Perfume can be one of the pricier buys in your beauty bag, but it's certainly not true that you can't find an expensive-smelling and long-lasting blend for under-£75. In fact, our beauty team have 12 they love and wear often - spanning both designer and high-street names.

While many of the best long-lasting perfumes are, we grant you, on the more premium side, there are plenty of affordable options out there that smell just as sophisticated, while boasting surprisingly great sillage. Zara's perfumes and M&S Studio fragrance collection, for instance, are touted for their chic scents at impressive prices. The same goes for several other modern and under-the-radar brands that sit in that mid-range category. Not to mention the fact that many of the more expensive best perfumes for women out there also come in a range of bottle sizes. So, if you're not someone who wears fragrance every day, opting for the cheaper 30ml bottle might serve you well and prove to be fairly cost-effective.

There's a truly budget-friendly blend for every preference; you just have to know where to find them. As for that intel, our beauty team are the experts and have 12 affordable scents between them that they love and regularly receive compliments on.

The under-£75 perfumes our beauty team deems chic and worth every penny

Aleesha's under-£75 perfumes picks

Whether it's tactically shopping the hair mist iterations of the best Diptyque perfumes (which can be layered with other fragrances), or sussing out scents with very similar notes to more iconic and expensive ones, Digital Beauty Editor Aleesha Badkar knows how to bag luxury for less. All Saints' Sunset Riot, for example, is said to smell reminiscent of Baccarat Rouge 540, which is Aleesha's all-time favourite perfume.

Sennen's under-£75 perfume picks

From her signature scent, Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc, to the Replica perfume she rotates it with when autumn arrives, Digital Beauty Writer Sennen Prickett knows a thing or two about deceptively luxe-smelling scents.

Fiona's under-£75 perfume picks

If you're on the hunt for a clean, soapy scent or a designer blend for a not-so-designer price, Digital Beauty Channel Editor, Fiona McKim, has a recommendation or three for you.

Naomi's under-£75 perfume picks

From the chicest and smokiest of autumn fragrances to lightweight, airy blends you can wear all day, every day (and even layer), Digital Beauty Writer Naomi Jamieson's scent collection features some under-£75 gems.

If you've ever woken up feeling sluggish, tired...and confused because you've got an excellent sleep score after clearly a bad night's sleep, you're not the only one. Not every tracker records heart rate variability (HRV), yet it's one of the most interesting metrics on a fitness tracker.

HRV is the tiny difference in time between each heartbeat. The nervous system, which is made up of the sympathetic branch (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest), controls it.

"Although your heart may be beating 60 times per minute, those beats are not perfectly evenly spaced. That variability provides useful information about how the autonomic nervous system is responding to stress and recovery," says Dr Mark Kovacs, a performance physiologist, researcher, and sport technology expert.

I started tracking my HRV when testing some of the best sleep trackers, and I've done it every night for the past year. It's given me insights into my sleep habits and health that I'd not seen before.

What is heart rate variability (HRV)?

Heart rate variability (HRV) is the time between heartbeats, says Dr Kovacs. "In general, a higher HRV relative to your baseline suggests great 'rest and recovery' activity, while a meaningful reduction can indicate your body is stressed or hasn't fully recovered," he explains.

HRV is recorded during REM sleep, and many sleep trackers will pick up on it, recording it alongside other important metrics, like how long you slept for, how long it took you to fall asleep, and any breathing irregularities.

"Sleep duration tells us how long somebody slept, and a sleep score generally combines several estimates about their sleep. HRV gives us something slightly different: insight into how the nervous system and cardiovascular system responded during that period of recovery," says Dr Kovacs, who leads the Kovacs Institute.

I started looking at my heart rate variability

I've been using the Oura Ring for well over a year - first the Oura Ring 4 and now the Oura Ring 5. These rings include HRV in the Readiness Score, but I drilled into the HRV feature alone. This is where I found the most interesting information. Every morning, while drinking my tea and with the previous day's activities fresh in my mind, I take a look at my overnight data.

For me, drinking alcohol before 7 pm doesn't impact my recovery that much, but after 9 pm, I tend to suffer. The same goes for exercise and eating. If I get back from a run late in the evening, after 8 pm, then I feel it overnight. Eating past 10 pm disrupts my sleep, and I don't wake up feeling as rested.

Any expert will tell you that alcohol, exercise, and eating late at night can impact your sleep, but this timing information is personal to me, gathered over a year of testing and experimenting. The results completely changed how I spend my evenings when rest is a priority.

Along with my evening plans, I use this data to plan my exercise routine for the week, more so than my general sleep score. If I've done a hard workout, my HRV will naturally be lower as my body struggles to recover. If that's the case, I'll plan an easier workout or slower run in the days afterwards, and I'll feel better for it. If I don't feel so tired, I'm more likely to exercise, and this has helped me be consistent in my exercise routine.

I'm also keeping a close eye on my HRV as we get closer to winter. A sudden drop in your overnight HRV can be a sign that you're getting ill before you even have symptoms. I saw it a few times at the beginning of the year, and while it's too late to stop anything, it gave me a day or so to stock up on zinc or rearrange my social plans for the week.

With this information, I felt I could make better choices for my weekly routine, with actually very little thinking required.

Having this data is "genuinely useful", says Dr Kovacs. "It encourages us to connect the number with what's happening in our lives. Think: What has changed in the past 24 to 72 hours? Did I train much harder? Did I sleep poorly? Am I under unusual stress? Do I feel as though I'm becoming ill?"

My chosen sleep tracker is the Oura Ring 5, but I've also tested my heart rate variability on the Ultrahuman Ring Pro, the Garmin Venu 4, and the Fitbit Air. All are different prices and have various functions, but they can all record HRV.

What does low heart rate variability mean?

Low HRV means something is up with your body. It could be that glass of wine too close to bedtime, late-night eating, or something more serious. "It can be indicative of poor sleep quality, since sleep fragmentation and brief awakenings can cause sudden spikes in heart rate, leading to a higher HRV," says Dr Chelsie Rohrscheib, a neuroscientist, sleep expert, and the head of sleep at Wesper.

"Individuals with certain sleep disorders may also see atypical HRV," she says. "Insomniacs may find their HRV is lower than expected, whereas individuals with sleep apnoea may have repeated spikes and dips in HR throughout the night."

One low HRV reading may not be a problem, says Dr Kovacs. "What becomes more interesting is when you see a consistent change over multiple nights, and it corresponds with other information, such as poorer overall sleep, unusually high resting heart rate, and reduced fatigue."

Smart devices, like fitness trackers, are not sensitive enough to detect or diagnose sleep disorders. But changes in heart rate, HRV, oxygen levels, or sleep patterns detected on one of these devices can provide useful clues, says Dr Rohrscheib. You can then take this information to your doctor.

If you are concerned about your sleep health, make an appointment with your GP or a dedicated sleep specialist.

How to improve heart rate variability

1. Focus on consistency

If you want to improve your overnight recovery, consistency is key, says Dr Kovacs. Try to get to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

"A late night followed by sleeping in for several hours isn't necessarily equivalent to maintaining a consistently good sleep routine. Think about sleep as something you train, just like physical fitness," he says.

2. Do a variety of exercise

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to improve your cardiovascular health, says the doctor, but challenging workouts add stress to the body and are harder to recover from than more moderate workouts.

"A good weekly program should combine cardiovascular exercise, resistance training and easier recovery days," he says. "If overnight HRV has been noticeably lower than normal for several days and you also feel unusually fatigued, that may be a useful signal to reduce training intensity temporarily rather than pushing through another very hard session."

3. Wind down before bed

“What happens during the final few hours before sleep can have a surprisingly large influence on overnight recovery," says Dr Kovacs, so create a bedtime routine that limits all kinds of stress.

"Alcohol is one of the first things I would look at because even when alcohol appears to help someone fall asleep, it can negatively affect overnight physiology and recovery," says the doctor. "Large meals immediately before bed, psychological stress and very late intense exercise can also keep the body in a more activated state."

Despite tulips being one of the most popular plants to add to your garden, it's easy to get planting wrong. And the depth at which you plant the bulbs is one of the first hurdles.

When it comes to learning how to grow tulips, there aren't many ways you can go wrong; however, there are several instances where specialist knowledge is needed. And before you worry about caring for your growing tulips, you'll need to ensure the bulbs are planted properly.

It may seem like an insignificant point, but planting your tulip bulbs too deep or too shallow is integral for their growing potential. So, to ensure you have impressive blooms come spring, we spoke with gardening professionals to find out what depth is just right.

How deep should you plant tulip bulbs?

Similar to planting your tulip bulbs too late, misjudging the depth at which you plant bulbs can also prove problematic.

"Whether you are planting tulip bulbs into pots or directly into the ground, you must plant them to around three times the height of the bulb itself," says Lucie Bradley, gardening expert at Easy Garden Irrigation. "Which usually means between 15 and 20 cm from the surface."

"The reason behind why tulip bulbs are planted deeper than many other spring-blooming bulbs like crocus or daffodils is that it helps to protect them from the colder winter weather and frosts, as well as providing the depth that they need to produce deep roots, which can keep their stems upright and able to support their heavy blooms," she adds.

That's why tulips are not generally a plant you need to support while they grow; they do that all on their own when planted deep enough.

How many tulip bulbs do you put in one hole?

You may think more bulbs in one hole means more flowers, but sadly that's not quite how it works.

"Depending on how you want your tulips to appear in your garden, you can either plant them as single bulbs – placing one bulb in its own hole and spacing these approx. 10 to 15cm apart if you want to create a formal display," explains Lucie.

"For more informal, natural planting, tulips can be grown in clusters - known as ‘bouquet’ planting. This involves digging one hole approx. 25 to 30cm wide and then adding between 5 and 7 bulbs so that they are spaced around 3 to 5cm apart," she adds.

You'll also have to take this into consideration if you're trying out Monty Don's bulb lasagne method, which tulips are perfect for.

Will tulips grow if not planted deep enough?

If you don't avoid this autumn gardening mistake and accidentally plant your tulip bulbs too shallow, don't worry; you will still get flowers.

"If you plant your tulip bulbs too close to the surface of the ground, this won’t stop them from growing and producing blooms, but it will negatively affect their health, their stability and leave them more vulnerable to pest damage," says Lucie.

"Your tulip bulbs will be more vulnerable to changes in temperature when planted close to the surface of the ground, so can be damaged by frost, which can cause the bulbs to dry out as they lack the insulation and moisture they gain from the soil when planted at the correct depth," she continues.

If you do manage to protect your plants from frost, though, shallow planting can lead to other more serious issues.

"With many tulips reaching 50cm or more in height, it’s important that they produce a strong root system deep in the soil to securely anchor them in place," says Lucie. "If you don’t plant your tulips deep enough, they won’t be able to develop the deep roots which they need to keep their stems steady.

In addition, with less soil covering the bulb, there is less weight to support the stems. "As a result, your tulips are likely to finish up leaning or even falling over when in bloom."

"When planted close to the surface of the ground, leaves tulip bulbs within easy reach of wildlife. Tulip bulbs taste sweet, being packed full of sugar, starch and carbohydrates and don’t have the same bitter toxins that daffodils or alliums use for natural pest defence, so squirrels, voles and muntjac will easily detect their scent and eat these nutrient-dense morsels before they get a chance to grow," she finishes.

So it's worth putting measures in place to keep squirrels out of your garden while waiting for your tulip bulbs to establish, as they're particularly clever thieves.

Once you've mastered planting your tulips, you can enjoy their blooms, and then all you'll need to know is what to do with them after flowering once spring ends.

Selfridges has taken the guesswork out of building your skincare routine with their limited-edition K-beauty box, which makes home to an impressive 8-step regime.

Korean skincare products have been rising in popularity throughout recent years, and for good reason too, thanks to their science-backed formulas that focus on long-term skin health – while boasting affordable price tags.

Fortunately, Selfridges has been taking note with the launch of their limited-edition K-Beauty Skincare Kit. Jam-packed with some of the most popular Korean products on the market right now, this edit not only makes for a great gift but also for those who want to treat themselves – and saves you money in the process.

What's inside the Selfridges K-Beauty Skincare Kit?

From one of the best cleansers to a bestselling Korean face mask, take a peek inside this limited-edition Selfridges edit to find out exactly what you can expect to unbox...

• Anua 100+ PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum 30ml
• haruharu wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence 120ml
• Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask – Single, 34g
• Mixsoon Bean Eye Cream 20ml
• Laneige Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum - Strawberry Sprinkles, 12g
• Innisfree Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Foam 30ml
• Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream 50ml
• Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream 15ml

Where to buy the Selfridges K-Beauty Skincare Kit

If you want to snap up The K-Beauty Skincare Kit, you'll want to head to the Selfridges website to add it to your virtual basket. With your purchase, you'll get to enjoy the complimentary click and collect service to a chosen store near you. If you'd like it delivered to your door, standard delivery will set you back £6.95, while nominated day delivery (when you place your order before 10pm) will cost you £9.95.

How long is the Selfridges K-Beauty Skincare Kit available for?

While we're still kept in the dark as to how long the Selfridges K-Beauty Skincare Kit will be available for, it is worth noting that is a limited-edition edit so won't be around forever. If you're thinking about snapping it up, it's worth doing so sooner rather than later to avoid missing out.

A better night's sleep starts here – with the return of our Sleep Awards! Once again, we assembled our health and sleep experts along with our trusted Tester Network to put hundreds of products through their paces, from cooling mattresses and eco-friendly bedding to silent bedroom fans and sleep-tracking gadgets. Only the products that genuinely improved comfort, support and sleep quality for our testers has earned a place on our winners' list.

This year’s winners reveal a fascinating shift in how we sleep. You'll find everything here, from high-tech innovations like noise-blocking earplugs and a sleep-tracking ring, to luxurious bedding solutions including a temperature-regulating mattress protector. We’ve also discovered some brilliant budget-friendly buys that prove you don't have to spend a small fortune to wake up feeling more refreshed.

Ready to upgrade your sleep routine? Consider this your ultimate guide to what to buy for a better night's rest. Read on to discover the 2026 Sleep Awards winners.

Sleep Easy Award winners 2026

Bedding

Pillows & Pillowcases

Tech & Innovation Winners

Nothing excites us beauty journalists more than a sneak peek inside a professional makeup artist's kit.

And Caroline Barnes, the MUA behind some of the red carpet's most luminous complexions (think Pixie Lott, Erin Doherty and Sandra Hüller), has revealed the three that never leave hers. Top of the list? Something she admits most people find a little “scary”.

Behind the scenes at woman&home's beauty photoshoot, Barnes revealed that By Terry's Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder is one of the products she always keeps close to hand. “It feels like powdered cashmere on your complexion,” she says of the translucent setting powder, adding that the formula works across all skin tones.

And while powder is generally considered a makeup bag staple, Barnes says it's one many of us are unnecessarily wary of. “Sadly, a lot of people are scared of putting powder on. "Do not be scared,” she says. “What this very soft, light formula will do is mattify your makeup.” Rather than taking down shine everywhere, however, she recommends concentrating it on the T-zone and allowing the rest of the face to keep its natural glow.

It’s this contrast between matte and dewy makeup that Barnes says can actually make your features appear more defined. “By mattifying the T-zone area of your face, you allow your makeup to really enhance your bone structure,” she explains. “Leaving the rest of your face to shine and glow really elevates your bone structure, bringing out your natural beauty.” She recommends applying it as the final step in your makeup routine, only where it’s needed.

The other essentials in Caroline Barnes' makeup kit

Powder isn't the only product Barnes relies on. When faced with dry, flaky lips on set, she reaches for the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. “I would apply this to the lips and very gently, with a disposable mascara wand, I would just do little circular motions on the lip to lift those dead skin cells,” she explains.

She then layers on more of the mask and leaves it to work while she completes the rest of the look. “Once I’ve finished the makeup, I’ll take that off and the lips are baby soft.”

Multi-tasking products are a godsend when you’re short on kit space. And Barnes' next hero is the one of the best Tatcha products – the Serum Stick, a solid skincare serum that she uses to play with different finishes.

“I could use it on lips, use on the eye to create a soft gleam, or just to add a little bit of glass skin by applying it on the high parts of my face,” she explains. “It doesn’t look like makeup. It just kind of creates that really lovely, healthy glow.”

One thing you won't find weighing down Barnes' kit? Full-size glass bottles. With her travelling makeup kit tipping the scales at more than 50kg, she decants products into smaller containers wherever possible, recommending Muji's empty bottles and travel accessories for the job. It's a trick worth borrowing for your own holiday makeup bag, too – especially if you're trying to pack light.

Notoriously, blusher is the first area of makeup to start sliding off your face in the heat, but I think I've discovered a product that can survive it all...

With the high temperatures we've been facing this summer, I've noticed that even my most reliable blushers lose their vibrancy after a couple of hours. Even my go-to best cream blush hasn't held up.

Making it my mission to find a blusher that can last longer than my commute, I searched high and low to find a product that truly delivered on its longevity promises, and there was only one clear winner...

Why I love WONDERSKIN Wonder Blading All-Day Blush Stain

When a product has the word 'stain' in its name, you know you're in for a long ride. This blusher, though, takes hard-working makeup to a whole new level and is definitely up there with my favourite blusher (alongside my holy grail Nudestix Matte Blush).

Packing a pigment punch like no other, these blushers are so pigmented you only need the tiniest dot to provide enough colour coverage for up to 12 hours. You don't need to take my word for it; 100% of testers agreed that it lasted for 12 hours and refused to budge or streak. Even more impressively, the formula is jam-packed with some of the best skincare products, so not only does it last and refuse to budge, but it also looks flawless all day.

This blusher gives me exactly the level of pigment and performance I require from my makeup. Plus, it's buildable. For a natural look, pop one dot on each cheek for a sheer wash of colour, or for ultimate impact, layer more on top. If you're unsure of how to apply blush, then take it slow and build gradually. Application is best with a blending brush or sponge so you don't transfer any pigment onto your hands.

I like a proper pop of blusher, so I use two generous dots on each cheek. On the day of testing, I really put the product through its paces. It was 31 degrees, and I was also running around after a 12-week-old Labrador puppy. So, I think this is more than enough proof that this product can go the long haul. I honestly didn't expect it to actually last the full 12 hours without fading or smudging, but it honestly did. While the rest of my makeup melted away, the blusher remained, and I was so impressed.

Wondering how this blush manages to last so long? It's thanks to clever micro-pigments that deliver an instant burst of colour to your cheeks; the long-wear stain pigments also absorb into the upper layers of the skin, which ensures the colour lasts for 12 hours. But in terms of removal, fear not- the stain comes off very easily with an oil-based cleanser, which breaks down the surface pigments in a flash. So you don't have to worry about having a permanent flush.

My favourite shade is Barely (which I'm wearing in all my photos) because it's bold enough to make an impact but also subtle enough to make me look like the English rose I strive to be. All the other shades have been designed to suit a variety of skin tones, so everyone will be able to find their perfect match. Happy 12-hour blushing!

Decluttering can make a huge difference to how calm and organised our homes feel, and for many of us, getting rid of things we no longer need is a priority. But some items are worth thinking twice about before adding them to the bin or donation pile.

Some of the best household items to reuse are things you might instinctively get rid of during a clear-out. From practical storage solutions to everyday objects that have alternative uses in the home, holding on to a select few items could actually save you money – and help you stay organised in the long run.

The trick is knowing the difference between useful belongings and clutter you're keeping 'just in case' – which happens to be one of the easiest decluttering mistakes we can make.

These 8 household items are worth keeping, say professional organisers

To help us find genuinely useful second purposes for items in the home, I asked professional organisers which household items to reuse. The eight items below might make you reconsider what you throw away during your next decluttering session.

1. Old toothbrushes

Just like there are cupboard essentials that double up as cleaning agents, our old toothbrushes can become a handy addition to our cleaning kit.

"They're brilliant for cleaning awkward or hard-to-reach spaces," says Shannon Murphy, founder of Simpl Living Co. "Rather than throwing one away when you replace your toothbrush, keep it for cleaning around taps, small gaps, around hinges, grout lines or in other areas where a cloth or larger cleaning brush can't easily reach."

2. Tech and gift boxes

Deciding what to do with the box after we buy a new phone or receive a lovely gift is tricky, and nine times out of ten they end up getting thrown out. But they're actually a great way to organise chaotic drawers, and can save you spending money on drawer organisers.

"Rather than buying lots of small storage boxes, the boxes can be placed inside drawers to create compartments for things such as cables, stationery, small electronics or other loose items," Shannon suggests. "Their rigidity means they don't collapse or move around as easily as softer storage solutions."

3. A favourite chipped mug

It's a little heartbreaking when our favourite mug gets chipped or cracked. But we don't have to toss it straight in the bin, says professional organiser Rebecca Crayford.

"Use it on a desk for pens, in a craft area for paintbrushes or pencils, or on a dressing table for make-up brushes," she suggests.

"It works particularly well for a mug you really love or one that has sentimental value – you get to carry on enjoying it rather than leaving it unused at the back of a cupboard."

4. Wash bags and cosmetic bags

It's easy to accumulate a collection of wash bags and cosmetic bags, especially when they're part of a gift set. I've got a full drawer of empty ones at home, but Rebecca says they could be put to better use.

"They're great for storing odd items," she says. "One could hold spare chargers and cables, another a small sewing kit, travel toiletries or shoe-cleaning supplies. Keeping everything for one task together also means you can grab the whole bag when you need it."

5. Empty candle jars

It's always such a shame to throw a pretty candle in the bin once it's been used, but we're usually not sure what else to do with it. APDO member Maria Delia, founder of Dare to Declutter, recommends keeping old candles for storage purposes.

"I use them for things such as cotton pads, hair accessories, makeup brushes or small toiletries," she says. "They can also look much nicer than buying lots of plastic storage containers, particularly in a bathroom or bedroom." Reusing a fabulous candle jar is an easy way to make your bathroom look expensive on a budget.

Use our recommended method for removing wax efficiently when repurposing candle jars.

6. Old pillowcases

Old pillowcases can have a second lease of life when they no longer feel fresh enough to use. Maria recommends using these to organise a wardrobe, among other things. "They make brilliant breathable storage bags for handbags, shoes, seasonal clothing and delicate Christmas decorations."

"I also like using them to keep a matching set of bedding together," she adds. "Simply fold the duvet cover, sheets and extra pillowcase and pop them inside one of the other matching pillowcases. This way your airing cupboard stays organised as there is no need to pull out everything to find the matching set; it’s all in one neat little parcel."

7. Tea towels

Ever wondered what to do when tea towels are past their best? Maria shares a great tip on putting them to use – and it results in a mould-free washing machine seal.

"Once a wash has finished, I use an old tea towel to wipe around and dry the rubber door seal," she says. "Leaving moisture sitting in the seal can contribute to mould and unpleasant smells, so having an old towel within easy reach makes it much more likely that you’ll actually do it. "

8. Kitchen bowls

Just because a serving bowl or dish isn't being used for its original purpose in the kitchen doesn't mean it should be thrown out. Instead, have a think about where else it could be put to use.

"A lovely bowl can become a home for keys and sunglasses in the hallway, while a smaller dish could hold jewellery on a bedside table or hair accessories on a dressing table," says Rebecca Crayford. "And because it's something you already like, it can look lovely as well as being useful."

Professional declutterers often had the same advice when it came to what household items to reuse: try and find a purpose that is genuinely useful for you and your home. Also consider the household waste you can recycle in the garden. If you can't reuse items, then it's OK to let them go. Remember to donate or recycle where possible.

Joe Wicks has been a constant on television screens and online over the last decade, holding our attention with dumbbell strength training workouts and easy-to-follow recipes. In recent years, he's turned his attention to helping women going through menopause who are looking to adjust their workout routine.

The Strength in Menopause series is four short workouts, available to view on YouTube and his Body Coach app. They've racked up half a million views over the past few months. Joe himself says the workouts are mood-boosting sessions designed to address some of the more common symptoms of menopause, like low energy, a slowing metabolic rate, and muscle and bone density loss.

Being low-impact and requiring minimal equipment, it looks promising to me. But are they worth trying? Or is it just another way to make money from menopause? I tried the first two workouts for a week to find out.

I tried Joe Wicks' menopause workouts

I’ve been doing strength training for a few years now. I started with a brilliant female PT, who helped me build confidence to go to the gym alone, so now I plan my own sessions. On first glance, with just five moves in each, I thought Joe Wicks' menopause workout would be a bit simple for me. How wrong I was!

These routines set my muscles on fire, and the dreaded DOMS set in for days afterwards - partly my fault for jumping in without a proper warm-up or cool down after being away from the gym for a while.

Speaking of jumping, there isn't any. These workouts are built around compound movements like squats and lunges that keep at least one foot on the ground at all times, which is great for beginners and those dealing with achy joints in menopause.

That being said, these workouts are still very much a challenge. Joe’s signature on-screen clock caught me out more than once. The (somewhat relentless) movement of 40 seconds on, 20 seconds off, continuous for 20 minutes, revealed how easy I'd been going on myself during my self-managed gym sessions. Clearly, my rest periods were getting a little too long. The workout was enough to raise my heart rate into zone 3, which is rare for my usual zone 1 or 2-only strength workouts.

The four workouts consist of two upper-body workouts and two lower-body workouts. On first go, however, because I had an hour planned for the gym, I attempted both workouts back-to-back. I only made it halfway through the second one before admitting defeat. The intensity was a little too much to do them back-to-back.

However, at just 20 minutes each, combining both gives you a full-body workout in 40 minutes. One workout alone is enough for beginners or for anyone returning to strength training after some time away.

The exercises in the menopause workout will be familiar to anyone who's done strength training before, but it was useful to have Joe shouting out form and technique tips through the workout. He reminded me to go slow and controlled, rather than just trying to get in as many repetitions as possible. It's better for building strength.

Most of all, you get Joe’s undeniably upbeat attitude and cheery encouragement throughout, as well as moments of realism. Even super-fit Joe has to drop a kilo or two when he finds himself struggling at times, assuring us that we too can swap the weights or even revert to bodyweight if that feels right.

What do the workouts involve?

Workout 1: Upper body

Have a pair of heavy weights and a pair of lighter weights to hand. Do each exercise for 40 seconds, with 20 seconds rest in between each.

• Bicep curls (with heavy weights): Lift each arm in turn, rotating each dumbbell as you pull up. Go slow and controlled rather than swinging them up and down.
• Shoulder press (heavy weights): Rest weights on your shoulder with elbows bent. Push up into full extension above your head, then take them back to your shoulders.
• Bent over rows (heavy weights): Hinge at the hips with a slight bend in the knee. Maintain a straight back (if this is tricky, don’t bend as low), and pull the weights up as you squeeze your shoulder blades together. Pause before dropping the weights down again, with control.
• Overhead tricep extension (lighter weights): Holding each weight behind your head, keep elbows tucked in. Then straighten arms to push the weights up overhead, and back down again.
• Lateral dumbbell raises (lighter weights): Take your arms out wide with a slight bend in the elbow, lift to shoulder height, then pause before slowly dropping back down.
• Repeat those five moves three more times (i.e. four times in total over 20mins).

Workout 2: Lower-body workout

Use one set of heavy weights for all moves. Do each exercise for 40 seconds, with 20 seconds rest in between each.

Here's how to do it:

• Sumo goblet squat (one weight): Take the legs wide, toes turned out, and with one heavy dumbbell in hand, squat down (remembering to keep your back straight) and push back up.
• Reverse lunges (right side): With a dumbbell in each hand and keeping an upright position, step the right leg back with knee dropping (but not touching) the ground. Return to centre before repeating.
• Reverse lunges (left side): Repeat as above with the left leg.
• Romanian deadlifts (RDLs): With a dumbbell in each hand and feet hip width apart, make a slight bend in the knees before hinging at the hips and sliding the dumbbells down your legs, before returning to standing. Push your glutes out as you bend, ensuring you maintain a straight back throughout.
• Dumbbell front squat (one or two weights): With a dumbbell in each hand and feet hip-width apart, squat down while keeping your back straight, before returning to standing. Switch to one dumbbell if two is a struggle.
• Repeat those five moves three more times (i.e. four times in total over 20mins).

Benefits of the Joe Wicks' menopause workout

1. Builds muscle and strength

Between the ages of 30 and 50, women lose three to eight per cent of their overall muscle mass each decade. This decline speeds up as oestrogen declines during menopause, with women over 50 experiencing a five to 10 per cent loss of muscle mass every decade. Lower levels of oestrogen also impact muscle repair and recovery. Luckily, you can slow this decline with strength training.

“Joe’s exercises work well here,” says Edwina Jenner, a personal trainer and strength coach specialising in fitness for over 40. “Squats, lunges and RDLs are compound moves that recruit a large amount of muscle in the legs and glutes. Strengthening our glutes, the biggest muscles in our body, matters, as modern life keeps us sitting so much.”

2. Improves bone health

Oestrogen is essential for maintaining bone strength, so when it declines in perimenopause and menopause, our bones weaken. It leaves us at higher risk of fractures. In fact, the Royal Osteoporosis Society estimates that one in two women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

There are measures you can take to reduce the risk, such as HRT, a balanced calcium and vitamin D-rich diet, and exercise. “Strength training helps because bones respond to mechanical loading,” explains Edwina. “When muscles pull against bone while lifting weights, this provides a stimulus that helps maintain bone strength. Squats, RDLs and lunges are particularly useful, as they load the hips and lower body, and strengthen the muscles around them.”

Joe’s menopause workouts won’t provide everything you need to build stronger bones. Edwina recommends jump squats or walkout jump-ups as a good addition to your routine.

But she also says: "Not every woman needs to start jumping. Pelvic floor symptoms and joint issues can be common in midlife, so impact exercise needs to suit the individual."

3. Boosts energy levels

With hormonal changes leaving you feeling like a drained battery, it’s hard to muster enthusiasm for a workout. But exercise will give you that much-needed boost, pumping oxygen-rich blood around the body and brain, and in turn, activating the cell-based mitochondria that produce energy.

For a quick energy-boosting opportunity, Joe’s workouts are accessible at just 20 minutes. It doesn’t take loads of time or mental energy to get it done, says Edwina. “When you’re tired, a long, intense workout can feel like another mountain to climb: this is where Joe’s uncomplicated 20-minute format works really well.”

If motivation is low, focus on tangible outcomes. “Strength training [is about] getting stronger and seeing what your body can do, rather than always making exercise about weight loss. At this stage of life, we need to build a robust, strong body that carries us into the future and protects our independence and autonomy as we age,” adds Edwina.

4. Improves cardiovascular health

Improving cardiovascular health is crucial in midlife as oestrogen, which protects the heart, starts to decline, putting women at higher risk of heart disease and heart attack. Joe’s workouts are slow and steady, rather than full of HIIT-based moves, but that doesn’t mean your heart rate won’t rise (as I discovered).

Commenting on Joe’s routines, Edwina says, “Repeated squats and presses with a challenging pair of dumbbells for 40 seconds, with only 20 seconds of recovery, can send your heart rate climbing considerably.”

Strength training alone isn’t enough to fully replace aerobic exercise, however. Ideally, women should do both.

5. Increases confidence and mood

Low mood and anxiety can be common in perimenopause and menopause thanks to fluctuating hormones. Add in lack of sleep, aching joints and an overwhelming schedule, and mood can worsen. Time and again, research has shown that exercise, which releases endorphins, dopamine and all the other feel-good hormones, can go a long way in lifting us, even when we really don’t feel like doing it.

In fact, a review published in Psychiatry Research found that strength training had, according to numerous studies, a moderate to significant antidepressant effect on people with depression.

Joe has long been an advocate for the mental health benefits of exercise, and that’s emphasised here in his menopause series. As Joe says in workout one, “Regardless of what stage of life you’re in, you’ll always feel better after exercise.”

Are Joe Wicks' menopause workouts worth doing?

Yes, I found Joe Wicks' menopause workouts to be challenging and time-efficient, equally as good for beginners as those who've been working out for a while, since each exercise can be progressed up or down.

Despite his popularity, Joe hasn’t been immune to criticism in the past, and the same goes for his menopause workouts. Some may view these sessions as a cynical ploy to tap into a large, health-aware, midlife audience (‘how can a 40-year-old man relate to the menopausal experience?’, some have said), but I believe that’s unfair.

Sure, coaching by a midlife female PT adds an extra layer of empathy and understanding, but when you solely focus on the movements, they are beneficial for women experiencing perimenopause.

PT Edwina believes Joe's got it right. “Joe Wicks has put together a well-rounded, simple and accessible 20-minute workout routine that removes a key barrier to exercise: finding the time. The format builds confidence without constantly changing sets, which is reassuring for women new to lifting," she tells me.

What's more, he sticks to the essentials. "[Effective] strength training is really about ‘rinse and repeat’: repeating the same movements builds confidence and technique rather than requiring you to learn something new. The basics, done well and repeated consistently, then made progressively more challenging, are what ultimately builds strength,” she explains.

Joe seems genuinely keen to learn more about perimenopause and menopause, and how fitness could improve women’s physical and mental health with age. He also brings his extensive fitness knowledge, encouragement and ‘can-do’ attitude to these exercises, reminding us to “keep believing in yourself”.

Tips for doing Joe Wicks' menopause workouts

• Practice progressive overload: You can't continue to build muscle unless you make your workouts harder over time. “If you can comfortably finish each 40-second interval, your weights are too light. The final reps should feel hard while form stays good," says Edwina.
• Experiment with weight on the first try: I found that I could go heavy on squats and bicep curls, medium for overhead presses, but much lighter on tricep extensions and lateral arm raises.
• Don’t skip the warm-up or cooldown: Even if you’re a seasoned lifter, these (seemingly simple) dumbbell workouts will leave your muscles burning if you don’t prep your body properly, particularly if you’re returning to exercise after prolonged time out from your routine. Gentle stretching, a roller and a massage gun can help here.
• Listen to your body: A bad night’s sleep, poor nutrition, stress. Add hormonal fluctuations into the mix, and you know that how fit and strong you feel can differ greatly, day by day. Edwina says, “On tired or low-energy days, you can still train using lighter weights. It’s about meeting your body where it’s at. Consistency matters far more than smashing every session.”

There are plenty of good, effective hair products out there, and new ones launch all the time. But what is less common in a long-established and somewhat oversaturated market is true innovation.

But if you can count on anyone to think outside the box and create something new and exciting, but also geniunely useful, it's Michael Douglas. The esteemed hairstylist is the brains behind MD London The Numbers, a range that demystifies doing your hair at home with simple, numerical names and pick 'n mix combinations.

Numbers 1-6 launched in February 2026, and now we get the second drop, numbers 7-12. These new offerings feel exciting, smell amazing and are still only £15 a pop, like the first lot.

Of particular interest are the dry-heat protection spray, a sea salt mousse, and a humidity shield that, according to the man himself, gave Davina McCall a blow-dry that lasted seven days.

After meeting with Michael on launch day and having my hair styled and air-dried into effortless beachy waves with the Salt Mousse (The 12), I was so impressed I had to snaffle the rest of the range and try every single one in the days that followed.

There's a nip in the morning air, the evenings are drawing in a little earlier, and I've spotted blackberries ripening on the bushes. I'm not saying it's officially autumn just yet, but I am saying that I'm ready to nest.

Instinctively, I've been looking for little ways to make my home feel softer and warmer, rather than breezy and cool. This transitional styling has a name, "augtober." We're still allowed to enjoy our summer days, but we're also thinking about switching to more candlelight, cashmere, and cooling bedding that now keep us cosy on these cooler mornings.

Inspired by the launch of The White Company's new Autumn Collection, including its collection of transitional bedding that suits muggy nights and chilly mornings, I've put together fifteen finds that will make a home richer, cosier, and more luxurious.

Whether it's a new candle scenting the hallway a cosy Sunday on the sofa, these small buys will make a difference as we move between seasons. If, like me, you find yourself lingering a little longer over the idea of cast iron casserole dishes for cooking your dinner, there are worse ways to fall for autumn.

If you had told me 10 years ago that at 50 my hair would be longer, fuller, and healthier than it was in my thirties, I would have thought you were lying. Back then, I genuinely believed I would never be able to get my hair's old condition back. Like for so many women, it has always been my comfort blanket, and while it wasn’t as thick as my mum’s or sister’s, it had always been long and full. So when it began to change, it hit my confidence hard.

I first noticed my hair thinning the year I turned 40. At the time, I was working as beauty director of Boots Health & Beauty magazine, and my kids were 11 and five, so I was well past the post-partum hair loss stage. I remember noticing my scalp far more at the front – it would also be visible when looking in the rearview mirror of my car. And once I noticed it, I couldn't unsee it.

Then I started noticing other signs. I was wrapping my hairband around an extra loop when I put my hair into a ponytail. The sides had lost all their volume and no matter what I did, it refused to grow. It kept breaking and was really dry. Frustrated, I chopped it into a shoulder-length bob – it hadn’t been that short for years!

Not long after I cut it, I had to have my pictures taken for a magazine photoshoot, and the makeup artist picked up on my paranoia about my hair. She said, "Look, I know that you're so paranoid about your hair today, so let's put a bold red lipstick on you to draw the attention away from it."

Now, 10 years later, I know that one of the main reasons why my hair was thinning was because I was entering perimenopause. Unbelievably, especially considering I now write about it all the time, perimenopause wasn’t a word I’d even heard of back then and, despite working in the beauty industry, I had no idea that I was entering this hormonal phase.

I now know, thanks to my own research and from interviewing experts like consultant dermatologist Dr Nicole Chiang, midlife hair thinning is inevitable for most women, thanks to all of those fluctuating hormones. “During perimenopause, our hair’s natural growth phase shrinks, meaning individual strands drop out sooner before they can reach their usual length,” she explains.

“At the same time, as our oestrogen levels drop faster than our testosterone levels, that hormonal shift allows the androgens – the hormones that can shrink the hair follicles – to take control.”

On top of all these hormonal shifts, midlife stress also plays a role, and personally, my forties were a huge decade of uncertainty and change. I moved with my husband and two sons to America, supported my mum and dad through health problems, "survived" Covid and struggled through financial issues. All of these life issues, Dr Chiang confirms, would have almost certainly impacted the health of my hair.

"Our hair follicles have cortisol receptors, which can push the hair more into the shedding phase,” Dr Chiang continues. “Plus, stress can cause a lot of inflammation; when we have scalp inflammation, our hair is going to fall out quicker, and it’s not going to grow as well."

While hair extensions provided a quick fix, the expense and maintenance led me to remove them after a couple of years. I then decided to shift my focus to the products I used and how my overall lifestyle impacted the health of my hair. Here's what I did...

1. Upgraded my shampoo and conditioner

In my mid-40s, I started treating my hair routine the same way I treated my skincare routine – I began to take notice of ingredients and quality. I stopped using shampoos with drying ingredients like sulphates and silicones, and picked more premium options from brands like Chãmpo, Living Proof and Kérastase that suited my scalp type as well as my hair.

"Always think why are you shampooing,” says Dr Chiang. “You want to cleanse your scalp, not just your hair, and to have healthy hair you need to have a healthy scalp. So definitely target your shampoo to your scalp skin, and then you choose conditioner for your hair.”

I also started advocating for myself by having honest conversations with my hairdresser. And when I voiced my concerns about breakage and thinning, he recommended the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, which completely transformed my hair! It has a superior formula made from peptides that made it softer and stronger and I swear it helped me grow it to the length it is now – something that I’ve not been able to do since my early twenties.

2. Looked at my diet and lifestyle

Nearly two years ago, I made the decision to stop drinking alcohol. This completely reshaped my relationship with my health, which in turn, improved the quality of my hair. It also improved my sleep, motivated me to work out and led me to focus far more on my diet.

So I also began to eat more protein and, as Dr Chiang explained to me, a healthy, balanced diet is essential if you want to improve your hair health, because your body prioritises vital organs long before it sends nutrients to hair.

3. Added LED therapy to my haircare routine

I’d always been sceptical about red light therapy for hair, but after speaking to Dr Chiang, I decided to give it a try. "If you look at the evidence, red light therapy is usually mentioned as one of the treatments that has been shown to have some evidence to work for hair growth," she notes.

It’s hard to measure the benefits of LED therapy on your hair, especially when you are trying other things simultaneously to improve its quality. However, after wearing Beauty Pie’s H Wave LED Hair & Scalp Treatment every night for a few weeks (I find the caps far easier to use than bulky helmets), my hair is growing really quickly and feels more manageable.

Now, when I think back to that photoshoot over 10 years ago, I realise that you really can get your hair back into shape with the right routine and products. So if you’re currently in that space, take a deep breath, put a plan in place and give your hair time to respond. It will pay off – I’m proof of that!

Everyone who knows Mel Giedroyc knows she is one funny woman. Whether through her hilarious work with comedy partner Sue Perkins, her star turn presenting The Great British Bake Off or her most-recent appearance on Amazon Prime's Last One Laughing, she doesn’t stop making people giggle.

However, even the funniest of people have their down times, and following the death of her mother Rosemary in 2024 Mel, 58, had to try something new to get her out of her sadness. And for her, it was walking with her husband Ben which she credits with helping her grieve.

Speaking in the October issue of woman&home, Mel said, “Walking was brilliant for the grieving process. After Mum died, my husband and I did a seven-day-er between Bologna and Florence.

“He walked patiently alongside me, nodding, occasionally laughing, occasionally saying something, and I just cried and chatted away. If anyone reading this is going through a loss, there’s something about walking. I’m obsessed. I’ve even got walking sticks. When I opened them at Christmas, I thought, ‘Hang on, are you suggesting I’m somehow middle-aged?’ I’ve not used them yet!”

But not every walking trip for Mel is one that is to deal with sadness - and there have been some hilarious moments.

One in particular involves a certainly Holy man - who she ended up treating like he was "one of The Beatles".

“I bumped into the Pope during a four-day walking trip with a friend in Italy. We were south of Rome and came across him on the first night purely by chance,” she said.

“Apparently he goes into the countryside to ride his horse. He’d already got into his car but he rolled down the window and gave us a blessing. I was blubbering like a fool. I was actually screaming, running down the road after the car like he was one of The Beatles, but I now understand why people do that. I felt a powerful energy around him. He just looked really cool, really Zen, and exuded something very, very special.”

This year marks a fresh start for Bake Off, the show which Mel left in 2016 after it moved from the BBC to Channel 4. Following the departure of Prue Leith, the iconic Nigella Lawson is taking over as a judge alongside Paul Hollywood.

However, for Mel, she admits she won’t be watching - as she actually never has, even when she was taking part.

“I don’t watch Bake Off and didn’t when I was in it either. That’s not out of any sense of annoyance that I’m not in it, or pique. I just find it quite hard to view shows that I’m in,” she said.

“It’s part of my life that’s gone, and sometimes it’s good just to enjoy it for what it was, close the door and say, ‘That was then and this is now.’ Paul [Hollywood] and I were texting the other day and I still see Mary [Berry] regularly.

“She’s a proper friend. Bake Off is a great format and they have kept it going absolutely brilliantly. I am so excited about Nigella [Lawson] joining. It’s a genius booking. Maybe I’ll start watching it just to see her and Paul together. Together, they’ll take it to another level.”

Mel’s second novel, The Comeback, is out now.

We're beauty advent calendar experts over here at woman&home, having seen (and reviewed) almost every option available on the market over the last few years. And yet, we still couldn't believe our luck when we saw what was inside this affordable option...

The best beauty advent calendars 2026 typically make home to an assortment of buys, such as the best face masks or one of the best face moisturisers. And while that is a similar case for the Champneys 24 Days of Spa Glow Advent Calendar, you can also expect to be treated to a rather luxurious (and surprisingly unusual) gift.

With every one of these advent calendars, not only will you enjoy 24 luxury products, but you'll also be treated to a Champneys Twilight Spa Evening worth £59+. Yes, you read that right; we couldn't quite believe it either.

What's inside the Champneys 24 Days Of Spa Glow Advent Calendar

With this calendar, you'll be treated to mud masks, body souffles and even a voucher for a free Champneys spa evening – and much more...

• Champneys Twilight Spa Voucher (1 Person) - Must be redeemed between 1 January 2027 and 31 December 2027.
• Spa Rituals Hand Gloves – 1 Pair, 12ml
• Energising Hydro Gel Eye Patches – 1 Pair, 3g
• Slumber Body Souffle 50ml
• Glass Nail File
• Slanted Edge Tweezer
• Slumber Mood Mist 50ml
• Slumber Epsom Bath Salts 100ml
• Spa Rituals Mud Mask 50ml
• Nourishing Gold Hydro Gel Facial Treatment Mask 15ml
• Energising Face Sheet Mask 35ml
• Nourishing Hand Cream 50ml
• Energising Body Lotion 50ml
• Energising Body Scrub 50ml
• Energising Body Cleanser 50ml
• Nourishing Body Cleanser 50ml
• Slumber Body Cleanser 50ml
• Nourishing Body Souffle 50ml
• Slumber Body Souffle 50ml
• Spa Rituals Bath Milk 50ml
• Nourishing Bubble Heaven 50ml
• Slumber Bubble Heaven 50ml
• Slumber Crystal Rollerball 10ml
• Gold Sateen Eye Mask
• Fluffy Socks – 1 Pair

When does the Champneys 24 Days Of Spa Glow Advent Calendar go on sale?

The Champneys 24 Days Of Spa Glow Advent Calendar is available to shop now. What's more, the calendar now has an introductory offer at Boots, meaning you can snap it up for 25% less than its usual RRP until 15th September – that's just £34.50.

How to shop the Champneys 24 Days Of Spa Glow Advent Calendar

You can snap up the Champneys 24 Days Of Spa Glow Advent Calendar via the Boots website. Make the most of the click and collect service and get the box delivered to your nearest Boots store, opt for free standard delivery, or get next-day delivery for an extra £5.95.

Core strength isn’t just about having strong abs. Your core includes the back, hips, glutes and pelvis, so improving it will help protect these key areas of the body, improve your posture, and prevent future injuries.

Pilates for beginners is one of the best workouts to try if you're looking to improve core strength and mobility for daily activities like climbing stairs and lifting bags, as much as any workout.

Claudia Armani is a Pilates instructor with over 15 years of experience working with clients. "It's a low-impact fitness method that can be adapted to all levels, from complete beginner to seasoned athlete. Each exercise can be broken down and built up, providing a perfect start for those who feel out of shape," she says.

The practice also "works on deep core strength, spinal flexibility, joint stability and flexibility, body awareness, coordination, proprioception, and coordination", she notes. These are often neglected in other workouts. Grab your thick yoga mat - here's where to start...

1. Pilates bridge

The Pilates bridge targets key core muscles, is easy to do and is suitable for beginners. It can also help loosen the hip flexors - a potentially stiff area for those who sit during the day.

Claudia says the bridge, sometimes called the shoulder or glute bridge, “builds spinal and body awareness, spinal articulation, and core engagement”.

How to do a bridge:

• Lie on your back on the mat.
• Bend your legs at 90 degrees.
• Keep your arms straight by your sides.
• Start with your lower back flat on the mat before slowly lifting your hips and spine off the ground.
• Press into your feet and pull your heels into your bum to work your glutes, hamstrings and quads.
• Slowly lower back down onto the mat.
• Repeat 10-15 times.

2. Abdominal curl

This is another move which can easily be done on a mat at home, and it’s the “perfect exercise to counteract hours seated at your desk", says Claudia. "It helps build abdominal strength and thoracic spinal flexibility."

How to do an abdominal curl on a Pilates ball:

• Sit on your mat with your knees bent.
• Tuck the ball behind your mid-back.
• With your hands resting behind your head, lie back over the ball.
• Slowly lift your head and shoulders up and towards your knees.
• Lower back down slowly.
• Repeat 10-15 times.

3. Superman

Box swimming, sometimes known as the Superman exercise, “strengthens your back muscles, improves coordination and stimulates core awareness and proprioception”, which is your body’s ability to sense its movements and the space around it.

This move will activate both the big and small muscles in your back and challenge your deep core abdominals and glutes.

Here's how to do the Superman exercise:

• Come down onto your yoga mat, with your hands and knees on the floor. Make sure your wrists are under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
• Brace your core and make sure to keep your back flat.
• Bring your right arm straight in front of you and push your left leg behind you simultaneously.
• Pause for two to three seconds, keeping your body steady.
• Lower your hand and knee to the floor.
• Switch sides.

As autumn approaches, richer colours and statement finishes are creeping back onto our manicure moodboards – and ‘oyster nails’ are the latest look to catch our attention. Cool and silvery with a glazed sheen, they’re an elegant way to embrace metallics for the new season.

While beige nails and neutral nail designs will undoubtedly remain popular, we’re already seeing celebrities switch out sheer washes of colour for bolder looks. Now, Stacey Dooley is following suit, showcasing a striking silver manicure on Instagram that has us looking ahead to the more adventurous 2026 nail trends.

Consider oyster nails the autumnal evolution of the ‘pearl nails’ that have dominated this summer. Instead of a milky white hue topped off with an iridescent sheen, oyster nails lean hazy grey-silver, with a reflective, chrome-like finish that conjures up the inside of an oyster shell. “Stacey looks to be wearing a soft silver chrome with a pearly finish,” agrees Susan Carroll, founder of Notting Hill beauty destination Young LDN. “It has a slightly sheer quality to it which gives it that oyster-shell effect.”

The television presenter gave us a sneak peek of her oyster nails in a selfie, asking her followers for the best blow-dry in Liverpool. “Intergalactic nails is all I see,” commented one follower – and we can relate. Cool, silvery and futuristic, the pearly finish keeps the look softer than a traditional mirror chrome. Silver works equally well on short, squoval nails à la Stacey as it does on longer almond nail shapes.

“The pearly finish tones it down and makes it almost feel like a neutral,” explains Carroll. “If you usually go for sheer pinks, nudes or milky nail polish, this is a really easy way to try something a little different.” It also offers a stepping stone between summer and autumn: cooler and more impactful than the soft pinks we've been wearing, without committing to the burgundies and chocolate brown nails synonymous with the colder months.

One thing Carroll has noticed is that “rather than a really strong mirror chrome, clients are choosing more subtle pearl and chrome finishes over sheer or neutral bases.” To get Stacey's oyster-shell effect at the salon, she recommends asking for “a sheer, cool-toned base with a soft silver or pearl chrome over the top,” making sure the chrome isn't so heavy that it completely disguises the base underneath.

Prefer to DIY? Carroll suggests choosing a sheer silver rather than an opaque metallic polish. Alternatively, “use a milky nude as your base and add a pearl or silver shimmer over the top to get a similar effect.” Finish with a glossy top coat to really play up that light-reflective, shell-like sheen.

With summer slowly coming to an end, gardeners will start thinking about pruning. Acer trees, however, need to be pruned with caution – only in specific months of the year.

As one of the best trees for pots, Acers are a popular addition to gardens as they bring not only an interesting shape of leaf to your space but wonderful deep colours too. Even after summer is over, these are plants that will introduce autumn colour to your garden and help keep your space looking lively.

They do require pruning, like most trees; however, it is crucial you get the timing right when doing this. Pruning at the wrong time could damage the plant and lead to sap bleeding. Not to worry, we have advice from the experts to ensure you get it right.

When is the best time to prune Acer trees in the UK?

If you do have an Acer as a patio container plant or in the ground, it will eventually need pruning to encourage proper growth.

"When deciding to prune an Acer tree, it is important to be aware that they have high sap pressure, which means that when you prune them, they will ‘bleed’ a lot of sap from where they have been cut," says Lucie Bradley, gardening expert at Easy Garden Irrigation. "The more sap they leak from a fresh cut, the more energy and nutrients are lost, affecting the health of the plant."

"At the same time, the heavy leaking of sap makes it harder for the fresh cut to heal, which makes your acer vulnerable to disease, as sweet, sticky sap will attract bacteria and fungus," she adds.

"This means that you need to ensure that any pruning that you carry out is kept to a minimum and that you prune only when the tree is in a dormant phase, as this is when its sap pressure will be at its lowest and fresh cuts will bleed the least," continues Lucie.

Because of this, Acers benefit from being pruned at the very latest in February; however, earlier is better depending on the climate.

"So you should confine pruning until your acer is in a fully dormant state, which is from November until January, so you avoid heavy ‘bleeding’ of sap. During this period, your acer will not have any leaves, which will also make it easier for you to efficiently prune as you can see the full structure of the tree," explains Lucie.

"Your only exception to pruning during this period is if you have any long, straggly stems growing and disrupting the shape of your acer. You can carefully remove these in July-August, but this should only be for odd, unruly stems and not an overall trim as the cuts would weep sap excessively," she says.

How do I prune my Acer to shape?

If you've spotted your Acer looking a little dishevelled while sorting the garden out, luckily, you can shape it to make it look tidier.

"To prune an Acer to shape, you should firstly remove any dead, damaged and diseased wood. Then, reduce congestion in the tree's canopy by cutting out branches that cross, rub together or grow straight down towards the centre," says Richard Barker, horticulture expert and Commercial Director at LBS Horticulture.

"Work from the top down when pruning, trimming back long, awkward outer branches to just above an outward-facing bud or lower branch junction. You should not try to shear an acer like a hedge, and only remove what is necessary when pruning," he adds.

Whether you're shaping or pruning, always make sure your essential garden tools are clean and as sharp as possible. This will prevent the spread of disease and cause less stress to the tree.

Can you cut an Acer right back?

Not only should you avoid pruning in summer; it's also best not to cut acers right back.

"I would never recommend cutting an acer right back – with acers it’s all about keeping pruning to a minimum as these slow-growing trees will naturally create a graceful form," says Lucie. "If you are too harsh with pruning, the loss of sap will weaken the acer, and you will get unsightly dieback to parts of the tree which won’t recover; at worst you could accidentally kill your acer."

When should you not prune acers?

Now you know not to add pruning acers to your summer gardening to-do list; when else should you avoid taking secateurs to the tree?

"You should not prune acers during spring or early summer, as the sap in the tree will be actively flowing. This can mean that pruning cuts bleed sap heavily, which stresses the tree," Richard explains.

"You should also avoid pruning during freezing temperatures, as frost can damage pruning cuts and exposed plant tissue may freeze. Younger trees should not be pruned either in their first year, as the tree needs time to settle."

Looking to add more Acers to your garden? You can try an 'air layering' propagation method that will help you grow more without needing to spend a penny at the garden centre.

We drink with it, cook with it and rely on it for everything from our morning cups of tea through to washing our hair. That's why increasing numbers of people are turning their attention to our water quality at home.

The "water wellness" movement is all about investing in home water filters, both small and substantial to enjoy better-tasting water that's kinder to your body. However, choosing the right filter for your home requires some research.

Whether you want a simple filter jug for the fridge, a subtle under-the-sink filter to minimise clutter, or a tap fitting that works for renters, we've found the best six water filters. We've also got water experts' advice for their favourites choices for every home.

Six Water Filters For Every Home

What type of water filter do you need?

If you're not sure which type of water filter is right for you and your home, it really comes down to a few options. Jo Delaney NPD & Technical Director at Doulton Water Filters recommends thinking about the space that you have and how you want to use your water filter. Here are her expert thoughts on the different types:

• Under sink systems are a good option for homeowners looking for a more integrated solution as the system sits beneath the sink and provides filtered water without taking up worktop space.
• Countertop systems offer more flexibility and can be particularly useful for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to make permanent changes to their kitchen.
• Gravity systems, such as British Berkefeld, don’t require a connection to mains plumbing, making them a flexible option at home or when travelling off-grid.
• Filtered water bottles are designed for portability, allowing you to take filtered water with you when you’re out and about.
• There are also filters designed for other parts of the home, such as shower filters. The gentler flow from these can be particularly useful for households with children, while helping to provide a more comfortable showering experience for those looking to be mindful of their hair and skin

Jo also stresses that it's "important to think about what you want the filtration system to achieve," she explains that "different filters are designed to reduce different things, so consumers shouldn’t assume that all water filters work in the same way." She recommends always looking at the way that a product has been tested to help decide whether it's for you.

Whether you're trying to improve the taste, or minimise contaminants in your water at home, 2026 is the year of "water wellness". More people than ever before are using filter systems at home

There's no one size fits all approach for how to enjoy filtered water at home, so I've spoken to the experts to find out the perfect water filter for every use.

Gillian Anderson has a refreshing approach to exercise. No treadmill workouts or dedicated strength training routines. In fact, nothing at all up until recently.

Aside from one year where she had a boyfriend who loved to work out, the actress says that she's never exercised regularly - and hasn't done so on principle.

"Don't tell me that I am not OK if I am not exercising," she said on Elizabeth Day's How to Fail podcast. "More than ever, there is a wellness culture that is actually potentially making people even sicker as people have got more and more into exercise, eating well, macros, and you name it."

Since turning 50, however, Gillian has said her attitude to exercise has changed. "Now that I'm 55, I'm finding it for myself. There's a plethora of stuff out there for people, particularly my age and above, talking about longevity. If you want to pick up your grandchildren, you should move your limbs a bit.

"In that context, I feel like OK. I am actually ready. I am going to do it in the way that I want to do it, and that feels good for me," she said, adding that she wanted to get stronger in her core and herself.

"But it's got to be pleasurable for me. There is power in pleasure. If it doesn't [offer pleasure] in some way, then it won't last," she said.

Far from finding the 'perfect workout routine', Gillian has settled into working with a trainer on a workout app and started doing the "smallest things, like not taking the lift, taking the stairs". This is called NEAT exercise.

What is NEAT exercise?

Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) refers to all the calories you burn while you move but don't exercise. "This can include activities such as taking the stairs, parking further away from the office, walking to/from the coffee machine, or even gentle housework," says personal trainer Charlie Bertoia.

It accounts for about half of the calories we burn every day, whereas dedicated workouts would only cover about 10% if you exercised every day. It's more about finding opportunities to move, rather than doing dedicated exercises.

"They are movements that increase the total number of calories you burn throughout the day. This will help manage your body weight and improve blood sugar, cholesterol, and fat, and improve mobility," he says.

According to studies in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, NEAT exercise has also been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, as well as improved insulin sensitivity.

"Regular movement breaks throughout the day contribute to NEAT, and people who rack up more calories burned tend to be healthier," says Charlie.

What workouts has Gillian Anderson done in the past?

While the actress has said she's used personal trainers in the past to get in shape for roles, she told The Daily Mail in 2015 that she doesn't "try that hard to stay in shape".

She said: "I go through stages of yoga a few times a week and throw in some running."

This appears to be a habit still, as she told Elle UK last year that she meditates and does yoga, and when she allows herself to take "that space and connect the mind and body", she notices the difference.

How to do more NEAT exercise

• Use a standing desk or set a timer: If you normally work sitting down, it's worth getting a standing desk or having a timer that'll mark a break period for you to stand and walk around. Many fitness trackers have movement alerts that do this to improve the amount of NEAT exercise users do.
• Move while on the phone: Walking around the house while on the phone could improve your levels of movement naturally. You could also get a walking pad to use while watching television.
• Take the long way: If there are two routes you could follow on a walk home, to the office, or to a friend's house, choose the longer one. You'll naturally get more steps in. Equally, if you work from an office, head outside to a spot further away to pick up your lunch.
• Move during television breaks: While this is more of an exercise snack than NEAT exercise, it works. Dr Zoe Williams recently recommended that viewers of This Morning do squats during the show's breaks, working out to 550 squats a week for those who watch the daily program.

I don't know about you, but there's no feeling like being complimented on my perfume; it's just one of those things that instantly puts a spring in my step.

If you're not new around here, you'll have heard me banging on about Narciso Rodriguez perfumes being some of the best perfumes for women on the market. Not only are they delectably sensual, but the brand's scents are also some of the most long-lasting perfumes I've ever tried. Oh, and did I mention, they're almost always guaranteed to win you compliments?

While I have many favourite blends from the fragrance house, there's one that's been pipping the others to the post recently – the newest face to the lineup, For Her Pure Musc Blanc. Plus, this bright and airy aroma also serves as the perfect choice to transition you from summer to autumn.

I'm already a fan of the 'For Her' line, with Narciso Rodriguez's For Her Intense Eau de Parfum and For Her Musc Noir Rose EDP being two of my absolute all-time favourites. So, when the brand launched the newest iteration, Pure Musc Blanc, just a few months back, I had high expectations – fortunately, it lived up to every one.

Arriving in a chic frosted cream bottle, it might not look spectacular from the get-go, but it's the fragrance inside that is worth raving about. While it takes notes from the other musky For Her scents, this blend is the brightest and most luminous of the lot. It's sensual and intimate but boasts an edge of soft, clean freshness.

Following in the footsteps of the brand's long-lasting fragrances, this scent's longevity is as impressive as the others, lasting from noon to night without any top-ups. Not to mention, it's almost always guaranteed to win you compliments from everyone you pass.

Its versatile nature also makes it great for layering with your other loved perfumes to create a truly signature, one-of-a-kind scent. Personally, I like to spritz a floral fragrance over the top for a musky-floral blend – my favourite being Parfums de Marly's Delina Rosée.

The only slight downside worth noting is that I can't see when the scent is running on empty – which I predict will happen quite soon with the liberal amount I frequently apply of this perfume.

When creating a strength training programme, many personal trainers and fitness instructors have the plank in their sessions as a go-to core exercise. I'd do the same. It's a great full-body move that strengthens the core, improves posture, and builds stability.

However, it's a foundation exercise. Mark Harris, a level 4 PT and strength and conditioning coach, says: "It primarily focuses on the muscles through the centre of the body, particularly the rectus abdominis and the transverse abdominis. There are plenty of progression options available, including adding external weight while maintaining the same position."

Keep the classic plank exercise in your workouts, but try a few plank variations, as recommended by this expert personal trainer.

Copenhagen plank

The Copenhagen plank moves the focus from the front of the body to the sides, similar to the side plank. "It's performed one side at a time, making it a unilateral exercise. This can help identify and reduce side-to-side imbalances," says Mark.

I switched to the Copenhagen plank about a year ago. I'm a runner, and as the months ticked by, I saw my balance and full-body stability grow. It translated as much into my treadmill workouts as my strength ones. I also felt the exercise more in my shoulders and arms than in a traditional plank, as you hold one side at a time.

Here's how to do it:

• Bring a weight bench or stool (if doing the exercise at home) near your feet.
• Come down into a plank, resting on your forearm, making sure your elbow is under your shoulder.
• Place the inside of your top foot onto the bench or stool.
• Engage your abs and squeeze your glutes.
• Drive your hips up to the ceiling.
• Your body should form a straight line from head to foot.
• Hold the position then switch sides.

Reverse plank

The reverse plank is one of the only plank variations that focuses on lower-body strength. PT Monty Simmons previously told woman&home that constant sitting weakens and tightens the muscles down the back of the body. Doing reverse planks can help prevent this.

"It trains the glutes (buttocks), hamstrings (back of thighs), lower back, and even the muscles around the shoulders. These are essential for everyday movement."

Here's how to do it:

• Lie down on the floor, propping yourself up on your elbows with your legs out in front of you.
• Engage your core, press into your palms and heels.
• Lift your hips up to create a straight line from your shoulders to your heels.
• Be sure to draw your shoulder blades together and keep your chest open.
• Hold this position.

Plank rows

From the back of the body to the front - plank rows basically do the opposite. "This exercise combines upper-body strength with core stability," says Mark. "Alternating arm rows mean one arm performs the rowing movement while the other stabilises your body in an isometric hold. This challenges strength and stability at the same time."

It's also a great plank variation for those looking to target these muscles who are new to strength work.

Here's how to do it:

• Put two dumbbells (preferably hexagonal ones) on the floor.
• Come down into the high plank position, resting on your hands.
• Hold onto the dumbbells, making sure they are shoulder-width apart and directly under your shoulders.
• Move your weight onto your right arm and pick up a dumbbell with your left.
• Once stable, drive the left elbow up and back towards your hip, as if you're trying to put the dumbbell in your back pocket.
• Repeat the movement.

Warding away sweaty odour, whilst also complementing all my signature fragrances with its surprisingly chic and lingering scent, this £3 Daise deodorant has won a permanent spot in my daily routine.

Something to know about me is that I take great pride in my scent. My favourite compliment is being told I smell good, so naturally, I'm very militant about my hygiene routine. My choice of body wash to the long-lasting perfume I'm wearing are all steps I take very seriously indeed. Though none more so than my everyday deodorant. After all, even the chicest and priciest of perfumes - while possessing the ability to trail you with luxe notes - can't do much to fight essence of eau de B.O.

Having a reliable, proven deodorant (be it a stick or spray) is therefore essential, especially in the summertime, and I've found one that not only smells great but actually works to keep body odour at bay, even in excessive heat and humidity. Oh, and best of all, it's only £3 and available at your local Boots.

The £3 Daise deodorant I swear by for smelling good all day, every day

A busy commute, a long office day and 30-degree heat are truly a hellish combination for staying fresh and good-smelling all day. Thanks to this Daise deodorant, though, I've escaped being a sweaty mess by 5 pm this summer. Well, armpit-wise anyway, I can't claim to have not been left looking a bit dishevelled at points during all these heatwaves, though I can definitely say it would all have been made a lot worse without this gorgeous-smelling and seriously cheap body spray.

I have the scent 'XOXO', which marries spicy hints of saffron and warm amber with cedarwood and musky rose. As far as my favourite perfumes for women go, I'm very much a woody-floral girl (Diptyque Fleur de Peau and Orphéon are among my go-tos), so this body spray is my taste to a T and complements them all beautifully. And don't let its £3 price point or bright, slighty youthful-looking packaging deceive you - it actually smells very chic and lingers well.

Personally, I use it more as a deodorant than a body spray, though I like that it can do both. I haven't found it to be at all irritating (and I do have quite sensitive pits). It's also aluminium-free, which I didn't know existed in this kind of aerosol format, but I was very pleased to discover it, having made the switch to natural stick deodorants a few years ago.

Personally, I've tried many a spray formula in my time and never found them to be massively impressive, but this one really surprised me - from its unexpectedly sophisticated scent to its price. You really get a lot for that £3.

Regardless of whether I'm applying it in the morning to keep me covered while I'm out and about, or ahead of a sweaty gym session, it does such a great job of keeping my underarms fresh. I will say, though, it doesn't completely stop you from sweating; rather, it combats any smell.

It works well alone, but I also like layering it over a stick deodorant, specifically Salt & Stone's Lily and Yuzu one, just for extra, extra protection, and because I like the combined scent. So if you already have a favourite deo or love to layer your body buys, this Daise is such a versatile option. It's also been road-tested, so to speak, in many a heatwave, which can't be said for some options out there.

It's always a much-needed relief when the rain finally arrives after a long, intense summer drought. However, to ensure your garden reaps the benefits, here are the five jobs you should tackle first.

Just as there are many ways to prepare your garden for a heatwave, you also need to complete certain jobs to prepare for intense spells of rain. With summers getting hotter, our gardens need more help recovering from heatwaves and using the natural rainfall is a great way to do this.

If you've rainscaped your garden or have been trying ways to harvest more rainwater, then these specific jobs can help your garden collect more and prepare your plants to soak up all that much-needed moisture.

What to do in your garden before it rains: 5 expert tips

Along with your summer gardening jobs, there's plenty to do in your garden as the weather changes. Even if you've built a drought-tolerant garden, when rain is on the way, your space will need help to make the most of it.

Garden experts have revealed the tasks you need to do outside after a long drought, with heavy downpours on the way.

1. Clean gutters

It might seem strange, but cleaning your gutters is just as important during summer as it is in winter. Especially when you're collecting rainwater via a water butt or trough.

"It's becoming apparent that we all should be collecting as much rainwater as possible. And to that end, the key component in that is to make sure that all your gutters are clear of any fallen leaves, moss or debris," explains Monty Don, on BBC's Gardeners' World.

"And then the water, when it does rain, can be collected in troughs, water butts, or tanks," he adds.

Many great garden solutions can collect rainwater for you, and having more than one kind is the best way to ensure a plentiful harvest.

2. Aerate your lawn

You might've noticed that a heatwave has killed your lawn, and it's looking rather crispy. While the rain will be a welcome relief, it won't help your lawn at all if it's not aerated.

A lesser-known essential lawn care tip to keep your grass green during summer is aerating it before watering and rainfall. This allows water and moisture to be properly absorbed into the soil right down to the roots of the grass.

With the right tool, this doesn't take long, but it will make all the difference to your lawn and bring it back once it's gone that brown, crispy way.

3. Give your plants a quick water

It's no secret that knowing how to water your garden plants properly is extremely key during the summertime, but your plants will actually need water before the rain comes.

“If the ground is extremely dry, it’s also worth giving your plants some water before a storm arrives, as slightly moist soil can sometimes absorb rainfall more efficiently than soil that has baked hard in the sun," says Mark Sage, Lead Horticultural Buyer at B&Q.

"Remove any dead growth, fallen leaves or debris from beds, drains and gutters around the garden too, as these can quickly become blocked and contribute to standing water or flooding during heavy downpours," he adds.

4. Check your pots' drainage holes

You'll also have to give your patio container plants and hanging baskets a quick check to ensure their drainage is sufficient to withstand heavy rains.

“For containers and hanging baskets, check that drainage holes are clear and raise pots slightly using pot feet, if possible. Even after heavy rain, it’s worth checking baskets and containers regularly, as rainfall often doesn’t fully penetrate dense summer foliage and the roots may still be too dry, especially in pots positioned close to buildings," explains Mark.

You can use teabags in your garden during summer to help with moisture retention and drainage; this is a great sustainable garden idea with benefits.

5. Check the quality of your soil

No matter what your garden's soil type is, consistent hot weather can have a real impact on it. If it's already naturally dry, then you may have to help it before it rains.

"Prolonged hot weather can leave soil dry, compacted and less able to absorb water quickly, which means intense rainfall is more likely to run off the surface rather than soak in," Mark explains.

"One of the first things to do is check the condition of your soil – lightly aerating compacted areas with a fork or lawn aerator can help improve drainage and allow water to penetrate more effectively," he continues.

When the weather has been particularly dry and hot, you might have to take extra action to help sunburnt plants during the heatwave and afterwards.

Few makeup products can enliven the complexion quite like blush. But while shade and formulation certainly matter, blush placement can have just as much impact on the finished look.

It’s something the professionals know well – legendary makeup artist Patti Dubroff (whose client roster includes Priyanka Chopra, Margot Robbie and Kirsten Dunst) included. “Blush is one of my favourite ways to shape and sculpt the face, and it’s all about placement,” she explains.

Recently taking to Instagram, Dubroff demonstrated three different looks using the same cream blush, simply switching up where she applied it. If you typically apply your best blusher the same way every day, it could be time to reconsider.

Patti Dubroff's 'lifted' blush technique

Of the three techniques demonstrated, we were especially drawn to Dubroff’s ‘lifted’ blush trick. Rather than concentrating colour on the apples of the cheeks, she takes it higher and further out towards the temples. For a lifted look, Dubroff recommends taking your blush along the tops of the cheekbones.

Before going in, she takes “a little bit of the colour onto the brush” and blends it into the back of her hand first, allowing her to build the colour gradually. “The blush placement is going to stay high towards the temple to give the illusion of a lift,” she explains. It’s a simple but effective trick, and one worth trying if you’re guilty of some of the most common blusher mistakes, like taking your colour too low or too close to the nose.

For an outdoorsy flush, Dubroff creates what she calls a “windswept look”, switching to a flatter brush and taking the blush straight across the cheeks. “This one is more of a straight-across placement to mimic, you know, a day in the sunshine, out on the moors, windswept,” she says.

Dubroff uses Chanel N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Vital Beige throughout, but any easy-to-blend formula will work. REFY Water Blush is another lightweight pick that delivers a sheer, healthy-looking flush.

Her final technique is all about recreating a sun-kissed glow. Using a stippling brush, Dubroff applies the blush “a little more generously wherever the sun naturally hits”, sweeping it over the cheeks and temples and across the bridge of the nose. It’s not dissimilar to the sunset blush technique, which uses warm, red-orange tones across the cheeks and nose to create a realistic sun flush.

Interestingly, Dubroff favours blush over bronzer for the effect: “I really like to use a blush instead of a bronzer because I feel like it’s more alive.” Shade choice is key here, too. Dubroff opts for Chanel’s Vital Beige, an earthy hue that could almost pass for bronzer, helping to create that softly bronzed flush.

More cream blushers we love

The sea is mirror-like as the first rays of sunshine cast a golden shadow across the Cornish coastline. Although it's July, the cold water is enough to make me gasp. But as I look out towards the horizon, I can't imagine a much better way to begin the day.

“It's beautiful, isn't it?” says a woman as she swims past. I smile and nod before stepping into the water and spending the next 30 minutes swimming, alternating between breaststroke, front crawl and simply floating on my back. It's a world away from my usual early morning walking routine.

While I grew up in Falmouth, Cornwall, these days I live near the hilly Pennines in the North of England, where I spend mornings walking. I try to pull on my walking shoes before emails and deadlines take over. Even if I can only get out for 10 minutes of walking, it's a daily reset. It gives me a chance to clear my head and move before hunching over a laptop for the rest of the day.

Swimming was often in my routine as a teenage club swimmer, but I moved inland as an adult. It had been years since I'd swum before breakfast, and I found I had missed it. Walking will always be one of my favourite ways to enjoy nature and clear my mind, but swimming offers something entirely different. Immersed in the water, it's a complete sensory escape, and I wanted to find out why.

Whether you’re tempted by the sea, a lake or your local pool, I asked the experts why an early swim can do as much for your mind as it does for your body, long after you've dried off.

Benefits of a morning swim

1. It calms your mind before the day begins

Every morning swim started with the same negotiation: "it's too cold" or "I'll go in tomorrow", yet I never once regretted it once I found the courage to get in. Within minutes of entering the water, the mental chatter faded.

Researchers describe the restorative effect of nature as ‘soft fascination’, when natural surroundings gently capture your attention, allowing the brain to recover from mental fatigue. Walking can create this effect, but swimming amplifies it.

“Sounds become softer and more muted, while your visual perspective shifts compared with being on land. There is something inherently calming about being supported by the water; it can feel both physically relieving and mentally freeing, creating a sense of relaxation that is difficult to replicate in other forms of exercise,” says Celia Boothman, a certified triathlon coach and IRONMAN ambassador.

When your face touches cold water, the mammalian dive reflex is triggered. "It's an evolutionary survival mechanism designed to protect your brain and heart from oxygen deprivation," says Celia. "The heart rate drops, your blood vessels constrict and breathing changes. The initial shock can feel intense, but the effect is a sense of calm and reduced anxiety.”

That explains why I climbed out of the water feeling noticeably calmer and more at peace with the day. Any worries I’d woken up with had been left behind in the water.

2. It helps you feel more focused

Morning swims help you feel mentally and physically buoyed too, which can improve your concentration and decision-making for hours after you get out of your swimwear.

“A morning swim doesn’t solve all my problems, but it gives me a few minutes each morning where I feel grounded, capable, and connected. I always come home better able to deal with whatever is waiting for me,” says Sophie Hellyer, former professional surfer, outdoor swimmer and Dryrobe ambassador.

The cool temperature of water also releases endorphins and norepinephrine, which are the brain's natural 'feel-good' and focus chemicals.

“You’ll find that after a morning swim, you’ll have a reinvigorated, sustained mood boost, which is longer lasting than the peak and crash of a morning espresso. That calm, resilient energy can often stay with you all day,” says Celia.

But it's not just a feeling. Celia notes that just 20 minutes of moderate-intensity breaststroke has been shown to improve visuomotor performance, which includes hand-eye coordination, visual reaction time, and spatial awareness.

“The study also found swimming can acutely enhance cognitive function. In other words, a morning swim doesn't just wake up your body, it can also sharpen your mind and set you up for a more productive day.”

This was hugely beneficial for me, as someone who procrastinates. Back at my desk, I wanted to crack on with my to-do list and was more ready to do so than I had been the previous week.

3. Swimming is a full-body workout

One of the biggest benefits of a swimming workout is that it works almost every major muscle group, from your shoulders and back to your core and legs. Yet, the water's buoyancy reduces the strain on your joints and muscles, so it's a low-impact workout.

“Being in the water provides your body with a unique sense of support. The feeling of weightlessness reduces the impact on your joints and muscles. Hydrostatic pressure, a gentle, even pressure around the body, acts like a mild compression garment, helping to improve circulation and reduce swelling and inflammation,” says Celia.

If you want to improve your cardiovascular fitness and strength without too much impact on your joints, then a morning swim is the workout for you. I was happy to be waking my body up without feeling like I'd put it through a gruelling workout.

“You walk out feeling open through the chest, long through the spine and like your body’s been oiled rather than battered,” says Samantha Russo, an elite swim coach at Virgin Active UK who loves seeing more women over 40 discover swimming.

“As the upper back and shoulders become stronger, people stand taller and develop a different relationship with their body. Instead of asking, ‘What do I look like in these leggings?’, the question becomes, ‘What can my body do today?’ That’s powerful at any age, but especially through perimenopause and beyond.”

Water is considerably denser than air, creating natural resistance without the need for weights or high-impact movements. However, swimming isn't a weight-bearing exercise. That's why experts recommend combining swimming with progressive strength workouts, at the gym or at home, to help build stronger muscles and bones.

4. It helps healthy habits stick

Building new habits takes time. Celia is a big believer in making them as easy as possible to stick to. “For many people, mornings are the ideal time to establish a routine because they're generally free from the distractions, competing priorities and decisions that build up as the day goes on. By setting aside time for yourself first thing, you're less likely to let other commitments get in the way and by removing barriers and making the decision the night before, you're much more likely to follow through when the alarm goes off,” she says.

“Consistency isn't about relying on motivation every morning, it’s about creating a routine that makes the healthy choice the easiest one.”

Her advice is simple: Pack your swim bag, lay out your kit and leave everything by the door.

I'd also recommend a swim hat, goggles, and a flask of warming tea if you're heading out in chillier weather.

5. A morning swim is good for sleep

After just a few days of morning swims, I was falling asleep more easily, staying asleep for longer, and waking before my alarm feeling ready for the day. This isn't necessarily about swimming, but it is about swimming in the morning.

Morning light plays a key role in regulating your circadian rhythm, your body's internal clock and exercising first thing outdoors is a great way to expose yourself to natural light early in the day, says Celia. This helps encourage the body's sleep-wake cycle, and may help you sleep better in the evenings.

“While any exercise will increase cortisol to some degree, moderate-intensity activities like swimming generally produce a smaller stress response than more intense forms of exercise," she says. "This means you can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of exercise without placing as much additional stress on your body."

Getting outside for a morning swim also requires you to set an alarm, she notes, and this "consistent wake-up time promotes healthier sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep at night, improve sleep quality, and wake up feeling more refreshed".

I'm not sure whether it was the combination of daylight, fresh sea air or the swim itself. Instead of lying awake at 3 am with a racing mind, I felt genuinely sleepy at bedtime and slept more soundly through the night. I also found myself waking naturally around 5.30 am, feeling refreshed rather than groggy and ready for the day, and a dip.

Morning walks vs morning swims

Morning walks will always have a place in my routine, but swimming has earned one too. My aim now is to swim two or three mornings a week before breakfast, which feels realistic. I may not have the sea on my doorstep, but my local pool offers many of the same physical and mental benefits.

As autumn arrives and temperatures drop, an indoor pool will undoubtedly feel more inviting than open water, and having another way to move before breakfast means I can choose what suits my mood, the weather and my body that day. That's a habit worth holding on to.

As Samantha says, morning swimming isn’t about being 'disciplined' or 'hardcore'. It’s about gifting yourself a pocket of time where your body moves, your mind softens, and the day hasn’t had a chance to take over yet.

"Whether you give yourself 10 minutes of swimming or 40, whether you’re gliding serenely or stopping often to catch your breath, you’re still doing something profoundly kind for your future self when the rest of the world is still sleeping," she says.

After weeks of dry soil, wilting borders, and relentless heat, the forecast is finally turning in our favour. For gardeners, rainfall is a wonderful opportunity to get your garden back to lush greenery, but you'll want to be smart about it. We've had such a long, dry spell that much of the ground has baked hard, meaning rainwater is more likely to run straight off than soak into the soil where your plants really need it.

To prepare for the rain, and really take advantage of the extra water coming down, you'll want to gen up on rainwater harvesting, with some essentials to hand. Placing a water butt under a gutter, a rain chain to guide the deluge down in style, and a clever dish in the right place could be some of the most effective jobs you do this summer to support your garden and the wildlife that helps it to thrive.

These are small, but essential tweaks, that will help you to make your garden look good again. From premium rain pots to practical basics, these little tweaks are what is known as 'rainscaping' - the expert way to make the most of your borders and planters. If you're ready to get practical, decorative, and a little bit damp, these nine buys will help you to make the most of every drop.

Whether you're helping your plants recover from sunburn and the extended heatwave, or looking for eco-conscious upgrades that make the most of what the weather's offering, these are nine essentials for any garden. I've got my gardener's gloves on and my fingers crossed that the rain keeps coming - our thirsty gardens need it.

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

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

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

Shop the new FlexiSpot Hako G1

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

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

Integrated storage

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

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

Easy, tool-free assembly

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

Shop the Look

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

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

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

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

How to shop the autumn/winter fashion trends 2026

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

1. Animal Print

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

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

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

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

2. Checks

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

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

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

3. The New Boho

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

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

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

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

4. Evening Elegance

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

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

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

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

5. Sheer Layers

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

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

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

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

6. Skirt Suits

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

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

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

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

7. Minimalism

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

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

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

8. Gothic Romance

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

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

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

9. Military Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr Amir Khan's favourite breakfast foods

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why frosé nails are perfect for your last summer manicure

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

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

Our frosé nails picks

1. Sparkling Frosé nails

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

2. Frosé sorbet nails

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

3. Frosé-inspired French tips

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

4. Subtle frosé nails

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

5. Chrome frosé nails

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

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

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

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

1. Products claiming to 'get rid of' pores

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

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

2. High-end moisturisers

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

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

3. Expensive body lotions

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

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

4. Pricey mascaras

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

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

5. Large eyeshadow palettes

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

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

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

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

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

Em The Nutritionist Edit

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

Meal 1: Beef and Ricotta Meatballs in Ragu

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

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

Meal 2: No Layer Gnocchi Lasagne

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

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

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

Meal 3: Super Glow Salad

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

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

Meal 4: Orzo Alla Nerano

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

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

Meal 5: Baked Cod with Fennel and Olives

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

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

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