Period Productivity: The Art Of Working With Your Cycle, Not Against It
We’ve partnered with Unfabled, the world’s first cycle care shop, to show you how to work with your cycle, and not against it.
This article is an ad-guest post curated with Unfabled
The last thing you’d probably think about in relation to your menstrual cycle is being more productive. When most of us think about our cycles, we instantly focus on cramps, fatigue and PMS, but getting in sync with your cycle can be a great productivity hack – the trick is knowing how to make the most of the rise and fall of your hormones each month. To prove it to you, we’ve partnered withUnfabled, the world’s first cycle care shop, to show you how to work with your cycle, and not against it.
First thing’s first, your menstrual cycle is so much more than just the bleeding bit – in fact your period is only one of four phases of your cycle that your body goes through every month.They are called:
As you move through your cycle, your sex hormones dip and rise to perform essential functions for your body – with this comes the positive and negative symptoms of your menstrual cycle.
Menstruation Phase
This phase starts on the first day of your period, all the way through to your last day of bleeding, and typically lasts about 3 – 8 days. During this phase of your cycle, your hormones are lying low and this can make being productive and getting things done tough with energy and focus out the window.
How to work with this phase:
Don’t fill up your calendar— give yourself space to rest.
Schedule time for self-care.
You might not feel very social – skip the night out.
Get an early night.
Book a yin yoga class over that HIIT session.
Be gentle with yourself if you move at a slower pace than usual.
Follicular Phase
This phase overlaps with menstruation and officially begins on the first day of your bleed too. It’s the longest phase of your cycle and can last for 11 to 27 days, but the average is 16 days
In this phase, your progesterone and estrogen levels will rapidly increase, while Testosterone stays steady, but it may rise toward the end of this phase. Thanks to the boost in estrogen, you’re suddenly feeling driven to take on any challenge.
How to work with this phase:
Take advantage of your newfound energy and get to work on your creative projects.
The brain fog has lifted and you’re ready for those more complex tasks.
High energy kickboxing or spin class? Yes please!
Feeling ready to try something new – maybe a hobby class or even a trip to somewhere you’ve never been before.
Ovulation Phase
This phase occurs in the middle of your cycle when your follicle releases an egg. It usually lasts for only 24 hours, but the high estrogen and testosterone levels mean you can make the most of it for 3 to 4 days of your cycle.
The hormonal peak of testosterone gives you an outward-focused energy, while the estrogen peak makes you feel energetic and proactive. Think go-getter, social butterfly.
How to work with this phase:
This is a great time to schedule important meetings and tough decisions.
It’s an extroverted time for most women, making it ideal for working with groups of people.
Got a big project coming up at work? Now’s the perfect time to take it on.
Schedule that first date in this phase, and thank your hormones later.
Luteal Phase
The Luteal Phase exists to prep your uterus for the possibility of a baby. Both estrogen and Progesterone rise, with Progesterone reaching its highest peak – but if the egg doesn’t fertilise, both hormones drop dramatically at the end of this phase. This phase tends to last anywhere from 12 to 14 days in most folks.
Progesterone has a calming effect, meaning that your mind will probably be a little slower, and productivity levels are low. It’s a natural winding-down time, and the end of this phase is associated with PMS.
How to work with this phase:
Prioritise self-care.
Queue your favourite rom-com.
Lighten your workload if possible.
Gentle exercises like a swim or a walk are good choices.
Use this time for simpler tasks requiring less active brainpower, such as editing your work or catching up on admin.
Looking for more ways to make the most of your cycle and work with your hormones? Unfabledhas a ‘shop by phase’ feature on their website, so you can find the right cycle care products to support you as you ride the wave of your hormones each month. Get in sync with your cycle and tune into that untapped period power – and take 20% off using the code ZOELLA20 at checkout.
Hot Book Summer Starts Right Here: 15 Book Recommendations from Your Favourite Celebrities
From Mr ‘As It Was’ demigod Styles to Kendall Jenner and Adele, no one can influence our book-buying habits quite like a well-read superstar. Here’s a look at what the rich and famous have been reading and recommending in their spare time.
Looking for books backed by the IT crowd? You have reached your destination.
Be it a summer beach read, a gothic classic or an intimate memoir, the literary tastes of famous folk are far-reaching, meaning there’s something to suit every type of reader in this round up.
From Mr ‘As It Was’ demigod Styles to Kendall Jenner and Adele, no one can influence our book-buying habits quite like a well-read superstar. Here’s a look at what the rich and famous have been reading and recommending in their spare time.
Cue the book haul…
1. Untamed by Glennon Doyle – Loved by Adele
When Adele says a book transformed her life, you read it, for her word is gospel.
In an Instagram post, Adele said, “If you’re ready – this book will shake your brain and make your soul scream. I am so ready for myself after reading this book! It’s as if I just flew into my body for the very first time. Whew! Anyone who has any kind of capacity to truly let go and give into yourself with any kind of desire to hold on for dear life – Do it. Read it. Live it. Practice it. We are a lot! But we are meant to be a lot! .. “A good life is a hard life!” Read this book and have a highlighter on hand to make notes because you’ll want to refer back to it trust me! I never knew that I am solely responsible for my own joy, happiness and freedom!! Who knew our own liberation liberates those around us? Cause I didn’t!! I thought we were meant to be stressed and dishevelled, confused and selfless like a Disney character! ProBloodyFound!! You’re an absolute don Glennon.”
Tabs at the ready, BookTokers. And Adele, if you’re reading this, we’re fully *ready*… for your book club.
2. East of Eden by John Steinbeck – Loved by Emma Chamberlain
In a bid to curb her social media intake before bed and look after her mental health, Emma Chamberlain took up reading again last year and she’s been giving us hot book summer ever since.
In a video she uploaded to her YouTube channel she said, “Becoming a book reader has made me less depressed. Reading is harmless. Going on social media is not harmless. It makes you sad, it makes you compare yourself to other people, it makes you depressed, it’s no bueno.”
Now, most of us wouldn’t be so ambitious to kick off our reintroduction to reading with Steinbeck’s chunky 600 page classic novel. It’s thick and scary and will likely break ya brain but in the name of expanding literary horizons and making alpha energy moves a la Miss Chamberlain, we’ll include it in this round up to give us all something to aim for in 2022.
Set in the rich farmland of the Salinas Valley, California, this powerful, often brutal novel, follows the intertwined destinies of two families – the Trasks and the Hamiltons – whose generations hopelessly re-enact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel. Here Steinbeck created some of his most memorable characters and explored his most enduring themes: the mystery of identity; the inexplicability of love, and the murderous consequences of love’s absence.
3. The Marvels by Brian Selznick – Loved by Olivia Rodrigo
Sour reads? Olivia doesn’t know them.
Two seemingly unrelated stories – one in words, the other in pictures – come together with spellbinding synergy. The illustrated story begins in 1766 with Billy Marvel, the lone survivor of a shipwreck, and charts the adventures of his family of actors over five generations. The prose story opens in 1990 and follows Joseph, who has run away from school to an estranged uncle’s puzzling house in London, where he, along with the reader, must piece together many mysteries. How the picture and word stories intersect will leave readers marvelling over Selznick’s storytelling prowess.
Filled with mystery, vibrant characters, surprise twists, and heart-rending beauty, and featuring Selznick’s most arresting art to date, The Marvels is a moving tribute to the power of story. Be warned, it will swallow you whole.
4. Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – Loved by Emma Watson
Self-professed book lover Emma Watson’s got a few recommendations up her sleeve. In a 2010 interview with TIMEshe said Le Petit Prince and Roald Dahl’s BFG were two of her favourite books of all time. ““I like books that aren’t just lovely but that have memories in themselves. Just like playing a song, picking up a book again that has memories can take you back to another place or another time.”
The story follows an air pilot who is forced to make an emergency landing in the Sahara Desert. There, he befriends a mysterious young prince from out of space who tells him a series of wise and enchanting stories. This simple, beautiful fable has captured the imaginations of both adults and children ever since it was first published in the 1940s. Now considered a contemporary classic, it is a book to share and to treasure.
5. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo – Loved by Daisy Edgar-Jones
In 2020, Normal People actress Daisy Edgar-Jones took to Instagram to share her love for Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other, joint-winner of the Booker Prize in 2019.
Her caption read, “Having watched the video by the wonderful@missdumezweniI wanted to share this book with you. Girl, Women, Other by Bernardine Evaristo is one of the most powerful, honest, funny and moving pieces of writing I’ve ever read. The story takes us into multiple different perspectives, it explores race, sexuality, modern femaleness, Britishness and so much more. I can’t wait to read the rest of her work and to continue deepening my understanding. We must continue to educate ourselves and do all we can to support, “in a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist” Angela Yvonne Davis#blacklivesmatter”
Vibrant and poetic, Girl, Woman, Other follows the lives of twelve very different people in Britain, predominantly female and black. Aged 19 to 93, they span a variety of cultural backgrounds, sexualities, classes and occupations as they tell the stories of themselves, their families, friends and lovers, across the country and through the years.
6. Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame by Charles Bukowski – Loved by Harry Styles
There have been multiple sightings of Mr Styles with a book in hand and on more than one occasion, it’s been a work of Bukowski. It’s no secret that he’s a fan of the poet, so much so that a fan once threw a copy of one of his books onstage during a 1D concert. It’s also been said his song-writing has been inspired by him, particularly his song “Woman”.
Known for his witty, simplistic style and mind-blowing way with words, you can see how these two lyrical geniuses would vibe. With lines like, ‘Nothing matters but flopping on a mattress with cheap dreams and a beer,” his stanzas are gritty, raw and romantic which is exactly the kind of poetry we’d have Hazza down for.
When Rolling Stone staffer Rob Sheffield’s wife Renee died suddenly, he trawled back through the mix tapes they used to make each other throughout the course of their tragically short relationship. At times almost unbearably poignant, Sheffield’s music memoir is, ultimately, an uplifting hymn to the redemptive power of song and the connections that music makes throughout life.
8. The Stranger by Albert Camus – Loved by Gigi Hadid
When you’re a Hadid sister, handheld literature is just as hot as carrying the latest It bag and supermodel Gigi is certainly no stranger to cult reads, often photographed with a book in tow.
The Stranger tells the baffling story of a young shipping clerk, Meursault, and the surprising ways he reacts to the world around him. The novel begins with one of the most famous openings in modern literature, “Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday; I can’t be sure.” Meursault’s indifference towards his mother’s death sets the tone for the rest of the novel and acts as a plot device for Albert Camus to explore a bunch of philosophical questions around emotion, existentialism, societal standards and what truly defines humanity.
9. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller – Loved by Reese Witherspoon
Always one step ahead when it comes to finding the best new books, Reese Witherspoon could recommend The Hungry Caterpillar and we’d read it (for pleasure).
She never fails to choose the ultimate page-turners and The Paper Palace is no exception.
In an Instagram post announcing her Reese’s Book Club pick she said, “I was totally immersed in the fast-paced narrative that seamlessly wove together past & present. And ALL the beautiful details in this book are enough to pull at your heartstrings…every sentence is SO vivid and luxurious you feel like you’re transported to a lakeside retreat in Cape Cod with a family you have known forever. I think you will love this one!“
The Paper Palace is a deeply emotional love story that follows one day in the life of Elle Bishop as she navigates the unravelling of secrets, lies and a very complex love triangle between her childhood best friend and her husband… *adds to cart*
10. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier – Loved by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s last two albums Folklore and Evermore are teeming with literary easter eggs from Wordsworth to Peter Pan and multiple nods to Bronte’s Jane Eyre, so it’s obvious Tay Tay often turns to books for inspiration for her genius Nobel Prize worthy lyrics.
Speaking at the Apple Music Awards, the American singer-songwriter shared her love of the Daphne du Maurier gothic classic, Rebecca, and the influence it had on her haunting ballad “Tolerate It”. She said, “When I was reading Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier and I was thinking, ‘Wow, her husband just tolerates her. She’s doing all these things and she’s trying so hard and she’s trying to impress him, and he’s just tolerating her the whole time. There was a part of me that was relating to that, because at some point in my life, I felt that way.”
11. Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand Giridharadas – Loved by Timothée Chalamet
We’re going to go right ahead and assume Dune and Little Women are both already hot favourites in the Chala-yay canon so in order to bring you something fresh from the internet’s boyfriend, we’re going for a non-fiction entry he mentioned in an interview once.
In this international bestseller, Anand Giridharadas takes us into the inner sanctums of a new gilded age, showing how the elite follow a ‘win-win’ logic, fighting for equality and justice any way they can – except ways that threaten their position at the top.
But why should our gravest problems be solved by consultancies, technology companies and corporate-sponsored charities instead of public institutions and elected officials? Why should we rely on scraps from the winners? Trenchant and gripping, this is an indispensable guide and call to action for elites and citizens alike.
As suspected, his taste in books is as razor-sharp as that jawline.
12. Breasts & Eggs by Mieko Kawakami – Loved by Natalie Portman
Now there’s a title you won’t forget in a hurry. In Breasts and Eggs, Mieko Kawakami paints a radical and intimate portrait of contemporary working-class womanhood in Japan, recounting the heartbreaking journeys of three women in a society where the odds are stacked against them.
A powerful and important piece of feminist literature that explores the oppressive mores of womanhood and the role and function of the female body.
13. Silence by Erling Kagge – Loved by Fearne Cotton
As a bestselling author herself, Fearne knows a thing or two about books. In an interview with Stylist Magazine she named Silence as one of her favourite reads of all time, saying it had a profound effect on her from the very first sentence. Fearne said, “After reading the first sentence of this book, I felt my shoulders lowering and my breath slowing down.
Erling is an explorer, so he has experienced long periods of silence and the benefits and wonders that arise from its magic. This has been a recent game changing read for me. I find myself properly listening to the sounds around me and growing in confidence when there is silence mid-conversation. Silence is where the magic lies.”
This is your sign to switch off your phone and soak up the quietude!
14. Cherish Farrah by Bethany C. Morrow – Loved by Emma Roberts
Emma Roberts is a self-confessed bookworm, having channelled her love of reading into the online book club community, Bellatrist. She frequently shares her favourite reads over on her Instagram, with her most recent rec being Cherish Farrah by Bethany C. Morrow.
Perfect for fans of My Sister, the Serial Killer, the adult social horror novel follows 17-year-old Farrah, a young, calculating black girl who manipulates her way into the lives of her Black best friend’s white, wealthy, adoptive family but soon suspects she may not be the only one with ulterior motives. Told in Farrah’s chilling, unforgettable voice and weaving in searing commentary on race and class, this slow-burn social horror will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page.
15. How to Cure a Ghost by Fariha Róisín – Loved by Kendall Jenner
Reading whatever Kendall Jenner’s poring over is a *need* not a must, we don’t make the rules, and as long standing members of her non-official book club, How to Cure a Ghost is top of our list (as is that thirst trap bikini).
A poetry compilation recounting a woman’s journey from self-loathing to self-acceptance, confusion to clarity, and bitterness to forgiveness. Following in the footsteps of such category killers as Milk and Honey and Whiskey Words & a Shovel I, Fariha Roisin’s poetry book is a collection of her thoughts as a young, queer, Muslim femme navigating the difficulties of her intersectionality. Simultaneously, this compilation unpacks the contentious relationship that exists between Roisin and her mother, her platonic and romantic heartbreaks, and the cognitive dissonance felt as a result of being so divided among her broad spectrum of identities.
All The Reasons Why Your Physical and Mental Health Will Love Forest Bathing
If your ears are pricking up at the thought of reduced stress levels, a boosted immune system and lower blood pressure, may we present: forest bathing.
True or false: the average Brit spends 90% of their time indoors. Whilst at first shocking, you might not be surprised in the end to hear that in a world where digital comes first, there’s truth behind the statistic. For many of us, the unfortunate reality is that much of our days are spent tied to a screen or fulfilling obligations that pull us away from nature, and our health is suffering as a result.
Not all is lost though, as research in England has revealed that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature has been linked with improved health and well-being, whether it be a combination of walking through the park to the shops or spending dedicated time absorbing your surroundings in the woods. If your ears are pricking up at the thought of reduced stress levels, a boosted immune system and lower blood pressure, may we present: forest bathing. Thanks toBasubu, a one-stop-shop for the world’s best yoga and meditation retreats, Charlotte of Team Zoella was able to try it out firsthand- keep reading for the full low down:
But first, what is forest bathing?
According to National Geographic, “The term shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere”) emerged in Japan in the 1980s and was encouraged as both a physiological and psychological exercise. The purpose was twofold: to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests.”
The concept came about after scientific studies by the Japanese government found that two hours of mindful exploration in a forest could reduce blood pressure, lower cortisol levels and improve concentration and memory- pretty powerful stuff. The studies also focused on phytoncides- chemicals released by plants and trees to protect themselves from insects and germs- which in humans help to boost the immune system as a result of their antimicrobial properties. Breathing in forest air has also been shown to increase the level of natural killer (NK) cells in our blood which are used to combat infections and cancers. This data led the Japanese government to introduce ‘shinrin-yoku’ as part of its national health programme, and an important foundation of preventative medicine.
Forest bathing is not about exercise, getting in your 10,000 steps or conquering a new route to hike, it is simply about immersing yourself in nature and leaning into the five senses- sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. By focusing on our senses,we bridge the gap between us and the natural world.
Author of the book Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing, Dr Qing Li advises that no matter how beautiful your surroundings, you do not need technology present to capture the view. “Make sure you have left your phone and camera behind.” Says Li. “You are going to be walking aimlessly and slowly. You don’t need any devices. Let your body be your guide. Listen to where it wants to take you. Follow your nose. And take your time. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get anywhere. You are not going anywhere. You are savouring the sounds, smells and sights of nature and letting the forest in.”
If you find other purposefully relaxing activities designed to de-stress the mind (such as meditation) difficult to connect with, forest bathing could be a great alternative in combining both mindfulness and meditative elements. Whilst during a traditional meditation it’s encouraged to let your thoughts come in and out of your awareness, mindfulness focuses on the benefits of being actively aware of your surroundings and how you feel in the moment. Forest bathing is the perfect union of the two, making for a welcome and somewhat rare opportunity to both check-in with yourself, let thoughts of your day-to-day float by, and focus on the beauty that is often right under our noses.
Fancy giving it a go yourself?
A step-by-step guide to forest bathing
Choose a forest, near or far, to explore and know your route whilst leaving your phone behind.
Focus on the breath, ensuring your exhales are longer than your inhales to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and begin the relaxation process.
Wander around the area and take in your surroundings, stopping where you feel called to and bring your awareness to the senses.
Close your eyes for 30 seconds, and then slowly open them, looking from the ground up and slowly taking in your surroundings. First observe any movement or anything your eye is drawn to on the ground, then take your gaze slightly higher, and repeat until you are taking in the sky and treetops. Bring your awareness to how the clouds move, notice the branches and leaves in the canopy and notice any bodily sensations, feelings and emotions as they come. Focus next on your feet and any sense of being grounded and connected to the Earth.
Continue walking, pausing and connecting back with your surroundings when you feel called to. Remember to connect with your senses, listening to birds chirping or leaves rustling. Perhaps try touching the bark of a tree or the soil below your feet or smell some flowers if you spot any.
Finish your experience with some more directional deep breaths and try to bring your newfound groundedness back into city life with you as you adjust back to urban noises and triggers.
Whilst part of the beauty of forest bathing is how accessible and easy it is to practise alone, guided tours can be the perfect way to allow yourself to completely disconnect from reality and empty your mind with the guidance of someone else. Charlotte from Team Zoella was kindly invited to participate in a forest bathing and yoga experience via Basubu, an online marketplace for wellness retreats and holidays, hosted by Xenia ofBrighton Yoga.
“The itinerary looked idyllic, with plans to start the day early with some Qi-Gong inspired movements and a short walk before stopping for a feel-good yoga flow. This would be followed by a further walk through the rolling, open Sussex fields surrounding Stanmer Park, heading to more remote areas of the forest for the full bathing experience. Luck was on our side as far as the weather was concerned, heading into the woods on a beautiful sunny day at the end of April just as the bluebells appeared in full force, covering areas of the forest floor as far as the eye could see.
As there was so much planned within the schedule, the experience as a whole took around 4-5 hours which definitely threw me into the deep end of forest bathing and the sensory practices that come with tuning into nature. Having such a long experience definitely had pros and cons- the pros being it gave time to fully adjust from the digital world and provided a full, noticeable detox from technology. As for cons, it feels like a bit of a double-edged sword. Whilst meeting new and like-minded people was a lovely aspect of an activity like this, the length of the experience did naturally encourage conversation and the mind to begin to wander which I felt did inhibit some of the mindfulness benefits of solitude and tuning into the senses from feeling all-encompassing.
For me, the most grounding part of the experience and one which truly allowed me to sink into the good vibes of nature was the yoga flow we practised in one of the rolling fields that surround Stanmer. We were incredibly lucky with the weather on this particular Sunday and I have to say Shavasana in the sun has to be the most elite feeling ever. I hadn’t thought about the different textures that would feel noticeable under a yoga mat outdoors, and although the long grass made for a more challenging downward dog (already not my area of expertise), it provided a great opportunity to feel more attuned to nature, lap up some vitamin D and let go of the stresses of the day-to-day. For any yogis who have never practised outdoors, I really recommend it!
I was unfamiliar with what Qi-Gong was and what this would add to the practice of forest bathing, and for those also in the dark, here’s what you need to know…”
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Qi-Gong, pronounced “chi gong,” was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves using exercises to optimise energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being. Qi-Gong has both psychological and physical components and involves the regulation of the mind, breath, and body’s movement and posture. The breath becomes slow, long, and deep, movements are typically gentle and smooth, aimed for relaxation, and mind regulation includes focusing one’s attention and visualisation.
“Although at times feeling unnatural to be moving so freely (and often with our eyes closed), in a public setting, I found I was able to let go of day-to-day pressures, anxieties and insecurities thanks to being in a group and flow through each movement without worry. It was really invigorating to do so and let go of the pressures that exist about how we look to one another and simply ‘be’. If I took one thing away from the experience as a whole it was that we often have an innate wisdom and inner peace within us that with a little work we can return to at all times. Sometimes it might be harder to find than others, but forest bathing and surrounding yourself with nature allows you to re-centre yourself, balance your nervous system and come back to this internal calm more easily.
Overall, I loved spending this time in nature- far more than I would have done otherwise- and carving out a specific portion of my week to soak up the benefits of being amongst a forest. I left feeling calmer, refreshed and with a newfound appreciation for the well-being benefits that are so often overlooked on our doorsteps. They say nature is healing, and it’s true!”
To book your own forest bathing experience with Brighton Yoga, check out their upcoming events on Basubu, or browse their incredible selection of worldwide wellness retreats and experiences to secure a slice of peace for your mind, body and soul. Namaste!
Gilded Glamour But Make It Wearable: The Met Gala IRL.
Whilst the Met looks were, as usual, somewhat controversial, there are plenty of ways you can translate the best parts of your favourite celebrity looks into your everyday wardrobe, whether it be through colour palettes, exaggerated silhouettes or bronzed to the nines eye make-up.
The first Monday in May is as iconic as it gets for fashion lovers of the world, whether as an A-lister walking The Met Steps or a self-confessed Vogue lover taking notes from the sofa, the annual Met Gala hosted by Anna Wintour is a true spectacle in the world of fashion. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute decided upon “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” (interchangeably known as “Gilded Glamour”) as the second instalment of September 2021’s Met Gala “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”, and as usual everything from the guest list, celeb interactions and most importantly outfits were eagerly awaited by fans of music, film, popular culture and social media- anyone who is anyone walks The Met Steps.
But what was the theme all about? 2022’s Gilded Glamour aesthetic refers to The Gilded Age- the time period between the American Civil War and the turn of the twentieth century, and is derived from Mark Twain’s 1873 novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. To sum it up, this period of history was known for income inequality and corruption, and those who were at the top of society used their fashion choices to show off their wealth and status. Not so glitzy, huh. Traditional dress from the time included corsets galore, gloves, hourglass silhouettes, gowns and OTT everything.
Whilst the Met looks were, as usual, somewhat controversial, there are plenty of ways you can translate the best parts of your favourite celebrity looks into your everyday wardrobe, whether it be through colour palettes, exaggerated silhouettes or bronzed to the nines eye make-up.
Who do you think was best dressed at this year’s Met Gala?
*File Under NSFW* From Cosplay to Pegging, Here’s Your Handy A-Z Sex Glossary!
From fetishes and fandom kinks to the lesser-known slang of the internet, we present our A-Z glossary of fetishes, straight up filth and everything in between.
Just when you’ve managed to get to a place where you can confidently use edging in a sentence, a kinkier set of vocab arrives to mug you off once more.
With the ever-evolving English language, it seems there’s always something new to learn but when it comes to sex chat, most of us prefer to burden Google or Siri with our maddening questions than dare to admit we don’t have the foggiest idea what ‘felching’ means. So we nod and we laugh and we consult dirty dictionaries just like this one in our spare time instead. If that’s not self-improvement, we don’t know what is.
With a bit of luck, next time someone says, ‘it’s a sex thing’ you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about.
From fetishes and fandom kinks to the lesser-known slang of the internet, we present our A-Z glossary of fetishes, straight up filth and everything in between. With a bit of luck, next time someone says, ‘it’s a sex thing’ you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about, perhaps even stepping into the power of your storytelling with anecdotes of your own pegging adventures… until the next big thing comes along ofc and we’re all strangers to the mindboggling sexicon once more.
Without further ado, and as Salt-N-Pepa once said, let’s talk about sex baby…
A is for Anilingus – butt play referring to orally stimulating the anus with the tongue and mouth (aka rimming).
B is for BDSM – Abbreviation for Bondage, Discipline (or domination), Sadism (or submission), Masochism. It’s an umbrella term that refers to a spectrum of sexual behaviours that involve, for example, tying a partner up, games in which one partner controls the other, or giving and receiving pain for pleasure.
C is for Cosplay – short for costume play, Cosplay is similar to roleplay, only with better lewks. It’s the act of dressing up as fictional characters from movies or novels and having sex whilst taking on the persona of that character. We knew that velvet tailcoat and cravatwe ordered in December 2020 would come in handy.
D is for Deep Throating – an oral sex technique whereby a person giving a blow job takes as much of the penis in their mouth as possible until it reaches the back of their throat, usually causing a gag-relex.
E is for Edgeplay – A catch-all term that falls under the BDSM umbrella, best described as pushing someone close to their personal limits or their ‘edge’ in the bedroom or in layman’s terms… risky shit not to be confused with its affable sister ‘edging’ (delaying orgasm in order to have a more powerful one in the end). The specific nature of Edgeplay depends entirely on the participants. Since we all have different boundaries, what feels risky or ‘edgy’ to one person may be downright dangerous (or indeed boring) to another. As always, safe words are king.
F is for Felching – ejaculating then sipping your semen out of your lover’s anus with a straw. Bottom’s up!
G is for Golden Shower – urinating on or near your partner, lovingly.
H is for Hardsports – according to Urby Dic, it’s “like water sports… but with shit.” Essentially any sexual practice or activity involving poop, including defecating on another person during intercourse, enema play and generally being a human toilet for kinks.
I is for Impact Play – from soft love taps to spanking and whipping, Impact Play refers to any concensual impact on the body for sexual gratification purposes. Generally, this kind of play involves objects such as a paddle, flogger, cane or riding crop but hands count too. As always with BDSM, implement a safe word to ensure all partners are safe throughout.
J is for Jock Itch – a common fungal skin infection affecting the scrotum, penis or groin area caused by tight clothing or not drying the genitals thoroughly after bathing. Let that be reason enough to Talc, folks.
K is for Klismaphilia– a term used for people who experience sexual arousal from enemas. For the uninitiated, an enema is a liquid treatment inserted into the anus, usually to relieve constipation. It can be related to kinks for bodily fluids, medical play or control, or simply because they enjoy the sensation of anal douching and want something more intense. Enemas are also frequently used to prep for anal sex.
L is for Loop de Loop – aka the 69 postiion in which both parties are receiving oral sex at the same time. To hell with fomo.
M is for Maschalagnia – a sexual attraction to armpits. That’s it, that’s the fetish.
N is for NRE – an acronym for New Relationship Energy / the honeymoon period where the sun is always shining, the hormones are raging, the sex is always good… and they actually put their washing *in* the laundry bin, not on top of it. The stuff of fairytales.
O is for Orgasm Denial – similar to edging but with a different end goal, Orgasm Denial is a control technique often practised as BDSM and involves bringing a partner to the brink of orgasm but backing off before they come, intensifying erotic tension and denying them of the grand finale.
P is for Pegging – it usually involves a hetero cisgender woman flipping the traditional gender dynamic by anally penetrating a hetero cisgender man with a strap-on dildo. That said, anyone is more than welcome to suit up. Glad we got to the bottom of that.
Q is for Queening – Queening refers to a vulva-owner straddling their partner’s face during oral sex. Aka a glamorous synonym for face-sitting. No crown necessary, unless you dig that kind of thing.
R is for Rusty Trombone – The act of rimming (eating ass) whilst giving a hand job at the same time. We’ll leave the rusty part to your imagination.
S is for Shrimping – sucking on toes *sexually*. Anyone for Prawn Cocktail Wotsits?
T is for Teabagging – when a person with testicales dips their balls in and out of their partner’s mouth – just like a teabag you see.
U is for Unicorn – A unicorn refers to someone who is interested in having sex with a couple, or being the third person in a threesome. Or as Samantha Jones would say, “being the guest star.” This person might be down for a one-night thing, something more long term or anything in between.
V is for Venus Butterfly – an oral sex technique that requires some multitasking, namely cunnilingus and fingering. It’s pat your head, rub your belly kinda stuff.
W is for Wartenberg Wheel – a spiky pinwheel toy that looks a little bit like a pizza cutter, often used in fetish / medical-based role-play or BDSM. Although they can look pretty devious, you can keep the pressure light, gently rolling the device over the body to heighten sensitivity and provide a tingling sensation on the skin. Versatile for all experience levels, you can experiment with varying amounts of pressure depending on your partner’s reactions, working your way over the thighs, back and wrists before introducing the genitals. FYI always clean thoroughly after use and check for rust before playing.
X is for XXX – that’s all we could find on the matter and after the journey our search history has been on here, we’re more than ok with that.
Y is for Yoni – the Sanskrit name for vagina. We take a deeper dive into tantric Yoni mapping here.
Z is for Zipper Sparking – dry humping while clothed.
50 Summer Manicure Designs That Can Only Be Described As Works of Art
Be it ombre, rhinestones, French tips, or Bottega green everything, keep scrolling to see 50 of the hottest sets worthy of inspiring your summertime nail appointment in 2022…
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but do you know where it’s really at? Stepping out of the salon with a fresh mani- now that’s a top tier feeling. May has finally arrived after a long and somewhat average April, and with it comes a new month of fresh possibility as a summer without restrictions and outdoor dining feels within touching distance. There will be no substantial meals eaten with our drinks this season! Along with plans for a very social summer comes the joy of selecting a nail art design to match your 11/10 energy, but boy can it be hard to choose! Be it ombre, rhinestones, French tips, or Bottega green everything, keep scrolling to see 50 of the hottest sets worthy of inspiring your summertime nail appointment in 2022…
We Tried Skin + Me: The Dermatologist-Designed Skincare Delivered Straight to Your Door
Getting happy, healthy skin doesn’t have to be hard work. If you’re looking for a way to streamline your skincare routine with powerhouse ingredients designed with your skin type and goals in mind, Skin + Me could be just the solution you’ve been looking for, plus they've just launched new barrier-boosting Cleansers and Moisturisers to optimise your results!
AD this article is part of a paid promotion with Skin + Me
With so many products out there to choose from, deciding what’s best suited to your ever-changing skin can be stressful. And we all know what stress does to the skin. No Bueno!
Splashing out on endless cult products universally loved by the entire population of Instagram only to find they don’t work with your skin can be costly and disappointing.
Cue: Skin + Me – the science-backed skincare brand on a mission to rewrite the rulebook by delivering powerful, personalised solutions designed by dermatologists, straight to your door.
Not only does it take the guesswork out of the process by providing customised skincare made for you and your skin goals, you’ll be recommended the best cleanser and moisturiser for your skin type and you also get access to expert care and progress check-ins with the dedicated Dermatology Team whenever you need them. Bye-bye lengthy wait times, hello hassle-free treatment.
Unlike your average high street skincare brands, the Skin + Me products contain scientifically-proven active ingredients that’ll work best for your skin. The concentrations are increased on a monthly basis to evolve with your skin’s needs, giving it time to adjust to the powerful properties gradually and maximising personal results. If anything changes with your skin at any point, the team will simply reformulate your personalised solution. It’s as easy as that!
Whether you want to tackle your fine lines, skin texture, rosacea, adult acne, melasma or hyperpigmentation, the Dermatology Team can create a personalised treatment plan, made just for you. Light, non-greasy and non-comedogenic, your active ingredients are mixed into a topical cream and bottled up in a Daily Doser that dispenses the correct dosage you need (very handy for those of us who have been known to go a little overboard with skincare application).
For the sustainability-minded consumer, you can get your beauty fix without the usual guilt that comes with looking after your skin, since the skincare solutions are vegan and cruelty-free and made-to-order from fully recyclable packaging. Less wasted product, less plastic, less steps in your skincare routine. Happy days!
Getting happy, healthy skin doesn’t have to be hard work. If you’re looking for a way to streamline your skincare routine with powerhouse ingredients designed with your skin type and goals in mind, Skin + Me could be just the solution you’ve been looking for, plus they’ve just launched new barrier-boosting Cleansers and Moisturisers to optimise your results!
Meet the NEW Skin + Me Cleanser and Moisturiser
And now you can bookend your morning and evening skincare routine with the newly launched Skin + Me cleanser and moisturiser.
Finding the right skincare to use alongside active ingredients can be daunting, so Skin + Me went ahead and developed their very own.
The Purify + Prep cleansers and Soothe and Smooth Moisturisers are designed to work in perfect harmony with your personalised treatment plan, ideal for slotting in right next to your Daily Doser nightly application.
Soothe + Smooth Light Moisturiser
With hyaluronic acid, ceramides and allantoin, for combination to oily skin – a lightweight, hydrating gel-cream that will boost your skin’s moisture and barrier function without clogging pores.
Soothe + Smooth Rich Moisturiser
With hyaluronic acid, ceramides and allantoin for normal to dry skin – barrier repairing cream with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, allantoin and ceramides to quench and boost your skin’s hydration.
Purify + Prep Clarifying Cleanser
Gentle cream-to-foam cleanser, for oily skin – a gentle cream cleanser, that transforms to a soft foam when lathered, and removes oil, dirt and makeup without irritating the skin or stripping its natural moisture.
Purify + Prep Hydrating Cleanser
Gentle cream cleanser, for all skin types – a gentle, non-foaming hydrating cleanser formulated with emollients to help retain the skin’s natural moisture.
If you’re intrigued, keep reading to discover Team Zoella’s reviews and sign up for your very own personalised treatment plan here using the code ZOELLA to enjoy 40% off your personalised solution for the first 3 months AND the first month’s cleanser and moisturiser for free! (normally priced at £24.99 for a 4 week supply of personalised solution, and £30 for an 8 week supply of cleanser and moisturiser).
Zoe says…
Having seen so many people I love and follow using Skin + Me, it has always intrigued me so I was thrilled about this collaboration! Although I am a self-confessed skincare addict, I can quite often get a bit worried about deterring from my usual routine as my skin can be temperamental, but I was so excited to receive my custom treatment! I wanted to focus on trying to even out my skin tone as I have pigmentation where spots once were as well as slightly oily areas mixed with drier ones. I’m also prone to some hormonal breakouts each month too! The product is a treatment so I use this on my clean skin in the evenings before bed and have noticed a real difference already. I notice that I have had far less aggressive spots, and even when a small one appears, it disappears so much quicker.
The product is a treatment so I use this on my clean skin in the evenings before bed and have noticed a real difference already. I notice that I have had far less aggressive spots, and even when a small one appears, it disappears so much quicker.
Zoe Sugg
I think the tone of my skin has improved already too, although I want to continue using it to see how much clearer it can get! As I’m still on my first daily doser (percentages of ingredients can vary as you continue to use the product) I imagine that I will continue to see noticeable differences in my skin which I’m really looking forward to. One thing I love about this subscription, alongside the fact that it is a bespoke service based around images of your actual face and skin, is that the packaging ensures you only disperse exactly what you need each evening. No waste or over/underuse. If you have something with your skin you want to tackle but are unsure what type of product is for you or the various different types of acid confuse you, this is right up your street!
Danielle says…
I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with my skin but I have to say this year I’m firmly in the love camp! I’m pretty good with skincare and have a morning and evening routine so I was quite excited to add Skin + Me into the mix! In terms of my skin goals my biggest bugbear has always been redness, it’s something that has developed in my late 20s and I’ve spent so much money on products claiming to help it then inevitably being disappointed when my skin tone didn’t magically change overnight!
With that in mind instead of getting hung up on my redness when completing the consultation for Skin + Me I decided I wanted to try focusing on brightening my complexion, aiming for a more youthful complexion, and improving my texture!
Danielle
Admittedly I’m much better at carrying out a 5 step skincare routine in the mornings! I’m always so tired when it comes to washing my face in the evening so the instructions to just cleanse and then use my Skin + Me (and moisturise after 10 mins) sounded great! The daily doser is absolutely genius as a self-confessed product waster it really helped me to make sure the product stretched for the full month and some!
I can’t sit here and say I woke up the next day with gorgeous glowing skin but what I can say is that after using the product for the last 4 months I’m absolutely sold. My skin has never FELT better, we’re talking baby’s bum smooth, I really notice it in the mornings when I’ve done my skincare, and it’s always better when I’ve used my dose the night before. The simplification of my evening routine has been brilliant and so worth the monthly fee as I would normally spend double that on lotions and potions I obviously don’t need!
For the last month, I have also been using the Skin + Me cleanser and moisturiser and once again they’ve proved to be a massive hit. Is it nice to use products with crazy packaging and beautiful scents? Of course. Do they actually do anything great for your skin? Not really! The simplicity of the daily doser has been transferred into these two products that I’ve been using both morning and evening. They are silky smooth and scentless so feel amazing on your skin and I honestly think they’re also a big part of why I’m so obsessed with my own complexion these days! Would recommend all three to anyone looking to shake up yet simplify their current skincare routine, quite frankly the results speak for themselves.
Lareese says…
Though I’ve never struggled with my skin, give or take a few hormonal flare-ups here and there, lockdown and fertility-related stress have been quite the savage to my complexion. I’ve seen a noticeable dip in my ‘glow’ levels and texture over the last two years, along with the arrival of a few new lines – I knew I should have been grateful for collagen whilst it lasted but you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. Putting a custom-made skincare subscription to the test couldn’t have come at a better time and for that reason, I’m IN dragons!
As someone who chops and changes their skincare routine with the wind, often swayed by what’s hot on Instagram, having something that’s tailor-made just for my skincare concerns and goals is ideal. It reduces the risk of impulse-buying a product a stranger on the internet recommended and considerably simplifies my skincare routine, saving me time and money.
Lareese
Since I’m firmly in the trying-to-conceive category, I was nervous about the thought of using active ingredients but thanks to the online consultation and a treatment plan that’s not only dermatologist-designed but personalised for my fluctuating skin and lifestyle needs, I knew I was in safe hands. The Daily Doser bottle also eliminates that concern, dispensing just the right amount, meaning I didn’t have to worry about applying too much. One twist and a click and you’re ready to roll.
I’ve been using the products for 2 months now and love the convenience and efficacy. I’m gradually noticing my complexion getting a bit of life and radiance back in the mix and can’t wait to stick with my personalised treatment plan to see how much more my skin improves over the coming months.
Considering I’d usually spend more than £24.99 a month on two or more individual skincare products, I think the Skin + Me subscription is reasonably priced and worthwhile for anyone looking to strip back their skincare routine with expert-backed products designed specifically for your goals and needs. It’s a no brainer!
Maddie says…
I have admitted before that in the past I’ve not been particularly loyal when it comes to skincare. Being in this industry I’m always sucked into the next launch or a friend’s recommendation which has meant that I’ve gone from brand to brand trying products but never knowing what is really working for me. Having a monthly subscription service where the one treatment product arrives just as you run out of the last tube has been revolutionary. I’ve been using my personalised Skin + Me formula for coming up to 6 months now and spoiler alert, I am the biggest convert.
I am really noticing a difference in my skin and what’s more, other people seem to be too which I can’t say has ever happened to me before.
Maddie
Being in my mid-thirties, fine lines have very much begun to set in and although I cannot claim they’ve gone, I do feel as though my over all skin texture is so much smoother and clearer with far fewer breakouts (even hormonal ones!). Although the products I use around my Skin + Me do change depending on my mood, the fact that the one treatment product remains consistent really proves that it’s powerful stuff.
Charlotte says…
In my teens and early twenties I definitely had a difficult relationship with my skin, and eventually started a course of Roaccutane aged 21 to deal with ongoing cystic acne and excessive oil production. My skin truly transformed as a result and I’ve not had to stress about my make-up sliding off my face by lunchtime or painful, under the skin spots ever since, of which I am so grateful for! Naturally I still deal with the occasional pimple, shininess in my t-zone and uneven texture so was super intrigued by Skin + Me as similarly to the other girls, I’ve never found myself particularly loyal when it comes to skincare.
The process of filling in the information needed to curate a product that was perfect for my skin’s needs was super straightforward, and the website was incredibly user friendly which I always appreciate!
Firstly- how pleasing is the tiny tube that dispenses the product each evening with just the right amount?! I absolutely love the design and find it a real joy to use. Over the course of the past few months I’ve undoubtedly noticed a change in my skin, not only in how it looks but also how it feels (soft AF, if you were wondering) which is 100% as a result of this addition to my routine. Since my acne cleared from the course of medication I spoke about earlier, I have to say I’ve become pretty lazy with my skincare as my biggest complexion concerns were resolved, but I can safely say that the ease with which I’ve been able to improve the look of my skin once again with the addition of just one solution is crazy!
I can safely say that the ease with which I’ve been able to improve the look of my skin once again with the addition of just one solution is crazy!
Charlotte
The concept behind Skin + Me and the way in which this product is 100% personalised to my skin is what really makes it so appealing to me, and the proof is really in the pudding as I have no doubt seen improvements in my skin’s texture, oil levels and overall appearance. For the cost I really do think it’s worth it, and I’ve even referred friends since who have also noticed huge improvements with completely different skin concerns. I’m a true Skin + Me convert!
Darcey says…
I’ve had quite a skin journey over the last couple of years and have tried literally every product under the sun, done copious amounts of my own research and definitely spent a lot of money in the process! Back in Dec 2019 I decided to come off the pill as I think it quite negatively impacted my mental health, which led to the sudden realisation that my clear complexion was not due to genetics but in fact just another thing the pill masked throughout my teen and early adult years. Now I’m not going to claim to suffer from severe acne, but to going from clear skin to often hormonal breakouts within a few weeks was quite a shock to the system. So therefore I spent a few years trying all sorts to calm it and actually my efforts did work and my skin calmed, but I was left with dark spots and uneven skin texture from the acne, so this was something I hoped to begin to correct with Skin + Me.
My skin goals were to reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation, with the goal of just overall better skin texture. I don’t suffer too badly with acne anymore and only get the occasional hormonal outbreak so that wasn’t really top priority anymore. I loved the tailored service, it felt really personal and luxurious to have the dermatology team making me up a skin plan! I was really excited to try out Skin + Me as I have seen a lot of people on Instagram using them and raving about their results. It’s super convenient getting it delivered to your door and like a few of the other girls said it’s great that it only disperses what you actually need, so there’s zero waste.
I have been using Skin + Me for 4 months now and I have seen an incredible improvement in my dark spots and texture, my dark spots have faded dramatically and although I can still slightly see them, I know it will take time for the cells to rejuvenate and I’ve probably got a few more months to go until they have fully disappeared. My pores appear much smaller too which definitely gives my foundation a more flawless appearance. The texture of my skin is much smoother and softer now too, there’s definitely more improvement I’d like to see but like I said earlier I think that will take a few more months.
The cleanser and moisturiser are both silky smooth and fragrance-free which I love, they just feel like really simple products but I think that’s best with skincare. I’m excited to see the further progression of my skin over the next few months!
Darcey
My skincare routine has been massively stripped back now, with me only using one cleanser, vitamin C in the morning, my daily doser in the evening, eye cream and I have a separate moisturiser for morning and evening. But this is really reduced to what I was previously doing! So with Skin + Me being priced at £24.99 a month, when I think about how much I would have previously spent on all the other products, it’s definitely overall a saving. I’ve been using the Skin + Me cleanser and moisturiser and my skin loves that too! They are both silky smooth and fragrance-free which I love, they just feel like really simple products but I think that’s best with skincare. I’m excited to see the further progression of my skin over the next few months!
If you’re interested in trialling Skin + Me sign up for your very own personalised treatment plan here using the code ZOELLA to enjoy 40% off your personalised solution for the first 3 months AND the first month’s cleanser and moisturiser for free!
AD this article is part of a paid promotion with Skin + Me
AD this article is part of a paid promotion with Skin + Me
With so many products out there to choose from, deciding what’s best suited to your ever-changing skin can be stressful. And we all know what stress does to the skin. No Bueno!
Splashing out on endless cult products universally loved by the entire population of Instagram only to find they don’t work with your skin can be costly and disappointing.
Cue: Skin + Me – the science-backed skincare brand on a mission to rewrite the rulebook by delivering powerful, personalised solutions designed by dermatologists, straight to your door.
Not only does it take the guesswork out of the process by providing customised skincare made for you and your skin goals, you’ll be recommended the best cleanser and moisturiser for your skin type and you also get access to expert care and progress check-ins with the dedicated Dermatology Team whenever you need them. Bye-bye lengthy wait times, hello hassle-free treatment.
Unlike your average high street skincare brands, the Skin + Me products contain scientifically-proven active ingredients that’ll work best for your skin. The concentrations are increased on a monthly basis to evolve with your skin’s needs, giving it time to adjust to the powerful properties gradually and maximising personal results. If anything changes with your skin at any point, the team will simply reformulate your personalised solution. It’s as easy as that!
Whether you want to tackle your fine lines, skin texture, rosacea, adult acne, melasma or hyperpigmentation, the Dermatology Team can create a personalised treatment plan, made just for you. Light, non-greasy and non-comedogenic, your active ingredients are mixed into a topical cream and bottled up in a Daily Doser that dispenses the correct dosage you need (very handy for those of us who have been known to go a little overboard with skincare application).
For the sustainability-minded consumer, you can get your beauty fix without the usual guilt that comes with looking after your skin, since the skincare solutions are vegan and cruelty-free and made-to-order from fully recyclable packaging. Less wasted product, less plastic, less steps in your skincare routine. Happy days!
Getting happy, healthy skin doesn’t have to be hard work. If you’re looking for a way to streamline your skincare routine with powerhouse ingredients designed with your skin type and goals in mind, Skin + Me could be just the solution you’ve been looking for, plus they’ve just launched new barrier-boosting Cleansers and Moisturisers to optimise your results!
Meet the NEW Skin + Me Cleanser and Moisturiser
And now you can bookend your morning and evening skincare routine with the newly launched Skin + Me cleanser and moisturiser.
Finding the right skincare to use alongside active ingredients can be daunting, so Skin + Me went ahead and developed their very own.
The Purify + Prep cleansers and Soothe and Smooth Moisturisers are designed to work in perfect harmony with your personalised treatment plan, ideal for slotting in right next to your Daily Doser nightly application.
Soothe + Smooth Light Moisturiser
With hyaluronic acid, ceramides and allantoin, for combination to oily skin – a lightweight, hydrating gel-cream that will boost your skin’s moisture and barrier function without clogging pores.
Soothe + Smooth Rich Moisturiser
With hyaluronic acid, ceramides and allantoin for normal to dry skin – barrier repairing cream with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, allantoin and ceramides to quench and boost your skin’s hydration.
Purify + Prep Clarifying Cleanser
Gentle cream-to-foam cleanser, for oily skin – a gentle cream cleanser, that transforms to a soft foam when lathered, and removes oil, dirt and makeup without irritating the skin or stripping its natural moisture.
Purify + Prep Hydrating Cleanser
Gentle cream cleanser, for all skin types – a gentle, non-foaming hydrating cleanser formulated with emollients to help retain the skin’s natural moisture.
If you’re intrigued, keep reading to discover Team Zoella’s reviews and sign up for your very own personalised treatment plan here using the code ZOELLA to enjoy 40% off your personalised solution for the first 3 months AND the first month’s cleanser and moisturiser for free! (normally priced at £24.99 for a 4 week supply of personalised solution, and £30 for an 8 week supply of cleanser and moisturiser).
Zoe says…
Having seen so many people I love and follow using Skin + Me, it has always intrigued me so I was thrilled about this collaboration! Although I am a self-confessed skincare addict, I can quite often get a bit worried about deterring from my usual routine as my skin can be temperamental, but I was so excited to receive my custom treatment! I wanted to focus on trying to even out my skin tone as I have pigmentation where spots once were as well as slightly oily areas mixed with drier ones. I’m also prone to some hormonal breakouts each month too! The product is a treatment so I use this on my clean skin in the evenings before bed and have noticed a real difference already. I notice that I have had far less aggressive spots, and even when a small one appears, it disappears so much quicker.
The product is a treatment so I use this on my clean skin in the evenings before bed and have noticed a real difference already. I notice that I have had far less aggressive spots, and even when a small one appears, it disappears so much quicker.
Zoe Sugg
I think the tone of my skin has improved already too, although I want to continue using it to see how much clearer it can get! As I’m still on my first daily doser (percentages of ingredients can vary as you continue to use the product) I imagine that I will continue to see noticeable differences in my skin which I’m really looking forward to. One thing I love about this subscription, alongside the fact that it is a bespoke service based around images of your actual face and skin, is that the packaging ensures you only disperse exactly what you need each evening. No waste or over/underuse. If you have something with your skin you want to tackle but are unsure what type of product is for you or the various different types of acid confuse you, this is right up your street!
Danielle says…
I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with my skin but I have to say this year I’m firmly in the love camp! I’m pretty good with skincare and have a morning and evening routine so I was quite excited to add Skin + Me into the mix! In terms of my skin goals my biggest bugbear has always been redness, it’s something that has developed in my late 20s and I’ve spent so much money on products claiming to help it then inevitably being disappointed when my skin tone didn’t magically change overnight!
With that in mind instead of getting hung up on my redness when completing the consultation for Skin + Me I decided I wanted to try focusing on brightening my complexion, aiming for a more youthful complexion, and improving my texture!
Danielle
Admittedly I’m much better at carrying out a 5 step skincare routine in the mornings! I’m always so tired when it comes to washing my face in the evening so the instructions to just cleanse and then use my Skin + Me (and moisturise after 10 mins) sounded great! The daily doser is absolutely genius as a self-confessed product waster it really helped me to make sure the product stretched for the full month and some!
I can’t sit here and say I woke up the next day with gorgeous glowing skin but what I can say is that after using the product for the last 4 months I’m absolutely sold. My skin has never FELT better, we’re talking baby’s bum smooth, I really notice it in the mornings when I’ve done my skincare, and it’s always better when I’ve used my dose the night before. The simplification of my evening routine has been brilliant and so worth the monthly fee as I would normally spend double that on lotions and potions I obviously don’t need!
For the last month, I have also been using the Skin + Me cleanser and moisturiser and once again they’ve proved to be a massive hit. Is it nice to use products with crazy packaging and beautiful scents? Of course. Do they actually do anything great for your skin? Not really! The simplicity of the daily doser has been transferred into these two products that I’ve been using both morning and evening. They are silky smooth and scentless so feel amazing on your skin and I honestly think they’re also a big part of why I’m so obsessed with my own complexion these days! Would recommend all three to anyone looking to shake up yet simplify their current skincare routine, quite frankly the results speak for themselves.
Lareese says…
Though I’ve never struggled with my skin, give or take a few hormonal flare-ups here and there, lockdown and fertility-related stress have been quite the savage to my complexion. I’ve seen a noticeable dip in my ‘glow’ levels and texture over the last two years, along with the arrival of a few new lines – I knew I should have been grateful for collagen whilst it lasted but you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. Putting a custom-made skincare subscription to the test couldn’t have come at a better time and for that reason, I’m IN dragons!
As someone who chops and changes their skincare routine with the wind, often swayed by what’s hot on Instagram, having something that’s tailor-made just for my skincare concerns and goals is ideal. It reduces the risk of impulse-buying a product a stranger on the internet recommended and considerably simplifies my skincare routine, saving me time and money.
Lareese
Since I’m firmly in the trying-to-conceive category, I was nervous about the thought of using active ingredients but thanks to the online consultation and a treatment plan that’s not only dermatologist-designed but personalised for my fluctuating skin and lifestyle needs, I knew I was in safe hands. The Daily Doser bottle also eliminates that concern, dispensing just the right amount, meaning I didn’t have to worry about applying too much. One twist and a click and you’re ready to roll.
I’ve been using the products for 2 months now and love the convenience and efficacy. I’m gradually noticing my complexion getting a bit of life and radiance back in the mix and can’t wait to stick with my personalised treatment plan to see how much more my skin improves over the coming months.
Considering I’d usually spend more than £24.99 a month on two or more individual skincare products, I think the Skin + Me subscription is reasonably priced and worthwhile for anyone looking to strip back their skincare routine with expert-backed products designed specifically for your goals and needs. It’s a no brainer!
Maddie says…
I have admitted before that in the past I’ve not been particularly loyal when it comes to skincare. Being in this industry I’m always sucked into the next launch or a friend’s recommendation which has meant that I’ve gone from brand to brand trying products but never knowing what is really working for me. Having a monthly subscription service where the one treatment product arrives just as you run out of the last tube has been revolutionary. I’ve been using my personalised Skin + Me formula for coming up to 6 months now and spoiler alert, I am the biggest convert.
I am really noticing a difference in my skin and what’s more, other people seem to be too which I can’t say has ever happened to me before.
Maddie
Being in my mid-thirties, fine lines have very much begun to set in and although I cannot claim they’ve gone, I do feel as though my over all skin texture is so much smoother and clearer with far fewer breakouts (even hormonal ones!). Although the products I use around my Skin + Me do change depending on my mood, the fact that the one treatment product remains consistent really proves that it’s powerful stuff.
Charlotte says…
In my teens and early twenties I definitely had a difficult relationship with my skin, and eventually started a course of Roaccutane aged 21 to deal with ongoing cystic acne and excessive oil production. My skin truly transformed as a result and I’ve not had to stress about my make-up sliding off my face by lunchtime or painful, under the skin spots ever since, of which I am so grateful for! Naturally I still deal with the occasional pimple, shininess in my t-zone and uneven texture so was super intrigued by Skin + Me as similarly to the other girls, I’ve never found myself particularly loyal when it comes to skincare.
The process of filling in the information needed to curate a product that was perfect for my skin’s needs was super straightforward, and the website was incredibly user friendly which I always appreciate!
Firstly- how pleasing is the tiny tube that dispenses the product each evening with just the right amount?! I absolutely love the design and find it a real joy to use. Over the course of the past few months I’ve undoubtedly noticed a change in my skin, not only in how it looks but also how it feels (soft AF, if you were wondering) which is 100% as a result of this addition to my routine. Since my acne cleared from the course of medication I spoke about earlier, I have to say I’ve become pretty lazy with my skincare as my biggest complexion concerns were resolved, but I can safely say that the ease with which I’ve been able to improve the look of my skin once again with the addition of just one solution is crazy!
I can safely say that the ease with which I’ve been able to improve the look of my skin once again with the addition of just one solution is crazy!
Charlotte
The concept behind Skin + Me and the way in which this product is 100% personalised to my skin is what really makes it so appealing to me, and the proof is really in the pudding as I have no doubt seen improvements in my skin’s texture, oil levels and overall appearance. For the cost I really do think it’s worth it, and I’ve even referred friends since who have also noticed huge improvements with completely different skin concerns. I’m a true Skin + Me convert!
Darcey says…
I’ve had quite a skin journey over the last couple of years and have tried literally every product under the sun, done copious amounts of my own research and definitely spent a lot of money in the process! Back in Dec 2019 I decided to come off the pill as I think it quite negatively impacted my mental health, which led to the sudden realisation that my clear complexion was not due to genetics but in fact just another thing the pill masked throughout my teen and early adult years. Now I’m not going to claim to suffer from severe acne, but to going from clear skin to often hormonal breakouts within a few weeks was quite a shock to the system. So therefore I spent a few years trying all sorts to calm it and actually my efforts did work and my skin calmed, but I was left with dark spots and uneven skin texture from the acne, so this was something I hoped to begin to correct with Skin + Me.
My skin goals were to reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation, with the goal of just overall better skin texture. I don’t suffer too badly with acne anymore and only get the occasional hormonal outbreak so that wasn’t really top priority anymore. I loved the tailored service, it felt really personal and luxurious to have the dermatology team making me up a skin plan! I was really excited to try out Skin + Me as I have seen a lot of people on Instagram using them and raving about their results. It’s super convenient getting it delivered to your door and like a few of the other girls said it’s great that it only disperses what you actually need, so there’s zero waste.
I have been using Skin + Me for 4 months now and I have seen an incredible improvement in my dark spots and texture, my dark spots have faded dramatically and although I can still slightly see them, I know it will take time for the cells to rejuvenate and I’ve probably got a few more months to go until they have fully disappeared. My pores appear much smaller too which definitely gives my foundation a more flawless appearance. The texture of my skin is much smoother and softer now too, there’s definitely more improvement I’d like to see but like I said earlier I think that will take a few more months.
The cleanser and moisturiser are both silky smooth and fragrance-free which I love, they just feel like really simple products but I think that’s best with skincare. I’m excited to see the further progression of my skin over the next few months!
Darcey
My skincare routine has been massively stripped back now, with me only using one cleanser, vitamin C in the morning, my daily doser in the evening, eye cream and I have a separate moisturiser for morning and evening. But this is really reduced to what I was previously doing! So with Skin + Me being priced at £24.99 a month, when I think about how much I would have previously spent on all the other products, it’s definitely overall a saving. I’ve been using the Skin + Me cleanser and moisturiser and my skin loves that too! They are both silky smooth and fragrance-free which I love, they just feel like really simple products but I think that’s best with skincare. I’m excited to see the further progression of my skin over the next few months!
If you’re interested in trialling Skin + Me sign up for your very own personalised treatment plan here using the code ZOELLA to enjoy 40% off your personalised solution for the first 3 months AND the first month’s cleanser and moisturiser for free!
AD this article is part of a paid promotion with Skin + Me
We Tried Skin + Me: The Dermatologist-Designed Skincare Delivered Straight to Your Door
Getting happy, healthy skin doesn’t have to be hard work. If you’re looking for a way to streamline your skincare routine with powerhouse ingredients designed with your skin type and goals in mind, Skin + Me could be just the solution you’ve been looking for, plus they've just launched new barrier-boosting Cleansers and Moisturisers to optimise your results!
AD this article is part of a paid promotion with Skin + Me
With so many products out there to choose from, deciding what’s best suited to your ever-changing skin can be stressful. And we all know what stress does to the skin. No Bueno!
Splashing out on endless cult products universally loved by the entire population of Instagram only to find they don’t work with your skin can be costly and disappointing.
Cue: Skin + Me – the science-backed skincare brand on a mission to rewrite the rulebook by delivering powerful, personalised solutions designed by dermatologists, straight to your door.
Not only does it take the guesswork out of the process by providing customised skincare made for you and your skin goals, you’ll be recommended the best cleanser and moisturiser for your skin type and you also get access to expert care and progress check-ins with the dedicated Dermatology Team whenever you need them. Bye-bye lengthy wait times, hello hassle-free treatment.
Unlike your average high street skincare brands, the Skin + Me products contain scientifically-proven active ingredients that’ll work best for your skin. The concentrations are increased on a monthly basis to evolve with your skin’s needs, giving it time to adjust to the powerful properties gradually and maximising personal results. If anything changes with your skin at any point, the team will simply reformulate your personalised solution. It’s as easy as that!
Whether you want to tackle your fine lines, skin texture, rosacea, adult acne, melasma or hyperpigmentation, the Dermatology Team can create a personalised treatment plan, made just for you. Light, non-greasy and non-comedogenic, your active ingredients are mixed into a topical cream and bottled up in a Daily Doser that dispenses the correct dosage you need (very handy for those of us who have been known to go a little overboard with skincare application).
For the sustainability-minded consumer, you can get your beauty fix without the usual guilt that comes with looking after your skin, since the skincare solutions are vegan and cruelty-free and made-to-order from fully recyclable packaging. Less wasted product, less plastic, less steps in your skincare routine. Happy days!
Getting happy, healthy skin doesn’t have to be hard work. If you’re looking for a way to streamline your skincare routine with powerhouse ingredients designed with your skin type and goals in mind, Skin + Me could be just the solution you’ve been looking for, plus they’ve just launched new barrier-boosting Cleansers and Moisturisers to optimise your results!
Meet the NEW Skin + Me Cleanser and Moisturiser
And now you can bookend your morning and evening skincare routine with the newly launched Skin + Me cleanser and moisturiser.
Finding the right skincare to use alongside active ingredients can be daunting, so Skin + Me went ahead and developed their very own.
The Purify + Prep cleansers and Soothe and Smooth Moisturisers are designed to work in perfect harmony with your personalised treatment plan, ideal for slotting in right next to your Daily Doser nightly application.
Soothe + Smooth Light Moisturiser
With hyaluronic acid, ceramides and allantoin, for combination to oily skin – a lightweight, hydrating gel-cream that will boost your skin’s moisture and barrier function without clogging pores.
Soothe + Smooth Rich Moisturiser
With hyaluronic acid, ceramides and allantoin for normal to dry skin – barrier repairing cream with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, allantoin and ceramides to quench and boost your skin’s hydration.
Purify + Prep Clarifying Cleanser
Gentle cream-to-foam cleanser, for oily skin – a gentle cream cleanser, that transforms to a soft foam when lathered, and removes oil, dirt and makeup without irritating the skin or stripping its natural moisture.
Purify + Prep Hydrating Cleanser
Gentle cream cleanser, for all skin types – a gentle, non-foaming hydrating cleanser formulated with emollients to help retain the skin’s natural moisture.
If you’re intrigued, keep reading to discover Team Zoella’s reviews and sign up for your very own personalised treatment plan here using the code ZOELLA to enjoy 40% off your personalised solution for the first 3 months AND the first month’s cleanser and moisturiser for free! (normally priced at £24.99 for a 4 week supply of personalised solution, and £30 for an 8 week supply of cleanser and moisturiser).
Zoe says…
Having seen so many people I love and follow using Skin + Me, it has always intrigued me so I was thrilled about this collaboration! Although I am a self-confessed skincare addict, I can quite often get a bit worried about deterring from my usual routine as my skin can be temperamental, but I was so excited to receive my custom treatment! I wanted to focus on trying to even out my skin tone as I have pigmentation where spots once were as well as slightly oily areas mixed with drier ones. I’m also prone to some hormonal breakouts each month too! The product is a treatment so I use this on my clean skin in the evenings before bed and have noticed a real difference already. I notice that I have had far less aggressive spots, and even when a small one appears, it disappears so much quicker.
The product is a treatment so I use this on my clean skin in the evenings before bed and have noticed a real difference already. I notice that I have had far less aggressive spots, and even when a small one appears, it disappears so much quicker.
Zoe Sugg
I think the tone of my skin has improved already too, although I want to continue using it to see how much clearer it can get! As I’m still on my first daily doser (percentages of ingredients can vary as you continue to use the product) I imagine that I will continue to see noticeable differences in my skin which I’m really looking forward to. One thing I love about this subscription, alongside the fact that it is a bespoke service based around images of your actual face and skin, is that the packaging ensures you only disperse exactly what you need each evening. No waste or over/underuse. If you have something with your skin you want to tackle but are unsure what type of product is for you or the various different types of acid confuse you, this is right up your street!
Danielle says…
I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with my skin but I have to say this year I’m firmly in the love camp! I’m pretty good with skincare and have a morning and evening routine so I was quite excited to add Skin + Me into the mix! In terms of my skin goals my biggest bugbear has always been redness, it’s something that has developed in my late 20s and I’ve spent so much money on products claiming to help it then inevitably being disappointed when my skin tone didn’t magically change overnight!
With that in mind instead of getting hung up on my redness when completing the consultation for Skin + Me I decided I wanted to try focusing on brightening my complexion, aiming for a more youthful complexion, and improving my texture!
Danielle
Admittedly I’m much better at carrying out a 5 step skincare routine in the mornings! I’m always so tired when it comes to washing my face in the evening so the instructions to just cleanse and then use my Skin + Me (and moisturise after 10 mins) sounded great! The daily doser is absolutely genius as a self-confessed product waster it really helped me to make sure the product stretched for the full month and some!
I can’t sit here and say I woke up the next day with gorgeous glowing skin but what I can say is that after using the product for the last 4 months I’m absolutely sold. My skin has never FELT better, we’re talking baby’s bum smooth, I really notice it in the mornings when I’ve done my skincare, and it’s always better when I’ve used my dose the night before. The simplification of my evening routine has been brilliant and so worth the monthly fee as I would normally spend double that on lotions and potions I obviously don’t need!
For the last month, I have also been using the Skin + Me cleanser and moisturiser and once again they’ve proved to be a massive hit. Is it nice to use products with crazy packaging and beautiful scents? Of course. Do they actually do anything great for your skin? Not really! The simplicity of the daily doser has been transferred into these two products that I’ve been using both morning and evening. They are silky smooth and scentless so feel amazing on your skin and I honestly think they’re also a big part of why I’m so obsessed with my own complexion these days! Would recommend all three to anyone looking to shake up yet simplify their current skincare routine, quite frankly the results speak for themselves.
Lareese says…
Though I’ve never struggled with my skin, give or take a few hormonal flare-ups here and there, lockdown and fertility-related stress have been quite the savage to my complexion. I’ve seen a noticeable dip in my ‘glow’ levels and texture over the last two years, along with the arrival of a few new lines – I knew I should have been grateful for collagen whilst it lasted but you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. Putting a custom-made skincare subscription to the test couldn’t have come at a better time and for that reason, I’m IN dragons!
As someone who chops and changes their skincare routine with the wind, often swayed by what’s hot on Instagram, having something that’s tailor-made just for my skincare concerns and goals is ideal. It reduces the risk of impulse-buying a product a stranger on the internet recommended and considerably simplifies my skincare routine, saving me time and money.
Lareese
Since I’m firmly in the trying-to-conceive category, I was nervous about the thought of using active ingredients but thanks to the online consultation and a treatment plan that’s not only dermatologist-designed but personalised for my fluctuating skin and lifestyle needs, I knew I was in safe hands. The Daily Doser bottle also eliminates that concern, dispensing just the right amount, meaning I didn’t have to worry about applying too much. One twist and a click and you’re ready to roll.
I’ve been using the products for 2 months now and love the convenience and efficacy. I’m gradually noticing my complexion getting a bit of life and radiance back in the mix and can’t wait to stick with my personalised treatment plan to see how much more my skin improves over the coming months.
Considering I’d usually spend more than £24.99 a month on two or more individual skincare products, I think the Skin + Me subscription is reasonably priced and worthwhile for anyone looking to strip back their skincare routine with expert-backed products designed specifically for your goals and needs. It’s a no brainer!
Maddie says…
I have admitted before that in the past I’ve not been particularly loyal when it comes to skincare. Being in this industry I’m always sucked into the next launch or a friend’s recommendation which has meant that I’ve gone from brand to brand trying products but never knowing what is really working for me. Having a monthly subscription service where the one treatment product arrives just as you run out of the last tube has been revolutionary. I’ve been using my personalised Skin + Me formula for coming up to 6 months now and spoiler alert, I am the biggest convert.
I am really noticing a difference in my skin and what’s more, other people seem to be too which I can’t say has ever happened to me before.
Maddie
Being in my mid-thirties, fine lines have very much begun to set in and although I cannot claim they’ve gone, I do feel as though my over all skin texture is so much smoother and clearer with far fewer breakouts (even hormonal ones!). Although the products I use around my Skin + Me do change depending on my mood, the fact that the one treatment product remains consistent really proves that it’s powerful stuff.
Charlotte says…
In my teens and early twenties I definitely had a difficult relationship with my skin, and eventually started a course of Roaccutane aged 21 to deal with ongoing cystic acne and excessive oil production. My skin truly transformed as a result and I’ve not had to stress about my make-up sliding off my face by lunchtime or painful, under the skin spots ever since, of which I am so grateful for! Naturally I still deal with the occasional pimple, shininess in my t-zone and uneven texture so was super intrigued by Skin + Me as similarly to the other girls, I’ve never found myself particularly loyal when it comes to skincare.
The process of filling in the information needed to curate a product that was perfect for my skin’s needs was super straightforward, and the website was incredibly user friendly which I always appreciate!
Firstly- how pleasing is the tiny tube that dispenses the product each evening with just the right amount?! I absolutely love the design and find it a real joy to use. Over the course of the past few months I’ve undoubtedly noticed a change in my skin, not only in how it looks but also how it feels (soft AF, if you were wondering) which is 100% as a result of this addition to my routine. Since my acne cleared from the course of medication I spoke about earlier, I have to say I’ve become pretty lazy with my skincare as my biggest complexion concerns were resolved, but I can safely say that the ease with which I’ve been able to improve the look of my skin once again with the addition of just one solution is crazy!
I can safely say that the ease with which I’ve been able to improve the look of my skin once again with the addition of just one solution is crazy!
Charlotte
The concept behind Skin + Me and the way in which this product is 100% personalised to my skin is what really makes it so appealing to me, and the proof is really in the pudding as I have no doubt seen improvements in my skin’s texture, oil levels and overall appearance. For the cost I really do think it’s worth it, and I’ve even referred friends since who have also noticed huge improvements with completely different skin concerns. I’m a true Skin + Me convert!
Darcey says…
I’ve had quite a skin journey over the last couple of years and have tried literally every product under the sun, done copious amounts of my own research and definitely spent a lot of money in the process! Back in Dec 2019 I decided to come off the pill as I think it quite negatively impacted my mental health, which led to the sudden realisation that my clear complexion was not due to genetics but in fact just another thing the pill masked throughout my teen and early adult years. Now I’m not going to claim to suffer from severe acne, but to going from clear skin to often hormonal breakouts within a few weeks was quite a shock to the system. So therefore I spent a few years trying all sorts to calm it and actually my efforts did work and my skin calmed, but I was left with dark spots and uneven skin texture from the acne, so this was something I hoped to begin to correct with Skin + Me.
My skin goals were to reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation, with the goal of just overall better skin texture. I don’t suffer too badly with acne anymore and only get the occasional hormonal outbreak so that wasn’t really top priority anymore. I loved the tailored service, it felt really personal and luxurious to have the dermatology team making me up a skin plan! I was really excited to try out Skin + Me as I have seen a lot of people on Instagram using them and raving about their results. It’s super convenient getting it delivered to your door and like a few of the other girls said it’s great that it only disperses what you actually need, so there’s zero waste.
I have been using Skin + Me for 4 months now and I have seen an incredible improvement in my dark spots and texture, my dark spots have faded dramatically and although I can still slightly see them, I know it will take time for the cells to rejuvenate and I’ve probably got a few more months to go until they have fully disappeared. My pores appear much smaller too which definitely gives my foundation a more flawless appearance. The texture of my skin is much smoother and softer now too, there’s definitely more improvement I’d like to see but like I said earlier I think that will take a few more months.
The cleanser and moisturiser are both silky smooth and fragrance-free which I love, they just feel like really simple products but I think that’s best with skincare. I’m excited to see the further progression of my skin over the next few months!
Darcey
My skincare routine has been massively stripped back now, with me only using one cleanser, vitamin C in the morning, my daily doser in the evening, eye cream and I have a separate moisturiser for morning and evening. But this is really reduced to what I was previously doing! So with Skin + Me being priced at £24.99 a month, when I think about how much I would have previously spent on all the other products, it’s definitely overall a saving. I’ve been using the Skin + Me cleanser and moisturiser and my skin loves that too! They are both silky smooth and fragrance-free which I love, they just feel like really simple products but I think that’s best with skincare. I’m excited to see the further progression of my skin over the next few months!
If you’re interested in trialling Skin + Me sign up for your very own personalised treatment plan here using the code ZOELLA to enjoy 40% off your personalised solution for the first 3 months AND the first month’s cleanser and moisturiser for free!
AD this article is part of a paid promotion with Skin + Me
Harry’s House and Peony Season: Welcoming The Month of May
We’re starting the month off strong with a 3 day weekend thanks to the May Day Bank Holiday, and ending on a high with a new Harry Styles album that will be on repeat for the foreseeable- if that isn’t something to celebrate, then we don’t know what is.
The Coachella spam is behind us, The Kardashians are back with full burn-them-to-the-f*cking-ground force and we can almost smell the first beach BBQ of the season- life is good! May has arrived, and with it comes the promise of hot girl summer and daily ‘pub?’ texts from the girls as the allure of a British beer garden has us in a chokehold once more! We’re starting the month off strong with a 3 day weekend thanks to the May Day Bank Holiday, and ending on a high with a new Harry Styles album that will be on repeat for the foreseeable- if that isn’t something to celebrate, then we don’t know what is. Get your smock dresses, Birkenstocks and straw bags at the ready, sunshine, we’re ready for ya!
Realise your month has peaked on the 2nd May after absorbing every minute detail of the Met Gala and wondering if it’s possible to manifest an invite for 2023. Are you listening, universe?
Camp outside the Radio 1 Big Weekend grounds in the hopes of getting a glimpse of the man, the myth, the legend, Mr Harry Styles. Be still our beating heart.
Devour Beth O’Leary’s The No Show in approximately 48 hours as part of the Zoella Book Club and immediately wish you could relive it all over again.
Live vicariously through the love life of Kourtney and Travis every Thursday on Disney+.
Wonder on the daily if the Spring temperature makes it a jacket or no jacket day.
Enjoy your first Aperol of the season and prepare for your veins to be the brightest shade of orange for the next 4 months.
Wonder how many times you can watch the Downton Abbey film at your local Odeon before the staff have words.
Enjoy your first BBQ of the season and wonder how you can make potato salad part of every meal
Wax from head to toe as the threat of a heatwave gets blasted on Facebook feeds everywhere based on zero Met Office insight whatsoever.Thanks a lot, Daily Mail.
Get inspired by the Dopamine Decor trend and decide that reinventing your interior identity is your no. 1 priority ahead of the summer season. Looking good = feeling good in our book.
Watch Doja Cat’s Coachella performance again for the 4294194th time. Her stage presence is truly unrivalled.
Bulk buy Kleenex and take a day of annual leave in preparation for Stranger Things 4.
Get a neon manicure and feel like you’ve got your life together for summer.
Try everything to get Louis Theroux’s viral rap out of your head and fail miserably.
Spend inordinate amounts on peonies for every room and refuse to check your bank balance for the next 31 days as a result.
Search eBay on a daily basis for a pair of the Ganni X New Balance trainers in your size and fail, again…
Google ‘how much caffeine’ is too much caffeine after consuming 8 iced lattes.
Enjoy everything Brighton Fringe Festival has to offer post Covid and lap up ‘normal’ life once more. Entering our live, laugh, love era!
Reviewing What A Shame by Abigail Bergstrom for the Zoella Book Club
Emotionally intelligent, life-affirming and darkly comic, Abigail Bergstrom’s debut novel What A Shame had us at hello!
Emotionally intelligent, life-affirming and darkly comic, Abigail Bergstrom’s debut novel What A Shame had us at hello!
Perfect for fans of Dolly Alderton and Fleabag, Bergstrom fills the pages with awkward humour and heartbreak in equal measure, shining a light on the struggles of grief in all its forms whilst celebrating the power of female friendship.
For anyone who’s ever grappled with shame and self-worth or felt a little lost in life, allow What A Shame to hit you in the feels and bring you home to yourself (cue the book hangover).
Here’s a recap of the blurb before we get into our reviews!
She’s still reeling from the blow of a gut-punch break up and grieving the death of a loved one. But that’s not it.
She’s cried all her tears, mastered her crow pose and thrown out every last reminder of him. But that’s not helping.
Concerned that she isn’t moving on, Mathilda’s friends push her towards a series of increasingly unorthodox remedies. Until the seams of herself begin to come undone.
Tender, unflinching and blisteringly funny, What a Shame glitters with rage and heartbreak, perfect for fans of Emma Jane Unsworth, Dolly Alderton and Holly Bourne.
Lareese’s Review
I have been insufferable since finishing this book, harping on about it to anyone who’ll make eye contact with me. Abigail has such a unique writing style, marrying raw unadorned emotion with unexpected lyricism. And as you can probably tell, I’m obsessed.
What A Shame is a book your heart will recognise from the very first page and a daring debut you’ll forever peer pressure your friends to read. It’s light and shade, grief and triumph – all the peak and pits of the human experience. The subject matter is dark and hard to read (particularly when you get to the twist) but Bergstrom handles every trigger with great care and emotional intelligence, leaving plenty of space for the joy of female friendship to punctuate the darkness. What a shame there wasn’t 260 more pages where that came from. Bergstrom is one to watch and I for one can’t wait to read whatever she writes next!
Rating: the easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given Would you recommend it? Yes! All power to the dungarees.
Charlotte’s Review
After reading Breathless last month- a book I couldn’t put down- I found What A Shame a little slow to start with. It’s quite the contrast to books in which you know an impending twist is on the horizon or with a juicy plot right from the off, but despite this, I finished it feeling warm, fuzzy and ready to recommend it to everyone I know. Having gone through a breakup myself in 2020, I finally feel in a good place to read books that cover the subject in all its gritting and heart-wrenching detail, and What A Shame does so with such poise, relatability and understanding- it makes you feel truly seen and heard. One line that has really stuck with me came from one of Mathilda’s friends who said she believed M was stuck in the feeling that the best days of her life had already happened to her, which is something I resonate with so much as someone who truly feels they peaked at age 17. What A Shame gives hope to anyone going through a phase of change and self-development that feels more like drowning, and promises a brighter future no matter what.
Although at times covering heavy themes, following Mathilda’s journey never felt like a drag, and instead like that of a close friend you wanted to wrap up in a hug and never let go. Although it’s a book in which nothing major happens and there are no big twists that rock your world, it concluded in a way that left me feeling satisfied and like I had myself been on a healing journey with Mathilda. I’m also now desperately searching for a time I can complete a banishing bath ritual because I honestly feel it would heal so much. Consider me influenced.
Rating: 5/5 Would you recommend it? Yes!
Danielle’s Review
Having never gone through a heart aching, soul-crushing, world-ending break up myself it didn’t stop me from devouring What a Shame in 3 days flat! I think everyone can relate to that feeling of being completely lost especially throughout your twenties, and the book wrestles with the protagonist trying everything in reach to find herself again and move past the heartbreak and grief she has recently gone through. This book really made sense to me and it was written so wonderfully for the first time in a long time I grabbed a highlighter and started attacking my book pulling out all the sentences packed full of poetic genius, which there were a lot of!
There’s plenty of plot to sink your teeth into with this book despite my going into it thinking it was going to be reminiscent of Sally Rooney’s novels where not a lot happens. I really enjoyed getting to live within the sisterhood Abi created within this book and felt like a fly on the wall of their bonds. The book stretched from self-pity to solitude and every messy thing that comes between. I’d definitely recommend this book albeit with a couple of trigger warnings (self-harm/abuse/loss), especially to friends with a dry sense of humour like myself.
Rating: 4.5 Would you recommend it? Yes to the right person, I won’t be throwing it at my mum
Darcey’s Review
I absolutely adored this book! The pain and sorrow, but joy and love that comes from being a human. How grief and heartbreak can lay so heavy on a person, this book was raw and emotional, even awkward at times, but I truly loved it.
Abigail has such a unique way of writing, with the narration switching between her ex-boyfriend and her deceased father, which made for an interesting read. The book covers many dark themes and difficult scenarios, there are moments I found myself slightly apprehensive about turning the page, but the intrigue was overwhelming and all difficult topics were always dealt with in such a sensitive manner.
I always love a book that focuses on the importance of female friendships, because aren’t they just the best? There really is something so beautiful about the sisterhood us women feel. Would 100% recommend this book (to the right person, maybe not your aunt), can’t wait to read Abigail’s next masterpiece!
