BLUSH Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2024/25

Self-Care

Leisure & Lifestyle

Health & Fitness

72 Breaking the cycle: Burnout

74 Is matcha really good for us?

76 Hack your gut health

80 Workout with me: Paige Chohan

82 Four to follow

COVER CREDITS

Cover Star: Frankie Bridge

Photographer: Cloud Nine

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.

Night in front of Netflix? Check. Trying to eat healthier? Check. Ditching screentime in favour of reading? Well, that’s why you’re here, isn’t it?

Whatever self-care looks like to you, we’ve put together this jam-packed issue of everything you need to carry on looking and feeling your best-self as the darker nights draw in.

Whether it’s hacking your gut health (p76), finding the perfect stylist-approved Christmas party look (p66), or finally nailing your lash application (p25), we’ve got you covered from every angle.

In the AW24 issue we’ve also got interviews with a number of empowering women, including our cover star, Frankie Bridge, on staying confident in a digital world (p20), and content creator, Lucy Edwards - who has become the face of the first ever blind Barbie doll (p34). Pretty incredible, right?

There’s also the opportunity to start planning your next trip with our travel guides (p51), or if you’re staying closer to home this winter, find your perfect wine pairing (p42).

However you decide to navigate the next few months, be sure to put yourself first. That’s what self-care really looks like.

Sophie Editor - @sophthompson

CREDITS

Executive Editor

Lee Gatland

Art Director Richard Hejsak

Managing Editor

Sophie Thompson sophie@sevenstarmedia.co.uk @sophthompson

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Your Perfume Picks

These scents have been dubbed the most popular fragrances of 2024 - and for good reason

Flora Gorgeous Gardenia, Gucci

If Miley Cyrus is the face of a fragrance, you best believe it’s about to become one of the biggies of the year - something Gucci learnt when they put her front and centre of their Flora Gorgeous Gardenia advert. It’s an intense version of one of their best-selling floral perfumes, and combines jasmine grandiflorum, pear blossom, and brown sugar. As Miley puts it: “The perfect perfume to wear to express yourself and your boldness – and, of course, to smell amazing.” Sold.

1

The second-most-searched fragrance globally, Black Orchid is the perfect way to test the waters of more high-end perfumes. The type of scent that lingers for days after, Black Orchid is sensual, with black truffle and narcotic ylang ylang, paired with spice for a sophisticated feel. It’s also one of the most popular unisex spritzes on the market - so it makes a great gift for literally everyone you know.

3

Good Girl Blush, Carolina Herrera

An update to the classic Good Girl fragrance, Good Girl Blush combines bergamot and bitter almond top notes with a vanilla base, to create a fresh, floral fragrance. The original Good Girl ranked as the most-searched perfume in over 42 countries, and since being released in 2023, its new, younger sister is proving just as sell out-worthy thanks to its romantic, feminine feel.

Black Orchid, Tom Ford

Sephora, £83.60

Gardenia 50ml,

Gucci Flora Gorgeous

Look Fantastic, £106

Orchid EDP 50ml,

Tom Ford Black

Shop, £69

The Fragrance

EDP 30ml,

Good Girl Blush 2

Cosmic, Kylie Jenner

Kylie Jenner’s first toe-dip into the world of fragrance has been beyond successful. Cosmic quickly became Boots’ fastest-selling perfume of 2024, and 84% of people who tried it said they’d recommend it. Its sweet, warm floral scent makes it perfect as a day-to-night bottle to keep in your bag, and Kylie herself says she created it to be “the type of smell people remember when you hug them”.

Cheirosa 59, Sol de Janeiro

Over 5,000 five-star reviews can’t be wrong, and Sol de Janeiro have undoubtedly dominated this year with their affordable fragrance offering. With the UK summer failing to pull through, there’s little wonder beauty lovers are instead opting to close their eyes and visualise themselves in Brazil, thanks to its vanilla orchid, sugared violet, and sheer sandalwood scent.

Libre, Yves Saint Laurent

French lavender essence, musk, and Moroccan orange blossom pack a punch in this YSL fragrance that screams confidence. Celebrating its 5th birthday and awash with celebrity backing including brand ambassador, Dua Lipa, Libre is swiftly on its way to rival sister scent, Black Opium. While it’s known for standing the test of time, an intense version is also available for those that can’t get enough. For a gift that’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser, look no further.

La Parfum Bridal, Elie Saab

2025 brides, listen up, because this could just be your wedding scent. Elie Saab has specialised in the most outrageously beautiful couture bridalwear for 20 years, and this new addition to their (strong) wedding fragrance lineup is proving popular. This amberfloral perfume has orange blossom as a key top note, combined with vanilla. The bottle itself makes an incredible keepsake too, resembling the sparkling facets of a diamond.

Warmth, Marks & Spencer

2024 has been the year of the dupe, and Marks and Spencer have consistently delivered on super affordable (yet still high quality) alternatives to the pricier perfumes we love. Warmth became a particular favourite thanks to its resemblance to a certain Le Labo fragrance cough* Santal 33). It combines cardamom, cinnamon, cedarwood and sandalwood for woody smells that make you feel all cosy and fuzzy inside - and it’s M&S’ best-selling perfume of the year.

Boots, £77.60

YSL Libre 50ml EDP,

Look Fantastic, £18

59 Perfume Mist 90ml,

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa

Boots, £43

EDP 50ml, Cosmic Kylie Jenner

Marks & Spencer, £12

Warmth EDP 50ml,

ASOS, £49

Bridal 30ml,

Elie Saab La Parfum

REFILLABLE

Hot Yoga Body Firming Cream, Body Proud, £12.95

Firm skin without the work sounds like perfection in a bottle, and Body Proud’s new daily treatment is powered by clinically-proven BodyFermHF™ to help boost elasticity and give you a hydrated finish. Not only that, but it’s massageactivated, causing it to heat up on application and give you the best results. Add that along with mood-boosting fragrance in the form of rhubarb and black pepper, and you’ve got a new favourite body moisturiser.

Hair Growth Serum, Glow For It, £34.99

Many products claim to help your hair grow, but very few of them get to the root (literally) of the problem: Scalp health. Glow For It’s new scalp serum is proving popular thanks to its multipeptide formula, being sustainably sourced in the UK, and full of natural ingredients that have been chosen for their hair growth benefits. Think along the lines of rosemary oil and caffeine, working together to give you your best hair yet.

Latestinbeauty

The hot new buys that have us clicking *add to cart* (and our Santa lists…)

Fragrance Collection Of Emotions, Charlotte Tilbury, £130 each

The Fragrance Collection Of Emotions is beauty favourite Charlotte Tilbury’s first leap into the world of perfume, and there’s quite literally a scent for every mood. Love Frequency is a floral-woody vibe, while Joyphoria is warm florals, and Calm Bliss is aquatic florals. For something a little more edgy, try Cosmic Power, made up of spicy amber. We’ll take one for every day of the week.

NIRA Precision Laser, Current Body, £343

We love any excuse for a salon-quality facial at home, and Current Body’s new NIRA laser device is FDA-cleared, delivering patented, nonfractional and non-ablative laser technology to target wrinkles and stimulate collagen with regular 90-day use. They’ve already dominated the skincare market with their Red Light Therapy Mask, and the Precision Laser will no doubt see the same success. No pain and no downtime? Count us in.

Liquid lights, Sculpted by Aimee, £19

Sculpted By Aimee’s products have been hot in every makeup artist’s kit over the last 12 months, and now we’ve even more to add to our wish list. The Liquid Lights collection is made up of three liquid highlighters, blushes, and matte bronzers for a healthy, effortless glow. The multi-use products can add dew, a pop of colour, and help sculpt your look.

Pro hair,from home

The best salon-owned hair care brands to shop for your healthiest locks yet - all from your own bathroom

GF Fabulosity by Gustav Fouche

Anyone who’s had the pleasure of gracing Gustav Fouche’s Notting Hill salon will know all-too-well the transformations he’s capable of. Both his insalon experience and new range of self-branded products are all focused around scalp health - the starting point for any healthy, well-maintained hair. The inspiration came from opening his own salon in 2020, when he couldn’t find a single brand offering silicone-free, natural haircare to stock. The 11 meticulously-crafted products, including scalp elixirs packed with rice aminos, have been offered up for a number of awards in the short time they’re been on shelves.

“One of the problems I found with most haircare products is that they provide a very synthetic finish to hair. Hair is a natural fibre, and while synthetic products can work to some degree, we realised that natural fibres need to be treated with utmost respect”, Gustav tells us.

“I’ve seen firsthand how misled my clients have been about haircare. They come in using expensive products, yet their hair quality is shocking and damaged. Providing a hair care range alongside a salon was a natural progression for me. Not only do I offer high-end salon treatments, but the haircare I use must also ensure optimum health.”

Mensah

British-Ghanian stylist and owner of Notting Hill’s trendy Hair Lounge, Charlotte Mensah is known for carving the path in natural haircare. But not just natural in ingredients - products that are dedicated to enhancing your natural texture and are specifically tailored towards those with afro and curly hair. From her best-selling manketti hair oil, aimed at nourishing lengths, to taming pomades and finishing mists, Mensah is truly one of the only giants making good haircare accessible to all.

Charlotte

Instagram: @charlottemensah

GF Fabulosity, £53.99

Hair and Scalp Recovery Elixir,

Instagram: @gustav_fouche

Arkive by ReedAdam

Adam Reed’s career in hairdressing began 38 years ago, and he’s since been pushed through the ranks of celebrity styling, and opened his own central London salon that attracts highend clientele galore. But, it’s unpretentious, which is what has earned him a reputation as being a trusted figure in the space, and helped propel his recent venture, ARKIVE, to new heights.

Shine Shampoo, Salon64 at

Debenhams, £19.99

ARKIVE isn’t just about haircare - it’s about headcare. Outside of the usual shampoos and conditioners (which come highlyrecommended), there are scalp scrubs and cleansers, which are all completely genderless. The range’s 98.97% natural formula uses an oil-based cleansing system, including jojoba oil and shea butter for maximum nourishment.

Salon64

Salon64’s ‘Power Trio’ encompasses the three key elements of healthy hair: Moisture, strength, and shine. The Soho salon has gained a reputation over the years as being a pre-red carpet stop for celebrities seeking slick blowouts - and it even doubles up as a members club and bar after-hours. Since expanding their range into hair care, they’re offering vegan, UK-made products to give their clients the salon experience from home. Their ‘Liquid Gold’ range even contains real gold combined with ginger to give hair that

“For me, creating a new brand had to have a purpose. It was realising that what we can offer is help with looking after your headwhat’s on it and what’s in it”, Adam says.

On the future of what it could become, he adds: “It’s building a community. I think now it’s a really good time to talk all about that; why we chose the retailers, looking at working in salons, looking at how we can extend the range. We are building the ARKIVE foundations so that we can give back to the community.”

Larry King

Just like the hair of his roster of celebrity clients, Larry King’s range is dedicated to getting shiny, flawless locks that bring the salon effect to your bathroom. He counts Gigi Hadid, Cara Delevingne, and Karlie Kloss as some of his regulars, and his looks have graced the campaigns of fashion giants. King definitely specialises in the off-duty model look, so if that’s your vibe, he’s about to change the way you wash your hair. The home range includes a number of luxury products such as volumising mists, flyaway kits (complete with toothbrush so you don’t miss a hair), and a thickening mousse inspired by his nana’s voluminous blowout.

Cult Beauty, £12

taming balm, Larry King at

A Social Life For Your Hair Instagram:

salon64.co.uk

Instagram: @adamreedhair

Plump, Prime & Glow

Experience the powerful duo to perfectly hydrate and prep skin for a luminous, long-lasting glow

Ultra-fine illuminating, plumping and moisturising mist with anti-pollution technology

3-in-1 hydrating moisturiser, illuminating primer and broad spectrum SPF30 sunscreen

Beauty Tretinoin buzzwords:

Who is tretinoin for?

“Tretinoin is one of the most powerful Vitamin A creams or Retinoids out there.”

The powerful treatment is thought to be over 20 times stronger than sister product, retinol

What is tretinoin?

Tretinoin has gained more prominence in recent years - but it’s by no means a new concept, having been brought to market in 1962. The cream or gel (which comes in varying strengths) is a derivative of Vitamin A, and is one of the most powerful treatments for targeting skin concerns including acne, wrinkles, sun damage, and skin texture.

Fast forward 60 years on, and the hashtag #Tretinoin has over one billion views on TikTok, and it’s become known as a secret celebrity weapon for having red carpet-ready skin - no filters needed.

One award-winning aesthetician who is all for the use of the powerful treatment is Dr Ahmed El Muntasar.

“I always recommend tretinoin as my patients want to see results”, he says of why it’s become so popular in his clinic. “Why waste money on drugstore products when they don’t do that much for the patient?”

“Ultimately we live in a result-driven world these days, so patients want to see a difference as quickly as possible and as efficiently as possible.”

But, it’s not easy to get your hands on. It’s often prescribed to fight off acne, and you’ll need to see a dermatologist to ensure you’re a suitable candidate.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW…

Using any retinoid makes you more prone to sun sensitivity, so make sure to have your SPF 50 on-hand at all times (even on a cloudy day)

Tretinoin itself is prescription-only due to its strength, and can be given out by dermatologists and doctors. An over-thecounter alternative would be a retinol-based product

It comes with side effects, so don’t start using it if you’ve got a big event in the coming weeks! You’ll likely experience dryness and flaking as your skin gets used to its potency. Dr Ahmed suggests ‘sandwiching’ your skincare by applying a moisturiser, tretinoin, and then moisturiser again

“It’s for patients that are not retinoid naive, for example, they have probably tried retinol before”, admits Dr Ahmed.

“It’s for someone that’s not very sensitive to products and really wants to maximise the results - you can really see a difference, because some retinoids are quite weak.”

“For patients that are a little bit more sensitive, a little bit older, or a little bit more worried about using tretinoin - we start with a retinol, and then ultimately the goal is to get them on a tretinoin eventually.”

Who’s using it?

Hailey Bieber

Emily DiDonato

LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER

FACING CANCER WITH CONFIDENCE

How one charity is helping those undergoing cancer treatment feel empowered to be themselves (and look great while doing it)

Good Feel Better workshop as I didn’t know what to expect, but it was brilliant. Very welcoming, lovely venue, and it made me realise that we should value ourselves no matter what.”

“It was a fabulous morning which made me realise that cancer cannot take over everything. I am allowed to look good, my best even, with cancer. It lifted my spirits to laugh and, for a while, escape the cancer journey and just be me.”

“The whole session was fabulous. The ladies that were volunteering were absolutely brilliant. Informative, helpful, kind and professional. It made me feel alive and very, very happy. I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone who is not feeling good about themselves. The goodie bags were fantastic too. I took a lot away from this session and will never forget it.”

These are just three comments from people who recently attended one of cancer support charity Look Good Feel Better’s free workshops, which are held across the UK to help people combat the physical and psychological side-effects of their cancer treatment.

the workshops also offer a relaxing environment to socialise, make friends and talk to others facing similar issues.

What to expect at a workshop:

Now in its 30th year, the charity runs workshops held by expert volunteers in hospitals, cancer care centres, and in luxury hotels and spas nationwide. Online workshops are also available

People who join the two-hour workshops share stories of leaving feeling empowered, motivated and lessisolated - and many make new friends during the process.

During the face-to-face workshops, gorgeous goodie bags filled with luxurious skincare and makeup products, which are kindly donated by the beauty industry,

are given to each person attending. With a value of over £200, they can be taken home after the workshop to be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.

Meet Look Good Feel Better’s volunteers

There are over 1,300 volunteers who run workshops, and they are at the heart of everything Look Good Feel Better does. Some of them have been supporting the charity for many years.

One volunteer, Lu, is passionate about skincare and makeup - and her enthusiasm is infectious. If you talk to Lu about beauty products, she knows it all, and is happy to share the incredible knowledge she has with everyone.

Lu remembers when she first started volunteering for Look Good Feel Better, in the late 1990s at Nottingham City Hospital.

“The workshops were held in this strange, rather grim-looking lecture hallnothing like it is today”, she recalls. “But afterward I remember walking down this very long corridor and feeling incredible, thinking ‘I can do this! This is amazing!’”

Lu has seen both sides of the coin –she has been a lead volunteer for many years now, based at the Royal Derby Hospital, but at the start of the new millennium, Lu was diagnosed with cancer, and underwent extensive radio and chemotherapy treatments herself.

“I went to the charity’s workshops as a beneficiary, and it was such a good opportunity to be able to talk to other ladies in the same position”, Lu says.

“You don’t always want to talk to the doctor, you just want to get away, but in the workshops, you get to open up to other people and it lifts your spirits!”

Look Good Feel Better is always on the look-out for new volunteers with professional qualifications (NVQ level 2+ or equivalent). The charity’s recent annual survey revealed the benefits of volunteering are wide-reaching: A greater sense of community, improved knowledge, and opportunities to meet new people, as well as an improved sense of wellbeing.

So, how can you help?

There are many other ways to get involved and support the charity. Sign up to one of the exciting fundraising challenges which take place throughout the year. From marathons to walks, skydives to night-time treks - there is something for everyone. Look out for goodie bags filled with the latest must-have beauty products at bargain prices on the charity’s online shop, sign

up to the Look Good Feel Better lottery, or simply make a donation. Every contribution makes a real difference and helps support people living with cancer!

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

Frankie GETTING FRANK WITH

The Saturdays singer and mental health champion gets candid on finding her style, that haircut, and levelling-up her confidence

WHETHER you know Frankie Bridge as the tween from S Club Juniors, “the one with the haircut” from The Saturdays, or as the most stylish Instagram mum of the moment, one thing is consistent: We all know her.

Having been thrust into the spotlight at the age of 12 as part of 2001’s S Club 7-counterpart, the now35-year-old has since remained a chameleon in the spotlight, having tackled projects from Strictly Come Dancing, to the West End show, 2:22: A Ghost Story.

“When I was 12 people weren’t starting their careers on YouTube or on social media, so I knew I loved singing but it wasn’t something that seemed attainable”, she tells us of how her career began, posting clips on MySpace.

“I would dance in my living room and pretend I was JLo, Britney Spears, Rachel [Stevens] from S Club 7, which is then ironic - because I became an S Club Junior!”

She adds: “Back then, these people were so far away from normal life that it just seemed like it would never happen.”

“I don’t think it was really, until I got into the Saturdays that I was like, ‘Oh, ok, people know who I am.’”

“THERE WEREN’T MANY WOMEN AROUND WITH SHORT HAIR, AND I’D ALWAYS BEEN TOLD THAT LONG HAIR IS BEAUTIFUL AND SEXY - I SUPPOSE I WENT AGAINST THAT”

In the years that followed, Frankie and her bandmates performed three headline tours, and made countless TV and festival appearances. But outside of their catchy pop hits and confidence, the five of them became some of the most stylish women of their time.

“At the beginning of The Saturdays we each wore a colour and had these shiny plastic dresses”, she recalls.

“I was like, ‘this is disgusting’. But obviously we had one each, so I had to wear it - but I vowed just to wear the black one rather than a colour. But actually, I ended up looking the worst, because I literally looked like I was wearing a black bin bag!”

She adds: “These days I like things quite simple. I like to be minimalistic with a touch of what’s on trend…not everything suits us!”

“THE MORE HAIR I HAVE THE LESS OF ME I BECOME… MAYBE I’LL GO BACK TO SHORT HAIR AGAIN!”

One thing that cemented Frankie’s status as a style icon of her time was the haircut. Somewhere between a bob and a pixie cut with a huge sweeping side fringe, there were few secondary schools in the early 2010s that didn’t have yards adorned with teen girls trying to nail the look.

“I didn’t expect it to be what it was”, Frankie says of its impact - after being inspired by the women in her family to cut it. “There weren’t many women around with short hair, and I’d always been told that long hair is beautiful and sexy - and I suppose it kind of went against that.”

“I was really proud at the time, meeting young girls that felt brave enough to cut their hair, or hearing from girls that had gone through chemo and had shorter hair, but felt more confident because they could look up to me.”

So, would she ever bring it back? Frankie adds: “The more hair I have the less of me I become…maybe I’ll go back to short hair again, but it’s just a lot of upkeep…never say never, I am tempted.”

But for now, she’s rocking a new style - an-ever sleek bob that she credits to focusing on hair health (and Hailey Bieber for the inspiration).

“I’m using Cloud Nine tools at the moment and I love that it has a temperature calculator - I used to whack the straighteners on 200 degrees, but I actually only need it on 140 or 150!”, she admits.

“They’ve also got a hair mask called Magical Remedy that i’ll put on when I go to the gym - just things that I never really thought about before have become part of my regular routine.”

“As I’ve got older, it’s just kind of become more about looking after what I have.”

The simplistic, blunt cut has become an ‘it’ girl trend for 2024, and is worlds away from the singer’s formerly-flamboyant style.

“When I was The Saturdays, our makeup was kind of like a part of our costume, and it’s part of what gave me confidence”, Frankie says of how her taste has changed.

She jokes: “I was once wearing three sets of strip lashes for a show when I first met my husband, Wayne, and he was like, ‘What is on your eyes?!’”

“WHEN YOU’RE SOMEONE THAT SUFFERS WITH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, YOU ARE ASSUMED AS WEAK, AND ACTUALLY, I THINK WE’RE SOME OF THE STRONGEST PEOPLE”

“I’ve had loads of beauty regrets over the years, especially when I went through my emo stage. I don’t know what I was thinking. I let my friend dye my hair yellow with black underneath, and then I always used to wear this little red bow in my hair - I thought I looked really cool.”

“It’s not until you’re out of that world that you realise how mad it is. I’ve just become more natural, I suppose - it’s more about just enhancing what I have, rather than completely changing what my face looks like.”

But despite seemingly beaming with confidence, Frankie is no stranger to the pressure that being online brings, and even worse - trolling.

The mum-of-two boasts over 1.6 million followers, and is often worried about when her young children are old enough to go online.

“It does really stress me out - even the thought of them seeing comments about me and Wayne”, she says.

“I can’t imagine having to read stuff about my parents that aren’t nice or that I don’t know if it’s true or not”.

She notes: “I feel sorry for this generation because it came into their lives, and everyone’s had to figure it out as they’ve gone along, and I’m hoping that by the time it gets to my kids using social media, it might be different - but I think that’s maybe naive.”

When she’s not posting holiday snaps or giving us major outfit inspo over on her Faves account, Frankie’s busy working on projects of every kind, whether it’s as a mental health spokesperson or competing on reality showsbut there’s one unexpected career move that she’s been most proud of.

“I did 2:22: A Ghost Story on the West End last year and that was the most out of my comfort zone I’ve been”, she says.

“I got called in because someone left the show. From the first phone call to my first performance on stage was only two weeks, so I learned a whole script, and I learned how being on stage works.”

She jokes: “Because it was two weeks I couldn’t back out of it!”

Will this be the last time we see Frankie in character? It’s unlikely. While she admits that stage can be full-on, she’s already got her eye on a few on-screen roles to “see how they compare”.

“I’d love to do an ITV or BBC drama - or maybe Bridgerton!”, she says.

“I just love the costumes. When I was a kid, I used to try and make Victorian outfits out of old curtains and stuff. I think it would wear off after being in a corset for a day.

us of how she copes with low periodsadmitting they still frequent her life.

“I really pull away from everyone, which only makes it only makes it worse because then you’re lonely. It’s a vicious cycle with mental health, and I think that’s what makes it so difficult.

“Because I’ve been dealing with it for so long I can prove to myself that I can come out the other side.

“If I’m feeling depressed, I know that if I lean into it and accept it, in a few days, I’ll be ok. Or, if I’m feeling really anxious about something, I know that I’ve previously been anxious about something and done it still, and it’s been ok, and I have proof of that.”

She goes on to share her advice to others experiencing similar things, adding: “Rather than being really tough on yourself and saying ‘Oh, you need to go to the gym and you need to only

party to make yourself feel better’, it’s acknowledging the things that you have managed to do. When you’re feeling really down, even having a shower - that becomes a really big thing. It’s a really big win.”

But however tough things get, she still manages to seek out confidence in the little things.

“I feel most confident when I’m with my oldest friends from school, because they knew me before any fame”, she gushes.

“They know everything. So I feel like they know me the best.”

“I just have to tell myself: ‘You’re stronger than you think you are’.

“I think when you’re someone that suffers with mental health, you are assumed to be weak, and actually, I think we’re some of the strongest people, because you can see some of your darkest

While her laughter and charm are infectious, it’s hard to believe that the singer has dealt with periods of poor mental health for most of her life.

She’s even written a book, Open: Why Asking for Help Can Save Your Life, after things got so bad during her time in The Saturdays that she checked into a specialist hospital for treatment.

But she hopes by being open, she’ll encourage more people to share their struggles - and know there’s always better times ahead.

“There are times when you can catch yourself when you’re starting to go down that hole, and you can remind yourself to go out for a walk, or message your friends, or go and see them”, she tells

BIGGER

Big dreams,

Celebrity MUA, Lielle Neury, shares her secrets to perfecting your false eyelash application

1

“For a seamless blend, take a brown or black eyeliner (you can even use a dark eyeshadow) and trace your lash line. I would always recommend a thin line so that the lash looks seamless once applied. This will also define your eye!”

2

“Take your lashes and measure against your eyes, (unless it’s a ¾ lash/a lash that fits your eye perfectly) and trim, trim, trim! All of us have different eye shapes so it’s super important your lash suits your lash line.”

3

“Apply an even layer of mascara to your lashes prior to lash application. This ensures that you have coated your natural lashes and not missed any strands. Apply lash adhesive to the lash band and let the glue set for one minute until tacky.”

4

“Apply the lashes to your lash line using tweezers, and then once placed ‘pinch’ together with your natural lash! You can then go over your lashes with another coat of mascara if you want a more dramatic effect.”

The ABCD method for luscious lashes every time

A B C D

Apply the lash looking down into your mirror to ensure you can get right above, leaving no extra space.

Blend your natural lashes with the false lashes using eyeliner to get that undetectable lash line.

Clean your lashes with a lash cleanser to ensure you get the most wear out of your falsies.

Do not over-trim your lashes! always start from the outer corner, trimming a small piece as you go until you reach the desired length.

SPOOKY SEASON

The beauty looks to copy this Halloween, whether

you’re full-blown witchin’ or just here for a good time

FEELIN’ MY-ELF

Recreate the look

Photographer: Weezy Mie

Nails Inc, £11

in ‘Silver Served’,

Mirror Chrome nail polish

Dior, £32

in ‘Matte White’,

DiorShow On Stage Liner Beauty, £38

Victoria Beckham

Lipstick in ‘Pout’,

CLOWNING AROUND Recreate the look

Primer-Infused Matte

Blush in ‘Always Vibrant’,

MAC 89 Megastar Lashes,

Look Fantastic, £12.50

Brow pencil in ‘Medium’, e.l.f., £7

Refy, £14

Photographer: Jesus Martin Tauca

SUBTLE SPOOK

Recreate the look

Glowshot Eyeshadow ‘Dior, £32

NYX, £10 in ‘Blueberry Bank’,

Lip Maximiser in ‘Mahogany’, Anastasia Beverly Hills, £26

Dewy Set setting spray,

Photographer: Peter Ohis

Photographer: Nicolas Marcano

GOTHIC GLAM

Recreate the look

Eyeshadow in ‘Sequin’, Sephora Collection

Ultralip in ‘Cranberry’, Sephora, £6.75

Glossier, £20

ASOS, £3.99 in ‘Bitten Red’, Rimmel 8HR Lip Liner

Gabby’s story

One student won’t let her journey with cancer define her future

AFTER starting at Durham University to study geography, Gabby was one of the many students whose life at university was disrupted when Covid started spreading in 2020, at terrifying speeds across the world.

When lockdown restrictions were temporarily eased, Gabby was able to travel to Geneva to visit a friend from university. However, she began suffering from severe cramps and period-like pains, which marred what would otherwise have been a perfect escape. As soon as she returned, Gabby went to see her GP who diagnosed her with a UTI and prescribed antibiotics.

At first, Gabby and her mum, a GP, thought that she was suffering from bloating, and thought it was weight gain brought about by not being able to pursue her usual exercise in lockdown. While still at school, Gabby had been a keen rower and carried this on to university, where she took to the river four times a week. But now, with everything ground to a halt, weight gain seemed possible.

Back at university, her abdominal

discomfort continued, and her family asked her to come home. A hospital consultation led to an ultrasound - which revealed that Gabby had a large cyst on her ovary.

Her first abdominal surgery was in January 2021, and within three weeks it was confirmed: Gabby was diagnosed with a very rare form of malignant cancer - a type of Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer which usually affects girls and young women up until their early twenties.

She bravely went on to have three further surgical treatments. By March, Gabby was undergoing an intense form of chemotherapy, which involved five days of inpatient treatment for three consecutive months.

She says of the experience: “It was a difficult time away for five days, with no contact with anyone, having lots of monitoring and having to drink lots of water to flush the chemotherapy through my body.

“I decided to cut off all my hair and donate it to the Little Princess Trust so something good could come from this treatment. They provide real hair wigs to young people who have lost their hair through cancer and alopecia.

“I had really thick, dark hair that started to fall out and my nails turned black – it was awful.”

Despite being scared while navigating her new world, Gabby decided to sign up for a Look Good Feel Better skincare and makeup workshop for young people, held at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. Every session offers an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, have a chat, and ask questions. The workshops are free of charge and give young people the chance to focus on themselves and not their cancer.

Gabby adds: “No one knew each other at the beginning of the workshop, but we soon got chatting and sharing our social media details with each other.

“We received goodie bags full of beauty products and makeup that we

could use during the workshop and then take home, including luxury, branded items which I would never normally use.”

Gabby is now relieved to be in remission as of March 2021, and is doing well. She is living life to the fullest, without any significant side effects, and is making up for lost time, doing all the things she wants to do - and looking forward to the future.

For more information on how Look Good Feel Better could support you or someone you know facing cancer, visit lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk

3 for £20.00

Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest of Love, Charlotte Tilbury, RRP £170

Charlotte Tilbury’s offering is a viral sensation every year - and 2024 could be their most popular yet. A heart-shaped treasure chest (which let’s face it, will become our new jewellery box post-Christmas), is packed with travel and full-sized versions of iconic products. Think along the lines of the awardwinning Magic Cream (travel size), Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (travel size) and a full-sized Matte Revolution Lipstick in the ever-timeless ‘Pillowtalk’.

Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar, Harrods, £250

On Cloud All-Mine, Soap & Glory, £48

Bathtime obsessives, today is a good day, because your bubbly treasure trove has just had its official restock for 2025. Soap & Glory’s advent calendar this year contains 24 travel-sized versions of some of their best sellers. We’re talking Hand Food, Clean On Me, and even The Righteous Butter. They’re also the perfect size for stocking up on minis as you prepare to tick off new destinations on your world bucket list. You’ll look great, and smell even better.

MARK YOUR

You’ll need to move fast if you want to get your hands on the Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar this year, as for £250, you’re getting product worth a whopping £1,599. High-end Beauty Hall favourites including Tom Ford, Dr Barbara Sturm, and Rodial all feature in

These are the best beauty

Revolution Advent Calendar, Boots, RRP £48

If you want Christmas to come early, then Revolution’s 24-product calendar will fill your beauty stocking before we’ve even made it to the big day. Packed with full-sized best-sellers including lip liners, their iconic translucent setting powder, and even a few handy accessories, this is such a steal, that even those who are anti-beauty advent calendar will be snapping it up.

Beauty Bay Advent Calendar, Beauty Bay, £100

71% in beauty savings? We’re listening. Beauty Bay’s calendar is an annual sell-out (imagine the Hunger Games, but with makeup), featuring 25 beauty essentials from the likes of Sol de Janeiro, Urban Decay, and Laneige. If you’re someone who scrolls social media and gets influenced to buy everything you see - this one’s for you.

The Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar, Liberty, £260

A firm favourite for 10 years, Liberty’s advent calendar resembles their legacy London store - both on the outside and inside. A more luxury option, it’s perfect for trying to out miniatures of more expensive beauty items (because everyone needs to try a £500 moisturiser before they buy, right?) Packed with brands including Augustinus Bader,

CALENDARS

calendars to snap up this Christmas

12 Days of Beauty & Wellbeing Refill, Remedies, £89

Neal’s Yard is ripping up the rule book when it comes to advent calendars - because technically theirs is year-round. It’s the ultimate restock box, with seven full-sized favourites, as well as some travel-sized limited edition, seasonal items, so you never run out of your go-tos, and can find new obsessions in the process.

Photographer: Catherine Harbour

SEEING BEAUTY DIFFERENTLY

Content creator, Lucy Edwards, is redefining what it means to lose your vision - but not lose yourself

AS a young girl slowly losing her sight and grappling with school bullies on a daily basis, Lucy Edwards could never have foresaw that one day she’d be the woman introducing the first blind Barbie doll to the world.

The 28-year-old content creator and journalist has set the standard for the next generation of influencers thanks to her open and honest documentation of what it’s like being a young person that’s visually impaired - but still living life on her own terms.

Lucy, who hails from Birmingham, initially lost vision in her right eye aged 11, before becoming completely blind aged 17, due to a rare genetic condition called Incontinentia Pigmenti.

“I think I had a lot of setbacks, because I basically had to be an adult overnight”, she tells BLUSH. “I was suddenly plunged into a world where people didn’t see me as equal. And I was like, ‘No, I have to fight against this, I have to use my voice.’”

sighted Lucy and thought she was better.

“It was something I didn’t want to accept, every single day I woke up and it was Groundhog Day.”

But despite her setbacks, Lucy has maintained her unshakeable confidence. While many of her two million followers will know her from her recent success on TikTok, she’s actually been busy creating content since 2014, when she launched her YouTube series, ‘Blind Girl Does Her Makeup’.

“DISCRIMINATION GIVES ME A FIRE IN MY BELLY TO SAY: ‘NO, I AM STILL LUCY, I’M STILL HERE. I KNOW I’M BLIND. BUT I LITERALLY HAVEN’T CHANGED’”

Navigating her new world, Lucy was forced to move schools several times due to the bullying she endured for being different.

“I would be known as the girl with the dog”, she adds, referencing her first guide dog, Olga, who is retired these days. “I really resented what I used to be able to do, and always used to look back to

“I was always that little girl with the hairbrush behind my mum and dad’s curtains introducing my sister to come onto our imaginary stage.

“I’ve always wanted to be a presenter”, she says, despite also doing a stint at law school.

“The stereotype is that I shouldn’t even want to do my makeup anymore [after losing her sight]. But I do. And I need to keep fighting to retain my sense of self.”

Not put off by a whole new world of potential criticism and trolling she could be opening herself up to online, she notes: “The more real-life discrimination happens to you, the more intolerant you get to it.

“I remember standing outside of law school and this taxi driver actually spat at me and my guide dogand this kind of thing still happens to this day.”

“Discrimination gives me a fire in my belly to say: ‘No, I am still Lucy, I’m still here. I know I’m blind. But I literally haven’t changed.’”

“VISUALS MAKE YOU COMPARE YOURSELF…I DON’T HAVE TO COMPARE MYSELF TO ANYONE ELSE’S PHOTOS… LOSING MY VISION WAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST GIFTS IN SO MANY WAYS”

She adds: “There’s a lot of people losing their eyesight right now that could benefit from my advice and also my confidence. I want to shine a light on all of the positive things about blindness and what blindness has given me, because I do truly love being blind.“

Anyone who follows Lucy will also be familiar with her sidekick and guide dog, Miss Molly. The Golden Retriever has been her confidante since 2021, and the duo are inseparable, with Miss Molly able to safely guide Lucy through streets, up curbs, and ultimately, help her rebuild her independence.

“I always say a long white cane is an object finding tool, and a guide dog is just a best friend”, Lucy admits. “If I feel scared or worried about going anywhere without vision, I just hold on to their little handles and off we go.”

“Being a guide dog owner for 10 years has been the biggest pleasure of my life and it’s built my confidence so much. We don’t deserve dogs!”

Miss Molly even had the pleasure of joining Lucy and her now-husband Ollie during their wedding ceremony last year.

The couple hired three conservatories at Kew Gardens, and turned the luscious, green spaces into a sensory haven - but it wouldn’t just be Lucy experiencing it.

Taking the moment of seeing her soon-to-be husband at the bottom of the aisle waiting for her and making it accessible in her world, the duo blindfolded all of their guests, and took them on a journey through sound and touch.

“It was actually Ollie who suggested blindfolding everybody and himself so he could experience it how I experienced it”, says Lucy.

“We had 3D audio engineers helping us, and as I reached Ollie we played ‘Arrival Of The Birds’ by The Cinematic Orchestra.”

She adds of why she chose the song: “I just thought, there are so many beautiful things about disability, and so many poignant things. But there’s also so many things that I’ve gone through to get to this point here right now.”

When it came to hair and makeup she opted for her signature long, red locks curled, and a neutral, yet glowy glam.

But with years of being a beauty expert under her belt, not being able to physically see herself doesn’t stop Lucy

from knowing what she likes.

“It’s all about texture and how I feel in everything that I put on my skin, or put on my body. So it’s about how I feel inside”, she says. “I feel most confident when I’m in my glammy heels, my glitter, my sparkle - or when my cane matches my outfit!”

She adds: “I love to go shopping physically in stores and rely a lot on shop assistants. From people’s descriptions I know that I like quite a clean aesthetic with glowy skin.

“I’m so fortunate that my sister is only 15 months younger than me, and she’s my best friend. She’s audio-described thousands of makeup tutorials for me over the years. She also has autism and her disability is both of our superpower, because she gets straight to the point.”

Most recently, Lucy got to channel all of that confidence into becoming the ambassador for the launch of the first ever blind Barbiewho features a cane, and tactile clothing.

“I didn’t play with dolls that look like me”, Lucy says of why this was her favourite project she’s worked on.

“When you feel like the world around you doesn’t accept you, and you’re living in such a sighted world that isn’t made for you, you feel so terrified… if there was blind Barbie out back then, I would have felt self-acceptance a lot quicker.”

“Beauty means loving yourself no matter what”, she says. “Visuals make you compare yourself…I don’t have to compare myself to anyone else’s photos… losing my vision was one of the biggest gifts in so many ways.”

“BEAUTY MEANS LOVING YOURSELF NO MATTER WHAT”

Photographer: Catherine Harbour

Credit: Mattel

Credit: Mattel

YOUR AGE”, THEY SAY “ACT

Four years on, the ‘pandemic skip’ is still

all too real for women feeling like their brains

are younger than their bodies

BUY a house. Get married. Have kids. Be successful. Those are what are considered to be the ‘traditional’ major milestones in a woman’s life. But following a three-year pandemic, many of us struggled to readjust to reality - and can even feel like we’re trailing behind.

Having lost several key years of our lives to being stuck indoors, the ‘pandemic skip’ has become a commonly-used term among the psychology circle. Despite our bodies physically being older, we mentally feel three years younger, but also confused and anxious about the time that has passed us by in the process.

Put simply by Casey Corradin, host of podcast, ‘Between Us Girlies’: “Whatever age you were when the pandemic started is where you’re at mentally.”

Being told to “act your age” but still quite literally feeling young at heart with no real explanation is a confusing purgatory to find yourself in.

“You may find yourself feeling out of place in the current time period, or feeling like you’re still in a former period of time”, says Author and Psychotherapist, Eloise Skinner. “This could be experienced as feeling younger than you actually are, or feeling stuck in a certain pattern of behaviour, habits, or routines that reflect a former time in your life.

“It really depends on the period of time you were in during the pandemic years, and the context of individual lives after the pandemic.”

Alessia, who was 27 when the pandemic began and is now nearing 31, is concerned that all of her friends are having children. Despite not feeling ready to take the leap, she’s also starting to worry that the pressure is mounting to do it soon.

“When you’re in such a crucial stage of your life where some people are out partying and some people are getting married, it’s hard enough to know where you stand without a pandemic throwing it all off course”, she tells us.

“At 27 years old I had in my head that I’d want kids at 30, but now I’m at that stage my mind has completely switched.

“It’s hard because I feel like I ‘should’ be doing all of these things, but there’s so much I missed out on during those three years that I want to live out the rest of my twenties again - but the way it was supposed to happen.”

When you’re stuck with these feelings (and seemingly watching everyone else crack on with their lives)it can be daunting, or even concerning, that this could be a life-long struggle. The good news? You’re not alone, and it’s certainly not forever.

“If it’s specifically related to the pandemic, I imagine that - at least for the majority of people - the impact will lessen over time, as our real-life experience catches up to our inner expectations of where we are or should be”, Eloise says.

Meanwhile, Bobbie, now 21, was 17 in 2020, and instead of “adulting”, she’s scared of being left behind.

She jokes: “I’m still not sure whether I’m meant to be acting like a grown up or the person who is allowed to go to clubs for the first time.

“WHEREVER YOU’RE AT RIGHT NOW IS WHERE YOU NEED TO BE”

“I still rely heavily on my mum to help me do stuff and I get frustrated because I feel like I should be doing everything for myself at this age - but I’ve never had the opportunity to explore because I was stuck at home.”

In fact, it’s thought that 18-25-yearolds were the largest group affected by the so-called ‘skip’. Many have reported experiences like avoiding responsibility, childlike outbursts, and being easily discouraged as some of the leading signs they felt like something was ‘wrong’.

“I think it could impact every generation, but perhaps Gen Z (who were at a particularly formative time during the pandemic years) might recall the impact with more resonance”, Eloise notes.

Words like ‘trauma’ get thrown around a lot when discussing that period of time, but for some reason, we’re not quite treating it like that just yet. But, as with any mental health blip, it’s about time we helped heal ourselves and not write it off by addressing the facts: “You’re allowed to feel set back by a once-in-ageneration event.”

Eloise adds: “One step would be to check in with yourself - whether in therapy, through journalling, meditation or self-reflection in another way - and take account of your current goals, ambitions and desires.”

“It might be that a feature of the pandemic skip experience could be a misalignment with former goals or ambitions compared to where you are in your life now - getting back on track might involve reassessing what you really want, and how you’d like your next few years to look.

“And, as always, speaking about the topic with a trusted friend, family member or therapist can be helpful to work through feelings and process emotions.”

It’s no secret that comparison culture on social media and among friendships is rife, but let this be your reminder that wherever you’re at right now is where you need to be. Even if it’s in front of the TV with your favourite takeout, avoiding all responsibility.

EVERY DAY I’M HUSTLIN’

We tested TikTok’s top-suggested

hustles for a month - and here’s

how much they made us

Atrip to Miami? A new bag? Or just paying off your bills? Almost 44% of British people are taking up side hustles in a bid to fund their ever-demanding lives, and there’s little wonder, with Covid prompting us to refuse less than the lifestyles we want.

With gift-buying season fast on the approach, there’s no better time to try your hand at something new - and get paid for it.

While you might be picking up some extra work at a local cafe, side hustle culture has become huge talk on social media, with so-called ‘easy’ ways to get rich quick dominating searches. So, we picked out some of the top suggestions career coaches were giving out and tried them for ourselves. Spoiler alert: They weren’t all as easy as they sound.

SELF-PUBLISHED BOOKS

It’s claimed there’s huge money in releasing your own books. And we’re not talking Lord Of The Rings-type novels. Ones you can make in 10 minutes. Amazon offers a free self-publishing service (they take 40% in royalties), where you can upload designs for diaries, journals, planners, and other fun stationary pieces that take far less time than an actual story. However, we found that the market is very saturated. Without putting money into advertising and marketing your new products, it’s highly unlikely they’ll pick up any search. It turns out ‘diaries with dogs on the front’ is a popular topic. Who knew?

WE MADE: £0

WARDROBE CLEAROUTS

We’re all long overdue a wardrobe freshen up - and thank goodness minimalism is back, because it’s the perfect excuse to sell your unwanted bits. If you’re guilty of getting attached to things you never wear, a good rule of thumb is to call it quits with anything that hasn’t seen the light of day in the last three months. You can then take to Vinted, eBay, and Depop, to see some rewards in return.

WE MADE: £160

PET-SITTING

While we’d happily sit stroking a cat all day, it turns out if you live in a more densely-populated area, pet sitters are in high-demand. You no longer need fancy qualifications to take up petsitting (just people who are willing to shout about how trustworthy you are!), and you’ll earn a pretty penny for overnight stays. You can expect in the region of £20-25 per day for looking after a dog. Plus, you’ll get to meet lots of new furry friends.

TIKTOK’S CREATOR FUND

TikTok’s revamped creator fund is helping users earn big bucks for their content on the platform outside of brand deals. Those involved have revealed that one million views can make you a cushty $2,500, depending on your rate. So, if you have spare time in your evenings and want to spend it making fun videos, to apply for the fund, you’ll need to have 10,000 followers, and 100,000 authentic views in the last 30 days. As we don’t have history as TikTok sensations, we didn’t qualify for this one unfortunately.

SURVEYS

CAR BOOT FLIPPING

Getting paid to give out your opinion? We already do that for free all day! There are plenty of legitimate survey websites such as YouGov that will pay you to share your thoughts on the things that matter. It’s never usually a lot (unless you go to an in-person focus group, which can pay up to £100 a go), but every little helps, and it takes just a couple of minutes out of your day. Expect to see around 20p per survey, or you’ll be rewarded in points that you can save up for a voucher. Not a bad little side gig.

Reselling has long-dominated the streetwear scene, with obsessives camping outside stores to buy the most sought-after items of clothing, only to sell them on for a huge profit later. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the knowledge, or time, to set up camp on a rainy day - but it doesn’t mean missing out. By heading to your local car boot, you’ll be able to pick up treasures and trinkets from just 50p (some people give things away for free if they want the space in their home!), which can then be resold for a profit by you. Look out for the likes of records, vintage clothing, and collectables.

How to choose the perfect wine for your festive season celebrations - and how to pair it

IT’S a tale as old as time: Find the cheapest semi-decent wine on offer in your local supermarket and bung it in the fridge ready for when your friends come over for dinner and pretend to enjoy it. But not anymore. It’s 2024 and we’re levelling-up our soirées - no more wincing as you sip on a dodgy rosé.

Wine expert and Mistress of Wine, Sam Caporn, knows virtually every grape and every variety to look out for as you’re shopping around for your next dinner party stockpile - and fear not, she’s on-hand to give us the best tips on what tipples to buy, and how to pair them.

What makes a “good” wine?

“There are several things that make a ‘good’ wine. First up, it must taste nice! For me, this means that I want it to be distinctive and taste of the grape variety that is on the label. So, if it’s a Sauvignon Blanc, then I want to find those

Partners in wine

exuberant aromatics and classic green fruits from the grape.

“If it is a Shiraz, then I want to find deep, rich bramble and black fruits, along with a twist of black pepper - so a defined wine flavour and hitting that taste expectation is important.

“A rather underrated quality in a wine is balance - the flavour, acidity, tannin and alcohol should ideally be in harmony as you don’t want one part of the wine to overwhelm the other. A classic acronym for wine quality is BLIC - balance, length, intensity and complexity - the hallmarks and making of a good wine.

“But fundamentally, a good wine is one you simply enjoy. It’s also essential to remember that everyone has different, personal preferences and numbers of taste buds, so one person’s wine heaven could be another’s hell!”

What are the winebiggest trends for 2024?

English wine is gaining popularity. Initially known for

“THIS YEAR HAS SEEN A MASSIVE SURGE IN POPULARITY FOR CRÉMANTS, OVERTAKING THE LIKES OF CAVA AND CHAMPAGNE”

producing amazing bottles of sparkling but now expanding into the still wine category, shoppers are experiencing the delicious wines that can be grown in the UK - standing out against larger wine-making regions such as Spain, Australia and New Zealand.

“With delicious grapes including Pinot Noir and Bacchus, which can be likened to a French Sauvignon Blanc, it is great to see them increasingly being awarded the recognition they deserve.

IT’S A MATCH

What to pair with…

WHITE FISH

“This year has seen a massive surge in popularity for Crémants, overtaking the likes of Cava and Champagne as the cost-ofliving continues to boom. Giving shoppers a savvier way to enjoy their bubbles, the French alternative has a similar savoury, bready profile - but without the hefty price tag.”

Your guide to navigating supermarket wines

“Supermarkets are a great place to explore – they offer a huge selection of wines, varying in styles and price points so there’s something for everyone. Shopping for good value wine at somewhere like Aldi is as simple as it gets. In their store, the range is located on the back wall, split into red, white, rosé, sparkling, and fortified.

“On shelf, wines are then displayed according to price, making it easier to see that the higher up the bottle, the higher the price tier of the product, so the lowest-priced bottles are located on the lower shelves.

“Don’t forget though, that this isn’t to say that those bottles located higher up on the shelves aren’t bargains.”

There are a few things that are helpful to remember when it comes to food and wine pairing, but the most important is simply to match the weight of the wine to the weight of the dish. If you have a delicate, subtly flavoured piece of white fish for example, then go for an elegant white wine with lemony notes.

STEAKS AND STEWS

If you’re going to eat a rich game or beef stew, white wine will instantly be swamped by the flavour of the food. A tasty, rich red is going to be your best bet here. Opt for something bursting with berry and chocolate flavours for maximum impact.

CHICKEN

For autumnal and winter hosting, chicken dishes tend to be robust and warming, so require wines with more padding. You also need to think about the sauce that the meat, fish or vegetables are served with and again, think about that all important weight of the dish.

VEGGIE DISHES

If opting for a vegetarian dish, such as a filo tart packed with spinach, leeks, peppers and cheese, opt for a fresh Provence rosé. The fruity but citrusy notes will complement the veggie and cheese ingredients without overpowering.

Specially Selected Picpoul De Pinet, Aldi, £7.49

Château Fontesteau 2014, Haut-Médoc, Majestic Wines, £17.99

Famille Perrin Ventoux Rouge 2022, Hay Wines, £13.99

Chassaux Et Fils Atlantique Rosé, Aldi, £6.99

Create a look you love.

AS the clocks go back and the nights draw in, we encourage you to embrace the changing of the seasons and transform your home into an inviting space you’ll long to retreat to.

Introducing the top trends for AW24, from the experts at Furniture Village, Teal the Show is an impactful look that combines saturated shades of teal with rich, rust accent tones and plush velvets, for a snug, yet decadent style.

Next up is Cosy Cottage, which offers a comforting dose of nostalgia, with its classic furniture and playful use of patterns. An unexpected touch of red injects a hit of dopamine – a welcome addition to any home during wintertime and suited to both inner-city living and sprawling country homes.

While we may spend more time indoors during the colder seasons, the restorative effect of the outdoors shouldn’t be forgotten. Nature’s Palette combines the natural beauty of organic materials, such as wood, with earthy browns and vibrant greens for a wholesome retreat that nourishes the soul.

Finally, Chrome Abode delivers a peaceful escape from our hectic daily lives, with its chic style and pared-back colour palette. Chrome, the material of the moment, is introduced via accessories to add allure, perfectly demonstrating how minimalist interiors can still feel warm and inviting.

Rene 3 Seater Fabric

Sofa in Heritage Airforce £1295, Rene Large Fabric Footstool in Heritage Airforce £345, At The Helm

Wallace Fabric Armchair in Tawny £1045, Parker Knoll Modern Classics

Large Stool in Inca Teal

Stockholm Extending Dining Table with 4

Wooden Dining

Chairs and Dining Bench in Dark Oak, £1695

Stellar Distressed Orange Rug from £89

All available from Furniture Village

£695, Mono Swirl Set of 2 Tables £299, Ray Floor Lamp £149, Acanto Black Table Lamp £179, Celesta Blue and Yellow Rug from £149, Sigma Yellow Rug from £69

All available from Furniture Village

Trend: Home

TEAL THE SHOW

Awonderful combination of two universally-beloved colours, blue and green, teal strikes the perfect balance between lively confidence and moody energy. Teal the Show encourages you to be bold and embrace the vivacity, depth and warmth of teal within the home.

For a showstopping scheme, colour-drench the space in saturated shades of teal, from the walls and floorcoverings, to the furniture and accessories. The result? A bold and captivating effect, creating a sense of drama, and nailing a cosy atmosphere. To further enhance this eye-catching look, pepper the teal tones with rust shades, by adding accessories such as a footstool or accent chair. Consider the fabrics here too and complement the maximalist nature of these statement shades with the opulence of velvet.

This trend works well in all areas of the home, especially in the dining room, where the cocooning nature of teal creates the perfect intimate backdrop for candlelit entertaining with friends and family.

Javier Ottoman King Size Bed Frame, £1099

Maywood Rug in Black from £119 Trend Square Lamp Table, £159

Delaney Urn Table Lamp, £249

All available from Furniture Village

Parker Knoll Modern Classics Hyde Park 3 Seater Sofa, £2295

Maywood Rug in Black from £119

Stockholm Light Oak Coffee Table, £299

Acanthus Table Lamp, £199

Stockholm Light Oak Nest of Tables, £229

All available from Furniture Village

Trend:

COSY COTTAGE

CHAMPIONING cheerful colourways and playful patterns in all their glory, Cosy Cottage captures the welcoming, lived-in aesthetic of a classic countryside retreat. This trend isn’t just restricted to those who are lucky enough to live in cottages, however. Whether you live in a rural dwelling or a city apartment, this joyful style will introduce an abundance of vintage charm to your home.

The spirit of this at-ease look lies in embracing a slower pace of life. Begin with cosy countrystyle furniture – think a plump sofa with scrolled arms, or upholstered, button-back dining chairs, which create the perfect setting to host family and friends. Adorn surfaces with painted ceramics, patterned lamps and decorative artwork to tell the story of your authentic style and personality.

Colour-wise, combine blue, a hardy perennial, with an unexpected touch of red, used in moderation, to add a welcome dose of dopamine. For a final flourish, clash traditional patterns, from gingham and stripes, to ditsy florals and polka dots for a whimsical look. What could be cosier?

Furnitureland

Hamilton Rectangular

Extending Dining Table and 4 Denim

Button Back Dining Chairs, £1199

All available from Furniture Village

2024 TRENDS

Bodahl Loki Dining Table with 3

Cantilever Dining

Chairs and Dining Bench Set, £3599

Delaney Urn Table Lamp, £249

All available from Furniture Village

Trend:

NATURE’S PALETTE

IThe Lounge Co. Bronwyn Joshua Fabric Armchair in Dark Botanical Emerald, £995 At The Helm

Shackleton Fabric

Square Footstool with Turned Feet in Pine, £645 Alba Rug in Mono from £149

All available from Furniture Village

Hypnos Bespoke Finesse Ottoman King Size Divan Set in Tourmaline Green, £2599

Hypnos Naphill

Floor Standing King Size Headboard in Tourmaline Green, £799

Delaney Urn Table Lamp, £249

All available from Furniture Village

NVITING the grounding and nurturing influence of the outdoors into the home, Nature’s Palette combines materials and colourways found in the natural world, for a look that is both rejuvenating and restorative. Nourishing green tones and earthy brown hues are blended with natural wood and soft, supple leathers to create a cosseting space to retreat to as the nights draw in.

As brown has emerged as a key colour trend for AW24, Nature’s Palette celebrates the rich tones of this warm and welcoming shade, whether through upholstered furniture or through wood itself, in its natural, unpainted state. Indeed, Nature’s Palette champions the raw, organic beauty of this material, with its distinctive colour, texture and grain taking centre stage – flaws and all.

The beauty of this look lies in its relaxed imperfection, from weathered woods to soft, buttery leathers, which age over time to grow even more eye-catching. Curated, open shelving complements this, putting treasured pieces on display to infuse the room with personality. Pattern shouldn’t be overlooked - botanicalprint accessories tie the scheme together. And the perfect finishing touch? Plants and greenery, of course.

Boutique Collection

Blenheim Grand Split Frame Scatter Back

Sofa in Darwin Ivory, £2295

Yoyo Round Nest of Coffee Tables, £399

Arela Cloud Rug from £129

Alba Nickel Floor Lamp, £249

Boutique Collection

Blenheim Bench Stool in Vancouver

Fur Ivory, £595

All available from Furniture Village

Harrison Spinks

Yorkshire 10k Ottoman

King Size Divan Set in Mole Pebble £3199, Harrison Spinks

Willow Floor Standing

King Size Winged Headboard in Mole

Pebble £949, Alba

Nickel Floor Lamp £249

All available from Furniture Village

Trend:

CHROME ABODE

USHERING in quiet luxury, Chrome Abode is characterised by a muted colour palette, textured finishes, and metallic accents. Taking inspiration from Japandi style, the shared design principles of Scandinavia and Japan, Chrome Abode celebrates contemporary minimalism and simplicity, evoking feelings of peace and serenity.

Limewashed walls provide the perfect backdrop to this chic style, drawing the focus to the furniture and allowing it to shine. Sculptural silhouettes, like scatter-back sofas and fluted headboards, are combined with luxurious surfaces, like marble tabletops, ensuring that pared-back interiors still make a statement.

As chrome has overtaken brass and copper as the finish du jour, it’d be rude not to introduce this cool, modern material to your interior this season. Employed to best effect when used sparingly, think of chrome as jewellery for your home - it adds a sense of luxury and lifts the space. An elegant side table with a chrome plinth will have a mirror-like effect, reflecting and bouncing light around beautifully, creating the illusion of a lighter, brighter, and airier room. You’ll long to return home on chilly, winter evenings.

Avorio Pop-Up

Extending Dining

Table and 4 Dining

Chairs, £1795

All available from Furniture Village

THINGS TO TRY IN...

5 Mykonos

The high-end party island known for its world-

leading sunsets has gems hidden at every turn (and

1

Live out your Mamma Mia dream

While the Mamma Mia movies weren’t filmed in Mykonos, it’s still listed as a must-go island for fans, as the white buildings and stone streets are signature of its style. Pops of pink Bougainvillea flower line every doorway, and when do we ever need an excuse to act like Donna Sheridan?

2

Get lost in wine

If you’re down to do something a bit more cultural or simply off the beaten track of the party scene, Vioma Organic Farm plays home to a vineyard, where you can sip in peace, surrounded by luscious greenery, or enjoy some tapas. In between taste tests, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet the animals on the farm, including goats, sheeps, dogs, and a donkey. The perfect hangover remedy?

4

Boogie into the night at world-leading beach clubs

3

Eat authentically Greek

Everyone loves Greek food, and Mykonos plays home to some of the best cuisine and finest chefs in the region. Whether you’re down to dine in a low-key taverna with homecooked food, or want a full-blown chef’s table experience at a high-end restaurant, there’s truly something for everyone. Phoebus, situated down one of the white, cobbled streets, has garnered a reputation over the years for high-quality Mediterranean food at a more-thanreasonable price.

Despite being an obvious choice, Mykonos is built on its upmarket club offering, and while it’s by no means a cheap night out, you can expect world-leading DJs, beach parties, and impromptu sunset house sets at every turn. Some favourites include Scorpios (which acts as a restaurant, beach club, and nightclub for a 24-hour party experience), Nammos, and Cavo Paradiso. Just don’t bother checking your bank balance the next morning - what you don’t know can’t hurt you.

5

Soak up the sun in style

One thing Mykonos is exceptional for is places to stay. Luxury villas fit for royalty and hotel rooms with swim-up pools and Instagram-friendly decor are the norm around here. If you’re going all out, definitely consider booking a night at the Santa Marina resort, with its own private, golden sand beach, and every room angled to capture both the ultimate sunrises and sunsets. The pool is lined with cabanas and there’s four restaurants on site, so you don’t have to lift a finger for the week.

TRAVEL BUCKET LIST

The definitive list of top-rated hotels in the world for 2024

THE NEWT, SOMERSET

Quintessentially British and tucked away in the countryside, this working country estate plays home to endless woodland, orchards, and spectacular gardens. Relax in the spa, get cosy in your farmyard room, or indulge in great food at the Botanical Rooms, where Chef Ben Champkin uses local ingredients to cook up a feast.

From £383 per night

CESAR, LANZAROTE

Nestled in the heart of La Geria Natural Park and surrounded by its own vineyards, this Lanzarote retreat could easily be mistaken for a property in the heart of Napa Valley, with the interiors of St Tropez. 20 luxury rooms (you can choose from a volcano or sea view), are enveloped in shades of luscious greens to help you truly switch off. There’s no better way to experience one of the most underrated Canary Islands.

From

BULGARI HOTEL, ROME

Fashion house, Bulgari, notoriously pull out all of the stops when opening a new hotel, and their latest property in Rome is no different. A stone’s throw from all of the key attractions, and with stunning views over the city’s skyline, expect luxurious Bulgari interiors, and upmarket clientele. Wind down with a drink on the roof terrace, or take a dip in the palatial pool to complete the ultimate Italian getaway.

From £1,424 per night

PASSALACQUA, LAKE COMO

A celebrity favourite, this 18th-century villa was the former home of composer, Vincenzo Bellini, and has since been transformed by the same family behind the ever-incredible Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Still containing many breathtaking original features, it’s been given a modern upgrade to make it the perfect escape for those seeking privacy. That is, until, you head to the pool and have views over the entirety of Lake Como at your feet.

From £2,370 per night

Bulgari Hotel, Rome

Passalacqua, Lake Como

César, Lanzarote

The Newt, Somerset

HOTEL COLLINE DE FRANCE, BRAZIL

Located in Gramado but with the features of France, there’s no better blend of cultures than this up-and-coming property in South America. In fact, it’s so highly-sought after that it won TripAdvisor’s annual Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award, with over 4,000 five-star reviews. Go and explore the mountainous terrain overlooking the local town and feel its Bavarian-inspired culture, before returning to 300-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and L’Occitane products.

From £198 per night

AMBIENTE SEDONA, ARIZONA

If you’re seeking escapism, it doesn’t get more secluded than Ambiente Sedona, situated on the border of the Coconino National Forest, surrounded by Red Rock State Park, and dry, desert land that you can hike on. It still has top-of-the-range amenities, including a pool, wellness activities, and dining overseen by one of the state’s top chefs. Unique architecture meets luxury travel, as you unwind far, far away from…well, anything.

From £672 per night

AURORA VILLAGE, FINLAND

This family-run spot in Ivalo is the place to be if you’re looking to see the Northern Lights in a unique environment. Glass igloos peek through the snow in this winter wonderland, immersing you in nature - and you can even meet the reindeers living in the local village. If you want to soak up the Finnish culture, you can even do a horseback trail or strip off and get in the sauna.

From £98 per night

CARLTON, CANNES

Picture this: You’re about to make your red carpet debut at Cannes Film Festival, and need the ultimate luxury destination to get ready. Say hello to the Carlton - because that’s reality for many A-listers who flock here each year. Overlooking the bay on the Boulevard Croisette and home to its own private beach, don’t be surprised when the parking lot is brimming with supercars. It’s been open since 1911 and has since remained one of the Cote D’Azur’s best hotels.

From £373 per night

SECRETS AKUMAL RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

An adults-only escape, Secrets is located on the famous white-sand Akumal beach, situated perfectly for scuba diving, sports fishing, and swimming in the clear waters. Riviera Maya is fast-becoming one of Mexico’s hottest destinations, packed with culture, great hospitality, and stunning views. With the spirit of Mexico but grandeur of a palace, this property makes the ultimate location for a celebratory trip.

From £297 per night

Aurora Village, Finland

Hotel Colline de France, Brazil

Carlton, Cannes

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Mexico

Ambiente Sedona, Arizona

BUSINESS CLASS HACK YOUR WAY INTO

The expert-approved ways to upgrade your flights for less

AH, Business class. What was once reserved for the elite and corporate jet-setters is now more accessible than ever before, with 12% of all airline passengers opting to travel in style. No more dodgy tray tables or playing footsie with the people in front. That being said, it’s still absolutely a luxury.

So how is everyone doing it, you ask? Well there are plenty of (perfectly legal and legit) hacks out there to help you save hundreds, and treat yourself to a more relaxing journey to your destination.

You’ve got on the plane and turned left - so what can you expect?

Business class offerings vary by airline, and the route that you’re taking, but the fundamentals remain the same - AKA, you’ll never want to go back to seat 28E again.

For long-haul, you’ll generally have your own mini ‘pod’ on board the plane, with a lieflat chair, TV, stacks of leg room, and privacy

from other passengers. You can also order sublime food and drink whenever you feel like it (even champagne and steak), and you’ll be gifted an amenities kit (and sometimes PJs), complete with luxury brands, including the likes of Bulgari, Ferragamo, and Diptyque.

There’s often confusion between business and first class. The only real difference is that first is considered one step below flying private and offers an elite level of luxury that’s far less accessible to the masses. In first class, you’ll generally get more space, there’ll be less people, you’ll likely have an airport escort, and the food and beverages are truly the crème de la crème of dining experiences (yep, even better than the glasses of Möet business class will have you sipping). On some planes, you can even pop off for a shower mid-flight.

Cabin crew reveal…can you really charm your way into business class?

There’s been rumours of bribes with doughnuts or cracking a smile at air stewards as you board the plane for years as a way to get upgraded on your flight, with varying degrees of success. So, can you do it? Well, kind-of, says one cabin crew professional we spoke to.

“I COULDN’T SAY YES TO SOMEONE WHO HAD COME FRESH OFF THE BEACH IN THEIR FLIP FLOPS”

“Whether we can change your seat depends on so many factors”, they admitted. “If you ask the lead member of cabin crew as you board the plane, you might get a little nudge later on in the flight. It can come down to how much space we have after our

headcount, if it’s a long route (you’re less likely to get it as it’s a bigger price difference), or even your general vibe.

“I couldn’t say yes to someone who had come fresh off the beach in their flip flops and shorts asking to move into business or first. Instead they might offer it to youand make you pay the difference.”

How to pay less for the best service

Tips from Michele Massa, travel expert and CEO of

CREDIT CARD POINTS AND AIR MILES

You see those people on Instagram who seem to constantly be flying business? Well, we can bet they’re likely getting a helping hand from air miles. The virtual ‘points’ allow you to save up while you do your everyday spending, and convert them into discounts or even whole journeys.

“So many cards offer amazing rewards programs where you can rack up points towards those coveted business-class seats”, Michele tells us. “Travel hacking, like signing up for cards with those welcome bonuses, can really boost your points balance. Think airline cards that shower you with miles on specific airlines, or ones with flexible points you can use with tons of different carriers.”

STAY LOYAL TO AIRLINES

If you’re a regular traveller it can be tempting to go with whichever

flight option is the cheapest. However, finding an airline you like and sticking with it can be beneficial in the long-run.

“Airline loyalty programs are another game-changer. Sign up for a few and you’ll be earning miles not just from flying, but also from everyday stuff like using your credit card, booking hotels, or even grabbing coffee at a partnered store”, Michele says. “These programs often have tiers with awesome perks – the higher you climb, the closer you get to priority boarding and those swanky airport lounges, making that business class experience even greater.”

TIME IT RIGHT

If you’re not looking to be super organised or already tied to specific dates, this is your opportunity to grab a steal. Business class flights can work their way into the thousands, but you could be presented with some serious discounts (we’re talking hundreds), if you’re willing to be flexible.

Michele adds: “Timing is everything! Airlines love to slash prices on business class seats during off-peak seasons or weekdays. Being flexible with your travel dates can seriously save you some cash. Plus, airlines are always dropping flash sales or limitedtime deals on business class, so following them on social media or signing up for email alerts can land you a killer steal.”

HEAD OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

“Don’t forget to explore alternative routes! Sometimes, flying into a smaller airport or choosing a slightly less popular route can mean way cheaper business class fares compared to those major hubs or direct flights”, says Michele.

Ibiza Summer Villas

on Screen Style

she’s serving up major wardrobe inspiration - here’s where to shop her looks Emily in Paris is back, and

Blouse,

Shorts,

Manokhi, £291

Coat,

Isabel Marant, £556

EMILY

Silvia Tcherassi, Bag, La DoubleJ, £570

£427

EMILY WRAPS UP GOES BOLD

Everything Emily Cooper does, she does it big and with drama - and that includes a rather OTT take on a winter coat. Be careful not to fall asleep under the cosy layers of this Isabel Marrant oversized teddy jacket.

Just like Emily Cooper, this shade is seriously marmite - and not for the faint-hearted. Then again, if Alfie and Gabriel can handle her in a rather bold monochrome moment, it’s a true test of loyalty, right? There’s no better way to stand out on the streets of the French capital than in highlighter yellow.

Possery, Jacket,

£661

A nod to old school Parisian style, it would seem that Emily is finally settling into her surroundings, with this trendy, yet very office-appropriate fit with ruffle detailing. Perfect for a day at the desk, followed by a trés chic dinner at L’Esprit de Gigi. £35.75

This 90s-meets-early 2000s ensemble is the ultimate ‘nostalgia’ look - or like our favourite on-screen marketing guru tripped and fell into an Urban Outfitters. Mary Janes are the shoe of the moment, after all. Best of all, these trans seasonal pieces will have a firm place in our wardrobes yearround.

£210

Kate Spade,

La Redoute, Blazer,

Redoute,

Subtlesparkle

Astrid and Miyu, £55

Earrings,

Primark, £22

Clogs,

H&M, £64.99

Blazer, H&M, £12.99

Scarf, Mango, £45.99

Bag, Coast, £29

Trousers, Serge DeNimes, £80

Ring,

Coast, £111

Blazer,

Country classics

Introducing the chic fits that would feel right at home in Saltburn

New Look, £9.99

Belt,

Ralph Lauren, £449

Jumper, Nixon, £125

Watch,

Primark, £32

Boots, Damson Madder, £90

Dress,

Barbour, £109

Gilet,

Primark, £5

Cuff,

Warehouse, £45.50

Dress,

Oliver Bonas, £65

Bag,

COS, £55

T-shirt,

Acne Studios, £140

Scarf,

Prya, £30

Earrings,

Pull&Bear, £22.99

Coat,

That’s a wrap

patterns are sending our wardrobes 3D Mind-bending shapes and twisting

Bimba Y Lola, £45

Bracelet,

ASOS, £12

Ring, Misspap, £30

Slingbacks,

Arket, £42

Belt,

Mango, £29.99

Trousers,

ASOS, £26

Bag,

John Lewis, £140

Ghospell at Top,

OVER time, trainers have become a street style staple. They’re practical, go with anything, and durable. But before them, came ballet pumps. A dainty, throw-onand-go alternative that instantly turned any outfit chic without the pain of donning a pair of heels - and they could be making a comeback. JLo, Meghan Markle, and Nicky Hilton have all been spotted in recent months ditching the height of their stilettos and the comfort of their Converse in favour of nostalgia. But will the trend stick? Here are our picks to shop…

POLITICAL

POWER DRESSING

- but who’s behind their forefront of government bringing fashion to the Westminster are The women of

sellout style?

TIRED, grey suits and dress shoes are commonplace in our minds when it comes to how politicians look. Despite it being one of the most front-facing roles in the country, fashion faux pas have been aplenty until now. Remember Rishi Sunak donning Adidas Sambas?

However, since the general election brought new faces to the forefront of how the UK runs, it would appear that Westminster has suddenly been awash with pops of colour and women making their

mark through power suits and structured silhouettes - seemingly trying to avoid the same style mistakes as their predecessors. You need to at least attempt to win the public over, after all.

“POLITICIANS ARE CLOSER TO US THAN EVER BEFORE; WE WANT TO KNOW THEIR TRUE PERSONALITIES”

Some of politics’ biggest names including Angela Rayner, Penny Mordaunt, and Victoria Starmer have been heading up the new evolution of style. All have been spotted in recent months daring to go bold, embracing patterns, and in turn, caused a ripple effect selling out almost everything they wear.

While high street favourites such as All Saints and Reiss are very much on their radar, one brand in particular that has gained attention during that time is ME+EM. Relatively unknown for those outside the fashion circles until now, it was founded in 2009, and aims to create timeless pieces for the modern working woman - that also wouldn’t look out of place on the streets of St Tropez.

But why is this so significant? “Politicians are closer to us than ever before; we want to know their true personalities, we want them to respond to our tweets, we simply want more”, says Shakaila Forbes-Bell, a Consumer Insights Psychologist for Clearpay.

“In response, politicians are using their style as a type of signalling behaviour. This new aesthetic is attempting to signal two things: 1) we’re different to the politicians that you’re used to, and 2)

Every design ME+EM releases undergoes the ‘three Fs’: Flattering, functional, and forever, in an attempt to unite against fast fashion and creating long-lasting clothes you’ll keep in your wardrobe for years ahead. That could explain their above-average price tag, with dresses lingering around the £300 mark, and two-piece suits going for £550.

However, their sudden boom into becoming the unofficial political uniform could be more than just a design choice. ME+EM founder, Claire Hornby, is married to Johnny Hornby, who politics buffs may also know as being the former managing director of the company that led Tony Blair’s 2001 election campaign.

you as more competent, confident, and resourceful, and I expect modern politicians to have caught on to this.” However, this is by no means Whitehall’s first rodeo at attempting to gain the trust of the public through clothing - but it certainly hasn’t always landed - which could be why many play it safe.

Jeremy Corbyn’s understated Adidas tracksuit, and Keir Starmer’s attempt at joining the masses by wearing the ever-stylish Gazelle trainers equally went down like a lead balloon. On the average person, we see a penchant for style, but put the same look on a government official, and it comes across as trying too hard.

That doesn’t mean we can’t draw inspiration from their styleeven if we don’t want to attribute it back to them.

The red ME+EM dress worn by Victoria Starmer as she entered Downing Street for the first time sold out within hours, and Angela Rayner’s campaign trail saw a series of headline-making looks, including a vibrant orange Reiss number.

we’re here to be bold, both figuratively and literally.

She adds: “I also expect to see less hard-sole shoes and slightly more trainers [from the new government]. Studies show that dressing outside the box can make people perceive

“The average person can implement power dressing by embracing the concept of enclothed cognition”, says Shakaila. “A study found that wearing clothes that we strongly associate with specific roles and traits allows us to embody those traits. For example, wearing a Halloween costume makes people act more rowdy, wearing luxury bags makes people less selfless and wearing a doctor’s lab coat makes people more focused. Identify the people you associate with power. “What do they wear? Draw inspiration from them, and you will become more powerful because you are who you dress like.”

She adds of what the future could look like: “The future of politics and fashion will hopefully see less friction.”

“There will be less commentary on whether a politician’s outfit looks good or bad, whether it’s too expensive, and more of an understanding that through their clothes, we are getting a glimpse into the mind of not simply the politician, but the person. Hopefully, we will all embrace a bit of fashion psychology and use these cues to get to know our elected officials more personally.”

ME+EM, £275

Dress,

ME+EM, £550

Suit,

SLEIGH YOUR STYLE

How to secure your spot as best-dressed

at every Christmas party this year

CHRISTMAS party season is the best season – but our wardrobes also take a beating as we decide whether it’s “jeans and a nice top” or all-out glitter for every occasion.

‘Tis also the season where we pull out our skimpiest dresses and fob off the tights (they’ve probably got holes in after all), but then, naturally, it starts raining on the way home. Huge mistake.

Not to mention, the novelty of sequins can quickly wear off when you’re sweaty and itchy 30 minutes into the party, and have to take deep breaths for the rest of the evening as you endure it.

Moreover, if you’re someone who just shuddered at the thought of sequins even being an option, festive fun can quickly descend into your worst nightmare, as you find any excuse to retreat back to your comfy t-shirt and jeans.

Thankfully, we got a helping-hand from awardwinning personal stylist Susie Hasler, who runs styledbysusie.co.uk, to help solve your wardrobe woes, and ensure you have a good time.

Key trends to look out for this party season: SPARKLE!

Sparkle at party season is like florals for spring - it’s inevitable. However, this season, we will be seeing more tinsel and glitter amongst the sequins. If the prospect of wearing tinsel-style fabrics makes you itch, you can layer it over a lightweight t-shirt to protect your skin.

Try to keep the colours in harmony with each other. So if you’re wearing a gold sequin top, add some gold earrings, as opposed to a bright colour. You can then add a colour with your handbag or lip instead. Try to ensure that your sequins match your metals.

TIES

Yes, ties are going to be huge this party season! We did see a nod to them last year, but this season they will be even more prominent. Throw on a corporate suit, statement earrings, silky blouse, heels to go alongside it. Don’t forget a red lip.

FEATHERS

Feathers make a great alternative to sequins. They are the OTT vibe we all need during party season, and they can even dress up a pair of jeans too. If feathers aren’t your thing, snuggle up in some faux fur instead. Faux fur will be huge, but when isn’t it?

How to dress for a party –if you hate party dressing (bye, sequins!)

“You can achieve a great party look in so many ways,” says Susie.

“Whether it’s a statement eye or bold lip, makeup is a perfect way to up the glamour to an otherwise simple outfit. Alternatively, try other textures such as faux fur and feathers.

“Accessories are another great way to add personality and glitz to an outfit, and will be more affordable than a whole new outfit.”

What’s going out-of-style this year?

“Buying lots of new outfits! Pre-loved partywear is going to be more popular than ever as shoppers shun trends to buy sustainably and frugally via platforms such as Vinted. Shoppers are shunning one-wear items and throwaway fashion.”

SUSIE'S CHRISTMAS PARTY INSPO:

“Alexa Chung is always a winner in showing how to glam up a suit”, says Susie. “Hannah Waddingham has also become a huge style crush for my clients.”

at Coggles, £390

Dress, Sleeper

Nasty Gal, £69

Jumpsuit,

Warehouse, £89

Dress ,

YOUR AW24 WARDROBE: SORTED THE TRENDS TO KNOW THIS SEASON, STRAIGHT FROM THE RUNWAY

Recreate the look: Dress: Nobody’s Child Tights: Calzedonia

As seen at: Chanel

HIGH NECK, HIGHER VIBES

with dramatic flair are having their moment Not only is it great for staying toasty, but collars

Photographer: Rajaa Lemnari

ALL WRAPPED UP

It’s layering season, and while we’re piling

Recreate the look:

As seen at:

our fur high, we’re keeping things light with a pop of colour

Coat: Jakke

Bag: Balenciaga

Michael Kors

Photographer:

Rosivan Morais

GO WIDE

wardrobes - and every party you walk into Big shoulders are commanding our

Recreate the look:

As seen at:

Blazer: NA-KD x Claire Rose

Boots: Ganni

Stella McCartney

Photographer: Rajaa Lemnari

RETURN TO PARIS

Barely-there fits with feminine textures have

us running for coffee and croissants

Photographer:

Rajaa Lemnari

Dress: 4th & Reckless Earings: Swarovski

As seen at: Tory Burch

As many

BURNOUT BREAKING THE CYCLE:

of us try

and get ahead in our careers, the pressure we pile on ourselves could be doing more harm than good

SELF-DOUBT, defeat, anxiety, sleeplessness, procrastination. Sound familiar? You could be experiencing symptoms of burnout.

Burnout is recognised by the World Health Organisation as an “occupational phenomenon”, causing a constant state of emotional exhaustion, often triggered by prolonged stress - for example, through a job or studying.

According to Mental Health UK, 91% of adults in Britain have experienced high levels of stress or pressure in the last year alone, and according to experts, it could be doing more to our health than simply dysregulating our nervous system.

It can affect relationships, social lives, passions, hobbies, and even our sense of identity - making the things you used to love far less enjoyable than they once were, or draining your energy so much that you

don’t even feel inclined to take that time for yourself anymore. Doesn’t sound great, does it? The good news is: it’s preventable. We’re living in an era where we wake up and look at our phones again for the rest of the evening, so there’s little wonder we’re so caught up in the madness with no time to acknowledge the things we love about life. We consulted leading psychotherapist and author, Eloise Skinner, on everything you need to know about the rising taboo, and help yourself break those negative cycles.

What’s the difference between everyday stress and burnout?

“Although the experience will differ for every person, general stress would normally be considered to be circumstantial - related to particularly stressful circumstances, events, or experiences. This type of stress might dissipate when we find time to relax, or when we step back from responsibilities or pressures.”

“SINCE WE FEEL LIKE WE’RE ALWAYS ‘SWITCHED ON’ DIGITALLY, WE MIGHT FEEL AS THOUGH WE HAVE LESS TIME FOR OURSELVES”

“Burnout, on the other hand, is a more enduring experience - it might not feel like it lessens or reduces, even when we do have time for a break. It can also come with a range of challenging physical symptoms - insomnia, feelings of anxiety, changes in appetite, changes in energy levels, etc. These symptoms might be longer-lasting and more sustained than symptoms we typically associate with stress, which might be closer related to a particularly stressful event or moment in time.”

Why is there such a spike in experiencingpeoplesymptoms?

“A rise in digital connection could be a contributor - since we feel like we’re always ‘switched on’ digitally, we might feel as though we have less time for ourselves. This is particularly the case where we access our work emails on the same device as we use for our personal lives.

“Another factor might be the general level of stress and anxiety across world events of the last few years - we can

certainly experience burnout on a larger, more existential scale as well as on an individual level.”

Who should I talk to if I think I’m at risk of burning out?

“Your GP should absolutely take health concerns (physical or mental) seriously. Therapy is also a great route, if that’s accessible to you. On a more practical level, you can try to identify the cause of the burnout - responsibilities, career, relationship, or a mix of factors. Figuring out some of the fundamental contributing reasons can help to identify the steps that will be helpful to ease burnout over the long term.”

What simple steps can everyone take at home to alleviate signs of burnout?

“You should identify the immediate causes of burnout, and then try to draw boundaries between the causes and your personal time, if it’s possible. For example, if it’s work-related burnout, you could book time off work to rest and relax, or set boundaries about when you will or won’t be available. Other steps could include getting enough sleep, establishing a stable routine (including self-care), and making sure you have enough time in your personal schedule for your passions, interests, hobbies and fulfilling relationships.”

INSTEAD OF THIS, DO THAT

INSTEAD OF: KEEPING WORK EMAILS

ON YOUR PHONE

INSTEAD OF: NOT CLOCKING OFF WHEN YOU WORK FROM HOME

INSTEAD OF: OVERLOADING YOURSELF...WITH ANYTHING

Use a separate phone so it doesn’t cross into your personal life, or don’t check them while not in the office entirely. Unless you’re saving lives, anything can wait until the following day.

Keep a strict schedule the same as you would in the office. Don’t let your work and personal lives overlap, or boundaries will blur and you’ll find it more difficult to switch off. Taking breaks will increase your productivity!

Whether it’s a stressful job or a stressful relationship, there is zero shame in asking for help or offloading your feelings onto someone else. You think the most successful people in the world did it all by themselves? Chat to a colleague, a co-worker or friend - a problem shared is a problem halved.

If you are experiencing symptoms of burnout or simply need someone to talk to, call the Samaritans on 116 123

A MATCHA MADE IN

heaven?

It’s the luminous green powder sweeping the health world - we find out if it *actually* has any benefits

BLUEBERRY, white chocolate, tropical - you name it - and there’s a matcha flavour to well, match it. The palm green-coloured drink has seen a boom in popularity over the last 12 months, with many using it as a ‘healthy’ alternative to coffee (and a great Instagram photo).

If you haven’t drank it by now, you’ve undoubtedly seen your favourite celebrity papped swanning down the street clutching a cup.

A quick Google search lists some of its alleged benefits as anxiety-reduction, cell protection, and rich antioxidant properties

(so there’s little wonder Gwyneth Paltrow kicked off the trend), and its powder formula is made from green tea leaves exposed to the sun during their growing process.

“The caffeine content of matcha varies depending on the age of the tea, the method used to grind it and the storage but can range between 50mg-100mg per cup”, explains nutritionist, Jenna Hope.

“Matcha also contains L-theanine which causes a slower release of the caffeine (when compared to coffee) and increases the release of the

neurotransmitter GABA. GABA plays a key role in exerting a calming effect and causes a gradual rise and slow fall, rather than a sharp spike and crash which may be experienced from coffee consumption.

“In practice this also means that unlike coffee, matcha is less likely to induce anxiety-like symptoms.”

If you’re getting into matcha for its health benefits, then spoiler alert: You should probably stay away from the flavoured stuff dominating coffee chains right now. Not only is it full of sugar and artificial flavourings, but pretty much undoes all of the benefits you drink matcha for in the first place.

“MATCHA CONTAINS L-THEANINE WHICH CAUSES A SLOWER

RELEASE OF CAFFEINE”

However, it’s also no secret that matcha alone isn’t the most appealing taste to a lot of people. It can be very earthy (hence why flavourings came about in the first place) - but Jenna says drinking it isn’t the only way to get to the good stuff if you’re looking for more than taste. She adds: “You can add matcha to porridge or yoghurt or raw goods. Where possible try to avoid baking it as the very high temperatures can degrade its nutritional properties!”

“Matcha does contain caffeine and therefore shouldn’t be drunk on an empty stomach or after 2pm in the afternoon as this can impact sleep quality in those susceptible. Since it’s still a caffeinated drink it should be limited to around 2 cups per day.”

Other benefits thought to be linked to matcha include detoxification and improved cognitive function, so whether you’re looking for a great-tasting bev or want to reap in its benefits, it’s one thing you’re going to be seeing a lot more of soon.

HACK YOUR GUT HEALTH

keep your insides happy, with Reema Pillai, Leading UK dietitian at Dietitian Fit Expert-approved ways to

Why should we care about our gut health?

“Our gut has a central role to play in many areas of our health and wellbeing”, says Reema.

“Firstly, the gut is where our food is broken down, nutrients are absorbed, and waste is eliminated. A healthy gut can ensure all of these functions are working optimally to prevent nutrient malabsorption or digestive issues such as bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, which can all influence quality of life.”

She adds: “The gut also has a large role to play in our immune system, with our gut microbiome (the community of bacteria and other microorganisms living in the gut) supporting our immune function, killing harmful pathogens. An unbalanced gut can compromise our immune health, meaning we are more susceptible to illness or infection.

“Many other areas of health such as chronic inflammation and weight gain have been linked to gut health, as our gut also is involved in how our body stores fat, balancing blood sugar levels and responding to hormones that make us feel hungry or full.

“An imbalance to our gut health can increase risk of chronic health issues such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.”

The biggest misconceptions around gut health…

“The most common misconceptions include the idea of cutting out gluten and dairy to improve gut health. A small percentage of the population may have an allergy or intolerance to dairy or struggle to digest gluten, but the majority of people can safely include both of these in the diet”, Reema suggests.

“Cutting these food groups out can create unnecessary risk of developing nutrient deficiencies, especially in B vitamins and calcium - which are both essential for energy production and bone health.

“If you believe you may struggle digesting foods containing gluten or dairy, firstly, speak to your GP, and consider seeing a dietitian for personalised support, before you restrict these foods.”

She adds: “Another popular misconception is that everyone should be taking a regular probiotic supplement to support gut health. Research has shown that those with gut issues, such as with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or IBD (irritable bowel disease) may benefit from a probiotic supplement, to help possible gut dysbiosis.

“However, the majority of the population do not need a regular supplement, and many supplements on the market are not proven to reach the gut alive and promote health benefits. Instead, we should focus on eating a range of whole foods which are high in fibre, so that we can consume more prebioticsalso known as the types of foods that the bacteria in our gut feed from.”

SIGNS YOUR GUT COULD USE SOME LOVE:

You may experience bloating

You notice changes to bowel frequency (or excessive flatulence!)

Increased susceptibility to infections

Low mood or fatigue

3 STEPS TO HACKING YOUR GUT HEALTH

1. Bring more fibre into your diet

“Increasing fibre intake needs to be done slowly and over time, to allow the gut to get used to the extra fibre. If you try to add too much too quickly, you are at risk of causing further side effects such as constipation and bloating. To add in more fibre, focus on more plant foods. This includes all fruits, vegetables, beans and pulses, nuts and seeds, as well as wholegrains. These are all fantastic sources of prebiotics, which feed the gut bacteria to help them thrive and grow.”

2. Exercise regularly

Exercise can improve the number of beneficial microbial species within our digestive system and increase overall diversity of bacteria. Research

has shown that exercise can increase the bacterial communities that produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These are a type of fatty acid that have many health benefits linked to them, including improved immunity, and reducing risk of certain diseases. The key is to combine regular exercise with good nutrition, to gain the most benefit for your gut.”

3. Limit ultraprocessed foods

“These have been linked to a range of gut diseases, including IBD and colon cancer. This may be because too many ultra-processed foods have a negative influence on our gut bacteria, and can cause intestinal inflammation. Reducing ultra-processed foods will mean relying on whole foods, and cooking from scratch more often- eating less readyprepared meals which are often highly-processed. This can also include reducing certain types of snacks, such as biscuits, cakes, and crisps, all of which are classed as ultra-processed. Check food labels to compare ultra-processed foods – choose items with a list of minimal ingredients, without emulsifiers, sweeteners, thickeners, and artificial flavourings added, where possible.”

Click here for full recipe

WORK OUT WITH ME: PAIGE CHOHAN

The Real Housewives of Cheshire star lets us inside the gym with her,

as she trains to feel stronger than ever after giving birth

you’ve just given birth, your emotions are all over the place, and it really helps stabilise that”, Paige says.

AS a businesswoman, new mum, and the latest addition to The Real Housewives of Cheshire - if Paige Chohan has time to work out - so do we.

The 32-year-old has been focusing on feeling stronger, more energetic, and more confident after giving birth to baby Nora, as she prepares to dive back into work commitments.

“Training has helped with my postpartum fitness journey, because when

“It gives you a focus, especially in the session, when you’re concentrating on what you’re doing and doing it correctlybecause it can be incredibly hard. But then, post-session, you feel all the energy and calm that it gave you.”

She adds: “Self-care is really important. Just taking that half an hour out of the day to go for a walk or go to the gym means you can get back to your child and give them your 100%.”

With the help of leading personal training company, Ultimate Performance, she focuses on muscle-strengthening exercises that help to build posture and promote leanness. So, we got a sneak peek inside what a day at the gym looks like for her.

PAIGE’S WORKOUT ROUTINE:

1. Deadlift using bar

x3 sets, 10-15 reps

The deadlift is a powerful exercise that targets your entire lower body, including the glutes, hamstrings, and

lower back. This move helps build overall strength and stability, which is beneficial for everyday activities like lifting and carrying objects.

“I love the strength that incorporating deadlifts has given me. It’s been so satisfying to master my form and see the weight steadily increasing”, Paige says. ”It’s definitely a favourite of mine.”

The trap bar version with high handles allows for a more upright posture, reducing strain on your lower back, and making the exercise safer and more effective, especially for beginners.

2. Incline press using dumbbell

x3 sets, 10-12 reps

The incline dumbbell press is designed to strengthen your upper-chest and shoulders. This exercise helps improve strength and definition in your upper body. The 45-degree angle of the bench ensures that you engage these muscles more effectively, promoting better muscle activation and a greater range of motion. This makes it a key exercise for achieving a well-toned and balanced upper body.

3. Incline hip extension

x3 sets, 10-15 reps

Incline hip extensions are excellent for isolating and strengthening the glutes and hamstrings. This exercise focuses on these muscles, helping to improve their strength and definition. By performing this move, you enhance lower body stability and efficiency in everyday movements, like walking and climbing stairs. The incline position intensifies the workout for these muscles, leading to better functional strength and muscle tone in the lower body.

Paige adds of why she loves it: “You know you have done something special after three sets of hip extensions!”

“Building that glute strength is so important and I am really enjoying the challenge of pushing through the sets.”

“TRAINING HAS HELPED WITH MY POSTPARTUM

4. Seated row

x3 sets, 10-15 reps

The seated row with a cable V-bar is effective for developing a strong, and defined back. It targets the upper-back muscles, including the lats and rhomboids, which helps build strength and improve posture. This exercise is crucial for enhancing overall upper-body strength and achieving a well-toned back. By incorporating the seated row into your routine, you improve muscle definition and support better alignment and posture.

5. Leg curl (lying down)

x3 sets, 10-15 reps

The prone leg curl isolates and strengthens the hamstrings. This exercise focuses on the back of your legs, enhancing their strength and flexibility. By regularly performing leg curls, you improve the balance of your leg muscles, which helps reduce the risk of injuries and boosts overall stability. Strong hamstrings are essential for various physical activities and contribute to better leg performance.

“Hitting the hamstrings with these leg curls has been key to improving my overall leg strength and again, wouldn’t have been an exercise I’d have naturally chosen for myself”, Paige adds.

6. Shoulder press using dumbbell

x3 sets, 10-15 reps

The dumbbell shoulder press is ideal for building strong shoulders and enhancing upper-body strength. This exercise targets the deltoid muscles

and upper chest, improving muscle definition and stability. Performing shoulder presses helps increase shoulder strength and overall upperbody power.

7. Sled (using harness)

x3 sets, 1 rep

Sled pushes or pulls with a harness are great for boosting overall strength and endurance. This high-intensity exercise engages multiple muscle groups, including the legs, core, and upper body, to enhance speed, power, and overall fitness.

“The sled is my nemesis! It is guaranteed to provide heart rate spike and I’m usually left in bits afterwards, but that’s where the real feeling of accomplishment comes in!”, Paige tells us.

It’s particularly effective for improving athletic performance and conditioning, making it a valuable component of any comprehensive training regimen.

All of Paige’s workouts are supplied by Ultimate Performance

FOUR TO FOLLOW

The incredible women to have on your radar

Otegha Uwagba

Best-selling author Otegha Uwagba is addressing the issues every woman faceswhether it’s managing finances, getting ahead in your career, or learning to become more assertive. Each episode sees her speak to an expert in their field, prompting open and honest chats about the topic of the day. Previous guests include Pandora Sykes, Sharmadean Reid, and Dolly Alderton.

Kerry Rasenberger

@kerrylifecoach

Offering a daily dose of positivity, practical reminders that life is linear, and thoughtprovoking quotes that spark conversation around mental health and motivation, life coach Kerry, is our pick to ‘follow’ if you’re looking to switch up your feed from filtered photos and FOMO-inducing plans.

Izzy Utterson

@izzyutterson

Izzy has become TikTok’s newest big sister for her series ‘Glow Up With Me’, offering the secret (yet practical) hacks to becoming the best version of yourself. It’s everything from advice on supplements, to skincare, and even finding a little self-love.

kerryrasenberger.com

If you haven’t yet heard CMAT’s music, you’ll probably be familiar with her getting her bum out at this year’s BRIT Awards. The Irish indie artist has burst onto the scene with her no-nonsense approach to the music industry, and has no problem calling out its flaws. CMAT herself has admitted that the inspiration for her lyrics comes from life’s inconveniences.

Now streaming: CMAT - I Wanna Be A Cowboy, Baby!

CMAT

In Good Company with

Credit: @cmatbaby

Credit:

Credit: @oteghauwagba

Credit: @izzyutterson