Who doesn't love a life hack? Between the woman&home beauty team, we have a lifetime of insider beauty knowledge. We get to speak to all types of industry insiders, learn more about ingredients and products and get all their insider tricks.

After decades of beauty education, we've decided to collate some of the fascinating things we've learnt and pass on some of the pearls of beauty wisdom we've discovered. In our confessional, we cover everything from the curly hair method, to why it's really worth getting to know the best setting sprays and convincing you why the stripped-back skincare routine is the way forward.

Basically, you can learn from our mistakes: we are here to make beauty feel less confusing and share with you everything we've learnt along the way. Prepare to take notes...

1. Beauty Director, Sarah: Stop overloading your skin

I have been a beauty editor for 20-plus years, but the one thing I wish I'd realised sooner is that less is more. Obviously, testing beauty products is part of my job, and I love it, but now instead of layering on multiple serums, exfoliators and moisturisers, I'm a lot more considered with what I put on my face.

Gone are the days when I'd double cleanse, then use an acid toner, then an actives-loaded serum before my night cream. Now I use a very gentle cleanser that takes all my make-up off in one go - double cleansing just makes my skin feel a bit dry and too squeaky clean.

I favour peptides over retinoids and vitamin C as they tend to be more calming on my redness-prone skin, and then I follow that with a simple moisturiser that's loaded with hyaluronic acid and more peptides. It works for me, and my skin looks calmer, smoother and fresher.

2. Beauty Editor, Fiona: Setting sprays aren't silly

I grew up in the era of setting sprays being either made of water, therefore pointless (sorry, Evian!) or frightening hairspray-for-your-face concoctions. Neither appealed, so I ignored the category for the best part of my beauty career. Of course, times change, and one must change with them, so when brands founded by makeup artists I very much respect started launching mists with words like ‘airbrush’ and ‘soft focus’ in them, I was drawn back in for another go.

Obviously, I'm extremely glad I did. Modern setting sprays are not just about glueing your makeup to your face; they melt all the layers together for a noticeably nicer, softer finish, hydrate to stop everything creeping into lines (increasingly, a top priority of mine), and yes, they do make everything stick around, but without any actual stickiness.

3. Senior Beauty Editor, Rhiannon: Leave your eyebrows alone

Like everyone who grew up in the 90s, I had a long phase of having terrible eyebrows. Luckily, I was relatively young when the tweezers tantalised me, and I have quite good brow genes, so I managed to claw them back to a decent thickness. Over the last few years, I've taken things one step further and stopped tweezing altogether. Instead, I get my eyebrows threaded every few months, and I really wish I'd thought to do this sooner.

The brows are the scaffolding to the face. The difference a properly shaped, tidy arch can have on your appearance is quite amazing. I'm a loyal Blink Brow Bar customer, but most high street threading appointments usually cost around £10, and I think that's an astoundingly good price for such a positive, long-lasting change. If you want to save money down the line, you can visit a pro once to find your ideal shape and do your tidying at home.

I wish I'd left my brows alone decades ago - since leaving it to the professionals, my eyebrows - and my face - have never looked better.

4. Beauty Editor, Jess: Step away from sheet-staining tan

I’ve been obsessed with fake tan since I was a teenager, but up until my late 20s I would marinate in it overnight, waking up to stained orange sheets and occasionally a husband with one tanned arm too.

Discovering the best express tan completely changed the game – now I can have white bedding again without the need for quite so much Vanish, and I’m no longer playing roulette with the colour I’ll be before morning. 45 minutes gives me the perfect golden tan to take the edge off of my pasty skin. No tangoed orange in sight.

5. Beauty Editor, Stephanie: Learn the 'lip lift' trick

I don't have thin lips, but since I heard about Mario Dedivanovic's 'lip lift' trick, which is a genius over-lining lip liner technique, it's been a game-changer in my make-up routine.

Instead of faithfully tracing the edge of the mouth, or worse, over-lining the whole lip in a way that makes things look cartoonish, Mario only overlines in two specific areas - the Cupid's bow and the centre of the bottom lip - everywhere else, the liner traces the border precisely. It makes lips look fuller and lifted in a very natural way. It's one of Sofia Vergara's beauty trick for fuller-looking lips, too.

6. Beauty Writer, Annie: Wet skin supercharges serums

My best-ever skincare tip is applying your best hyaluronic acid serum to damp/ wet skin to amplify its benefits. Hyaluronic acid binds to water molecules, and applying it to damp skin can help further nourish your skin.

Since learning this a few years ago, I have religiously been applying my HA serums like this and can definitely feel the benefits immediately. So, if you think you've been applying hyaluronic acid wrong, here's your wake-up call to try something new! It's also incredibly refreshing and plumping.

After months of sun and intense heat, chased by a season of cold and rain, our hair is going through it right now, but we're determined to get it back on track, ready for Christmas and the New Year.

It's time to focus on repair and healthy hair habits, like adding the best hair masks to our routines and trading out subpar shampoos and conditioners that aren't specifically formulated for our hair type - like fine hair shampoos and colour-safe options. There are also professional treatments to consider, many of which are designed to revive sun-damaged strands and scalps and banish faded, brassy-looking colour.

So, if you, like us, are on a mission to get your hair in good shape for the festive season, here's what the experts recommend for boosting shine and reviving lacklustre, post-summer lengths.

How to revive your hair before Xmas, with advice from the experts

While summer already feels like an age ago, our strands are still suffering from the aftereffects, and as we head deeper into autumn - and with party season looming - the need for a reset is huge.

As Luke Hersheson, CEO of Hershesons, notes, "Summer is great, but the UV exposure, chlorine, salt water and heat all chip away at the condition of the hair fibre, leaving it feeling drier, rougher and less responsive than usual. A lot of people come back from holiday thinking their hair has suddenly become difficult, but it's often just dehydrated. The shine has gone, the ends feel stressed, and the colour can look flatter or brassier."

The good news is that you don't have to resort to a dramatic haircut to solve it all. You may just need a new routine, or to treat yourself to a little in-salon treatment. "Think of autumn as a reset for your hair," Hersheson adds. "Summer is often about letting go a bit and being less disciplined, which is exactly as it should be. But when you get back into routine, it's worth doing the same with your hair.

"A fresh cut, a good treatment and a few weeks of consistent care can make hair look noticeably healthier very quickly. The biggest mistake people make is assuming damage means starting again. In reality, most hair just needs a bit of replenishment and patience."

Restorative hair products, recommend by experts

If you want to skip the salon, there are plenty of at-home remedies for struggling strands. "I always tell people to think about replenishing before replacing," says Hersheson. "The instinct is often to reach for lots of styling products, but what the hair usually needs is hydration. A really good weekly treatment mask can make an enormous difference.

"I'd look for products that restore moisture and improve elasticity, because healthy hair is flexible hair. Even something as simple as swapping your regular conditioner for a more intensive treatment once or twice a week can help bring back softness and shine.

"A leave-in treatment is another easy win, particularly for women whose hair is feeling more fragile or porous."

Treatments to combat colour fade and dryness

"Shine comes from healthy hair," explains Hersheson. "If the cuticle is smooth and hydrated, the hair naturally reflects light. A gloss treatment in the salon is one of the quickest ways to boost shine, while at home I'd focus on a weekly mask, a leave-in treatment and a lightweight oil through the ends. Consistency is what really makes the difference."

Hollie Rose Clarke, Living Proof Stylist Ambassador, adds that 'a good haircut' is also an option for those wanting a reset: "This will help to trim off any split and frazzled ends and help your hair to feel refreshed," before also recommending "in-salon conditioning treatments and bond repair services as a great way to inject hydration and strength to hair."

Building a new haircare routine ready for Xmas

If you're keen to overhaul your haircare routine for the seasons ahead, Clarke says that hydration is key. "Swap to a nourishing shampoo and conditioner and ensure you are conditioning every wash. I’d also recommend bringing in a deeper nourishing mask once a week, such as Living Proof's Moisture Rescue Mask."

If you’re finding your hair is becoming brittle and dry, Clarke recommends reducing the amount of heat you're using. "When you are using heat, ensure you are always using a good heat protective product. If you colour-treat your hair too, a bond-builder such as Living Proof Triple Bond Complex is perfect to add into your routine."

I can't speak to the weather in your specific location, but from where I'm sitting, it feels like we've jumped straight from the pleasantly temperate tail end of summer to hot water bottle and thick socks territory.

It happens around this time every single year, and yet it always feels like a shock. But one thing that is a bit more predictable, once the weather turns, is that our skin will start looking - to put it bluntly - a fair bit worse.

Ah yes, winter skin: Rosacea flares up, lines look deeper, rough texture, dryness and a general end-of-year grey start to set in. According to aesthetic doctors, this is called 'winter face,' a gloomy-sounding phenomenon that, less depressingly, might not actually be the true decline it seems. Here's what you need to know.

Does winter actually 'age' our skin?

Has your skin suddenly changed as the temperature has dipped? The most important thing to know is that it's probably temporary.

"Winter doesn’t necessarily accelerate ageing, but it can make existing signs of ageing considerably more visible,” agrees Dr Nestor Demosthenous, Aesthetic Doctor MBChB, MSc, BSC and founder of The Mayfield Clinic on behalf of Allergan Aesthetics.

As you might expect, much of this comes down to dehydration, caused by central heating, frosty temperatures and biting winds. This moisture-sapping trio doesn't just dry your skin out and make it uncomfortable; it can also give it a dull tone and make lines look deeper, seemingly overnight.

But, reassuringly, according to Dr Nestor, “Genuine structural ageing, involving collagen degradation, elastin damage and loss of facial volume, develops much more gradually" - so you can consider this more of a treatable blip.

What's the true cause of 'winter face'?

As with so much in skincare, this all comes down to your barrier - the outer layer of your skin that, in layman's terms, works to keep good stuff in and bad stuff out.

"Healthy skin relies on an effective barrier and adequate water content within its outer layers to maintain a smooth, supple and luminous appearance," explains Dr Nestor. And when your face is being attacked from all angles by the latest named storm, the floodgates open.

"When the skin barrier is compromised, the lipids that act as the “mortar” between our skin-cell “bricks” start to break down, creating tiny gaps that let moisture escape and irritation creep in," agrees Dr Julie Scott, Nurse Prescriber and Clinical Director of Facial Aesthetics on behalf of Allergan Aesthetics. Thus barrier support and repair is the key to preventing - and treating - the winter face phenomenon.

How can we prevent winter face?

If a compromised skin barrier is to blame for winter face, then it follows that a healthy, supported barrier can help you overcome it. And, according to our experts, a simple, gentle routine is all that's required.

"What skin really needs at this time of year is more nourishment, gentler cleansing, richer moisturisers and consistent hydration, not aggressive treatments,” explains Dr Scott, who warns against the common pitfall of trying to fight your way back to a summer glow with extreme products and treatments.

"In my clinic, I see the same mistakes every year: people over-exfoliate to “smooth” flakes, reach for harsh foaming cleansers, or layer strong actives in the hope of brightening dull winter skin. Unfortunately, all this further disrupts the barrier."

Instead, look out for products containing effective yet non-irritating ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide and peptides, which all support the skin rather than going hell for leather on exfoliation or cell turnover.

What professional treatments can help?

If you want to take your winter skincare a step further with an in-clinic treatment, focusing on deep hydration and collagen stimulation would be a good way to go.

"For patients looking to complement their home routine, I often suggest treatments like SKINVIVE," suggests Dr Scott. "It works by supporting AQP3, a protein that helps transport water and glycerol within the skin, improving hydration, resilience and overall skin quality.”

Another injectable worth consideration is Galderma's Sculptra, a biostimulator that works on a deeper level to trigger your cells to produce new collagen and elastin. This helps give the skin a plumped appearance and well-supported structure that's more naturally resilient.

Chemical peels and ablative laser treatments can also be very effective in encouraging a more radiant tone, but should be approached with caution if you have a compromised skin barrier, as they can cause further sensitivity.

How do I know if my barrier is damaged?

If you think you have a case of 'winter face' and suspect your barrier may be to blame, it's a good idea to know how to spot the signs of a damaged skin barrier, and how to differentiate it from other forms of skin unhappiness.

"I tell my patients that dehydration, irritation and true barrier damage can look similar, but there are clear differences," explains Dr Scott, who provided this handy guide:

• Dehydration: "Simply feels tight and dull; the 'bricks' are just thirsty.
• Irritation: Is usually product-driven: that instant sting or flush after something new, more like a reaction to a fresh coat of paint.
• Barrier damage: This is unmistakable: lingering redness, soreness, micro-flaking and a sense that even gentle products now tingle.”

Going grey is a completely natural part of the ageing process and it’s something many women choose to embrace. But if you decide you want to disguise your grey hairs (zero judgement here), there are so many product options out there – from more permanent solutions, like hair dye, to temporary fixes, such as root touch-up powder.

One product that’s recently entered the space promises the best of both worlds. An innovative foaming formula, John Frieda has just launched its Intense Grey Blending Foam. Designed to soften the appearance of grey hairs, rather than mask them entirely, the semi-permanent colour-depositing foam adds rich brunette tones after just one use.

Dyeing your hair – with a box dye or in the salon – is a big commitment and one that requires a fair amount of upkeep and money. That’s probably why temporary solutions have grown in popularity, with more and more colour-depositing sprays and powders landing on shop shelves. Ruth Langsford, for instance, swears by the Josh Wood Colour Blonde Smudge and Spray Set, while Trinny Woodall is a big fan of the Color Wow Root Cover Up.

Of course, one of the shortcomings of these products is their temporary nature. Typically, these powders and sprays provide instant coverage – but when you next wash your hair, the pigment washes away too. What’s interesting about John Frieda’s new foam is that it contains semi-permanent pigments which gradually wash out over time.

The launch has already attracted attention on social media, with actress Mindy Kaling among those expressing interest, commenting "whoa" on a post about the product.

John Frieda has also launched a new Grey Blending Shampoo and Grey Blending Conditioner that it recommends using alongside the foam – but this isn’t essential.

One thing to note is that the results aren’t meant to be dramatic. In a user trial, the brand found that the foam visibly reduced grey hairs by up to 50% (and this was when combined with the shampoo and conditioner).

If you want to completely conceal grey hairs, this might not be the product for you. But if you’re only starting to notice a few greys or just want to tone them down for a softer blend, this product is well worth a try – especially considering its reasonable price point of £12.99.

Olivia Colman debuted one of her most glamorous hairstyles ever as she stepped out on the red carpet for the premiere of Wicker.

Appearing in LA for the launch of the new film, the British acting legend showed off her newly transformed hair, after saying goodbye to her signature short style.

Olivia has long been known for sporting shorter hairstyles, from her tightly-curled crop to her standout platinum blonde pixie cut. But after years of nailing short hair trends, she's gone long, thanks to the addition of some some incredibly natural-looking hair extensions. And we must say, we completely love this shiny, glamorous way of styling them.

Shop shiny wave essentials

In one of a handful of public appearances since having her extensions fitted, the actress arrived at the star-studded event with her hair swept sideways, styled into elegant old Hollywood-esque curls.

With her tresses tossed over her shoulder and her parting sitting to the side, the crown of her hair boasted subtle volume, while the silhouette of the sleek waves provided a glamorous and modern feel.

Olivia has never been one to shy away from embracing the natural grey hues in her hair. And the silver strands, blended into her brunette colour, make for a super multi-dimensional tone that looks so sophisticated.

And the perfectly combined shades in Olivia's mane are no mistake. In fact, her hair colour was expertly curated by celebrity hair extension pro Inanch Emir.

The extension specialist, and founder of founder of INANCH London and Gold Class Hair, blended no fewer than four different shades of grey to create Olivia's luxe colour. The hair pieces were applied with ultra-discreet micro bonds that allow for a natural look and made for a seamless blend into Olivia’s own locks.

And for Inanch, the process wasn't about covering the star's natural silver and grey shades. It was about embracing them, highlighting them and making them stand out in the best way.

Inanch explains, "For me, the most important thing was that Olivia still looked completely like herself."

"We weren't trying to hide her grey hair - we wanted to celebrate it. Natural grey hair is never just one colour, so I blended four different grey shades to create depth and dimension and to work harmoniously with Olivia’s own hair."

She continued, "By creating very small individual bonds, I was able to place the different tones exactly where they were needed. The aim was that nobody should look at Olivia and think ’hair extensions'. They should simply see beautiful, naturally long grey hair."

If we had to come up with a ballpark figure, we'd probably say our team has tried and tested thousands of beauty buys – it is quite literally our job to do so. Now, that's not a humble brag, but rather to explain how well-versed we are in spotting a good formula that's worth investing in.

All of this is to say there's just a handful of products that we adore so much that we can't help but keep coming back to them, from one of the best fake tans for pale skin to the best shampoos for fine hair. In fact, our love for these buys runs so deep that we would buy them a hundred times over – if only our bank accounts and storage space would allow.

So, it's about time we share these standout, editor-approved products with you. Think an iconic hairspray that launched over 60 years ago, one of the best cleansers for a gentle wash, and a creamy foundation stick – plus, much more...

Fiona's most repurchased beauty buys

For woman&home Beauty Editor Fiona McKim, her shopping basket will always make home to an instant tan that blurs and boosts radiance, a cult classic hairspray, and a healing lip saviour that's a must-have throughout winter.

Naomi's most repurchased beauty buys

If we had to pick three beauty buys that sum up our Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson, it would be the following: Merit Beauty's creamy complexion stick, a volume-boosting shampoo for fuller-looking strands, and one of the best Diptyque perfumes.

Sennen's most repurchased beauty buys

If you spoke to our Beauty Writer, Sennen Prickett, there's a trio of products that will most likely crop up in the conversation, from her all-time favourite gentle cleanser to a long-lasting lip stain and a musky perfume that you'll smell from noon to night.

With the colder weather setting in, it's common for the needs of our complexion to change, making now the perfect time to make some alterations to your skincare routine.

As someone with sensitive skin, an extensive 12-step routine is never going to work for me, so I stick by the age-old saying 'less is more'. When my skin decided to have a minor freak-out as the temperatures dipped, I decided to strip it all back to basics.

I'm talking a no-bells-or-whistles regime, equipped with just three formulas: one of the best cleansers for a gentle wash, a calming K-beauty serum, and the best face moisturiser for nourishment.

There was a time when I fell for the hype of having a multi-step skincare regime. But my classic combination skin, which is naturally dull, sensitive, and prone to irritation, certainly didn't like me for it.

The more formulas and active ingredients I incorporate into my routine, the more likely I am to experience flare-ups, breakouts, itching, and dryness. Hence why I decided to pare my daily routine right back to include just three gentle yet effective formulas.

There's a handful of beauty buys will forever harp on about to anyone I meet. Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser is one that makes that list. It's the most kind-to-skin cleanser I've ever tried, working to clean my complexion without stripping it of its essential moisture – I've converted so many people to try it, it's that good.

As for serums, I've ditched most of the active ingredients that were once in my routine, instead swapping them out for Purito's Centella Serum. This soothing, lightweight formula is designed to calm, hydrate, and repair the skin – especially ideal for sensitive types. Not to mention, it leaves the complexion looking plump, smooth, and radiant.

Finally, I lock in the moisture with another K-beauty buy, Dr.Althea's bestselling 345 Relief Cream (a favourite of Demi Moore, may I add). This trending Korean moisturiser boasts a lightweight, fragrance-free formula that delivers long-lasting hydration, soothes the skin, and regulates sebum production. It immediately brightens my skin and unlocks an even-looking complexion and enviable dewy radiance.

No bells or whistles here, just simple and effective skincare!

One of the year's most impressive beauty offerings has landed – the Lookfantastic Beauty Vault. First launched in 2024, it's back this year with a seriously impressive selection of skincare and makeup.

Selected by a panel known as the Good Taste Club, which includes beauty experts and influential industry names such Rochelle Humes, Alex Steinherr and Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe, the products included this year are among the best we've seen to date.

If you've been considering buying a beauty advent calendar but can't make a decision, this could be the alternative you need. Especially if you're not a fan of minis.

What's inside the Lookfantastic Beauty Vault for 2026?

The highly sought-after Lookfantastic Beauty Vault includes a host of desirable products, from skincare and haircare to makeup and accessories:

• Augustinus Badar The Hydrogel Face Mask Single Sachet x1 (Full Size) - Worth £25
• The Ordinary Multi Peptide serum for hair density 30ml (Full Size) - Worth £14
• Medik8 C-Tetra 30ml (Full Size) - Worth £45
• NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Or Golden Shimmer Multi-Purpose Dry Oil for Face, Body and Hair 50ml (Full Size) - Worth £23
• Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo 198ml (Full Size) - Worth £27
• NARS Afterglow Lip Gloss Shine in Orgasm 5.5ml (Full Size) - Worth £29
• MAC Connect In Colour Eye Shadow Palette in Unfiltered Nudes (Full Size) - Worth £46
• Fenty Mascara Hella Thicc Black 10ml (Full Size) - Worth £21
• Bobbi Brown Face Base 50ml (Full Size) - Worth £54
• Jo Malone London Enrich Body Balm 200ml (Full Size) - Worth £64
• Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment 30ml (Full Size) - Worth £54
• MZ Skin Reviving Bio-Placenta & Stem Cell Serum 30ml (Full Size) - Worth £275
• VIRTUE Healing Oil 50ml (Full Size) - Worth £43
• Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser 120ml (Full Size) - Worth £41
• Complimentary mirror and luggage tag - exclusive to The Good Taste Club.

When can I buy the Lookfantastic Beauty Vault 2026?

The 2026 Lookfantastic Beauty Vault is available to buy now, having launched on October 16. It can be ordered exclusively from the Lookfantastic website, where you'll get free standard delivery.

We can see this selling out quickly, so if you're interested, now is the time to buy.

When it comes to manicures, everyone has their own preference. While some love a trip to the nail salon, others would rather skip it altogether. Elizabeth Hurley falls firmly into the latter camp when it comes to having her fingernails done.

While you're unlikely to find Liz Hurley trialling some of the most popular 2026 nail trends, there is one autumn pedicure shade that she'll never skip for her toes – and the moody hue might just surprise you.

In an interview with woman&home, I quizzed the actress on whether she's a fan of getting manicures, to which Hurley exclusively told me: "No, I hate them. When I put polish on, it comes off within a day because I'm always out in the garden."

However, that isn't the case when it comes to pedicures; she says: "On my toes, I like dark colours. It looks great on the feet." More specifically, Hurley's go-to hue is "somewhere between black and purple," which is perfectly apt for the autumnal months.

After noticing her interest in gardening as I scrolled through her Instagram page, I thought it was apt to ask the actress about the health of her nails. Elizabeth jokingly responded: "Crap! Oh my god, they're all broken and chipped right now. Even though I wear gardening gloves, if I see a weed, I'll pull the glove off and grab it. So, no, they're pretty bad—they're not even done today."

Despite not having a manicure at the time of the interview, Hurley noted how she frequently has her nails painted with a nude polish during filming: "When I'm filming, they do them every day, [but] I don't do gels anymore because they ruin your nails."

That said, you can almost always find Elizabeth with a pedicure. The actress hailed discontinued black-purple Estée Lauder and MAC nail polish colours as some of her favourites of all time, which you unfortunately can no longer get your hands on. However, there are many similar options available to shop on the market right now.

Moody hues are always a popular manicure choice for the colder season, with burgundy and aubergine shades rising in the ranks this autumn, but are now also seemingly gracing the toes as an elegant pedicure colour. However, these deeper, richer shades will always feel sophisticated, no matter the season.

Our skin tends to get most of the attention when the weather turns, but our lips need hydration too – and Cat Deeley just convinced us to grab this subtly tinted, conditioning gloss.

Attending the 2026 Pride of Britain Awards recently, the This Morning presenter paired a sparkly sequin-covered nude dress with perfectly smooth hair and equally glamorous makeup to match. Her lip look, in particular, really caught our eye, thanks to chic creamy-nude colour and glassy gleam. And, thankfully, her makeup artist for the evening, Ed Mellor, didn't gatekeep it.

Taking to Instagram, Mellor shared Charlotte Tilbury products were used to create her radiant look, with a video showing Deeley applying the brand's Lip Lustre gloss - and we know the exact shade she wore too.

The brand also shared an Instagram story showcasing Deeley's red carpet makeup, revealing that she wore the shade 'Seduction', which is described as a 'creamy nude.' It has a slight, light-reflecting shimmer that affords a fuller effect, as well as a glassy, high-shine finish that leaves one's lips looking incredibly nourished and smooth.

The formula itself features ingredients like lotus flower extract to condition and hydrate your lips, which is ideal in the colder months when your lips are prone to dryness and chapping. While, of course, the best lip balms and oils are also great options for autumn/winter, a gloss can deliver such an elevated feel. You can also layer them over your favourite lipsticks for an extra layer of tint or shine.

Deeley seems to be a fan of tinted, glassy lip products, as we also know she uses Laneige's multi-tasking Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum. Both options are great for everyday wear, but this shimmery Charlotte Tilbury gloss feels especially apt for party season. And while we know, we know, December is still a ways off, it never hurts to be prepared.

You'll also notice in Mellor's video that Deeley is applying her lippie using the Pillow Talk Beauty Soulmate Palette as her mirror, which is a favourite product of Digital Beauty Writer Naomi Jamieson's. It features a blush and powder: "I have the shade Flawless Pink, and the setting powder actually has a pink tint, which really brightens my under-eyes and leaves my skin looking so smooth. The compact itself is so pretty, I love having it in my bag." So if you were looking to do a little Charlotte Tilbury haul, we recommend both buys.

There's just 5 weeks to go until the beginning of December and people across the globe will be opening door number one on their advent calendars. If you've yet to grab one and you love nothing more than a new beauty buy, there's a huge range of beauty advent calendars available to buy now.

Whether you're into fragrance advent calendars, Korean beauty or classic makeup favourites, there's something for everyone. One option we've been particularly enamoured by is Anthropologie's 2026 beauty advent. The popular lifestyle brand's 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar is a less-than-£100 countdown, with a range of makeup, skincare and fragrance treats tucked away in its very pretty drawers.

With a £98 price tag, it's considerably cheaper than some other high-end calendars out there. And with contents worth over £400, there's a huge over £300 saving too.

Scoring top marks for aesthetics, the Anthropologie advent calendar features a pretty pink and red colour scheme, an enchanting festive scene and brightly decorated drawers. Unlike some more pared-back offerings this year, this bright, festive design is far from minimalist - the artwork by illustrator Nephthys Foster makes it ideal for reuse year after year.

What's inside the Anthropologie 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar 2026?

If you're someone who likes to know exactly what's inside your beauty advent calendar before you invest in it, we've got you covered.

This is exactly what you'll find behind the brightly coloured doors of Anthropologie 24 Days of Beauty advent calendar this year.

If you prefer to keep your advent calendar discovery a surprise, don't read on!

• Joonbyrd Mini Sofa Body Butter (30ml)
• PHLUR Father Figure Eau de Parfum (5ml)
• Manucurist Active Shine Polish (15ml)
• Verden Hand & Body Wash (55ml)
• Freck Cheekslime in Cuffed (7ml)
• Hampton Sun SPF Lip Balm (0.15oz)
• Beauty Works Pearl Nourishing Mask (50ml)
• Darling Shield-Me SPF 50+ Stick (17g)
• Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Adaptogens & Coconut (59ml)
• Trip Electrolyte Sachets x 2 (7.2g)
• This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray (10ml)
• Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid (10ml)
• Grown Alchemist Regenerating Serum (30ml)
• L'Occitane Almond Hand Cream (30ml)
• LANOLIPS Ceramid Milkshake Balm (4g)
• Dr. Paw Paw 7in1 Hair Treatment (50ml)
• Plum & Ashby Mini Candle
• Neal's Yard Rose Balm (15g)
• Malin + Goetz Strawberry Perfume Oil (7ml)
• eyeam Inflammaging Skin Solution
• Slip x Anthropologie Pure Silk Skinny Scrunchie - Dark Brown
• Patchology Cool Crush Eye Gels (13g)
• Hair Syrup Superfoods Hair Oil (50ml)
• ESPA Clean & Green Detox Mask (30ml)
• Mermade Hair Flyaway Hair Gel Wand (15g)

How to buy the Anthropologie 24 Days of Beauty advent calendar

This year's Anthropologie 24 Days of Beauty advent calendar is available to buy now. It's exclusive to Anthropologie stores and online via the website and you'll be able to secure free standard delivery.

The calendar has already received rave reviews from beauty fans who have snapped it up.

"This advent calendar just gets better and better every year! The products are always from the best brands and such a fantastic variety. Perfect lead-up to Christmas Day," one shopper said.

"I buy this every Christmas and it never disappoints. The value is incredible and it’s packed with great quality beauty bits - the best Christmas countdown," agreed another.

For nails that feel both chic and cosy, whilst also being easy to do at home, this is the cashmere-inspired look to opt for this season.

While the autumn nail trends are unsurprisingly a wash with moody dark colours and stylish jewel tones, there's one genre of neutral manicure making the rounds. Borrowing inspiration from the season's most in-demand and luxurious knits, cashmere nails are as you would hope: timeless, expensive-looking and seriously soft. They don't refer to just one colour, but a palette of muted, tactile neutrals - the sort that lend themselves to any occasion, outfit and nail shape.

So, if you're in pursuit of a versatile but stylish manicure to pair with your trench coats and fuzzy jumpers, here's why a cashmere-like nail polish needs to find its way into your kit and onto your talons.

Your cashmere nail kit

Why cashmere nails are the luxe look to wear this autumn

Cashmere nails, like their namesake fabric, are all softness and timeless luxury. They're subtle and smooth; think sheer pinks, creamy beiges, and taupes. Essentially, the kind of shade you'd hunt for in your next cashmere jumper, to complement the rest of your wardrobe.

This trendy genre is a lovely option if you tend to stick to understated neutral nails, as opposed to reds and burgundies, but want something on-theme and cosy for the season ahead.

1. Short & cosy cashmere nails

Can't you just picture these nails peeking out from the sleeve of a fuzzy knit jumper or wool coat? They're versatile and subtle, but with a hint of warmth that makes them feel very autumnal indeed. This trimmed squoval shape pairs very well with the cosy tone, though the beauty of this colour is that it will complement any nail length or shape.

2. cream cashmere nails

If you're a fan of sheer nail polishes, this creamy twist on a cashmere manicure is a lovely option. Again, the pairing of the short squoval shape makes it feel so neat, clean and very wearable.

3. Almond cashmere nails

If almond nails are your go-to, a muted taupe-y tone will afford a very stylish and expensive-looking manicure. It's simple but elevated - ideal for everyday.

4. Square cashmere nails

If you've been keeping up with the 2026 nail trends, you'll know that short square nails have been very popular, and this season we're already seeing the style paired with this cosy colour.

5. Sheer cashmere nails

To really dial up the subtlety, go for a sheer beige or clay colour. Just a coat or two, followed by a glossy top coat, will leave you with a very luxe-looking manicure that will work with every outfit and for any occasion.

The early 2000s gave us some memorable perfumes, many of which still have a loyal following today. Among them is Calvin Klein Euphoria, a heady blend of florals and warming woods that launched in 2005 - it remains a firm favourite of Susanna Reid, particularly during the colder months.

The Good Morning Britain presenter, who recently graced the cover of woman&home's centenary issue, shared some of her beauty favourites with us, including her signature scents.

While she favours Diptyque's Ilio during the warmer months, her love of Euphoria is rooted in nostalgia, with the fragrance bringing back fond memories of her childhood.

"Euphoria feels old-fashioned and glamorous and reminds me of when my mum and dad used to go out to dinner parties when I was little," Susanna told us. “They would smell so special with their perfume and aftershave freshly applied.”

If you've ever spritzed Euphoria before, you'll know it's not a perfume that fades quietly into the background. Dark, warm and a little heady, it's a far cry from the barely-there skin scents that have become so popular of late.

And with autumn firmly upon us, we can see why it's Susanna's mood-boosting perfume of choice for the colder months. What's more, at £70 for 50mls of eau de parfum strength, this makes for a pleasingly affordable pick.

The Calvin Klein classic opens with juicy pomegranate and persimmon, before revealing a floral heart of black orchid and lotus blossom. Creamy accords and mahogany wood bring warmth and depth to the base, balancing the fruitier notes and giving the scent its distinctive richness.

While the blend has remained unchanged since its launch in 2005, Euphoria's sculptural bottle was given a refresh in 2023. The updated design places greater emphasis on its deep amethyst hue, while retaining the curved silhouette of the original. The Euphoria collection has also since expanded to include three new Elixirs (Magnetic, Bold and Solar), each offering a different interpretation of vanilla.

For summer, Susanna favours something lighter – Diptyque's Ilio is a Mediterranean-inspired fragrance that reminds her of “being at the day clubs in Ibiza enjoying the sun, the company of my boys and their friends and girlfriends and the sound of uplifting house music.”

Kate Middleton just proved turning up the heat on your blush is the perfect beauty switch for autumn. The Princess of Wales looked glowy and radiant as she appeared alongside Prince William for a day out at work in drizzly October weather, during the royal pair's trip to Belfast.

Catherine was as elegant as ever in a pleated tartan skirt by Emilia Wickstead and a ruffled blouse, teamed with her Small Amberley Satchel by Mulberry. But it was her makeup that really caught our attention.

While her complexion always boasts that lit-from-within look thanks to her timeless makeup choices, her blush was noticeably bolder and richer for this outing than we're used to seeing. Her cheekbones were accentuated by the addition of a warm-toned blush, generously applied to create a beautifully flushed finish.

Adding an extra helping of blusher and choosing a deeper tone is one of the easiest ways to give your complexion a healthy glow during the grey autumn months. It's also ideal for adding tones that are synonymous with the season's colour palette into your look.

As we've been admiring Kate Middleton's beauty looks for years, we couldn't help but be reminded of her iconic wedding-day makeup when we first saw these snaps. The stronger shade of blush is reminiscent of the pop of pink she wore on that special day.

As was the future Queen's bold eye look, which perfectly complemented the powerful touch of blush. As for lips, Catherine chose a peachy pink tone that expertly tied the glowing look together.

If you wish to copy Catherine, apply a bronzy, terracotta blush liberally to the apples of your cheeks to channel autumn with your makeup instead of your clothes - or to match your blush with the fall shades in your autumn wardrobe.

If bronzy-toned blushes aren't for you, try out a deeper wine-red choice instead. Kate's blush trick will light up your face and provide some serious cheekbone definition.

On April 29th, 2011, the Prince and Princess of Wales married in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London. Catherine looked ethereal in her Alexander McQueen gown - and her bridal makeup was immaculate, too.

Kate's wedding day makeup was by Bobbi Brown makeup artist Hannah Martin, who used a selection of products by the beauty brand to create the stunning finished look, which featured a strong peach blush, bronzy highlighter, pretty pink lips and a strong smoky eye.

It's believed Kate wore the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick to create her beautifully radiant wedding-day glow, while the Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink added a healthy flush.

The Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation was reportedly responsible for her flawless base, while she wore the famous Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara on her lashes.

Catherine's flattering makeup look is not only beautifully modern, but it's also timeless - as proven by its similarities to her historic royal wedding day look, more than 15 years later. More of this, please!

We beauty editors know that a good lip gloss can make all the difference to an everyday makeup look, adding a hint of colour and a healthy sheen without requiring much effort.

And it seems Susanna Reid agrees, as the Good Morning Britain presenter revealed that Charlotte Tilbury's Collagen Lip Bath in Peachy Plump has earned a permanent place in her makeup bag.

The coral-peach shade has a subtle shimmer that gives lips a pretty, iridescent finish, while the hydrating formula is laced with marine collagen and nourishing coconut oil. Speaking exclusively to woman&home for our 100^th birthday issue, Susanna shares why it's become one of her beauty essentials, alongside a handful of other makeup and skincare heroes.

“Charlotte Tilbury's collagen lip bath in peachy plump is always in my makeup bag,” Susanna tells woman&home. “It's an instant pop of low-key glamour to perk up your look.” A firm favourite among beauty editors too, the formula delivers plenty of shine without any of the stickiness you might associate with traditional lip glosses.

It has a smooth, cushiony texture, with coconut oil, mustard sprout extract and marine collagen helping to ensure lips stay soft and hydrated. The heart-shaped applicator is another clever detail – it picks up just the right amount of product and makes it easy to follow the contours of your lips without going over the edges.

As for the colour, Susanna's favourite Peachy Plump is a soft peach flecked with gold pearlescent pigments. Don't be put off by how shimmery it looks in the tube; on the lips, it translates into a sheer wash of peachy colour with a glossy, light-catching finish. It's lovely worn alone for an everyday polished lip or layered over your favourite nude lipstick when you want something with a bit more impact.

And, luckily for us, she didn't stop there with the product recommendations...

Many of us are well acquainted with pinks, nudes, and reds when it comes to painting our talons, but there's an unusual shade that's proving to be a popular choice this season.

As the colder season draws in, it's unsurprising that the list of 2026 nail trends skews toward deeper, richer, and moodier hues. From red carpets to royal appearances, navy nails have been sported by many household names in recent weeks.

Now, it's been given royal approval by none other than Zara Tindall, who sported the mani at this weekend's 2026 British Champions Day. We've taken note, and now our next nail appointment inspiration is sorted.

The chillier weather not only brings chunky knitwear and spiced hot drinks, but moody manicures too. We've seen burgundy, brown, and even black nails, but there's another rich shade appearing on the talons of many this autumn.

Adorning an opulent jewel-toned hue that changed with the light, Zara opted for an unexpected navy nail colour – a look that is proving to be a popular choice this season. The Olympian paired the shade with a short square nail shape and a glossy top coat with a mirror-like shine, which was nothing short of a winning combination.

For those wanting to recreate the look, we'd recommend opting for a base coat (such as essie's Strong Start Nail Polish Base Coat) to improve wear time, smooth your nail bed's texture and prevent any staining of the deeper hue. What's more, the shade also makes an excellent autumn pedicure choice too.

Commenting on the trend, Digital Beauty Writer, Sennen Prickett says: "It's a different, bolder, and moodier take on a neutral manicure, yet the classy shade is still minimal enough to effortlessly complement any outfit for any event. Pair with an ultra-glossy finish, and you've got yourself a winning manicure."

Like a garden in bloom, Elizabeth Hurley's favourite perfume is brimming with delicate florals, and she loves it so much that you'll find bottles of it scattered all over her house.

In an interview with woman&home, discussing everything from the Estée Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Campaign to her beauty essentials, the actress gave Digital Beauty Writer Sennen Prickett an insight into both her former and current go-to.

"I launched Pleasures for Estée Lauder in 1995 and wore that for years and years. I still have it, and my mother still wears it, but I've actually switched to AERIN's fragrances now. My absolute favourite is called Lilac Path."

Hurley described it as "the most exquisite, pretty, floral scent," before adding, "I have little bottles of it stowed everywhere around my house."

Interestingly, both the fragrances Hurley cited have one flowery note in common: lilac. It's a soft but quite distinctive floral. It's powdery but has a sweet, almost honey-like quality to it, which might be what initially drew Hurley to the scents. If you tend to gravitate toward floral fragrances yourself, lilac-centric blends are a very fresh and timeless option, much like rose and jasmine perfumes.

When you find a long-lasting perfume or specific note that you love, it's only natural that you'd want to surround yourself with it. Of course, many of the best perfumes for women do come in candle and body lotion form, so you can spread their aromas throughout your routine and home. Personally, though, we prefer Hurley's method of keeping actual, physical bottles of her signature scent tactically stashed around her.

After all, you never know when you might need to top up, and when it comes to the actress' floral fragrance of choice, we can understand the desire to always have it within reach. Aerin makes this quite easy and inexpensive to do too, with mini gift sets available in their best-selling scents.

Many brands also offer discovery sets that you could also separate and keep throughout your home and handbags. In fact, Digital Beauty Writer Naomi Jamieson actually does this with some of the best Diptyque perfumes, with each of her bags housing a mini tester.

If your ultimate treat to yourself is a new beauty product, you'll be no stranger to the best beauty advent calendars. This year there's an incredible range to choose from, including everything from fragrance calendars and high-end countdowns, to must-have high street buys like Boots and M&S advents. But one retailer that never fails to impress us is Space NK – and this year its calendar is better than ever.

The gorgeous foldout design boasts contents worth more than £1,200 combined, which you can get today for £233.75 – that's a further 15% off the usual price. And despite only have 24 doors, there are 35 products in total (24 of them full-sized).

What's inside the Space NK Beauty Advent Calendar for 2026?

With 35 products inside and 24 of them full-sized, there's a fabulous array of surprises to discover when you open the doors of Space NK's Beauty Advent Calendar this year.

If you want to keep the surprises, well, a surprise, don't read on. But if you want to know exactly what you're splashing your cash on, we have a rundown of every product behind those beautifully-decorated doors.

• Augustinus Bader The Body Cream - Full Size
• BYOMA Hydrating Milky Toner - Full Size
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum - Full Size
• Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm - Full Size
• Color Wow Dream Cocktail Carb-Infused Thickening Treatment - Full Size
• D.S. & Durga Debaser In Bloom Eau de Parfum - Travel Size
• Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Lip Gloss in Fu$$y - Full Size
• Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume in Vanilla Glaze - Travel Size
• Glossier Lip Line Enhancing Pencil in Buff - Full Size
• Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush in Whim - Full Size
• K18 HAIR HeatBounce Conditioning Heat Protectant - Full Size
• Kosas Soulgazer Mascara in Black - Full Size
• Kulfi Beauty Lassi Lips Staining Lip Oil in Rose - Full Size
• La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream - Travel Size
• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask - Full Size
• Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner in Black - Full Size
• Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum - Full Size
• Naturium The Booster Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash - Full Size
• Olaplex No.3 PLUS Complete Repair Treatment - Full Size
• Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment in Crème Brulee - Full Size
• Patchology FlashPatch Restoring Night Eye Gels - 30 pairs Full Size
• Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Intensive Treatment - Travel Size
• Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum - Travel Size
• Rare Beauty Harmony Flexible Lifting Gel - Full Size
• REFY Lash Sculpt in Brown - Full Size
• REFY Lash Curler worth £18 not sold separately
• Saltair Salt Water Vanilla Nourishing Body Oil - Travel Size
• Skin Rocks The Cleansing Balm - Fragranced - Full Size
• Sol de Janeiro Rose Charmosa Dewy Body Cream - Travel Size
• Space NK Nordic Wilds Bubble Bath - Travel Size
• Summer Fridays Pink Dew Gel Cleanser - Full Size
• Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment - Full Size
• Tatcha The Dewy Milk Moisturiser - Travel Size
• VIEVE Skin Nova Instant Radiance Primer - Full Size
• Votary Super Renewal Serum - Full Size

When can I buy the Space NK Advent Calendar 2026?

The Space NK Beauty Advent Calendar for this year is already here - although we reckon it won't hang around for long.

It's available to order from the Space NK website with free standard delivery - and you can secure a 15% discount with the code FIRST15 if you haven't shopped there before.

You've probably heard about the generational divide. We talk about it a lot in regard to buying homes, the career ladder and managing finances. But it’s also relevant in beauty – and perhaps most specifically, skincare.

Those who grew up in the '50s and '60s undeniably do things differently from today's youngest generation of skincare users. Access to information, brand variety and ingredient discovery have all helped to shape each age group and their approach to buying and using products.

Of course, different age groups also have different concerns depending on the condition of their skin. While Gen Z and the Millennial cohort tend to prioritise prevention, hydration and protecting the skin barrier, Gen X and Baby Boomers have likely moved into damage reversal and targeting the visible signs of ageing as part of their skincare routines.

To dig a little deeper, I spoke to women from each generation to determine how different groups view and purchase skincare in 2026. Here’s what they – and the experts – think about today's state of play.

Baby boomers: 1946–1964

Baby boomers – aged 62–80 – grew up without the same warnings about the sun as later generations. Because of this, many are dealing with the results of long-term UV exposure alongside the key visible signs of ageing, like reduced skin elasticity and deeper wrinkles. Boomers tend to be brand loyal, and have been for decades, usually getting information from books, magazines and newspapers, online and peer recommendations.

“When I was young, sun damage wasn’t really talked about, and people applied oil to their skin before sunbathing! There were also far fewer serums, eye creams, et cetera, so we didn’t tend to use these,” says Bryony, 72. “I think some of my friends wash their face using soap and then maybe apply a moisturiser.” Bryony notes that more “established brands” such as Elizabeth Arden, Estée Lauder and Dior, “probably appeal [to baby boomers] more than the more modern brands."

Jane, also 72, says that her priority now is “serums, moisturiser, sun protection and hand and body lotion,” and that her main skincare concerns are “ageing and the effects of it, as well as sun exposure: wrinkles, neck, hands and face.”

What experts advise: “Boomers' relationship with skincare is more varied than any other generation: some are highly invested and actively seeking professional treatments; others are pragmatic, focused on looking healthy and feeling good rather than chasing a youthful appearance,” explains Dr Ashley.

“Many have strong loyalty to luxury brands they have used for decades – Estée Lauder, Crème de la Mer, Lancôme.” Dr Zamani adds: “Baby Boomers increasingly prioritise skin health, comfort and maintaining skin function rather than chasing youth. Their primary concerns become dryness, thinning skin, loss of elasticity and slower repair mechanisms.

The most important ingredients to include are ceramides, hyaluronic acid, retinoids (if tolerated), peptides, antioxidants and rich moisturisers. Their focus should be on repair, hydration, skin barrier support and maintaining function.”

Gen X: 1965–1980

A generation that’s largely moved past trend-based skincare approaches, those aged 46–61 are starting to focus their energy more on hormonal changes, fine lines, skin laxity and collagen preservation.

Gen X wants straightforward results, without any BS – and after years of being marketed to, they have less patience for novelty or inefficiency. Many tend to maintain brand loyalty and stick to "old favourites," but they are also open to newness and different perspectives.

Claudia, 49, tells me that she is “eternally loyal” to the products that have “earned their place” over the years. She counts Emma Hardie’s Moringa Cleansing Balm, Nivea Crème and Paula's Choice 2% Skin Perfecting Exfoliating Toner as her essentials.

“I think the real divide amongst my friends is not really around skincare approaches in terms of products; it's in terms of those that have injectables, interventions, and tweakments and those that don't, and you can literally see it in their faces,” Claudia says.

“I think that Gen X do care about skincare overall; it's a form of self-care, and people are certainly interested in brands and efficacy of products. I think we are less swayed by trends and packaging and more concerned with what will actually address our skincare needs. We've got to the stage in life where we want to cut the crap and just want to use what actually works.”

What the experts advise: “Generation X is likely to seek advice from dermatologists, aesthetic doctors, magazines, newspapers and trusted healthcare professionals, although social media adoption continues to rise, including YouTube,” says Aesthetic Doctor and Founder of MZ Skin, Dr Maryam Zamani.

“They’re often looking to correct visible signs of ageing while preserving a natural appearance. The focus shifts towards collagen preservation, elasticity, pigmentation and hormonal skin changes.”

In terms of what to focus on, Dr Zamani advises prioritising “hydration, repair, skin barrier support… consistency and skin health.” Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, peptides, retinoids, and collagen-stimulating treatments are ideal for women in this age range.

Remember too that while skincare is amazing, it can only do so much; turning to aesthetic treatments such as fractional laser resurfacing and injectables can be an option.

Millennials: 1996–1981

Millennials are well-informed and over the years, have "seen it all". Growing up learning about skincare from print magazines, beauty counters and early social media, they are driven by efficacy. They’re willing to invest more in something they know works, and usually factor sustainability and ethics into their skincare buying decisions, too.

Millennials tend to be well-versed on ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol and exfoliating acids – they may have even overdone it in their excitement to try it all (can relate!), leading to broken skin barriers that must prioritise repair. They also may have some sun damage from their earlier years.

“I think a lot of millennials are looking for a silver bullet; looking after skin sensibly wasn’t the standard when we were in our teens and twenties, and sunbathing was very much still a summer pursuit – so as a group we are dealing with a lot of damage, and lots of people turn to intense products to solve it,” Madeleine, 42, says.

“I think the effects of sun exposure and ageing are key concerns – so it’s a lot about preventing further damage with SPF and undoing as much as possible, with ingredients like retinol and at-home devices like LED masks becoming hugely popular.”

What the experts advise: “Millennials have lived through more skincare eras than any other generation: the heavy coverage of the early 2000s, the natural and organic ‘clean beauty’ backlash, the K-beauty explosion, and now the clinical efficacy-first moment we are currently in.

As a result, they tend to be the most pragmatic skincare consumers: they want to know why something works, they have tried enough products to know what does not, and they are increasingly willing to invest in professional treatments alongside their home routines,” explains Cosmetic Doctor, Dr Emmaline Ashley.

“Clinically, this is the age group where retinoid use becomes genuinely transformative and non-negotiable. If there is one message for Millennials, it is this: if you are over 35 and not using a retinoid consistently, that is your single biggest gap,” she says.

“Paired with daily broad-spectrum SPF… and an antioxidant serum for further protection, this forms the backbone of an effective routine. For those noticing hormonal acne persisting into their 30s and 40s – a very common and under-acknowledged concern – azelaic acid, retinoids, and in some cases a GP referral for spironolactone are worth exploring.”

Gen Z: 1997–2012

Thanks to the huge amount of information at their disposal via social media, Gen Z is one of the most engaged generations when it comes to skincare shopping. Environmentally aware – yet influenced by their TikTok feeds – women aged 29 and under are motivated by results-driven, proven and often viral buys, as well as the odd social media trend.

“I think because of Gen Z’s obsession with social media, we are inundated with information on skincare, haircare and beauty. We love to try out the latest trending products and treatments; it’s definitely a generational thing,” Alice, 25, tells me.

Alice says she was heavily influenced by the 'clean girl' aesthetic and that healthy, glowing skin is the goal for no-makeup makeup. She shops from trending brands such as Rhode and Summer Fridays, and is engaged in the world of K-beauty.

What the experts advise: “Gen Z is arguably the most skincare-engaged generation we've seen," says consultant dermatologist Dr Sidra Khan. "Many view skincare as both self-care and preventative healthcare, and are often interested in skincare long before significant skin concerns arise. Acne, acne scarring, redness and achieving ‘glass skin’ are [however the most] common concerns.

“My concern is that they can be prone to overcomplicating routines and chasing trends," she continues. "My advice is usually to simplify. The essentials are a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser suited to [their] skin type and a targeted active if needed (e.g. salicylic acid for acne). Rather than chasing every viral ingredient, consistency with the basics will deliver the greatest long-term benefit.”

From royal favourites to minimalistic and genderless scents that transcend the seasons, there's a British perfume house for every taste and budget.

While French maisons like Chanel and Dior are often the first to come to mind when in pursuit of a chic, long-lasting perfume, there are plenty of equally iconic and stylish brands much closer to home. Indeed, Britain has quite the illustrious fragrance history too, with brands like Floris having been established all the way back in 1730, and still releasing elegant blends to this day. Then, of course, there's Penhaligon's popular line-up of scents, the best Jo Malone perfumes, and so many more that you might not actually know were founded right here in the UK.

So, whether you're seeking a floral fragrance inspired by quintessentially British blooms, an elegant gift (for you or someone else), or perhaps you just want to support a female-founded, London-based brand, these are the ones to shop.

8 British perfume brands to invest in

Jo Malone London

Founded in the '90s by Jo Malone CBE, this brand is home to an array of elegant scents, from delicate and fresh florals to moody oud perfumes. Jo Malone London also boasts quite the A-list clientele, with the likes of Catherine, Princess of Wales, Helen Mirren, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley reported to wear fragrances from the collection.

Penhaligon's

Known for iconic scents like Halfeti and The Favourite, Penhaligon's is the place to go for a luxury fragrance that demands attention. Each blend is exquisitely crafted, packaged and accompanied by a story that brings its notes to life. The brand's first perfume, Hammam Bouquet, launched way back in 1872, and since then, the collection has grown to include an array of both timeless and modern scents that suit every occasion, season and preference.

Miller Harris

Miller Harris is a luxury perfumery that draws inspiration from poetry, nature, memories, music and art to create its scents. Crafted from the finest ingredients and bottling up quiet British elegance, this is the brand to explore for a really chic and personal signature.

Jo Loves

After stepping down as Creative Director of Jo Malone London in 2006, Jo Malone CBE founded Jo Loves in 2011, which is now home to a plethora of stylish scents, including the popular Pomelo. If you're on the hunt for a fruity perfume, or one that reminds you of holidays along the Italian Riviera, Jo Loves' collection is definitely worth a browse.

Floral Street

Modern and stylish, with sustainability at its core, Floral Street is for those on the hunt for a really unique and multifaceted signature. Its line-up spans everything from sunny gourmand perfumes to spicy, coffee-laced aromas.

Escentric Molecules

Iconic for its contemporary skin-like scents, Escentric Molecules is the place to go for a true signature. Co-founded in London in 2006 by master perfumer Geza Schoen and creative director Paul White, Escentric Molecules is an independent fragrance house that rejects traditional perfume 'codes'. The brand houses scents that are genderless and timeless, designed to play harmoniously with your skin's chemistry rather than fit with trends.

Floris

Established in 1730, Floris is the oldest independent family-run perfumer in the UK and boasts both royal and celebrity clientele, as well as a collection of elegant and iconic scents. Queen Elizabeth II was widely reported to have worn Floris' White Rose fragrance.

Molton Brown

Born on South Molton Street, London in 1971, Molton Brown covers all your body care and fragrance needs, with stylish blends for every taste, whether you favour musky florals and or herbaceous woody perfumes.

As the years have passed, aesthetic treatments have become more and more 'out there'. We now use salmon sperm to target under-eye bags and Botox for tighter jawlines. So when I first heard about foot filler, my reaction was: "Huh, I guess that somehow makes sense?"

For as long as I can remember, I've proclaimed that I’d be the ideal candidate for a foot transplant due to never being able to find comfy shoes; the idea of foot filler is somewhat intriguing to me.

Importantly, unlike other kinds of filler – used, for example, in the lips or cheeks – it should be noted that foot injectables aren’t necessarily for aesthetic purposes; rather, they aim to address a bodily concern, not dissimilar to Botox being used for excessive sweating.

That said, there are also some cosmetic benefits, and the treatment is occasionally chosen for this reason. From camouflaging obvious-looking veins in the feet to restoring lost cushioning for comfort, here are all the reasons you might consider getting foot filler – along with the need-to-know details about the procedure.

What exactly is foot filler and what does it treat?

Just like filler that’s used in the face and other parts of the body, most foot filler is made from cross-linked hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid filler is chosen for this area for several reasons, according to cosmetic physician Dr Emmaline Ashley. “Hyaluronic acid is the preferred agent because it is biodegradable, reversible if needed, and has an established safety profile from extensive use in facial aesthetics,” she explains.

The product is injected into the feet – specifically the plantar fat pad – for a number of purposes. Primarily, it aids in the natural cushioning beneath the ball of the foot and heel, which can be impacted age.

“As we age, this protective fat pad can thin, leading to discomfort, pressure points and pain during walking or standing," explains Dr Maryam Zamani, aesthetic doctor and Founder of MZ Skin. "Filler is typically placed into areas of volume depletion to provide cushioning and improve comfort.”

There’s also an aesthetic component: thinning of the heel and forefoot pads “causes pain, functional limitation, and, for many patients, a visibly more bony, aged appearance to the foot,” says Dr Ashley. Filler can help here.

But it’s not just for older patients – it can be used for others struggling with discomfort. Initial studies suggest that filler can help with the side-effects of wearing high heels over the years, too.

Why is foot filler increasingly popular?

I’ve read more about foot filler over the past couple of months than I have any other kind of injectable. So what’s the appeal here, and why now? According to Dr Ashley, there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, we’re generally living longer, and therefore experiencing the effects of bodily ageing more than generations past. “The patient population that needs it is expanding,” she tells me. “Plantar fat pad atrophy is an age-related phenomenon that becomes more prevalent and more symptomatic from the fifth decade onwards.”

There’s also a wider cultural acceptance of aesthetic procedures, even for fairly niche problems. For those who have tried cushioned insoles and the like, the next natural step increasingly feels like injectables.

“The aesthetic medicine conversation has broadened well beyond the face, and patients already familiar with injectable treatments are increasingly thinking about hands, neck, décolleté and feet as part of a holistic picture,” Dr Ashley adds.

That said, she also notes that despite its gradual rise in popularity, it’s still not a common procedure in the mainstream – especially not when compared to treatments like facial filler and Botox.

Who is an ideal candidate for foot filler? (And who isn't?)

If you have issues with your feet, could filler be the right avenue? According to clinical literature, Dr Ashley says the most typical candidate right now is “someone from their mid-40s onwards with noticeable thinning of the plantar cushioning, presenting with some combination of functional discomfort and cosmetic concern.”

Plantar fat pad atrophy syndrome (the thinning of the cushioning under the heel or ball) is the most common motivator. Others who could consider the treatment include those who frequently – and over time – have worn high heels, along with very active individuals who experience pressure-related discomfort or any kind of ongoing pain.

Conversely, it’s generally not suitable for anyone with more significant structural foot problems that can cause pain, like flat feet, high arches and bunions. This is because filler “addresses cushioning rather than architecture,” clarifies Dr Ashley. Patients with diabetes or on blood thinners likely won’t be suitable for this treatment, either.

Either way, it’s important for any individual to seek the advice of a trusted medical professional in order to determine if foot filler is the right approach for their case.

Foot filler treatment details

One thing you should know about this treatment? It’s certainly not cheap. Sessions can set you back anywhere between several hundred pounds and well over a thousand – and they’re often charged per ml, per foot.

Pain levels are usually mild to moderate, as you would expect with any injectable treatment. This also really depends on your personal pain threshold!) You can usually walk afterwards, but should hold off on strenuous exercise or being on your feet too long for the first few days post-treatment.

In terms of top-ups, you’ll need to get them, but luckily not too frequently (every 6–18 months, depending on each case and which filler was used).

As mentioned, research into foot filler is still largely in its infancy, meaning you should always seek the care of a respected, quality, experienced and insured doctor if you’re considering it as a procedure. “Before booking, ask how many foot filler procedures they have performed, and what their aftercare and complication management protocol looks like,” recommends Dr Ashley.

We've found ourselves in an era where multiple-step skincare routines are normalised, most likely at the hands of social media and its hyped 'trending' culture. While it might work for some, the skin experts have weighed in with their advice, and the unanimous answer is: streamline.

From billboards and adverts on the train to sponsored videos on our Instagram feed, we're frequently sold beauty products, from the best face moisturisers to the best hyaluronic acid serums – all of which can often feel quite overwhelming. Not to mention, confusing as to what each product is, what it does, and when to use it. So, we quizzed skin experts to cut through the noise with a streamlined routine that we should actually follow.

As Teresa O'Nwere-Tan, aesthetic nurse and founder of Tan & Co, notes: "The biggest misconception about skincare is that you need multiple products to achieve healthy skin. Good skincare isn't about how many products you use, but understanding what your skin actually needs. Keep your routine simple, targeted, and consistent."

1. Cleanse

Designed to clean the surface of the skin of dirt, oil, makeup, sweat, and daily pollutants, a cleanser is the essential first step in the skincare routine of many. As Teresa O'Nwere-Tan, aesthetic nurse and founder of Tan & Co, advises: "In the morning, I recommend a gentle cleanser."

That said, consultant dermatologist Dr Magnus Lynch says this can be an optional step in the morning and save it for your evening routine instead. "In the morning, washing with water is sufficient for many people. Cleansing is particularly important in the evening to remove sunscreen and makeup, which can block pores," Dr Lynch notes.

2. Serums

If in doubt about the order of your skincare routine, Dr Lynch has some helpful advice: "My rule of thumb is to apply skincare products from thinnest to thickest, starting with lightweight serums such as vitamin C, followed by hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, and then other actives such as niacinamide to support the skin barrier."

Confused between serum and oils? O'Nwere-Tan assures us that we don't need both: "Serums are generally formulated to deliver specific ingredients, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or peptides. Face oils, on the other hand, primarily help soften the skin and reduce moisture loss."

"If you're using both, I would generally recommend applying your serum first, followed by moisturiser and then your face oil. This allows the serum to be applied directly to the skin, while the oil helps seal in moisture," explains O'Nwere-Tan. While oils are ideal for those with dry skin, the skin expert adds, "If your skin is already well hydrated and you're using a good moisturiser, you may not need one at all."

3. Moisturiser

As many of us already know, consultant dermatologist Dr Sidra Khan stresses the importance of using moisturiser in our routine. "A moisturiser is one of the few non-negotiables in any routine, because its job is to support and reinforce the skin barrier, the layer that keeps water in and irritants out, and when that barrier is working well, skin looks plumper, calmer and more even."

In terms of application, the consultant dermatologist advises: "Apply it twice a day, morning and night, ideally onto slightly damp skin straight after cleansing or your serums, as that helps trap water in rather than letting it evaporate, and in the morning it also sits neatly under your sunscreen."

If you're wondering how to choose the right formula for you, Dr Khan recommends letting your skin type guide you, rather than the marketing you see. "If your skin is dry, look for richer formulas with ceramides, glycerin and humectants like hyaluronic acid to draw in and seal moisture; if it's oily or acne-prone, a lighter, non-comedogenic gel-cream with niacinamide tends to hydrate without feeling heavy; and if you're sensitive, keep it simple and fragrance-free with barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides and panthenol," says Dr Khan.

4. Sunscreen

Exclusive to your morning skincare routine, sunscreen is a key step in your application process each and every day – no matter the season or weather forecast. Dr Lynch stresses: "In the morning, the most important thing is to apply sunscreen. Sunscreen should always be applied last, prior to application of makeup."

Dr Richard Devine, Aesthetic doctor and founder of Devine Clinic, agrees: "I recommend wearing it all year round, not just when it's sunny or when you're going on holiday. It's also important to apply enough; I recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 50, particularly for anyone concerned about pigmentation or premature ageing."

What skincare products should be used at night?

To rinse away the day's dirt, grime, and makeup, O'Nwere-Tan advises: "In the evening, cleanse thoroughly, double cleansing if necessary, followed by your serum or treatment product and moisturiser."

Additionally, Dr Lynch recommends only applying the best retinol creams in the evening: "Retinol and retinoids are best used at night, usually after a light moisturiser. I would avoid using retinol or retinoid at the same time as other skin acids, particularly if you have sensitive skin, as these can cause irritation."

Speaking of stronger exfoliating acids, Dr Devine also recommends: "using stronger exfoliating acids, such as glycolic acid, in the evening. These can increase sensitivity to sunlight, so consistent sunscreen use is particularly important."

What skincare ingredients should I be using?

When it comes to any skincare products, it's wise to be clued up on the ingredients list, knowing what they do and what skin type they are designed for in order to prevent any damage from occurring.

It's best to pick your active ingredients based on your skin concerns. As O'Nwere-Tan advises: "For signs of ageing, retinoids have strong evidence for improving fine lines and skin texture, while peptides may offer additional benefits. For pigmentation or melasma, ingredients such as azelaic acid, alpha-arbutin, kojic acid and liquorice root extract can help improve uneven skin tone."

Alternatively, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, O'Nwere-Tan suggests: "Salicylic acid can help unclog pores and reduce congestion, while benzoyl peroxide targets inflammatory acne."

Meet the expert panel

If you're tired of dealing with visible flakes, an itchy scalp or persistent dandruff, you're not alone. Research by Polytar – whose celebrity ambassador is Martine McCutcheon – found that over a third of women have a persistently itchy scalp (34%), almost one in three (27%) deal with a dry or tight-feeling scalp, and a quarter (25%) have increased flaking.

As we get older, our beauty routines inevitably evolve. Maybe the best shampoos and conditioners that once left your hair glossy and full of life no longer deliver the same results, or you find you need richer products or even one of the best scalp treatments to tackle dryness and sensitivity.

You might notice flakes appearing on your shoulders, find yourself scratching your head more often than usual, or experience an uncomfortable tightness that seems to come out of nowhere. It's tempting to assume you simply need to switch shampoo, but when the problem keeps coming back, it can be difficult to know what to try next.

Does your scalp change as you get older?

As we get older, our scalp can become more prone to dryness and irritation, while changes in haircare routines or the products we use may also play a part. Skin conditions such as dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis can cause persistent itching and flaking, so if your scalp feels uncomfortable, it’s worth taking the time to consider what’s behind the symptoms rather than simply switching shampoos.

Are you noticing occasional flakes, persistent itching, redness or patches of thicker scaling? Does the discomfort settle after washing, or does it keep returning? The answers can help you work out whether your routine needs a rethink or whether it's time to seek advice about a possible scalp condition.

An itchy scalp doesn't automatically mean your hormones are responsible, and not every flake is a sign of dandruff. But when signs of perimenopause first appeared in my mid-forties, an itchy scalp was one of the most frustrating symptoms I encountered. I tried switching shampoos, experimenting with different haircare products and even adjusting how often I washed my hair, but the problem persisted.

Dandruff, dryness or something else?

A dry scalp can cause similar symptoms – including itching, tightness and flaking – to scalp conditions such as dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis, making them difficult to tell apart.

If you're unsure what's causing your symptoms, a pharmacist or healthcare professional can help you decide on the most appropriate next step.

• Dandruff is a common cause of visible flakes and itching. It's associated with the shedding of skin cells and other factors, including the activity of a naturally occurring yeast on the scalp. Depending on the cause and severity, an appropriate scalp care routine or an anti-dandruff treatment may help.
• A dry scalp tends to feel tight or uncomfortable and may produce small flakes. Dryness may be linked to environmental factors or irritating haircare products – but other scalp conditions cause similar symptoms yet have different underlying causes, so may require specific treatments.
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis can cause inflamed skin and flaky patches, including on the scalp. It may also affect other areas of the face and body where oil-producing glands are more active.
• Scalp psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause raised, inflamed patches covered with scaling. It can vary in severity and may cause considerable itching or discomfort.

Why your usual shampoo might not be enough

When your scalp feels uncomfortable, changing your shampoo is often the first thing you try. Sometimes this can make a difference, particularly if a product is irritating your skin or is no longer suited to your needs.

But there's an important distinction between a shampoo designed primarily to cleanse your hair and one formulated to help treat a particular scalp condition. Everyday shampoos help remove oil, dirt and product build-up, while medicated shampoos contain active ingredients intended for specific therapeutic purposes – and the right choice depends on the underlying condition being treated.

Not everyone with a flaky scalp needs a medicated shampoo, which is why it’s important to understand what's causing your symptoms and choose a product that's suited to the problem.

Could a medicated shampoo help?

A medicated shampoo can form part of a treatment plan for certain scalp conditions. It's important to choose one that's appropriate for your symptoms and follow the instructions carefully, since different products contain different active ingredients.

One option is Polytar Medicated Scalp Shampoo, which contains a 4% coal tar solution and is formulated to treat, not just relieve the symptoms of, stubborn dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and eczema, while cleansing hair at the same time.

Coal tar has a long history of use in dermatological treatments. Coal tar has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-itch properties that help soothe an irritated scalp, reduce itching and loosen excess flaky skin, making it a useful ingredient to consider if you're struggling with persistent scalp irritation and dandruff.

Small changes that can make a difference to your scalp routine

Whatever the cause of your symptoms, try these tips to ease scalp irritation:

If you're considering Polytar, read the label and patient information leaflet carefully to check whether it's suitable for you and how it should be used.

• Spot patterns – Notice when itching or flaking occurs and whether particular products seem to make things better or worse. This information can also be useful when discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional.
• Be mindful of new products – Fragrances and other ingredients can irritate some people's skin. If irritation develops after introducing a new shampoo or styling product, stop using it and seek advice if symptoms persist.
• Try not to scratch – Scratching can further irritate the skin and cause damage. If itching is persistent, addressing the underlying cause is more useful than repeatedly trying to relieve the sensation.
• Seek help – A pharmacist or healthcare professional can help you identify suitable next steps.

In the end, switching to Polytar was the only thing that brought me relief when my itchy scalp got so bad that it started keeping me awake at night – as if hot flushes weren't doing a good enough job of that on their own.

It's not a product I use every day – the distinctive smell is a little less appealing than the usual lotions and potions in my bathroom – but whenever I feel that familiar itch, Polytar is always the first product I reach for.

Always read the label and patient information leaflet before use.

Many celebrities and household names have certain features that they're known for – and it's safe to say that Claudia Winkleman is one of them.

The presenter's glossy jet-black hair, eyelash-grazing fringe, or bronzed tan would all make her easily identifiable in a lineup. Aside from the previously mentioned, Winkleman is also known for her signature pale lip colour, which she herself dubbed "Tippex lips" in a 2021 interview with Get The Gloss.

So, you can imagine our surprise when we tuned into Thursday night's episode of The Traitors to see the host banishing her go-to look and recruiting a sheer pink-hued pout into her makeup routine. Not to mention, we've gone one step further and found the exact balmy, long-lasting lipstick formula behind it all...

Fortunately for us, The Traitors is the gift that keeps on giving. Even when the episodes are over, Claudia Winkleman's makeup artist, Lucy Gibson, posts a rundown of each look to her Instagram stories.

Just this morning, Gibson revealed every product she used on Claudia during the iconic roundtable during Thursday night's episode. The presenter adorned a Kiko Milano Eyeshadow Stick (in shade Dark Taupe) and Rare Beauty's Positive Light Liquid Luminizer (in shade Mesmerize), but it was her lippie of choice that caught our eye.

Winkleman traded in her iconic MAC Fleshpot lipstick for another cult classic, Clinique's Black Honey – a nourishing yet subtle tinted lip balm. Making for comfortable wear, this emollient-rich formula glides onto the pout for a hydration hit, while also imparting a sheer dark cherry hue that makes it perfect for the colder season.

In fact, this buy is a cult classic for a reason. Having originally launched as a potted gloss back in 1971, and later as the iconic Almost Lipstick tube in 1989, this formula has gone on to become a global beauty phenomenon – selling seven tubes every minute around the world.

While our toes don't make quite as many appearances in the autumn as they do in the summer, a pedicure never fails to make you feel a bit more put together (something we all need in the chilly gloom). And when you see this season's trending array, we doubt you'll want to skip that appointment.

Think moody shades of burgundy, deep reds and rusty oranges, along with chic denim-like blues. Autumn's pedicure moodboard is both trendy and timeless, ideal for those who those seeking a versatile look that still feels very on-season. Of course, there are plenty of subtle, neutral pedicures to choose from too, but if you want to lean into cosier themes, we'd suggest swapping the milky pinks and whites for something richer.

Like this year's autumn nail trends, darker shades are proving very popular for adding an accent of luxury to your hands and feet (and outfit in general). So if you're keen to elevate your look this season, these are the nine autumnal pedicures we recommend.

9 chic and elevated autumn pedicure ideas to consider

While yes, your toes might be concealed beneath socks and boots in the weeks to come, that doesn't mean you can't still adorn them in autumn's trendy and very chic colour palette - even if you're the only one who gets to see them. A pedicure is very much an act of self-care, especially if you're treating yourself to a professional waterless pedicure and so on.

Plus, it never hurts to be prepared for a spontaneous occasion that might require your feet to make an appearance.

Autumn pedicure essentials

If you're planning to paint your toenails at home, along with your autumnal colours, we also recommend investing in a good-quality top coat and one of the best foot creams too, to ward off dry and rough skin.

1. Red wine pedicure

Burgundy nails are always a reliably chic choice in the colder months, and so is a burgundy pedicure - though we do also love a dark red or wine shade for the height of summer too. The dark colour looks so rich and expensive, and is great for concealing any texture or discolouration on your toenails.

2. Burnt orange pedicure

Burnt orange is proving to be a go-to for celebs this year, with Gillian Anderson debuting a rusty-orange pedicure in September. It feels perfectly on-season but is more muted than a red or burgundy.

3. Navy pedicure

We're very partial to a navy nail look. Much like a pair of dark denim jeans, having this sort of shade applied to your fingers and toenails just looks so stylish, while being very versatile and easy to wear.

4. French tip pedicure

When in doubt, a French pedicure is always a classic choice for when you want your toes to look neat, fresh and uniform. It's also a fairly low-maintenance design if you opt for a nude base colour, as there won't be a very obvious regrowth line - ideal if you tend to leave bigger gaps between your autumn pedi appointments.

5. Black pedicure

No matter the season, a glossy black pedicure is always an elevated choice. It goes with everything and affords a very clean and minimalist look - especially if you also coordinate it with your manicure too.

6. Nude pedicure

For low-maintenance toes, opt for a nude. It's elegant, understated and very timeless.

7. Red pedicure

Red, be it for your manicure or pedicure, or both, is another very sophisticated option this autumn. We would suggest either a classic pillar-box red or more of a cranberry shade as we head towards winter.

8. Chocolate brown pedicure

Chocolate brown nails are proving especially popular this month, so it only makes sense to opt for a matching pedicure. It's cosy and perfectly autumn-ready.

9. Taupe brown pedicure

For a softer, muted option that still feels very autumnal, go for a taupe or mocha brown. It's cosy and perfect for coordinating with your manicure for a very cohesive, chic and intentional look.

Last Thursday morning wasn't a typical one for me. Picture this: I was taking a brisk walk past St Pancras station in the crisp yet sunny autumnal weather. My destination? The Future Dreams House for the Estée Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Campaign event, hosted by Elizabeth Hurley.

After a morning of gorgeous breakfast canapes and inspirational speeches, I was lucky enough to secure 30 minutes with Hurley herself. The one-on-one chat gave us an opportunity to discuss her 31 years working on the important campaign, the progress they've made, and gave us a rare insight into her personal life.

Oh, and not to mention, I got to ask a few beauty questions along the way too, of course. Spoiler: we got exclusive intel on her best face moisturiser, the best tinted lip balm she recommends, and her unusual skincare storage place...

Perched on a royal blue sofa, I sat side-by-side with the Hollywood star. After the niceties of our introduction, I was keen to know why Hurley initially got involved with the campaign.

Throwing it back to 1995, Elizabeth notes: "When I started working as a model for The Estée Lauder Companies, Evelyn Lauder, who was Estée Lauder's daughter-in-law, asked me to help her with some new campaigns she had recently started."

The actress then recalled a conversation with Evelyn Lauder: "In the early '90s women were dying all over the world of breast cancer, but nobody was talking about it. There wasn't a pink ribbon, there wasn't an October Awareness Month, magazines did not write about breast cancer, and you certainly would not have gone on national television to talk about breasts, checking breasts, and differences in breasts – it just was unheard of."

Now, 30 years later, Hurley hails women 50-plus for becoming 'very breast aware'. However, she recommends that everyone should be regularly checking their breasts: "Statistically, we know that breast cancer rates are rising much faster in women under 45 than in women over 45. It's incredibly important that young women know that breast cancer is not a disease for older women – it can affect them."

"That's the best messaging you can give to your friends, to yourself, and to your family: everybody needs to be breast aware. It's important because there are no other checks going to be done for your age group. You're not going to get a regular mammogram yet because your breast tissue is too dense, so you're going to have to check them yourselves," she adds.

As for how you can get involved in the campaign yourself, Hurley says: "There are many ways to get involved, but the first thing of all is to be breast aware yourself. You are part of the campaign if you're checking your own breasts and encouraging your friends to do so."

Shopping Estée Lauder Companies' Pink Ribbon range is another way to support the campaign, treating yourself to a nice beauty buy while a percentage of each purchase is donated to the charity. So, naturally, I had to quiz Liz on her favourite formulas from the range.

Sporting a glossy pink lip during the interview, it's unsurprising that one of her top buys is a nourishing tinted lip mask. "There's a beautiful little lip mask by Dr. Jart+. It's hot pink, looks like it's got little ears on it, and costs about £22 in Boots—half of which goes straight to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Everyone should go buy themselves a lip mask," she states.

For those willing to splurge, Hurley recommends her all-time favourite formula: "If they've got a bit more money, think about getting my absolute favorite product: [Estee Lauder's] Advanced Night Repair. They make a very special pink bottle for it. It's a beautiful, amazing serum, and a good percentage of that purchase also goes straight to the foundation."

Turning back the clock four decades, during our team's research for the interview, we uncovered some amazing pictures of Elizabeth in her '80s punk era. "Do you still feel like a bit of a rebel?" I asked.

"That's an interesting question. I've never felt like a rebel, but sometimes when I talk to other people, I realise that my opinions don't necessarily chime in with theirs—and therefore, could that be seen as rebellious? Maybe it could," admits Hurley.

"When you discover a sense of self, you can sometimes find that you're bucking the trend without meaning to, simply because you're not very sheep-like; you want to form your own opinions and follow your heart. It's really hard to be someone else! So you might as well be yourself."

As our team dug into the archives, we also found a previous interview with woman&home where Hurley claimed to 'moisturise six times a day'. But as for the other non-negotiable skincare habits she loves, the model revealed that she dabs Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Eye over the top of her makeup throughout the day to prevent dry under-eyes.

But it was a glimpse into the unexpected skincare storage spots around her home that piqued our interest. Offering a way to streamline your morning routine, Elizabeth notes: "At my house, I've got my coffee station, where the espresso machine, the kettle, and the tea bags are, and I've got a little pot of Re-Nutriv Eye pot right now. So, while I'm waiting for the kettle to boil, I'll do a little dab."

But it doesn't stop there; Hurley also reveals: "By the chair where I normally sit to watch TV, I've got an Aveda hand cream, a moisturiser, a neck cream, a spray. While I'm watching TV, I'll just be anointing myself and putting stuff on. It's actually great because sometimes when you go to bed, you're so tired."

As our time together came to an end, I asked Elizabeth to give us some big sister advice: "woman&home readers—not to keep repeating myself—please be breast aware. It's October Awareness Month, and I'm here to tell you that it could save your life, or it could save the life of someone you love. Encourage all your young friends and family to learn how to check their breasts, and actually do it."

Aside from that, Hurley says: "Enjoy every day, have fun, and be as nice as you can to everyone." And on that note, we parted ways.

If you want to give your strands a break from heat styling, Michael Douglas just ran us through the easiest air-drying routine that requires just one product and a few tactical twists.

While yes, the best hair dryers can work wonders for quickly blasting away moisture and adding volume, they're not your only option for achieving body, and neither are the best curlers for adding movement. In fact, Michael Douglas, celebrity hairstylist and founder of MD London, showed us that actually, allowing your hair to dry naturally, with a bit of mousse and a couple of scrunches and twirls, can be just as transformative (but less damaging) to your hair.

"All hairstyling takes place the moment the hair goes from damp to dry; that’s where all the magic happens, really," says Douglas. As for how to get a beachy, done-but-undone look, he's shared a simple, one-product air-styling tutorial (and yes, we got it all on video).

1. Apply mousse to your damp hair

For starters, you'll want to begin with slightly damp hair. "Let’s assume that you’ve had a shower and you’ve shampooed your hair and all the rest of it, you can let it dry naturally," says Douglas. You'll then want to add a bit of mousse, and as we can see, he opts for MD London's The 12 Salt Mousse.

Douglas takes about a palm-sized amount of the mousse. "We don’t need a lot; it’s very dense, quite thick and creamy. There’s very little styling property in it - so it won’t go crispy or crunchy or anything like that."

He then squeezes it into the hair, rather than smoothing it through: "I’m a big fan of not running your fingers through the hair, because that breaks up, if you like, the texture that you want. We'll pop it in, but just squeeze it into the hair."

2. Give your roots a lift

As he works the product into Digital Beauty Editor Fiona McKim's strands, he also takes a moment to 'pick up' her roots, lifting the hair away from her scalp slightly with his fingers. He notes that you can repeat this process once the hair is dry too, for extra lift.

3. Add twists

Now onto the fun bit. Once all the product is 'squeezed' in, Douglas sections the hair into two, and just twists each. You can leave it at that, but if you want to ensure the twists to stay put, you have a couple of options.

"One is we just try and leave it, and you’ll get a much more natural, softy-type texture to it." The other is to keep twisting the hair until it folds in on itself, creating a little bun on each side, which you can pin in place.

The former option will work best for mid to long hair, but both can be adapted for shorter styles too. Once your twists are in place, you can leave them to dry before carefully loosening them out again - that's quite literally it.

"You don't need to do anything. It's just put the mousse in, twist the hair back, you could clip it in place or just put it behind your shoulders and relax for half an hour and then start to grab it - you could put a bit of Number 6 in." Douglas also flips Fiona's parting to the side, which affords that extra bit of root lift we mentioned earlier. "All we're trying to do is encourage it into the shape."

Wake, cleanse, moisturise, repeat: our beauty team have outlined the six products they use every morning, no matter the season, occasion or whether they're running late...

As beauty journalists, there are a lot of products that we love and recommend, but when it comes to our morning routines, there are few core formulas that we never skip or swap out. Our go-to best face moisturisers, for instance, and favourite lip balms are ones we've been using and repurchasing for years. And personally, we think the fact that we use them to start our days, Monday through to Sunday, speaks volumes to their efficacy and value for money.

So if you're looking to invest in skin, body and haircare buys that have earned the loyalty of our experts and have been rigorously tested, these are the formulas that are as essential, post-wake-up, as our morning coffees.

Inside our beauty team's everyday morning routines

While, of course, we sometimes use a few more products depending on our skin's needs, our moods and the season, there are at least six that never budge from the routine.

Naomi's 6 morning essentials

From her favourite Korean toner pads to the under-£10 body lotion she's always repurchasing (our monthly beauty empties prove as much), Beauty Writer Naomi Jamieson's morning routine is full of hydrating formulas ideal for combating dry, tight and textured skin.

Fiona's 6 morning essentials

From her roots to her legs, Digital Beauty Editor, Fiona McKim, has curated a morning routine full of practical, problem-solving buys - spanning root coverups to a toothpaste with a very invigorating 'grown-up' minty flavour - ideal for starting your day off right.

Sennen's 6 morning essentials

Whether you're keen to start using natural deodorants or want to add a few K-beauty buys to your own routine, Digital Beauty Writer Sennen Prickett's morning routine is a full house of nourishing, skin-loving staples. She even has a specific detangling hairbrush on hand for her finer hair.

Christmas is the perfect excuse to treat the beauty lover in your life to something special – whether it’s a luxury fragrance, a dreamy skincare set, or that lipstick they’ve been eyeing for months.

From cult favourites to clever stocking fillers, we’ve rounded up the best festive beauty gifts for every kind of obsession (including a few you’ll definitely want to add to your own wishlist).

Stocking Fillers – Gifts under £25

Gifts under £50

Gifts under £100

Little luxuries – gifts over £100

Don't hate us for saying this, but we're creeping closer to the festive season – in fact, we're just seven weeks away from opening the first door of our advent calendar.

It might only be October, but we've already seen an influx of this year's best beauty advent calendars hitting the shelves. In fact, most of them have now launched, but we were still waiting for one of our favourites to make an appearance.

Well, we're here to finally report the good news that M&S' 2026 beauty advent calendar is available to shop. Selling out every year without fail, we didn't think it was possible to get better than the 2025 offering, but we think this year's edition has just pipped it to the post – here's why...

What's inside the M&S beauty advent calendar?

You don't have to wait seven weeks to see what's hidden inside the M&S beauty advent calendar. Spoiler warning: we've put together a complete rundown of the 25-product lineup below...

• bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Blonzer – Full size
• Estée Lauder Double Wear Primer – Full size
• Sweed Le Lipstick – Full size
• Nails INC Topless Polish in Dakota – Full size
• Benefit Badgal Bounce Mascara – Full size
• The Organic Pharmacy Hyaluronic Acid Serum – Full size
• Bloom and Blossom Lip Balm – Full size
• Hello Sunday The One For Your Hands – Full size
• Formula Ultra Peptide Night Cream – Full size
• ICONIC London Glazing Gloss – Full size
• Color Wow Money Mist, 50ml
• ICONIC London Prep Set Blur, 30ml
• Pai Light Work Cleansing Oil, 28ml
• Floral Street Ylang Ylang Espresso, 10ml
• Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo, 50ml
• Aveda Rosemary Mint Conditioner, 50ml
• PRAI Ageless Throat & Decolletage Serum, 30ml
• Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, 40ml
• ESPA Tri Active Smooth & Firm Body Butter, 75ml
• Cowshed Indulge Bath & Shower Gel, 100ml
• This Works Deep Sleep Body Whip, 100ml
• Clinique All About Eyes™ Rich Eye Cream, 5ml
• Hair by Sam McKnight Happy Endings Balm, 30ml
• &Sleep Cloud Nine Pillow Mist, 50ml
• Discover Pink Pepper Eau de Parfum
• Discover Midnight Blossom Eau de Parfum

When does the M&S Beauty Advent Calendar 2026 go on sale?

The M&S Beauty Advent Calendar 2026 officially launched online and in selected stores across the UK on Tuesday, 13th October, meaning it's available to shop right now.

How to shop the M&S Beauty Advent Calendar 2026

If you want to get your hands on this year's M&S Beauty Advent Calendar, you can shop it online or at selected M&S stores near you. For the former, you'll get free standard delivery (on orders over £60). However, if you want it delivered to your door the next day, it will set you back an extra £5.99. Alternatively, you can also opt for free store collection.

With the weather finally taking more of a bitter turn, it seems many of us have officially declared autumn, and what's more autumnal than wearing a red lip?

If you tuned into Saturday night's episode of Strictly Come Dancing, it would seem that Emma Willis agrees. In fact, it was her deep wine-hued, long-lasting lipstick of choice that got everyone talking, including our very own woman&home team.

So, naturally, we've done our due diligence by tracking down her makeup artist to ask exactly what lipstick the presenter was adorning on her pout. Luckily, we've been given the answer to the question on everyone's lips, and we're here to share it with the world – not to mention, add it to our basket before it sells out.

After we were left in awe of the presenter's bold lip (alongside the other hundreds of commenters on Instagram), we dropped a message to Willis' makeup artist, Amanda Bowen. Fortunately for us, Bowen let us in on the exact lippie and shade used to create the look – Pat McGrath Labs' Mattetrance™ Lipstick in shade 'Full Blooded'.

The opulent burgundy-esque hue is a richer, moodier take on a classic red lip. Its purple berry undertone feels perfectly apt for the cooler autumnal months as we slowly pedal towards the festive season.

As is the case when wearing any brighter or bolder lip colour, it's worth applying one of the best lip liners first. Not only does this help define and sculpt the pout for a fuller, plumper appearance, but it also works to prevent any feathering, bleeding outside the lines, or fading.

Berry lipstick alternatives

If you want to achieve the same look for less, you've come to the right place. We've rounded up three more stunning berry-hued lipsticks that are perfect for the autumnal season – and beyond.

Few things signal the arrival of autumn (aside from the cold, of course) quite like the return of The Great British Bake Off. And in case all those sweet treats are making you crave equally delicious scents, its host, Alison Hammond, has dubbed this chic vanilla blend 'divine.'

When the seasons shift, we often find ourselves seeking out the cosiness of woody, long-lasting perfumes and rich gourmands. The latter genre has actually been dominating this year's fragrance trends, with no sign of slowing this autumn, and if you're in the market for one such sweet signature, there's an under-£30 perfume that Alison Hammond has previously sung the praises of. It blends decadent hints of vanilla with warming cashmere, and what better aroma to surround yourself with as you cosy up to watch the new series of Bake Off? Yes, actual freshly baked cakes would be great, but if you don't have those, this almost edible blend can scent the void at least.