You’re kept on speed dial by countless celebs – do you have a favourite famous client?

“Ha! That would be like choosing between my dogs! We have so many long-standing and really wonderful celebrity friends who love our brand; a few are Cat Deeley, Davina McCall, Amanda Holden and Lisa Snowdon. Of course, there’s also the lovely Kelly Hoppen, Vanessa Williams, Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman and Trinny Woodall! They are all fabulous, embracing women, so I couldn’t possibly choose.”

You’re a style icon for so many – but who’s your denim icon?

“There are lots but women who wear or have worn denim never stop inspiring me. Kate Moss, Marilyn Monroe, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Sienna Miller, Princess Diana – I could go on all day!”

Cigarette, bootleg, skinnies – what is your go-to jean shape and why?

“That’s a tricky one. I love anything cropped as I am short. If it isn’t cropped, I roll it, and actually if it is already cropped, I probably have to roll again! I also love flares because I can hide a good, stacked heel underneath and give myself six extra inches in height. Skinny jeans are great, too as I can tuck them into boots, wear with a loafer or ballet flat, and then add a heel for the evening. The endless versatility and modernity of jeans excites me, as they can take you anywhere and always feel fresh.”

For us, shopping for jeans can be a fashion minefield. What’s the secret to finding your perfect pair?

“My biggest tip is to know your body shape and be honest about it. Be open to highlighting your best asset. What suits your friend will not necessarily suit you. At Donna Ida, we do a lot of online styling and chatting to customers. We WhatsApp them videos and FaceTime them. That one-to-one and getting to the bottom of what will work for someone is so satisfying.”

So when it comes to body shape, what should we consider?

“The biggest thing for jeans is knowing where your length is. Do you have a long or short body? Do you have long or short legs? Or are you average all over? Just knowing this will narrow down choices very quickly. For example, if you have a long torso, look for a high waisted style which will balance out your proportions. Similarly, if you have a shorter body and longer legs, look for a style that is mid rise and focus on the leg length. If your proportions are more or less balanced, you will be able to wear a range of leg lengths and rise heights. Looking at your proportions will really help you to decide what shapes suit your best, and more importantly what you are comfortable in and fills you with confidence.”

Your jeans are beautiful but out of many people’s price-range.  Is it ever possible to find a flattering pair of cheap and cheerful jeans? 

“Check out our Donna Ida end of season sale! It is also worth looking on Vinted, as there are a lot of good pieces on there and I think re-selling and re-sharing things is important. I read recently that hoarding works against the law of use, and I really believe in that! If you don’t need something or aren’t using it, either sell it or give it away to keep the energy flowing.”

What would you say is the ultimate jeans faux pas?

“I like to think everyone can express themselves in whatever way they want, but if I had to say one thing, it would probably be squeezing into something that is way too small. Something that I used to be very guilty of myself!”

Your jeans are all about creating body confidence. What makes you feel great?

“I like relaxed elegance, so keep my wardrobe streamlined. A few well-fitting things that always feel special, aren’t difficult to wear and make me feel comfortable. I am much more at home in a well fitted bodysuit and jeans than in a dress or something with lots of ruffles. I don’t like to have to spend a lot of time thinking about my outfit as there are so many other important decisions to make during the day. I like getting dressed to be stress free.”

With London Fashion Week in the bag – what Spring/Summer trends should be on our radar?

“I loved the amount of denim and leather on the catwalk, blazers and quite a few bursts of bright acid shades. A blazer and jeans are always a timeless look for me and I cannot wait to see what goes down the runway in Milan and Paris. Donna Ida has a very European feel to it and I love the way the French and Italian women dress. So stylish!”

And finally, as the undisputed Jean Queen, can you please settle the age-old argument: is wearing double denim ever a good idea?

“Always! I personally prefer it if the denims are a similar wash level though. Then I think it looks super punchy and slick. I love it!”

Check out Donna Ida’s collections at www.donnaida.com

The post How to find your perfect jeans appeared first on Checklists.

Be gentle

“Stop scrubbing your face like it’s burnt lasagne stuck to a pan, swapping harsh foaming cleansers and gritty scrubs for something gentle and cream based – and not too abrasive.”

Hydration is key

“Moisturise straight after washing while your skin is still damp – just make sure it’s not dripping wet, as damp is when it locks in best. Carry a barrier cream or skin salve, too, using on dry patches or around the nose when the wind bites.”

Watch the heat

“Cut back on steaming hot showers and baths as they torch your skin barrier. Watch the heating, too, as blasting radiators dries your skin out as much as the cold outside. Leave a bowl of water near the radiator – it’s low tech but works.”

Clothes matter, too

“Polo necks and wool can rub your face raw. Wash scarves and jumpers often as they gather make-up, dirt and pollution. For added protection keep a layer of thin cotton clothing in between your skin and fabric.”

Look at your hands

“Don’t overlook them: hand washing, sanitizer and now cold air can dry them out. You don’t need a separate hand cream; just use your face moisturiser or barrier cream to seal all the moisture in.”

Layer skin care just like your trendy fall outfits: thin serums first, moisturiser second, barrier cream only if your skin is dry and dehydrated.

Then there’s the sun

“Do not forget applying SPF – it’s essential even in cloudy, wet months. Many people forget that UV rays don’t clock off just because the sun doesn’t properly come out to play.”

Watch how they shave

“For all the beardy guys: shave smart! Cold air, dry skin, a blunt razor and aftershave will causes irritation. Make sure razors have sharp blades for a smooth shave, and slap on some soothing cream or serum.”

The post Top autumn skincare tips appeared first on Checklists.

What are lab diamonds?

“Otherwise known as man-made or cultured diamonds, they’re grown in a lab (hence the name) using cutting-edge technology that mimics the conditions under which natural ones develop. As they’re formed from the same material and exposed to the same conditions, they’re optically and chemically identical to the natural variety.”

Why buy them?

“For a start it’s their value: up to 30% cheaper than natural, which is perfect if you’re on a tight budget or wish to maximise your diamond size for the same price. They also exude the same beauty and quality as natural finds.”

How are they made?

“Each diamond starts its life as a tiny carbon seed, and is then exposed to extreme heat and pressure or entered into a deposition process, to mimic the process of natural formation. It then grows within a lab in six to 10 weeks, and is cut and polished in exactly the same way.”

Are they real?

“Yes! Lab-created diamonds are real; just with a different origin. As we said above, they’re visually and chemically identical, so they can’t be differentiated by eye, and specialist equipment is required to tell them apart.”

So what’s the difference?

“The only real difference is their origin: in the lab as opposed to natural diamonds formed within the Earth’s mantle. Just remember: lab-grown are up to 30% cheaper and none of your friends or family will know any different.”

What else should we know?

“Cut: this refers to its symmetry, and more specifically to the overall polish and proportion. As lab-grown diamonds can be made more uniformed in shape in a lab, diamond cutters can often cut better stones, meaning less imperfections and a better overall cut in comparison to natural.”

“Clarity: natural diamonds can have imperfections, with clearest, colourless diamonds the most valuable, so are the most sought-after. Lab diamonds are almost always colourless or nearly so, putting them on par with more valuable natural diamonds on the market.”

The post Lab-grown diamonds: all you need to know appeared first on Checklists.

Fight the frizz

“One of the biggest problems my clients ask is how to tame frizz, so I recommend Authentic Beauty Concept’s Beauty Potion. It’s an in-salon treatment that instantly gives that glassy, silky finish without heaviness. It makes hair photograph so nicely as if it’s for an Instagram filter on it.”

Have regular trims

“Don’t fall into the trap of ‘growing it out’ without maintenance. Trimming every eight weeks keeps ends healthy and prevents breakage, meaning your hair actually looks longer, stronger, and fuller by the time the big day comes.”

Pack in the protein

“Hair is made of keratin – a protein – so if you’re not eating enough, your hair will show it. Make sure you’re getting a good mix of lean meats, oily fish, eggs, tofu, beans, and even seeds like chia and flax. It supports both growth and strength.”

Remember the supplements

“Supplements aren’t just hype: when chosen well, they work. Glowwa Hair Food and Collagen Creamer are my go-tos. They’re packed with collagen and essential vitamins that boost growth, shine, and that lit-from-within glow every bride wants. Start taking it three to six months before your wedding for best results.”

Eat the rainbow

“Yes, your hair loves nutrients! The more diverse your diet, the more nourishment your scalp receives. Think colourful fruits and veg: leafy greens for iron, berries for antioxidants, and sweet potatoes for beta carotene. Hydration counts too, so drink water like it’s your second job and add in those electrolytes.”

Scalp Care is Self-Care

“Healthy hair starts at the root. Remember; your scalp is an extension of your face and needs to be maintained in order to produce healthy hair. Using a shampoo like Nioxin can help create the ‘perfect soil’ for the hair to flourish. Overall, remember that hair health is a marathon, not a sprint. If you give it love daily – not just the night before the wedding – you’ll walk down the aisle with the kind of radiant, touchable hair that doesn’t just look amazing, it feels amazing!”

The post The secret to wedding-ready hair appeared first on Checklists.

Known for its glam finish, the blowout (or blow-dry as us Brits like to call it) can easily be mastered in the comfort of your own home. Want to know how? The experts at Shark Beauty have shared with us this easy, step-by-step guide.

Prep and dry

The first step is to ensure your hair’s well prepped. When wet, apply your preferred styling product, before rough-drying with a hairdryer, leaving it 20 to 30% wet.

Section off

Next, you’ll need to section your hair for styling. It is advised to section your hair into layers at this point.

Style using an oval brush 

After your hair’s sectioned, style using an oval brush, placing under the hair at the roots and rolling the brush outwards from roots to ends. For extra volume, brush your hair upwards, too.

Grab your hair tool

If you’re using a Shark FlexStyle (and you oh-so should!) the recommended settings for styling are setting two for heat and two for air. Then set your hair by pressing the cool shot button.

Pump up the volume

Finally, nail the viral Bretman Rock blowout with a wide-tooth comb, combing through each section while pushing your hair outwards for big, bouncy volume. Finish by locking it in place with a generous mist of hairspray.

The post How to achieve the blowdry that’s gone viral appeared first on Checklists.

Use the right shampoo and conditioner
One of the most important steps in preserving your colour is to use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for colour-treated hair. Sulphates can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause premature fading, and opting for a colour-safe formula ensures your hair remains nourished and so your colour stays vibrant for longer.

Watch the heat styling
Excessive heat can weaken the hair and accelerate colour fade. To minimise damage always use a professional-grade heat protection spray before styling. Reduce the heat setting on your tools to a lower temperature, and limit the use of hairdryers, straighteners and curling irons whenever possible.

Protect hair from the sun, sea and chlorine
UV rays, salt water, and chlorine can be harsh on coloured hair, leading to dryness and discolouration. During any holiday or outdoor activities keep your hair tied up and avoid chlorine as well as salt water. Be cautious with sun creams, too, as contact with the hair can also affect how long your colour will last.

Deep condition regularly
Incorporate hydrating hair masks or deep conditioning treatments into your weekly routine, to help replenish moisture, strengthen the hair shaft, and maintain colour vibrancy. Well-nourished hair holds colour pigments more effectively and appears shinier and healthier.

Avoid over-washing
As tempting as it is, washing your hair too frequently can strip away both natural oils and colour pigments. If possible, extend the time between washes using dry shampoo, or simply rinsing with water on non-wash days. This helps your colour last longer and keeps the hair’s natural moisture balance intact.

Consider a filtered shower head
One of the most effective ways to protect your colour is switching to a filtered shower head. Why? They’re designed to remove impurities like chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, and other harmful particles found in tap water. By filtering them out your hair retains moisture; softness, breakage and dullness are reduced; and your hair colour stays richer and vibrant for longer.

The post 6 tricks to keep your hair colour fresh for longer appeared first on Checklists.

Have a look at our favourite picks of beauty products – from makeup, health supplements and skincare – so you look great on the inside and out.

Olverum bath oil

Olverum Bath Oil is a time-honoured formulation has remained largely unchanged for 83 years, and until now has only been known by a cult following in the UK. Now beautifully re-packaged, yet still retaining the same formulation loved for eight decades by its’ passionate devotees, Olverum recently launched under new British ownership. It is the ultimate seasonal beauty treat – perfect for the bath season ahead.

The 125ml size is £35.00 and the 250ml size is £62.

Wicked Gummy Co.

Wicked Gummy Co, which is registered with the Vegan Society, launched in July with a London Underground campaign and has already scooped a Best of Health Award. Their probiotic, The Happy Tummy Gummy, took first prize in the vegan supplement category. Their range also consists of a Hair, Skin and Nails gummy, Vitamin D, Multivitamin and a sleep aid.

OSMO® Berber Oil® Mask Restoration Therapy with Argan Oil

This vegan friendly formula, enriched with extract of Argan, Olive and Avocado Oil, hydrates, restores and rejuvenates. The intensely conditioning formulation leaves hair instantly smooth, supple and manageable. Rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, dry and damaged strands benefit from intense nourishment.

£10.45, available from Sally Beauty

MONAT BE BALANCED™ Lightweight Moisturizer

A lightweight moisturiser that effortlessly absorbs, hydrating down to the deeper layers with hyaluronic acid and REJUVENIQE S™. Peptides tighten and plump, whilst plant stem cells strengthen and protect the complexion. Skin barrier support comes in the form of ceramides.

£64, available from www.monatglobal.com/uk/

MONAT Skin Revitalizing Essence

A lightweight miracle water that brightens with natural fruit acids, whilst providing speedy hydrating and nourishing benefits in the form of restorative colubrine and beet root extracts. Chamomile soothes and replenishes. Skin is smoother, brighter and more radiant. Suitable for all skin types.

RRP: £42, available from www.monatglobal.com/uk/

STILL London

Try the 100% natural, vegan and cruelty free Cuticle Oil – with rejuvenating and protecting natural ingredients.The Still-London Rejuvenating Cuticle Oil is a perfect blend of a fast absorbing and protective oil and key rejuvenating active ingredients that will encourage fast cell growth in damaged cuticles.

Cuticle Oil (£18)

The Hand Balm is a richly potent formulation to soothe, regenerate and protect hands. This contains a marine algae extract, lupine peptides and olive oil derived squalane to protect and firm the skin. The cruelty free squalane is absorbed quickly into the skin and supplements the sebum produced by the skin to maintain healthy skin cell renewal and protect top layers.

Hand Balm (£23)

The post Join in Veganuary with our vegan beauty and fashion picks appeared first on Checklists.

By Lauren Naylor

Can you tell us about the campaign with Foreo you’re a part of?

‘I’ve always been a massive fan of Foreo, which is a high-tech facial cleansing device. I’ve been using their Luna product in particular for a number of years. It’s great for exfoliating and cleansing and makes such a difference. When I heard about their campaign, which shows how critical we are of what we read and post online, I knew I wanted to get involved.’

Do you find yourself comparing your life to others on social media?

‘I learnt very early on not to compare myself to others, which stemmed from when I was in The Saturdays. The girls in the band were so individual and had completely different body shapes and personalities, as well as strengths and weaknesses. We wanted to support and encourage each other rather than compare ourselves, and I want this to happen online.’

What do you think of altering pictures online to show yourself in a ‘better’ light?

‘Filters are an amazing tool to bring out colours and different shades in photographs, so yes, in that sense I have altered an image. However, it’s so important to me to keep filters as natural as possible – I just want to make the images look timeless. In the past, I’ve sent photos back from retouching when they have been too airbrushed. It goes against everything I believe in.’

Your skin looks flawless. What do you do if you feel you’re having a bad skin day? 

‘I’ve always had combination skin, and in my teenage years I really struggled with acne. I feel really lucky that I managed to grow out of it in my early twenties. I now take skincare really seriously and look after myself the best I can. It’s all about using the right products for you and keeping hydrated.’

Can you talk us through your typical skincare routine?

‘I make sure I remove my make-up every night, as I could never go to bed with it on! I use a good cleanser and my Foreo Luna Mini 3. I also always apply a moisturiser and an eye cream morning and night. Once a week, I try to put an oil on my skin before bedtime, just to help brighten my skin.’

What products would you take to a desert island?

‘Obviously the Foreo Luna Mini 3, as I’ve found that my skin really has changed for the better since using it. It looks much brighter and it’s helped clear any clogged pores, too. I’d also take Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, as it’s a good moisturiser, and my Estée Lauder highlighter. It’s so helpful for my under-eye area and is a lifesaver!’

What projects have you got coming up?

‘I’m continuing my Radio 1 show with Matt Edmondson every Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. I’ve also recently taken on the role as Best New Pop host, so I’m excited to discover more new music. I also have some exciting TV projects in the pipeline and working with the Born Free charity on their latest campaign, which is incredible. I’m also busy renovating my flat!’

Finally, what do you do to relax?

‘I love taking my dog, Alfie, for a long walk, as I find that getting out in the countryside helps clear my head. When I have a bit of spare time I also love reformer Pilates, and boxing to help let off some steam.’

Buy the Foreo Luna Mini 3 here.

Read Mollie’s full interview in the New Year’s Resolutions issue of Celebrity Secrets, out in OK! mag bumper packs from 7th January 2020.

The post Mollie King on goals, beauty, confidence and how to combat negativity appeared first on Checklists.

Haila Health is a new luxury CBD oil on the market and is vegan friendly, and cruelty-free, full-spectrum CBD oil. CO2 extracted and guaranteed free from GMO’s and toxic heavy metals, their unique and exclusive blends are also independently verified. 

Pure HAILA HEALTH Natural CBD Oil 1000mg RRP: £75

Pure HAILA HEALTH Natural CBD Oil 2000mg RRP: £147

www.hailahealth.com

The post The best vegan beauty treatments… as recommended by Celebrity Secrets appeared first on Checklists.

Interview Lauren Naylor

What does make-up mean to you?

‘Make-up is something that instantly boosts my confidence – when I wear make-up, I feel like the day has just started!’

You recently linked up with Doll Beauty. What is it about them that you love?

‘Firstly, I love how pink it is! It’s so girly and the products are unreal. You can tell the girls at Doll Beauty put their all into creating their products. I must say, their bronzer and eyelashes are to die for.’

What advice would you give girls when it comes to finding their beauty and fashion style?

‘I say who cares if your style is crazy or different – if it works and looks good, then teach others how to style the way you do! Another piece of advice is, you won’t always find your perfect fashion style at a young age. You will change your styles so many times until the perfect one fits you!’

What are your ‘can’t live without’ beauty items?

‘I cannot live without bronzer. I love to look bronzed up when I do my make-up and the Doll beauty bronzer is the perfect shade for me. I also cannot live without mascara or false lashes, as I feel like the darkening of lashes completes your face when doing your make-up. There’s something about it that makes you glow instantly after doing your make-up base.’

Whose overall beauty look do you admire and why? 

‘It’s always Kim Kardashian, as she pulls off every make-up look. Any time I get my make-up done, I always say, “make me as close to Kimmy K as you can!”’

What else do you do for self-care?

‘I make sure my nails, eyebrows and hair looks good on a weekly basis. I’ve also really got into face masks lately. I tend to do peel off masks every other day (probably a little too often, I know!) but it seems to keep the spots away.’

Lastly, how’s your love life since Love Island? Are you single or dating?

‘I’m currently single right now. I feel like I am focusing strictly on my career and feel as though I don’t have the time to date!’

What advice would you give to anyone entering Love Island next month?

‘That you can’t control anything! Believe in yourself and be yourself!’

Joanna is an ambassador for https://dollbeauty.com

Read Joanna’s full interview in the New Year’s Resolutions issue of Celebrity Secrets, out in OK! mag bumper packs from 7th January 2020.

The post Joanna Chimonides on life after Love Island, men and beauty appeared first on Checklists.