BLUSH Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023/24

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73 Ski season accessories

74 The AW23 trends to know

Health & Fitness

78 Google, do I have ADHD?

80 TikTok trends: Hot Pilates

81 Four to follow

82 Smoothie recipes

84 Therapy: Your questions, answered

COVER CREDITS

Cover Star: Katie Piper

Photographer: Zak Walton

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.

Roll up! Roll up! Your Autumn/Winter edition of BLUSH has arrived, and as ever, it’s jam-packed with great reads, gift guides, and must-have style steals for the colder months ahead.

When creating this issue, we thought about what was most-important to women everywhere right now, amid World Cup scandals, mercury retrogrades, and the continuous battle for self-love in a society that thrives on us picking ourselves apart. The answer? Sisterhood.

So, we’ve put together an issue dedicated to the women, the brands, and the trends that are honing in on uplifting each other and focusing on what makes us feel good.

Our AW23 cover star is the incredible Katie Piper (p18 for the interview), who’s redefining what beauty means and making it work for her, as well as the incredible people who helped her regain confidence.

We’ve also got an in-depth investigation into whether TV shows are warping our expectations of female friendships (p50), an inside look at Margot Robbie’s *very* elaborate skincare routine (p30), and the ultimate guide to throwing dinner parties (p34) - the non-boring kind. Hopefully there’ll be plenty coming up, so save us a seat at the table.

Cheers to that!

Editor - @sophthompson

CREDITS

Executive Editor

Lee Gatland

Art Director

Richard Hejsak

Managing Editor

Sophie Thompson

sophie@sevenstarmedia.co.uk @sophthompson

LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER

AN AMBITIOUS CHARITY WITH A LOUD VOICE

Meet the charity bringing confidence to the lives of cancer patients

IT is estimated that there are currently three million people living in the UK with cancer, with that number expected to rise to four million by 2030.*

Demand for specialist services and support will continue to grow substantially over the next few years and governments will have to work hard to provide much-needed support for those affected by cancer.

Charities play such a vital role, providing support where governments do not, and reaching out to many people who would otherwise fall through the cracks. According to statistics**, in 2023 there are around 168,850 registered charities in England and Wales, but it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how many of those are cancer charities. What is clear, however, is that there are thousands of people relying on these charities to be able to deal with the challenges a cancer diagnosis brings.

people to build their self-confidence back up, make friends, gain skills and knowledge to help them on their cancer journey, and – most importantly – to make the person look good and feel better.

For many, facing cancer and undergoing treatment is a life-changing event that has a significant impact on a person’s health, physical appearance, and wellbeing. Often, people find themselves feeling isolated during this time, feeling that they have lost their identity and self-worth, sometimes afraid to leave the house and withdrawing from friends and family.

Look Good Feel Better is there to support and equip people with the knowledge, skills, friendship, networks, and peer support to face these issues during cancer.

Celebrating their 30th birthday next year, Look Good Feel Better is still more committed than ever to empowering patients by running workshops held by expert volunteers in hospitals, cancer care centres, luxury hotels, and spas across the country, as well as online. Advice is given to women, men, and young adults about changes that may occur during treatment to the likes of their skin, eyebrows, eyelashes, hair, and nails, as well as how to improve body confidence.

The workshops offer a relaxing environment for people to socialise, make friends, and talk to others facing similar issues. People who attend the workshops agree that they feel less isolated, more included, and part of a group. As a result, it helps their confidence grow, despite going through a traumatic time.

Rebecca from Greater Manchester can relate to this. She formerly worked as a cabin crew member for a leading international airline before being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in May 2022.

With a beaming smile and an infectious laugh, Rebecca has done her best to remain positive throughout

her treatment for cancer, which went on for many months and included chemotherapy as well as a double mastectomy.

She recently attended a makeup and skincare workshop and said of the escapism: “It was such a good experience, it was like a day out”.

“It is so important to take the time to look after yourself and this felt like a real treat. Being surrounded by people who could understand what you were going through felt incredibly comforting.”

How can you help?

Look Good Feel Better relies on voluntary donations and does not receive any government funding. It costs £50 to provide a seat at one of the charity’s faceto-face workshops.

From office bake sales to bungee jumps and skydives, garden parties to walks and runs, there are so many ways you can raise money and help make a real difference to support people living with cancer.

Visit lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk to see fundraising ideas and personal stories from people who have left workshops feeling more confident. Registration to all workshops is simple, and no GP or NHS referral is required.

* Macmillan Cancer Support **statista.com

STOP YOUR WAY TO BAD SKIN

social media addict.

“The most obvious, common issues are stiff neck, and poor posture”, Su-Man says of the biggest concerns people come to her with.

WE’RE constantly fed warnings about the impact of blue light on our skin, as well as the damage sitting at a desk all day long can do to us. But what

about when you combine them both? Well, facialists are asking us to rethink the way we work.

Let’s face it, the cave men probably weren’t as concerned about premature ageing or jowls as many people are today, but it means it’s more important than ever that we adapt to the lifestyle we’re living now, so we can enjoy modern tech, all while still looking great.

Coming to the rescue, renowned celebrity facialist with over 20 years in the biz, Su-Man Hsu, has designed a brand new treatment specifically to target the worrying impact our digital way of living is having on us. Scrolling for hours on end? Yep, that could actually be contributing to a growing population of double chins.

If you needed any more convincing, Naomi Campbell, Sienna Miller, Juliette Binoche and Jenna Coleman all count themselves as fans of her work.

The facial, new for 2023 and divided up into equal parts skincare, massaging, and stretching, aims to restore skin brightness, activate facial muscles, and reduce the appearance of loose skin caused by being a

“When you constantly look down at screens, it not only affects your posture and causes neck pain, but it also weakens the muscles connected to the neck and chin. This can result in reduced elasticity and sagging around the jaw.”

“Additionally, continually looking down at tablets can result in a loss of skin elasticity over time, leading to ageing more quickly.”

While you can expect the typical elements of going for a skin treatment (there are 10 steps of skin cleansing, toning, and moisturising involved), you’ll also undergo intense electrical muscle stimulation, and extraction over the 70-minute period. But, before wrapping up, you’ll also spend time going over exercises and steps you can take that suit your individual lifestyle to maintain the results going forward.

So, what are the key things you can take home with you? Su-Man advises: “Regular movement is crucial for maintaining a healthy body. To release tension in your neck, shoulders, and chest, focus on exercises that target these areas. Try opening and contracting your chest for improved spinal flexibility, lifting and dropping your chin to strengthen neck muscles, and tilting your head side to side.”

She adds: “Don’t forget to incorporate shoulder rotations and other exercises as well. Additionally, make sure to adjust the position of your phone or computer so that they are level with your eyes and maintain proper posture while sitting. Finally, try to stand and walk around after every hour or so.”

If you’re looking for an hour of relaxation - this probably isn’t it. While there’s ambience and calming aromas aplenty, Su-Man studied traditional Chinese healing arts and takes a very holistic approach to looking good.

We tried a digital damage facial that vows to reverse the skin effects of staring at a screen all day…

“LET’S FACE IT, THE CAVE MEN PROBABLY WEREN’T AS CONCERNED ABOUT PREMATURE AGEING OR JOWLS AS MANY PEOPLE ARE TODAY”

That means you can expect plenty of tugging, pulling, and kneading, all of which will leave you feeling reborn (and practically energised) by the end.

It’s not until you lie down on the treatment bed and she begins analysing your neck muscles that you realise how weakened they’ve become from the little things you wouldn’t even notice, like having your laptop screen at the wrong height for your eyes.

That being said, every hidden muscle stretched, and every knot massaged feels like it’s having an impact. The treatment goes so deep that it’s almost impossible to deny its results. It’s a yes from us.

Su-Man’s Digital Damage Resculpt Facial, £350 for 70 mins. Visit sofitelstjames.com

“WHEN YOU CONSTANTLY LOOK DOWN AT SCREENS, IT NOT ONLY AFFECTS YOUR POSTURE AND CAUSES NECK PAIN, BUT IT ALSO WEAKENS THE MUSCLES CONNECTED TO THE NECK AND CHIN”

When you’re on-the-go, carrying around a huge bottle of your favourite scent can be a task to say the least (and don’t even get us started on airport restrictions). Marc Jacobs are now selling its classic fragrances in handy capsules, so you can ‘burst’ your perfume straight onto your skin, and dispose of the packaging (which is all environmentallyfriendly). Each tin contains 30 capsules, or the equivalent of 30ml.

Magnitone BareFaced 3, Magnitone, £89

Powered by clinically proven VibraSonic® technology, one of the skincare world’s most-loved cleansing brushes has been given a makeover. Harsh bristles are a thing of the past, and Magnitone’s BareFaced 3 is powered by soft silicone that gives a great cleanse and massage to every skin type.

Latestinbeauty

Byroe Peony Tea Glow Oil, Sephora, £50

The brand that’s already taken the US by storm has finally made its way over to the UK, so we can all get a taste of how powerful tea can be (and not just to start off your day). Their best-selling Peony Tea Glow Oil is a 2-in-1 facial oil and primer that visibly brightens, locks in moisture, and creates a smooth base for luminous skin and makeup. All thanks to Peony Tea and Bakuchiol.

Huda Beauty 1 Coat Wow! Mascara, Cult Beauty, £20

Huda rarely misses, and she’s back with another gamechanging staple that does exactly what it says on the tin. While you’ll only need one coat of product for dreamy lashes, there’s also the luxury of two brush heads - one curved, concaved side providing instant volume, while the convex side

Cloud Nine 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro, Boots, £299

Cloud Nine have long-dominated the hair styling game, and their latest addition combines new technology with everything we already love about the brand. The Contouring Iron Pro has Ceramic Floating Plates, designed with Spring-Flex Technology™ which mould around your hair, so you never miss a strand, making it quicker and easier to achieve your looks.

OPI Big Zodiac Energy collection, OPI, £14.90

Things we love: Long-lasting manicures, gel-like finishes at home, and literally anything that we can relate back to our star signs. OPI’s Zodiac collection is made up of 12 jewel-inspired, pearlescent, and holographic shades each linked to a star sign, so you can show off your signature shade, or even mix it up and with your sun, moon, and rising signs.

The hottest new autumn launches that’ll have you clicking *add to cart*

Bob Return OF THE

With celebrities everywhere ditching their long hair, we’re asking - what’s the bob-session?

AFTER years of frantically Googling ‘hair growth methods’, trying every experimental lotion under the sun, and going through hundreds of extensions, we’re all cutting our hair off again.

A favourite of the late noughties, the classic bob has made its return thanks to the current ‘it’ girls of the moment, including the likes of Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber, and Zendaya, who have all chopped their locks in favour of a more manageable style.

While it may seem bold, Parisian style is at the forefront of fashion right now, and there’s nothing more French than a sleek, shoulderskimming haircut. There’s also surprisingly more than meets the eye to the new, upgraded bob too, with choppy layers and messy textures all popping up on Instagram.

To get the lowdown on how to make the style work for you, we’ve enlisted the help of Stevie Holland, senior stylist from London’s esteemed Salon64.

“Where has our bobsession come from?

“Trends in celebrity fashion combined with a new-found enthusiasm for tapping into our spiritual sides means some clients believe hair holds onto our negative experiences and energy. Removing a huge amount of length can help refresh your energy for a clearer head. They do say a lady wishing to change her hair wants to change her life!

Today’s bob is undone and effortless with a less-is-more attitude. Rewind twenty

years ago or more, bobs were harsh, structured and solid, with no room to be playful or feminine.”

Does bob = boring?

“Absolutely not! There’s so much fun to be had with a bob! My personal favourites include, blunt, sleek, and shiny (à la Kim Kardashian), 60s with a cute kick, or messy with tons of texture.

Oval face shapes are the most universal when it comes to hair, but bobs can look good on most face shapes, depending on length and texture.”

If you’re too scared to dive in hair-first…’

“Try collar bone! This is such a safe starting point, and gives you mass flexibility to still tie your hair up or even curl it as you would longer hair - think Alexa Chung vibes. It won’t take too long to grow out if you decide you don’t love it, but it’s the perfect way to get a feel for shorter hair.”

Stevie’s top bob maintenance tip:

First of all - regular haircuts! If long hair grows a couple of inches it’s never lifechanging and in the worst case scenario the wearer can always tie it up and forget about it for another month or so. If your bob grows a few inches or so it can quickly look misshapen and tired. Regular trims are vital.

Never underestimate the power of healthy hair. Although a bob means your hair is shorter than it perhaps once was, it doesn’t mean it’s time to neglect your hair.

The healthier the hair, the better looking the bob, and this can all come down to using the right shampoo and conditioner.

Viva la shine by SALON64 is an absolute must! Cruelty-free, vegan, and all-natural, these products have saved my bob-wearers on a number of occasions.

Hailey Bieber

Zendaya

What is Notox?

With influencers undoing their aesthetic treatments and celebrities getting more candid about the work they’ve had done, we could be at the start of an era where there’s less pressure to look a certain way, or turn to injectables in the name of beauty.

While fillers and Botox are still very much popular, there’s a rising trend of skincare-led products that can achieve similar results, without the need for needles, and at a much lower cost. Say hello, to Notox.

These Botox-mimicking products contain ingredients to help relax muscles rather than temporarily paralyse them, helping to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and plump in all the right places.

Bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin are just some of the key elements that bring the trend to life, giving you a glowy finish that you can top up each day (no in-betweenappointment downtime needed).

If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to start out small and build on your routine,

Beauty Notox buzzwords:

appointment with a registered aesthetician, or a more purse-friendly option that can be experimented with to suit you.

While it’s near-impossible that it’ll ever send Botox with its bags packing completely, it makes a worthy competitor, and is only opening up doors for more people to feel good, and look good.

as certain ingredients can take a bit of getting used to. There are also a lot of great at-home devices that use electrical pulses and infrared light to give you the full at-home facial experience.

Of course, you don’t have to do any of this. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to sit back and age gracefully, but if you do choose to go down this route, we should feel empowered to make that choice too.

Notox or Botox?

It’s all about personal preference. Of course, Notox is a far less permanent solution (a course of Botox will usually last around 12 months), and is designed to be used alongside a healthy lifestyle to promote even better results.

The positive being it carries little-tono-risk, particularly when it comes to the prospect of the infamous frozen Botox face (very unlikely, but still a risk), and isn’t invasive.

Notox is perfect for anyone looking to test the waters before booking an

With people ditching the needle in favour of more natural aesthetic treatments, is it really possible to replicate Botox in a bottle?

Potential Has No Age

Revolutionary skincare. Wake up to a sculpted, redefined look.* NEW

A night concentrate that works while you sleep. Featuring advanced LiftDynamic 4D Technology, this formula visibly tightens and contours the jawline.*

VITAL PERFECTION

LiftDefine Radiance Night Concentrate Uplifting and Firming Cream

CONFIDENCE DOING MY WAY:

Katie Piper

Photographer: Zak Walton

WHEN it comes to summing up the question

‘Who is Katie Piper?’, there’s a lot to answer for. Despite being 38 years old, she’s already beaten the odds to accomplish becoming a seasoned author, model, television presenter, writer, and activist.

Most will associate her rise into the spotlight with a devastating 2008 acid attack led by her ex-boyfriend, which left her with body-wide burns and scars that will last a lifetime. But over 400 operations later, the Hampshire native is keeping the past firmly where it belongs, and looking forward to how she can shape a better future alongside her children.

She’s now pioneering her charity The Katie Piper Foundation (which supports other burns victims), and has received an OBE for her services to charity.

“It has always been incredibly important for me to focus on the future, and look aheadthat’s a positive thing”, she tells us of how she’s changed her outlook in recent years.

“We are not defined by a moment or past trauma, we can create a new life, and focus in on this. Of course, that is easier said than done for many, including me, but with hope, faith, and affirmations, an empowering future is possible. “Hope is a powerful thing”, she adds.

She credits having ‘always loved’ reading and writing, which has led her to publish nine books, including her most recent, a children’s book called ‘All You Need’ - an empowering tale about ‘Teeny Mouse’, who aims to teach the

importance of believing in yourself.

Watching Katie on TV (having even joined Loose Women as a regular panellist), it’s hard to imagine how much she’s been through in the last 15 years, and she recognises the importance of staying busy in order to stay on a positive path.

“There have been so many highlights but receiving my OBE at Windsor Castle for services to charity in February 2022 was such a special moment for my family and I”, she says.

“It was a wonderful day of celebration, and official acknowledgement of my brilliant Katie Piper Foundation team.”

“It is my life’s work and something I am immensely proud of. We have a brilliant team of volunteers, fundraisers and medical staff who work tirelessly hard to make a difference.”

“WORRY IS A TOTAL WASTE OF TIME. ALL IS DOES IT STEAL YOUR JOY AND KEEP YOU VERY BUSY DOING NOTHING AT ALL”

The TV presenter, author, and activist opens up to BLUSH about finding empowerment from the headlinemaking incident that changed her life

“WE ARE NOT DEFINED BY A MOMENT OR PAST TRAUMA, WE CAN CREATE A NEW LIFE”

Photographer: Zak Walton

But that doesn’t mean it’s always a smoothsailing journey. In fact, she’s in recovery from a recent operation on her left eye, having had tissue grafted it onto it after suffering from ‘a defect for many months’.

It can be a bold reminder of ghosts past, and she makes it clear that healing is by no means linear - no matter how much success the universe brings. “Like everyone, I have good days and bad days”, Katie admits.

“For me, I try to recognise and ‘feel’ my feelings and ride through those emotions. I also know what can help me in those situations.

“For me, exercise and running are great mood boosters, so if I can I’ll commit to an activity I know will improve a ‘down day’. Sometimes though, I just need a sofa day, with some easywatching TV and a Dairy Milk chocolate bar!”

And her advice extends beyond her own life. With a passion for empowering other women, she’s become a fountain of positivity for many facing their own personal challenges. Speaking of the secret behind finding your balance, she says: “For me, I love having my hair styled, nails painted, and planning fun outfits. Those things are in my ‘confidence toolkit’ so you need to find those ‘little things’ which actually make a big difference to how you feel day to day.

“Exercise is a huge part of my toolkit, and so is seeing friends and family for quality time.”

When it comes to beauty, it’s safe to say the mum-of-two is a trailblazer. She’s had to re-learn how to find a look that makes her feel confident multiple times over, including how to do makeup using just one eye, after her eyesight became impacted.

“Always take your makeup off before bed

– my mum’s advice!”, she jokes of the best tip she’s been taught. “There’s no better beauty hack (other than drinking lots of water)”.

She’s previously noted some of her go-to buys as Caudalie Vinoclean Instant Foaming Cleanser, Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream, and Ardell’s Demi Wispies eyelashes, but beyond that, there are people who help inspire her look beyond what any lotion can.

“I actually love a beauty fad – I love the world of beauty and skincare so within reason I love to try, learn and experiment!”, she adds.

When quizzed on her biggest beauty inspiration, she doesn’t hesitate to mention Ellie Goldstein, who broke the internet when she was unveiled as the first model with Down Syndrome to front a campaign for Gucci.

“What an incredible woman. Beautiful inside and out and absolutely loves her life”, Katie notes. “She lights up every room she enters in a way I’ve never experienced or seen before.”

Katie, who has been involved in the modelling industry herself over the years, speaks candidly about the huge impact people like Goldstein have had on the controversial industry: “More than ever we are seeing diversity, disability and difference in the modelling industry – and therefore we are seeing this change in our magazines, television screens and billboards”, she admits.

“IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT FOR ME TO FOCUS ON THE FUTURE, AND LOOK AHEAD”

Photographer: Zak Walton

“Of course, so much more needs to be done, but I also feel it is important to recognise positive change and progress.

“I look forward to being part of and witnessing more progress in this area, and encouraging open conversation - that’s where the change really drives from.”

However, she quotes late singer, Christina Grimmie, when it comes to channelling the infectious energy of both her and Goldstein: “Confidence is not ‘they will like me’. Confidence instead is ‘I’ll be fine if they don’t.”

It echoes closely with her ethos when it comes to social media, being the positive change where you can. The OBE boasts over one million followers, and is no stranger to the effects of trolling.

“Social media has both good and bad sides”, she candidly opens up.

“For me I limit the bad, I ignore, I block, I take breaks. What I also see are the positives that can come from having a community of

“Social media has opened up the world and made ideas and people accessible. This can have a positive effect too, as long as it is respected.”

But for now, she’s occupied with being a mum, a flourishing career (she’s just wrapped up on presenting Jailhouse Mums), and is focused on ‘health and happiness’ for herself and her family.

Belle Elizabeth, 7, and Penelope Diane, 5, ‘enriched’ her life after worrying she’d never be able to have children due to the side effects of a medication she was taking to aid her recovery.

On the mantras she hopes to pass onto the youngsters, she says: “Worry is a total waste of time. All is does it steal your joy and keep you very busy doing nothing at all.”

On the advice she’d give to her younger self could she do it all over again? She simply notes: “Keep going, dear.”

“LIKE EVERYONE, I HAVE GOOD DAYS AND BAD DAYS”

Photographer: Zak Walton

Moringa Cleansing Balm

Emma Hardie’s multi awardwinning Moringa Cleansing Balm is a purifying botanical cleansing balm that removes all traces of face and eye make-up, deeply cleanses the pores, as well as balancing, hydrating, and moisturising the skin.

A ‘spa-in-a-jar’ at home, Moringa Seed Extract, Wild Sea Fennel and Vitamin E balance and purify and essential oils of Orange, Neroli, Mandarin, Jasmine and Rose rejuvenate and deeply condition the skin.

Available at WWW.EMMAHARDIE.COM

A-pill-a-day

Victoria Beckham

Bee pollen

Lizzo

JJSmith Liver Focus Formula

Lizzo came under fire at the end of 2020 after embarking on a ‘detox’ with the help of nutritionist JJ Smith - but she’s since cleared up that it was never about losing weight.

“It’s great to reset your stomach and reset things, especially if you deal with gastrointestinal issues like I do,” the singer says, citing a month of drinking and eating spicy foods as her reasons.

The Liver Focus capsules she turned to reportedly help heal liver, and protect your body against harmful toxins.

GOOD FOR: Rebuilding liver health, Increasing your body’s natural fat-burning capabilities

While it may seem like a moment of madness, the fashion designer insists her youthful looks over the years have been retained using bee pollen. The superfood comes in a powder form, so can be sprinkled over salads, into smoothies, or taken in capsules.

To say it’s powerful would be an understatement, as it contains twenty-two amino acids, 12 vitamins, and 28 minerals. That’s not to say it’s new, however, as it’s been consumed by humans since ancient times.

GOOD FOR: Skin health Energy, Heart health

Priyanka Chopra- Jonas

The Well Superpowder

The Well is New York’s membership-only wellness club for the elite, but now you can get a taste of the lifestyle from home with their new supplement range. In fact, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas credits their Superpowder for helping build a better immune system thanks to its Vitamin C and Quercetin - and it’s super easy to sprinkle into a smoothie or some oats.

GOOD FOR: Improving allergy symptoms, Brighter skin, Immune health

Liver Focus, 120 capsules, jjsmithonline.com, $69.90 (£56)

Superpowder 100g, the-well.com, $54 (£43)

90 Tablets, hollandandbarrett.com, £12.49

Bee Pollen 500mg

Favoured by the A-list, these supplements have star quality for maintaining beauty inside and out

AW23 BEAUTY TO KNOW –AND HOW TO GET THE LOOK

IN homage to the late Vivienne Westwood, punk is making a brief (and muchwelcomed) reappearance, with smoky lids and dark pops on the lips galore.

Recreate the look

Scattered Light Glitter

Eyeshadow in ‘Smoke’,

hourglasscosmetics.com, £28

cultbeauty.co.uk, £17

Nars High-Pigment

Vieve Lip Dew in Pesca, Pencil Eyeliner,

cultbeauty.co.uk, £22

Photographer: Murat Esibatir

ALL THAT GLITTERS

MOVING swiftly from festival season straight into party season, we’re keeping with the theme of getting experimental, testing new textures, and grabbing everyone’s attention.

Recreate the look

Magical Makeup

sephora.co.uk, £7.99

Plant Power Polish Hollywood

Glitter Pigment, in ‘Eco Glow’, Flawless Filter,

nailsinc.com, £9 charlottetilbury.com, £39

Photographer: Cottonbro Studio

DRecreate the look

Photographer: Cottonbro studio

Life after cancer

At the time, Zara’s teenage cancer nurse encouraged her to attend charity Look Good Feel Better’s young adult virtual skincare and makeup workshops, run by volunteer beauty professionals.

21-year-old Zara Barton’s zest for life and energy is infectious. She works in London for a major beauty company and enjoys the busy lifestyle the city has to offer. However, things have not always been easy for her. In fact, Zara has been through a few extremely difficult years.

Aged only 19 and in her second year as a student at Nottingham Trent University, Zara received the devastating news that she had cancer. It was Stage 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma - a type of blood cancer.

After months of treatments, including chemotherapy, and no clear indication when her recovery would be complete, she reluctantly decided to end her studies, which was a difficult decision to make.

She explains: “I had made friends at uni who were moving on with their studies when I couldn’t.

“My confidence was significantly impacted following my diagnosis. Chemotherapy had a huge impact on my appearance due to the hair loss it caused, which made me extremely self-conscious. I felt really down about myself.

“I found it difficult because although I felt like myself on the inside, the physical effects of chemotherapy meant that others could see I was unwell.”

“The charity’s workshop helped me by introducing me to other people of a similar age who were going through the same experience. They also equipped me with the right beauty products to help me during and after my treatment”, she says.

“It gave me a real boost at a time when this was much-needed.”

Fortunately, Zara received the all-clear in 2022 and was finally able to get on with her life. She successfully applied to do a three-year Retail and Education Apprenticeship with L’Oreal and is now thriving in her job.

Not one to sit still for long, she’s already giving something back to the charity. This summer, together with her manager and two colleagues, she took the brave decision to take part in a Look Good Feel Better sky dive, falling thousands of feet and raising over £4,000.

“I was one of the first to dive out of the plane.

“It was a fantastically thrilling experience and apparently, I screamed all the way”, she jokes.

Zara is now facing her future with renewed energy and optimism. She adds:

“After a few years of uncertainty, I am really enjoying my new health. I love looking after myself with a good skincare routine and regular exercise. I am definitely motivated to stay fit and strong.”

Every year Look Good Feel

Better supports thousands of people like Zara through face-to-face and virtual workshops - but without funds, they wouldn’t exist.

It costs the charity £50 to provide a seat at a workshop, visit the website to find out how you can help support more young adults: lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk

21-year-old Zara Barton is proving that a diagnosis doesn’t have to cost your confidence

IN HER SKIN:

Take a sneak peek inside the Barbie star’s maintenance routine

La Prairie, Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, Selfridges, £439

Lancer Skincare The Method Cleanser, Sephora, £54

Lancer’s cleanser is

1

Prairie have made quite the name for themselves, and not just because they sell one of the most expensive creams the high-street can buy (rivalled only by La Mer). The Swiss caviar-powered cream tones and tightens skin, making it a favourite for those dipping their toe into anti-ageing products. While it’s a splurge, it has the fivestar reviews to back it up, and if it’s a Margot Robbie favourite, we have no choice but to support.

2 3

Peter Thomas Roth Complexion Correction Pads, Cult Beauty, £38.50

“I honestly stumbled across them, and now i can’t live without them. your skin is better after. They’re really strong,” says Robbie.

111SKIN Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Face Mask, LookFantastic, £20

Plastic surgeon-developed and surgically-inspired 111SKIN masks have become an Instagram sensation for A-listers getting ready to hit the red carpet, and it would seem it’s not just a phase. Robbie has confessed her love for the products, which harness the power of Sea Anemone and Ectoin to shield skin from environmental damage; and NAC Y²™️, which dramatically reduces the effects.

“They’re made out of a jelly sort of stuff and the serum they’re soaked in is so good”, the 33-year-old has

Caudalie Beauty Elixir, LookFantastic, £24

“I keep this hydrating spray in my bag at all times,” she previously revealed to InStyle. “It has an amazing herbal scent that wakes me up.”

Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol, SpaceNK, £17

Infused with rose petals, Aesop in the bathroom just isn’t enough for Robbie, who counts this hydrating spray as one of her favourite travel buys. She travels around a lot as she hails from Australia, works in Los Angeles, and has a British husband, so knows the damaging effects of aeroplane air conditioning firsthand.

Bepanthen Nappy Rash Care Ointment, Superdrug, £3.25

“I have a conspiracy theory that lip balms actually have additives in them to dry your lips out, so you keep buying them,” The actor has previously speculated, claiming she’s used it ‘her whole life’.

guestBe our

So, we’ve brought in the sought-after advice of Pippa Masson, party planning expert at Fizzbox , to help you prepare for your best (and least-stressful) gathering yet.

FRIENDS, copious amounts of wine, great food, and lots of laughter. There’s little not to love about throwing dinner parties. They’re an attractive alternative for those of us seeking a fun night without the pressure of clubbing and overpriced drinks, and they’ve been reinvented from the ‘old-fashioned’ format we may have previously associated them with. However, when it comes to impressing, there doesn’t have to be pressure. There doesn’t need to be a banquet. Your home doesn’t need to be spotless (no really, 40 per cent of people worry about this when having people over). We’re doing dinner parties by our own rules, and top of the agenda is making it memorable.

Theme your dinner party: Why not opt for a theme for your dinner party? Choose a fun and playful theme that will appeal to your guests, such as vintage glam, exotic paradise, or an 80s party - you could even adapt your menu to fit your chosen theme. Fancy dress should of course be mandatory - just think of those photos! Adding a theme to your dinner party will add another dimension to your event, creating talking points for your guests and making it totally memorable.

*Taps glass* We now declare it dinner party season, and we’re teaching you to be the host with the most

“ADDING A THEME TO YOUR DINNER PARTY WILL ADD ANOTHER DIMENSION TO YOUR EVENT, CREATING TALKING POINTS FOR YOUR GUESTS AND MAKING IT TOTALLY MEMORABLE”

Decorate with flair: If you’d prefer not to theme your dinner party, then ensure you style your space with flair instead. Consider the use of a pretty table centrepiece and elegant table settings. Include some fairy lights or string lights to create a soft, cosy atmosphere - this will have everyone feeling calm and relaxed.

Signature cocktails: We love the idea of creating your own signature cocktail and mocktail to celebrate your dinner party - who can resist a tasty concoction after all? While on the subject of cocktails, you could even make a DIY cocktail station in your space too, where guests can personalise their

own drinks and add different garnishes for an added touch of fun. This will be sure to add a unique element to your event.

Indulgent menu: Get set to impress your guests with a mouth-watering menu that they will absolutely adore. If you’ve decided to go with a theme for your dinner party, take it a step further by creating dishes that not only align with your theme, but also have hilarious names that add a little entertainment. We’d suggest chatting with your guests well in advance to ensure you can accommodate any dietary requirements, allergies, or intolerances they may have on the night. By doing so, you’ll show your thoughtfulness and will make sure that everyone can fully enjoy the delicious feast you’ve prepared.

Playlist: Curate an epic playlist that will be sure to set the mood and keep the atmosphere laid-back and upbeat. From feel-good classics to current hits, choose tunes that will have your guests singing and shimmying along all night long. With the perfect playlist, you’ll create a vibrant atmosphere that will have everyone bopping along. So fire up those speakers and let the music be the soundtrack to an unforgettable party!

Bottoms up!

Holy Highball

Ingredients

50ml Vodka

50ml Fresh-pressed Apple Juice

10ml Lemon Juice

50ml Franklin & Sons

1886 Soda Water, or enough to top up Slice of apple, to garnish

Method

Fill a highball glass with ice, then add the vodka, apple juice and lemon juice, before topping up with Franklin & Sons 1886 Soda Water. Gently stir and garnish with a slice of apple to serve.

Cocktail top tips

From Lauren Edwards, Partnerships Manager at Franklin & Sons

Bar essentials to stock include liqueurs - sweet, brilliant alcoholic modifiersand bitters which are a concoction of herbs and spices that add character to your drink. Sugar syrup is an easyto-make modifier for sweetening cocktails, and a classic bar staple –add a 2:1 ratio of sugar and boiling water to a heat-proof bowl, stir until dissolved, and store in the fridge for five days to make this essential.

An array of citrus fruits and herb garnishes such as lemons, limes, grapefruit, and mint, are always great for elevating your cocktails. The fresh juice and oils from citrus add aroma and flavour to drinks, while herb garnishes provide colour.

Glass types

Highball or ‘Collins’ glasses

Paloma

Ingredients

50ml Blanco Tequila

10ml Lime Juice

10ml Agave Syrup

50ml Franklin & Sons 1886 Soda Water

Topped with Franklin & Sons Pink Grapefruit Soda

Method

Add the first three ingredients and stir them into an ice-filled glass. Top with Franklin & Sons Pink Grapefruit Soda and garnish with a slice or wedge of grapefruit. As an optional extra you could first rim the glass with salt.

These are brilliant for mixed drinks such as a simple gin and tonic, although they’re also great for classic cocktails like Mojitos or a Tom Collins.

Rocks/Old Fashioned glasses

These are perfect short glasses for cocktails such as a Negroni, Old Fashioned or Bramble.

Wine Glasses are great for your wines, and when filled with ice, they are perfect for your favourite spritz serves.

Coupe Glasses are essential for cocktails such as an Espresso Martini and Cosmopolitan, although they are traditionally used for champagne. The stem means that the drinker can hold their cocktail without the hand warming up the drink, so cocktails in these glasses very rarely contain ice.

Staying motivated this season

Exercising in autumn and winter can be tough, the onset of colder weather means more energy is needed to warm up the muscles and joints properly.

Fortunately, exercising can help to combat the winter blues by boosting energy levels and getting those endorphins flowing. Getting started can be easier said than done, so we’ve outlined some advice from PTs’ at PureGym to keep you moving!

Get a workout buddy

PT Jamie Thorp suggests finding a friend to work out with.

“Going to the gym alone is hard and winter seems to be a time when we may want to stay inside! Simply recruiting a workout buddy can be perfect to boost accountability, plus it’s a warm and dry way to socialise.”

Have a plan

PT Jake Jamieson, says;

“If you’re someone who goes into the gym and wings it with no plan, you might be more likely to lose interest and motivation because you are not achieving results. Put yourself in the best possible position with a solid plan to set you in the right direction to achieve your goals and keep motivation.”

Create a routine

Another tip from Jake is to develop a routine.

“Regardless of the season it’s always important to remember motivation comes and goes and we can’t always rely on it. Creating habits and developing discipline will be what is going to keep you going, guiding you to ensure you’re doing the things you need to do from day to day.”

Track your nutrition

Another tip from PT Andrew Laidlaw, is setting nutrition goals.

“Tracking your calories by using a food diary like MyFitnessPal is a great way to keep you accountable and on track to achieving your goals.”

Walk in the sun

Another tip from Andrew is going out for a walk in the day can boost your vitamin D levels, which will help keep your energy up throughout the day, as well as help to regulate your circadian rhythm and lead to better sleep.

This season can make exercising more challenging but keeping up with a routine will help to stave off the ‘winter blues’ and stand you in good stead for the spring and summer periods. Remember to set attainable goals, listen to your body and be kind to yourself on the days you struggle.

Baked Banana and Dark Chocolate Porridge

If the thought of exercising outside in winter is a big no, you can find your nearest gym here. puregym.com/gyms

Step up your ordinary bowl of oats, both in flavour and nutrition. Bananas are high in fibre and potassium, an essential mineral that aids heart health, while dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants. We’ve then topped with Greek yoghurt and honey for a dessert like finish that’s higher in protein than your standard bowl of oats.

Ingredients

Method

Preheat your oven to 170c.

Mix together the mashed banana, oats, milk, water and dark chocolate chips and pour into a baking dish before topping with the sliced banana.

Next, pop the dish into the oven for 20-25 minutes, baking until the oats are creamy and the top is starting to crisp. Now spoon the porridge mixture into 4 dishes. Top it with a drizzle of honey and serve with Greek yoghurt.

Top tip: If you have any leftovers, leave to cool, and place into the fridge for an easy breakfast food prep.

If we’ve inspired you to level up your oats game, have a look at our cinnamon apple oats recipe or if you’re more of a chocoholic, try our s’mores protein crumpet recipe! puregym.com/blog/cinnamon-apple-oats-recipe puregym.com/blog/smores-protein-crumpet-recipe

1.

2.

3.

4. 5.

1 tsp honey

Calling allbrides-to-be

Your ultimate guide to planning a hen weekend to remember

Some inspiration….

A countryside retreat

Renting out an Airbnb in the middle of nowhere is the perfect weekend escape for larger groups. There are so many options that have swimming pools, BBQs, and plenty of fresh air for you to enjoy. Cycle, walk, and get active during the day, then crack open a bottle of wine in the evening. You could even hire a private chef to make you a slap-up meal to remember.

Live like you’re 18 again

When you hear the word ‘hen do’ you automatically associate it with women hitting the town, acting out of character, and drinking way too many shots. And why shouldn’t we be allowed to do that if we want to? Grab your tackiest sash and veil, and prepare to hit the dancefloor.

An activity to remember

You only throw a hen once (hopefully), so why not mark the occasion by doing something you’ve always wanted to? Whether it’s skydiving, ziplining, or

open-water swimming, it might terrify some of your guests, but you’ll be talking about it for years to come.

Flee the country

Destination hen parties are growing in popularity - it’s just as cheap to head abroad as it is to stay in the UK if you’re planning a longer celebration these days. Ibiza, Croatia, and Mykonos are all go-tos for those seeking a lavish few days in the sun.

1. Know your audience

Quite often, if you’re given hen-planning responsibilities, you’re not going to know everyone on the guest list super well. It could include a sister-in-law or mother of the bride, so when you’re planning activities, make sure you’re catering to everyone! If in doubt, ask the bride, she always knows her nearest and dearest best, but make sure you’re looking after her too. It can be easy to think about what you would want for your hen, and plan your own dream party. Make a list of five things your bride loves, and branch your ideas off from there.

2. Be mindful

Weddings are expensive! It’s likely your bride is putting a lot of cash into planning her dream day, so bear it in mind when it comes to organising, particularly if she’s paying. If the group is splitting the cost of the celebration, also take into account that not everyone will have the same budget. It’s good to set expectations with everyone before going wild with booking activities.

3. Time it right

On average, most brides opt to have their hen party six weeks before their big day. The timing is close enough to let the celebrations continue flowing until they tie the knot, but not so close that they’re not completely recovered, and don’t have time to do any last minute admin.

hen checklistparty

Talk to your bride

Secure the guestlist

Set a date

Send the invites

Arrange budgets

Book activities

Book accommodation

Organise extras (food/ drink/decor)

“IT’S GOOD TO SET EXPECTATIONS WITH EVERYONE BEFORE GOING WILD WITH BOOKING ACTIVITIES”

Cap, thegoto.com, £44 gingerray.co.uk, £24.99

Drop-top guest book,

sixstories.co.uk, £22.99

Pearl bride hair bow,

BLUSH Book Club

new reads that

The Pocket Guide to Patriarchy

Maya Oppenheim, waterstones.com, £12.99

This essential guide explores the inequalities that women are still facing across the globe and how you can help combat them. Did you know that less than 20 per cent of landowners are women? It’s time to spark big conversations.

Yellowface

Rebecca F Kuang, waterstones.com , £16.99

You’ve probably seen the cover to this tale of deception in the hands of every commuter - and that’s because no one can put it down. This novel sees June Hayward steal the identity of Athena Liu after she dies in a freak accident, and delves into just how far she’ll go to stay the centre of attention.

Nineteen Steps

Millie Bobby Brown, waterstones.com , £16.99

Inspired by the heartbreaking events of her family’s history, Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown is embarking on her debut as an author, and it’s far different from projects past. This war novel explores the love and loss of a teenage girl trying to live a normal life through history-changing events.

is getting stuck into

Tough Crowd

Andi Osho, waterstones.com, £8.99

A satirical comedy (AKA the perfect pool read), this novel sees aspiring comedian, Abi, attempt to win over her toughest crowd yet - her step-children. It’s witty, relatable, and all-too-honest. Author, Andi, is also flipping the tables and starring in Sex Education season four.

Heartstopper Volume 5

Alice Oseman, waterstones.com , £12.99

If you’ve binge-watched the Netflix show, you’re going to love the books even more. The latest installment in Alice Oseman’s collection sees Nick plan to move to university while Charlie desperately clings onto their relationship.

Good Material

Dolly Alderton, waterstones.com , £18.99

What’s Dolly Alderton great at? Writing realistic books about the weight of expectations in friendships and relationships. And she’s written yet another brilliant book all about it. Prepare to feel seen.

The

everyone

home trends to know ThebiggestAW23 Home,

WE’RE introducing new colours, playing with patterns, and injecting some major style elements through the eras as we reveal our top home trends for Autumn/Winter 2023.

Begin your décor shake-up with Paint the Town, which brings bold pops of red and all its glorious colour-washed iterations into your home. Continuing with impactful interiors, Bloomsbury encourages eclecticism through a playful mix of texture, colour, and pattern, inspired by the enduring appeal of Charleston House.

Grounded brings things gently back down to earth to infuse your home with perhaps 2023’s top trending colour: brown. Combining soft leathers and striking wooden furnishings with a neutral colour palette, Grounded promises a much-needed place of retreat as we leave long summer days behind.

And we end on New Nostalgia, harking back to the design legacy of the 1970s. Combining streamlined wooden furniture in rich, wood tones with a bold (and beautiful) colour palette of sage green and mustard yellow, the very best of retro styling is just a few page flicks away. Prepare to get inspired...

Trend:

GROUNDED

Boutique

Brando 4 Seater

Sofa, £2795, Arc floor lamp, £269, Globe Coffee Table, £439

Furniture Village

Mars Extending Dining Table And 4 Dining Chairs, £1295

Furniture Village

PLAY with brown’s many hues from oak to hazelnut, and from caramel to butterscotch, to create a home that acts as a balm to the busyness of daily life. We suppose you could say...staying grounded, which is exactly what this trend alludes to.

Brown can be a hard colour to fathom styling with at first, but as the leaves outside turn from vivid green to burnt orange and we retreat into the comfort of our homes, there is no better time to embrace this surprisingly versatile colour trend.

Buttery, soft leather sofas in deep chocolate or sweet treacle are a wonderful place to start. Only growing better with age as leather becomes worn-in and well-loved, a statement sofa speaks to the atease spirit of the shade. And, if you see wood as a wholesome hue rather than just a material, it means you can effortlessly work this trend into every inch of your home. Opt for open wooden pantry shelving in a kitchen, dressing it with ceramics and jars, and see how this trend can combine both form and function.

sweet home

Harrison

Yorkshire 25K Divan Set, £3899, Harrison Spinks Sycamore Headboard, £1299, Oval Lamp, £149 Furniture Village

Trend:

PAINT THE TOWN

ALLURING and confident, bold yet timeless, a touch of rouge is never misplaced. Our AW23 trend, Paint The Town, encourages you to embrace red at home in all its forms. Combine the cosy warmth of damask rose and the sensual energy of spicy paprika for a showstopping space.

Deeper shades of red infused with orange, or black undertones like burgundy, terracotta, and maroon soak in the light to pull the room in closer, and turn it into a cocoon-like haven. Peppered with accents of poppy red, navy blue, and dark woods, or tempered with a mix of white via a houndstooth footstool, you can introduce a contemporary lift while still enjoying the cosy, fireside feel of a colour-drenched red room.

The most tempting place to start? There’s no better place to play with the daring feel of red than in the bedroom. Go all out with rich velvets in deep burgundy hues, softened with clay red walls and a scattering of cushions, and you might just never leave the boudoir again.

Spinks

At The Helm Shackleton three-seater sofa, £1895, Felix Accent Chair, £495, G Plan Avon Storage Footstool, £469 Furniture Village

Felix Accent Chair, £495, Asterope table lamp, £129, G Plan Avon Storage Footstool, £469 Furniture Village

Hamilton Round Dining Table And Chairs, £1299, Acanthus table lamp, £199 Furniture Village

Hewitt Console Table, £549, Kalvin Table

Lamp, £199 Furniture Village

Trend:

BLOOMSBURY

Combining swirls, spots, and colourful washes with trinkets and tokens of a life well-lived, Charleston House is a playbook in eclectic and authentic living. Taking inspiration from the democratic approach to art championed by the likes of Bell, Grant, and Fry, Bloomsbury forgoes rigid style rules and encourages a foray into colour, pattern, and texture, allowing your home to showcase everything and anything you love.

Dress tabletops with foliage-filled vases and urns, overlay rugs in varied colours and weaves, and allow ornaments to adorn every surface. Round things off by scattering mismatched cushions, rich in detail and varied in hue, on your sofa to make every space a canvas in true Bloomsbury style.

Your home needn’t be brimming with antiques and ebonised wood to channel the bohemian spirit of a Bloomsbury home. Draw on modern country furniture with its scrolled arms and pedestal bases to make this look entirely your own.

The Lounge Co Bronwyn

3 Seater Sofa, £1595, The Lounge Co

Bronwyn Foot stool, £395 Furniture Village

Trend:

NEW NOSTALGIA

As 2023 began, so did the revival of 1970s style. Its influence can be found almost everywhere we look: from the TV shows we watch to the shoes we wear and, of course, our homes.

70s style is lauded for its cool colourways, soft shapes, and flowing feel, creating an easy-going yet sophisticated look. With nods to the natural world through its use of materials, texture, and warm, earthy tones, it’s the perfect aesthetic for a functional and relaxing home. Danish wood tones are a must and we’re highlyfavouring retro-inspired sweeping sideboards and shapely seating.

Pair these striking wooden accents with warm tones of sage and mustard alongside potted plants to bring a mellowing influence that invites the outdoors in.

Particularly when combined with classic 1970s geometric patterned wallpaper and shapely soft furnishings, your room will be a clear statement of suave, vintage styling.

Harrison Spinks

Yorkshire 10k divan set double, £2299, Harrison Spinks Willow Headboard double, £829, Furniture Village

Lista Desk, £469, Ercol Heritage Chair, £199 Ashworth Lamp, £99 Furniture Village

Bakerloo Extending Table & 2 Benches Set, £1195, Gaucho Ceiling Light, £89 Furniture Village

Samantha Carrie vs

Have TV sitcoms killed the joy and weighed-down our expectations of friendship?

WHETHER drama-filled or romance-packed, sitcoms have long-dominated our TV viewing habits, with shows such as Sex And The City and Friends still being go-to watches decades after they were first released. They bring entertainment in a form that is timeless, and a relatability to your own life that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere.

With reboots of classics, such as Sex And The City’s new spin-off ‘And Just Like That’, it looks like we won’t be letting go of our fantasies anytime soon.

As the reborn 90s show leaps into season two following a successful comeback, there’s one very unexpected addition making an unexpected appearance that’s got everyone talking.

After snubbing season one, Kim Cattrall (also known as Samantha Jones) has reappeared in the show (even if only for a brief moment), prompting speculation about fallouts and if even TV’s seemingly most-perfect friendship group has its flaws.

Cattrall allegedly flanked the debut season after an IRL fallout with co-star Sarah Jessica Parker (aka Carrie Bradshaw), however, despite the disappointment, fans have found themselves impressed that the HBO series could now actually be considered the most realistic version of friendships through different stages of life. Because it’s not all shopping and cosmopolitans (as much as we wish it was).

Question: Have you ever felt yourself longing for that fabulous foursome to go on shopping dates with? Or finding the Monica to your Rachel? Yep, the answer resonates with pretty much all of us.

If anything, old-school sitcoms have a way of portraying female friendships as an

everlasting powerhouse, but in the digital age of ghosting and followers as friends, it seems we have more difficulty than ever navigating our close circles. What’s more, people are finding it harder than ever to maintain friendships as they age throughout their twenties and thirties.

Award-winning relationship coach, Rukayya Zirapur, tells BLUSH that friendships require consistent effort, active listening, and the ability to forgive mistakes and flaws (which Catrall and Parker could take a lesson or two from).

“Friendships are dynamic relationships that change and develop over time. Understanding the reasons behind these shifts allows us to embrace the growth and opportunities that come with them”, she says.

As a generation who grew up idolising what Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda had, the show’s impact goes beyond just the fashion culture they created at the time. They left every teenager craving the same close-knit friend group, leaving many confused finding out it wasn’t their reality outside of the show.

Similarly, the reality when you hit your twenties can also follow this baffling pathfriendships fading, values changing, and effort dying. It can be a gut-wrenching feeling when embroiled in a one-sided friendship (and let’s face it, quite often friend breakups hit harder than the breakdown of relationships).

It can become difficult to accept that the Carrie to your Samantha isn’t going to pick up the phone at 2am because in reality, she’s busy. Those girly sleepovers may happen less often as

you grow, but it doesn’t make them any less fun when they do.

That’s not to say those friendships don’t exist, but it’s about not pitting your expectations of others against a fictional reality. We’re all on our own journeys.

“Responsibilities and time commitments may increase, making it harder to maintain the same level of closeness”, Zirapur explains of why this happens. “However, strong friendships have the capacity to adapt and endure these transitions, providing much-needed support and understanding.”

She adds: “Friendships thrive when we accept our friends for who they are, flaws, and all. Practice forgiveness and understanding when conflicts arise, recognising that everyone makes mistakes.

“Choose growth and compromise over holding grudges, as this paves the way for stronger, more resilient friendships.”

Ultimately, we have to remember that our happiness and self-worth cannot rely on others - which can be a challenge in a world of girlboss culture.

Friendships go through rough and quiet patches, but as long as the love and respect is always there for one another, it is important to remind yourself that this is simply the reality of female friendships transitioning into adulthood - and seeing it played out in ‘And Just Like That’ has only grown our love for the Sex And The City brand more.

While it’s a delight to immerse yourself in a show, sometimes you have to take a step away and remember it doesn’t define you or your experiences, no matter how relatable. Just as we all wish we could own 400 pairs of Jimmy Choo heels, we have our own goals and values in life away from our favourite characters. Let sitcoms become your escapism, not your reality.

“IN THE DIGITAL AGE OF GHOSTING AND FOLLOWERS AS FRIENDS, IT SEEMS WE HAVE MORE DIFFICULTY THAN EVER NAVIGATING OUR CLOSE CIRCLES”

AI do!

We’re all for embracing the future - but would you dare let artificial intelligence plan your wedding?

RESTAURANT recommendations, automating mundane tasks, and now, wedding planning?

Artificial intelligence and the rise of ChatGPT is changing the way we do things at a rapid rate (it now has over 100 million users), and many are willing to hand over the stress of planning their big day to technology.

While it might not be for everyone (particularly the self-confessed ‘bridezillas’ among us), here are some easy ways you can embrace AI to help calm your pre-nuptial nerves…

Play that track

An essential part of any wedding is the music. Whether it’s the floor-fillers of the afterparty, or the heartfelt track you’ll walk down the aisle to, apps such as Playlist AI can help curate your perfect mix. You can have your mostplayed hits all shuffled up, get prompts based on the type of music you want, or even submit a festival poster and have a playlist created with every artist on it.

Budget budget budget

The average UK wedding now costs over £17,500, so making sure you stick to whatever budget you choose is essential - the stakes are high. By factoring in an AI budget planner such as Supo or Mint,

you’ll see an easy breakdown of where you need to reign in the spending, and how far your pennies are going to take you. Who knows, you may realise you’ve enough left over for those extra bottles of champers.

Pour your heart out

ChatGPT is not only responsible for writing a few university essays in its time, but it’s also a great tool for speech-writing. If you’re nervous about pouring your heart out at the

altar, by giving it instructions on what message you want to put across without sounding too cringe, it’ll instantly come back with an answer you can tweak to your style. Emphasis on tweak, because your partner doesn’t want to marry a robot, they want authentic you, and it’s always better to use it as a guide.

Venue design

RoomGPT and Interior AI are great examples of how you can quite literally take any empty space, and within seconds, have a full design tailored to your taste right in front of you. This is especially great if you don’t have a wedding planner (or feel confident in your ability to put together a venue with wow-factor), as it at least steers you in the direction you want to go in terms of colours, and aesthetics.

FEEL THE ‘BOOB LOVE’

It’s time to embrace some self-care that could quite literally save your life, because just like our beauty rituals, our breasts deserve attention!

Knowing that early detection can save lives, we’re on a mission to empower you to make monthly chest checking a non-negotiable part of your self-care routine

Together, with our charity partners Look Good Feel Better and CoppaFeel! we’ll arm ourselves with knowledge, courage and the power to protect our well-being, because our health is worth every ounce of ‘Boob Love’ we can give.

BEAUTY THAT GIVES BACK

Each Mystery Box contains five Avon beauty wonders. What will be inside yours?

£15

Fill your home with delicious scent of rhubarb, red apple and strawberry with Avon’s Breast Cancer Awareness Candle.

£7

100% of profits donated to good causes estimated at £6 for every Beauty Mystery Box and £4 for every awareness candle sold Of these profits, 70% is directly donated and split equally between Look Good Feel Better and CoppaFeel! 30% solely for activations in support of Avon’s Breast Cancer Promise and mission to help End Gender-based abuse Registered charity numbers England and Wales; Look Good Feel Better 1031728 CoppaFeel! 1132366 CoppaFeel! registered charity number Scotland SC045970.

HOW TO BEAT THE HOLIDAY PRICE BOOM

IF you’ve tried to book a holiday in the last 12 months, you’ve probably caught yourself saying: “When did everything get so expensive?” - and you wouldn’t be wrong. In fact, consumer rights group Which? reported that by Easter, the cost of flights went up 51 per cent on average, with Greece and Italy being the hardesthit by the increase.

However, that doesn’t mean people are willing to give up their holidays easily. In fact, demand is still insanely high, with people prioritising exploring the world as

an essential after Covid. That being said, while we’re ready to pack our suitcases, airlines are still struggling to re-adjust to the post-pandemic world, even if we’re over a year on.

So, why exactly aren’t things going back to normal? It’s complicated. There are of course regular economical factors (inflation, Brexit, closed airspace, all of that good stuff), and frankly, the knockon effects of the last three years have been bigger than we initially imagined.

“The lack of aircraft [post-Covid] keeps the prices up and results in airlines prioritising their allocation to the most

profitable routes”, says Mercedes Zach, travel expert at Asaptickets.

“Another reason behind increased airfare prices is the shortage of staff across the travel industry. Not only the airlines, but airport service providers also made massive layoffs during Covid and have not been able to go back to the previous capacity yet. Thus, more

Larnaca, Cyprus

Girona, Spain

If you’ve noticed the price of your dream destination soaring…you’re not alone - here’s what’s going on and how to get around it

expensive labour means less flights and higher costs.”

The rising price of fuel is also a huge factor in what airlines charge, and it’s thought to now equate to a third of your total air fare.

“Jet fuel is purchased in dollars and a strong dollar creates a competitive disadvantage for airlines located outside the dollar zone”, Zach adds, noting that oil prices have risen as much as 35 per cent - but the good news is, it may not be permanent.

She says: “Even if the oil price falls, the exchange rates erase part of this fall. Now that the price of oil has reached less unreasonable levels and the euro is regaining some strength, we can expect the price of jet fuel to fall in the near future.”

Despite being 20 per cent more expensive than last year, Spain reigns supreme as one of the cheapest holiday destinations for Brits, costing around £693 for a week in the sun.

Other good options include Portugal, which while not the cheapest, had the lowest increase of seven per cent.

So fear not, the good old days of kicking back with a cocktail on the sand are far from over, you just need to work a little smarter to get the best deal.

Be willing to compromise

accommodation, and activities to not only find the best deals, but think about what you want from a trip. If you’re looking forward to exploring the local eateries, you probably won’t need all-inclusive, so why pay for it?

ideasDestination (based on average price):

Larnaca, Cyprus

Average return flight: £126

Girona, Spain

Average return flight: £80

Boston, Massachusetts

Our

top tips

for saving on travel:your

Don’t be last-minute (most of the time)

If you’ve got a particular destination, resort, or even date in mind, be as early as possible, as slots will quickly start filling up and you’re essentially left to pick from whatever’s remaining. Airlines tend to put their cheapest seats on early, and demand drives up prices. However, if you want to take the hard work out of booking a holiday and don’t mind when you go, package holidays tend to get cheaper when the dates draw nearer (think eight days or less to go).

If you’re set on a particular country, be prepared to go off the beaten track or to a less tourist-filled area to get the best price on your flights. If you have a specific city in mind, it’s an even better excuse to fly into a cheaper airport and road trip your way to your final destination.

Break it down

Package holidays are as easy as it comes when you’re booking a trip. However, you could save a pretty penny by individually breaking down your flights,

Average return flight: £378

Casablanca, Morocco

Average return flight: £290

“DESPITE BEING 20 PER CENT MORE EXPENSIVE THAN LAST YEAR, SPAIN REIGNS SUPREME”

Casablanca, Morocco

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts

BRILLIANT PACKAGE HOLIDAYS AT UNBEATABLE PRICES

Range of airports & destinations

easyJet holidays offer a great selection of package holidays across beach and city, flying to over 100 destinations from airports across the UK.

Hand-picked hotels

1000s hand-picked hotels across Europe, from luxury all-inclusive to affordable options. All at least 4 star rated on Tripadvisor.

Range of holiday types

From family escapes and all-inclusive getaways to couples-only retreats and five-star luxury breaks, easyJet holidays offer a wide range of holiday types to suit everyone.

Flexibility

Providing great value and flexibility that’s a struggle to find elsewhere.

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Book with a £60pp deposit.

THINGS TO TRY IN... 5 Las Vegas

Spoiler alert - it’s not all about gambling

1. Take a hot air balloon ride

Las Vegas is big and overwhelming. So, where’s the best place to explore it without getting caught up in the hustle and bustle? From the air! You’ll float over the Red Rock mountains as well as the iconic strip, soaking up the atmosphere in a truly unique way.

2. Indulge in quirky cuisine

This city goes big when it comes to food…literally. One of TikTok’s most notorious restaurants is Heart Attack Grill, where you’re decked out in hospital gowns to enjoy their huge burger and fried food offering. Oh, and if you weigh over 350 pounds you get to eat for free. Not for the faint-hearted.

3. Get curious in Death Valley

Death Valley is home to the lowest point of elevation in North America, and has set a few heatwave records in its time (think 53 degrees…). That being said, it’s full of incredible sights and mysteries, including the iconic sailing stones.

4. Climb the tallest observation tower in the US

For the best 360-views, head up to the observation deck at the STRAT Casino, which sits 1,149 feet above-ground. You’ll get to soak up the views, and won’t miss an angle, as their iconic Top of the World restaurant revolves in the background.

5. Marvel at Vegas history

Vegas is all about bright lights - but where do they go when they’ve had their time? The graveyard! The Neon Boneyard is dedicated to the old signs from the strip, some of which date back to the 1930s. You’ll find the original Aladdin’s lamp from Aladdin Casino, and the first sign from the famous Golden Nugget.

sustainably Staycation

Crumplebury

AS many of us seek ways to become more sustainable in our everyday lives, the biggest challenge can often be compromising on the luxuries we love. When it comes to travel, immediately our brains go to flying less, or choosing alternative modes of transport to a car - but one of the biggest steps can be choosing the right venue, that ticks every box, while doing its bit behind-the-scenes to love our planet.

And you don’t have to venture too far to do it either, with Crumplebury at the

paradise

Whitbourne Estate on the HerefordshireWorcestershire border becoming a go-to hotspot for staycation seekers in need of some peace and recuperation.

The sprawling 1,500-acre estate was publicly opened in 2019 by Joe and Keeley Evans, and has been compared to the likes of Soho House with its ‘quiet luxury’ feel, stunning decor, and breathtaking scenery. You can expect to be greeted by the resident cows and pheasants upon your arrival, as a reminder of what Crumplebury encompasses.

“The Crumplebury ‘project’ was conceived 12 years ago when we opened

a fine dining restaurant, Green Cow Kitchens. The principle behind it was to celebrate the bounty of seasonal farm produce”, says Joe, who has so far welcomed over 25,000 guests.

“There are countless beautiful traditional barn conversions around us, and we were keen to use the opportunity of this being a new build to do something contemporary and different.”

It’s even better news if you’re a foodie too. Their monthly chef’s table sees guests gather in the grounds’ serene woodland for a five-course feast, where they pride themselves on having a ‘zero food miles’ policy. All beef, pork, and lamb is sourced from their organic home farmer, while a resident gardner manages the herbs and vegetables. Anything that can’t be grown at the venue is locallysourced. It helps that the estate is home to one of the UK’s most iconic game shoots, so quality food is never far away.

If you’re after something a little more laid-back, there’s also the Friday night fire pit feast, where delectable meats including organic lamb, grass-fed steaks, and tender pork are all flame-cooked in front of you, as you sip cocktails and soak up the atmosphere.

“It’s somewhere to go if you’re hungry, but also appreciate the value of top quality produce. The chef’s table is – in some ways – our own vanity exercise!” Joe notes.

“It’s where it all began and we invite a small number of guests to book a table to experience a multi-course tasting menu which celebrates the best of the seasons.

Menus typically change monthly, or whenever the glut of fruit, or supply of that particular meat is

is setting the bar high for the future of UK breaks, with luxury lodgings and a reputation as a farm-to-fork foodie

exhausted. Chef’s table is very much a special occasion venue.”

If that wasn’t convincing enough of its motives, the estate has even introduced a ‘Carbon Canopy’ - a voluntary scheme that allows visitors to offset the carbon emissions generated when travelling to and from the venue, by funding the planting of a new forest.

No doubt after all the festivities, you’ll be more-than ready to sink into one of the estate’s eleven luxurious bedrooms, each named after the farms and coppices, and with spectacular wildflower meadow views.

“The interior design was led by my wife, Keeley, who put a strong emphasis on using dark colours and large, glazed apertures to really draw the eye onto the scenery around us. The architecture is unapologetically modern and ‘clean’ with a strong emphasis on symmetry and scale”, Joe adds.

“It was also important to us to make sure that guests are comfortable and feel enveloped in luxury.”

Plan to enjoy a hot bath during your stay? Well, even your room’s roll-top bath is playing its part in going eco-friendly too. Crumplebury’s water all comes from a biomass system, fuelled by waste timber from the estate’s forestry operations, and is used all throughout the venue.

The result is soft water with high health benefits which undergoes only minimal UV treatment, which can then be served to customers, still or sparkling.

Joe insists: “Sustainability underpins the overall estate strategy. As custodians of the land, we feel a multi-generational responsibility to make decisions today that will ensure that the natural environment will thrive tomorrow.

“The wider estate is all organic, founded in environmental stewardship programmes and adopts an extensive grazing regime for cattle and sheep which help convert our pasture into diverse habitat for a multitude of bugs and beasties.”

It’s no secret that it’s become an Instagram-worthy hotspot for those of us who love luxury, but want to dip our toe into the natural world, all while reducing our travelling carbon footprint - and it truly offers something for everyone.

Fancy a digital detox? There’s acres of natural beauty perfect for getting stuck into walks. However, should you be keeping your phone turned firmly on, there are photo opportunities at every turn.

One thing’s for sure, this restaurantturned-staycation concept is making a case for going on holiday a little closer to home.

Stays at Crumplebury are available from £190 per night. Visit: crumplebury.co.uk

“SUSTAINABILITY UNDERPINS THE OVERALL ESTATE STRATEGY. AS CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND, WE FEEL A MULTI-GENERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE DECISIONS TODAY THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT WILL THRIVE TOMORROW”

CINCHING

INTO BEAUTY STANDARDS

Shapewear: to be celebrated or criticised? BLUSH investigates…

Words: Georgia Rhodes

THE pressure from society to look a certain way is something all of us battle with on a daily basis, questioning our own beauty, or even altering ourselves to fit ever-changing standards. Recently booming in popularity (and no longer just for A-listers hitting the red carpet), shapewear is quickly forming part of our wardrobes in the same way we put on socks each day. Once created to wear under clothes to ‘slim’ our bodies, it has now become an undergarment to accentuate and celebrate different body types with clever fabric technology.

The body positivity movement is aiming to reclaim what once had misogynistic undertones, and while shapewear is now designed with the intent to highlight our own natural curves and enhance our confidence, the conversation is still very much divided. While we have come a long way from the corset, the concept of its transition into a fashion item is still yet to win many people over.

The world’s leading online search platform for fashion, Stylight, revealed to BLUSH that in the last year alone, searches for ‘shapewear’ have increased by a whopping 137 per cent. It’s effectively grown from being pull-in underwear into an evolution of midi dresses, cami tops, and loungewear, to name but a few.

Household names such as Kim Kardashian’s Skims, to Lizzo’s shapewear brand, Yitty, are all proving just how much of a leap forward it is that celebrities are admitting their killer bodies don’t come naturally too.

Kardashian regularly faces the brunt of social media trolling, but has openly admitted creating Skims to fix an issue many women will have - a lack of inclusivity. She has spoken countless times about dyeing her old shapewear with tea bags to match her skin tone, inspiring her to take the leap and make body confidence accessible to all. And it’s safe to say she’s killed it, with Skims championing Google searches (with global search volume at around 2.4 million, higher than any other shapewear brand).

That doesn’t take away from the fact that women can often feel ridiculed for buying into marketing gimmicks, yet we’re still expected to conform to trends, which could be why society has taken such a 180 on its opinion around the topic. However, self-love and acceptance of our own bodies can feel like a lose-lose situation, despite the likes of shapewear potentially being the difference

between us wearing the skimpy dress we never felt confident enough to (your belly pouch is totally normal by the way), and staying snug in our tracksuits.

It’s now a far-cry from the perverse men of the black-andwhite film era, cooing over a Marilyn Monroe-esque young woman, it’s about taking back control of our bodies and how we want to view ourselves.

Stylight explains: “In previous years, there has been somewhat of a negative connotation that goes with shapewear - that it’s about covering up, hiding, or camouflaging. However, a lot of the conversations on TikTok and Instagram involving brands like Yitty or Skims have been more about functionality, or finding solutions to wardrobe issues in order to be comfortable”.

It’s clear to see its effects rippling out across the internet too, with body positivity influencer, Alysse Campany, adding: “I have a solidly committed love affair with shapewear - I see shapewear how I see makeup. It isn’t essential and it doesn’t make me more or less beautiful, but I love the way it makes me feel.”

Like with anything, it still has a way to go, but brands embracing that shapewear is for anyone who wants to wear it and not just a select group of women is certainly a step in the right direction. Because why shouldn’t we all be blessed with whatever helps us feel most confident?

Most importantly, shapewear is no longer about hiding any bits you don’t want the world to see, but accentuating the incredible body you have.

“SHAPEWEAR IS NO LONGER ABOUT HIDING ANY BITS YOU DON’T WANT THE WORLD TO SEE, BUT ACCENTUATING THE INCREDIBLE BODY YOU HAVE”

Credit: skims

Old Money

Oversized t-shirt,

uniqlo.com, £14.99

Bell-sleeve dress,

riverisland.com, £65.00

Shoulder bag,

Scarlette two-tone stainless steel watch,

fossil.com, £59.00

Cardigan,

Tweed slingbacks, mango.com, £39.99

Tennis bracelet, charleskeith.co.uk, £65.00

abbottlyon.com, £55.00

guess.eu, £78.00

Timeless, quiet luxury you’ll keep coming back for

Red-y to rumble

£16.00

Sequin jumper,

I created C-LASH for people just like me. I found that such a little change, getting my lashes back, made me feel like I had myself back.

C-lash is an innovative lash created specifically for lash replacement. With a soft, flexible & invisible band to help aid application.

5 STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM:

Ditch & Switch

summer to winter in style Transitionyourwardrobefrom

DITCH: Metallic

SWTICH TO: Satin

Festival season calls out for super-shiny pieces, but satin is the chic, slinky sister that’s perfect for party season, and is a real underdog when it comes to attracting the right attention. It’s time to get stocked up ready for your Christmas bash.

DITCH: Waistcoats

SWTICH TO: Tailored twopieces

The waistcoat dominated this summer, so we’re sticking firmly with the tailoring theme and incorporating more chic businesswear into our closets. Having a staple two-piece is key, bonus points if you can incorporate your summer fit as a third addition too.

DITCH: trousers

SWTICH TO: Leather trousers

We’ve spent summer beating the heat (well, what was left of it…), and now we need the same, timeless effect from a cosier material with the same versatility. Invest in a good pair of leather-effect trousers, and they’ll serve you well for winters to come.

DITCH: Chunky sandals

SWTICH TO: Block heels

We’re not ready to sacrifice comfort after sun-soaked months of chunky sandals, so there’s no better way to pay homage by letting the good times continue…in just a slightly warmer format.

Straw

SWTICH TO: Slouchy pouches

As we relax into the colder months, we’re relaxing our style too. The slouch bag is the perfect throw-it-all-in-and-go accessory for those early-morning starts (which are set to get darker, boo). The days of messy sun scream spillages are over until next time.

Trousers,

£55.00

debenhams.com

Bag, Dune at

FACEFINITY 3-IN-1 FOUNDATION

Now with Climate Proof Protection .

FACEFINITY 3-IN-1 FOUNDATION

Up to 30 hours of wear for a flawless look that lasts.

Now with Climate Proof Protection

Up to 30 hours of wear for a flawless look that lasts.

COLLAB OF THE SEASON: UNIQLO X CLARE WAIGHT KELLER

The designer behind Meghan Markle’s

Givenchy wedding dress has reinvented the capsule wardrobe with these high street staples…we’ll take the lot

VERY few people can say they’ve ticked off working as Artistic Director for as many brands as Clare Waight Keller. Pringle of Scotland, Givenchy, and Chloé make up just some of her impact in the fashion world, and her new collaboration with Uniqlo is letting us all have a taste.

The price point is typical of Uniqlo - not enhanced because of Keller’s status - and each of the collection’s 34 pieces are integral to an everyday trans-seasonal wardrobe.

She’s noted that the designs were inspired by Japanese culture and their ability to pair style with practicality, blurring the lines between boy-and-girl dressing, or as she calls it: Attitude.

“THE COLLECTION IS ABOUT BRINGING CASUAL CHIC TO AN EVERYDAY, ESSENTIAL WARDROBE”

uniqlo.com, £39.90

Cropped trousers, uniqlo.com, £24.90

Wool cap,

uniqlo.com, £59.90

Vest

uniqlo.com, £49.90

Lace-up boots,

uniqlo.com, £49.90

Skirt

Uniqlo.com, £109.90

Trench coat,

The jumper

Knitted sweater, wish they had other skiers

snowandrock.com, £132

StyleFROM THE SLOPES

Down puffer, The duvet coat

uniqlo.com, £149.90

Moon Boots, Show-off boots

selfridges.com, £130.00

Be the centre of après with these fresh-off-the-shelf must-have ski accessories

My Sunday Ski trousers, trousers Statement

selfridges.com, £195

The hand

Ski mittens, warmers

Topshop, £22

asos.com

Ski goggles,

Anon at asos.com, £100

Off-White headband, Cosy headwear

fwrd.com, £195

dare2b.com, £159.95

Snow suit, Julien Macdonald at The snow suit

THE AW23 TRENDS TO KNOW STRAIGHT FROM THE RUNWAY TO YOUR WARDROBE

HOURGLASS HONOURS

Belts, corsets, and wide shoulders aplenty, we’re

accentuating our waists to the max

Recreate the look:

Corset: Revolve

Trousers:

Stradavarius

Shoes:

ASOS Design

As seen at: Versace

Photographer: Vika Kirillova

Recreate the look:

Suit: Matalan Bag: Primark Sandals: River Island

As seen at: Thom Browne

BOARDROOM ESSENTIALS

Strong shoulders and sleek tailoring tick every box for employee of the month

Photographer: Cottonbro Studio

THE WEDNESDAY EFFECT

Paying homage to Wednesday Addams,

grab your best lace and your biggest ruffles - pigtails optional

Recreate the look:

Necklace: Orelia London

Mesh top:

Collusion at ASOS

Boots: ASOS Design

Skirt: Tommy Hilfiger

As seen at: Bora Aksu

Photographer: Rulo

Davila

BACK TO BLACK

Tailored black jackets are clawing

their way firmly back to the top of the must-have investment piece list

Recreate the look:

Jacket: ASOS Design Shirt: Nobody’s Child Cardigan: Hollister

Trousers: Zara

As seen at: Victoria Beckham

Photographer: Vika Kirillova

GOOGLE, DO I HAVE ADHD?

YOU only have to do a few quick scrolls down your TikTok For You page before stumbling across a video that will, without hesitation, diagnose you with autism. Or ADHD. Or depression. Or any other kind of neurodivergent condition that you’ve probably never considered before.

Listen to the same song on repeat? Forget to drink water regularly? While these may sound like totally normal traits, the young, impressionable audience on TikTok is being misled by non-healthcare professionals that they mean something more sinister.

On the flip side, it could be argued that the openness of talking about conditions which are often overlooked helps people with getting the diagnosis they deserve. Waiting lists that last

years and often lack of knowledge can mean that it’s currently a challenge for many to get the confirmation they’re longing for - and the treatment to ease symptoms.

One thing that can’t be denied is the rate at which the conversation has taken off. In fact, at the time of writing, #Autism had over 44 million views

“WOMEN ARE STATISTICALLY MORE LIKELY TO GET AN AUTISM OR ADHD DIAGNOSIS LATER IN LIFE”

Long waiting lists and blurred criteria have caused a social media boom in self-diagnosis - we investigate its impact

in the last seven-days alone. Similarly, #ADHD logged 34 million views over a seven-day period.

It goes way beyond that too, with dissociative identity disorder (DID), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD), and other mental health conditions all forming part of a wider framework for youngsters who feel failed by the healthcare system.

However, in this case, it’s no secret that women are statistically more likely to only get an autism or ADHD diagnosis later in life, and Zena is one of those pushed through their GP doors by content they saw on social media.

“I’ve always had tiny ‘quirks’ that I’ve passed off my whole life as just a part of who I am”, she says.

“Having neurodivergent creators come up on my For You page got me interested in how the minds of people with conditions such as autism function, and I suddenly felt like I fit in somewhere.”

Multiple assessments later, and Zena’s questions quickly turned to answers, and she was given her diagnosis.

“It felt like such a relief”, she adds. “If I’d never seen this content on social media I would never have even considered talking to someone about it, and it feels like I’m starting a new chapter in my life. That being said, I don’t think I could’ve relied on self-diagnosis. The reality is far more complicated, it’s just good that there’s less stigma around the topic now.”

Similarly, psychologists maintain that you should still go through the proper ranks where possible too, in order to get that much-needed confirmation if you suspect you may have one of these conditions. It also means you’ll get access to better treatment beyond what the realms of the internet can provide.

Dr Silvia Bucciarelli of the London Neurocognitive Clinic told BLUSH: “Social media platforms, such as TikTok, have played a significant role in raising awareness and promoting acceptance of neurodivergent conditions. These platforms provide a space for individuals to share their personal stories, experiences, and coping strategies, creating a sense of community.”

She noted:” Professional assessment

and diagnosis remain vital to ensure accuracy and access to appropriate support. Comprehensive mental health services and ongoing awareness campaigns are necessary to provide holistic support and promote a more inclusive society.”

Not only this, but when it comes to factors such as getting the appropriate workplace adaptations, it’s still typical protocol to need official confirmation from a medical professional.

“Relying solely on self-diagnosis can lead to misinterpretation of symptoms, misdiagnosis, or overlooking other underlying factors that may contribute to similar traits”, Bucciarelli adds, admitting that the coping mechanisms and conversations happening on social media can be helpful for those seeking community in people with similar conditions.

So, what needs to change?

Many social media experts would argue that the key is around regulations, and pointing users in the right direction for resources and advice, but while money and views are at the forefront from a business perspective, it’s unknown how, or what it will take for real change to happen.

We also can’t entirely point the blame at social media. Selfassessments and quizzes have always been a quick Google search away, and a 15-second video is a much easier route than a 30-question document.

If you’re to go down the social media route (pre-consulting a professional of course), it’s important to look at the credentials of who is speaking. It’s great to hear stories and advice from others going through the same thing as you, however, only take as gospel what you know to be a qualified and trusted source.

With rapidly-growing audiences and younger people having increased exposure to online content, ultimately, it’s essential we manage these inevitable societal changes in a socially responsible way - while embracing the positive effects it can have for many.

BLUSH reached out to TikTok directly, however, they didn’t comment on the matter.

“I’VE ALWAYS HAD TINY ‘QUIRKS’ THAT I’VE PASSED OFF MY WHOLE LIFE AS JUST A PART OF WHO I AM”

TikTok

Increased flexibility

A more-enhanced cardiovascular workout

More detoxification through sweating

trends to try... Hot Pilates The benefits:

Increased endurance levels

What to know:

Hot Pilates kind of does what it says on the tin. It takes key elements of the classes we know and love, and puts them to work in a warm room temperature. Hot yoga has been around for a while, and similarly practices at at 37 degrees with 50 per cent or higher humidity. It increases the intensity of your workout with low impact, and lasts up to just 20 minutes.

37 DEGREES 50% HUMIDITY 20 MINUTES

Why is it getting so big?

Abby McLachlan, Founder of Pilates studio, East of Eden, says: “We’ve seen a rise in popularity for classes and workouts that people can’t easily replicate at home, and hot Pilates definitely falls into this category. “The heat offers something new to the

more traditional mat Pilates classes, and people are often attracted to new and challenging workout routines that offer a more intense experience. The combination of Pilates with a hot and sweaty environment could be appealing to those looking for a different and exhilarating fitness experience.”

Abby advises: “Weight loss is primarily influenced by what you eat - burning more calories than you consume. Exercise can increase energy expenditure which can contribute to weight loss when combined with a balanced diet, plus you’ll sleep better, and have better self-esteem if you move regularly and feel strong - but exercise itself won’t help you lose weight.

“Hot Pilates, like any high-intensity exercise, can be an effective way to burn calories and the heated environment and intensity of the workout may lead to increased sweating, which could be perceived as immediate weight loss due to water loss. However, this initial weight reduction is temporary and related to fluid loss, not fat loss.”

Hot Pilates classes start from £16 at East of Eden, London

Some people suggest hot Pilates has helped them to lose weight, is there evidence for this?

FOUR TO FOLLOW

The incredible women to have on your radar

On Spotify

BEKA

Search: BEKA

Now Playing: Vulnerable

On Twitter

Chloe Burrows

@ChloeBurrows

The former Love Islanderturned-podcast host has made quite the name since leaving the show - because simply put - she’s too damn hilarious. If you want relatable humour that makes you cringe when you realise it hits a little too close to home…make sure to hit follow.

On Instagram

Maia Gray @its_just_acne

Maia Gray is de-influencing the very premise of Instagram. She’s fighting back against filters, and the notion that not having ‘flawless’ skin is a bad thing. She’s bringing real-life to social media, and making all the other women out there who have been made to feel insecure a little less alone.

Empowering pop tunes, impeccable style, and lyrics that won’t leave you? Meet BEKA. The Nottingham local who draws inspiration from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Lauryn Hill is climbing her way firmly into our Spotify playlists, and for good reason. Prepare to feel uplifted and inspired, all while doing the dishes.

Poppy O’Toole @poppycooks

Potato lovers, assemble. Poppy O’Toole is a Michelin-starred chef who’s left the posh nosh behind in favour of becoming TikTok’s potato queen. The perfect roasties? Check. Crunchy, fluffy fries? Double check. If there’s a potato you can think of, Poppy already has the recipe perfected. Thank us later.

TikTok

hangovers

Try these gut-boosting, skin-slaying Ditching the booze this party season?

smoothies instead

Tequi-lights Sunrise

Skin health? Check. Heart health? Check. Muscle health? Check. In one delicious, fruity glass? We’ll take it.

Orange sorbet Greek yoghurt

Lime juice Cherries

Purple rain

Chia seeds are very rich in fibre,minerals, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids - and being able to incorporate them into your diet in a non-intimidating way? Works for us!

Blueberries Banana Greek yoghurt Nut milk

2 tablespoons chia seeds soaked in dairy-free milk over night

Merrygarita

Packed with antioxidants and ingredients that aid digestion, this refreshing tipple is the perfect excuse to say yes to ‘margaritas’ in the morning.

Vanilla almond milk Lemon

Honey Pineapple Lime juice

Coconut water Collagen powder

Strawberry dream

A twist on a classic smoothie recipe, the addition of sea moss powder helps to boost your immune system and bring your energy levels up.

Strawberries Strawberry jam Frozen banana

Greek yoghurt Oats

Sea moss powder

ALMOST NINE MILLION BRITS TOOK PART IN DRY JANUARY THIS YEAR

TO THE THERAPY GENERATION

What to know before joining the 12.1% of

people on the path to improved mental health

YOUR family is doing it, your friends are doing it, and even the A-list are committing to the road to better mental health in the form of therapy. What used to be a taboo has become commonplace in today’s society, whether you’re struggling with something in particular, or are just looking for an outlet.

The misconceptions:

“It is important to note firstly that many practitioners work in different ways, therefore everyone will have an individual and unique experience of therapy”, Thomas says. “However, some common misconceptions might include the idea of feeling ‘cured’ after one session. Unfortunately, this is not possible. It is possible to feel ‘better’ after the first session, but research shows often a minimum of six sessions is required before any psychological or therapeutic changes can occur.”

solutions.” The lowdown on types of therapy

Talking therapy or counselling: The focus for this type of therapy is the practicioner offering active listening and empathy. You might not necessarily focus on skills-based work or strategies, but it offers a ‘safe space’ to explore experiences or feelings.

Psychodynamic therapy or psychoanalytical therapy: This is a helpful approach if you wish to explore past experiences such as childhood or relationships. Typically, this is a longer-term approach as it explores experiences on a deeper level. It can be useful to identify attachment styles or patterns in your behaviour or relationships.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

(CBT): One of the most widelyavailable types of therapy, this approach is typically short-term, and therefore offers practical approaches in managing symptoms or behaviours. It can be particularly useful for anxiety, panic, and depression but can be applied to almost any experience. You would explore both cognitions (thoughts) as well as behaviours and identify how they might be working together.

Navigating the road of where to go, what to talk about, and judging its effectiveness can often be the blocker for many, but

“Another misconception might include feeling ‘cured’ after one session - unfortunately, this isn’t possible. It is possible to feel ‘better’ after the first session, but what therapists offer is something called ‘guided discovery’ - this means we assist and guide you to the best

Integrative therapy: This means the practitioner is trained in multiple approaches and can offer a combination of the above (and others). It is important to ask potential therapists what approaches they are trained in and what they think would be most helpful for you. It’s also important to do your own research to see if you think it is an approach you are looking for.

“FINDING THE RIGHT THERAPIST IS A VERY PERSONAL DECISION, AND IT’S IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT SOMEONE YOU WOULD FEEL COMFORTABLE TALKING TO”

psychotherapist Jade Thomas, Founder of Luxe Psychology Practice, is answering all of our burning questions…

What to look for in a therapist…

“Finding the right therapist is a very personal decision, and it’s important to think about someone you would feel comfortable talking to”, Thomas says.

“Often people have an initial preference based on demographics such as gender, age, or location, however, it’s also important that the therapist is experienced in treating the problem you are presenting with.”

She adds: “Finally, I often advise clients to have an initial consultation with a few therapists before deciding, in order to explore how you feel with each one.”

Therapist red flags:

“It is important to find a practitioner who is fully qualified and registered or accredited with a governing body. Some of the main governing bodies in the UK include: Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP) and United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

“If practitioners do not show or make you aware of their registration or accreditation with a governing body, it is perfectly acceptable and important to ask for this information.”

So, you’ve made it to session one…

“It’s important to note that all therapists work in different ways, therefore initial therapy sessions may differ”, Thomas insists. “Often your first therapy session might include some paperwork such as completing contracts or questionnaires. “Your therapist will also ask questions about you, your life, and often previous experiences such as childhood as a way of developing an understanding about you and your experiences.”

“A SIGN THAT THERAPY IS WORKING IS YOU FEEL YOU HAVE MORE SELF-AWARENESS, OR AWARENESS OF OTHERS AND THEIR BEHAVIOURS”

“You might also spend some time discussing with your therapist some therapeutic goals and how sessions will work moving forward. “There should also be plenty of opportunity for you to ask questions.”

How do I know it’s working out?

“Some signs to tell if therapy is working might include you starting to feel better.

However, it is important to note here that progress is not always linear and sometimes therapy can feel hard work”, Thomas says.

“Another sign that therapy is working is you feel you have more self-awareness, or awareness of others and their behaviours. Finally, you are starting to do more ‘good stuff’, this might mean replacing negative behaviours with more positive ones, or taking better care of yourself.”

She notes: “If you feel that therapy is not helping, it is important to share these feelings with your therapist so that they can make appropriate adjustments or changes to the therapy. Remember, your therapist is not a mind-reader, therefore it’s important for you to be honest about how you are finding sessions!”

But, what about the cost?

Thomas advises: “Therapy costs vary dependent on the therapist, their experience, level of qualification, and often their location. Typically, a more experienced or higher-qualified therapist (such as if they hold a doctorate-level qualification) will typically charge a higher rate to reflect their expertise, knowledge, and experience.

“You can access free therapy services via the NHS, some local services, and charities. You can find these by researching them yourself online or you can ask your local healthcare provider to offer recommendations.”