As Victoria Starmer left Downing Street, stage left, on Monday morning, you couldn’t help but see the smile on her face as one of relief. Ever since her husband assumed the role of Prime Minister, every outfit she’s put on has been reported on and even highlighted as part of a pay-for access scandal (Labour donor Lord Ali had as it turned out, paid for her Me + Em haul). Walking into that viper’s nest, where you will be painstakingly scrutinised in the hope of finding fault, is an unenviable prospect, no matter how prestigious your new address might be. Mrs Starmer left Downing Street wearing Karen Millen, chastened perhaps by two years of headlines.
Marie-France van Heel wearing the Victoria Beckham Edith Dress (was £850 on Farfetch.com, now £620) (Image credit: Getty Images)
And so it was when Marie-France Van Heel stepped out of the car at Buckingham Palace that you felt an inevitable intake of breath, a new woman in a new dress, fresh meat for the rubber-necks to pick apart.
For what it’s worth, my first thought was “move over Pippa Middleton, her bum looks amazing in that.” Then I noted the tell-tale cut of a Victoria Beckham dress, the gently-ruched-style with loose sleeves that she’s made a lucrative signature piece. A demure length, a flattering neckline in a pretty summer-y colour. A proper British designer—smart!—but, oh god, they’re going to go after her for the price of it (£850).
A woman who, through her own hard work, can clearly afford to buy her own clothes, from wherever she wants—shouldn’t we champion her agency and success? Are we just jealous? Must we be so predictably reductive?
Van Heel was of course instantly pilloried, with comments over the fit of her dress which curved over her small tummy. Her body being of more interest than the fact that this new high-profile representative of our country is a Cambridge-educated marketing director, who sits on the boards of charities, mother of three, who some 16 years ago, as a carrier of the BRCA1 gene, underwent a double mastectomy in order to lessen her chances of developing the breast cancer which killed her sister at 39. A woman who, through her own hard work, can clearly afford to buy her own clothes, from wherever she wants—shouldn’t we champion her agency and success? Are we just jealous? Must we be so predictably reductive?
But, given the lifestyle-section reaction to her husband’s appointment, there was little more to expect. Endless click-bait has been churned out debating the ‘health’ ramifications of the “Burnham belly”, spinning off into fitness and diet tips for how to get rid of your dad-fat. I know we want equality, but extending body-shaming to men feels somewhat to miss the point.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
We live in a hyper-visual age, inundated with excessive amounts of imagery of which the demand for perfection is so high that we are happy to be seduced by AI influencers, selling us their ‘wellness’ tips and tricks. The fleshy reality of human bodies is hidden from us in the age of social media, perhaps that makes us more accusatory when confronted with the figure of a 56-year-old woman, who is not asking us to get ready with her, or showing us a skincare routine, but simply accompanying her husband on the biggest day of his career.
It’s all very well to scream ‘patriarchy!’ when women are compounded by the rigid beauty standards we cannot expel ourselves from, but in reality it is often other women appraising and admonishing each other when it comes to fashion.
As much as we might say we dress for each other, rather than men, we also hack into each other when we feel someone has transgressed the red lines of how we insist women should appear in public. Small, obviously. If your body has shape that should be smoothed down and covered appropriately. No visible belly-shape, please! No breasts outlined in a bra! Hair must be perfect, makeup there, but not too there. We complain about being forced to live in this aesthetic straitjacket of expectation, but sometimes it is there of our own volition.
If we want impressive, inspiring women to take up space in the public eye, we seriously need to rethink how we treat them once they are there.
If we want impressive, inspiring women to take up space in the public eye, we seriously need to rethink how we treat them once they are there. Are we all but one awkwardly angled photograph away from being viral hate-bait? We admonish celebrities for being too thin or too fat to the point that the slither of space we allow bodies to exist in is forever shifting. An impossible space to fit. No one can win this game, and aren’t we all just exhausted by playing it?
We might cry to be seen as we are, irrespective of our bodies, but we still fail to give ourselves or each other that same grace. If we want to be taken seriously as people who do things other than get dressed, we might just need to back track on the back chat.
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There’s a story that, as women, I think many of us know far too well.
It might be one we’ve lived ourselves, one shared, or one we’ve never quite found the words to explain. A story about changing a route, changing a workout, or changing how we show up in a space because something—or someone—made us feel uncomfortable.
Today, this story starts with a number. In an exclusive first look, Marie Claire UK reveals new Sport England research showing that 86% of women aged 16 to 34 have experienced harassment or intimidation while exercising in the past three years.
Read that again.
We’re not talking about one woman having one uncomfortable interaction in a changing room. Nor an awkward moment that someone has brushed off as “probably nothing”. It’s a pattern of experiences that are shaping how women move, in spaces that are supposed to make them feel stronger.
The report also reveals that 43% of women aged 16 to 34 who don't currently use gyms or leisure centres say concerns about sexual harassment have directly influenced their decision not to attend. Among women who do use these spaces, 62% say they have changed their behaviour after experiencing or witnessing harassment or intimidation. At the same time, one in ten have stopped using a workout space permanently following an incident.
The findings arrive at a time when women’s participation in fitness is quite literally booming: 7.6 million women now routinely take part in fitness activities—1.4 million more than 2021—with Gen Z leading the charge through strength training and gym-based exercise.
The message is crystal clear: women want to be in these spaces. The question is whether those spaces are making women feel safe enough to stay.
New Sport England Research Confirms a Worrying Barrier to Entry for Women: Not Feeling Safe
Sadly, these numbers aren't just statistics: they're the lived reality of millions of women worldwide.
The new Sport England research asks a simple question: how safe do women actually feel in gyms, leisure centres and other places where we’re supposed to be getting active and feeling safe doing so?
The answer is uncomfortable. Only 46% of women aged 16 to 34 believe these spaces are as safe and welcoming for women as they are for men. Let that sink in for a second. Fewer than half of us walk into a gym believing we’re on equal footing before we’ve even picked up a dumbbell.
Only 45% think enough is being done to tackle harassment and intimidation.
If you’re 16 to 24, the concern is even greater. The generation driving the current gym boom is also the generation most worried about what might happen when they get there.
And the numbers go on.
(Image credit: Future Magic Creator)
If you’ve ever hovered at the edge of the weights area pretending to stretch while you work up the courage to walk in, the figures probably won't surprise you.
But that's what's most worrying. According to the research, 78% of women aged 16 to 34 have experienced non-verbal harassment: the staring that lasts a little too long, the lingering nearby, the man who seems to follow from machine to machine without ever technically saying anything. It’s awkward to explain, even harder to report, and very easy for someone else to brush off, which is exactly why so many women end up second-guessing themselves instead of the behaviour.
So when women say they’ve changed how they use the gym, they’re really not being “dramatic”. 62% have changed their behaviour after experiencing or witnessing harassment or intimidation. And the changes are painfully familiar: 29% avoid dressing in a certain way, 29% avoid going at certain times, and 29% avoid areas of the gym that usually have more men.
Perhaps the statistic that says the quiet part out loud: 43% of women aged 16 to 34 who haven’t used a gym in the last year say concerns about sexual harassment influenced that decision.
The details are in the data. They reveal not just how many women feel unsafe, but the small, everyday decisions they are making because of it. But numbers can only take us so far. To understand what this really looks like, we spoke to the women who've experienced it firsthand.
(Image credit: Future Magic Creator)
"I Changed My Workout Before I Changed Gyms"
What’s particularly striking is that while the data shows just how widespread these experiences are, many women were still reluctant to come forward and share their stories. But perhaps that isn’t so surprising. These moments can be difficult to explain, easy to dismiss, and often leave so many questioning whether what happened was “bad enough” to talk about in the first place.
But whether it’s a comment shouted across the street, unwanted eyes in the gym, or simply the feeling of being watched, the impact is real. The real issue is that these experiences are so often reduced down to “just” something: just a comment, just banter, just an awkward interaction, despite the research showing that they can shape whether women feel able to exercise freely at all.
Ally Head, Senior Health Editor at Marie Claire UK, knows that feeling all too well. During lockdown, while training for a 37-mile ultra marathon, she experienced something that would go on to change the way she approached running forever.
"It was peak lockdown, and I was banking a training run when it happened. Alone, on a deserted street in central London, a man backed me down an alleyway, shouting abuse and squaring up to me."
"I’ve never felt fear like it. For what felt like an eternity but was probably a minute, I genuinely didn’t know what he was going to do next. Eventually, he backed off, and I made it home—physically unscathed, but mentally shaken up."
"Sadly, it wasn’t an isolated incident. Catcalling, heckling, and unsolicited comments all seem to be part and parcel if you’re a woman who moves her body in public. I've experienced it on the street, in the gym, and in parks."
"It took years to rebuild my confidence—I still haven’t run with both headphones in, and I still rarely wear my hair in a ponytail or plait, in case someone were to grab it."
"In the aftermath, I found myself doing what so many women do: interrogating my own behaviour instead of his. Were my shorts too short? My top too revealing? Had I taken an unsafe route? It took time to understand that I wasn't the problem—and I should never have been made to feel like I was."
What this research exposes is a sad fact: that too many of us are treating safety planning as part of our workout routine—and we’ve become so used to it that we barely bat an eyelid.
In 2026, I shouldn't have had to feel afraid to exercise. Safety concerns shouldn't be a barrier to entry for women wanting to workout.
Ally Head
We Need Safer Spaces to Move—So What Happens Now?
The fitness industry’s latest answer to women’s safety concerns is often female-only spaces. And while many women genuinely value them, there’s an uncomfortable question attached to their popularity: isn’t it worrying that we’ve had to create a separate space all in the name of avoiding harassment while exercising?
Women shouldn't need their own corners of the gym. They should feel comfortable—and safe—enough to workout in exactly the same spaces men do.
Yet sadly, the Sport England research shows women don't have the luxury of simply deciding whether they want to exercise. Instead, we're having to decide how to make exercise feel manageable. From the time we consider working out, we're having to avoid certain spaces, carefully choose what to wear, and pick which moments we choose to ignore, rather than challenge, because we don’t want the situation to escalate.
We’ve become so accustomed to these adjustments that they've started to look like normal gym behaviour rather than a response to feeling unsafe.
That is exactly what This Girl Can and Sport England want to change. Claire Edwards, Head of Campaign Activation at Sport England, says the biggest takeaway isn't just the scale of the issue, but what responses revealed. “The fact that 62% of women changed their behaviour after experiencing or witnessing harassment or intimidation underlines how much women want to be in these spaces. They're adapting themselves to be able to stay within them.”
But there is a limit to how much adapting women can be expected to do. As Edwards explains: “Constantly having to make these adjustments will become exhausting and ultimately push women away from being active in these spaces altogether.”
The answer, she says, is not asking women to shrink themselves—it’s creating environments where they no longer feel they have to.
That is where Safer Spaces to Move comes in. Developed by This Girl Can and ukactive, the resource hub provides gyms and leisure operators with practical tools, training, policies, and guidance to help prevent harassment, respond appropriately when incidents happen and build trust with their members.
Creating Environments Where Women and Girls Feel Safe
It's not all bad news, and there are also signs of progress. Since the launch of Safer Spaces to Move, more women are reporting clearer codes of conduct, processes and information about where to go for support at their fitness centres.
For Edwards, the ambition is simple: “To create environments where women and girls feel safe, welcome and confident to be active.”
For all the uncomfortable truths in this research, there is hope. What should give us genuine optimism is that women aren't retreating from fitness—far from it. We're showing up in record numbers, community in tow. We're taking up space in weight rooms, signing up for running events, learning to lift heavy, and proving that the desire to move, train and feel strong is not the issue.
It's clear that the fitness and health sector is stepping up and leading the way on women’s safety—but there is so much more to do to ensure all spaces are safe and welcoming.
If this research achieves anything, it's this: we need to stop treating women's safety calculations as an inevitable part of exercise, and start treating them as a problem that can—and should—be designed out of the experience altogether.
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Like seemingly everyone else in the country, I have a love-hate relationship with the current heatwave. I’ve come to the conclusion that I do, in fact, enjoy very hot weather —just not in the UK. So naturally, my mind has been wandering more and more towards last-minute holidays and the capsule wardrobes that go with them.
Rather than squeezing myself onto a sweaty tube car, I crave languid strolls down sleepy cobbled streets and the French Riviera: settings where printed dresses, linen separates and minimalist sandals can truly come into their own. The summer sales are in full swing, and as a cost-conscious shopping editor, it’s my favourite time to shop. Season-friendly clothing, accessories and swimwear at a fraction of the price? Yes, please. But please don’t misunderstand me: I would never encourage you to buy something just because it's discounted.
My rules for sale shopping are simple: only buy something if you would have purchased it at full price and can also see yourself wearing it in multiple outfits. That way you can really savour the discount with no post-spend guilt in sight. Though these selections might be perfect for a last-minute holiday, they have been carefully selected for their timelessness and longevity—a blend of classic and on-trend pieces to see you through multiple years and holidays to come.
Oh, and the fact that most of these holiday picks are on sale is not even the best part. The Marie Claire team have curated an edit of vouchers to get you even more money off the selections below—I know, I know, we shouldn’t have. So keep scrolling to shop the fashion sale picks worthy of a luxury European resort, and don’t forget to click through to our voucher pages for extra discounts. Happy Shopping.
18 Holiday-Ready Pieces on Sale Right Now:
Alémais
Georgie printed dress
This floaty Alémais dress was made to be showcased on a Greek island. Save even more with one of our Mytheresa discount codes.
Aspinal of London
Kiran Sunglasses
I’m a fan of the wide design of these Aspinal sunglasses. You can’t go wrong with a neutral tortoiseshell frame, especially at 60% off. Save even more with one of our Aspinal discount codes.
Tod's
Raffia tote bag
A raffia tote will see you through multiple summers to come. This one from Tod’s is achingly elegant. Save even more with one of our Harvey Nichols discount codes.
All Saints
Eshe Baggy Fit Satin Trousers
With their balloon shape and cream satin finish, these trousers are the perfect mix of on-trend and timeless. Save even more with one of our All Saints discount codes.
River Island
Green Asymmetric Placed Print Top
Pair them with this printed top to inject some colour. Save even more with one of our River Island discount codes.
H&M
Broderie anglaise co-ord
This broderie co-ord makes the perfect lightweight beach cover-up. Save even more with one of our H&M discount codes.
Hobbs
Shona Linen Dress
Add a headscarf and you'll be channelling a full Audrey Hepburn vibe. Save even more with one of our Hobbs discount codes.
Fitflop
Gracie Leather flip-flops
A pair of simple black flip flops will take you through city and beach life in style, and these are cushioned for secret comfort (hello long walks by the coast). Save even more with one of our FitFlop discount codes.
Karen Millen
Sheer Skirt Maxi Knit Dress
This Karen Millen dress features subtle sheer detailing—perfect for sunset drinks. Save even more with one of our Debenhams discount codes.
Kate Spade
Wave Thin Bangle
There's nothing more Grecian than a chic white dress and a stack of bangles. Save even more with one of our Kate Spade discount codes.
COS
Linen Barrel-Leg Trousers
COS have some of the best basics around, and these white linen trousers have a gentle barrel cut, making them feel more current. Save even more with one of our COS discount codes.
Steve Madden
Tracie Heels
Jelly heels have been hailed the unexpected it-shoe of the season, and this black pair is an elegant take on the trend. Save even more with one of our Office discount codes.
If you're looking for statement swimwear, you came to the right place. Save with one of our Selfridges discount codes.
Whistles
Blue Linen Elasticated Short
Linen shorts are a summer staple, and I’m drawn to the soft coastal hue of this pair. Save even more with one of our Whistles discount codes.
ZIMMERMANN
Printed Cotton Pareo
Pareos are everywhere right now. Aside from being the perfect beach cover-up, you can also wear it as a top, scarf or over jeans. Save even more with one of our The Outnet discount codes.
Reiss
Denim Sleeveless Waisted Midi Dress
A dress you can wear on holiday and easily back at home. Save even more with one of our Reiss discount codes.
Topshop
Linen wide leg trousers
I’d pair these statement striped trousers with a graphic tee and simple black flip flops for an easy off-duty look. Save even more with one of our ASOS discount codes.
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Few haircuts have achieved first-name status.‘The Rachel’ arrived in the early seasons of Friends, when Rachel Green’s shoulder-skimming explosion of layers became almost as famous as the character herself—and launched a thousand salon appointments in the process. Even today, the millennial style continues to inspire fresh interpretations—the latest being Gigi Hadid’s glossy, swishy reinterpretation. Her longer layers, sweeping face-framing sections, and softly curved ends retain the bounce that made the original so appealing, minus the ’90s cosplay. As her hairstylist, Dimitris Giannetos put it on his Instagram post, “I wanted to create the updated version of the C-cut, giving Gigi some Love Layers (aka heart shape layers)!” So how can we recreate this new take on a classic? I asked leading hairdressers Samantha Cusick and Jay Birmingham to explain how to wear the style now.
While the original relied on short, visible layers and a bouncy, rounded blow-dry, the new interpretation is altogether subtler. “The modern Rachel is all about softer glamour,” explains celebrity hairdresser Jay Birmingham. “The original was built around short, choppy layers and lots of volume, whereas today’s version is sleeker, longer and much more wearable. The layers are more blended, the movement is softer, and the finish is glossy rather than fluffy.”
That distinction is what makes the revival feel fresh. Rather than reproducing Jennifer Aniston’s haircut section by section, the aim is to capture its buoyant, face-framing effect. “It’s less about recreating a ’90s hairstyle and more about capturing that effortless bounce and healthy-looking shine,” says Birmingham.
Cusick believes the resurgence also reflects our renewed appetite for ’90s beauty, along with a broader shift towards haircuts that create movement. “We’re obsessed with volume, with movement, with that lived-in layered quality that looks effortless but is actually really considered,” she says. “The original Rachel had all of those things; it was just styled in a more structured, high-maintenance way for the time.”
What to Ask for at the Salon
The words ‘The Rachel’ may conjure a very specific image, so arriving armed with a reference to the longer, contemporary version is sensible. The most important point to communicate is that you want movement while preserving weight and fullness through the ends. “I’d ask for long, seamless layers that create movement without taking away too much weight,” advises Birmingham. “Soft face-framing pieces around the cheekbones or jawline will open up the face while keeping the overall look elegant and modern.” The layering should blend into the haircut rather than create obvious steps. “The beauty of this cut is that it should move naturally, so the layering needs to feel invisible rather than obvious,” he adds.
“The OG version was very much built for thicker, straighter hair, where you could get that signature volume and flick”, explains Cusick. “The 2026 version works with so many more hair types because the layering technique has evolved significantly.” That’s why the modern Rachel can be adapted to a much broader range of hair types than its predecessor. Layers remove bulk and encourage movement in thick hair, while naturally wavy textures lend themselves particularly well to the softer, undone finish.
Fine hair requires a more restrained approach. Too many layers can leave the ends looking sparse, so maintaining density is more important than chasing dramatic volume. This also makes the cut a compelling option for midlife hair that has become finer, drier or less dense.
“This style is actually brilliant for midlife hair because it creates the illusion of movement and fullness without relying on lots of short layers,” says Birmingham. “I’d recommend keeping the layers longer and softer to maintain density through the ends, while using styling techniques to build lift around the crown.”
Cusick agrees that precision matters: “On finer hair, you do need a skilled hand because you want to add layers that create movement without removing too much weight, but when it’s done right, it’s incredible.” Very curly hair can also carry the shape, although its layers must be positioned with shrinkage in mind. A stylist experienced in cutting curls will be best placed to tailor the look.
How to Create The Modern Rachel
Charley before and after styling her hair (Image credit: Future, the_blonde_editor)
The secret to Gigi’s finish lies in balancing root lift with smooth, glossy lengths. Begin with heat protectant (my go-to is always Moroccanoil Perfect Defence, £28, then work in small sections, directing the hair away from the face. Allowing each section to cool before touching it helps the shape last longer. “My biggest tip is to style the hair away from the face, then let each section cool before brushing it through gently with your fingers,” says Birmingham. “That gives you soft movement rather than overly defined curls.”
A blow-dry brush or air styler will create the initial lift, but a straightener can be used to refine the shape, bend the face-framing sections and smooth the ends. I used the new ghd Sculpt Styler, £369, which promotes shine and discourages frizz thanks to its fancy Heat-adapt technology. I have layers but usually they just blend in, this allowed me to add intentional cool-girl kinks through the front sections and mid-lengths. “That face-framing quality that made the original so iconic is still completely there, but it's softer, more undone, as Cusick says, “more like your hair just fell that way rather than something you carefully constructed. You’re not trying to recreate that very polished ’90s flick; you’re taking the spirit of it and making it feel like 2026,” she explains. I’ve recently discovered Cécred's Heat Activated Silk Glaze, £32, and it's a game-changer for creating a glass-like finish and almost locking in the style you’ve created. I’ve been using JVN Hair Perfect FlexHold Strengthening Flexible Hairspray, £27, to give hair extra gravitas and keep tufty flyaways in check. If the ends of my hair are starting to look a little worse for wear, Virtue’s Healing Oil, £44, is a godsend at keeping flicks looking the chef’s kiss.
The main pitfalls are over-layering, excessive teasing and ends that have been curled too deliberately. As Birmingham puts it: “Today’s version is all about healthy-looking hair with effortless bounce and natural movement.”
Since writing this article, I have found myself wearing this new version of The Rachel more and more. With its flattering face-framing pieces, fullness-enhancing layers and glossy finish, it simply looks like very good hair. It doesn’t feel like a retro haircut enjoying a brief revival; it feels current, wearable and actually, really easy to achieve, and suitable for everyone.
I've been contending with acne for most of my life, which has led me to discover the exact skincare that I can trust not to cause breakouts. That includes SPF for acne—because a product that I use on my face daily has to be one that my complexion agrees with. Not to mention, applying SPF daily can prevent dark spots and hyperpigmentation that can be left behind after a breakout.
Although my skin is now much clearer than it used to be, it only takes one misstep for my chin to flare up with whiteheads and painful red bumps under the skin. Perfecting my skincare routine for acne has made the world of difference, so much so that I'm very reluctant to experiment with new products that could hinder my progress.
However, with gentle experimenting over the years, I've managed to curate a list of sunscreens that keep me safe from the sun without causing any breakouts. Whilst I'm confident in recommending the following SPFs, I always suggest doing a patch test on a small area of the face and introducing a new product gradually (and only one new product at a time) to ensure it won't create any issues for your skin type.
From oil control formulas to nourishing finishes to improve the skin barrier, these are my tried and tested favourites for acne-prone skin.
How We Test
The Marie Claire UK team takes product testing seriously, with a commitment to delivering accurate, honest and genuinely helpful reviews for our readers. For this piece, I tested each SPF for a minimum of one week, though some I've used for far longer. I assessed texture, absorption, residue and how each formula performed under makeup, checking in throughout the day for shine and general skin behaviour. At the end of each week, I looked for any increase in congestion or breakouts compared with my usual baseline.
La Roche-Posay almost single-handedly saw me through my severely acne-riddled teenage years, and it was the first brand that made a noticeable difference to my breakouts and complexion. I've trusted the products for years, and this SPF is one of my top picks for anyone acne-prone. It's designed for oily skin types, including skin prone to blemishes and sensitivity, with a mattifying effect that will prevent shininess throughout the day. It has a very watery, milky formula that turns invisible on the skin and feels weightless too. Despite being matte, it doesn't feel at all drying or chalky on the skin, and it provides a smoothing base for makeup application on top. It's a true all-rounder for acne-prone skin with impressive SPF 50.
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF 50+ for Oily Blemish-Prone Skin
SkinCeuticals has slowly but surely become one of my holy grail brands. Yes, the products are on the pricier side, but I've yet to encounter one that isn't worth every penny. This SPF has a thicker formula more like a mineral sunscreen, but it's still extremely easy to blend in and it doesn't leave a white cast. It feels more matte than the La-Roche Posay SPF, both to apply and on the skin, but it still sits comfortably and doesn't dry me out even though my skin isn't excessively oily. It works wonders at keeping shine at bay, and it's perfect for humid weather and preventing makeup from sliding around on the face. If you have particularly oily acne-prone skin, this will make a very noticeable difference to your complexion.
Although this SPF is designed with oily skin in mind, it's also suitable for normal skin and isn't excessively mattifying. It has a smooth, milky formula that's lightweight, breathable, and fast-absorbing for an invisible finish that primes the skin for makeup. One of my favourite things about this SPF is that it contains niacinamide, which has always worked brilliantly for preventing breakouts in my skin. It keeps oil to a minimum all day and won't clog pores either.
CeraVe
Invisible Dry Touch Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50 for Normal to Oily Skin
Another SPF containing niacinamide, Aesop's lotion formula is both hydrating and nourishing. It's my top recommendation if your skin needs some TLC due to any tightness or discomfort, particularly if you apply any drying nighttime skincare for spots. It functions just like a regular day moisturiser with the addition of sun protection, but it doesn't leave the skin greasy or shiny. NB: this SPF isn't fragrance-free, so if you don't respond well to fragrance, you may want to try another formula. However, it has never caused me to break out or have any irritation.
If you have very acne-prone skin that needs a lot of care and attention, Dr Sam's Daily Sunscreen is a foolproof option. It's specifically designed for blemish-prone skin, with a soft-focus primer-like finish that applies like a moisturiser. It's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and formulated with niacinamide to brighten and boost the skin. It's an extremely minimalist SPF suitable for all skin types, and it perfectly balances sun protection with a comfortable feel that provides a skin-like finish with no added shine. It's a true all-rounder that will work for anyone with acne-prone skin.
For my skin, I've found that less is more—particularly in the daytime. The best way to keep my acne at bay is not going overboard under my makeup, and Charlotte Tilbury's SPF 50 primer offers exactly that. It kills two birds with one stone with priming and sun protection, as well as providing pollution defence to further halt skin stressors that can cause breakouts. It has a very subtle tint that leaves the skin with a beautiful glow and a weightless feel that's comfortable on the face. It also hydrates without a shiny finish, which makes for smooth makeup application.
The clue is in the name with Beauty Pie's SPF 50: it's a truly invisible, lightweight, watery formula that blends in with minimal effort. I've used it for years, and it has never failed me or caused blemishes. It's completely non-greasy and also acts as a primer, so you can expect a skin-like finish with natural radiance and no shine. The advanced UV filters also work to fight sunlight-induced inflammation, which can make red, painful breakouts less troublesome. With no white cast, it's suitable for all skin tones and requires minimal blending to sink in.
Beauty Pie
Super Healthy Skin Featherlight SPF 50 Sunscreen + Primer
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Do you want to know what everyone has been snapping up this month? Slides. The slip-on sandals that make getting dressed that little bit easier. And after much demand from Marie Claire readers about which ones are actually worth the investment, here is our edit of the best slides to shop now and wear this summer and for many more to come. The best investments last far longer than a single season, after all.
The slide's popularity comes down to three things. First, comfort: fewer straps means less chance of rubbing, especially if you're someone who hates the feeling of a flip flop between the toes. Second, ease: no buckles, straps or ties to faff around with. And third, versatility: they've moved well beyond the old-school rubber sports styles, which means they now work for a whole host of occasions.
(Image credit: Getty Images/Future)
You'll find a slide in every iteration of colour—from classic black leather to bold pink canvas—and design. And some have become so synonymous with their luxury labels—take the Saint Laurent Tribute or the Hermès Oran—that they're seriously coveted shoes that often sell out as soon as the weather warms up.
Just scroll on for the sleekest designer slides of the summer, from staple styles to more of-the-moment designs. And if you aren't sold on slides, our luxury sandal guide has plenty of other options.
The Tribute may be the most iconic Saint Laurent shoe design but this gathered leather style is just as sleek with far fewer chances of being spied beside another sun lounger.
LOEWE
Petal Anagram Leather Slides
Thanks to the rise of quiet luxury, we've shifted away from glaringly obvious labels—think slides with the likes of Balenciaga written across them—and more towards subtle branding that's actually quite beautiful.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Filia Jelly Flat Sandals
Jelly shoes are one of the most popular trends of the season and the colourful slides are especially cool. While not exactly a designer brand, these are crafted by a particularly well-made shoe label.
Tory Burch
Pierced Slide in Black
I've spoken before about how Tory Burch shoes are some of the most underrated designs around and the pierced slide is a perfect example of why.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Haribalmu 10 Cutout Leather Slides
Mariko Kuo recently wrote that the best shoes she's ever worn are all crafted from shoe-only labels, and Manolo Blahnik is known to be one of the most comfortable.
ZIMMERMANN
Embellished Metallic Leather Sandals
If you're after a slider that feels more evening ready, these gold-tone floral slides are certainly up to the task. Dresses, trousers and even beach-ready looks will all pair effortlessly.
Jimmy Choo
Lova Mule Flat
These may be the most beautiful slides of the entire round-up, worthy of even an evening dress should you wish to stick to flats.
STAUD
+ Da Adolfo Tove Beaded Leather Slides
It's often hard to find flat shoes that feel as occasion-worthy as heels, but crafted from leather with a beaded design, these Staud slides are up to the task.
AQUAZZURA
Infinity Chain Perforated Metallic-Leather Flats
Aquazurra is a Marie Claire go-to for elegant, timeless and most importantly comfortable flat sandals. The Infinity chain sandals with go with everything.
VALENTINO GARAVANI
Rockstud Bead-Embellished Suede Sandals
Valentino Garavani's rockstud designs are back in the spotlight and these caged sliders are a sleek flat version of the classic heeled styles.
MISSONI
Viola Sequin-Embellished Striped Woven Sandals
A chunkier slide works especially well for daytime, though the small sequins on this style make them feel far from casual.
HERMĒS
Oran Sandals
Step into any luxury beach club or hotel and you'll soon find a swathe of Oran sandals in every shade.
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