Earlier this week, the Queen attended Prince Philip’s memorial service at Westminster Abbey alongside around 1,800 others who were invited to pay their respects. It had been suggested that the monarch may not be present on the day, but insiders said she was ‘determined’ to be there and choosing to wear an outfit that holds a very special significance, a nod to her late husband.
Unfortunately, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were unable to attend the service. The Duke of Sussex previously spoke about the security issues he faced when returning to the UK, and so the couple remained in the US with their two children, Archie Harrison and Lilibet Diana.
When the Duke of Edinburgh sadly passed away in April 2021, Harry flew back to the UK for the funeral service and was one of the few guests at the service due to the Covid restrictions in place at the time. However, Meghan was unable to join her husband as she was heavily pregnant and had been advised not to travel.
But it seems that the Duchess of Sussex sent the Queen a special gift at the time to let her know that despite her absence, the monarch was in her thoughts.
She sent a colourful wreath with a handwritten note which was laid out inside St George’s Chapel, consisting of purple and blue flowers created by florists, Willow Crossley – the same responsible for the flower arrangements at the Sussexes evening wedding reception in 2018.
According to reports, she specifically asked for the wreath to incorporate acanthus mollis – which is the national flower of Greece and would represent Prince Philip’s heritage – and eryngium to nod to his involvement with the Royal Marines. It also included campanula to signify everlasting love, rosemary for remembrance, lavender for devotion, and roses for Prince Philip’s birth month, June.
This week marked a major event for the royal family as it was Prince Philip’s memorial service at Westminster Abbey, help almost a year to the day after the royal consort’s passing.
One moment that made the most headlines was of course Prince Andrew’s attendance. The Queen apparently decided at the last minute that he should come, but what role he would play wasn’t clear.
According to the official program, he was meant to walk down the aisle with his daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, however this changed on the day.
Instead, he arrived with his mother and walked her down the aisle instead, before taking his seat on the front row, next to his brother Prince Edward and his family.
The Queen took her place on the front row in the aisle opposite, next to Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla.
According to various media outlets, this was a decision made by The Queen herself. A source told The Telegraph, ‘As the Queen herself has often said: “Sometimes people need to remember I have four children. We are a family”‘.
Meanwhile, this apparently didn’t sit well with Prince Charles and Prince William, with the Mirror reporting that they were ‘absolutely united’ and thought it was ‘simply unnecessary’ for Andrew to position himself as the only person to escort the Queen to church.
One palace source said: ‘Both the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge reluctantly accepted that he (Prince Andrew) would travel with the Queen to the Abbey as they both live in Windsor. It was arguably palatable if simply down to logistics, but it goes without saying that most of the family were absolutely dismayed to see him walking the Queen up the aisle in full view of the entire congregation and broadcast cameras.’
The Queen herself wasn’t confirmed to attend until the very last minute due to health problems linked to a back injury.
The board of governors met on Wednesday to discuss violations against their standards of conduct, and repercussions for the actor could include suspension, expulsion or other sanctions.
As reported by AP News, the Academy said: ‘Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated. While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognise we could have handled the situation differently.’
They added: ‘Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television. Mr. Rock, we apologise to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment. We also apologise to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event.’
However, a representative for the Academy declined to comment further on details about the attempted removal.
Will Smith has until 18th April to defend himself in a written response before the board meets again.
If you’re always on the lookout for reliable, tried-and-tested beauty products that go above and beyond, then you’ll love our brand new series ‘what to buy this week’. In this column, I will share the key beauty buys that the Marie Claire Editors have been shopping, sharing and raving about. From cult classics and up-and-coming beauty brands to celebrity collaborations and limited edition collections, this roundup will have it all. With a product or two from The Marie Claire Beauty Edit, meaning you can shop straight away.
With a mix of seasonal buys (think, winter rich moisturisers that counteract both the frost and heating and shimmering, party-ready palettes), makeup bag staples and everyday essentials that are a real find.
This week, I’ll be sharing products that I’m loving as well as new finds and trusty favourites from Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor; Dami Abajingin,Affiliate Account Manager; Ally Head, Health & Sustainability Editor; Jenny Proudfoot,Features Editor and more…
Another member of the family who stood out with her outfit choice was Princess Beatrice, because she broke the rules, albeit in a very subtle way.
She wore a black coat dress by Nonoo Lyons – incidentally called Beatrice – as well as velvet pumps and a matching clutch bag.
Beatrice also opted for a burgundy velvet floral headband which featured a small veil, which according to HELLO! is where she departed from tradition.
Much like white wedding dresses, facial veils at funerals were brought into fashion under Queen Victoria, though traditionally within the royal family, they are only worn for the funeral of a sovereign.
For example, the Queen, Queen Mother, Princess Mary and Princess Margaret all wore long black veils at King George VI’s state funeral in 1952.
Prince Philip wasn’t a reigning sovereign, nor was this his official funeral, since that happened in April last year, so Princess Beatrice wouldn’t have officially been expected to wear the accessory.
The second season might have forgone its signature steaminess in favour of more Mr Darcy moments (you know the one we’re talking about), but there have been plenty of significant moments that fans are only just starting to notice – including one particularly symbolic few seconds during the wedding.
Edwina and Kate Sharma, sisters of the Bridgerton universe, are the stars of the series and become embroiled in a big of a love tangle with the one and only Anthony Bridgerton.
Although Anthony and Edwina are deemed a good match, his chemistry with Kate is undeniable. Despite his uncertainty, he proposes to Edwina believing it to be the right thing to do.
However on their big day, Edwina realises that he is actually madly in love with her sister Kate when he returns her bracelet, and decides to call things off. Drama.
But eagle eyed viewers have just noticed that there’s a moment that represents this tricky situation during the wedding. Edwina’s veil drapes along the floor between Kate and Anthony as they look into each others eyes.
Around 1,800 people were at the service for the late Duke, including Prince William and Kate Middleton, and their two eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. She was also joined by Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and their families, although sadly Prince Harry was unable to attend.
The Cambridges sat just behind the Queen and Prince Charles, and while the little royals appeared to be nervous entering the famous Abbey, it seems that Kate had some sweet and comforting words for Charlotte.
Lip reader Jacquie Press told MailOnline that the Duchess whispered to her six year old daughter: ‘You can smile.’
After a little bit of encouragement from her mum, Charlotte then broke into a big smile and seemed to relax.
Prince William also offered support to Prince George, and guided the eight year old royal by holding his hand upon entering the building and saying: ‘Let’s go in.’
As Charlotte walked past Zara and Mike Tindall’s daughter, her cousin Mia, they shared a sweet wave.
It was a big moment for the two Cambridge children, marking their first major televised church service.
And just like that, in a flash, the hair disappeared
Hair removal is a completely personal thing. You could be a daily in-shower shaver, or perhaps you and your waxer have known each other so long that she’s made it onto your Christmas card list. Or hey, maybe you have a very relaxed approach to hair approval and like to leave things au naturel. But here we’re talking about laser hair removal. In-salon treatments are effective, but expensive. Which is where at-home IPL hair removal devices really come into their own.
First things first though…
What is IPL?
IPL stands for Intense Pulse Light. This light energy targets hair in the active growth phase called the anagen stage.
How does IPL work?
Light passes through the skin, heats up, and frazzles the hair follicles. It essentially destroys them. (Safely, we’d like to add.) This then prevents regrowth over time. But, not permanently. You should notice that after a while your hair doesn’t grow back as often or as thick.
What’s the difference between laser hair removal and IPL?
Both IPL and laser hair removal use light energy to destroy the hair follicle.
However, ‘the difference between the two is based around the type and wavelength and strength of light energy used,’ explains Dr Anita Sturnham, Dermatologist and Skin Health Specialist.
At-home IPL devices are, understandably, a lot less powerful than in-clinic laser systems. A laser is a single higher energy beam that can focus on the follicle, rather than the surrounding skin. This makes it much stronger than IPL, which uses a broad spectrum of light, which is scattered and a lot weaker on the skin.
‘A laser beam is made up of precisely controlled pulses of a specific wavelength of light energy,’ says Dr Sturnham. ‘This is absorbed by the melanin (brown pigment) in the hair, reaching into the active hair follicles that lie beneath the skin. The energy heats the hair and safely destroys it without damaging surrounding tissue.’
They do, however, do the same thing. They destroy the root of the hair after a treatment course.
It should be noted that neither actually offers completely permanent hair removal.
Dr Sturnham told us that she used to have two laser hair removal devices at her clinic, Nuriss, but got rid of them. ‘I just felt that it was unethical to charge people to have it done in my clinic when the at-home devices available are so good.’
How do you use an at-home IPL device and how often should you use it?
Dr Sturnham recommends shaving the night before. Your skin needs to be as smooth as possible, ahead of the treatment. As your skin can be slightly sensitive after shaving, it’s best to avoid doing it straight before, as the IPL device can get a little warm.
You place the device on your skin and work it along in a straight line. Some devices have strength settings, you’ll want to start at the lowest initially to establish what feels most comfortable.
Each device will have its own recommend treatment plan. But Dr Sturnham, who works closely with Braun, says to use it once a week for a month, then once a month every month, for maintenance.
Dr Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel, £50 | Cult Beauty
‘Afterwards, apply a really soothing cream,’ recommends Dr Sturnham. ‘Something with chamomile or aloe vera. And steer clear of anything that’s really perfumed.’
We like Dr Barbara Sturm’s Aloe Vera Gel – it cools and envelopes skin in calming comfort. Ideal after a day in the sun too.
It’s not exactly painful, but the higher settings can get quite warm. So it’s always best to start on the lower settings and then work your way up when you feel comfortable.
Does IPL remove hair permanently?
Does your hair completely disappear forever? Not exactly, but regular use will permanently reduce visible hair. Persistence is key. If you keep at it, even if some hair grows back, it will grow back at a much slower rate.
Can all skin tones and hair colours use them?
‘Those with lighter skin and darker hair seem to reap the benefits faster,’ explains Dr Sturnham. ‘But that’s not to say they are the only people who can use one effectively.’
‘IPL works best on fair to medium skin tones and dark blonde, brown and black hair types,’ she adds. ‘If you have grey, red or very blonde hair the device may not be very effective, as the IPL needs to tune into melanin pigment in the hair to work effectively.’ The lighter your hair, the less pigment/melanin in it. ‘I recommend doing a test patch for a small area first to ensure that the treatment works for you.
If you have a darker skin tone, lookout for a device that has a built-in sensor. This constantly checks how much melanin is present in the skin and adjusts the light pulses accordingly.
Marie Claire’s roundup of the best IPL hair removal devices…
Here, the experts explain what the phrase "fast fashion" actually means, plus how to spot the brands genuinely doing their bit (vs those greenwashing).
Ever wondered, what is fast fashion? It’s a question everyone seems to be asking at the moment, especially after anti-fast fashion eco-protestors nearly shut down Mollie May’s Pretty Little Thing catwalk show last month.
Living sustainably has been on everyone’s radar since the UN’s “Code Red” IPCC report last year, but it’s often very difficult to cut through the greenwashing to identify the brands genuinely doing their bit to build a better tomorrow.
More of us are becoming aware of the issues and environmental impacts of fast fashion, and more of us are trying to be more mindful about our spending decisions. But it’s hard when even the fast fashion brands get good at disguising themselves as eco-warriors, right?
As sustainable fashion stylist Rebecca Davies points out, “Sustainability is a buzzword at the moment, with all of the major brands wanting to jump on the trend – but when you boil it down, the act of mass-producing a product is not sustainable.”
Keep reading for an expert breakdown of the definition of fast fashion, plus the easy ways to avoid it in your day-to-day.
What is fast fashion?
In short, the term “fast fashion” largely describes brands that get products to the store as quickly as possible, cutting corners (and workers’ paychecks) in the process to churn out more and more high street items.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines fast fashion as “inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.”
As one 2018 study published in Environ Health said, the widely available nature of fast fashion has categorically changed the way consumers both shop and further dispose of clothes.
“By selling large quantities of clothing at cheap prices, fast fashion has emerged as a dominant business model, causing garment consumption to skyrocket. The human and environmental health risks associated with inexpensive clothing are hidden throughout the lifecycle of each garment. From the growth of water-intensive cotton to the release of untreated dyes into local water sources, to worker’s low wages and poor working conditions; the environmental and social costs involved in textile manufacturing are widespread,” the abstract reads.
That’s where more ec0-friendly shopping comes in. Sustainable fashion focuses on producing garments and accessories in a way that doesn’t harm the planet – or people – in the process.
How do I identify brands that are producing fast fashion?
It can be difficult, that’s for sure. One thing to look out for is greenwashing – a term used to describe misleading marketing practices, often through campaigns, that give the impression that a brand or product is more ethical than it actually is.
It is a technique often used by large, fast-fashion retailers in an attempt to appeal to – and exploit – environmentally conscious consumers.
As Davies explains, “It is always worth looking past the beautiful, earthy marketing and double-checking a company’s facts before making a purchase.”
1. Utilise online tools
Did you know? There are a number of online tools to help you to identify the ethical ratings of brands and products. Ethicalconsumer.org has developed a research tool with data from over 40,000 companies, brands, and products. They also have a wide selection of company profiles and shopping guides, to help you make informed decisions at the checkout.
“Good on You is also a really good tool. But don’t use a brand’s company page as gospel as to whether they’re eco-friendly or not,” says Davies.
Marie Claire UK Health and Sustainability Editor Ally Head love and trusts B Corp certified brands. Don’t miss our guide to our go-to B Corp brands, while you’re here.
2. Look at how many products the brand sells
Sustainable lifestyle blogger, Freya Wood, adds that the first thing she will look at to detect how ethical a brand is to look at the number of products they sell.“Releasing hundreds of new styles a week is completely incompatible with sustainability,” she says.
3. Check out the brand’s supply chain
She also recommends checking out Fashion Revolution to see a brand’s commitment to sustainability and supply chain, too.
According to Wood, “Only when a brand can track their supply chain can they actually take control of sustainability production.”
Can fast fashion ever be sustainable?
Short answer? No. A number of high street fast fashion retailers have released their own “sustainable” clothing ranges in the past few years – but that goes against their very business model.
There’s been lots of debate as to whether these brands, which are notorious for producing huge amounts of fast fashion, can claim to be environmentally friendly with these reimagined branding initiatives.
Davies reckons that it’s simple enough to figure out for yourself. “To me, the clue is in the name. Fast fashion is about churning out product after product. A company would have to re-brand as a slow-fashion company and create one or two collections a year and limited pieces to be classed as truly sustainable.”
Wood agrees, adding: “As long as brands continue to produce and sell clothing at the excessive rate we see now, they can’t be sustainable. Whether the clothes are produced in sustainable ways or not, a brand can’t be sustainable if they are dedicated to profiting from excessive buying of low-quality fashion items.”
Which is why many royal fans are now asking: why were Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie not given Lady titles, but their cousin Lady Louise Windsor was?
As the daughters of Prince Andrew and granddaughters to the Queen, Beatrice and Eugenie were given Princess titles when they were born. However, when the monarch’s third son, Prince Edward, welcomed his daughter Louise Windsor in 2003, she wasn’t given a Princess title despite also being a granddaughter through the male line.
So – why?
According to the 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V (the Queen’s grandfather), the only members of the royal family entitled to Prince or Princess titles are the children of the Sovereign, and the grandchildren through the Sovereign’s sons.
Beatrice and Eugenie, therefore, were permitted to have Princess titles. While they are not working royals, at the times of their births it was believed that they would be according to royal historian Marlene Koenig, who spoke to Express.co.uk.
However, various royal scandals might have scuppered that plan.
She said: ‘This has been my view for many, many years. I think if there were no scandals in the 1990s, Charles and Diana, Andrew and Sarah, and to a lesser extent Anne and Mark. It is possible that say Andrew and Sarah had remained a happily married couple, I do think those girls would be working royals.
‘Back in the late 1990s, there was a group called the Way Ahead group. It included senior royals, advisors and I believe some government officials, and it was already discussed that the Royal Family would be slimmed down.
‘There was also talk they would lose their royal titles and be styled as daughters of a Duke – Lady Beatrice and Lady Eugenie. That was vetoed, I think because they were born.’
Around the same time in 1999, Prince Edward got married and the wedding announcement included that his future children would not be styled as royals. While they believed it would be ‘rude’ to take away Beatrice and Eugenie’s Princess titles as they had already been bestowed, the Palace decided that the privilege would be withdrawn from future grandchildren of the Queen – something that Edward and his wife, Sophie Rhys-Jones, are said to have agreed to.
Princess Charlene is no stranger to headlines, and from her marriage to Prince Albert of Monaco to her days as an Olympic swimmer, she never fails to get the world talking.
This past year, it is her health issues that have made headlines, with Princess Charlene suffering a “medical emergency”, resulting in her being grounded in South Africa for six months.
People reported that Princess Charlene was ‘receiving treatment in a facility outside of Monaco’, with Prince Albert explaining that his wife is suffering with ‘profound exhaustion, both emotional and physical.’
‘[Her return] went pretty well in the first few hours, and then it became pretty evident that she was unwell,’ Prince Albert explained. ‘She was clearly exhausted, physically and emotionally. She was overwhelmed and couldn’t face official duties, life in general or even family life.’
After four months at the Swiss clinic, Princess Charlene has now returned to Monaco, where she continues to recover at the Palace.
It was thought that the Princess might even make her first public appearance since her hospitalisation this week, at Prince Philip’s memorial service.
Royal family members and high profile figures gathered from far and wide yesterday to celebrate the life of the Duke of Edinburgh, who sadly passed away last April.
But while Prince Albert joined other members of European royalty in the pews, Princess Charlene was noticeably absent, with royal experts explaining that she would most likely be recovering at the Palace.
The Monaco Palace made a statement after her return home this month, asking for respect and privacy.
“In order for Princess Charlene to achieve a full recovery and as she still needs peace and calm,” read the statement. “The Princely Couple therefore asks that their private life and family environment continue to be respected.”
Our thoughts are with Princess Charlene as she recovers.
Back in December, H&M announced it was collaborating with New York’s most famous fashion icon, Iris Apfel, for a new collection to celebrate her 100th birthday.
The beloved fashion muse has been serving up her unique style for decades, and is particularly known for her love of colour and prints, statement jewellery and those trademark oversized glasses.
Iris is also a self-made businessperson, interior decorator and fashion designer in her own right. The Iris Apfel x H&M collection pays homage to her eccentric style.
Now the wait is almost over, since the collection launches tomorrow, and I can’t wait to shop it.
As you can gather from the images, it will include coordinating sets, floral suits, tiered ruffle dresses and bright printed dresses, featuring a mix of textures, interesting cuts and patterns.
For a woman who loves her chunky jewellery so much, it would be a crime not to have accessories in the mix, and rest assured, there will be. Expect a jewellery and accessory line ‘designed to complement the wardrobe’. They will take inspiration from Iris’s layered look, and take their cue from many themes including plants, animals, and treasures from another world.
All materials used in the collection are recycled, or more sustainably sourced and each garment and accessory has been made with circularity in mind.
Iris Apfel says, ‘I think H&M is fabulous and they are absolute pioneers in their field – which I love! I love doing high style at affordable prices, which H&M has mastered!’
The collection ranges from £19.99 to £299.99 and is very likely to sell out fast, if past collabs are anything to go by, so do set your alarm clocks ready for tomorrow.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in attendance with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, as were Prince Andrew and Prince Edward with their families, though Prince Harry sadly couldn’t make it.
Other guests included royals from around the world, including King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.
The dress code was understandably a sober one, and guests turned to blacks and navies for the ceremony. That said, The Queen wore a dark green coat in a subtle tribute to Philip, whose livery colour was Edinburgh Green.
The black and white silk midi dress featured a pleated skirt, high neck, balloon sleeves and buttons details on the shoulder. She teamed it with a straw hat that was very reminiscent of Princess Diana’s 80s outfits.
Although the ceremony only happened today, within hours, the Duchess had caused a 200% increases in internet searches, according to lovethesales.
The exact dress she wore is sadly sold out, however you can still buy the navy and red version of it, or if you’re on a budget, I’ve found some similar styles to satisfy your polka dot needs.
If you’ve read our guide to the best ghd hair straighteners, then you will know that we love the Platinum+ Styler. In our opinion, it is the best ghd tool for anyone who loves styling their hair on a daily basis.
If you’re wondering why it’s so good, keep on reading. Did you know that the Platinum+ recognises the thickness of your hair and styling speed, adjusting heat across the floating plates as you style for perfect results in just one stroke? Pretty cool.
Not only that, but the sensors monitor heat 250 times a second across the high-gloss plates to deliver a personalised styling experience, so no matter your hair type or length, you can achieve beautiful, salon-quality results.
If you like what you’re hearing, then today is the perfect day to treat yourself, as ghd are currently offering over 20% off the Platinum+ range. That’s right, you can save yourself a whopping £49, but we’d be quick, as this discount won’t be around for long.
ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener in Black, was £219 now £170 | ghd
You can currently save 22% on the Platinum+ hair straightener, which delivers salon quality results every single time.
ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener in White, was £219 now £170 | ghd
The Platinum+ also comes in white, so you can match your straighteners to your dressing room.
It doesn’t matter if you like your hair straight or curly, as you can do it all with this one tool. The smooth ceramic plates and the rounder body are perfect for creating effortless waves this Spring.
If you’re looking to upgrade your haircare routine even further, ghd are currently offering lots of great discounts on selected products. We love the ghd Helios hair dryer for a flawlessly smooth blow dry.
ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer in Black, was £179 now £139 | ghd
This ghd hair dryer is fitted with unique technology, channelling airflow through the longer-life, brushless DC motor to create a powerful airflow travelling at 120kmph.
ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer in White, was £179 now £139 | ghd
How cute is this white and gold design? It is lightweight and ergonomically balanced with bespoke acoustic technology for low sound levels during use. Handy.
Looking after yourself never looked so easy (or cheap).
Everyone’s talking about self-care ideas right now, and rightly so. There’s a reason they were a standout 2021 fitness trend – experts are adamant that self-care is one of the best ways to boost both your physical and mental health.
Let’s face it – it’s been a stressful few years. Do know that it’s only normal to feel stressed after several rounds of lockdowns, restrictions and rule-changing.
According to renowned healer, emotional trauma expert, and founder of Divine Empowerment Antonia Harman, self-care covers any time you take to nourish yourself. “It can be a huge range of things, from bubble baths, to meditation, to doing your favourite activities – you know, truly taking time for yourself,” she expands.
There’s a whole spectrum of self-care needs: from the most basic, like making sure you’re eating healthy food, cleaning, and making your bed, to more advanced self-care, like practicing mindful movement, skipping the latest fitness trend for a lower impact workout that suits you, or studying so you can move up the corporate ladder, Antonia explains. “Self-care is anything that improves your quality of life,” she goes on.
Not sure where to start? We’ve asked a healer and emotional trauma expert, a yoga teacher, and a Headspace exec for the most simple ways you can practice self-care – totally for free – from home. Never underestimate the importance of self-care – especially at current.
33 totally free self-care ideas you can do from home
1. Get outside into nature
Fresh air and even sunlight will do you the world of good, shares Antonia. “A walk in the park or woods is good for you. Nature will ground you and make you feel more at peace,” she shares. Check out our favourite UK hiking trails, now.
2. Get your body moving
An obvious pick, but an important one. There are countless home workouts, Joe Wicks YouTube workouts (and other YouTube sweat sessions), and Instagram lives at current which will make exercising from home fun, rather than a chore. “Even ten minutes of exercise will get your endorphins pumping,” the expert reckons.
3. Get your groove on
In other words, dance. Sounds mad, feels great, and there’s a reason dance classes ranked in the top ten ClassPass workouts last year for the first time ever. Antonia recommends cranking up your favourite tune and dancing around your living room. You won’t regret it.
4. Breathe in, and breathe out
Yep, remembering to breathe is actually super important, according to the healer. “Breathe in for seven seconds, hold for five, breathe out for seven, hold for five, and repeat,” she advises. Once you have that mastered, she recommends extending the seconds. Not sure what we’re on about? Our guide to breathwork training will help.
5. Take a cold shower
You’ve likely read about the benefits of cold water therapy, so this one’s another obvious pick. “It’s invigorating and will elevate your mood – a great way to start your day!”, Antonia explains.
6. Have a bubble bath
There’s nothing more relaxing than running a hot bath, adding your favourite bubble bath or bath oil, and lighting a candle, to go with. And… breathe.
7. Read a book
Another of the self care ideas that’s simple yet seriously effective? Carving out some time to actually sit down and read one of those books you’ve had on the shelf for months. “It can count as really precious ‘me’ time,” Antonia shares.
Didn’t change out of your pyjamas all day? Made a mistake at work? Said the wrong thing to the wrong person?
We’ve all been there, says Chatty Dobson, yoga teacher, and owner of FLEX Chelsea. “But we’ve all come out the other side, too”, she adds. “Cutting out your inner negative talk is one of the ultimate forms of self-care. Try giving it a go”, she advises.
9. Try meditating
If you’ve tried meditation but aren’t so sure it’s for you, know this: meditation is brilliant for improving mental clarity, shares Chatty.
“Sure, if you’ve not done it before, it can be daunting, so an easy way to start is using this method. Set a timer for two minutes, sit comfortably, and close your eyes. Count your breath in for four, out for four, or simply just sit there, if you’d prefer. Your thoughts come and go, but that’s part of it, it’s fine, no one sits there with a totally clear head. When your two minutes are up – not before – see how it felt for you,” she explains.
The mental fitness appCalm is a good place to start, if you’ve never meditated before.
10. Cook a nourishing meal
We mentioned above that self-care ideas encompass nutrition, too, and the simple act of cooking a delicious meal that will nourish your body and in turn, mind, from the inside out, is a great form of self-care. Sure, you cook every day, but do you really take the time to enjoy the process and think about what you are putting into your meal and body?
“Try and include as many different coloured foods as you can, to make it more fun,” advises Chatty. Our round-up of vitamin D recipes may help.
11. Try a new dish
Or, if you want to get a little inventive, why not try introducing a new food once a week, asks Chatty? “If you’re not a big cook, you could try to cook a whole meal from scratch once a week, or alternatively, pay attention to incorporating slightly different ingredients into your food here and there,” she shares.
12. Get your energy flowing
Moving your body is one of those self-care ideas that’s really effective at making you feel good about yourself. Think about it: you spend all day at a desk or lounging around. “The energy in your body becomes stagnant and pools in certain areas,” explains Chatty.
Her advice? Get up and move – be it in the form of walking, dancing, yoga, star jumps, or anything else you fancy. “Get the energy flowing around your body and you’ll feel invigorated and alive.” We’re in.
13. Get dressed up
You’ll likely have tried this one before, but don’t underestimate how good trying on a shirt you haven’t worn for ages or applying your favourite lipstick can make you feel. “Making an effort with your appearance is simple but effective self-care. Why? Well, when you look good on the outside, you feel better on the inside,” shares Chatty.
Just because you’re not in an office, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feel great from home.
14. Listen to an audiobook
Give your eyes a break and put your ears to work, instead. “Put on your comfiest clothes, sit on the sofa with a blanket and a cup of tea and listen to a good old audiobook,” Chatty recommends. She shares that you likely won’t find it easy just to sit and do nothing for thirty minutes, but that your mind and body will thank you for it later. “Remember: you don’t need to be doing something every waking minute,” she emphasises.
15. Practice daily gratitude
Another much raved about self-care idea, but studies have found practicing gratitude is actually a really important part of maintaining a positive mindset. So, how can you get into the habit of practicing gratitude?
“Have a notebook by your bed, and each morning write down three things you’re grateful for,” Chatty advises. “It can be anything, from the love of your family, to the fact the sun’s shining. Humans are designed to look for the negative as cavemen had to constantly lookout for danger to survive, but it’s not impossible to rewire your brain to focus on the positive,” she concludes.
16. Smash some goals
Completing a to-do list is a pretty good feeling, right? So give yourself three small goals for every day, Chatty advises. “Ticking things off a list is hugely satisfying, so try practice this regularly. The tasks can be big or small – it really doesn’t matter – but it’s a great routine to get into.” Hear, hear.
17. Reflect on your day
Being reflective generally is one of the easiest self-care ideas. Remember to congratulate yourself for what you’ve done well with your day. But taking two minutes every evening to reflect could solidify it as a more regular practice.
“Think, did I achieve my goals today? Even if I didn’t, what was the highlight of my day? You should always be able to find one shining positive, despite everything else going on, so try spend a moment enjoying that,” Chatty recommends.
18. Drink, drink, drink
… Water, that is. Making sure you’re hydrated and drinking two litres of water a day is good for a whole plethora of things – your skin, gut, brain function, and energy levels being just a few, so get sipping.
19. Watch a movie
Snuggling up and watching one of your favourite classics, or even a new film, could be a nice way to carve out some time for your brain to relax. Put your phone out of reach and try to find calm. Scary movies not advised..
20. Turn your phone off
We’re sure you sometimes leave your phone on the other side of the room, but do you ever actively turn it off to give your brain some respite from the 101 notifications popping up left, right, and centre?
Give it a try, recommends Jolawn Victor, Chief International Officer at Headspace. “Make sure you remove your smartphone from your calm space or switch it to silent. Trying to do too many things at once decreases your ability to switch between tasks and makes you less able to focus on one activity,” she explains. Self care ideas never looked so simple.
21. Try a new hobby, like baking
Cooking doesn’t have to be a rushed experience or something you do on auto-pilot, Jolawn explains. “Mindfully creating dishes with leftover ingredients can be the perfect way to invest in your own self-care without spending any extra money. This time in the kitchen can be used as a moment to wind down, calm your mind, while even learning new skills at the same time,” she shares.
Cooking or baking are grounding, therapeutic activities as the sensory and engaging nature of the process help us to remain present in the moment, according to the Headspace exec. “The repetitive motions and actions, such as mixing, chopping, or weighing, can give you an anchor to concentrate on, allowing stressful thoughts to leave the mind.”
Top tip: try to use your senses as much as possible. Think about how the ingredients look and feel through the process of turning them into a meal. What aromas fill the air, and what sounds can you hear as you break ingredients apart, sizzle them in a pan, or crunch them together? Notice what texture the food is, and the different forms it’s taken from start to finish. Self-care, sorted.
22. Challenge yourself to learn a new skill
Think learning a new language, knitting, or macrame: the possibilities really are endless.
“Self-care can involve upskilling. With the extra time at home, why not try learning a new skill that gives you a daily task and is part of your routine? This allows you to take time out in your day for your own self-improvement, even if it’s just for ten minutes,” she says.
She recommends free resources, such as Kitchen Stories Recipes, which provides thousands of new recipes to try, Elevate, which offers brain training exercises, or Duolingo, which can help you learn a new language with over 98 courses.
23. Write a self-care journal
Self-care journals are all the rage at current, with search up a whopping 800% on Google Trends. While you can buy specific journals with self-care prompts and mantras, journaling, at its essence, is free. All you need is paper, a pen, and some time to scribble your innermost thoughts onto paper.
“Journaling is an easy, free way for you to spend time checking in with yourself,” Jolawn explains.
We love the following notepads:
‘Joy’ notepad, £19.99, Papier
Papier are known for their thoughtful, beautifully designed notepads and journals and this is no exception. You can personalise your pad with your name or a memorable quote for no extra cost, too.
Recycled notepad, £14.99, Accomplish
Looking for an eco-friendly option with sticky notes, too? You’ll love the new Accomplish notepads: manufactured in the UK from approximately 95% recycled materials, they’re also made from paper sourced from FSC accredited paper mills and printed with eco-friendly vegetable based ink. Neat.
Ever done it before? You know, sat in silence, and actually taken time to appreciate that silence and stillness all by yourself?
“Taking time to just simply being present in silence to savour your morning coffee before your family wakes up can be a form of self-care. This increased awareness of your feelings can help you gain clarity, make better decisions, and stay grounded, she shares.
Plus, a reminder: if you speak, treat, and judge yourself with gentleness and kindness, you are far more likely to take that into the outside world and how you interact with, and think about, others.
25. Improve your sleep quality
Again, obvious but really important: nailing your sleep hygiene is one of the more simple self care ideas that’s vital for smashing your day ahead, according to Jolawn.
“Getting a good night’s rest is one of the most valuable things we can do for our self-care; it costs nothing, but its benefits are priceless. Quality of rest and sleep is more important than quantity, and troubled sleep is rooted in a thinking and busy mind,” she explains. Hear, hear.
Top tip from Chatty: don’t try everything all at once – no one needs that sort of pressure. Over the course of a week, try one or two self-care practices a day until you find what works for you. If you really dislike something, remember, you never have to do it again.
26. Enjoy a massage
Simple, but oh-so-effective at helping you to wind down and de-stress after a busy day at work. Either rope your housemate or partner in, if you’re on a budget, or if you’re feeling boujee, book an at-home session.
We love the treatments available from URBAN, and they offer a range of at-home beauty and wellness options, too.
27. Go for a picnic
Hear us out – sometimes, immersing yourself in nature and enjoying some fresh air can be the perfect soothing slice of self care, right? Take your book or some headphones and watch the world go by – or, pack a picnic and invite some friends. Just remember layers and, more importantly, gloves.
So what do you reckon – which self-care practices will you be taking into your day-to-day?
Remember here: self-care looks different on everyone, as no two people are the same. What one person sees as nourishing, another might find boring. “What matters is what nourishes your soul,” Antonia stresses. “So focus on doing what makes you feel calm, connected, and happy,” she concludes.
28. Listen to a podcast
Whether you’re plugging into a podcast to fuel a passion, learn something new, or laugh alongside your favourite comedians, you can’t go wrong with a podcast.
Not sure where to start? Head to Spotify and browse your options – there are whole podcast channels dedicated to helping your mental wellbeing and self-love. Our favourites are Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place, Radio Headspace, and doctor Rangan Chatterjee Feel Better, Live More.
29. Daily affirmations
Ever heard of daily affirmations? They’re a simple form of self-care where each morning, you repeat positive thoughts for the day ahead. Anything goes – from “I am strong”, to “Today, I will be productive”, to “Gratitude is my main focus today.”
They won’t be for everyone – a bit like manifesting, they’re a New Age approach to wellness that encourages you to motivate yourself. But by taking two minutes each day, you could reframe negative thoughts and replace with a more positive narrative, instead.
Experts maintain that consistently repeating daily keeping affirmations as part of your self-care routine can can help you to access a new self-belief system. Neat.
Another of our self care ideas? Being mindful. It’s all too easy to forget to enjoy the moment we’re currently in. In such a fast-paced, forward-thinking world, one form of self-care is mindfulness: it’s important we take which largely means taking time to truly enjoy the present moment in the present.
Try this: a bit like meditation, if you feel your mind wandering, pause for ten seconds, focus on your breathing, and root yourself in the current moment.
31. Take time with your skincare
Taking plenty of time to enjoy your daily skincare routine is bound to boost your mood (and skin, too). While skincare won’t be for everyone, the premise remains: taking the time to do or whatever makes you happy is really key for self care.
Try this: whack on a face mask, Gua Sha your face, and whack on a good playlist. Self-care at its finest.
32. Reduce screentime
You all know screentime isn’t great for mental health – one 2018 study published in Prev Med Rep even found a direct link between improved mental health and reduced screen time.
Try this: If you can’t commit to turning your phone off due to work or family commitments, then take advantage of the iPhone’s screentime option. It allows you to set limits for how long you spend on certain apps each day and will tell you when your time is up. Bye, bye, mindless Insta scrolling.
33. Declutter and clean your space
Tidy room, tidy mind – or so the saying goes. Cleaning might not be your first thought when it comes to self-care, but hear us out here.
Experts have long maintained that decluttering your space and tidying your room, kitchen or cupboards will not only give you a sense of productivity, but help you relax thanks to your new more in a clutter-free, clean space. Self care ideas? Sorted.
