Sex in lockdown: the women hooking up with their lovers (and the partners who have no idea)

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Since June it's officially illegal to have sex with someone outside your household, but this lockdown rule didn't stop these women admitting they've no intention of stopping their illegal sex sessions

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We’ve all made huge sacrifices during lockdown, none more so than waving goodbye to sex in lockdown whenever we fancy it and with whomever we fancy. OK, so Boris eased the libido pressure valve a bit by allowing single person households to ‘bubble’ up with one other household. Couples who live apart but on their own, may also spend time together and drop the social-distancing rule. Along with their pants and knickers. Well, thanks, Boris.

Not withstanding these exceptions, the bottom line remains – it’s illegal to have sex with someone outside of your household. I haven’t noticed a nationwide recruitment drive for an all-new ‘Passion Police’ lately, so it seems highly unlikely your bedroom will be subject to a bonking-busting dawn raid. But FYI – anyone caught breaking the law could face having a criminal record. And no one looks fabulous in a mug shot.

So what does one do about sex in lockdown when, frankly, you’ve got the horn and don’t fancy the partner you actually live with? Looks like some of us are not letting the government’s lockdown rules get in the way of their libido. According to a survey conducted by Gleeden, the dating site for discreet encounters, 37 per cent of their UK respondents admit to having illegal sex with their lover during lockdown.

Nonetheless, not all are disobeying government rules, 28 per cent of surveyed members stated being cautious about risks, preferring to maintain contact online until the end of the lockdown. Although with lockdown restrictions easing, a whopping 72 per cent are keen to risk breaking the law by organising sex sessions with their secret lover. We spoke to a few of these women willing to risk it all for sex in lockdown..

‘I like the sex too much to stop and return to my boring normality’

‘Although I’ve only been married for eight years, I realised soon after the wedding I’d made a terrible mistake. I was lonely and bored but then the children came to distract me for a while. I was seeing a married man for a couple of months before lockdown started. Initially I was really worried lockdown would tear us apart but it’s made us even stronger.

‘We kept close by texting and calling whenever possible. Then as soon as restrictions were eased, he immediately offered to drive to the outskirts of my home town and we met for a ‘chat and some snacks’. I knew where he was going with that line, that’s why initially I was a bit unsure of meeting during lockdown.

‘As I expected it didn’t take us long before we grabbed each other and kissed. After that, we’ve met up twice to have sex. Do I feel guilty? Yes. But I like sex with him too much to stop and go back to my boring normality.’ Katy, 33, married with two children

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‘We have sex on video calls’

‘I was really upset about not being able to see my lover when lockdown came. The gym closed like everything else and that was my best excuse to meet him after work. We still text each other, and I feel even closer than before. It’s not easy with his wife always around but he makes me feel special.

‘I miss having sex so much. God! He’s really good at it. The attraction is so strong between us we can’t resist even now. So when we’re both horny we have sex over the phone or on video calls. I started telling my husband to go on long walks with our two kids. Well, guess what? He really enjoys it, so I have a lot of free time to have virtual sex.

‘I used to feel guilty, but not anymore. I married when I was too young and innocently in love. I didn’t know what I was doing. In fact, things went really differently from how I wished. Now I’m in a sexless relationship trying to manage work at home, children, my career and a husband who throughout lockdown has been useless. I’ve found my sparkle again and, most importantly, I feel powerful and visible in the eyes of other men.’ Nikky, 29, married with two children

‘I only have sex with my lover, never with my husband’ 

‘To be honest, social distancing did not exist for me. I have not taken the regulations seriously, at least when it comes to meeting up with my lover. I met him on Gleeden a year ago. Me and my husband have a good relationship, but not in romantic way. Not anymore. We stopped having sex after the birth of our child.

‘Sex with my new man is great. I don’t work from home, so all through lockdown I used the cover of work to get out of the house and see him. When in reality I didn’t need to be working so hard. I know what I am doing is not right, but my relationship with this man is way too strong to resist months without seeing each other.’ Lexie, 36, married with one child

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The Best Face Serum To Transform Your Skin

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Meet the single most important product in your skincare regime...

Some beauty products are the show ponies of your skincare routine. Like sheet masks, for example. Nice for your Instagram feed but not exactly essential. And then there are the workhorses – those hard-grafting products like the best face serum, which actually make a difference to your skin.

So why exactly aren’t we dousing our skin in this liquid elixir?

Outside beauty circles, serums are still confusing. Cleansers cleanse; moisturisers moisturise, but serums? Not so obvious.

So let us explain. Serums can be water based or more of an oil. But always apply them after toner and before moisturising, with the intent of treating skin concerns – everything from dehydration and wrinkles, to dullness and pigmentation.

Put another way, serums make you glow like the galaxy and your skin texture look like the smooth surface of a plum. Precisely why skin experts agree it’s the single most important product in your skincare regime and the one you should invest most in.

Here’s everything you need to know…

What Is A Face Serum?

Due to their high concentration and potency, serums are the most effective way of delivering active ingredients into the skin.

‘With a much lighter consistency than your face cream, serums are made up of tiny molecules that absorb into the skin on a deeper level,’ says consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk.

Moisturiser is thicker and sits on the surface of your skin where, among other things, it seals moisture and all the goodness from a serum into your skin.

When To Apply Face Serum

Twice daily is the golden rule, but the serum you apply in the morning should differ from the one you use before bed.

‘During the day, the priority is protecting against inflammatory and oxidizing elements,’ explains Dr Barbara Sturm. ‘This means anti-pollution protection, UV protection, and using a hyaluronic acid-based serum. At night, it’s essential to use active ingredients that assist the body’s repair processes while you sleep.’

To that end she has invented the Night Serum . It contains the antioxidant purslane to help repair environmental damage, cotton thistle to counteract dryness, beta-glucans to reduce redness and a high dose of hyaluronic acid, which, Sturm says, ‘works throughout the night to replenish moisture reservoirs in multiple skin layers.’

Once you’ve applied your serum, follow up with one of the best moisturisers for dry skin, or one of the best moisturisers for oily skin, depending on your skin type.

How To Choose The Best Face Serum For Your Skin

‘Make a list of goals for your skin – for example brightening or hydrating,’ says Kluk. ‘Focus on the top one or two priorities and select ingredients that tackle these first. You can always adjust them as your needs change.’

Below are some of the most common skin concerns and the best serums to treat them.

Best Vitamin C Serum

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum Crystal Elixir, £60, Cult Beauty

Vitamin C is one of skincare’s heavy hitters when it comes to brightening and evening out skin tone. But its efficacy is matched only by its instability. If you’ve ever used a vitamin C serum and the smell or colour has changed over time, then it’s likely deteriorated as a result of being exposed to air, light or water. To combat this problem, Charlotte Tilbury has used ‘golden vitamin C’ in her new hotly-anticipated serum. ‘This form of vitamin C is bound to gold for added stability and enhanced penetration into the skin,’ 
says dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto.

Buy it now

Best Anti-Ageing Serum 

Avon Skin Reset Plumping Shots, £15

Here’s something we bet you didn’t know. Avon has one of the most cutting-edge research facilities in the world, where beauty boffins are developing high-tech products. That includes these Plumping Shots, which don’t disappoint. Our skin is made up of two types of collagen: collagen 1, or adult collagen, and collagen 3, otherwise known as ‘baby collagen’ because it’s responsible for a baby’s plump, juicy skin. We need both types for bouncy skin, as baby collagen provides the framework on which adult collagen is built. Avon’s new ingredient Protinol works by increasing the amount of baby collagen in the skin, which then increases the ratio of adult collagen. In fact, this  7-day course claims to restore a whopping seven years of collagen loss, with fewer wrinkles and less sagging to boot. Pretty impressive, right?

Buy it now

Best Serum For Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Retinol 0.3% + Vitamin B3 Serum, £28.50, Lookfantastic

The only ingredient clinically proven to prevent and improve the appearance of fine lines is retinol. But it can be harsh on sensitive skin. Enter the latest addition to the La Roche Posay ‘retinol  but make it soothing’ family.  ‘It contains a combination of both corrective and compensating ingredients,’ says cosmetic and medical doctor and founder of SKNDOCTOR, Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe. ‘Retinol is corrective, specifically pure retinol at 0.1% and 0.2% gradual release retinol. Niacinamide calms irritation and glycerin is amazing for hydrating the skin.’

Buy now

Best Serum With Hyaluronic Acid

Dr Barbara Sturm Night Serum, £245, Cult Beauty

Applied topically, a single gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six litres of water, which makes it one of the best hydrating ingredients out there. There’s just one thing to remember: the hyaluronic acid molecules in your skincare should be a mix of high and low weight. ‘The low molecular weight allows for easier penetration into the skin,’ says Sturm. ‘Once it has reached the collagen and elastin fibres it can bind them with water, improving skin elasticity. The higher weight molecules feed the surface with hydration.’ You’ll find both in this serum.

Buy now

Keep scrolling for our round-up of the best of the rest…

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The upcoming James Bond premiere is causing some potential Fab Four drama

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Here’s everything you need to know…

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced a wave of backlash from the public since their split from the royals. And according to sources, they have ruffled a lot of feathers within the palace walls too, with other working royals now put under pressure, namely Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Yes, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were said to be feeling the pressure more than most, with Us Weekly reporting earlier this year that Kate has been ‘in a panic and has been have bouts of anxiety’ since the split.

Unsurprisingly, this went on to resurge all of the speculation of fallouts and feuds with Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The former Fab Four have been the subject of ongoing rumours of fallouts ever since they split their households, but according to recent sources, they are putting the past behind them, with Prince William reportedly tired of the drama.

‘William is so tired and done with the drama of it all,’ a source explained via Us Weekly. ‘Seeing Harry cut ties with virtually every aspect of his English life and identity is so hard to fathom.’

According to reports however, there could be some potential Fab Four drama on the way, and it’s down to the most unlikely reason – the James Bond: No Time to Die premiere.

The royals have had a longstanding connection to the James Bond franchise, with Harry, William and Kate attending the Spectre premiere together in 2015. But according to sources, there might not be a Fab Four reunion this year.

A source explained to The Express that the No Time to Die producers are keen for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to make an appearance at the film’s Los Angeles premiere, but that there are fears that this might jeopardise Prince William and Kate Middleton’s potential attendance at the London premiere the week before.

‘For the Hollywood premiere, they have signalled they want Harry and Meghan as guests of honour (sic),’ a source explained to The Express. ‘It poses an interesting question over whether William and Kate will attend the London premiere.’

With the film’s release now postponed due to coronavirus, it looks like it won’t be taking place until November, which will give them plenty of time to work it out.

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The Best Moisturisers With SPF For Every Day Protection

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Because SPF is a must, seven days a week, 365 days a year

Ah, summer… It’s all sunshine and rosé until someone gets burnt. Nothing is as harsh on the skin as the sun. And yet the type of protection we should be wearing on the beach, every day and during the colder months still lies shrouded in mystery. So let’s set the record straight from the start. When it comes to the best SPF moisturisers, there are a couple of things to bear in mind.

Is SPF Moisturiser Enough Or Do I Also Need To Wear Sun Cream?

In summer you definitely need to wear a separate sun cream on top of your SPF moisturiser if you are sunbathing or outside for prolonged periods of time.

‘Many people believe that having an SPF in their moisturiser will suffice,’ says consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk. ‘But according to the British Association of Dermatologists, moisturiser with an SPF will only help protect you against small amounts of UV exposure – for example, when you walk to the car.’

But what it won’t do, is provide the same degree of sun protection as the best facial sunscreens. Especially for longer, more deliberate UV exposure.

It’s true, SPF in a moisturiser is tested the same way as SPF in sunscreen. So technically speaking, an SPF30 moisturiser should provide an SPF of 30.

‘But to achieve the SPF on the label, you would have to apply at least half a teaspoon to the face, which people rarely do,’ says Kluk. ‘What’s more, SPF moisturisers are less likely to be rub-resistant and water-resistant. For these reasons they won’t offer the same level of protection as the best sun creams.’

It’s also worth noting that moisturisers containing an SPF don’t always contain protection against UVA rays, either. ‘As a result, they will not protect against UV ageing in the same way as a broadspectrum sunscreen would,’ adds Kluk.

So Why Does My Face Cream Contain An SPF?

Worn on its own, moisturiser with SPF grants a very basic level of every day defence against sun-related damage: think dryness, skin pigmentation and wrinkles.

SPF moisturisers will also allow you to double up on your sun protection.

When applied underneath facial sunscreens, they pump skin full of moisture while adding another layer of protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Then in the winter months, you can switch to just using SPF moisturiser instead of two separate products.

Best SPF Moisturiser for Oily Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light SPF20, £75, Cult Beauty

 

It still includes everything we love about the original Magic Cream, which was like a blanket for dry skin. But with a host of welcome extras. This all-new lightweight formula is not only the answer to hydrating oily skin but is supercharged with wrinkle-smoothing peptides, SPF20 and pollution defense technology.

Buy it now

Best SPF30 Moisturiser: Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF30, £65, lookfantastic.com

 

This cool gel wins points for sweaty skin in a heat wave, while peptides from mushrooms tackle fine lines and enlarged pores, leaving behind a smooth, not suffocating, canvas.

Buy it now

Best SPF Moisturiser For Men: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF30, £26, Space NK

 

 

Squalaene restores natural moisture while the lack of scent appeals to both sexes. The addition of a strong SPF makes it a hat trick.

Buy it now

Should I Wear An SPF Moisturiser Even If It’s Cloudy?  

Yes, you should wear an SPF every day as UVA rays can still permeate cloudy skies and windows. So good luck coming up with excuses as to why you’re skipping it.

Once that’s decided, check our more of the best SPF moisturisers below:

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How to deal with split ends: The complete guide

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Everything you need to know to treat, trim and prevent them...

Split ends happen to good people, even beauty editors. But it’s now within the realms of possibility to minimise the damage and get back on good terms with your hair.

What causes split ends?

‘First you have to understand that the ends of your hair are around four years old so have experienced a lot of wear and tear,’ says Zoë Irwin, creative director at John Frieda Salons. ‘A split end is when hair frays due to damage to the oldest part of your hair strand.’

Using the wrong brush can exacerbate the problem. According to trichologist Anabel Kingsley, a boar bristle brush is one of the worst culprits and commonly results in cuticle damage.

‘Boar bristle brushes are too harsh and can tear away sections of the hair cuticle, increasing porosity and moisture loss,’ she warns.

For gentle detangling try the Manta hairbrush, £25, which moulds to the shape of your hand and scalp for less tension on each strand. Or Kingsley’s favourite Philip Kingsley Vented Paddle Brush with rounded, plastic prongs.

Overdoing the heat styling, chemical treatments and skipping a protective spray are just a few more causes of split ends.

How to prevent split ends

Take a break from heated straighteners and curling tongs. When going cold turkey, use a straightening shampoo like Hair Rituel by Sisley Revitalizing Straightening Shampoo, £49 as it contains a high level of oils like moringa to weigh down fuzzy hair without the need for heat.

Which brings us to… tong-free beachy waves.

‘Apply the Ouai Wave Spray to damp strands, push the hair up and place a duckbill clip in it,’ says Jen Atkin, founder of Ouai and Kim Kardashian’s hair stylist. ‘Then push the hair underneath it up and put another clip in until you’ve done it down the length of the hair around the entire head. Air dry, then remove the clips and you’ve got incredible-looking natural beach waves.’

Also invest in products with Olympic-calibre conditioning properties.

Those with ‘bond strengthening technology’ fit the bill, especially if you colour your hair, as they rebuild broken hair from within. Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Split End Treatment is designed to reconnect these keratin bonds so hair won’t snap at the ends. As such, it’s worth the splurge.

Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Split End Treatment, £26, Lookfantastic

Buy now

Don’t overlook the humble hair mask, either. ‘Most contain around 25 per cent more moisturising ingredients than daily conditioners,’ says award-winning hairstylist Larry King, making them a good SOS product. ‘Only coat the weakened ends to avoid weighing strands down.’

And definitely DON’T PICK at your split ends.

Be extra gentle if you have afro hair

The tighter the curl, the longer it takes for natural oils to circle their way from the scalp to the ends, causing the lower half to appear frazzled.

‘Where ‘twists’ occur, strands become weaker, too,’ says Vernon François, hairstylist to Serena Williams and Lupita Nyong’o. ‘This is one reason why Afro hair breaks so easily.’

Add leave-in curl creams, rich in shea butter, to your regime and spray-on conditioners like Vernon Francois Re-Vamp Conditioner. This type of applicator ensures you get even distribution from root to tip and is packed with grapeseed oil to seal the scales on the outside of the hair shaft, preventing split ends.

Vernon François Re-Vamp Conditioner, £21.50, Net-A-Porter

Buy now

Rethink how you blow-dry

When you reintroduce hot tools, recognise that you need to use both a heat protective spray and a product that helps to cut down drying time.

Aveda’s Speed of Light Blow Dry Accelerator uses naturally-derived lactic acid from sugar beets to lower the hair’s pH and separate strands for better airflow.

Never touch the nozzle of your hairdryer directly onto strands, either – angle it over your hair and brush.

Aveda Speed of Light Blow Dry Accelerator, £21, Lookfantastic

Buy now

The simple split ends haircut to try

The only real way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. Zoë Irwin recommends her ‘model cut’ for a quick refresh in between styling appoinments.

‘When hair is dry, take large sections and twist them with one hand. With the other, run your finger up the section of hair to reveal any split ends. Using a sharp pair of scissors, snip off any hairs the have fluffed up and are split in two. You only need to take a millimetre off.’

The best split ends treatment

It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but you can’t actually fix split ends once they’ve frayed.

But you can disguise them and, better still, prevent new ones forming by blow-drying a dedicated split end treatment into your hair. Irwin recommends ghd Advanced Split End Therapy, which is heat activated and designed to seal frayed ends together like an invisible plaster until your next wash.

ghd Advanced Split End Therapy, £21.95, Cult Beauty

Buy now

Scroll down for more of our favourites…

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Here's why this week is a particularly sad time for the Queen

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Here's everything you need to know...

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Coronavirus has changed life as we know it. And with the UK still easing out of lockdown, morale is at a low.

Royal family members have been stepping up and taking it upon themselves to reassure the nation, with the Queen playing an extremely active role from Windsor Castle, where she is isolating with Prince Philip.

‘We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return,’ the Queen announced in a rare televised speech to reassure the nation earlier this year. ‘We will be with our friends again, we will be with our families again; we will meet again.’

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“𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘶𝘱, 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘳 – 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘝𝘌 𝘋𝘢𝘺”⁣ ⁣ The Queen makes a special address on the 75th anniversary of VE Day, at the same hour as her father, King George VI, made a radio broadcast to mark the end of war in Europe, exactly 75 years ago.

A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) on May 8, 2020 at 1:00pm PDT

 

The Queen has reportedly been riding horses every day in her Windsor Castle home, but she like everyone has had to cope with some disappointing changes due to the outbreak.

She is unable to see her children and grand-children, her weekly church services have been cancelled and her meetings with the Prime Minister are having to be held virtually.

This week is particularly sad for the Queen as it would have seen a very special event that has now had to be cancelled.

The event in question? The ceremony of the Keys.

The annual celebration sees the 94-year-old monarch welcomed to Edinburgh, and given ‘the keys’ to the city  by the Lord Provost in a special ceremony.

The ceremony of the Keys marks the start of Holyrood Week, seeing a series of celebrations, over the time that the Queen and Prince Philip usually spend at their Scottish residence.

Here’s hoping for a reschedule.

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Ooh! These are the most-searched sex positions in the UK

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What are Britain’s favourite sex positions, you wonder? Well, the wait is over...

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With more time on our hands, it  seems we have been doing some thorough research on the best way to ‘woo’ our loved ones during these unusual times. And by ‘woo’, we mean hungrily Googling sex positions.

Findings, compiled by OnBuy.com looked at Google search terms to see which moves have sparked the most interest in the UK this year, and according to data (sexy, we know), more than 151,000 Brits searched the ‘Eagle’ sex position pre lockdown in March. That makes it the most-searched position.

Not familiar? It’s a quirky take on missionary, where the person on the bottom pushing their legs out to either side, like a bird would when spreading its wings.

The position came to fame when it was discussed on Love Island in 2019, but judging from search terms, it is still very much on people’s minds. Must be a winning formula.

69 is the second favourite position for us Brits, and is a winner for the residents of Yorkshire and the Humber, with more than 33 per cent rating this as their top choice.

Coming in third place is Missionary, with a total of 11 cities naming the traditional position as their go-to in the bedroom.

In fourth place is Cowgirl, followed by Reverse Cowgirl in fifth, with 29 per cent of the North West preferring the latter. Meanwhile, the least-searched for sex positions include Nirvana (the penetrating partner lies on top of the receiving partner with their legs on the outside of the receiving partner’s) and The Shard (lifting your legs as high as you can. Using you for support, your partner then leans on your thighs while you rock back and forth together). Lovely job.

Unsplash

Ranked in order, these are the top 10 most-searched sex positions

1. Eagle – 151,870 in average monthly searches

2. Missionary – 16,400 in average monthly searches

3. 69 – 11,510 in average monthly searches

4. Cowgirl – 11,510 in average monthly searches

5. Butter churner – 7,600 in average monthly searches

6. Reverse cowgirl – 4,520 in average monthly searches

7. Lotus – 3,090 in average monthly searches

8. Standing – 2,680 in average monthly searches

9. Spooning – 2,400 in average monthly searches

10. Anvil – 2,470 in average monthly searches

 

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The best beach bags for your post-lockdown holiday

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Meet the best beach bags to brighten up your holiday wardrobe...

Whether you’re planning on going abroad thanks to air bridges to the likes of France or Italy, or a staycation in the UK (we have been having excellent weather after all), a trusty chic beach bag is a must for any seaside retreat. You’ll need something to chuck your holiday wardrobe essentials in and there’s lots of stylish options at the moment that’ll keep you looking cute – and out of bag lady territory.

The natural texture trend is still a strong summer bag trend and you’ll see both the high street and luxury brands joining in the fun, with raffia, straw and bamboo totes and basket bags galore, pioneered of course by the likes of Jacquemus and Loewe’s basket bag, which Net-A-Porter and MatchesFashion are having to restock regularly.

If you can’t get your hands on it, then the high street is always a great point of call, with Zara and Mango serving up some wonderful raffia and woven alternatives guaranteed to elevate your swimsuit.

If you’re not into extravagant designs, then a mesh tote, reminiscent of vintage French market bags, are a great minimal designs to pack with you, and it’s always a nice touch to see what’s inside – we’ve lost count of how many oranges-spilling-out-of-bags shots we’ve seen on Instagram.

Those feeling fanciful will be pleased to hear they can still get away with shell embellishments. For more practical gals, we’ve also rounded up beach bags with zippers and waterproof beach bags because sometimes they’re just indispensable.

Those with a tendency to overpack will be totally sorted with one of the larger beach bags on the list, while the Instagram-conscious will fall in love with designer statement bags. Sure they might not hold as much, but they’re cute as heck.

Looking for more summer fashion trend inspiration? Check out our other edits of the best sunglasses, summer sandals and swimwear to get your sartorial juices flowing…

Whatever your style, you’re sure to find something you adore. Shop the Marie Claire edit of the best beach bags available to buy right now…

 

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I treated my hair with liquid gold and I will never look back

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‘You might dandruff gold flakes in the coming week’, she told me…

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You may have heard of Keratin hair treatments, Brazilian blowouts and the NanoSmooth Pure, but the latest taming trend to take the capital by storm is the liquid gold smooth treatment.

As someone who struggles with thick frizzy hair and unruly curls, I have tried every de-frizz treatment imaginable, and so I was eager to find out how liquid gold compared, and if in fact it helped me in any way.

Seeing as it usually takes me over two hours to straighten my whole head of hair, it seemed worth a shot, if only to give me a bit more time each day. And with my hair usually erupting into ringlets at the slightest drop of rain, winter seemed like the perfect season to test it out.

I headed to Knightsbridge’s luxurious Neville’s salon, a celebrity favourite, and had my hair treated with liquid gold last year, just to see what all the fuss was about.

My verdict – this has to be one of the bougiest hair treatments ever – but judging by my own results, worth every penny.

It’s hardly surprising therefore that I had to go back for more just this week.

Here is everything I can tell you about my experience…

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Just having my hair treated with liquid gold by the wonderful @afroditikoutsouki ahead of London Fashion Week. The Goldilocks treatment is the newest luxury de-frizzing treatment and I am obsessed #goldilocks . . . . . #gold #liquidgold #hair #hairstyle #hairtreatment #keratin #smoothing #smooth #beauty #latinahair #curls #curlygirl #curlyhair #brunette #straightening #defrizz #london #salon #hairdressers #monochrome #gucci #lfw #londonfashionweek

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What is the liquid gold treatment?

This is a protein-based smoothing treatment, combining natural ingredients (even extract from cocoa trees) with pure keratin and 24 carat gold. Similar to the Brazilian Blowout and NanoSmooth, this treatment not only smoothes locks, but also revitalises and rejuvenates hair.

As the Neville’s site says, ‘It restructures and renews your hair with its major component keratin, bringing back the appearance of strong healthy hair with no long-term damage to your hair.’

What does the liquid gold treatment involve?

The liquid gold treatment was easy for me – I sat taking selfies over a cup of tea – but for my incredible hair stylist Afroditi, it was hard work.

First the hair is washed and combed, before the liquid gold is applied meticulously section by section. In my case, it was in heavy doses – something that was made apparent when both my and Afroditi’s eyes started streaming – a common theme with my hair and smoothing treatments. After leaving the liquid gold to sit in the locks for 20 minutes, the hair is simply blow-dried and straightened, with the heat locking the treatment in. Then you’re done.

You just need to wash your hair two of three days later, and hair will be noticeably smoother.

It’s also important to note that this service requires a patch test 48 hours before.

How long does the liquid gold treatment take?

The liquid gold treatment takes on average an hour and a half. For me that was a huge improvement from the four or five hours that I have previously spent undergoing Keratin treatments.

What were the results?

The results were instant, with my hair being visibly smooth and sleek.

It’s not a straightening treatment, so after a wash my hair is still curly, but unlike before there is very little frizz, making it much easier to style and giving it a glossy shine. Plus, unlike other treatments, I have found that it shortens my hair straightening time.

Before photograph:

BEFORE

After photograph:

AFTER

How does the liquid gold treatment differ from the keratin treatment?

The liquid gold treatment is more gentle than the keratin treatment, plus unlike my past experience with keratin treatments, my hair hasn’t been left greasy or limp after the first few washes – it still has a lot of volume which is key for me. Plus, as said before, it takes a lot less time – an hour and a half compared to the usual four or five hours. The liquid gold unlike the keratin treatments doesn’t require the hair to be washed immediately after it has been locked in with the hair straightening, saving a whole extra stage of washing and final straightening.

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@bralizuk straightens your hair by actively realigning the fibres to create a sleek and straight look. Their formaldehyde free formula is locked in with heat, making your locks humidity resistant and frizz free #straighteningtreatment #straighthair #braliz

A post shared by Neville Hair & Beauty (@nevillesalon) on Apr 4, 2019 at 3:48am PDT

What are the side effects of the liquid gold treatment?

I was warned of one side effect, and it made the treatment so much more luxe and bougie. Afroditi warned me that I might have gold flakes as dandruff inbetween the treatment being applied and later being washed off. I didn’t personally experience the gold flakes but for the sake of the luxe-factor, I almost wish I had.

How much does the liquid gold treatment cost?

The liquid gold treatment costs £250 – a pretty standard price for a high-end smoothing treatment.

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Our cut, colour and styling sessions begin with a comprehensive, complementary consultation to ensure that clients leave looking and feeling their best. During this consultation our expert team will analyse your hair and scalp health, assess your hair texture and advise on cut, colour and style as required. Our staff are delighted to advise on all aspects of at home hair care too .

A post shared by Neville Hair & Beauty (@nevillesalon) on Jul 30, 2019 at 4:31am PDT

Where can you go for a liquid gold treatment?

I went to Neville’s in Knightsbridge and was styled by the wonderful Afroditi Koutsouki.

5 Pont St,
Belgravia, London
SW1X 9EJ
020 7235 3654

Will I be going back? I already have, and I will definitely be making a habit of it.

The post I treated my hair with liquid gold and I will never look back appeared first on Marie Claire.

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