BLUSH Magazine - Spring 2023

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1 Comparative clinical study conducted on anti-wrinkle and smoothing efficacy on 46 women applying a base containingceither organic harungana extract or retinol with the same % of ingredient as the finished product, for 56 days.

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2 For 80% of women Satisfaction test 110 women 60s after the first application.

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Health & Fitness

76 Sophie Hughes interview 80 Is ‘reverse dieting’ promoting self love?

82 Inspirational women to follow on Instagram

Happy International Women’s Day and welcome to your SS23 issue of BLUSH! 8th March marks the celebration of all things female. Female leaders, female trailblazers, and the sisterhood of being a woman.

Not only that, but it’s a call to arms for even bigger changes. Women represent two thirds of those who cannot read or write, men outnumber women by approximately 17 to one in CEO positions, and the gender pay gap is still more prevalent than ever.

That’s why this issue is dedicated to the empowering women being the change, and carving the path for the next generation.

Leading the way, we’ve got the incredible Heather Rae El Moussa from Netflix’s Selling Sunset on the cover, who’s opening up on the reality of juggling being a first-time mum and business pioneer in an era of trolling (as well as spilling the gossip for the next season of the show, naturally) (p20).

We’ll also be diving into the skincare ingredient buzzwords to keep an eye out for this year (p17), bringing the best buys from this seasons biggest trends (p67), and dissecting whether the fashion industry can even truly be inclusive (p72)

Working with so many creative women on this issue has been a pure joy, and we hope you love reading it.

Sophie Editor - @sophthompson

COVER CREDITS

Cover Star: Heather Rae El Moussa

Photographer: Andrea Domjan

Photography Follow

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.

@blushmagazine_uk

CREDITS

Executive Editor

Lee Gatland

Art Director Richard Hejsak

Managing Editor Sophie Thompson sophie@sevenstarmedia.co.uk @sophthompson

DOUBLE POWER. NOW ALSO IN A NEW LIGHT TEXTURE.

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In just 7 days 91% saw smoother, more radiant skin.*

LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER:

THE SMALL CHARITY TACKLING CANCER WITH CONFIDENCE

Facing cancer no longer has to mean losing your spark

CANCER statistics are frightening. Most of us know someone among our friends and family who has been affected by cancer – whether directly or indirectly. What many people don’t realise is that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. According to to the World Cancer Research Fund, 387,820 cases of cancer were diagnosed in the UK in 2019 (the latest year for which data is available).

Thankfully, there are a number of charities in the UK providing muchneeded support to those affected by cancer, as well as to their families and friends, who may also struggle to cope during this extremely difficult time.

One of these is Look Good

Feel Better, a charity which offers support to women, men, and teens to combat the physical and psychological side-effects of their cancer treatment.

With an in-depth understanding of just how challenging it can be to process a cancer diagnosis and manage the physical and emotional side-effects, the charity runs workshops by trained volunteers in hospitals and cancer care centres across the country.

development, the charity has also launched regular workshops at Rudding Park Spa in Harrogate - a luxury hotel which allows patients to relax in a calming environment, while learning new practices, as well as exchanging experiences and connecting with others going through similar situations.

What to expect at a workshop:

Look Good Feel Better have a whole range of options when it comes to workshops, and you can expect advice about changes to your skin during treatment, eyebrows, eyelashes, as well as hair and nails, and how to improve body confidence. More workshops have recently been added to cover meditation, breath work, and gentle exercise to help reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety too.

As many as one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime

There’s no limit on the number of workshops you can sign up to, and many people regularly attend for the community they create.

A survey undertaken by the charity in 2022 reveals that out of those who attended one of the 1,429 workshops held throughout 2022, 98% enjoyed the social setting and meeting other people facing cancer, and 88% felt the support they received had a positive impact on their emotional wellbeing.

Looking to the future

This year, the charity is keen to raise awareness of its workshops aimed specifically at men. Additional information on grooming and shaving is provided to men within a safe environment, allowing them to talk openly and connect with others facing similar, difficult challenges.

When Roy, from Essex, was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he noticed that there wasn’t much support for people like him, and that you really had to dig to find places offering help.

He attended a Look Good Feel Better workshop and was delighted with the advice and guidance he was offered. A busy session included information on safe shaving, sun care and advice on scarring, tailored to his

needs. Roy also found the environment a safe and relaxing place to socialise and talk to other men facing similar issues.

“The workshop came at just the right time for me. I was just about to start radiotherapy and it was good to focus on something other than the cancer”, he says, of being one of the first men to use the workshops.

Since the pandemic, the charity has offered its workshops online, allowing people to take part from the comfort of their own home. In fact, they’ve proven so successful that they’re still on the go today. Registration to all workshops is simple, and no GP or NHS referral is required. Know someone who could benefit? Head to https:// lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/workshops/

For more information, or if you have any questions, please phone 01372 747 500 or email info@lgfb.co.uk

Face Junkie Hero Collection bundle, Face Junkie, £105

87 per cent of skin care consumers get confused by what products to buy and how to use them. So, new vegan and sustainable beauty brand, Face Junkie, have come up with six hero products to use across your day and night time routines (conveniently labelled by order), to take the stress out of self-care and deliver incredible results.

NuFACE Trinity+, Current Body, £385

NuFACE’s best-selling device has been given an award-winning facelift (literally), helping to tighten, contour, and tone skin using microcurrents in just five minutes – with no recovery time. Unlike other models, the Trinity+ even sports a ‘boost’ button to deliver 25 per cent more microcurrent, and of course, its head can be switched out for the targeted LED and lip attachments.

Latestinbeauty

MakeupByMario SURREALSKIN™ foundation, MakeupByMario, $42

collection, 35L Palette, £25 Radiant Pressed Highlighter, £16

Lavender has been dubbed one of 2023’s ‘it’ shades, and Morphe’s new collection is dedicated to their love of all things purple. Classic products including the 35-pan eyeshadow palette have been given an eye-popping makeover with powerful pigments and hyper-real shades to create even more dimension with your looks.

Tom Ford Cherry Smoke EDP, 50ml bottle, Selfridges, £265

The viral fragrance that had beauty lovers in a chokehold last year has met its maker with a new, oud-ier version that’s already flying off shelves. ‘Cherry Smoke’ is the latest version of ‘Lost Cherry’, with more leather and wood middle notes alongside that sweet, fruity tang.

Arguably one of the most long-awaited beauty releases to date, Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic has finally shared how he achieves his clients’ signature glow, by giving us a 30-shade foundation. The breathable, luminous foundation effortlessly builds and blends to help it stay all day – because who knows, we might get called up to a red carpet sometime too.

The freshest finds we’ve picked up this spring – that are worth knowing about

GIVING BEAUTY STANDARDS

the boot

Influencer, Danielle Gilbert, is redefining confidence - and misconceptions around alopecia

IF you’re someone who spends an hour (ok, perhaps two) before bed scrolling through TikTok, there’s little doubt that you won’t have come across Danielle Gilbert.

A 24-year-old mortgage case manager by day, she’s boomed to success with her beauty content across social media, leaving many surprised that she’s been battling with the effects of alopecia her entire life.

Alopecia Totalis causes complete hair loss (it’s still not entirely known what triggers it), and it only affects one in every 4,000 people, so society is still learning too.

community of over 600,000 supportive women online.

However, Dani’s never let trolling stop her from pursuing her passions, and is now inspiring the next generation to be confident in themselves and their socalled ‘flaws’.

Growing up different…

“When I was starting to understand the world and people around me in primary school, that’s when I started to notice I’d get stared at.”

“Losing my eyelashes was the worst thing and still probably is to this day, because that’s the feature that makes you look healthy. As soon as I lost them I felt like I looked ill and became very conscious because everything on my face suddenly looked flat.

“It happened at such a key age too when you’re just growing up and finding your own identity.

Also known as Dani G Makeup, the beauty mogul has been left open to cruel criticism from those who don’t understand, but has mustered a strong

“There’s definitely a lot more that can be done to raise awareness, just so that when people are growing up, they aren’t feeling alone - I didn’t know anyone who had alopecia apart from me, so it was very lonely.”

“YOUR DIFFERENCE IS YOUR SUPERPOWER”

What needs to change…

“The more that we see people with no hair in the media, the more we’re going to widen people’s perspective and understanding that you can be a woman, and you can have no hair, and you can still be perfectly healthy.

“There is still a wide lack of understanding of alopecia in general. People always just assume I’ve got cancer - and that’s one of the mostasked questions I get.”

Dealing with hate

“Long, flowing hair is always linked to the femininity of a woman. So it’s hard to fully understand what the mental aspect of alopecia actually feels like unless you’ve been there.

“People looking on my page will think that I’m absolutely fine, and happy with who I am because I go out without a wig, but there’s always personal hurdles. Some people in my situation even struggle to put the bin out without a wig.

“A lot of commenters come in with unsolicited advice and opinions that I’ve never asked for. They just throw it in your face, like, ‘Well, why doesn’t she just wear a wig?’”

“People wouldn’t dare dream of saying anything like that to my face, but when it’s online, there’s that anonymous barrier. Social media is good for educating people, especially because I’m a very open book, but can sometimes get borderline rude with questions.”

Finding confidence

“A huge help for me has been following other people with alopecia. I’ve filled my Instagram feed with the people who inspire me. Whenever I see other people who look like me, it inspires me to be myself more. There’s no point in creating a situation where every time you go on social media, you start feeling negative, because you’re comparing yourself to someone you can never look like.

“I don’t care about having no hair on my head but I’m definitely bothered about not having eyelashes. I can never wake up and just have eyelashes, so I’ll always have to do something with makeup so I can look ‘natural’.”

Adapting to a life with no hair

“Everywhere that is hairy on my face - that’s where the main adaptations come in. I lost my eyebrows and eyelashes when I was around 14 or 15, and now my routine is completely different. I can’t work with mascara anymore, and I can’t use brow gels - two things I used to love.

“I now use eyebrow transfers a lot too. They can be a task to put on, especially if you lose your hair one day out of nowhere, the change from a routine you’ve been doing every day can be stressful.

“Alopecia also means we’re slower to jump on the biggest beauty trends because the tools aren’t there. The ‘hairy’ population can have a laminated brow, for example. I absolutely love the laminated brow look. That’s such a thing at the moment, but obviously I need to have brows to do that.”

Ultimate beauty hack

“Whenever you’re setting your under eyes, always use a powder puff. I use the Trigwell powder puff, it’s the one I like most right now. I’ll always use pressed powders to set my under eyes too, for the most flawless base.”

A message to young Danielle

“I would definitely say to myself you’re not alone, and trust the process. I’d also say believe in yourself and be who you are, because it’s gonna pay off, I promise. If I had hair, I really don’t think I would be as big doing what I do now. Your difference is your superpower, so believe in it.”

Broccoli extract

Not only is broccoli great for your diet, but it’s also a killer skincare ingredient. It’s rich in fatty acids and is super moisturising and refreshing – perfect for the foundation-free days to come this summer. It’s suitable for all skincare types, and the natural Vitamin C can help slow the signs of ageing.

Beauty Underdog buzzwords:

Skincare

Introducing the weird and wonderful ingredients turning the heads of dermatologists this year

Bakuchiol

The vegan, sensitive-skinfriendly alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is found in the Psoralea Corylifolia plant and has been used in Chinese medicine practices throughout history for its ability to help promote cell turnover. It’s calming, anti-inflammatory, and helps protect from the disruptions of everyday life to your skin.

Marine complex

Marine complex has already made its waves in haircare and supplements, and is now making a natural pivot to skincare. Why wouldn’t it? It’s vitamin-rich and contains highly-absorbent ingredients directly from seawater, including kombu extract, algae extracts, and collagen. Perfect for firming and promoting long-term skin health.

Tomato extract

Highlysoothing and repairing (thanks to its lycopenes), tomato extract is perfect for skin that’s regularly in harsh environments or prone to damage. An antioxidant dream, it can even help to prevent cell damage, penetrating deeper than just the surface.

Linoleic Acid

An all-new variant of Vitamin F, linoleic acid provides a super lightweight plumpness to the skin, all while protecting you from pollutants and UV rays. In turn, you can expect better anti-ageing results, and a healthy glow.

spacenk.com, £9.90

The Ordinary “B” Oil, cultbeauty.co.uk, £75

Votary Super Seed Serum,

£12.99

Bakuchiol Moisturiser, The Inkey List

£45

Electrolyte Waterfacial, Drunk Elephant F-Balm™

£125

Deep Restorative Cream, Zelens Marine Complex

Blonde The year of the

Blonde has always been the shade of summer, but with Barbie-core already securing its place as one of 2023’s biggest trends, there’s little wonder that we’re braving the bleach

Caramel Macchiato Blonde

A subtle lift for those who aren’t quite ready for a complete blonde transformation, Caramel Macchiato adds pops of lightness that perfectly blend.

“Caramel Macchiato blonde is the perfect update to lighten up brunette hair”, says Jason Collier, A-list hair stylist and brand educator at Jerome Russell Bblonde. “The honey blonde shade creates a soft glow that frames the face and the deep caramel tones throughout offer a fresh take on a classic style and oozes soft, expensive glamour.” make them instantly recognisable on any Instagram feed.

Instagram: @kaiagerber

Aspen Blonde

The icy shades set for the slopes you’re seeing all over Instagram have been dubbed the new ‘Aspen Blonde’. Despite being one of the most opulent shades (like the skiing hotspot it got its name from), it’s also one of the most difficult to achieve - and be sure not to go there too quickly if you want to hold onto your hair’s health.

What to ask for at the salon:

An all over bleach - it won’t go bright white the first time, and you’ll need a few sessions spaced suitably apart.

What to ask for at the salon:

Subtle caramel micro-lights for a multi-dimensional glossy colour.

Instagram: @thechristinequinn

Bblonde colour

protect shampoo

Amazon.com, £6.68

Golden Hour Blonde

“This golden shade of blonde is perfect for a slightly more mature face. When it comes to choosing a blonde shade, go for a warmer hue as those shades will pick out the warm undertone of your skin”, adds Jason.

It’s adored by beach-dwellers for its low maintenance, and ability to help your skin look glowy. However, arguably its most popular quality is that it’s a shade that’s stood the test of time - expect to keep going back to it for summers to come.

What to ask for at the salon:

A full-head of face-framing highlights.

Baby Bella Blonde

A barely-there blonde, this shade, inspired by warm fields of barley mixes tones of honey and chestnut to create an easy-care finish.

Dubbed ‘Baby Bella’ blonde by Bella Hadid’s hair colourist, Jenna Perry, it’s designed to give an instantly lived-in finish, and not look too ‘perfect’ in application. It’s especially great for those with naturally dark hair, as you don’t want the colour to lift too much to create that warmth.

“The focus isn’t flat, one-dimensional blonde shades like before, but to create a blended blonde with natural hues both lighter and darker throughout the hair”, says Jason.

“Sometimes, people might find blonde intimidating or that it wouldn’t suit them, but this shade works with all hair styles, all skin complexions, and can be built into any natural hair colour.”

What to ask for at the salon:

A beige-blonde base with lighter highlights throughout.

Amazon.com, £6.68

silverising conditioner

Bblonde

Instagram: @bellahadid

Credit: Margot Robbie

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO

Heath

Selling Sunset’s Heather Rae El Moussa on self-love, flipping houses, and first-time motherhood

Credit: Andrea Domjan Photography

IT’S the day after Heather Rae El Moussa announced the name of her baby boy to the world: Tristan Jay El Moussa. He’s the first baby of the Selling Sunset star, along with her investor husband, Tarek, and the pair are adjusting to their new life, scheduling work commitments around sleeps and feeds.

Heather has always been the glamorous, nononsense member of the real-estate show, that’s subsequently transformed into an empire. She’s business-minded and independent - but for now, she’s putting down the diamonds and keys to some of Hollywood’s biggest homes to cuddle up on the sofa with her baby, and to make the most of their time together.

“I absolutely am obsessed with him. I love being a mommy to a newborn”, she says.

“At night, Tarek holds him and we sit in bed together. And that’s our quality time with Tristan. But I just love looking at him, watching him every day.”

She adds: “Going through the newborn stage is a whole different thing. And, you know, carrying the baby and going through the birth, I’ve just realised how incredible the female body is.

“I have such a new appreciation for moms and what moms go through, and I’m just loving it. It’s hard, but so fulfilling, and so beautiful.”

Baby Tristan got his name from a combination of his dad and grandfather. Tristan was initially supposed to be Tarek’s name, while his middle name, Jay, is the middle name of Heather’s dad.

“We’ve had a very positive response. I think everyone is just excited to finally hear his name”, she admits.

“I get a lot of hate in general, for so many things, and you’re not going to please everybody. Plus I don’t post things just for other people, I post things for myself.”

“We wanted to keep things a little bit private in the beginning, especially because we’re just so busy.”

“I WANTED TO SHOW WOMEN MY CHALLENGES THROUGH POSTPARTUM, AND REALLY BE AS CANDID AND OPEN AS POSSIBLE”

However, it’s not stopping the couple from embarking on their ‘weekly date night’, even if it is just sneaking out for two hours at a time for now. The pair met in 2019 and got engaged just one year later, so are still very much living with cartoon hearts above their heads.

“We went on one date night for Valentine’s Day. And I’m not gonna say it was easy. It was definitely tough leaving the baby and we went super early and got home by eight o’clock”, Heather says.

“It’s been challenging since Tristan has been here because I haven’t had that quality time with Tarek, like we used to. So it’s just adjusting to the new life.”

“My heart is at my house right now with Tristan. So even when I was at dinner, and as much fun as I had with Tarek, I still was thinking about the baby and wanted to be home with him. As time goes on, I think I’ll feel more comfortable going out getting a little dressed up. But right now I’m just really enjoying being at home.

“I’m doing like at home spa days right now with the time that I have, but right now the focus isn’t on me”, she adds.

“I definitely will take my showers which is really nice, and I’ll use a body scrub or put a mask in my hair, use my under eye cream, and my eye patches…my time will come again!

“I think it’s important to still feel beautiful. I’ve been living in sweats and robes and slippers the last few weeks since the baby’s been born. I’ve been getting some longer stretches of sleep from him to do my own thing now, and it’s nice

to still put on some makeup and put on a pretty dress and feel glamorous.”

However, most of the real estate agent’s social media content has for now at least, transformed from red carpet-ready, to safe space for other new mums to connect and share what they’ve been through.

“I wanted to show women my challenges through postpartum, and really be as candid and open as possible. I’ve been very open throughout the pregnancy and very open about my IVF journey - things aren’t spoken about enough, especially breastfeeding”, she says.

Now 35, Heather froze her eggs in the hope of one day starting a family, after discovering in her twenties she had a low egg count. Yet, she ended up falling pregnant naturally, which she’s dubbed a ‘miracle’.

“I love speaking to other women about their journeys, too. I’m not just there to post about myself, but I like to hear advice and hear from other women.”

“I was really amazed at how your body changes and what it goes through - I’m not working out, I’m just breastfeeding right now. I’m proud of my body and what it’s gone through.”

Despite Tristan being her first baby, Heather’s already got her practice in with Tarek’s kids, Taylor, 12, and Brayden, seven, and hopes to raise the family’s new addition the same way.

“I’m definitely on the stricter side!”, she jokes. “I’m very relaxed and can be chill, but I’m strict because I truly care about raising good humans. We’re protective of the kids.

“But then again, we’re also very loving and understanding and we have open communication, so we’re very close with them, and that’s how it will be with Tristan as well. We want them to come to us and be able to talk to us, and so far it’s working out great.

“WOMEN ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN THEY THINK. WE’RE VERY SMART, WE’RE VERY INTELLECTUAL. AND MORE OF THEM JUST NEED TO KNOW THAT THEY CAN DO IT”

They love having a new baby brother to play with too: “Braden definitely doesn’t fully understand the newborn stage. He’s expecting him to play with him and do the things he wants to do! They came to the hospital the day he was born and held him, and they just think he’s the cutest thing.”

Outside of the crazy world of motherhood, Heather is still very much involved with The Oppenheim Group and Selling Sunset, with season six of the show hitting Netflix very soon, complete with two special episodes coming slightly later.. Season seven is currently in production.

“I was filming and working throughout my pregnancy, and it was tough to even move, or walk, or sit up, or get out of bed, or sit down to use the restroom. Just basically, I couldn’t even put my shoes on”, she says.

“I was able to film a little bit of season seven and I was filming right up until maternity leave [of season six].

“That just had to do with challenges around houses not being finished on time, and me suddenly going on maternity leave. A few different factors came into it.”

Luckily for fans, baby Tristan may even get to dip his toe into showbiz for the first time in the seventh season, with Heather teasing it could be his introduction to the show.

“There might be a little surprise. But I definitely do plan on having the girls meet him, on or off camera. But you know, I’m really close with all the girls and they want to meet him so bad.”

That’s not to say everyone will be in on the celebrations, however. Selling Sunset is notoriously dramafilled (whether staged or not), and Heather most-notably found herself centre-stage of a feud with co-star, Christine Quinn, which saw the pair butt heads on a number of occasions.

“I’ve never been the type of girl to have a tonne of drama. I think as you see me on the show, I’m good friends with all the girls. I’m the one that keeps the peace, I try to see everyone’s point of view - I speak up when I’m meant to speak up”, Heather rationalises.

“I’m married. I have kids, I live down in Orange County - I don’t have a lot of time for drama, but I’m always going to be there for my friends if they’re going through something or if they are fighting over something.

“As far as the OGs go, as I like to call them, we’re all very close. Mary and I are very close. I’ve known her for such a long time and we talk all the time. Same with Chrishell. It’s exciting going through this journey together, because we all started this together. It’s made us even stronger.”

Viewers of season five will remember the show ending on Heather and Tarek’s lavish wedding ceremony in Santa Barbara, complete with a dress designed by Galia Lahav. Naturally, Christine wasn’t invited, but we got to see it play out on screens with the rest of the Selling Sunset cast - and Heather insists that was their big day, and it wasn’t just for TV.

“We wanted it filmed like our wedding video, that was very important to us. The cameras were very far away so we didn’t have them in our faces and none of the guests were bothered by cameras. We weren’t bothered by the cameras.”

So, what can we expect from future seasons?

“I think season six was probably one of my favourite seasons to film just because you get to see my pregnancy, and having Bree [Tiesi] on the show - we got really close. You see our relationship develop, you see challenges with some of the girls and plenty of fights, obviously.

“I really hope that through this show people realise real estate is the best business in the world. It’s endless opportunities, but between investing in real estate and buying your own properties there are a lot of hardships.”

“It’s hard working with homeowners who aren’t realistic about dropping their prices, and the market isn’t on fire the same way it was six months ago - and we definitely show more of those challenges in season six of the show”, she adds of some of the biggest challenges facing luxury real estate agents right now (and that’s before we’ve even got to Davina Potratz’s infamously unsold $75 million house).

“You have to be very disciplined and organised and on top of everything, because you’re dealing with people’s financials! Even smaller listings, they mean just as much to me and The Oppenheim Group…we don’t treat any of our clients differently whether it’s a $1 million house or a $25 million house, and that’s really important.”

to know that they can do it. They don’t need a husband. They don’t need a man, they can do it on their own”, she says.

Heather Rae Essentials has been born out of her love for skincare, and never finding brands that were honest about the qualities and quantities of ‘buzz’ ingredients in their products.

The line will start with eight key staples (including a body scrub which is already the hot topic of Heather’s bathroom), that are hydrating, firming, and most importantly, clean.

“Having a baby, I wanted to know that what I was putting on my body was just as healthy as what I was putting inside my body and eating”, she testifies.

“I wanted to know the ingredients I was wearing, and a lot of products aren’t transparent. So I’ve been really working on this for over a year.”

Ahead of its release and living in her new baby bubble, it’s given Heather a lot of time to think about what she wants for herself. And businesses aside, it’s clear that there’s one thing that remains consistent: Selflove.

PROUD OF MY BODY AND WHAT IT’S GONE THROUGH”

“Right now I’m just continuing to keep peace in my life and, and not let outside people mess with that. It’s challenging, sometimes being so open and on reality shows - people think that they can say anything about you, talk about your family, talk about your children. I just need to keep blocking out the outside noise”, she summarises.

Taking inspiration from the group of strong, inspirational women she gets to surround herself with each day, she’s now putting her eggs in new baskets, and is releasing a skincare line this summer.

“Women are more powerful than they think. We’re very smart, we’re very intellectual, and more of them just need

“I always knew that I wanted to do more, but I didn’t really know how to achieve it back then. I would tell my younger self to stop worrying. I definitely was a worrier and always worried about the future - I think that comes from my dad though, he’s a worrier.

“There’s so many more goals to achieve, but right now I feel very fulfilled.”

“I’M

Lotus Flower Harness the power of the

A new three-step routine from Emma Hardie to reduce high colour, blemishes, oiliness and shine for a visibly improved, clearer skin tone and texture.

The gentle and soothing Lotus Flower range has been created with oiler skin types in mind, as well as those with stressed, hormonal, peri-menopausal or menopausal skin.

Why Lotus Flower?

Extracts of the Egyptian and Sacred Lotus Flower work to reduce excess sebum production in the skin, calming and de-stressing the skin and leaving a smooth radiant complexion.

Some of our favourite Love Island stars spill on their biggest beauty inspirations Behind the look

Joanna Chimonides

“My biggest beauty inspiration is Hailey Bieber as her makeup style is very similar to mine! It’s natural but always has the pop of a pink lip or a subtle bit of eye makeup going on - which is literally me. The holy grail product she’s inspired me to always use is a serum. Her skin always looks so glowy, and uses serum in every makeup tutorial. So, I went out and tried out Charlotte Tilbury’s Superfusion Facial Oil and it is a total God-send.”

cultbeauty.co.uk,

Abigail Rawlings

“My beauty inspiration is my best friend Belle Hassan. She always has the most flawless skin, I’m forever in awe. She gave me a one-to-one makeup lesson teaching me her little tips and tricks, and she really is such a makeup guru. My favourite trick she taught me was how to contour your nose to make it an extrasnatched button nose.”

£62

Facial Oil 30ml,

Credit: Joanna Chimonides

Credit: Abigail Rawlings

Credit: Belle Hassan

Credit: Hailey Bieber

Charlotte Tilbury’s Superfusion

dollbeauty.com, £20

Gimme Sun bronzer,

GRUNGE GALORE

YOUR SS23 BEAUTY BIBLE THE BIGGEST TRENDS TO KNOW THIS SEASON –AND HOW TO GET THE LOOK

THE 90s rock homage returns (thank you Wednesday Addams), and we’re lapping up the smoky details in this moody and understated look. Try matching your blush colour to your lips for a pairing that Avril Lavigne would approve of.

Recreate the look

Stila Stay All Day

Boots.com, £12

Fenty Beauty Gloss

sephora.com, £18

KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner

eyeliner in ‘Snow’, Bomb in ‘Fenty Glow’, in ’Trooper Black’,

Boots.com, £19

Photographer: Seun Oderinde

THIRDDIMENSION

WE’RE stepping up the levels of extra, with gems that pack a punch and stand-out textures in the name of nostalgia.

Recreate the look

Urban Decay 24/7

cultbeauty.co.uk, £18 Selfridges.com, £12.50

MAC True or False

Rimmel London Natural

eyeshadow in ‘Charged’, ‘Charmer Lash’, Bronzer in ‘Sun Bronze’,

Superdrug.com, £6.99

Photographer: Good Faces Agency

COQUETTE CLIMAX

THE Regency-era look has been transformed into a hyperfeminine statement with ultra-flushed cheeks and pastel shades galore with over 80 million views on TikTok. Derived from the word ‘coquet’ (trying to attract the attention of men) - beauty lovers are taking back control of its ‘flirty’ past.

Recreate the look

maccosmetics.co.uk, £24

narscosmetics.co.uk/en, £27

Photographer: Niko Mondì

Powder Blush in Audacious lipstick

Cancer at 28: HOW I FACED MY DIAGNOSIS

Cancer charity Look Good Feel Better charity have supported Pelda on her journey through the unknown

PELDA Baran was 28 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2022. With no family history of the disease, she didn’t think for one moment it was a possibility, when she felt a lump. In fact, it was a friend who urged her to have it checked out in the end.

Pelda had previously moved to the UK from Turkey to do a Master’s degree in Psychology, and had just started working as a mental health support worker when she had the revelation. She was referred to a breast clinic, where she underwent a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy, all on the same day. But within a week, the results came back and it was confirmed that it was indeed as she feared –cancer.

“Everything just stopped in its tracks. I froze and simply couldn’t take it in. It just doesn’t make any sense. No one in my family has had cancer, and I was terrified”, she explains of the overwhelming emotion.

“It was thanks to the fantastic support of the nurses and doctors, as well as the team at Look Good Feel Better that I got through what was an incredibly difficult time.

“I underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, as well as a mastectomy in 2022. One of the many distressing outcomes, which really affected my self-confidence, was that I lost not only my hair, but also my eyelashes and eyebrows. It really caused me huge distress and I could barely look at myself in the mirror.”

When she turned to the internet to find out what support was available, Pelda came across Look Good Feel Better’s workshops, which are run by volunteer beauty professionals. She promptly signed up to three workshops:

haircare, makeup, and nailcare.

“The advice the professionals gave us on how to look after ourselves, our hair, skin, and nails was so helpful for me at a time when my confidence was low”, she adds.

“The other thing that really made a difference was connecting with other people undergoing treatment for cancer. Suddenly I felt less alone.”

Thankfully, Pelda is now officially cancer-free and together with support from her family and a group of lovely friends, she is now courageously rebuilding her life, one day at a time.

Look Good Feel Better knows how difficult it is to manage the physical and emotional side-effects of cancer treatment, and are delighted to have supported Pelda.

For more information, visit lgfb.co.uk or go to lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/ workshops to book a workshop.

WHY IS SOCIETY CONSTANTLY

TRYING TO LABEL WOMEN?

From ‘that girl’, to ‘clean girl’, and ‘vanilla girl’, if there’s one thing TikTok has reinforced in the last year, it’s stereotypes

Words: Georgia Rhodes

WHILE TikTok as a videosharing app is to applaud for introducing most of the viral trends we know and love, the latest one that the internet can’t seem to shake is the need to categorise ourselves as women. More and more often, aesthetic-focused videos are generating millions of views, directing us on how to become the latest version of the Gen-Z ‘it girl’ - and showcasing unattainable lifestyles.

As I’m aimlessly scrolling down my TikTok feed on a Sunday evening I suddenly land across the latest trend we women must adhere to: The ‘vanilla girl’. Cosy minimalism at its finest, Gen-Z are in the era of romanticising the all-white wearers with natural, fresh skin to match. With over 362 million views and counting, it would seem as though many have already given into the pressure to jump on board.

“TikTok’s sub-categories are very gendered”, says active feminist and founder of the FGRLSCLUB, Chloe Laws. “What started as a way for girls and women to find community and feel part of something (a needed antidote), it has now snowballed into a lot of trends that are rife with internalised misogyny.”

Let’s delve into this year’s aesthetic buzzwords so far. The newly-created ‘that girl’ trend focuses on being the healthy girl who wakes up at 5am to go to pilates class and sips green smoothies.

The ‘clean girl’ champions slicked-back buns and no-makeup-makeup to appear low-maintenance. But what do all these viral TikTok trends have in common? Red flags. Setting an endless cycle of new beauty standards and encouraging young women to change themselves to fit in within an arguably exclusive microtrend. If we get a spot or struggle with acne, does this mean we can’t be a ‘clean girl’? If we like to go heavy on foundation for a night out, can we no longer be a ‘vanilla girl’? It can be hard to remember that we don’t have to aspire to look like anyone else.

Just as the mass media was once heavily-criticised for doing, we as women are now creating a demand for products to become a part of the latest sociallyapplauded trend. Some may argue that these trends are only for an audience who the trend already effortlessly relates to, but how many of us can say we haven’t been at least intrigued, let alone inspired, by at least one of the current ‘girl’ moments circling? Guilty.

Author of the Black Women’s Wellness Guide, Chloe Pierre tells BLUSH: “Not only are these trends racially exclusive, but they’re all about control and limiting people.

“Humans generally long for connection, community, and wanting to fit in. On the outside,

these trends seem harmless, but women labelling themselves in a public forum to garner attention, views, and popularity has a more sinister effect especially for younger, more naive and sensitive minds.”

Pierre continues: “On the other hand, experts may say these everyday trends have turned into polarising movements for the sheer fact that they seem to promote simplicity, although they are anything but!”

Let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. When was the last time you saw a ‘that boy’ trend or the ‘clean boy’ aesthetic? Women have been labelled and judged by society for as long as time can remember. And while society may have moved forward since the Regency era, we’re now actively punishing ourselves without even realising it. We’re becoming enslaved to the ideas and daily practices that the internet hands us at any given few weeks at a time - most of which can actually be deemed toxic.

While it’s known that women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety than men, it’s easy to see why in a digital age, where the pressures of society and the standards we hold ourselves to are more prevalent than ever.

Imagine the damage we are causing our selfesteem by putting our worth into a poularity contest? When we think about how many hours we have lost to doom-scrolling on TikTok (we’re shaking our heads too), it’s about time we entered our self-love era. It’s time to recognise and appreciate ourselves without the need to be labelled. Our self-worth does not come from a label or TikTok trend, no matter the dopamine hit of a few fleeting ‘likes’ from strangers.

“WHAT DO ALL THESE VIRAL TIKTOK TRENDS HAVE IN COMMON? RED FLAGS”

Betterboucléin

Soft textures, calming tones, standout shapes, and luxury finishes - bouclé is driving homeware lovers bonkers

Boucle armchair,

Ottoman,

Cushion cover,

Ottoman super king bed frame, Double duvet cover, zara.com, £299.99

sohohome.com, £995

zara.com, £11.99 dusk.com, £319

matalan.co.uk, £27 BLUSH | LEISURE & LIFESTYLE

blushmagazine.org.uk

Throw,

Home,sweet

Home

worth being as prepared as possible.

It’s thought huge mortgage hikes and the cost of living crisis will push house prices down by about 8 per cent in 2023, according to a forecast by Halifax - but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a bargain. In fact, the average house price right now is £362,438. Whew.

plenty of other costs you need to be considering once you’ve had your allimportant offer accepted.

Before deciding if a property is right, you’ll need to investigate whether you’ll have a ground rent or service charge to pay, which is a monthly fee to help to cover general maintenance and cleaning in block buildings.

YOU’VE already spent years dreaming up your living space on Pinterest, stashed away a few Diptyque candles, and have your eyes on the perfect wallpaper - but getting there is the hard part.

It’s no secret that working your way up to buying your first home is a turbulent (and expensive) journey, but with hidden costs and long waits on the cards for those ready to take the leap, it’s

Of course, auction houses, doeruppers, and shared ownership schemes are all options too, and once you’re moved in, all ill will be forgotten. Here’s what you should know about buying your first (or forever) home…

Costs don’t end at your deposit (but don’t cut corners)

The 10 per cent deposit mark is always seen as the big goal for first-time buyers, but because nothing is ever straightforward in life, there are

Once you’re happy, you’ll also need to get the property surveyed. It’s costly, and can slow down your moving in process, but trust us when we say you’ll be thankful when they spot an error that could cost you thousands in the long-run.

“You’ll need to consider estate agent fees, capital gains tax, and energy performance certificates”, says Jess Mitchell, branch manager at leading Nottinghamshire estate agent –Gascoines

“There are also moving costs, removals, and repair bills - not to mention filling your property with lots of lovely furniture. On average, these can total approximately £5,000 on top of your deposit.”

It’s time to take the hard work out of buying a househere’s what to expect as a first-time buyer

“IT’S THOUGHT THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS WILL PUSH HOUSE PRICES DOWN BY UP TO 8 PER CENT IN 2023”

Don’t be afraid to bargain like David Dickinson

Just because a house is listed online for a certain price, that isn’t the price you need to pay. If someone is selling their property, of course they’re looking to get as much as possible, but if you don’t think it’s worth that, don’t be afraid to offer lower.

Check land registry websites and other properties for sale in the area to compare prices, consider how much work will need doing for you to be able to move in, and even snoop around and see how long it’s been on the market. You’d be surprised at the discounts sellers are willing to give for a quick sale.

Sellers can even be attracted to people with no chain (AKA, you don’t need to sell your current home to move), and those with a mortgage-in-principle (a written statement of how much you could borrow from a lender), as it speeds up the process massively.

Take full advantage of being a first-time owner

It’s a great time to be a first-time buyer because the government are so deparate to get younger people on the housing ladder, there are plenty of schemes and benefits in place to help with your purchase.

Bank accounts such as Help to Buy or Lifetime ISAs allow you to get a bonus for saving up your deposit, and you’ll

also pay no stamp duty on your property up to the value of £425,000 - which can save thousands.

Jess adds: “One of the most popular schemes available now is shared ownership, where you buy a share of the property from the landlord, usually the council or housing association, and pay rent on the remaining share.”

Many banks are now offering deposit options as low as five per cent to attract more first-time buyers too, so your dream of owning your own place feels closer than ever.

Location, location, location

You’ve found the dream house, and you love the area. So, what now? Well, you’ll have to dig a little deeper. You don’t want to move in before finding out a huge tower block is being built in front of your window.

“Make sure you know exactly what is around your property, so you’re not shocked to discover it after you’ve moved in”, Jess advises.

Check your surroundings and planning permissions, check wifi speeds for the area, and make sure there’s parking availability. They may sound like minor details, but it’ll save plenty of hassle in years to come.

Get to know the lingo

Chain: If you need to sell your house before you can buy a new house, and the seller of the house you’re buying needs to buy a new house before you can move in - that’s a chain. It’s a bunch of complications that will slow down the process, but are sometimes unavoidable.

Exchanging: This is when both parties swap and sign the contracts, and you put down your deposit.

Completing: Moving day! This is when you’ll get the keys, and the property is officially yours.

“YOU’VE FOUND THE DREAM HOUSE, AND YOU LOVE THE AREA. SO, WHAT NOW? WELL, YOU’LL HAVE TO DIG A LITTLE DEEPER”

The biggest home

OF SS23

FOR this season’s home trends, we’ve hand-picked moments and places that we instinctively associate with summer, whether that be at home or abroad. From the beautiful Golden Hour, which tries to capture those magical minutes before the sun drops beneath the horizon, to The Rose Garden which references those heady summer days when the nation’s gardens are at their very best. Heaven.

You’ll also find a tribute to the beautiful Balearic Islands in Island Retreat, and an ode to the bustling joy of the French Riviera in Riviera Rhythm.

Our homes should reflect the things that bring us joy – whether that’s a particular colour scheme, a holiday memory, or simply a space in which to gather the family.

Trend:

THE ROSE GARDEN

INSPIRED by one of our favourite places to spend a summer’s day, this trend embraces bold colours and playful patterns to create spaces that are bursting with just as much life as their namesake.

Using a palette of rosy pinks and English-garden-inspired greens, this latest look puts a modern twist on classic country style, combining traditional patterns, such as chintz and block print, with contemporary furniture and on-trend accents that bring it right up-todate.

Pale oak designs, with simple silhouettes and clean lines, bring a serene simplicity to each scheme. On the other hand, opting for a bold centrepiece such as a sofa, makes the perfect spot to get creative with pattern – in this instance, more is definitely more.

Frills, pleats, checks, and scallops bring a touch of frivolous fun, and a vase of seasonal garden flowers will always complete the look.

Ercol Ancona Breakfast Table, £875 Ercol Heritage Chair, Furniture Village, £380

Ercol Ravello Sideboard, Furniture Village, £1400

Ottaway Bespoke Slatted Double Bed Frame, £1199 Bakerloo Large Dining Bench, Furniture Village, £349

Trend:

RIVIERA RHYTHM

THERE’S something wonderfully powerful about the simplicity of a primary palette. And when combined with a bold, seaside-inspired theme, it really comes to life.

Taking its cue from the French Riviera and it’s mix of art, culture, and colour, this trend is about channelling some of that brimming energy into your interior spaces.

Bold stripes in blue and yellow are combined with natural wood finishes and textured linens to create an inviting look that has a playful rhythm running throughout. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of stripes across walls and soft furnishings, and be sure to use a variety of tonal shades to create variety and depth.

Our top tip? Why not add a splash of green too? It will add a fresh dimension and can be introduced through accessories or foliage.

Legend Three Seater Classic Back Fabric Sofa, The Lounge Co. £1295, Romilly Footstool, £545, Knot Table Lamp, Furniture Village, £169

Earth Bar Table and Two Rocket Bar Stools, The Lounge Co. £749, Romilly Footstool, Furniture Village, £545

Nicoletti Theron

Leather Chaise

Sofa, £6155, Arctic Three Door

White Ceramic

Sideboard, £1349, Azzate Coffee

Table, £149, Azzate Round

Side Table, Furniture Village, £129

Harrison Spinks

Yorskhire 15,000

Ottoman End

King Size Divan, £5099, Harrison Spinks

Cedar King Size

Floor Standing

Headboard, £949

Azzate Round

Side Table, Furniture Village, £129

Trend:

ISLAND RETREAT

BALANCING laid-back vibes with luxury design, this island-inspired trend is all about creating cool, calm spaces that we can escape to.

A neutral blend of white, taupe, and ecru form the foundation of this minimal scheme, while dashes of black found on window and furniture frames, help to add definition and contrast.

Adding touches of butter-soft leathers and marble-effect ceramic finishes alongside can help instantly elevate the space too.

Boucle-textured cushions (one of the hottest accessories of the last year) and tactile linens provide further softness, while natural accents such as weathered woods, palm leaves and crystals bring a rustic touch that’s restful and rejuvenating.

Aquila Extending Dining Table and Four Swivel Dining Chairs, Furniture Village, £3999

Connubia by Calligaris Gate Sideboard, Furniture Village, £1948

Trend:

GOLDEN HOUR

AS the fading light of a long summer’s day fills the home with a gorgeous, ethereal glow, we’re gifted with a moment of rest and renewal. Harnessing this daily dose of energy, Golden Hour is all about creating spaces that encourage us to pause and reflect.

A base palette of golden brown and rich amber recreates the shades we find in sunspots and shadows, whilst pops of lilac and soft rose-pink help to lift the look, mirroring some of the beautiful hues that often appear as the light starts to fade.

Using the sunset to create this trend is a clever way to bring this look to life. Furnishings with soft curves cast shapely silhouettes across the floors and walls, bringing an extra layer of depth to the space. Pair with dried grasses, organic ceramics, and coloured glass, to further enhance this effect.

A striking collection of contemporary designs in dark woods and ironwork sit perfectly within this trend, adding contrast to the space without overwhelming it. Smooth leathers and subtlytextured tabletops offer a soft, feminine twist on this classic industrial look.

Connubia by Calligaris Gate Medium

Extending Dining

Table, Four Maya Dining Chairs, Furniture Village, £4305

Ercol Ancona Shelving Unit, Furniture Village, £1095

Assouline Provence Glory, Selfridges , £85

The go-to ‘it’ book collection for Instagram bloggers everywhere, Assouline’s travel offering boasts bright and bold books to help you plan dreamy trips to the most luxurious of destinations. Ibiza, Dubai, Palm Beach, and Marrakech form just some of the 18 volumes available, and the perfectly-curated designs are ones you’ll treasure for a long time.

Dogs/Gods , H&M Home, £ 49.99

Not all coffee table books take themselves too seriously, and if you’re an animal lover, Tim Flach’s photographic homage to our pets is a pure joy to read. This book documents every breed from their most flattering (and frankly wild) angles, proving why a pooch is truly man’s best friend.

Vivienne Westwood: Catwalk, Selfridges , £55

Paying homage to the late British fashion designer, catwalk explores some of Vivienne Westwood’s best runway shows and most iconic looks. The traditional, tartan design is a cosy, wintery addition to any coffee table - great for those hours spent curling up by a toasty log fire.

Accidentally Wes Anderson, Anthropologie, £25

Film director Wes Anderson is known for his signature symmetrical style and this read brings his magical worlds into our own, tracking down the places on earth that represent sheer beautyand look like something from one of his films.

Soho House: Eat, Drink, Nap, The Simple Interior Company, £29.95

A peek inside the quintessentially-British private members clubs, Eat, Drink, Nap is packed with recipes, photos, and home-improvement tips from the Soho House brand. Like the houses, the book is chic and minimalistic, and adds a touch of subtle elegance to your book shelf. Be ready to exclusively live off Picante cocktails for the foreseeable future.

The Only Woman, Waterstones , £19.95

It’s a man’s world, but that’s all the more reason to celebrate incredible women. Whether it’s groups of artists, activists, scientists, servants, movie stars, or metal workers, women are often alone in their positions, and this book uncovers those unsung heroes we should all aspire to be.

Pretty City London, Oliver Bonas , £25

From iconic haunts to quaint, secluded mews, Pretty City London is your one-stop guide to the best parts of the Capital. The idea came from Siobhan Ferguson, who began posting the best angles of the city on Instagram, and ended up becoming a cult account with over 400,000 followers. Pubs, gardens, and photo spots for this summer are officially secured.

Get Your S*** Together, Waterstones , £26

Sometimes we need a reminder to pull our finger out, and legendary artist David Shrigley has got us in check with this fun, kitsch book that celebrates his everrelatable work. Be warned though, it’s super satirical. One of our personal favourite pieces is ‘Cat is your Master’sound familiar?

YOUR LOVE LANGUAGE

These are the 2023 dating trend terms to get familiar with

Upside-down-dating

There’s little worse than trying to get over a breakup, but everything reminds you of your ex. Upside-down dating means people will be looking for someone who is completely the opposite of their usual type.

“If your partner happens to have a different outlook on life, different personality traits, or even different interests, it can make for a fun and interesting relationship”, says Mairead Molloy, relationship psychologist and

global director at Berkeley International. “Their strengths can complement your weaknesses and vice versa. You’ll get more comfortable with compromise and you’ll teach each other new things.”

Ladies first

Traditionally, it’s always been the man who makes the first move, however, in 2023, women on dating apps are set to shoot their shot. Besides, what have we got to lose?

“Most men love it when ladies make the first move”, Mairead insists. “The right person might not approach you first –don’t let a good opportunity pass you by just because society says women should wait to be approached. Remember, the guy might be too shy to ask you!”

Wanderlove

Grab your passport, because Brits are set to be travelling abroad to find love this year. A survey commissioned by South Western Railway found that 46% of us would happily hop on a plane to maintain a romance, and almost a third would relocate entirely.

The average dating app distance setting is 28 miles, so long-distance flings are about to become the norm.

Budget-friendly-flings

In short, this one is as it sounds. We’re set to see more people choosing more inexpensive date locations (sorry pricey restaurant, it’s a night down the pub for us) in a bid to battle the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Mairead advises: “Remember that date night with your partner is all about connection, and no amount of money spent in the world can give you that. She adds, “It’s only possible through talking to each other, exploring new things together, and keeping that spark alive.”

Open invitation

Our generation is somewhat more ‘woke’ than those that came before us, and with conversations around mental health and feminism rife among young people, daters are now actively choosing that emotional intelligence over looks.

yourspace Elevate

The hottest budget home hacks and how

you can achieve them yourself

Elevated skirting boards

Custom art

Large, abstract wall art pieces can set you back thousands, but with a little creativity and some all-purpose wall filler, this style of art is super easy to recreate at home. It also makes it completely unique, because there will never be two the same in the world.

Low-key lighting

There’s one rule in every Gen-Z house: Never use the ‘big’ light. But lamps are also overrated, so why not opt for low-lighting?

Using LED strips round the back of your sofa can help create a warm and cosy glow. Plus, they’re easy to set up and remove if you’ve had enough.

If you’ve ever been in a stately home, a luxury hotel, or even a palace, you’ll notice they have one thing in common: high skirting boards. They make even the most basic of themes seem more endearing and you don’t need to remove your existing skirting boards to follow suit - there are plenty of layer-over options on the market that are easily removable.

DIY box moulding

Panelled walls were arguably one of the biggest trends of 2022, and they’re only set to get bigger and better in 2023, with people opting for ‘boxed’ wall art over canvases and photographs. You can DIY this by sticking some perfectly-measured wood to your wall, and painting over it to match your theme. So chic.

Two-tone stairs

Stairs that combine wood and carpet have made a huge resurgence recently, but they’re actually a super elegant classic. You can achieve this look by ripping up your old carpet and painting the bare wood, before adding a simple runner rug up the middle.

Credit: our_gaff_

Credit: home_with_candy_sky

Credit: smithhome

Credit: amberormondroydhome

A NEW WAY TO DO

summer

These up-and-coming destinations are set to be some of the hottest this travel season (literally)

Nashville, Tennessee

An alternate way to explore the US, Nashville has become a bustling hub of culture, and a great way to dip your toe into the Deep South lifestyle (minus the controversial views). The Grand Ole Opry country music show still serenades visitors every week, the state is the birthplace of Jack Daniels whiskey (and you can even grab a tour of their distillery), and there’s the home comforts of barbeque food to boot. It’s also a city of incredible sights, including parks laced with luscious greens, rivers (head to Radnor Lake State Park), and neon lights lining the streets of ‘The District’. The best time to visit Nashville is in April to May or September to October as it’s not too hot, and there are less tourists.

Where to stay: : Omni Nashville Hotel

Where to eat: Puckett’s Nashville for no-frills southern food

Valletta, Malta

A mediterranean backdrop and grand architecture bathed in the glow of sunlight are what makes Europe’s smallest capital a joy to explore. Valletta has so much history (it was built by knights on the premise of being ‘by gentlemen, for gentlemen’), and every position you stand in offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, which is packed with hip bars and restaurants. However, if a palace or an art museum isn’t your thing, there are also plenty of boutique hotels to soak up the sun, or sprawling yachts you can take a trip on.

Where to stay: Iniala Harbour House

Where to eat: Fifty Nine Republic

Valletta, Malta

Cityscape of Nashville, Tennessee at Dawn

Boulder, Colorado

Boulder has been named ‘the happiest city in America’ - and there’s little wonder why. Situated in the picturesque valley below the iconic Flatirons, Boulder has the weather (300 days of sunshine a year), the entertainment (particularly great if you’re someone who loves the outdoors), and outstanding food, all set to an incredible backdrop. In the city, one of the most popular attractions is Pearl Street Mall, where you can enjoy street performers and a taste of city life. Or, just moments away are worldleading hiking and biking trails. It’s even a great place to ski during the winter months.

Where to stay: St Julien Hotel and Spa

Where to eat: Oak at Fourteenth

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is often overlooked when it comes to choosing an Italian getaway, but the Mediterranean island is rife with culture, relaxation, and hidden troves to explore. It’s the perfect place for water-based activities such as scuba-diving and finding ocean caves, or if you’d prefer to stay on dry land, you can even catch a glimpse of flamingos in the salty lagoons. Moving inland, consider hiring a Vespa and heading up the winding mountain roads to catch a glorious view from above. As with any Italian trip, however, the highlight is always set to be the authentic, locally-produced food. Sorry if your stomach is rumbling now.

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Cannigione and Spa

Where to eat: Il Portolano

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia has become a go-to spot for sun-seekers with its budget-friendly holiday options (both for travel and when you arrive), as well as glistening waters likened to those of the Maldives. Dubrovnik offers a mix of beach vibes and education for history lovers, and plenty of stunning Baroque architecture for those Instagram snaps. It’s even most-recently been a filming set for Game of Thrones, so you can relive your favourite characters’ storylines. However, palaces and monasteries are a definite must-do.

Where to stay: Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

Where to eat: Nautika

Gustavia, St. Barts

St. Barts is at the top-end of the price range when it comes to taking a holiday to the Caribbean - and is so exclusive you can’t get flights directly from the UK. That being said, should you get the opportunity to rub shoulders with the elite on the French territory’s sandy beaches, it’s sure to be unforgettable. Known for its party culture, luxury boutique shopping, spa retreats, and water sports, it’s a haven of relaxation - that’s if you can take your eyes off the scenery. One worth saving for.

Where to stay: Le Barthelemy Hotel and Spa

Where to eat: L’Esprit St. Barts

Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia

Sardinia, Italy

Saint barthélemy

The Boulder Reservoir in Colorado, United States

Training and periods: are you in sync with your cycle?

Did you know that how you feel and perform in the gym can change throughout the different stages of your menstrual cycle?

Research by PureGym found that 76% of women struggle with their workouts at different points in their cycle and more than 3 in 5 women stop exercising at some point each month due to the severity of their symptoms.

Syncing up your workouts can help you work with your body, not against it and help you stay active. Dr Shireen is here to give you the low down on how to make your cycle work for you!

Tips for training during your menstrual cycle

The average cycle lasts 28 days and is split into four key phases.

Menstruation

Day 1 of your cycle begins on the first day of your period. Oestrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest during menstruation and you may experience cramping, bloating, fatigue, and low mood.

Top Tips

Although exercise may be the last thing on your mind during your period, it can actually help to manage and relieve some of your symptoms.

During this phase, it’s all about reducing the intensity of your training – so swap your cardio and weights for gentle exercise like walking and yoga.

However, everybody is different, and you may find that your menstrual cycle ranges anywhere from 21 to 40 days! 1. 2.

Follicular Phase

During the first half of the follicular phase, oestrogen and progesterone levels are low, but during the later stages, oestrogen begins to surge. This can create a boost of energy, promote muscle building and enhanced recovery.

Top Tips

The surge in oestrogen in the second half of the follicular phase makes it the perfect time to include strength training back into your workouts.

Use the natural increase in energy and recovery to smash some goals and chase new PBs.

3.

Ovulation

Ovulation occurs mid-cycle (approximately day 14 of an average cycle) when an egg is released from your ovaries.

Top Tips

Although you may experience some cramping during ovulation, your oestrogen levels are still high, so you’ll likely feel energised and ready to smash your workout!

Use this as an opportunity to try HIIT training or attempt some more PBs - but always listen to your body if the cramps get too much!

4.

Luteal Phase

During the first half of the luteal phase, progesterone and oestrogen levels begin to increase, and energy will continue to be high. In the second half of the luteal phase, oestrogen levels drop, leading to PMS symptoms and a decline in energy and motivation.

Top Tips

Make the most of the continued energy you’ll have in the first half of the luteal phase and plan in your higher intensity workouts.

In the second half of this phase, don’t expect to be hitting PBs, instead, swap weights and HIIT for lower intensity workouts like Pilates, yoga, swimming, and steady state cardio.

Find out more: puregym.com/menstrual-cycle

Our chickpea, spinach and lentil curry has over half of a woman’s daily iron requirement, plus, it tastes amazing, and takes less than 35 minutes from prep to plate!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, diced

160g red pepper, chopped

1 tbsp paprika

1 tbsp curry powder

1 tsp cumin

400 can chopped tomatoes

Method

400g canned green lentils

400g chickpeas

400g wholegrain brown rice

200g spinach

40g pine nuts

Low-calorie oil spray

50ml water

Heat frying pan to a high heat and spray with lowcalorie oil spray.

Fry chopped onion and garlic until soft for around 3-4 minutes.

Add red pepper, herbs and spices and cook for 2 minutes.

On a medium heat add chopped tomatoes, green lentils, chickpeas, 50ml of water and simmer for 10 minutes.

Cook the wholegrain brown rice as instructed on packet.

Stir spinach into the curry and once wilted remove from heat.

Serve the curry with brown rice and top with pine nuts.

For more healthy recipes, visit: puregym.com/recipes

Ridin’solo

Thinking of travelling alone this summer?

Here are our top tips

TRAVEL search engine

Kayak shows searches for single-traveller flights are 36 per cent higher for 2023, with one in two people considering a solo trip this year.

However, when you’re used to the comfort of those around you, breaking habits and encouraging yourself to go can be the hard part, especially if you’re concerned about safety or navigating your way around.

But when you’ve made it to the boarding gate, it’s likely to be one of the best experiences of your life, and it’s time we took back the narrative of our travels, feeling empowered in the process.

Whether you’re an adventurer, a wellness guru, or a beach junkie - we’ve got you covered…

MADE”

Share your plans with friends and family

Safety first! Share details of where you plan to go, the dates you’ll be there and the locations of accommodation. Keep a piece of paper with essential phone numbers too (including the embassy in case you lose your passport), as unfortunately, you can never rule

out a missing phone. Try not to overshare on on social media too (because you never know who’s watching). Saying you’re in Morocco is fine, but don’t give out specifics. It’ll help your peace of mind, and those back home.

Don’t overpack

The beauty of a solo trip is that it’s likely more about the experience than the Instagram photos (because frankly, strangers aren’t going to give you the lowangle photoshoot your friends sacrifice themselves for every night out). That means you don’t need to be bringing three outfits a day, and you can always rewash clothes. It’s going to make travelling around far easier, and decreases your risk of losing anything en route.

Ease yourself in

Top-rated places first-timeforsolo travellers:

Be prepared to chat to strangers

While it might sound like an introvert’s worst nightmare, chatting to strangers can be trip-changing. The best way to get a conversation up and running is by asking where their favourite spot they’ve visited is, or asking for food recommendations. Quite often you’ll end up sharing your experiences, and you could even secure a future travel buddy.

Give yourself enough time (and don’t plan too much)

While being regimented is the most comfortable option, you won’t discover what you really want to do until you explore a place. Plus, if you meet new people, they’ll likely recommend an activity or day trip you want to try, and you don’t want to be in a position where you’re desperately squeezing everything in. Take it slow, take in the sights. Just plan your top three locations or excursions as the benchmark, everything else is a bonus.

Solo travel can be scary, and it definitely doesn’t have to mean living out of a backpack and jumping from hostel to hostel. If it’s your first time especially, don’t pick somewhere that’s going to be a complete culture shock. If you plunge yourself into the desert with no idea what you’re doing, of course you’re going to hate it. If you want to unwind by the beach in Spain for a week, that’s still solo travel! Don’t think it’s high-maintenance to want to stay in a hotel, or enjoy home comforts like going to a spa or eating a McDonald’s. Do it at your own pace.

Join groups

There are plenty of female travelling groups around. They’re a safe space to post what city you’re in, and meet other women and join up for activities or meals. It makes the whole experience more comfortable, you’ll make new friends, and you can pick and choose when you feel like hanging out. The Solo Female Traveller Network now has over 450,000 women connecting with each other on their adventures.

Keep a journal

Solo trips are where memories are made. You do things how you want, when you want, which is the recipe for the perfect holiday, right? Keep a journal of everything you did, save tickets from excursions, and get photos printed - they’ll be the best trinkets to look back on.

“SOLO TRIPS ARE WHERE MEMORIES ARE

Paris

Be a Doll

are injecting a touch of nostalgia into our adulthood wardrobes Ruffles, ‘60s-inspired silhouettes, and pastel pinks

Faux croc boots, ego.co.uk, £50

Heart choker,

Coated denim jacket, riverisland.com, £55

Waverly Scallop-Trim Mini Bag, charleskeith.co.uk, £55

Coated denim mini skirt, riverisland.com, £39

Jacquard Mini Dress, sisterjane.com, £85

Biker’sBack

leather, Formula 1 apparel, and colour-blocking to the forefront of our wish list Rosalía’s signature style has brought heavy

bershka.com, £59.99

Faux leather racing jacket,

Diesel.com, £225

Grab bag,

Zip-front boots, hm.com, £39.99

ASOS DESIGN chunky hexagon sunglasses, asos.com, £13.50

Primark.com, £2

Polka scarf, lovisa.com, £11

Flower power

spring are a love affair we’ll always go crawling back to Echoing the words of Miranda Priestly, florals for

Flower print trousers, mango.com, £45.99

Bandeau swimsuit, riverisland.com, £37

Flower bow top, mango.com, £25.99

Flower sunglasses, Loewe.com, £310

Beaded sliders, Accessorize.com, £40

Leaf earrings, zara.com, £15.99

Superga 2750 Cotu,

Kate Middleton has been wearing these canvas pumps on repeat for years (14 times publicly to be exact), but they’ve actually been around since 1911. The perfect combination of smartcasual, the Cotu has a timeless shape and uses pure cotton to keep them breathable.

Adidas Stan Smiths, Schuh, £75

Inspired by 1970s tennis star Stan Smith, this classic sports shoe boasts both performance and style. Recognisable by its green detailing, these trainers have stood the test of time and become a streetwear essential, thanks to the likes of Pharrell Williams and Karlie Kloss.

FRESH out the

box

The five must-own white

trainers that are here to stay

Converse x Comme Des Garçons Play high-tops, Selfridges, £140

Hot with the fashion crowd and regularly in ‘waiting list’ territory, Comme Des Garçons’ collection with Converse is one of the newer additions to the trainer game that will quickly evolve into a classic. Think Converse structure, modernised, and elevated with luxury. The iconic red heart eyes have been around since 2002, and are instantly recognisable on these logo-heavy sneakers - so definitely not one for the more subtly-dressed among us.

Veja Campo, Office, £130

You’ll recognise a pair of Vejas by their classic ‘V’ logo on the side, and the French-made brand has boomed (approximately 300 per cent!) ever since Meghan Markle was spotted wearing their V-10 sneakers on a number of occasions. Veja put sustainability at the forefront of their designs, and materials used on them are sourced locally and organically, including recycled plastic bottles.

New Balance 550, JD Sports, £120

This low-top basketball shoe is an homage to the 80s, and thanks to its internet resurgence in 2022, it routinely fetches hundreds of pounds at resale. There’s little surprise given that it’s favoured by the ‘it’ crowd including Emily Ratajkowski and Hailey Bieber. Not only that, but it’s available now in a lot of colourways, so you can quite literally snap up a pair for every occasion.

SS23’S STANDOUT TRENDS STRAIGHT FROM THE RUNWAY TO YOUR WARDROBE B

LUE IS THE COLOUR OF FREEDOM, INTUITION, AND IMAGINATION, SO IT’S ONLY RIGHT WE SERVE IT JUSTICE. VALENTINO’S AW22 SHOW INSPIRED THIS BOLD SHADE THAT’S ALREADY BEEN DUBBED THE COLOUR TO OWN OF 2023, SO MAKE SURE YOU’RE ONE OF THE FIRST

Recreate the look:

Shirt: La Redoute laredoute.co.uk

Skirt: Stradivarius stradivarius.com

Boots: ASOS asos.com

ALL RUFFLED UP

RUFFLES ARE BACK IN A BIG WAY FOR SS23, AND DITSY BRODERIE ANGLAISE IS A CLASSIC ENTRY-LEVEL STAPLE INTO THE TREND THAT WILL HAVE YOU REACHING BACK FOR SEASONS TO COME

Photographer: Rulo

Davila

Recreate the look:

Jacket: Esprit esprit.co.uk

Dress: English Factory shopenglishfactory.com

Shoes: ASOS Design asos.com

TAILORING REGULARLY GETS ITS COMEBACK, BUT LOOSER FITS AND LESS-FORMAL STYLES ARE MAKING IT WEATHER-PROOF AND AN EASY THROW-ONAND-GO OPTION THAT STILL LOOKS INCREDIBLY CHIC

SOFT TAILORING

Photographer: Rulo Davila

Model: @kriziasl

Recreate the look:

Corset: (vintage)

Jenas: River Island riverisland.com

Boots: H&M hm.com

THE ‘INDIE SLEAZE’ COMEBACK PAYS HOMAGE OF THE INDIE ROCK ICONS OF THE 2000S – THINK 90S GRUNGE PAIRED WITH DISTRESSED DENIM AND KATE MOSS-APPROVED CORSETRY

INDIE SLEAZE RETURNS

Photographer: Megan Ruth |

Model: @anaialynne

FASHION IN THE

slow lane

Styelle Swim

Australian-based swimwear brand Styelle was born out of the need for sustainable swimwear that doesn’t compromise on looks, size inclusivity, and quality.

Their ocean-approved offering is made out of Amni Soul Eco, a plant-based fibre that is 30 per cent biodegradable (the remaining 70 per cent will decompose within ten years).

Happy Earth is a social enterprise built on the idea of giving back with every item of clothing bought. From litter picks, to planting trees, you get to choose the sustainable cause that your order is supporting.

In fact, they’ve secured B-Corp certification, and they’ve so far everted 5,285,419 pounds of greenhouse gases.

Proclaim

Lingerie should represent all women, and Proclaim are making sure that every skin tone is recognised through sustainable, stylish, and most importantly, comfortable underwear.

Textile waste from their Los Angeles workshop is repurposed into new building materials, and they only work with a range of some of the highest-quality planet-friendly materials on the planet – including REPREVE® recycled polyester, TENCEL™, and hemp.

Altar

Altar encompasses everything from stylish basics, to homeware and jewellery, and celebrates independent manufacturers and artists from across North America, all with their own sustainability story.

Sizes run from XS-6XL and all of their in-house designs, Altar Houseline, are made from deadstock materials that

styelleswim.com.au, $99AUD

$89AUD

$100.50 wearproclaim.com, $110

The brands to shop that are good for the planet, and even better for inclusivity

Indy bikini top, Indy bikini bottoms,

Dea Dia Slinky necklace,

Slip dress in ‘Ella Nude’,

happyearthapparel.com, £35

Unisex long-sleeve tee,

Runway

FROM THE TO THE RACKS

Can the fashion industry ever truly be sizeinclusive? BLUSH investigates

FOLLOWING another controversial (yet still somehow sensational) Fashion Month, one thing that remained consistent was the lack of size diversity on the runway. Fashion Weeks are often seen as the benchmark for what is hot or not in every aspect of our appearances - from makeup looks and miniskirts, to our very own body types. So, what happens when our bodies aren’t on trend this season? The runway reflects straight back into society.

While it’s important to acknowledge we’re increasingly seeing more diverse body representation on the runway, reports show that last season’s Fashion Weeks included just 90 ‘curvy’ models, out of 257 shows.

It’s a sobering thought reminiscent of when many of us were teenagers, staring at our own bodies in the mirror, picking ourselves apart, and comparing ourselves to the unrealistic (or ‘aspirational’) standards that were plastered everywhere. It never gets old.

As young adults who were never informed our bodies would start to change in weight during our teen years, we were unknowingly plagued by confidence issues stemming from noughties diet culture.

But it reflects beyond models strutting down a catwalk. Fashion wasn’t made for anyone else. If a girl bigger than a size 10 were to enter a luxury store, it’s safe to say the choices would be limited. The women

of today not only need runway empowerment but size inclusivity beyond performative actions. It’s time to change the narrative and for the fashion industry to accept the bodies of all women.

The battle over size representation has been a long one, and many of us are still feeling defined by the number on the hanger. It can often be disheartening discovering you’re a size 12 in H&M, but finding out that equals a ‘large’ in Zara. We’re now forced to squeeze, tuck and bury ourselves to fit into clothes, depending on where we choose to shop. It’s hard not to feel like your clothing size dictates your worth when we’re still bombarded with images of women who represent only one body type –the only accepted body type.

One anonymous 23-year-old woman echoed the thoughts of many, describing to BLUSH how after she found herself gaining weight, not only was it difficult to come to terms with, but finding clothes to fit was a consistent challenge. “It has been really damaging to my self-esteem”, she says. “I feel like different body types aren’t included enough.”

An interesting point throughout history has been the inconsistency in sizing charts. Fashion icon Marilyn Monroe was considered ‘plus-sized’ as a UK size 16 in the ‘60s - which would translate to around a size 12 in today’s world. The consistent changing of the ideal body set by the fashion industry is deep-rooted in history, and the use of ‘plus size’ as a negative term to describe those who don’t fit the mould isn’t anything new.

“IT’S HARD NOT TO FEEL LIKE YOUR CLOTHING SIZE DICTATES YOUR WORTH WHEN WE’RE STILL BOMBARDED WITH IMAGES OF WOMEN WHO REPRESENT ONLY ONE BODY TYPE”

Even today, there is no standardisation when it comes to deciding how sizing charts look. Therefore, any store can set whatever size they like for any measurements, leaving consumers confused with our own bodies, and in the long-term, questioning our worth.

“Working within a size and fit team showed me how there is no such thing as ‘standardised sizing’ because every brand has its own standard - this goes from high street brands, all the way up to designer brands”, says Alicia Day, previous size and fit team leader at Net-A-Porter.

Day continues, “Even within the same brand, we’d get sizing information directly from the brand that they’d made their own sizing scales smaller or larger per season.

“You may be a size IT 40 in Chloé one season, and the next you’d be an IT 42, making it impossible for customers to navigate purchases, and massively impacting the way they view themselves and their size.

“FASHION ICON

“It’s hard to find a resolution when sizing is so different across brands, countries, and even seasons.”

While inclusivity may still feel like a lifetime away, we’re without doubt seeing more fighting tactics from consumers around the importance of representation from their favourite brands.

With advocates like Ashley Graham and Philomena Kwao at the forefront of social media campaigns taking the taboo out of sizing, we can one day hope to see transparency throughout the industry, from the runway, to the racks.

Words: Georgia Rhodes

MARILYN MONROE WAS CONSIDERED ‘PLUS-SIZED’ AS A UK SIZE 16 IN THE ‘60S - WHICH WOULD TRANSLATE TO AROUND A SIZE 12 IN TODAY’S WORLD”

From Stoma Surgery to Show Time!

My journey into IBD and Ostomy life went from 0-100 very quickly. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease during an emergency hospital admission after years of feeling too embarrassed to talk about my symptoms. Three days later, I was being told I’d need stoma surgery to save my life. I took to stoma life very quickly. It saved my life and I had to embrace that.

Almost six years down the line, I have gone from being an extremely unwell 20-yearold to a 26-year-old who uses that pain as a reminder to make each day count. One of the questions I had asked before my ostomy surgery is if I’d be able to dance again. Amateur Theatre has been part of my life for 20 years and I didn’t want this to stop that passion. The good news is that I was back on-stage dancing almost a year later and haven’t stopped since. One thing I had on my post-surgery bucket list was to be in another show at the Minack Theatre. I had been in four productions at this venue prior to surgery and I sadly missed out on what would have been my fifth show there due to the timing of my diagnosis and surgery. I am so proud to say that I got to go back there last year with Redruth Amateur Operatic Society Trust performing Carousel. A Minack week has its challenges, but I listened to my body when I needed to and took time out when I needed to which meant I had the most amazing week with everyone. I’d love to know if any other ostomates have performed at the

Minack. This year, I will be performing Kinky Boots with RAOST, back at our home theatre in Redruth, Cornwall. This show is all about being who you want to be, believing in who you are, and celebrating differences. As someone who is living with IBD and a stoma, I want to make a difference and show that life isn’t over by believing in myself and celebrating being different!

I am so grateful that I have safe spaces to celebrate still being here. Living life to the fullest is my biggest goal as I could have missed all of this if it wasn’t for my ostomy surgery. I am here proving that life isn’t over when you have a stoma.

It’sgymourtoo

One model is proving you don’t need to be a size zero to enjoy exercise - and feel confident doing it

WHEN model Sophie Hughes stepped up to donate her liver to her gravely-ill nephew, she had no idea the selfless act would completely change the trajectory of her life. A size six model living in Australia at the time, following the operation she shot to a size 16 in two years, leaving her lost about the future of her looks-critical job - and most importantly - her confidence.

Her relationship with the gym was always a turbulent one, counting calories and exercising as punishment on a regular basis meant dealing with her new body (inclusive of a seven-inch scar down her stomach) was a mountainous challenge.

“If I’d had a McDonald’s on a night out, then I would spend three hours in the gym the next morning, because I felt disgusted at myself that I’d eaten food”, she says.

“I hated it and I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I didn’t really care as long as I was just on the machine that burns the most calories.

“Obviously, when you’re talking about saving a life, gaining ten kilos is just the least important thing in the whole world. But obviously, it did take its toll afterwards when I had such a negative relationship with my body anyway.”

And she’s not alone. A survey has found that a shocking three per cent of women in the UK feel happy with their bodies. We’re in a global body image crisis, and social media has only propelled the negativity we associate with being anything other than the ‘ideal’ size.

But there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Fast forward seven years and the now-32-year-old boasts over 36,000 Instagram followers inspired by her journey and willingness to share a vulnerable side we rarely see presented online, and has even been re-scouted as a curve model.

She’s combatting the taboos around going to the gym as a ‘curvy’ woman

(a hobby Sophie now uses to help with self-improvement), and she insists she feels a level of self-love now that seemed unimaginable all that time ago. It’s been a long and slow process, but she hopes her journey will inspire other women to put themselves out there without fear of judgement.

“I think the body positive movement on social media really helped me, seeing other women share their bodies in such a positive light. I found myself thinking, well, they look amazing… if I can celebrate their size, their curves, and their wobbly bits, why can’t I celebrate my own?”

“I’d love to go back and speak to my younger self and tell her that at some point, she genuinely will be happy and she genuinely will be at peace in her body. And it will be a size 16.”

“It doesn’t matter how old you are, whether you’re 16, or you’re 65, there is a way to learn to accept yourself and just see that your body is the least interesting thing about you. Are you a nice person? Are you kind? Are you a good friend? We need to be looking at how we can add value in those areas of our lives rather than how we can get six inches off our waists.”

“I WALK IN THE GYM NOW AND KNOW THAT I’M THERE FOR MYSELF, AND THAT I DESERVE TO BE THERE JUST AS MUCH AS ANYONE ELSE”

Are fitness brands really doing enough?

While we’re seeing more representation through plus-sized mannequins and bigger sizing ranges, Sophie says that brands and gyms are not doing enough to create an inclusive space - and even use it to their advantage.

“Brands have a real duty of care to make sure that they’re actually living their mission and not just ticking a box”, she says. “If a brand is doing one Instagram post out of every 50 where you feel like the person on the screen represents you, that’s tokenism.”

TOP TIPS!

1. Start with a personal trainer

Start with a personal trainer - they’ll help you feel comfortable using the machines and help you get your bearings. They’re costly, but an investment.

2. Have a gym buddy It can help you build confidence and keep your workouts interesting, and you’ll have a great laugh.

3. Go with the right mindset Don’t let your challenge be to burn as many calories as possible, but to take time for you, nourish your body, and support your mental wellbeing

Because of that, many people feel discouraged from getting up and going to the gym, afraid of being judged.

“We should be talking more about what the gym does for your mental health, rather than just the 30-day belly blaster course on the gym floor, because I couldn’t give a f*** about that”, Sophie jokes.

“I encourage all the people in my life to get into the gym, because as they age, and as they get older they’re going to need it, and they’re gonna really benefit from having built up that strength.”

Gaining your confidence if you’re new to the gym

“Confidence doesn’t come with a specific body type. Confidence is only something that builds as you feed into it. You’re not going to wake up one day and just feel confident enough but you could start by walking to the gym, for example. It’s just getting yourself inside the building. I don’t care if you walk to the gym, have a coffee in the cafe at the gym, and walk home again. Celebrate yourself for taking that effort and show yourself that you are someone who follows through on what you say you’re going to do.”

Sophie’s go-to workout (leg day edition):

Romanian deadlifts (x3 sets of 12…or until failure)

x4 sets of 15: Cable kickbacks

Sumo squats with a dumbbell

Hip thrusts

Glute bridge

30-minute hill climb (incline eight, speed five)

Follow with a vegan protein and peanut butter protein shake

“I’M PROUD OF MY BODY FOR HOW FAR IT’S COME, I’M PROUD OF MY BODY FOR HOW STRONG IT IS… AND I NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS THOUGHT I WOULD BE ABLE TO SAY THAT SENTENCE”

Welcome to

SELF-LOVE

Season

‘Reverse dieting’ is the buzzword encouraging women to ditch toxic diet culture in favour of healthy relationships with food

KETO, intermittent fasting, 5:2 - they’re all household names in the dieting industry and some of the most popular choices for shedding the pounds, but the reality is, it’s not sustainable and can create toxic habits. However, with many women now turning to self-love and realising it’s not all about the number on the scales, there’s a new, more intriguing method of changing your attitude towards eating and exercise.

Welcome: reverse dieting. While its name might sound like a tactic to pile on weight, reverse dieting is actually about re-building your calorie intake and increasing your health. And no, you won’t have rapid fat gain. It means you get to eat the things you love, feel great, and keep a boosted metabolism (if that’s what you want, of course).

It’s almost a screw you to meal replacement shakes, and a great way to incorporate lots of healthy goodness into your diet to help you feel great.

However, there’s not been too much scientific research into it so far, despite searches for reverse dieting increasing massively in time for the New Year, when everyone decides to go on a health kick. Of course, it’s essential to remember that every body is a great body, and the word ‘diet’ in its name by no means suggests this is a get-slim-quick fix.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s learning to be kind to yourself and the things you eat, especially in the social media age where we’re constantly bombarded with the message that thin equals healthy.

To get the lowdown on whether it’s actually achievable to keep it up and what to expect, we spoke to Emily Servante, Certified Personal Trainer at Ultimate Performance on how to approach with caution.

How does reverse dieting work?

“It’s important to understand exactly what ‘reverse dieting’ is before someone embarks upon such a diet, because it is not suitable for everyone.

“’Reverse dieting’ is essentially pulling yourself out of a large calorie deficit – that is, eating well below your recommended daily calorie intake – after a prolonged period of low-calorie dieting. It is an old bodybuilding trick which describes a period of slowly rebuilding and increasing your daily calories back up to your maintenance level.

Can you jump straight into reverse dieting?

“Generally speaking, ‘reverse dieting’ should be done after you’ve been on a low-calorie deficit for a long time, so it wouldn’t be my first recommendation as a tool to elicit weight loss.

“However, there is a caveat to that, and this is where it might – I stress, might – help certain people.

“There is evidence to suggest that some women are unintentionally in a calorie deficit because society has drummed into them that the lower the calories, the slimmer they will be. That can lead to careless eating, because you’re depriving yourself of what the body needs by focusing purely on the kcal figures on food labels. Dropping your calorie count too low or eliminating whole food groups from your diet will slow your metabolism by its effect on thyroid hormones.

“Someone who is on a very calorie-restrictive diet might well have experienced hunger pains and cravings, feelings of being sluggish and disrupted sleep. In turn, that can lead to bingeeating to satisfy those cravings.”

Why is it so important for women to stop ‘fad’ dieting?

“A better approach to dieting is to ensure your foods contain enough good, solid nutrients, and the right amounts of proteins, carbs and ‘good’ fats. So, in the circumstances I’ve just described,

‘reverse dieting’ could be used as a weight loss tool, because it will help you to slowly build your calories back up to a healthy baseline and reintroduce important food groups. In turn, this will slowly improve your overall health, your sleep patterns and reduce cravings, all of which will have a positive impact on your metabolism and fat loss.

“When you’ve dieted for such a long time, there comes a point where your body will adapt and your metabolism will slow down. By gradually building your calories back up to a maintenance level, it has the potential to restart and recharge your metabolism.”

Meet the women already trying it… Roisin, 26

“Since being a teenager I’ve always been on some kind of yo-yo diet, and I always end up feeling worse than I did at the start.

“Noughties diet culture has caused huge long-standing mental problems for a lot of women, and it’s so easy to see food as something you have to burn off, not something that fuels your body and helps it achieve peak performance.

“I’m still relatively new to the idea of ‘reverse dieting’, but it’s helping me explore foods that I would never have previously touched and I’m far less restrictive.

“I’ve become a mindful eater, and I love how much work goes into preparing my food now, instead of just scouring the supermarkets for the products that had the lowest fat or calorie content.”

DOING THE MOST

Nelly London @_nelly_london

You may already recognise Nelly from her recordbreaking Instagram post demonstrating how photos can alter your perceptions of how someone’s body looks. The body confidence advocate regularly shows off the reality behind ‘airbrushed’ images that we’re so used to seeing from influencers.

5 inspirational women you should be hitting ‘follow’ on Tolmeia Gregory

@tolmeia

Tolmeia is at the forefront of all things climate change and uses her channel to educate and inspire the next generation to act and start eco-friendly habits early - in a non-intimidating way. She also loves a good protest against major companies not doing enough to protect the planet.

Ellie PrangnellDarby-

@elliedarbyprangnell

22-year-old Ellie, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy is all about giving disabled creatives a platform, even founding her own zine to give representation to people like herself. The Fashion Communication student is full of style, positivity, and champions normalising being a young person who just wants to do regular stuff free from restrictions or judgement.

Constanza Concha @cottyconcha

Pioneer of #SkinNoShame, Constanza is taking the taboo out of skincare - or more so - the desire to look flawless all the time. The Venezuelan was diagnosed with a rare form of acne before showing off her skin loud and proud on Instagram, encouraging others to bare all in the name of positivity.

Ayesha Perry-Iqbal

@ayeshapi

Ayesha Perry-Iqbal is the curvy Instagram goddess who not only champions that you can be ‘stylish at any size’, but is also an ambassador for Refuge, raising awareness on domestic violence within minority ethnic groups.

Credit: Gavin Glave

CAVENDISH CLINIC

To celebrate International Women’s day, we are giving Blush readers a Morpheus8 promotion. Loved by Kim Kardashian and celebs worldwide, the latest state-of-the-art light, laser, and radiofrequency device can be used both to remodel and contour the face and body. Suitable for all skin tones.

SAVE £850! ON A COURSE OF 3, FULL FACE & NECK AT JUST £1500!

Locations: London Fitzrovia, Kensington, Parsons Green and Milton Keynes

Anti-wrinkle injections from £175 and dermal filler from £295, All our injectables are carried out by doctors. Available at the following locations: Cambridge. Cheadle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Kingston, London, Milton Keynes and Southampton. Terms and conditions apply, offer ends 8th June 2023, subject to availability.

CODE: #BlushWomen

Face Transformation with Dermal Filler - Aim, to lift and tighten