My Beauty Prism: Sustainable Heroes by Ateh Jewel

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Lockdown has been a huge time of reflection for so many of us. Covid-19 has reminded us all that we are part of a wider ecosystem and community. I especially craved nature and green spaces, which I found deeply healing.

The way nature has bounced back in lockdown has been eye opening from the English channel in Portsmouth glistening like the Caribbean to dolphins returning to the unpolluted canals of Venice.

As beauty consumers we can all play a part in protecting the environment. For me the three pillars of sustainability are sustainable recyclable packaging, sustainable ingredients and supporting projects, which heal the Earth.

Jayn Sterland, Managing Director, Weleda UK explains, “We as consumers need to become ‘citizens’ and ask ourselves… Is this healthy for me and for the planet?” One of my favourite products from the brand is their Weleda Lavender Creamy Body Wash, £7.95. The organic lavender is great to soothe the soul and the organic sesame seed oil is deeply hydrating.

Respecting nature has been at the heart of Dr Hauschka for over 50 years. Every year they replace 588 tons of mineral-oil-based and microplastic-infused chemicals with completely biodegradable natural substances. I love their Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm, £10.50 as its skin softening wheat germ oils, fortifying silk and anthyllis melts into my lips.

For me my sense of activism as a teenager in the 90s was awoken by The Body Shop, as they campaigned for fair trade and the end of animal testing. The Body Shop launched Community Fair Trade in 1987, committing to trading fairly with marginalised farmers, traditional artisans and rural cooperatives around the world. Slather on their 100% Natural Shea Butter, £15, it can be used to custom blend hair treatments and body butters, which I love. The shea butter also empowers women as The Body Shop co-founded the Global Shea Alliance (GSA), which benefits 8 million women who are crucial to the industry in Ghana.

Zero waste is also crucial. This has been at the heart of REN and their commitment to use only packaging that’s recycled, recyclable or reusable by 2021. “We need to change our perception of luxury beauty. We hope it will pave the way for others to follow”, says Arnaud Meysselle, CEO of REN Clean Skincare.

Personally, I’m a huge REN fan. If you have sensitive skin, rejoice as the REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream, £36, is soothing and nourishing with blackcurrant seed oil, seabuckthorn oil and camellia oil. The packaging is a new infinity pack, which basically means the plastic pack can be forever recycled in normal waste… (it’s an industry first). They are also part of the new Loop program which is across home, beauty and cleaning products. It’s like the milkman reinvented picking up empties and refilling them. Zero waste, at last!

I’ve also been smearing on Axiology, Balmies in Nude Plum or Cherry, £12 each, which can be used on the eyes, lips or cheeks. They are loaded with plum oil, hemp and elderberry. These little magic sticks are tube free and are wrapped in recycled paper.

L’Occitane has also helped the cause with their Almond Shower Oil Eco-Refill 500ml £28,  which leaves skin silky soft and uses 69% to 90% less plastic compared to their regular packaging.

You can also support The Body Shop in their new scheme, where they have purchased and used 250 tonnes of Community Trade recycled plastic and used this in nearly three million 250ml haircare bottles such as the Shea Butter Richly Replenishing Shampoo, £7. The scheme also champions waste pickers’ rights and employment opportunities.

Turning to alternative materials like glass and aluminium packaging is another great way to help the planet. Margo Marrone of The Organic Pharmacy uses glass in 85% of her products like The Organic Pharmacy, Stabilised Vitamin C Serum, £45, which has a concentrated dose of 15% stabilised Vitamin C to target dullness and improve the texture and firmness of the skin.

The British beauty brand BYBI also work with over 80% glass and bioplastic material derived from sugarcane. I love the BYBI Babe Balm, £18, which is packed full of nourishing shea butter and repairing hibiscus oil. I pop it on cuticles, lips, elbows, cuts and anywhere, which needs some hydration and TLC.

The Body Shop’s best selling Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter, £11, is rich and purifying and great at removing makeup, even stubborn mascara. Skin-soothing camomile extract from Norfolk has been used for centuries for its calming properties. The aluminium tin also makes it kind to the environment.

When it comes to sustainable ingredients, One Ocean Beauty is really leading the way. Their marine active ingredients are derived from algae, kelp and seaweed and micro organisms are reproduced in the lab through Blue Biotechnology. This allows them to avoid large scale harvesting, which may damage the ocean environment and its biodiversity. This “blue biotech” is found in their whisper light and hydrating Replenishing Deep Sea Moisturiser, £65.

I’ve always been a fan of Neal’s Yard Remedies, a modern day apothecary. I love the new Wild Rose Dry Body Oil, £35, based on the cult Wild Rose Beauty Balm. The wild rosehips used are also sustainably sourced on the hillsides of rural, South Eastern Serbia. The collectors only collect rosehips that grow above 1metre in height and always leave at least 10% of the fruit on the bush.

When it comes to buying beauty with sustainability in mind, it’s best to go large and buy less. “Sustainability is also about buying fewer things, and carefully choosing items that you will love and use again and again.”, explains Cat Beech and Catherine Western co-founders of The Truthbrush, £4.50. The working mums developed Truthbrush after being given a plastic toothbrush whilst staying at an ‘Eco’ hotel. The brush is made from fast growing, organic FSC certified bamboo, 62% castor bean oil and only 38% nylon bristles.

When it comes to thirsty curls and coils, going large is always a good idea. Invest in Boucleme Intensive Moisture Treatment, £40 for 1 Litre. This award winning whopper of a hair mask can also be used as a leave in. Marula oil, mafura butter, camellia oil and softening prickly pear seed oil leaves the hair feeling hydrated and juicy. I also regularly use Trepadora, Babassu Quench Leave In Curl Primer, prices start from £14.50 and this leave in curl cream smells heavenly of tonka bean. Cocoa butter, cranberry seed oil and inca inchi oil also deeply nourish my 4C Coils.

Go large or go home with Bramleys Body Wash 5 Litre Starter pack, £140, it’s expensive but it works out at £7.50 per 250ml, which is a huge saving and you are saving on plastic, too. The body wash is laced with grapefruit, lavender and sweet orange for  a refreshing start to the day.

Upcycling can also help when it comes to zero waste. By Sarah, Raspberry Seed Cleansing Oil, £38, has been blended with upcycled raspberry seed oil, which contains 20% more vitamin E to protect your skin. This concept of waste not want not, is also found in Evolve, Radiant Glow Face Mask, £24. This rich and delicious scented mask is fragranced with organic vanilla oil to calm the senses and upcycled blueberry particles to gently buff the skin.

I often have trouble falling asleep. Skin Alchemists, Sweet Dreams Skin Treatment Candle, £38, is a great 3-in-1 product. As it gently heats up, it can be used as a warm massage oil and the lavender and passionflower helps to relax and calm frazzled nerves. The ceramic pot can then be upcycled and used as a super cute milk jug.

When it comes to sustainability as a beauty consumer you can vote with your wallet for change. And if everyone makes a small change it can lead to a huge impact.

Shop Ateh’s Sustainable Heroes Here:

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Everything You Need To Know About Azelaic Acid

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Not heard of azelaic acid? Turns out, you’re not alone unless you’ve done some Google sleuthing.

Normally salicylic and glycolic acids are the hero ingredients for exterminating whiteheads, blackheads and whatever other heads may appear.

But that’s also where azelaic acid swoops in.  For the unfamiliar, it pretty much does all of the above and more.  In fact, it’s dermatologist approved for treating breakouts as well as rosacea/pigmentation/sensitivity.

Here’s what you need to know about using it…

What is Azelaic Acid? 

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid. It’s produced naturally by yeast that lives on healthy skin.

For the purposes of skincare, it’s made from grains such as barley and wheat.

A slosh on the skin has the same effect as a mild, leave-on exfoliant. It helps to unclog pores, making it the best acne treatment, and leaves the skin’s surface impossibly smooth.

‘Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory effects,’ says dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. ‘This is especially useful for taking down redness in rosacea and spot-prone skin. In addition, it reduces ‘follicular hyperkeratinisation’  – the abnormal shedding of skin cells, which is a key issue for acne sufferers.’

‘However, one of the main uses of azelaic acid is to block the enzyme tyrosinase, which causes excess melanin and uneven brown patches on the skin,’ continues Mahto. ‘As a result, it can also fade some of the marks left behind after acne.’

The Benefits in Skincare 

Azelaic acid can be prescribed in two concentrations: 15 percent (Finacea) and 20 percent (Skinoren). There are also over-the-counter creams and gels at 10 percent or less.

On the upside, even in lower concentrations, it delivers where skin freak-outs are concerned.

One study published in the Journal of Medical Sciences, revealed that all 40 participants who used a 10 percent gel saw their mild to moderate acne improve after just eight weeks.

We recommend the following for soothing a variety of skin issues and helping spots to wither away.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, £5.50, Cult Beauty

Skin prone to rosacea eats this gel-cream up as it takes down redness and bumps. Smacks of perfection for under a fiver.

Buy it now

Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid, £36, Feelunique

Ideal for those who want to play it safe with their acids. It also satisfies those who lean on multi-tasking products. Together, azelaic and salicylic acids tackle rough skin, dullness and spots in a gentle way.

Buy it now

Azelaic Acid vs Salicylic Acid  – What’s The Difference?

At first glance, both ingredients tackle acne.

‘But azelaic acid has a different chemical composition to salicylic acid and AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid),’  says Mahto.

‘The latter tend to be used for their exfoliating abilities, while azelaic acid stands out for its ability to target pigmentation. Used in tandem with salicylic acid, it’s a brilliant solution for tackling bumps and uneven skin tone.’

How to Avoid The Side Effects…

Do a patch test on the inside of your arm.

If that goes okay and does not irritate your skin, you can put a thin layer of cream on your face, according to your prescription instructions. If you have sensitive skin, start out using it once every other day to see how you handle it.

As with all acids, your skin may be more sensitive to UV rays, so Mahto emphasises the importance of incorporating an SPF into your morning skincare routine.

 

 

 

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Raye: "I've got big dreams"

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She’s written songs for some of the biggest artists in the business, but now it’s Raye’s turn in the spotlight...

With two massive hit singles under her belt (Secrets and Tequila with Jax Jones and Martin Solveig) singer-songwriter Raye (real name Rachel Agatha Keen) has amassed over 1 billion streams of her music, as well as writing for artists like Beyoncé, John Legend, Little Mix and Ellie Goulding, to name but a handful. Her latest single, Natalie Don’t, is part of an upcoming seven-track music project, expected later this summer. Here, she fills us in on the inspiration behind it…

Your new music was inspired by the seven stages of grief. Can you tell us about it?

Over the last two years I had my first taste of real heartbreak and losing someone you love, so I was writing and picking out songs that really pinpointed these different stages. I’m very dramatic – I’m a Scorpio and feel love very intensely. I was on tour with Khalid when I was in stage one. And even though I had been apart from this person for a while, it hit me really hard. I would come off stage crying and I posted stories with tears in my eyes, like ‘I’m so heartbroken’! I was losing my mind but I ended up writing Love Me Again. And gradually, as I’ve been healing and understanding the different stages, I completed the seven stages with my final song. Now, I’m ready to wrap it up and put it into a project so people can understand how I’ve handled the loss of love.

What an amazing way to deal with heartache, to create. It must feel cathartic?

For sure. I feel so blessed I can put my heartache and negative energy into creating something beautiful. It’s saved me – without that, I don’t know what I would have turned to to find my comfort.

Natalie Don’t is inspired by Dolly Parton. Was she an influence growing up?

I think Dolly Parton is one of the best songwriters of of all time. And the song Jolene, I remember hearing it as a little girl and being very moved – as I think every human being is. There’s something about the energy of that song that I experienced myself and I wanted to translate it in my own way. But because I was aware that Jolene has been executed in the most incredible way, I wanted to make sure I mentioned the song in my song so people weren’t like, ‘Oh, Raye’s stealing it’. I wanted people to know I’ve heard Jolene and this is my modern-day Jolene.

Dolly famously plays a lot of instruments. Do you?

I play the piano and a little bit of guitar. I used to play the cello and the flute. I’m a proper muso. And now I’m officially an engineer because over lockdown I bought all these different compressors and microphones. So now I can go into the studio, record my own vocals and hand it in. It’s really great these skills I’m learning.

As a female artist, does the ability to create and put out your own music without needing help feel empowering?

100%. I just got an email from my teacher at Brit school who wanted me to come and speak to the kids. I remember being in school like, ‘One day, I want to do well enough that I’m invited back’. And I was thinking, what would I tell them? Well, I’d say, you need to be independent, especially as a woman. Because coming up in the industry and walking into these rooms, if you don’t understand what’s going on, you become dispensable. Being able to create – with or without a man in the room – is so important. Learning how to use software, how to use equipment, knowing what microphone you need to use. It’s all really important.

You’ve spoken about equality within the industry and predatory producers. Is that something you’ve experienced personally?

I’ve experienced it more times than I can count, in many different shapes and forms. From commenting on what I’m wearing to ‘Oh Raye, can you come to this room? Let’s talk for a bit’ then…bang. Even when I go to the studio, I feel I can’t dress how I want to dress. I have to put a big T-shirt and trackies on, you know? I’m not saying every male producer is like that because that’s not the case. There are so many incredible lovely producers I feel completely safe around, but there are also a lot I don’t feel comfortable around. It’s really sad that I now make sure I bring a friend with me so that I’m protected and not vulnerable, because you just never know what can happen. These little things have happened so many times, not just to me but a lot of female artists.

That’s shocking.

Yeah, especially when I’m quite loud and confident. I’ll speak up if I feel something’s wrong or I feel uncomfortable and say ‘I don’t feel well, I’m leaving’. But I know artists who aren’t confident can be so easily manipulated with, ‘If you do this for me then I’ll help your career’. It’s nuts to be honest. But I think since the #MeToo movement things are starting to improve because men realise if you fuck up now, you’re going to get caught.

Who else inspired you growing up?

Jill Scott really inspired me growing up. I fell in love with her album Who Is Jill Scott, it’s one of my favourites. Nina Simone was another very big one. Her tone of voice is unmatched and she really took a risk, speaking out to the black community at a time when everyone around her – including her manager – was like, ‘Don’t do it’. She was like, ‘I’m gonna play these hard-to-listen-to songs about what’s happening to my black people in front of a white audience and you’re going to listen to it!’. I was so moved by that bravery. I listened to a lot of gospel music as well.

You’ve written for some huge artists. Who would you like to write for next?

Alicia Keys was another of my favourites growing up – The Diary of Alicia Keys was my first album purchase. I went to ASDA in Mitcham with my dad and bought it. I’d would absolutely love to be on the piano and write something with Alicia. I’d love to work with Gnarls Barkley too, I’m so inspired by his song Crazy. It’s of my favourite songs of all time, it’s timeless. His production style and writing, it’s amazing.

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How was writing for Beyoncé?

Beyoncé’s B’ Day was my second album purchase. So it’s like, life coming back at you full-swing, it’s insane. Her team heard music I’d been making in Ghana with a producer called Guilty Beatz who is one of the most talented Afrobeat producers, period. They got hold of some of the songs and asked me to be part of the process for The Lion King. I ended up on the red carpet, with her [Beyoncé] being like, ‘We’re making Bigger track one on the album and we shot a video for it, I can’t wait for you to see it, thank you so much – I think you’re an incredible artist’. Having that from your idol is nuts.

How did that feel?

It’s really affirming because I’ve been hustling for a long time. I signed my deal when I was 17. I’m 22 now and I still haven’t released an album. I’m still working to breakthrough. I’ve had success, but I still haven’t broken through the roof yet. So hearing that from your idol, like, ‘You’re doing the right thing, you are good at what you do’….

Did you feel the pressure writing for her?

Yeah. Luckily I work really well under pressure. For me, when the pressure is on, I just flip into this new gear and become this machine like ‘right, this is my mission’. I wrote maybe 30 songs for that project. There’s so much behind the scenes and people don’t realise how much goes into getting that. I worked hard for that.

How do you write? Do you keep voice notes in your phone if a phrase or a melody comes to you?

Yeah, for sure. If I have ideas I’ll jot something down on my phone or record a voice note. For me, there’s no real set way. It’s just a gut instinct you develop. When you do something loads, you get better at it. If you’re a terrible runner but you run every day you can do a marathon. When I started writing songs, I really worked hard at my songwriting craft to the point I understand the Swedish perspective. In Sweden, Max Martin and his camp are famous for the mathematics of music, the repetition, the synergy…It’s a combination of different styles of writing and creating, then you apply it. It means I can be writing songs with John Legend on piano, then pop songs for Little Mix, then really heartfelt mellow ballads for Beyoncé. It’s probably the ability I’m most confident of in life.

Do you think there’s a misconception that songwriters are just naturally talented and don’t have to work at it?

A thousand percent. I saw this video of Rosalia on a talent show years ago and I listened to her sing, and I was like, ‘Wait, that’s not the same Rosalia’. My girl went away and trained and worked at her song-writing, her voice, her art, her perspective. People think you just wake up and you’re talented overnight. No way does it work like that. She became the artist she is today because she put the hard work in. It’s really inspiring.

How do you cope with fame?

Because it’s been a long process it’s kind of normal now. It’s not intense, it’s never been like I can’t sit down at restaurants. More often than not I’ve gone places and people are too scared to say hi and DM me. It’s really cute. I’m a really friendly person, I love people and I love talking – I wish they’d say hi.

And social media?

Social media is probably my least favourite part of being an artist. It’s weirdly addictive and mentally dangerous at its worst. I think everyone can relate to this, but if you post something, if it does really well, you feel really good. And if it doesn’t, you feel sad. I make sure I delete my apps on a regular basis. I’ll let my sister sometimes have it on her phone, so I don’t have to look at it. I’ve definitely been reducing my social media intake and I think it’s important for everyone to make sure that you don’t dwell on it because otherwise you start to lose your mind. People forget Instagram is a highlights reel.

What’s next?

I have a bucket list. Number one is I want a Brit award. It’s been a dream ever since I was a little girl. Last year I was on the sofa, watching the Brits, crying my eyes out, like, ‘One day I will be on that stage, I know it!’. Even if I’m 45 years old when I finally hit my moment, I’m not stopping. I want to go skydiving, to visit every continent, to try different types of foods, to travel. I want to sell out the O2 Arena two nights in a row. I’ve got big dreams!

How would you like to be remembered?

I know when people see me they see a pop artist, a singer, whatever. But when I earn my platform I really want to address important things. I want to be known as that artist who said things that were uncomfortable and people weren’t ready to hear, but it made a difference.

RAYE’s new single ‘Natalie Don’t’ is out now and her EP follows later this summer

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Britney Spears' father has broken his silence on the #FreeBritney movement

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Here's everything you need to know...

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You would have to be living under a rock not to have heard about the #FreeBritney movement, with the 38-year-old singer’s behaviour sparking global concern.

The movement was started by members of the public who were concerned for Britney Spears’ wellbeing following a series of strange activity, and calling for an end to her conservatorship.

Britney herself has addressed the concerns a year ago, but fans still believe that she is being manipulated by those around her, taking her latest Instagram posts as a call for help.

And with Britney’s conservatorship recently extended until 22 August 2020 at least, fans are calling for Britney to be allowed a lawyer in order to free herself.

Britney has addressed the movement before, releasing a video to Instagram in an attempt to ease fans’ concerns. ‘Hi guys, just checking in with all of you who are concerned about me,’ Britney explained in the 2019 video. ‘All is well. My family has been going through a lot of stress and anxiety lately, so I just needed time to deal. But don’t worry: I’ll be back very soon.’

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Answering some more of your questions …. ps if I sound like I have a lisp it’s because I just got a retainer !!!!

A post shared by Britney Spears (@britneyspears) on Jul 23, 2020 at 5:36pm PDT

Despite claims by those around her that everything is fine, there are a series of details that have not sat well with the movement. From Britney’s disappearance from public view for days to Instagram posts using language that seems out of character, fans believe that the singer could be being controlled. This was a particular point for concern when it was reported that she was ‘highly functional’ despite her conservators’ lawyers allegedly claiming that she was ‘gravely disabled.’

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A post shared by Britney Spears (@britneyspears) on Jul 17, 2020 at 2:03pm PDT

This week, Britney Spears’ father has broken his silence on the #FreeBritney movement and the internet doesn’t know what to think.

Opening up about the movement in an interview with The Post this weekend, Jamie Spears reportedly called the movement around his daughter ‘a joke’.

‘All these conspiracy theorists don’t know anything. The world don’t have a clue,’ he explained. ‘It’s up to the court of California to decide what’s best for my daughter. It’s no one else’s business.’

He continued: ‘I have to report every nickel and dime spent to the court every year. How the hell would I steal something.

‘People are being stalked and targeted with death threats. It’s horrible. We don’t want those kinds of fans. I love my daughter. I love all my kids. But this is our business. It’s private.’

Britney’s conservatorship currently ends on 22 August 2020 but may be extended by the court.

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Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were shocked by Prince William’s actions this weekend

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Prince William explained all...

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The Cambridges are undoubtedly the most talked-about family in the world, and following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s exit from the royal family, it’s hardly surprising that Prince William and Kate Middleton are making even more news.

From the Cambridge family’s relocation to their Norfolk Anmer Hall home to the news that the family has been making homemade pasta and distributing it to their vulnerable neighbours, these past few months have been all about Kate and Wills.

It is the Cambridge children however who have really got the world talking, from Princess Charlotte’s signature sass and reports that Prince Louis is struggling with lockdown to Prince George knowing that he is different from his siblings.

This weekend, Prince William opened up about his children, explaining that he had shocked the three miniature royals while watching the football recently.

Congratulations @Arsenal on winning this year's #HeadsUpFACupFinal!

The Duke, as President of the @FA, was joined today by frontline workers, local fans and Heads Up supporters to watch the #HeadsUpFACupFinal. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/mBQIPGPoFn

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) August 1, 2020

During an outdoor screening of the FA Cup Final that he held at Sandringham House this Saturday to raise awareness around the Heads Up campaign, William recalled shocking his children while watching the previous week’s match, seeing Aston Villa beat West Ham.

‘The nerves were the worst I’ve ever known them,’ William explained. ‘My children looked at me in horror as I was jumping off the sofa, screaming my head off.

‘It’s very good news that as president of the FA I can hide away until these moments, and I’m not visibly seen because it was one of the most stressful moments of my life, as I imagine every Villa fan felt on that day.’

Royals – they’re just like us!

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Meghan Markle’s former co-star has opened up about what the Duchess was like behind closed doors

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Here's everything you need to know...

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Meghan Markle seamlessly took to her role as Duchess of Sussex as soon as she joined the royal family. From ribbon cuttings and empowering speeches to fashion statements and Instagram takeovers, she was a natural from day one.

In fact, it’s easy to forget that she had a career before royal life, with Meghan conquering Hollywood before the royals.

Meghan’s breakout role was as Rachel Zane in the series, Suits, but before her big break, the now Duchess had roles in 90210, Horrible Bosses, Remember Me and even Deal or No Deal.

Yes, the now Duchess was a briefcase girl, with one of her co-stars recently opening up about what Meghan was like backstage and behind closed doors.

Fellow former Deal or No Deal briefcase model Lisa Gleave told the Gold Coast Bulletin that Meghan was ‘quiet but very sweet.’

She continued: ‘I remember her being very focused on her acting career and her role as a briefcase beauty, as we were called, was just a stepping stone in her career. She only did a few seasons and then landed her role in Suits which took her away. I was so happy for her when I heard about the marriage.’

Meghan has also opened up about her time on Deal or No Deal, explaining: ‘I would put that in the category of things I was doing while I was auditioning to try to make ends meet.

‘I went from working in the U.S. Embassy in Argentina to ending up on Deal. It’s run the gamut. Definitely working on Deal or No Deal was a learning experience, and it helped me to understand what I would rather be doing. So if that’s a way for me to gloss over that subject, then I will happily shift gears into something else.’

We get you, Meghan.

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Animal lovers, unite - London and Whipsnade zoos need volunteers right now

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If you’re a huge animal lover, you probably already know about the fact that you can camp under the stars with lions at this wildlife park.

But what if we told you that you could get a job with the animals, whether you’re a fan of elegant giraffes, the big cats or cheeky penguins?

ZSL London and Whispnade zoos are looking for volunteers following the coronavirus pandemic. Both closed for three months as a result of the lockdown, and while they’re finding it hard to get back on their feet the icon that is David Attenborough has campaigned for the public to donate money to zoos to keep them going.

Now, they’re looking for stewarding volunteers who will be there to ensure that visitors are well looked after, offering them information and making sure they’re staying safe.

Volunteer manager Rhiannon Green told the Metro: ‘We are delighted to have the zoos open again, but we are facing operational challenges that are new to us. We know from the heart-warming response to our fundraising appeal that people really want to help us.

‘For some people sparing time might be how they can help us best – especially those on furlough, or whose travel plans have been disrupted.

‘We need cheery, flexible people who can help visitors enjoy their day while respecting the measures that keep everyone safe.’

If you’re interested in signing up, the online application explains that they’re hoping to find ‘engaging and flexible individuals who enjoy chatting to diverse audiences to join the team at our zoos.’

Responsibilities include making sure that guests feel welcome and supported during their visit, help them navigate their way around the zoo safely whilst adhering to social distancing measures, offering information about the work of the zoo and their wildlife conservation programmes.

Sound like your dream job? You’d better apply quickly because we’re certain that the positions will be filled in no time.

Good luck!

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Beauty Drawer: the free beauty club we're signing up to

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If, like us, your a bit of a makeup maven and pride yourself on being skincare savvy you’ll love our editorially approved and totally free beauty sampling service, Beauty Drawer. Yes, you read that right, free skincare. Free makeup and free beauty samples delivered right to your front door.

Utilising our Marie Claire Beauty team’s expertise and industry know-how we’ve founded the ultimate beauty club that’s free to join. Beauty Drawer is designed especially for those keen to be the first to trial and review brand new products and sample those cult buys without having to invest in the full-size option.

Created to provide a bespoke free beauty service upon joining Beauty Drawer members create a personal profile with their hair and skin care types: think, wavy, straight, afro; and combination, oily, dry with concern options like, split ends and breakouts. So that their free monthly beauty samples are tailored to their personal preferences. With the option to provide feedback on the product you’ve tried that month to ensure you receive more free beauty samples from the brands best suited to you and your skin.

The first 5,000 members to sign up to Beauty Drawer will also receive a free 50g sample of StriVectin’s SD Advanced Plus Intensive Moisturizing Concentrate – a firm favourite of the Marie Claire beauty team. With the brands products providing targeted solutions for aging and changing skin. A perfect fit for those, like us, who want to feel comfortable and empowered by the skin their in.

With additional Beauty Editor approved premium brands available at Beauty Drawer from September it’s a perfect time to join the club.

Lead by Marie Claire’s E-Commerce Director, Emily Ferguson, Marie Claire VIP, Emily shared,

‘I wanted to give our users a fun new way to discover and play with new (free) beauty products.’

With pampering essentials and skincare samples delivered to your front door for free there’s never been a better time to try new products and enjoy healthy, glowing skin days ahead.

Click here to sign up to Beauty Drawer.

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Meghan Markle gave Kate Middleton an extremely heartfelt gift when she met her

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This is lovely.

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Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are two of the most talked-about members of the royal family, with the most interest surrounding their relationship.

The sisters in law have suffered an endless stream of cruel speculation over the past couple of years, mostly involving a rumoured feud between the Duchesses.

The two women were rumoured to have fallen out for several reasons, with the most reported being Meghan allegedly ‘making Kate cry’ during Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress fitting, her decision to relocate to Frogmore Cottage instead of becoming Kate and Wills’ neighbours, and reportedly Meghan’s treatment of her staff.

These rumours have reemerged this month, in the run up to the release of new royal book Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand. Revealed sections of the book have already offered insight into the reported fallout.

It was reported today however that the Duchesses were not always speculated to be on bad terms, with Kate and Meghan starting their relationship extremely well.

In a reported segment of the upcoming biography, the experts claim that Meghan gave Kate a heartfelt gift on their first meeting, a soft leather Smythson notebook.

Well, that’s lovely.

Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand is set for release on 11 August 2020.

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Here's the song Harry and Meghan chose for their first dance as a married couple

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Spoilers: It's seriously romantic

We can’t believe Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been married for over two years now – but, here we are!

The couple of course wed in May 2018, in a beautiful ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. They have since become a proud family of three, welcoming their first child, Archie, last year.

Ahead of the publication of their new biography, Finding Freedom, several new details surrounding the wedding build-up have emerged; from the sweet way she announced her engagement to her closest friends, to the truth about Meghan’s wedding tiara ‘drama’.

While the wedding ceremony and carriage procession were both televised to the world, their evening reception at Frogmore House was a much more private affair.

Although it was previously thought the couple first danced to I Wanna Dance With Somebody (with Idris Elba as DJ, no less), their first dance was in fact to a much slower tune.

According to Finding Freedom it was in fact I’m in Love by Wilson Pickett. Authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand write: ‘were joyful on the big day – with their first dance to ‘I’m in Love’ by ’60s soul singer Wilson Pickett. Meghan also delivered her own toast at the reception.’

Listen to the tune in full below.

So lovely!

Will you be reading a copy of Finding Freedom? Let us know on social at @marieclaireuk.

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The sweet way Meghan Markle announced her engagement to her closest friends

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Harry and Meghan's engagement was officially announced in November 2017

It’s hard to believe that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as we know know them, have been married for over two years.

After their relationship was revealed to the public in 2016, the following year Harry and Meghan announced their engagement, before marrying in a May ceremony at Windsor Castle in 2018.

And now, they’re a happy family of three, following the birth of their first child, Archie, last year. Time really does fly!

Of course, at times it’s been quite a bumpy ride for the couple. Ahead of the publication of their biography, Finding Freedom, several stories have emerged about their time in the spotlight – from the truth about Meghan’s wedding tiara ‘drama’, to the necklace that caused controversy at the palace.

Despite the world not finding out about the engagement officially until November 2017, royal fans say Meghan dropped an early hint about the engagement by wearing this.

While that story might be speculation, we do know that a small group of people were made privy to the news before the rest of the world – and the way Meghan shared the news with her close friends is really sweet.

In an extract from the book shared with PEOPLE, Meghan is thought to have simply texted friends with a picture of the ring to announce the special news.

‘Before announcing the news of their engagement in November 2017, Meghan shared it with just a handful of close friends by texting them a photo of the ring,’ authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand write in Finding Freedom.

As the saying goes, a picture says a thousand words!

The post The sweet way Meghan Markle announced her engagement to her closest friends appeared first on Marie Claire.

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Introducing our new podcast: Start Somewhere with Sara Vaughan

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Start Somewhere podcast with Sarah Vaughan

We have always been committed to creating global change, with our current #Startsomewhere campaign calling on readers to speak up for the planet, take positive action, and reduce their individual carbon footprint.

Our movement aims to inform and inspire, with features reminding us of our morals on plastic, plus practical articles explaining how we can rescue restaurant food with innovative waste saving apps and how to give your place of work an eco-friendly office makeover.

We can all be environmentally conscious, use our voices and bring about positive change, a message that we look forward to spreading further as we launch our first ever podcast, hosted by Marie Claire’s Global Chief Purpose and Sustainability Advisor, Sara Vaughan.

Introducing, Start Somewhere with Sara Vaughan.

Before joining Marie Claire, Sara worked as a Vice-President at Unilever, overseeing sustainable business and global communications, also holding previous positions at The Body Shop and ethical diamond brand, Forevermark. And since coming onboard, she has put her expertise into practice, writing opinion pieces on staying resilient in challenging times and turning saving the planet into a career, not to mention highlighting her hopes for our Start Somewhere campaign.

With her credibility within the sustainability sector and her global black book of industry contacts, we can’t think of a better person than Sara to lead this exciting project.

‘I’m an innovator & creator of brands with purpose & positive change maker,’ Sara explains. ‘This Start Somewhere podcast for Marie Claire features some of the incredibly inspiring people that I’m lucky enough to meet in the course of my work who are creating positive change in the world. Both women and men. The known and the not so known yet. Each with their own unique story of how they started somewhere.’

Series one launches with six episodes hosted by Sara Vaughan, with the first three dropping this week featuring guests Sian Sutherland, Shelley Zalis and Sarah Kate Ellis.

Listen to the first x3 episodes on Spotify now!

Meet the first three guests on series one…

Sian Sutherland: Co-founder of A Plastic Planet

Listen to the Start Somewhere Podcast in conversation with Sian Sutherland

Sian Sutherland is a global campaign organisation with a single goal – to inspire the world to turn off the plastic tap.

A multi-award winning serial entrepreneur with a diverse background in areas including advertising, Michelin Star restaurants and film production, igniting social change and creating brands and campaigns with soul is Sutherland’s passion.

Bringing a fresh business-focused approach to environmental issues, A Plastic Planet works collaboratively with industry, retailers, governments and the UN to accelerate the pace of environmental change at all levels.

Aside from being recognised in the 2019 Fast Company Awards, Sutherland’s dynamic team also won International Campaign of the Year, after its Plastic Free Aisle initiative resulted in the 2018 opening of the world’s first plastic-free supermarket aisle in Amsterdam.

Shelley Zalis: CEO of The Female Quotient

Listen to the Start Somewhere Podcast in conversation with Shelley Zalis

Shelley Zalis is the CEO of The Female Quotient, a female-owned business committed to advancing equality.

As the first female chief executive to be ranked in the research industry’s top 25, Zalis’ legacy is to tap into the power of collaboration to transform workplace culture so that all people feel like they belong – no matter their industry or career level.

Devoting her time to becoming a mentor and role model to females in her industry, Zalis is the co-founder of #SeeHer and on the board of directors for MAKERS, separate feminist movements established to increase the accurate portrayal of women and girls in advertising and media. Zalis also provides career advice, via her Forbes column, to women who are looking to rise up into leadership positions.

Sarah Kate Ellis: President & CEO GLAAD

Listen to the Start Somewhere Podcast in conversation with Sarah Kate Ellis

Sarah Kate Ellis is the President and CEO of GLAAD, the world’s leading media advocacy organisation to demand fair and accurate coverage of the LGBTQ community.

Ellis joined GLAAD in 2014 after a successful career as a media executive. From Vogue, to Instyle and House & Garden, Ellis transformed and energised leading media outlets – picking up seven MIN Awards for marketing innovation and two President’s Awards along the way.

Refocusing GLAAD’s crucial advocacy to accelerate acceptance of the LGTBQ community through a variety of compelling campaigns, Ellis’ reputation as a powerful communicator has won her a series of accolades, including a spot on Variety’s New Power of New York List in 2016, as well as the Guardian’s World Power Pride list in 2014.

Start Somewhere with Sara Vaughan is on Spotify now

The post Introducing our new podcast: Start Somewhere with Sara Vaughan appeared first on Marie Claire.

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