[contains all the spoilers]

If you didn’t binge watch all four seasons of The Bold Type in lockdown after it landed on Netflix, allow us to bring you up to speed on the best thing that’s happened to us since The Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City. We said what we said.

Originally released in 2017, The Bold Type is a tv series loosely based on the life of former Cosmo Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles, who also happens to be the Executive Producer on the show.

It follows a trio of twenty-something best friends and co-workers Kat (Aisha Dee), Jane (Katie Stevens) and Sutton (Meghann Fahy), as they navigate relationships and climb the career ladder at the fictional women’s lifestyle magazine, Scarlet.

Whilst trying to excel in their careers and figure out who they are in their personal lives, their unwavering friendship is their one constant. Through breast cancer scares, estranged mothers, egg freezing, sexual awakenings, miscarriages and break ups, the crazy chemistry between Kat, Jane and Sutton does everything to dismantle the three’s a crowd adage so often used to divide women. Here it brings them together to form three parts of an unshakeable whole.

The Bold Type’s strength lies in its ability to walk the tightrope of heavy but essential conversations and feel-good soapy silliness. It’s far-fetched, wildly unrealistic and hilarious but it’s also comforting and empowering, and that’s all part of its humble, multi-hyphenate appeal.

Sisterhood is the show’s bread and butter, and despite the signature hokey rom-com tropes, love triangles and elevator meet-cutes, the real romance is between the Bold babes and their messy, unconditional bond.

With the fifth and final season about to drop (send help), we’re collecting some thoughts and feelings we had whilst watching the lives of the Scarlet women unfold.

Here’s to one last toast in the fashion closet and unleashing holy hell!

In episode one when Kat yells, “Excuse me my friend is having a moment” at the disgruntled guy behind her as Jane takes a group selfie is the moment we fell in love with her. A whole 154 seconds into the show.

Mentally, I work under Richard. Like, he’s heartbeat in your clitoris kinda territory.

Time to pitch vibrators and female pleasure in a boardroom full of white men. We’ve got a lot of time for Jacqueline, expertly played by Melora Hardin. Yee-haw.

“People tend to get uncomfortable when they cannot put you in a box”. I ship Kat & Adena.

Jacqueline turning down a phone call from Beyonce to comfort Jane. Is she the best boss or is she the best boss?

That yellow Scarlet Gala prosecco looks like it would put me in a grave.

Next time someone pisses me off, I’m getting the girls together in our evening gowns and screaming into the humid abyss of the central line.

Stating the obvious but the female friendships are chef’s kiss

“I deserve to be the girl you can’t stop thinking about”. Sutton is everything.

Want to start referring to every website as The Dot Com but also would quite like to keep some friends.

Name an underrated character: Andrew / Jacqueline Carmichael.

The soundtrack is SO good.

Carrie & Big have got nothing on Sutton and Richard. Don’t @ me.

Brb, off to find my erotic creature.

Found it and miraculously named it Pinstripe.

Why did I want to clap when Jane adds her byline to the orgasm article?

The worst Easter egg hunt scene will forever have my heart.

Shower thoughts include wondering who out of my friends would be committed to removing a Yoni egg from my vagina…

Do you know what’s bold? The fact that Kat went in glove-less. Not all BFFs are created equal.

The music montages get me every time. Genius.

Going to need Jane to write about all the times Pinstripe made me want elevator sex. It’s the leather jacket for me. Hello? The man breaks lamps!

The violin scene with Kadena lives in my head rent free.

Every social media manager had a physical reaction to Kat sending that tweet from the Scarlet account.

Sutton landed a job in fashion and suddenly, I’m arranging drinks for her to celebrate.

“I’m Nora Ephron, bitch” Marry me, Sutton Brady.

Must Adena be so flighty?!

“No more nipple postings” sounds like something I need to hear when I’m drunk and intent on being shrill and semi-naked.

Did Brendon the intern just get his nipple out in the middle of the office for a photo op and not even question it?

He’s right though. It HAS been a long summer.

Jane getting tested for the BRACA gene mutation, with her second and third by her side. My heart exploded a tiny bit.

Kind of want to organise a free the nipple day in a local park in a major way.

Let’s just agree, there is no good angle for shower sex.

Low key adore high tea Sutton.

Climbing into a bathtub with my chaotic friends and wine is literally all I want to do rn.

Not getting good vibes from Incite. Stay well away tiny Jane.

Why does Trump always find us? It’s all too real, we ordered escapism.

Jacqueline taking those weights was one of the most underrated moments of tv.

“It’s sexual harassment time…. The seminar” gotta love Oliver.

Mitzi is not a woman of Scarlet. She is serving big Regina George energy.

These three really drink wine every night and we stan.

Kat: “I’ve gotta go find Adena”
Sutton: “Or at least her vagina” Reason 1873817819 Sutton is our spirit animal.

Just want to drink scotch with Jacqueline.

Cunnilingus getting the airtime it deserves. We love to see it.

Guess what, we miss Richard sex too, Sutton.

Season 2… not coping with tiny Jane’s empty desk.

Fill in the blank, Cleo Williams is a__

Mama Jackie loves a chunky bangle. Noted.

Since when was Ben the hot Dr Australian?

If a Dr ever asks me to dance when I’m about to give birth, they will feel the full wrath of my grapevine, let’s just say that.

“You need to live in this failure” tough love from Jacqueline hits different.

One cannot be platonic with Pinstripe the novelist. Nope.

When tiny Jane cries, we all cry. We just don’t look as pretty as her.

Speaking of Jane, the girl just LOVES a hard copy.

Don’t like the way this Brooke influencer is taking our Sutton for a ride. Don’t like it at all.

Pretty sure you can’t expense narcotics but whatever.

Karaoke ABBA is not meant to sound this good.

Oof seeing Richard get in that taxi with another woman, a woman Sutton has to style? Gonna throw up.

Sutton in Paris over Emily in Paris. Always and forever.

The Dua Lipa road trip scene is all of us.

Nobody sings Torn like drunk tiny Jane. Nobody.

Need Jane to pitch that Dr Pinstripe throuple tbh.

‘No white after Labour Day and never walk away from love”. Oh, Paris Oliver is too much.

Season 3 is off to a strong start with Pinstripe’s peen-stripe.

I only tolerate Patrick because we know he exposed himself to achieve gender equality.

If Sasha Velour can’t save a lesbian bar, there’s really no hope.

Hell yes to Sutton masturbating when she can’t jump Richard’s bones. Self-pleasure waits for no one.

“It’s not about the pond it’s about what the duck pond represents”…

And what it represents is our thirst for Richard. The end.

You’ve been gone 5 minutes Ryan. How will Jinstripe bounce back from this? It was a book tour, not lads on tour for crying out loud RYAN. Jane did a terrible webcam dance for you and everything.

Kat was robbed in that election. We demand a recount in the least Trumpish way possible.

Oh, Pinstripe that speech. Even the leather jacket can’t save you now.

No, no, no, where is Mama Jackie?

Frat boy frittata, Pinestripe? More like fuck boy frittata.

Just how many parties can one magazine have?

Richard’s proposal to the tune of Taylor Swift Lover. Sutton in that satin dress. He asked for Kat and Jane’s blessing. What a guy. What a beautiful day.

“You can be alone and sexually satisfied” you tell ‘em Kat.

Jacqueline has more composure in her eyebrow than I have in my entire body.

Today on Zoella (aka The dot co dot UK), let’s talk pegging.

Yes, tiny Jane. Let’s normalise vaginas smelling like vaginas over baked cookies.

Pinstripe judging Evan for cheating, well that’s rich.

Really want Jacqueline to have the season 4 hot girl summer she deserves, alas Ian is back.

He SLEPT with book tour girl?! There’s no fixing this. A pinstripe never changes his pinstripes.

Ok Babs Brady is going to have to stop with this wedding day limo speech because eyes on fire here.

Can’t believe Richard’s stubble is this on point.

I can feel the feminism leaving my body. Stuff the stylist job, look at that distinguished gentleman and his perfectly styled face

They did it! The Brady-Hunters did IT.

“Nothing is bigger than us” omg these beautiful fucking WOMEN

Putting your boyfriend down for a nap. Can relate.

This miscarriage story is powerful.

Praying Andrew’s confidence finds me someday.

Jane’s dad driving miles to deliver a hug, a DVF wrap dress and take her stationery shopping. What a guy.

Big fat yes to the child free by choice conversation.

Freeform really want to ruin the one stable couple we had going for us, huh?

Well, this Keva romance is wild and unexpected on every level.

I don’t feel like dancing right now girls because I’m never going to be prepared for the lights in that emotionally-charged fashion cupboard to go out for the very last time. Hold. Me.

Did someone say Marmite fashion coming through? Ohh yes they did! You either love it or you hate it when it comes to some fashion trends (cycling shorts and low rise jeans we’re looking at you) but Dad sandals ain’t budging for the summer season ahead and this week’s edit has the best of the bunch …

Chanel offers the creme de la creme of chunky sandals, but if you don’t want to be stuck eating beans on toast for the rest of eternity then keep scrolling for the best high street dupes …

*This post contains ad-affiliate links

Nancy Johnson’s, The Kindest Lie, tells the story of Ruth Tuttle, a young black Yale-educated chemical engineer tethered to her past by a burning family secret not even her husband knows.

Touching on race relations, family ties, motherhood, class and what it means to be black in America, Johnson’s timely debut novel is a heartfelt portrayal and a deeply necessary book for all readers.

If you’re looking to diversify your reading list by exploring new voices and learning about perspectives and cultures that differ from your own, The Kindest Lie is a great book to pick up.

Here’s a reminder of the blurb and a look at the team’s reviews for this dazzling debut.

A promise could betray you.

It’s 2008, and the inauguration of President Barack Obama ushers in a new kind of hope. In Chicago, Ruth Tuttle, an Ivy-League educated Black engineer, is married to a kind and successful man. He’s eager to start a family, but Ruth is uncertain. She has never gotten over the baby she gave birth to and was forced to leave behind when she was a teenager. She had promised her family she’d never look back, but Ruth knows that to move forward, she must make peace with the past.

Returning home, Ruth discovers the Indiana factory town of her youth is plagued by unemployment, racism, and despair. As she begins digging into the past, she unexpectedly befriends Midnight, a young white boy who is also adrift and looking for connection. Just as Ruth is about to uncover a burning secret her family desperately wants to keep hidden, a traumatic incident strains the town’s already searing racial tensions, sending Ruth and Midnight on a collision course that could upend both their lives.

Powerful and revealing, The Kindest Lie captures the heartbreaking divide between Black and white communities and offers both an unflinching view of motherhood in contemporary America and the never-ending quest to achieve the American Dream.

First off, how are you and how is your 2021 going?

Well, hi! I’m good, thanks – I’m seven months pregnant, which has made 2021 a pretty exciting year for me and my husband! And I’ve been beavering away at my writing desk, juggling promotion for my new novel The Road Trip with edits on my next book (title soon to be announced). So I’ve definitely been keeping busy…

We’re so excited to be reading The Road Trip for our May Book Club, can you tell us about the process for writing it?

I am so honoured that you’ve chosen The Road Trip for your May Book Club! I actually wrote this novel in a kind of flurry of creativity – I finished The Switch, my second book, and it felt as though all the pressure of the ‘tricky second album’ lifted, and with The Road Trip I could just let the words fly. The first draft was done within a few months, though of course there were many months of editing afterwards. But it really was a joyful book to write.

Where did you first get the idea to write The Road Trip?

I had the initial idea – two exes crashing cars and then having to share a vehicle – way back when The Flatshare didn’t even have a publisher yet. But it never quite felt like a whole story. It’s hard to explain that feeling, but I have lots of ideas like this which sit at the back of my mind, waiting for their missing ingredient. I don’t know what they’re missing, I just know it’s something.

With The Road Trip, that ingredient came when I was on holiday in beautiful Provence, France. (Don’t ideas so often come when we take a break?!) I fell in love with the landscape, the vineyards, the dusty fierce sunshine. I wanted to write a love story set there! And it suddenly struck me that if my road trip idea was about exes… then it was about people who had already had a love story. Perhaps that romance could have happened in Provence, and could be woven through the story of their awkward road trip across the UK.

Once I had this missing ingredient, I was away. I started writing and just didn’t stop.

How has your process for writing changed during the pandemic?

My process hasn’t really changed: I still write 2000 words per day when I’m writing a first draft; I still try to be at my desk as early as I can when I’m editing; I stick to my routine. But it’s definitely got harder, and I’ve found this last year a struggle at times, as everyone has. I’ve been extremely grateful for my dog, Molly, who gets me out for a walk every day, which always does me so much good!

If the person reading this had never picked up a Beth O’Leary novel what would you tell them to expect?

Oh, I love this question. I’d say… expect an uplifting, romantic read that’s grounded in real life. I hope my books will engross you, make you laugh, and leave you smiling when you reach that final page.

We loved reading The Switch last year and absolutely adored the characters, who is your most beloved character you’ve written?

I am so glad you enjoyed The Switch! It’s so hard to choose a favourite character, but I do think Arnold in The Switch will always have a very special place in my heart. He just turned up on the page fully formed, really. I loved playing with the trope of the gruff romantic hero who can’t express his feelings well… and making that hero a man in his seventies!

Do you read novels in the same genre you write, or do you go for something else?

I read a lot of romance, romantic comedies and contemporary fiction – it’s what I love, which is why it’s what I write! I do pick up the occasional thriller, but I’m very picky about those, and if they’re too tense I get a little stressed out. And every so often I dip back into a classic when I’m in the mood for it.

What are some of your favourite books from the last year?

I loved Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto, which begins with the main character accidentally killing her blind date and then ringing her aunties to help her with the aftermath! It is brilliantly dark and so funny, and has a lovely romance woven through it too. I also loved Marian Keyes’ latest, Grown-Ups, which I think is her best novel yet (and I’m a huge fan of hers, so that is a high bar). And I recently read The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney, by Okechukwu Nzelu, and adored it – his writing reminded me a little of Jane Austen, with that wonderful combination of wry humour and perceptiveness.

What are you currently working on?

I’m editing my fourth novel, which is due to publish next spring. I’m so excited about this book. It’s definitely my most ambitious yet, and the characters are so real to me now, I love them all to bits. I can’t wait to share more about it soon!

What does your perfect weekend look like?

A long dog walk with my husband, a hot cup of tea with a really great book, and then making dinner for a cosy evening with friends. I love cooking and baking, and over lockdowns I have really missed catering for loved ones when they come to visit!

What do you always carry with you?

Dog treats, lip balm, a snack (I am very grumpy when I’m hungry…)

What would your last ever meal be?

My husband’s vegetarian lasagne and then my mum’s rhubarb crumble with custard for pudding. They are both delicious dishes, but they’re also special to me because they remind me of two of my favourite people.

What is one positive piece of advice you could give to our audience?

Be gentle with yourself – you deserve kindness. In fact, right now, while you’re reading this, think of something you’re going to do to treat yourself today, and commit to doing it. Go on. It can be something tiny, but it’s got to be something

The political world has felt like somewhat of a ~wild ride~ over the past 12 months (to say the least), and sometimes the overwhelming amount of Instagram infographics, 5pm press conferences and Twitter threads can make it difficult to get down to the facts. But as the local elections in England approach, it’s important to get clued up on the who, what, where and when, and prepare to vote in the interests of what matters to you. Keep reading for the details and let’s get ready for dogs at polling stations!

What are the local elections?

Local elections decide who is in charge of local public services and how these are run, and usually involve voting for between one to three councillors to represent your area in local council. There are 388 local councils in England and about 20,000 councillors in total. This year’s elections will see a record number of by-elections for a single day, as 2020’s voting was postponed last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Local councils are responsible for public services and issues such as recycling, council housing, transport, education, planning, parks, roads and social care and impact those from every walk of life and circumstance in your local area.

When and where?

Local elections will be taking place on the 6th May between 07:00 to 22:00 across England, however not in all parts. If you are registered to vote you should have received a polling card in the post detailing your nearest polling station (these are normally schools or community centres) however don’t panic if not as you can find your polling station details via The Electoral Commission website.

If you have not signed up for a postal vote and intend to cast your vote in person but develop Covid-19 symptoms in the lead up to the elections, you are able to sign up for an emergency proxy vote until 17:00 on polling day.

The above information applies to English local councils, however there are various different types of local election taking place on May 6. Depending on where you live, you may be asked to vote for:

• English local councils
• Police and Crime Commissioners
• London Assembly
• Scottish Parliament
• Welsh Senedd
• Directly-elected mayors

Why vote?

You may be feeling slightly disillusioned by politics and the rollercoaster ride (hi Ronan Keating) that this world has felt like in recent years, but don’t lose faith in the power of your vote and the impact this can have. Councillors represent a much smaller group of people than MPs do, meaning your single vote is more likely to make an impact on the result- we love to see it!

Even though you may not know or regularly see the inner workings and impact of your local council, their decisions likely affect more of your day to day life than you realise. Councils spend a lot of our money- about 25% of all public spending to be exact and how this money is used and which services you value most all come into your decision on who to vote for. The future of your local area is in your hands (no pressure), and envisioning how you hope your town or city will look in the next 1, 5 or 10 years time is part of the process of getting involved in voting this May.

Deciding who to vote for…

So you’re registered to vote, now it’s time to decide who for. This decision is a really personal one and completely rides on your priorities, values and vision for how you think your local area should be run, but it’s important to remember to prioritise policies over party names or existing prejudices.

To find out who is standing for vote in your local area, head to Who Can I Vote For and enter your postcode for a breakdown of the candidates in your ward.

How to support minority groups

Deciding who to vote for in the local elections is a personal choice only you can make, but when thinking about the greater good of your community and neighbours, it’s always important to consider those who will benefit from potential change most. Many members of local council have public social media profiles, and it may be worth checking out their pages, the issues they are vocal about and if they publicly take a stand on subjects and issues you value, such as Black Lives Matter, women’s rights and tackling inequality in our society.

A 2018 report showed that only 3.7% of senior positions in councils were filled by black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals (BAME) meaning we still have a long way to go in even representing members of our community in positions of power, but change occurs in voting, and this opportunity is not one to be passed up on.

Politics really can be a confusing one, but whether this is your first or tenth time voting, the opportunity to have your say never gets old.

Nothing gets the pulse racing quite like a good old fashion bargain (okay maybe Bridgerton is up there too) and securing a 10/10 outfit for a price that won’t break the bank is always something worth celebrating. It’s clear by now that the gems of the high street including the likes of Mango, Zara and H&M mean a bigger price tag doesn’t equal a more stylish ‘fit, making a £100 outfit challenge a piece of cake for those dedicated to a scroll through ‘new in’ on the regular.

Knowing where to invest and scrimp is key, with items like denim, footwear and jackets often benefiting from a little extra £££ if you can help it. Jewellery, bags and basic tees or layering pieces can often be found at a lower price, forming the foundation of your look and allowing your statement pieces to do the talking.

From H&M, Monki, New Look to Urban Outfitters, this week’s team picks are in full celebration of the wonders of the British high street!

Shop the post

*This post contains ad-affiliate links

It’s crazy to think a year ago, we were probably knee-deep in old bananas, counting slipping into an oven mitt as an outfit change and going ham on Zoom quizzes to pass the time, now we’re on the home stretch and 100% ready to break up with tiers and at-home workouts for good. Roll on May!

1. Rush to book a staycation…

2. Only to realise there’s no availability until 2050. Might just lay a towel down to reserve my own bed at 7am just to feel something.

3. Continue to lie to yourself about how organised you’ll be with your tax return this year. The pub has all our receipts, therefore, he is the accountant.

4. Go through the annual should I chop my hair off or keep it long debate before leaving it up to an Instagram poll to confirm the restyle you’ve already booked.

5. Sit inside a pub without a curfew, a substantial meal or a hot water bottle.

6. Work from an actual office. It’s a big day for your back.

7. Secure a booking for a rooftop bar by some kind of miracle. It’s by the loo but what’s a bit of WC whiff on a southerly breeze when you’re soaking up the sunset with a g&t in hand?

8. Vow to have a sensible bank holiday…

9. Knowing full well it’ll all end with you cry-singing Robbie Williams Angels and feeling things because of the music and the people and the music and the people.

10. Take a walk because you want to and not because it’s the only form of movement that’s legal anymore.

11. Spend your money on your hair, nails, filler but a new laptop charger you actually need? Nope. It’ll have to wait.

12. Agree to attend daytime functions only. If it requires shoes or a bra after 8pm you can appeal the decision on the grounds of Line of Duty.

13. Wonder how you ever used to afford a luxury life of eating and drinking out like this.

14. Feel shocked and saddened that you don’t have anything to wear. Clothes yes, outfits no.

15. Spend 3-4 days thinking about all the sh*t you were chatting after one night out. Your alcohol tolerance is done.

16. Drink water. Plan nothing. Leave your hair. There is no right or wrong way to thrive in May.

17. Vote in your local election! Colin or Cuthbert, pick a side.

18. Consider buying a drop leaf picnic table to plonk down outside the pubs and restaurants. No reservation, no problem.

19. Realise you’re officially at the age where any noise is enough to send you over the edge.

20. Mentally prepare yourself for four lads in jeans. Beer garden pollen attracts them.

Skincare marketing, it knows how to play us.

We’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve been fooled by bells and whistles, wild claims and TikTok hype but amongst the overrated formulas and viral regrets we’ve also discovered our fair share of keepers and MVPs along the way.

From the essentials, we reach for on a daily basis to the faux pas we made so you don’t have to (you live and you learn), here’s a look at the products we would peck, march down the aisle and avoid like an ex in a pub garden.

Charlotte says…

Snog: Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs And Rosewater

Ahhh this spritz is honestly such a joy to use and one of my favourite parts of my skincare routine. It smells absolutely divine and is both lovely in the morning when you need something refreshing to wake your skin up as well as in the evening when you’re super tired and want something quick to sort your complexion out. I have oily skin and I find this moisturises and hydrates it whilst keeping it matte, in addition to creating a lovely clean base for the rest of my skincare routine. It’s super affordable, lasts ages and is always something I repurchase immediately when I run out! Shop it here.

Marry: Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel

Now if you’re going to get married then it’s worth investing in something special and that can always be relied on, and that’s exactly how I feel about this cleanser. It’s not a product I always have stocked up on, purely because of the price, but every time I use it I’m reminded that literally no other cleanser compares. The scent is super calming (can you tell I love rose water?) and ingredients such as chamomile and pumpkin enzymes are always soaked up by my skin in an instant. A great one for removing every tiny last scrap of make-up and balancing the complexion- it would be my desert island cleanser for sure! Shop it here.

Avoid: The Body Shop Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser

Now I always hear wonderful things about The Body Shop skincare but I bought this cleanser in a bit of a rush one day and let’s just say foaming washes are not for me. Despite having oily skin and wanting something to mattify that, this product sucked all the life out of my skin along with the sebum and in general left my complexion feeling super tight and in need of a heavy moisturiser. Tea tree is quite a drying ingredient so this is probably where I went wrong- I reckon it would be great for targeted areas of my skin but not all over! Shop it here.

Lareese says…

Snog: Glossier Futuredew

This is a fairly new discovery for me but as someone who loves dewy skin, I knew this product would be a bit of me. It’s an oil serum hybrid packed with powerful plant extracts to make your skin beam. The light-reflecting formula feels quite rich initially but once applied, it’s weightless on the skin and absorbs beautifully without any tackiness. I put it all over my face as the last step in my skincare for a pop of all-over radiance. If you don’t want that high octane editorial glow, you can dab it on the high points of your face for a lit-from-within glossy complexion. It’s glass skin in a bottle! Shop it here.

Marry: Anything from ROWSE tbh.

I particularly love their floral waters and avocado oil. Everything they do is clean, green and plant-based. Their whole philosophy and approach to skincare is inspired by a deep respect for the environment and a commitment to raw, organic, cruelty-free beauty. It’s a wonderful collection of products that not only feel great to use ethically but are effective and look the part on your bathroom shelfie, too (but not at the expense of the environment). Shop it here.

Avoid: Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

Purely for the hefty price tag! If you’ve got dehydrated skin, chances are you’re going to need more than this serum to make a difference and when there are so many more affordable hyaluronic acids on the market that are just as effective (if not more) then you really don’t need to fork out for this trendy bottle. Shop it here.

Danielle says…

Snog: Dermatica treatment for Rosacea

I’ve struggled with redness for probably the last 5-7 years (used to have perfect skin, soak it up while it lasts gals) and I’ve tried so many different products that aim to help with redness including niacinamide, azaelic acid, vitamin C, green pastes etc. And although I think my skin is in a good place texture and glow wise I can’t seem to shift the underlying redness. I’ve known I should probably just bite the bullet and go and see a dermatologist but that was just added to the long list of things I keep putting off until I looked into Dermatica which is prescription skincare done online, hallelujah. I answered questions about my skin and general medical health uploaded some photos and was sent my prescription of Ivermectin 1%/ Metronidazole 0.75%/ Niacinamide 4%. It’s a nightly treatment I pop on after cleanser that I think is really making a difference to my skin, I’m interested to see what it can do for me long-term which is why it’s just a snog! They also have treatments for melasma, acne and hyperpigmentation if, like me, you CBA to go to a dermatologist. Shop it here.

Marry: Glow Recipe

This is so hard because I genuinely love skincare but my routine does change over time and I’m not using anything at the moment I was using a year ago. I tend to gradually change products then by whole new routines so I’m going to cheat and marry a whole brand which is Glow Recipe. I just love the products I run out of some things and pick up others but I finish everything I buy from this brand I know no matter what I buy I’m going to like it. Over the past year or two I’ve tried: The Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream, The Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask, The Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, The Watermelon Mist and I’ve just finished The Pineapple-C Bright Serum. I’ve loved them all and will definitely be picking up more in the future. Shop it here.

Avoid: Dr Jart Cicapair Colour Correcting Cream

If you’ve read The Team’s “TikTok Made Me Buy It” List then you’ll know all about my disappointment with the Dr Jart Cicapair colour correcting cream! It was kind of billed to me as a skincare product but when you apply it, it becomes more of a tinted moisturiser / light foundation? I’ll admit it looked to help neutralise redness but it kind of just made my skin look dry and pasty. So many people rave about this product so even though I’m avoiding it doesn’t mean everyone should, which is also something to remember for ALL skincare, what works for one person might not work for another, take recommendations with a grain of salt and get yourself some samples! Shop it here.

Darcey says…

Snog: THE ORDINARY Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

It’s taken me a while to find a really effective eye serum. I’ve tried so, so, so many brands, but the best one I have found so far is The Ordinary Caffeine Solution. I love the texture of it, it’s has a watery texture and is very cooling when you apply it to the eyes. It has EGCG in it which is in green tea, so it’s anti-inflammatory (great for puffy eyes) and antioxidants (great for dark circles). Also, it’s so cheap, £5.80 to be precise. The Ordinary are pretty ethical as well, so it’s a good all-rounder. Shop it here.

Marry: Clinique Moisture Surge

This moisturiser I ALWAYS find myself going back to, it’s such a lovely moisturiser for the morning. It’s very light and feels super refreshing. It’s also oil-free which is good for someone like me who is super oily, so it helps me keep that at bay during the day. My skin always feels really hydrated when I use this, I only use it once a day as I opt for a thicker moisturiser in the evening. They also sell loads of different sizes in this product, even selling a teeny 25ml, so good if you want to test it out but not splash the cash straight away! Shop it here.

Avoid: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

I really liked this cleanser when I first started using it, but I found the longer I used it the tighter my skin felt after using it. In all honesty, it’s not the product as CeraVe is amazing and I now use the cream to foaming cleanser which I love. The issue was it was too strong for my skin, I think this product was taking too much oil and sebum from my face, but stripping me of all the natural oils my skin needs to stay hydrated and plump. I think if you have super, super oily skin, this will work well for you. But maybe it’s a once a day cleanser, not a twice a day one! Shop it here.

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It’s been a longer, colder, more dreary winter than maybe any of us have ever experienced, but as the days tick by and the layers of knitwear slip away, swim season is finally within touching distance and god are we glad of it! Whether you’re a sea, lake or pool swimmer, there’s something totally exhilarating about the first submersion into the water below as your mind becomes focused and the day’s troubles melt away. And equally, if the contents of the British sea or a chlorinated pool don’t appeal, dipping a toe in and retreating to the sand or sun lounger offer equal magical, mindful benefits that life has been deprived of thanks to the panoramic and winter months. It’s time to seize the summer!

Of course we’re all naturally prepared for Hot Girl Summer because we are in fact Hot All Year Around, but if you fancy adding a little spice to your beach or pool life then a new bikini or swimsuit is all you need to conjure up flame emojis galore. Feeling comfortable in your swimwear is the goal, as walking around in essentially waterproof underwear is always going to be a bit of a confidence challenge, so finding a style and shape that work for you is key! From high waisted to thong bottoms, underwired to triangle tops and the classic all in one swimsuit there’s a lot of choice out there, but once you find your ‘thing’ you’re set for summer seasons aplenty. 

Bookmark your beachwear looks of choice and get ready for the impending heat (we’re looking at you!).

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Vibrators have enjoyed quite the glow up recently and for that we say AMEN.

Between the thumping bedside table rabbits and medieval looking bullets, it was was slim pickings back there for a while but now, our sex toys are finally as beautiful as they are effective. We can only hope their rumbling vibrations set off the machines at the airport because the world needs to see how pretty pleasure can be.

Step aside ears and ammunition, for the self-pleasure menu has evolved into an all you can eat buffet of slick and silent greatness with the likes of The Firefighter to The French Lover (it has a tongue) coming through with all the battery life, outrageous good looks and clitoral chivalry we need from our sex toys.

If this is the first you’re hearing of this iconic duo, you’re about to have the meet-cute of your life. They’re two proud members of the Smile Makers Collective and trust us when we say they are men of their word.

From oral sex simulators to vulva vibrators, there’s a toy for every kind of pleasure in the Smile Makers squad, so naturally we had to try them out because we take our jobs very seriously and what good is a section of the website dedicated to We Tried reviews if we’re not going to road test sex toys, for crying out loud.

If you came here for a good time and first hand (ahem) write-ups of what is essentially the opening chapter of a collection of masturbation memoirs, you’ve landed in the right spot. Carry on reading to find out what happened when six women were let loose with a bunch of vibrators…

The French Lover

If there’s one thing Smile Makers do very well, it’s tearing up trash taboos around self-pleasure, one vibrator at a time. All their products are pretty, playful, approachable (sorry, just over here making them sound like a soppy ol’ Labrador) and aesthetically superior, making masturbation something to celebrate and embrace on the daily.

The French Lover has a sensual touch to mimic oral sex so if you’re not keen on vigorous, heavy-handed clit stimulation, you guys will hit it off right away. The vibrator is made of silicone with a soft top which, if you’re used to the targeted vibrations of a bullet for example, might take you by surprise but not necessarily in a bad way.

Top tip: go to town with the lube for a more realistic oral sex experience. Shop the French Lover here!

The Tennis Pro

Well if there’s ever a product I’ve looked forward to reviewing, this is it. I genuinely really enjoyed the whole process, from choosing the toy, to giving it a spin.

I did the quiz online to determine which one of the toys I wanted to try out. I tend to prefer penetrative sex and haven’t found my g-spot so the Tennis Pro was an obvious choice. It’s angled to target the g-spot and has different settings for how fast you want to vibrations.

The product comes with a great leaflet teaching you how to explore yourself and is really insightful. I was so excited to play a match with the Tennis Pro (hehe, see what I did) I was sure I was going to find my g-spot first time round. But after a few tries, no luck unfortunately.
Despite having not found my g-spot, it was still very enjoyable. And what a shame, I’ll have to keep trying.

The packaging is discrete and I can say hands down this is the prettiest sex toy I’ve ever seen. Shop The Tennis Pro here.

The Firefighter

Hellooo Firefighter. I don’t know if this name is supposed to conjure up images of wet, wet, wet but my hopes were certainly high as this toy is unlike anything I’ve used before and its description definitely gets the pulse racing. Initially I have to say it took me a while to work out exactly the best position and pressure to apply as I’m normally a fan of clitoral stimulation exclusively and the focus this toy has on the labia too was a little different.

Despite that, I really loved how many settings and rhythms there were and how each provided something a little different whilst still being really quiet- maybe the quietest toy I own! The material is SO silky smooth and really lovely to use against the skin too. I absolutely love the Smile Makers website and Instagram and how accessible their content is which makes the idea of trying something new feel exciting and not intimidating. The Firefighter lives on my bedside table and its pastel pink gorgeousness is something I’m more than happy to have out on display. We love to see it! Shop The Firefighter here.

The Billionaire

Where do I start, I was so excited to be reviewing a Smile Makers product, especially because I already owned the Firefighter which is a really, really good vibrator. What I particularly like about Smile Makers is they are super user friendly, fantastic for someones first sex toy as they aren’t intimidating at all. The packaging is super cute, the ethos behind the company is fabulous as well, I like that it’s all centred around the needs and desires of people with vulvas.

So I did the Smile Makers online quiz to determine what toy was best suited for me. I did want to try something out that offered clitoral and penetrative stimulation, so was pretty happy when I was recommended The Billionaire which does just that. The material is super smooth and feels really luxurious on the skin. This vibrator has some pretty intense vibration settings too, I was actually quite taken aback when I first turned it on ha!

The power of this vibrator is INSANE. Like… I absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to buy a new vibrator. I have always struggled to hit climax with vibrators or any sex toys, it’s always felt good but I’ve never completely finished. Well… this, has changed the game. So 10/10 Smile Makers!

The French Lover

So, sex toy review didn’t think I’d ever be doing this for work but hey ho there we go! Even though this is anonymous I’m still feeling pretty vulnerable as I do genuinely want to share my experience with you and not just tell you about the speeds and features of my newly beloved French Lover.

When I first had a look at Smile Makers reinvented original collection I was definitely drawn to the Firefighter, I’m not sure why, I think the shape of it just looked like something that would fit nicely in the ol’ vulva and apply the majority of the pressure to the clitoris, however after taking their quick quiz to determine what would be right for me I ended up with The French Lover.

I believe this kind of hinged on how intense I liked my vibrations which I clicked ‘light’ but I wasn’t 100% sure on, as I didn’t know how severe I liked my vibes. The French Lover’s main aim is to mimic oral sex which is why it has a tongue-like shape to it. I can’t remember what I was expecting before trying out Frenchie, I don’t own a ton of sex toys but my most classically used is more like a hard shaft (lol) that I would mostly use on my clitoris, so I was excited to give something more gentle a try.

What else can I say except I really enjoyed using this both on my own and with a partner and it definitely brought me some great orgasms. I actually think this is a really good starter toy if you’re looking to experiment or if you’re a seasoned pro looking for something quite light and casual. I haven’t managed to try this one in the bath but I think it would work really well in there too!

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