It’s currently day 498 of January! By now you’ve probably broken the goals and resolutions you’ve set yourself, ditched the “dry” in dry January and already started tucking into the mini eggs, as we come to the end of the longest month ever!
It’s currently day 498 of January! By now you’ve probably broken the goals and resolutions you’ve set yourself, ditched the “dry” in dry January and already started tucking into the mini eggs, as we come to the end of the longest month ever!
it’s nice to feel like you’ve got your shit together if only for a couple of months
I’m not going to lie, this post was meant to go up A LOT sooner than the last day, but January has officially swamped me (in a good way). It usually takes me a good few weeks to ease myself back in after the Christmas lull, but this year I found myself springing back and getting stuck straight in on January 2nd.
This month has largely been a month of getting organised (I even went as far as to put when the car was due for it’s MOT in my diary..woah there), setting yearly goals and lining everything up (doesn’t it always feel so good when you do that, even if its not kept up for the rest of the year, it’s nice to feel like you’ve got your shit together if only for a couple of months). I’ve also been knuckling down on a big project I’m working on this year which I can share in a few days (eek).
Here on Zoella this month, we’ve been focusing on some incredible men as part of a feature we liked to call “Man-uary”, from mental health, fitness, campaigning and body positivity, they were an absolute joy to have around on both here, and the Tuesday Takeovers on the Zoella Instagram. We also wanted to help those of you deciding to do Veganuary with some recipes and easy to make snacks too (I’m still drooling over this biscoff tiffin recipe) On top of that, we shared our favourite vegan spots in both Brighton and London.
We talked about ways in which you can make yourself a priority and offered up some advice for navigating new friendships which so many of you could relate to. On the subject of offering advice, we also shared our new feature “Between You and Me”, where as a team, we’ll be replying to your queries, worries and woes with our individual advice. I can’t wait for the first post on this next month, a problem shared is a problem halved after all! Fun fact – I actually did a post on my blog WAY back, where I basically just offered myself up to give advice to anyone who needed it in emails (lol), so I feel like it’s come full circle. I do love to listen and offer advice, in another life I think I was an Agony Aunt.
So what’s in store for February you ask? Well, it’s the month of pancakes and partners (or at least forcing your partner into celebrating a day of the year that neither of you REALLY want to celebrate…). We’ve got more recipes, more incredible takeovers and a task so big that I decided would be the most resourceful bit of information for anyone visiting Brighton – The Best Pancakes! My love of pancakes runs very deep, it’s my go-to order when we’re out for breakfast thanks to my pesky sweet tooth, and I’ve tried and tested pretty much every pancake there is to offer around these parts, so in aid of pancake day, we’ll be sharing those with you too! And if that’s not enough pancake content for you, we’ll also be sharing our favourite and go-to pancake toppings.
It feels good going into a new decade with this new chapter of “Zoella” and your feedback so far has been incredible
Hope you’ve all had an incredible start to the year and you’ve enjoyed the first bit of 2020 content. It feels good going into a new decade with this new chapter of “Zoella” and your feedback so far has been incredible and so very valuable, so thank you for that!
As always, please let us know here in the comments or over on our Instagram account what your favourite thing to read has been this month, we love hearing from you!
The Ultimate List of Valentine’s Day Ideas For Your Beloved & Your BFFs
Valentine's Day is just around the corner but if the pressure of pulling out all the stops in the name of L-O-V-E has left you in a tizzy, we've got a load of date ideas in our locker for ya.
It doesn’t matter if you’re single, loved up or just looking for something to do with the girls, these date ideas will ensure your V-Day / G-Day goes off with a bang.
For Valentine’s Day
1 Take a trip down memory lane
Relive some of your favourite moments together by going back to a significant place or recreating your first date night together.
2 Go for a beach walk
If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, go for a romantic stroll hand in hand. Bonus points if you make it for sunset, you romantic rascal you! No beach, no problem – wrap up warm and take a picnic to the countryside instead.
3 Have an at-home cinema night
Dim the lights, grab the popcorn, make frozen slushies and save the rest of the action for the back row. Wahey!
Whether you want to watch When Harry Met Sally or Dirty Dancing, reclining with your favourite human and a movie marathon is a great way to celebrate V-Day.
4 Recreate an old photo
If you’ve been coupled-up for a while, you could recreate an old photo. Grab the outfits, (if you don’t have the exact same ones, match as closely as you can with the same colours etc) and get posing! Who doesn’t love a good ‘then and now’ throwback snap?
5 Go clay-throwing (Ghost style)
Because what could be sexier than stroking wet clay together? Alexa, play Unchained Melody.
6 Book a spa day
Sure, it’s a classic Valentine’s Day move but if it ain’t broke! Whisk yourselves away for a bit of solid pamper time.
7 Have breakfast in bed
Indulge in a lazy morning in bed with crumpets, coffee and let’s face it, probably a bit of Call Of Duty if he has his way.
8 Tuck into a cheese and wine night
If you’re going to lay it on thick with the cheese this V-Day, this is the way to do it. Hunker down for the night with a fine vino and a vintage cheddar for company or host a wine tasting night with all your coupled-up mates. Need some cheeseboard inspo? Check out our blog post on how to perfect the ultimate cheese board right here.
9 Read a spot of poetry
Ever thine, ever mine, ever ours! Make like Carrie Bradshaw and Big by working your way around your local library reciting the best poems and love letters ever written.
10 Go on a mini-break/staycation
Pick a destination and get away from the everyday grind for the weekend. Switch off, reconnect with one another and make some new memories!
For Galentine’s Day
1 Blow dry & cocktails
A good bouncy blow out followed by a few tipples with the girls. Day made. Get me out of this wet suit and into a dry martini, already!
2 Write it in a letter, babe
Pen all your friends a little note of appreciation and post it to them. Who receives Valentine’s Day cards in the post anymore? Bring back a good thing.
You could also write a self-love letter to yourself to open in a year’s time. A gift from you, to you!
3 Organise a Secret Cupid
The same premise as Secret Santa only this time it’s for Galentine’s. Cute, right?
4 Go for a fancy brunch
Make a toast to friendship and unforgettable mems with bubbles, eggs Benedict and of course, your favourite gal pals.
Sketch does a great spread! We challenge you not wanna whip out your phone to get photo-proof that the squad is back together in this millennial pink parlour.
5 Have a movie marathon night
Pull an all-nighter, order takeaway food and watch movies with strong female leads. Ovaries before brovaries!
Leslie Knope blessed us with Galentine’s Day back in 2010 during Season 2 of Parks and Recreation, so it’s only right we honour this fake holiday with a series marathon. Here’s to ladies celebrating ladies!
6 Do a yoga class together
Make time to hang out and look after your wellbeing at the same time. Gals that downward dog together, stay together.
7 Go axe throwing
Ensure your Galentine’s Day is cliché free by… launching axes in the air and thinking of your ex. Naturally. Axe throwing, ex throwing – same, same.
8 Host a pot luck
The best kinda team building activity always involves food! If you’re organising a pot luck for the first time, you can get loads of helpful titbits right here.
9 Make your own bouquets
Spend a day picking wildflowers with your bezzie mates. Turn your dining table into a pop-up florist and have loads of fun making rustic and undone floral bouquets. Let that friendship bloom on!
10 Hit the road!
Put some spontaneity into your friendship and head off on a road trip somewhere new. Nothing says sisterhood like 3 hours in a car with a throwback playlist.
And because it’s always good to have a backup plan, here are a few more!
For your S.O.
Make a DIY ‘100 reasons why I love you’ jar | Visit a museum | Watch your favourite band play | Go on a double date | Go for a bike ride somewhere scenic | Do a chocolate making course | Pull off a surprise visit (for the long-distance lovers) | Plan an adventurous activity – Go Ape, rock climbing or a challenge if you’re both the competitive type | Go on a Gavin & Stacey tour Visit a theme park
For your squad:
Go to Everyman Cinema and watch an iconic chick flick | Do an escape room together | Go plate smashing | See a musical | Book an afternoon tea See a drag show | Go bowling | Watch an anti-Valentine’s Day slasher Play crazy golf | Turn a girly get-together into wine & words with a boozy book club night | Hold a crafts afternoon at yours | Go bouldering | Play prosecco pong | Do karaoke | Go for facials | Go wine tasting
Have you got any Valentine’s / Galentine’s Day plans this year?
As the old adage goes, the best things in life are free and libraries are certainly one such proof of that.
Not many things come without an admission fee these days but the public library remains one of the few places you can visit to read, work, discover new passions and expand your mind, all without cost.
Amongst shelves stacked with the likes of Shakespeare, Eliot, Austen, Bronte and Dickens, you’re welcome to pull up a pew next to all of them and be part of it. Anyone and everyone has the permission to experience what it’s like to belong to a community, isn’t that great?
In an age where we’re addicted to refreshing our news feeds every 30 seconds and simultaneously craving the opportunity to switch off, having a place that doesn’t just recommend peace and quiet but demands it, is increasingly important. Quiet is cool and it’s needed now more than ever.
Sure, the digital distractions are still there; they’re not laptop / mobile-free zones after all but they still have a remarkable way of focusing our minds compared to a coffee shop, where most of us struggle to hear ourselves think.
Beyond the books, they have a unique capacity for bringing people together; they don’t ask for much but they lend a lot.
We’re sharing the library love by talking about our experiences, old and new. We hope it inspires you to visit and continue to use your local library!
Some days it smelt like Snakebite and sleepless nights. Other times, it smelt like home.Lareese
“I’ve always been a book worm. If I wasn’t buying Jacqueline Wilson books with my £5 pocket money when I was a kid, I was quite literally sniffing them out and borrowing them from our local library.
Then there was my primary school library – a place where we’d sit around tiny tables with tiny hands, reading Goodnight Mister Tom and David Almond’s Skellig. If I close my eyes, I can still smell it now – an earthy mix of coffee, Berol handwriting pens and the pages of Animal Ark. That’s a testament to the power of physical books and something that, despite its convenience, the eBook simply can’t match IMO.
Some days it smelt like Snakebite and sleepless nights. Other times, it smelt like home.Lareese
At 18, I’d sit in the local library revising for my A-levels. My nan’s old bungalow was next door, which made it a particularly fond place to hang out. I’d quite often day-dream out the window about summers spent in the garden making perfume from rose petals while working my way through the next deck of flashcards. I’d look up from fluorescent pink highlighted passages to see the same old white-haired man sharing my table, chat for a while and drive him home when his legs were giving him jip.
Then there was the library at uni; a microcosm of students trying to navigate their way through this new-found independence. Some days it smelt like Snakebite and sleepless nights. Other times, it smelt like home to me. I’d stay in there until 11pm – writing 2,000 word essays on Wide Sargasso Sea, Ulysses and Paradise Lost.” – Lareese
when I was younger, every so often my mum would let my sister and I rent a VHS – god that’s an old sentence.Danielle
One of my favourite mems from the library is from when I was younger, every so often my mum would let my sister and I rent a VHS – god that’s an old sentence – and we would ALWAYS pick clueless. What is it about kids being able to re-watch the same movies over and over again? TBF Clueless is iconic and I’m not mad at myself at all.
I also used to get these books about a girl called Tilly Beanie, she was a bit of a character and a bit weird and I was a bit weird. I think reading them made me “own my weirdness” and not care about what other people thought of me which is definitely something I’ve carried through life!” – Danielle
“The library always reminds me back to my days of being at university, although I was stressed most of the time and tackling deadlines, being in the library with friends was always fun. Doing our “late shifts” at the library, staying there all day until about 2-3am. We’d put YouTube videos or Netflix on in the background in private rooms which you could hire out (sometimes getting quite distracted) and just help each other through our work. I really used to enjoy these library sessions a lot and I miss them sometimes, less the work and more spending time with my uni friends. I think the library is seen as a place you can’t really socialise at, but actually it’s a great place to see your friends and get on with any practical stuff you are working on too.” – Darcey
My friends and I more or less became residents on the campus LibraryMaddie
“To tell you the truth it’s been years since I stepped foot in a library for the intentions they are useful for. The last time would most likely have been in my third year at university. My friends and I more or less became residents on the campus Library cramming hard for our final exams all the while drinking too much bad coffee and eating as much sugar we could afford to keep us going.
Nowadays I appreciate them much more when I’m visiting new cities, whether it’s the Trinity in Dublin (picture the beauty and the beast library) or the Bodleian in Oxford which always feels like the heart of the city whenever I visit.” – Maddie
“I recently re-joined the library because of the Book Club, and it’s been FANTASTIC! I’m not a massive reader so buying books to me didn’t feel sustainable, but with the library, I can borrow our latest reads (and only have to pay £1 if I need to reserve something already checked out) and explore so many other options too – over Christmas, I found some great vegan cookbooks which were so helpful with baking, and I’ve been able to discover new novels and explore old reads at the same time. Even if you’re a big book buyer, the fact you can take out FORTY books at one time is definitely a huge plus – go get yourself to the library now and find something new to read!” – Lauren
“My relationship with the library is a funny one! During university I was holed up in there for 9+ hours a day, hunched over a laptop and subtly trying to eat my vegan flapjack without being told off by the uni library police …
It gave me a sense of independence in having something that felt like mine.Charlotte
Having said that, the library isn’t somewhere I’ve always associated with work. As a child I was a self confessed book worm, working my way through the Jacqueline Wilson, Louise Rennison and Karen McCombie archives multiple times. The local library felt like safe space, filled with mothers and babies and the older generation meeting for book clubs and coffee mornings.
My mum would let me walk down on my own as it was only down the corner from our house, and it gave me a sense of independence in having something that felt like ‘mine’. Similarly to the smell and feeling you get when entering a book store, I still feel a sense of calm when in such a quiet and tranquil environment.” – Charlotte
Matt is a pioneer for mental health, he founded both Spirit Media a TV & digital studio and Whole which is a brilliant mental health organisation. Find out how he's getting on this year and why you should be following his journey.
How have you survived January this year?
I actually really like January and think it’s odd that people find it depressing. I love that renewed energy so I tend to bounce into January excited about the year ahead. December’s the month I find hard to survive!
What made you start #IAMWHOLE?
In 2016 I was approached by the NHS to create a campaign to battle the stigma surrounding mental health in young people. I had no idea of the size of the epidemic occurring in the UK, but having seen so many people close to me suffer with issues in the past, I wanted to help destigmatise it, so future generations would see mental health as a very normal thing we all have.
How did you start #IAMWHOLE?
Previous mental health campaigns from the NHS amounted to little more than a few leaflets in a doctor’s surgery. I knew immediately that this was not the way to communicate with a young audience, and that we had to do something different. Around the same time that I had been approached by the NHS, I directed a music video for Rizzle Kicks, and when we wrapped, Jordan Stephens sent me some solo material he’d been working on. There was this one track called ‘WHOLE’ that really struck a chord with me. Jordan later described it as ‘narrating his own spiral into depression’. I asked the NHS if they’d let us make a music video for the campaign, something they’d never done before. Amazingly, the said yes! And so, #IAMWHOLE was born.
The music video concept was based on an idea I’d had about a circle on the palm of the hand, the ‘WHOLE’ circle. We shot the music video and launched it on World Mental Health Day 2016. To our complete amazement, the campaign immediately went viral. By the end of the day, we’d been endorsed by a number of global superstars including Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallagher and James Corden, reached an audience of over 120 million, and were even mentioned in Parliament! Find WHOLE here.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Definitely ‘Music 4 Mental Health’, a fundraising concert we put on at The Roundhouse in London, starring Ed Sheeran, Anne Marie, James Arthur, Professor Green, Ella Eyre, Olly Murs, Nothing But Thieves, Louis Berry and the brilliant Hussain Manawer. I have honestly never felt so much love, honesty and vulnerability in a room. These incredible artists were sharing their stories and some were opening up about their mental health for the very first time – you could have heard a pin drop! It was a very special evening.
How do you stay motivated both in work and your personal life?
I’m lucky that I have a natural fire in my belly that keeps me motivated on a daily basis. The thing I am trying to do more of is balance, as I probably work too much and don’t take enough time for self-care. I’ve set myself the challenge of doing a whole year sober which I think will definitely help – watch this space!
What are you currently working on?
My day job is running a TV and digital production company, mainly making comedy. I’m currently finishing the second series of ‘The Stand Up Sketch Show’ for ITV2, as well as being mid-production on ‘Comedy Against Living Miserably’, a brand new mental health TV series raising money for the charity CALM and starring some of Britain’s biggest comedians. It airs Dave from March onwards.
What advice would you give to somebody who wants to help people with their mental health?
Life is busy, so make sure you check in with your friends and family from time to time to see how they are. You don’t know when someone might need you. And my biggest bit of advice for anyone struggling is – talk to someone. Whether it’s a friend, family member or a professional, telling someone how you feel is the first step to sorting things. I can’t tell you how much of a difference that has made for me in the past.
What is your biggest accomplishment in life?
Apart from my amazing wife and kids, I’ve been very lucky to have had a great career to date, but the thing I am most proud of is #IAMWHOLE. It has touched so many people, creating a community that wants to fight stigma and help change the future of mental health. #IAMWHOLE has also led me through my own mental health journey, helping me understand myself more, as well as making me a better human.
What will you be reading, watching or listening to in 2020?
‘Comedy Against Living Miserably’ on Dave, you should too!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Self-care isn’t boring… you don’t need to drink all of the drinks. And when smartphones come out, don’t get addicted to them.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
I’m a pescatarian that is trying to be more vegan – for all the reasons. I love food, so maybe some sort of all-encompassing buffet if that’s okay? If not, a king prawn curry and garlic naan, or most Italian food, Southeast Asian food and Spanish Tapas – ALL on one plate. Thanks!
What do you always carry with you?
I hate to say this, but my phone charger. My job is very varied which means I spend a lot of time on my phone as I am constantly on the go… so have to make sure I have power on tap. I am really bad at switching off from my phone – that’s something I have to work on.
What are you most looking forward to in 2020?
There are a lot of things happening this year, including a VERY exciting secret #IAMWHOLE project we are launching with Zoe and the brand Lush. We are also planning the next ‘Music 4 Mental Health’ and are in talks with some major artists. Find Matt on Instagram and Twitter.
When veganism first exploded onto the foodie scene, it was simply dubbed the next here today, gone tomorrow health fad. Now all the major supermarkets and fast food giants are catching on, proving that a plant-based trend really does have staying power.
Just one search of #vegan on Instagram and you’ll see the hashtag flooded with over 88.5 million posts. Needless to say, it’s going nowhere!
Market research by Mintel has revealed one in four new food products added to the supermarket shelves last year was vegan. Sales of meat alternatives also grew 40% last year with two-thirds of Britons now choosing to eat the products.
Whether you’re cutting out meat all-together or living that flexitarian lifestyle, one thing you won’t want to compromise on is taste, which is why we’re rounded up some of the best vegan recipes the internet has to offer. They’ve got flavour, they’ve got texture and they’ve got good game.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner – it’s all being served up right here with sweet snacks and desserts to boot.
1. Banana Bread Doughnuts
Now there’s a food hybrid we can get on board with.
Short on time? Whip up this flavourful, hassle-free tortilla pizza for lunch or dinner. Take a simple white bean and sun-dried tomato base, top with veggies of your choice (artichoke’s a clear winner), bake it up real good and get stuck in.
A pie in a pot, who could argue with that culinary wizardry? Loaded with veggies and topped with a buttery biscuit crumb topping, this is one for warming your cockles on a cold Winter’s day.
Faux leather for Spring? Ground-breaking. Ok, maybe we're getting ahead of ourselves with the Spring thing but glass half full and all that.
In the meantime, faux leather makes for a great transeasonal fabric to have in your wardrobe all-year-round. From versatile straight-leg pants (no you’re obsessed with Ross Geller) to high-rise leggings and jumpsuits, here’s how we’re styling faux leather.
Lareese
Whenever I want to feel a little more FASHUN fancy pants, I reach for a pair of straight leg faux leather trousers – they’re a hard-working, versatile piece to have in your wardrobe and instantly elevate an outfit, even if you dress them down with a plain white tee and sneakers. Ross Geller was way ahead of his time!
I’ll be pairing them with a plain tank top, a green wool jacket and these mules I’ve had my eye on for a while.
I’ve gone a bit out of the box for my faux leather look as I’ve chosen this jumpsuit! I’ve paired it with a white shirt and heeled boots as monochrome is my middle name.
I own a fair few pairs of faux leather trousers/leggings now and often switch them out for my usual go-to plain black skinny jeans if i’m feeling a bit more extra that day. I found this amazing pair in all saints that look SO unbelievably comfy and when searching online for something to wear with them, I actually fell in love with this entire outfit all from All Saints! I love big chunky knit jumpers with a faux leather legging and then my trusty chunky black boots!
I found a great pair of coated leggings from Next at the weekend which are a great alternative to leather and look just as good. I would pair them with a pair of chunky faux leather boots, a good old grey knitted jumper and a big puffer jacket to face the winter weather!
I’ve got a pair of vegan leather boots from Koi and really like how chunky they are, so would style this square toe pair with a classic shirt and denim skirt – very fresh and simple, so would rock a red lip and wavy hair to style it up
I absolutely love a contrasting silhouette, and what’s more different than a chunky boot and feminine dress?! I’ve wanted some of the vegan Dr Martens for ages and this might just have persuaded me that I need them in my life …
One of my go to outfits is my faux leather skirt. I usually wear it with a bright coloured jumper tucked in, thick black tights and more leather in the form of some chunky boots. I might look a bit like a mod (or rocker, one of the two) but I loves it I does.
PSA: sticking to veganuary doesn't have to be a chore! Eating out has never been easier with these scrumptious plant-based joints giving you plenty of options to chow down and enjoy some nosh whatever the occasion.
London’s got an impressive number of meat-free, dairy-free restaurants on its roster so if ever you needed an excuse to eat your way around the city and up your vegan ante, there it is. Forget the meticulous planning or whipping out your backup lunchbox tableside, these vegan spots have got it covered.
By Chloe
All vegan everything! Yep, there’s no need to go off-menu here. Originally exploding onto the foodie scene in NYC, the US chain has now joined us across the pond in London. From hearty roasts loaded with glazed carrots and hot thyme tatties to crispy tofu fish and chips, By Chloe doesn’t do thing by halves.
We ate: Mac and cheese | Pesto meatball sub | Mandarin lemonade
Gone are the days when being vegan meant you ate carrots and air or you didn’t eat at all. Serving vegan and vegetarian dishes from around the world since 1988, Mildreds has celebrated meat-free dining for over thirty years. With levant ‘Chick’n Kebabs’ and gingerbread sticky toffee pudding gracing the menu, there’s barely a non-meat eater in the capital that hasn’t queued to take a seat at this iconic joint.
We ate: Pumpkin gnocchi | Tomato bravas | Seasonal greens | Tender stem broccoli with lemon miso
This Notting Hill-based cafe makes even the most nutritious of dishes taste like they should be bad for us (in the best way). Hello truffle mac n cheese!
Serving local and seasonal plant-based produce free from dairy, additives and chemicals – it’s the place to be if you’re going green and eating clean.
We ate: Seasonal vegetable pizzetta | Loaded mushroom tacos
One look at their Instagram and you’ll be foodgasming all over the place: case in point, the vegan fish and chips. Phwoar!
Made with love and powered by plants, Unity Diner is on a mission to make a more compassionate future for animals. All profits go directly towards animal rights campaign work (Surge), including the development of a new sanctuary for animals here in the UK.
We ate: Dirty loaded fries | Halva sundae | Raspberry kombucha | Elderflower lemonade
Wraps, baps, lip-smacking burgers and shakes – this is vegan fast food heaven. Dishes include deep-fried jack fruit wings, drunken beer marinated aubergine and mac and cheese. Expect big ol’ naughty portions perfect for those days when only junk food will do.
We ate: Sunshine smoothie | Teriyaki burger | Skin on fries
It’s not all lingerie and lube fellas, there’s more to Valentine’s Day than stroking your libido’s ego, though let it be said, we’ve got time for those kinds of gifts too. Wink wink, nudge, nudge.
In the name of romance, we’ve created a gift guide popping with present ideas for him & her. There’s homeware, skincare, experience days and not a dodgy thong insight. Praise be – no lovers’ tiff necessary.
Whether you’re shopping for you, your significant other or your Palentine-Galentine, we’ve shopped around for the stylish, sentimental and the downright delectable gifts to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember. Get ready to start dropping those hints!
Adventurer Gifts
Got an outdoorsy person in your life? You’re in luck. They may not be the most glamorous to look at but by Jove are they practical. Here’s a look at the gifts every nomad will actually use.
Who doesn’t love being showered with bougie beauty treats, eh? From monthly products delivered to your door, perfume in ridiculously aesthetic bottles and Kim K-approved face masks, these are the gifts every beauty lover will heart the hell out of. Pucker up!
Buying gifts for V-Day can be a tad overwhelming when you’ve already pulled out all the stops for Christmas. Why not book an overnight stay at a hotel, treat them to a spot of wine tasting or whisk them away for a spa day – nothing says ‘I love you’ like spending some quality time together.
Time to lay on the cheese, it is Valentine’s Day after all! Nothing says you’re committed like a gourmet gift, hand-fed by candlelight. You can leave out the hand-feeding part – unless that’s your jam in which case, get stuck in.
If you can’t go b-i-g with your gifts on the most romantic day of the year, then when can ya? If you fancy dropping some major dough in the name of cupid, this spenny lot should do nicely.
Show your other half that they’re appreciated on Valentine’s Day with a little gesture that’s not going to break the bank. We’ve got feminist poetry, headphones and pint-sized stocking-cum-hosiery fillers (wahey, do you like what we did there?), here’s a few budget-friendly options for the frugal shopper.
It’s been a month since we launched our app Template, and we want to show you why it’s our highest rated app yet!
If you don’t know much about Template it is an app we spent last year creating with Elsie & Emma of A Beautiful Mess – the same team we work with on our app Filmm! It’s a new way to style your Instagram feed with galleries and posts as well as your stories.
We hand-selected over 500 layouts to choose from and the app also comes with 70 fonts, custom brushes and customisable illustrations. Template is FREE to download and some of our favourite design packs are free but to get unlimited access to everything you can upgrade to Template+ which costs £4.99 a month or £24.49 a year. You can also buy packs separately, take a look at each one below.
Classic
Simple but effective the classic pack comes free and is perfect for putting a few images together, made up of designs from Minima, Layout, Zine and Meta. The pack is comprised of 13 story templates, 13 feed templates, and 6 galleries.
Analog
Another pack of ‘the best of the best’, Analog features a couple of options from Craft, Film, and Instant to give you a diverse range, it also comes free with the app. The pack is comprised of 11 story templates, 11 feed templates, and 7 galleries.
Craft
Inspired by scrapbooking, photo collages, paint splashes and imperfections, find pretty polaroids ripped paper and more. It’s easy to see why Craft is one of our most popular packs. The pack is comprised of 13 story templates, 11 feed templates, and 8 galleries.
Editorial
Bold and beautiful this pack was inspired by some of our favourite publications, the perfect selection for a bit of text to your creations. The pack is comprised of 15 story templates, 11 feed templates, and 5 galleries.
Essay
The best pack for text-heavy creations and thoughtful statements. Use this to create your own bite-size blogs. The pack is comprised of 11 story templates, 11 feed templates, and 6 galleries.
Film
Inspired by old school 35mm film photographs, negatives and polaroids, this is the perfect pack for vintage camera lovers and photobooth frequenters. The pack is comprised of 17 story templates, 21 feed templates, and 10 galleries.
Fresh
Bright and graphic this pack was inspired by design bloggers. Find stars, grids, waves and sharp lines in this uber-cool selection. The pack is comprised of 14 story templates, 14 feed templates, and 9 galleries.
Instant
Inspired by polaroids both black and white, this is one of our biggest packs for different layouts so you’re sure to find an image selection that suits you. The pack is comprised of 22 story templates, 16 feed templates, and 11 galleries.
Layout
Inspired by magazine layouts and bold statements, Layout is like nothing you’ve seen before. The pack is comprised of 13 story templates, 11 feed templates, and 5 galleries.
Meta
Super cool templates inspired by digital format and nostalgic media. The pack is comprised of 14 story templates, 14 feed templates, and 6 galleries.
Minimal
Simple and modern, the Minimal pack has a range of templates in classic and abstract layouts. The pack is comprised of 18 story templates, 20 feed templates, and 12 galleries.
Oui
The content creators pack, containing clean and muted colourful template designs, it’s definitely an office favourite! The pack is comprised of 15 story templates, 15 feed templates, and 6 galleries.
Story
Text driven templates for the ultimate storyteller! The pack is comprised of 11 story templates, 11 feed templates, and 6 galleries.
Zine
Graphic grids and forward-thinking layouts comprise this pack inspired by DIY publishing, this one is packed full of goodies. The pack is comprised of 23 story templates, 24 feed templates, and 13 galleries.
We’ve been loving seeing you use Template, there are so many fantastic posts on the Template Instagram account, follow it here. Here’s a few favourites to get you inspired…
Like the adult equivalent of starting a new year at primary school armed with a fresh AF pencil case and immaculate pens, we want to start 2020 afresh and leave our grubby little makeup bags firmly in the 00s.
We’re all for streamlining our cosmetics and giving our tired beauty routines a makeover and what better time to begin than at the start of a spanking new decade!
From dipping our toes into the new releases, investing in a handful of cult faves and repurchasing the pedestal-worthy products we can’t live without, here’s the makeup the Zoella team will be reaching for this year.
Charlotte Says –
My 2020 makeup is a combo of newbies and some golden oldies. For foundation I never stray from my trusty Nars Sheer Glow in the shade ‘Mont Blanc’- when you’ve found ‘the one’, there’s no need for other options! Having said that, on days when I want a lighter coverage or need a quick complexion fix, I’ve been opting for the Lumene Instant Glow Beauty Serum. It gives you more glow than a disco ball and offers the perfect lit-from-within finish.
To set my base I’m sticking with two products I discovered in 2019 that I’m sure are going to be with me for the long haul- the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder and the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. My makeup’s going nowhere with this trusty combo, setting my base in place without compromising on the glow I’ve worked hard (read: slapped on hurriedly after snoozing my alarm) to achieve.
Glossier is a brand I’ve had on my radar for such a long time, but as a full face kinda gal I wasn’t sold on their minimal approach to beauty. But! After visiting their pop-up in Covent Garden in December I was sold- the packaging, the aesthetic, the millennial pink- everything! I picked up the Lidstar sheer liquid shadow in the shade Lily and it’s a firm fave already- I want to try it in every colour!
It seems I’m very into colour at the moment, as this trusty Forever Flawless Constellation palette from Makeup Revolution is another one I can’t get enough of lately. Whether it’s for a full-on pink glistening lid or used with an angled brush for a bold winged liner, the possibilities are endless with this affordable offering.
If there’s one thing I’m sure will see me through 2020 and beyond, it’s big and bushy brows. Charlotte
If there’s one thing I’m sure will see me through 2020 and beyond, it’s big and bushy brows. I’m tempted by the idea of brow lamination, but until I pluck up the courage for that I’ll be sticking with my Hourglass Arch Brow Volumising Fiber Gel. Adding colour, texture and definition, it’s one I won’t be leaving the house without applying in 2020.
Lips wise I’m usually all about a nude, but so far this year I’ve been loving the look of a more stand out shade. The Gucci lipsticks (boujie I know- it was a gift, I’m not usually this cool) are super moisturising and long-wearing, plus the gorgeous packaging means it’s one you’ll want out on your dresser for all to see (all being, my cat). Drugstore wise I’ve been a long time fan of Revlon’s lip products so I think they’ll be seeing me well into this year and beyond. Their Ultra Matte HD Lipcolors set beautifully without drying out the lips!
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Zoe Says –
A few favourites that constantly crop up for me that I’ve talked about many times before are the Chanel Cream Bronzer “Soleil Tan De Chanel” (a true makeup bag staple for me), The Fenty Beauty foundation (my go-to when I need a bit more coverage), The Bare Minerals mineral foundation (using this every day most days at the moment, I always go back to it, I just love it!) and the It Cosmetics CC+ Foundation which is a little lighter and is my summer staple for natural glowy skin.
Keeping with skin, I also know I will be reaching for the Iconic London “prep, set, glow” mist to set my makeup when the weather starts warming up. I also fell in love with the Vita Liberata beauty blur last year too, and I’m bringing this firmly into 2020 as for those no-makeup days, it just adds the perfect subtle tint with a healthy glow. I particularly like it for holidays! Something that has only recently become a favourite is the Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer which has amazing coverage whilst also feeling light. Another new discovery that I’m really enjoying using is the Pat McGrath LABS chroma luxe Hi-Lite Creams which come in the cutest little tubes and make such a difference with just a teeny amount. Perfect for high impact highlighter.
Another new discovery that I’m really enjoying using is the Pat McGrath LABS chroma luxe Hi-Lite CreamsZoe
Moving swiftly onto eyes, two shadow palettes I’m reaching for a lot at the moment are the Nars “Wanted” mini eyeshadow palette and the Victoria Beckham Smoky Eye Brick in “Tweed”. The Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadows are also a real staple for me, I love them on their own or as a base. I’ve also been enjoying blending a kohl into my lash line and the Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner in “Bordeaux”. Onto lips, and it’s no surprise that a matte liquid lip is my lip of choice.
My favourites are the Colourpop Cosmetics & Huda Beauty ones. During summer I like to mix it up a bit with something a bit more glossy and last year I fell in love with the Bare Minerals Gen Nude Lip Lacquers, my favourite shade being “Squad”. To keep my lips feeling nourished on days where I’m not wearing any lip product, I’ll reach for the Glossier Berry Balm Dotcom universal skin salve, smells delicious and does a fabulous job at keeping my lips hydrated.
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Danielle Says –
I’ve started 2020 trying to be as gorgeous and glowy as I can! Kicking things off with my Urban Decay all nighter foundation base (on top of fake tan obvs) then going in with a bit of Born This Way concealer by too faced to pick out my under eye, forehead, nose and chin.
I’ve started 2020 trying to be as gorgeous and glowy as I can!Danielle
I’ve been using this Becca Champagne Pop palette for highlight and blush along with a Charlotte Tilbury bronzer that is on its last legs and in no fit state to have its photo taken! I’ll then start ‘carving out’ my brows with ABH Dip Brow, and I’ll set that with Glossier Boy Brow.
I didn’t get too much makeup for Christmas but I did receive these adorable Soap & Glory minis from my bestie and they’ve been my go-to eye look so far this year. I’ll pop the gold straight on to the lid and pat it in with my ring finger then I’ll use the kohl liner to smoke it up near the lash line. Then I’ll apply lashings of whatever mascara I can find in my makeup bag, I’m ready to invest in a new Lash Sensational!
I’ll then either blast on a bit of Clarins Lip Oil to keep these puppies dry in the cold harsh Brighton winds or I’ll spice things up with a Revlon lippie in nude or red!
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Darcey Says –
My all-time favourite foundation (and I mean I’ve been using this bad boy in various shades for about 5 years now) is the Nars Sheer Glow foundation. It’s more of a full coverage foundation, but also very buildable so it’s great for day to night. Also, it’s a dewy one and not incredibly matte, which I find a lot of foundations can be.
I’ve recently started using the Laura Mercier setting powder and honestly, I didn’t realise just HOW good it is. Whether you are wanting to set or bake, it can do both, very well.
I am a die-hard fan of the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzer, it is insanely nice. Darcey
Now for bronzer, I am a die-hard fan of the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzer, it is insanely nice. Its a mousse, unlike the usual powder bronzer, so it’s super creamy and easy to apply. This bronzer also has a lovely glow and shimmer to it.
For my brows, I like to stick to a few old favs. I use the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade (I use this more on nights out when I want a really defined brow) and the NYX tinted brow mascara. Both give a fluffy brow effect which I love!
This is another product I’ve stuck to for a few years now because it’s just so good! For my lashes, I use the Nars Climax mascara, mainly because it doesn’t clump! but it also makes your lashes look super long.
Last, but definitely not least, I love a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick. The matte lipsticks aren’t drying, and that’s all anyone wants in a matte lipstick! My current favourite colour is ‘Pillow Talk’, I believe it is the perfect nude lipstick.
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Lauren Says –
My 2020 makeup is a lot of the same but I’ve decided this is the year I tackle the ol’ cat-eye and get back into eyeliner! I usually rock quite a natural base so I think this will finally give my eyes that really nice ‘pop’.
For a bit of extra coverage, I mix in the concealer and this keeps my skin looking freshLauren
Speaking of base, I’m really happy with my combo of Madara’s CC Cream in Medium and Too Faced BTW Concealer in Almond – if I can get away with just the CC cream then I’ll stick to that, but for a bit of extra coverage, I mix in the concealer and this keeps my skin looking fresh whilst it’s still able to breathe.
I tend to wear bronzer all year round as I like having some warmth in my face; I use the Too Faced Dark Chocolate Bronzer all year round, with a light sweep in winter for something subtle and a heavier hand come summer for that bronze glow.
My eye-makeup hasn’t changed, still loving the BLEACH London Louder Powders (although sadly I think they’ve stopped making some booo) and Pacifica Stellar Gaze Mascara, but I picked up the E.L.F Ultra Precise Brow Pencil and E.L.F Intense Ink Eyeliner before Christmas and I LOVE THEM – I think the brown shade Brunette is a little warm but it applies just as good as the high-end alternatives, and because I’m still learning (and lazy) with liner, the chunky pen tip is so easy to use and quick when in a hurry (only minimal mistakes made so far!) – plus it’s cruelty-free and vegan which is a big win.
I’m usually low-key with lip colours so I’ve gone back to the Tata Harper Volumising Lip and Cheek Tint; it’s a love consistency and gives just a hint of colour so your lips still look natural – I’d love them to do a stick version as I’m not a fan of dipping my finger in through the day, but it’s great if you want a multi-purpose product that’s easy to work with.
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Lareese Says –
I swapped my usual eyebrow pencil for the Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil recently and I can report it’s worth the splurge. The colour Saddle is a great match for my brows and it stays put all day – even in the rain and on the odd occasion I’ve actually dragged myself to the gym. The slanted tip makes application easy and precise which is such a time saver in the morning.
It might be a new year but old habits die hard and I’ve been hoarding my mascara for longer than I care to admit. Lareese
It might be a new year but old habits die hard and I’ve been hoarding my mascara for longer than I care to admit. I was lucky enough to receive the By Terry Lash Expert Twist Mascara as a gift for Christmas and I’m so glad I accidentally discovered it. It’s buildable formula lifts, lengthens and volumises even the straightest of lashes without weighing them down with product. No clumps here.
I’ll do anything to avoid heavy, cakey foundations and this glow-in-a-bottle Flawless Filter from Charlotte Tilbury is anything but. A CC cream-cum-illuminator, it gives my complexion a healthy boost of colour and radiance whilst still maintaining that healthy, second-skin finish. It’s described as revolutionary and I can totally see why – it’s worth the hype for sure. She’s a keeper!
Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base is a new-to-me product and I now I’ve used it, I totally get the hype. It leaves my skin with a sun-kissed glow and unlike some bronzing or contouring products, it warms up my complexion without looking too heavy or ashy on the skin. The buildable cream formula transforms into a light powder on application, making it super easy to blend.
