Pesky nose hairs getting you down? While nostril hair is important for filtering the air with breath, ensuring no nasties enter the lungs, if a few visible hairs are causing you stress, you might be wondering how to remove nose hair. The good news? We’ve got the answers. 

When it comes to choosing an at-home hair removal method for the nose, there’s a lot to consider. Firstly, most experts recommended we don’t remove nostril hair entirely as it can leave the sinuses and lungs vulnerable to unfiltered air. It’s also important to consider if a professional hair removal treatment is worth investing in—and in your budget—or if you need to remove nose hair at home. 

In the name of helping you discover how to remove nose hair and find the best method for you, with the help of a skincare expert I tested the most common nostril hair removal methods to bring you this edit of the best. 

Meet the experts on nose hair removal

Your guide to removing nose hair

The best products for removing nose hair at home, as reviewed by a health and beauty expert

How we tested the best at-home methods for removing nose hair

• Method: I tested a range of nose hair removal methods to bring something for everyone, whether you prefer waxing, trimming, or tweezing.
• Features: I noted if the products had any special features. For example, if trimmers came with storage pouches or extra heads, or if the wax kit was reusable and could be used again and again.
• Ease of use: While I can’t promise that the below hair removal methods are pain-free, they are easy to use. All of the products tested are at-home friendly and come with clear instructions for use.
• Price: I tested a range of products at different price points to consider a wide variety of products and to ensure all budgets were catered to in the final guide. 

The best at-home nose hair removal methods

Trimming with a nose trimmer is pain-free, and the easiest way to shorten visible hair without removing it completely—allowing your nose hairs to still do their job of filtering out dust and bacteria. The Phillips NT3650 is my go-to and I find it effectively minimizes nostril hairs that are peaking out. It has a dual-sided trimmer to ensure hairs are cut quickly at any angle, and a protective guard with a cover over the blades so you never have to worry about blades touching or cutting your skin. However, as with all nose hair removal methods, you should never insert the trimmer right up the nostril. Instead, place this device about 0.5cm into the nostril and slowly move it around in circular motion to catch hairs. 

This kit also comes with two additional trimming heads, that can be used to groom brow hair or ear hair. It’s water-resistant for easy cleaning and comes with a travel pouch so you can catch pesky nose hairs on-the-go. What’s more, it’s affordable too. However, it’s worth noting this trimmer is battery-powered and requires 1 x AA battery to get started. 

Small cosmetic scissors like the brushworks Precision Straight Scissors can be used to groom visible nose hairs without removing them completely. This stainless steel pair features a sleek pink handle and are small enough for easy-travel, making trimming and grooming on-the-go a breeze.

Extra-care should be taken when trimming with scissors and they should only ever be used to trim the most visible hairs at the front of the nose. Never place them inside the nostril as they could cause damage. While I found the straight scissors easy-to-use and very effective, some may find curved scissors reach bothersome hairs a little easier. Remember to always clean your scissors with soapy water after every use. 

OkK, I have to include this method in here as it is effective—however, let me preface it with this: it’s certainly not-pain free and is not expert-recommended, as it involves removing the nose hair completely. If waxing and trimming aren’t your style, you could also try tweezing visible nose hairs with the Tweezerman Slant Tweezers. I love using this product on my brows, so in the name of testing the best nose hair removal techniques, I tried removing a few nose hairs that were peeking out. While this sleek style is easy-to-hold and effectively latched onto very small visible hairs, it was more painful than the other methods and made my eyes tingle!

If you have just one or two hairs peeping out, it will certainly do the trick—however, as with waxing, it will mean you are removing the hair rather than trimming it and therefore could be breathing in unfiltered air. We should also note that if you’re plucking hairs you should never place the tweezers inside the nostril—this is a big no-no as you could damage the nose membrane. If you can, as Dr. Arora points out, it’s best to stick to trimming nose hairs and keep your tweezers for grooming brows instead.

From Danish brand UNIQ, this wax kit is a popular option for those who want to remove as many nose hairs as possible quickly. While this is my least favorite hair removal technique (and the one I find the most uncomfortable), for some, it’s the most effective and as it removes the hair completely it takes longer to grow back. However, as Dr. Arora points out, you should try to avoid removing all nose hair as it does play an important role in filtering the air before it reaches your lungs.

This kit comes with a pack of wax pearls that are melted at around 113°F/45°C before being applied to the plastic spatula. You then insert the spatula into the nose (just around the inside of the nose, never the whole way up the nostril ), leave it for 1-2 minutes to allow the wax to harden, and then pull firmly. This kit comes with a reusable measuring cup, disposable spatulas, and cups for melting the wax. Depending on how much wax you use each time, this kit should provide you with enough product for 10 hair removal sessions.

The importance of wearing sunscreen is a continuous topic of conversation and for good reason, too. Not only does it help in the fight to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, but it also helps to reduce signs of premature aging in the skin.

However, you may still have some unanswered questions when it comes to getting the very most out of your best face sunscreen, such as when to apply sunscreen in your skincare routine, how long you should wait to apply sunscreen after moisturizer, and how to apply sunscreen when wearing makeup. 

Applying too little or not following the steps—including when to apply sunscreen, before or after moisturizer—has the potential to leave the skin unprotected and more vulnerable to burning and sun damage. We asked experts to weigh in on how long to wait after sunscreen to apply makeup, to whether skint tints with SPF can be used in replacement of a dedicated sunscreen. Here’s what they told us.

Meet the experts in applying sunscreen

• D. Salome Dharamshi is a dermatologist and the founder of SKY Clinic, based in Birmingham, UK. She has shared how to layer sunscreen in your skincare routine, as well as advice on applying and topping up with makeup. 
• Colette Laxton is the co-founder of skincare brand The INKEY List. She's advised on applying sunscreen with moisturizer and makeup.
• Dr. Ross Perry is the medical director of the Cosmedics Skin Clinics. He's given insights into applying sunscreen with other products, such as serum and foundation, as well as topping up over makeup. 
• Ridah Syed is senior medical aesthetician at Skinfluencer London and has 25 years' of experience as an aesthetics practitioner. Here she's explained when to apply both serums and sunscreen in your regime. 

Should you apply sunscreen or skincare first?

If you’ve ever been stumped on when to apply sunscreen, you should know that your other products should always be applied first, with sunscreen being the last step in your skincare routine. To begin, "Skincare should be layered in order of consistency from lightweight serums through to thicker textures such as moisturizer to give the skin time to absorb it," says Dharamshi.

"SPF acts as a skin-protecting filter, layered over the top of your skin-enhancing skincare base to filter out harmful UVA and UVB rays, so sunscreen should therefore always be applied after your skincare regime as the finishing touch."

Should you apply sunscreen or serum first?

Again, sunscreen should always be the last step in your skincare routine, so always go in with your serum first. “Apply a few drops in the palm of your hands before smoothing into the skin and giving it a few minutes to absorb before applying your sunscreen.” Says Dr. Perry.

However, one thing to note is that this is dependent on the type of sunscreen you’re using (Not to add an extra layer of confusion) “If you use chemical sunscreen, apply it before moisturizer so your skin has time to absorb the ingredients that are charged with protecting the skin,” says Syed. “If the moisturizer is applied after the chemical sunscreen, it could actually change the properties of your sunscreen and create a barrier between your skin and the SPF meant to protect it.” If it’s not a chemical sunscreen apply it after moisturizer.

A lot of sunscreen and skincare packaging contain directions on when to apply it and in what order. While it may seem confusing now, once you get the hang of it, it’ll become second nature.

How long should you wait to apply sunscreen after moisturizer?

Once you’ve applied moisturizer to the skin you’ll want to give it a few minutes before going in with your sunscreen. Colette Laxton, co-founder of The INKEY List, says: "Waiting until your skin has dried and absorbed the moisturizer,” is a good way to figure out when to apply your SPF. "Remember, you ideally want to be applying sunscreen 15 minutes before going outdoors."

Should you apply sunscreen or makeup first? 

“For maximum protection from the sun's rays, your SPF should be the last stage in your skincare regime but the first stage in your makeup regime. Apply your sunscreen before applying primer, foundation, concealer and other makeup products,” says Dharamshi. “Give it a couple of minutes to settle before applying makeup.”

• View at Sephora in the US
• View at LOOKFANTASTIC in the UK

Should you apply sunscreen or foundation first?

"Sunscreen first, always, again waiting for upwards of two minutes to allow your SPF to soak into the skin and form a protective shield before going in with a foundation," says Dharamshi. "You should always apply an SPF, even if your foundation contains it."

In more recent years we’ve seen a rise in skincare-makeup hybrid products that contain SPF. Despite this, Dr. Perry says, "Whether it’s a foundation or tinted moisturizer with an additional SPF, it’s not a reliable source of SPF protection. So it would be advisable to wear sunscreen in addition to products that contain SPF."

Can we apply sunscreen over makeup?

Thanks to brands releasing more non-cream-based SPFs, like sprays and powders, it’s easier than ever to apply sunscreen over makeup. Sunscreen is best applied to bare skin, so it's important that you apply it before makeup application.

“if you use creamy, dewy makeup products without powder; liquid, mist, powder and cream sunscreens are fine to apply over your makeup as they won't impact the texture or finish,” says Dharamshi.

“However, if you use powder-based makeup (or like to set your look in place with contouring techniques & setting powder for a more matte finish for example) you may be better off using a powder SPF or lightweight mist to avoid any texture issues.”

How long should you wait to apply sunscreen over makeup?

When it comes to applying sunscreen after makeup it should be used as a top-up throughout the day and not as your first application of the day as sunscreen works best on bare skin. Sunscreen should be applied: "Approximately every two hours, starting with two hours after completing your skincare routine.” says Dharamshi.

How to apply sunscreen over makeup

As previously touched on, there are many forms of sun protection that can go over makeup from SPF sticks, mists, sprays and powders. “If you’re out in the sun then you will need to reapply sunscreen, regardless of whether you have makeup on,” says Dr. Perry.

When it comes to finding the best techniques to apply sunscreen over makeup "using a make-up sponge and blot over the face ensures each area is covered adequately."

"Tinted SPF products work well over the top of foundation and makeup products and often have a version to suit various skin tones," says Dharamshi.

"Mineral, powder SPFs can be brushed on over your skin; gently stippling and brushing it over your entire face in general a beauty blender is an effective method for re-applying an SPF product over makeup, lightly pat your sponge across your face to ensure all-over coverage. Blotting it in allows the product to be absorbed, with minimal disruption to your makeup.”

You may be well-versed in this ingredient's benefits, but knowing how to use your vitamin C serum properly is another matter entirely. Not only is it hailed for its ability to encourage collagen production, but it’s one of the few proven anti-aging skincare ingredients.

So it makes sense that the best vitamin C serums are considered a cornerstone of a good skincare routine.  “Vitamin C can improve visible signs of sun damage as well as helping to defend skin against environmental damage,” explains Daniel Isaacs, director of research at Medik8. “It’s considered one of the best antioxidants in skincare and it’s able to fight off free radicals, which can cause premature aging.

"It’s essential for the synthesis of collagen and it also disrupts the melanin synthesis pathway," he continues. "Another minor benefit includes its ability to strengthen the capillary network which in turn helps to reduce redness."

It’s clear that vitamin C is something of a powerhouse ingredient, but it has to be used properly to get the benefits, as it's notoriously unstable and formulations can change when exposed to light and air. So, what’s the best way to use it and how can you ensure that you’re getting the most effective results? We asked an expert for everything you need to know.

Meet the experts on vitamin C serums

• Daniel Isaacs is director of research at skincare brand Medik8. As part of this piece he's explained everything from the benefits of using a vitamin C serum to the time of day it's best used in your skincare routine.

How to use vitamin C serum in your skincare routine

Should vitamin C be used in the morning or at night?

While there’s a lot of conflicting information around whether you should use vitamin C at morning or night, most experts would agree that we reap the most benefits by using it in the morning. “It’s a must-have in any morning routine because it provides the body’s natural antioxidant system with a boost to help it fight off free-radicals; shielding the skin from their damaging effects,” Isaacs confirms. 

Where in your skincare routine should vitamin C be used?

The general rule of skincare is that products should be applied in order of viscosity—that means the most water-like products should be applied first, gradually working up to the thickest texture. As Isaacs says, “vitamin C should be applied after cleansing, toner (if you use it), and hyaluronic acid, but before your chosen daily sunscreen”.

How to apply vitamin C serum

Many vitamin C serums, like Medik8 Super C30, SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic and La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum, are quite potent. While the ingredient is usually well-tolerated in most skin types, we would say that it’s always best to err on the side of caution and do a patch test before use if you’re using a product for the first time. 

You should always follow the instructions on your chosen product but, generally speaking, two or three drops dispensed into the palm of your hand should be enough. Then, because vitamin C serums can be quite runny in texture, it’s easier to pat your hands together and then gently press it into your skin, rather than rubbing it in like a cream. Then wait a couple of minutes or so before moving on to the next step of your routine, as the serum then has enough time to absorb properly. 

Are there any skincare ingredients vitamin C can't be used with?

In order to get the best and most effective results from your vitamin C serum, it should be combined with the best sunscreen for face—ideally SPF 30 or higher. Vitamin C is photoprotective, meaning it acts as a natural defense against some UV-induced damage. But that doesn’t mean it can be used in place of sunscreen; it should always be used in tandem. 

When it comes to ingredients that should be avoided, there aren’t many to note. However, Isaacs says he wouldn’t recommend using vitamin C with copper as it may react, while using it with niacinamide may make it slightly less effective. 

What does non-comedogenic mean? You may well have read the term on your beauty products, but likely haven't a clue what it means—after all, it's not the simplest of words to get your head around.

Unless you are a beauty and skincare whizz who takes pains to keep themselves updated on the latest buzzwords, the meaning of non-comedogenic may have passed you buy, and understandably. It's plastered all over many of the best non-comedogenic foundations and skincare products, alongside many other confusing-sounding words and ingredients.

So while you might not know what it means, the term 'non-comedogenic' should be on your beauty radar. We spoke to the experts to explain the exact meaning, and why you should incorporate it into your routine. 

What does non-comedogenic mean?

Put simply, when it comes to keeping acne, breakouts, oily skin and large pores under control, a well thought-out non-comedogenic formula will contain ingredients that won’t contribute to blocked pores—preventing spots and excess oil building up on the face.

“Non-comedogenic basically means the products will not block your pores,” says Dr. Parisha Acharya (or Dr Paris), Aesthetic Doctor at London Marylebone’s Waterhouse Young clinic. “A comedo is the medical term for a blocked hair follicle or pore, blockages can result in whiteheads, blackheads and papules.

“Open comedones are a scientific term for black-heads,” explains aesthetic doctor Dr. Maryam Zamani of the blemishes, which form when the oil and bacteria in the blockage becomes oxidized by the air, causing it to change in color. “Closed comedones are white,” adds Dr Maryam, explaining that a whitehead is what happens when a blocked hair follicle is covered by the skin.

So when it comes to our skincare and make-up, what exactly does it mean?

“Non-comedogenic products make sure that there is nothing that could overly clog the pores,” says Dr. Maryam. “Overall, it helps to prevent pore blockages, comedones, blackhead, congested and bumpy skin.

“All skin types can benefit from non-comedogenic products as they allow your skin to breathe,” adds Dr. Paris, “but specifically those with oilier skin types and a propensity for acne will gain most from the formulations.”

How can you tell if your make-up is non-comedogenic?

With some products it can be relatively easy to figure out whether it is comedogenic or not, as anything that is free from comedogenic ingredients will usually be labelled “non-comedogenic”.

That being said, we'd advise keep an eye out when purchasing from any sellers other than the brand directly, as in some instances there are those that will label the product non-comedogenic when it is simply oil-free—and there’s a difference between oil-free and non-comedogenic foundations and skincare.

“Oil-free does not necessarily mean non-comedogenic,” advises Dr. Paris. “So even if a foundation claims it is oil free it may still contain ingredients that can potentially block your pores.

“All packaging should state if a product is non-comedogenic,” she explains. “By stating this it means that the product has undergone trials under supervision of a dermatologist to confirm that the product is what it says it is.

“However, that being said, the beauty industry does not necessarily use regulated tests and so I would also look at the ingredients to ensure the chances of blocked pores are kept to a minimum. 

"Ideally you should be using products containing salicylic acid and retinol if you are susceptible to breakouts.”

Common skincare ingredients that could potentially clog the pores include:

• sulphates
• silicones
• coconut oil

So, when shopping for your next skincare or beauty purchase, be sure to keep a lookout for these ingredients specifically, if you're unsure whether the item is non-comedogenic or not.

Should you use both non-comedogenic skincare and foundation?

Now you know the answer to the question, what does non-comedogenic mean, it's natural that you might be wondering whether you now need to replace the entire contents of your make-up bag in order to avoid acne.

And the answer is that it really depends on each person and their needs. “This fully depends on the individual and their sensitivity,” says Dr. Maryam. “In general, those that suffer from acne tend to use more foundation to cover the spots and therefore should specifically choose both skincare and foundation that is non comedogenic. Generally, individuals with dryer skin types do not need to worry about this.”

“And I always recommend using lightweight formulations for both skincare and foundation to avoid congesting your skin” adds Dr. Paris. For example, the best foundations for acne-prone skin can work well.

So what should you be looking for if you don't want to hunt down specifically non-comedogenic items, but want to ensure your skincare products aren't causing your skin any harm?

“Your ideal foundation should be lightweight, water, gel or aloe-vera based," she advised. "Bonus points if it contains salicylic acid for acne prone individuals. Look for terms like hypoallergenic or non-comedogenic but remember these terms are not necessarily regulated so still be vigilant of the ingredient list.”

In the midst of the pandemic, having a home office was no longer a luxury reserved for those who have enough space to create a haven of productivity. Nowadays, it's become a necessity. While you’re spending a lot of time working from home, it’s important to decorate your home office in a way that reflects what you’re passionate about and inspires you to be your most productive self. 

This isn’t always easy. If your living space is already restrictive, it can be difficult to carve out an area of calm that feels “just for work.” After all, when home and office blend, it can sometimes lead to distractions or restlessness, instead of the aspirational visions of cappuccinos in bed à la Julia Roberts in Notting Hill that we had in mind. 

Whether it be reinventing your kitchen table or investing in some new pieces of furniture (like the best desk chairs, because back support, duh), these simple working from home tips will help you decorate your home office and transform it into a comfortable, calming and creative environment. 

How to decorate a home office on a budget:

1. Add fresh flowers

It sounds like such a simple thing, but keeping a vase of fresh flowers on your desk every day and investing the time and effort to replenishing them is like an act of self-love. Not only does it send a message to yourself that you’re the kind of organized, professional person who deserves a well-presented workspace, but it will also make you smile.

2. Hang an inspiration board

Surrounding yourself with images that stimulate and inspire you is an easy way to make your workspace aesthetically pleasing while reminding you of your goals and to stay focused. A stylish way to do this is to use a metallic grid which you can mount on a wall and attach postcards, quotes or photos using mini clips. You could also collect mementos of things that remind you of your goals and pin them up using a corkboard.

We recommend hanging your board near your desk, preferably in your daily eye line, so that it continues to inspire you throughout your working hours. If you fancy using it as the focus for a gallery wall, simply pick out two or three colors that feature in your mood board and source four art prints that also feature these colors. Position them in a roughly circular shape with your mood board in the middle and the other four pictures surrounding it, some slightly above and some slightly below. 

3. Rent your furniture

The interior design industry is changing, as more young people rent for longer, unsure if they will ever get on the property ladder. This, combined with consumers’ rising expectations for innovative, flexible initiatives from retailers and options rooted in sustainability, has seen a wave of furniture rental schemes pop up. Both IKEA and Muji announced that they would trial renting furniture back in 2019, although neither has officially launched yet. 

John Lewis is trialing a rental service in Greater London that allows you to rent everything from desks and tables to sofas and office chairs for £15 a month. Plus, once you’re done, each piece is cleaned and refurbished and rented to someone new, sustainably prolonging its life. We also love Harth, a platform where you can rent from other furniture enthusiasts for a monthly fee. This is an ideal option if you don’t see yourself working from home forever, or you just want to keep your home up-to-date with the latest trends. 

4. Light some candles

We all know work can be stressful and although your surroundings can’t help you sift through your inbox, don’t underestimate the calming powers of an aromatherapy candle. 

Burning one of the best scented candles is a small touch but it will help you to feel that you have cultivated your surroundings purposefully for your working self. This alone is a positive ritual and enables you to feel a little more in control when you’re having a busy day. Opt for a candle that uses calming essential oils like lavender, chamomile, neroli or rose and you’ll feel the benefits physically as well mentally!

You may be wondering how to clean a yoga mat if you’ve been doing a lot more home workouts of late. You've already picked up on the best yoga mats out there but what's next? Hygiene has always been an important step before, during, and after exercise yet in recent times it has become even more integral to keep yourself and your equipment pristine. 

But just how dirty can a yoga mat get? Even the best and most "antibacterial" yoga mats on the market can still be a germ magnet. Whether you’re holding yoga poses in a sweat-drenched hot sauna or crunching out a strenuous set of reps with the best resistance bands for yoga, it’s safe to say yoga mats can become a Petri dish for germs and bacteria over time. "Making skin contact with a dirty yoga mat covered in germs and bacteria can lead to skin infections, acne, toenail fungus,” warns US surgeon David A. Greuner. 

He adds that a particularly germ-ridden mat can even “transfer of the herpes virus and staph and strep infections in susceptible individuals.” It’s enough to want to throw your trusty mat out. But before you get rid, consider getting your yoga mat clean.

How to clean a yoga mat the right way:

1. Soak in the bath

If you think your mat is in desperate need of a good soak, then it may be time to schedule bath time. Warning though, this method may only be suited to mats made from rubber or water-resistant materials. Yoga company Manduka recommends submerging your mat in a bathtub filled with a shallow layer of warm water with 1tsp of gentle detergent. This doesn’t have to be a long process—soak it for five minutes on each side before scrubbing it down with a sponge. If you can, allow it to air dry for 24 hours before rolling it up.

2. DIY sanitizer spray

An alternative to sanitizing sprays is making your own version from items already in your household. Yogi Krysta Shannon has a great DIY cleaning method on her blog Yogi Approved that she claims is a “safe” and natural way to keep your yoga mat clean and cared for. All you need is a spray bottle filled with white vinegar, water, two drops of tea tree oil, and a drop of lavender essence. 

3. Soap and water

They say simple is best and the same can be said when it comes to cleaning your yoga mat. Multiple yoga mat companies suggest diluting a gentle dish soap and giving your yoga mat a good scrub down. Although, be careful to not go overboard with the soap. Too many suds can cause your mat to become slippery (a hazard when you’re attempting a seriously tricky yoga pose). 

4. Store-bought sanitizing sprays

The quick and easy option is to purchase yoga mat-friendly sanitizing sprays. There are plenty of yoga sprays on the market that takes some of the hassles out of DIY cleaning. Another plus is that they tend to smell great, too.

A personal favorite is the MIO Liquid Yoga Space Spray. At $22 (£21), it’s pretty pricey compared to the average dish soap, but the vegan-friendly formula has the added feature of aromatherapy oils. Free People’s ‘Way OF Will’ spray ($15, £12) is another great option, as it contains tea tree oil for its “anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties,” as well as lavender essential oil which acts as “an antiseptic, bactericidal, and insecticidal." Simply spritz your mat down, wipe the sweat away, and let it air dry.

5. Deep clean in a washing machine

Depending on the type of mat you’ve purchased, you can wash some brands of yoga mats in the washing machine on a cold, short cycle. (For rubber mats, stay clear of cork). It’s not recommended that you do this often, as frequent machine washing could eventually shorten your mat's lifecycle. 

How often should you be cleaning your yoga mat?

Yoga mats are a bit like make-up brushes: while they can harbor many germs, cleaning them is not always high on everyone’s priority list. If you exercise regularly, hygienists recommend you clean down your mat after every session. The rule of thumb is to wipe it down after every session as it could also prolong your mat’s life, but if you’ve neglected it for a while, there are many quick and easy cleaning options to choose from.

You probably know it's easy to use wax or pre-made strips to remove unwanted body hair. And that it’s really easy to drip and spill it all over the place. Learning how to remove wax from skin and clothes is therefore super useful for any at-home DIY beauty disasters. 

If the hair removal process has left your clothes covered in splotches of wax, by this point, you’re probably secretly wishing you opted for at-home laser hair removal instead. But for now, you’re left to deal with a gooey mess—and luckily, the experts know how to get it off your skin and clothes.

Ahead, in our need-to-know guide they break down exactly what you need to know about how to remove wax from your skin, clothes, and anywhere else.

Meet the experts on wax removal

• Adriana Aziz is the operations manager at MaidForYou and has shared how to remove wax from clothes and fabric.
• Catherine Burns works at Fantastic Cleaners and has explained why it's so important to clean spilt wax as soon as possible. 
• Jodie Hamilton is a cleaning expert at Amazing Services and has advised on removing wax from the skin. 
• Diana Rodriguez-Zaba is the president of the cleaning company ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, who has also advised on removing wax from both the skin and clothing. 
• Alex Varela is the general manager at Dallas Maids and has explained ways to remove wax from clothing and fabric. 

How to remove wax from skin without pulling out your hair

Waxing is a great hair removal option for dark skin to light skin, whether you're looking to remove facial hair, smooth the legs or stomach or want to remove pubic hair without shaving. But if you drop it in the wrong place, it can wreak havoc. But don't panic—our experts have explained how to remove wax from skin without also ripping off body hair.

“In order to remove wax from the skin, you’ll need an oil-based product,” says Jodie Hamilton, cleaning expert at Amazing Services. This will help to soften and break down the wax so it slides right off your skin. “You can use mineral oil, massage oil, olive oil, petroleum jelly, or even makeup remover with an oil base. Use a cotton pad to apply the oil to the wax, and gently rub the skin until the wax is removed.”

If you have dry or sensitive skin, you could even use popular skincare oils like argan oil, marula oil or tamanu oil.

Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, president of cleaning company ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, recommends massaging the area with a cotton pad soaked in slightly warm extra-virgin olive oil. “This technique not only removes the wax, but it leaves your skin moisturized,” she says.

How to get wax out of clothes and fabric

The trick to getting wax off of your clothes is to gently lift the wax off the surface of the fabric. Whatever you do, don’t rub it in—this will only make things worse.

"Never rub the wax into the fabric while washing or it may become permanent," Adriana Aziz, operations manager at MaidForYou, stresses. The deeper the wax gets into the fibers, the harder it is to remove.

Instead of reaching for a scrubbing brush, there are two methods for removal. Harden the wax and scrape off the pieces, or melt the wax and gently lift off the residue.

1. Freeze the wax and pick off the pieces

“Ice can be used to help the wax harden and settle, making it easier to remove,” says Catherine Burns of Fantastic Cleaners. “Place a bag of ice on the wax stain and leave it in place for about 10 minutes. Afterward, simply peel the wax off.” 

If peeling proves difficult, try snapping larger pieces into smaller chunks and scraping off the residue with a butter knife or spatula.

“If you still see a spot or two of wax, put the garment in the freezer for about half an hour,” suggests Adriana Aziz, operations manager at MaidForYou. This should harden the remaining bits, making them easier to scrape off.

This is the preferred method for heat-sensitive fibers like nylon, acetate, and acrylic, which will scorch if you try the next method.

2. Or, melt off remaining wax using an iron and paper

“Another solution would be to iron the wax out,” says Alex Varela, general manager at Dallas Maids. The trick is to cover the stained garment with a layer of paper that will act like a sponge to lift off the gooey wax. You’ll also want to go slow and steady, using low heat without steam.

"Place a brown paper bag on top of the stain," Alex explains. "Then on top of that, place a dish towel. As you iron, the heat will soften the wax which will stick to the brown paper bag."

3. Treat the fabric with a stain remover before laundering

After you manage to get the wax chunks off: “spray the area with a stain remover and toss in the washer at the recommended fabric settings," Rodriguez-Zaba says.

Alternatively, you can spritz on a stain remover and hand-wash delicate items with mild soap and water. This step can ensure your clothes come out of the laundry without any discolored spots. 

For dry-clean-only garments, “Wax can be removed from fabric with a dry cleaning solvent like perchloroethylene or carbon tetrachloride,” according to Adriana. 

Start with a spot test to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric. Adriana recommends being careful with silk, rayon, and polyester knits as these may not hold up well to strong chemicals. When you’re done successfully blotting away the stained spots, “rinse the area well to remove any cleaner residue.”

Can wax stain or damage your clothes if you don’t clean it off?

It can be tempting to put off the damage control until tomorrow, but by that time, unfortunately, it’ll be too late to save your favorite PJs. “Wax stains contain oils and dyes that can permanently damage clothing," Rodriguez-Zaba says.

Depending on the type of hair removal product you’re using, the spill could leave your clothes with anything from oily spots of discoloration to stubborn, dark stains.

“If a wax stain is left untreated, it will seep into the fabric of your clothing and solidify,“ Burns says. “I recommend taking immediate care if you see wax stains on your clothes. That way, the wax will come off much more easily.”

Wax drips and spills can be stressful, but if you act quickly and work patiently, you can rectify your mishap.

If you've been put off by waxing after an incident, you could always try alternative hair removal options like laser hair removal, at home ipl or shaving—however be aware that this can cause ingrown hair in some areas.

But we hope it doesn't put you off waxing from life, whether you prefer a bikini or brazilian wax.

Knowing what to do with ingrown hair is vital to ensure they 1) don't worsen and 2) clear up quickly. Ingrown hairs are super irritating and often flare up at the least opportune moments, but picking and poking at the site to get rid of the hair is a quick way to cause an infection.

Generally, ingrown hairs are more common with temporary hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, and tweezing, than with semi-permanent procedures like at-home laser hair removal. Anytime you pluck pesky chin hairs before a day of photos, or shave your legs and bikini line in a rush ahead of a vacation, you risk irritated skin and ingrown hairs. 

So, to avoid any issues and keep your skin and body hair healthy, we've detailed the causes and how to treat them to help you avoid them in the future. If you’re dealing with ingrown hair right now, read on for treatment tips from the experts, including when you should seek the help of a specialist. 

Meet the experts on ingrown hairs

• Danielle Lawrence is a licesned esthetician at Show A Little Skincare who has explained the importance of treating ingrown hairs and how to deal with them at home.
• Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson is chief medical officer at Ideal Image, and has explained the causes of ingrown hairs, as well as how they can be managed and treated. 

Why do ingrown hairs happen?

After hair removal, regrowth sometimes gets stuck under the skin. “Rather than the new hair growing straight out, it curls around and grows back into the skin,” explains Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, chief medical officer at Ideal Image. 

“This happens because the pathway through the hair follicle is blocked by debris like dead skin cells and sebum," she continues. "When the hair grows back into the skin, the body responds to it as if it’s a foreign object and that’s why you’ll usually see inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and itchiness.”

This happens more frequently to some people than others, and in certain places of the body. “Ingrown hairs are most commonly found in areas where you shave, and are more commonly found in curly, coarse hair than fine, straight hair," Dr. Mraz Robinson adds. 

Whether angry red bumps and trapped hairs are an occasional annoyance or a constant problem for you, it’s important to know what to do with ingrown hair—and what not to do.

How to treat ingrown hairs at home

Most ingrown hairs on your legs, body, and face will sort themselves out in time. “Minor ingrowns will typically resolve on their own with time as long as you stop shaving the area,” Dr. Mraz Robinson confirms. As such, leaving your ingrown hairs alone can often be the best course of action.

But what happens if you don’t treat more serious ingrown hairs? According to Danielle Lawrence, licensed esthetician at Show a Little Skincare, you can develop an infection. “[This] can turn into cyst that will require excision and possibly antibiotics,” she explains, adding that long-term consequences can include scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (known as PIH). 

Luckily, you have a lot of options for treating ingrown hair before getting close to that point. Our experts have shared their recommendations in more detail below. 

1. Apply a warm compress

Start by treating the area with a warm compress. Massaging the area with a washcloth soaked in very warm (not burning hot) water can do the trick to help clear and open up the clogged follicle. This will also ensure that the area is clean and help you to avoid infection. 

2. Follow up with a spot treatment

Dr. Mraz Robinson recommends “keeping the area clean with benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil, which has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.” Tea tree can be a wonderful essential oil for ingrown hair irritation, but other ingredients can provide protection and relief as well.

Then, applying a spot treatment can work wonders, according to our experts. “If you find yourself needing to cure an ingrown, I recommend a spot treatment cream with active ingredients like green coffee, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and aloe vera” Lawrence says. 

3. Remove the hair with tweezers, if you can

By this point, you might see the trapped hair has been released. But is it safe to remove ingrown hairs? 

“When the hair is visible at the surface, you can use clean tweezers to pull it out,” Dr. Mraz Robinson says. But you should only do this if the warm compress and spot treatment have actually freed the hair. “Never, ever dig it out or try to pierce the skin to access it; this can lead to infection and long-term scarring," she stresses. 

4. See a professional if at-home treatments don’t work

After this three-step process, some serious ingrown hairs may still be stuck and inflamed. If that happens, and the spot is getting noticeably worse, you should seek professional advice. 

“If your ingrown hair has a large, painful cyst or pustule, then incision and drainage may be required,” says Dr. Mraz Robinson—but this is not something you should try at home.

“DIY removal most often ends with the hair still ingrown and most likely creates a larger infection, causing damage that will lead to scarring and PIH," Lawrence warns. "Your best bet is to resist the urge to pick and leave this to a professional. A licensed esthetician or dermatologist can remove an ingrown hair safely in an antiseptic environment.” 

How to prevent ingrown hairs

Even if you have a bad experience with an angry ingrown hair, there are still plenty of things you can do to stop it from happening again. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; this is equally true for ingrown hairs,” says Lawrence. "Keeping your skin properly exfoliated, hydrated, and moisturized is the best way to prevent the issue."

If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, your follicles are probably constantly clogged, which either means you're not exfoliating your skin on a regular basis or that your current body scrub just isn't cutting it. 

Instead, Dr. Mraz Robinson recommends "integrating chemical exfoliation into your skincare routine, especially before shaving." Chemical exfoliants include AHAs, like glycolic acid, and BHAs, and will help you to get rid of dead skin cells, found in many bodycare products. 

"For those who have recurrent issues, laser hair removal might also be your best bet," Dr. Mraz Robinson said. If shaving, waxing, and tweezing cause too many problems, it’s worth looking at alternative options. It's also worth considering how long hair removal methods last, as laser removal will last you much longer than shaving or waxing, for example. If you're looking to remove facial hair permanently, or hair from your legs, arms, or underarms, laser removal or electrolysis are longer-lasting options.

There are many hair removal options for the bikini area, but shaving tends to be the most popular given its affordability and ease. But it can result in irritating ingrown hairs and, at times, feels like the results barely last for a day. Learning how to remove pubic hair without shaving is therefore the solution.

The truth is that there are several other hair removal options for the bikini area than the humble razor. Your options are vast—ranging from depilatory creams to waxing and even at-home laser hair removal.

To that end, we spoke to skin experts about the best hair removal methods for the bikini area to get their advice to help you improve your at-home grooming routine even further. 

Meet the experts on pubic hair removal

• Dr. Purvisha Patel is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Visha Skincare. She has explained why shaving the bikini area might not work for some people, and how the best alternative options work. 
• Dr. Ailynne Marie Vergara-Wijangco is a clinical dermatologist and the owner of the VW Dermatology Clinic. She has also explained alternative options in more detail.

Should you avoid shaving pubic hair? 

Shaving might be the preferred method for some people as, as mentioned, it's affordable, fast, and usually painless. But for those who are fed up with seeing adverse side effects of shaving, like redness or bumps, the struggle of hair removal for the bikini area is real. 

“The bikini area has hair and skin that are exposed to a lot of warmth and moisture,” explains Dr. Purvisha Patel, dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates and founder of Visha Skincare.

"Shaving in that area—especially for those with textured hair—can increase shaving bumps or ingrown hairs," Dr. Patel continues. "This is because the hair that is curly grows out, and then into the surrounding skin of the hair follicle."

For those with sensitive skin, particularly in this delicate area, shaving may cause irritation. Plus, the results of shaving your pubic area don't tend to last all too long—on average most women will see regrowth begin between 2-5 days after shaving. So it's worth considering how long other hair removal methods last. Overall, shaving is not the most useful choice, luckily, it isn’t the only option there is.

How to remove pubic hair without shaving

There are plenty of other hair removal methods out there, many of which Dr. Patel says are better solutions for the bikini line than a razor and shaving cream. You could try the following. 

• Waxing or sugaring—Waxing is the process of applying hot wax to the skin and then ripping it off with a strip, removing the hair with it. It can be a painful process, but some women experience less pain with sugar wax. Sugaring is the same process as traditional waxing, only with a gentler product. Waxing is more permanent than shaving, and results should last around three-four weeks before regrowth begins.
• Hair removal creams—Depilatory creams dissolve hair on the surface of the skin, but they do not target the follicle. They require little effort on the user’s part after application, but results tend to last only around two-three days before regrowth begins. It’s important to use depilatory creams that target the bikini area specifically and never leave them on for longer than the instructions specify, due to the strong chemicals involves. Some products may not be suitable for sensitive skin.
• Laser hair removal—One of the best options for removing facial hair permanently (or close enough), it's also a great option for the bikini area. In this process, a professional uses a laser to damage the hair follicles that produce hair. It’s a semi-permanent option meant to remove existing hair and stop regrowth. Results can last for as long as a year a year, meaning it's a great low-maintenance option for hair removal in your pubic area. However, it's pricey and you'll need multiple sessions initially to get those results.
• Electrolysis—Similar to laser hair removal, electrolysis targets the hair follicles but uses an electrically charged probe to get under the follicle. The clinician then uses tweezers to remove the hairs. It’s typically more painful than laser hair removal (especially in such a sensitive area) and requires more sessions, but it is permanent.

Different skin types react to various hair removal methods uniquely, and it might take some trial and error to find the right method to remove pubic hair without shaving. That being said, our experts all agreed that one hair removal method is superior for the bikini line...

What is the best option for pubic hair removal?

“The best method is laser hair removal, as it stops the hair growth at the follicle, for longer-lasting results,” recommends Dr. Patel.

Unlike shaving, waxing, or using depilatory creams, laser hair removal does not need to be repeated every few days or weeks, helping you to avoid the incessant maintenance of your bikini area.

That being said, it’s not quite permanent. “I feel that laser hair removal should be called laser hair reduction, as the hair can come back over time,” Dr. Patel says. However, follow-up sessions could, and should, take care of that, and most people find that the hair that grows back is finer and sparser—which can't be said in the case of shaving. 

What to look out for when removing hair in the bikini area

The experts we talked to agreed that, while laser hair removal is the best option—whether or not you're after hair removal options for dark skin in particular—it’s not without its risks. Dermatologists recommend that you see a trusted esthetician for your laser hair removal procedure, and keep an eye out for any adverse side effects afterwards.

“If you find that your bikini line doesn’t seem to be healing, or if you see blisters, oozing burns, or a possible infection, check in with your doctor as soon as possible,” Dr. Ailynne Marie Vergara-Wijangco, clinical dermatologist and owner of VW Dermatology Clinic, stresses.

Laser hair removal is an effective method, but it’s not for everyone. It is a more expensive option and the procedure can be uncomfortable. If you opt for at-home hair removal procedure like waxing, just make sure you’re taking the necessary precautions.

“When waxing your bikini line yourself, be very careful that the microwaved wax isn’t too hot before applying it,” advises Dr. Vergara-Wijangco. “One study showed that 38 people attempting to wax at home ended up with burns, often on their right hand from pulling the wax out of the microwave.” It is less risky to go and see a trained wax therapist. 

If, on the other hand, you opt for a depilatory cream, be very careful when applying it to your bikini area, and be sure not to let the substance come into contact with your genitals. 

Most of us store our trinkets safely, but when it comes to how to clean your jewelry in the safest way and how often we should be doing it, it's an area many of us trip up on.

Whether it's an everyday necklace from your favorite sustainable jewelry brand, a vintage bracelet that you only wear on special occasions or your best huggie earrings that never come off, most experts say that we should all be polishing up our pieces at least once a week. Yes, we know—it sounds a bit excessive. But despite how clean your jewelry may look, you'll be surprised at how much invisible dirt can build up on them on a daily basis—especially on those staples worn more frequently. 

So, to help you get started we've gathered some useful tips on how to clean your jewelry at home.  Believe it or not, it's a lot easier than it seems once you know what you're doing and you have the right cleaning products for the specific type of jewelry you're working with—be it silver, gold or pearls.

How to clean your jewelry

We've broken down what works for each jewelry type with some special help from experts in the field, so listen up and take notes...

How to clean gold

You may think cleaning your gold (or any other jewelry) with a microfiber cloth or any other chemically soaked cloth is doing the job, but experts at Astrid & Miyu, one of the best affordable jewelry brands around for demi-fine pieces, have warned us off it.

"We recommend cleaning your jewelry very carefully using a soft and non-abrasive cloth to bring back the shine that may have been lost with wear," the brand advises. "We don't recommend using any of the harsh chemicals you find in treated jewelry cloths, so stay away from those."

You should also be careful when spritzing your best perfume around liberally—especially if you've adopted a few of the current ear piercing trends and have a lot of brass adorning that area—as it's best to avoid direct contact with chemicals found in perfume, hand sanitizer and other cosmetic products in general, as these can mark both gold and silver jewelry.

When it comes to gold specifically, the easiest and most effective way to clean it is by simply using hot, soapy water.

How to clean silver

Cleaning your best silver huggies (and all your other silver pieces) involves a similar process to cleaning your gold. London-based jewelry brand Heavenly Necklaces are experts on all things sterling silver and say: "We’ve found the best silver dip is Hagertys Silver Polish which we decant into a little bowl. You can then literally drop the silver jewelry into it and it will remove most marks and tarnishing stains.

"With silver and real gold jewelry (especially rings which build up grime in the long term) you can use warm water, a toothbrush and washing-up liquid and gently scrub between the fastenings and stones. With all these metals we also use a jewelry polish cloth which are a lot like the cloths you can use to clean your sunglasses. They are widely available and not expensive."

How to clean pearls

Pearls are definitely up with some of 2022's best jewelry trends, but cleaning pearls can be a little different to your usually pieces, as they are much more sensitive and should therefore be dealt with even more delicately. Although the method you use very much depends on the quality of your pearls.

For instance at Olivia and Pearl, they use pearls from oysters and freshwater mussels that are carefully selected for our pieces and therefore require no soap or chemicals when cleaning. "Pearls are porous and sensitive in nature (just like us!) and should be washed in warm water only," says the brand. 

However at Astrid & Miyu, they suggest avoiding direct contact with water.  “We recommend that our pearl jewelry should just be cleaned with a cloth and soapy water and not by putting the pearl directly in the water. This way we can ensure to gently remove any dirt and not fade the shine of the pearls” 

When shopping for pearls, it is important to ask the specific brand it was purchased from what they suggest is the best method for cleaning their product. That way, you can't go wrong.

When dead skin cells, dirt, and make-up combine with the sebum in your pores, it can be a recipe for clear-skin disaster—cue clogging that turns your skin into the perfect breeding ground for acne, blackheads and more. If you have congested skin then, it can be helpful to know how to unclog pores, to stop acne in its tracks.

But it's worth bearing in mind that your pores are not necessarily the enemy. “Your pores are an absolutely crucial component of your skin, helping it to stay cool through sweating, and hydrated by allowing sebum to reach the surface of the skin, which keeps it healthy and free of toxins,” explains aesthetics expert Dr Sophie Shotter.

However, cleaning your pores gently and with the right methods can help you to achieve a clearer complexion. And according to Shotter, there are a number of skincare ingredients and pore cleansing tools that you can add to your arsenal to help unclog your pores, all from the comfort of your own home. When it comes to the skincare product order in which you should employ these methods, generally you should do them before anything else, at the cleansing stage. Here’s how…

How to unclog your pores

1. Invest in exfoliating acids

To unclog pores, you need to ‘clean’ them out—and exfoliating acids work wonders in that department. “Oily skin types should use Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) salicylic acid, as it’s oil soluble, meaning it can cut through sebum to help break up plugged pores. It also has antibacterial properties that can help keep acne at bay,” shares Shotter. However, if you don’t have overly oily skin, “mandelic acid can be an excellent alternative as it’s slightly more hydrating, while sensitive and delicate skin types can try polyhydroxyacids like gluconolactone,” adds Shotter. 

Try them laced in cleansers, pads, wipes, or serums but start slowly. Use your chosen acid-based product every other day to see how your skin reacts before increasing use. According to Shotter, “some skins can tolerate exfoliating acids morning and evening every day, whereas others only manage two uses per week. So, what you don’t want to do is push your skin to its limit and compromise the health and effectiveness of your protective skin barrier.” Try once a week to begin with, and build it up from there. 

2. Add Niacinamide

There are a plethora of vitamins that are essential in helping our body function at its best, and there are a fair few that when applied topically work wonders on the complexion too. Niacinamide is one of those wonder vitamins.

A form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide has become a buzzword in beauty over the last few years and it’s not surprising. Offering a brighter, firmer, smoother and clearer complexion, there really isn’t much that niacinamide can’t do. When it comes to keeping pores clear, “niacinamide helps to control oil production in the skin,” shares Shotter. The less excess oil in your pores, the lower the chances of them clogging will be. 

Plus, “this hero active helps to reduce acne and can make pores appear smaller over time. It’s also incredibly gentle on the skin and generally well tolerated by all skin tones and types,” explains Shotter.

3. Don’t skip cleansing

Cleansing is vital when learning how to unclog pores, as it removes dirt, oil, pollution, dead skin cells, and even ‘bad’ bacteria. It's a “crucial skincare step that should never be skipped. And no, face wipes don’t count” says Shotter—sorry!

Cleanse as soon as you wake up, and at the end of the day, do it twice—double cleansing is a great option for people with problem skin. It's especially important to do this if you’ve been wearing a lot of make-up, and even more so if you’ve been in a city environment, which could have resulted in lots of dirt and pollutants sitting on the skin. "You don’t want these to penetrate into your pores as they will only exacerbate your clogged pore problem,” explains Shotter.

4. Embrace retinol

The best retinol serums have truly earnt their place as gold standard complexion perfectors, as it has the ability to boost skin-firming and wrinkle-busting collagen and elastin levels, reduce pigmentation, regulate oil production, and speed up cell turnover. Phew! All of which are game-changers when it comes to looking after your pores, especially as you age.

Shotter said, “Blocked pores are more common with age—as our skin loses elasticity, pores loosen and become more prone to holding onto plugs. Also, as we age our skin sloughs off dead skin cells at a slower pace, which contributes to a rise in clogged pores too". 

She advises, “Start with a lower strength product and work your way up in strength over the course of a few months. Also be sure to introduce your retinol slowly. Twice a week for the first fortnight, then every other night for two weeks before aiming for every night." That way, you should avoid the dreaded retinol uglies—e.g retinol peeling.

5. Use at-home tools gently and with caution

Clogged pores could result in blackheads, closed comedones, or a range of different forms of acne. While some would say it’s best to let a professional deal with extractions, there are some at-home tools that will help you with how to unclog pores, and that you can use safely, too.

“Comedone extractors which look like small metal loops are excellent as they will minimise the risk of trauma to the pore as you extract," shares Shotter. "Suction devices when tag teamed with exfoliating acids can get the job done too. You can also find radio frequency devices work to boost collagen production in the skin, which will help keep pores tighter, reducing the risk of clogging due to loss of firmness of the pore." 

Before using these tools yourself, be sure you fully understand how to use them, and be sure to only put them to the test in a sterile environment. If you feel unsure, consult a skincare professional.

This article is part of our Lost Years series, where we investigate the time since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared by WHO on March 11, 2020. Did we collectively change, how and will we ever go back? How has this time affected our relationship with work, our loved ones, dating and even entertainment? And can we take action to reclaim what we may have lost?

The pandemic has been a catalyst for some dramatic lifestyle changes, especially when it comes to work. From remote work going mainstream to the millions of people who have quit their jobs since spring 2021—AKA The Great Resignation—it’s safe to say the modern workplace is in major flux. 

Throughout the pandemic, employees have proven that productivity doesn’t necessarily need to happen in an office environment, with WFH and hybrid working still as popular as ever (we're all aware of the brilliant benefits of working from home). But arguably, and unfortunately, being visible to managers and superiors does seem to have some impact on career progression. A study from Stanford University found that while remote employees were 13% more productive than those in the office, they were only promoted half as often.

So if you’re feeling like your career goals have been derailed somewhat by the pandemic, you’re not alone. Working from home, alongside the numerous lockdowns, means that many of us have been in a state of professional limbo over the last few years. The good news though, is that if you’re looking to jump to the next level, you can absolutely get promoted even if you’re still working from home, or doing a mix of home and office work.

We chatted to career experts for all the tips on how to get a promotion, as well as the mistakes to avoid if you’re after a promotion.

How to get a promotion at work

1. Remember that visibility is key

According to Jenny Garrett OBE, an award-winning career coach, author and leadership trainer, increasing your visibility is key, especially for those workers who aren’t in the office full-time (or any of the time). 

“This is something you may need to work harder if you won’t see people around the office as much. Be clear about what you have to offer. Consider your unique selling points or personal brand and how your skill-set can help your organization to overcome the challenges it is facing,” Garrett explains. 

When it comes to practical tips to make yourself more visible, start with the basics; keep your video on every time you’re in a meeting (also, make sure you’re an active contributor). Try adding a photo to your intranet profile and possibly even your emails, so you become memorable. And be proactive: send regular roundup emails updating your boss on your progress, and letting them know when you’ve hit milestones on certain projects.

Your immediate colleagues aren’t the only ones who could be helping with your career progression, so Garrett recommends increase your online presence too—for example, make sure your LinkedIn info and photo are up-to-date. This is also one of the best things to do when it comes to knowing how to network.

2. Ask for feedback from your manager or supervisor

It is easy to get stuck in the same routine, day after day, doing the tasks that you know are a part of your job description, and not considering how you might move forward. But if you want to make an impression on your leadership team, consider asking your supervisor for advice and feedback from time to time. 

You can touch base on simple things about your daily tasks (such as how they can be improved), or perhaps a recurring issue you’ve been trying to tackle. Ask their thoughts, but remember that it's also better to present some kind of solution too (rather than just bogging them down with a problem), even if it is half-baked at the moment.

Career coach Fay Wallis, of Bright Sky Career Coaching, says, “Ask them for their input—how do they think you are performing and what are their recommendations for you moving forward?” she suggests, as one way of making it clear that you’re ready to take on a bigger challenge.

When you’re ready, you can even ask for their recommendations about how to get promoted, letting them know that you are willing to do what it takes to climb the ladder. Make sure to use clear language and to ask for specific steps that you can follow. For example, do they need to see you do more high-level tasks to consider promoting you, and if so, where can you find those?  

3. Be a positive presence in your workplace

Figuring out how to get a promotion doesn't always require specific actions. It sounds simple, but a positive attitude and can-do approach can work wonders for the way that your leadership team and co-workers view you. By approaching tasks with positivity, you are ensuring that you are a person others love to work with, and proving that you have the right personality to stick with the job long-term—the exact type of person that higher-ups are likely to promote. 

If you don't naturally feel all that positive at work, the main thing to remember is to avoid too much negativity. Sure, report problems and roadblocks if and when they happen, but try and be helpful and proactive when sorting them too, rather than defeatist and irritated.

But be careful, being positive doesn't always mean constant laughter. Steer away from inappropriate jokes or constant chatter, even if you do feel comfortable with your colleagues—it can easily backfire. 

4. Network, network, and network some more

Career change coach Alice Stapleton advises anyone looking to get promoted to think of it as your own personal PR or “business development” campaign. And networking is a crucial part of this. 

She advises getting as much face time as possible with decision makers in the business—be it your boss, or managers in other divisions. “You want to be on their minds as much as possible, without being too obvious,” she explains. "Network upwards, downwards, and sideways if in the office. If you work from home, pop into the office now and again, too.”

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Stapleton also recommends organizing virtual coffee or lunch breaks when possible, especially with people you might not be dealing with on daily work tasks, so that they get to know you, too.

It can also be very helpful to network with people outside of your company, as a career step-up can sometimes be easier to achieve this way. Connect with people in your industry that you admire, be it via LinkedIn or Twitter, and send them a message. It can't hurt to try!

5. Demonstrate leadership capabilities

Prove that you are a person who can get the job done by asking for more responsibility when the opportunity comes up, and by demonstrating leadership in your everyday tasks. 

A few ways to show leadership daily include: 

• Asking your co-workers their thoughts on a project
• Sending out well-worded meeting summaries
• Speaking positively in meetings and 1-2-1's
• Honing your professional communication skills

Not only should this increase the chances of your name coming up for future promotion opportunities, but you'll also help to prove yourself to be indispensable to the company. 

You can also signal that you’re ready for the next step by showing your superiors you’re prepared to do more senior types of work. Garrett explains that asking for more responsibility “reduces the gap between the job you want and the job that you do.” 

It can be helpful to do some research on experience and skills you need for the role you’re after—for example, if you need experience managing budgets for your dream job, why not ask your manager if there's any way you could lead on a smaller project with a smaller budget, to get you started? Garrett also advises looking out for any work shadowing, transfer or vacation cover opportunities, so you can brush up on new skills.

6. Dress for the job you want

As the saying goes, 'Dress for the job you want, not the job you have'. And while it may sound like a tired old cliché, there's actually some truth to it. What we wear influences how we feel and even how we behave, and if you want to get a promotion, dressing confidently can send a great message to your superiors that you're ready to step into a higher-level role. 

To ensure you look polished and professional without breaking a sweat, try investing in a good capsule wardrobe full of brilliant basics, and setting out your clothes the night before work. This will help you feel more put-together and make your morning routine even more efficient.

Even if your office has a more casual work environment, try not to fall into the trap of wearing clothes that are too laid-back. Follow the cue of higher-ups at your place of employment, and mimic the dress style of those in positions similar to the one that you want. For example, if the manager of marketing consistently dresses well, even on casual Fridays, consider stepping up your style and saying no to sneakers (we know, sob!)

7. Don't be afraid to have ideas and own them

Standing out from the crowd with creative ideas and problem solving skills can really get you noticed.

Garrett recommends engaging with “curiosity and a problem-solving mindset” for those who want to start being more innovative employees. This could mean asking questions to help you understand the rationale of a particular decision, or how something will work once it’s been put into practice. 

And equally, don't be afraid to put forward suggestions you believe could be better or more time efficient. The more you discover, the likelier you are to realize that one of your ideas can help streamline certain processes or cut costs. You may well have thought of something your manager didn't consider, given your different working experiences.

“Have the courage to share any and all ideas, because they could make a real difference and lead to securing that promotion,” Garrett recommends. 

8. Finally, make a case for getting promoted

Sounds obvious, right? But according to Wallis, all too often, bosses and managers aren’t aware of the ambitions of their employees, or that they’re even hoping to get promoted. One of the most important things you can do when considering how to get a promotion, or how to ask for a pay raise, is to make a case to your boss about why you should be promoted.

This could include making a virtual presentation or preparing a brief speech. Either way, you should be prepared to give specific numbers, explaining what exactly you have contributed to the company during your tenure. Explain why you want to get a promotion and what you wish to accomplish within the company going forward. And don't forget to mention all the extra little things you do—have you spent extra time training a co-worker who doesn't quite get the new software? Or are you the one who always keeps team spreadsheets up to date?

By the end, your supervisor should fully understand what an asset you are to the company, and be prepared to explain the process of earning a promotion. Even if your boss explains that a promotion isn't on the cards in the immediate future, she or he can hopefully explain to you what you need to do to get there within a reasonable time frame. Take it one day at a time. You’ve got this!

Mistakes to avoid if you're after a promotion

According to the experts, while there are many ways to try and achieve a step-up in your career, there are also plenty of things to avoid doing, too:

• Don’t come down with 'tiara syndrome'—there’s a fine line between shouting too often and loudly about all of your achievements… and saying nothing at all. Bright Sky’s Fay Wallis says that a common issue many fall into is 'tiara syndrome.' “We hope that by working really hard, someone will notice and place a metaphorical tiara on our head to reward us. Unfortunately that isn’t how the world of work operates most of the time,” she explains. Don't be afraid to schedule in regular catch-ups with your boss—don't presume they know and see what you are doing without your guidance. 
• Don’t just show up—according to Stapleton, simply doing your day job isn’t going to get you promoted in this day and age. You need to show your bosses that you’re adding extra value, and prove you can do a job that's a step up. “Suggest new ways of working or new projects to be implemented to help solve a problem the team or business are struggling with. Show your initiative and willingness to contribute that little bit extra to the business,” she explains.
• Be sure to read the room—Jenny Garrett advises workers to be sensitive about timing when broaching the idea of a promotion. If your company is having financial struggles and laying people off, this might not be the best time to push for a promotion. It's also worth avoiding these kind of conversations in particularly busy times, as your manager likely won't have the bandwidth to properly address it. She recommends parking the idea and scheduling in a date to revisit it in a few months’ time—by no means should you forget your goal!
• Be prepared at all times—in the same vein, you never know when your boss might call you in for a conversation about that promotion, so keep regular tabs on your key achievements throughout the year, Garrett says. You don't want to be caught in a conversation if you haven't properly considered your contributions for a few months, as you won't be able to sell yourself as well as you otherwise would. 

Want a JLo booty? Who doesn't, right?! If you're wondering how to tone your butt with maximum efficiency and minimum equipment, this is the guide for you.

To learn how to tone your butt, all you need is the best resistance bands for women. You only have to scroll through Instagram for five minutes to see all kinds of advice on how to tone your butt and get yourself a bodacious booty. So much advice but so little time! 

Luckily, it turns out that it is possible to shape up our behinds using only a single item of fitness gear. So break out your bands and let's get going!

• Do resistance bands work? We asked the experts
• Latex versus fabric resistance bands: which is best for building strength?
• The best resistance bands for yoga to add to your daily practice

How to tone your butt using resistance bands

So we all know that a perky bum can give our confidence a boost but, apart from the fact that it looks good, why else would you want to know how to tone your butt? 

The bum muscles, or the glutes, are the largest muscles in our body, and all too often, they can become weak and lazy. Plopping your rear end in a desk chair or on the couch for long periods of time (too much Netflix, anyone?) can mean that the glutes become inactive, leading to poor posture, lower back pain, or even "dead butt syndrome." Yes, it’s a thing.

Jack Claxon is a personal trainer at David Lloyd Clubs in the U.K. He explains that if our glutes are working and performing as they should, it helps with pelvic alignment, which in turn can reduce the risk of injury. Claxon mentions that “strong glutes also help support the lower back during heavy lifting.”

To be clear, all butts are beautiful—no matter the shape or size—but for those of you who want to enhance your natural curves and build yourself a toned booty, it might be time to try new resistance band exercises specifically targeted at your tush.

The best resistance bands butt workouts

1. Single leg donkey kicks
These are great for toning the butt advises Claxon. “Place a band around both of your ankles, holding on to something in front of you, and then kick one leg back to activate the glutes and build tension.”

2. Low crab walks
Low crab walks are a good move for getting the smaller muscles in your bottom to fire up, says Claxon. "Get down in a squat position and move side to side, keeping low.”

3. The glute bridge
“Lie down on the floor, band around thighs. Bend knees, place feet flat on the floor and keeping your back pressed into the ground, lift up the hips, squeezing the glutes at the top.” Claxon adds that it’s best to keep your knees externally rotated, or forced out. 

4. Squats with a resistance band
Time to make squats a little harder. Claxon recommends placing a mini-band just above or just below your knees. Have your feet shoulder-width apart and then either squat all the way down and up, or into a squat position and pulse up and down slowly.

Claxon says: “You could also try jumping squats where you have the band in the same place as the move above but jumping adds a bit more intensity and will increase the heart rate at the same time.”

How many reps to build butt muscles?

Ideally, three to four sets of each exercise is a great workout. “If you’re looking to build muscle in your bum, you should be looking at 8-12 reps of each move. For the majority of people this would work perfectly,” says Jack Claxon.

When should you replace your resistance band?

“A good quality resistance band should have a typical lifespan of up to two to three years at its best quality, although overuse and general wear and tear can occur,” says Claxon. He gave us some tips on how to look after resistance bands:

• Go for thickness as they’re usually a higher quality
• Always inspect your resistance band before every use
• Don’t get them wet
• Keep an eye on their colors for fading
• And don't store resistance bands in direct sunlight

We'd add an extra tip to Jack Claxon's list of how to look after resistance bands: make sure you keep your resistance band clean. It's easy when you know how—read our guide on how to clean resistance bands.

We all know what goes into damaging our hair, but when it comes to how to repair damaged hair sometimes our knowledge can be a bit lacking. Split-ends, damage from coloring and hair loss are just some of the issues that plague many of us. But the good news is that there is something you can do about it. 

Whether it's understanding your hair type, using one of the best brushes for curly hair, or soaking up the benefits with an at-home treatment, there are several things you can do to give your hair a little TLC. It's the perfect excuse to indulge in a little me time—perfect for the self-care day ideas list. Your locks—and your mood—will thank you for it.

Whatever your hair type or texture, don’t waste time lusting after what you don’t have—make the most of what you do. Take note of the products that are right for you with our advice on how to repair damaged hair...

How to repair damaged hair

How to repair damaged bleached hair

A morning spent in the salon chair might feel like the antidote to stressed-out, lackluster tresses but, according to the experts, your locks could be feeling less than happy after a color refresh.

“For hair to be permanently colored, an oxidizing (i.e. bleaching) agent must be used—and the protective outer cuticle must be lifted with an alkaline agent to allow the dye to penetrate the cortex of the hair,” explains trichologist Anabel Kingsley. “The cuticle is closed post-processing by a conditioner or an acidic rinse, but it never quite regains its original form or integrity, and is left weaker, less elastic, and more porous.”

The more dramatic the shade shift, the more noticeable the damage will be, with increased breakage. But don’t let the science scare you—by using hydrating masks and buying yourself more time between color treatments with fade-fighting shampoos and toners, you can start restoring your hair to its former glory.

Best products to repair damaged bleached hair

We love the Color Care shampoo by Living Proof which, leaves hair feeling super soft and manageable. Formulated with the addition of suplhates and silicone, it gently cleanses without stripping colored hair of any pigment—infact, it keeps your colors looking better for longer.  

Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector was THE product that revolutionized the haircare game. It quickly gained cult status because it ACTUALLY WORKED. For optimum results, the brand recommends leaving on for a minimum of 10 minutes to soak up all the benefits of this miracle product which repairs and strengthens broken hair bonds. 

• Olaplex no 8 review: One beauty editor put the newest product to the test and here are her honest thoughts

How to repair damaged dry hair

“Similarly to the skin, pollution, oxygen, and sunshine can all be aggressive to the hair,” advises Gorka Arraras, Creative Manager and Senior Master Stylist at Charles Worthington. A common problem post-holiday or party season, the combination of changing temperatures, heat styling, and hair coloring can strip hair of much-needed moisture. 

To regain elasticity and reduce the chance of breakage when hair is in a fragile state, stock up on moisturizing masks. According to Anabel Kingsley, instead of slathering your conditioner all over, you should “gently comb the conditioner through your mid-lengths and ends to properly coat each strand and smooth the outer protective cuticle, as a closed cuticle helps to lock in moisture. When using a comb, start at your ends and gradually work your way up – starting at the top can snap fragile strands.”

Best products to repair damaged dry hair

This luxurious hair treatment smooths your locks, whilst reconstructing and offering deep moisturization when you need it most. The hero ingredients here are Keratin and Coconut which mean the hair is left not only super silky, but strong and healthy too. 

When it comes to styling we know that we need to protect our hair from hair tools and the Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer is the perfect product to do this. Great for all hair types, the primer promises to smooth, de-frizz, detangle, moisturize, silken, and most importantly protect against breakage and UV damage without weighing it down.

• Stress-hair loss: why and how the pandemic is causing hair loss in young women

How to repair damaged hair that’s falling out

On average, we lose more than 100 hairs a day, but if you notice more strands than usual swirling down the plughole, you could be one of the 41% of women who are experiencing—or have experienced—hair loss or thinning. The most common causes are genetic factors, menopause (as natural estrogen levels fall), stress (triggered by a sudden shock, this typically lasts for around three months—longer if stress is ongoing), or a diet deficiency. 

According to Dr. Martin Wade, hair can mirror a person’s general health, so if you're suddenly losing a significant amount, it’s best to visit your doctor to see if there’s an underlying cause.

If stress or menopause is to blame, take steps to boost strands’ thickness, as an increase in the body makes hair appear fuller. Root sprays and powders work wonders to mask thinning around the hairline and parting too. 

Best products to repair damaged hair that’s falling out

The lightweight formula is imbued with tiny fibres which make your hair not only look but feel fuller and thicker too. It works best when applied on damp hair to the ends and mid-lengths before styling—the brand recommend a blow dry. 

Sometimes a little cover up is just what is needed and the Toppik coloured hair thickener is the perfect solution.  Ideal for target application, simply distribute the pigment into the desired areas for hair that looks fuller and thicker.  It really is the ideal way to top-up your color in between apointments and disguise any bits you may not want to show. And just FYI, the product should easily stay in place, come rain, wind or shine. 

Packed with a host of powerful ingredients like organic pea sprout extract which stimulates roots delivering density where we need it most, green tea which reenergizes the scalp and biomimetic red clover extract which reinvigorates roots, this luxurious serum is powered by a special blend of active ingredients and in clinical trials was shown to increase the thickness of hair strands by up to 13%

How to repair damaged curly hair 

Although it can be tempting to cut down on washing curly hair to avoid the dreaded blow-dry, according to Anabel Kingsley, it’s water—not oils—your hair is craving. “Shampooing actually helps to moisturize strands,” she explains. “However, if you have very coarse hair, a daily shampoo is not realistic. Also, it’s damaging if you straighten your hair after every wash.”

Unlike dry hair, which tends to be a short-term problem, coarse hair requires ongoing treatment. Piling on products won’t change its texture—it’s more likely to rob your locks of shine – so choose lightweight products to smooth without weighing down the hair. A blow-dry cream that reduces drying time is a godsend, too.

Best products to repair damaged curly hair

This all-rounder is the go-to treatment for those with curly hair as it works to delivers a rich and deep conditioning treatment. The brand recommend using it once a week to  condition and maintain hair health, hydrate dry hair and deliver a dose of bounce back into to locks that need a bit of TLC. 

As a general rule, the less exposure to harsh temperatures from styling the better. Simply section your hair into four working through each section at a time, spritz a liberally amount and comb through your locks to prep it for styling, and cut drying time down.

Like the fancy avocado on toast that came before it, the gua sha facial is saturating our social media feeds. Any wellness influencer worth their salt has waxed lyrical about this ancient method of self-care—and they’d be right in their assessment that it works wonders on the face. 

Gua sha (pronounced gwa sha) originated from traditional Chinese medicine in which a tool (or gua sha stone), usually made from jade, bone, or horn, is scraped across the skin to redirect energy flow. “Gua means scraping and ‘sha’ means bruises. It literally means to scrape away pain,” explains celebrity facialist Su-Man Hsu, whose IGTV videos on how to do a gua sha facial have gone viral. 

Of course, for the face, a gentler gua sha technique is employed but the basic objectives remain the same: to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow and stimulate the lymphatic system.

There are added benefits, too, according to Su-Man. “The friction created by the tool also tones facial muscles and improves the look of wrinkles and sagging skin. It stimulates vital energy points along the face to release toxins, which in turn helps pores look more refined and skin look brighter as you’re helping to bring out waste and blackheads.”

Not to mention that studies have shown this daily ritual improves micro-circulation by up to 400 percent, which sends oxygen and nutrients to the surface of the skin for a lit-from-within glow.

In other words, an impressive roster of the most common skin bugbears can be improved with gua sha. Better still, there’s no need to see a therapist as you can incorporate the technique as part of your skincare routine. Plus, it really feels good.

Want to learn more about gua sha and its benefits? Here's everything you need to know.

Gua Sha Benefits: can facial massage make you look younger?

"Over 40 muscles make up the scaffolding of the face," says FaceGym Founder Inge Theron. "And just like the muscles in the body, the more you move them, the more lifted, tightened, and toned they become." 

She continues: "Gua sha also stimulates the most important protein for keeping the face looking young: collagen. Focusing on the health and strength of your facial muscles as part of your self-care routine will pay dividends when it comes to the appearance of key focus areas like the jawline, forehead, and eye area."

Gua Sha how to: What’s the best gua sha technique?

Shape-wise each gua sha tool has subtle differences. FaceGym's Multi-Sculpt, for example, has teeth on one end to work across fine lines; a long edge to aid lymphatic drainage; a short edge to de-puff the eye area; a pointed tip to release tension; a medium edge for cheek sculpting and a wavy grip to place along the jawline for contouring.

Or the Therabody Theraface Pro offers up a-whole-nother method for relieving facial tension.

But there is one common rule of thumb for the direction to work in.

"Always work from the center of your face outwards and, if you are working on your neck, then work down towards your heart," says Theron.

"This allows you to work with your circulation and lymphatic system to achieve the best results. The pressure you use always makes a difference to the end result. If you are wanting to focus on reducing puffiness, use super light pressure; if you are wanting to sculpt and reduce facial tension, a medium/firm pressure is recommended."

How often should you gua sha?

"I normally recommend my clients use the gua sha technique every day for five minutes," says Su-Man. "If you want to do a fuller massage of 30-45 minutes, then cut back to just one session a week." 

The key is to see a gua sha facial as being like a gym workout, explains Theron.

"As with any workout, the results are better the more work you put in and how hard you train your muscles," she explains. "Gua sha results can be instant, and with continued long-term use they help to reset fatigued muscles restoring optimal circulation and reinvigorating the complexion, for healthy skin."

And in the same way that repetition reaps rewards in training, the same is true of gua sha. "Be sure when you are working on one specific area of concern, you repeat the technique anywhere between 6-8 times to see a significant difference within the skin," says Theron.

Should I use skincare products during gua sha?

For the stone to easily glide over your face, it’s important to hydrate beforehand and create 'slip' over the skin. 

"We recommend using an oil, serum, or moisturizer to give the skin enough slip and slide to perform a routine without dragging or pulling the skin," says Theron. "FaceGym Signature Face Oils are our personal favorites - we designed each one specifically with our signature massage techniques in mind."

Check out our picks of the best retinol serums, best vitamin C serums, or best moisturizers for dry skin for the best products to use during your gua sha facial.

So how do you know which one to pick?

There are no set-in-stone rules here. Gua sha tools come in different sizes, shapes, and materials. Most of the time, the one you’re drawn to is simply down to personal preference. 

That said, in Chinese medicine, jade is thought to balance yin and yang energy so may be good if your skin is looking dull and out of whack. Rose quartz, on the other hand, tends to be best suited to soothing sensitive skin. Su-Man's ceramic version is made from ceramic as it is more ergonomic while a stainless steel gua sha tool like FaceGym's Multi-Sculpt can even be used on acne-prone skin as it is naturally hypoallergenic. 

"Stainless steel is also heavier than jade," adds Theron. "This helps to optimize your results, really working the skin and muscles in your face and neck harder to de-puff, contour, sculpt and drain."

Now that's one workout we can all get on board with.

If you're wondering how to match foundation to your skin online, you can believe us when we say it's easier than ever to find your perfect match in the best foundation for your skin.

With many of us shopping for the best foundation for acne-prone skin or even the best non-comedogenic foundations online during the pandemic, make-up retailers upped their game and became even more innovative by providing color-match services online to help us avoid any beauty mishaps.

Foundation is notorious for being the most stressful beauty product to shop for. Finding a shade that matches your skin tone perfectly can feel near impossible at the best of times—especially for those with darker skin. So how easy can it possibly be to shop the ultimate “try before you buy” product online? Well, surprisingly, the answer is very. 

In the early months of the pandemic, Bobbi Brown launched Pro Artist In Your Pocket, an online chat service providing thorough customer assistance. Similarly, E.l.f also launched a virtual try-on feature where customers can use the camera on their smartphone or laptop to color-match products.

Thanks to the growing number of savvy shade-matching services, branching out and experimenting with new foundations—be it the best foundations for combination skin or the best foundations for sensitive skin—without doing a tangible swatch test has changed the way we shop forever. Virtual beauty testing has meant that you no longer have to wait in line in a store or patiently hang around until the other customer is done playing with the latest Fenty drop so you can have your turn. Instead, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home. 

Here's how... 

How to match foundation to your skin online 

One of the best and most popular online shade-matching services is Findation.com. The website, which is created to help customers find their perfect foundation shade online, is loved by make-up artists and beauty editors. It's super easy to use and provides a list of matches for your specific skin type within seconds. All you have to do is enter a few details about the brands and shades you usually use and voila, there’s a whole host of product options just for you. The website also provides customer reviews of the foundations and concealers on your match list so you can read more about them before purchasing. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it... 

How to use Findation

1. Once you visit the Findation website, the first thing you're asked to do is list the foundation/concealer shades you’ve used before that are a good match for your skin. 

2. The system then calculates your matches based on the product shades you have selected. The more products you select in the first step, the more accurate your match results will be, so make sure you add all the foundation/concealer shades you’ve found to be a great match for your skin. 

3. With your information in mind, Findation then provides a list of products that match your skin. This list is made up of options that range in price and provides a variety of different brands that are suggested for you based on the foundations you recorded in the first step of the process. 

4. Once you've picked your favorites, Findation tells you where the products are available and provides a link that redirects you to the relevant websites. What more could you want? 

Brands that offer virtual try-on services 

A number of beauty brands such as Bobbi Brown are offering virtual appointments with make-up artists, allowing customers to get bespoke advice from a beauty expert. All you have to do is book an available slot on the Bobbi Brown website. 

Another brand offering a similar service is By Terry. Simply visit their website to book a 30-minute online consultation with one of the brand’s beauty experts in either French or English. 

Nothing says summer like a freezing cold, iced latte, and nothing makes a coffee break like a few Biscoff biscuits. Tik Tok users have been combining the two to create our new dream drink, the iced Biscoff latte—the perfect summer drink to accompany your nature’s cereal or pesto eggs.

We all love a good TikTok hack, but we're also here for the viral food trends (if you haven't tried the pasta, what are you waiting for?). Soon to be our go-to summer drink, it’s actually super easy to make. As TikTok user '@7amcoffeeclub' shows us, in perhaps the most aesthetic video we’ve ever seen, you can make it in just four simple steps. The video has over 45,000 likes and has over 700,000 views and it’s not hard to see why. It’s something we never knew we needed and now it’s all we want. 

How to make TikTok’s Iced Biscoff Latte 

1. Add a hot shot of espresso to a big spoonful of Biscoff spread.
2. Mix and then pour into a glass of ice. 
3. Add your choice of milk and stir. 
4. If you’re feeling extra fancy, froth up the milk before adding.

In true TikTok style, this trend has only become more and more decadent as it became more popular. We've seen people adding whipped cream, coating the inside of their glasses with Biscoff spread, and crumbling the biscuits on top... The world is your oyster.

Unlike some of TikTok’s more questionable hacks (and ones that should not ever be attempted, like dry scooping), this Biscoff latte is definitely one we can get on board with. Whether it's sitting by the pool (don't forget to apply one of the best facial sunscreens) or having fun with friends in the sun, sounds like this Iced Biscoff Latte will be making plenty of appearances this summer. Take a scroll down the ‘icedbiscofflatte’ tag, and get ready to drool...

With just days to go, you're probably wondering how to watch the Friends reunion 2021. If like us, you're planning on going all out with a COVID-friendly viewing party for the two-hour TV event of the decade (yes, we said it!), then setting up your stream is top priority right now. 

As you'll know by now, the HBO Max show will be airing on Thursday, May 27th starring a host of celebrity guests alongside the entire cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer.

Here's everything you need to know about how to tune in, no matter where you are in the world...

How to watch the Friends reunion in the US

If you're in the US, you can watch the show as soon as it drops on HBO Max this Thursday, May 27th.  All you'll need is a subscription for the streaming platform, so if you don't have one now is the time to set one up. If you've never had an HBO account before, you can claim a free trial.

What time is the Friends reunion on HBO Max?

The show will be released on the streaming platform at 12 am PT/3 am ET on May 27th. It will then be available to watch on HBO Max whenever you want. 

How do I get an HBO Max free trial?

If you're a first-time user, you'll be offered a seven-day free trial for HBO Max, where you can watch as much content as you like—including the Friends reunion.

Once the seven days are up, you will automatically be opted into a monthly subscription (unless you cancel it) where you will be charged $14.99 per month to use the streaming platform, which is made up of countless categories of movies, TV shows, and documentaries. 

Where can you watch the Friends reunion UK?

Audiences in the UK will be able to watch the Friends reunion on Sky One at 8 pm on Thursday, May 27. If you don't have Sky channels, you will also be able to stream the show on Now TV. 

If you don't already have a membership, you can sign up for a free seven-day trial for the Cinema, Entertainment, Kids, or Hayu sections. The entertainment section is where you'll find the Friends reunion, so make sure you opt for that one. Once your free trial is up, your subscription will start automatically (though again, you can cancel at any time) for a price of £9.99 per month. 

How to watch the Friends reunion in Canada?

If you're in Canada, you can watch the show via HBO Max on Crave. Canadians who do not yet have a subscription for the streaming platform can sign up for CA$9.99 per month, and like the other streamers, it comes with a seven-day free trial during which you could make the most of to watch the Friends reunion. 

How to watch the Friends reunion in Australia?

Our friends down under will also be getting all the action on Thursday, May 27th when the show drops on Australian streaming platform Binge at 5:02 pm AEST (yes, exactly 5:02 pm—don't ask why). 

The platform is home to all the best HBO content for Australians so you'll likely be familiar with it if you live there. If not, you can sign up for a subscription for just AUS$10 per month and unlike the other streamers, this one offers a generous 14-day free trial so if you've yet to join, what are you waiting for?

Once you've watched, why not prepare yourself for the festive season with one of the best Friends ornaments for your tree?

The skincare world has many quandaries, and with so many products available, it's no wonder that there are so many questions like how to apply BB cream, and in what order should you apply your skincare. 

Whether it's a serum or moisturizer, products should be applied in certain ways to maximize their full potential—generally, we're talking layering in order of viscosity from light to heavy. But where does BB cream fit into this equation? Short for beauty balm, the best BB creams are multitasking marvels that blur the skin, provide a veil of color, and offer a host of skincare perks to boot. But with so many benefits, you might be left wondering how to apply BB cream for the best results—before primer, after serum, alongside your moisturizer? 

• BB cream vs foundation: which one is actually better for your skin?

How to apply BB cream for best results

Step 1: Prep your skin

Before applying your ideal BB cream—one that matches your skin tone and suits your skin type and concerns—you need to ensure your skin is prepped to perfection. “Cleansing is key as doing so will remove dirt, excess oil, pollution and can also slough off dead skin cells which will stop skin looking patchy when you apply colour cosmetics”, explains make-up artist Elaine Lynskey.

If you don’t cleanse correctly, the build-up could cause breakouts, dehydration, dullness and skin ageing, and while hailed as a miracle product, there is only so much a BB cream can do.

Step 2: Apply a serum

Post cleansing, Lynskey suggests applying a treatment serum, which could be anything from Vitamin C to Niacinamide, and Bakuchiol. However, when it comes to the next step which would usually be moisturising, it really depends on your skin type. 

“Some BB creams are full of nourishing oils and hydrating actives like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, making a moisturiser unnecessary. While others focus on combating specific skin concerns like acne, redness, or excess oil - meaning you may well need to hydrate the skin pre-application. In general, if you don’t have a dry skin type you can use your BB cream in place of your moisturiser. However, if your BB doesn’t contain an SPF, and you’re using it during the day, apply an SPF first to ward off sun damage and then follow with your BB,” explains Lynskey.

Step 3: Apply BB cream

Application depends on both the texture and coverage of your chosen BB. Traditionally BB creams are meant to look like a second skin, blurring with soft-focus ingredients and concealing thanks to the inclusion of foundation like pigments. “When it comes to application, the best method is to start at the centre of the face working outwards all the way to the ears and down to the neck, in order to create a seamless finish,” explains Lynskey. 

• Can you use foundation and BB cream together? We asked the experts

How to apply BB cream with fingers

Most BB creams offer a light sheer finish, and are best applied with your fingers as the warmth of your hands allows the BB to truly adhere to the skin, so it’s impossible to see that you're actually wearing make-up. “If you feel like you need a little more help to cover things like redness around the nose, pigmentation, sun spots, or dark under eyes use a small fluffy brush to buff concealer into these more tricky to conceal areas. Doing this rather than applying more will ensure the skin finish is still flawless and radiant,” adds Lynskey,

• Read our Pixi Beauty Balm review to see just how good this pigment-packed cream is.

How to apply BB cream with a brush

If your BB has a buildable formula and you’re looking for medium coverage, a long fluffy nylon bristle brush used in a sweeping motion works a treat. If you’re after a fuller coverage, use a sponge or a foundation brush with dense hairs and a compact head, pushing the pigment into the skin using small circular movements.

Remembering that your BB cream is equal parts skincare and make-up. Oily and combination skin types shouldn’t need to top with a dusting of powder as you would with a foundation, as your BB should have mattifying properties. Dry skin types will likely not need a highlighter to add some glow to what is typically quite a dull-looking skin type, because your BB should have lots of hydrating and luminous properties. This means you’re not only saving time thanks to this multitasking product you’re saving money too. Win-win!

We love layering different products to create the perfect look, but when it comes to foundation and BB cream, is it ever okay to use them together? 

The best BB creams perfectly marry skincare solutions with skin-perfecting color pigments, making them more than just a tinted moisturizer. However, it's not quite as simple as that as often color payoff coverage varies between products. 

Hailing from Germany, the BB was the brainchild of dermatologist Dr. Christine Schrammek. She formulated the very first multitasking marvel in the 1960s after realizing that her laser treatment patients needed a single cream that could protect from external aggressors (such as the sun), speed up repair, and provide a veil of coverage to hide redness and even out skin tone.

• BB cream vs foundation: which is better for your skin?

Once it reached the shores of South Korea the concept really took off and the BB was reborn. While the offerings you’ll find today treat anything from lines and wrinkles to acne and redness, most BB creams still only offer a sheer second-skin-like layer of adaptable color—that doesn’t really cater to a wide range of skin tones. 

So we asked the experts: if you want to take advantage of the skincare benefits of a BB, but prefer more coverage or need a better color match, can you add a foundation into the mix? 

• How to apply bb cream: your ultimate guide

Can you use a foundation and BB cream together?

The answer is not so black and white according to makeup artist Elaine Lynskey. “BB creams leave the skin looking natural and radiant for that ‘no makeup, makeup look, making them a great ‘introduction’ to color cosmetics for youthful skin—as well as the ideal way to treat and conceal problem skin without applying a thicker layer of coverage by way of a foundation,” she says. “This is why most people who choose a BB cream over a treatment skincare solution and a foundation do so—for ease of use and a more natural finish. 

“This doesn’t mean that you can’t add a touch of foundation to build up the coverage of your BB cream, but the success of this practice would really depend on the BB cream you choose and how well the formula behaves when a foundation is added to the mix.”

• How to apply BB cream: your ultimate guide to application

If the two products don’t gel well together, it can result in your BB rolling off the skin—a common occurrence with velvety, mattifying formulas, or ones with blurring properties. 

Not to mention you also have to consider the intended look of your chosen BB. For example, if your BB cream is packed full of hydrating ingredients, and pearlescent particles to leave skin looking radiant, applying a foundation on top—especially one that might have mattifying longwear ingredients—will cancel out that glow. 

Or your BB might be designed to keep oil at bay, but your foundation might not be. It’s definitely a case of trial and error, and you might find that you don’t have the time or will to experiment. “Luckily, if you still want to add a little more coverage, you can use a concealer. Simply, take a small fluffy brush and buff it into any areas where redness, pigmentation, or blemishes are still noticeable. You’ll be left with a natural-yet-flawless finish, just as the creators of BB intended,” says Lynskey.  

• Read our Pixi Beauty Balm review and find out just how good this pigment-packed cream is

In what order should you apply foundation and BB cream?

But if all the stars align and your BB cream and foundation are determined to be BFFs, the best way to go about applying the two is to mix them first. “Think about the finish you’re after before dispensing any product onto the back of your hand, then adjust the ratios accordingly; the total of your mix should be about the size of a twenty pence piece and the majority of it should be made up of your BB cream,” explains Lynskey. 

“When it comes to application, the best method is to start at the center of the face working outwards all the way to the ears and down to the neck. For light coverage use your fingers to apply, as the added warmth of your hands will help your base adhere for the ultimate second-skin finish. For medium coverage, a long, fluffy nylon bristle brush—used in a sweeping motion—works a treat. If you’re after a fuller coverage, use a sponge or a foundation brush with dense hairs and a compact head, pushing the pigment into the skin using small circular movements.” 

Experimentation seems to be the name of the game when it comes to mixing your BB and foundation. If you can get it right, you’ll reap all the skincare benefits of your BB cream without compromising on shade compatibility and coverage.

Learn how to sell on Depop and not only clear your wardrobe but also make a bit of extra cash.

Depop is one of the most successful online marketplaces for reselling fashion, with a global community that buys, sells, and shares a range of items, from designer goods to streetwear styles. It offers customers great convenience and provides second-hand sellers with an additional channel to market and sell their products. 

For those who love thrifting, want to make a nice little side hustle, or simply want to condense their clothing down into a capsule wardrobe, learning how to sell on Depop can be a great avenue for extra cash and affordable fashion. Follow these nine tips and you’ll well be on your way to operating your own Depop page. 

• The savvy savings secrets you need to put away extra cash in 2021

How to sell on Depop: the top tips

It's all about the photography

When it comes to selling online, you will want to make sure that the photographs you use are clear and appealing. With more than 20 million Depop users — and 90% of them under 26, according to Varsity — it’s important to make your product stand out. 

Ensure your clothing is freshly laundered and free from stains. And, you'll probably want to run an iron or steamer over it. 

Depending on what you're selling, try either wearing the clothes and styling up an outfit or take a flat-lay image. Try to use pale or light-colored backgrounds where possible and it's advisable to use as much natural light as possible. 

Include searchable descriptions

In addition to posting photographs of the items, one thing that will help shift your item is making sure that you include clear descriptions. It is also important to be specific to make it easier for potential customers to find your products. Provide details such as the brand, size, and color of the item in the listing. Using a hashtag can also help to have the item come up when people search for related terms. Lastly, consider adding a styling suggestion.  

Create a social media following

Social media is a powerful marketing tool that you can use to reach a bigger audience — just think of how you personally consume social media! When selling clothing and fashion items on Depop, you should also build your social media following. This way you can post about the new items you have listed. Consider following other sellers, both to network and to see how other sellers are doing. When your followers can keep up-to-date with your store, you will have a better chance of attracting more customers and selling in larger volumes.  

• How to network from home: 9 ways to give your career a social boost

Build a rapport with your audience

Building and maintaining a good relationship with customers will go a long way in increasing your chances of making a sale. This adds a layer of authenticity for your buyers. Depop will usually notify you when someone likes or saves one of the items you have put up for sale on the platform. When you receive the notification, reach out to the customer to see if they have any questions or concerns. You should respond to your customers’ messages promptly and in a friendly way.   

 Be clever with timing

It goes without saying that you should list products on Depop when you have the biggest audience possible. To do this successfully, you need to understand your audience and know the exact times when they are likely to be scrolling through Depop. For instance, posting items in the evening when people are back from work and school will increase your chances of reaching more customers. You should also upload items consistently, so people know when to wait for new listings from you.  

Be straightforward

Being straightforward and honest in your business allows you to build a great reputation and attract customers. Most of the products you will be selling through the platform are second-hand. However, your customers will not want to spend their hard-earned money on items with holes, rips, or stains. If you do decide to sell defective items, remember to include specific details in your description and pictures to allow them to make an informed decision. 

Make sure your pricing is competitive

Before posting your listing, do some research to find out how much similar items cost. To make more sales and sell your items quickly, you may need to be flexible and willing to negotiate. However, you should also take into account costs such as Depop charges and postage. Proper pricing will enable you to maximize your profits.

• 5 financial wellness tips to practice throughout 2021

Offer excellent customer service 

Anyone keen on selling products on and making money from Depop should focus on providing great customer service. The first thing you need to do is to package items well — take time when doing so.  You can also add a personal touch to the package by including a little handwritten thank you note or a small gift. This gesture will make your customers smile and keep them coming back for more products. The little attention to detail really does go a long way.

 Share your shop far and wide  

Give the people what they want and get it in front of them! People are not going to buy from you if they aren't aware your business exists. If you are wondering how to sell on Depop successfully, you should start by sharing your shop widely. Post on social media often and reach out to IRL friends to see if they’d be willing to share your shop, or even buy something from you. This adds another layer on authenticity too as they can put a face to a name. 

Considering that buyers have numerous options on Depop’s online marketplace, success is found when you stand out. These steps include bumping your items often, offering prompt service, and getting reviews to help you build trust. These tips, with a bit of hard work and persistence, might just make your Depop page a successful one.

If you've ever been in a stable, positive relationship, you know it takes work, time, and good communication. Like great sex, every healthy bond requires the effort of two people. (Though the addition of the best app-controlled vibrators certainly helps!)

Most of us have heard the term "DTR" before—the dreaded "defining the relationship" talk. The most common usage of "DTR" is when two romantically involved people (that can mean dating or "hooking up," but not fully committed to each other) decide that they need to reach a new understanding of their relationship's status. It's a difficult conversation because it makes each person incredibly vulnerable, but it's an essential next step for any couple's health and growth. 

• Best dating apps reviewed: 4 to try in 2021

Why is "defining the relationship" important?

When you are in a relationship with someone, no matter what kind of relationship, there can be a tendency to adopt the mentality of "whatever happens, happens." Clear communication is abandoned for the sake of ease or sometimes out of fear of hurting someone else's feelings. However, this stunts the growth of the relationship and ultimately keeps you stuck where you are.

The same rules apply to all relationships, platonic and romantic alike. While "defining the relationship" typically describes a conversation aimed at making romantic couplings more official, it can be used to define any movement in a relationship—even a breakup. The entire purpose is for the pair to arrive on the same page about their relationship's progress by expressing and understanding each other's feelings, goals, and needs.

So whether you need to redefine a platonic relationship or use the "defining the relationship" chat in the traditional romantic sense, there are some best practices you can apply to make it a successful DTR conversation.

• Online dating tips: We asked the experts for their best advice

5 tips for a successful "defining the relationship" talk

1. State the goal clearly 

The goal of a DTR conversation should be plainly stated and understood by both people. This goal may be slightly different from couple to couple, but at its core, a DTR talk should be a clear space to communicate the relationship's current and future status.

From early dating to marriage and everything in between, signals can get crossed, and intentions can be fuzzy. Being clear about the goal of a DTR conversation in advance allows each person the time to think about what they want from the relationship and prepare what they want to say in the conversation.  

 2. Carve out time 

A classic mistake when sitting down to have the DTR talk is not allocating time for this specific purpose. Setting aside time helps communicate to the other person how important it is and allows you to have a discussion free of distractions. Ideally, the chat should be face-to-face. Sometimes talking over coffee or food helps make each person more at ease. Note: It should not be done over text, and ideally not over the phone. Being physically together is essential in this conversation.

In the case of long-distance relationships, a DTR chat will look a little bit different. Take our long distance relationship tips: You will need to be more creative to set aside some face-to-face time. Thanks to technology, there are video-chat options available like Zoom, Facetime, and Skype. A phone call will work in a pinch, but be intentional about not doing it over any text-based communication. 

3. Prepare yourself emotionally

These kinds of conversations are usually emotionally charged and, while that isn't necessarily a bad thing, it can get in the way of effective communication. Prepare for your DTR talk by planning out what you want to say. What do you want out of the relationship? What would that look like? What might be some challenges to achieving your goal?

Answer these questions for yourself before starting the conversation to make sure to say everything you need to. If you have trouble remembering all of the talking points, try taking notes or writing them down to refer to them during the conversation, so you don't leave anything out.

4. Be honest and open

Like everything else in life, you cannot expect anyone to be able to read your mind. Be honest about your feelings and expectations if you want them to be understood. The entire point of a "defining the relationship" conversation is to communicate how you feel so your relationship can progress effectively, and that can't happen if either person is holding back.

If you have done your prep work and have every intention of being honest and open with your feelings, you will create a safe space for the other person to do the same, and the whole conversation will be far more productive.

5. Be sure to actively listen

When you are vulnerable with your thoughts and feelings, you want the other person to understand what you are trying to communicate, not just listen to the words you're saying. Active listening means you are intentionally listening to understand rather than respond. This, in turn, will encourage your partner to be honest and open, helping you move towards the same goal: understanding.

If these methods still lead to a dead end, or even if the conversation feels awkward and unproductive, consider contacting a relationship expert or couple's counselor. They are skilled at facilitating meaningful discussions where each person can share their feelings freely. Inviting a stranger into an intimate conversation may feel odd, but their outside perspective can offer objective feedback that you can use in future talks. 

Will scented candles ever go out of fashion? Doubtful. But if, like us, you’re a bit of a candle addict and have them burning regularly, you’ll know it can be an expensive indulgence—especially if you're treating yourself to the best scented candles on the market. No need to tighten your purse strings, though! Learning how to make scented candles at home is not only an easy procedure that requires minimal kit, it’s also cost effective and a pretty therapeutic process, too.

We’ve designed these pretty botanical-inspired designs, which are super simple and speedy to make, but if a flower motif doesn’t strike your fancy, why not go for a slogan or initial instead? Once you’re an expert at making them, you can get more creative by using fun candle molds, printable labels and experimenting with your own fragrances. And once you’re happy with your homemade candles, why not treat friends and family, as they make a great gift?

We’ve got the lowdown on everything you need to know before you start, from the ingredients to buy and the fragrance to blend, so you’ll be a candle-making pro in no time.

How to make scented candles at home

What type of wax should I use? 

Before you leap in and start ordering your candle-making ingredients, you’ll need to decide which wax you want to use: You can choose from soy and paraffin, beeswax and gel. Paraffin wax is one of the most common, but if you’d like to opt for a more eco-friendly wax, we’d suggest soy. (Soy also burns slower, so your candle lasts longer!)

Most soy wax is made from 100-percent soybean oil, while others are blended with other natural oils, like coconut. Something you may want to keep in mind is that when using essential oils with soy wax, you won’t get a highly scented candle—it’s a more subtle scent, but worth it if you want to keep things natural.

 What's the difference between wood and cotton wicks? 

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to choosing the wick for your candle. Wooden wicks are thin pieces of wood, which create an atmospheric crackling sound as they burn, while cotton wicks are braided cotton strands that have been dipped in wax to seal them.  

We’ve chosen to use wooden wicks for our candles as they have a better scent circulation when burning, plus they burn for longer, too. However, it’s good to note that wooden wicks don’t do as well as cotton wicks in drafty places, so make sure you place your candle in a room with an even temperature. 

Whichever wick you decide to use, make sure the first time you burn your candle you do so until the wax has completely melted to each side of the candle glass, to ensure it burns down evenly. And, with any wick, you should trim it before each use—ideally you want it to stay at around a quarter inch. For a wooden wick, you can use a sharp pair of scissors or even nail clippers to trim it!

 Which oil blends are there? 

Choosing your own fragrance is the fun part of DIYing scented candles and you can enjoy experimenting with different combinations—getting a scent that you love will be purely down to personal preference. We’ve used a soothing mix of ylang ylang, lavender and orange, but you can choose a blend of your own, or a single oil scent instead. A few of our favorite combinations are:

• Sweet orange + rosemary
• Rosemary + cedarwood
• Bergamot + wild orange + cypress
• Ylang ylang + geranium
• Tangerine + black pepper
• Sandalwood + cinnamon + jasmine + vetiver
• Basil + sweet orange

You’ll need to use more oil than you think to get a noticeable fragrance from essential oils, as they don’t smell as strongly as many synthetic varieties. As a guide, try using two teaspoons of oil for around four ounces of melted wax—or add more if you want a stronger scent.

Lastly, if you have kids or pets, make sure you do research beforehand to check your chosen oils are safe to use!

Ingredients for scented candles

Ready to get started and make your own scented candles? Here’s what you’ll need:

• Soy wax flakes
• Wood wicks with iron stands
• Clear glass votives/candle jars (suitable for heat)
• Essential oils
• Posca pens
• Matte acrylic or chalk paint
• Glue dots
• Paintbrush
• Saucepan
• Heatproof bowl

Instructions for scented candles

1.  Start by chopping your wax into small pieces—the smaller the better, as it will take less time to melt. Once that’s done, measure out how much you’ll need by filling your glass vessel with wax twice (wax melts to around half the volume once melted, hence why you need double). Tip it all into your heatproof bowl. 

2. Next, add the wooden wicks to your glass votives. Slot them into the iron stands, add a glue dot under the stand and then place it in the middle of your glass jar. You can trim the wick down at a later point if it’s a lot higher than the top of your jar. Set to one side.

3. Fill your pan with water and wait for it to simmer, then set your heatproof bowl (with the wax in) on top and leave it to melt. Try not to stir it too much and don’t let the temperature exceed 194 degrees F (90 degrees C)—you can use a thermometer to check it if you want to.

4. Once the wax is fully melted and has turned to liquid, remove it from the heat and leave it for a couple of minutes before adding your essential oil. Adding the oil in after the liquid has cooled slightly will allow for a stronger fragrance. (Add it in too soon and it can destroy the active compounds in your oils and dampen the scent!) You’ll need around 30-40 drops for one candle, so if you’re using a blend of oils, divide that up into an even number of drops and then give it a good stir to mix it well.

5. Pour your oil into your candle jar and use pencils or chopsticks to keep your wick in the center of your candle. Leave to set for 24 hours.

6. Next, paint the outside of your candle jar in your chosen color—you may need two coats to cover it completely. Once it’s dry, use your Posca paint pen to draw on your design, whether it’s a botanical line drawing as we’ve done, or a slogan or pattern.

7. Lastly, trim the wooden wick to about a quarter inch above your candle using a sharp pair of scissors and that’s it—you’ve got a beautiful painted candle that you can enjoy or give as a gift!

It's dubbed the 'magic wand of makeup' but how to apply blusher the right way seems to elude most of us. Whether it's placement on the face, the best shade or playing with different textures, blusher can slip into ruddy circles on the apples of cheeks if you're not careful.

Jennifer Aniston's makeup artist Gucci Westman says: "The best blush doesn't look like blush. It subtly enhances and brings everything together." 

Thankfully the latest raft of blushers make light work of carving out cheekbones, warming up your skin tone and creating an irresistibly suggestive flush when paired with the best bb creams. 

In fact, today's formulas are more user-friendly than ever and blend in so beautifully that it feels like something entirely new rather than an age-old beauty trick.  

Ahead some fool-proof tricks for meshing blusher to your skin minus racing stripes or looking like you've blasted your face with the car radiator for too long.

How to find the right shade

One tip for decoding your perfect shade of blush is to match it to the color of the skin inside of your lip. Otherwise, this is a general rule of thumb: pale pink is the shade most people with fair skin naturally blush, so a powder or cream will have the same effect. Peach works on everyone but especially flatters and balances the tones in olive skin while terracotta, corals and berry shades pop against dark skin.

Apply cream blusher under your foundation

Such is the texture of cream blush that it imparts a believable dewy flush. However, the order in which you apply it in your makeup regime makes a big difference. If you've ever applied cream blusher on top of foundation you've probably found that it muddied the shade. Vincent Ford, global makeup artist for Nars has this advice:

"Daub on a mousse or cream blusher before foundation for a lit from within effect." 

Remove excess blusher on the back of your hand

Powder formulas still tend to be the most popular, probably on account of their long-wear credentials. To prevent a dusty coating, Vincent recommends: "Swirl a brush in your powder blusher and pack the product on by pushing the brush into the back of your hand. This gets rid of any excess product and prevents too much color deposit on the face."

Blusher isn't just for the apples of the cheeks

Where you place your blusher changes the shape of your face. Vincent says: "For a soft contour, add a little cream blush on the apples of the cheeks and take a powder blusher underneath the cheekbones." 

A runway look favored by the likes of Isabel Marant is to buff the color along the cheekbone and around the temples in a hazy c-shape. Gucci’s preference? “I find a horizontal oval shape, that stretches along the tops of the apples and back toward the upper ear, is flattering on most face shapes. I also like to add a touch of blush on the bridge of the nose.”

If you want to know how to clean resistance bands, read on...

Exercising at home has blown up in recent months--almost as fast as pretty, printed face masks. Without easy access to a gym, or fitness studio, we've had to make do with bodyweight exercise classes via Instagram, Zoom, YouTube and the rest. Without the gym's endless shiny machines, many people have cracked out the credit cards and invested in home equipment to help boost their workouts.

• Upgrade your home workout with the best resistance bands for women

Light, small and easy to store, a resistance band is the perfect piece of at-home kit - as long as you don't pack it away and let it fester. The humble band is the ideal way to make your muscles work harder, for added strength and tone. Whether latex or fabric resistance bands, they’re affordable and easy to store.

But just like other exercise equipment - such as dumbbells and, even, the best yoga mats - it’s important, now more than ever, to ensure you clean them on a frequent basis. “This should be a regular occurrence as they come in contact with your skin and your sweat every time they’re used,” explains David Wiener, training specialist at fitness app Freeletics. 

Indeed, before this year, when the ‘rona was only uttered within the deepest echelons of the scientific community, research found that treadmills, weight machines and other common gym equipment, are generally riven with bacteria and other infectious germs. Due to their snug contact with our bodies, resistance bands are likely to be just as bad. 

And while your local gym is responsible for keeping their resistance bands as fresh as can be, it’s down to you to stay on the case of the cleanliness of the one stuffed in your sock drawer (#guilty). Read on to find out exactly how to clean resistance bands.

How often should I clean my resistance band?

Firstly, you don’t need to clean it after every use. Phew, we hear you cry.

“If you're using your band yourself and not sharing it with anyone else, when working out, you can use it a couple of times before needing to clean it,”  explains Katie Anderson, head of training at FLY LDN. 

That’s unless you're sharing your equipment with people at home - in which case this should be done after every session.

How to clean a latex resistance band

“You can clean latex bands with skin-friendly anti-bacterial wipes,” notes Anderson. You know, those ones you’ve probably had lying around in the kitchen for months alongside the hand gel. Or even better, Wiener suggests: “Wiping them down with a damp cloth or towel”.  So there’s no excuse. 

But, if you have more time and, let’s face it, you probably do given umm external factors, Wiener advises, “put your latex bands in a bucket with warm water, add some soap and hand wash them.”

Is your resistance band stuck together after washing it?

“A good trick is to use talcum powder on it,” reveals Anderson. (*Makes a serious mental note*). “Once washed you can use a towel to hand-dry the band or, if you like, you can also let it air-dry away from direct sunlight,” recommends Wiener. Simple.

How to clean fabric resistance bands

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about fabric bands. “You can wash them in a bucket of warm water and soap, gently hand-washing and wringing dry”, says Wiener.

But, to get fabric bands super clean…

“You can throw [fabric bands] in the washing machine,” explains Wiener. “It’s best to wash them with a gentle detergent on a low setting.” This ensures the band retains its elasticity - or it won’t work your muscles so hard. Let it air-dry away from direct sunlight.

Latex or fabric resistance bands: which is easiest to clean?

The stark differences in the cleaning process between them does beg the question of which you should choose if you’re in the market for one.

“Latex is best suited to be cleaned thoroughly as it’s effectively a sealed object that stops dirt and bacteria from being harboured,” points out Jay Wall, a PT specialising in HIIT. “Using a fabric resistance band may well be a good option for personal use, but it could be impractical in any kind of communal setting because it would need to be regularly machine-washed as it has the potential to hold bacteria and viruses.” And we all know the consequences of those...

If you go through your days feeling groggy, you've probably wondered how to get better sleep or at least more sleep on a regular basis. Work, school, family and household chores pack our daily schedules to the brim, and it can feel impossible to set aside eight hours per night to catch some much-needed zzz's. Thankfully, there are ways to optimize your sleep, like stocking up on the best sleep aid products or reading this very guide!

Consistently getting a full night of sleep is associated with lower rates of mental illness, better work and academic performance, fewer mood swings, fewer car accidents, and better decision-making. Not getting enough sleep, on the other hand, puts your mental and physical health at risk, as well as your social life and safety.

Do you struggle to get a proper rest every night? If that is the case for you, you aren't alone. These tips will help you get better sleep every night—from the best meditation apps to environmental recommendations, we’ve got you covered. 

How to get better sleep by giving meditation a try

Often, the key for how to get better sleep at night is what you do when you're awake. Meditation has seen a major increase in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason: taking a few minutes to pause and focus on your breath, mentally send well wishes to others, or do a body scan can help us feel better both in the moment and in the long term. 

Meditation is also associated with falling asleep faster, experiencing less insomnia, and feeling less tired overall. Aside from sleep benefits, meditation can help you feel less stressed and anxious throughout the day, leading many people to see improvements in high blood pressure and other stress-related health conditions. 

Meditation can feel overwhelming to those who have not tried it before, and many people give up shortly after starting it because they feel lost and defeated. Fortunately, guided meditation can help keep your mind focused on the moment. 

How to get better sleep with a sleep schedule

Bedtimes aren't just for toddlers! Aiming to slumber and wake at the same times every day, even on weekends or days off, can help your body adjust to a sleep routine. This can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Staying up late and sleeping in on the weekends can disrupt this routine, leading you to suffer from fatigue for up to an entire week after. 

Most people set an alarm to wake up in the morning, but very few people set an alarm to go to sleep. If you have difficulty establishing and maintaining a regular sleep schedule, try setting a reminder on your phone to start your nighttime routine. This can help you snap out of a Netflix binge or social media scrolling session, and instead set you up for a successful night of rest. 

How to get better sleep by creating a sleep environment

One of the most important things you can do to get better sleep is to create an ideal sleeping environment that allows your body and mind to relax. The three major elements of an ideal sleep environment are temperature, sound and light.  

1. Temperature
   Our bodies tend to have an easier time falling asleep in cooler temperatures, like what we would have had while sleeping outside in our hunter-gatherer days. You can either set your thermostat to a few degrees cooler at night, or you can use a fan to circulate air in your bedroom. According to the Sleep Foundation, the ideal temperature for sleep is about 65 degrees.  
   
2. Sound
   If you live by a busy street or have noisy neighbors, you know firsthand how much sound can affect your sleep. If you struggle to fall asleep because of a loud environment, there are several things you can do to drown out the outside noise.
   
   Many people find that they like sleeping with a fan on, both to feel a breeze and to have a relaxing sound that helps muffle other noises. Others use white noise machines or white noise apps that play rain sounds or similar nature sounds. Earplugs can also be helpful in drowning out aural disturbances, especially if you share a bed with a loud snorer.  
   
3. Light
   Your body's circadian rhythm relies on the lightness and darkness of the surrounding environment. Darkness prompts your body to release melatonin, a hormone in your brain, which prompts other sleep mechanisms to kick in. Avoiding bright lights about an hour before bed, including electronics like TVs and cell phones, will stimulate your brain to release melatonin. Make sure your bedroom is dark enough when you actually go to bed, too: employ blackout curtains if you are near streetlights or work the night shift and sleep during the day.

If you try these strategies to get better sleep at night, but you still struggle to feel well-rested and alert upon rising in the morning, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your sleep. Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining our physical and mental health, and it is not something you should continue to deal with if you struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep several nights per week.

Thinking about buying a home can feel daunting. They cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and it starts with a hefty down payment. It also doesn’t help that so much of our typical “American dream” is tied up in being a homeowner. It feels like too much, but it doesn't have to. When you have a good plan and know a little more about real estate, you will find that saving up for a down payment is quite doable. Here is your simple guide on how to save up for a house. 

Review your budget

No one really enjoys budgeting, but if you're serious about saving up for a house, this is the first step. Take a deep look at all of your income and spending. It might not be the most fun way to spend an afternoon, but until you account for every penny, saving for a down payment is going to prove difficult.

You want to split your spending into two categories – mandatory and discretionary. Mandatory spending is things like rent, insurance and food. Discretionary would include Netflix and other things that you can live without, even if you don't want to!

When you've made this list, you'll be able to look for where you can make cuts to start saving for that housing down payment. Still, there are a few more steps that will make the final part of budgeting less painful.

Calculate some mortgages

The second step in your plan is figuring out how much money you're really going to need for your house. The best way to do this is to compare mortgages with what you already pay in rent. If your rent is $1500 a month, you can afford a mortgage payment in that same ballpark. You can also find plenty of mortgage calculators online to help with this part.

As part of your pricing research, there are a few extra steps that go a long way. If you check your credit score, you can figure out what kind of interest rates to expect. You can even try to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Then you'll know exactly what some of your options are.

It's important to be able to estimate property taxes and insurance and add those to your monthly mortgage payment. That tells you exactly how much will be coming out of your pocket, and with all of that, you can set a price limit on your house shopping. For your down payment, you will need to save up 10 to 20 percent of the total price of the house. 

Weigh your down payment options

With no assistance, you should assume that you need a 20 per cent down payment for any house. If this is your first house, there are several resources that can help you lower your down payment considerably. 

The first thing is the Federal Housing Association. This is a government program that helps first-time homebuyers. FHA loans usually have lower down payments and fixed interest, and when you explore these loans, you'll get real numbers that help you set your saving goals. 

It's also worth pointing out that the FHA offers financial planning assistance. If you're new to home buying, working with the FHA will help you get a strong idea of all the little things you need to know about the process.  

Outside of government programs, you can learn about private mortgage insurance (PMI). This is special insurance that allows you to make a smaller down payment. It will raise your monthly housing bill, but it might make getting into your new house a lot easier. Basically, the money you aren't putting into a down payment is split into a monthly payment that is added to your mortgage until you catch up. 

Set your budget 

At this point, you know where your money is, and you know how much you need to save for your down payment. It's time to decide how you will acquire that money. It starts with savings. Even if you're only saving $10 a week on something, that adds up quickly over the course of a year. If you can skim from your phone bill, your utilities, and maybe your insurance, you will be well on your way, and that's not including the cuts you can make in your discretionary spending.

You can also look into extra income. Everyone talks about the side hustle, and it's a legitimate way to secure your down payment. Even if you channel your inner teenager and mow lawns or babysit for some extra cash, as long as you put it away, you'll get that down payment. An extra $50 a week doesn't require a lot of your time, but it turns into $2500 a year. Every penny counts. 

Saving up for a house seems daunting until you break it into smaller pieces. It's not about acquiring thousands of dollars. It's about making small decisions over time that set you up for success. Stick with it and you'll get there.

If you've ever wanted to know how to make an outdoor movie theater but don't know where to start, then you're in luck as we've done all the hard work for you. 

We all love a magical outdoor cinema experience, right? Somewhere to meet friends, relax, watch a Christmas film and get excited for the festive time ahead. This year might be slightly different, so if you’re already feeling that you’re missing out on attending organised events, why not create your own Christmas grotto instead?  You may not have the crowds, but you’ll also have no interruptions and get first dibs on what movie to show – plus it’s the perfect chance to go all out on the decorations of your choice.  

So, what exactly does that entail? we hear you ask. Is it easy to do? Will it be costly? The answers are that you can make it as intricate or simple as you choose, and once you’ve got your structure and a projector, you’re pretty much good to go. You can use both items in the summer, too, so really it’s an investment – at least that’s what we’re telling ourselves! Want to find out more? Here’s how @lifeofaninteriorstylist created hers.… 

Set up an outdoor structure

Now, this is the trickiest part, but once you have a home for your outdoor cinema, you’ll be able to use it time and time again. Gazebos, such as this one from Wayfair are a great investment as you can use them all year round – just make sure that the one you choose is heavy-duty enough that it won’t blow away in the bad weather that winter brings. 

You’ll also need to make sure that a gazebo is watertight – especially as you’ll have electrics inside. If not, you can buy a tarpaulin to cover it if needed, which will also help create a blackout environment, ideal for helping you see your cinema screen clearly in the daytime as well as at night. 

Not keen on a gazebo? Maybe you have an outhouse, a garden office or a garage you can transform?

Make it twinkle

Fairy lights, fairy lights and more fairy lights  – you want as much sparkle as you can get for that truly magical feel. Try stringing LED net lights on the ceiling and curtains of fairy light strings down the sides of your winter cinema. If you’re outside in a gazebo, make sure that any extension leads are heavy duty and protected from the elements. 

Next, add in some light-up reindeer and twig trees, along with lanterns complete with battery-operated LED candles (avoid naked flames). 

Invest in a projector

If there’s any expense with an outdoor winter cinema, it’s the tech, but again, it’s an investment and something that you’re likely to find yourself using all year round. So, what do you need? 

Firstly, the projector. Yes, this is the scariest to buy, as it’s the part you don’t want to get wrong. No one wants a fuzzy picture or something that’s too tricky to use. Thankfully, most of the latest models are bright enough that you can see even with the lights on, and two entry-level models from Epson, the EH-TW740 and EH-TW750, are both fully HD and will do the job well. Make sure, like these two models, that your projector has around 3000 lumens or more, with built-in Wi-Fi. You’ll want to plug it into your electrics, line your projector up with your screen, plug in your Firestick or use Wi-Fi to link to your phone and laptop – and from there you can play whatever you like, the world’s your oyster. Granted, it’s not a cheap purchase, but the picture is so good you may well be tempted to use it instead of your TV all year round.

Add snuggly seating

Hard chairs just aren’t going to cut it for a proper movie experience – no one wants a numb bum after hours of film-watching – so think about your seating and what will be most comfortable. Go for cosy beanbag chairs in a mix of fabrics – velvet, faux fur, quilted and suede-effect all create a cosy, tactile vibe. Add in some pouffes to use as a side table when you need a spot to put your drink or mince pie, or on which to stretch your legs. Some cuddly throws and a few cushions will all help ramp up that comfort factor. 

Create a snack station

You can’t have an outdoor cinema without snacks. Trolleys on castors are ideal as you can pop food and drinks on them, and wheel them to where you want them.  Try a popcorn machine for a true cinema experience, with shakers holding different sprinkles such as salt, sugar and Christmas spice. 

As you’re outdoors, you might want to embrace the cosy feel with steaming mugs of hot chocolate – don’t forget the whipped cream and marshmallows! Finally, add cake stands of mince pies and cupcakes, and glass canisters with chocolate chips and candy canes for a truly festive feel.

Keep it soft underfoot

Rugs, and outdoor rugs in particular, are ideal for lining your outdoor cinema, as not only do they add a decorative element, but they’re super practical, too. They’re great for adding colour and pattern, as well as some softness underfoot if your gazebo is  on a hard surface rather than grass. Choose designs in different colours and patterns to match your theme, and overlap them, with luxurious faux fur rugs layered on top.

Consider the details

This is YOUR cinema and that means there are no rules when it comes to how you decorate it. Go for a traditional Scandi scheme as shown here with its  red, white and grey colour palette, or opt for something more luxe with metallics and deep jewel colours. 

Signs, lightboxes and small quirky accessories like our round-up of the best scented candles, will all help you personalise the space, while garlands strewn with lights and decorated with baubles will help frame your screen nicely.

Don’t forget the stockings

Who says you have to wait until Christmas Eve for a stocking? Hang yours from the gazebo frame and pop presents in to make those movie evenings all the more magical. Gifts could include edible or drinkable movie snacks, fun fancy dress items or beauty treatments you can use while you’re watching your film.

Stay warm

Outdoor movie theaters don’t have to be chilly. Plug in a heater and you’ll make it toasty in no time.  In fact, you’ll likely have the opposite problem as a small space such as this warms up quickly. You could also add a gas firepit, but be aware you’d need to draw back your gazebo to ensure it was well-ventilated. 

Choose your movie

Lastly, choose your Christmas movie – whether it’s an old classic like It’s a Wonderful Life, a family favourite such as Home Alone or the new The Christmas Chronicles 2. It’s the perfect way to get in the festive mood!

One scroll through Instagram or Pinterest on any given day has us wanting to renovate our whole home into an aesthetically pleasing millennial paradise – think terrazzo surfaces, velvet accents, and hanging plants galore. And, with spending so much more time at home recently, we’ve got all the more reason to jazz up our living space. But, while inspiration is free, home improvements come at a cost, and we can’t all afford to live like an influencer. 

Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to improve your space without spending an obscene amount of cash. Here are some of our top tips.

Flip your furniture

Instead of splurging on a fancy new couch or a trendier chest of drawers, get creative and renovate your existing furniture. You can spend less than a hundred dollars and feel like you’ve got brand-new stuff. Not to mention you’ll feel like a total queen for doing it yourself. Ideas include reupholstering your sofa or armchairs in a funky fabric, painting your old bookcase in a vibrant color or stenciling on your headboard. 

Shop at thrift stores

Sure, it’s nice to fill your home with the latest ‘it’ pieces from West Elm and Anthropologie, but your space will look so much cooler if it’s decked out in an eclectic mix of antique items that no one else will have. Even better is that when people ask you where your chintzy lamp or quirky coffee table are from, you get to say the coolest (and smuggest) three words in the English language: “Oh, it’s vintage”. Prices can vary depending on how bougie the thrift store is so make sure it’s right for your budget before you start rummaging. You can also find some great second-hand furniture online at spots like Facebook Marketplace and eBay. 

Get painting

It may seem simple – and it is – but painting is one of the easiest ways to make a huge difference to a room. If you do it yourself instead of hiring someone, it’s one of the cheapest ways too. If you don’t want to spend a lot on paint, just one striking accent wall is enough to transform the space. Our tip? Use your masking tape to create geometric shapes on the wall, paint over it, then peel away to reveal your design.

Do some DIY

Certain home improvements might be intimidating but you can pretty much find out how to do anything online these days. A short video course can teach you anything from wiring (hello, stylish pendant lamp) and treating damp to splitting a room with a stud wall, so there’s no excuse not to give them a go. You’ll save so much money getting stuck in and doing these seemingly tricky tasks yourself.

Focus on the details

You’d be surprised at just how big an impact small decorative details can make – and they don’t need to be costly to do it. Adding a cute doormat at the entrance or a few throw pillows to your bed or sofa, draping fairy lights down your banister and popping some candles, plants and art prints around the place pulls your interior together and helps make your home feel very individual to you.

Declutter your space 

We’ve all seen Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, right? Sometimes all your place really needs is a good organization. Go through your things and only keep the things you really need or want (do they “bring you joy”?), then create clever storage such as under-bed boxes, coat hooks and sneaky shelves to keep your belongings in order. 

This article is supported by the International Open Academy.

You know how great your brows look after a bath - all slicked up with mirror-like shine? Well, brow lamination is like the semi-permanent version of that and it's taking over our Instagram feeds right now.

Brow lamination is a huge trend in London, not least because of British brow icons like Cara Delevigne, Emilia Clarke and Lucy Boynton (especially if you then combine it with a microblading brow pen).

So what exactly is brow lamination?

In a salon, a lifting cream is first painted onto the brows, which breaks down bonds in each hair, allowing them to be moved into a new shape. Next the hairs are brushed up into place and a setting lotion applied.

"This will help them stay lifted for 4-6 weeks," says Sherrille Riley of Nails & Brows Mayfair, London, whose 60-minute Brow Lift costs £100.  "The results tend to last longer on coarser brows than on fine hairs."

Social distancing and lockdown 2.0 has put professional brow lamination on hold for the time being, which is why when we saw a DIY brow lamination pop up on our social feed we sat up and took notice. 

Then we fell down a brow lamination rabbit hole.

Turns out DIY brow lamination isn't as alien a concept as we first thought. According to founder of b.bare Chantelle Thompson it's a simple enough process (although an allergy test is recommended 48hrs beforehand to determine any potential reactions).

Just be mindful to "apply the glue in sections to avoid it setting before your brows are in place," she says. 

Follow Thompson's step-by-step guide for how to use the b.bare Brow Lamination Kit here...

Step one: Remove any brow gel or pencil

Ensure your brows are clean and all product is removed.

Step two: Brush the brows upwards with a spoolie and apply the glue

Sparingly apply the glue to the brows and brush upwards or in the direction you would like your brows to set using a spoolie brush.

Step three: Apply the Lifting Cream

Once the brows are set in place, apply the Lifting Cream using the Micro Applicator, which looks a bit like a Q-tip, from the roots to the tips.

Step four: Spread cling film over the top

You could use cling film or simply peel off and place Brows on Film over the top for 10 minutes. Then remove all product with a cotton pad.

Step five: Brush the brow hairs and apply the neutraliser 

Brush the brows into their final position for a second time and apply Neutralise and  Brows on Film.

Step Six: After 10 minutes, remove all product, brush brows up to your preference and apply the Hydrate Serum.

Aftercare: "Hydration is key as the lamination process can make hairs feel brittle," says Thompson. "Look for creamy hydrating butters and oils to soothe and soften." Castor oil is a good option, according to Riley.

Now that maskne is the new acne, we've been bookmarking 'how to pop a pimple' on Google.

There's no unspoken rule that says you're magically immune to spots over the age of 20. Especially with all that oil and sweat now swishing around under your face covering.

This, in turn, clogs pores with a paste-like mixture of oil, dead cells and leftover make-up.  And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Bacteria (especially one called Propionibacterium acnes) can then get trapped inside the pores and multiply. This causes swelling and redness, which is the start of a pimple.

While washing your face with a salicylic acid cleanser and wearing a non-comedogenic foundation can all help,  when a black head, white head or any other kind of 'head' arrives like an unwelcome house guest the temptation to pick is *MASSIVE*.

With that in mind follow Dr Sandra Lee, aka The Pimple Popper's advice on how to pop a spot with the lowest risk of infection and scarring.

How to tell if a pimple is ready to pop 

"I will be like every other dermatologist and tell you that you really shouldn't pop any spots yourself. But, I know that many of you can't help yourselves," says Dr Lee.

"If you really MUST, the ideal time to pop a pimple is when it’s the most superficial it can be on the skin - aka it’s closest to the surface of the skin."

If a pimple has a yellow or white head, it's easier to extract and has the lowest risk of infection as the bump is very superficial.

When not to pop

"The deeper you traumatise your skin, the more risk you have of bleeding, infection and permanent scarring. So if it is a bump under the skin, leave it,"  says Lee. 

This is especially true if you have darker skin as you can get post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, which could leave darker patches.

How to pop a spot by Dr Pimple Popper

1. Take a steamy shower beforehand as it softens the skin and opens up the pores, so it’s easier to express the content of a pimple. 
2. Sterilise the area and be sure to have clean tools and hands.
3. I like to use the Dr. Pimple Popper Comedone Extractor, but if you’re using your fingers, increase traction by wrapping a clean tissue around them. 
4. Apply even pressure to the skin around the whitehead or blackhead and move in all different directions.
5. When the puss has come out, clean the area with alcohol or an acne spot treatment containing Salicylic acid  or benzoyl peroxide, which is found in my SLMD BP Spot Treatment.
6. Leave it alone. If necessary put a band aid on it so you’re reminded not to pick at it anymore. 

Disclaimer: Know when to stop. Sometimes a pimple can't be popped and this is when you need to see a dermatologist. 

Taking a brush to curly and coily hair is something that many people try to avoid due to the worry of frizz and loss of definition (even if you pick one of the best brushes for curly hair). It’s no surprise when loads of images you see of brushed out curls are of frizzy manes and stock photos of brushes getting stuck in people’s hair. 

However, brushing through your curls can be instrumental in stimulating growth from the scalp, removing dead hair and keeping knots at bay. It can also enhance shine, which can lack in curly and coily hair types because of the cuticle alignments of curly strands. Whatever way you choose to brush or comb through you strands it’s a step in your hair care routine you shouldn’t completely avoid.

• Best brushes for curly hair: our top picks for curly and coily hair

So, what is the key to brushing curly hair without losing definition? Follow our expert tips below for the smoothest curls of your life…

How to brush curly hair without losing curls

The key is in your tools 

Are you happy with the tools you use to style of care for your curls? If you’re not too sure what the best brush is for curly hair, then the best thing to do is work out why you’re brushing your curls in the first place. 

Is it to create a style? Is it to detangle your curls? These two parts of your haircare routine require very different brushes, the right brush to use will fall into place and you’ll be on your way to a beautiful style. And if you haven’t found a brush that works for you yet, a wide tooth comb is a great alternative for smoothing and working in products, plus it avoids frizz.

Adjust your technique according to your curl type

It’s important to remember that every head of curls is different so the way you brush your hair will be different to others. For instance, if you have type 3 curls, it’ll be easier to coax your curls back into formation if you have brushed things out too much. Tighter type for curls and coils will more likely require some product and a nourishing oil to redefine it. 

Why do you need to brush your curly hair?

Ask the question whether you really need to brush your curls and coils? Especially if you have already dried and styled them into formation, brushing them will result in a loss of definition. If you’re looking for a bigger, bouncier brushed-out look then great, but if not then you might want to put down the brush. "Brushing curls and not losing definition don't go together unfortunately and there's not really a way around it,” says session stylist Stefan Bertin. 

Prep your curls with the best products 

All the experts we spoke to had the same advice when it came to brushing curly hair – you can’t go in dry. You have to prep your strands with good curly hair styling products to reduce the loss of definition and combat frizz. Hairdressser Dionne Smith says applying to wet hair is the best way to brush: “To retain the natural curl pattern the best way is to work on wet hair – use a water spray to wet down hair first. Wet hair activates and it actually encourages the natural curl pattern.”

If you prefer using a wide tooth comb then Stefan has this advice:  “Put down the brush, pick up a wide-tooth comb instead, grab a soft mist bottle filled with water and/or a leave-in conditioner. My favourite leave in conditioner is the Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave In Treatment.” 

Only detangle when wet

And along the same wave-length you should only detangle hair when it’s wet. Celebrity hairstylist Michelle Sultan says: “I would strongly recommend that you brush curly hair only when its wet not when it’s dry, reason being curly hair can be very fragile when its dry, it’s a lot stronger when its wet. So, if you brush it when its dry you could risk breakage or pulling out hair unnecessary.” Condition with the Imbue Curl Restoring Intensive Mask to fortify weakened strands. 

Once you’re done, don’t touch the curls 

Once you’ve created your style, whether you brushed your hair to detangle it or you brush through to create even more texture for your style, once your hair’s in the place you want it, leave it alone. Touching it further will disrupt your style and the hard work you’ve just put in. If you want to add more volume, then focus this at the root advises hairdresser Tim Scott-Wright: “For a little extra volume at the roots try a quick spray of OSiS Powder Cloud.”

Wondering how on earth to make a hot chocolate bomb drink? If you spend the majority of your spare time scrolling through your 'For You' page on TikTok (like we do - guilty), then you'll know that hot chocolate bombs are the ultimate trend right now. Everyone is making them, and if you want in, then we're here to help. 

Perfect for the season, the cosy dessert is exactly what we need to keep us warm and toasty now that temperatures have officially dropped. So, how exactly do we make them? 

Well, as shown in the millions of TikTok tutorials - that's not an exaggerating by the way, #hotchocolatebombs currently has more than 13.9 million views - it's a special twist on an original hot chocolate. 

How to make a hot chocolate bomb drink

First up, you get a mug and place a giant ball of chocolate inside it. Usually, this is filled with delicious treats like mini marshmallows, cocoa powder and any other flavours you want in the drink. You then pour steamed hot milk into the mug watch the ball melt, with all the filling spilling out and mixing in with hot milk. Finally, you give it a little stir and voila, it's complete. Filming a TikTok of the process is optional...

How to make the chocolate ball 

As for making the actual chocolate ball, that's really simple too. All you need is a rounded silicone molds and your ingredients of choice. Get some of your favourite chocolate, put it in a bowl with some heavy cream and sugar, then put it in the microwave and wait for it to melt.

Once it has melted, smear it on the inside of your rounded silicone molds so that you have semi-circles of chocolate and put them i the fridge so they harden. Then, put the ingredients you want inside the ball into one side (this is the bit where you can get creative and fill it up with whatever you fancy) and place another semi-circle of chocolate on top, using edible melted chocolate as the glue that sticks to two sides together.

As you can see, they're super quick and easy to make and the process is also fun (even more so than watching others make them on TikTok), not to mention the fact that they're delicious.

In fact, we're off to make our own!

Want to know how to choose moisturizer for your specific skin type? We asked the experts what to look out for...

• The best moisturizers for dry skin: our top tried and tested picks

Let’s just take a moment to applaud our skin; perhaps the most underrated organ in the body. The average person has around 300 million skin cells, which collectively work tirelessly to keep bodily fluids in and harmful microbes out, all while selflessly protecting our other organs. Our skin is always grafting, day in, day out - so it’s only fair we repay it by keeping it in the best possible condition. 

But skin is complex and skin types can massively vary - from oily, shiny complexions to dry skin that suffers with patches and flakiness. Getting your moisturizer right - as well as knowing how to apply moisturizer and other creams in the right order - is crucial when it comes to providing your skin with the care it needs. The best moisturizers for dry skin are very different from those that will benefit oilier and combination complexions. We quizzed skincare experts on how to recognise your skin’s needs and how to pick the best moisturizer for your skin type. 

How to tell what your skin type is

The first step is distinguishing your skin type. The easiest way to work this out is with a quick wash test. “You can usually tell your skin type by washing the face with tepid water, patting dry and then assessing how it feels after five minutes,” Emma Coleman, a dermatologist and aesthetician told us. 

“If there is no dryness and tightness, it’s likely you have oily or combination skin. If the cheeks, jawline or forehead feel dry, you may have combination skin. If oil is visible after washing you have widespread oily skin.

“A dry and tight sensation after washing signifies dry or dehydrated skin whilst your skin may simply feel fine and none of the above which suggests normal skin type. The optimum pH of skin is around 5, oily skins tend to be more acidic whilst dry skins are generally alkaline.”

How to pick the best moisturizer for your skin type

The best type moisturizer for oily skin

While it may be tempting to skip the moisturizer all together, oily skin needs hydration too! In fact, it’s pretty essential for keeping oily skin in balance—just look to lighter formulas, like Origins GinZing Oil-Free Moisturizer. “Oilier skins need a moisturizer to rebalance, slow sebum production and keep pores squeaky clean as well as hydrating the skin,” Diane Ackers, skincare industry expert & spokesperson for Doctors Formula cosmeceutical brand, told us. “It’s a myth that oily skins don’t need hydration – they do!”

 “People with oily skin should look for a moisturizer which is oil-free and lightweight rather than a heavy thick cream. Look for non comedogenic on the label so it won’t block pores,” Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, renowned aesthetic doctor and medical director of Adonia Medical Clinic, told us. “Without moisturizer oily skin can become dehydrated and therefore produce more oil so choose a moisturizer which contains hyaluronic acid which helps with hydration without blocking the pores.”

Diane suggests that you should look for key probiotics when selecting a moisturizer. “Key probiotics such as relipidium provide long lasting hydration and strengthen the skin’s good bacteria to rebalance the natural microbiome, whilst hydrolysed yeast protein makes skin less prone to breakouts,” she explains. “Kaolin aims to detoxify the skin and clean pores, absorbing any excess surface oils whilst gently exfoliating to prevent blocked pores.”

The best type moisturizer for dry skin

When skin is dry, it’s often because the skin’s barrier isn’t working effectively. A damaged barrier can result in dry, itchy, patchy and inflamed skin, which can only be remedied by restoring the skin’s balance. A good moisturizer will not only hydrate and protect the skin, but also strengthen the skin barrier. 

Diane says: “Dry skin needs a moisture boost as well as hydration. Relipidium stimulates the synthesis of lipids in the skin up to 50%, repairing and reinforcing the skin's protective barrier. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and hydrates, while hydrolysed yeast protein improves the moisture content whilst enhancing the natural water reservoirs in the skin.

“Hyaluronic acid will help with hydration throughout the skin and ceramides will help to boost your barrier and aid the hydration process. Having dry skin which can often feel flaky and rough may be prone to irritation and redness so opt for fragrance free and suitable for sensitive skin.

“Products containing glycerin will also help to lock moisture in. For those with super dry skin you may want to carry around a small bottle of moisturizer in winter to replenish throughout the day, but also key is making sure your make-up such as foundation and powder isn’t also further drying your skin out.”

The best type moisturizer for combination skin

Combination skin can be a bit of a minefield. You want a moisturizer that will soothe and calm dry and flaky patches (usually on the cheeks) while not aggravating the oily T-zone. An oil-free moisturizer is a safe bet, as it will hydrate the skin without any greasiness. 

“For those with combination skin it really is a case of trial and error to see what works best for you”,  Dr Ejikeme told us. “Think lightweight here, so lotions and serums as opposed to thick creams and oils. Two ingredients to look out for are glycerin and salicylic acid.”

“Combination skins need to rebalance,” added Diane. “Gardenia Tahitensis flower extract, known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, targets the oiler zones combined with coconut oil rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids will work to hydrate, restore and protect the skin.”

If 'how to apply moisturizer' is one of your burning skincare questions, fear not. We asked the experts how reap all the benefits from the best moisturizers for dry skin.

You could argue that skincare has earned itself a reputation as being very high maintenance. With the influx of 12-step skincare routines and popularity of acids, retinols and various other compounds making the cleanse-tone-moisturise skin care trio of yesteryear pale into insignificance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

• Best moisturizers for dry skin: Give your skin extra hydration with our top tested and tried picks

We’d argue you don’t need a cupboard full of lotions and potions and a working knowledge of cosmetic chemistry to look after your skin, just enough products to keep it clean, hydrated and protected from its enemies - namely the elements, pollution and our ever-increasing exposure to blue light. Once you have those in your skincare arsenal, all that’s left to do is apply them effectively, in the right order. 

The one part of our skincare routine that’s non-negotiable is a good moisturizer. Not only does it hydrate and soothe the skin, it also protects our face from aforementioned aggressors and strengthens the skin’s barrier. Finding the best moisturizers for dry skin is a start, but once you have it, when should you be applying it? And how much does the order of our skincare routine actually matter? We spoke to the experts to find out. 

How to apply moisturizer and sunscreen: Which step should moisturizer be in our skincare routine? 

As a rule, your moisturizer should be the last thing you apply before SPF. 

As a guide, your daily skincare routine could look something like this: “Moisturizer should be the last step in the morning, before sunscreen, and the last step in your night routine when you need that extra hydration,” explains Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, renowned aesthetic doctor and medical director of Adonia Medical Clinic.

Why is it important to get the order right? 

Moisturizer creates a barrier, protecting the skin, so if you were to apply another product over it, you’d be wasting your time (and money - serums and oils can be expensive). “Different products are formulated to help penetrate better into the skin or to act as a barrier to protect the skin,” Dr Ejikeme told us. 

“If you get the order wrong, the products may not be able to have the desired effect. If you put your moisturizer on before your active serum then you are essentially wasting your serum as it may not be able to reach the skin.”

“Do not apply your eye product last,” says Caroline Hiron, straight-talking skin care expert and author of Skin Care. “No matter how carefully you apply your serums and moisturizers, you will always get some in the eye area, and then your eye product won’t be absorbed where you want it to be.”

What are the common mistakes people make when it comes to applying moisturizer? 

Not switching things up, apparently. “The biggest mistake is using the same moisturizer all year round. Our skin changes throughout the seasons and even through the month,”  Dr Ejikeme told us. “It’s good to have a range of moisturizers to suit your changing skin.”

It also pays to be consistent with your routine, once you’ve found a moisturizer that works for you. “Consistency is key, if you like a rich, creamy texture, something which you feel nourishes the skin and you’re recommended to use a light lotion – you won’t feel as if it’s working for you, and are more likely to stop using it,” Diane Ackers, a skincare industry expert and spokesperson for Doctors Formula cosmeceutical brand told us. We love the lightweight Origins GinZing Moisturizer. 

Studies have shown that sticking to a skincare routine is more important than the formulas of products, so your best bet for improving your skin is to find a cream that works for you and stick to your routine religiously. 

And don’t forget your lips, too! Dry flakey lips can be a real pain in the proverbial during the winter months, but a little self-care in this department can go a long way. “Include your lips in your entire routine when they’re dry, just be careful,” says Caroline. “Cleanse them, use your acid pads over them, even if it’s just around the edges. Use your oil on them, and use your moisturizer on them. Reapply a little oil as needed throughout the day. They will improve quickly with a little TLC.”

Looking to tone up and boost strength? Mastering how to do a wall plank could help you do just this.

Whether you’re into your fitness or not, you’ll have heard of the plank - where you either balance yourself on your forearms or palms of your hands, with your body in a straight line, resting on your toes. 

It’s a tricky move, as your body is essentially braced the entire time. But, saying that, earlier this year, former marine George Hood broke the Guinness World Record for longest abdominal plank, holding the position for a staggering eight hours, 15 minutes and 15 seconds. We can only imagine how painful that was! 

The plank can be a bit...well...boring. So, if you want to make the plank slightly more interesting, it’s time to perfect the wall plank.

The benefits of a wall plank 

London-based yoga instructor Molly Robinson explains that the wall plank is good for a number of things.

“It can help with shoulder strength as you’re essentially balancing some of your body weight on your arms. It also helps with core stability,” she says.

For a safety-first wall plank set-up, make sure the mat you’re placing your hands on is comfortable, with lots of grip. 

Molly adds that the wall plank also helps you to learn how to put weight onto your hands, as well as boosting your confidence to try more advanced yoga poses, such as handstands and other inversions, where the head is below the heart. 

How to perfect the wall plank

Molly breaks it down into bite-sized steps:

1. Start by standing away from a wall, with your back facing it
2. Leave enough space to place your hands on the ground and your feet against the wall
3. Next, place your hands down on the floor and slowly walk your feet back towards the wall
4. Then, slowly walk your feet up the wall - take this stage very carefully
5. Once your body is parallel, squeeze that core, and press your feet into the wall
6. Aim to keep your shoulders directly above your wrists
7. Try holding this position for 10 seconds, to start, and gradually increase your time

Perfect your pose in this short, but oh so effective, wall plank how to video from Hannah Barrett Yoga.

Make your wall plank into a handstand

With this move, "you’re trying to get your body parallel to the wall, into a handstand position" says Molly.

• From your wall plank position, slowly walk your hands closer to the wall, and move your feet further up the wall
• Each time you do this exercise, try and get closer and closer to the wall
• Once your body is almost flush against the wall (not quite touching), practice taking one toe at a time away from the wall until both toes are away and you’re in a wall-supported handstand
• Once a supported wall handstand is achieved, start having the hands further away from the wall
• Create almost a box shape - with hips above shoulders, shoulders above wrists and then your toes in line with your hips on the wall
• Try extending one leg to the ceiling. Then, with the other leg supported by the wall, gently push your toes off the wall and try to catch a hold. Give it a try - the wall’s there for your feet to go back to.

Fancy a challenge? Give these a go...

Try this video from @zenisyoga demonstrating a tougher version of the wall plank - great for getting that core fired up! 

Why yoga?

Not only is it said to boost flexibility and strength, it’s good for protecting your posture and helping your spine stay strong. 

It’s also helpful for calming a busy mind - when we’re stressed, levels of the stress hormone cortisol can spike. Yoga can help lower these levels. You've already got one of the best yoga mats, now its time to put it into practise. 

If you’re short on time but feel like having a stretch and clearing your mind, try one of these short yoga flow videos.

A yoga flow for flexibility

A simple, all levels, yoga flow 

Figuring out how to relax in the last few months has not been easy - uncertainty and anxiety have been rife, and some of our usual go-tos like hanging out with friends may no longer be an option. While relaxation techniques are an essential addition to our wellbeing toolkit, a much needed zen state is not always easy to accomplish.

• Try the best meditation apps that will help you de-stress fast

“In essence, relaxation has virtually the opposite effect to stress, lowering heart rate, boosting immunity and enabling the body to thrive,” says natural health and wellness expert Dr Tim Bond. “An example is when women menstruate, they often find taking a long bath or doing some gentle relaxation exercises helps their general wellbeing.”

Sounds great, but our hectic lives often prevent us from finding – and utilising – what’s best for us. In order to move away from the sympathetic (fight or flight) response and activate the parasympathetic (rest and digest) response, we must trust our instincts and choose what produces the most satisfaction.

“It’s about finding out what's right for you,” says Dr Megan Jones Bell, chief science officer at Headspace. “Breathing can be a powerful way to help us reset and activate our natural relaxation response, so one of the easiest and most accessible ways for anyone to relax, in any setting, environment or activity, is to focus on the breath.”

If you’ve been struggling to find a bit of peace in your life recently, try these quick and effective ways to put you back on the path to wellness.

7 relaxation techniques to relieve stress

Creating

Creating can be anything, from taking an art class or colouring in, to crafts or jigsaw puzzles. These forms of active mediation allow us to settle our overworked brains and focus on the here and now.

“Art has the power to heal, increase wellbeing and reduce anxiety. Researchers liken creating art to exercise for the brain, and studies consistently show that creating art helps individuals cope with stressful and difficult situations,” says Scott Phillips, co-founder of Rise Art. 

Organising

If your mum ever said ‘tidy house, tidy mind’, she wasn’t just trying to persuade you to clean your room – the chances are she recognised the positive effects of an ordered environment.

And, with research showing that working up a sweat while cleaning improves mental health and boosts mood, it’s more important than ever to create a Zen home.

ASMR

For those who enjoy Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), the experience can be nothing short of profound. ASMR enthusiasts love the de-stressing effects of listening to sounds, such as whispering, eating, or rainfall.

The theory behind these stimuli is the release of feel-good chemicals – endorphins, dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin – into our bodies, which decrease stress and aid relaxation and sleep. “ASMR is consistently helpful at bringing comfort, peace and calmness to busy brains when an overactive mind is preventing a desired feeling of calmness,” explains Dr Craig Richard, founder of ASMR University.

“While it can’t cure or prevent any form of illness, it may help reduce feelings of stress or sleeplessness.”

Salt bathing

Salt baths have long been regarded as an elixir to combat stress and encourage relaxation, and the secret lies in magnesium. ‘“Individuals who suffer with mental-health illnesses have been found to have lower platelet serotonin levels,” explains Karen Davis, Westlab Chief Pharmacist.

“There are different ways to increase serotonin, including magnesium intake,” she adds. “This is best absorbed through the skin.”

Everyday mindfulness

Contrary to popular belief, mindfulness isn’t about sitting quietly and meditating, which can take time and practice.

“We can introduce relaxation into our daily life by simply trying to be more mindful in our everyday tasks,” explains Dr Jones Bell. “This could be as simple as mindful hand-washing, making a cup of tea or taking moments to pause and check in with yourself.

“Rather than getting lost in the frustration of a task, acknowledge it, accept it, sit with it, focus on your breathing and bring your attention back to how you’re feeling and why. This will help you be intentional in every interaction and can bring about a more relaxed state of being,” she says.

Neo-Luddism

For those of us attached to our phones and laptops, a little neo-Luddism goes 

a long way, because if you’re constantly distracted by your phone or email you’ll never relax. Neo-Luddites reject modern technology and so can you.

“Give it a go, even for an hour, and see what difference it makes,” says burnout coach Rosie Millen.

Sound therapy

Sound therapy - such as drumming, singing, chanting and gong baths - has been used for centuries to help people enter a more relaxed, meditative state and promote wellbeing and healing. Now, thanks to modern technology, there’s a new-ish kid on the block – binaural beats.

Through headphones, listeners receive a different sound frequency to each ear, which the brain interprets as a particular rhythmic frequency.

These sounds create specific neural responses that, depending on the frequency, induce one of five brainwave states that can aid sleep and ease pain (delta brainwaves), help you relax or meditate (theta), reduce stress (alpha), improve concentration and focus (beta), and enhance memory (gamma).

Look up binaural beats on YouTube or sign in to Spotify and search for ‘the most relaxing songs ever according to science’. Backed by neuroscientists, it’s so effective that it’s strongly recommended you don’t drive while tuning in.

For the millions who have been forced to work from home (or WFH, in more common parlance) in recent months, the experience has been marmite. Every colleague extolling the virtues of life without wasted time spent on office make-up and the commute is matched by another struggling to source creativity from the same four (albeit freshly-painted) walls they’ve been staring at for months. We don’t know about you, but the novelty of being able to hop from duvet to desk, and desk to Selling Sunset, wears off particularly swiftly when that to-do remains bulging.

• Get comfy with the best desk chairs for your home office

Indeed, if your past productivity has been replaced by procrastination (including, generous Instagram “liking” sessions of your friend’s sister’s cousin’s quarantine-swerving holiday to Mykonos or a long Clubhouse session), you’re certainly not alone. A Fortune poll found that 29% of workers had been struggling to get much done at all from the comfort of their home office chair. Among Gen-Z - those aged between 18 and 24 - this rose to 43%.

While some companies welcomed employees back to the office, there are numerous aiming to cultivate - and encourage - the opportunity for flexible working. Whether you’re desperate to return to water-cooler life (at a sensible social distance), or are quite happy typing away alongside your newly-purchased monstera plant, making tweaks to your lifestyle so that you get everything ticked off during the workday is a game-changer. Because finishing work on time helps you achieve that healthy, holy-grail of #balance by allowing you to re-charge in your downtime. Which, in turn, will help you be far more successful...

How to be more productive working from home

Start your day right

Getting your mornings off to the best start is key, because it sets off the tone for the rest of the day. “Make time for self-care first thing – drink water with lemon, breathe, stretch, exercise, mediate – even if it’s just 10 minutes,” advises Ryan Jackson, a success coach (ryanjackson.org). “The main aim is to get your endorphins flowing in order to feel as good as you can. When you create positive momentum in the AM, you will feel the effects throughout your day; you’ll be calmer and more productive. It’s about cultivating the right physical and emotional state so that mentally you’re on top form.” So no more crawling out of bed minutes before your 9am Zoom meeting…

Go back-to-basics

If midday energy crashes are causing you to zone out hours before an important deadline, you’d do well to take an honest look at what you are eating, how much you are moving and whether you’re getting enough shut-eye. “By incorporating quality sleep, a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can much more easily avoid common daily slumps,” says Dr Brent Agin, MONAT Scientific Advisory Board Member.

Take the first step

Conquering tasks is all about mindset, according to Emma Jefferys, a coach at Action Woman, who speaks regularly at London’s Soho House, an exclusive members’ club for creatives. “The good old two minute promise is always a great way to just get started,” she notes. “Don’t want to go for that run… just two minutes and you can stop. Don’t want to sort out those invoices… just two minutes and the rest can wait. Starting is almost always the hardest part and when you get cracking you’ll want to see the job done.”

Get some sunshine

Nope, we’re not advising a cheeky dash to the beach  - rather maximising your exposure to those natural rays (yes, it even kind of counts if it’s cloudy). “There are numerous studies citing the importance of our daily dose of sunlight, but whilst working we are normally only lucky enough to see this on our lunchtime dash to the nearest coffee shop,” acknowledges Helen White, co-founder of houseof , an online lighting store. “But it’s key to productivity - as well as reducing eye strain and headaches.” If you’re not fortunate enough to have a window seat from that aforementioned home office chair, accessorise your office space with floor lamps and table lamps which omit a soft, diffused light.

Get your greens (not like that)

When you’re dodging emails and Slack notifications left, right and centre it can feel counterintuitive to take your eyes off the screen in order to answer everything. “But taking a break and getting out into the fresh air is a serious booster to make you more productive,” recommends life coach Joanna Shurety. “Plus, nature gives you added bonuses. It sparks up your creativity (got a problem at work that needs to be solved? Go outside!), and reduces stress levels.” Don’t just wait until you’re feeling overwhelmed. “I always find I have extra energy in the afternoon if I’ve done a walk at lunchtime,” she elaborates. If you’re really short on time, just standing up, moving and getting a change of scenery can help, adds Dr Agin.

Don’t multitask

Honestly, it’s not worth it. “Women often pride themselves in their ability to juggle many things at once,” points out Wendy Rose, a coach for executives with 20 years’ experience. “But research shows that it takes 23 minutes to properly refocus on a task requiring good, deep concentration so every time we “just” check out emails or “just” ring someone back, we rob ourselves of the good quality brain space to think about the important substantive task that needs doing.  If what you want to do is to procrastinate about the important stuff - then great. If not, stop allowing yourself to grasshopper around.” You heard it here...

Fuel right

Your brain will be no good if it’s running on empty. “It’s made up of 73% water, so it’s probably not a surprise that hydration has an impact on our cognitive performance,” explains Shurety. “Research has shown that even a body water loss of 1-2%, which is considered mild dehydration already, impairs it.” As well as keeping a bottle of water at your desk, make sure you don’t go hungry either. “It can leave us distracted and low on energy,” she continues. But before you reach for the biscuits, it’s worth noting that certain foods have the power to boost brain power and focus. These include antioxidant-rich berries, protein-packed eggs and salmon - which is filled with omega-3s, iron and B vitamins. And chocolate - yes, really. “Dark chocolate contains antioxidant properties that increase the production of endorphins while enhancing focus and concentration, whereas milk chocolate is good for quickening reaction time and improving verbal and visual memory.” Sweet stuff.

Be ruthless

Let’s be honest - to-do lists tend to omit a superhuman level of optimism. “It’s great to cross things off your list and feel a sense of temporary satisfaction but, like the snakes on the head of Medusa, it grows more,” says Rose. “Spending all day being reactive to other people’s requests is a common trap, but you end up not making substantive progress on anything that really takes your agenda forward. Each day, be ruthless and make time for one thing that will be a game changer. The ‘big rock’ that you’ve been putting off - maybe because it’s slightly outside your comfort zone, a bit scary, a bit difficult - but that will eventually lead towards what you really want to accomplish.”

Wind down

A surefire way to kill productivity is not to give yourself enough downtime. “Setting boundaries and keeping a balance between work life and home life is vital,” notes Tia Roqaa, CEO and founder of beauty subscription service, Roccabox. “So, for example, I make sure I’m not scrolling through emails all night. It’s so easy to never give yourself the break you need - but it’s important to rest, and you’ll be far more productive thanks to that time away from your screen.” And on that note...

An ever-popular way of expressing your style and showcasing chic jewellery, the beauty of ear piercings is there are so many places to put them.

• Curating your ear? Pick from our edit of best huggie earrings 

But with so many options - from helix to conch, daith, tragus and rook - how can you choose the best ear-piercing location?

Whether you love a curated ear, edgy jewellery, minimalist piercings or are simply seeking inspiration, one thing’s for certain- ear piercing trends aren’t going anywhere.  

In fact, as Jewellerybox recently found, searches for ear piercing options online have jumped by almost 50% in the last three years, confirming their place in our fashion-conscious hearts.

Types of ear piercings

The traditional main or upper lobes remain a classic choice, while stretch lobe piercings take things up a notch. Alternatively, the transverse lobe involves a 90° piercing of which the length runs parallel with the bottom edge of your earlobe (also known as a sagittal plane). A snake bite refers to placing two piercings closely together creating this descriptively named effect.

Owner of Black Moon Professional Body Piercing Sophie Saint reveals which are most popular, saying: “Helix & tragus piercings are the most popular cartilage piercings on the ear, with lobe being a close follow up”.

Helix piercings are positioned on the upper cartilage of your ear. A forward helix is the inner curve of cartilage closest to your face meeting the tragus, a small curve of cartilage in front of the ear canal. This is close to the conch piercing spot, also known as the outer shell of your ear (hence its name).

The rook is between the inner and outer conch, just above the tragus, as an underside piercing. Similar to a snug piercing, it is placed through the anti-helix part of your ear.

Daith piercings are linked to minimising headaches and sit in the top inner fold. Finally, industrial piercings involve double holes across the upper cartilage in which a single piece of jewellery is inserted.

What part of my ear should I get pierced?

Bear in mind the type of earrings you wear and your ear shape could help influence where to get pierced. With endless earring types around, explore styles which may suit your ear, such as huggies (tiny hoops essentially hugging the ear), studs or barbells. Standard piercing jewellery examples are stainless steel, titanium, and gold, but you can switch to sterling silver earrings after the piercings heal.

If you’re stuck, your piercer can help you with some guidance too. Sophie explains: “I provide a pre piercing consultation and discuss jewellery choices, so we can then come to a decision together on the perfect placement.”

Do your research before you book

If and when you do decide to take the piercing plunge, research professional body piercers near you. Search Instagram hashtags for recommendations and scroll through images of their work. Ear piercings typically start at £20 and work upwards in cost depending on the studio and jewellery. 

If at all unsure, Sophie suggests contacting your local council to see if piercers have a licence both personally and for their premises. Better to be safe than sorry!

What is the most painful ear piercing?

It goes without saying, some ear piercings are more painful than others. A connective tissue, cartilage is much thicker than the lobe. Cartilage piercings can swell, requiring longer jewellery posts while healing. Specialist sterile needles are used for cartilage piercings and sterilised jewellery is inserted straight after the hole is made. 

Cartilage piercings like the tragus, conch and daith do inevitably hurt most.

How long should ears be sore after piercing?

Lobes heal quickest, at 8-10 weeks, while ear cartilage takes 6-9 months. The main priority for all ear piercings is keeping them clean and dry as they heal. Sophie recommends spraying sterile saline solution onto your piercing, being careful not to twist or turn it. Dry gently with a clean cotton wool pad or your hairdryer on the coolest setting. Signs of an infection include red, sore, inflamed skin and yellow or green discharge at the piercing site.

Already planning the next one?

Enjoy building up your ear piercings, because planning where to pierce next is part of the fun. If you love the thought of a curated ear, explore individual earrings thoughtfully chosen to create an array of multiple piercings, positioned differently on each ear.

As you go along, shop for new earring favourites, from investment buys to bargain finds. Select asymmetry or matching earrings, a paired down effect or statement piercings, embracing every type of ear-piercing potential.  

Ever wondered how to fade dark spots on your face that are bothering you? Of course you have, and you're not alone. There are numerous reasons as to why you might have started noticing dark spots – or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – on your skin. But how do you actually get rid of them?

• The best vitamin C serums to help fade dark spots 

Before you begin thinking about how to treat or fade them, it’s important to dig a little bit deeper into understanding why you’ve got them and what’s caused them. One of the most common causes is acne, but there’s a whole host of other reasons why you might have them. Once you’ve worked that out, you can start investigating the best skincare products and ingredients that will help fade dark spots.

We’ve enlisted the help of the experts to help you fade dark spots once and for all.

What causes dark spots?

“Before doing anything, it’s so important to find out what the diagnosis is,” says Dr Dr Jonquille Chantery, surgeon and international beauty lecturer at One Aesthetic Studio. “You have to take into consideration things like the pill or any other medication you take that may be causing or worsening pigmentation,” she says.

There’s also other factors that come into play, like levels of sun exposure, existing hormonal problems and even pregnancy. Acne is also another major cause of dark spots; when skin heals after a new spot has appeared, new cells form. However if those cells contain too much melanin (the stuff that gives skin its colour) then that’s when a dark spot can appear. 

Not all spots leave behind dark patches, but picking and squeezing them can make them much more likely - so hands off!  It’s also worth noting that people who have darker skin tones are much more prone to dark spots and hyperpigmentation, but good news is that it can be treated if you find out what’s causing it in the first place and seek out the best products for your skin type.

What ingredients are best to fade dark spots?

Having dark spots doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Thanks to incredible skincare technology and brilliant formulations, there are plenty of options in terms of what ingredients you should use to help fade dark spots. 

However, products aside, Dr Chantery says the first step should be to manage your sun exposure. “That means making sure that you are always wearing SPF and ensuring that you are reapplying it throughout the day depending on the level of exposure,” she says. Experts recommend using a minimum of factor 30 every day of the year, and you should be applying the equivalent of a shot glass full (which works out around two tablespoons) to your face and neck. You also need to make sure you are reapplying throughout the day, ensuring that you’re more rigorous when you’re abroad in comparison to being in the UK.

Dr Chantrey then suggests incorporating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) into your routine. They work to help slough away dead skin cells to reveal the fresh new ones underneath. Vitamin C is also an excellent choice when it comes to fading dark spots; not only is it a powerhouse antioxidant, but studies have shown it also helps to inhibit melanin production which can help to fade dark spots. 

Transexamic acid is another good ingredient that can be used to help dark spots. “It helps to manage the pigmentation cascade, as well as helping to reduce active pigmentation and helps to prevent further pigmentation,” explains Dr Chantrey. 

What products are best to fade dark spots?

Now you’ve hopefully figured out what is causing those pesky dark spots, it’s time to invest in the products that will not only help fade them but also prevent them returning later down the line. 

It can be helpful to look for products that are dual-function, that means they are essentially two-in-one and will be packed with specific ingredients that target pigmentation. 

If you've been trying to master the art of how to make shampoo bars at home, then you've come to the right place. 

While the art of washing your hair is something that’s been done since the beginning of time, the way in which we do it and the products we use has changed over the years.

• Change up your hair washing routine with the best shampoo bars on the market 

Most recently, shampoo bars have come to the fore. Designed to be used in place of the liquid shampoo that we all know and love, they are a much more eco-friendly product because they use no plastic, and the packaging they come in is much more likely to be recyclable. 

That’s not the only reason for their growing popularity, though; shampoo bars are also good for travelling because there’s no chance that they will spill or leak over your suitcase or holdall. Win win!

While shampoo bars are gradually becoming more popular and therefore much more readily available than ever before, they are also fairly easy to make at home. That way, you know exactly what ingredients are going into them, you can pick and choose what scent you would like them to have, plus you can customise them so they’re perfect for your individual hair type. 

Here, we’ve got the lowdown on how to make a homemade shampoo bar, from the ingredients and quantities you’ll need, to what oils to use and how to store them once they have been made.

How to make a homemade shampoo bar

Before you dive in, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the basics. First, you need a base ingredient, and while a lot of recipes tend to include lye (which is a crystallised version of sodium hydroxide), it’s something that is quite dangerous to work with, so if possible it’s best avoided. Instead, you can buy Melt and Pour soap bases which will form the core of your shampoo bar and is what you’ll add your chosen ingredients to. 

What oils can go in homemade shampoo bars?

Next, you need to choose the type of oil you want to infuse your homemade shampoo bar with. There is a variety available, and really the choice is completely personal. Most oils can be found in your local supermarket or pharmacy, or you can buy them online. Some of the most popular include:

• Argan oil is a popular ingredient in mainstream liquid shampoos thanks to its ability to nourish and rejuvenate dry, damaged, heat-styled and coloured hair. It also helps add shine and reduces frizz. 
• Olive oil promotes thicker, longer hair and helps to repair damage, as well as helping to soothe dry and flaky scalps. 
• Coconut oil helps stimulate hair growth as well as improving overall scalp health. It’s also a super hydrator, making it good for very dry hair. 
• Castor oil which is very moisturising, it’s gentle on the scalp and can help ease dandruff. It’ll also help to leave hair looking smooth and shiny.
• Sweet almond oil will not only impart a lovely smell, but it’ll also moisturise hair while helping to reduce breakage, split ends and itchy scalps.
• Avocado oil is rich in oleic acid which means that it’s one of the only oils that is able to penetrate deep into the hair shaft, helping to moisturise it from within. It’s also high in monounsaturated fats which help prevent breakage.

Best essential oils for homemade shampoo bars

Once you’ve chosen your oils, you now need to pick what essential oils you want to add. The scent you choose is purely down to personal preference because adding essential oils to homemade shampoo bars is mostly for fragrance purposes. However, some oils – like lavender, basil and bergamot and lemongrass – are all extremely good for hair, too. 

Ingredients for homemade shampoo bars

Now it’s time to gather the ingredients that you’ll need. The list below will make around 2-3 homemade shampoo bars, depending on the size of your mould (which you can buy on Amazon).

• 236ml/1 cup melt and pour soap base
• 1tsp oil
• ½ tsp oil
• 15 drops essential oil
• 10 drops essential oil

Homemade shampoo bar method

1. Cut the soap base into small chunks and put into an aluminium bowl placed over a pan of warm water (a low simmer is better than boiling water), melt down on a medium heat.
2. Once the base is melted, add your chosen oils and stir well.
3. When it’s all melted together, take the bowl off the heat and allow to cool slightly. 
4. Add in the chosen essential oils, it’s important not to add them when the base is hot otherwise they will evaporate and you won’t be able to smell them.
5. Pour the mixture into your soap moulds, leaving it to set for at least 24 hours before cutting. 

How to store a homemade shampoo bar

It’s best to keep your homemade shampoo bar on a dedicated soap dish, ideally one with slats or grooves along the bottom which helps drain any water out. Soap dishes with solid bottoms will turn shampoo bars into mush as they will hold the water. It’s also important to keep the soap dish on a level surface if you can.

Do you struggle with your weight, have problems sleeping, lack energy and feel low or anxious a lot of the time? If so, you may be out of sync with your body clock.

• Help your body and your brain slow down with the best meditation apps to reconnect with your basic bodily rhythms

"It doesn’t matter how much you exercise or how well you eat; if you want to stay healthy, the timing of when you do things is crucial too," says Dr Satchin Panda, Professor at Salk Institute, San Diego, and author of The Circadian Code. 

"Almost every bodily function is governed by 24-hour biological cycles called circadian rhythms. These rise and fall throughout the day and help us to anticipate and prepare for daily activities – when to eat, when to sleep, when to wake." This is our natural body clock. 

"Circadian rhythms are controlled by circadian clocks, which are present in almost every organ and cell," explains Dr Panda. These set the timing for different bodily processes, including the sleep-wake cycle, digestion, absorption, detoxification, metabolism, body temperature, hormone production, immune, muscle and brain function. 

So, every hormone, brain chemical and digestive enzyme is preprogrammed to peak at optimal times of the day. For organs to function well, they need time to rest and repair. "The circadian clock in the gut, for example, tells your body when to produce hunger and satiety hormones, digestive juices, absorb nutrition, and remove waste," he continues. 

"Similarly, there are clocks in the pancreas, muscle, liver and fatty tissue. All of these are controlled by a master clock in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN receives information (through the eyes) about light and darkness from the outside world and shares it with the rest of body."

When you’re in tune with your natural biological rhythms, you eat, sleep, exercise and work at the optimum times and everything runs smoothly. But how many of us actually do this? 

"The reality is that we’re all super busy these days," says Dr Suhas Kshirsagar, author of Change Your Schedule, Change Your Life. "Internet, emails, text messages and social media have increased the pace of life tremendously. As a result, our busy schedules are making us disconnected from our basic bodily rhythms. Bad habits like skipping meals and working late into the night disrupt natural biological cycles."

Now, think for a moment how good you’d feel if you lived entirely according to your body rhythms. "If you want to improve your health and reduce your risk of developing health problems, you need to realign yourself with your natural circadian rhythms," says Dr Panda. 

"By making changes to your daily routine, you should notice physical and emotional improvements to your health within a few weeks. You’ll have more energy, feel calmer and more alert, sleep better, think more clearly, work more effectively, your digestion will improve and it will be easier to maintain your optimum weight."

So how can we best work with our internal body clock? Try following these guidelines and see how your body reacts...

When is the best time to eat?

"Your digestive system works best in the early part of the day," says Dr Panda. ‘So, you should eat most of your food for the day at breakfast (7-9am) and lunchtime (12-1pm)."

According to Dr Panda, your insulin response is also better in the first half of the day. "Eating early helps you to burn off calories more efficiently. Try to eat all your food within an eight to 11-hour window. This will also help you to maintain a healthy weight more easily." 

If you want to lose weight, try to eat within an eight to nine-hour window and avoid eating anything two to three hours before you go to bed.

When is the best time to be productive?

Biological rhythms influence brain function, creating peak times for different mental functions. 

• 9-11am: Best for creative thinking, learning, analysis and concentration. Mental alertness and memory is at a peak. "So it’s a good time for any jobs that require focus and concentration," explains Dr Panda.
• 11am-2pm: Your reactions and ability to do several tasks are strong. Use this time for presentations, meetings and taking action.
• 2-3pm: Have a break. Meditate, read and relax.
• 3-6pm: This is a good time for creative thinking, brainstorming and attending meetings.
• 6-8pm: Ideal for socialising and any personal tasks.
• 8-10pm: Use this window for relaxing before you go to sleep.

When is the best time to sleep? 

"Aim to get around seven to eight consecutive hours of sleep each night," says Dr Panda. "Within that time, there is a critical four-hour window. You may notice that between the hours of 10pm and 2am, you get some of your best sleep."

He recommends going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. This sets a regular dark/light pattern that helps to rewire your body clock. "Eating your last meal at least two to four hours before going to bed allows the body to cool down," adds Dr Panda. 

"In order to fall asleep, core body temperature must lower by one degree Fahrenheit. When we eat, our core temperature goes up." 

As well as this, aim to ditch all electronic devices one to two hours before hitting the hay. Blue light is a big cause of sleep disruption so that means no Netflix and chill or a late night scroll before bed.

When is the best time to take a power nap?

"After lunch, your body uses more energy for digestion, which can trigger a natural energy dip," says Dr Panda. "So it’s the perfect time to take a quick siesta."

What if there’s no way you can sneak off for a quick nap? Try this energising breathing exercise instead. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose. Count to four. Exhale slowly through the mouth. This encourages you to take in more oxygen on the next breath. Repeat four to five times.

When is the best time to exercise?

• 6am - 9am: Ideal for getting outside and moving. "A brisk walk, or any outdoor aerobic activity such as running, jogging or swimming, in the presence of daylight is an excellent way to synchronise your brain clock," says Dr Panda. "This will also enhance brain function and improve your mood for the day. Exposure to daylight increases alertness and reduces depression. On colder days, you also activate brown fat and increase fat-burning potential."
• 12pm - 2pm: This is the best time for low-impact, moderate exercise like walking and yoga. Try going for a short, brisk walk at lunchtime – it will energise you and help you to feel more alert in the afternoon.
• 3pm - 6pm: Great for most sports and aerobic exercise. "This is a great time to exercise, as our body temperature goes up and muscle strength and flexibility start to peak," says Dr Panda. "The muscles absorb and use nutrients in the late afternoon, when repair occurs. Motor coordination is best now and blood flow and blood pressure are higher in the afternoon, which improves the oxygenation of muscles."
• 6pm - 8pm: Ideal for swimming, gymnastics, yoga, Pilates and stretching. Our body temperature is at its highest and muscles are more flexible. So this is a good time for stretching. Physical activity also aids digestion and promotes better sleep.

When is the best time for a facial?

Planning a DIY facial or skin treatment? "Some cosmetic or medicated treatments applied to the skin may work better at certain times of the day," says chronobiologist Michael Smolensky. 

"Studies show that many are more effective between 4pm and 8pm, when body temperature is higher and skin more porous. Studies have also found that anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving creams are twice as effective during these times."

Will you be following these rules for adhering to your body clock? 

If one of your recurring New Year’s resolutions includes saving some extra dollar, you’ve come to the right place.

There are some handy money-saving challenges doing the rounds on the internet right now. So whether you’re saving towards a particular goal – wedding bells, anyone? – or just want a little bit of extra cash in your bank account, these might just be the gifts that keep on giving.

• Five money saving apps that'll help keep your finances in check

The 365 money-saving challenge

Want to save a handsome £1,500 in a year? ‘Course you do.

The 365 money saving challenge, by Apartment Therapy, is pretty simple; if you increase the amount you add to your savings jar by £1 a day, for a whole week, then repeat, you’ll be well on your way.

Let us break it down for you:
Start by putting away £1 every Sunday, followed by £2 on Mondays, £3 on Wednesdays and so on. You’ll peak at £7 on a Saturday, before starting again at £1 the next Sunday.

It adds up to a saving of £28 per week, which will save £1,456 by the end of the year.

This might sound a little daunting, but when you consider that the largest daily amount (£7) is the cost of a few trips to Starbucks, it could be doable.

• Sunday, £1
• Monday, £2
• Tuesday, £3
• Wednesday, £4
• Thursday, £5
• Friday, £6
• Saturday, £7

The 52 week money-saving challenge

This challenge may require more than putting away a few pennies but the result will be worth it as you’ll end up with an annual saving of £1,378. 

Here’s how it works: 
As the title suggests, the challenge lasts a full 52 weeks. You start by putting £1 in your savings on week one, then £2 on week two, £3 on week three and so on, continuing the pattern until you reach week 52, where you’ll put away £52. 

The 1p money-saving challenge

If your budget won’t allow for the 365 challenge or the 52 week challenge, you could still save a pretty hefty £650 a year just using your pennies. Yes, really.

The 1p saving challenge is simple; start on the 1st January by putting away 1p, then increase the amount you add to your savings by just 1p a day.

1st January, 1p

2nd January, 2p

3rd January, 3p

Etc.

The most you’ll ever have to put away in one day is £3.65 on the 31st December. But it all adds up, saving £667.95 over the year.

Winning! 

The spare change money-saving challenge

Ever find yourself spending your spare change on something you don’t actually want or necessarily need just to be rid of it? Well, this challenge will make sure every penny of your loose change goes straight into your savings. 

Every time you break a note, save the change. Start with smaller coins like silvers or pennies and work your way up to as much as you deem feasible. And don’t worry, we’re aware that most of us don’t actually carry cash anymore.

Apps like Moneybox can help you do a similar thing, online, as rounding up your purchase to the nearest pound and setting aside the spare change.