It's been a few years since Japandi first made waves in the interior design world, but it has since evolved into an enduring design trend. Combining the cosy elements of Scandinavian bedroom furniture with the elegant restraint of Japanese minimalism, it's an aesthetic that is undoubtedly here to stay with natural palettes and tactile textures that stand the test of time.

Despite the popularity of Japandi bedroom ideas, achieving this look can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding affordable modern bedroom furniture made using premium materials. To bridge that gap, FlexiSpot has just launched the Hako G1 Bed Frame, a Japandi bed frame available exclusively at Amazon.

While not traditionally known for home interiors – you may be more familiar with the brand's ergonomic office setups – FlexiSpot has embraced this design movement with its new minimalist bed frame. Here is everything we know about this launch to help you decide whether it's worthy of a place in your bedroom.

Shop the new FlexiSpot Hako G1

At the heart of the FlexiSpot Hako G1 design is its solid rubberwood bed frame construction. Rubberwood is a popular choice for sustainable wooden furniture, relying on the use of plantation trees that have already served a useful function. It features an elegant oak-finish to help bring natural texture and warmth to the room.

The Hako G1 wooden bed frame is available in two variations to suit different spatial and comfort needs:

Integrated storage

In a deliberate nod to the fact that modern living requires smart space-saving solutions, FlexiSpot has designed both models with an integrated headboard shelf. It's a bedroom storage solution that eliminates the need for bulky bedside tables, giving you a sleek, integrated ledge for your phone, current read, and morning brew.

A beautiful bed is only as good as its construction, and everyday life demands a truly robust foundation. The sleek, minimalist floating design comes with reinforced slats and solid wood bed frame with heavy-duty support for up to 1,500 lbs, backed by a reassuring 10-year warranty. It is also compatible with 135–160 cm wide mattresses, offering flexible sizing

Easy, tool-free assembly

If the design feels right for your space, your next consideration should be the setup. Thankfully, this is an easy-assembly bed frame that requires no tools – arguably the biggest selling point for anyone not keen on grappling with flat-pack furniture.

Shop the Look

Whether you're an avid fan of Japandi design or simply want a sturdy, heavy duty bed frame upgrade that won't go out of style, you can shop the new FlexiSpot Hako G1 directly via Amazon now.

It has been a long hot summer, and I for one can't wait for cooler weather; and with a drop in temperature comes the autumn/winter fashion trends 2026. My favourite season, I've missed layering, jackets and actually being able to put together an outfit rather than just picking whatever will feel airiest, and this season has some outstanding trends in store.

Remember, a new fashion season isn't a sign to dump your current capsule wardrobe. It's about updating your favourite seasonal staples to make those all important autumn outfit ideas feel a little more modern and of the moment.

It can be as simple as a new top, trying a new print, or road testing a different combination of pieces, to make old favourites feel exciting again. And you don't have to shop them all, find the trends for the season that most resonate with you and your style as your starting point.

How to shop the autumn/winter fashion trends 2026

Reading through the nine trends I've pulled out as my fashion stater kit for the season, you'll notice a lot of reoccurring themes from last year, and even a few nostalgic styles too, with new ways to wear. Checks, boho, gothic romance and minimalism all featured on the catwalks of the four main fashion cities, and the high street is already delivering easy, ageless ways to translate these looks into your wardrobe.

1. Animal Print

Carolina Herrera, Tom Ford, Celine, Givenchy, Fendi - the biggest and best names in fashion are all back in animal print for the months ahead. Again, this is another trend that is resurging, and one I expect you already own the starter pack for.

How are we modernising? Well, rather than just an exploration in styling leopard print, for autumn/winter 2026 a host of other wild animals are joining this jungle-inspired theme. Zebras, tigers, deer and cheetahs are all roaring onto the high street, decorating everything from the most elegant of coats to pretty dresses and sleek skirts.

This is not the look once famed by Pat Butcher. In 2026, animal print is refined, used to pep up statement faux furs, add interest to tactile pumps and a timeless, vintage nod to the best of midi dresses.

Not feeling animal-print clothing? I love this belt and this scarf from ME+EM, both in a really luxe, rich leopard print that will team with nearly anything.

2. Checks

One of last autumn's biggest fashion trends, checks are back, making this another one you might be able to shop from your wardrobe, too. Spotted on the runways at the likes of Dries Van Noten, Louis Vuitton, Celine and Chloe, unlike last winter when checks were styled as part of an overall heritage ensemble, for 2026, it's all about layering your checks.

That could mean the same print and colourway but a varying scale, or it could mean being playful with coordinating hues, but there is a lot of layering involved in making this look stand out.

Of course, for a quieter take on the trend, you can mix and match your checks with block coloured knits, still feel directional, but without the loudness. But, do make sure you add this print to your autumn capsule wardrobe stat.

3. The New Boho

Boho style is always a hero trend in the summer months, but don't pack away every element of this expressive aesthetic just yet. Winter boho keeps a lot of the warm-weather elements but adds playful layering to the mix to make it autumn-appropriate. With a nod to heritage trends, this is a much more free-flowing look in terms of fit.

Capes, checks, suede, embroidered details, flowing skirts and ruffled necklines- the new winter boho mixes patterns and textures for an eclectic look that uses common colour themes to avoid feeling chaotic.

A true maximalist trend, swap comfortable sandals for leather or suede knee-high boots with your favourite maxi skirts, slip capes or cosy knits over ruffled blouses, and add back in wide, hip-slung belts and chunky jewellery to fully embrace the look.

While folksy, winter bohemian is nothing new for cooler months, I think Chloé's interpretation for 2026 is particularly striking and wearable. From frothy checked dresses, to heritage-inspired capes and tiered dresses and shirts worn with sharply tailored blazers, the French brand makes boho for every wardrobe this season.

4. Evening Elegance

This broad-stroke trend encapsulates the joy of getting dressed up again (hooray). There was a moment when fashion got pretty casual, even for more polished occasions. Still, I've seen over recent seasons designers edging back to opulence, perhaps in a bid to separate themselves more from the high street, or just to feed shoppers' need to get dressed for 'best'.

So how will this translate for the party season of 2026? Expect last autumn/winter's obsession with all things velvet to return, and if you invested last year, make sure to place that purchase back in your cool-weather wardrobe. Designers also drew inspiration from the 1920s, so expect more flattering drop waists, body-skimming column designs and lots of embellishments. While this mainly pertains to evening wear, I have long been a champion of the day sequin, and I think the feeling of getting dressed up can certainly extend into smart casual outfits too.

Another nostalgic nod, this time to Saint Laurent's 1966 'Le Smoking' jacket. Referencing this on the runway was the current creative director for the brand, Anthony Vaccarello, and there were echoes of this sharply tailored and androgynous aesthetic at the likes of The Row, McQueen, Altuzarra, Khaite and Michael Kors. Look for dress shirts, tuxedo blazers, and satin bottoms - in all guises to recreate this look for more festive moments, or mix with denim for a casual twist.

Velvet is also set to make a return, and after brands saw huge success in the run up to the festive season last year, expect this fabric to be all over the high street. While Lanvin embraced it in the form of dresses, I loved the slightly slouchy tailored, olive green blazers at Ralph Lauren for a fresh twist on this much-loved textile.

5. Sheer Layers

I'm about to let you in on a fashion secret. When we talk about transitional dressing, what we're actually saying is, it's time to start layering. Because while it's not quite winter coat weather yet, it's far too cold to just wear a dress or a blouse anymore, and this autumn/winter fashion trend simply takes that timeless concept and makes it into a style rather than just a necessity.

Championed on the runways of Miu Miu, Erdem and Victoria Beckham, designer's played with peekaboo textures and fabrics to varying degrees, but one thing was clear, this season has a playful edge that is all about adding lots of interest to your look.

To add a little more pzazz to this look, think about the weight and texture of the pieces you're pairing together. Sheer shirts over silky tops, fluffy knits over finer fabrics, allowing your layers to flash through, building up texture and interest, as opposed to just being fiercely practical.

Of course many designers went very sheer and bare on the runways, but don't forget, you can translate these looks easily by adding silky slip skirts and camisoles under just about anything.

6. Skirt Suits

Think modern Mad Men and you've got the ultimate feminine fashion trend for those of us who love a little nod to 50s styling. While this skirt trend might feel a little prim and proper, it's actually incredibly wearable, and isn't about clutching one's pearls. No, these are modern fabrications with vintage nods, and styled in a way that feels very 2026.

While your skirt suit can still be worn as a co-ord over a pretty blouse, this look can be pared back by wearing it over a t-shirt, or revamped with the addition of quirky shoes or a statement bag that says 'I'm still smashing that glass ceiling, I'm just doing it in style'.

Chanel is probably the brand I most associate with a skirt suit, thanks to its famous boucle styles, but even Gucci, Jil Sander, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler championed the ladylike style for the months ahead.

Skirt lengths vary, and if you can't find a skirt co-ord to suit, create your own dynamic duo. Pair a statement, waist-length jacket with a mid skirt for a curve-loving look, and then rework your jacket over jeans for a great cost-per-wear value.

7. Minimalism

Tory Burch, Calvin Klein, Celine, Jil Sander, when it comes to elegance, the runway was awash with elevated neutrals, particularly pairings of beige, white, cream, verging on the palest of butter yellows.

While quiet luxury is not the big news it once was, there is certainly still a home for this timeless, expensive-looking aesthetic in every autumn wardrobe. And if all white feels too daunting - I truly feel you on that front - then I suggest just adding a little bit more of these timeless brights to your autumn/winter rotation. There is something exceptionally chic about a woman who can make it through the day without spills, and I may not yet be her, but one can have aspirations right?

You can always try pairing cream hues with light tans and dove greys to keep your outfit lighter, without being too pale.

8. Gothic Romance

I bet you already have something in your wardrobe that would answer this brief. Gothic romance is a fairly common winter trend and personally, one of my favourites. Categorised by velvet, lace and tulle textures, ruffle detailing and a dark colour palette of black and burgundy, it's the softer side of Gothicism and feels particularly appropriate ahead of the release of Practical Magic 2., and the 90s nostalgia movie stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, and I'm certain that the second instalment of this much-awaited cult film will play a part in the explosion of this trend.

Autumn/winter always brings lashings of black, but to recreate this trend, it's also about shapes, fabrications and monochromatic palettes. Leather, lace, ruffled necklines, all details spotted at the likes of Alberta Ferretti, Ralph Lauren and Chloé.

Wearable from now and all the way through party season, team lacey skirts with knee-high boots, layered sheer blouses over silky camis and cosy knits or slip dresses for the most elegant way to execute the trend. And of course, it can be as simple as adding a gothic-romance-inspired blouse to your black jeans, and you've already refreshed your look.

9. Military Details

Of all the 00s trends that have made their way back into fashion, this one has caught me off guard, but there is no denying the military jacket is back in a blaze(r) of glory for autumn/winter 2026. While the high street has run with this trend quite heavily for autumn, if you want some style references, check out Chloé, Tory Burch and Christian Dior for subtle nods to military and utilitarianism.

The military button detailing, stand-up collars and fitted silhouettes are all very on the nose, but how you wear it this time round can easily feel fresher, more refined and more feminine than their first outing almost 20 years ago (I know, I feel your pain).

This time, instead of going all Cheryl Cole and 'Fight for this love', it's time to put the wet-look leggings and slick coated jeans to one side and treat this blazer like any other. Use it to add a seasonal spin to your best barrel-leg jeans; the slim-line tailoring will balance the wider leg shape beautifully, simple straight-leg denim to let the jacket do the talking; or wear it to toughen up silky slip skirts. Not fully ready to re-embrace this trend? Look for the duffle detailing on knitwear or military-trimmed cardigans for a gentle nod to the style without the full tailoring.

Zara definitely has the best selection for this trend, with floral, lace, faux suede, denim, cream, black and olive green iterations to name just some of my standout favourites. With a tailored fit and generally a shorter back and longer front, these are great for petites or those with shorter torsos, as they should really highlight your curves well.

Integrating fashion trends into your wardrobe can feel daunting, but it doesn't need to be. I've translated the trends into manageable, bitesize pieces that mean you can hopefully find some pieces that suit you and your existing wardrobe.

While every six months bring a host of new style ideas, you will clearly see some common threads with the spring/summer fashion trends 2026, and even last autumn/winter's styles. This is great if you've invested in pieces you already love, as you can get them out again and still feel fresh and current. The trick is to hone in on the trends that feel most you, and most suit your style and life, it isn't about trying to shoehorn all nine into your closet, but it should encourage you to play and experiment with your style, or simply refresh your favourite jeans.

And when it comes to looks we've seen before, particularly those that you wore first time round, if you want to jump on the nostalgia, you can. Just try pairing something that feels very 80s or 90s with a shape that feels very now, such as barrel-leg jeans. Fashion is cyclical and you will always find something making a comeback, but clever styling means you can enjoy it too.

We're all getting better with this sunscreen thing, aren't we? By which I mean, buying factor 50, not 15, wearing it at home as well as on holiday and generally moving away from the mindset that getting a 'bit of colour' on your flesh (be that bronze or rouge) is the sole goal of summer life.

Anecdotally, I've been asked what the best facial sunscreen is a lot this summer. Family, friends, new party pals when it gets to 'what do you do' time - they've all been at it. So it's clear the message is getting through. But if I had to guess, I'd say we may be letting ourselves down with reapplication.

Ok I don't need to guess; I know because until I found this tiny, sheer and, may I say, adorable SPF50 I found topping up a total drag too. Messed-up makeup, stained clothes and sticky hands - who'd have 'em? Not me anymore, and not you either, because here's the fix.

This being the notorious LRP, one of my all-time favourite French skincare brands, you can bet the protection is robust and reliable. It's SPF50+ with added UVA filters, and contains antioxidants Vitamin E and Astaxanthin, which help shoo away damaging environmental particles in things like smoke, pollution and, yes, the sun.

Given its size, you'd have an uphill battle trying to use this as your all-over body sunscreen. But it is a lifesaver for a quick additional slick on particularly sun-sensitive areas (always the shoulders for me), or bits that you realise you've missed after you leave the house (feet!)

This brand does a roaring trade with people who have skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis because all the best La Roche Posay products are rigorously tested. So if you have a particular flavour of skin sensitivity, this would almost certainly be acceptable.

It's also great for SPF-averse kids, as I've discovered, who seem to accept a stick far more readily than a lotion, if you can catch them for long enough to swipe it on. Sounds good? Great! Let's chat next Sunday.

For a late-summer manicure that shimmers with radiance but is subtle enough for autumn, frosé nails are the chic, cocktail-inspired look to go for.

Though the 2026 nail trends are positively brimming with stylish summery shades and designs - spanning juicy sorbet nails to elegant pearl looks - August tends to be when we're looking to cool it on the brights and spring for a look that feels more versatile and transitional. Well, we've noticed a trend that sits somewhere in between, paying homage to a classic, sunny cocktail whilst remaining subtle and offering your nails an enhancing tint - akin to soap and rosewater nails.

Frosé nails, as the name suggests, boast the frozen, fruity look of the cocktail, combining it with a glassy shine or radiant shimmer - reminding us of late sunrays glistening on the sea - and they make for the loveliest outro for the holiday season.

Why frosé nails are perfect for your last summer manicure

Picture sitting on a balcony somewhere as the sun sets over the ocean, frosé in hand; that's exactly what this manicure evokes when we see it and boy, have we been seeing this look a lot lately.

Of course, this look is up to some interpretation. We've seen it depicted as a wash of rosy sheer nail polish, though to us, a pink shimmer, inspired by sparkling rosé or a juicy, glassy coral or strawberry colour feels closer to the cocktail. Either way though, it's radiant but subtle - and is especially chic on short nails.

Our frosé nails picks

1. Sparkling Frosé nails

As subtle and versatile as any sheer pink or milky nail polish, but with a hint of an icy shimmer, this frosé-like manicure is exactly what we're looking for in our August nails. If you're heading off on a late-summer holiday, this glistening look is a great choice for when you're away and when you get back - it's understated, unlike some other cocktail and spritz nails.

2. Frosé sorbet nails

If you love a tinted look, like rosehip oil nails, this glossy frosé-sorbet-like hue is another very chic choice. This sort of translucent colour lends a very healthy and natural finish to the nails, whilst masking imperfections. It will also complement any outfit, whether that's your summer holiday wardrobe or transitional autumn pieces.

3. Frosé-inspired French tips

For our French tip nail fans, we just love the combination of a rosé-pink base and strawberry tips. It's playful and summery, ideal for a final nod to the sunny season.

4. Subtle frosé nails

A sheer, shimmery pink polish will afford a very soft and subtle take on this look, which will again transition nicely into autumn, whilst keeping some of that summery radiance alive.

5. Chrome frosé nails

A chrome coat on any nail colour will always feel modern and stylish, but this icy shine over a rose base just looks so fresh and juicy. We also love the pairing of it with short, square nails - if you want a very healthy-looking manicure, this is definitely a combo to consider.

The key to feeling healthier and happier is starting with the basics. Supplements and fitness trackers are all well and good, but if you're not starting the day on the right note, it's going to be an uphill battle.

"If there's one meal I think is worth getting right, it's breakfast," Dr Amir Khan, NHS GP and woman&home's resident doctor, tells us. "A good breakfast can help stabilise blood sugar levels, keep you feeling fuller for longer, reduce mid-morning cravings, and set you up for better energy throughout the day."

So what should you go for? High-protein foods are key, he says. "Protein helps slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream, supports muscle health, and is one of the most filling nutrients we can eat," he tells us. "Ideally, I'd like to see a source of protein included in every meal, including breakfast."

Dr Amir Khan's favourite breakfast foods

The doctor says he opts for a savoury breakfast every morning. "It doesn't have to be complicated," he says, listing his favourite as eggs (boiled, poached, or scrambled) with wholegrain toast, avocado, mushrooms, tomatoes, or spinach.

"Other great choices include Greek yoghurt with nuts and seeds, cottage cheese on wholegrain toast, or even leftovers from last night's dinner. There's no rule that says breakfast foods must be sweet," he says.

More options include smoked salmon with cream cheese or hummus on wholegrain toast (with the additional benefit of more omega-3 fatty acids for brain health), overnight oats or porridge with chia seeds, or a breakfast burrito. This could contain scrambled eggs, black beans, avocado, and homemade salsa in a wholewheat tortilla.

The ideal breakfast contains three elements, he tells us: "Protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Together, they help keep blood sugar levels stable, support gut health, and keep you satisfied until lunchtime."

But one of the biggest breakfast mistakes the doctor sees is people reaching for sugary foods in the morning. "Sugary cereals, pastries, flavoured yoghurts, and some breakfast bars can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar, followed by a crash a few hours later, leaving you hungry, tired, and reaching for snacks," he says.

For those going through menopause, it's particularly important to avoid this crash. The sugar spike and drop mimics physical stress, according to a study in Maturitas. In turn, this triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which can trigger symptoms like hot flushes, fatigue, and brain fog.

"My advice is simple: stop thinking of breakfast as a chance to eat dessert. Move away from highly processed, sugary options and towards a more savoury, protein-rich start to the day. Your energy levels, appetite and long-term health will thank you for it."

While it can be nice to splurge on a luxury beauty buy, the price tag doesn't always reflect how good the formula is.

Collectively as a beauty team, we test hundreds of products every year, from the best mascaras to the best hair straighteners, meaning we're well-versed in knowing what products are worth your money.

We spend a lot of our time sharing our tried-and-tested reviews of the products that are worthy of being on your radar. However, we're flipping the script and taking a moment to de-influence you on the 5 beauty buys not worth your money – and what you should buy instead.

1. Products claiming to 'get rid of' pores

If you were to take a piece of advice from Beauty Editor Fiona McKim's, she warns you to be cautious of products that claim to 'get rid of' pores. "I’d love to tell you which skincare will close or even get rid of large pores - trust me, I’d be all over it - but they simply don’t exist because, like dogs and regrettable tattoos, pores are for life. They don’t have the muscles to ‘open’ or ‘close’, and you certainly can’t get rid of them," she says.

However, all hope is not lost, as Fiona adds: "But (always a but in beauty!), you can definitely work on the things that make them appear smaller. That’s mostly excess oil, which clogs them up and can be shifted with salicylic acid. Collagen degradation is another culprit, as when skin loses structure, pores can look wider. Halting that is more of a preventative play, with peptide and Vitamin C serums, but pro treatments like Ultherapy and microneedling can help rev things back up a bit."

2. High-end moisturisers

One thing that's not worth the money, according to our Beauty eCommerce Editor, Aleesha Badkar, is a really fancy high-endmoisturiser. "With the amount of really high-quality skincare out there these days, you can get a moisturiser from pretty much anywhere that does the same thing as the fancy stuff," Aleesha notes.

"I would even say that I find some of the more expensive ones less effective, as they will often come with a lovely silky, velvety, luxurious feel, but the nourishing factor wears off after a couple of hours." Instead, Aleesha recommends opting for an affordable alternative: "Save your money for the expensive, results-focused serums - they'll do a lot more than a fancy moisturiser."

3. Expensive body lotions

A rich, expensive cream is lovely for an indulgent self-care evening, but day-to-day, you'll be better off finding a cheaper one – especially if you do use it daily. This is something that Naomi Jamieson, Digital Beauty Writer, agrees with all too well: "While it pains me to say it, because I do love a luxe, scented body lotion that looks just as pretty on your bathroom shelf as it smells on the skin, most just aren't worth the spend."

For those that don't want to be restocking a lotion for £40 a pop every month or so, Naomi says: "There are so many inexpensive options out there that are incredibly hydrating and nourishing. I'm someone who moisturises from head to toe every single day, and the only body lotion I actually use consistently is the £5 (but usually £2 at Amazon!) Vaseline Cocoa Radiant one."

4. Pricey mascaras

You don't have to splash the cash on a mascara to be able to get standout results, according to Digital Beauty Writer, Sennen Prickett: "With many of us using mascara daily, we can often quickly work our way through a tube, meaning you might not want to part ways with a lot of money on a lash-enhancing formula."

"Thankfully, there are plenty of impressive mascara options available on drugstore shelves, particularly formulas from L'Oréal Paris and Maybelline – many of which you can bag for £10 and under. Whether you prefer volumising or lengthening, these buys rival their top-shelf competitors," Sennen notes.

5. Large eyeshadow palettes

"I’ll admit that huge eyeshadow palettes do have their appeal - like a grown-up’s Polly Pocket with their rainbow of colours and tactile click," says Fiona, but are they really worth your money? If you're anything like our Beauty Editor, the answer would be no: "In all honesty, how many of those shades are you actually going to use? If you’re anything like me, two, maybe three max. Probably the neutrals, which get worn down to the pan while the others sit there unbothered by a brush, a stark reminder of your lack of adventurousness."

To make better use of your money, Fiona suggests cutting down on the number of shadows: "It makes a lot more sense to invest in a couple of solo shadows in shades you know you’ll wear, or a quad of complementary colours that you can pick and mix from (Charlotte Tilbury and Chanel both make excellent ones). Spend your savings on a shimmery eyeliner for the occasional razzle dazzle moment at parties, and you’ll be golden."

Em The Nutritionist's recipes are scroll-stopping every time. And when your job is cooking for most of the day, that's saying something. My feed is basically wall-to-wall food content, and still, it's always Emily English's that make me feel inspired and excited to cook.

This time, it was her Le Creuset collection that got me; not just because it looked effortlessly classy sitting in her kitchen (though it did, next to matching salt and pepper mills and a stunning meringue utensil jar), but because it looked like exactly the kind of low-effort, high-reward set-up I'd been missing. She was showing heritage cookware doing the work so the food and the cook could shine. Healthy, delicious meals, a one-pot stop for midweek dinners: what's not to love?

So I decided to test the theory properly. I picked five of my favourite recipes from her cookbook, So Good Express, got my hands on the same kit, and set out to cook my way through a week of her meals. What I got back wasn't just an aesthetically pleasing kitchen, it was my love of simple one-pot cooking. I'm living life according to Emily English from now on.

Em The Nutritionist Edit

In Em's videos, you'll spot a lot of kitchen staples. She has a Ninja air fryer (the DoubleStack, if you're wondering) and a chopping board that is the envy of the whole internet (no exaggeration here, of course), but the bits that caught my eye were her Le Creuset collection. It's stylish, it's chic, and clearly does a good job:

Meal 1: Beef and Ricotta Meatballs in Ragu

Meatballs is a classic and it's also where the Le Creuset Shallow Casserole is really in its element, switching between the hob and oven. Em makes the meatballs from scratch in her recipe, so I toasted the spices and fried some onion and garlic in the base of the pan to add in to the beef. Then, once I'd rolled the meatballs, he wide base of the pan gave them lots of room to brown properly, rather than steaming them in their own liquid.

The ragù is also whipped from scratch, making brilliant use of the enamel non-stick, which made frying the base and simmering really easy. I noticed the steady, gentle heat across all the sauce when it simmered, which means I didn;t need to constantly stand and stir to stop things catching. The wide rim also made it easy to nestle all the meatballs back in without splashing sauce everywhere. With a grating of parmesan and some fresh basil leaves on top, I could have imagined myself in a nonna's kitchen in Italy.

Meal 2: No Layer Gnocchi Lasagne

I couldn't resist testing a gnocchi lasagne recipe. It's such an unusual, but undeniably delicious twist that is signature Em. Again, it's a one pan take on the dish itself, which means the pan has to do a lot of jobs in quick succession. The Le Creuset went from browning mince on the hob, straight through building and simmering the ragu, to holding a ricotta-Parmesan topping in the oven, and finally under the grill to go golden and bubbling, all without ever leaving the pan. I was thrilled that there was no decanting into a separate baking dish, no washing up extra trays in between: just one, beautiful Le Creuset.

On a practical level, the wide, shallow shape meant the mince browned properly rather than steaming, and the sauce reduced down evenly with plenty of surface area. Once it moved to the oven, the heat retention kept everything bubbling gently rather than drying out at the edges, and it came out from under the grill glossy and evenly coloured rather than scorched in patches. It also went straight to the table looking the part, which is half the point of a dish like this.

I saw some sauce catching at the sides - which is all part of the effect - but it made me worry about washing up. However, the enamel lets all the dirt and grease slide off in the sink. If you do get some stubborn bits of burn, Le Creusets work well with soaking and leaving ovenight. I've cremated many a Le Creuset and made it back to shiny status.

Meal 3: Super Glow Salad

Now, I love a warm and hearty meal, but Em the Nutritionist's salads could tempt me any day of the week. She uses her Le Creuset to toast sweetcorn in the pan, coated with spice and some olive oil, until they get a blistered look and smoky taste. It's a really simple way to elevate the simple sweetcorn in your bowl and comes with a side of some more plant points.

For the rest of the salad, there's obviously no direct heat involved , but the casserole doubled nicely as a mixing and serving vessel. The wide, shallow shape meant the leaves could be tossed properly with the green sauce without bruising, rather than being crushed together in a narrow bowl. I took my pictures in sections, because it looked so pretty, but the messy mixing still looked and smelt delightful. It's a nice example of the pan pulling double duty beyond the hob, which feels like a useful point to make for readers who might balk at a "casserole" doing salad duty.

Meal 4: Orzo Alla Nerano

This is a dish built from a couple of separate elements, which really test a Le Creuset. I've had a big glut of courgettes, so was thrilled to see a recipe using one in Em's book. You start my chopping and dry frying the courgettes to give them the brown look. This really exposes how well a pan transfers heat across the base and, as expected, the courgettes coloured almost completely evenly. At the edges some were a little paler, but it eas easy to move them around. Em says to leave them to cool, covered in seasoning, so the salt and pepper mills got a good workout before I turned to the pasta.

Orzo alla Nerano lives or dies on getting a silky, emulsified sauce rather than a claggy one, and the casserole's heat retention did a lot of the work here. Because the pan stayed consistently hot even off the direct flame, the cheese melted smoothly giving a beautiful melted texture. The shallow shape also meant the orzo cooked in an even layer rather than clumping in the centre, so there was a lot less babysitting than a deep saucepan would need. Serving up with parmesan and lemon made this as light and refreshing as it was delicious. I made big portions for all of these - and this is the one that was devoured in one sitting.

Meal 5: Baked Cod with Fennel and Olives

I strayed from the cookbook here, because I spotted Em using her Le Creuset on Instagram and couldn't resist testing this one out. It's another great example of the casserole going straight from hob to oven. The onion and garlic got a good toast before reducing the tomato sauce and adding in the fennel olives, and capers. Then the whole thing finished under gentle oven heat without needing to switch pans, which meant no faff, no extra washing up, and the cod stayed moist rather than drying out, likely helped by the tight-fitting lid trapping steam.

I'd fallen out of love with one-pot cooking (and cooking in general) this summer: it's been so hot, and life has been busy. But Em The Nutritionist inspired me to dig out my Le Creuset, add a few extra pieces to the kitchen, and get back to my classics. Now I feel properly back on track.

The Shallow Casserole is such a hero product to have in any kitchen, moving from hob to oven to table, without a single extra pan to wash up. It's a style that suits Em's meals, and clearly suits me too. These aren't just beautiful camera props: they're hard-working pans built for everyday life.

It’s not difficult to find curated lists of travel beauty tips these days, but rarely are they from people who actually travel for a living.

Curious to discover what the leading voices in travel today pack into their hand luggage, backpacks and suitcases, I've grilled editors and experts from some of the world’s leading publications, including national broadsheets, specialist magazines and digital platforms championing authentic off-the-beaten-path travel.

From aeroplane skincare advice and full-size beauty products you can fly with to the best Tatcha products for long-haul flights, these nine tips, tricks and buys will leave you looking and feeling fresh whether you’re jetting off to India, a magical island or a European hidden gem.

9 travel editors top beauty lessons

I know I’m not alone in feeling like August is the ultimate juggling act. As I write this, I’m still at my desk on a Friday evening, trying to frantically tick off the last few tasks on my to-do list before finishing my packing for a family holiday to France tomorrow.

You know the score. Keeping track of a calendar packed with special birthdays and family events is hard enough, never mind trying to slow down to actually enjoy the final, golden weeks of summer before September arrives and cosy season takes over.

Recently, I found myself stretched extra thin when my mum needed an unexpected move into a care home. Between a full-time job and the endless juggle of life as a mum of three, I couldn't physically be there to visit as often as I wanted to. The guilt was real.

I did what my mum taught me to do whenever someone I love is going through something tough: I sent flowers. She was so delighted. The blooms instantly brightened up her room and served as a tangible, daily reminder that she was deeply loved and constantly in my thoughts. I suddenly felt a little less helpless and was reminded that sending a beautiful bouquet is one of the most practical, immediate things you could do to show you care – especially when you can't be there.

A few weeks later, I was reminded of this all over again when I received an enormous bouquet of showstopping sunflowers for my birthday, very unexpectedly. They had pride of place on my kitchen table; the very first thing I saw every morning. I took such pleasure in arranging them, sending snaps to the sender to show how well she’d chosen, and even decanting them into other vases as they eventually faded. Two weeks later, I refashioned a pretty empty bottle into a bougie little vase for my last gorgeous gerbera.

Whether you are celebrating an August birthday, navigating a tricky life transition like me, or simply wanting to share the joy of the late-summer season, Bloom & Wild is my first port of call. Their new arrivals for late summer are really special (spoiler: gorgeous sunflowers feature heavily again).

Even better, with a special discount code running through late August, making a fuss of someone special is as affordable as it is easy. Here are the standout gifts I’ll be relying on this month to bridge the gap when I can't be there in person.

Getting ahead of your gifting calendar doesn't have to mean spending hours trawling the high street or breaking the bank. You can use the exclusive code below to get a discount on these beautiful new arrivals, making it easier than ever to show up for the people you love before summer fades.

Your exclusive discount code

Use code LNK15STEMS at checkout.

• Expires: 30/09/2026 at 11:59 pm (BST)
• Offer: 15% off all orders (Valid on gifts and flowers only)
• Usage: Limit of 3 uses per customer.
• Exclusions: Not valid on subscriptions or bundles. Cannot be used in conjunction with another voucher. Cannot be redeemed with credit.

While 2026's nail trends have leaned minimalist (think beige nails and milky nail polish), Jennifer Lopez has just made a case for maximalist nail art. At Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda 2026 show in Taormina, the star's custom-made, sequin-and-jewel-embellished gown was topped off with an equally eye-catching manicure.

“The manicure should never compete; it should complete,” wrote her longtime nail artist, Tom Bachik, on Instagram, unveiling what he dubbed her 'vintage rose' nails. Featuring delicate hand-painted roses framed by gold foil accents, the regal manicure is a far cry from this season's neutral nail designs. No two nails are the same; each features its own floral arrangement, making every nail feel like a miniature work of art.

The biggest surprise? Rather than painting the intricate design directly onto Lopez's nails, Bachik created a bespoke set of press-ons. While his exact creation may be one of a kind, today's press-on nails make intricate, statement manicures far more accessible than ever.

Press-on nails have come a long way from the thick, plastic-looking sets many of us remember from the early 2000s. From glazed nails and chrome effects to romantic florals like Lopez's, many now rival a salon manicure, with premium brands offering reusable styles that can be applied in minutes. While nothing can replicate Bachik's skilled artistry, there are plenty of beautiful floral press-ons that capture the same vintage-inspired aesthetic.

If you've been loyal to milky pinks and Bubble Bath nails all summer, Jennifer Lopez's latest nail look might just tempt you to embrace something a bit more decorative. After all, florals never really go out of style – and press-on nails are an easy, low-commitment way to tap into the trend.

We have to admit, it's both somewhat interesting and helpful to see what beauty buys our readers have been shopping. While the information helps us gauge what products you all enjoy, it's also wildly fascinating for us nosey beauty team members.

A quick look at this month's data revealed that you've been adding a variety of different buys to your shopping baskets, from the best cordless straighteners and long-lasting perfumes to one of the best-smelling body lotions and beauty tech tools. Fortunately, for those who are just as curious as we are, we've put together a guide of the 15 most popular purchases in the last 30 days.

The 15 beauty buys you've been adding to your basket this month

If you know a thing or two about the woman&home beauty team, we're not one to gatekeep information. After digging into all the transactions over the last few weeks, these are the exact buys that you've been getting your hands on – from a Dyson Airwrap alternative to one of the best gradual tans.

It's rare to get an insight into the fragrances A-list stars love, but it's something that crosses my mind often as a beauty writer – what do celebrities actually smell like?

If I had to take an educated guess, my money would be on one of the best perfumes for women, from luxury fragrance houses or cool niche labels, but thankfully a handful of celebrities have put an end to our guessing game by revealing their go-to long-lasting perfumes.

The latest name to join that list is none other than Zoe Saldana. The Lioness actress has lifted the lid on the scent she is "loving" to spritz right now, which boasts an unexpected yet gorgeous blend of floral and leather notes. Plus, another she has been "obsessed with" – and both are rich and long-lasting blends that'll transition perfectly from summer into Autumn.

In a recent interview with Marie Claire, the actress discussed the ins and outs of her wellness routine, from her go-to Lancôme Absolue Longevity MD Intercept Face Cream to her love for fabric scrunchies.

But it was her answer to being quizzed on the most expensive product in her daily regimen that caught our eye. Saldana revealed herself to be "a really big fan of perfumes", lifting the lid on her go-to fragrance house: "Frederic Malle is one of my favourite brands."

As for the exact blend that she has been frequently spritzing lately, she says: "Right now, I’m loving Rose and Cuir." The perfume in question begins as a light, airy green floral that dries down to a bitter and earthy leather fragrance. In fact, many hail the blend for its unique aroma.

But it doesn't stop there; her love for the brand's scents runs deep. Saldana notes: "I used to be obsessed with Carnal Flower too." Carnal Flower is an intense white-floral scent that features the highest concentration of natural tuberose in the world of fragrance. It's complemented with notes of juicy melon, sharp eucalyptus and a milky, musky base.

In the extreme weather we’ve been having in the UK recently, cleaning is the last thing that many of us want to do - even though regularly opening windows and doors means massively increased levels of dust and dirt.

The truth is that cleaning can be incredibly physical, especially if you are reaching into the nooks and crannies of your home for a deep clean of often-neglected areas. On days when temperatures consistently reach close to or over 30 degrees Celsius, anything beyond a surface clean can have an impact on our physiology - cue extreme sweating, exhaustion, and even the potential for heat-related health issues such as headaches and dizziness.

We spoke to the experts to understand how we can make cleaning easier on us during a heatwave, and they shared five of the simplest tips below.

5 expert-approved heatwave cleaning tips

While it’s easy to say that you should simply leave your cleaning until it’s cooler, that isn’t a realistic possibility when the weather is so consistently hot. Because of this, it's essential to work smarter rather than harder when it comes to heatwave cleaning – most of all to protect your health.

"A clean home should never come at the expense of your wellbeing," says cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie. "During a heatwave, a few small adjustments to your cleaning routine can help keep both you and your home feeling cool, fresh and comfortable."

1. Clean early with all windows open

When possible, getting your cleaning tasks done early in the day is a sure-fire way to ensure it’s as easy as possible. "My biggest tip is to clean early in the morning," says Lynsey. "The house is usually at its coolest before the midday heat arrives, making cleaning far more comfortable and energy-efficient."

If you really must do a deeper clean, for example, dusting your shutters or scrubbing skirting boards, then do so before the most extreme heat of the day arrives, ensuring you don’t need to sacrifice your cleaning schedule too much during the summer.

Cleaning expert and scientist at Astonish, Emma Mannion, also recommends throwing open windows and doors to allow cooler air to circulate through the home before temperatures peak.

"Open windows and doors at either side of the home if possible, to create a cross-breeze that helps cool down your living spaces," she says. "Enhanced airflow in the morning not only cools down your home, but also helps to diffuse cleaning fragrances."

2. Ditch the hot water and steam

Hot (or even boiling) water is a go-to for many of us when cleaning, given its natural ability to kill more germs and bacteria. But in this searing weather, it is perfectly fine to adjust your water temperature down.

"Where possible, use cool or lukewarm water instead," says Lynsey. "Most modern cleaning products work perfectly well without boiling hot water."

Some heat-based cleaning tools should also be avoided during a heatwave. "Steam cleaners, for example, create additional heat and humidity, which can make your home feel uncomfortable very quickly," Lynsey explains. As such, she advises putting these away during the hottest periods and using them again only when it cools down.

3. Utilise hands-off cleaning hacks

Rigorous scrubbing can leave you sweating and exhausted at the best of times, let alone during a heatwave. So now is the time to make the most of cleaning methods that require little to no actual scrubbing.

For example, Sarah Burton, Director at North West Commercial Cleans, shared a clever trick for cleaning taps that requires minimal effort. "My favourite overnight bathroom cleaning hack for the heatwave is soaking taps in a simple vinegar and water solution. Fill a sandwich bag with water and a cap of vinegar and secure it around the taps overnight using an elastic band.

“In the morning, remove the bag and gently brush or wipe the taps clean and let them run for around 60 seconds. This is a simple way to help prevent limescale and keep taps looking their best in the heatwave – and there’s so little effort required from you!” Sarah said.

4. Give electric automated tools a try

Automated and electric cleaning appliances are a no-brainer in the hot weather, doing the majority of the hard work for you. So if you haven't already treated yourself to the likes of an electric cleaning brush or a robot vacuum, now may well be the time!

Electric cleaning brushes, for example, will help dislodge dirt around taps and in crevices in your kitchen and bathroom with much less effort from you than an ordinary sponge or cloth - meaning you can still enjoy a sparkling home no matter how warm it is. Simply run one of these brushes over your sink, toilet, or shower every couple of days to prevent build-up.

Emma is a big fan of automated vacuuming in summer, too. "A robotic vacuum, for example, can autonomously handle daily floor cleaning, saving you from the physical strain of manual vacuuming in the heat," she explains.

5. Make the most of cooling aids

There’s no need to power through without help if you are cleaning during this warm weather, Lynsey explains. Instead, she suggests making the most of all the hacks at your disposal to help you cool down.

“I recommend keeping a cold flannel, cooling facial mist or chilled towel nearby while cleaning,” she says. "Something as simple as a cold flannel on the back of your neck can instantly help you cool down if you're feeling hot. And don’t forget your fan!”

Plus, nothing works as well as taking it slow whilst scrubbing your home this summer. "Work through one room at a time and take breaks in between," advises Lynsey. "Pacing yourself helps prevent overheating and makes cleaning feel much more manageable."

Staying hydrated during hot weather is vital, cleaning aside. We'd also recommend trying a few tricks to keep yourself cool and to keep your house cool. At the end of the day, a clean home is important, but never at the detriment of your wellbeing.

Call it an Indian summer, call it borrowed time, but right now it feels like summer isn't quite ready to let go. And neither are we. The evenings are still golden, weekends still feel like mini holidays, and picky bits and a cool box are still staples for leaving the house.

And if sitting out late into the evenings, hosting garden parties, or squeezing in one more picnic before October, feels achievable this year, that's largely down to one brand doing some very heavy lifting. Everyone's been talking about Ninja's FrostVault Coolers. First it was the box, then the backpack, and now the bundles with one of their ChillPill fans, each one smarter and better thought-through than the last. Ninja didn't just make a cool box; they made cool boxes cool, turning what used to be a slightly grim garage staple into something people are using to refresh their garden.

But Ninja isn't picnicking alone anymore. Plenty of other big names have clocked that al fresco evenings aren't packing up with the school holidays, they're just getting their second wind. From heritage hampers to design collaborations to reinvented cool bags, brands across the board are setting the scene for a longer, warmer, more stylish end to summer. Here are the cool boxes that are stylish enough to become your most complimented outdoor furniture too.

The best hampers and cool boxes

Before we dive into all of our favourite cool boxes and hampers, we need to give credit to the ones that started it all. Ninja's first launch, the FrostVault Cooler is a proper hard-sided box built to hold ice for days, sturdy enough to double as a seat and still look good doing it. Then came the FrostVault Hard Cooler, a beefed-up version with wheels and a handle.

The FrostVault Backpack has taken the same cooling tech and made it wearable, trading the bulk of a box for something you can actually carry to the beach or a festival without breaking your back. And it's also part of a bundle, pairing the cooler with the Ninja ChillPill (one of our favourite cooling fans) so you're not scrambling to buy separate ice packs or dividers. It's the option for anyone who wants the full FrostVault set-up sorted in one go.

What's clear from this new wave of cool boxes and hampers is that nobody's treating the end of summer like an ending anymore. Whether it's Ninja leading the charge with clever engineering, Fortnum & Mason bringing proper heritage glamour to the humble picnic, or Stanley and William Morris proving that practicality and personality aren't mutually exclusive. And if you're looking for easy ways to make your garden feel a little more expensive and a lot more stylish, investing in a cooler that actually looks the part is a surprisingly effective place to start.

You may remember the 12-3-30 workout from a few years ago. Its simple premise and set-up made it a viral sensation on social media - and a great option for those looking to get fitter, maintain muscle, and improve their balance. In 2026, it's as good as ever.

The 12-3-30 is a treadmill workout made popular by influencer Lauren Giraldo. She said: "I used to be so intimidated by the gym, and it wasn't motivating. But now I go and do this one thing, and I can feel good about myself."

In a similar vein, I swapped my after-work walking workout for this session when the ongoing summer heat took a toll on my motivation. I decided it was too hot outside, so I headed to the gym and revisited the 12-3-30 for all its low-impact cardio benefits.

How to do the 12-3-30 workout

The 12-3-30 workout is very simple. Lace up your running shoes and hop on a treadmill, then follow these steps:

• Adjust your incline to 12.
• Increase speed to 3mph or 4.8kph, depending on your treadmill settings)
• Set a 30-minute timed workout on your machine or fitness tracker

If this feels too hard at the beginning, set the incline to three or four instead of 12 and challenge yourself to hold the pace for as long as possible. Build up your time and gradient as you get fitter and stronger.

The speed at which you progress will be different for everyone, so don’t compare yourself - work at the level that’s right for you. It should feel challenging, but not so much so that you feel out of breath and can't continue.

It's also important to maintain good form as you walk. Engage your core, keep your shoulders back and your head up. Always look straight ahead, rather than down at your feet on the treadmill.

The 12-3-30 workout is a more efficient and effective cardiovascular workout compared to flat-surface walking, says Amanda Place, a certified personal trainer and the founder of Sculptrition. "It also can help with engaging various muscle groups, burning calories, and promoting overall fitness," she says, making it a great workout for beginners.

Benefits of the 12-3-30 workout

1. Builds fitness

When I first started exercising properly, about seven years ago, I found that my cardio fitness was letting me down. It was uncomfortable to work out for any longer than 10 minutes in one go.

I've seen how good the 12-3-30 workout is for building fitness. Today, 10 minutes into the workout, I was in my zone 2 heart rate. This is known as the aerobic zone, and it's about a 6 or 7 out of 10 for intensity. You should be able to have a conversation but not sing. It's ideal for building a baseline of cardiovascular fitness, no matter your fitness level.

A recent study by Queen's University found that this heart rate zone improves cardiovascular fitness by enhancing capillary density (how many blood vessels in a muscle) and stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped out of the heart in every heartbeat) with minimal recovery time or joint stress.

There are ways you can adjust the 12-3-30 workout to make it harder. For instance, adding ankle weights or a weighted vest adds resistance to your legs and glutes, and requires you to focus more on core stability.

2. Low impact

The softer surface of the treadmill and slower pace put less pressure on the joints compared to activities like running. This means less chance of injury and discomfort post-workout and more chance of round two later in the week.

"Unlike high-impact exercises, such as running or jumping, the 12-3-30 workout is low-impact. This makes it suitable for individuals with joint issues or new to exercise," says Amanda.

3. Maintains heart health

It's well-established by health bodies and expert facilities, including the Mayo Clinic and Ohio State University, that aerobic exercise like power walking and running helps keep the heart healthy.

The extra effort compared to regular walking makes it work harder to push blood (containing oxygen) around the body. The heart is a muscle just like any other, the more you use it, the more effective it is. In turn, this lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and other serious diseases.

4. Maintains muscle

Trust me, by the time you've done 20 minutes of walking at a 12% incline, you'll be feeling your glutes (buttocks), hamstrings, calves, and lower back working overtime.

Walking uphill forces the muscles at the back of your body, known as the posterior chain, to work harder than they would on the flat ground. This is just enough pressure to preserve the muscle that you have without stressing your joints.

You can further maintain and grow that muscle by combining the 12-3-30 workout with regular full-body strength workouts in the gym.

5. Versatile

While the heatwave rages on, I wouldn't blame anyone for putting exercise last on the list of priorities. However, this workout can be done under the cooling air conditioning in your local gym or in front of the fan, if you have a treadmill at home.

It's also only half an hour. Most people will be able to find this time in their day, either by adding it into an existing routine (like at the end of a dumbbell workout in the gym) or by waking up half an hour earlier. Make the most of the cool mornings.

As many as 8 in 10 women say that time is their biggest limiting factor when it comes to exercise. I certainly fit in this camp. Yet, even in a busy and hot week, I found the time to do the 12-3-30 workout four times. Next week, I'll be aiming for five times.

Can you do the 12-3-30 workout every day?

Yes, if you're looking for a daily exercise, the 12-3-30 workout could be a great choice. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week, divided up across seven days. You'd only need to do this workout five times a week to hit this target, leaving plenty of time for rest, recovery, and other workouts.

The experts recommend alternating between the 12-3-30 and strength-focused workouts, like a 30-minute dumbbell workout or an upper-body dumbbell workout, to help maintain and grow the muscles somewhat neglected by cardio. For example, you could do the 12-3-30 three times a week and a type of strength training twice a week to hit the overall quota.

As a beauty team, we love a bargain, so imagine our delight when we discovered that Sephora has its own under-£10 section filled with discounts on some of the most popular, well-loved brands - spanning iconic French skincare to hardworking, everyday cleansers, brow pencils and more.

Now, this might be old news to some who already know of this Sephora sale section, but we can't tell you what a commotion it caused when we were scrolling through and spying some of our favourite buys, like The Inkey List Caffeine eye cream and Glow Recipe Bingsoo lip treatment, all discounted and costing less than a tenner. And who can blame us? It's a challenge to find any beauty product for under-£10 these days, so when we do, it's something we shout about. And yes, while we acknowledge some are minis and travel editions, there are also quite a few full-size buys - and the list changes frequently. Plus, sometimes a mini can really stretch and prove itself to be fairly cost-effective.

So, if you're keen to add a few essentials to your cart for the price of a cup of coffee, these are the products - spanning haircare to makeup - that we think are pretty tempting, and shocked us to see so cheap.

Sephora haircare for £10 & under

"I associate Sephora with innovation, hyped brands, and a playful, hands-on shopping experience. But beauty bargains? Not so much," quips Digital Beauty Channel Editor, Fiona McKim. "So I’m surprised and delighted to discover this sneaky sub-tenner section full of genuinely great, affordable stuff. Particularly so with hair products where prices creep up on you (and bottles run dry quickly) - this is a perfect excuse to stack your bathroom shelf with fancy shampoo, styling sprays and silky scrunchies.

Sephora skincare for £10 & under

"Skincare can set you back a pretty penny, especially when you’re restocking your entire routine," says Digital Beauty Writer Sennen Prickett. "So, to be able to snap up some popular formulas for under a tenner (and enjoy impressive savings of up to 50% off), it's simply a no-brainer. Sephora makes home to some of the most recognisable beauty brands in the business, such as Glow Recipe, The Inkey List and Eucerin, and so does this curated sale. You’ll be able to bag everything from caffeine eye creams and lip balms to retinol serums and nourishing French skincare creams."

Sephora makeup for for £10 & under

From minis of popular buys from Rare Beauty and Morphe, to full-sizes of Sephora's own collection, this under-£10 section is quite the find. And in case you're yet to sample the retailer's own line, Digital Beauty Editor, Aleesha Badkar says: "I have long been a fan of Sephora Collection makeup for its reliable and long-lasting formulas paired with a really affordable price point. I love that you can get basically a whole makeup bag of products, all for under £10 each - honestly, it's up there with the makeup I've repurchased the most."

Sephora K-beauty for £10 & under

"Sephora is where I tend to restock most of my Korean skincare favourites, like the Biodance Bio Collagen sheet masks," says Digital Beauty Writer Naomi Jamieson, "but it never occurred to me that there might be a handy little sale section with a few discounts on the likes of Round Lab, Dr Althea and TirTir that I could grab on my virtual way to checkout. You can find some full-size products (like the TirTir lip oil), but I also like that the cheaper minis are further discounted, so I have a chance to test out formulas on my sensitive skin before properly investing. Plus, they're amazing for travel - I'm heading away in September and will be taking a few of these with me."

Honorable mentions

If you're still on the hunt for a best lip balm or perhaps require a budget-friendly setting powder, we've rounded up a few more impressive deals that we spotted on our Sephora scroll.

Being able to reach above your head, go up stairs, and pick bags up from the floor may not sound like a challenge now, but we all lose at least some mobility with age.

According to the NHS, everyone loses up to 8% of their muscle mass every 10 years between 30 and 50. After 50 and menopause, this rises to 10% unless we do something about it. That something? Strength training.

Olympic hurdler Sally Gunnell is a personal trainer and dedicated strength coach for women. There are a few moves you can do now to ensure you stay moving well into your 80s and beyond, she says. These are known as functional exercises. They mirror movements we make in daily life, strengthening the muscles we need to do them.

One-arm rows

Rows are a staple exercise as they work multiple muscles at once. This one-arm row requires a set of dumbbells and a stable stance, so you can rest on a gym bench or study chair if you need to. Otherwise, follow Sally's demonstration...

Here's how to do a one-arm row:

• Come down into a lunge position, but keep your back leg straight out behind you and turn your foot outwards.
• Rest your arm on your front leg, if needed, and make sure your back stays straight through the movement.
• Taking your dumbbell in the opposite hand to your bent leg, row from a straight arm position towards your hips.
• Move as though you're trying to put the dumbbell in your back pocket.
• Repeat on both sides.

Shoulder press

The shoulders are among the most underrated muscles. The shoulder press is the perfect movement to ensure they get the attention they deserve in an upper-body dumbbell workout.

Here's how to do a shoulder press:

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding your dumbbells at shoulder level. Turn your elbows out slightly.
• Brace your core and squeeze your glutes (buttocks).
• Press the weights up over your head until your arms are straight at the top.
• Slowly, lower the weights back down with control.
• Repeat the movement.

Split squats

Single-leg exercises like walking lunges and split squats build strength in the lower-body muscles, such as the quadriceps (thighs) and glutes. They also boost balance, as you have to use the smaller muscles to stabilise your body during the exercise.

How to do split squats:

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, then take a step back into a lunge position. Hold your dumbbell in the opposite hand to your front leg.
• Make sure most of your weight is planted through your front foot by lifting your back heel from the floor.
• Bend both knees and bring your back knee down until it sits a few inches off the floor.
• Push through your front foot to come back to standing.
• Repeat the movement on both legs.

Other exercises to include

Want to turn Sally's 3-move workout into a longer session? Add in some of the best exercises for longevity. These include:

• Squats or sit-to-stand exercises
• Press-ups (either flat on your yoga mat or against a wall)
• Plank
• Deadlifts or Romanian deadlifts

Sienna Miller has always subscribed to the idea that less is more. Rather than reinventing her beauty look with every passing trend, she's stayed loyal to a signature aesthetic: brushed-up brows, radiant skin and a slick of kohl liner.

Having worked with Charlotte Tilbury for years, it's fair to say Miller has picked up a few insider tricks along the way. Now the face of the brand's new Pillow Talk in Bloom campaign, she's recently shared one of her favourites: the 'airbrush sandwich hack' – a technique she says keeps her complexion looking fresh and alive while ensuring her base "will not budge".

Rather than relying on heavy layers of makeup that can leave the complexion looking cakey, the three-step technique is designed to lock everything in place without sacrificing that skin-like finish. Especially useful during a heatwave, scroll on to discover the steps and products involved.

What is the 'airbrush sandwich hack'?

The 'sandwich' element comes from the order in which products are applied. Miller begins by misting her complexion with Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. While it's still drying down, she lightly stipples Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder over the areas she wants to stay shine-free – focusing on the T-zone rather than dusting powder across her entire face. She then finishes with another veil of setting spray to lock everything into place.

"I'm just going to use the Airbrush Setting Spray – so hydrating and nourishing. While that is setting, I'm going to re-powder, and that's going to sandwich it all in and keep everything airbrushed," she explains in the Instagram video.

"I know that my makeup will not budge. It still looks dewy and glowy and fresh and alive, but we all know it's been powdered and sealed. It doesn't feel that way – it feels like my skin can still breathe, but it's not going to move."

The key to achieving that fresh, skin-like finish is choosing a setting powder that won't leave skin looking flat or chalky. Charlotte Tilbury's best-selling formula is finely milled and blended with moisture-boosting emollient ingredients, allowing it to blur the complexion without emphasising texture. As Tilbury previously explained on This Morning, “if they're finely milled and have lots of emollients in them, they are actually incredible smoothing and blurring.”

If you're as taken with Miller's understated approach to beauty as we are, it's also worth taking a look at the effortless heatwave bun she's been relying on this summer, as well as the affordable lip balm that's become a permanent fixture in her makeup bag.

Unofficially, every day is "spoil your dog day" in this house, but we spotted that today is the only official one. It's the perfect opportunity to give your furry friend a little extra love, a treat, and a proper thank you for being the resident face of positivity in the home, whether they've had their dinner or not.

After bringing together our favourite pet treats for Valentine's Day, we've found there's no such thing as too much love for the four-legged member of the family. To help you treat your dog to something extra special, we've pulled together 15 gifts under £50, grouped by the different ways you might spoil them: something new to snuggle up in (inspired by Morris & Co collaborations we've already seen), a proper pamper, a few treats that sound tempting to even us, a toy that'll actually get played with, and the kit for a longer walk than usual.

So whether yours is a muddy-pawed Labrador who'd be happy with an extra biscuit and a longer walk, or a small dog with distinctly expensive taste, we've pulled together a few ways to mark the day properly.

Sleep & Snuggle

At the Table

Party Treats

Playtime

Out & About

Pamper & Groom

Whichever category catches your eye first, the truth is your dog won't clock the price tag or the styling, they'll just know they've had an extra good day, and that you were the one behind it. Sometimes that's a new bed to sink into, sometimes it's a slightly longer walk with all the right kit, and sometimes it's simply an extra biscuit they weren't expecting. However you choose to mark it, National Spoil Your Dog Day is really just an excuse to say what we should probably say more often: well done for being you. Now, where's that lead?

I’m sure you’ve noticed, but it’s been hot. What began as an exciting warming of our post-spring limbs has turned into a fairly relentless barrage of heat - and it’s showing no sign of stopping.

Heatwaves used to be a novelty. You’d sack off dinner plans for picky bits in the park, and you might be allowed to knock off work early. Six weeks into the thing, it’s starting to feel like this is what summer is now, and we actually do need to carry on with our lives and responsibilities while the sun beams down on us. When it comes to makeup, this means picking products that are melt-proof, smudge-proof, and long-wearing without feeling cakey or heavy.

Even the best mascaras might not achieve this, but luckily our beauty director has found a brilliant option that survived 17-hour days in the Mallorcan sun. The best bit? It’s only £16.

The melt-proof mascara our beauty director swears by

We’ve written about the beauty team trip SPFs, and the flattering body oil that made all the models look extra amazing on camera, but this mascara was the hero of our summer photoshoot trip, according to beauty director Sarah Cooper-White.

“I’m incredibly fussy when it comes to mascaras,” she admits. “I have hooded eyes, so I’m always frustrated by formulas that transfer to my eyelids, but this really wowed me. There was zero smudging or transfer - even during incredibly long days. We would often start working at 5 am, getting back from dinner at 10 pm, and the mascara would still be pristine.”

The fact that this is a tubing mascara is what made it so durable, and why they’re a great way to stop mascara smudging. Tubing mascaras create a ‘tube’ of pigment around every lash rather than just coating them in colour. This sets and locks the lash in for longer, and it’s why they roll off in satisfying little tubes when you remove it.

The ease of removal is another reason why this mascara impressed Sarah. “I normally would have used my best waterproof mascara for such long days in the heat, but I hate how hard they are to remove. I always feel that I’m dragging and pulling my eyelashes too much, and it’s annoying having to use a specialised remover, especially while I’m away from home,” she says. “With the UKLash Tubing mascara, I just use my normal foaming face wash to remove my makeup, massaging my eyes with water, and the mascara rolls away. It’s so easy.”

It’s not even just about the durability and the ease of removal - if you take those elements away, it’s still one of the best mascaras for short lashes we've tried. It has a straight silicone wand, which provides impressive length, and it’s easy to build up volume without smudging.

If we’re stuck with these long, hot summers, you’re going to need a melt-proof mascara, and UKLash’s Tubing Mascara might just be the best option on the market.

With plenty of warmth and vacation time still left to be enjoyed, our beauty team have shared the four fragrances that have accompanied them across the globe and scented every sunny day this summer.

When it comes to investing in one of the best long-lasting perfumes, sometimes selecting a blend based on the season you're in is a good way to go. After all, many of us like to switch out our warmer, woodier blends, for instance, for lighter notes that feel more reflective of the weather. Solar perfumes and fragrances that smell like suncream are always popular options, as are classic fruity perfumes and, of course, florals. If you're heading on holiday soonish though, and don't have the time to mooch around the fragrance counters or order discovery sets online, our beauty team have a handful of tried and tested suggestions.

Four, to be exact, all of which have accompanied them on many a sunny day in the UK and on trips across the pond, and have proven themselves to be long-lasting and quite the compliment-bringers.

The 4 holiday-ready scents our beauty team has been loving this summer

From woody-florals to radiant, suncream-y blends and even a modern twist on rose, there's something for every preference amongst our team's picks - and many of them are available in very handy travel sizes.

Fiona's summer holiday perfume

"In my ongoing effort to rebrand as a 'chilled' holidaymaker who never overpacks, I've boldly booked a week on the Côte d'Azur, boyfriend and pre-school son in tow, with zero checked luggage," says Digital Beauty Editor, Fiona McKim. "This means the criteria for my 2026 holiday perfume is 'small', followed by 'summery' and 'can withstand being trundled over cobbles in an overstuffed carry-on'. Et voilà: Charlotte Tilbury Joyphoria Eau de Parfum in dinky 10ml.

"This is a pleasingly old-school, beach-in-a-bottle kind of scent, all fleshy white flowers, sun-creamy coconut and a zip of neroli that nods to my Mediterranean destination. It also has the correct amount of lasting power for a holiday perfume. As in, it dries down to something that lingers, but won’t bother the nostrils of fellow diners at that nice little fish restaurant on the front - nothing more annoying, is there?"

Sennen's summer holiday perfume pick

In Digital Beauty Writer Sennen Prickett's case, a very chic French perfume has been a non-mover in her suitcase and on-the-go handbag: "The frosted bottled sister to the original Delina fragrance, Parfums de Marly’s Delina La Rosée is a lot lighter, fresher and boasts a romantic ethereal edge, making it a great choice for the sunnier days of summer. It’s a vibrant floral that remains delicate with its velvety white musk base, which is typically something I look for in all my fragrances.

"Aside from loving this gorgeously luminous scent myself, it's also gained me so many compliments from random strangers that I've passed in the street – which, in my books, is a sign of an excellent perfume."

Aleesha's summer perfume pick

"Cap Camarat found me mid perfume-rut, when every bottle on my shelf suddenly felt like more of the same salty, citrusy summer scent I could recite in my sleep," says Digital Beauty Editor, Aleesha Badkar. "I tried this new summer 2026 release on a whim, hoping for something that would shake things up a bit, and it did exactly that. It's soft and cosy, but summery in a quiet, understated way rather than shouting "beach holiday" at you the second you spray it. There's none of that in-your-face sunshine-in-a-bottle feel some summer scents lean on.

"I'll admit, spotting vanilla listed on the box made me a little wary; it's a note I usually can't stand. But here it's blended so seamlessly that you can't actually pick it out on its own; it just melts into everything else, creating one warm, rounded impression rather than a single element trying to steal the show. It's less "sun cream," more aged fine wine, the kind of scent that feels chic and considered rather than obvious. The special edition summery label was just a bonus."

Naomi's summer perfume pick

"From Lisbon to Santorini, this warm, musky floral has been my constant companion this summer," says Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson. "Having worn it at the beginning of the season whilst visiting Portugal, I very quickly began to associate its radiantly sweet and softly spicy blend with sunny afternoons spent strolling through tiled streets, sipping on icy drinks and the overall balminess that summer brings. It layers juicy white peach with elegant rose, but it's far from your average rose perfume. Ambrette seeds, rum and cedarwood add this rich, almost creamy quality to it - notes you might typically reserve for the colder months, but balanced with those fruity-florals, the result is truly luminous.

"It makes my skin smell sun-warmed in a very expensive way, and speaking from experience, it pairs beautifully with the nostalgic smell of freshly applied suncream, too."

Zoe Saldaña's priority is strength training for the future. Weights in the gym, working with a personal trainer, and doing compound exercises (working multiple muscles at once) are the actress's focuses as she approaches 50.

Not least because she's playing a character at peak fitness, about the same age as her, in Yellowstone director Taylor Sheridan's Lioness. Ahead of the third season, Zoe told US Today: "Weight training is essential, especially for women of a certain age. It gives you strength you never thought you had, and that gives me so much confidence. It's like you can do difficult things. Building muscle for [character] Joe inspired me."

It didn't always look this way, she told the Wall Street Journal. "I was a big fan of Pilates for like 20 years. Now that I'm in my 40s, these last two or three years [I have had a] discovery and education around weights. Twenty years ago, I would have been against it. I just felt like we didn't really need it if we were doing cardio," she says.

"Rediscovering techniques that you would have otherwise disregarded" has been really interesting, she says, at an age "when your body needs a little more of a shake up and a lot more attention".

Taking to Instagram ahead of the show's latest season, Zoe said: "Showing up to stay strong. For me. For my family and for all women. 💪🏽" and shared her latest gym workout.

Zoe Saldaña's weights workout

Single-leg deadlifts

Single-leg exercises are among the best glute exercises you can do. They boost lower-body strength, and they improve balance. Working one leg at a time means you have to engage your core and use the tiny stabilising muscles in the ankles, knees, and hips.

Here's how to do it:

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, then step forward on one leg and put your body weight through this front leg only.
• Keep a soft bend in your front leg, hinge back (push your buttocks to the back of the room), and grab the kettlebell off the floor with the hand that's opposite your standing leg.
• Make sure your back stays straight and your hips stay facing forward.
• Push through your front leg only to come to standing.
• Repeat the movement.

Squats

Zoe turns a typical squat exercise up a notch by standing with one foot on a step. The added height means she can come down lower than normal and get more of a stretch through her glutes and hamstrings.

Here's how to do it:

• Set up two steps, grab a dumbbell by the plate, and place one of your feet on each of the platforms so you're comfortable.
• Hold the dumbbell between your legs, lowering it between the platforms.
• Complete the squat as normal, as if you're sitting down on a chair behind you.
• At the bottom of the movement, push through your feet to come to standing.

Hip thrusts

Hip thrusters require a barbell, two plates, and if you want to really feel the burn, a resistance band wrapped just above the knees. This forces all the muscles in your glutes to continually work through the movement, instead of taking a break at the bottom.

If you're doing this workout at home, you can take a similar resistance band to Zoe's and do a glute bridge instead. This works all the same muscles.

Here's how to do it:

• To set up for the exercise, place your shoulder blades on a bench behind you and see where your feet naturally sit when you bend your knees to a right angle. This is your foot placement.
• Roll the barbell to your hips.
• Bracing your core, push through your feet to bring the barbell up so your back lays horizontal with the bench. Keen your chin tucked in, and squeeze your glutes at the top.
• Slowly lower back down.

Expert tip: If this foot placement doesn't quite feel right, sit with your back against the bench and straighten your legs. Where your knees are is the perfect foot placement, so make a mark on the floor in this area and use it as a marker for your feet.

Swapping Pilates for strength workouts meant a whole new routine for Zoe, but her personal trainer, Elena Ferretti, says it's not always a perfect one.

Writing in the caption of her own Instagram post, Elena said: "Training doesn't happen when everything is perfect. It happens between calls, chaos, and real life.

"And yes - even a short session counts when it’s done with intention." A lesson we could all learn!

Morris & Co. has become one of the most covetable names in interiors over the past year, with its heritage prints finding new life through collaborations with Habitat, Next and Ruggable. Once reserved for grand country houses and period homes, these iconic designs are proving that traditional style can feel fresh, elegant and effortlessly modern. Best of all, they offer a way to bring a sense of luxury and craftsmanship into your home without the antique price tag.

Following the success of its first Morris & Co. partnership, Swyft has expanded the collection with three of the heritage brand’s most recognisable archive prints, Willow, Fruit and Blackthorn, across its bestselling cushions, sofas, and sofa beds. The result is an easy way to create that layered, collected-over-time look, without the cost of bespoke upholstery or hunting down a vintage original.

Available from today, the new collection pairs Morris & Co.’s timeless British design heritage with Swyft’s contemporary, tool-free furniture. Whether you’re refreshing a living room or adding a statement sofa bed to a guest space, these pieces prove that classic interiors don’t have to feel dated, or come with a luxury price tag.

Swyft x Morris & Co Collection

Swyft’s latest Morris & Co. collection brings together two very different design worlds: the clean, contemporary lines of modern furniture with the intricate botanical beauty of one of Britain’s most iconic heritage brands. The result is statement seating that feels elegant and timeless. The expanded collaboration sees Swyft’s Model 15 sofa available in all three archive prints — Willow, Fruit and Blackthorn — while the bestselling Model 02 sofa and sofa bed are now offered in Willow and Fruit.

The collection builds on Swyft and Morris & Co.’s shared approach: making beautiful design work for modern homes. While the prints date back to the Arts and Crafts movement, the furniture has been designed around everyday living, with tool-free assembly, fast delivery and modular layouts that can adapt to contemporary spaces. In other words, these are pieces that bring the character of a heritage home without the maintenance (or price tag) that can come with antique furniture.

Each of Morris & Co.’s archive prints brings a different mood. Willow’s delicate trailing leaves create a softer, more understated look, Fruit celebrates the abundance of traditional botanical illustration, while Blackthorn makes a bolder statement with its dramatic, nature-inspired design. Whether you choose a sofa or a practical sofa bed, each offers an easy way to introduce heritage style without overwhelming your room.

“We've always believed great design should be both beautiful and accessible,” says Swyft CEO and co-founder Keiran Hewkin. “Bringing these iconic Morris & Co. prints to more of our most-loved sofas allows customers to introduce heritage design into their homes without compromising on the convenience and practicality modern living demands.”

More Morris & Co Collections that we love

It's not just Swyft embracing the Morris & Co reinvigoration. Piglet In Bed and Ruggable have collections inspired by some of Morris & Co's most creative women, whilst Habitat has a wonderfully affordable home collection. Here are just some of our favourites:

The appeal of this collection is that it isn’t just about looks. Swyft’s signature features , including tool-free assembly, fast delivery and modular designs, make these pieces as practical as they are pretty , proving that a statement sofa can be both a design investment and a realistic choice for modern living.

Short crops, like the French bob, have reigned supreme for some time. But now there's a new style in town: an elegant, collarbone-grazing iteration dubbed the 'Slip Bob' by London hair salon Hershesons. Taking its cue from the ‘90s, the trending cut is inspired by the era's most iconic sartorial staple – the satin slip dress.

“We’re seeing a real return to ‘90s minimalism across fashion and beauty, and hair is following suit,” says Dale Herne, expert stylist at Hershesons Fitzrovia. “People still want their hair to look healthy and polished, but without it looking like they’ve spent hours styling it. The Slip Bob has that effortless quality. It’s sleek, but not severe, and the subtle movement stops it from feeling too perfect.”

It's that effortless movement that ties the trend back to its satin slip dress inspiration. “Where the Italian Bob is fuller and more voluminous, with that blown-out shape, the Slip Bob sits closer to the head with less lift and a more fluid silhouette. It feels a bit more understated, which is what makes it look so expensive,” explains Herne.

What is the 'Slip Bob'?

A defining bob hairstyle of the '90s, it was worn by everyone from Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell to Gwyneth Paltrow. More than three decades later, Margot Robbie has been spotted with the cut, giving the look a modern revival.

“The Slip Bob is a bob that just kisses the shoulders, with some invisible layers – there's no heavy line, so it feels very soft but with some precision,” says Herne. “It gives it that slightly sexy feel but still looks luxurious and elegant, thanks to the flick through the ends.”

Who does the Slip Bob suit?

Unlike shorter, sharper bobs (like the box bob), the Slip Bob leaves more room for flexibility. “It can be tailored to suit different face shapes and hair types,” says Herne. “The length also makes it super versatile because it's a little bit longer than a traditional bob – you can style it in different ways and even wear it up if you want to.”

That extra length also makes it a good option if you've been curious about a bob but don't want to commit to a dramatic chop. “For women over 40, it's a great option because it gives the hair shape and structure without feeling too harsh,” says Herne. “It's also low risk – you don't need to take too much off the hair for it to have a big impact and look really modern and fresh. You can also decide to grow it out really easily.”

What to ask for in the salon

“I’d ask for a one-length bob with a strong, clean outline and very soft internal layering if it’s needed,” advises Herne. “You don’t want lots of texture or heavy layers because that takes away from the simplicity of the shape. Take a few reference images with you. The styling is just as important as the haircut when it comes to getting this look right.”

How to style the Slip Bob

The beauty of the Slip Bob lies in its ease. While the finish is polished, it should still retain a sense of softness and movement. Herne flags that the biggest mistake is trying to make it too perfect. "Smooth the hair first, then use something like the Hershesons Great Iron to add a really subtle bend through the mid-lengths or just flick the ends under or out slightly.”

Movement is key to stop the style from looking stiff. “You still want movement, so it doesn't sit flat,” he says. “Finish with a lightweight cream, like Almost Everything Cream, through the ends for shine and separation, rather than loading the hair up with lots of product. It should look effortless, like you've got naturally great hair.”

This summer, I had a choice - spend a day navigating an airport with my three kids in tow, or be cycling in the forest with them all within two hours of leaving the house. I chose the latter, and it was one of the best holiday decisions I've ever made.

Located approx an hour away from us, Longleat Forest Center Parcs was far enough for my children to feel like we had ‘gone away’. And once inside the resort, it felt like we were (many more) miles away from home. Beautiful forest and wildlife at every turn, a lake for swimming and boat rides, a beach for the kids to play on – they were in their element, and, I, for the first time, was able to enjoy our holiday from the start.

The UK heatwave guaranteed us some incredible weather, which made all the difference. But I quickly realised having a fun and fulfilled holiday here was not weather dependent - there is so much to do, both in and outside.

I had overlooked Center Parcs for a long time, for various reasons, the price and unpredictable British weather being the main ones. But now I've visited, I realised the company offer some worthy last-minute deals to help families save money, and I wish we'd visited sooner. Here’s why…

About the parks

There are six Center Parcs villages in the UK. Each destination offers something different in terms of location, but inside all of them you will find acres of beautiful forest, a Subtropical Swimming Paradise, Aqua Sana Forest Spa, and a range of restaurants, activities and accommodation types.

On the first day of your holiday, park entry is from 10am, meaning you can use all the facilities before checking into your accommodation at either early at 1pm or 4pm. Similarly, check out is also 10am, but you can stay and use the park until midnight. Having stayed in other holiday parks where you have to wait most of the day before getting in and then have to be out first thing, getting full days each end of our break made all the difference.

It meant the morning of our holiday, when the kids excitement was hard to contain, we didn’t have to wait around all morning to leave. We got to the park for 10am, went swimming, had lunch, hired bikes and really started our holiday properly long before checking in to our lodge.

The park itself is like a little bubble. Everything is inside the ‘village’ – all the activities, accommodation, restaurants, shops. But don’t be fooled that it means they are easy to get to. Longleat Forest Center Parcs is huge and very hilly, and so we were very grateful for the park train that runs every 20 minutes to help us get around, especially after a long day with the kids (they fell asleep on the train multiple times after a day out).

On arrival you are given a park map and wristbands, which wasn’t explained to us at the time, but act as a key to your accommodation and as a lock for the swimming pool lockers.

There is a supermarket where you can pick up any bits you may have forgotten. But, as you might expect, it is more expensive inside the park, and so I would strongly advise doing any kind of large grocery shop before you arrive. There is a free water bottle filling station in the village too, which you can use as often as you like.

Accommodation

We stayed in Longleat’s new grand Forest 3-bedroom lodge - a two-storey house with ensuite show and bathrooms with every bedroom, a large kitchen, open plan dining and living space and a patio with outdoor furniture and sauna room and shower.

Newly renovated, the grand lodges have all the mod cons you might expect - dishwasher (with three cleaning tablets), coffee machine with pods, smart toaster and kettle with tea and coffee, and two built in fridges, each with small freezer compartments.

The lodge also included home essentials you have a home that are often too big to bring with you but make life so much easier - iron and ironing board, for example. There is an electric fire, which we didn’t use as it was so hot but can just imagine how cosy it would make the place in winter. An outside BBQ area, surrounded by woodland was one of the best evenings we had in the lodge (note, the supermarket sells disposable BBQs for £8).

There was sufficient toilet roll for us for a week’s stay, but nothing in the way of bathroom toiletries, and there were plenty of towels too. In the kitchen, dishwasher tablets are provided, as is a tea towel and bin/recycling bags. Basically all the little self catering bits you often need (and forget) are waiting for you, which, as a busy mum who has to pack for four people, I really appreciated.

The dining area is lovely and well lit, we spent every night sat round the table playing bingo or board games. And a small chalkboard, with a lovely welcome message on arrival, was a real treat for my youngest who has had a thing for drawing on walls since she could hold a crayon.

Activities & Swimming

It’s difficult to know where to start because there is so much you can do. Every day you could full your itinerary with the brilliant activities on offer. But – and this is a big but – it all costs extra and quickly adds up, especially when you have multiple children.

On our trip we did laser combat shoot, off-road adventures, wall climbing, face painting, pony rides and a boat trip on the lake. Some were definitely better value than others, but essentially the activities you do will come down to budget and what you and your family personally enjoy doing.

Swimming is included in the price, and, honestly, my kids would have been happy just swimming every day. The subtropical paradise is, by far, the best swimming pool I have ever been to with my children, and they loved it. We went every day, often for multiple hours, and they never seemed to get bored.

As a parent I loved the set up of a splash pad-style area with slides and water for the smaller kids to play in, alongside rapids and big slides my 9-year-old son went on repeat. I was also really grateful for the wall of boyancy aids available to borrow. It's little details like this, that save parents the hassle of packing or buying things just for holiday that I am always so appreciative of. I used them for my youngest every time and the extra peace of mind it gave me while she was in the pool was immeasurable.

The changing rooms let the pool experience down a little, sadly. In comparison to the size and maintenance of the actual pool itself, the changing area is very dated, small, and cramped. And unless you can find one of the few family changing rooms, the standard ones are a real struggle to fit more than one person in.

The lockers require your wristband to secure them, and there is a machine that you can hold your band against to remind you of your locker number (something we didn't realise until the last day). That might sounds unnecessary, but, trust me, in the madness of that changing room, especially with kids, I forgot our locker number every day.

There is a cafe inside the pool, where you can enjoy food and drink. We didn’t visit this particular cafe, but did see many families making the most of those facilities while we were there. We were very lucky with the weather so enjoyed the outside section of the pool too, which was like being abroad. And, despite it always being very busy, it never felt crowded as it is such a big space.

Aqua Sana Spa

Longleat Forest Center Parcs has an Aqua Sana spa, where guests staying at the park and non-guests can use. This is a lovely addition if you are away with the kids and want to have a bit of relaxation/adult time too. I went for a treatment and three-hour spa visit one afternoon while the kids relaxed at the lodge after a busy morning, and it was such a lovely treat.

The spa has so many rooms to enjoy - an ice room, sauna, hot tub outside, pool, to name a few. The waterfall room was a firm favourite, as was the most simple room that had huge floor to ceiling windows looking out over a meadow. Watching the wind blow the wild flowers and plants around, and seeing all the wildlife enjoy them was a total joy.

The spa also has a cafe where you can get light meals and hot and cold drinks. I would definitely recommend a visit if you can fit it in and budget allows. A three-hour session if you are staying at the park, costs £45. Treatments costs more and price will depend on the service you choose.

Food & Dining

The park has a supermarket on site, that has everything you could need, but as you might expect, is pricier than shops outside the complex. I would highly recommend taking any essentials with you if you don’t want to pay over the odds.

At Longleat Forest there are around 10 restaurants and cafes to choose from, with a variety of offerings. We ate out one evening at Bella Italia, where cat robots served our food and the kids were beyond excited by. Prices were inline with the chain, and didn’t seem overly inflated due to its location.

We also had breakfast at Cafe Rouge, which I wouldn’t hurry back to, especially with young kids. The options for them weren’t the best, plus we waited longer than usual for food to arrive and when it did, some had to be sent back as it was clearly not fresh.

Huck’s American Bar and Grill was a favourite, we had lunch here a couple of times and found to be very good value – the kids 3-course meal for under £10 especially. You can sit in or outside, we did the latter mostly as there are a lot of TVs filled with any and all sports. But it also has a little soft play area inside, which I was very appreciative of while enjoying a quick quiet coffee one morning.

If you don't want to eat out, all lodges are equipped with cooking facilities so you can self cater. For our family, having a BBQ in the middle of the forest was one of the most enjoyable parts of our holiday, and will definitely be taking disposable ones with us on any return visits.

Before you book

• How to book: Visit the Center Parcs website for details and availability on all villages
• Prices: Dependant on time of stay - Autumn prices start from £529
• Where: Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire | Longleat Forest, Wiltshire | Whinfell Forest, Cumbria | Elveden Forest, Suffolk | Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire | Longford Forest, County Longford, Ireland
• Best for: All ages, young families
• Don’t miss: Subtropical swimming paradise, Aqua Sana Spa
• When to go: All year round
• Insider Tips: pack closed-toe footwear if visiting in summer (needed for various activities)

We might still be in the midst of the sunny summer season, but Christmas is the word on the lips of all beauty brands and retailers right now. Yes, it's only August, but Beauty Advent Calendars are already hitting the shelves.

In recent weeks, we've seen waitlists for an abundance of advent calendars popping up left, right and centre, not to mention pre-orders opening for the likes of the Harrods Beauty Advent Calendars 2026 and Liberty London's Beauty Advent Calendar 2026. So, we've put together a one-stop-shop guide with all the need-to-know information – from prices and contents to release dates and the waitlists to sign up for...

Our top three beauty advent calendars on sale now

2026 beauty advent calendars to snap up now

It might only be August, but there are a plethora of 2026 beauty advent calendars already on the market that are waiting to be snapped up right now.

2026 beauty advent calendars with waitlist open

While the majority of popular beauty advent calendars are yet to hit the shelves, they have opened their waitlists – here's everything you need to know.

Sold out 2026 beauty advent calendars

Shockingly enough, some of 2026's beauty advent calendars have already sold out – but we've found some stellar alternatives for you to shop...

Beauty Advent Calendar FAQs

The push-up is in almost every upper-body workout for women I've seen, yet most women (including myself, up until recently) can't do one. In fact, some data suggests that seven in 10 women would struggle to do the exercise without some training.

That's not on us. Women typically have less upper-body muscle mass than men. Our centre of mass is also towards our lower body and hips. But it is easy to start strength training and to build upper-body strength by working the arms, chest, back, and shoulders.

Mark Harris is an expert strength and conditioning coach, level 4 personal trainer, and an ambassador for Mirafit. He says there are two exercises he recommends for anyone looking to work their way up to a full push-up.

How to do push-ups for beginners

Dumbbell floor press

The dumbbell floor press is a great place to start, says Mark. "Performing the exercise lying on the floor prevents your elbows from travelling too far behind your body, as the ground naturally stops them in line with your shoulders. This makes it a safer and more controlled movement for beginners," he says.

It also still allows you to increase the weight as you get stronger, he adds. This is known as progressive overload, and it's what you need to get stronger.

How to do the dumbbell floor press:

• Sit on the floor with two dumbbells, one in each hand. Hold them upright.
• Roll back and lie down on a yoga mat or on the floor, making sure to keep the weights close to your chest.
• Keep your back flat, feet flat on the floor, and elbows at a 45-degree angle from your chest.
• Push the dumbbells up and over the middle of your chest.
• Once at the top of the movement, slowly bring your elbows down until they reach the floor.
• Pause for a moment, then repeat the movement.