BLUSH Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2021/22

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HANGOVER MYTHBUSTING

Hailey Bieber’s BEAUTY ROUTINE

SELF-LOVE LESSONS WITH

Lady Leshurr

Breaking the adult

ACNE

TABOO

The winter

Wellness issue

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CONTENTS Winter

74 35 Inside the beauty bag… with RuPaul’s Drag Race star, Kim Chi

Beauty

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An update from LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER

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An interview with Lady Leshurr

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These were the most searched beauty buys of 2021

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Quick skin fixes: Chicken skin

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Viral beauty hacks — love or loathe?

38 Vegan beauty power list 42 Hailey Bieber’s beauty routine

Leisure & Lifestyle 46 Home trends for AW21 with Furniture Village 50 How to bring hygge to your home

16 The gender-neutral beauty brand changing the game

53 Christmas decorations for minimalist lovers

18 Low-maintenance hair colours for this winter

Ultimate Travel

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The best stocking fillers for beauty lovers

23 The best-in-party beauty hacks with Jason Wu 26 Beauty shoot 30 LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER: Sarah’s story

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The best places for winter sun

59 5 things to try in: Helsinki, Finland

60 The best travel accessories 62 Just how easy is it to move abroad?

Style 64 SS21 Trends: Colour therapy 65 SS21 Trends: Throwin’ it back 66 SS21 Trends: Snow-business 67 SS21 Trends: Layer up 69 3 ways to wear… leopard

32 Breaking the adult acne taboo

70 What is our obsession with Y2K fashion?

34 Inside the beauty bag… with YouTuber Millie Taylforth

72 SS22 trend predictions with Thérèse Hellström

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BLUSH | W E L C O M E Stay well this winter!

88 74 Fashion shoot 82 Bringing summer dresses into winter months

Health & Fitness 85 Expert insomnia hacks 87 Why a sad lamp should be at the top of your winter wish list 88 How to get your best workout results ever 90 Hangover myth-busting

No, really. We know the dark nights and cold days can be tough for a lot of people and everyone has their own way of coping, so for the AW21 issue of BLUSH, we really wanted to focus on how you can make the most of the next few months – especially after the rollercoaster year we’ve had!

Be sure to catch up on the low-maintenance hair trends that’ll be seeing us through (p18), as well as the beauty expertapproved party hacks that are setting us up for some serious comeback celebrations (p23).

In this issue, we’ve also got a peek inside RuPaul’s Drag Race royalty Kim Chi’s makeup bag (p35), as well as hacks on turning your summer dresses freezing-weather appropriate (p82), and the lowdown on the best places to head for some winter sun (p56). (Time to finally book that annual leave you’ve been putting off!)

A huge thank you to everybody who contributed to this issue, and as ever, feel free to get in touch with me with any feedback, suggestions… or even if you just fancy a chat, on sophie@sevenstarmedia.co.uk. I’d love to hear from you.

Now feels like the right time to say a much-welcome goodbye to 2021 and make next year our best one yet, right?

Sophie Editor -

COVER CREDITS Photographer: Dawn Marie Jones stoyanovandjones.com Model: @kokoclay Hair and Make-up: @feycarlaa 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 @sophthompson

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 543 650

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RETURN TO FACE-TO-FACE WORKSHOPS Here we hear from some of the thousands of people LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER help each year to rebuild their confidence after cancer treatment

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FTER a difficult 18 months for all, cancer support charity, Look Good Feel Better, has started a phased return to confidence-boosting face-to-face skincare and makeup workshops in hospitals and cancer centres across the UK. Although initially in a limited number of locations, the charity aims to return to as many of their 141 locations nationwide as soon as

possible. This return is certainly long overdue and something the charity is delighted about, as it means they can begin helping patients everywhere feel themselves again.

“Our core service has always been our face-toface skincare and makeup workshops,” says Dulcie

Rowe, Head of Programme Services.

“In March last year we sadly had to stop services almost overnight as the pandemic took hold.

It feels good to be back seeing the enormous impact our workshops can have on someone’s confidence

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Our online workshops have proven very popular and we will continue to offer these alongside in-person workshops to reach as many people living with cancer as possible. However, it feels good to be back doing what we do best and seeing the enormous impact our workshops can have on someone’s confidence and selfesteem.”

One of the first hospital locations to return to face-toface workshops was The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn.

Eager Lead Volunteer, Amanda Moore (pictured), was at the first session: “As the workshop drew near I was excited and a bit nervous as it was a big responsibility knowing that with

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everything that has gone on in this crazy world, we would have six vulnerable ladies all at different stages of their cancer treatment attending. I actually did two covid tests beforehand (just in case) and found myself thinking just how lucky we were to be doing a face-to-face workshop again. The workshops are now ‘contact-free’ so we’ve developed a new format where I demonstrate on myself and everyone copies along. All of the ladies left with a renewed spring in their step – having shared experiences and made new friends”.

If you or someone you know would like to book onto one of Look Good Feel Better’s confidence-boosting workshops, scan the QR code on this page.

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Lady Leshurr 8

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Lady Leshurr

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"WOMEN ARE TALENTED TO THE POINT WHERE THEY’RE SEEN AS A THREAT" Lady Leshurr opens up on finding confidence, banishing beauty standards, and securing a BEM from The Queen

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HE 32-year-old Birmingham rapper and singer shot to fame following her YouTube Queen’s Speech freestyle series (with the most popular video amassing over 63 million views) and has gone on to be considered one of the most successful female grime artists ever — paving the way for the next generation of young, black women tackling a male-dominated industry.

Musical success aside, she’s also flexed her enviable talents on the likes of Dancing on Ice, Celebrity Masterchef, and The Celebrity Circle, which she won as she faked her way to the top as fellow grime royalty, Big Narstie.

Now regaining her confidence to release new music following the tragic passing of her sister in 2019, we sat down with Lady Leshurr to find out where it all began, and what it takes to leave such a mark.

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What’s been the craziest moment of your career so far?

I think it was when I was in LA and Nicki [Minaj] wanted me to come and support her at her show in the UK. I was like “oh my gosh I can get on this flight but then what if she forgets to check her DMs? I’ll be stuck in the UK!”I was so shocked. I ended up going with no rehearsals… which I guess I am the queen of one-takes, but still it was absolutely petrifying.

Your dream collaboration would be…

It has to be Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott, or Eminem. They’ve changed my life by giving me such iconic people to look up to as an artist, all the way down to the visuals, the punchlines, the flows, the cadence in the voice, the character... that’s the reason why I am who I am.

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It had been a while since I’d done a speech but I did it in my house just to prove a point... filmed it on my iPhone, edited it myself, produced the beat myself. It went crazy on TikTok and it reminded me that I’ve still got a voice. I ended up on Russell Howard, Jonathan Ross, Jools Holland... there were just loads of opportunities off the back of that one song.

The main accomplishment though was that the Queen gave me a BEM (British Empire Medal) which was insane because that means she’s heard of my Queen’s Speeches!

So that was pretty great.

I’m hitting royalty’s ears.

Literally.

I lost my confidence, I didn’t know where to go, and I was confused, but it helped me realise that music was my saviour What was the moment you knew you’d made it?

When Queen’s Speech 4 was created, the buzz off the back of it was insane... even Cardi B did her own version! That’s the first time that’s ever happened to me and so fast — every artist you can think of was on my phone. That song also bought my mom a house, which is the main reason why I wanted to do music.

Did you ever consider doing another job before your career in music? Who inspired you to change paths?

I used to work in Subway! I was also a security guard just because someone said that I couldn’t be. That being said, a lot of people have gotten me where I am today.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve realised you meet certain people for a reason — whether it turns out well or not. These things shape you and motivate you, and drive you to your next destination. I've always used every negative and squeezed a little bit of positive out of it, even if it's 0.0001%. I will always make something of it because that is just how my mum has made me look at the world and she doesn't even

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know it. It's not like she's told me that, it's just that she's so strong. And I've just been brought up around an amazing queen. That's taught me great skills.

How did you spend the pandemic? Did you use it to focus on music more?

Well, I actually took a break because unfortunately, my sister passed away from breast cancer in late 2019, so I couldn't do music anymore. I lost my confidence, I didn’t know where to go, and I was confused, but it helped me realise that music was my saviour.

Then, when the pandemic happened, everybody was in the same situation and it gave me the inspiration to write because I was frustrated. I couldn’t be with my family as my mum is vulnerable, and that’s how I came up with Quarantine Speech.

You’ve always been open about your mental health previously, and even done a number of charity initiatives to get people talking...what do you do to unwind when you’re having a bad day?

I used to sit by this picture of me and my sister we had drawn, it’s massive. I just have my little moments where I like to think about things... and then get back to the plan.

I also like to arrange beats, play FIFA... but right now I do have my eye patches and my nice pyjamas on because they are absolutely great.

Do you think it’s harder to be taken seriously as a woman in the industry?

Women are very, very, very talented, to the point where they can be seen as a threat, even though you’re humble or naive to it happening. As a black woman, it was even harder before but I think a lot of people including myself, have broken down that barrier.

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I'm from Birmingham and with a Brummie accent, do you really think back ten years ago I was going to be on the radio and stuff? No way. We have to create opportunities for the people after us, and I think the scene is really refreshing right now.

How do you navigate the beauty standards of being in the public eye? Were you ready for those challenges?

I just do what I want to do. When you don't care about what people think, naturally, you lure in positive energy. You

shouldn’t live worrying about people judging you. It’s important to show young girls that especially. I even come on Snapchat sometimes in my durag, not a wig! The first time my nieces and nephews back in Birmingham saw me in a durag they were like “where’s your hair?” and I was like “do you think this is me on an everyday basis? When you watch my music videos you think that’s my real hair?”

We all get dolled up sometimes but I like having the balance. I’m not really a sex appeal person, I prefer my lyrics to do the talking. Missy Elliott was a big inspiration for me and she’d wear baggy clothes and still look amazing.

How do you find your confidence?

I’m doing things that make me happy. I’m venturing out into new things, I’m getting older now! I’m thinking about my future, and my nieces' and nephews’ futures. I’m making sure that my mom and my family are secure.

I’m actually venturing out into an alcohol brand but I can’t name it yet as it hasn’t been finalised. I’ve been working with clothing brands, writing a book, more TV shows, looking for properties to invest in... so I’m definitely businessminded at the moment. An entrepreneur!

What message would you give to your younger self?

No one knows my full story and I’ve never expressed it because I’ve been scared to let people in

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Girl... run and don’t look back! No one knows my full story and I’ve never expressed it because I’ve been scared to let people in. I like to keep my music and my family life separate.

There are certain things that I've seen and things that I've heard about myself that have affected me but I've just had to come into the scene with a clean slate.

So my message to my younger self would be to express more. Keep it in, and it will break you down. And yeah, and just love people... love life.

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BLUSH | B E A U T Y

THESE WERE THE MOST-SEARCHED BEAUTY PRODUCTS OF 2021 From viral favourites to wellness wonders, this is what we’ve been hitting *add to cart* on KVD’s Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm: +569% increase in clicks Kat Von D’s foundation balm has been going viral for its matte coverage, 100% recyclable packaging, and 40 different shades. It has definitely become a beauty favourite this year, with clicks increasing by a whopping +569% since the brand’s relaunch last year.

KVD Foundation Balm, Boots, £29 | boots.com

Invisibobble: +302% increase in clicks

Invisibobble Original 3-pack Look Fantastic, £4.99 lookfantastic.com

While this hair accessories brand has been around for some time, Stylight has seen an incredible increase in popularity since last year – presumably due to us spending a lot more time at home. The messy bun has become a staple!

High Shine Lip Gloss, Look Fantastic, £11 lookfantastic.com

Jade Gua Sha, BeautyBay, £10 beautybay.com

NYX Cosmetics: +35% increase in clicks on the brand While NYX is a well-loved brand in itself, one product in particular has taken the beauty world by storm this year – its Shine Loud long-wear lip gloss that comes in 18 shades and stays put for up to 16 hours with no sticky residue. As mask-wearing has been firmly on the radar, a sweat and waterresistant offering has been a life-saver.

Gua Sha: +400% increase in clicks Say goodbye to dark circles and wrinkles and hello to a radiant complexion! That’s the promise of the Gua Sha stone which has been a hit on TikTok. Shopping platform Stylight has seen a +400% increase in clicks on the facial massage tools.

Toners: +37% increase in clicks Toners have also become a musthave for skincare this year as a way to hydrate, soothe and even minimise pores! One of the most popular toners this year (with no sign of slowing down) has been Pixi’s Glow Tonic, with over 202K views on #pixiglowtonic on TikTok.

PIXI Glow Tonic 250ml, Look Fantastic, £18 lookfantastic.com

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here to advise on how to buff away the bumps ready for that dress you’ve been putting off wearing, if you’re not so keen on it.

What is ‘Chicken Skin?’

Surprise, surprise, it has nothing to do with chickens. Chicken skin is a harmless and common skin condition that causes BLUSH ds: dry skin and small red recommen bumps and most CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream commonly affects with Salicylic Acid, £12 thighs, boots.com arms and bottoms. They don’t feel itchy, they’re not contagious or threaten our health in any way. However, they can feel rough and make some people self-conscious about having their arms or legs on show.

It’s caused by the build-up of keratin (a protective protein that supports the growth of our hair, skin and nails). The keratin blocks the hair follicles from opening, which causes patches of dry, bumpy skin.

Hormonal changes such as, puberty and pregnancy are the most common triggers of chicken skin. However, heat and perfumed products can all contribute to a flare up of the condition.

Quick skin fixes: Keratosis Pilaris is a skin condition that leaves up to 40% of adults too selfconscious to wear their favourite outfits – here’s how to identify it, and more importantly, how to treat it…

N

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OW that we’re heading into those long winter nights, there’s one saving grace keeping us going: party season. That being said, we’re refusing to bring the long sleeves out and still want to make the most of it.

But, for up to 80% of teens and 40% of adults, Keratosis Pilaris, AKA chicken skin, can quickly hinder plans to keep your arms and legs on show.

Before we get any further, it is extremely important to mention that it’s completely normal and not a bad thing at all! All bodies are beautiful in every way, it’s important that you do what makes you feel comfortable – we’re just

How can I treat chicken skin?

1

Take warm baths — Taking short, warm baths can help to unclog pores. Alongside this, using a stiff brush to rub the skin can help to get rid of the bumps. Relaxing with some candles? You don’t need to ask us twice.

2

Exfoliate — Daily exfoliation using chemical exfoliators can make a real difference! Lightly massage the skin using a gentle exfoliating mitt or washcloth, rather than overly harsh body scrubs.

3

Stay hydrated — Lotions with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acid) hydrate the skin and encourage cell turnover. Sprinkling of magic.

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Words by: Zoe Andreou

Credit: @bitsandbobsbyeva

CHICKEN SKIN

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“THE VISION WAS ALWAYS CELEBRATING THE BEAUTY OF PEOPLE WHO WERE VASTLY UNDERREPRESENTED”

beauty

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OUNDED in Brooklyn, New York, in 2018, Fluide has gone on to pave the way for a more accepting beauty industry, creating vegan, parabenfree products that suit all gender identities, skin tones and allow for a level of creative expression that traditional brands don’t. There’s plenty of glitter, too.

They cast their models by scouting “real” people on the streets, and always try to work with queer photographers, stylists and makeup artists, as well as donating 5% of their profits to LGBTQ+ charities.

One of the masterminds behind the movement, Laura Kraber, spent over fifteen years working in digital agencies, which is where she was inspired to launch the brand and in-turn, create an intimate, online community where everyone is comfortable being themselves.

In a nutshell, what is Fluide?

We Are Fluide is the gender nonconforming beauty brand that’s making makeup inclusive for all.

Founder, Laura Kraber, spoke to BLUSH about why the industry needs to do more…

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As a brand, We Are Fluide is inspired by the idea that makeup can be a tool of transformation and a powerful means of self-actualisation. From the company’s inception, our mission has been to showcase and celebrate people of all gender expressions and identities — and portray an inclusive and expansive definition of beauty. Representing queer beauty and self-expression opens up possibilities for all; in how we look, who we are and who we want to be.

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In the words of activist and Children’s Defense Founder, Marian Wright Edelman, “you can’t be what you can’t see” and I see our value in representing the beauty and power of black, brown, gender non-conforming, queer and trans faces and telling their stories through our digital platforms whenever we can.

Why did the 2018 launch of Fluide feel like the right time?

As a parent, I’ve been so inspired by the teenagers who are leading the way in creating a more expansive understanding of gender identity. Through their engagement and activism, they’re creating a worldwide movement and paving the way for everyone who comes after them.

For me, personally, the company represents an opportunity to recognise and honour the shift in our culture.

Through creating an online community and content platform as well as products that were marketed specifically with genderexpansive identities in mind, we validate and support non-binary identities.

Why does the world need a brand like Fluide right now?

occupy a tiny corner. We are sharing and speaking with our community of fans (not haters) — so we’re very fortunate in not attracting very much negativity.

How do your products and colour choices translate into your genderless approach to beauty?

As a brand, we embody a non-prescriptive approach to beauty, in that each product is multi-purpose and versatile. Many of us have a complicated history with makeup, and our products are designed to be easy, wearable, and fun.

Our key focus is on pigmentation and making sure that our products look great on all skin tones. Our shade selection and development is always based on the goal of complementing a wide range of skin tones.

Where are other brands missing the mark on inclusivity?

We created the company to embody and embrace gender expansive beauty and

Our key focus is on pigmentation and making sure that our products look great on all skin tones

recognise the increasing numbers of people who live between categories and help make them feel seen. In less than three years since we’ve launched, we’ve seen a shift in the industry towards being more inclusive generally - related to pressure from consumers. We hope that this bottomup demand for change continues and creates a lasting impact. The biggest challenge for legacy brands is authenticity — ”inclusivity” can often seem performative when executed by a multinational, especially given the history of the beauty industry.

What’s your favourite Fluide product and why?

I love our Universal Gloss in Roxy — it is the perfect amount of subtle shimmery colour for me and I use it as a highlighter and an eye gloss and also as a topper for my favourite liquid lipstick Candy Bar, which I pretty much wear every day!

k Get t he loo

Lipstick Candy Bar Liquid

Our goal is to evolve the mainstream conception of “beauty” while creating a space for people to express themselves authentically. To us, “all genders beauty” means showcasing a wide range of gender identities and gender expressions in our models and considering the needs of a wider range of people and the types of products they might like. We want to demonstrate that you can discard all your preconceived notions of what makeup is supposed to look like and who it’s for, and instead use makeup as a tool for creativity and experimentation.

The makeup world is vast and we

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WINTER Hair, don’t care!

Hair colours that are low-maintenance but still pack a punch are a cold-season essential – here’s what you should be asking for at the salon, according to the experts…

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HILE summer hair colours are laden with creamy, beachy hues, knowing what to do with your locks as temperatures plummet can be a tough one. We need something lowmaintenance, that doesn’t fade or grow harshly — which thankfully, is a far cry from the bright blonde tones we turn to in the heat.

We asked SALON64’s colour queen, Stephanie Economou, for her best advice on which colours and cuts we should be turning our attention to for the winter months.

“During the winter months clients should be opting to go ashier with their hair colour," she says. “Our summer trends have quickly faded and our clothes tend to come in darker, cooler shades, so the hair needs to complement and enhance this. Even warmhaired clients are opting for reds that have a blue undertone!”

Over the past 18 months hairdressers everywhere have had to perfect the low-maintenance look for obvious reasons, and Stephanie admits that ‘lived-in’ colour has been one of the top asks: “Everything has become more understated — from how we dress, wear makeup, style our hair, and people are now even removing Botox and fillers because they’re too hard to keep up.

“We’re having to cope with going 12 weeks plus between salon visits, so our techniques as stylists have definitely adapted. I’ve been using a new balayage tool called Cooboard to help with this type of technique.”

Chocolatey browns and ashy blondes are perfect, cool colours for this time of year, and blend perfectly when your natural roots begin to come

through. As seen on the likes of Shay Mitchell and Taylor Swift, these low-key colours look super natural, even when they’re fresh.

Having a solid at-home routine can be a game-changer when it comes to protecting your hair from the cold weather (which can cause dryness and brittle ends), so you’ll want to lock in as much moisture as possible for that blow-out finish.

Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumiere Shampoo, Look Fantastic, £21.15 lookfantastic.com

Stephanie’s guide to keeping your new hair in tip-top shape “I make sure my clients always have a professional purple shampoo (my personal go-to is Kérastase Blonde Absolu) and a strong hair treatment such as Olaplex no.3 and the new Olaplex mask no.8 mask.

“For those clients who want something for their roots at home, I’d recommend the Color Wow Root Cover Up.” If you do find yourself reaching for the box dye, however, Stephanie advises that many of us have been doing ourselves a disservice until this point – and we had no idea!

“Buy an extra box [of dye] for the skin test 48 hours before applying the colour. Once you open the colour it begins to oxidise, so if you’re going back to the same one two days later, it can give you uneven results!”

Everything has become more understated — from how we dress, wear makeup, style our hair

Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask, Look Fantastic, £26 lookfantastic.com

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GET READY

with the experts How should you prep your skin in the days leading up to a big event?

Wash, exfoliate, and lots of hydration. Exfoliating is so important because it can leave your skin looking brighter and helps with absorbing all of the products you put on your face afterwards.

As fashion mogul, Jason Wu, releases his first beauty line, he’s here to prep us for party season…the A-List way

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ORMER-CREATIVE Director of Hugo Boss and renowned designer, Jason Wu, has been a leader at Fashion Weeks for over a decade. He’s now expanding his empire into beauty with fresh-from-the-runway skincare and soft makeup products that are perfect for tapping into your inner-celebrity.

He’s taking us behind the scenes just in time for the resurgence of our bustling social calendars to let us in on the secrets behind that red-carpet glow.

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What beauty trends from this year are we bringing into the winter party season?

What’s the one red carpet beauty secret you wish everyone knew?

Q-tips are tiny and perfect for a quick little touch up when necessary. Everyone should carry a Q-tip in their bag.

Which one product do you keep in your purse at all times?

I always keep any lip gloss or balm that I am loving at that moment. Right now, it’s my Jason Wu Beauty Soft Balm Lip Balm.

I am launching my signature red for the winter party season – it is such a timeless classic look that will always turn heads.

I think the key to any glamorous winter look is a bright red lip.

What’s the best way to transition this look from day to night?

I am a firm believer that a red lip can and should be featured during the daytime as well as the evening. It’s a sophisticated statement that works all day! The best way to transition it is with subtle changes in eye makeup or a wardrobe change that keeps the focus on your lips.

What’s your best hack for achieving this look?

Lip liner. The only way the lip will ever look bold and clean is to use lip liner!

I also really like using a lip pencil to fill in the whole lips for a stay-on-all-day effect.

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Spy

Eye

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NEGATIVE SPACE THE BEST AND MOST ORIGINAL EYE MAKEUP LOOKS TO TRY THIS PARTY SEASON 26

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EGATIVE space is the edgier sister to winged eyeliner – think of it as an incomplete version of the classic. It’s great for adding flair to a neutral look to turn it eveningappropriate, and you’ll want to use a felt tip liner so you can have total control over the shape. You should set with powder once you’re happy to avoid smudging over time. So far it’s been mostly prominent on catwalks, but we can all inject a little Gigi Hadid into our look if we put our minds to it.

Get t he look Sleek Makeup Felt Liner in Zodiac Black, Boots.com, £3.70 Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder, LookFantastic.com, £20

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Neon Bright

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NEON BRIGHT

F

OR those with bold personalities, neon liner is a statement that allows you to get creative and express yourself, which is a huge focus in the beauty industry right now.

Even a simple wing will have your eyes popping, and you’ll never go back to black, so long as our favourite celebrities keep championing this look.

To keep it elevated and avoid looking messy, opt for colours that work against your skin tone. Olive skin pairs well with green and baby blue shades, darker skin is perfect for electric blues and bright yellows, and fair skin is great for red. The 80s just got seriously chic.

Get t he look

L.A. Girl Shockwave Neon Liner, Beautybay.com, £4.95

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Go-Glitter

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GOGLITTER

S

TARDUST shadow is the glitter explosion trend that is great for dipping your toe into experimental looks without going *too* full-on. Especially during the winter months, overdoing it with glitter is actively encouraged and you don’t need any technical skills to make it look good – the messier the better!

Try using an eyeshadow primer with a high-sparkle pigment to achieve this look and set it in place for the night.

Get t he look NARS Powerchrome Eye Pigment in Islamorada, LookFantastic.com, £22

NYX Proof It! Eyeshadow Primer, Beautybay.com, £6

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Wingin’ i

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’ N I G N I W IT

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INGED liner is a staple for any beauty lover, but achieving two, equal sides can be a real challenge for even the best in the business. Try to angle the wing in-line with the end of your eyebrow and create the perfect outline before filling in any gaps afterwards. It’ll make fixing any mistakes much easier! For a festive touch, try replacing your black liner with a glitterbased one, or layer over the top of your favourite eyeshadow sparkle.

Get t he look

Bare Minerals Gen Nude Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow in Sunstone, LookFantastic.com, £20 MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline in Blacktrack, Boots.com, £17.50

MAC 263 Small Angle Brush, Boots.com, £16.50

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Sarah’s Story BLUSH | B E A U T Y

Everything Look Good Feel Better do is aimed at boosting the physical and emotional wellbeing of people living with cancer in the UK. One of their beneficiaries, Sarah, has offered to share her cancer story.

S

ARAH is a 53-year-old Housing Officer who lives in Bristol with her husband Mike and has two grown-up children.

She loves reading, Pilates, travelling and socialising with her friends. In November 2018, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and then sadly once again in 2019. “In 2018, I had a lumpectomy and no further treatment,” she says, “the second diagnosis was more serious however and I had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I am currently awaiting a further surgery which was cancelled in February due to the pandemic.”

After hearing about Look Good Feel Better from her friend Debbie, Sarah decided to attend one of their virtual workshops last year at a time when Covid and cancer had left her feeling increasingly isolated: “Hospitals can’t offer this sort of support and you really need it after going through treatment… though I didn’t realise it was exactly what I needed until I attended the workshops! The practical tips were so helpful, but it was the mental lift that gave me so much.

The kindness and compassion from the volunteers was phenomenal, and the kinship with the other women on the course who have had similar experiences was so empowering.”

The practical tips were so helpful, but it was the mental lift that gave me so much

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Since then, Sarah has gone on to attend all of their virtual workshops — Skincare and Makeup; Hand and Nail Care; Hair Loss and Headwear; and even Chair Yoga. “It was a lifeline during lockdown when I had little contact with the outside world,” Sarah explains. “I hope the volunteers understand the magnitude of what they are giving. I credit these workshops and the ongoing support I have received with the great shape I’m in mentally today. It was a giant leap forward in my recovery.”

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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T TH HE E T H E S T E T H ST A T H EE E LL LL A T H EEALRLTA S T S M T SM TE EALLRLLTA A S T E L L AY M A R T B E A U T S M A R T B E AAUR TT Y SM S M A RRTTDYS B E A U A W A B E A U A WAAURT BE TDY YS B E A U T Y A W A R D S B E A U T Y A W A R D BE A WAAURTDYS S A W A R D S B E A U T Y O X B E A U T Y OAX U T Y BE B E A UC T YK !

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BLEMISHED TO PERFECTION

Credit: Whitney Madueke

Up to 85% of us will suffer from adult acne at some point, and we’re meeting those breaking down the barriers to help us love ourselves again

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Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, Paula’s Choice, Cultbeauty.co.uk, £12

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W

way? “Remain confident in yourself HILE influencer and don’t doubt who you are!

Whitney “Most times, people look at Madueke’s life acne like something we control, may look flawless and give unsolicited advice (and from a glimpse even harmful advice) or leave at her Instagram feed, the New York rude remarks. fashion designer is using her platform to “If someone is perfectly fine champion adult acne and embracing our with how they look, it should imperfections. be none of your business to Most of us will get teenage spots, correct them or make them feel but when they transition over into bad about what they are going adulthood, it can leave sufferers feeling through.” deflated or self-conscious. “My most recent flare up was in 2019 – I was 25 and already had really bad dark spots HOW TO TREAT left behind from teenage acne,” Whitney ADULT ACNE: UNDER says of her own acne journey.

THE MICROSCOPE “My face had a lot of breakouts, particularly around my cheeks and With Dr. Emmaline Ashley from Ashley forehead. I was never insecure about it, Aesthetics and it didn’t bother me until I went home to Nigeria and my dad brought it up.”

What are the biggest Adult acne can have a number of misconceptions around causes including hormone levels, stress, adult acne? and food, and Whitney The biggest misconception is found it to be a huge that acne is a teenage issue mixture of lifestyle factors that you “grow out of”. Often, which for many of us, are many people are not aware unavoidable, adding, “I of adult acne. But the truth is noticed when I would go that it is not uncommon for to Nigeria my skin would adults to get acne, anywhere clear up, and when I was from in their 30s to their 50s! back in New York it would Adult-onset acne can even flare up again. plague people who never “I decided to tone-down suffered from acne outbreaks the number of products when they were younger, I was using, and focus on and this can be particularly Azelaic Acid treating my acne at the frustrating.

Suspension 10%, source – as well as healing Acne is not caused by The Ordinary, £5.50 my skin.” a lack of washing and this Despite her makeupcan lead to the common mistake of detox meaning that she’d be showing over-washing the face and drying out the a little more skin, imperfections and skin in an attempt to reduce acne during all, Whitney embraced it as a chance to a flare up. educate others on just how common this problem is, and hopefully make her 82,000 followers feel a little less alone.

I honestly love showing “I honestly love showing off what my skin looks like without makeup, and even off what my skin looks with makeup I show its texture and lines. like without makeup, and “For me, it’s not over-filtering or editing my photos, but showing the real even with makeup I show side to things. I currently have a flare up its texture and lines that I’m working on and honestly, I don’t feel terrible about it. Skin is just doing what it needs to do and showing you what it needs to be better.”

Her advice for others feeling the same

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Are there any treatments that can help to reduce flare-ups?

Acne treatment starts with a good, medical-grade skincare routine, and any severe acne at risk of scarring should be referred to a dermatologist.

Understanding the way acne forms can help us choose the right products and ingredients. Common treatments include retinoids (which will help normalise the follicles and target inflammation), benzyl peroxide (a very good antimicrobial agent which aids in unclogging the pores) or azelaic acid which tackles post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Sensitive skin will be less likely to tolerate drying ingredients, but equally, when patients have oilier skin, they use ingredients that are too harsh to attempt to control that oil! Skin of colour can be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation too, so a gentler approach and good skin preparation is needed.

How can you reduce symptoms?

There are multiple triggers for acne, some of which are not under our control and some of which are. There is likely an underlying genetic component to acne, meaning that some people are just more prone to having breakouts. This is not due to anything you’ve done wrong with your skin!

Other triggers include: • •

• •

•

Fluctuations in hormone levels Medical conditions that affect your hormone levels, like polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS) Weight gain Diet (be cautious of anyone claiming they can give you a diet that will fix your acne. We know diet can theoretically be beneficial, but there are limitations as to how far this will go!)

Stress and emotional distress

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Lanolips multipurpose balm, Boots.com, £10.99 “I use this every single day to rehydrate my lips and stop them looking crusty! I find that so many lip balms actually dry your lips out more, but this is so hydrating and makes your lips look nice and shiny. It's basically an alternative to lip gloss.”

Maybelline Brow Fast Sculpt gel, Boots.com, £6.99

h ie taylfort Credit: mill

"This gives me a laminated brow effect, which I think looks so good! A lot of people have gone off the trend now but I still think it looks amazing. I use this gel product by itself or if I want to shape my brows more, I'll go in with an eyebrow pencil afterwards to add more definition.”

INSIDE THE BEAUTY BAG… WITH YOUTUBE R

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, Cultbeauty.co.uk, £34 “This is my holy grail! It makes your face glow without looking like you're wearing any makeup — so natural! If you put this on before your foundation it makes your foundation look x100 better (and glowier) or you can just wear it by itself if you can't be bothered but still want to do a little something to your appearance. A real life Instagram filter.”

Urban Decay Naked Petite Heat eyeshadow palette, Boots.com, £26 “This is the eyeshadow palette I use every day as it gives the most insane natural smokey eye effect. But, instead of using dark and heavy colours they're a lot softer and give you a nice bronzed effect.”

h t r o f l y a T e i l Mil

ld takes us o r a e y 0 2 The ty viable beau n e r e h e id ins reveals her routine, and products ty u a e b 5 p to 34

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Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation, Boots.com, £34

“This is the best foundation I've ever used and I'll never look back! It lasts all day but also hydrates your skin, so you don't have to worry about creasing or it looking cakey. Pair this with the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Filter and your skin looks FLAWLESS.”

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INSIDE THE …

G A B Y T U BEA S ’ L U A P U R H WIT , R A T S E C A DRAG R

Trixie Cosmetics Bottle Blonde Palette, TrixieCosmetics.com, $48 “Neutrals, purples and pinks all in one place. What’s not to love?”

Kim Chi

Y.U.M. Lip Liner, KimChi Chic Beauty at Beautybay. com, £9.50 | Juicy Nine Virgin Mojito palette, KimChi Chic Beauty at Beautybay.com, £16.50 “There are so many amazing products I honestly can’t live without in this line. From The Most concealer, to the Juicy Nine palettes to Thailor Glow and Bronzer collection, we’ve got everything you need for every occasion. However, I’ve been so obsessed with the YUM lip liners we just launched.”

Suck Less Cosmetics Roller Rink Glitter Gelly, sucklessfaceandbody.com, $12 “Glitter fixes everything and if I sweat too much or look a mess, throwing these over problem spots hides everything and makes me sparkle”.

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From season 8 ro yalt y to global beauty gu ru, she’s letting us in on th e secrets behind her iconic looks

Dior Addict Lip Glow in Clear, Boots.com, £29.50 “This stuff keeps my lips moist all day long and you can’t help but feel so luxe when you’re putting this on in public!”

Sugarpill Cosmetics Tako Eyeshadow, Sugarpill.com, $13 “This is THE iconic white shadow that has captured the hearts of many drag queens around the world!”

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I c reated C-L AS H for people j u st like m e.

I fou n d t hat su c h a lit t le c ha n g e, get t in g my la sh es b a c k , made me feel like I ha d myself b a c k .

C-lash is an innovative lash created specifically for lash replacement.

With a soft, flexible & invisible band to help aid application.

5 ST YLES

TO C HO O SE FR OM:

VOLUME

PETITE LE N GT HE N I N G

WISPY N AT U R A L S

Available at selected Boots stores and Boots.com, Amazon, Falseeyelashes.co.uk, AS OS. S ubject to availabilit y.

#E YLURE C L ASH

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BLUSH TRIES...

VIRAL BEAUTY HACKS 3 women put 3 internet sensations to the test Credit: @dee gorsia_

ROBE CURLS

Credit:

CREASE-FREE FOUNDATION

@amyp

0tter

FOX- EYE CONCEALER

What they say:

What they say:

What they say:

Wanting the perfect salon finish to your hair but not wanting the heat damage that comes with it is one of the biggest beauty dilemmas we face. But, by using a dressing gown tie on wet hair, you can mimic those curls with minimal effort and keep your hair in tip-top condition.

Watching your makeup crease or dry out during the day is a recipe for heartbreak. But, by switching up the order in which you do your makeup (applying translucent powder before your foundation) you’re setting yourself up for an all-day flawless finish.

This under-eye concealer application method claims to give you a lifted fox-eye effect as seen on the likes of Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. Apply concealer as a dot on the innercorner of your eye to brighten, and a clean, diagonal line on the outside.

Our verdict:

Our verdict:

Our verdict:

When I was at school I used to use so much heat on my hair, and every heatless curl method that I tried didn’t give me the curl shape I was looking for. Dressing gown curls have literally changed my life, they look amazing, and save so much time!

At the beginning I didn’t know how to wrap them properly so wouldn’t be able to sleep comfortably with them in, but after finding my own sweet spot, I am obsessed with it!

I’ve been doing this stage-makeup hack for a while, and as someone who gets particularly oily as the day goes on causing my makeup to separate, this is a game-changer. I’d previously seen it used on red carpet looks quite a few times and was sceptical that I’d never seen anyone I know actually do it. However, I am officially a convert, because my makeup looks freshly set for as long as I need it to and my pores are completely blurred! I’d say the only downside is that it’s best to save this trick for when you actually need it, as it makes makeup feel very heavy, despite not looking it.

I love the way this hack both elongates my eyes (no surgery needed!) and adds an extra something to even the simplest of eye makeup looks. As you’re technically using less product, it even helps to prevent creasing throughout the day.

It’s so easy to do and is more about changing the way you do your under-eye concealer rather than adding in unnecessary steps, and I’ll definitely be bringing it into my everyday routine.

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Vegan BEAUTY Power list All of these brands are animal-friendly, doing good for the planet, and taking centre stage on our wish list…

Alice Wu founder of Peace & Pure

I

N some shape or form, we’re all doing our bit to create a greener, more animalfriendly planet. And while the beauty industry still has a long (long, long) way to go, these brands are trailblazing vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable beauty – with strictly no compromise on quality!

In fact, you’ve probably already used, or at least heard of many of these and not realised that they were vegan.

They’re THAT good. Dear bank account, we’re sorry.

PEACE & PURE

Timeless Elixir Facial Serum Peace & Pure, £69 peaceandpure.com

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New kid on the block, Peace & Pure, is becoming a skincare saviour with its luxury plant-based approach to skincare inspired by Chinese medicine, proving that natural is the way forward.

However, Alice Wu, Founder of the cult brand, adds that the

secret isn’t just in the ingredients – it encourages a better routine of self-care too. “Besides offering the best skincare solutions possible, we also aim to improve emotional wellbeing,” she says.

“There’s a connection between emotional wellbeing and healthy glowing skin. When we are stressed, or have poor sleep, the consequences show on our skin quickly as a dull and tired complexion, or breakouts.”

COVER FX Cover FX was born on the ethos that beauty should be two things: Accessible and customisable. They’ve since developed some of the most iconic products the beauty industry has seen in all-vegan, cruelty-free formulas, including their Custom Enhancer Drops — a five-starrated illuminating liquid that can be used for an all-over, off-duty model glow, or as a buildable highlight.

Despite ticking so many boxes, that doesn’t mean you can expect any less of

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an offering. Their foundation comes in forty shades with four different finishes, proving that there really is no excuse for other brands not playing their part in an industry where *anything* is possible.

Custom Enhancer Drops, Beauty Bay, £34 beautybay.com

MILK MAKEUP Born at Milk, a studio in downtown New York City, all of Milk Makeup’s high-performance, bright products are a reflection of the intimate community they’re building within the makeup scene.

In the studio’s early days, it was filled with creative minds that championed fresh skin and bold, artistic details on their eyes and lips that hadn’t been replicated anywhere else in the beauty industry.

That’s where their signature look was born, with Instagrammable packaging and bold colours, while still using kind-to-skin formulas that allow you to play around and go as bold or natural as you want to.

The brand strives to be as sustainable as possible, only creating new, innovative products, rather than bringing out an addition to many that have come before, from their competitors. Their Matcha Toner was the first solid toner in the beauty world, and was born when Milk noticed everyone was obsessed with drinking matcha for its benefits – but there were not yet any skincare products to match.

Hydro Grip Primer, Cult Beauty, £14.50 cultbeauty.co.uk

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Fast-forward a few years and it’s now one of their best-selling products and joins their hall of fame of vegan, cruelty-free, and most importantly, fun, products.

A Milk takeover is coming!

B. BEAUTY Superdrug’s own, exclusive brand of makeup, B. Beauty, is becoming a serious underdog in the world of dupes and budget beauty buys. With prices averaging up to £10, it’s great for those last-minute purchases, or testing out products you wouldn’t usually go for, without fear of disliking it.

Velvet Matte Lipstick in ‘Snatched’, Superdrug, £6.99 superdrug.com

They’re also paving the way for more mainstream brands, with 23 shades of foundation and an ever-expanding collection to suit different skin tones and textures too. Their loose powder is a current internet favourite, and has even been compared to Laura Mercier’s version, which is x4 times the price.

Lock-It Liquid Foundation, Boots, £29 boots.com

KVD BEAUTY Despite Kat Von D’s shock departure from her self-titled brand, KVD Vegan Beauty has kept all of the original makeup formulas that are no less than a staple in everyone’s makeup bag.

Although all of the products are vegan, they’re now striving to make all of their packaging more sustainable, particularly through the introduction of recyclable compacts.

Long-time fans of KVD will know that this brand thrives on self-expression, and uses its platform to reject beauty standards and champion the power of embracing your flaws. Plus, it has punky, bold shades to boot, making it a celebrity makeup artist favourite. If it’s an overthe-top look, you can almost guarantee where it came from.

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@ Credit:

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ieber haileyb

IN HER SKIN :

r e b e i B Ha i l ey

This is the routine which model Hailey swears by for maintaining her flawless complexion

A

S a worldrenowned supermodel and wife to Justin Bieber, it’s a wonder that Hailey has time to keep up her enviable skincare routine between gracing the runways of Fashion Week and red carpets daily. Naturally, the 24-year-old relies on the assistance of her celebrity makeup artist friends and dermatologists to perfect the dewy glow that she’s famed for, and to no surprise, has a beauty bag full of products that the rest of us could only dream of.

1.

Drunk Elephant Slaai MakeupMelting Butter Cleanser, Cult Beauty, £29 - This butter cleanser

is a must-own for any Drunk Elephant obsessive (so, that’s all of us) and is enough of an eco-friendly reason to ditch makeup wipes for good. It doesn’t contain any of the ‘Suspicious 6’ –

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Factor Technology, leaving skin hydrated and protected from environmental factors. If that wasn’t enough, the likes of Dakota Johnson and Demi Moore are also huge fans of this pricey moisturiser.

3.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Mask, Cult Beauty, £115 - Dr. Barbara Sturm

including drying alcohols, silicones, fragrances and essential oils – but instead is packed with antioxidant fruit extracts.

It works to melt waterproof, stubborn makeup while resetting your skin to its natural luminosity and is what Hailey credits for her year-round healthy base.

2.

-

is the A-list’s first choice when it comes to age-defying treatments, and she’s finally bottled up her best formulas into at-home treatments. The Clarifying Mask (just one of the many of Sturm’s products Hailey says she adores), targets blemishes, refines pores and skin texture, and controls sebum production to prevent future breakouts.

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, Net-APorter, £205

"My everyday. This is my 3rd bottle," Hailey revealed on her Instagram Story.

The formula of this cream is based off years of scientific research by worldleading stem cell scientist Augustinus Bader, and has its own patented Trigger

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4.

Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial, Cult Beauty, £44 - A prebedtime saviour, the Waterfacial is an overnight mask that rehydrates and plumps skin, leaving you with a supple morning base that allows you to get up and go. That probably explains why Hailey is yet to be caught looking like us just after waking up. As well as five forms of ceramides, tiny beads of Vitamin F allow the product to penetrate even deeper into your skin as you rub it in.

TIP:

Layer this product over Drunk Elephant’s Virgin Marula Oil for an extra shot of hydration!

5.

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum, LookFantastic,

£140 - If you’re a city dweller, this antioxidant serum is essential for battling off pollutants including infrared radiation and other nasties that contribute to earlier visible signs of ageing.

This high-strength product (which explains its price point) is derived with 15% pure Vitamin C, as well as lower concentrates of Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, which team up to create a veil that also protects the skin from loss of elasticity and hydration.

Best of all, despite its high potency, this product is suitable for almost all skin types – including sensitive.

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6.

Skin Medica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, Dermstore, £22.50 - Made

up of five ultra-hydrating ingredients including hyaluronic acid, it’s easy to see why this super-serum is Hailey’s go-to for preventing chapped skin during the winter, claiming to offer eight hours of continuous moisture.

It's so potent that it almost immediately begins to smooth the appearance of fine lines, and is packed with Vitamin E to promote long-term skin health and antiwrinkle benefits.

7.

Elta MD UV Clear BroadSpectrum SPF 46, Amazon, £49.69 - SPF should be a key staple

in everyone’s skincare routine – even in winter! We can easily get sun damage without realising, which in turn, leads to pigmentation and more wrinkles as we get older.

However, it can be difficult to find an SPF that isn’t too heavy or feels too much like a suncream, which is why this Elta offering contains lactic acid and helps to calm skin prone to acne or rosacea. Plus, you can even wear it under makeup, so we can see why Hailey is such a huge fan: “I can’t lie, I don’t always wear SPF, but when I do, this is the only one that doesn’t make my skin break out. I’m super sensitive to regular sunblock,” she says of the award-winning product.

8.

Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum, Cult Beauty, £175 - "I tend to love face and body oils but worry about them clogging my pores. So far this one has been my favourite and not felt too heavy.” And Hailey’s not the only obsessive. This cocktail of 22 organic botanicals targets every single skin problem you can think of, and has been hailed an “Instagram filter for your face” by beauty editors and bloggers everywhere.

So, whether you’re trying to tackle loss of elasticity, or decreased density, expect to see results from use one.

Credit: @ haileybie ber

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OWNTOW

Autumn Home

2021 Trends

From forest-inspired accessories, to party finishings that will reignite your social calendar

Osaka Dining Table, 4 Chairs and Dining Bench, Special buy £1,249, Furniture Village

Trend:

DOWNTOWN DWELLING

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T

his season let your furniture do the talking with an industrial chic Downtown Dwelling look, perfect for cool urbanites seeking a vintage feel in a modern space.

Combine minimalist décor with Scandi-inspired tactile textures to create a stylish yet warm feel. Exposed

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A

fter a year of separation from loved ones, we continue to take solace in our homes as we ease into the winter months.

Our home is no longer just a place for family time and rest, it needs to deliver so much more. After all, we’re spending a lot of time there!

From the colours that we choose to adorn our walls, to the textures offered by the fabrics we opt for on our sofas, chairs and bed frames, each element will have an affect on how we feel in the spaces we inhabit.

Whether you’re in need of a room that instils a sense of calm, or one that feels uplifting and energising, there’s inspiration aplenty from Furniture Village this autumn/winter season.

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brick, concrete and original floorboards are softened by natural materials such as linen, cotton and leather for a harmonious balance that leaves your home feeling zen.

A neutral palette of grey, white and pale wood evokes a sense of stillness, giving a calm and mindful ambience, and the delicate balance of sumptuous faux fur armchairs and footstools plays with texture to create a restful space in which to relax.

Less is more with this look. Choose defined, purposeful accessories that subtly complement the scheme to complete.

Ercol Marinello 3 Seater Sofa, £1,500 Earth Ladder Shelving Unit, £499 Dexter Round Mirror, £99 Skyline Grey Porcelain Table Lamp, £159 Nordic Oak Lamp Table, £299, Furniture Village

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Mandarin Double Bed Frame, £1,199, Furniture Village

OLOU

Romilly 3 Seater Sofa, £1,139 Nordic Coffee Table, £299, Furniture Village

"Sunshine yellows will encourage optimism, alertness, creativity and confidence, whilst cool blues will radiate calm, trust and tranquillity.”

Dr. Ranj, Sleep and Wellness Ambassador

Trend:

COLOUR THERAPY

I

nject a boost of positivity, motivation and joy into your home with bold, energising shades that will lift your spirits this winter.

This contemporary colour therapy trend uses uplifting bursts of colour on walls and key furniture pieces to reflect and elevate light throughout your home, even in the darker months.

Use pops of colour to create a focal point and to add interest against a neutral backdrop, or cleverly zone a space by colour blocking walls and stairs to section an open plan scheme.

Simple accessories with clean lines, in complementary colours and abstract wall art complete this contemporary, bold and impactful look.

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furniturevillage.co.uk

at Furniture Village

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OODLAN

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furniturevillage.co.uk

Uniqa Fabric Accent Chair, £645, Furniture Village

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Trend:

Merlin Extending Dining Table and 4 Chairs, £1,695, Furniture Village

WOODLAND WONDER

S

tep into Woodland Wonder; an intriguing and sophisticated décor that feels relaxed, enchanting and welcoming.

The deep hues running throughout this inviting scheme will leave you wanting to spend the winter months curled up in your very own forestinspired retreat. Super cosy!

Pockets of light and shade formed by using brighter or deeper tones of the same hue create subtle degrees of warmth. Layers of walnutshaded furniture and accessories with accents of brass bring a luxurious aesthetic too.

An opulent marble-topped dining table paired with comfortable, high-back upholstered chairs create a feeling of hygge without compromising elegance.

Dried grasses and foliage connect the spaces back to nature and tactile accessories complete the earthy, understated trend.

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Trend:

HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR

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n a social comeback like no other (because we seriously need one!), throw open the doors and invite everyone over to celebrate with this nod to the 70s. Hollywood Glamour is impactful and extravagant, and more importantly, the perfect backdrop to entertain friends and family.

Rich russet tones flood the space with warmth, whilst furniture and accessories finished in gold, silver and marble provide dramatic contrast and dapple the room with reflective light. Oversized, inviting sofas are layered with cushions made from soft shimmering fabrics to further continue the alluring theme.

Statement sculptural lighting, decorative ornaments and button backed chairs add a defined touch of elegance to complete this timeless and stylish look.

Sumptuous Medium Fabric Corner Sofa, £2,995 Santiago Coffee Table, £699, Furniture Village

OLLYWOOD

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furniturevillage.co.uk

Chennai Lamp Table, £299 Argenta Table Lamp, £99, Furniture Village

Shop the trends at

furniturevillage.co.uk

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HOW TO BRING

HYGGE TO YOUR HOME The Scandi interiors trend that Instagram loves is low-maintenance and high-zen

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OASTING fires, soft blankets and having loved ones around us is what we envision when we think about being cosy – and it’s exactly what Scandinavian viral interiors trend, hygge, aims to bring into your home.

Pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, the 18th Century phenomenon aims to combine interiors with wellness, turning your space into its own little sanctuary away from the bustling world. Think neutral colours, clean lines, and minimalist décor, that make you feel far-removed from the city life outside of your four walls.

It’s finding yourself content with the

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simple things in life, like your favourite book, fluffy socks, or listening to the rain on the window. But to do these things, your surroundings should reflect that feeling too.

“What freedom is to Americans… hygge is to Danes,” wrote Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, and the author of The Little Book of Hygge. And given that Scandinavian countries are named as some of the happiest and best places to live on the planet, it’s about time we learned a little something from them.

Loud colours are off-limits You’re not restricted to monochrome (after all, you’re going for home, not show home!), but muted colours are

generally at the forefront of Scandi interiors. Beiges, browns, greys, and more paired-back versions of your favourite, bolder colours are very much in, and will instantly make you feel calmer, even when the outside world is chaotic. Opt for a mustard yellow over a sunshine yellow, a forest green over tennis ball green and so on.

Try adding a splash of colour through throws, cushions, and other accessories against a neutral background to make your space feel more inviting to guests.

Having a neutral base means you can swap out the accessories and theme colours as you like or as the seasons change. Not to mention a brighter colour will help to elevate your mood!

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Tufted cushion cover, DUSK, £24

Banish clutter In the words of Marie Kondo, "if it doesn’t spark joy, get rid of it". As much as you may love keepsakes; a cluttered, busy home will never bring you calm! Instead keep everything as clean as possible to make your space feel bigger and use storage cupboards for any belongings that don’t need to be on show.

Create memories While you don’t want your vacuum cleaner taking up precious floor space, there’s always room for your happiest memories. After all, hygge is about the feeling of being at your most content, so pack your room with photos and trinkets from your favourite holidays, and times spent with friends and family.

Danes believe that every object should have a value or memory associated with it, and not just be there for the sake of it. Upcycling is a huge part of this, bringing the old and unloved back to life by adding your own personal touch to it or transforming it into something new.

Appreciate everything!

having a backup option that makes you feel just as good is essential.

When it comes to light, try and choose statement pieces that command the room, as most of your other furnishings are likely to be more neutral and toned-down.

Use natural materials – and embrace the imperfect Hygge encompasses all forms of natural beauty, including looking at something imperfect and seeing it as the most beautiful version of itself. Wood finishings with unique detailing add character to your home – and you could even go one step further by stocking up with logs for a toasty fire – just like in the movies!

Exposed wooden floors, and even wooden children’s toys help us embrace nature and bring the outside in.

Not to mention, they’re a lot more low-maintenance and durable!

Fringed blanket, H&M Home, £17.99

Soft textures Wools, soft cottons and faux furs are the perfect textile materials for blankets, cushions and rugs.

Particularly during the winter months, they help to bring the cosy edge that brings you pure bliss.

Nooks are a big part of Danish culture that would be perfect for these touches. Also known as the

Stock up on candles To reach a true state of hygge, all of your senses need to be in tune with pure relaxation and comfort. The perfect excuse to buy those Skandinavisk HYGGE scented candle, candles you’ve Feel Unique, £35 been eyeing up. More winter-based scents such as cinnamon are perfect for this type of space, making it feel more homely and lived-in.

The warm glow of candles also helps to lift the atmosphere of a room, whether alone or with friends. Hygge embraces as much natural light as possible, but when that’s just not the case (hello 4pm sunsets),

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hyggekrog, it’s a cosy corner or window seat that can be used as a place of peace and disconnect from the world, where you can read a book or enjoy a hot drink.

Heighten your senses by layering a soft woollen throw with a faux fur rug beneath your feet. The pairing of the different textures not only looks great, it helps you feel great too.

Try adding a splash of colour through throws, cushions, and other accessories against a neutral background to make your space feel more inviting to guests

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HAVE YOURSELF A MINIMALIST

LITTLE CHRISTMAS

Tree credit: @madefromscratch | Lights Credit: @pinjacolada

How to decorate your home this festive season without having to go all-out

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OLD, silver, red, green – they’re all colours traditionally associated with the festive season, but definitely not to everyone’s taste – particularly if your home is usually adorned by neutral tones.

Thankfully, you no longer have to miss out on the chance to add a Christmas splash to your décor, because there are plenty of subtle tweaks you can make that steer clear of obnoxious colours.

Wreaths Or in this case, half a wreath! Half wreathes with small sprigs of pine or holly are enough to get the point across, and still give your home that cosy Christmas feel – and you can make them yourself

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of your theme, but why a tree at all?

Simple, wooden decorations require no decorating and add a subtle pop to any dining or coffee table. Plus, there’s no mess to clear up afterwards.

Stockings on a budget! Try adding a few subtle ornaments with more rigid shapes too, which are perfect if Scandi is the vibe you’re going for.

Lights Steer clear of ornaments laden with bright colours illuminating them.

Instead, opt for a single fairy light string along a white wall to make your space sparkle without giving you a headache.

You could even ditch the lights altogether and get creative by making something your own, like these geometric hanging decorations instead! They’re made entirely of paper straws, and we’d definitely keep them up year-round.

Tree? What tree?

Of course, you could go for the classic white tree to keep in-line with the rest

The great thing about stockings is that the design choices are endless, and they’re one of the more personable options around. Instead of opting for the traditional fireplace hanging, find a large branch you can fix to the backdrop of a white wall, and you’ve got yourself a nifty little display.

T OP T IP!

Use neutrals as your base colour, and save traditional Christmas colours for subtle accents.

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TAKE to the skies...

These are the best places to travel for a warmer climate this winter (and what you should do while you’re there!)

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N need of a warmer season? We get it — we feel the same way. It’s time to get out of the UK, enjoy a change of scenery and more importantly, a change of weather. It’s safe to say that the British weather (despite what you see in the movies) can take a toll on a person, especially with a lack of consistency with the sun and after a rollercoaster year. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered for your upcoming holidays and dose of Vitamin D in the winter months. We all deserve that at least!

Cape, mountain of rock in Phuket, Thailand

1.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket City, Thailand, is Thailand’s largest and most popular tourist destination. After all, who wouldn’t want spicy, authentic Thai food and sandy beaches right at their doorstep? If you’re a food-lover, definitely head down to Phuket Old Town Food Tour where you can try a mix of sweet and savoury Phuketian food that you won’t find anywhere else.

Phuket also offers a wide range of exciting things to do outside of sunbathing such as snorkelling (we’d recommend heading to the south of the island at Ao Sane) or go sightseeing around some of the greener, more tropical areas for those Instagramworthy snaps.

You can even head down to the iconic Phuket Elephant Sanctuary to get up close and personal with retired elephants thriving in their natural environment, on the backdrop of thirty acres of luscious jungle.

Best place to stay: Mandarava Resort and Spa

Best place to eat: Blue Elephant

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3.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

2.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

A popular destination to British holidaymakers thanks to its tourist-friendly atmosphere and incredible year-round weather; just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean things are cooling off.

Tenerife, Canary Islands With average December temperatures of 21 degrees, there’s no reason why you can’t spend Christmas in the sun, and enjoy one of the island's many treasures, whether you like to go off the beaten track (you can go to the top of famous active volcano Mount Teide), or prefer to mingle with other tourists down by the beaches of Las Americas.

If you want a bit of an adrenaline rush too, Siam Park should be on your bucket list. Crowned the best water park in the world, this exciting kingdom will add splashes of fun and excitement to your day, and there’s something for everyone of all ages. Even if you’re not a water ride type, their purpose-built private beach is perfect for sipping cocktails all day.

The temperatures do tend to be warmer in the south of the island, which is where you’ll find most of the resorts and activities. However, if you did want to take a day trip up north, you can get there by car in around an hour.

The volcanic Island of Saint Lucia offers year-round sunshine and white beaches. Naturally, we can’t forget to mention the twin Pitons. Gros Piton and Petite Piton are located in two different parts of the Island. If you’re immersed in the hiker world and crave a challenging climb, you can hike up these mountains! Gros Piton is a staggering 798m high. While you’re on an adventure streak, head to the Saint Lucia Rainforest, where you can enjoy a sky ride and get into the thick of nature – just make sure you’re carrying mosquito spray. It’ll be worth it for the photos, trust us.

Lying in the sand more your thing?

Marigot Bay Beach is known to be one of the most beautiful. Ultimately, St. Lucia is the place where you can relax, have a more laid-back week (or two) away, and enjoy the hot weather. The views alone are enough to have you head-over-heels for this tropical paradise.

Best place to stay: The Rabot Hotel from Hotel Chocolat Best place to eat: Dasheene

Saint Lucia, Caribbean

Best place to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Abama Best place to eat: Restaurante Donaire

Cancun, Mexico

Saint Lucia, Caribbean

4.

Cancun, Mexico

South of the United States, prepare to find the ultimate vacation spot. Mexico’s gorgeous weather all year round, sensational food and beaches are pretty hard to beat.

You can expect plenty of margaritas along the way too. If you’re more of a night owl, then Cancun has the perfect mix of nightlife including allnight clubs and boat parties during the day. Surrounded by the most fantastic bars and beach parties, this Mexican city has it all.

Head to Downtown Cancun for a more authentic experience, where you’ll find local familyrun restaurants, amazing street art, small shops, and… Mexican wrestling! You said you wanted a real taste of Mexican culture!

There’s also plenty of natural pools around the area formed in limestone caves, with the Yucatan Peninsula just a short drive away, where you can go swimming or snorkelling.

Best place to stay: Nizuc Best place to eat: Restaurante La Habichuela

Words by: Anna-Maria Covelli

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5 things to try in:

Helsinki, FINLAND

As far as capitals go, Helsinki is a hive of natural beauty, Nordic culture, and has been named the most live-able city in the happiest country in the world – for four years and counting. Their laidback approach to life and enviable architecture make for a great long-weekend break. And given that Finland is practically the home to Christmas, there’s no better time than when it’s blanketed in snow. Here are 5 things to try on your trip…

1. Get up-close with reindeer As if Finland couldn’t bring anymore Christmas to our lives, if you venture out of the city to one of the tranquil parks such as Nuuksio Reindeer Park, you can interact with and feed actual reindeer! They’re wild, of course, and live among the national parks but are well-socialised with visitors. Nuuksio is the Southernmost place you can see one of the 200,000 reindeer that live there without travelling up to Lapland – where they outnumber humans.

2. Visit a public sauna Sauna culture is huge in Finland. There are estimated to be over two million saunas in the country, and most city dwellers have them in their apartments. There are plenty of famous public saunas too – Helsinki’s being the Allas Sea Pool – A sauna accompanied by an outdoor pool filled with water from the Baltic Sea. There are detoxifying health benefits from switching between the extreme temperatures every few minutes, but be prepared to get naked! You’re more likely to look out of place if you’re wearing clothes.

5. Reflect in the chapel of silence 3. Stroll around one of the worldfamous Christmas markets Helsinki Christmas Market is in Senate Square directly under the incredible Helsinki Cathedral, which is especially cool when it’s lit up at dark during the cold winters. There are over 120 stalls selling traditional Nordic crafts, snacks, and Glögg; a Finnish mulled wine to keep you toasty. Finland was the birthplace of the original Santa Claus too, so you can expect to see him hanging around. Think of it as the ultimate Hallmark movie!

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4. Marvel at the Amos Rex Museum Since opening in 2018, the Amos Rex Museum has become a spectacle of Finland, not only for its weird and wonderful sensory exhibitions, but for its architecture too, and it makes for a great Instagram photo. Many of its rooms contain immersive experiences that mimic movement, or even use sound or special effects to heighten the impact. Even if art isn’t really your thing, this is a seriously interesting way to get involved in the culture of up-and-coming talent.

In the hustle and bustle of modern city life, there are few moments to sit and reflect. The Chapel of Silence isn’t a religious institution, but rather an impressive wooden building created by architects in 2012. The chapel welcomes everyone to go and sit in one of its few seats and escape the noise of Helsinki as you get to experience true stillness. The only rule? You must be totally silent! Probably give heels a miss for this one.

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Up, up and BLUSH | U L T I M AT E T R AV E L

away

Holidays are back on, and these travel accessories will have you flying like an A-Lister

AIRPORT ESSENTIALS...

Travel wallet, Aspinal of London, £140 aspinaloflondon.com

Clifton Large Suitcase, Antler, £199 antler.co.uk

Duffle bag, Tommy Hilfiger, £98 uk.tommy.com

Jewellery box, AWAY, £85 awaytravel.com

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FLYING IN STYLE...

Power bank, Not-Another Bill, £45 notanotherbill.com

Beats by Dre Solo 3 headphones, Argos, £179.95 argos.co.uk Sleep to Go travel set, Slip at Cult Beauty, £119 slipsilkpillowcase.co.uk Linen-blend blanket, H&M Home, £39.99 hm.com/gb

SKINCARE FROM THE AIR...

OH K! Jet lag face mask, The Fragrance Shop, £5 thefragranceshop.co.uk

Portable mirror, Glamcor at Cult Beauty, £175 cultbeauty.co.uk

Baby Bar travel duo, Drunk Elephant at Cult Beauty, £19 cultbeauty.co.uk

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Travel skincare kit, AESOP at Cult Beauty, £45 cultbeauty.co.uk

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JUST HOW EASY IS IT TO MOVE ABROAD? With 50 million Europeans living outside of their home country, we hear from those who have taken the plunge in the name of a better quality of life to find out what it takes to get there.

Elizabeth, 34, moved from Milton Keynes to New South Wales, Australia Having moved from a bustling city to a slower pace of life on the New South Wales coast almost eight years ago, Elizabeth left behind a corporate career in search of a new adventure. Thankfully, the moving process was smooth as the visa process can be slow, giving her time to plan.

“It took just over 12 months for us to get our permanent residency approved.

That’s helped in creating stability for us in Australia — by knowing where you’re going when you get off the plane, when you land in this foreign country and you don’t know anyone,” she says. “We knew what the first couple of months of life was going to look like for us… If I was to move again, I would probably worry less.”

The most challenging part, however, was transferring her career with being a new resident making it difficult to get a job (she’s since launched Sutton Full Potential, a career-coaching business which aims to help people in similar situations). Elizabeth admitted, “For me, the first six months, was the hardest over here. That really surprised me, I honestly thought that would be the most fun, with experiencing new things, learning new things, and exploring.

“I really struggled to get a new job in a field that I had a degree and I’d worked in for many years — I had a proven track record! I would get interviews but my lack of Australian experience was a massive knock back and one I was not expecting or prepared for.”

Her biggest piece of advice for other

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newbies is to keep an open mind and learn that there might be more cultural differences than you first think, despite Australia’s extremely close relationship to the UK. “I think you come to different countries and you have this preconceived idea about what they’re like. I spent a fair bit of time in Australia, before moving here, but I was on holiday, I wasn’t living here and it’s very different.” She adds.

“I had to call my sister in the UK from a supermarket because I couldn’t find a pepper on the supermarket self-service checkout. They’re not called peppers here, they’re called capsicum! It’s little things like that and needing a GPS to get to the supermarket because it’s not the one you’ve been going to for most of your life.

“Most importantly, be kind to yourself, because you will have days where you miss family, friends, and loved ones, and it’s okay to feel that.”

h t e b a z i El

Favourite thing about New South Wales: The people! I have my own little Australian family here — which is incredible. Love them to bits. With the slower pace of life people actually talk to each other when grabbing coffee. A real sense of community and belonging.

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Louisa, 28, moved from Hampshire to New York, United States

Lara, 22, moving from London to Sydney, Australia

Lara

Law-trainee Lara is joining her family over in Australia, leaving behind her friends, and hoping for a fresh start off the back of the end of a long-term relationship.

Due to her family immigrating to the country, she found the visa process relatively easy, but is nervous about transitioning her life over there due to the pandemic. That being said, she’s confident that now is the right time, with the prospect of not being able to see them for even longer looming.

“While I am exempt from the ban on foreign travel, I am still subject to the daily quotas which means I could literally be kicked off my flight at any moment,” she says. “If all goes to plan and I get the flight I have booked, I will still need to quarantine in the hotel for 14 days which will cost over $2,000 AUD, so overall a really expensive move.”

“The advice I would give to anyone looking to go to Australia is to wait until the country is vaccinated which could take a long time. The Australian government has been clear they are going to stick with their border policies and you could potentially end up in the same situation as me, which is leaving a relativelyfree London to arrive in a locked-down Sydney.”

Moving overseas to New York University aged 19, Louisa had no intention of staying in the Big Apple. When more work opportunities came up that aligned with her degree in Sports Management, she was tasked with finding a way of getting a visa that would allow her to stay there. “I did an O1 visa which requires a substantial amount of evidence of previous work in the field I was applying for,” she says, talking about the prestigious permit which is one of the most difficult to obtain. Applying for this particular visa can take 2-3 months, and you have to be able to demonstrate that you have extraordinary ability or achievement in your field.

Although she fell in love with the city she still lives in nine years on, launching her own business and modelling for some of the biggest fashion magazines in the world, she says the biggest piece of advice she would give to anyone considering the leap would be to think about how long you can be without your loved ones, adding: “It’s definitely hard being away from my family as I originally only moved here for college, but I try to visit them as often as possible.”

a s i Lou

Favourite thing about New York: The energy!

Most-looking forward to: I am really into wine so would like to do a sommelier course at one of the vineyards in Southern Australia.

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our ColTHERAPY BLUSH | S T Y L E

ring the colder u d r u lo co f o n io ct je An in ood-booster m te a im lt u e th is s th mon Embellished slingback heels, Dune, £60 dunelondon.com

Rainbow huggie hoops, Astrid & Miyu, £59 astridandmiyu.com

Retro jacquard trousers, ZARA, £19.99 zara.com/uk

Get the look Weave crossbody bag, Warehouse at Debenhams, £35 debenhams.com

Retro jacquard polo, ZARA, £19.99 zara.com/uk

Wool coat, Levi’s, £90 levi.com One-shoulder floral top, New Look, £25 newlook.com

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Peggy faux fur trim cardigan, House of Sunny, £95 selfridges.com

k oo l e h t t Ge

Yellow square sunglasses, ASOS Design, £14 asos.com

k c a b t i ’ n i w o Thr Initial ring, Primark, £1.50 Primark

The year 2000 called, and it’s making a grand return

Beaded choker, Star & Pearl, £16 urbanoutfitters.com

Abstract bodycon dress, Pretty Little Thing, £15 prettylittlething.com Knee-high platform boots, Urban Outfitters, £110 urbanoutfitters.com

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Croc shoulder bag, Urban Outfitters, £29 urbanoutfitters.com

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Shearling tote bag, STAND, £165 flannels.com

Get the look

Snake Wood sunglasses, Taylor Morris, £240 morgan-motor.com

ss e n i s u b w o Sn Retro Nuptse puffer jacket, The North Face, £270 thenorthface.co.uk

ntain u o m e h t g leavin e r a s k o o l d spire eets r t s e h t r Ski wear-in o f eading h d n a e g n a r Lambswool turtleneck, Uniqlo, £25 uniqlo.com/uk/

Siren Milanese watch, Nixon, £140 nixon.com/uk/

Fluffy mittens, Barts, £37 snowandrock.com

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Ankle boots, Nasty Gal, £42 nastygal.com

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wardrobe staples tic is pl sim e es th ith w ch at ’m ’n Mix

k oo l e h t Get

Corduroy shacket, Reserved, £25.99 reserved.com/gb/

Checked scarf, ACNE Studios, £220 brownsfashion.com/uk/

Chain bracelet, Oliver Bonas, £18 oliverbonas.com

Linen-blend trench coat, ZARA, £79.99 zara.com/uk/

V-neck vest, Weekday, £20 weekday.com

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Headband, Oliver Bonas, £22 oliverbonas.com

Tapered trousers, Reiss, £50 reiss.com

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T TH HE E T H E S T E LLA T H ST T H EE EL L A T H EEALRLTA S T S M T SM TE EALLRLLTA A S T E L L AY M A R T B E A U T S M A R T B E AAUR TT Y SM S M A RRTTDYS B E A U A W A B E A U A WAAURT BE TDY YS B E A U T Y A W A R D S B E A U T Y A W A R D BE A WAAURTDYS S A W A R D S B E A U T Y B O X B E A U T Y OAX U T Y BE B E A UC T YK !

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… r a e w o t s y a 3 w ard leop BLUSH | S T Y L E

r style u o y r e v e t a oks, wh o l c i s s a l c e s the Go wild for Ankle boots, Schuh, £68 schuh.co.uk

Shacket, New Look, £29.99 newlook.com/uk

Mak e a sta

Keep it c lassic

Beaded bag, Oliver Bonas, £42 oliverbonas.com

tement

Headband, Oliver Bonas, £22 oliverbonas.com

Smock dress, H&M, £24.99 hm.com/gb

n a i m e h o b Winter Chunky sandals, New Look, £23.99 newlook.com/uk

Dress, PrettyLittleThing, £20 prettylittlething.com

Crossbody bag, Elie Beaumont, £89 eliebeaumont.com

Ring, Dundas, £60 dundasworld.com

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Credit: SKIMS

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JUICY COUTURE FANS, OUR TIME HAS COME…

again

What is our obsession with Y2K fashion?

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L

OW-rise jeans, love Y2K fashion as it reminds me of halter-neck tops, my childhood! I think it’s making a plenty of beaded comeback because of the younger Gen-Z jewellery and some who never experienced that era but coloured-lens are much more sustainability-focused, sunglasses are the shopping at charity shops which are perfect recipe for a filled with these items.”

00s throwback outfit.

Of course, influencer culture could Also known as Y2K (or year 2000) be partly responsible for the trend, fashion, the nostalgic given that our favourite Instagrammers resurgence of our dominate what we wear favourite cringeand how we look. Gone worthy trends has are the days of browsing been a welcome in stores when we have return for some, but a online boutiques and very questionable one instant shop buttons at our for others. fingertips.

In fact, according Even new and worldto Stylight, there leading fashion brands are has been a 65% now turning their attention increase in searches away from the 2021 trends in i, £18 k n o M for Y2K since favour of bringing the beginning back old classics. of 2021.

With Gen-Z are fast fashion “Wearing masks over continuing still a huge our mouths…we had to to dictate environmental the fashion and ethical issue, try to find some control, trends for the we’d recommend and the one thing you can year, and their heading down to control is your fashion” discovery of your local vintage skorts (skirt stores and charity and shorts shops where you in one) has can find some led to a 62% real gems – that increase since are often one-off May. pieces. Similarly, Other huge online outlets wins for the such as Depop trend include are bustling with Juic y Cout a 200% young sellers ure at Zala ndo £34. 99 increase in specialising in searches for low-rise Y2K clothing, baggy jeans, a 70% which is great if increase in searches for you’re looking crochet crop tops, and for something controversially, a 72% more specific. increase in searches for Previous Crocs – a surprising new style icons love for the forbidden fruit such of the early 2000s. as Victoria Beckham, “As soon as one popular Cameron Diaz and Paris Hilton person wears something it has a domino serve as just some of the effect,” admits fashion influencer, inspiration behind these looks.

Gosia Joanna (@gxsia). “I personally Diamantes are aplenty and

Z ara , blushmagazine.org.uk

£ 29.9

loud, obnoxious colours are actively encouraged in the name of standing out.

Once made a mockery of in the press, you’ll find the likes of flowing bohemian skirts and tank tops as part of the official 2021 uniform.

So why are we all falling for the Urban Outfitte rs £ 49.99 trend? And why now of all times? Given that we’ve spent the best part of two years indoors, it seems as though people are turning to nostalgia and childhood memories for comfort. Not to mention, we’ve had plenty of time to marathon our favourite chick flicks, which were some of the first to champion these looks.

“Obviously throughout the pandemic, it has been an anxiety-filled time, where we had no control and were forced to place masks over our face and subjected to all of these Draconian rules” says Dr. Dawnn Karen, leading Fashion Psychologist. “We had to try to find some control elsewhere. And the one thing you can control is your fashion.

Going back to the 2000s is like a turn of the century. There was a newness and vibrancy that we could all definitely use during this time.”

Thankfully, the diet culture of that time hasn’t made a comeback, so for now, we can enjoy the clothes that still make us gasp and think “did we really wear that?” while living our best lives.

Go ahead and start stocking up on velour tracksuits and raid the back of your closet for your finest Tammy Girl fit, because if this year’s anything to go by, this nostalgic era is far from over.

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Credit: @tesshell

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HERE’S WHAT WE’RE ALL GOING TO BE WEARING NEXT YEAR, ACCORDING TO FASHION EXPERT,

Thérèse Hellström Eye-popping colours and extra details are aplenty…

I

T may still feel like a while away, but it’s officially time to start thinking about 2022 and more importantly, what we’re going to be wearing. With throwback trends and pastel hues lining the racks this year, we’re already expecting a major shift in trends over the coming months. Minus our obligatory working-from-home tracksuits, of course. They’re here to stay.

Paris-based Fashion Director and influencer, Thérèse Hellström, already has over 85,000 eager fashion eyes on her, waiting to see what she dubs to be the trends of Spring/ Summer ’22 – and we’ve managed to get in there first.

It’s time to put away the woolly jumpers and beiges of winter and get ready for a colour infusion that gives normality the comeback it deserves.

STOCK U P ON OR A NG:E TON ES

Cut out dress, Za

ra, £25.9 9

What are the key trends for SS22?

It’s still an early stage to define the key trends, but I would say that three trend predictions we should definitely keep in mind are: marked shoulders (the bigger the better!), low-rise trousers (the 90s are calling?!) and another season of mid-riff cut-outs (are you tired of them yet?).

The trend I will mainly be wearing is the marked-shoulder one! I believe that whatever outfit you put on just looks amazing together with a statement blazer and big shoulders.

A colour that I saw everywhere at Fashion Week was orange — from runway right through to street style. For a more sporty look, wear a full orange piece, or if you want to be more discrete, choose orange accessories to accent — for example, a scarf (my favourite!) or shoes.

In general, we have seen more colours on the runway, and buyers are already commenting that they believe there will be more pops of colour for the coming Spring/Summer season. Maybe it’s finally time to take a step away from minimalism as the days of the pandemic slip away… we’re all in need of more optimistic fashion!

A shade dubbed by the fashion crowd as ‘Bottega green’ (inspired by Bottega Venetta’s grassy, jungle-inspired colours) has already ruled 2021 and it looks brights are here to stay. By the rules of colour therapy, orange stimulates us to be sociable, and is a warm, creative, and energising colour. Exactly what we could use some of right now! Say hello to your new daily dose of Vitamin C.

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Bag, Dune

at John Le

wis , £65

LOOK FOR: T U O BIG ERS LD blushmagazine.org.uk SHOU

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CUTTIN’ LOOSE RELAXED FITS HAVE NEVER BEEN SO FLATTERING Photographer: Alise Jane Model: Alanna @alannanicolex Coat: River Island Jumpsuit: River Island Shoes: River Island

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CLASH OF THE PRINT

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Photographer: Alise Jane Model: Andrea Cheong @fleurandrea Blouse: Malene Oddershede Bach Skirt: Alice + Olivia Headband: Motel Rocks

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DOUBLEDOWN ON DOUBLE DENIM Photographer: Dawn Marie Jones Stylist: Stephanie Sofokleous Model: Wei Wei @milkmodelmanagement HMUA: Sally Bahri Colour block jacket: Samsoe & Samsoe Colour block jeans: Samsoe & Samsoe Earings: Dinosaur Designs Shoes: Eudon Choi

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BACK-TO-WORK CHIC

Photographer: Dawn Marie Jones Stylist: Stephanie Sofokleous Model: Wei Wei @milkmodelmanagement HMUA: Sally Bahri Blouse: Zara Denim culottes: Paper London Snakeskin heels: Aeyde Hoop earrings: Louise Olsen Dinosaur Designs

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ON THE FRINGE IF WE’RE GOING OUT…WE’RE GOING ALL OUT Photographer: Alise Jane Creative Director: Alise Jane Model: @tiaxiao Makeup: @alexreadermakeup Hair: @the__hairaffair Style: @gaby_styleinspired Agency: IMM Models Dress: Ted Baker Cardigan: Whistles

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BUSINESS IN THE FRONT, PARTY IN THE TAILORING Suit: & Other Stories Photographer: Anna Shvets

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N A H T MORE

M Y G A JUST At PureGym we love to celebrate our members, they inspire us so much. Each member has their own story about what the gym means to them.

H

ey! I’m Sophie, I’m 20 years old and I’m a student studying Fashion Marketing.

I have always been involved in sports and danced since I was young, but always struggled with my weight and body image and being a ‘bigger’ girl when I was in school. I found it difficult to find someone to relate to.

I always wanted to join a gym throughout my teenage years, so as soon as I turned 18 and was able to pay for a gym membership myself, I signed up as soon as possible!

Initially I was very anxious to join the gym as I had never stepped foot in one before and didn’t really know what I was doing or what technique or exercises were correct.

I was very worried about being judged if I did anything wrong or because I felt like I didn’t fit in straight away. But, on my first gym session I was shown round by a personal trainer who showed me how to work the machines and the correct technique on a few exercises and after this I felt more at ease.

Throughout my first few months I did a mix of cardio and weight training which is where I noticed some weight loss and started to see progress. Ever since then I’ve been hooked on the gym, and it has now become part of my lifestyle.

I make sure to prioritise the gym because it really improves my mental health and helps with stress or any anxieties. The gym is an escape and a sort of therapy for me.

Now I am 2 years into my fitness journey, I have really recognised how important keeping fit and healthy both physically and mentally really is. My personal struggle with mental health has really been improved by going to the gym. And it’s helped me accept myself more because no one person in the gym looks the same.

“The gym helps me to feel confident in myself, strong and healthy, I am at my happiest and I have a much healthier mindset.”

Y D O B Y R E EV

E M O C L E W ’s K U e h t at

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NO CT C ONTRA

er-Smith Dina Ash ion Sprinter Champ dor assa World ym Amb G e r u P and

*Members must be 16+. Joining fee may apply. See website for T&Cs. Trustpilot rating 4, Aug 21.

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HOW YOU CAN STILL WEAR YOUR SUMMER DRESSES THROUGH THE

Winter months

Credit: @sophtwears

Colder weather doesn’t have to equal an entire wardrobe overhaul!

Chunky boots are your BFF

Layer up!

Arguably the most obvious way to give your look a refresh is to layer it! With temperatures plummeting, there’s no better case to put a roll neck or pussybow shirt underneath your favourite dress. The great thing about layering is that you can not only keep outfit repeating without anyone even realising, but you can transform from day-to-night, casual-tosmart, and preppy-to-edgy just by adding something a little extra. Not to mention it’ll keep you warm too!

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Shirt, River Island, £34 riverisland.com

Credit: @gracerobinson

Chunky boots add a tomboy edge and add a lengthening effect (particularly handy if you’re on the shorter side!) to your look, and have transitioned from being the hottest trend of 2020 to a must-have for the foreseeable future.

They’re so loveable because they’re such a contrast to the ditzy dresses they’re often paired with, and proof that opposites do attract.

In particular, calf-length boots are great for summer-style dresses because they’re bordering on a wellington hybrid, so you can still feel like it's festival season every single day without losing practicality – and they’re adored by off-duty models on the streets of London, Paris and New York. Who wouldn’t want that?

Step aside Dr Martens, there’s a new, almostcooler kid in town.

Leather chunky boots, Schuh, £80 schuh.co.uk blushmagazine.org.uk

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Change the dynamic

Chunky knit jumper, H&M, £20 hm.com/gb

Not only can you layer under, but try layering over too! A big chunky knit is a winter staple, and looks even better over a dress, giving the illusion that you’re actually wearing a skirt. A bold printed slip dress would look great for this with a neutral jumper, so you get the best of both worlds. Investing in a good quality sweater will serve you well for many winters to come, because they simply never go out of style.

Show what’s underneath…

Credit: @summerjadestyle

Trench coat, Monki, £50 monki.com

Add a statement jacket Boyfriend coats trump all else when it comes to winter dressing. The big, oversized, and often textured jackets come in a variety of different colours and styles, so there is literally one for every occasion.

You could throw it over your shoulders for an easy win, or for extra brownie points, play around with the length dependent on the style of the dress. A short, figure-hugging dress could benefit from a longer, more oversized jacket (plus it’ll make you look taller), whereas something slightly longer will want an overcoat that matches its length as close as possible. Get creative!

It’s time to throw it back to the 00s and pay homage to some of our favourite Y2K style icons, by putting a pair of jeans underneath our favourite summer looks.

Cold legs are suddenly a thing of the past, and this retro styling choice looks effortlessly cool and edgy.

You don’t have to do it with jeans either! If you’ve got a particularly plain top half such as a shirt-dress, go for a bold and bright printed trouser for a more 70s finish.

Jeans, New Look, £25 newlook.com/uk

Credit: @jamiesallmen

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Insomnia? insom-no more Tired of counting sheep? It’s time to get to the bottom of your sleepless nights and start catching those ZZZs with these expert-approved tips Mindfulness When we are awake, our brain produces beta waves. Simply put, beta is our ‘analytical mind’, and when we are suffering conditions like insomnia, our brain wave patterns may go into what is called high beta, leaving you feeling anxious or like you can’t stop replaying something. We’ve all been there. Overthinking? You’re probably in for a long night.

Yoga and meditation expert, Clare Connolly, advises that mindfulness practices (which are ever-increasing in popularity) could be the untapped solution to lack of sleep. “When we meditate, our brain wave patterns drop down to alpha and theta, the waves where our brains recover and where we find calm and creativity,” she says.

“It’s also where our brain waves go when we start drifting off into a deep sleep. Therefore, when you’re meditating, your brain feels like it’s asleep when you’re actually awake.”

2.

Take a few deep breaths, and see if you can think of a couple events in your day that you are grateful for. Try not to focus upon conversations and events from the day here, just keep your focus on things that went right, and things that made you smile.

3.

4.

Set an intention to have a good sleep – it’s a great way to pre-pave how your night is going to go.

Put on a guided meditation to help you relax through all of your body parts and begin sleep training.

Put your best foot forward (and out of the sheets) Your feet contain blood vessels that can rapidly decrease your body’s temperature. You guessed it, a lot of the time when we can’t sleep, is because we’re too hot. Brave the monsters under the bed and keep your feet out of the sheets to cool down.

Eat intuitively CLARE SUGGESTS THAT YOU GIVE THIS NIGHTTIME ROUTINE A TRY WHEN COUNTING SHEEP ISN’T DOING THE TRICK:

1.

Get excited about going to bed, make it feel like an event. Peel back the covers and feel the softness of the duvet on your hands and skin. As you climb into bed, begin to feel your muscles relax into the mattress.

blushmagazine.org.uk

We’re constantly told not to eat large meals before bed for better sleep, and while that’s true, there are certain foods out there that actually help to promote a good night’s kip.

Snacks such as cherries, olives, and grapes all contain a natural form of melatonin which helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, or in other words, aids getting you into a regular sleep routine.

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WHY A SAD LAMP SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF YOUR WINTER WISH LIST They’re a chic homeware staple, but boast potential medical benefits too…

I

T’S no secret that summer leaves us in an all-round better mood.

It’s warmer, you wake up earlier with the natural sunlight, and will find it easier to stick to a daily routine – something that gets totally thrown off when it’s dark and cold.

Research suggests that SAD (seasonal affective disorder) impacts one in three people in the UK. Lack of Vitamin D causes symptoms similar to depression, including low mood, feelings of hopelessness, and low energy levels to name a few. Recognise them?

SAD lamps are being hailed as the new champions of combatting what was once known as the ‘winter blues’, and can provide an uplift that replicates real sunlight and helps put you in a better frame of mind from the comfort of your own home. These lamps, along with other light therapies have become increasingly popular as conversations around mental health and staying well become the norm.

What’s more, most generate a whopping 10,000 lux of cool-white fluorescent light – twenty times more than your typical indoor light. Thanks to its strength, it encourages your brain to release serotonin, a feel-good hormone that helps you get back on track with your mood and regular routine with a sunrise and sunset function at the same time each day.

And while it may sound medical, there’s no compromise on style. They function just as a regular alarm clock too,

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Maisie, 24, from Birmingham has and come in a whole bunch of clean, suffered episodes of depression since modern styles that look effortlessly good. being a teenager, and has found using a Brands such as Lumie are an Instagram SAD lamp acts as the perfect companion. favourite, and even boast bonuses such “It keeps me to a routine because I as nature sounds (including storms, know what time the light colours rainforests, and waves) to change each day,” she says. “I wake you up gradually wake up at the same time, in the morning, rather and I know that if I have than a blaring iPhone errands, that I should get alarm – which let’s them done before the face it, is enough sunset function comes to send shudders on, which I then use as down anyone’s my time to switch off spine. and relax.”

Explaining Lumie Bodyclock Although there’s still itsbenefits, Jonathan Spark 100, Boots, £79 ongoing research into their Cridland, CEO of Lumie boots.co.uk long-term benefits, doctors may says, “Using a SAD lamp for now even suggest light therapy as a thirty minutes each day in the winter way of coping with symptoms you’re can replace the natural sunlight that experiencing. It’s safe to say a brighter is missing from our daily lives, helping (and lighter) future could be on its way. people feel more energetic and uplifted.”

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YOUR GUIDE TO GETTING BETTER WORKOUT RESULTS London-based personal trainer and Founder of ELYSIUM Gyms, Guido Basola, takes us through how the tiny tweaks can make all the difference.

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F you’re hitting the gym four times a week but not seeing the results you’re looking for: it’s normal. No one should expect to look like a Kardashian after one session of course, but if you suspect that you’re doing all the work for little return, it could be that you’re just not optimising your workouts!

It’s no secret that having a balanced diet alongside your regular routine is very important for maintaining fitness levels, but we could still be missing the mark when it comes to how we execute exercises, and our lifestyles outside of the gym.

Lack-of-sleep, not having clear

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goals and an unbalanced diet (even if a healthy one!) are all contributors to not getting desired results. After all, we’re putting a lot of precious time and energy into working out, so why wouldn’t we want to get the most from it?

WHERE ARE WE MAKING THE MOST MISTAKES WHEN WORKING OUT? "The greatest problem around people's training lies around not doing the prep work. Use any small breaks around your day to plan your workout. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail! Another common mistake is that people don’t vary their regime enough. Always do what makes you happy, but mixing weights and cardio is key to gaining full optimal results".

Lack-of-sleep, not having clear goals and an unbalanced diet (even if a healthy one!) are all contributors to not getting desired results

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What are the best targeted workouts you can do?

For me, it’s all about leg work. Whether you are looking for size or strength, squats in all variations and deadlifts are my go-to moves. They are also amazing for anyone, be it from a beginner to the more advanced individuals. Easily built-up as skills, your strength and stamina increase.

Should you be aiding your workouts, whether through supplements, or shakes?

Balance! It’s all about balance. Nutrition and sleep are the two key factors next to any workout. Train hard, eat healthy and get your sleep in. If you don’t feel you are able to hit your protein intake, introduce a shake. Otherwise, simply balance home cooked meals and a good night’s sleep.

How do you make working out more enjoyable?

It’s all about the music playlist and having a clear goal.

Depending on my mood on the day, these two parts are what really get me in the zone. Once I am in the zone though, it’s all about the end game. The next thing you know, the endorphins are pumping and you’re just having a great time. No one ever regrets their workout by the end of the session.

GUIDO’S TOP TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR GYM SESSIONS: Arrive Prepared — Always have a plan from start to finish!

If possible, write it down so that you have something visual to work from.

Ensure you are getting enough sleep — Performance during your workouts and getting ample sleep, go hand in hand.

Warm up! — Warming up and cooling down are essential parts of training that are often overlooked. Doing one without the other, or even doing none at all, risks long and short-term injuries.

The best post-workout fuel: • • • • •

Crackers Sweet potato Fruit Wholegrain bread Smoked salmon

es...

BLUSH lov

Fiit workout tracker Fiit, £45

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DON’T Free keep BLUSH | H E A L T H & F I T N E S S

hanging!

Do they work? Don’t they? These science-backed hangover cures from Health Specialist, Tammy Richards, alleviate the symptoms of what promises to be a blowout party season…

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T’S a feeling most of us dread – we’ve overindulged ourselves with what seems like litres and litres of alcohol, and as a result we’ve woken up feeling worse for wear the next morning. A quick Google of “hangover cures” can result in a multitude of treatments; from hair of the dog (which is never a good idea) to just simply not drinking in the first place (which is not helpful when you’re lying in bed the next morning, feeling sorry for yourself).

So, in the event of the inevitable (‘tis the season after all), Health Specialist at Pure Optical, Tammy Richards, offers five simple ways to nurse your body back to health. Or as much as possible, at least.

1. EAT A HEARTY BREAKFAST It’s bad news, because fry-ups are officially off the menu.

“A nutritious breakfast can help maintain your blood sugar levels, which is important as low blood sugar contributes to hangover symptoms such as nausea and feeling weak,” Tammy explains. “Breakfast foods are typically full of key nutrients, including calcium, vitamins and fibre, so try and aim for foods which include these.”

So what counts as a good breakfast?

“Wholegrain cereal, wholemeal toast or rolled oat porridge are good, as they’re all full of fibre and delicious. If you really cannot stomach anything too big, then opt for fresh fruit and nuts, or natural yoghurt.”

2. EXERCISE It’s the last thing anyone wants to hear when praying for a miracle from the night before, but sometimes the road to recovery can be a tough one. Fresh air and exercise help release endorphins, which can improve your mood and make you genuinely feel better. “Try and avoid anything too strenuous that will make you sweat,”

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Tammy explains. “Alcohol is a diuretic, which essentially means it promotes increased urine production. Increased urine production results in losing water and becoming dehydrated. Sweating too much will make you feel worse and can be dangerous as you end up losing a lot of water.” A nice stroll to get you out of the house should do the trick!

however a lot of them are more fiction than fact. Even so, there are some natural remedies which are scientifically proven to help you get back on your feet.

3. STAY HYDRATED

Avoid drinking darkercoloured drinks while out! They contain natural chemicals called congeners, which irritate blood vessels and tissue in the brain, worsening your hangover.

It’s no secret that water is the master of all remedies in life! “99% of hangover symptoms are the result of dehydration, so it’s good practice to try and have a glass of water per alcoholic drink, as this will help prevent severe dehydration,” Tammy advises. If it’s too late to do so however, try and drink enough water the next day, even if you don’t feel up to it. Your body will thank you in the long run!

4. CATCH SOME ZZZs Drinking to excess can cause poor sleep quality, as you may fall asleep faster but will wake up feeling sluggish and more tired. “When you fall asleep after drinking, you lose out on the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep stage.

REM has an important role in brain development and helps improve moods and memory,” Tammy says.

“A lack of sleep can make a hangover worse, as it results in fatigues, headaches and even irritability. Ideally, you will want to sober up before going to sleep, but if this is unavoidable, try and sleep as much as you can the next morning (yes you’re allowed a lie-in!) or get an early night.”

5. EXPLORE NATURAL REMEDIES There are lots of old tales which involve natural remedies and potions, promising to cure a hangover,

T OP T IP!

Ginger A traditional folk remedy, combining ginger with brown sugar and tangerine extract has been scientifically proven to reduce some of the worst hangover symptoms, including nausea and vomiting.

Chamomile The so-called “beer fear” is a popular term to describe the feelings of anxiety after a night of drinking. Taking chamomile will not only soothe an unsettled stomach, but research also shows that chamomile can soothe anxiety.

Even a cup of chamomile tea will have you dozing off in no time.

Turmeric Famous for antiinflammatory and pain relief benefits, turmeric can be a great natural remedy to help restore your body, as it has the ability to regenerate and repair liver cells. Pretty impressive!

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