MAKE-UP

Achieving the perfect pout no longer necessitates invasive beauty treatments. Botox has been swept aside by a plethora of new era plumpers - most notably in the form of a lip gloss.

Having thin lips, especially the upper lip, is often considered a sign of ageing. A barelythere pout can make us look mean as well as old, so it is no wonder that more and more women are being turned onto cosmetics that promise a fuller look.

Instant lip plumpers are popular across all age groups, even for teens.

Attempting to emulate influencers and celebrities has been a big driver in sales of everything from topical serums to plastic sucker cups.

Do plumping lip glosses really work?

However, it is how they work that you should consider before investing in one.

While a vast majority of brands use natural active ingredients, they are mostly irritants. Think of cinnamon and peppermint. Bee venom is especially popular.

These products plump up the lips by aggravating the skin. They cause inflammation - the result of blood flooding the irritated area. The reaction is what makes lips look fuller.

It is worth pointing out that these irritants are considered safe - so long as you don't have sensitive skin.

Not keen on some of the ingredients listed or have sensitive skin? Look out for a non-instant plumper. Choose one with hyaluronic acid as its main active ingredient.

Plumping lip glosses come in shades as well as clear formulas

Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss

The active ingredient in this gloss is hyaluronic acid. Price: £8.99. Size: 5.4ml. Finish: High shine.

KIKO Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss

Wet 'n' Wild Plumping Lip Gloss

The active ingredient in this gloss is peppermint oil. Price: £3.99. Size: Regular. Finish: High shine.

Soap And Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Bare Enough Lip Plumping Gloss

The active ingredient in this softening gloss is Bidens extract. Price: £9.99. Size: 6.5 grams. Finish: Smooth. The active ingredient in this gloss is Lipswell™ . Price: £11.50. Size: 7ml. Finish: Glossy.

NYX Filler Instinct Plumping Polish

The active ingredient in this gloss is not stated but contains menthol. Price: £7. Size: 2.5ml. Finish: Sheer.

Revolution PRO Hydra Bright Plumping Lip Gloss

The active ingredient in this gloss is hyaluronic acid. Price: £9. Size: 8ml. Finish: High gloss.

Eveline Cosmetics Oh! My Lips Volumising Lip Gloss Maximizer

The active ingredients in this gloss are bee venom and hyaluronic acid. Price: £4.59. Size: 4.5ml. Finish: Matte.. If you invest in a gloss, calm the irritation overnight with a good quality balm

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme

The active ingredient in this gloss is capsicum extract. Price: £21.35. Size: Regular small. Finish: Gloss.

If you are a fan of the '80s, this winter's make-up trends are going to be right up your street.

Back in vogue is the heavy

blusher smokey eyes and even face gems. look,

The season's hottest colours are likely to be baby pink and ice blue with lots of grey.

Along with black eyeliner - yes, it's finally making a comeback - are creative liners and crayons.

Glitter lip kits are seeping onto beauty store shelves, but pretty pinks - especially glosses are destined to be the 'in' thing. Look out for vinyl glosses; they are set to be on trend too.

For make-up creatives, this season is going to be exciting - and likely to test your artistry to the max.

Hot looks for the cooler months

Highlighter, which was expected to take a back seat this season, it still tipped to trend.

There is something to be said for the Little Black Dress. Always a good investment, it can be worn at multiple occasions and mixed and matched with different accessories.

The Christmas party season is the perfect outing for any black dress - especially this year when black is officially back. But, of course, it is also the best time to wear something with a bit of glitz and glamour.

Looking for stand-out Party Appeal? Gold and silver dresses are sure-fire winners.

Of course, what you choose to wear to an event should not be guided by fashion trends alone. Keeping warm and feeling comfortable should be just as important.

For budget partywear, you can't go wrong with ASDA George, Matalan and Peacocks. For a showstopper, you may want to check out Monsoon, Joe Browns and ASOS.

A simple guide to what to wear

Before making a purchase, consider if you will need to buy accessories, including shoes, to go with a dress. Think of the 'extras' as part of the outlay for your garment and then work out if it all fits within your budget. It's easy to get carried away when you fall in love with a specific item of clothing.

If black is not your style and you don't want to look all-bling, blue is a great alternative colour for a party dress. Don't forget, black trouser suits paired with brightly coloured blouses set catwalks on fire earlier this year when fashion houses launched their Autumn/Winter collections. So, if you are not a dress person, this is a great alternative.

Tip: Don't buy party wear on credit. If you are strapped for cash, the Number One place to find a fab dress is... a charity shop! After all, why spend a fortune on something you may not wear very often?

Money-saving, pleasing on the eye and super easy to use, make-up palettes go the extra mile when it comes to creating flawless looks.

Mary Quant set the bar for kits when she launched the first-ever all-in-one make-up compact.

Today, kits are bigger, better and, quite often, much bolder.

As well as full face palettes, eyeshadow palettes have come into their own over the past five years. The current trend is for themes and big sizes. If you haven't seen Qing Beauty's HUGE 'You're So Chic' palette (not available in the UK), you haven't seen anything. For makeup devotees, it is practically the Holy Grail. Look it up online to see why.

The best make-up fix EVER

The days of buying individual pots of eye pigments, or even lip gloss, are well and truly over. In train cases, books, tins... Palettes come in an ever-growing array of formats.

So Many Looks

The true beauty of the make-up palette is that it offers lots of colour choices and shade combinations in just one purchase. Theoretically (unless you are a make-up addict) a single face palette should provide all the pigments you need for at least a season and up to a year.

So, for a relatively small outlay, you get a really great deal.

Check out British brands Makeup Revolution and Barry M for affordable, trending palette ideas. And take a look at our top picks for Winter 2022.

Profusion Cosmetics Kaleidoscope

Includes: 42 highly pigmented eyeshadows as well as face make-up. Price: £17.80.

Bare Basics Face & Eye Palette

Includes: blusher, bronzer, finishing powder, highlighter and eyeshadows. Price: £32.

Technic WOW Palette Rude Cosmetics Includes: 16 pigments for eye lids, In Your Face brows and face. Price: £20.98. 3-in-1 Palette

It is not for the faint-hearted but, if you are not afraid to trim your own hair, a razor comb could literally transform your look.

A truly versatile tool, it can thin out thick, unruly hair and make it much easier to straighten. If you have always dreamed of having super-sleek hair, this is the way to get it.

Modern razor combs can also trim the hair and create choppy layers - great for those short pixie cuts and shoulder-length styles. As well as adding texture, this type of cut tames coarse hair.

Combs designed for women often come with two blades - one side for thinning and the other for cutting. Note: manufacturers don't always make it obvious which side is which. But it is easy to determine if you try the comb on a very small section of hair at the base of the head.

The easy way to get sleek, straight hair

How To Thin Out Thick Hair

Most brands recommend you thin out hair when it is wet. However, a word of caution - it is not always obvious to see how much you have chopped away until the hair is dry. That is why it is best to try out a razor comb on dry hair first.

Section the hair into three layers - top, middle and bottom. Decide where you want to thin your hair and use the comb at a 45-degree angle, starting with the underneath layer. Never use the comb from the root.

Start where the extra weight is. Use short but fast strokes and pause between each stroke to ensure you don't remove too much hair.

After thinning the bottom layer, move onto the middle layer and finally the top. Be careful to concentrate mainly on the ends of the hair when you get to the last stage of the process.

If you want to texturise your hair, simply turn the comb around and use it from the other side to give your locks a feathery trim.

This tool will give you a wispy look with no heavy or blunt ends. It can also remove split ends.

How Much?

Razor combs retail from around £3 upwards. The lower priced products tend not to come with any instructions so, if you are in two minds but still fancy giving it a go, choose a comb that comes with a user guide.

The bottom line with this product is that, if you can master it, you will save an absolute fortune. How much did you pay the last time you went to a hairdresser?

The double-sided razor comb pictured above (right) costs just £2.99. Get the drift?

Benefits

The obvious benefit has already been stated - a razor comb will save you money.

But that is not all... It will save you time. No more waiting around for a hairdresser's appointment. You can achieve thinner, sleeker hair in just minutes - and all in the comfort of your own home.

There are drawbacks, too. If you prize your hair and don't want to make the slightest mistake, don't risk it.

We recommend you shop around before making a purchase decision. Ensure you buy a comb that comes with full instructions.

To give yourself some confidence, you may also want to take a look at a video tutorial online before you use the comb.

Christmas is always a good time to snap up a branded beauty set at a rock bottom price.

As well as price deals, you will find three-fortwo offers across a wide range of skincare treats. Check out what's on offer at Boots.

An emerging trend is sets that

include products from more than one brand. For example, Olay has teamed up with haircare manufacturer Aussie to produce a highly giftable and inexpensive set. It even includes a cosmetics bag.

What To Look For

Top beauty kits for this Christmas

If you are shopping online, packaging is the beall and end-all. We test purchased a great value multi-brand set from Home Bargains, but it arrived opened and with contents loose in a paper-thin cardboard box. Looked good online but hardly giftable.

Only buy from trusted sellers and check who pays for delivery if you or the recipient want to make a return.

Try to go for a set with a range of products so you can be sure there is something in it that the beneficiary will love.

Gift sets that save you money are an obvious choice. But sometimes, especially at Christmas, it can be as much about presentation. Gifts in re-useable baskets and containers always go down a treat. Avoid sets in flimsy cardboard boxes - come the big day, they could be mis-shaped and shabby-looking. This year, some gift sets that retailed for £5 in 2021 are priced upwards of £15. Look out for special offers and bulk buy if it will help you tick a few people off your gift list.

Below: Winter In Ventice Pink Fairy Dust luxury spa set in a jewellery box.

Above: Sleep, Glow, Repeat. Olay + Aussie gift set. Includes a 50ml Retinol24 night cream and an Aussie Calm the Frizz hair mask with cap - all in a lush cosmetics bag.

Left: Sanctuary Spa Special Occasion Hamper.

Left: The ELEMIS Discovery Collection. Right: Baylis & Harding Sweet Mandarin & Grapefruit Signature Collection Ultimate Manicure Hand Care Gift Set.

If you are always looking for an excuse to go wild and wacky with your makeup, there's no time like Christmas to get all creative.

With all those parties to attend, why not ensure you stand out from the crowd?

From your individual take on the Snow Queen theme to leaning towards Elf-esque, there are literally thousands of ways to show off your artistry.

Set to be big this year are themes based on Christmas trees, elves, snow, ice and berries.

As well as being able to get away with pigments that might not sit well at other times of the year, you can extend your look across large sections of your face. Think of your art as a cross between face painting and a pro MUA. And, of course, those UV pigments are still bang on trend.

From wonderful to weird - creative looks for Christmas

Now really is the time of year to spice up expanses of colour with sequins, stick on gems and even temporary tattoos. Why not?

We've collated a range of looks to inspire you. But first... Must have colours - all shades of green, red, plum, light blue, white, silver and gold.

Don't forget to

creations. Send send them us to pictures us on of

your Twitter

@CareRegime or

visit www.regimeskincare.co.uk our website at

A modern take on the Snow Queen theme

Inflammatory Breast Cancer is the breast cancer most women have never heard of. It is extremely rare, accounting for less than two per cent of all breast cancers. It is also deadly especially if it is not diagnosed quickly.

What sets this breast cancer apart is its aggressive nature, presentation and, more often than not, lack of a 'lump' .

Of those unlucky enough to be given a diagnosis of Inflammatory Breast Cancer around 50 per cent do not survive, data suggests.

Undetectable until the cancer is stage 3, this is a disease that develops quickly - often over a period of just weeks. So, unlike many other breast cancers, it does not take years to form. In addition, it is always present in at least one lymph node at diagnosis.

Not all breast cancers have a lump

This is a breast cancer that has no known genetic markers, meaning it is not hereditary. There is also no known cause, although medics often cite a raft of 'common denominators' such as smoking, alcohol consumption and being overweight. This cancer is commonly initially misdiagnosed - it can look like a myriad of benign breast conditions such as mastitis.

Symptoms can include one or a combination of the following: redness, swelling, feeling hot to the touch, pain, a rash, the appearance of orange peel-like skin, and an inverted nipple. The cancer grows like a spider's web in the skin and interferes with the lymphatic system. For some, this can lead to overall hardness in the breast.

Advances in systemic treatments over the past decade, however, are giving more women - and some men, too - real hope.

A trimodal approach has seen survival rates increase. Those diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic disease are living longer due to newer treatments.

These advances have put chemotherapy drugs first on the list of treatments. Neoadjuvant chemo is crucial to shrink the cancer and make surgery viable. Clear margins is the aim but some patients have the best possible start, experiencing a pathological complete response - meaning the drugs have killed all the cancer. This is not a cast iron guarantee that it will never come back, however. Following surgery (non-skin

sparing mastectomy with lymph node clearance), radiotherapy should commence in four weeks.

Depending on the cancer's 'sub-type' , its HER2 status, whether or not there was any residual disease after chemo and a person's age, further drug treatment is likely to be required - often for at least a year and in some cases for up to five or 10 years.

Additional treatments can include targeted cancer therapies such as Herceptin and Perjeta, hormone receptor antagonists such as Tamoxifen, more chemo and/or a three-year course of drugs to help prevent bone metastasis and osteoporosis.

Because Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) has different treatment pathways to most other breast cancers, patients need to be their own advocates. The only specialist centre in the UK is in Birmingham and it is important that those given a diagnosis of IBC know the correct treatment schedule.

Thankfully, the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network UK offers support and advice to all those going through treatment. In addition to sharing international treatment protocols and offering emotional support, it has a team of world-leading experts, based in Birmingham and at a university cancer centre in the US, to offer free second opinions.

While a diagnosis of IBC is devastating, more and more patients are either surviving it or living with it.

Me? Yes, it is me in the photos! Was... Stage 3b TN4N1. Currently... No evidence of disease.

Hope always.

For further information, visit ibcnetworkuk.org or www.macmillan.org.uk

If things become a bit much over the festive season and you find yourself feeling low, here are some good things to tell yourself.

The headline news since our last issue has been inflation and rising prices. Because of this, we launched a campaign to enable people who may be struggling to easily spread the cost of Christmas - without using credit.

As well as putting together a comprehensive guide, we have followed it up with daily cheap deals. The emphasis has been on gift ideas under £10 and, in some cases, under £3. The crux of our message has centred on encouraging people to start their gift shopping as early as possible. Advice that is especially important this year when heating bills are likely to eat into any spare cash as soon as the mercury drops.

Getting off to a good start can offer some breathing space nearer the big day - perfect for stocking up on treats or making a big purchase. We illustrated how a budget of £30 can buy presents for five people.

Here's what we've been up to since the Autumn issue of REGIME

If you want to learn more, turn to page 64 or visit our website.

Alternatively, save money by following our top deals. Check them out on Twitter @CareRegime.

As a mark of respect, we did not undertake any promotional or website activity on September 19 - the day of the Queen's funeral.

At the start of Autumn, we encouraged our followers to think about what influences their purchase decisions. Is it marketing? Reviews? Or word of mouth?

It is an important question we should all ask ourselves - it is estimated that each of us spends a whopping £900 a year as a result of reading online product reviews.

Having said that, trust in ratings have nosedived, mostly due to fake reviews.

Thankfully, the Government has taken action to ensure platforms are held accountable for reviews. This means anything suspect has to be removed or prevented from being posted in the first place.

Regime Skin Care continues to be an active member of My Helpful Hints Small Business Directory - known across social media as #MHHSBD.

We are most active during #EarlyBiz, which runs every day from 7am to 8am on Twitter. We try to support as many small businesses as possible, especially creatives and those offering B2B services, such as printing.

If you have never taken a look at #EarlyBiz tweets, we recommend them.

Other hashtag hours we participate in include #UKGiftAM and #UKGiftHour, both of which take place on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

We maintain regular posts on Facebook but don't find they reach very many of those who have liked our page. The same can be said for our public group. It's a ditto with Instagram too and that is why we rarely post there now. TikTok is a work in progress.

If you have never purchased something from a small business online, you are really missing out.

As well as offering unique gifts and cards, they deliver the personal touch that is so often missing when it comes to big brands and major platforms.

Creative, responsive and inexpensive, their products are regularly one-off treasures.

From jewellery and bags to wax melts and bath bombs, they make and sell many things you won't find on the high street.

Some sell via Etsy, a few on Amazon and many via their own websites.

With attention to detail, you will benefit from careful packing, a proper 'Thank You' card and, sometimes, even money-off offers. You will be blown away by just how much is out there to discover.

Here are some small brands we recommend

If you are looking for a bargain, something nobody else has got or a gift that is simply quirky, these businesses have got what you never realised you needed.

Art, in all its forms, is easy to find, as are necklaces, earrings and even tables.

From beautifully stitched purses and bags to marble printed scarves - you will find it all. You can even commission a knitted garment.

All the businesses featured on the following pages are known to us. We've even made a purchase from some of them. As well as being inspirational, they are trustworthy - and all are based in the UK.

Every purchase made from a small business helps the economy. Do your bit this Christmas and spend some of your cash with an authentic independent brand.

Kitty Kent Handmade

Stunning handmade cards, bags, jewellery and gifts. Check out the fabrics used for bags and purses. With beautiful linings and excellent stitchwork, products feature

superior zips and one-off designs.

Sells on: Etsy Based in Devon Twitter @KentHandmade

Ness-Sea Glass® Jewellery

Maker of award-winning jewellery - with a distinctly Scottish theme. Pieces feature real sea glass collected from the shores of Loch Ness. This small business also stocks a range of sea glass art and cards. Jewellery is additionally made with sterling silver, gold or stainless steel, depending on your requirements.

Sells on: Website Based in Scotland Twitter @Ness _SeaGlass Need a hair scrunchie? This is the place! Handmade in all sizes and with a multitude of fabric types - from school checks to party pieces. This small business also sells a range of other well-made fabric gifts, including scented ones, as well as items made from wood.

Sells on: Website Based in Yorkshire Twitter @CraftyGenes

Crafty Genes

Foxglove Acrylics

Unique home decor items handmade using both acrylic and resin. The artist makes everything from occasional tables to coasters and clocks.

Sells on: Etsy Based in Norfolk Twitter @FoxgloveAcrylic

Crafty Badger

For fun, unique and

high-quality personalised gifts, we recommend Crafty Badger. Its range includes stand-out mugs with seasonal and humorous designs, clothing, drinks bottles and coasters. You can even personalise your own gift.

Sells on: Website Based in UK Twitter @BadgerCrafty

Kent Coast Ghosts

If you want to take unique to a whole new level, snap up a handcrafted ghost with a story to tell. Highly collectable, this gift will spook and delight. Available in various colours and sizes as well as in jars.

Sells on: Website Based in Kent Twitter @KentCoastGhosts

Tiffany Budd Artist

Based in Surrey, Tiffany creates Fractured Art and colourful animals. She also accepts commissions. The award-winning fine art specialist works with acrylic paints, pencils and pastels. Her work has been widely exhibited and ranges in price, including highly affordable pieces.

Sells on: Big Cartel Based in Surrey Twitter @tiffanyjbudd

Carters Collectables UK

The place to look if you want to gift an antique or collectable. This family-run business has everything from jewellery and ornaments to trinket boxes and curios. From vintage to oneoffs, you will be amazed at what's in store. For a unique gift at a great price, this business is worth visiting online.

Sells on: Website Based in Isle of Wight Twitter @CartersCollecta

If you find it easier to buy presents than wrap them, you are not alone.

Up to one in five people hoard gifts before starting to think about the wrapping. In fact, as many as one in ten completely forget to buy wrapping paper until the last minute.

If you have ever been one of them, you will know what it feels like to be faced with a mountain of presents 24 hours before the Big Day and with very little Sellotape. Oh, and what about gift labels?

The truth is that, unless you actually enjoy spending hours cutting and sticking, very few of us look forward to the wrapping.

If, yet again, you have failed to wrap-as-yougo, chances are you will be dreading the task.

How to make wrapping presents a thing of the past

You can put away your

scissors fretting about ribbons and bows. and stop

If you really want a

December 25, forget

together. super-easy wrapping run-up paper to all

Save time by using festive boxes and bags instead. Relatively inexpensive, they look fabulous and are available in a wide range of sizes and designs.

Imagine...

'Wrapping' presents could be as easy as dropping gifts into bags and writing names.

And not only do they look fantastic, they can be used again - unlike most wrapping paper.

Check out our Top Buys and see how much time and hassle you could save yourself.

Below: Drawstring Christmas bags with tags. Pack of 30 in assorted sizes. Guide price: £8.99.

Above: These Christmas gift bags include tags and tissue paper. Sold in a pack of 12, they measure 9.1 x 3.5 x 5.9 inches and cost around £7.99. Below: Large gift box with magnetic lid. £9.99.

Above: Christmas gift boxes. Pack of 18 in four sizes small, medium, large and extra-large. With sticker tags. Guide price: £18.99.