How stunning did all the stars look at this year's SAG Awards?
This year, red carpet fashion is back, and we couldn’t be happier. Gone are the days of virtual ceremonies and award acceptance speeches over Zoom, in-person celebrations are here and (hopefully) here to stay. The Brit Awards delighted us with some show-stopping looks, and last night’s SAG Awards were no different. Taking place at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, all the stars were out in full force for the special occasion.
From the likes of Lady Gaga, Helen Mirren, Jada Pinkett Smith and more, everyone brought the glitz and glamour that we’ve all been missing the last couple of years. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite looks from the night, and trust us, you’re going to want to see them all.
There’s everything from breathtaking ballgowns to stylish suits and slinky dresses that you won’t want to miss. Whether it was Selena Gomez’s statement Oscar de la Renta gown, Elle Fanning’s head-to-toe vintage Gucci look or Squid Game’s HoYeon Jung’s custom Louis Vuitton beaded dress, there was no shortage of inspiration for your next big event this Spring.
It wasn’t just the outfits, either. The stars went all out with their hair and makeup this year, with Vanessa Hudgens’ sleek bob, Nicole Kidman’s loose waves and Kerry Washington’s berry lipstick getting everyone talking. We will definitely be trying out some of these techniques this weekend.
If you are still craving your fashion fix, don’t forget to check out all of our fashion week coverage, from Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and more. We’ve also rounded up the best London Fashion Week street style looks, because what happens off the runway is just as exciting. Without further ado, scroll down to see some of our favourite outfits. Enjoy…
SAG Awards 2022: The best dressed stars on the red carpet:
Including pain, poo, and covering herself in custard...
You all saw Kim Kardashian’s Met Gala outfit last year – you know, the head-to-toe black ensemble, complete with face-covering mask, cape and heeled pointed-toe boots – and Julia Fox’s subsequent latex-clad looks, too.
The socialite stunned fans globally by covering the entirety of her body – face and all – just a week after she checked into the Ritz-Carlton hotel in New York clad head-to-toe in black leather.
Many compared Kim’s outfits to that of a Dominatrix – others said she looked like she was wearing a gimp mask or bondage hood. Both are commonly used in BDSM role play or by those with rubber fetishes, which got us thinking – what is it actually like to be a Dominatrix in 2021, and what are the wildest things a Dominatrix has been asked to do to a client? Is it all leather and whips or is the reality a little different?
Like our guides to bondage for beginners, Kamasutra sex positions and tantric sex, keep reading to find out what a Dominatrix is, how much a Dominatrix earns, and what the wildest things are that she’s been asked to do to a client (including humiliation, farting and foot fetishes).
Here, Chelsea Ferguson, co-founder of AdmireMe VIP, shares her story.
Yep, you guessed it – most notably, they dominate their sexual partner, taking a leading role in sexual activities like bondage, discipline and sadomasochism (otherwise known as BDSM).
“I’m also the CEO of AdmireMe.VIP, an ethical, social media-based content creator platform that’s been made by a sex worker – myself! – for other sex workers ,” explains Ferguson. Their primary aim? “To put adult performers first and transform the industry. I also feature on the platform myself and absolutely love working in the adult sector,” she shares.
What does it feel like to be a Dominatrix?
Does Ferguson enjoy being a Dominatrix? Yep – as she says, she loves her job. “I adore the sense of empowerment, enjoyment and, of course, money that it brings,” she shares. “However, it does also come with an unnecessary and outdated stigma; people think we don’t have real jobs and sex workers are surrounded by a really negative stereotype, despite this being the oldest industry in the world,” she continues.
How much does a Dominatrix earn?
Good question. A bit like a male escort, there’s money in sex work, and Ferguson shares that she owns ‘a very comfortable amount.’
“I’m able to live in a six bedroom house with my son – lets just say that,” she explains. “I earn enough money to support my family and enjoy the luxuries I’m passionate about, too.”
11 wildest things a Dominatrix has been asked to do
Have you ever wondered? Because we have.
Most people will have a sexual fantasy of some kind- whether it’s role playing with your partner or having a threesome. A Dominatrix is paid to help assist with some of the wilder fantasies out there.
“When I was stripping, I was asked to kick a man in the testicles and fart into a tub… I didn’t do the latter,” laughs Ferguson. Keep scrolling to read what else she’s asked to do – all in the name of kink.
1. Kicking a client in the balls
“When I was a stripper, one client paid me thousands of pounds to kick him in the balls,” she shares. “Yes, kick him in the balls!”
2. Sploshing
Ever heard of it? Us neither. “Sploshing is a surprisingly popular trend – I’ve received a shocking number of these requests over the years,” she shares.
“Simply put, sploshing means incorporating food into your sex life – most commonly, spreading or sploshing it all over yourself. A regular client often asks me to cover myself in custard which is always.. interesting.”
3. Humiliation
Everyone’s kink is different – and for some, humiliation is actually what turns them on. “So many of my clients love humiliation – you’d be shocked at how common it is,” shares Ferguson.
“Take my ex, for example: he was dominant in many ways, but loved being humiliated in the bedroom,” she explains. “He had a micropenis and would ask me to put my Louboutin heels in his mouth and tell him how unworthy his penis was of me while he masturbated.”
“Things like this are an everyday occurrence – most clients want to be submissive,” she goes on.
4. Farting
Another common request? Farting. “My clients often want me to film myself farting or send them up-close voice notes of me passing wind,” she shares.
“Although, while I might sometimes be gassy – that’s only normal – sadly it’s not something I share for public viewing,” she explains.
Looking to spice things up in the bedroom? Why not invest in a vibrator, try pegging, or treat yourself to a sex toy advent calendar. You’re so welcome.
5. Foot fetishes
We’ve brought you an entire guide to how to talk about a fetish, but some of the most common (and wild) things a Dominatrix has been asked to do are in relation to foot fetishes. Sweaty socks, anyone?
“Love Island might have normalised foot fetishes, but they’ve been around for much, much longer – it’s a huge kink,” she explains. “Clients ask to receive worn socks, for example. They get off on them even more if they’re super sweaty – I often wear them to the gym,” she reveals.
6. Poo requests
This one’s seriously wild – even Ferguson admits this one isn’t a request she’d say yes too.
“Clients have asked me to either poo and rub it on myself, or send them a poo before,” she explains. “While some might be into it, I find it off-putting either way – it’s definitely not something I’m up for, but some people like it.”
7. Findom
Short for financially dominated, findom describes someone being financially dominated.
“If a guy is hugely successful professionally, they often get off on their money being dominated, Ferguson explains.
“One of my clients – one of my favourites! – will ask me to go out for a slap-up meal with friends, for example, which they’ll pay for,” she shares. “Others like being given pocket money, leaving me in control.”
8. Showering with shampoo
Sure, showers are sexy, but some clients have asked Ferguson to shower with specific products that turn them on.
“I regularly get requests for content of me showering,” she shares. “However, a surprising number of viewers specifically get off on seeing me shampoo my hair – they don’t care how much nudity is involved as long as there’s shampoo.” Niche.
9. Walking all over them
Literally. “When I was a stripper, I got requests to walk on clients’ backs wearing heels,” she reveals. “The pain really turned them on – I guess because it’s like an extreme massage,” she shares.
10. Vomit
The most off-putting request, in Ferguson’s eyes.
“There’s a kink for almost every bodily fluid, including vomit,” she shares. “However, my customers will need to go elsewhere if they want that – I’ve been asked to do it before, but this is a kink I just can’t wrap my head around.”
11. Faked injuries
Last but by no means least, another request Ferguson has had includes faking injuries.
“Some clients have requested I make it look like I’ve been injured in some way – for example wearing a fake sling or cast,” she shares. “I reckon these clients like feeling like my saviour or Prince Charming.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have stepped down as royal family members and relocated to California, but that certainly doesn’t stop them from making headlines.
In fact, this past few years they have been all anyone can talk about.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced the arrival of their baby daughter, Lilibet Diana last June, before Prince Harry returned to the UK to reunite with Prince William to unveil a statue of Princess Diana in Kensington Palace’s Sunken Gardens.
Since then, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s tell-all interview with Oprah, Oprah With Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special, has been nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series Or Special category. And of course, the announcement of Prince Harry’s upcoming memoir has also been doing the rounds.
It was Meghan’s words about her 20s that made headlines today as a 2014 post from her now defunct blog, The Tig, resurfaced and unsurprisingly went viral.
“My 20s were brutal,” Meghan wrote. “A constant battle with myself, judging my weight, my style, my desire to be as cool/as hip/as smart/as ‘whatever’ as everyone else.”
She continued: “My teens were even worse – grappling with how to fit in, and what that even meant.”
Kate Middleton is one of the most talked-about women in the world, with her fashion influence turning small businesses into sell-out brands and her hairstyle changes sparking trends of their own.
And this past year we’ve only been seeing more of the Duchess of Cambridge, with her role in the royal family seemingly elevated over these troubling times.
She was crowned the coolest female of the moment and has been brought forward as ‘Queen-in-waiting’ something that royal experts explain is a clever move by palace aides who have realised just how popular Kate is.
This week, it was Kate Middleton’s signature scent that got the world talking as her favourite perfume was revealed and unsurprisingly went viral.
The fragrance in question? Orange Blossom by Jo Malone.
Jo Malone Orange Blossom Cologne – Jo Malone, £102
‘A shimmering garden oasis. Clementine flower sparkles over a heart of orange blossom and water lily, with warm undertones of orris and balsamic vetiver. Pure delight.’
This is something that Susan Kelley, founder of What Kate Wore, has opened up about in the past,
‘I’ve seen people on social media who have bumped into Kate when she’s out shopping and have said she smells amazing, like raspberry and fruit – very clean, crisp smells,’ Kelley explained, before announcing that the fragrance in question is Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom cologne.
She’s said to love it so much that she reportedly fragranced her wedding with the scent.
The Cambridges are undoubtedly the most talked-about family in the world, with Prince William and Kate Middleton never failing to make viral news.
From the Cambridge family’s relocation to London to their mention in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview, this past couple of years have been all about the family of five (now six with their new secret puppy).
The Duchess of Cambridge has been credited with being the ‘saviour’ of the royal family following a turbulent few years, described as the ‘glue’ holding the Mountbatten-Windsors together.
It’s hard to imagine therefore that Kate only joined the royal family 10 years ago.
Recently, anecdotes around their courtship at university resurfaced, with one former classmate recalling that there was never any doubt that Prince William had eyes for Kate.
Getty Images
‘Whenever Kate was in the room, Will was obviously paying attention to her,’ Laura Warshauer, a former university classmate recalled to People as part of the magazine’s ‘William & Kate: 10 Joyous Years’ special.
She continued: ‘When we’d be sitting at lunch in the dining hall and the two of them would be talking, it was amazing to see how natural it was, how they had so much to say to each other. Looking back, there were all these small moments—certainly moments where I was like, “Wow, this could really be something.”‘
Plus, this Eating Disorder Awareness week, we ask - are social apps like TikTok encouraging damaging eating habits?
Did you know? As many as 3.4 million people in the UK have an eating disorder of some kind.
Let that sink in for a second – that’s around five per cent of the total population.
Trigger warning – article contains themes of eating disorders.
Not sure exactly what an eating disorder (ED) is? According to the NHS website, it’s a mental health condition “where you use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations.” This can range from anorexia – where you fixate on weight loss, eat very little food and sometimes exercise too much in a bid to lose as much weight as possible – to bulimia, where you eat but then regularly make yourself sick to “purge” and maintain what you deem an “ideal” weight.
In more recent years, although not medically identified as of yet, doctors have seen a rise in reports of what they call “orthorexia”, a type of eating disorder where you obsess over eating what you deem to be “healthy” foods, restrict certain food groups unnecessarily and for no medical reason, and avoid social situations where food that doesn’t fit your ideal may be served.
While some eating disorder symptoms are more obvious or easy to spot – vocally refusing to eat, weight loss, and so on – others, not so much. By their very nature, ED’s are sneaky – they are mental health disorders, after all, and often convince the victim to hide their behaviour, mask their feelings, or lie about their eating habits, for fear of what others might say.
To mark Eating Disorder Awareness week this week, we spoke to sub-specialised eating disorder counsellor Ruth Micallef (MBACP Reg) about the eating disorder symptoms to have on your radar, plus rising worrying trends on the likes of TikTok that promote disordered eating habits.
1. You are restricting yourself, or only eating “clean” foods
There is absolutely nothing wrong with eating green smoothies and aesthetic açai bowls but we can’t live on these foods alone, explains Micallef.
“Restricting or eating only a “clean” diet is damaging for a number of reasons,” she shares. “Firstly, inevitably when you restrict, you likely end up “bingeing” as your body and mind struggles with the restriction. It’s a vicious cycle of your mind convincing you to eat less, but your body needing sustenance.”
Secondly, this type of diet and exercise routine is counterproductive for your hormones. “Sometimes green juice will be spot on, but at other points in the month, you’ll crave comfort food,” she explains. “By ignoring your intuitive inclinations, you run the risk of developing a host of hormonal challenges, from missed periods, to no period at all.”
2. You are over-exercising
Similarly to the above, those with ED’s often see exercise as a way of “purging” excess calories consumed.
“This means exercise is being used to get rid of the calories you have eaten or as a form of punishment for what you’ve consumed,” the specialist explains.
As with food, she goes on, by ignoring your intuition about what type of exercise or rest your body need, you run the risk of messing up your hormones, damaging your body, and losing exercise motivation for the types of mindful movement you truly enjoy.
“Just like nutrition, different types of movement and rest are optimal at different points of your menstrual cycle phases, and frankly, there is nothing fun in a forced workout,” she goes on.
3. You’re obsessing over perfectionism
One of the most common eating disorder symptoms Micallef sees in her clinic? Clients striving for perfectionism.
“It’s a trait bred from a need to cope with issues via control and attainment,” she explains.
The problem with perfectionism is that it inevitably leads to burnout, she goes on. “While the idea of endless lists to tick off and a perfectly aesthetic life may seem like a good idea, it will inevitably end in physical and mental exhaustion.”
4. You’re trying too hard to look like another body ideal
This one is self-explanatory, she explains, but trying to look like a person you are not will only make you miserable. Every body has a different set point and looks different, so there’s no point in trying to force your body into an unattainable body ideal.
“The #thatgirl trend is predominantly white, thin, and wealthy women, leaving little scope for those who are also healthy but don’t look that way,” shares Micalleff. “Feeling good within yourself is truly unique to you, and really has nothing to do with how polished your TikTok reel is,” she reassures.
5. You’re constantly jumping on new – restrictive – trends
Sound familiar? This can be anything from a new diet, like the 4:3 diet or Cambridge diet, to cutting out food groups just because you’ve seen someone else do it.
“By stepping away from unattainable trends, you have time to really consider what wellness looks like to you and how it fits into your lifestyle,” shares the expert. “As a mummy to a toddler, I have no time for essential oil diffusers, excessive skin care, and high intensity interval training every morning, but a bowl of nourishing porridge, fruit, and nuts and a forest walk to my clinic does the treat.”
As per the NHS website, other eating disorder symptoms include:
Spending a lot of time worrying about your weight and body shape
Avoiding socialising when you think food will be involved
Eating very little food
Making yourself sick or taking laxatives after you eat
Having very strict habits or routines around food
Changes in your mood such as being withdrawn, anxious or depressed.
Every disorder will be unique to the individual suffering from it. If you have any worries at all about your relationship with food, do visit your GP, and know this: you are not alone, and you will get through this.
Short answer? Micallef thinks so. Take the #ThatGirl hashtag, for example – a trending tag with over 2.7 billion views where videos show you how to level up, wellness style. Girls show you how to manifest, organise your fridge the right way, wake up early, journal, meditate, what to eat after a workout, and how to fit all of that in pre-work or school.
“That” girl, of course, isn’t one girl, but rather an idealistic, unattainable archetype that’s been growing in popularity since April last year. While some of the tips can be handy for improving your day-to-day – drink more water, stretch regularly, try some new yoga poses – what the trend forgets is that every human is different, and so will need to do different (not identical) things to feel their best self.
The TikTok trend errs on the obsessive (and pushy) clean eating trend from a few years ago. It’s easy to see how, if you’re struggling with your self-confidence as is, you might view the videos and put immense amounts of pressure on yourself to become that girl, rather than working out what actually works for you.
So what does the expert think of the trend? “I hadn’t heard of the #thatgirl trend until a client pointed it out to me,” the eating disorder specialist explains. “When I did scroll through the #thatgirl TikTok videos, I wasn’t just horrified – I was triggered.”
“The TikTok aesthetic might promote these behaviours as the pinnacles of health and wellness, but there’s a darker side to the culture. I know when to call out damaging behaviours disguised as a healthy lifestyle, and from what I can see, #thatgirl seems only to live on green juice, smoothie bowls, iced coffee and matcha, getting up at 5am every day to work out, without any breakfast prior. While I appreciate efforts from TikTok-ers to make the trend more relatable and sustainable, the roots for me remain in disordered eating and perfectionism.”
Bottom line: theres’s nothing more powerful than showing up as your true, authentic self, she shares.
“Disordered eating isn’t about food itself – it’s about coping with trauma.”
Ruth Micallef isn’t just an eating disorder counsellor, but an ED survivor, too. Here, she shares an insight into her story.
“It’s been roughly a decade since, at 21, I recovered from the symptoms of orthorexianervosa, a disordered eating pattern that involves harmfully coping through a “perfect” diet and exercise routine.”
“Disordered eating, much to most people’s surprise, isn’t about food itself, it’s about coping with trauma and adversity in the only way you know how.”
Think you might be struggling? How to get help
Fear that you are struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder?
Do reach out to a registered professional who can both help you to understand the roots of your eating disorder and then begin to process them, too.
Charities like Beat, SEED, and Mind are also a great place to start.
The top rated sprays and best sun cream lotions for face and body...
Suncare is a bit like flossing your teeth; you know it’s bad to skip it, but sometimes you just can’t be bothered. Even when you’re using the very best sun cream or best facial sunscreen it can feel like a chore.
We are here to tell you: do not give it a miss. Don’t do a Gwynnie on us. Sun damage is not to be messed with.
We say that because every year over 15,000 new melanoma (the fifth most common cancer in the UK) cases are recorded in the UK.
‘There is a misconception in the UK that we don’t need to wear sunscreen as the sun isn’t as strong,’ says dermatologist Dr Hiva Fassihi.
‘The UV index measures the strength of sun-burning UV rays outside, ranging from one to a very high 11. When it reaches three you need to apply sunscreen. In the UK, the UV index can hit six or seven in summer, so broad spectrum sun cream is essential.’
How to choose the best sun cream for your skin
There are lots of little symbols and numbers on sun cream bottles, which can be confusing, so here’s a little guide to help you decipher the information.
You want your suncream to protect against both UVA (the skin ageing rays) and UVB (the burning rays). Look for the term broad spectrum, as this indicates the formula contains adequate protection against both types of rays. However, it’s a good idea to pay closer attention to the individual levels of both UVA and UVB protection.
UVB protection:
The SPF (sun protection power) number indicates the level of protection against burning. The NHS recommends using SPF 30 and above. SPF 30 is clinically proven to be a sufficient amount of protection to reduce the adverse effects of sunlight.
UVA protection:
To protect against the ageing, skin-damaging rays, you should look for the UVA protection. You want to make sure your suncream protects against UVA rays, because they travel deeper into the skin where they can trigger pigmentation, wrinkles and loss of firmness. This protection is indicated in various forms, depending on where the sun cream is from.
UVA star rating: Here in the UK, our suncare brands will use the UVA star rating. It shows UVA in a circle with stars below indicating the level of protection. One star is minimum, two stars moderate, three stars good, four stars superior and five stars ultra.
UVA Seal: This is the most common UVA rating. It’s the letters UVA in a circle and has been classed as sufficient protection.
PA Rating: Seen mostly on American and International brands. The higher the number of + after the PA the better (the highest rating is PA++++). It’s not really recognised as the best way to show protection here in the UK.
Why is it so important to use the best sun cream?
We chatted with Jo Stoddart, Cancer Specialist at Bupa UK, about the importance of protecting your skin from the sun.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in the pigment cells in your skin – called melanocytes – and can spread to other parts of your body. Thought mainly to be due to sun exposure, the incidence is increasing and unfortunately in some cases can be life-threatening.
What are the causes of melanoma?
Melanoma is caused by various genetic and environmental factors. There are certain genetic factors, which will increase your risk of developing melanoma, including those who have a larger number of moles or moles that are atypical. Additionally, people with pale skin, red or blonde hair and blue or green eyes are at a greater risk than those with dark features.
Family history is also important when it comes to your risk of melanoma, with it playing a part in around one in ten cases.
Excessive exposure to sunlight or UV radiation from sunbed use is the main environmental factor that can cause melanoma. If you have had severe sunburn or intense exposure to the sun in the past, particularly in childhood, then you are also at a higher risk.
What are the signs of melanoma?
Melanoma may start in an existing mole on your skin or it may start on normal skin, creating a new, abnormal mole. There are key signs to look out for when checking your moles on a monthly basis.
We suggest employing the ABCDE checklist when you check your moles, which should flag up the key signs that your mole could be a melanoma:
A – asymmetry – one half of the mole looks different to the other B – border irregularity – the edges are uneven or jagged C – colour variability – the mole is a mixture of different colours D – diameter – the mole is bigger than 6mm across E – evolution – the mole has changed in size, shape or colour
‘But sunscreen is so sticky and unpleasant,’ we hear you say. And you’d be right. Historically sunscreen had a bad reputation for being gloopy and leaving behind white smears, especially on dark skin tones. (However, there are some that are the best sun creams for dark skin tones.)
However, the formulations now are so different to days gone by. They absorb quickly, they have added skincare benefits and most importantly they are easy to apply.
The latest SPF Waters
New technology means that the latest sunscreens are now genuinely invisible on application. Oh-so sheer that they glide over the skin as light as coconut water.
This is especially true of the latest SPF50 oil-in-water hybrids, which are as far from a traditional suncream as you can get.
‘You need to have oil in sunscreen as that’s where the high, broad-spectrum filters are embedded,’ says dermatologist Dr Hiva Fassihi. The water phase is where the hydrating and antioxidant ingredients sit.
The bottom line? You’re more likely to want to use them every day.
Use a separate sunscreen for the face
The sun protection ingredients for facial use aren’t necessarily different from those you apply elsewhere. You’ll just find the textures thinner, less pore clogging and designed to play nicely under make-up.
The best facial sunscreens and the best SPF moisturisers are also flooded with additional skincare ingredients such as antioxidants to ward off sun-related issues such as wrinkles, pigmentation and dehydration.
How to use sunscreen
Rub it in well: per the NHS’s guidelines apply two tablespoons’ worth to the entire body (or two teaspoons if you’re only exposing your face, neck and arms) and re-apply every two hours.
Remember that sunscreen can expire: This makes it less effective. Check the bottle for the open jar symbol, which indicates a product’s shelf life after it’s been opened. For sun cream this is usually 12 months. So even if it hasn’t hit its expiration date, if it’s over a year old, it won’t be as effective. And remember to always store your sun cream in a cool, dry place.
Meet the single most important product in your skincare regime: the best face serum
A lot of people think that the cornerstone of a good skincare routine is the moisturiser. Wrong. The wunderkind of the skincare world is, in fact, the best face serum.
What these little bottles of joy can do is pretty much unrivalled in the skincare world. Even the very best moisturiser can’t do what a powerful serum can.
However, serums can be quite tricky to get your head around. Cleansers cleanse; moisturisers moisturise, but serums? Not so obvious. Plus it can feel like there are about a million different options on the market.
In short, serums treat. Everything from dehydration and wrinkles, to dullness and pigmentation. Skin experts agree it’s the single most important product in your skincare regime and the one you should invest the most money in. Let’s get into more of a deep dive of them.
What is face serum?
Serums can be water-based or have more of an oil feel. In terms of where they sit in your regime, they’re applied after your best toner and before moisturising.
Due to their high concentration and potency, serums are the most effective way of delivering active ingredients into the skin.
‘With a much lighter consistency than your face cream, serums are made up of tiny molecules that absorb into the skin on a deeper level,’ says consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk.
Moisturiser is thicker and sits on the surface of your skin where, among other things, it seals in moisture and all the goodness from a serum into your skin.
When do you apply face serum?
Twice daily is the golden rule, but the serum you apply in the morning should differ from the one you use before bed. You’ll find some work best whilst you’re sleeping, like retinol serums, and others, like vitamin C, are ideal during the day.
‘During the day, the priority is protecting against inflammatory and oxidising elements,’ explains Dr Barbara Sturm. ‘This means anti-pollution protection, UV protection, and using a hyaluronic acid-based serum. At night, it’s essential to use active ingredients that assist the body’s repair processes while you sleep.’
How to choose the best face serum for your skin type
‘Make a list of goals for your skin; for example brightening or hydrating,’ says Kluk. ‘Focus on the top one or two priorities and select ingredients that tackle these first. You can always adjust them as your needs change.’
Ingredients like polyglutamic and the aforementioned hyaluronic acid are great at delivering hydration to all types of skin, while different exfoliating acids – the AHAs and BHAs – can help to brighten, improve skin texture, clear breakouts and even reduce the appearance of redness and pigmentation. Antioxidants are great at fending off environmental aggressors and boosting radiance, and retinol is the only proven ingredient to reduce wrinkles.
Be sure to always apply your hydrating acid serum first, then your treatment one second. Here’s our beauty editor-approved edit of the best face serums that money can buy.
The full-scale attack ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin has been named ‘the most significant military action in Europe for decades’, forcing over 150,000 Ukrainians to flee their homes.
As Russian forces close in on Kyiv and civilians arm themselves to fight back, people around the world have been standing with Ukraine.
“Innumerable missiles and bombs have been raining down on an entirely innocent population,” announced Prime Minister Boris Johnson following the news of the invasion. “A vast invasion is underway by land by sea and by air. And this is not in the infamous phrase some faraway country of which we know little. We have Ukrainian friends in this country; neighbours, co-workers. Ukraine is a country that for decades has enjoyed freedom and democracy and the right to choose its own destiny. We – and the world – cannot allow that freedom just to be snuffed out. We cannot and will not just look away.”
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