A few days ago my name showed up in Launchmetrics data as one of the voices shaping the Gulf beauty category, across a report looking at 23 brands in the GCC and Lebanon with $322.8 million in Media Impact Value. I know that’s a very specific sentence and probably sounds like something from a business report…and that’s because it is. It was a huge moment for me because Launchmetrics is one of the platforms used in the fashion and beauty industry to measure media performance, brand impact and the value of visibility across press, social and digital platforms.

Christine, who’s the Middle East rep for Launchmetrics, replied to my email thanking her and explained that Media Impact Value, or MIV, is their proprietary metric that assigns a monetary value to each media placement or social post. It doesn’t just look at reach or engagement. It looks at a mix of things like potential reach, engagement, the quality and authority of the source, the type of content, and other factors that help determine the overall impact of a placement.

That’s why this was so important to me. In an industry where so much can sometimes feel subjective, data like this cuts through a lot of the noise. It’s not about who someone personally likes, who they already know, who gets invited into certain rooms, or who is friends with who, or who everyone else seems to like. The numbers are the numbers! And for my work to show up there, in that context, was a very proud moment.

The Voice Profile she sent looked at my activity between January 1 and June 30, 2026, across the five brands where I appeared as a top Voice: Charlotte Tilbury, Dior Beauty, Estée Lauder, Benefit Cosmetics and Patrick Ta Beauty. Across those placements, my content generated $2.12 million in MIV across 117 placements, with an average of $18.2K MIV per placement. Dior Beauty came out highest at $719K, followed by Charlotte Tilbury at $579K, Benefit Cosmetics at $417K, Patrick Ta Beauty at $277K and Estée Lauder at $131K. My top single placement was a YouTube post for Dior that generated $35.1K in MIV, and my YouTube average engagement was 4.69% with potential reach of 718K. If you’re a nerdy creator like me then you’ll understand how important these numbers are.

I had to sit with those numbers for a minute because when you work for yourself, you’re so back to back that you don’t always see the bigger picture. Bobby and I work together and we’re a lean team. He deals with the numbers and I deal with the creative side…he’s way more nerdy than me, I’m a pretty basic nerd! We’re literally thinking about the next video, the next edit, the next deadline, the next newsletter, the next brand response, the next round of filming. We know we’re working hard, but we don’t always get that outside confirmation that the work is actually landing in a bigger way.

And I think that’s why this meant so much to me. It wasn’t just “oh, that’s nice, your post did well” It felt like proof that the work has been building and making a difference. Years of showing up, creating content, educating, reviewing, filming, editing, sharing, testing, explaining and trying to do things properly. It was all sitting there in black and white!

It also felt super meaningful because sometimes I’ve felt like the regional beauty industry doesn’t always fully recognize what I do in the way I would expect it to. I’m just being honest. When you create from here, have a global audience, work across different platforms and have a strong community in places like the US, UK and the Middle East, it can sometimes feel like people don’t know exactly where to place you. But seeing my name in Launchmetrics data as one of the voices shaping Gulf beauty made me feel like, okay, the work is being seen, even if it hasn’t always been acknowledged in the way I hoped.

I genuinely think this matters…because beauty can be a very relationship based industry. There are always opinions, preferences, familiar names, people who are already in certain circles and people who get chosen because they’re already visible in the right rooms. But data has a way of making things very clear. It shows impact, value, that content is not just content when it’s influencing conversations, searches, purchases and brand visibility. When I think of the word influencer…this is what it means. Not what the world has turned it into.

Being on that list alongside names like Karen Wazen also put it into perspective. It reminded me that the work I’ve been doing is part of a bigger beauty conversation in the region. I’ve spent so many years building trust with my audience, and I think that’s what makes this feel even more personal. It’s not only about reach, it’s about the fact that people watch, listen, trust, engage, come back and actually care about what I have to say.

As women, we can be very quick to downplay things. We’ll say “it’s not a big deal” or “I don’t want to sound like I’m showing off” or “I’ll just mention it quickly and move on”…I am super guilty of this. I nearly didn’t post about this and right before posting my reel about it on Instagram I was cringing myself out. But sometimes you have to let yourself acknowledge these things properly. You have to be able to say, I worked hard for this, and I’m proud of it, so that’s what I’m doing.

It makes me want to be even more focused and it reminded me that the content I create has real value, not just because it performs well, but because it connects with people. It reminded me that YouTube, Instagram, Substack and everything else I do isn’t just a random collection of posts…it’s a body of work, and sometimes you need someone else’s data to show you what you’ve been building while you were too busy building it.

So yes, this was a super proud moment. Not because I need external validation to know my work matters, but because sometimes external validation gives you a different kind of clarity. It lets you see your work from the outside.

It also made me feel more certain about the direction I’m going in. I want to keep building in beauty, education, community and in spaces where women feel like they’re getting advice from someone who actually understands products, skin, makeup, aging, trends and real life. I want to keep creating the kind of content that people come back to because it helps them make better choices, feel more confident and understand beauty in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming.

After seeing these numbers, I feel even more motivated, in a grounded way. Like a reminder that the work is working, the audience is there, the impact is real, and sometimes the numbers really do speak for themselves.

Thank you for trusting in me :)

Some are very easy, some I feel I need to use for a bit longer, but these are the new makeup products currently on my beauty desk.

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Eyeshadow Pencils

I’ve always loved the idea of eyeshadow pencils because they feel like the kind of product that should make life easier. Quick swipe, blend with your finger, done…this video is actually on my Instagram here.

These Charlotte Tilbury ones have that creamy, ultra glidey texture you want from an eyeshadow pencil. They don’t feel dry or scratchy on the lid, and they give you enough time to blend before they start to set.

The finish is really pretty. It gives that soft, polished eye without needing to do a full eyeshadow look. You can wear it lightly and just smudge it out for something easy, or build it a bit more if you want the eye to look more defined.

There are matte and shimmer shades available and both are really pretty. This is the kind of product I’d reach for when I want my makeup to look like I made an effort with minimal effort.

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Firstly…texture is normal. Everyone has pores, little bumps, dryness, fine lines, or areas that aren’t completely smooth. The problem is when foundation starts grabbing onto those areas and making them look more obvious than they actually are.

The aim isn’t to make your skin look filtered in real life, because that’s not realistic. The aim is to help foundation sit more smoothly so it doesn’t catch on every dry patch, pore, line, or bit of unevenness.

Start With Gentle Exfoliation

If foundation keeps clinging to texture, look at whether there’s buildup sitting on the surface of your skin. Dead skin cells, dry patches, and rough areas will always make foundation grab.

I don’t mean scrubbing your face right before makeup. That usually makes things worse. I mean having some kind of gentle exfoliation in your routine so your skin stays smoother over time.

It could be a gentle acid, an exfoliating cleanser, or whatever your skin can tolerate. The key is not overdoing it, because over exfoliated skin can look just as bad under makeup because it becomes tight, shiny, irritated, and textured in a different way. You don’t want to strip your skin of moisture.

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But at the same time, you don’t want to make it your whole personality. You’re not interested in making every habit look aesthetic, and you definitely don’t need a two hour morning routine that involves sunrise meditation, journaling and green juice. I get it.

In all honesty, sometimes my wellness routine is aesthetic. Mainly because it’s kind of part of my job, but also because I like the aesthetic feel. But sometimes I really just need it to do it’s job, and anything aesthetic goes out the window.

Sometimes my main priority is that I just want to feel good in my body. I want energy, a more stable mood, better sleep, stronger muscles, better skin and less of that feeling where you’re dragging yourself through the day.

So this isn’t really a perfect wellness routine. It’s more of a “I don’t want to feel like crap” list.

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Then a few hours later, it starts turning on you. Foundation starts separating around the nose. Concealer starts sitting in lines. Powder looks dry. Blush has either disappeared or gone patchy. Your T-zone looks shiny, but the rest of your face somehow looks tight. And it doesn’t mean all this happens at once. It could be that one of these things is the issue you have.

Most people blame the foundation, and sometimes it is the foundation. But a lot of the time, makeup falls apart because something underneath or around it isn’t working. It could be your skin prep (most likely), too much product, skincare layers not settling properly, the wrong primer, too much powder, not enough powder, or formulas that just don’t work well together. This is why I’m always raving on about the need to understand what your skin needs over on my YouTube channel.

Your Skin Prep Isn’t Right

This is one of the biggest reasons makeup looks good at first, then starts separating or pilling later. If you apply moisturizer, SPF, primer and foundation too quickly, the layers underneath are all still moving around.

It might look fine at first because everything is freshly blended and looks hydrated, but once your skin warms up and your face starts moving, those layers can start mixing together. That’s when the foundation starts looking patchy, the base starts sliding, or you get that weird texture where nothing looks smooth anymore.

Your skin should feel hydrated before makeup, but not wet, greasy or slippery. If you can feel loads of skincare sitting on the surface, your foundation will probably feel it too.

You’ve Used Too Much Product

Makeup falls apart much faster when there’s too much product on the skin. It all builds up and eventually starts moving around.

This usually happens first in the areas that move the most, like smile lines, around the mouth, under the eyes and around the nose. If there’s too much product around those areas, it’s going to collect, crease or separate.

Thin layers usually last better. You can still have coverage, but you don’t need the same amount everywhere and it’s about being strategic with your layering and wait time between layers. Keep the base lighter where your face moves, then build coverage only where you actually need it.

Your Skin Prep Is Too Rich

Mature skin needs hydration, but there’s a difference between hydrated and going OTT. If your moisturizer or SPF is too rich under makeup, your foundation can look beautiful at first, then start sliding around later.

This is where people get confused because they think their skin is dry, so they apply a really heavy cream before makeup. But if that cream doesn’t properly absorb, it just sits there and makes everything on top move.

A good daytime moisturizer should make your skin feel comfortable, but not coated. Some night creams and barrier creams are amazing, but they don’t always work under foundation. Sometimes makeup needs a lighter layer that hydrates without leaving too much slip.

You Haven’t Set The Areas That Move

I don’t like powdering the whole face heavily on everyone…it really depends on your skin type, but some areas usually need a little help. Under the eyes, around the nose, the chin, smile lines and sometimes the center of the forehead are usually the areas where makeup moves first. Its where we have the most expression.

The trick is to set the makeup while it’s smooth. If your concealer or foundation has already creased and you powder over it, you’ve just set the crease.

Tap out any lines first, then set lightly. You don’t need loads of powder. You just need enough to help that area stay in place.

You’ve Used Too Much Powder

The opposite problem is using too much powder. Powder can look fine when you first apply it, especially under good lighting, but after a few hours it can make the skin look dry, flat and textured.

This is usually when people feel like their makeup has aged them and it can look awful in certain lighting, especially in the shade. I’d rather powder strategically than powder everything. Keep powder where you need control, but leave some life in the rest of the skin. Your cheeks, outer face and the areas where you want skin to look fresh usually don’t need loads of powder. This will also add dimension to your face rather than flattening it by adding powder everywhere.

Your Skin Is Different That Day

Your skin isn’t the same every day, so your foundation won’t always behave the same either. If your skin is more dehydrated, tired, hormonal, irritated or oily than usual, your usual foundation can look different.

Some days you might need a more hydrating base. Some days you might need something longer-wearing. Some days you might need less foundation and more targeted concealer.

It’s not always that the product is bad. Sometimes it’s just not the right choice for your skin that day.

You’re Touching Your Face More Than You Realize

This sounds obvious, but it makes such a difference. Resting your hand on your face, touching your chin, rubbing around your nose, wiping under your eyes, taking sunglasses on and off. It all moves makeup.

You might not even realize you’re doing it, but by the afternoon, the makeup starts breaking down in those exact areas.

This is usually why makeup disappears around the nose, chin, jaw and under the eyes faster than everywhere else. Sometimes it’s the formula, but sometimes it’s just real life.

How To Fix It When It Happens

If your makeup has started separating or looking dry, don’t immediately add more foundation. That usually makes it worse.

Take a clean damp sponge and gently press over the areas that look broken down. This helps lift excess product, soften dryness and push the makeup back into the skin. If it looks powdery, a light mist before pressing can help everything melt together again.

If one small area looks really bad, especially around the nose or mouth, it’s better to remove that area and redo it than keep layering product on top. You don’t need to redo your whole face. Just fix the part that’s gone wrong.

How To Stop It Happening Next Time

• Use thinner skincare layers and let everything settle without rushing to the next step. Basically don’t overload the skin before makeup.

• Use less foundation and concealer around areas that move and have more expression.

• Tap out creases before powder.

• Set only where you need it.

Makeup lasting well isn’t just about using long-wear products. It’s about creating layers that actually sit well together. Once those layers are right, your makeup doesn’t just look good when you first apply it. It still looks good hours later, which is the part that actually matters.

I don’t know what I expected 46 to feel like, but it wasn’t this. I think when you’re younger, anything over 40 sounds…let’s just say, very grown up. Like you’re supposed to have everything figured out, have a completely different mindset, make sensible decisions all the time, and feel like a completely different version of yourself.

I do feel different…but in a good way. Mentally, I still feel about 35, and I don’t mean physically fit or being able to do all the things I did at 35. I mean, I still feel ambitious, I still feel excited about things, I still want to grow, look after myself, try new things, make more money, build more, travel more, improve more, and become the best version of myself. I don’t feel like I’m winding down. If anything, I feel like I’m becoming much more focused.

The funny thing is, your mind can still feel young while your body starts sending you little reminders that you’re not exactly 30 anymore! This is the part that’s been the most strange for me.

I can feel completely like myself, then randomly I’ll forget a word mid-sentence. Not even a complicated word. A normal everyday word that I absolutely know, but in that moment my brain just decides it’s not available. I’ll be trying to explain something and the word is there somewhere, but it won’t come out. It’s so frustrating because mentally I don’t feel slow or old. I feel sharp, but then my brain does this random thing and I’m like, okay, thanks for that.

Then there are the random body things. I’ll have the ball of my foot hurting for no obvious reason, or a random weak knee that appears out of nowhere and makes me feel like my body has decided to give up for a few days. The joys of Perimenopause.

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And maybe at one point, that did feel exciting. But I think there’s a shift that happens when you get a bit older, where you stop being impressed by noise. You stop assuming a full calendar means a full life. You stop thinking someone posting everything means they’re happier, and you stop thinking being seen everywhere means someone is doing better than you.

At some point, peace becomes much more attractive than proving anything. I don’t mean you stop having goals or stop caring about doing well. I’m probably more ambitious now than I’ve ever been. But I don’t feel the same need to constantly show everything, explain everything, or convince people that I’m doing okay…that’s the bit that feels different.

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When you’ve worked as a makeup artist, you start doing certain things automatically. You check the face from different angles. You blend edges more than the actual product. You use what’s left on the brush instead of adding more. You step back before deciding something needs fixing. You look at the whole face, not just one area.

These things don’t exactly sound exciting, but it’s usually what makes makeup look more seamless, balanced, and more expensive.

1. We Use Less Product Than You Think

One thing makeup artists do really well is use less product in the areas that don’t need much, then build only where extra coverage is needed.

Most people apply the same amount of foundation everywhere, but the face doesn’t need the same coverage everywhere. You might need more around pigmentation or redness, but much less around smile lines, under the eyes, the nose, and areas where makeup tends to crease or move more.

Using less product makes makeup look more natural, but it also makes it last better. The more product sitting on the skin, the more chance it has to settle, separate, or look heavy later.

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The issue is that not every blush is easy to work with depending on your base. Some are too pigmented, some disappear after an hour, some sit on top of the skin, and some look great online but don’t actually blend nicely in real life. For me, a good blush has to give colour without making the skin look heavy. It needs to blend well, sit nicely over and under foundation, and make the face look healthier rather than obviously covered in product. Blush shouldn’t look like it’s disconnected from the rest of your base.

These are five blushes I think are really worth knowing about.

Prada Touch Cream To Powder Blush

I know some people haven’t been loving the packaging of this blush, and I do understand why. Compared to the rest of Prada Beauty, it doesn’t feel quite as Prada as some of their other makeup. Their packaging is usually so strong, elevated, and kind of instantly recognizable, so I get why this one hasn’t landed for everyone in the same way.

But the actual product is amazing! It’s so good that I’m able to look past the packaging. I actually get what they were trying to do…it’s definitely travel friendly. But it does feel a bit cheaper when in your hand. However, the formula is so good I’m able to look past the packaging.

The formula is what makes this blush so good. It has that cream-to-powder texture, so you get the softness and blendability of a cream, but it sets down in a way that doesn’t feel sticky or overly dewy, but also not powdery either. That makes it really easy to wear, especially if you like your blush to look smooth and seamless rather than too shiny.

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I don’t think an outfit needs to be covered in logos, trends, or anything loud to look expensive. In fact, I find it’s usually the opposite. The outfits that look the most elevated are the ones where everything feels intentional. The fit is right, the shoes work, the bag pulls it together, and the accessories make it look like you actually styled it, rather than any one piece being OTT and feeling like it’s screaming out for attention.

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It’s not about buying the most expensive version of everything. It’s about knowing which pieces make the biggest difference. For example, I genuinely can’t justify spending a crazy amount of money on a white tank top when I can get the same thing from Zara. I’ve made those mistakes. Been there, done that. Fallen into the trap of thinking I needed a Loewe tank top and in all honesty, I’ve worn my Zara ones with no logo 100x more…and by the way the Zara quality was much better! Don’t get me wrong…I love Loewe when it comes to shoes, bags and the odd piece of clothing due to the style and design of it. But I can no longer justify spending money on basic wear from designer brands.

So think of this as your guide from a friend who’s made all the mistakes you’ve probably made, and realized that it’s not about where you buy your clothes from, but more so about how you wear them.

A Good Belt

A belt can completely change a basic outfit. It gives structure to pants, dresses, shirts and even oversized blazers. It makes the outfit feel more styled rather than like you just put clothes on and left.

I don’t think it needs a huge logo or statement buckle either. This is another thing I’ve moved away from. I remember thinking I needed a Celine belt and I definitely haven’t worn it as much as I thought I would. Ironically, I’ve put in on a few times when trying outfits and always taken it off because I felt the Celine logo on the belt was a bit much. A simple black, tan, brown, or burgundy belt can do so much more if the shape and finish look clean.

Better Shoes

Shoes are one of the quickest ways to make a basic outfit look more expensive. Jeans and a t-shirt can look completely different with the right shoes. Although, in all honesty it’s taken me a while to get my shoe style right. It’s not just about how they look….how comfortable they are is so much more important to me as I’ve gotten older. But it’s finding the right balance that takes time.

You’ll rarely catch me in heels anymore. Only because I find that how comfortable I feel really makes a difference to my mood and face! Ballet flats, loafers, sling backs, clean flip flops, or kitten heels can all make an outfit look much more polished. I genuinely think the shape matters. If the shoe looks worn out, too bulky, it can bring the whole outfit down. When I’m in doubt, I generally go for clean, minimal, leather flip flops.

A Good Bag

A good bag instantly makes an outfit feel more pulled together. Even if everything else is pretty simple, the right bag adds shape and polish to a look.

It doesn’t have to be designer, but I’ve found that thinking about the shape helps. A flimsy bag can make an outfit look more casual, whereas a structured one makes the whole look feel more elevated.

Sunglasses That Suit Your Face

Sunglasses can make a simple outfit look styled straight away, but the key is finding a shape that actually suits your face shape.

The right pair can change the whole mood of an outfit. Think about the size for your face shape and your hair. I like sunglasses that feel classic but not overly big. Big sunglasses drown out my face, so over time I’ve found that slim, rectangular sunglasses suit me better….especially with a pixie cut.

Simple Jewellery

Jewellery is one of the easiest ways to make basics look more elevated. A pair of earrings, bracelet, watch, necklace, or a few rings can make a plain outfit feel finished.

The point isn’t to wear everything at once. For example, I rarely wear a bracelet. But you’ll always find me in thick hoops and with my rings on. It’s to add just enough so the outfit looks intentional. Even a white t-shirt and jeans looks better with good earrings and a watch.

A Good Blazer

A blazer can instantly make a basic outfit look more expensive. You can throw it over jeans and a vest, tailored trousers and a t-shirt, or a simple dress and everything looks more polished. I find this is the one piece that can totally change the feel of an outfit.

I think the fit is what matters. It needs to sit well on the shoulders (if you’re not going for oversized) and give structure without looking stiff. Once you find a good blazer, it becomes one of those pieces that makes so many outfits easier.

A Good White T-Shirt

A white t-shirt sounds basic because it is, but the right one makes such a difference. I’ve been through so many white t-shirts! Some have been too transparent, some too stiff, or they don’t fit on the shoulders. If it’s too thin, stretched out, or see-through, the whole outfit looks odd.

A good white t-shirt should hold its shape but not be so stiff that it looks uncomfortable. It works with jeans, trousers, skirts, blazers, shorts, everything. But it has to look clean and intentional.

Tailored Pants

Tailored pants make even the simplest outfit look more elevated. You can wear them with a plain tank, a t-shirt or a shirt, and they still make everything feel more put together.

The fit matters more than anything. They should sit properly at the waist, fall nicely, and not pull in weird places. When they fit well, they do a lot of the work for you.

A Crisp Shirt

A good shirt always makes an outfit look more refined. You can wear it tucked in, open over a tank, with jeans, with trousers, sleeves rolled up, or even over swimwear on holiday. I like to keep a cotton and a linen white shirts. The linen always makes it more casual and is perfect over swimwear.

Good Denim

Good denim makes such a difference. A basic outfit with the right jeans can look amazing, but if the jeans don’t fit properly, the whole outfit feels off.

The right pair should make you feel good as soon as you put them on. They shouldn’t be digging in, pulling, or needing constant adjusting. Once you find the denim shapes that work for you, getting dressed becomes so much easier.

It’s usually not one random thing either. It’s the coffee before food (a habit I’m still trying to break), the rushed breakfast, the lack of protein, not drinking enough water, going straight into messages, work, stress, and then wondering why your body randomly feels like it’s had enough by 2pm.

I used to think energy was just about sleep, but I’ve realized it’s much more than that. Especially as you get older, you can’t always get away with running on coffee, stress and a quick breakfast that doesn’t actually support you.

Starting With Coffee

I love coffee (like, a lot), so this isn’t me saying coffee is bad. I have two coffees a day and I enjoy them. But when I switched to having coffee after breakfast it completely changed how I felt later in the day. I’m still perfecting this…I won’t lie, I still have days where I’m rushed and go straight for the coffee but I know what it does now and what changes I need to make to make things right.

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The annoying thing is that foundation can look totally fine when you first apply it, and then an hour or so later it starts settling into lines you were either trying to hide or you didn’t even notice before. Most people will either add more foundation, more powder, or start rubbing at the area, and that’s usually where it gets worse.

Once foundation has already creased, the aim isn’t to pile more product on top. The aim is to lift the excess, smooth what’s already there, and reset the area without disturbing the rest of your makeup. You don’t always need to take everything off and start again. Most of the time, you just need to collect and correct the product that’s collected in the line.

Press The Crease Out First

The first thing I would do is press over the creased area with a clean fingertip, or sponge. Don’t add anything yet, you just want to smooth out the product that’s gathered in the line.

This works especially well around smile lines and under the eyes because foundation and concealer tend to collect there as the face moves. If you apply powder or more foundation straight over the crease, you’re basically setting the crease in place, so always smooth it out first.

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I don’t dislike people. I’m not sitting at home bitter because I haven’t got a diary full of lunches, dinners, birthdays, brunches and group chats. I just don’t need constant plans to feel like my life is full. I actually really enjoy being at home, doing my own thing, being with my family, going for walks with Nico, working on things I care about, watching something on my own or with hubby, making food, or just having a day where I don’t have to talk for the sake of talking. Also, I hate gossip. I couldn’t think of anything worse than meeting someone for coffee just to bitch about things. I’ve things to do. Alone.

Take it from me….there’s a big difference between being lonely and being alone. I think people confuse the two all the time. Being lonely feels like something is missing. Being alone, is when you actually enjoy your own company, it can feel like peace, space, almost like having your brain back after being around too much noise.

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The thing with natural remedies is that they need to be used sensibly. Natural doesn’t automatically mean gentle, and it definitely doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Lemon juice, toothpaste on spots, baking soda scrubs and all those old-school hacks can do more harm than good if used in the wrong way, so I’d always stay away from anything too harsh or irritating. But there are a few simple things that can be really useful when you use them in the right way.

Honey For Dry Or Dull Skin

Honey is one of those ingredients that has been used in beauty for years, and I think it can be great for when your skin feels dry, dull, or a bit tired. It has that sticky, cushioning texture that helps the skin feel softer and more comfortable, especially when your face looks a bit flat.

I wouldn’t use it as a replacement for proper skincare, but as a quick skin softening mask, it can work really well. I’d apply a thin layer to clean skin, leave it on for around 10 minutes, then rinse it off properly with lukewarm water. Your skin usually feels softer afterwards, and it gives that slightly fresher look without doing anything aggressive.

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The only thing I’d say is don’t use this if your skin is very reactive or if you know honey doesn’t agree with you. It’s also one of those things you want to rinse off properly because leaving residue on the skin before makeup or skincare can make everything feel sticky.

Oats For Calming The Skin

Oats are great for when the skin feels irritated, dry, or uncomfortable. This is one of the home remedies I actually think makes sense because oats are super soothing and gentle if used properly.

You can mix finely ground oats with a little water to make a soft paste and apply it to areas that feel dry or irritated. It’s not exactly glam, but it can feel really calming on the skin. This is especially useful if your skin feels a bit sensitive from weather, overdoing actives, or just having one of those weeks where everything feels slightly off.

I wouldn’t rub it around like a scrub because that defeats the point. Just let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off gently. The aim is to calm the skin, not exfoliate it.

Olive Oil For Very Dry Cuticles

If your cuticles look dry and rough, a tiny amount of olive oil can make a big difference. This is one of those simple things that actually works because it softens the area and makes your hands look more looked after almost instantly.

I’d use the smallest amount and massage it into the cuticles before bed. You don’t need to drown your hands in oil. Just enough to soften the skin around the nails. It’s especially good if your hands look dry from washing them constantly, using sanitiser, or being in air conditioning all the time.

This won’t replace a proper manicure, but it does make nails and hands look much neater with very little effort.

Coconut Oil For Hair Ends

Coconut oil is one of those ingredients people either love or hate, and I understand why. It can be too heavy for some hair types, especially if your hair is fine or gets greasy easily. But used properly, it can be really good on dry ends.

I wouldn’t put it all over the scalp unless you already know your hair likes that. For most people, I think it works better as a small amount through the ends before washing your hair. Leave it on for a little while, then shampoo properly so you’re not left with that heavy, coated feeling.

It can help make dry ends feel softer, especially if your hair is damaged from heat, colour, or just general dryness. The key is using very little. Too much and you’ll spend the next two washes trying to get it out.

Aloe Vera For Cooling And Comfort

Aloe vera is one of the best things to keep at home if your skin feels hot, tight, or a bit uncomfortable. It has that cooling feeling that can be really nice, especially after sun exposure, shaving, or when the skin just feels a little stressed.

I’d use a simple aloe vera gel and keep it in the fridge if you want that extra cooling effect. It can be great on the face or body, but again, check the ingredient list because some aloe gels are full of fragrance or alcohol, which can irritate the skin. Make sure it’s a natural Aloe product. It’s great for healing cuts etc.

This is one of those remedies that feels simple but useful. It’s not trying to transform your skin. It just helps calm everything down when your skin needs a bit of comfort.

Sugar And Oil (for lips only)

I really don’t like harsh scrubs on the face, but a very gentle sugar and oil mix can work well on the lips if they’re flaky. But BE GENTLE…you don’t want to scrub your lips until they’re red and sore because that just makes everything worse.

Mix a tiny bit of sugar with a little olive oil or coconut oil and lightly massage it over the lips for a few seconds, then rinse it off and apply a good lip balm straight away. This helps remove the flaky bits so lipstick or lip liner sits better.

I wouldn’t do this every day. It’s more of a quick fix when your lips are dry and nothing is sitting nicely on top.

Cold Spoons For Puffiness

Cold spoons are probably one of the easiest beauty fixes because there’s no product involved. Keep two spoons in the fridge, then press them gently under the eyes or over areas of puffiness for a few minutes.

It sounds basic, but it can make your face look a bit more awake. I like this kind of thing because it’s not pretending to be more than it is. It’s not going to change your face, but it can reduce that tired, puffy look before makeup.

This is especially useful before concealer because if the under-eye area is very puffy, makeup can sometimes make it look more obvious. Bringing down the puffiness first usually helps everything sit better.

Rice Water For Shine

Rice water is something a lot of people use for hair, and in all honesty I don’t think it’s magic, it can make the hair feel smoother and look a bit shinier when used occasionally. It’s one of those things I’d treat as an extra rather than a routine you need to obsess over.

You can rinse rice, soak it in water, then use that water as a hair rinse after shampooing. Leave it for a short time and rinse it out properly. Some people love it, but it can make certain hair types feel a bit stiff if overused, so I’d start slowly and see how your hair reacts.

With anything like this, I think the main thing is not to overdo it. Hair can only take so much before it starts feeling coated or overloaded.

Yoghurt As A Softening Mask

Plain yoghurt can be used as a quick softening mask if your skin looks dull or feels a bit rough. It contains lactic acid, so I’d be careful with this if your skin is sensitive, if you’re using strong actives, or if your barrier is already irritated.

It can leave the skin feeling smoother and softer, but again, don’t use it too often. I’d apply a thin layer, leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it off properly. Don’t leave it on for ages thinking it’ll work better because that’s usually when irritation starts.

The Remedies I’d Avoid…

There are some home remedies I honestly wouldn’t use, even though they’ve been around forever. Lemon juice on the face is one of them. It can be super irritating and can make the skin more sensitive. Toothpaste on spots is another one I’d avoid because it can dry and irritate the skin. Baking soda scrubs are also too harsh for most faces, especially if your skin is mature, dry, sensitive, or using active ingredients.

I also wouldn’t use anything gritty on the face just because it’s natural. Natural scrubs can still damage the skin barrier if they’re too rough. The face doesn’t need to be attacked to look smooth!

It’s been a smooth, happy and productive June, which sits really well with me. Sometimes a good month is just one where you feel settled, you’re getting things done, you’re looking after yourself, your routines are working, and you’re actually enjoying the little things as they happen.

I expected June to feel good because it always does for me. I love birthday month energy and I’m fully someone who enjoys celebrating my birthday. I love surprises, gifts and generally love making a thing of it. I don’t pretend to be low maintenance about my birthday because I’m absolutely not. But at the same time, I’m realistic. I don’t expect a whole birthday week, but Bobby always manages to make it that way.

June always starts with Bobby’s birthday, which is a completely different situation because he’s not someone who loves celebrating himself. He never really knows what he wants to do, and if I go too over the top, he doesn’t like it. So I always have to find that middle ground where it doesn’t feel like too much for him, but it also doesn’t feel like nothing because I still want to do something nice. With me, it’s very easy…make a fuss, I’ll happily accept it.

We started the month with a little staycation for Bobby’s birthday and a couples massage, which I always love. I think massages are one of those things I’ll never get bored of, especially because my body gets so tight from training. I’m very prone to muscle knots and my back can get really uncomfortable, so this month I made a point of booking a few massages rather than waiting until I felt completely stiff.

Overall, June felt very consistent in the best way. Gym was good, diet was good, work was good, and nothing felt chaotic. I think when you’ve had months where everything feels a bit unpredictable, there’s something so nice about having a month where you feel like you’re just in a good rhythm.

I also booked in for Profhilo and Dermapen, and this was my first time trying Profhilo. I loved it. It’s not one of those treatments where you walk out looking totally different, but it gives the skin this hydrated, fresher, smoother look from within. It’s more about skin quality than changing anything about your face, which is exactly the type of result I wanted. The downtime was hardly anything, whereas with Dermapen my skin needs around a week before it feels completely normal again. It always feels a bit rough and textured during the first week, so I usually make sure I have nothing planned that week.

Bobby also took me for an early birthday shop, but obviously he wouldn’t let me have the gift until my actual birthday. We celebrated my birthday at Atlantis The Royal…he always loves planning my birthday. He hates making a fuss of his own, but when it comes to mine, he’s completely different. I’ve had my birthday at Atlantis The Royal a few times now and I love it every time. It’s one of our favorite hotels here.

For my actual birthday, he booked me in for a 90 minute massage and a facial at Awaken Spa at Atlantis The Royal, then dinner at Carbone. We spent the morning having the most incredible breakfast, then had pool time and lunch at Nobu by the Beach. It was such a beautiful day and exactly the kind of birthday I love.

Also, much less glam but very necessary, it was time for our sofa to have a deep clean. Every four to six months we get the sofas deep cleaned and I know it’s not exciting, but very satisfying when it’s done.

My family back in the UK spent some time at my late Grandads house and sent me pictures of whilst they were there. I missed not being there but it was so nice to see the pictures of his place. A house isn’t a home without the people in it. There’s a pear tree still standing tall. So many memories!

Also our new home renovations have begun! Bobby and I have designed it all ourselves. I’m so excited to share the journey on Instagram with you!

I’m glad I kept the month consistent. I know that sounds boring, but consistency is honestly one of the best feelings when you’ve been trying to look after yourself properly. Gym, food, work, treatments, rest, massages, everything felt like it had its place this month.

I’m also glad I finally tried Profhilo. I’d been curious about it for a while because I like treatments that improve the skin rather than make you look obviously done. The result is subtle, but it’s that kind of subtle that makes your skin look better without anyone being able to put their finger on exactly what you’ve done. It gives hydration, bounce and that healthier skin look.

I think sometimes life gets so busy that birthdays can become another thing you rush through, but I don’t want that. I like making memories around birthdays. I like having something to look forward to and to look back on. I like celebrating the people I love, and I definitely like being celebrated too.

I had a call with my PT this month and she said she wants to do a shoot with me in November. I’m nervous, but also kind of excited.

She’s put me on maintenance calories for now so I can build muscle for a couple of months, and then we’re going to shred for the shoot. Even typing that makes me nervous because the women she works with are seriously fit, but the fact that she thinks I’m capable gives me a lot of hope.

I think sometimes you need someone else to see what’s possible for you before you fully believe it yourself. I’m obviously going to have to work hard for it, and I know it won’t just magically happen, but I’m excited to see what my body can do when I’m consistent and properly focused.

Strength training has changed so much for me, especially in my 40s. It’s not just about how my body looks, although obviously I love seeing the changes. It’s also the confidence it gives you when you feel stronger. It makes you feel like you’re actively looking after yourself rather than just hoping everything stays okay.

No monthly rant this month.

It’s my favourite month and nothing was getting in the way of that. Any negative vibes were bouncing right off me this month. June gets protected at all costs.

My birthday gift was a new pair of Chanel ballet pumps, and they mean so much to me for a very sentimental reason.

My first ever Chanel purchase, which I bought with my own hard earned money back when I was in my 20s, was the classic beige and black Chanel ballet pumps. I wore them to death. I mean properly wore them. I got every single bit of my money’s worth out of them and eventually had to throw them away because they were completely done.

Bobby’s first Valentine’s gift to me was a pair of limited edition red Chanel ballet pumps, and I still have them. They’re still in mint condition and I love them.

So for my birthday this year, he bought me the classic beige and black Chanel ballet pumps. That’s why they feel so sentimental…they were the first Chanel item I ever bought myself, and now I finally have the classics back, but this time they’re from him. I love them even more because of that.

I also did a standard Zara shop, mainly basics to be honest. Nothing exciting, just the kind of stuff that fill little gaps in your wardrobe, like tank tops which I’m always wearing for my YouTube filming.

I bought some new photography equipment as well, which I needed to upgrade. Not exciting in a fashion or beauty way, but very exciting in a work way because anything that makes filming or content creation smoother is worth it.

I also picked up Emma Grede’s book, Start With Yourself. I’m still reading it, but so far so good. I love anything that gives me that little business/life mindset reset without feeling too preachy.

I bought the most beautiful summer dress from Realisation Par! The fit is so good, sizing is true to size and the material is a little stretchy and so comfortable!

A friend came over to my place and brought her little dog with her, and he peed on my pure wool rug 😭.

I said, “Oh it’s fine, I’m sure I can get it out,” because I’m that person that is dying inside but on the outside I totally play it down. I then spent about 30 minutes on my hands and knees scrubbing it with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, and somehow made it 100X worse.

We had to throw the rug out!

I’ve never had to deal with this before because Nico doesn’t pee inside and never ever has, so I had absolutely no experience with this. It made me super grateful for Nico!

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The Prada Symbole sunglasses are currently in my cart, and the only reason I haven’t bought them is because I already have too many sunglasses and I know I don’t need another pair.

I’m also on the lookout for brighter tops. I feel like I want to add a bit more color into my wardrobe without completely going off script when it comes to my style. I just feel like I need a few pieces that make things feel a bit fresher and more summery. I’ve already picked myself a red workout set! It’s from Oysho and so comfortable but not as much hold as a traditional workout set.

I’m loving the Copini freckle pen. It’s the best one I’ve used so far. I like using it to go over my sun spots, age spots, freckles, whatever we’re calling them. I don’t mind them, but sometimes I like making them look a bit more intentional, especially when I’m wearing lighter makeup. This pen is great because it’s not too dark, it’s super fine, and it looks really realistic. Some freckle pens can look a bit obvious or too warm, but this one blends into the skin really well.

I’ve also been loving the Dior Solar self tanning drops. You apply them to your face and within a few hours you get this soft sun-kissed look. It’s not dark, heavy or orange, just very natural. It gives the face that healthy warmth without looking like fake tan.

Also the One/Size Secure the Blur primer is insane! It’s SO good! Blurs your skin, and stays that way all day.

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I’m still watching my favourite show, Dutton Ranch. I absolutely love it. I don’t know what it is about that world, but I’m fully invested. I love the drama, the characters, the setting, all of it.

I’ve also been watching The Agency. It’s okay. Not gripping, but okay. It’s one of those shows I can watch, but I’m not rushing to put the next episode on. I’ll keep going with it, but it’s not giving me the same level of obsession.

June was exactly what I needed it to be. Happy, smooth, productive, a bit indulgent, and full of the kind of moments I actually want to remember.

It wasn’t a month of huge changes, but it was more about feeling good, staying consistent, celebrating properly, looking after myself, and enjoying where I am right now with the people I love.

I turned 46 this month, and honestly, I feel good. I feel strong, focused, excited, and very aware of how much better life feels when I’m taking care of myself properly. Not perfectly, because I’m never going to be that person, but consistently enough that it makes a difference.

June did what June always does for me. It reminded me why I love it so much.

Until next month…

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I think most people immediately blame the foundation, and sometimes the formula is the problem, but a lot of the time it’s either the skin prep, the amount of product, or what’s been layered on top. Makeup rarely looks dry for no reason. It’s usually a combination of dehydrated skin, too much powder, not enough time between skincare and makeup, or using products that don’t exactly work together.

The good thing is that you don’t always have to take everything off and start again. There are a few small fixes that can make dry makeup look much better quickly, and then there are a few changes you can make before makeup so it doesn’t keep happening.

Press Over The Skin With A Damp Sponge

This is always the first thing I do when foundation looks dry, heavy, or like it’s sitting on top of the skin. Take a clean damp sponge (I usually spray a hydrating spray on the sponge to dampen it) and gently press it over the areas that look dry. Don’t add more foundation to it. The point is to soften what’s already there and pick up any excess product. It’s like melting the powder in.

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I know some people like to wait for official confirmation before they say anything, but when you’re living in your own body every day, you know when something has changed….and something has definitely changed.

It’s not like I woke up one morning and suddenly felt like a completely different person. It’s more like all these small things started happening and at first I’d blame everything else. I’d say I was tired, or I had too much going on, or maybe I slept badly, or trained too hard, or maybe I was just being moody. But when you put it all together, it’s pretty obvious what’s going on.

Forgetting words is probably one of the strangest parts for me. I’ll be in the middle of a sentence and randomly the word I need just disappears from my brain. I know what I’m trying to say, I can almost see the word in my head, but it just won’t come out. It’s so annoying because I don’t mentally feel old at all. In my head, I still feel 35. I still feel sharp, ambitious, motivated, and very much like I’m in the middle of building the best version of my life, but then I’ll be standing there trying to remember the most basic word.

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I also think the best summer dresses are the ones that do most of the work for you. The kind of dress you can put on when you don’t have the energy to think about an outfit, but still want to look like you made an effort. Good shape, good fabric, easy styling, and not one of those dresses that needs the perfect bra or lighting just to make it work.

So for this week’s 5 Of The Best, I’ve chosen five summer dresses that I think are actually useful. Dresses that feel wearable, flattering, easy to style, and the kind of pieces you’ll keep reaching for when it’s hot and you want to look pulled together without doing too much.

DONDE ESTEBAN

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This is something I see all the time….someone will say a foundation doesn’t work for them because it settles into lines or makes their skin look dry, but then when you look at what they’ve done underneath, the skin hasn’t been prepped properly for makeup…and I don’t just mean using the right products, I mean the timing, order…everything. Mature skin needs a bit more thought before base products go on because it doesn’t always hold hydration in the same way, texture can be more visible, and makeup can sit on top of the skin rather than blending into it.

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A lot of beauty problems come down to small things being a bit off. Too much product, the wrong placement, not giving skincare enough time to settle, using formulas that don’t suit your skin, or just forgetting the basics. Once you fix those little things, everything usually starts looking better without needing to change your whole routine.

These are the changes I think make the biggest difference because they fix the problems people deal with all the time.

1. Use Less Product Than You Think You Need

This is probably the biggest issue people have. Most of us are using too much foundation, concealer, powder, even too much skincare, and then wondering why everything looks heavy or starts moving around.

More product rarely means a better result. It usually just means more texture, creasing, separation, and more chance of everything looking obvious. Start with less and build only where you need it. You can always add more, but it’s much harder to take product away once it’s sitting heavy on the skin.

This applies to skincare too. If your face feels slippery after your routine, you’ve probably used more than your skin can actually absorb. That excess product is usually what causes makeup to pill, slide around, or never properly settle.

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