Section: Fabulous:Hair & Beauty

FROM a chic bob to a full mane of long, voluminous waves, Victoria Beckham has had her fair share of different hairstyles over the years.

But while her cut has chopped and changed, ‘Posh Spice,’ whose much-anticipated Netflix documentary is set to be released tomorrow, has always stayed true to her consistent chocolate brown hair shade.

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While she’s occasionally mixed it up with some honey-toned highlights, her latest autumnal look is perhaps her most vibrant yet.

And now, Josh Wood, the hair stylist responsible, has spoken out about the 51-year-old’s recent hair transformation – and the colour you should always avoid if you’re in your 50s.

While the hair says the former Spice Girl has always been aware of the cuts and tones that suit her, he points out that not everyone is.

“The biggest mistake women in their 50s can make is going too dark, which can age the hair and make it look flat,” he says, speaking to Hello!

“It’s always best to speak to your colourist about a shade that complements your skin tone and lifestyle.”

He goes on to highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy routine which includes using heat protection and conditioner – adding that avoiding these can gradually dull your colour and damage your locks.

Victoria, who is married to David Beckham, most recently showed off her new do as she presented her SS26 collection at Paris Fashion Week.

Josh, whose A-list clientele also includes David Bowie, goes on to say how he wanted to make the fashion icon’s hair appear more “luxurious and rich” as autumn approaches.

Speaking of how he achieved the warm look, he adds that Victoria already had “great natural colour and highlights,” so he used glosses to tone her ends and enhance her own natural lights.

As for his expert recommendations, the hair whizz advises the “Chocolate Gloss” and “Glossing Water” from his own brand.

“Chocolate is a more ‘neutral’ brunette hair colour; not as warm as Chestnut, or as cool as Smoky, but a beautiful, velvety chocolate brown is flattering for all skin tones,” he concludes.

AFTER transforming her thinning hair to an enviable mane, one beauty buff has shared her secret weapon.

Sofia, a hair loss researcher from the UK, previously confirmed that she used to suffer with bald patches and hair thinning – two common concerns for both men and women.

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Naturally, Sofia did some research into the best ways to stop breakage and shedding – and now, rocking thick and luscious locks, she shares her top finds on TikTok.

The trichologist recently took to her page where she revealed ”the best shampoo for hair growth” – and it’s currently on sale at Boots too.

Raving about the wallet-friendly Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo, Sofia said: ”If you’re losing hair and you’re not using this shampoo, you are missing out.”

According to the beauty buff, this haircare product ”is one of the only proven shampoos to actually revere female pattern hair loss” as its formula ”blocks the hormone” that’s behind hair loss.

However, when using the shampoo, Sofia warned there are three things you should be aware of, including not using the weaker formula.

”Don’t waste your money on the 1% – get the pink bottle.”

Whilst you may be tempted to use this shampoo all the time, the whizz warned to not ”overdo it”.

”Nizoral is a very drying shampoo. Something that I actually recommend is combining it with something like a bond-building shampoo.”

Don’t want to fork out a fortune on the viral Olaplex range? The are several more affordable options on the high street, including Elvive Bond Repair range and Pantene Bond Repair line for a fraction of the price.

”Or even just a really hydrating shampoo to make suee your hair is getting damaged and to make sure you’re keeping it in a as good of a condition as possible.”

When shampooing, the TikToker also warned to not apply the product on your ends at all – or risk behind left with a ”really dry” mess.

If you can’t find the exact brand at your local store, Sofia said you can use any shampoo as long as it’s got ”ketoconazole” as an ingredient.

”Lastly, the most important thing I have to say about this is that even though this is a great shampoo to be using and it can definitely help with your results, if you’re not combining it with things like minoxidil and other treatments, you probably won’t see amazing results.”

Minoxidil is a medication that can be taken orally or topically.

Hair Loss 101

HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss. 

Why Does Hair Loss Happen?

Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices.

Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength.

It’s perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors.

Why It Happens More This Time of Year

Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That’s seasonal shedding!

During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun.

As the weather cools, it’s like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands.

Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months.

Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss

The great news? You don’t need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair.

Try daily scalp massages—they’re so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles.

Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that’s rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands.

Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health.

Products to Avoid

Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens – they can be drying and damage hair over time.

Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly.

Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons.

It is an over-the-counter product that acts as a vasodilator, taking more blood flow to your scalp.

The treatment shouldn’t be stopped, as hair loss will occur again.

You can purchase topical minoxidil easily on the likes of Amazon where you can bag a bulk of the product to last you several months.

It should be applied to the scalp every single night and means the product cost just 30p per application.

Sofia went on: ”Because if you’re someone who’s dealing with hair loss, the more things that you throw at it, the better your results will be.

”This should be one thing out of a routine of, like, six to seven things if you really want to see results.”

Posted just five days ago, the informative clip has taken the internet by storm, winning the beauty buff more than 212k views and over 7,000 likes.

168 people flooded to comments to share their thoughts and struggles with hair and scalp health.

One person had great success, writing: ”I’ve been using Nizoral shampoo 2% twice a week with Minoxidil foam 5% every night and after 6 months my hair has grown back faster healthier and stronger.”

Another chimed in: ”it’s so expensive I only got 3 washes out of it.”

”Nizoral made my scalp greasier,” a person claimed.

AFTER a lifetime spent trying to keep her curly locks in check, Hilary Freeman, 53, from London, sees if the new Airwrap makes styling them fuss-free.

When I was 12 and puberty kicked in, my previously smooth curls turned, almost overnight, into an uncontrollable mop of frizz.

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Ever since, I’ve spent thousands on styling products and tools, for a daily battle to tame my locks.

My hair is like candy floss: fine in texture, soft and big. Humidity and rain are its mortal enemies.

Yes, I am that woman you see with an umbrella in the slightest drizzle.

That’s because the merest hint of moisture turns me into Art Garfunkel. Or worse, Phil Spector.

Like them, I have what some affectionately call a “Jewfro”.

As a teen, I begged my mother to allow me to have my hair chemically straightened.

The foul-smelling treatment, in effect a reverse perm — this was well before the days of Brazilian blow dries — didn’t work, and just damaged my locks, making them even more frizzy.

In the Nineties, when poker-straight locks became almost compulsory, I bought hair straighteners.

But I didn’t have the patience or expertise to use them properly.

I ended up with a half-straight, half-curly do — and a second- degree burn on my neck.

Since then, I’ve avoided trying new gadgets, partly out of fear of damaging my hair and partly because, as a mum with a busy job as a writer, I simply don’t have the time.

Instead, I’ve resigned myself to wearing my hair long and curly.

I tend to half diffuse it and half air-dry it, depending on the time I have.

Over the years, hair dye to stem the ever-increasing tide of grey has conspired with my changing hormones to alter my curl pattern from tight curls to looser ones.

But the frizz has remained.

Bushy mess

Mousses and gels keep my hair defined for a day or so, but the curls quickly drop out and become lank and fluffy.

On a good day, it falls into ringlets; on a bad one, it’s a bushy mess.

Curly hair has a mind of its own, you see.

So, I was keen to test the brand new Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x.

The latest version of this heated styler, the Curly and Coily model (there’s also a Straight/Wavy one), promises effortless, long-lasting, sleek waves.

Like all Dyson products, it looks and feels a quality, luxury item.

But, at £579, I’ll admit, I am expecting some sort of miracle.

Could it work for me, or is it just a lot of hot air?

According to Dyson, the Co-anda 2x has twice as many attachments as its predecessor and can be used to dry, curl, wave, straighten, smooth and volumise your hair.

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These attachments, they say, are “intelligent” — I wonder if they can help with Wordle.

The Airwrap claims to provide “supercharged styling with a stronger Coanda airflow”.

It is 30 per cent more powerful than the previous model, has two times the air pressure and — most intriguingly — senses movement, automatically wrapping your hair and adapting heat, airflow and timings to your hair type, via the MyDyson app.

Faced with a box of attachments, I have no idea where to start.

Setting up the app is simple, after answering some questions on it my device is tailored to my hair type.

However, as a novice, I find navigating the app confusing.

Its video guides — I counted 37 ways to style your curly hair — are helpful but I can’t figure out how to watch tutorials while holding my switched-on Airwrap.

It doesn’t help that the Bluetooth keeps disconnecting.

The power cord is also surprisingly short, meaning I have to sit right next to the plug socket.

On the plus side, the motor is extremely powerful.

I’m impressed with how the barrel curl attachment intuitively collects the right amount of hair — as if slurping noodles.

‘Friends say I look glam’

And I’m reassured that once the Airwrap reaches a certain heat, it starts to cool, so it dries my hair but doesn’t burn it.

I also like the fact there’s a diffuser attachment among the options, so I can choose whether I want to dry my hair curly, wavy or straight with just one device.

But I do find the Airwrap heavier than my usual hairdryer.

Holding it in one position for any length of time made my arm ache.

But it’s much easier than holding both a brush and a dryer.

The results speak for themselves. My hair feels so smooth and light that I can’t help swishing it around. The colour also looks more refined and glossy.

While people usually compliment my hair, now they’re commenting on my overall look.

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Everyone says I look “glamorous” and “airbrushed” — not words they’ve used before. I can see I appear more tidy and professional, and less boho. However, I do think my usual curly style makes me look more youthful.

The night after my trial, I barely sleep for worrying I’ll ruin my new do.

But I wake to find it almost as smooth as before.

By the end of the day, my hair is starting to frizz at the edges and some rogue curls are appearing.

I decide to wash it again, and try the diffuser option, so I can compare it with my own high street dryer.

When I link the Airwrap up to the app, it automatically sets it to the right heat and speed settings for the diffuser attachment.

It dries quickly and efficiently, creating nice curls and achieving better root volume than my own model. It’s a good diffuser.

But I can’t say the result is £600 better.

The Airwrap Co-anda 2x is not for novices. If I’m honest, I would probably only use the diffuser option unless I have a special event, and a day off.

It is a big investment and not a must-have.

But as an alternative to professional blowouts, it’s a great option.

CUTTING THE HAIR COSTS

LILY ENGLAND DELUXE HOT BRUSH, £32.99

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WHILE it can’t dry and style simultaneously like the Airwrap, it is perfect for giving your hair a quick zhuzh, and its simple design is easy to get the hang of.

The large barrel is ideal for adding volume and lifting hair.

BELLISSIMA ITALIA AIR WONDER 8-IN-1 HAIR STYLER, £129.99

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WITH eight attachment heads, this budget styler curls, volumises and waves.

Hit its coolshot button after styling to lock in your look for longer.

Also doubles up as a traditional hairdryer.

REVLON ONE-STEP BLOW-DRY MULTI STYLER 3-IN-1 TOOL, £80

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HAILED as the ultimate Dyson dupe, this takes hair from wet to perfectly styled.

Has a curling wand, an oval brush for volumised locks and a concentrator head for drying your roots.

A P Louise employee has set the record straight after their “manifesting” on a recent live stream saw them “torn apart” by cruel trolls.

Declan was one of those leading the make-up company’s stream over the weekend, when he caused controversy among the thousands watching.

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Some even went as far as to allege that he looked as though he may have been under the influence of a dangerous substance.

“Glad it wasn’t just me thinking it,” one person commented.

“There was a lot of going off screen, coming back and nose wiping.”

“I was in the live last night, there was definitely something off,” another said.

“Declan couldn’t even get his words out.”

“I cannot believe what I just watched,” a third wrote.

“I was in this live, they didn’t have a clue,” someone else added.

While another claimed Declan was “off his face”.

Others defended him, with Declan then releasing his own video on his TikTok page to set the record straight on what had actually happened.

“In the last 24 hours I’ve been going through a lot of hate and kind of abuse on the internet, on TikTok especially, and it’s been a lot,” he said.

“I just kind of want to talk about things and kind of just where my head’s at.”

He explained that he’d worked at P Louise all day, then gone onto the livestream and worked from 4pm to midnight.

“And from this live, people have been making, you know, I’ve taken videos and taken like screenshots and all this stuff of me manifesting,” he said, referring to a moment where he had closed his eyes and held his hands in a meditative pose.

“And been saying that I’ve been abusing drugs, taking drugs on a livestream, doing all this stuff.

“And it’s like, I just don’t get it. Like this, this has affected me…

“The live just, it turned dark very quickly at one point.”

He also claimed it’s the same “collective of people” that have been “tearing me apart on the Internet” over the past few months that continue to spread the nasty comments and false rumours.

“This isn’t fun. This isn’t easy,” he sighed.

“This is my life… think about what you guys actually put on the Internet.

“Think about what you guys are doing to someone because you don’t actually know what people are going through.

“People don’t know my actual struggles. I don’t owe it to a lot of people what I actually have been through.

“And I’ve been through a lot, okay?”

Declan, who has ADHD, autism and depression, also thanked those who have come out in support of him – including company founder Paige Louise.

And he concluded by saying: “If you guys don’t like me, that’s okay – I know who I am as a person.

“Just think about what you guys are doing.”

“Explaining a few things that’s happened,” Declan captioned the video.

“Must say thank you to everyone that has reached out and supported me.

“And thank you @Paige Louise, love you guys.”

“You’re also absolutely beautiful,” Paige added in response.

“I’ve watched clips and still don’t understand what the hate is about??” someone else wrote in the comments section.

“Please don’t ever let people get you down. You are so much better than them.

“Hold your head high, straighten that crown and show everyone how strong and powerful you are.”

“What a sad world we live in,” a third told Declan.

“My darling you are a beautiful person , with a beautiful soul, with so much to give.

“I am so so proud to have watched you grow into the person you are . This is not okay.

“But you speaking up shows a lot of strength, and also remember how many people you inspire and have inspired.

“Sending love my darling.”

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IF you use a hair dryer, or heated styling tools, you should also be using heat protectant to keep your hair healthy.

Without it, strands will become dry, brittle and harder to manage.

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Try these three . . . 

BUDGET

E45 Protection Lip Balm SPF30, £7.99 for 10ml, boots.com

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Arkive The Prologue hair primer, £14 for 200ml, boots.com

You really can’t go wrong with this product.

Not only does it protect hair from heat, it also de-tangles, adds shine, reduces frizz and smells delicious, thanks to the rhubarb, tomato leaf, honeysuckle and vetiver.

So it doubles up as a hair perfume.

It makes my hair feel like silk, and I really notice on the days I don’t use it, which is always the sign of a brilliant product.

It’s also nearly impossible to apply too much, as it doesn’t weigh hair down or leave it looking greasy.

MID-RANGE

Ghd Bodyguard heat protect spray, £23.95 for 120ml, boots.com

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Ghd Bodyguard heat protect spray, £23.95 for 120ml, boots.com

As the original heat-straightener brand, it will come as no surprise that ghd knows how to protect hair from styling.

This spray isn’t at all sticky and does not leave a residue behind, despite conditioning ingredients such as castor oil and glycerin.

It also helps maintain my style for longer, so curls don’t drop out by the end of the day, which is usually the case.

Plus, it smells like a fancy hair salon, so every time I use it I feel like I have had a professional treatment.

LUXURY

Dyson Omega leave-in conditioning spray, £59.99 for 165ml, dyson.co.uk

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Dyson Omega leave-in conditioning spray, £59.99 for 165ml, dyson.co.uk

This is the newest heat protectant in my arsenal, and its almost milky formula is thicker than the others.

That is great for dull, brittle lengths or hair that gets dry between washes, as it immediately softens strands.

I have very fine hair, and if I apply too much to my roots it can make them feel dirty, so that’s something to be aware of.

But as long as I keep the spray away from my scalp, it’s not an issue.

This one feels super luxe, and is refillable, so better for the planet too.

PICK OF THE WEEK

THIS week, I had a Charlotte Tilbury makeover and afterwards, couldn’t stop looking at my skin in the mirror.

The redness across my cheeks and around my nose had disappeared, my pores were blurred and, best of all, I was glowy without looking greasy.

It was all down to the new Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless foundation, £39, which promises 24-hour wear.

For details, see charlottetilbury.co.uk.

A 75-YEAR-OLD model who’s never had Botox has revealed the £2 Temu buy she swears by to stay looking young.

Penelope Tree first made a name for herself in the 1960s, and has enjoyed a resurgence of success in recent years – walking the runway for Fendi and Richard Quinn and appearing in a star-studded ad campaign to mark Zara’s 50th anniversary.

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And while she used to be “obsessed” with her appearance when she was younger, she’s now “more interested in what’s going on” around her.

She’s also “not trying to prove anything” by undergoing cosmetic procedures to maintain a flawless facade.

“You just have to accept the inevitability of ageing. I don’t really see what’s wrong with it!” she told the MailOnline.

“And I don’t like hospitals or the idea of being fiddled with in a surgical way.

“Also, repeated plastic surgery does tend to make people look like replicants (bioengineered humanoids).”

Instead, she prefers a more natural way of reducing the look of her wrinkles – anti-ageing face tapes.

The adhesive tapes have threads attached, which can be pulled and secured discreetly around the head to make the face look more taut.

And they won’t set you back anywhere near as much as Botox either, as you can pick them up for just £2 on Temu.

Other celebrities who use the tapes include Joan Collins and Bella Hadid.

She’s also a big fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream and Trinny London’s The Elevator cream.

“In my 20s my currency was my beauty,” Penelope continued.

“Now my currency is being alive, interested and curious.

“I just leave it to the hairdressers and the make-up artists to make me look as good as I can, which isn’t easy!”

As for her fashion sense, Penelope loves “statement jewellery”, which said makes older people “look fabulous”.

And she loves shopping at the “affordable and fabulous” Zara.

“I wear an orange Zara suit every summer and it’s the most complimented outfit I’ve ever worn in my life!” she admitted.

How is celery juice an anti-ageing potion?

Celery juice is packed with antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, which combat free radicals that cause cellular damage and aging.

Its high water content keeps your skin hydrated and plump, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

The anti-inflammatory compounds in celery, such as apigenin and luteolin, help reduce chronic inflammation linked to ageing.

Rich in essential nutrients like vitamin K and potassium, celery juice supports overall skin health and body functions.

Drinking celery juice regularly can complement a balanced diet and skincare routine, promoting a youthful glow from within.

But while she’s happy to save money on the majority of her wardrobe, there’s one thing she’ll always splash out on – and that’s denim.

“If there’s one thing I have learnt as I have aged, it’s to spend money on jeans,” she said, adding that she’s had the same pair for three years and insisting they’re “good as new”.

CHRISTMAS might still feel months away, but in the world of beauty lovers, the countdown starts now.

The first wave of 2025’s beauty advent calendars has landed, and they’re stuffed with luxe treats, jaw-dropping savings and golden ticket surprise savings.

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TikTok beauty lover Alex, @hiyaimalex, has given fans a first peek at some of the biggest launches for 2025, and we’ve broken down the highlights so you can decide which one to stick on your wish list.

Selfridges

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Whether you like it or not, Selfridges has officially kicked off Christmas in August.

The department store has revealed 23 of the 37 products inside its 2025 beauty advent calendar, with a huge 24 of them full-sized.

Priced at £250 but worth £1,136, it’s packed with high-end favourites.

The following have been confirmed so far.

• Charlotte Tilbury’s setting spray (30ml)
• Laneige’s full-sized berry lip mask
• Lisa Eldridge lip liner
• Augustinus Bader eye cream
• Jo Malone’s English Pear & Freesia scent (30ml)
• A Refy bronze brush
• Moon Glaze Stick
• UK Lash Serum
• Mini Tatcha Silk Cream
• The Ordinary’s niacinamide serum
• Rodial’s Vitamin C tonic
• Elemis resurfacing pads
• Gisou hair oil (20ml)
• Full-sized Color Wow Dream Coat
• Lashify lash set
• Charlotte Mensah salt scrub
• Scalp brush
• Murad hydration mask
• Maria Nila soothing serum
• Mini Ormonde Jayne and Fleur de Teck fragrances

Plus a Selfridges Beauty Concierge card has been added for an as-yet-unknown treat.

The mix of full sizes and fragrance has already got beauty fans buzzing.

You can join the waitlist here.

SPACE NK

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Always one of the most lusted-after calendars, Space NK is back with a sleek new look for 2025.

At £260, it’s a serious investment but with a value of £1,150 and 25 products (many full-sized), it’s one of the most generous on the market.

The waitlist’s already open, so if you want in, you’ll need to move fast.

CULT BEAUTY

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This year Cult Beauty is spoiling shoppers with not one but two advent calendars.

The classic curation has 35 items, while the limited edition has 40, with the latter sneaking in a few fragrance treats.

Priced at £240 with a value of around £1,100, they’re also hiding golden tickets worth £1,000 inside some lucky boxes.

Revealed so far is the Hourglass mascara, Gucci lip oil, Patrick Ta blush duo and Huda Beauty lip gloss.

The waitlist is now open.

SEPHORA

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It seems Sephora is playing hard to get with their 2025 calendar, having not shared a price yet, but we do know it holds 41 products.

Alex reckons she’s spotted the Gisou lip oil, Laneige cream, Merit blush balm, Kayali fragrance, Rare Beauty, Glow Recipe skincare and an Amika dry shampoo.

Fans can expect more reveals soon, but even these early guesses are enough to get beauty fans buzzing.

The waitlist is now open.

ELLE BEAUTY

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Affordable but still packed with high-end names, Elle Beauty’s calendar is going for £130 but worth around £700.

It’s got a jaw-dropping 10 full-sized products.

The full list of products included are as follows.

• Zelens Power B
• Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Cream
• Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect SPF30
• Wild Nutrition Food Grown Complete Beauty Support
• Champo Pitta Brow Serum.
• AKT Body Conditioning Balm
• Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Happy
• Sync Beauty Lip Oil
• Goldwell Rich Repair Mask
• OPI Infinite Shine
• PERS Vitamin C Serum
• Votary Blemish Rescue Oil
• By Terry Brightening CC Serum
• Narciso Rodriguez All Of Me eau de parfum
• Rodial Snake Serum
• Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment
• Neal’s Yard Remedies Vegan Wild Rose Beauty Balm
• Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath and Shower Oil
• Tweezerman Micro Mini Tweezer
• Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
• L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil
• Gallinee Youthful Serum
• Rituals Ayurveda Shower Foam
• Espa Bergamot Body Lotion
• Fenty Cherry Dub BHA Toner
• Nuxe Hair Prodigieux High Shine Shampoo
• Nuxe Hair Prodigieux High Shine Conditioner

With the waitlist now open.

HARRODS

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The Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar is pure Christmas luxury, costing a hefty £250 for 32 products, 14 of them full-sized.

Fans can expect the crème de la crème of beauty brands, from La Mer and Tatcha to Sisley and Medik8.

The full list of products is below.

• Laura Mercier Black Caviar Extravagant Mascara 8.5g (Full Size)
• La Prairie Foam Cleanser 50ml (Travel Size)
• Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 30ml (Full Size)
• Rodial Frosted Pink Blush Drops & Bronze Glowlighter 15ml (Full Size) and 2g (Deluxe Mini)
• Evidens De Beaute The Special Mask 30ml (Travel Size)
• Davines OI All In One Milk 50ml (Travel Size)
• Shiseido FSLX Total Regenerating Cream 15ml (Travel Size)
• Sisley Floral Toning Lotion 100ml (Travel Size)
• Beautifect Beauty Blender 1pc (Full Size)
• Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder 2g (Travel Size)
• U beauty Resurfacing Compound 15ml (Travel Size)
• La Mer Crème de la Mer 15ml (Full Size)
• Bobbi Brown Taupe Long Wear Cream Eye Shadow Stick 1.6g (Full Size)
• 111SKIN Cyro Sheet Mask 1pc (Full Size)
• Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub & Regenerating Mask 40ml & 75ml (Travel Size)
• Cle De Peau UV Protective Cream 8ml (Travel Size)
• Etat Libre D’Orange Uruk 10ml (Travel Size)
• Skin Cycles Lip Balm 0.5ml (Full Size)
• Lancaster Ligne Princière Cream & Ligne Princière Serum 15ml & 7.5ml (Travel Size & Deluxe Mini)
• Valmont Votre Visage L’Elixir Face Cream 15ml (Travel Size)
• Augustinus Bader The Face Oil 10ml (Travel Size)
• Moncho Moreno Bond J’ aime Bond 100ml (Travel Size)
• MZ SKIN Hydra-Bright Gold Eye Mask 1pc (Full Size)
• MZ SKIN Vitamin Infused Meso Eye Mask 1pc (Full Size)
• MZ SKIN Soothe & Smooth Hyaluronic Brightening Eye Complex 14ml (Full Size)
• Champo Pitta Lash Serum 4ml & Pitta Brow Serum 4ml (Full Size x 2)
• Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair 15ml (Travel Size)
• Mac Ruby Woo Macximal Sleek Satin Lipstick 3.8g (Full Size)

Pre-order is open but customers are limited to buying a maximum of five boxes.

HARVEY NICHOLS

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Another £250 option, Harvey Nichols’ calendar is worth over £1,000 and already available to rewards members.

Big names include NARS, La Mer, Charlotte Tilbury and Color Wow — and as a festive bonus, one in every 50 calendars contains a £50 Harvey Nicks gift voucher.

You can now join the waitlist.

LIBERTY

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One of the priciest and poshest on the list, Liberty’s advent calendar costs £270 but packs in over £1,200 worth of beauty.

Inside are 30 products, 20 of them full-sized, from brands like Augustinus Bader, Sisley and Lisa Eldridge.

Plus, 15 golden tickets worth £1,000 are hidden among the calendars. The waitlist’s open now, and these will go fast.

ANTHROPOLOGIE

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At £98, this is one of the most affordable luxury beauty calendars of the year, but it’s still worth £365 and includes 11 full-sized items.

With a golden ticket promotion offering extra prizes, it’s a fun, budget-friendly option for beauty lovers who don’t want to miss out on the seasonal sparkle.

Best value for money

If you’re chasing the biggest bang for your buck, Space NK comes out on top for sheer savings at £260 for a £1,150 haul is hard to beat.

Liberty offers the highest overall value at £1,200+, but it’s also the most expensive.

For budget-conscious shoppers, ELF’s £150 calendar crams in £1,100 worth of products, making it the best mid-price steal.

And if you’re after something affordable but still luxe, Anthropologie’s £98 calendar gives you over three times your money in products.

These aren’t the only calendars to hit the market this year so if you’re still after a more affordable option don’t worry.

Boots and a few other high street favourites are still keeping their Christmas cards close to their chest, but if last year’s sell-out calendars are anything to go by, their launches will cause a frenzy.

For now, though, the early releases are already making December mornings look a whole lot more glamorous.

Money-Saving Tips from Gemma Bird: Save £2k Before Christmas

IF youre’ looking to save cash, you’ve come to the right place, as here, Gemma Bird has shared her top tips that’ll save you £2k before Christmas.

• Set a budget: Track your spending and create a realistic budget.
• Cut unnecessary costs: Cancel unused subscriptions and avoid impulse buys.
• Meal planning: Plan meals to reduce grocery bills and avoid takeaways.
• Sell unwanted items: Declutter and sell items online for extra cash.
• Cashback and discounts: Use cashback sites and hunt for discount codes.
• DIY gifts: Make personalised gifts to save money and add a personal touch.
• Pick up a seasonal shift: A really easy way to pick up a bit of extra cash in the winter is to find yourself some seasonal work.

Follow these practical tips from Gemma Bird to boost your savings before the festive season!

SUMMER might be great for your tan but your hair – not so much.

As the heatwave rolls on, hair experts are warning that rising temperatures, sun exposure and sticky humidity could be silently wrecking your locks.

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According to Sam Cinkir, CEO of top UK skin and hair clinic Este Medical Group, the summer months bring a cocktail of factors that can secretly sabotage your strands and lead to frizz, breakage and even bald spots.

Sam warns: “Warmer temperatures, increased exposure to the sun and higher levels of humidity can all combine to cause problems for our hair in summer.”

While we slather on SPF to protect our skin, our hair often gets forgotten and that’s when trouble starts.

The heat can dry out your strands, zap moisture from your scalp, and weaken hair follicles, making hair more prone to thinning and damage.

Humidity adds insult to injury, lifting the cuticle layer of the hair and letting in moisture, which causes swelling, frizz, and that all-too-familiar ‘triangle head’ situation.

“You might find your locks more susceptible to issues such as breakage, split ends, frizziness or even hair loss,” Sam told The Sun.

But it turns out, the real hair hero isn’t sitting on a salon shelf, it could already be in your kitchen.

Sam explains that a few simple dietary tweaks can play a big role in restoring shine, strength and scalp health during the hotter months.

He recommends focusing on foods rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and key nutrients like vitamins A, C and E, along with iron and zinc.

These are all crucial for keeping the hair follicle strong, encouraging healthy growth, and locking in moisture.

And don’t forget hydration. A dry scalp is an unhappy scalp and not drinking enough water can leave both your hair and skin looking parched.

So what should you be eating?

Oily fish

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Sam highlights oily fish, like mackerel, herring and tuna, as one of the top summer saviours.

These fish are packed with omega-3s, which help nourish the scalp and improve blood flow to hair follicles, key for reducing inflammation and preventing shedding.

Leafy greens

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Leafy greens are another smart swap.

Spinach, kale and bok choy are rich in iron and vitamin C.

Vitamin C helps your body produce collagen, a protein that keeps your hair strong and structured.

Eggs

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Sam also notes that eggs are a brilliant source of keratin.

Keratin is the main protein your hair is made of and plays a big part in preventing thinning.

So it’s important to add this breakfast staple into your diet if you want to combat thinning hair.

Greek yogurt

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For a tasty way to end the day, try a bowl of Greek yogurt.

Not only is it high in protein, but it also contains vitamin B5, which supports healthy hair texture and cell renewal. It even helps with dandruff by keeping the scalp nourished.

With tubs going for around £3.50 in most supermarkets, it’s a small price to pay for big results and certainly cheaper than an emergency trip to the salon.

You can also add nuts and seeds for added benefits.

Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds, are packed with biotin and healthy fats that boost keratin production and encourage growth.

So, if your hair’s looking limp, frizzy or falling out more than usual, it might not be your shampoo to blame.

The answer could be on your plate and a few simple swaps could be all it takes to save your summer strands.

A BEAUTY buff has shared how she banished her forehead wrinkles for good after ageing her skin with sunbeds.

Despite long being linked to cancer and banned in countries such as Australia and Brazil, sunbeds are still popular in the UK – and in fact, it seems that their use on the rise.

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Last year, a survey by the charity Melanoma Focus found that 28 per cent of UK adults use sunbeds, rising to a whopping 43 per cent among 18 to 25-year-olds.

In another study from Skin Health Alliance, 60 per cent of young people admitted to sunbed use, with 25 per cent using them on a frequent basis.

But while just one sunbed session can increase the risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer by 67 per cent, it’s also worth remembering the skin ageing factor.

Sunbeds emit extremely high levels of UV radiation, which damages the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres, leading to wrinkles and a loss of elasticity, warned Public Health Agency.

The faux golden glow can also cause increased melanin production, leading to the formation of sun spots or age spots, which can appear as dark patches on the skin.

One former beauty buff, Chloe White, recently took to TikTok where she showed the damage caused by soaking up the harmful UV rays – as well as how she drastically improved the appearance of her skin.

”I used to use the sunbeds and it aged my skin a lot quicker than I wanted to,” the young woman said in the video where she also shared a snap of her wrinkly forehead.

As well as saying goodbye to sunbeds, Chloe began to take better care of her skin – which also included using retinol.

Ideal to start incorporating into your routine as you approach your mid to late 20s, retinol increases skin cell production.

As well as unclogging pores, it also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.

While the high street is full of different retinols to suit every budget, there are also more affordable options – such as
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Serum, £15.20 at Boots.

”Look at my forehead now – compare to that picture.

”I was actually thinking about getting Botox and I thought ‘Before I start injecting my face with things, why don’t I just try this?’

”And it was worked so, so unbelievably well for tightening up my skin.”

The blonde beauty went on: ”The only thing that I didn’t know when I started using it is that you do have to wear SPF as well, because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.

”But yeah, it’s worked amazing compared to what my wrinkles used to look like,” said Chloe, adding it too her just two weeks to see results.

”I actually promise I have no filter on my skin, my sister in law came over and she’s in her 30’s BEST SKIN EVER and that’s what she said she uses, never looked back,” said the TikTok who posts under the username @chloe.w.hite.

Risks of sunbeds

THE promise of a constant glowing tan is too tempting for some people to deny.

But while popping to the sunbed shop may seem harmless, people who use tanning beds should be aware of the risks.

Approximately 10 per cent of the population of Northern Europe use sunbeds on a regular basis, the World Health Organization says.

Some people use them for years on end, accumulating risk of serious disease.

We are here to give you the lowdown on sunbeds and if they are safe to use.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), sunbeds are as dangerous as smoking.

Like the sun, they give out harmful UV rays that damage the DNA in your skin cells.

Over time, this may lead to malignant melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – studies have shown.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there is significant evidence to show that using tanning beds causes melanoma.

They report that sunbeds increase the risk of skin cancer by up to 20 per cent, and also state that they have no positive benefits to our health.

Cancer Research back this statistic, adding that ” there is no such thing as a safe tan from UV radiation”.

One study found that sunbeds can almost double the risk of cancer compared to never using them – with women 83 per cent more likely to develop the disease.

While some people think tanning beds are safer than sitting out in the midday sun, according to Cancer Research, the risk is still twice as high when compared to spending the same amount of time in the Mediterranean sun at lunch time.

The Sunbed Association claim there is not enough evidence to link sunbed use with melanoma, adding: “It is over-exposure and burning that will increase a risk of skin cancer, not responsible UV exposure.”

But the WHO says: “The majority of tanning parlours provide inadequate advice to their customers.

“The use of eye protection such as goggles or sunglasses should be mandatory.

“However, as sunbed users aim to have an even tan, they often decide against protecting any part of their body.”

Referring to the link with skin cancer, the world health experts add: “Sunbeds for self-tanning purposes have been available for the last two decades and due to the long latency period for skin cancer and eye damage it has been difficult so far to demonstrate any long-term health effects.

“Even though the causes of malignant melanoma are not fully understood, tumour development appears to be linked to occasional exposure to intense sunlight.

“Sunbeds subject their users to intermittent high exposures of UVA and UVB radiation – this may provide the ideal setting for the development of malignant skin cancer.

“However, the few epidemiological studies that have been carried out to date have not provided any consistent results.”

Despite the WHO’s cautious stance on the skin cancer link, it discourages the use of sunbeds, quoting an expert who said the use of tanning parlours is like “an industrial-scale radiation exposure experiment”.

Regardless of skin cancer, sunbeds don’t just have long-term health risks.

Users have reported a range of short-term symptoms including itching, dryness and redness of skin, freckling and photosensitivity.

Common outcomes in the longer term, especially in fair-skinned people, may involve blistering of the skin.

“Sagging and wrinkling of the skin are an almost certain price to be paid by frequent sunbed users”, the WHO says – not quite the outcome you hope for when going to the sunbed shop for a beautiful, youthful look.

How to use retinol?

The beauty bag must-have, a form of vitamin A, is to be added to your evening skincare routine – and never in the morning.

Before you use a retinol product for the first time, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to see if you have any negative reactions.

If, after a couple of days, your skin patch isn’t very red or itchy, you can safely add it to the skincare regimen.

Fabulous’ Beauty Editor, Tara Ledden, explained how to safely use this beauty bag must-have to reap the benefits.

Once you wash your face in the morning, pile on the nourishing products, too. 

The golden rule is that less is more. Less product – a pea-sized amount should cover your whole face, using more won’t make it work faster – and less frequently.

Start with one night a week, then after a few weeks, once you know your skin is tolerating it, scale up to twice a week for a few more weeks and so on.

Don’t be disheartened if your skin can only handle it every other night, you’ll still be reaping the rewards and it’s better to use it consistently over a longer period than ramp it up and have to take a break because your skin reacts.

Avoid sensitive areas, like around your eyes and lips, as that’s almost guaranteed to cause problems, and our skin is porous so enough of the product will creep towards both when applied further away.

If you’re impatient, retinal works faster than retinol – yes, one letter makes all the difference.

Both have to convert into retinoic acid before unleashing their skincare benefits, and the former is one step further in that process, which many dermatologists I’ve spoken to mean it’s also kinder to skin, and better tolerated by those of us with sensitive complexions. 

A BEAUTY enthusiast has revealed “the best hot girl holiday hack” that will ensure you never feel floated in a bikini again.

So if you’re lucky enough to be jetting aboard any time soon and want to feel confident in your swimwear this summer, you’ve come to the right place and will need to take notes.

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And don’t worry if your purse is feeling tighter than ever and you’ve already splashed the cash on a new beach bag and a posh pair of sandals, as this trick is incredibly purse-friendly.

In fact, it will work out at just 44p a time – yes, you heard that correctly. 

Posting on social media, Julia, who is on a mission to “glow up” her life, revealed the key to staying slender whilst abroad. 

The trainee nutritionist said: “Let me give you the best holiday bloating hot girl tip – I used to be that girl who’d go on holiday and be scared to eat all the food that I want, enjoy my time, because I’d constantly feel bloated.

“I just wouldn’t want to be in my bikini – the bloating would get so bad and uncomfortable because I was eating foods my body wasn’t used to.

“And I discovered the best hot girl holiday hack ever that means I can go away, feel comfortable in my bikini, not bloat, enjoy all the food and just have a great time.”

Julia explained that in order to put bloating at bay, she swears by the Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes – supplements containing enzymes involved in the digestion of protein, carbohydrate, fat, fibre, and lactose.

Julia’s favourite Digestive Enzymes contain a high-strength, broad-spectrum mixture of vegetarian digestive enzymes that facilitate the normal breakdown of proteins and tripeptides. 

According to the product description, these supplements contain alpha-galactosidase that promotes the breakdown of certain complex carbohydrates, such as raffinose and stachyose, found in some legumes, vegetables, and grains.

In turn, this helps “to relieve occasional bloating or gas.”

A pack of 30 capsules will cost you £13.49, working out at just 44p per tablet. 

Clearly a huge fan of the supplements, the content creator continued: “I cannot tell you how much I love Digestive Enzymes – magic pill, take them 15 minutes before you eat any meal and these help you break down food your body’s not used to eating.

Omg been looking for a solution for this for years

TikTok user

“I can have a pizza and not bloat when I take Digestive Enzymes – trust me, this is worth your investment.” 

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @juliaglowguide, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as in just three days, it has quickly racked up 235,700 views. 

One person said: “I’ve never heard of these! Thank you.” 

Another added: “Omg been looking for a solution for this for years.” 

Meanwhile, one woman beamed: “They’re amazing, only thing that’s worked for me.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

A WOMAN who has faced comparisons to Kris Jenner has been told the likeness is even more “insane” following the Kardashian matriarch’s rumoured facelift.

Julia has long been compared to the 69-year-old reality TV star – with people pointing out that her cropped raven hairstyle is incredibly similar to Kris’ look.

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However, since Kris has been showcasing her new look in recent weeks – causing surgery rumours to swirl – Julia’s followers have insisted she looks even more like her.

“Nah that’s insane how much you look like her post face lift!” one person commented on one of Julia’s recent TikTok videos.

“You’re what she’s trying to be I swear!”

“I thought you were Kris Jenner,” another added.

“This is not her?” a third questioned.

“Ma’am are you Kris Jenner?” someone else asked.

“Before you spoke, I thought you were her!” another commented.

“Girllll! Thought it was you Kris! You look just like her now! Twins!” someone else wrote.

“Genuinely thought this was her,” another admitted.

The comments were left on one of Julia’s videos, in which she joked she was “absolutely devastated” by Kris’ rumoured procedure.

“I’m absolutely devastated about Kris Jenner’s new ‘facelift’,” she sighed.

“Because now she’s not got the same hairstyle as me.”

Julia added that while she thinks people are still quite likely to make the comparison between her and Kris, she’s a bit put out that the reality star has also changed her hair.

“She’s kind of grown it out into this little flicky, chic, French bob,” she said.

“Yeah, a wee bit devastated about that.

“Happy for her. Obviously, her face is looking about 35 and I think she’s pushing 70.

How rich are the Kardashians?

The Kardashian sisters are known for their extreme wealth, but which of them has the most money?

• Kourtney Kardashian – net worth £52 million
• Kim Kardashian -net worth £1.3 billion
• Khloe Kardashian – net worth £48 million
• Kendall Jenner – net worth £48 million
• Kylie Jenner – net worth £545 million

“So love that for her but yeah, I’m not growing my hair!”

Kris has yet to comment on the facelift rumours, but, according to People.com, she visited Dr. Steven Levine in New York for the transformation.

The outlet said that the surgeon “specialises in natural-looking enhancements of the face, breasts, and body”, according to his website.

Kris hasn’t made a secret of her love of anti-ageing treatments in the past, telling People previously that she’s not ashamed of getting wrinkle-freezing injections Botox.

“For me, it’s been really great,” she said.

If you’re responsible, and you talk to your doctor, I think it works. It’s something that I’ve been using for a long time.“

She also underwent a facelift on an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians back in 2011.

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I’M often asked for my top SPF picks now we’re heading into summer.

Here are three of my favourites that prove you can get a lightweight sun cream that isn’t greasy.

Budget

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Bondi Sands Everyday Non Tinted Face Fluid SPF50+, £7.99 for 50ml, boots.com

Better known as a fake tan brand, it also has a cracking skincare range, with more than 20 sunscreens to choose from.

This is my top pick – not least because it’s great value for money.

It’s lightweight and sinks into skin quickly and leaves a semi-matte finish that’s not at all sticky.

It also layers well when it comes to reapplication and doesn’t pill.

There’s no added fragrance, but it has the classic sun cream scent so I tend to use it on holiday rather than every day.

Mid-range

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Bioderma XDefense Ultra Fluid SPF50+ Invisible, £19, 40ml, lookfantastic.com

The formula is extremely thin, so it doesn’t feel cloying or oily on skin, and it absorbs in a matter of seconds so it’s great for wearing under make-up as you don’t have to wait for it to dry down.

I have super sensitive eyes which are easily irritated by sunscreen and this doesn’t cause me any problems even though it’s lightly fragranced.

It’s also non-comedogenic so won’t cause spots, which is a godsend as I just have to glance at the wrong product and I’ll break out.

It’s a great middle of the road SPF that’s suitable for all skin types.

Luxury

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Trinny London See The Light SPF 50+ Moisturiser, £46 for 50ml, trinnylondon.com

Since this launched two summers ago, it has been my go-to everyday sunscreen.

It took three years to get the formula right, but it was worth the wait. It feels more like a moisturiser than an SPF.

The packaging looks more like premium skincare than sun protection, as well as PA++++ UVA protection ( the highest level of UVA protection in sunscreens) and SPF50 UVB.

You certainly get what you pay for with this one.

Pick of the week

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INSTANT tan has had a serious glow up this year.

Utan Instant Tan, £17.99, comes in two versions – cool and warm – with a shade tailored to the hue of your skin for a natural sun-kissed look.

If you’re not sure of your undertones – look at your jewellery; silver tends to suit cool best, whereas gold flatters warm.

The air-brush mist dries in 30 seconds, and washes off with soapy-water.

Stock up at utan.co.uk.