Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2023 i Woman & Home

The inimitable Trinny Woodall graces our cover this month and wow! Ever since she first burst onto our screens in the early noughties, Trinny has exuded a star wattage, and when I meet her, I can see why. Professional, efficient and remarkably personable, Trinny knows what she’s doing and her enthusiasm is unwavering. When it comes to our photo (above), she’s on form, ‘Make the most of your waist, hips out, that’s it – perfect!’ These days, she presents pieces on ITV1’s This Morning, and is a successful businesswoman with a make-up and skincare range, Trinny London (which she sold her house to help fund). Turn to page 16 to read her story. We also have fantastic features, including three inspiring women who prove that it’s never too late to…

STRETCH OUT SUMMER…

It’s official – life is more stressful for women. According to a report from The Physiological Society*, women find life more nerve-racking than blokes. From child-rearing to retirement, it’s tougher being female – and not just because of those endlessly long loo queues! And now, of course, I’ve added to your stress by making you feel stressed about how stressed you are… oops! The survey found that women are 13% more anxious than men about everything from money problems, moving house, health fears, parenting issues and the death of a partner, to environmental and terrorism angst. A quick poll with my female pals revealed that it’s the minutiae of daily anxieties that grinds women down the most: a partner forgetting your birthday is grounds for divorce; as are unemptied coffee…

If you were at home alone, what would you do? I know some people would say they’d wear a tracksuit or not get dressed, but I always dress and put on a bit of make-up – it makes me feel better. I’ve got bird feeders outside my flat, so I’ll sit, with a cup of tea, near a window and note all the birds that arrive. I like to read as well. What makes you happiest? I love being with my sons, when we can all get together for a meal. I’ve got a little grandson, who’s five, and he is the best fun. We go to the park and he loves to draw too, he’s taking after his dad, who’s an illustrator. ‘I’ve never liked being on my own.…

If you’d told me 10 years ago that I’d be a member of the Women’s Institute, travelling the country giving awareness talks about life as a transgender woman, I wouldn’t have believed you. Back then I was still ‘masking’, hiding behind the gender society gave me. In the eyes of the world I was a family man, married for four decades, with two grown-up children, grandchildren, and having had a successful career as a cybersecurity expert. But beneath the mask, the painful feeling of living in the wrong body never left me. I realised I was different at the age of four. My father died when I was a baby and, as an only child living with my mother in rural Sussex, I didn’t have the slightest interest in the…

1 HIGH SHINE Not just reserved for the party season but a year-round staple, a shiny shoe or metallic bag will dial up the glamour on your everyday looks. Wear with your go-to denim for an unexpected high-low mix that ensures some serious style points. It’s no longer a faux pas to mix metals, so try this eye-catching trend. 2 MUTED TONES Embrace the simplicity of creams and coffee colours. Timeless and versatile, these will take you seamlessly from one season to the next. Keep the rest of your outfit tonal for a high-end (and expensive-looking) ensemble. Ease into the boot-wearing season with a cream pair. 3 SUGAR RUSH A more subtle way of introducing colour to your outfit, sweeten up your look with soft shades of…

With over 30 years of experience in the salon industry, Zoë Irwin knows about hair. Her speciality is being able to predict a trend shift months before it hits the mainstream. Whether it’s perfecting a platinum-blonde colour or creating perfectly undone ‘done’ hair, Zoë’s speciality is a soft, feminine style, with a cool-girl edge. She’s currently creative director at John Frieda salons, and can be found in the Marylebone salon in London. Here’s her advice to making at-home styling effortless. TOP TRICK The best way for a blow-dry to stay smooth overnight is to use silk scrunchies. Pile hair on top of your head in a loose bun before you go to bed – this will also helps boost volume at the root. Silke Hair Ties, £30 for six,…

My trigger moment was an argument over a beanbag. It wasn’t the unnaturally tidy teenage bedroom or the silent house. Nor the sight of my daughter’s fluffy slipper sock dramatically pulled from behind the sofa cushions while vacuuming the lounge once she’d departed. No, my emotional empty-nest flashpoint came over a seemingly innocuous discussion about transporting a beanbag to student digs. My youngest wanted to take it. I didn’t want her to. She got exasperated. I got teary. In the end, it was my eldest who called it. ‘You’re not usually this invested in the whereabouts of a beanbag, Mum! Do you think you may be a bit upset about Imi going to uni?’ All week I’d been tetchy and snappy, out of sorts and spoiling for a fight. And…

THE MENU FOR 6 ✢ Spanish omelette with saffron aioli✢ Seafood and chorizo paella✢ Fennel, orange and almond salad✢ Basque-style ‘burnt’ cheesecake with honey roasted figs Spanish omelette with saffron aioli Make this ahead, then warm it to serve with other tasty nibbles. Serves 6 • Prep 20 mins • Cook 40 mins 30ml olive oil500g waxy potatoes, unpeeled, sliced1 onion, finely sliced1 sprig rosemary1 garlic clove, bashed6 large free-range eggs2tbsp whole milkShaved Manchego, flaked sea salt and chopped parsley, to serve For the aioli: 1 medium free-range egg yolk1 garlic clove, crushedSmall pinch saffron threads1tsp white wine vinegar75ml olive oil50ml vegetable oilJuice ½ lemon, plus wedges to serve You will need: 20cm frying pan 1 For the aioli, combine the egg yolk, garlic, saffron and vinegar in small…

Coffee with a heart I visited sustainable roasters Chimney Fire Coffee at Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey to see their process in action. Head roaster Elizabeth Furth, who has 10 years’ experience (and is one of only a few female roasters in the business), showed us how the green beans transform with heat to become nut-brown and aromatic. Elizabeth varies the roast to suit each bean, and founder Dan guided us through a tasting where we could smell and taste the subtle differences between the beans from different countries and altitudes. Their range can be tailored to the type of coffee maker you have, including fully compostable pods. Find out more at chimneyfirecoffee.com. The brand is also stocked in many restaurants, bars and coffee shops. COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH Sherry…

KEEP IT SIMPLE Opting for a neutral look is a classic interior design trick. Painting walls, surfaces and architectural details in a matching shade allows a favourite piece of furniture or a beautiful table setting to become the focal point. WORK IN TRIMS Prevent white decor from becoming bland with subtle details. Understated ticking stripe, a ruffle trim or a tufted edge add interest to neutral cushions. LAY A PRETTY SETTING Fresh flowers and greenery transform white linens. Add rattan accessories to bridge the gap between formal and relaxed. THINK ABOUT FINISHES Include beautiful surfaces, like marble, stone and granite, to provide contrast and warmth to a white living room. A leather sofa brings an air of sophistication, while a tufted rug, bouclé cushions and wood accessories soften the overall…

Japan is an electric metropolis, packed with shiny skyscrapers, neon-laced streets, endless entertainment and quirky shopping. Yet it’s also tranquil and serene – think Mount Fuji’s iconic peak, the blush of cherry blossom, ancient temples with moss-covered gardens, tea houses with steaming cups of matcha. It all makes for a heady, enticing mix. A holiday with a bit of everything. City thrills in Tokyo The geographical heart of Japan’s vibrant capital is the grounds of the Imperial Palace. But in every other sense, the city’s centre is the Shinjuku district. After-dark bars in Kabukichō, cavernous department stores, thousands of eateries serving sizzling okonomiyaki pancakes or inexpensive sushi. In the evening I wander through the maze-like streets down south towards Shibuya – the city’s shopping district. I arrive at the famous…

Following the runaway success of her first book, The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Christy Lefteri went on to write Songbirds, another mesmerising story about the immigrant experience. Her latest novel, The Book of Fire, explores the aftermath of Greece’s forest fires with her trademark delicate and illuminating style. Christy lives in north London with her 16-month-old daughter Evie and little dog Alfie. Watching smoke towering from a forest fire when I was doing my research in Athens, I felt scared. It made me realise how small we are and it stayed with me. The forest fires were happening everywhere, not just in Greece. I felt compelled to write about them. I wanted to paint a picture of what was happening. ‘Don’t shy away from your feelings’ I speak to people who…

It’s very hard to beat one of ‘those’ days. When your skin glows, your hair behaves itself and your outfit is just right. ‘You look well,’ your friends might say. And you do! For that moment in time you feel – and look – a decade younger. Wouldn’t it be great to bottle that sensation? In this special supplement from the experts at w&h, we’ve done just that. We’ve brought together the very latest science, products, styling and advice to give you that decade-younger feeling every day. And the good news is that it’s achievable. Skin ageing, for example, is partly down to genetics, but it’s also about the effects of air pollution, sun exposure and diet. These days, clever beauty brands have the technology to reverse such damage, and…

1 TO IRON OUT MARIONETTE LINES Marionette lines, which can run down the side of our mouths, are really common and a bugbear for many. They’re caused by movement in this area and deepen over time. ‘The best thing for this is either Ellansé or dermal fillers,’ advises award-winning aesthetician and GP Dr Ahmed El Muntasar. Ellansé differs from traditional fillers, as it not only plumps the area, but stimulates the production of collagen – so you’ll see improved results over a longer period of time. ‘These kind of fillers physically fill the space, smooth out the line and increase collagen in the area,’ adds Dr Ahmed. You can expect to pay around £395 for dermal fillers, and £450 for Ellansé. 2 TO AWAKEN TIRED EYES You may feel self-conscious…

Your eyes are the window to your soul, so you want them to reflect the age you feel inside. We blink 15,000 times every single day, which means this part of our face is constantly on the move, and is subject to things like allergies and harsh make-up removal, too. This, teamed with the fact the skin here is thin, makes it more prone to damage and means it can show signs of ageing ahead of its time. Here’s how to protect and enhance your peepers. 1 PREVENT Sun protection is crucial in fighting the earliest signs of ageing, but we often neglect this area for fear of making our eyes sting. Ultrasun SPF 30 Eye Protection, £20, is a super-lightweight lotion formulated specifically for the delicate skin here. If…

SMOOTH CREPINESS Why should your face get all the good stuff? Your hands can benefit from the time-reversing abilities of skincare ingredients like retinol and peptides too. Over time, the amount of collagen and elastin, which enables our skin to spring back, starts to deplete. It’s this reduction that’s responsible for crepey hands, fine lines and wrinkles. Beauty Pie Super Retinol Anti-Ageing Hand Cream, £12.50 for members (£50 for non-members), works to kick-start the production of these important proteins so that skin begins to act more like its old self. Retinol speeds up cell turnover, which means it can make you more sensitive to sunlight. Use at night only, and follow with an SPF the next day to protect your newly acquired, fresher, younger-looking skin. StriVectin Crepe Control Brightening &…

Dull, rough, flat, thin-looking – no, this isn’t a checklist of skin issues for the over 40s, rather the signs of ageing hair. For some of us, this is a gradual process; for others, it’s as if hair transforms overnight. But these changes are treatable. The haircare aisle abounds with ingredients usually reserved for anti-ageing skin creams. With the right products, you can turn back the clock on your locks and enjoy full, shiny, beautiful hair at any age. Q My hair is frazzled from years of straightening it. Is it fixable? Heat styling doesn’t discriminate. It’s bad news for all hair types, and as hair ages, stops producing pigment and turns white, it becomes more prone to damage. Since few of us are likely to give up our straightening…

SHARON WRIGHT is an award-winning journalist and author of books about women’s history, including The Mother of the Brontës. On page 36, she meets superfans to find out what makes them tick. What’s the best gig or concert you’ve ever been to? It was to see my hero Jerry Seinfeld. I’d started going out with my husband and the fact he didn’t know it was the same day as the World Cup final, or care, was one reason I knew he was a keeper. A child of Cypriot refugees, CHRISTY LEFTERI is the author of The Sunday Times bestseller Songbirds. On page 179, she talks about seeing her international bestseller The Beekeeper of Aleppo on stage. What’s the best gig or concert you’ve ever been to? A concert in the…

GARDEN ESCAPE…

ZANDRA RHODES Famous for her pink hair and colour-popping make-up, Chatham-born Dame Zandra Rhodes, 82, was a favourite of Freddie Mercury and Princess Diana. After studying textile design, she began creating bright, beautiful garments. In 2021, she even launched a homeware collection with Ikea. SARAH BURTON Before the Prince and Princess of Wales’ 2011 wedding, there was much speculation about who Kate would choose to make her gown. But it was British designer Sarah Burton, 48, who created the dress that has inspired brides the world over. As creative director of Alexander McQueen, Sarah continues to design pieces that are favoured by both Kate and her fellow royals. VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Last December, Britain lost its godmother of punk when Dame Vivienne passed away aged 81. Synonymous with bands such as…

The DURAN DEVOTEE ‘THEY TAKE ME BACK TO WHEN I HADN’T A CARE IN THE WORLD’ Anita Prosser, 52, a fitness instructor, has been an avid Duran Duran fan for more than 40 years. She lives in Kingston upon Thames with her two teenage children. I first saw Duran Duran on Top of the Pops in 1981, when I was 10. They sang Planet Earth, and I thought they looked beautiful with their New Romantic floppy hair and pirate shirts. I was smitten from that moment onwards and blew all my pocket money on the single. After that, every time there was a new release, I made my mum and dad drive me a dozen miles to a record shop where sales counted towards the pop charts. At 13, I…

I come from a large family. I have seven siblings – I’m the sixth – so growing up was a lot of fun, especially in Morar, in the Highlands. We took it for granted as children, but looking back, it was pretty idyllic. The village was small, but with the deepest fresh-water lake in the UK and, more excitingly for us as kids, a monster in it called Morag, related to Nessie, of course. Days were spent running home from school, grabbing our swimming costumes and bikes, and heading off to the beach with our friends. Luckily, all of us siblings got on well together. They were probably the ones standing in front of me when this picture was taken, trying to make me laugh. I think I was about…

‘I began donating flowers to Age Concern’ After discovering the joy of flowers three years ago, serial entrepreneur Nicola Bird, 51, founded The Floral Project. This encourages people to grow their own flowers and donate bouquets to charities, through a monthly flower seed subscription box. Nicola lives in Chobham, Surrey, with her husband, Matt, 52, and their three teenage children. THE IDEA In February 2020, I asked my husband for a flower subscription for my birthday. But after discovering how environmentally damaging imported cut flowers can be, I decided to learn how to grow my own instead. I had never gardened before, so I read loads of books and watched vast amounts of YouTube (I’m autistic, so it became an obsession). My aim was to grow flowers to put on…

Utility, chore, safari, field or cargo? Whatever you call it, this is the perfect jacket for those in-between months, when a little Katharine Hepburn-inspired layering is required… Hepburn dressed for comfort and ease, decades ago. Effortlessly blending high-low fashion, she sprinkled traditional menswear with Hollywood stardust. Jeans and a mink coat? You bet. When told by the RKO studio that no self-respecting woman would wear dungarees, she walked around set in her knickers until they relented – and she pulled her overalls back on. And, of course, she paired a classic blue utility jacket by Lee with her trademark wide-leg trousers. In an era of gender stereotypes, the award-winning actress made significant strides. Originally designed with enough pockets for carrying maps and compasses, or workman’s tools, the chore jacket is…

health reportWe can help you live your best life Let’s be honest. Hands up if you were drawn to the thrill of secretly lighting up behind the school bike sheds? Or perhaps you enjoyed a cheeky puff on a night out, only to worry that the smell would still be lingering by the time you got home. It may feel like a lifetime ago, but back in the 1960s, 40% of women smoked, according to the Royal College of Physicians. Since then, increased knowledge about the dangers of smoking, and the wave of government restrictions that followed, has led to a cultural sea change. Smoking is out, and e-cigarettes – electronic devices that create inhalable vapour – have become the new norm. ‘It’s seen as a “healthier” alternative,…

In this month’s column, we’re talking about body shape and whether we can streamline our pear-shaped hips or apple-shaped tummy. Can we actually work against genes and change our physical shape? Well, the chances of me morphing from Annie Deadman (broad of shoulder and short of leg) into the Princess of Wales (tall, willowy, with enviable ankles and a teeny waist) are nil. That said, changes to how we exercise and eat can definitely affect, if not transform, how we look. Let’s get a few basic facts in place first. To lose fat (people say lose weight, but what they mean is lose fat), we need to be in a calorie deficit. This means eating the right amount of calories – and you can get this from any free online…

Thai beef and noodles A super-speedy and satisfying option that’s on the table in just 15 mins. Serves 4 • Prep 5 mins • Cook 6-8 mins 2 x 200g sirloin steaks Sesame oil for rubbing275g pack cooked rice noodles¼ cucumber, deseeded and cut into half moons250g cherry plum tomatoes, halved6 spring onions, finely slicedHandful Thai (or regular) basil leaves, torn, plus extra to serveHandful coriander leaves, chopped, plus extra to serveHandful fresh mint leaves, chopped, plus extra to serve1 baby gem lettuce, leaves separated30g peanuts, chopped to serve (optional) For the dressing: 4tbsp sesame oil½-1 red chilli, finely chopped (the rest sliced to serve, optional)2tsp palm sugar or demeraraJuice 2 limes, plus extra wedges to garnish2tsp fish sauce 1 Take the steaks out of the fridge 10 mins ahead…

COUNTRY-HOUSE HOTEL Take country style up a level with this sophisticated twist on a classic scheme, using a palette of duck-egg blue, sage green and sunshine yellow. Start with a statement bed – a four-poster or an antique French-style headboard – and layer on cushions and quilts. Wallpaper is key, so look for floral, leaf or chinoiserie designs. Finish with limewashed wood furniture or painted pieces for a traditional look that is both fresh and inviting. FIND YOUR PERFECT BED John Rastall, head of DFS Home, explains what to look for. ✢ SIZE Measure carefully to ensure the bed will fit into the space, and that you’ll have room to move around it. ✢ STYLE Your bed is a great way to anchor the room’s style and colour scheme. Upholstered…

Artist Anita uses nature’s materials to create her paintings. Her work is displayed in Harrogate; anitabowerman.co.uk There’s more to Yorkshire than the Dales and – of course – Yorkshire pudding! Thorp Perrow has an arboretum and a fascinating history (thorpperrow.com). Henry VIII’s sixth wife, Katherine Parr, used to live nearby, and Henry used to ride around there. You can see birds of prey, wallabies and ancient species of daffodil. I find it inspiring to paint there. Some of my fondest childhood memories are from Filey Beach in North Yorkshire. It’s great for children, adults, dogs… Runswick Bay and Robin Hood’s Bay aren’t far north – you could drive and stop off at these places in summer. But whatever the season, you’re not short of beautiful walks. My favourite place to…

NOVEL IDEAS The Story of My Life by Enid Blyton This book poses as Enid’s autobiography, but it’s as much fiction as anything else she wrote. In it, Enid claims that writing is just a matter of closing her eyes; characters appear as if on a cinema screen, and all she has to do is write down what they do and say. I believed this completely – it’s why I became an author. INSPIRING MEMOIR Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain This First World War-centred autobiography by the great pacifist, feminist and political thinker has inspired me in many ways, none more so than young Vera’s ambition to get to Oxford. Her struggles, as a clueless Edwardian Buxton teen, to teach herself Greek Responsions inspired me, a clueless northern teen…

horoscopes LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER You’re on a short fuse as feisty Mars powers through Libra. There’s energy to get things done. You’re clear about something that’s vexed you since July. Call 0905 789 4156* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER Even if you’ve been away, you’re tired. It’s a temporary influence, which passes quickest if you go with it and get some extra rest. Make a fun plan on the 15th. Call 0905 789 4157* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER There’s a nice surprise on the 4th. If you’re feeling like a health and habits reset, now’s the time. Is there a goal that needs tackling? Aim for the 22nd. Call 0905…

Embracing your age doesn’t mean sacrificing your style. The must-have items on these pages will slide seamlessly into your wardrobe and give it an instant refresh. Coupled with insider styling tweaks and tips, we’re here to show you modern takes on classic pieces that will have you feeling 10 years younger in no time. 1 EYE SPY It’s important to wear sunglasses whatever the weather to shield your eyes from harsh light and UV rays. Not only will this cat-eye frame add a touch of je ne sais quoi to your look, but the tinted lenses will stop you squinting, helping to avoid fine lines around your eyes. 2 TOO COOL FOR POOL Want to look and feel cool on holiday? Swap your sarong for a linen shirt. The key…

The secret to smoother skin, alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, or AHAs and BHAs, are a group of chemicals that improve your complexion through exfoliation. ‘Don’t let the name put you off,’ says w&h beauty director Sarah Cooper-White. ‘Exfoliating acids are a sophisticated alternative to scrubs and my go-to for clear, glowing skin.’ AHAs gently dissolve the top layer of dead cells to increase cell turnover and improve uneven tone, while BHAs go deeper into the pores, removing old cells to prevent congestion and blemishes. Polyhydroxy acids, or PHAs, are the next generation of exfoliating acids. They have the same benefits as AHAs, but their larger molecule size means they work at a slower, sensitive-skin-friendly pace. Here’s our round-up of products to try. Best for UNEVEN SKIN TONE Alpha-H Liquid Gold…

Nothing in life stays the same, and our brows certainly don’t. As we age, the gap between the base of our brows and the inner corners of our eyes becomes smaller, which can make us look cross. They naturally become sparser and fairer too – and that’s even if you didn’t partake in the 90s and early 00s trend for narrow, over-plucked brows. ‘At some point in the ageing process, our hair begins to thin out, which is why thin brows can be associated with ageing,’ says Suman Jalaf, brow expert and founder of Suman London. ‘Over-plucking and drastically thinning your eyebrows can make you appear older than you are.’ Instead of making do with what you have got, now’s the time to rethink your brow style. ‘Your brows frame…

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS Your June edition seemed made for me! At 51, mid-menopause and dismembering a family to co-parent, so many articles filled me with courage. The Joy of Giving – I volunteer locally. The Rules I Made on Turning 50 – it’s all about me! And The Healthy Way to say Goodbye… I’ll ensure my family marks this ending with love. Clare CHEAT SHEET When I read I Married a Serial Cheat [June], it was as if I was seeing my own story. All five warning signs of cheating in your article, especially the gaslighting, were soul-destroying. I stupidly married him twice, even after three affairs the first time. Knowing you wasted precious years is hard, but gaslighting leaves scars that no one sees. Pauline BEST DRESS FORWARD I…

Once you get over the fact that you couldn’t possibly be old enough to be a granny, who doesn’t relish the thought of playing with tiny versions of your now grown-up children? Spotting familiar traits, enjoying cuddles and forging that special relationship can be a delight. But today, at least five million grandparents in the UK are caring for their grandchildren on a regular basis. The rising cost of living and an expectation that grandparents will play a greater role in the lives of their grandchildren means nearly 40% of grandparents are child carers, says Age UK. A major factor is that UK childcare costs are sky-high. A report by the charity Pregnant Then Screwed has warned that the financial burden of childcare leaves four in 10 parents saying they…

You’ve heard of the Dark Ages and the Victorian times. Well, then came the ‘Sex and the City era’ – the one in which I became a grown-up. A wonderful era for women – a terrible time for eyebrows. During those years, SATC showed us what it was to be a woman in your 30s and 40s. We anticipated a world of phenomenal outfits, hilarious chat, enviable apartments and inexplicable prancing. And wonderful holidays! I looked forward to those most of all. Carrie Bradshaw and her chums had taught me that when I became a proper woman, I would ‘summer’ places. Yes, summer like it’s a verb. I’d summer in the Hamptons with three of my best gal pals, who’d amuse me with bawdy conversation over an endless supply of…

fashion inspirationLooking stylish has never been so easy MAKE IT A MIDI ✢ This cotton dress is the epitome of cool, summer sophistication. ✢ Diagonal stripes will accentuate your figure, and the oversized playful bow draws attention away from any problem areas. ✢ Transition into the autumn by switching your sandals for a pair of kitten-heeled leather boots. IN THE MIX ✢ Don’t be afraid to combine bold, wide stripes with masculine pinstripes, but keep to vertical lines for a sleek look. ✢ Navigate the British weather with a multipurpose raincoat. This one combines a sleeveless inside gilet with a detachable cropped outer layer, giving you two different looks. ✢ Perk up khaki with candy-pink stripes. ROCK ON ✢ We think Boden has taken inspiration from the seaside’s favourite sweet…

If you’ve been using the same cosmetics for years, then it’s time for an update. When done correctly, your make-up base (the products you apply before any eyeshadow, mascara or lippy) has the ability to transform your skin. Got pigmentation? Even it out with foundation. Skin looking a little dull? Then perk it up with a fabulous blusher. Want cheekbones? Learn how to contour. It doesn’t need to be complicated. We share the best tried-and-tested tips by make-up experts, as well as fail-safe buys, to help you achieve complexion perfection in mere minutes. PRIME TIME Primers aren’t always necessary, but they can bring about a huge difference to the rest of your make-up. Make-up artist Ruby Hammer loves using them. ‘They’re fantastic, especially when you need your make-up to really…

THIS MONTH ✢ Bunions✢ Whiplash✢ Painful piles Q I have a bad bunion on both feet and wonder if it’s worth getting them sorted out surgically? They are sore – but not unbearable – but the main problem is they stop me from wearing nice shoes! A Doctors call a bunion a hallux valgus – that’s medical jargon for your big toe being angled towards your second toe with a deformity at the base of the big toe – that is, the knuckle part. This bulge can become inflamed and sometimes the overlying skin gets irritated. The big toe may also overcrowd the adjacent toe, causing it to become uncomfortable. Tight shoes can be a trigger. If you haven’t ever addressed the issue of your bunions, don’t assume surgery is…

Find yourself lying awake, tossing and turning? You’re not alone – a staggering 71%* of Brits don’t get the recommended seven to nine hours’ sleep a night. Not only does it leave you groggy, but sleep deprivation can have a big impact on metabolism and mood, and is linked to dementia, diabetes and heart problems. The reasons for poor sleep are many and varied, including stress, too much alcohol, menopause symptoms and even your bedroom environment. The good news? Experts agree, it’s possible for all of us to sleep soundly as soon as our heads hit the pillow. Over the next few pages, we’ll bring you the latest expert-led advice on how to get a better night’s rest.…

Gin and tonic lemon drizzle We’ve used our favourite Friday evening tipple in this simple cake that’s guaranteed to bring the oohs and aahs! Serves 8 • Prep 20 mins • Cook 45-50 mins 150g butter, at room temperature175g caster sugarZest and juice 1 lemon, plus lemon slices, to decorateZest and juice 1 lime, plus lime slices, to decorate3 medium free-range eggs, beaten150g natural full-fat yogurt225g self-raising flour50ml gin50ml tonic water50g granulated sugarMint leaves, to decorate, optional You will need: 20cm round tin, the base lined with baking paper 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan/Gas 4. Cream the butter and sugar, then fold in the lemon and lime zests, eggs, yogurt and flour. Spoon into the tin, smooth to the edges, then bake for 45-50 mins until well risen…

When Patricia and John Landing first set eyes on what would become their dream home, it was nothing more than a frame in the middle of a building plot. Fortunately, they had the foresight to realise that, once finished, it would become the perfect place to live. ‘We were holidaying in Appledore, on the north Devon coast, in 2019 and I stopped at an estate agent’s window to check out the local property prices,’ says Patricia, who noticed the property in nearby Instow. The Landings viewed the site that day and were taken with the coastal views as well as the quality of the build. ‘We put an offer in straight away and, luckily, the builders, Anderson & Evans Ltd, accepted,’ says Patricia. Within five months, the Landings had sold…

all-inclusivesExciting ways to get away from it all DOMES AULUS ELOUNDA, CRETE Eastern Crete is a well-kept secret, with wild bays and sleepy fishing villages surrounding a small number of boutique hotels. One is Domes Aulūs, whose ‘cool inclusive’ concept throws in more than simply gorgeous design: think street-food trucks, an open-air cinema, mixology masterclasses, wine tastings and DJ sessions at sunset. Rooms are earthy and minimalist, with colours inspired by the Mediterranean landscape. BOOK Olympic Holidays has seven nights all-inclusive from £1,869pp, including flights and transfers; olympicholidays.com ZOETRY, MALLORCA This holiday haven is set in the stunning grounds of a 14th-century Mallorcan estate, Sa Torre, which features a historic windmill and Gothic chapel. And it’s far removed from the traditional all-inclusive look – olive groves and lush gardens surround…

A DARK DILEMMA Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister (£16.99, HB, Penguin) Hot on the heels of her Sunday Times bestseller Wrong Place Wrong Time, McAllister is back with another crime thriller. Olivia, 22, has gone missing and Detective Julia Day is on the case. But when a man threatens to expose a family secret if she doesn’t frame somebody for murder, inner turmoil begins. It’s another delicious ‘What would you do?’ scenario in this eagerly anticipated novel. SHAKESPEARE RETELLING Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons (£14.99, HB, Bonnier) How could we resist a book claiming the greatest love story of all time was a lie? About to be banished to a nunnery, Rosaline Capulet is granted 12 days to experience life. In that time she is bewitched by the…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Shirlie Kemp Singer Shirlie, 61, lives in Hertfordshire with her husband, Martin, and their two dogs. She has two grown-up children. WAKE UP I wake up extremely early and by 6.30am I’m making a cup of tea. They do say that getting older and menopause really affect your sleep. I’m usually up before Martin, so I’ll go and put the kettle on and let the dogs out. I’ll listen to Capital Radio as my son, Roman, hosts the breakfast show, and do my social media posts before I shower and wash my hair. I never wore make-up when I was younger, but now I always wear it. BREAKFAST Around 10am, I’ll have a piece of sourdough toast and maybe a boiled egg, plus another…

During the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, many of us coped with the strictures in place by turning to books. Queen Camilla was no different. A lifelong lover of books, she devoted much of her charity work while Duchess of Cornwall to adult literacy, and promoting literature to adults and children in the UK and around the world. I remember being on tour with her in New Zealand in 2019, and seeing the sheer delight on her face as she heard children read to her in Tūranga library in Christchurch. It was lovely to watch. And so, because we were all lacking friendly company during the pandemic, Camilla wanted to do something to help. Her solution was an Instagram page where she gave book recommendations. The Duchess of Cornwall’s Reading…

Invest in RETINOIDS You’d be hard-pressed to find a skin expert who doesn’t rave about retinoids. All retinoids are forms of vitamin A, and the ones you’ll find in skincare are retinal, retinol and retinyl esters. They’re scientifically proven to visibly reduce wrinkles and signs of ageing. But that’s not all – they can also minimise breakouts, brighten skin and regulate oil. Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment, £105, uses a high-tech encapsulated form of retinal to make sure it’s delivered directly where the skin needs it, for seriously impressive lifting and plumping effects in as little as four weeks. It’s a potent ingredient, so introduce it to your routine slowly. If your skin is sensitive, you may not be able to tolerate retinoids – in which case peptides are a…

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that acts like scaffolding and cushioning in our skin, keeping it plump and bouncy. As we age, our collagen levels drop, which leaves us with fine lines, wrinkles and an all-round loss of firmness. Here’s what you need to know about topping up that lost bounce with supplements. Can we get collagen from our diets? ‘Collagen is only really found in the tendons, connective tissue and organ meats of animals,’ explains Anna Lahey, founder of Vida Glow. ‘So it’s not all that accessible in a regular diet.’ It’s also not achievable if you’re vegetarian. ‘Even if you’re eating nose to tail, or drinking bone broths, you’re consuming collagen in its raw form, which is a very large molecule and not well absorbed by the…

Are you someone who never shows their teeth in photos, keeping them under wraps beneath clamped-together lips? There are myriad reasons why you might be feeling self-conscious about your potentially not-so-pearly whites – decades of teeth grinding, too much red wine, post-partum teeth shifting – but you’re not alone. A staggering 70%* of us are unhappy with our teeth. So what to do? ‘Today it’s less about invasive procedures and more about enhancing what we have with a little smile tweaking,’ says London Smiling’s Dr Uchenna Okoye. ‘Just as you may have a peel or fillers, fine-tuning teeth is becoming a part of beauty routines, as clients realise the anti-ageing benefits of improving a little bit here and there.’ QUICK FIX Cheat a whiter-looking smile with a slick of…

Does doing your make-up feel a bit like going through the motions each morning? If it’s as uninspiring as brushing your teeth, or you simply can’t remember the last time you made a change, then it’s probably time to think about switching things up. Creating a youth-boosting look isn’t about taking big strides out of your comfort zone, but rather smart swaps that will quietly turn back the clock on your appearance. GROOM YOUR BROWS (the right way) Youthful make-up isn’t necessarily about following trends, and it pays to know which ones to pass on. Take laminated brows, for instance. The look can be achieved in salon with a chemical solution, or at home with super sticky gels, and involves fixing your brows in a permanently brushed-up state. We’re all…