Turns out Meghan Markle's as partial to a Boots haul as we are.
If, like us, you frequently find yourself Googling Meghan Markle’s make-up and hair, chances are you’re pretty well-versed in the Duchess’s go-to beauty products.
From her favourite Laura Mercier primer, to her love of a good Charlotte Tilbury lipstick, Meghan tends to keep it pretty pared-back when it comes to her signature make-up look; always opting for pretty nude tones and a gorgeously glowy, natural complexion.
But what if we told you that we’ve finally figured out the secret behind her flawless, natural skin – and it’ll set you back all of just £9 from Boots?
Yep, really. It turns out that the Duchess of Sussex is a fan of Eucerin’s Aquaphor Skin Soothing Gel: a no-nonsense balm that can be used to sooth dry, chapped skin on the face and body.
While some use it as a dry skin saviour, Meghan’s favourite make-up artist Daniel Martin – who was responsible for her dreamy wedding make-up look – actually uses it as a highlighter on the high points of the face.
“A lot of my highlighting is done with skincare,” the make-up artist previously told E! Online. “When you think about it, using skincare in lieu of makeup makes sense. For one, you’re adding hydration to the skin, rather than potentially clogging your pores.”
So that’s her secret.
Martin added, “Glowing skin is simply the appearance of very healthy and moisturised skin. Aquaphor will give you that same texture, especially in a photo when applied on the high points of the face.”
Apparently though, Meghan’s not the only A-lister who counts this affordable product as a must-have in her beauty arsenal.
Even Queen Bey told Elle back in 2010 that she uses the cult product before bed. Add to that the fact that Lucy Liu, Khloe Kardashian and Nicole Kidman – who even compared it to La Mer’s notoriously spenny luxury cream – all have Aquaphor in their make-up bags, and we’re headed straight to Boots to get our mitts on it.
Though Prince William and Prince Harry reunited earlier this summer to unveil the highly-publicised tribute to their mother, it’s thought they will commemorate the day privately.
William and Harry, then aged 15 and 12, were on holiday at Balmoral with the Queen when they were informed of their mother’s death – an event that William has called his “saddest” memory in a resurfaced speech from May of this year.
Speaking at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, William spoke of his relationship to Scotland, opening up about how the country is the source of some of his happiest memories – namely, meeting Kate Middleton while a student at student at St Andrews in the mid-noughties – as well as his saddest.
“Along with listening this week, there is something I do want to tell you,” he said. “Scotland is incredibly important to me and will always have a special place in my heart. I’ve been coming to Scotland since I was a small boy.
“As I grew up, I saw how my grandmother relishes every minute she spends here. And my father is never happier than when walking among the hills.”
He continued, “In short, Scotland is the source of some of my happiest memories. But also, my saddest. I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died. Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning,” he said. “And in the dark days of grief that followed, I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors. As a result, the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep.”
William went on to talk about some of his happier memories in the country, including his meeting with the now Duchess of Cambridge, sweetly saying, “And yet alongside this painful memory, is one of great joy. Because it was here in Scotland – twenty years ago this year — that I first met Catherine.”
He also noted that his love for Scotland is something he intends to pass onto his three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
“Needless to say, the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart,” he said. “George, Charlotte and Louis already know how dear Scotland is to both of us, and they are starting to build their own happy memories here too. We have no doubt they will grow up sharing our love and connection to Scotland from the Highlands to the Central Belt, from the Islands to the Borders.”
Our thoughts are with Prince William and Prince Harry on this sad day.
That's a lot - read up on the best ways to treat the common condition.
Hands up if you’ve ever experienced a dry down-there? If you’re searching the Internet for vaginal dryness treatment, chances are, you might just have – but don’t worry, you’re far from alone.
We spoke to two qualified professionals for this piece and both maintained that, actually, a high number of women experiencing the condition. As many as three in four women will experience vaginal dryness, itching or pain at some point in their lives and, just like thrush symptoms, UTI’s or bacterial vaginosis, it’s actually totally normal.
“Many may feel it’s too trivial or embarrassing to talk to their partners, friends or even doctors about,” explains doctor Jennifer Singh, GP and specialist in women’s health at The Marion Gluck Clinic. “Others may think it’s just a part of growing older, but this isn’t the case.”
Her advice? “Don’t suffer in silence,” she stresses. “Reach out.”
Before you do that, scroll our complete expert-led guide to vaginal dryness. We bought you tips on how to know if you have an STD, vaginal care and how to choose the best lube and best condoms: next up, everything you’ve ever wanted to know about vaginal dryness. Pens at the ready.
What is vaginal dryness?
Your vagina is normally kept moist by a natural lubricant maintained by the hormone oestrogen, explains Singh. “A drop in this oestrogen, or even testosterone during perimenopause or menopause, can reduce the amount of moisture in the vagina and vulval area,” she explains.
Nutritionist and health coach Pauline Cox agrees, adding that this declining level of the sex hormone in menopausal women has been termed Genito-Urinary Syndrome of Menopause, or GUS. “This syndrome describes the multiple changes that occur in the sexual organs of the female body caused in the run-up (perimenopausal), during (menopausal) and post-menopausal stages of a woman’s life.”
Women may also experience vaginal dryness due to other causes, including:
Psychological reasons, such as chronic stress or non-arousal.
How common is vaginal dryness?
As above – very common.
“Around 17% of women aged 18 to 50 experience problems with vaginal dryness even before menopause has taken place and 80% of post-menopausal women experience it, too,” shares Singh.
FYI, the not-going-to-the-doctor-cos-you’re-embarrassed thing? It’s been found that vaginal dryness in menopausal women it is unlikely to go away without treatment. “Sadly, only 7% of women receive treatment,” Singh continues.
Bottom line: do see a doctor if you’re struggling – there’s plenty of options for vaginal dryness treatment out there for you.
How do you identify if you’re experiencing vaginal dryness?
You’ll likely be able to feel it, but sometimes your nurse may also spot it during your cervical smear check up, Singh explains (read what happens in a smear, here).
The main symptoms of vaginal dryness to watch out for are:
“Some women even find it uncomfortable when sitting or when wearing tight underclothes,” she continues. Sound familiar? The below may help.
Vaginal dryness treatments: 5 to consider
1. Avoid scented soaps
Obvious, but important: your vagina is self-cleaning, stresses Singh. “Avoid scented soaps, feminine hygiene products and douching, as they often upset the balance,” she shares.
Try this: Use water and emollients only if you wish to clean, and wear cotton underwear, where possible.
2. Use lube
Singh also says that non-hormonal treatments such as moisturisers can draw moisture into the vagina, but do note that they have to be used regularly. “Lubricants can help during intercourse, too,” she shares – our guide to the best lube might just help.
3. Maintain your hormonal balance
Sounds hard, actually isn’t, according to Cox. “This helps to reduce the cyclical symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle, improve fertility, reduced oestrogen dominance and ultimately an easier transition into the perimenopausal and menopausal period,” she explains.
That’s because healthy levels of oestrogen can help maintain structural integrity of the vaginal tissues, including collagen and elastin, as well as healthy bone density and cardiovascular health.
This can be done a number of ways, including:
Making sure you’re looking after your liver health
Prioritising healthy bowel movements
Encouraging a healthy gut microbiome.
4. Eat a balanced diet
Did you know? Diet can have a great impact on the structural integrity and biochemical environment of the sexual organs, or so says Cox.
“Fats are key building blocks for making the sex hormones,” she shares. A diet rich in healthy fats can help keep tissues such as the skin nourished and moisturised as well as offering the building blocks for hormone synthesis.
She recommends taking a supplement like Wiley’s Finest Orange Burst for a daily dose of both omega-3s and omega-7. “This can help with dryness, as well as containing vitamins A and D and the natural antioxidant Astaxanthin, which is anti-inflammatory and can boost the immune system,” she explains.
If none of the above work, it’s time to visit your GP.
“Hormonal treatments, such as local oestrogen, can be very effective and come in the form of pessaries, gels, cream or a ring,” explains Singh. “They’re safe and can be used by everyone.”
The Bangladesh Accord was set up following the Rana Plaza factory collapse in 2013.
Major fashion retailers including Zara, H&M and Uniqlo have demonstrated their commitment to protecting garment workers in Bangladesh by signing a crucial legally-binding agreement that will come into effect from tomorrow, 1 September.
The International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry pledges to protect the health and safety of the fashion industry’s key workers following the devastating Rana Plaza factory collapse in Dhaka in 2013, which killed 1,134 people.
Widespread industry push-back occurred when it was feared that the original five-year Bangladesh Accord, which was signed as a direct result of Rana Plaza, would not be renewed following its expiration back in May. But after being extended by a further three months, a new – strengthened – version of the accord has been signed, following pressure from trade unions and campaigners.
Among the pledge’s confirmed signatories are industry giants Zara, H&M and Uniqlo. Though a full list of the new agreement’s signatories won’t be announced until 1 September, the previous Bangladesh Accord was signed by over 200 brands including the likes of Adidas and Hugo Boss.
That the agreement remains legally binding – meaning fashion companies are liable in a court of law if they do not ensure the health and safety of their employees – is vital. Nor could the new Accord have come at a more crucial time for the industry, as millions of garment workers, around 80 per cent of whom globally are women, deal with the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their livelihoods.
More significantly still, the new accord allows for the agreement to be applied to other countries beyond Bangladesh, with signatories committing to expanding the agreement to cover at least one other country within the next two years.
A statement signed by the accord’s deputy director, Joris Oldenziel, alongside representatives for UNI Global Union and IndustriALL Global Union said, “This is a legally binding agreement between companies and trade unions to make ready-made garment (RMG) and textile factories safe. The renewed agreement advances the fundamental elements that made the accord successful.”
With labour activists estimating that the original accord helped make some 1,600 factories safer for 2 million workers in the wake of Rana Plaza, let’s hope this landmark new agreement expands the accord’s indispensable impact even further.
If you’re wondering which accessories to invest in to tick off those autumn trends for 2021, then I have two words for you: ankle boots. They are high on the sartorial agenda, and it’s easy to see why. Whether it’s slimline silhouettes silhouettes, or chunky track sole boots, the best ankle boots will adapt themselves seamlessly to your existing wardrobe and elevate any outfit, from the most basic of knitted tracksuits to the chicest winter dresses.
Though we may still be in summer (though the weather begs to differ), they’re still a great footwear option for that tricky summer to winter transition, especially when teamed with short linen suits or summer dresses.
As always, the catwalk is a great source of inspiration when it comes to your new season wardrobe, and this season was no exception, even though most designers presented their collections digitally.
Cowboy boots, having had a bit of a bad rep in recent seasons, are now officially back in fashion, as seen as Isabel Marant and Celine, and we want in. Team them with oversized jeans and a blazer for that ultimate French girl chic.
Feel-good dressing is a main trend for AW21 and it extends to your feet. Now that we’re allowed to resume our social life, it’s all about dressing for the part. Think sequinned boots and metallic pointy toes with sky high heels – look to Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton for inspiration.
That said, if you’re after a simpler style, don’t worry: the chunky track sole boot is going nowhere. In fact, the likes of MatchesFashion and Net-A-Porter have already re-stocked bestselling boots from Prada, The Row and Balenciaga, so you’re all sorted.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the high street is full of them, from ARKET to Zara and H&M. For a slightly chicer silhouette, look for Chelsea ankle boots, which never go out of style (and for even more styles, shop my edit of the best winter boots).
OK we’re fully aware that it’s only August, but if we’ve learnt anything from past years it’s that in order to get your hands on any of the amazing Beauty Advent Calendars, it takes forward planning.
The thing is you are up against all of the other beauty lovers, all dying to be one of the lucky few to be able to open up a window on December 1st to find a beauty product waiting for them.
Which is where we come in. We will be constantly updating this page ahead of the start of December with information, release dates and prices so that we can make sure this year you are more than successful in your beauty advent calendar endeavour.
Luckily we’ve started getting information on some of the fantastic offerings for 2021 and some of them are available now, so what are you waiting for?
OPI is no stranger to the advent calendar game – every year they offer up 24 polish shades to bring you joy year round. The 2021 offering sees them celebrate #40yearsofcolor with some of their most iconic colours, fun festive glittery shades, as well as a topcoat, strengthener and base coat.
This year Rituals have two calendars – one which is a really sweet 3D festive village scene and includes products like Mini Candles from the Private Collection, Foaming Shower Gel and Rêve de Hanami EDP. All of the gifts inside are worth £150.
This is one special advent calendar. With mega skincare gifts like Glycolic Acid Vivifying & Firming Body Treatment, Hydra Bright Collagen Eye Restoring Pads and Pro-Intense Hyaluronic Acid Illuminating Day Cream you face and body will thank you for the investment. The products are cruelty-free and genderless. Oh and guess what each of the products is full-sized and worth over £900.
If you love sheet masks, you’ll love this beauty advent calendar. Featuring 12 different masks – for your face, eyes, hands and feet – that will help you glow, detox, hydrate and exfoliate.
Designed to look like a London Georgian townhouse, this advent calendar is home to treats such as Timexpert Lift Vector Lift Serum (which lifts, tightens and defines the facial contours), Timexpert Radiance C+ Illuminating Antioxidant Eye Contour Cream (a delicate eye cream that brightens dark circles) and Bi-Phase Make-up Removal Lotion. A must for skincare obsessives.
The Lush Advent Calendar is a highlight every year. This year’s offering is presented in a reusable trunk made from 100% recycled materials. The idea is that every one of the 25 gifts can be used in the run up to the big day. If you’re a huge fan of the brand, be sure to get yours early – there are six products exclusive to the calendar.
Decléor is the go-to brand for essential oil-based beauty products. Whether you’re already a convert or fancy trying some out, this is an ideal gift for natural skincare lovers. It includes six full sized products, 13 travel minis and one mystery accessory.
Every year Nivea offers up an affordable advent calendar packed full of everyday pampering products that you’d be foolish to miss out on. Everything your body needs, from micellar water and shower cream, to a sleep mask and nail file. There are 16 products inside, as well as eight beauty gifts.
For the man in your life who loves football and needs a little self-care encouragement. This has everything he could need to keep on top of his grooming.
This super smart beauty advent calendar can be hung from a door or on a wall. It contains 24 sweet smelling gifts and one full-sized present on the 25th. Worth a whopping £485, this fab calendar contains some of the brand’s most iconic festival scents, including Christmas Trees, which in our opinion is the scent of the season.
If you like the idea of being able to reuse your advent calendars, then Dr. Hauschka’s Beauty Advent Calendar is perfect for you. Each gift is individually packaged in a cotton bag that can be used for years to come. With everything from cleansing milks and moisturisers, to hand lotions to body creams, your skin and body will love this advent calendar.
This is by far one of our favourite beauty advent calendars of the season. Space NK only stock the most covetable brands – think Augustinus Bader, Summer Fridays, Hourglass, Dr Barbara Sturm, Sunday Riley, Drunk Elephant and so many more. Worth £744, but yours for just under £200. If you’re a beauty obsessive that loves to keep up with the most in-demand brands then mark 18th September in your diary.
For the past six years the Feelunique Advent Calendar has sold our faster than you can say ‘Merry Christmas’. It’s no surprise really when it contains products like Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Rollerball and Huda Beauty Nude Obessesions Rich Palette. In total the whole calendar is worth more than £320, meaning you save more than £200. Nice.
Elemis never fail to disappoint. What’s better than one beauty advent calendar? Three beauty advent calendars. Housed in three reusable tins, you’ll find some of the brand’s most iconic and bestselling products. From its Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, Dynamic Resurfacing Gel Mask and Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser, there’s something for everyone.
The great thing about The Body Shop’s Beauty Advent Calendar offerings is that there’s one for every budget. But that doesn’t mean that if you opt for the more purse-friendly option, you’ll be out of pocket on products. We love this one because of it’s huge array of dreamy body products – shower gels, body butters, lip balms, you name it.
If you want to show someone that you love them, this is the calendar for that gesture. It has everything for head-to-toe pampering. Spoil the person you love with products like theVitamin E Face Wash, Vitamin C Sheet Mask, Shea Shampoo, Pink Grapefruit Bubble Bath and Avocado Body Butter.
The Love & Joy Ultimate Advent Calendar is for those who want more, more, more. With full-sized products aplenty, you won’t be disappointed with They Body Shop’s Ultimate Advent Calendar.
Two of Kate Middleton’s favourite high-street brands are back for another collection, and it’s even prettier than the last.
M&S and Ghost are now on their fourth limited edition collaboration, this time for a 12-piece edit for autumn/winter 2021.
The pieces, which are available in selected stores and online, include Ghost’s signature vintage-inspired floral dresses and satin jumpsuits, as well as statement tops and matching trousers and skirts.
If you love print, you’re in luck, because this collection is full of it, from ditzy prints to bold florals and polka dots. Fans of colour will also love the array of rainbow hues from peach pink to emerald green.
Details such as pretty ruffles, wrap ties and bell sleeve further elevate the styles, which are perfect for both maximalists and minimalists.
They come in a range of sizes too, from 6 to 20 to cater to most body shapes. The collection sold out fast last time, so make sure you treat yourself before it’s too late.
With prices starting at £49, it would be rude not to.
Join Sienna Miller to fight throwaway fashion - for good.
You’ll likely have heard of Secondhand September, but do you know what the month-long initiative from Oxfam, this year is being fronted by actress Sienna Miller, actually entails or why it’s so important you get involved, if you can?
All good questions. It’s a campaign from the charity to encourage others to shop secondhand for an entire month. That is, only buy vintage clothes or pre-loved items for the entire thirty days of September.
Why’s it so important? Well, in short, because we’re facing a climate crisis and fast fashion is one of the major culprits. Clothes being produced in high volume and sold at a low cost has a huge carbon footprint and harms both people and planet. Fast fashion alone is thought to produce as much as 92 million tonnes of waste every year.
That’s where Oxfam comes in with their secondhand initiative. “By shopping secondhand with Oxfam or donating to Oxfam shops, you’re investing your money in vital work beating poverty around the world,” explains Harriet Hernando, PR officer at Oxfam.
“You’re also supporting people to speak out and stand up to the climate crisis and helping create a better fairer and greener future for everyone,” she continues.
According to Hernando, Secondhand September is, simply put, Oxfam’s campaign to celebrate shopping pre-loved.
“It’s also to raise awareness about the harmful effects of fast fashion on our planet and the people who make our clothes,” she explains. “Oxfam wants to encourage people to think twice about their shopping habits, so we’re asking the public to only buy second hand for the month of September and to donate their pre-loved items to Oxfam.”
A bit of history for you – the Secondhand September campaign is now in its third year, with more than 50,000 people sharing the #SecondHandSeptember hashtag on social media last year.
“The Oxfam Online Shop saw more than 8,000 new shoppers and an uplift in sales of 46%,” explains Hernando. “People really embraced the campaign to wear second-hand and, in doing so, raised funds for Oxfam’s work beating poverty around the world.”
It’s simple – anyone can get involved by following the three steps below:
1. Donate
Got some old clothes lying around that just don’t fit you anymore or may look better on someone else? Take them to your local Oxfam to do your bit.
You can find your nearest Oxfam shop using the online shop finder tool on the Oxfam website.
2. Shop
Not got any clothes to donate but keen to invest in some pre-loved fashion? You can also shop from the comfort of your home on the Oxfam online shop, explains Hernando.
3. Social
If you do manage to grab a secondhand bargain, don’t forget to share your one-of-a-kind find using the #SecondHandSeptember hashtag and tagging @OxfamGB.
That way, you help raise awareness of shopping more sustainably this September and in months to come, too.
5 top tips for embracing Secondhand September:
1. Look online
Most people don’t realise Oxfam has a whole secondhand site online, so if you’re shopping for something specific, try their site first.
“You can filter to find a particular brand, style, colour to find what you’re looking for,” explains Hernando.
2. Repair, repair, repair
Instead of throwing damaged clothes away, why not try and fix them?
“Missing buttons can be replaced and holes can be mended to get the most out of your clothes for longer,” the expert advises.
3. Keep an eye out for secondhand pop up stores
Looking for really special unique pieces? The pop up stores are the way to go.
Oxfam has a pop up shop at London’s Selfridges from September 6th, with items curated by Bay Garnett. It’s bound to be a treasure trove of vintage and designer items – go, go, go.
4. Try upcycling
Ever considered upcycling clothes and refashioning them into something you need or love? “A cashmere jumper could become a cashmere beanie in no time,” explains Hernando.
5. Organise your wardrobes seasonally
This one’s simple but seriously effective. “At the end of each season, try putting your clothes away in storage boxes and getting them out again the following year,” advises the expert. “You’ll be surprised how those clothes start to feel ‘new’ again after a little separation.”
