can mix and match the three pieces with other items in your wardrobe to switch up the style.

@ Lianatambi

ni

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@mimia

rr

Go bold Jaqi wrap dress, revolve.com, £191 We love the neon approach to sheer fabrics for two reasons: A) Green is having a moment this summer. How else are we going to come back with a bang? And B) It’s the polar opposite of what sheer is defined as.

It’s a statement, attention-commanding, and leaves little exposure, while still giving you the effect of that gorgeous, flowing fabric.

Expect this to make an appearance at every beach day ahead.

e l t t i l a f f o s h ow Bare all

Black two-piece, WMNS WEAR at ASOS.com, £65

Suggestive bodysuits are playful and have quickly broken away from their lingerie roots, and instead become a glamorous festival staple. Leaving little to the imagination, this figure-hugging trend is already approved by the likes of Kylie Jenner and Irina Shayk. So long story short, we’re already completely sold.

hacks @mimik

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afilat

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The 00s called...

BOOTCUTS ARE BACK

much every where y tt re p t u o ld so And they’re

T

HAT’S something we never thought we’d say either. But with supermodels everywhere (we’re looking at you Bella Hadid) making a case for the taboo-styling choice becoming a cult streetwear staple, it’s impossible not to have a pair of bootcut jeans in your wardrobe.

According to Stylight, online searches for bootcut jeans have seen a 76% increase in clicks compared to last year.

We know what you’re thinking! BLUSH, what would we possibly wear them with in 2021? I haven’t owned a tank top since 2006? We’re seeing so many people now pairing them with another revived favourite: The Nike Air Jordan trainers. The once-basketball shoes have become the perfect pairing for bootcut jeans, giving big retro energy, but in an unexpectedly cool way.

Throw on an oversized hoodie and some sunnies for a tomboy feel that screams supermodel off-duty with zero effort. And believe it or not, you’ll be thankful for their flattering bell-bottom shape. They’re figure-hugging enough to accentuate all of the right places (those squats have paid off!), but aren’t uncomfortable or skin-tight, which is ideal if you’re someone who doesn’t want to show off too much.

That being said, bootcut jeans are traditionally lowwaisted, but we’re hopeful retailers will take one for the team as popularity surges, so all of us high-waist lovers can get a piece of the action.

Fashion guru and Contributing Fashion Editor at ELLE, Thérèse Hellström, says the surge in popularity is down to the pandemic.

“With people staying at home more, and becoming more comfortable with how they dress, I think that has taken people back to a more 'hippie' way of life — that has definitely influenced their return,” she says.

“This has has been one of my favourite trends this season to be honest — very stylish, but still casual and perfect for the working from home situation we’re all in right now.”

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Thérèse’s top styling hac k

:

g tip is to My best stylin together pair the jeans white cotton with a crispy, preppy Peter blouse and a lish, and Pan collar. Sty Voila! comfortable —

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THE BIGGER AND BOLDER THE BETTER — WE’VE GOT A LOT OF MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME TO DO. AND WITH LAVENDER TONES BACK ON OUR RADAR? IT’S OFFICIALLY A SPRING FLING

POWER TO THE PURPLE Glitter box bag: Skinnydip London Organza blouse: Zara Skirt: Zara Croc-effect sandals: Public Desire Photographer: Ruth Rose

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PARTRY LIKE IT'S 2021

Sacha dress: Olivia Rubin | Nylon pouch: Prada Shoes: ASOS Design | Jewellery: Vintage Pink London | Photographer: Ruth Rose

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WITH WARMER DAYS AHEAD AND FIGURE-HUGGING SILHOUETTES APLENTY, ZOOM CALLS ARE GETTING AN UPGRADE

THE

NEW WFH 80

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Slip dress: Jaiminee London Photographer: Dawn-Marie Jones

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BURNIN’ UP As seen on: @katetik Silk dress: Nynne Belt bag: Chloé Sunglasses: Rag and Bone Photographer: Alise Jane

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IT’S FAUXREAL FAUX LEATHER JUST GOT A SPRING UPDATE AND HAS QUICKLY BECOME AN INSTAGRAM STAPLE, BRINGING CLEAN, NON-INTIMIDATING DESIGNS TO A TRADITIONALLYTOMBOY CLASSIC. DOUBLE DENIM MAY BE CRIMINAL, BUT ALLLEATHER IS OFFICIALLY LUST-WORTHY 82

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As seen on: @alannanicolex Faux leather shirt: River Island Pink coat: River Island Cord trousers: River Island Square-toe boots: River Island Photographer: Alise Jane

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KEEPING IT COORDINATED Celine blouse: Jaiminee London Lulu pant: Jaiminee London Photographer: Dawn-Marie Jones

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6 SIMPLE HABITS TO LOOK AFTER YOUR BODY AND MIND Gyms are back open – woohoo – and it’s the perfect time to get healthier, fitter and stronger. Try these 6 healthy habits to kickstart your fitness journey and help you look after your body and mind.

1

DRINK MORE WATER

Not only does drinking enough water help our brain function, kidney function and digestion, but it can also improve your workouts by helping to prevent cramps and reduce the chance of dizziness during exercise.

Keeping a reusable water bottle to hand will encourage you to drink more and help you get the UK guidelines of 6 to 8 glasses per day. However, it’s worth noting that factors such as how much you exercise (especially if you get sweaty!) and the climate of your country can increase how much liquid you need to stay hydrated.

2

PRIORITISE REST AND RECOVERY

Rest days let your body repair and stop you from burning out. In the long run, that means you can work out harder and perform better. So, it’s a win, win if you want to build healthy habits that stick.

Remember, there is a fine balance between having the dedication to reach your goals and ignoring your bodies cues to slow down. So, think about planning your rest days in like you would your workouts, and listen to your body when it needs to rest.

3

GET 6 TO 8 HOURS OF SLEEP

Sleep is a powerful tool and it’s recommended that you aim to get 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep not only helps to improve your brain function and lower stress, but it also has many benefits for your fitness journey.

Quality sleep can help to enhance muscle recovery through the release of human growth hormone (HGH) and also help weight management through the regulation of leptin and ghrelin – the hormones which signal when you feel full or hungry.

Why not start a sleep diary this year? Tracking your sleep can be a handy way to notice patterns such as struggling to fall asleep after a stressful day at work and help highlight areas you may want to take action on.

4

MOVE MORE

Building a habit of moving more is not about hiking up a mountain or walking 20 miles a day. It’s about making better choices with your movement to help increase your Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, also known as NEAT. NEAT refers to the energy expended (calories burned) for everything you do that isn’t sleep, eating or exercise. This can be things such as walking to the shops, cleaning the house, walking to the kitchen to grab lunch or taking the stairs instead of the lift.

These small bits of movement all help to increase the calories your body burns and helps you get fitter. It all adds up and will make all the difference towards your health and fitness goals!

5

PLAN OUT YOUR MEALS

Spending a little time to plan out your meals for the week can be helpful in not only staying on track but minimising food waste too. If we have healthy, nutritious food and snacks to hand that makes it much easier to eat well than if we leave it up to chance. Think of it like planning out your week at work or your training regime, a little extra planning goes a long way.

Another great habit is to double up on recipes, so you have tasty and nutritious leftovers for lunch the next day. You’ll soon find you’re eating better and also saving time cooking!

6

SET YOUR GOALS FOR THE WEEK

Planning and prepping your week makes you more likely to get it done. Essentially, a plan is a commitment to take action and helps you to see a clear journey towards reaching your goals. That makes it much easier to motivate yourself when you can physically see what you need to get done that day, and how that will take you one step closer to your end target.

Why not try setting goals this week? This could be things such as doing 4 workouts that week or drinking 8 glasses of water per day. The important thing with goal setting is to make it measurable. That way you can clearly track your progress and how far you have left to go.

REACH YOUR GOALS with the FREE PureGym App

Our app is here to help you on your fitness journey!

You can build a personalised training plan designed to help you reach your goals. Whether that’s to build strength, improve fitness, lose weight or even just to feel more confident in the gym - you’ll be supported with handy exercise demonstration videos and step by step instructions to get the most out of your workouts.

Plus, we have over 400 digital classes and workouts on demand that both members and non-members can access for free.

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Re-building

YOUR POST-LOCKDOWN immunity Your A-Z of staying healthy this summer

W

ith normality finally in sight, for many of us, it’s quickly become a panic to get back to some sort of health regimen having neglected exercise and vitamins for the last year.

And if staying indoors was anything to go by, the last thing any of us want is to get sick, so boosting our immunity should be at the top of all of our priority lists right now.

Your immune system is responsible for fighting off diseases and keeping your overall health in tip-top shape. According to scientific research; diet, exercise, age and psychological stress can all make the difference in the strength of your immune system — not to mention, many of the steps we take to build our immunity, are great health benefits anyway.

But which vitamins and minerals should we be keeping topped up on?

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To get back on track, other sources of Vitamin D include: • • • •

Oily fish – including salmon, sardines, and mackerel Red meat Egg yolks Fat spreads and breakfast cereals

You can also take dietary supplements once a day that you can purchase from a local health store to stay topped up.

Vitamin D Given the circumstances and that we’ve just battled winter, many of us are short of Vitamin D without even realising.

We get Vitamin D from sunlight in the summer months which is usually enough to sustain a healthy balance, but while we’ve been in our homes, you may notice you feel more tired than usual or have a slightly lower mood.

Your immune system is responsible for fighting off diseases and keeping your overall health in tip-top shape.

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Vitamin C Vitamin C helps to protect cells, keep skin and bones healthy, and help with wound healing. So as well as the fact it helps to prevent diseases such as scurvy, there’s no better time to jump on the Vitamin C hype, as it’s responsible for some seriously glowy summer skin.

It’s no secret that it’s the powerhouse ingredient taking over the skincare industry and is packed into all of our favourite lotions, potions and serums.

If you want some natural Vitamin C ingestion, lots of juicy fruits contain the acid, including oranges and strawberries, as well as broccoli, potatoes and peppers. It’s especially important to keep incorporating them into your diet, as your body can’t actually store Vitamin C the way it can with some other enzymes, and requires a regular stream to stay healthy.

Vitamin C is also needed for collagen synthesis AKA the magic substance that keeps your skin looking plumper and younger for longer. You should be able to get all of the Vitamin C your body requires just by taking these steps, however, a little infused-face mask won’t hurt anybody. In fact, your skin will thank you.

episodes of low mood, dull skin, or lack of concentration during the day. But, did you know it can actually play a huge part in how often you get sick?

In a study in 164 healthy adults, those who slept fewer than 6 hours each night were more likely to catch a cold than those who slept 6 hours or more each night.

While it can be tempting to go on your phone before bed, putting it down an hour before you head off to sleep can make falling and staying asleep a lot easier. Instead of endlessly scrolling, you could read a book, or practise meditation — another popular method of winding down.

TOP TIPS for getting enough sleep: • •

•

Use a lavender pillow mist before getting into bed Get into a strict routine of when you go to sleep vs when you wake up. Aim for the same amount of sleep every night Don’t exercise too close to bedtime! It’s more likely to boost your energy and keep you awake. Try to exercise in the morning if you can

According to research, loading up on this good, active bacteria allows your immune cells to help rid your body of harmful invaders immune cells to help rid your body of harmful invaders.

Scientists are still doing research into probiotics as it’s predicted they could even become the future of medicine and have even more health benefits than we first thought.

Of course, talk with your doctor about different probiotic strains and the dose that is right for you before taking anything.

Stay active Why not try this quick 10-minute HIIT routine at home to get you motivated?

• •

Catch those ZZZs Getting enough sleep is key. If you’re not getting as much shut-eye as you should, you can usually tell straightaway from

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Eat more fermented foods

•

While the name may not sound so appealing, fermented foods are rich in bacteria called probiotics, which are found in your digestive system.

Common fermented foods include yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and natto, but if none of these take your fancy, supplements are very easy to get hold of and are just as good.

According to research, loading up on this good, active bacteria allows your

• • • • • •

1 minute mountain climbers 15 seconds rest 1 minute pushups 15 seconds rest 1 minute crunches 15 seconds rest 1 minute lunges 15 seconds rest 1 minute

• • • • • • •

squats 15 seconds rest 1 minute plank 15 seconds rest 1 minute highknees 15 seconds rest 1 minute wall sit 15 seconds rest

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S t o C a r e Skin deserves the best care

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After 7 years of suffering with debilitating Ulcerative Colitis, with only brief periods of remission, Ian went from times of despair to reaching great heights!

On the 28th February 2019, I was rushed to Worcester Royal Hospital to have emergency treatment. My bowel was in such a bad state, decisions had to be made. On 4th March 2019, Stan my Stoma was born. The surgery I had was a colectomy which is either full or partial removal of the colon, in my case a temporary ileostomy was created, and they left the end of my rectum intact with the hope of creating a j-pouch and reversing the ileostomy in the future.

I was extremely ill post-surgery but the doctors pulled me through. I stayed on the high care ward at Worcester Royal Hospital for 2 weeks until I was well enough to go home and continue with my recovery.

After years of declining health, I was now free of the horrific pain, anxiety and depression that I had suffered daily for the last 7 years. I had forgotten what it was like to feel normal and suddenly I was me again. I am and will be forever in debt to the amazing staff working in the NHS ...I owe my life to them.

Unfortunately, after a brief 12 months of recovery and beginning to feel good again, my health started to slowly decline. The remaining parts of the bowel were not healthy enough to perform a reversal. In May 2020 I had a planned laparoscopic completion proctectomy

surgery to remove what was remaining of my rectum, making my stoma permanent.

I am at peace with this, because my quality of life with an ileostomy is far greater than it was for the 7 years prior…

Since then I’ve not looked back....!!!

I have always been an avid runner and after my operation in May I was determined to bounce back as quickly as I could and prove that a stoma does not always have to define who you are. Ten weeks after surgery I decided to run 10K a day throughout the month of August to raise money for Purple Wings ostomy charity and Worcester Street Café who feed homeless and vulnerable people.

Off the back of 10K a day, just 16 weeks postsurgery, I entered and ran the Robin Hood 100 mile ultra and completed it in a time of 28 hours. I was an emotional wreck by the time I finished because I never thought I would be able to compete at this level again. I have also run Ben Nevis, Snowdon and mount Helvellyn along with returning to the sports I love such as surfing and climbing to name a few.

I have been able to return to normal life again and do everything I could before I became seriously ill, but this time I feel different inside...

I have been given a new life and a second chance to live it to the fullest, but this time I have a buddy to do it all with... Stan my stoma x A stoma doesn’t define you... it adds depth to your character, strengthens willpower and refines you as a person.

Ian & Stan

Visit our website for more information www.stocare.co.uk

sweat

Workin’ up a

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Run, jump, and lift your way to getting fit with the best at-home workout apps available now Seven: 7-Minute Workout - (FREE with upgrade options) Fiit - (14-day free trial, then £20 a month or £120 a year) Fiit is bringing the feeling of being in a studio to our homes with over 600 classes from world-leading trainers. All areas of fitness are covered including new wellness trend, breathwork, which aims to recentre your breathing patterns. Who knew! If you enjoy some healthy competition, you can join one of the 60 daily live-group workouts complete with leader board or even create a private class with your friends. Connect a smartwatch to the app to track your progress, and watch your fitness levels rise as you go.

Tone & Sculpt by Krissy Cela - (7-day free trial, then £13.99 a month) Who said women can’t lift? YouTuber Krissy Cela found fame for her videos on building muscle and weightlifting as a woman — 2.4 million followers and a book later, she’s condensed her knowledge into an app so we can join in at home.

You can choose three to five workouts per week depending on how often you like to exercise, and indulge in Krissy’s nutrition and fitness programmes, customisable to your lifestyle. Best of all, the app is by no means strength training-exclusive, so great if you’re just dipping your toe in for the first time but unsure if it’ll be for you.

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If we had a pound for every time we complained “I don’t have time to work out” or “classes are too expensive” — we could probably just hire a personal trainer with the money. But, if like us, you also have that attitude, get ready to meet Seven. The biggest clue being the name, Seven provides seven-minute workouts for all fitness levels that can be done from home with little-to-no equipment, tailored to your goals. The great thing about this app is that you can even get a competition going with your friends with its fully-integrated leaderboard and achievement unlockers. Let the bragging commence.

Nike Training Club (FREE) Whether going hard on HIIT or working on your strength, Nike Training Club offers over 185 free workouts that can be done *anywhere*. Sorry, the “I have no space” excuse isn’t working anymore!

Each one is tailored by Nike Master Trainers based on your fitness levels, equipment, and the space you have available. But be warned, even a lowendurance workout will be sure to have you sweating.

Glo (£12.49 per month) If you’re in need of a little more zen right now (let’s face it, all of us) with the added bonus of becoming more flexible (also useful), Glo offers thousands of yoga, pilates and meditation sessions to help you unleash your inner-Gweneth Paltrow and set on a path to a more well-rounded life.

Plus, if you’re not a fan of high-intensity workouts because you’re new to working out or haven’t done it in a while, there’s a lot of laying down involved.

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WHY SKYRUNNING IS

THE WELLNESS TREND TO TRY IN 2021 Because whacky concepts aside, we all deserve a little R+R, don’t we?

E

xercise. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s one of the best things we can do for ourselves. But if you’re someone who

“The muscles are different to those in trail running as there’s a lot of steep up and down and it’s mostly off-trail, on rough terrain, snowfields, and glaciers.”

In fact, there are currently 200 (official) races worldwide, with around 50,000

can’t bear staring at the concrete walls of the gym for any I got tired of racing longer, allow us to introduce you to the against the clock, wellness trend that’s and you can discover being dubbed the way wonderful places to go in 2021.

Skyrunning is for outdoor-lovers in search of a challenge, and is compared by the International Skyrunning Foundation to “a fast and light version of mountaineering, rather than athletics”. Treadmills aside, a typical course spans 2,000m above sea level and often into mountain ranges where the incline is between 6% and 30%. That’s one tough hike, but in turn, you’ll be rewarded by spectacular scenery that very few people will ever get to experience.

“The benefits of skyrunning participants from 65 different countries are comparable to other taking on the mountainous challenge. endurance sports, where maximum heart Spanish athlete Sheila Avilés Castaño rate levels are achieved and stay high for won the 2017 and 2019 Skyrunner several hours,” the ISF says, on why it’s World Series and attributes her success surged in popularity over recent years.

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to discovering how skyrunning help her put her fears aside. “When I run I feel free, because it’s my moment of peace and connection with myself and nature,” she told BLUSH. “I discovered this sport thanks to some good friends — I got tired of racing against the clock, and you can discover wonderful places.” Thanks to Sheila’s success, she’s now training six days a week for races while travelling globally.

And although skyrunning originally derived from the Italian Alps in 1992, the quest for beautiful scenery and a good workout has seen it expand, and there are now even plenty of spots in the UK where you can do it, from the Lake District, Snowdonia and Scotland to courses closer to London, like Surrey, and Oxfordshire.

For environmental and safety reasons, the number of people that can participate in official races is capped — but there’s no reason why you can’t give it a go for yourself, if you’re up for the tough training regimen and have a mountain nearby, that is.

Plus, as skyrunning becomes more popular, there are definitely ways to get

Credit: iancorless.com

involved that don’t require you to be able to trek 50km. Even your daily 5k walk on a staycation can be timed, or even made harder by choosing your route selectively — and you’ll still get to reap the same benefits of the pros... just with more time for snapping photos.

For more information visit skyrunning.com

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WHY YOU SHOULD BE TAKING A SOCIAL MEDIA

DETOX

AS NORMALITY RETURNS On average we spend 110 minutes every day on social media, but it’s damaging our mental health and removing us from reality. With life having been on pause for a long time, we need to break the cycle and make digital detoxing a priority...

T

he past year has redefined the meaning of ‘busy doing nothing’.

Between lockdowns, cancelled holidays, and exercise limitations, people have flocked to social media to divert their attention away from the adversity that 2020 brought. This year is looking slightly more optimistic, bringing hope that we can return to a near-tonormal existence sometime soon.

But, if you’re dragging yourself through hours of TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram every day, this could be the perfect time to stop social media and re-join the real world.

The damage of social media The effects of social media on our mental health are no secret. While it’s a great way to catch up with what’s happening in the world, our favourite apps are often fuel for anxiety, depression, and

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isolation, because the feeling of getting a notification releases dopamine to your brain. This drug creates a happy feeling, similar to food, or gambling. While in the short term this happy feeling may be considered positive, over the longterm the need to get this dopamine fix increases. We become addicted to social media, desiring the next like or retweet.

Over time, it becomes difficult to get the same satisfaction from anything else other than our phones. A cycle difficult to break when we’ve all been connected virtually for so long.

Re-building your new normal Every year, we spend nearly a month dedicated to our online lives. However, the same satisfaction can be created through alternative and healthier methods, such as education, exercise, and long-awaited in-person social interactions.

If you’re looking forward to a holiday in 2021, you could consider doing

something new, such as becoming a ski instructor over a four-week course. With the added benefit of adrenaline, this is a productive and exciting opportunity to get away when life returns to normal too.

You could even prepare yourself for the adventure by beginning an exercise regime. Even if you’re not a fan of hitting the gym; exercise releases chemicals called endorphins, which relieve pain and reduce anxiety. They also create a happy feeling similar to morphine, and the long-term benefits of exercise are more than that of scrolling endlessly. You could even take up something mindful such as yoga.

The beauty of video calls is that they allow you to see a face, interact with your friends, and practise real verbal communication while protecting yourself, your friends, and everyone’s families — but will never beat the feeling of meeting someone in real life, and catching up properly.

While the start of 2021 wasn’t all too exciting, we can hopefully begin to plan for a productive year ahead. So, whether you’re taking your life totally offline or just cutting down on Zoom calls (because lord knows, we all need it), this is the best time to dedicate becoming a better version of yourself.

With thanks to hay-kilner.co.uk

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We become addicted to social media, desiring the next like or retweet. Over time, it becomes difficult to get the same satisfaction from anything else other than our phones.

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AT HOME WITH

FITNESS INFLUENCER,

Ellie

Hoad productive. I then check up on emails, and write some informative posts for my social channels.

How to look good and feel good from your living room

I

N a time when gyms were closed, we all resorted to at-home workouts to stay fit and keep ourselves entertained. But while we were pretty miffed that we couldn’t zone-out on the cross-trainer for an hour, we owe a lot to the Internet’s content creators who kept us going.

Twenty-five-year-old Ellie Hoad is a personal trainer and Instagrammer, having amassed over 160,000 followers with her easy-to-follow routines and healthy eating guidance. The osteopathy student emphasises the importance of self-confidence and enjoying exercise over the weight-loss narrative we’re constantly battling against on social media.

Despite being indoors for the first half of the year, Ellie has still found time to throw herself into her content and keep inspiring us all to stay in shape.

Now, she’s taking us behind-the-

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scenes of a day in the life as a fitness influencer at home...

6:30: I wake up, wash my face, brush my teeth, have a big glass of water, and make an oat milk frothy coffee. I always wake up naturally especially being in London because it’s louder than Kent, so I never set an alarm.

I’m not a lazy morning person, as soon as I’m awake I like to get up!

7:00:

I begin work at my desk. First I plan my day, I have to do this hourby-hour using a diary otherwise I get behind and forget what I need to do.

Since doing this I’ve become a lot more

8:30: I get dressed!

Usually into my leggings, sports bra, and a hoodie. I wear all Fabletics and I’ve found it to be the best because the quality means it lasts so much longer and I get to have a brand new outfit every month.

There is just something so motivating about new outfits!

9:00: I start recording my TikTok for the day if I’m doing a ‘what I eat in a day video’. I regularly record these because one of my main aims is to get rid of the stigma around calorie counting... 1200 calories is enough for a 2-year-old, so how is that ever going to support a fully grown adult? I then cook breakfast. This is normally baked protein oats (I love making Jammie Dodger ones) because I have a massive sweet tooth and they keep me super full! I like to have a highprotein breakfast because it starts me off for the day. I try to aim for at least 1g of protein per lb of bodyweight. So for me, that’s around 140g per day.

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11:30: Workout! I always workout in the morning otherwise I know I won’t get it done. I train five times a week — usually two times upper days, two times lower days, and cardio conditioning.

I always used to go to the gym, so working out at home definitely requires more discipline! My sessions last around an hour and I try to put my phone down and just focus on myself.

14:00: I cook lunch — recently I’ve been loving making Nando’s fakeaway!

I recreate the fino pitta with chilli jam and halloumi — super delicious. I always share my meals on my Instagram stories to help women understand that you don’t have to eat plain boring food to reach your fitness goals. People are always so surprised by the fact I have pasta and bread every day!

13:00: Have a break! I like to go

17:00:

for a one-hour walk and grab another oat milk coffee. I’ve recently been listening to podcasts on my degree topic (osteopathy, believe it or not!), and I find it’s really helped me focus.

I start on my university work before dinner. I try to do 1-2 hours a day, 3 or 4 times a week but sometimes I struggle to find the time.

19:30: Dessert time! I’ll go for a yoghurt bowl or a snack pack of biscuits.

Maybe even a low-calorie hot chocolate with light whipped cream. Drool.

20:00:

Edit my TikTok for the day

and post it!

20:30:

Shower, do my skincare routine, make a cup of tea and watch TV for an hour. I try to put my phone down at this time otherwise I really can’t switch off or sleep. It takes practice but I’m finally in a good swing of doing it!

22:00:

Bedtime.

You can follow Ellie on Instagram @ellena_fit.

Jammie Dodger baked oats recipe Ingredients: 50g oats 50g mashed banana 1/2 tsp baking powder 20g MyProtein Whey Isolate 75ml water 1 tsp jam 1 pack mini Jammie Dodgers Method: 1. Mix the oats, banana, baking powder, protein and water together 2. Pour into a dish 3. Add the jam on top and then the Jammie Dodgers to decorate 4. Cook for 12-15 mins at 180 degrees celsius 5. Enjoy!

Ellie Hoad sevenstarmedia.co.uk

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