Liz Weston: 3 steps to downsize in a hurry
Despite our plans, life sometimes throws a curveball
2023-05-15 21:20
'Succession': 13 WTF quotes that will haunt my nightmares from episode 8
Another week, another Succession episode packed full of WTF moments. Episode 8 of the final
2023-05-15 10:20
Mother's Day: 5 ways to surprise your mom and make her day
Mother's Day is a day to celebrate mothers, motherhood, and maternal bonds, and we bring to you 5 ways you can show love and appreciation to your mom
2023-05-14 14:24
12 Air Fryer Tips and Tricks
Whether you want to make crispy fries or reheat a pizza, here’s how to get the most out of your air fryer.
2023-05-13 02:17
11 lightweight SPFs your skin will love
‘Use sunscreen every day’ is the ultimate skincare commandment. Dermatologists and beauty buffs alike agree that protecting your face from harmful UV rays – while simultaneously preventing wrinkles – should be a priority for everyone. “Skin is the body’s first line of defence from everyday external aggressors which damage your skin such as UV rays,” says Prof Christian Aldridge, consultant dermatologist for LifeJacket Skin Protection. “The damage from these can have cosmetic, physical and long-term health consequences. At best, it can age your skin and cause you discomfort but at worst, can give you a skin disease you really don’t want.” That’s why daily protection of your skin is critical, particularly on those areas that are exposed to the sun regularly, such as your face. But in spite of all the warnings we receive, the message isn’t getting through to everyone. A new survey from LifeJacket and Melanoma UK found that 10% of respondents rarely use SPF, while one in 20 says they never use it. To make it more likely you’ll stick to a daily habit, finding a product you love can be a huge help – attempting to rub a thick, chalky cream into your skin is not the answer. The good news is, facial sunblocks have come a long way, and there’s a whole new batch of lightweight but effective lotions, serums and gels that are a delight to use – and many of them are under the £20 mark. “To adequately protect your face, I recommend 5ml (about a teaspoon) of SPF of at least 30 every day,” says Aldridge. “Especially during the months of April to September, to ensure long-term skin protection. Application should be repeated if outside for long periods or undertaking exercising in the light.” Here’s our pick of the best face sunscreens for everyday use… 1. Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Super UV Invisible Face Serum, £14, Boots A more fluid texture than any existing Garnier sunblock, Super UV Invisible Face Serum is designed for even the most sensitive skin types. The vegan factor 50 serum sinks in quickly, meaning it’s suited to men with facial hair or for wearing under make-up. 2. Sun Bum Glow 30 Moisturising Sunscreen Face Lotion, £19.99, Cult Beauty The latest addition to the Sun Bum family, this SPF30 lotion comes with a generous dose of glow-boosting kakadu plum extract, which reportedly contains on average 100 times more vitamin C than an orange. 3. The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen, £14.99, LookFantastic Fast becoming a must-have among ‘skintellectuals’, this light fluid is formulated with a trio of ultra-hydrating ingredients: polyglutamic acid, squalane and glycerin. Designed to prevent any white cast (no matter how dark your skin tone), this dewy-finish fluid is what you need if you’re after the trendy ‘glazed donut’ skin look. 4. Coco & Eve Daily Water Gel SPF50+ Sunscreen, £23 The first suncare range from self-tan specialist Coco & Eve does not disappoint. With hyaluronic acid to moisturise, the factor 50+ Daily Water Gel is as lightweight as it sounds, and the fragrance-free formula is suited to sensitive and oily skin types alike. 5. Skin Proud Serious Shade Lightweight Hydrating SPF 50+ Skin Serum, £16.95 Intended to provide a smooth base for make-up with no white cast, Skin Proud’s first sunscreen comes with extra benefits: ceramides to protect the skin barrier and cherry extract for a vitamin C boost. 6. Eucerin Sun Face Hydro Protect Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+, £20, Boots The newest face sunblock in Eucerin’s high-tech line-up not only protects against UVA and UVB rays, it boosts skin repair with glycyrrhetinic acid, and the non-greasy fluid is fast-absorbing. 7. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Mineral SPF30, £28 If you prefer a mineral suncreen that provides a physical barrier on the skin (as opposed to chemical, where it works below the surface), Ole Henriksen’s Banana Bright is an excellent option. The zinc oxide-based formula also contains vitamin C to increase skin luminosity over time and banana powder-inspired pigments to add instant brightness. 8. Suqqu Protecting Day Cream SPF50+, £48, Cult Beauty This innovative daily moisturiser from Japanese skinbrand Suqqu offers factor 50 protection, botanical extracts and a glowy, light-reflecting finish that’s perfect on its own or under make-up. 9. Chanel UV Essentiel, £48 The newly reformulated UV Essentiel provides SPF50 protection alongside a duo of skin-strengthening extracts – blue ginger and Tahitian gardenia – to guard against pollution and premature ageing. 10. LifeJacket Daily Protection Moisturiser, £19.99 A great all-rounder, LifeJacket’s fragrance-free face cream provides factor 30 protection and hydrates with glycerin. 11. Hello Sunday The Illuminating One Glow Primer SPF50, £22 Defending skin against UVA, UVB, blue light and pollution, this highly protective primer is formulated with light-illuminating particles to enhance your complexion.
2023-05-12 16:20
4 signs you’ve eaten too much salt
Feeling the urge to glug a glass of water shortly after you’ve munched a packet of crisps, bowl of popcorn or handful of peanuts, is a clear sign your snack was on salty side – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. “Salt is a necessary requirement to eat – and not for flavour,” says Pippa Hill, nutritionist and founder of The Weight Loss Guru. Table salt, aka sodium chloride, contains around 40% sodium, an essential nutrient. “Eaten in a small quantity, sodium helps the conduction of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation, and helps maintain the balance of water and minerals,” she continues. “A lack of salt can lead to muscle cramps, nausea, fatigue and light-headedness.” However, consuming more than the 6g a day recommended by the NHS for adults – equating to around one teaspoon – can be detrimental for your health. “A high salt intake disrupts the natural sodium balance in the body,” says Olivia Burley, registered associate nutritionist who is currently working on the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. This can result in high blood pressure, she explains: “Hypertension is a condition where blood pressure remains elevated over time, which can increase the risk of heart and circulatory diseases.” Unless you keep a very close eye on food labels, it’s not always obvious how much salt you’re eating in a day. “Examples of foods high in salt can be canned fish or poultry, frozen foods such as breaded meats, salted nuts, canned beans, cured meats, soup and sandwiches,” says Hill. And just because you’ve drunk enough water to quench your thirst doesn’t mean you’re negating the effects of too much salt, which is why it’s important to be aware of other health indicators. “If you are experiencing any or all these symptoms, it is always best to seek medical advice,” Burley advises. 1. Headaches The dehydration caused by excess salt intake can lead to severe headaches. “These headaches tend to be more painful than a mild one, giving a throbbing sensation as the blood vessels are being expanded,” Hill says. “They tend to come on between an hour or two after you’ve eaten, as sodium levels rise through the body.” They may come on quicker if you have high blood pressure or suffer from chronic headaches in general, but can often be solved by rehydrating. “As your water levels are imbalanced, by drinking more water you’re able to minimise and get rid of the headache.” 2. Swollen feet and hands Also known as edema, swelling of the fingers, ankles or feet can be a delayed reaction to a spike of sodium. “When too much salt is consumed, the body retains the extra sodium and increases the fluid outside of the cells, Burley explains. “This causes the kidneys to have reduced function, remove less water and therefore increase blood pressure.” Swelling may occur more when sitting down for too long or on long journeys. “This isn’t an instant response after eating, but if in the next 24 hours of having eaten salty foods you notice swelling in these areas, it could be a link,” Hill says. “It’s best to seek medical advice if this is an ongoing occurrence, as it could be a sign of a more serious health concern.” 3. High blood pressure “Salt is the largest cause of high blood pressure,” Hill warns. “Within just 30 minutes, eating excess salt will have a bodily reaction to the blood vessels.” Also called hypertension, if left untreated it can increase your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Hills says: “If after eating a salty diet, your symptoms include blurred vision, chest pain such as a tight feeling, palpitations, shortness of breath or sudden nosebleeds, it could mean you have a raised blood pressure.” Burley adds: “Hypertension can often have no symptoms and the only way to know your blood pressure is to get it monitored using a machine.” 4. Frequent urination “Excessive thirst is a common response to eating salty foods and naturally leads to an increase in fluid consumption, causing excessive urination,” Burley says. By sending the signal that you need to guzzle lots of liquid, the body aims to remove the excess salt build-up. “Although drinking more fluids in response to an increase in salt is one of the main reasons for urine production, it could be a symptom of other conditions like polyuria, therefore medical checks are best.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Am I just tired or is it ME? Dr Alex George: Five months of sobriety has made a ‘huge difference’ Everything you need to know about Sophie, the new Duchess of Edinburgh
2023-05-12 15:25
10 clever ways to style up your home office
Working from home has become our natural habitat, so it’s even more important your day-to-day desk space serves its purpose. With warmer weather on the horizon, it could be time to give your home office a refresh for brighter days ahead. Here’s how to get a little more organised and up your WFH game… 1. Sarah JK Designs Book Journal, Summer Blooms, £14.95 Whether it’s meeting bullet points or words of wisdom, this A5 softback journal is perfect for jotting down notes and thoughts of the day. 2. Furniture Village Madrid Desk, £399 (was £539), Holden Swivel Office Chair in Brown, £169 (was £229) This Scandi-style desk with tapered legs will slot into any scheme, and features a central drawer to keep techy stuff out of sight when the day is done. Team with a smart swivel chair for maximum comfort. 3. Zuiver Cute Desk Collection Clock in Green, £19 (was £29), Cuckooland A trendy sage green clock will slick up your desk accessories – style it with mood-boosting succulents and plants. 4. Set of Three Odonata Box Files – Red Madder, £65, OKA When you want to be clever, these brilliant binders will fuel your filing power. 5. William Blake Framed Wall Art, £59.50, (A3), top right, Oliver Bonas A feature wall of framed art makes a statement and can channel your creative best. Think William Blake’s poem ‘The Tyger’ in a wooden frame. 6. Cambridge Print Small Letter Trays: Selvedge Madder, £25, top; Charleston Meander, £25, bottom, Cambridge Imprint Time to push the envelope – these jazzy letter trays are where it’s at. 7. Evelyn Oak Effect Folding Desk, £49, Stanis Dining Chair, Velvet in Black, £89, Smart Industrial Calendar Block, £20, Dunelm When you want the option to power up or close down, this fashionable folding desk can be stored away when not in use – and the velvet chair can serve as an extra dining seat. 8. Shards Design – Large Magnetic Notice Board in Ocean, £58, Beyond The Fridge Designed to inspire and organise your world, this magnetic mood board can be styled to suit your surroundings. 9. Furniture Choice Milton Oak 120cm Dining Table in Oak, £179.99 This solid table is designed for modern living and will fit into any officescape with its classic design. 10. Martha Brook Desk Accessories: Pastel Scalloped Pen Pot, Light Lilac, £20.95, Two Tone Pastel Pen Pot, £20.95, Pastel Grooved Coaster Or Pen Holder, £19.95 Funky and fun, these pastel pen pots and holders will make light of a heavy workload. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 5 sunglasses trends that will be everywhere this summer 11 of the most eye-popping outfits in Eurovision history, from ABBA to Australia Can I go to work if my child has chickenpox?
2023-05-11 16:26
5 sunglasses trends that will be everywhere this summer
The quintessential summer accessory, sunglasses are the perfect finishing touch for any outfit – whether you’re hanging out at home or jetting off on holiday. When it comes to eyewear, trends move fast, so what frames are in fashion this season? As we head towards hotter days, these are the five key sunglasses trends to know about… 1. Oversized frames The coolest way to rock oversized sunnies this season is with sleek square frames, as seen at designer brands such as Celine and Prada. Opt for black or white opaque frames for an understated-luxe look or choose jewel tones to bring a Seventies glam feel. Oliver Bonas Teal Crystal Square Sunglasses, £55 CHPO Anna Recycled Plastic Sunglasses, £30, National Trust Shop 2. Sporty Trendsetter Kim Kardashian now favours sporty sunglasses to top off her looks. Throw it back to the Nineties and Noughties with narrow, wraparound sunnies with retro denim or tailored outfits. Poppy Lissiman Caidyn Mint Green Sunglasses, £85 River Island Black Angled Sunglasses, £14 3. Narrow frames As seen recently on the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, narrow rectangular sunglasses are a big hit with celebs and models at the moment. These eyebrow-revealing frames are a subtle way to nod to the Nineties and a stylish option if you don’t suit oversized square styles. Marks and Spencer Collection Bevelled Square Sunglasses in Black, £15 Thomas Sabo Kim Slim Rectangular Pale Orange Sunglasses, £179 4. White frames In contrast to classic black, this season’s white sunglasses are all about making a strong style statement. From narrow Nineties-inspired styles to big oval frames, go bold with your monochrome sunnies. Murielle Amalfi Sunglasses, £90 Arms of Eve Jagger White Sunglasses, £126, Wolf and Badger 5. Tortoiseshell Loving the spring/summer Seventies trend? Then you need a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses to complete your look. Channel disco-glam with super-sized frames in natural tones, or add a pop of pink. FatFace Claire Pink Sunglasses, £22; Olivia Linen Shirt in White, £59; Ikat Leaves Palazzo Trousers, £59 Dune London Gracies Tortoiseshell Oversized Sunglasses, £40 Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 11 of the most eye-popping outfits in Eurovision history, from ABBA to Australia Can I go to work if my child has chickenpox? What is mitochondrial donation treatment and who can get it?
2023-05-11 15:45
11 of the most eye-popping outfits in Eurovision history, from ABBA to Australia
It’s that time of year again, when we settle down in front of the telly to watch the glorious pop parade that is the Eurovision Song Contest. Liverpool will be the setting for the grand final on May 13, taking on hosting duties as last year’s winner, Ukraine, isn’t able to. Of course, the music is what matters when it comes to picking a winner, but let’s be honest, who doesn’t love checking out the performers’ weird and wonderful fashion choices? These are just some of the most epic on-stage outfits in Eurovision history… 1. ABBA ABBA was victorious at the 1974 contest with Waterloo, taking to the stage in glitzy satin and suede ensembles. Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus completed their look with knee-high silver platform boots. 2. Co-Co Representing Britain in 1978, six-piece pop group Co-Co chose super shimmery clown-inspired, rainbow coloured costumes. 3. Buck’s Fizz Previously a member of Co-Co, Cheryl Baker returned to Eurovision in 1981 with Buck’s Fizz, taking home the winner’s trophy for Making Your Mind Up. The memorable performance saw singers Bobby G and Mike Nolan whipping off the knee-length skirts of Baker and Jay Aston to reveal mini skirts underneath. 4. Youddiph We’re not sure if she was a bit chilly on stage, but Russian contestant Youddiph pulled her flowing red dress over her head like a shawl while performing in the 1994 final in Dublin. 5. Dana International Opting for the bird of paradise look, 1998’s winner Dana International teamed a plain black gown with a fabulous feathered jacket. 6. Lordi Long-time fans of Eurovision have learned to expect the unexpected. Finnish heavy metal band won in 2006 with Hard Rock Hallelujah, while kitted out in what looked like Halloween monster costumes. 7. Scooch Pop quartet Scooch was ‘Flying The Flag’ for the UK in 2007 with these Britney-esque cabin crew costumes. Sadly, they crash landed at the final in Helsinki, coming joint 22nd out of 24 finalists. 8. Verka Serduchka Also in 2007, Ukrainian drag singer Verka Serduchka fared significantly better than Scooch, coming in second place with a bonkers but brilliant military-themed performance. The singer donned a silver snakeskin trench coat with a matching star-topped hat and glitterball tie. 9. Conchita Wurst Austrian winner Conchita Wurst continued Eurovision’s drag tradition in 2014, accessorising her glittering golden gown with glossy hair and a perfectly groomed beard. 10. Kate Miller-Heidke Australia has, somewhat confusingly been allowed to participate in Eurovision since 2015. The nation may not technically be part of Europe, but it sure knows what’s required of a contestant on the fashion front. In 2019, Kate Miller-Heidke was dolled up in a voluminous fairy princess dress and crown, the singer performing Zero Gravity while being flung from side to side on a long, bendy pole. 11. Sheldon Riley Also representing Australia, Sheldon Riley gave us one of 2022’s most dramatic outfits. Dressed in all white, Riley wore a gown with a long feathered train, paired with a tuxedo-style cropped jacket and a crystal mask covering his face. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Can I go to work if my child has chickenpox? What is mitochondrial donation treatment and who can get it? Pensioner, 85, shares the simple switch that’s helped him to do 650,000 press-ups
2023-05-11 14:52
45 TV shows we can't wait to watch this summer
There's no doubt about it: 2023 marks a sizeable shift in the TV landscape. Popular,
2023-05-10 17:58
8 of the Best Mother’s Day Sales Happening Now
Celebrate the holiday with more savings, thanks to these Mother's Day sales happening at Amazon, Sur La Table, and other retailers.
2023-05-10 06:15
10 Tiny Facts About Yorkshire Terriers
Learn more about the energetic breed and its history.
2023-05-10 01:29