The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are making non-stop viral news on their royal tour of Africa, but it was Meghan Markle’s movements that really got people talking this weekend.
According to People, Prince Harry went on to Angola for royal engagements, but it was Meghan who stayed in Cape Town, South Africa this weekend, to add a touching tribute to the tour, paying her respects at the memorial of Uyinene Mrwetyana, a 19-year-old student who was allegedly raped and killed by a 42-year-old post office employee.
‘#Meghan made a secret trip to pay tribute to #Uyinene Mrwetyana whose brutal murder has outraged South Africa,’ royal commentator Emily Andrews reported. ‘The Duchess was so shocked by the torture, rape and murder of the beautiful student she made a top-secret pilgrimage to the post office where she was killed.’
‘Having closely followed the tragic story, it was a personal gesture [Meghan] wanted to make,’ a spokesperson told People.
‘Simi kunye kulesisimo – We stand together in this moment’, read a tribute on the Sussex Royal Instagram page.
‘The Duchess of Sussex has tied a ribbon at the site where 19-year-old Cape Town student Uyinene Mrwetyana was murdered last month, to pay her respects and to show solidarity with those who have taken a stand against gender based violence and femicide. Over the last month in Capetown, protests erupted through the streets in outrage over GBV in South Africa.’
The post continued: ‘The Duke and Duchess had been following what had happened from afar and were both eager to learn more when they arrived in South Africa. The Duchess spoke to the mother of Uyinene this week to relay their condolences.
‘Visiting the site of this tragic death and being able to recognise Uyinene, and all women and girls effected by GBV (specifically in South Africa, but also throughout the world) was personally important to The Duchess.’
Concluding the tribute, the account posted: ‘Uyinene’s death has mobilised people across South Africa in the fight against gender based violence, and is seen as a critical point in the future of women’s rights in South Africa. The Duchess has taken private visits and meetings over the last two days to deepen her understanding of the current situation and continue to advocate for the rights of women and girls.’
Meghan Markle has taken to her role as a royal so well that it’s hard to remember that before the speeches, royal tours and ribbon cuttings, she was of course a Hollywood actress, featuring in a number of high profile films.
Her most famous role however was in the show Suits, where she starred as Rachel Zane, for seven seasons, leaving the US TV series as she became a royal.
The official Suits twitter account posted the clip to social media, captioning it: ‘Turns out Rachel is doing REALLY well’ – a nod to Meghan’s new royal life.
While viewers picked up on the Meghan Markle nod, it seems that a lot of us missed a later Prince Harry nod, with the show throwing yet another royal reference.
In the September 25th season finale in the run-up to Louis and Sheila’s wedding, Harvey comments on Louis’ attire, exclaiming ‘Wait are second. Are you wearing a morning coat?’. And when Louis responds, ‘Of course I’m wearing a morning coat. Frankly, I’m disappointed you’re not’, Harvey responds: ‘Louis, you’re not the prince of England.’
So now all you’ve got to worry about is the honeymoon. Where do you and your other half want to go to celebrate?
Mauritius is a popular choice. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s honeymoon was rumoured to be an idyllic mountain retreat at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Alberta, Canada. And Gwyneth Paltrow apparently brought her ex-husband, Chris Martin, on her honeymoon with Brad Falchuck.
Your call if you want to take your former partner with you, but, er, wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t.
However, if you’re looking for honeymoon destination inspiration then it seems that Switzerland is the place to go.
According to Pinterest, the usual European hotspots – Italy, France, Greece – are being shunned by newlyweds in favour of the mountainous country. Pins for Switzerland as a honeymoon destination are up 856% since 2017.
And why not? It’s close to France and Italy if you do want to country hop during your trip, the scenery is beautiful (think lots of gorgeous lakes and mountains), and – of course – raclette. And chocolate.
If you’re tempted, it’s only a short flight from London to Zurich (1 hour 40 mins), and flights are super cheap.
And if you’re not going on your honeymoon, go anyway. It looks like a delight.
Credit: John Springer Collection / Contributor / Getty
First dates are awkward approximately 99% of the time. Whether they’re a blind date set up by friends of friends, a hook-up from a sex app or someone who you randomly exchanged numbers with on the tube (does that really happen in real life?) the fact of the matter is that when you go on a first date you’re probably bit nervous, excited and hopeful that you’ll have things to talk about.
And while there are plenty of experts out there offering all sorts of advice – from this non-negotiable first date question to how to spot red flags – one pro suggests that you should talk about something that might make some people uncomfortable.
The age old question has been answered. Is it a good idea to talk about your exes on a first date? Apparently, yes, it is.
Relationship expert, James Preece, claims that warning bells shouldn’t start ringing if your date tells you about their previous relationships.
Speaking to the Independent, he said: ‘If you can joke about the situation, it’s a clear sign you are ready to move on.’
Madeleine Mason added: ‘There is no harm in swapping stories and if the relationships have been significant; the experiences from there can be valuable in getting to know someone.’
However, one thing to watch out for is your date’s reaction to your tales of lovers past.
‘If your date is jealous of you simply having a healthy relationship history, it’s a red flag which is better to see sooner rather than later,’ Madeleine continues.
Well, these experts know what they’re talking about.
Time to take the plunge and get chatting about your most recent ghoster?
The weather might be glorious for now but, let’s be honest, British summertime will be over in five minutes and it’ll soon be time to crack open your beauty advent calendars. In the immortal words of Bruce Almighty, the 2019 offerings are already looking B-E-A-Utiful.
In our opinion, getting a make-up, skincare or even scented candle treat every day of December is a far better way to get in the festive spirit than chocolate. (Not that we don’t love chocolate too, obvs.)
But the sad truth about these boujie beauty buys is that they sell out faster than the blink of an eye. That’s why we’ve rounded up your first look at the 2019 beauty advent calendars and their respective waiting list and launch date details, so you can ensure you get your hands on that coveted Liberty or Jo Malone calendar. Ready? Let’s go.
This year The Body Shop is releasing not one, not two, but THREE different advent calendars for all you beauty addicts to choose from. The original calendar contains 24 of their hero bath and body products, while the Deluxe and Ultimate also contain treats from the Drops of Youth and Oils of Life ranges with behind-the-door messages that celebrate the achievements of brilliant women who made history. Plus, when you buy you’ll be helping The Body Shop raise £250,000 for children’s charity Plan International, which will go towards training and skills for 1,500 girls in Brazil and Indonesia. Pretty great stuff, no?
Ahh, Jo Malone. The holy grail of beauty advent calendars, this one sells out every single year without fail. It’s spenny, but you’re getting a serious haul here; if you love the brand, your fragrance addiction will be suitably satisfied with ALL the gorgeous tiny moisturiser, shower oil, candle and colognes. And if you’re newer to the brand, it gives you a chance to try some of the hero products in miniature form before splurging on the full-sized versions. Sign. Us. Up.
How much is it?
£320
When is it available?
1st October online-only, 1st November at JML boutiques nationwide
No 7 Advent Calendar
There are currently 35,952 people on the waitlist for this beauty advent calendar and that’s without anyone having a clue what’s inside. The contents of the No 7 beauty calendar are still shrouded in secrecy, but we do know that it’s all worth £173.50. We also know that seven Golden Tickets worth a massive £700 will be hidden at random throughout the calendars and will be redeemable across all No7 products. So, if you want to make sure you are first in line for this seriously special calendar, make sure to join the waitlist now as you’ll get 24 hours early access.
How much is it?
£42
When is it available?
22nd October for those on the waitlist, 23rd October for everyone else
The M&S beauty advent calendar contains some seriously good treats this year. Each day leading up to Christmas, you’ll be surprised with goodies that will help you to look and feel great, with products like nail polish, shampoo, highlighter and more. You’ll be treated with brands such as AVEDA, Emma Hardie, STILA as well as some of M&S’ own branded products.
How much is it?
£40 when you spend £25 on clothing, home and beauty in store or online
Is it really even Christmas without the sweet smell of warm spices in the air? Well, Yankee Candle is here to provide you with all of your favourite festive aromas this year, with three different candle-filled calendars. The adorable Advent Wreath contains a Clear Glass Tea Light Holder and 24 Tea Lights in eight new and classic Christmas fragrances including Candlelit Cabin, Christmas Cookie and Cinnamon Stick. Yum!
Liberty London’s annual advent calendar sells out every year, without fail; it’s actually the brand’s fastest-selling product in its entire 145 year history. Worth over £600, this year’s is a beauty, containing goodies from the likes of names like Byredo and Le Labo, as well as best sellers from Bobbi Brown, Votary and Aveda lining the drawers. There’s even a full-size Diptyque Baies candle hiding in there. Great news for those who have missed out in the past: Liberty has also increased their calendar stocks by almost 50% this year to avoid such a quick sell-out time (but sell out it will, mark my words), and ships the calendar internationally if you’re not UK-based. Mark the date in your calendars, folks…
Glossybox’s first advent calendar was an instant sell-out, so make sure you act fast if you have your eyes on the 2019 edition. Containing 15 full-size products, the Christmas calendar has 25 delightful doors, each filled with beauty, skincare and even premium fragrances. Brands featured in the calendar include Dermalogica, Tarte, Kat Von D and Dr Dennis Gross, so it’s safe to say you’ll be receiving some serious treats during the countdown to Christmas.
John Lewis have pulled it out of the bag once again with their beauty advent calendar this year. Filled with some of the most iconic beauty brands in the industry, we’ll be treated with mini best-sellers from the likes of Charlotte Tilbury, Nars, Becca and Clinique, to name a few.
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, a Morphe Palette… This year’s Lookfantastic calendar contains so many hero products that we’ll be fighting you to get our hands on one. Worth more than £400, Lookfantastic Beauty Box subscribers even get £15 off the calendar for an even bigger beauty bargain. What more could you want, really?
One of the most-loved high street make-up brands around, NYX is launching a super fun disco themed 24-day calendar in time for the festive season. Even better, the contents are worth a whopping £210 – more than three times the retail price. Sign. Us. Up!
Cath Kidston, the brand who never fail to impress with their gorgeous designs. We sure are in for a treat this year as they are releasing not one, but two advent calendars filled with a variety of beauty goodies. The calendar priced at £80 is shaped as a Christmas house, adorable!
Hold onto your hats, this one is going to blow your mind. Cult Beauty are launching their first ever advent calendar this year, and it’s one that you won’t want to miss. It contains some of the most-wanted beauty and skincare products in the beauty industry, which collectively are worth over £680. If the calendar itself hasn’t impressed you (why on earth not?) one of the calendars contains a golden ticket, which allows the lucky beauty-lover recipient to spend one THOUSAND Cult Beauty pounds. It’s a no-brainer, really.
L’Occitane’s products are just lovely, so we’re all over their advent offerings for 2019. 24 little drawers crammed with their most iconic products (HELLO Shea Butter hand cream), these are real festive treats.
How much are they?
£49 for the Classic Advent Calendar, £89 for the Luxury Advent Calendar
This 24 day offering from Clinique will stock you up on all the essentials: Clarifying Lotion, Take The Day Off make-up remover, Dramatically Different lotion and more, you’ll be well-stocked in skincare come 2020.
Roll up, roll up, it’s the 12 Days of Kiehl’s Advent Calendar! In partnership with artist Janine Rewell, this one has been designed with sustainability in mind; the outer packaging is a seeded paper bag that you can replant as flowers afterwards, and all empties can be recycled at Kiehl’s stores through TerraCycle. In the bag you’ll receive Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, Ultra Facial Cream and classic Crème de Corps. Exclusive to Selfridges, only 600 of these beauties will be made, so be speedy on launch day if you want to get your hands on one.
In a beauty first, this year Lush launched their first ever advent calendar (only 500 were made) and it’s a bloody divine treat. 24 ~full size~ products all encased in a reusable chest made from recycled materials, and they’re even bringing back a few iconic ‘retro’ Lush products from days gone by.
How much is it?
£195
When is it available?
The calendar is currently sold out, but keep your eyes peeled for the rest of the Christmas collection…
Your eyes do not deceive you; a Harry Potter beauty advent calendar really does exist and it’s an absolute bargain at just £35. Stock up on Hogwarts-themed bath bombs, nail polish and live the HP-themed beauty life the Potter fan in you has always dreamed of. If you can’t wait til December to find out exactly what’s inside, read more about the Harry Potter advent calendar contents here.
Who doesn’t love Molton Brown, really? Nobody we know. As well as their core collection of delicious bath and body products, their annual seasonal scents are always a joy – we love the look of this 24-door treasure trove.
Soap & Glory Advent Calendar – Miracle on 24th Sweet
Soap & Glory never fails to serve up fun advent calendar offerings, and their 2019 release looks to be no different. You’ll get your hands on all of your favourite classic S&G products as well as some limited edition goodies. Dreamy!
There are two glorious advent calendars on offer from Rituals this year; the 2D version, which is rammed with some of their most divine products, and a 3D Christmas tree with openable decorations for the first 24 days of December. We’re sold for the mini candles alone.
Clarin’s is on hand this Christmas with 12 days of beauty products in its brand new advent calendar. Featuring 12 hero products including the Beauty Flash Balm and Wonder Perfect 4D Mascara, the calendar contains over £125 worth of goodies, making it an offer too good to miss out on.
How much is it?
£60
When is it available?
September 2019
Harrods Advent Calendar
The Harrods advent calendar has been reintroduced for a third year and we are so excited about it. Each of the 25 doors conceals ultimate beauty brands like Hourglass, Huda Beauty, Anastasia Beverly Hills and more, showcasing some of their most-loved products. You can expect fragrances, make-up, skincare, a candle and even an eye mask. Remember, you’ll need to be quick to grab one of these following their previous sell-out successes.
How much is it?
£250
When is it available?
1st October
Charlotte Tilbury Glittering Galaxy of Make-up Magic Advent Calendar
Any fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s (and who isn’t a fan of Charlotte Tilbury?!) will be over the moon to receive this beauty box. It’s a real treasure trove for the CT-obsessed containing all the classics, including Pillow Talk lipstick, Charlotte’s Magic Cream, Star Gold Eyes to Mesmerize, the works. Thank you, Charlotte.
Elemis has so many staple skincare offerings – Pro Collagen Marine Cream and Cleansing Balm, we’re looking at you – that their annual advent calendar is a guaranteed hit. The 25 Days of Beauty calendar has a dreamy skincare offering in every drawer up til Christmas day, so be sure to sign up to the waiting list for early access.
The Face + Body box is a real treat for beauty lovers as it’s absolutely jam-packed with iconic products from The Ordinary, Emma Hardie, Elemis, Becca and many, many more. Plus it’s a real steal for an advent calendar coming way under the £100 mark. ASOS is one of the most most searched for calendars on the market every year, so be sure to snap it up fast come September.
Chapped lips are never a good look, but thankfully NIVEA is on hand this Christmas with beauty advent calendars filled to the brim with winter skin saviours. Bringing out two calendars for the festive season, the Winter Wonderland and House Advent Calendar, both include a variety of full size and travel-friendly NIVEA products, as well as some extra goodies including a makeup cleansing mitt, eye masks and beauty sponges.
Nothing says luxury like Fortnum & Mason, which is probably why this beauty calendar comes with an eye-watering price tag. However, the investment seems more than worth it, with the calendar holding over £730 worth of products! Containing brands such as 3LAB, Sisley, Fresh and Guerlain, this calendar is oozing with enough deluxe serums, night creams, lipsticks and hair care to keep you going long into the new year.
NET-A-PORTER’s 25 Days of Beauty is worth a whopping £790 – more than three times the actual retail price. You’ll get a whole host of luxury brands like Barbara Sturm, 111 Skin, Susanne Kaufmann and more, plus it’s all encased in some of the chicest packaging we’ve ever seen…
How much is it?
£225
When is it available?
October 2019
Feelunique Advent Calendars
Feelunique have introduced two beauty advent calendars to make the countdown to Christmas that little bit more special. There is a 12-day and a 24-day calendar, each packed with some of the most sought-after beauty products on the Feelunique website. You’ll need to be quick to grab one of these calendars, as they sold out within 2 weeks last year!
How much are they?
£45 for the 12-day advent calendar, £79 for the 24-day advent calendar
When are they available?
10th October
Lancôme Advent Calendar
If you’re a lover of all things premium beauty, then the luxurious Lancôme advent calendar is here to make all your Christmas wishes come true. Featuring some of the brand’s best-loved products, the beauty calendar contains 24 items and even includes the famous Hypnôse Mascara. Plus, it is one of the few beauty calendars on the market to include a perfume, making it worth the hefty price tag.
How much is it?
£95
When is it available?
September 2019
Boots Beauty Advent Calendar x Macmillan Cancer Support
Christmas is a time for giving, and now Boots is making it easier than ever to give back with their brand new beauty advent calendar in collaboration with Macmillan. Containing a selection of big-name brands including Liz Earle, No 7 and Soap & Glory, every purchase of the calendar donates £2 to the charity, which provides support and information to cancer patients.
How much is it?
£40
When is it available?
September 2019
Cowshed Advent Calendar
If you feel like going au naturel this Christmas, look no further than the Cowshed Advent Calendar. Filled with Cowshed miniatures, the calendar contains a variety of organic bath and body products, as well some of the brand’s most sought after spa-standard skincare. However, if you are in the market for a smaller set of goodies, Cowshed also offers a 12 Days of Christmas Gift Box.
Holland and Barrett are sparking some serious au naturale vibes this Christmas with their 2019 advent calendar. Natural beauty lovers will be in their element with all of the goodies hidden behind each window, from body oils, to facial scrubs, to toning mists. There’s even a jade roller inside! You can’t go wrong with the amazing price, too.
If you want to feel like you’ve been whisked away to a spa this Christmas, look no further than the ESPA Precious Moments Advent Calendar. Filled with 25 luxurious goodies, the calendar includes some of the brand’s most sought-after products, such as the Tri-Active Advanced Instant Facial and Optimal Skin ProCleanser. Make sure you sign up to the waiting list on their website to avoid missing out.
Few things fuel a scented candle obsession quite like a Diptyque advent calendar, in which you’ll pick up miniatures of their iconic scents like Baies, Santal, Amber for the new year ahead. This year’s advent offering is all about wish-making and is illustrated by Olaf Hajek, whose work is inspired by tales, myths and legends from a variety of different cultures.
How much is it?
£320
When is it available?
November 2019
Sleek Makeup Advent Calendar
If ever there’s a time to get the glitter out, its Christmas, and Sleek MakeUP is here to provide all the shimmer and sparkle you need this festive season with its brand new beauty calendar. Containing a selection of metallic eyeshadow palettes, make-up brushes and matte lipsticks, it’s all you need to discover a new look this Christmas.
How much is it?
£40
When is it available?
September 2019
Jo Loves Advent Calendar
If Jo loves, we’re confident that we’ll love, too. To get your hands on one of these advent calendars you’ll need to move fast, as it’s been known to be a popular one in previous years. As well as 24 mini fragrances, you”ll be gifted with a full-sized Christmas Trees Candle to open on the 25th. Christmas day = made!
Another great beauty advent calendar that’s frankly a steal considering the contents, the 24-day from Next Beauty x Fabled by Marie Claire offering contains classics like Pixi Glow Tonic, Smashbox Photo Finish primer, This Works Pillow Spray and many, many more.
Last year the Nordic beauty brand’s calendar was hugely popular, so we’re sure this year won’t disappoint their fans. The 24 minis inside are great to discover the brand, or if you’re a seasoned Lumene user who just wants to take advantage of the beauty haul.
Ahh, oranges – one of the many traditional smells of Christmas. This calendar, filled with citrus-scented goodies is sure to brighten up your December, with mini sprays, candles, hand creams and shower gels to name but a few. With favourites selected from their range, you’ll be left smelling your best this Christmas.
Clarins has an advent calendar to suit everyone this year, also offering a 12 Days of Christmas grooming kit. Containing hero goodies such as the Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream and Blue Orchid Face Oil, the 12 piece complexion kit is on hand to help soothe winter skin this Christmas.
Luxury French brand NUXE is pretty high on our skincare radar, as is their 2019 calendar. A celebration of their delicious masks, creams and of course, the iconic Huile Prodigieuse make up this super cute advent offering.
How much is it?
£59
When is it available?
1st October
The Pip Box Vegan Advent Calendar
If it’s vegan beauty advent calendars you’re after, then subscription service Pip Box has got you covered. Boasting skincare, haircare and make-up from a whole host of cruelty-free brands like Aveda, Weleda and Noughty Hair, the Pip Box beauty advent calendar contains 24 items that are entirely cruelty-free and certified vegan. Best of all, the majority of products in the calendar are full-size, meaning they will last long after Christmas ends.
How much is it?
£75
When is it available?
SOLD OUT!
Paul & Joe Advent Calendar
When it comes to the most adorable beauty calendar design of 2019, Paul & Joe might have cinched it, adorning their calendar with illustrations of designer Sophie Mechaly’s cats, Gipsy and Nounette. Inside the beauty calendar, things get even better, containing a mix of 24 full-size and miniature Paul & Joe products. Plus, its the only beauty calendar on the market to feature a kitten shaped lipstick, so we’re sold.
How much is it?
£60
When is it available?
1st November
Penhaligon’s Advent Calendar
It’s a very exciting year for boutique fragrance brand Penhaligon’s as they launch their first ever advent calendar, bringing you a fragrant gift for every day of December. You’ll rake in a month’s worth of body lotion, bath & shower products, fragrance bottles – and there *may* even be a 75g scented candle in there, too… It’s super boujie and we’ll be begging Father Christmas for one.
How much is it?
£350
When is it available?
4th October
Moroccanoil Advent Calendar
Dreaming of being abroad this Christmas? You’ll most certainly feel like you are if you have the Moroccanoil advent calendar to open, and even to look at! This beautifully designed, Moroccan inspired calendar contains 7 of their best-selling products, and at just £20 it’s bound to be a popular one.
How much is it?
£20
When is it available?
October 2019
Dr. Hauschka Advent Calendar
Another year, another Dr. Hauschka advent calendar to give our skin some natural loving this winter. Each drawer encompasses some of the brands most-loved organic beauty products like a rose nurturing body oil, a hydrating foot cream, a facial toner and a revitalising face mask as well as many more natural goodies to keep you feeling rejuvenated in the dark and dreary month of December. The calendar even includes a special-sized night serum to open on Christmas Eve.
How much is it?
£85
When is it available?
30th September
Acqua Di Parma Advent Calendar
For the first time ever, Acqua Di Parma have introduced their own advent calendar this year, which is being launched alongside their Christmas collection. Designed by young Italian artist, Gio Pastori, the beaming design will bring brightness into your home, steering your mind away from the bleak winter weather. You can expect minis and full-sized products in both formulas and fragrances from their most signature collections.
Advanced Instant Facial and Optimal Skin ProCleanser. Make sure you sign up to the waiting list on their website to avoid missing out. 
