The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced a number of new ventures over the last 18 months – including lucrative Netflix and book deals – but it was news of Harry’s upcoming memoir that has proved increasingly controversial.
During a tell-all interview with US chat show host Oprah in the Spring, the couple revealed they are ‘thriving’ after waving goodbye to the monarchy, and in his new autobiography the Duke revealed he was writing ‘not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become.’
He said: ‘I’ve worn many hats over the years, both literally and figuratively, and my hope that in telling my story – the highs and lows, the mistakes, the lessons learned – I can help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think.
‘I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share what I’ve learned over the course of my life so far and excited for people to read a first-hand account of my life that’s accurate and wholly truthful.’
However, Paul Burrell, former servant of the British Royal Household, has claimed that the Queen may be forced to ‘fight back’.
He told Closer magazine: ‘The Queen lawyering up is totally unprecedented – it’s her way of saying, “Enough is enough now”.
‘The Queen is a warm, fair, loyal, forgiving, compassionate woman – but if you cross her more than once, or tell her lies, you lose her respect. And it seems things have gone too far – Harry and Meghan show no signs of stopping the missiles.
‘Back in the day, the ‘never complain, never explain’ rule could work, and it added to the mystery and privacy of the royals. Nowadays, with how quickly news travels and social media, it simply can’t work, especially given Harry and Meghan’s allegations.’
The former royal employee also claimed that the Queen is ‘apprehensive about what could come next’, adding: ‘This constant drip of information from across the Atlantic, which seems never-ending, has the potential to do an awful lot of damage to both the monarchy and her family.’
A huge 51% of Brits report feeling exhausted - here, an expert shares how to fix.
Suffering from constant brain fog, debilitating headaches or aching limbs and constantly find yourself searching how to get to sleep? It might be worth reading up on the symptoms of exhaustion, because believe it or not, it’s more common than you might think.
While we’ve already bought you an extensive expert-led guide to insomnia treatment, you may not know the difference between being super tired and actually exhausted. Because when the kid/dog/anxiety keeps you up all night, it’s pretty exhausting.. but likely doesn’t count as genuine exhaustion.
Keep reading for your need-to-knows.
What is the definition of exhaustion?
Doctor Audrey Tang, a positive psychologist, mental health and wellness expert and author of The Leaders Guide to Resilience, explains that exhaustion is the physiological state the body falls into after a period of chronic stress.
“Unfortunately, as much as we may want to believe we are invincible, we all have a level of stress up to which we can tolerate. Beyond that the mind may just about be willing, but the body is not.”
“Think of it like an elastic band – continue to stretch it and at some point it may snap or go flaccid and cease to function as an elastic band. This is known as exhaustion,” she explains.
Exhaustion symptoms: 11 to watch out for
There are a number of potential indicators which suggest that your general wellbeing is suffering. They may present in psychological, social or biological ways, which include:
A change in eating habits – eating or drinking more or less than usual- and if eating more – often of high calorie items
Refusing invitations, or alternatively going to all of them and perhaps over indulging in a noticeable manner (that differs from their usual behaviour)
Susceptibility to illness, often because of a depression of the immune system
A lapse in personal grooming
A slower pace of life generally.
All of these signs may be indicators of other issues but are also commonly exhaustion symptoms, the psychologist explains.
Exhaustion treatment: how to cure yours
So you’ve read up on the exhaustion symptoms, but how do you get rid of it if you think it might be affecting you? Unfortunately it can get to the stage where you need professional intervention. “Going to speak to your GP will likely be the best start,” says Tang.
However, one of the simplest ways of treating low-level exhaustion is by trying to prevent it from reaching the point of crisis in the first place. This can mean making subtle, but consistent changes in your life, like the following.
1. Eat well and exercise
Simply, but seriously important, stresses the psychologist. “Remembering that your physical health affects your mental wellbeing. Make sure you’re eating well, sleeping lots and exercising, too – getting the blood pumping can help clear your mind,” she shares.
2. Get enough sunshine
Getting outside can help you get more Vitamin D, which can increase feelings of happiness and counter things such as Seasonal Affective Disorder, explains Tang. “Fresh air is good for us – just make sure you’re dressed suitably for the weather,” she stresses.
3. Create a positive living environment
You know – decorate your space with photos of the people you love, or things that provoke feelings of comfort.
“This can help you feel good when you are having time alone,” the psychologist explains. “Now may be the time to indulge in a bit of DIY, or at least making the area you spend time in inviting through plants, colours or textures.”
4. Meet like-minded people
Another exhaustion treatment-slash-prevention that’ll improve your quality of life? Try branching outside of our immediate group of friends and family – you’ll likely find some friends who share the same interests. Not sure how? Try the following:
Join a class or a club – something you always wanted to try, or something you always enjoyed. There you may meet like-minded people where you know it will be possible to connect on some topics of conversation. Our guides to the best gym classes and yoga classes might help.
Volunteer somewhere – this may also allow you to feel fulfilled at being able to give a little time back to the community.
“As a coach, I would never schedule clients directly one after the other – whether online or in my office – because it is extremely exhausting to give your full attention to one person and switch to the next,” she shares. Someone will lose out, and that someone is most likely you, she explains.
Aim for a 30 minute gap in between meetings, where possible – “you owe it to yourself, your team and your business to be fully present when discussing the issues important enough to meet over,” she stresses.
6. Ensure offline time
This one’s important for avoiding burnout.
“Switch off, go out into the garden, or at least open a window. Get some time away from the glare of the screen and take a moment to be informally mindful. Listen to the birds, feel the warmth of the sun and breathe deeply,” Tang advises.
Just because, in principle, being online means you don’t have to move, doesn’t mean you’re not expending mental energy, she stresses.
7. Work out your ying and yangs
“This is one of my favourite tips,” shares Tang. It works in three stages:
Recognise when you are enjoying something.
Decide if that activity energises (yang) or relaxes (yin) you.
Decide what you need – and pick from the list of things you know you enjoy.
“The secret to this is that if you are feeling stressed, then something that relaxes us is going to be far more effective at relaxing us than something that energises us,” explains the psychologist. “If we are feeling down or apathetic, then an energiser may be more useful than a relaxant.”
8. Build your positivity reservoir
Last but by no means least, if you’re prone to feeling exhausted, honing back in on the things in life that make you happy, and the times when your life was a little more balanced, could just help you get the all-important shut eye and mental switch off you need.
Tang suggests trying the following:
Having photos of moments you love in a screen shot album to remind you you’ve made a difference
Checking in regularly with good friends
Laughing – a lot (there’s no harm in cat videos, as long as you don’t spend all day watching them)
Texas passes strict law banning abortions beyond 6 weeks
The US state of Texas has just passed new legislation which bans people from having an abortion beyond six weeks into a pregnancy. Unsurprisingly, the strict new law has been heavily criticised by medical professionals as well as women’s rights organisations, including Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
So-called the ‘Heartbeat Act’, it forbids the termination of pregnancy after the detection of a ‘foetal heartbeat’. This is terminology that’s used widely by anti-abortion campaigners, but medical authorities claim it is misleading. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, it’s not so much a heartbeat that is detected at this stage, but “a portion of the foetal tissue that will become the heart as the embryo develops”.
The law follows a slightly unusual format, enabling any citizen to sue a doctor who “aids and abets” the performance of an abortion past the six-week point. It makes an exception in the case of a medical emergency (requiring written proof from a doctor), but it does not allow for the termination of pregnancies resulting from rape or incest after six weeks.
After being signed into law by Texas’ Governor, Greg Abbott, in May, the Supreme Court was called upon by campaigners and abortion providers to block it. However, no action was taken by the senior court, and the legislation – which is one of the most restrictive in the whole country – has now officially been instated.
In response to the news, the ACLU labelled it “blatantly unconstitutional,” and said: “Access to almost all abortion has just been cut off for millions of people.”
And it’s true; a study conducted in the US in 2017 determined that the average person only finds out that they are pregnant at 5.5 weeks. Based on this, the new law in Texas theoretically leaves just three days for people to make an informed choice about whether they want to proceed with the pregnancy – a decision that is rarely taken lightly and often comes with some emotional turmoil.
Roe v Wade, the landmark US Supreme Court case that legalised abortion in America in 1973, created the ‘trimester’ system which enabled women in the country an absolute right to an abortion in the first three months of pregnancy, and conditional access to abortion beyond that point. Texas’ new legislation shatters this freedom, and it has triggered fearful conversation on social media about what it means for women’s rights.
“I’m outraged and terrified that Texas was allowed to pass the 6 week abortion law! My hands are shaking as I write this. Women’s rights are are diminishing everyday! What’s next, not allowed to vote?” posted one person. “Texas’s new abortion law is unconstitutional, based on pseudo-science and harms women and their families,” added journalist Catherine Bennett.
There is also widespread concern about what the format of this law means for future developments in legislation.
“TheTexasabortion lawisterrifyingas a blueprint for laws,” wrote one Twitter user. “Trying to give private citizens standing to sue on ideological grounds. I imagine this is going to be a template that will be followed for other conservative points if it works.”
Describing it as a “very clever law,” constitutional law professor at South Texas College of Law Houston, Josh Blackman, told the Texas Tribune: “Every citizen is now a private attorney general. You can have random people who are against abortion start suing tomorrow.”
Just like a pair of blue jeans and a nude lipstick, the trainers you use to workout in are an item that you will return to time and time again. The same pair carry you – quite literally – across miles of pavement and grass. They adorn your wardrobe as a feel-good reminder of those sweat sessions when you smashed your PBs. And, if you choose wisely, they are pivotal in helping you achieve your goals (more of which later…).
Indeed, heading out for a run is something many have done for the first time in the past year, as a way to calm swirling thoughts and stay active between endless days WFH and a stream of virtual social plans. Anything to log-off Zoom and peel-off the sofa. But many of us have remained hooked – World Athletics reported last month, as part of research on the pandemic running boom, that four in 10 people now consider themselves to be runners, with 30 per cent lacing up at least once a week.
But while last summer you may have simply dusted off the old trainers (even worse, the ones from your PE days…) sitting idle at the back of your cupboard, these upcoming balmy months you deserve a box-fresh pair to train in. Because not only do past-it kicks lose their cushioning and support over time, they’re unlikely to help you achieve the goal – or three – now on your mind as you graduate from the Couch To 5k app and into your first 10k, half marathon or even the rescheduled London Marathon in October.
And setting yourself regular challenges is essentially as important as always remembering to cleanse before bed. A study published last year by the University of Oregon found that the more goal-oriented you are, the more likely you are to stick with exercise – which (you don’t need us to tell you) comes with a multitude of healthy benefits.
So, with a list of aims and new trainers on your shopping list, which pair will you choose to make the journey in? Let us tell you about Brooks Running, who specialise in helping people feel good while running. They know that transformations, of any kind, don’t happen overnight and have designed their trainers to be with you every step of the way.
Excitingly, they’ve got a sleek, new design on the block. The Levitate 5 is about a whole lot more than putting one foot in front of the other. It’s about those moments that have you gripped in more ways than one. Lacing up your trainers and heading out the door, to find fun and escapism beyond. As part of their new ‘Alter Ego’ campaign, they’re inviting runners to discover the new person they will become in the Levitate 5. Because this is a shoe designed to fit who you are, and what you want to achieve. Here’s how it will motivate you to get going, make it through the final push and arrive at a magical place of sheer pride and high-fives…
The Levitate 5
Spring in your step
When you’re tackling the tough bits of your run (or all?), you want to make use of every little bit of extra oomph you can get. The Levitate 5 comes built with some clever DNA AMP midsole technology. In short, that means the shoe absorbs the impact as your foot hits the ground, and then delivers the energy straight back to you – but based on your own unique stride (hence the DNA in the name). The result is some seriously bouncy push-off.
Comfort is key
Warning: you may find yourself skipping brunch plans for an excuse to slip these trainers on and head out for a few breezy kilometres. Because the Levitate 5 – with an upper sole made from breathable fabric – has also been created so comfy that you’ll virtually never want to unlace them. Besides, we think they’d rather nicely ‘toughen up’ your new puffed-sleeve Zara dress.
In good time
Unless you’re very lucky, the chance are that your kilometres may not always be accompanied by a #unfiltered countryside backdrop. Luckily, the Levitate 5 has been fashioned particularly with road runners in mind – complete with an arrow-point pattern in the outsole that lets your foot move quickly from heel to toe, which enhances the shoe’s springy feel on hard surfaces. This also keeps up the momentum and efficiency of your run with quick transitions – that’s jazzy ‘runner speak’ for reducing ground contact times for a swifter finish. Winning..
It’s personal
The Levitate 5 comes in three different fits, so you can be as snug as you like. “We want to empower runners to choose what suits them best,” says Hugo Chouissa, Brooks Footwear Merchandiser EMEA. Indeed, you can opt for a regular, classic fit called the Levitate, which comes with flexible but structured fit. Then there’s the new, more sleek StealthFit, which wraps your foot up with a combination of stretch and compression, and has an integrated tongue that makes everything super-streamlined – ideal for those who really value performance. And, if you’re after additional support, you can choose the Levitate GTS, which uses GuideRails technology to keep you safely in your natural stride at the same time as protecting your knees. The power is all yours.
Did you know there are two totally different types of insomnia?
The coronavirus outbreak has changed life as we know it and interestingly also had a considerable effect on our sleep patterns, too. Searches for ‘insomnia treatment’ are up 350% year on year, with people Googling how to get to sleep more frequently, too.
It probably doesn’t help that as many as 40% of Brits complain that they aren’t getting enough shut-eye, but now, eighteen months since the first nation-wide lockdown, sleep deprivation appears to be more prominent than ever.
That’s what Daisy Maskell explains in her brand new BBC three documentary, Insomnia and Me.
The Radio DJ tackles her insomnia, revealing emotional insights into her own mental health. The hour-long special sees her meet industry experts, explore the reasons behind her inability to fall asleep, and further chat to a handful of the thousands of people currently suffering from insomnia in the UK.
That include you? Keep reading for our expert-led guide to insomnia, plus a break-down of their go-to insomnia treatment.
Insomnia: your guide to the sleep disorder
“You are not alone in suffering from insomnia, explains psychologist doctor Helen Nightingale. “Tens of thousands are fighting the same night-time battle,” she continues.
This insomnia occurs if you’re experiencing a stressful problem in your life. “Worry can cause your sleep to be affected night after night,” she explains.
The good news? This usually passes and, when it does, things will return to normal. If it doesn’t, you may be experiencing chronic insomnia.
2. Chronic insomnia
Chronic insomnia refers to the type of insomnia where you experience ongoing sleep issues for years. “You’re normally constantly tired,” explains the psychologist.
Insomnia causes: so, what’s triggering the sleepless nights?
There are a whole host of things that can cause insomnia and it’ll differ from person-to-person. One cause? Your brain. There are a couple of parts of the brain that control your sleep and regulate it, explains Nightingale.
“You’ve got the cortex, which is the thinking part of the brain, and the subcortical, the more ‘animal’ part of the brain responsible for keeping us protected while we sleep.”
Think about it this way – as a Mum currently in a deep sleep, you’ll immediately wake up if you hear your child crying, right? Those without children, you’ll always wake up if you need the toilet.
But why? “When the cortex shuts down, it transfers control to the limbic system, which is more concerned with instinct and mood. The cortex needs to go quiet so that the subcortical can work and you can get a good nights sleep. People who have been good sleepers can start having problems when their brain actively focusses on unimportant negative thoughts.”
Similarly, anxiety is one of the worst culprits when it comes to keeping people awake.
“If you’re worrying during the right, you’ll disrupt your sleep,” Nightingale explains. have worries during this time.
Lastly, did you know? There are actually chemicals that can change our sleep patterns, most notably alcohol and certain medications. “Sleep is a complex issue – make sure you’re putting your best step forward to create a friendly sleep environment is key.”
Simply put, creating a sleep friendly environment that works for you is the simplest way insomnia treatment. More on how below.
Insomnia treatment: 10 simple steps to try
According to leading sleep therapist and neuroscientistHope Bastine, the environment that you sleep in, the temperature of your room and the specific conditions you snooze off in are key. Her favourite insomnia treatment? The following:
1. Avoid alcohol
As above, seriously simple but we bet you’ll notice the difference in your zzz’s.
2. Have a wind-down period
That is, allow yourself some time between eating and watching TV. “Allow yourself an hour before bedtime with no phone, no TV, no tablets, etc,” advises Bastine.
3. Make your bedroom sleep-friendly
According to Bastine, every room in our home has a specific purpose. As we walk into it we begin associating specific activities with the space. So it’s important to create an environment that promotes the desired activity – in this case sleep and rest.
A comfortable bed and the right supporting pillow are by far the most important items to challenge the sleep thief, Bastine shares.
“The National Sleep Foundation recommends keeping your head in ‘neutral alignment’ – the way you would when standing up with good posture” she explains.
5. Get a good mattress
FYI, the quality and comfort of your bed is also key to good slumber. Who knew insomnia treatment would include a trip to Ikea?
“A 2009 study in the Chiropractic Medical Journal found that new, medium-firm beds increased sleep quality, reduced back discomfort, and moderated stress-related symptoms that interfered with restful sleep,” explains the expert.
6. Regulate the temperature
The average room temperature is around 20 degrees; however, maintaining a bedroom temperature of 18 degrees or lower will mimic the body’s hibernation state and help maintain a calmer state of mind, explains Bastine.
“Air circulation also moderates temperature, and having plants in the bedroom provides a good supply of oxygen. Some favourites include:
Aloe Vera
Lavender
Jasmine
Snake plant.
7. Opt for sensible pj’s
The pjs will not only help you feel cute, but are key to managing optimum temperature and air circulation for good sleep.
Bastine explains: “Choose natural fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, silk or satin, because they absorb excess moisture, therefore regulating body temperature.”
8. Avoid blue light before bedtime
In other words, read up on the effects of blue light and notice how it impacts your sleep.
“Modern light sources – particularly fluorescent lights, laptops, and cellphone screens – contain a high level of blue light that disrupts melatonin production and throws off our natural circadian rhythms,” explains Bastine. This, in turn, often keeps us awake when we should be sleeping.
Many sleep specialists suggest that this widespread exposure to blue light long after the sun has set is a major contributor to the modern epidemic of insomnia. The American Medical Association says ‘this effect can be minimised by using dim, [warm] lighting in the nighttime bedroom environment.’
9. Start a sleep ritual
Formulaic rituals such as sleep rituals, are extremely effective in producing the desired outcome when they are repeated at a specific time and have a certain number stages. So why not establish your own sleep ritual?
“This should begin one to two hours before bedtime but some practices need to be considered well before then,” explains Bastine. Try the following:
Avoid stimulants such as caffeine from lunchtime – they stay prominent in your system for at least six hours (if you are sensitive, twelve hours).
Complete exercise at least two hours before you plan to go to bed. Cardio is stimulating whereas resistance training and yoga are sleep promoting. FYI, weight training triggers the release of growth hormone (which heals and repairs) and helps us fall into deep sleep.
Avoid alcohol, especially in large quantities – its generally best avoided before bed as it disrupts the sleep cycle.
Finish dinner at least two hours before bedtime.
10. Keep a sleep diary
If none of the above has worked and you’re at a loose end as to how to break the cycle, Bastine advises starting a sleep diary for a couple of weeks.
“This should include time to bed, time you fell asleep and then time you first wake up and the number of disturbances through the night,” she shares. Make sure to note the the quality of sleep, too, using a scale of one to ten and then rating your sleep. This way, you may be able to notice some patterns and address them accordingly.
None of the above worked? Then it’s time to see a doctor. The NHS recommends that you should see your GP if changing your sleeping habits has not worked, you have had trouble sleeping for months or your insomnia is affecting your daily life in a way that makes it hard for you to cope.
The Good Morning Britain presenter said on air that he did not "believe a word" of Meghan's account in her Oprah Winfrey interview.
Ofcom clears Piers Morgan of Meghan Markle 'disbelief' comments
Television broadcast regulator Ofcom has cleared presenter Piers Morgan of any wrongdoing, after he was vocal in his disbelief of Meghan Markle’s comments in the interview she carried out with Oprah Winfrey earlier this year.
In conversation with Oprah, Meghan Markle bravely shared that she reached such a low point during her time as a working member of the royal family, she suffered suicidal thoughts. “It was very clear and very scary,” said Meghan. “I just didn’t see a solution”.
The Duchess of Sussex also revealed that an unnamed member of the royal family had “several conversations” with Prince Harry about “how dark [Archie’s] skin might be when he’s born” and “what that would mean or look like”.
In the wake of the controversial interview, as it was being dissected on Good Morning Britain, Piers Morgan said he did not “believe a word she said” in the CBS primetime special, and that he “wouldn’t believe it if she read me a weather report.” He went on to add his view that the “onslaught” Meghan had fired against the royal family was “contemptible”.
Morgan’s cruel dismissal of Meghan Markle’s highly personal account went on to attract almost 58,000 complaints to the broadcast regulator – including one from the Duchess herself. Days later, the presenter quit his job as co-anchor of the breakfast television programme after TV bosses gave him an “ultimatum” – he could either apologise for the remarks he made on air about Meghan, or he would have to leave the show.
Now, almost six months after the fact, Ofcom has delivered its verdict on whether Piers Morgan violated any broadcasting rules in his blatant disregard for Megan Markle’s version of events. The body ruled that, while his actions were undoubtedly “highly offensive” to some viewers, ultimately the conversation was legitimate because it was part of “open debate” and “freedom of expression”.
Piers Morgan with his former Good Morning Britain co-host, Susanna Reid
Ofcom’s ruling said: “The interview between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Oprah Winfrey contained serious allegations and it was legitimate for this Programme to discuss and scrutinise those claims including their veracity. Ofcom is clear that, consistent with freedom of expression, Mr Morgan was entitled to say he disbelieved the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s allegations and to hold and express strong views that rigorously challenged their account.
It added: “The restriction of such views would, in our view, we an unwarranted and chilling restriction on freedom of expression both of the broadcaster and the audience.”
The statement continued: “While we acknowledged that Mr Morgan’s questions about the nature of racism had the potential to be highly offensive to some viewers, the conversations about race and racism in this programme provided open debate on the issues raised by the interview. We also considered that the programme allowed for an important discussion to be had on the nature and impact of racism. ITV had clearly anticipated that racial issues would be discussed at length as part of the coverage of the Interview and had taken steps to ensure context could be provided during the discussions.
“Despite strong opinions expressed during the programme, in Ofcom’s view any potential offence was justified by the context and the comments and discussions about race and racism were not in breach of rule 2.3 of the code.”
Following the announcement, Piers Morgan went on to say on Twitter that he is “delighted” with the ruling, labelling it “a resounding victory for free speech.” Meghan Markle is yet to comment.
Yesterday marked the 24th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, and a few days before that, a trailer and poster for the highly anticipated Spencer movie was released.
The film, which debuts at the Venice Film Festival this week, follows Diana’s last Christmas as a Royal family member in 1991, as she prepares to tell Prince Charles that she’s leaving him.
It stars Kristen Stewart in the titular role, and from what we’ve glimpsed so far, it’s all looking very promising, and that’s not even touching on the fashion.
The trailer shows the actress in an array of gorgeous outfits, from Diana’s signature two-piece suits to over-the-top ballgowns for the more formal affairs.
One such gown is the one featured on the poster, and it has a pretty incredible story of craftsmanship behind it. According to WWD, the beige organza evening gown, embellished with gold and silver sequins arranged in a floral pattern, is the echo of a dress presented from Chanel’s spring 1988 couture collection.
The dress was re-made for Spencer in the house’s atelier and required an impressive 1,034 hours of work by five seamstresses. Kristen Stewart is also seen in a vintage red checkered Chanel suit in the trailer for the movie, recreating the look Princess Diana wore on Christmas Day 1993.
Today marks the start of this year’s #SecondHandSeptember Oxfam challenge, where consumers are encouraged to wear or shop second hand clothing, to combat the negative effects of fas t fashion on the planet.
Fronting the campaign is none other than style icon Sienna Miller, aka the Queen of Vintage, who dons her favourite pre-loved items, including the below faux-fur coat, showing us you don’t have to invest in the latest trends to look chic.
And the best news is you’ll be able to shop her looks at the Oxfam pop-up in Selfridges, open throughout September.
Sienna says, ‘I am delighted to be the face of Oxfam’s Second Hand September to help draw attention to how choosing second-hand fashion can be kinder for our planet. These small changes can make a huge difference. And rooting around in a charity shop is like hunting for treasure. Be a magpie! #secondhandseptember’
The Oxfam/Selfridges pop-up shop, which is styled by Oxfam’s independent fashion advisor Bay Garnett, celebrates all the vintage treasures that can be unearthed in Oxfam shops, such as heritage tweed or sheepskin coats, punk-inspired clothes with zips and studs and velvet dresses. Illustrator James Lacey, of Pointless Illustrations, has also designed a one-off T-shirt for the event which will be on sale in store.
Sienna Miller for Oxfam Secondhand September 2021. Striped shirt deadstock Jaeger, faux fur coat by Astraka, and jeans by Second Image. Creative Director and Stylist: Bay Garnett. Photographer: Tom Craig. Hair: Earl Simms. Make-up: Wendy Rowe
Bay Garnett says, ‘I have always loved charity shopping – the creativity involved in putting random clothes together to make an outfit, and the independence of choosing second-hand. But aside from the fun, we all need to think about shopping second-hand with the climate emergency in mind – so that we’re using less of the planet’s virgin resources, and sending less to landfill. No matter how small our acts and choices seem, we can all make a difference. I love how the Selfridges pop-up shop brings Oxfam prices to Oxford Street, making it a choice that’s accessible to everyone’s pockets.’
You can support the campaign by heading to the pop-up store, shopping Oxfam online or finding your nearest Oxfam branch.
According to the charity, consumers send 13 million items of clothing a week to landfill, and the textile industry accounts for up to 10 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions – more than international aviation and shipping combined.
Glowing and hydrated skin has never gone out of style, but as our social lives start filling up again, it’s more on-trend than ever, right?
Our love for make-up never really wavered, but we definitely wore less of it from home last year. Searches for skincare shot up at the start of the first national lockdown and stayed there for the rest of the year, increasing even further during the second*.
But a good skincare routine is important 365 days of the year, so it’s important to keep at it to maintain your skin condition and keep seeing those glowing results. Because that’s what we want, right?
Hydration is key to nailing that dewy ‘glass skin’ look, so here are three steps you can take to improve your skin’s hydration levels with the help of the Me+ by Superdrug range. Because glowing skin is always in…
1. Support that skin barrier
Glowing skin is healthy skin, so you really want to take care of your skin barrier to keep your complexion happy – it’s responsible for keeping moisture in and dirt and bacteria out.
Ceramides are a great ingredient to support barrier function; naturally present in the skin, they help to lock moisture in and defend against irritation. By adding more of them into your skincare routine you improve these abilities as well as plumping up your skin.
Luckily you’ll find ceramides in both the Me+ Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser (£6.99) and Salicylic Acid Cleanser (£6.99). The first contains hero hydrator hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, an antioxidant that can help to smooth skin texture, for a thorough cleanse that doesn’t strip the skin. Meanwhile the salicylic acid formula contains this blackhead-busting form of beta-hydroxy acid, which helps to gently exfoliate and unclog your pores.
Don’t just take our word for it, as Superdrug reviewers have been loving the results. “I bought this for my boyfriend about a month ago as he sometimes suffers with dry patches around his beard and face,” one customer says of the HA Cleanser. “He has seen a massive improvement in the smoothness and hydration of his skin, fair to say he’s been converted […] it hasn’t disappointed me either! Totally recommend this cleanser for any skin type as it’s super gentle and also helped prevent my skin from over producing oil and breaking out. Top job!”
2. Incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine
Hyaluronic acidis something of a wonder ingredient that draws moisture into the skin and that can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. The Me+ Hyaluronic Acid Booster (£5.99) contains 2% HA to help plump up the skin, increase hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
It can be used two to three times a week – and you’ll notice a visible improvement in your skin in as little as four weeks. For best results, layer your products in order of consistency, from thinnest to thickest, so after toner and before moisturiser.
Superdrug shoppers love this product so much that it’s racked up over 200 online reviews. One customer writes: “I am absolutely in love with this range, I bought the mini versions first to try and this was stuck out the most. I love the consistency and how it feels on the skin, not too watery but not too thick either.
“I mostly use this for before I shave my face but other than that it’s a great product for hydrating the skin,” they add. “My face feels amazing after using it and I’m glad they have this size bottle!”
3. Add polyglutamic acid for a two-pronged attack
You may have heard polyglutamic acid being touted as “the new hyaluronic”, but that’s not strictly true; although similar, they achieve different things on the hydration front and work well as a pair.
Polyglutamic acid has the ability to hold several times more water than hyaluronic acid, but its molecules are larger and so hydrate the top layers of your skin – ideal if you’re hoping to achieve a plumper and firmer look.
The Me+ Polyglutamic Acid Booster (£8.99) is an affordable way of giving another hydrating hero a go. For the ultimate hydration boost, cocktail with the Hyaluronic Acid Booster above to help hydrate your skin at all levels.
“I bought this after using the Me+ Salicylic Acid Booster for a month with brilliant results in reducing my skin’s oiliness and clogged pore [sic], but I wanted to try something else,” writes one happy Polyglutamic Booster customer. “I started to use this and my skin is now so soft and smooth. once applying it instantly feels plumper and soft, I have had absolutely no dryness since using it. Brilliant stuff”.
Another adds: “Bought this about three weeks ago and I love it. I’ve struggled to find a polyglutamic acid that works but this is it. I’m glowing and super hydrated. Don’t really wear make-up anymore and it’s great”.
See? You don’t have to break the bank to stock up on ingredient-led skincare that’ll keep your skin hydrated and happy. Follow our three hydration commandments above and you’ll be a glowing dew drop before you know it.
The Me+ by Superdrug range is available to shop both in-store andonline.
There are so many skincare buzzwords flying around that it can be tricky to know which ingredients will be most beneficial toyourskin. Sure, they’re great as individuals, but layering too many in one go could spell disaster. So, we’re here to teach you the best way to layer skincare for glowing results.
With social events *finally* back on the cards, it’s important we don’t let our good skincare habits slip. We know that less is more is a good approach when it comes to a happy and healthy complexion – but how do you narrow down the ingredients that will best support your skin’s individual needs going forwards?
Luckily for you, the exclusive Me+ by Superdrug range makes it super easy to shop by science-backed ingredients, with affordable price tags to boot. Whether you’re looking to add radiance, calm breakouts or fight the visible signs of ageing in your skin, there’s something to tackle just about every skin concern. And bonus: the products are all vegan and cruelty free, too!
Below we’ve broken down some of the most popular skincare ingredients of the moment and how to factor them into your skincare routine like a pro. Right this way for your skin regime’s new BFF…
If you’re looking to boost hydration…
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular skincare ingredients of the moment, due to its ability to hold 1,000 times its own weight in water and draw moisture into the skin.
We probably don’t need to tell you that a good serum is one of the core pillars of a good skincare routine, so the 2% Hyaluronic Acid Booster (£5.99) will be right up your street if you’re looking to achieve plumper, hydrated and glowing skin.
Use: Two to three times a week, after cleansing and toning and before moisturising
If you’re looking to add radiance…
Vitamin Ccan be daily at any time but, as it’s an antioxidant that offers your skin some protection against free radicals, you’ll really reap its benefits in the morning before applying your daily SPF. It’s also great for improving radiance and evening out skin tone, and is paired with moisturising squalane in the Me+ Vitamin C Booster (£11.99).
If you’ve found vitamin C to be irritating to your skin in the past, give its antioxidant cousin niacinamide a go by adding the Niacinamide & Zinc Booster (£6.99) to your morning routine two to three times a week instead. The contents of this little bottle help to refine skin’s texture and tone in as little as four weeks.
Use: Morning, after cleansing and before thicker serums, moisturisers and SPF
If you’re looking to support your skin barrier…
Looking after your skin’s barrier function is essential for a healthy complexion, as a well-functioning one will keep moisture in and nasties out of your skin.
Ceramides are one of the best ingredients for the job – already naturally present in the skin, they help to lock moisture in and defend against irritation, so incorporating more of them into your routine will make your skin sing.
Try a gentle moisturising cream like the Me+ Ceramides Moisturiser (£6.99) as the last step in your morning and evening routine, to seal in the rest of your regime and support that skin barrier.
Use:Morning and evening, after serums and before SPF in the mornings
If you’re looking to decongest your skin…
There are so many different acids that can benefit your skin that it can be tempting to use them all at once – but it’s better to be choosy with your acids.
While alpha-hydroxy acids generally exfoliate skin’s surface and improve radiance or the appearance of dry skin,betahydroxy acids, commonly in the form of salicylic acid, get deep into your pores to help dislodge debris and unclog them. The result? A clearer complexion over time.
Salicylic is also a great anti-inflammatory ingredient, so sore, clogged-up skin is no match for its clearing powers. So if you’d like to keep congestion at bay, ease the Me+ BHA Toner (£8.99) into your routine, and make sure you’re extra vigilant about using SPF the following morning.
Use:Try in the evening, after cleansing and before serums. Start using 2-3 times a week and build up from there if you feel your skin needs it, and always use an SPF the following morning.
If you’re looking to smooth fine lines…
If you’re looking to target the early signs of skin ageing, retinol is one of the best ingredients for the job as it’s been proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles — and you’ll find it in the Me+ Retinol Sheet Mask (£2.99) for an age-defying skin treat.
Retinol works by speeding up skin cell turnover and improving your skin’s collagen, so it’s a great match for those seeking a more youthful complexion or who are blemish prone. However, as it’s such a powerful active, it has to be introduced to your skin gradually if you haven’t used it before, and it may not agree with sensitive skin types. Use this sheet mask no more than twice per week, and SPF must also always be used during the day when using retinol in your routine.
Use:Evening, after cleansing and before applying thicker serums and moisturisers. If you also use an acid toner or booster, it’s important to alternate the evenings you use this and your retinol to avoid overloading your skin with exfoliants
With any of these super duper ingredients in your regime, we predict that a summer of healthy, glowing skin is on the cards!
The Me+ by Superdrug range is available to shop both in-store andonline.
