Latest news with #Bethan
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
9 new makeup, skincare and fashion buys on our weekend wishlist
Our shopping writers are filling their baskets with these new launches from No7, Charlotte Tilbury, Nobody's Child and more The solstice is behind us, and we can all rejoice in the knowledge that summer is officially here - as is the weekend. With two whole days of R+R ahead of us - whether that be curled up on the sofa, lounging on a towel at the beach or partaking in an adventure out in the wilderness - we know that somewhere in the next 48+ hours there will be a spot of online retail therapy. Whether it's in the morning while you're still in your pyjamas with a brew in hand or to help wind down the day, our shopping team have been scouring the current deals, sales and new launches to help give budding shoppers some inspiration. From Damson Madder's epic sale which has seen some of its best-selling pieces massively reduced (something both Eve and Bethan have taken advantage of), to a new blush from Charlotte Tilbury to the whizz skincare product Eve swears by for being the antidote to pretty much any skincare problem she's had. We also included some staple clothing pieces that are ideal for any upcoming festivals and beyond. Bethan's picks Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush Stick - £30 The makeup trend of summer 2025 is dewy, glowy blush and just in time for the balmy weather, celebrity-favourite brand Charlotte Tilbury has launched their Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Sticks, £30, to deliver exactly that. Released earlier this month, I predict these user-friendly cream blush sticks to be a summer beauty essential. Available in six flattering shades: pinky glow, rosy glow, peachy glow, pretty glow, cherry glow, and berry glow, the formula promises to instantly re-texturise, blur and lift the skin's appearance for 'your smoothest, freshest, healthiest looking sun-blushed glow in seconds'. Like many of Charlotte Tilbury's products, they are packed with powerful skincare ingredients, with results showing 90% of users agree it visibly reduces fine lines, while 95% report plumper-looking skin. With the growing popularity of cream blush sticks in the makeup world, other top choices include Rhode Pocket Blush, retailing at £24, Merit's Flush Balm, priced at £26, which has caught the eye of celebrities and beauty editors, and Lady Gaga's Haus Labs Glassy Lip and Cheek Stick, £30. Damson Madder becca multi-way blouse - £85 When it comes to summer styling, I want clothes that are cool and comfortable without compromising on style, and Damson Madder has nailed that with their becca multi-way blouse. Priced at £85, it may initially seem expensive for a top, but there are a few standout features that make it well worth the price tag, in my opinion. Firstly, it's made from organic cotton, making it a dream for wearing in the warmer weather, with the fabric renowned for keeping wearers cool in the heat. The blouse features a shirred bodice, which is basically an invitation to eat as much pasta salad as possible, as it will remain comfortable no matter what. The bubble hem is bang on trend, but the most stand-out feature has to be the detachable puff sleeves, which means this top actually gets you two looks in one, with the option of styling it sleeveless, too. In girl math, that's basically half price. If you love Damson Madder's vibes but not their price tags, they do currently have a sale on that's well worth taking a look at. I've just snagged a £65 swimsuit for £33 ready for my summer hols. Le Monde Gourmand Thé Matcha Eau de Parfum - £24 It's safe to say that matcha is having a real moment. Whether that's for its perceived health benefits, Instagrammable aesthetics or unique flavour profile is yet to be determined, but either way, people are going matcha mad (myself, only recently, included). After finally braving my first matcha this month, and realising I actually rather like it, I'm well and truly on board with the craze, even extending into my fragrance collection. Much like how Blank Street's iced white chocolate matcha offers a pick-me-up on a warm summer's day, The Le Monde Gourmand Thé Matcha perfume is equally refreshing. Inspired by the green tea, it offers a fresh, creamy yet earthy aroma reminiscent of the mid-afternoon café treat. It boasts notes of green tea akin to Elizabeth Arden's iconic Green Tea Eau de Toilette, alongside freesia and amber. It's pretty subtle but light, airy and perfect for a summer's day when you don't want to wear anything too cloying. I don't find them particularly long-lasting but at £24 it's an affordable fragrance I don't mind spritzing throughout the day. FatFace Adele Orange Midi Dress - £69 The Adele dress from FatFace has long been one of my favourite wardrobe staples, reworn over and over again. Now, the retailer has given the frock a makeover - and much like the above Damson Madder blouse, has a genius feature that allows you to get way more wear out of it. The £69 dress now features a V-neckline on one side and a classic square neckline on the other, so you can wear it either way. It's complete with soft elastic sleeves, a gently structured bodice and has retained its popular side seam pockets, but has ditched the bottom skirt tier for an updated look. It comes in five colours and is still just as flattering and versatile as ever. From workdays to weekends, just add a jacket and your favourite footwear and you're good to go. No7 Good Intent Dew Bank Water Cream I rarely get through one moisturiser before opening another, but the Laneige Water Bank is one of the first products I hit pan on in a long time, and have gone on to repurchase it over and over. But enter the No7 Good Intent Dew Bank Water Cream, which could potentially be a gamechanger. It forms part of the brand's new eight-product lineup that features TikTok-worthy packaging, K-beauty inspired textures - all with the power of No7 formulas and a purse-friendly price point. Powered by hyaluronic acid and camelia oil, it's a feather-light water cream that's like a cool drink of water for the skin, ideal for hot days, oily skin, or layering under SPF. I found it to work really well under makeup without pilling, and what struck me most was the size of the bottle for the price. You get a whopping 100ml for £14.95, compared to £34 for 50ml of Laneige. I do prefer the pump dispenser for hygiene reasons, however it does make it more difficult to know when you're nearing the end of the product. Eve's picks: Wonderbalm - Amazon, £29 When I tell you I use this amazing Wonderbalm for everything - skincare related - I really mean it. I first tried the best-selling skincare on British Airways and now Best Vegan All-round Cream, a couple of months back and it has worked wonders for a variety of skin issues, from sunburn (I forgot to reapply), to severely dry lips and skin to even a little dermatitis flare up from a new cardigan that broke me out in hives (not very fun). My partner's even taken to using it. The balm is an all in one multi-purpose balm whose benefit include a skin moisturiser, natural first aid kit, hair mask, lip balm, after shave balm, hand cream (and foot cream), cuticle moisturiser, makeup primer, makeup remover, eye cream, tattoo aftercare, hydrating skin mask as well as an ointment to put on burns, cuts and scrapes. Packed with natural ingredients like the likes of shea butter, orange peel oil, olive oil and more, it's a staple in my beauty bag and really works hard when put up to the task - whether I'm on the go or at home. It doesn't smell chemically but it's also not the sweetest of smells. It smells olive oil-y, which doesn't really both me. Plus, it has little (what I assume to be) exfoliating balls in the mixture which feels lovely on skin. To use the Wonderbalm, simply pop a pea sized amount in your hands and rub together to turn it into an oil. Dr Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm - £18.99 Cleansing balms are such a luxurious way to take off the day and I've recently discovered relatively inexpensive balm from Dr Althea that melts off makeup in real time and leaves my skin feeling refreshed, cleansed and soothed. The Dr Altea Pure Grinding Cleansing balm contains less than 15 ingredients, including plant-based oils, and Madecassoside which 'provides skin protection', and doesn't really have much of a scent. It feels silky smooth on the skin too and emulsifies when water is added. It's gentle on the skin and leaves it feeling soft and hydrated. I will say it does need a bit more product to take off heavy makeup and may require a few goes - it's not as easy as say the Elemis Cleansing Balm (my usual no.1 fave cleansing product), but it certainly does the job. Nobody's Child X Poppy Delevingne Blue Fringe Jaime Denim Jacket I had been eyeing up this Jaime jacket since Nobody's Child announced its collaboration with Poppy Delevingne a few months ago, so when payday came and a treat was well deserved, I hit checkout to see if it lived up to the reputation it had been getting online. Spoiler: it did. On its first wear, I received an abundance of compliments with many people asking where it was from. As someone who has owned a number of denim jackets over the years, I can crown it as the perfect summer denim jacket as it's unbelievably light-weight. I will say it definitely feels, in weight, similar to a denim shirt although with a bit more of a structure thanks to its statement silver buttons and weighty fringe. This glorious fringe on the chest and back give it such a cool Western look that would be absolutely perfect for any upcoming festivals (although I intend to wear it everywhere and anywhere). Now, it is an investment piece at £110 usually but the jacket is currently on sale in the brand's up to 50% off summer reductions to £77. If that's still a bit steep, Nasty Gal's Denim Fringe Oversized jacket in £63.20 at Debenhams, meanwhile M&S' Suedette Fringed Jacket is £59. Pull & Bear's Beaded handbag - now £25.19 We've all seen the fruit-adorned/fruit-themed bags that have been gracing the shelves of River Island, Anthropologie and more. And in a bid to find a colourful bag that would match a wedding outfit some weeks back, I stumbled upon this gorgeous yellow beaded handbag from Pull & Bear that comes decorated with a papaya fruit and watermelon - I was in love. With a sort of bucket style (it is fastened with a string tie), the short handle of the bag is easy to carry on the wrist and it's big enough to hold my phone, lipstick and even some relatively unclunky keys. With hues of yellow, pink, red, green, orange, black and more, the bag will go with so many different outfit options. It also comes with a longer strap should you wish to wear it across the body to keep your arms more free for dancing.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Bethan James should still be alive today, so why has her family had to fight for five years to get answers?
Bethan James should still be alive today, so why has her family had to fight for five years to get answers? The 21-year-old's devastated family have said it has been losing her all over again after an inquest found her death could have been prevented Bethan James died following an avoidable cardiac arrest (Image: Steve James ) Bethan James should still be alive today. Her parents Steve and Jane James have known this ever since medics at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff pronounced her dead on February 8, 2020. But it has taken more than five painful years of 'fighting tooth and nail' for a coroner to finally validate it as true. In June an inquest found that talented young journalist Bethan died due to a combination of pneumonia and sepsis, which was complicated by the immune suppressing effects of her previously diagnosed Crohn's disease. It saw the 21-year-old from St Mellons in Cardiff suffer a cardiac arrest which doctors could have and should have prevented, it was heard. In the week before her death doctors failed to recognise the seriousness of her condition and Bethan was never admitted into hospital. She was dismissed and told that she would likely be 'symptom free' in a matter of weeks, before she struggled to walk a short distance back to her family's car. Then on Saturday, February 8, 2020, medics failed to recognise or act on Bethan's symptoms of sepsis until it was too late. Article continues below Over the next five years Steve and Jane were denied an inquest into Bethan's death on three occasions, despite them being adamant that a number of mistakes had been made. It was only when lawyers acting on behalf of the family threatened a judicial review that an inquest was agreed to go ahead, taking place earlier this month. 'If there had been an inquest straight away things would have been a lot different,' said Steve, a former cricket star and sports writer for The Times. 'I dread to think how many people have died in the same sort of way in the last five years.' Steve and Jane outside Pontypridd coroner's court (Image: John Myers ) Coroner Patricia Morgan, who oversaw the inquest, said that Bethan likely 'would not have died' if medics at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CVUHB) and the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust (WAST) acted appropriately sooner. Steve and Jane have received an apology from WAST, but are yet to receive one from CVUHB. Ms Morgan asked the health board to set out why certain routine life-saving sepsis are routine in English hospitals, but are seemingly not implemented at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where Bethan died. The health board told WalesOnline it has met its deadline for sending that information, and Ms Morgan will now consider the evidence to decide if a regulation 28 to prevent future deaths should come into effect. Although the outcome of the inquest confirmed the family's intuition all along, Steve and Jane said the validation offers them little closure. Jane, a physiotherapist for Sport Wales, said: 'The whole thing is torture, but to think it has been five years that we have been pushing for this, and what it has taken out of us emotionally. It is constantly in your head and you are constantly waiting for the next email. 'All of these things should have happened in that first year and we should have had all the answers within the first year and we have still been learning new things in the inquest.' Bethan with her parents Steve and Jane James with her younger brother Rhys (Image: Steve James ) Getting emotional and turning to her husband, she said: 'I don't know about you, but the grief feels worse at the moment.' Steve replied: 'It feels like she has died again. It is horrendous.' He added: 'We are obviously happy with the conclusion because it is what we said and thought all along. 'But it doesn't give us closure, it actually makes it worse because it validates the fact that she should be here and it doesn't make anything better. "But from our point of view, we said all along that we had to fight for Bethan, we had to fight for justice. 'The coroner saying that she shouldn't have died is pleasing for us in terms of all the work we've had to do to get to that point.' They said part of that fight had been getting their hands on Bethan's medical notes, which they described as being a long and laborious process. Once they received the notes Jane said she was taken aback by 'how poorly' the notes were written, including notes not being signed and others written in retrospect after Bethan's death. Steve and James want Martha's Law to be rolled out to all hospitals in Wales (Image: Steve James ) She said: 'My heart goes out to any families that have to go through anything like this process to get answers from the NHS and find out what happened to their relative because having experienced what we have gone through, with those barriers put up when you are at the lowest point in your life; you look for answers and you are constantly pushed back.' Steve added: 'We've been lucky Jane is a medical professional - when I read those notes I'm totally clueless - I fear for other couples who don't have anyone medical in the family, or [don't have access to a lawyer.]' Having described receiving important pieces of the puzzle in dribs and drabs, Steve and Jane said they were left in a position where they did not know why Bethan died until after her funeral. Jane said: 'Bethan's funeral was on March 3 [2020] and I remember being on the phone [to the health board's concerns department] and saying: 'It's Bethan's funeral tomorrow and people will ask how she died and we can't say.' Even by that point Jane said the family - including Bethan - had never been informed that Bethan had been diagnosed with pneumonia. The inquest heard how this was a diagnosis given to Bethan during an urgent appointment at Llandough Hospital on January 28, just over a week before she died, but it was not communicated to the family. Steve said: 'We didn't know it was pneumonia until… I don't know how long after [she died]. We were in the car when we got the interim post mortem results and it said 'pneumonia'. We looked at each other and said: 'What? Pneumonia?'' The family only learnt about Bethan's pneumonia diagnosis after her death (Image: Steve James ) Jane added: 'They tried to dismiss it by saying it's the same as a chest infection, but if someone tells you 'pneumonia' - there is a big difference and I think Bethan would have taken more notice of that." In the days that followed Bethan continued to feel very unwell and visited A&E at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff on a number of occasions. However, it was heard how medics did not go far enough to investigate her respiratory symptoms, especially within the context of Bethan having Crohn's disease: a chronic inflammatory bowel disease associated with reduced immunity. The inquest heard a number of disturbing interactions during these hospital visits in which Bethan was verbally dismissed by medics and made to feel like a burden, to the point that she did not want to go into hospital. On one occasion it was heard how a consultant at A&E made the comment: 'You again!' It came when Bethan had been advised to return to hospital if her symptoms persisted. On another occasion a doctor told Bethan about a young female patient he recently saw who had recovered and was 'symptom free'. Steve and Jane said it was this comment that made Bethan reluctant to go into hospital on the day that she later died. It was also the comment that saw Steve miss Bethan's death, having agreed to work away in Ireland on the basis that his daughter would recover. Bethan was the daughter of Glamorgan and England cricket star Steve James (Image: Steve James ) Steve said this haunts him and led to him developing post traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD). He said: 'I don't think he realises the impact that comment had on Bethan or on me. That was the reason why I went to Ireland [to report on that] rugby match and that will stay with me for the rest of my life. 'I'm unable to do my job properly at the moment because I'm unable to go away, I basically have PTSD. Bethan was saying right at the end that Dr Willis said that I'm going to be okay.' Further detailing his experience of finding out his daughter had died, Steve said: 'That Saturday for me is so traumatic because the weather in Ireland was really bad and the flight could have been cancelled. "The flight was actually delayed. That meant it was about an hour after Bethan died that I got there. 'Jane called me a couple of times when I was on my way back and on the M4 somewhere I was told that Bethan had died. I had to pull over and [my friend] had to take over the wheel. I think about that day all the time. 'I wake up sometimes after nightmares where the flight has been cancelled and I am swimming across the sea to try and get back to see Bethan, and it's horrendous. 'It's very hard to talk about to be honest. It is very traumatic and there are feelings of guilt about being away and thinking if I had been there, would I have been able to have convinced Bethan to have gone into hospital on the Friday? Or earlier on Saturday.' Bethan had a successful career in journalism ahead of her (Image: Steve James ) The inquest heard how at around 6pm on Saturday, February 9, 2020, Jane called for an ambulance. But despite Bethan showing clear signs of sepsis - including her blood pressure being 'unrecordable' - paramedics did not "pre-alert" or warn the hospital of Bethan's arrival, leaving medics unprepared. Knowing what they know now, Steve and Jane said an unrecordable blood pressure is a telltale sign of sepsis which should have resulted in a pre-alert. Steve said the well-known symptom should have been recognised by paramedics as "the reddest of red flags". The lack of action from paramedics meant Bethan was taken into the majors department, instead of resus where she could have received more specialist treatment. It was heard how there was a delay of more than an hour before Bethan was treated in resus, by which point the family say it was 'too late'. The parents maintain that Bethan should have been admitted into hospital in the week before her death, recalling how on one occasion she even 'struggled to walk' as she left UHW. Failing that, they believe there were more opportunities to save Bethan's life on that Saturday. Steve said: 'She should have definitely been admitted on the Wednesday and if not, the Thursday, and if not on the previous Sunday. There were so many missed opportunities to admit her and I just don't know why they didn't. 'If you go through from start to finish and see how many mistakes there were, and how many chances there were, it's unbelievable.' But even after Bethan passed, the family say she continued to be dismissed, claiming that they even heard a nurse refer to her body as 'it'. It is something that the nurse denied during the inquest, but has 'stuck with' the family. Jane said this had particularly impacted Bethan's then 14-year-old brother Rhys who they say overheard the comment. Bethan James wanted to raise awareness of Crohn's and documented her diagnosis on YouTube (Image: YouTube ) Steve and Jane are now campaigning for Martha's Law to be implemented in hospitals across Wales. This is a patient safety initiative in English NHS hospitals, granting patients and their families the right to request an urgent review by a critical care outreach team if they are concerned about a patient's deteriorating condition. Jane said the family understands that a scheme called Call4Concern is currently being piloted in some Welsh hospitals. However, when she visited UHW A&E in May 2025 with a family member she said she was appalled to see that 'nothing had changed' in the last five years. She recalled seeing no posters or leaflets referring to the pilot. Paying tribute to her daughter, Jane said: 'Bethan was just a joy all through her life. We keep saying she was the kindest and that's because she was. 'Even from a young age she was kind and considerate. She had that way about her where she always thought of others. 'She was shy growing up until her teenage years when she was 14 and 15 and she became interested in vlogs. 'At first we were reluctant for her to do that on social media, but we soon realised it was her forte. 'She would film them on all sorts of subjects like mental health, make-up and Crohn's. She really came into her own and she lost that shyness about her. 'She was doing really well with her journalism degree. In that January that's when she did her pitch for [a] BBC Crohn's documentary; off her own back she got in touch with Amy Dowden.' Steve added: 'I was amazed when she started doing the vlogs because of her shyness. She had a lot of health problems growing up that she fought through, but it obviously added a real inner steel to her. 'Those vlogs revealed a side of her that I wasn't aware of previously. The Crohn's diagnosis hit her hard but she was then determined to raise awareness through the Crohn's and colitis [charities]. She was always thinking of others - that sums up her character. 'At the end of her life she almost felt like a burden, because she was always thinking of others. She was such a kind and caring soul.' Bethan was a 'kind and caring soul', her family said (Image: Steve James ) A Welsh Government spokesman said: 'Ensuring the voices of patients and their loved ones are heard, is paramount to us. 'To improve patient safety across Wales, we're working with NHS organisations to identify the best patient and family-initiated escalation model. Call4Concern is one scheme being piloted by a number of health boards in Wales and has seen positive steps in improving patient safety. 'We are also implementing phase one of our patient safety plan to ensure people of all ages have an evidence-based early warning scoring system, which will help clinical staff identify deteriorating patients earlier." The coroner's office said: 'In relation to your request for a comment in relation to this inquest hearing, I respectfully refer you to Page 16 of the Guide to Judicial Conduct 2023 (attached), providing details on why a coroner (as a Judge) would be in breach of the Code for Judicial Conduct and liable to disciplinary action were they to comment publicly on individual judicial decisions.' A spokesman for the health board said: 'Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences remain with Bethan's family and loved ones at this difficult time. The health board provided a comprehensive written response to the coroner's request for additional information within the seven-day deadline. "We are unable to provide further comments until the coroner has reviewed the supplementary evidence." Liam Williams, the Welsh Ambulance Service's executive director of quality and nursing, said: 'On behalf of everyone at the Welsh Ambulance Service, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Bethan's family through what continues to be a difficult time, and offer a renewed apology for the errors which were identified in Bethan's case. 'While we cannot change the outcome, we remain a learning organisation and are sincerely grateful to the coroner for her thorough examination of this tragic case. "As a trust, we have taken steps to ensure that the learning we identified at the time were considered and changes implemented. 'This includes the introduction of the electronic patient clinical record, which enables crews to capture a patient's information on an iPad in order to pre-alert healthcare partners prior to a patient's arrival at hospital, and share the documentation of clinical assessment and care given. Article continues below 'Our invitation to meet with Bethan's family remains open should they have any outstanding questions or areas that they would like to speak with us about.'
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'We tried Clinique's 'Nude Honey' lipstick that's perfect for summer'
Clinique's iconic Black Honey shade has been joined by Nude Honey, a new lip colour that's designed to enhance our natural lip colour and make them 'like your lips but better' If there were a Hollywood Stars Walk of Fame for beauty products, Clinique's Almost Lipstick in the shade Black Honey would undoubtedly earn a spot, not least for its universally flattering shade and balmy texture. Selling seven tubes every minute worldwide, according to the brand, it's very much the hot commodity today as it was when it launched in 1971. Following a resurgence in popularity in recent years thanks to TikTok, Clinique has gone on to develop the beloved formula, releasing the lesser-known (but equally gorgeous) Pink Honey in 2023. Now, the American cosmetics company has once again expanded the Honey lineup with a new, equally adaptable hue: Nude Honey. Described by the brand as 'the only nude you need,' Nude Honey features the same sheer, balmy texture of the original, and is designed to enhance our natural lip colour rather than mask it. It has a much more neutral tone that boasts a carefully balanced mix of warm and cool pigments, creating a shade that looks slightly different on everyone. Like its predecessors, it features a sheer, buildable formula with 95% conditioning ingredients for a comfortable, soft-shine finish that hydrates the lips. Of course, at £25 per tube, the price point for what is essentially a tinted lip balm, may be too expensive for some shoppers. If so, the Glossier Ultralip High Shine Lipstick is a close alternative, coming in slightly cheaper at £22. For something even more purse friendly, the No7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick is £9.95. That said, the Clinique Nude Honey is already raking in the accolades from shoppers. Online, one shopper said: 'I already love my pink honey, but this may be a new favorite. It is a beautiful natural nude.' 'Obsessed! It's giving nude but with a warm, golden hour glow. Adore the sleek package too,' said a second, though others have found it requires regular top-ups, commenting: 'Have been wanting to try this for a while which I wish I had before purchased I like the packaging but doesn't last very long on the lips at all therefore need to top it up which seems to defeat the purpose.' Another added: 'Excited to try the new Nude honey, it glides up nicely just like Black honey, and gives me a really natural glow. My lips feel hydrated and comfortable too.' So it seems to have the seal of approval from shoppers, but what about our team of beauty writers? Three women put the new shade to the test and here's what they thought. Bethan's thoughts: For a decade straight, Mac's Velvet Teddy has been my signature lip shade, so it's safe to say that a nude lip is my go-to. I enjoyed Black Honey's plummy hue (particularly in its lip and cheek oil form), however, I was less keen on Pink Honey when it launched a couple of years ago. But Nude Honey? It's a bit of me. So much so that I've not worn anything else since it landed on my desk. Not quite lipstick, not quite gloss, its texture is more like a tinted lip balm that can easily be layered. One swipe offers a sheer wash of colour, like 'your lips but better' with no need for a lip liner or mirror. It's an incredibly forgiving formula, which makes it perfect for on-the-go. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive as it's fragrance free, there's no dragging or waxy feel. Instead, just heaps of hydration, a hint of colour and soft-shine finish. The tone is warm and I feel like it makes my skin glow when I wear it. They really have nailed the 'perfect nude' here. For the moments when I want my makeup to pack more punch, I found it does build easily to a more opaque shade for more drama, while still remaining lightweight and comfortable on the lips. Even after a full day at work followed by an evening of cocktails, my lips still felt soft, though I did reapply once in a while to bring back the colour. It's not the most longwearing formula in the world, but the fact that it's easy enough to reapply without a mirror negates that. Sorry Velvet Teddy, but this is going to be a Nude Honey summer. Jada's thoughts: Nude lips have been my go to since I first found Mac's Whirl as a teenager. I love how easy they are to pair with every outfit and love how well nude shades compliment my skin tone. I've seen the rave reviews for Black Honey and while it does look lovely I've never felt the need to take the plunge since it's slightly more vampy than I'd usually go for, so when I heard about Nude Honey I was immediately interested. Clinique famously dropped Black Honey in a few different formats, even including a mascara, but the new Nude Honey is only available in their balmy Almost Lipstick. The formula is lovely on. It's not greasy but leaves a nice level of shine and buildable colour which is a big win for me after years of chalk dry lips from matte options. I recently went to Ibiza, which had scorching hot temperatures that left my shoulders on the dryer side, and wore this out for dinner and drinks. My lips remained super soft and moisturised the entire time, although I did have to reapply after greasy food items. The tube is quite narrow which I think makes application a little bit easier, which was great when it came to topping up my pout as I didn't need a mirror. This is definitely one of my favourite products this summer. Eve's thoughts: I've never really been a nude lipstick kind of gal thanks to my typically dry lips. I lean more towards a bold red when my skin is playing ball (hello Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Vixen) bid to make my complexion look better and brighter. Or a lip balm if I want something more natural that also gives my usually dry lips some TLC. But having tried Clinique's newest iteration of its viral Black and Pink Honey Almost Lipstick - its new Nude Honey - I may be somewhat of a convert. The formula, first off, is silky smooth and creamy, feels nourishing and hydrating on the lips (very important) and best of all doesn't leave a bit of a crispy cast on the dry patches that my trust lip balm hasn't quite banished (something red lipstick tends to highlight). Costing £25, the lipstick is buildable - the colour isn't too strong on first application - and is great for those who want to build a heavier, deeper nude lip or contrastingly something that enhances natural lip colour. Applying the products feels just like a lip balm in texture but a bit more fancy thanks to its silver casing and lipstick shape. The emollient rich formula leaves my lips looking subtly glossy - but not too much - and without the stickiness a lip gloss delivers; something I usually love about lipsticks. Clinique claims that this new nude shade looks 'different on every lip' as it has the perfect mix of warm and cool pigments. With one layer, it leaves my lips looking slightly darker and more mauve-y than usual and it certainly gives me a more 'done up' look. It's long and thin casing makes it easy to carry around in my handbag too and it gives me more precision when applying. It doesn't stay on all day and after a few hours I've had to reapply the product, but that's not too much faff and is usually the case with lipsticks anyway. I enjoy its fragrance free finish too and lack of stickiness. While I've not yet tried it over or under any other lip colours, as the website says can be done, I do like the boost it gives my lips when I wear it alone and will certainly be adding it to my every-day beauty routine. Get it here.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Best summer wedding guest dresses worn by the Mirror fashion team
If the calendar is stacked with invitations, it's time to find the perfect summer wedding guest dress for all kinds of celebrations with Mirror's fashion team winning outfits Wedding season is officially upon us, which means it's time to update wardrobes with stylish frocks perfect for summer nuptials. Our selection of the best summer wedding guest dresses will ensure shoppers stay comfortable throughout the day, from the ceremony to the reception, and all are priced under £100. Summer weddings are the perfect occasion for bright colours and vibrant patterns, but that doesn't mean shoppers can't opt for a chic neutral palette if that's more their style. Whether it is floral prints or beach-ready styles, our edit has a show-stopping dress to suit any celebration. What's more, many of these summer wedding guest outfits are versatile enough to be worn throughout the season, giving more bang for your buck. Simply add a jacket and trainers for a completely different look. Bethan's pick: Coast Dahlia Printed Angel Sleeve Satin Bridesmaid Dress, £64.50 Butter yellow has been the trending colour of the year, so it's no surprise that there's a glut of wedding guest dresses in the lemony hue this season. My top pick is the Coast Dahlia Printed Angel Sleeve Satin Dress, Adorned with a stunning dahlia floral design. It lends itself nicely to countryside barn weddings, as well as events like the races, where I wore mine. Usually £129, the dress is currently on offer for £64.50 and features the most romantic ruffly angel sleeves, which aren't restrictive, do a wonderful job of covering the upper-arm area, and are still breezy and breathable, making them ideal for warm weather. The high waistline is also really flattering, making my legs look longer while creating a curvy silhouette that skims the tummy. The skirt of the dress flows beautifully, and the satin fabric appears to be of a higher quality. I also loved the detailing at the back, which features a little cut-out to reveal some of my back while still being very bra-friendly and not showing any pesky straps. Many dresses like this end up being worn only once and then stay hanging in the wardrobe for years to come, but not this one. I've already worn it out twice since I got it (and it washes beautifully, by the way). I also plan to pack it for an upcoming holiday and wear it as a wedding guest later this year. Lauren's pick: Joanie Katy Floral Print Ruffle Sleeve Mini Dress, £75 I've got a few weddings coming up this summer, and I usually tend to rent my outfits (hello, Hirestreet). It's affordable, sustainable, and means I don't have to panic buy a last-minute dress that'll only get worn once. But this year, I already have something in my wardrobe that feels just right: a floral print mini-dress from Joanie, the brand known for its retro-inspired pieces and joyful prints. I wore it to a fancy dinner a few weeks ago, and it earned me more compliments than any outfit I've worn in ages. The bold floral print is a real show-stopper - colourful without being over-the-top and vibrant enough to stand out in a sea of neutrals. The frilly ruffle sleeves add an extra fun touch, while the mini hemline feels playful yet still elegant. Plus, it has pockets, which, as any girl knows, is always a bonus. Leaning into Joanie's signature 60s vibe, I paired it with green velvet Mary Jane shoes and a slick of bright red lipstick (No7's Pro Artist Matte Muse Lipstick in Red Carpet Ready, to be precise) for a Twiggy-esque look. However, it can be easily toned down with nude sandals and a clutch for a more casual outing. Lucy's pick: Nobody's Child One Shoulder Georgia Midi Dress, £79 Can you wear black to a wedding? It's a common question and one that I personally think the answer is yes to. Unlike most social engagements, a wedding can often come with a specific dress code, so if you are feeling wary, it's always best to check with the couple first. This Nobody's Child Georgia Midi Dress is such a flattering option - and it comes in a pretty shade of cornflower blue if you did want to go for something brighter. I wore it on holiday recently and it kept me cool and confident the whole day. The one shoulder style gives it an elegance and I found the ruched bodice incredibly comfortable. I'm 5'5 and on me, the dress fell to just above my ankle, but if you're any shorter than this it might be more of a maxi length. There are no petite options to choose from, but this Orange Floral Printed One Shoulder Dress from Next comes in regular or petite and is a great alternative should you be after a similar silhouette. It retails for £52 and it made from 100% cotton. Eve's pick: Damson Madder's Mia Midi, £68 Weddings can last from early in the morning to midnight, so guests need to have a dress that is both comfortable and effortlessly stylish - especially in this heat when we don't want to be layering up in a bunch of jewellery. And I think I've found the perfect dress for the occasion in Damson Madder's Mia Midi Dress - it's currently on sale too (so naturally, I've snapped it up). Costing £68 down from £90, the dress has a summery pink hue - the brighter the better during the warmer months - that is offset by white and black stripes. But its fun multi-way design is its USP for me and I cannot wait to wear it this summer. The shirred bodice looks like it'll be really comfy from actual brekkie to the wedding brekkie - plus it enables its wearer to pull out all the stops on the dancefloor, which is of utmost importance - and it can be worn three different ways thanks to its thick straps that are attached to the bust. Firstly, it can be worn as a bandeau frock, with the straps tied neatly into a bow on the front. The second look ties the straps in a bow at the back. And the last look sees the bandeau dress turned into a halterneck option that's elegant, fun and wedding ready. With a lovely standout style, the dress can easily be worn with shoes mirroring the colours of the stripes (black or white) or some more contrasting colours can be added to make the look a smidge more interesting (greens, oranges… whatever takes your fancy). The dress has been a popular choice amongst fashion fans lately as sizes six and eight have sold out but 10 to 20 are still in stock. Made from 100% cotton, the dress is breathable making it a great option for the summer months when the weather is scorching. Shop it here. Tiffany's pick: Me+Em Floral patterns are not my forte when it comes to dressing for formal occasions and I feel so much more comfortable in my blacks, whites and blues. But for a summer wedding, it's always delightful to see a bright colour and that's why I picked this Me+Em dress when I attended my best friend's wedding two years ago. In a stunning Electric Blue colour, the dress is so versatile that you can wear it four different ways with or wthout the belt and the halterneck tie. Despite it's a maxi dress, the crepe fabric with a satin strip on the side is lightweight to create a fluid movement when I wore it in hot Canadian weather. The square neckline is flattering and I can accentuate the bust area by adding the halterneck tie. The back is crafted with elasticated shirred detail so it adjusts to the flexibility while I feasted on the meal. One thing that I'm pleased with the dress is the side pockets and it's so handy when I got teary while delivering a speech to my best friend, it saved my makeup that night. The dress is currently on 70% off sale, which is a huge bargain but several sizes have already sold out. Shoppers can try this year's new season dresses and this Panel Detail Fit and Flare Short Dress + Tie, £250, in similar electric blue is also very attractive. Elsewhere this Spring Floral Silk Cotton Woven Strappy Dress from Karen Millen, reduced to £183.20, features statement bows on the shoulders and artistic floral print. Lavish Alice Liliana Curve Cross Back Midi Dress, was £108, now £54 Now half price, the Liliana Lavish Alice dress is a sensational pick for a summer wedding. Saving shoppers £54, the dress features a pretty cowl neckline and a strappy cross-over back. Stocked in sizes 20 to 26, the midi gently skims your figure as it is made from 'the smoothest fabric'. Wearers will need to be careful when washing the dress, as the brand highlight it is hand wash only, but this indicates it is high quality. The dress would look lovely styled with barely-there heels and hold jewellery, for a timeless look that will fit into any kind of wedding theme. Roman Petite Embroidered Maxi Dress, £65 A standout in Roman's seasonal collection is the Cotton Embroidered Shirred Maxi Dress, turning heads in coral pink. A shirred stretch bodice is a detail that makes this dress comfortable, as well as accommodating to all bust sizes. Falling to a maxi length with a fit and flare shape, complete the look with heeled wedges for a special occasion, and then re-wear with white trainers or sandals for a more casual day. Besides the 'beautiful colour for the summer' earning customer accolades, shoppers are praising the Roman dress for making them feel confident during the warmer months. The dress boasts on-trend puff sleeves that have won the hearts of wearers. One person shared: "Love it. Beautiful colour and a good length. Sleeves cover my upper arms which is a good thing!" Stocked in sizes 8 to 18 and priced at £65, someone found that the fit came up large, so this is something to note. They said: "I am usually a size 12 but I have had to send back for a size 10." Boden Olympia Jersey Maxi Dress, now £56 Boden shoppers are hailing the Olympia dress as 'perfect for a beach wedding', but it would work equally as well at all kinds of celebrations thanks to its versatile style. On sale for half price, the dress is less than £60, meaning shoppers might have more money in the wedding guest dress budget to get some accessories. People that have already worn the dress out say they get 'lots of compliments' as it is 'very flattering'. Some have pointed out that 'the neckline is a little too low for my taste', however, wearing a cami underneath would solve this issue. Other say that it is a 'showstopper in the crowd' and it 'packs well' which is ideal should you need to travel for the wedding. The dress comes in sizes 4 to 22 and in petite or regular.
Business News Wales
7 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Careers Adviser Wins National Award for Championing Neurodiverse Support
A Careers Wales adviser from Cardiff has won a prestigious national award for her work in making careers support more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. Bethan Williams, who works within the Working Wales service, has been named winner in the 'Career Development Professional Working in Non-Education Settings' category at the 2025 Careers Development Institute (CDI) Awards. Bethan has been recognised for her work to improve support for neurodivergent customers. She designed an introductory support package that includes written and visual information to help customers feel more comfortable when visiting the careers centre for the first time. The pack features a 'Welcome Wall' with photos of staff, along with their names and job titles, so visitors can familiarise themselves with the team before their appointment. Customers are also shown who their adviser will be on the day, helping to reduce anxiety and create a welcoming environment. In addition, Bethan played a leading role in organising a highly successful Inclusive Jobs Fair, held in Cardiff careers centre in January, which welcomed more than 240 attendees. Bethan said: 'I'm absolutely over the moon to win this award. It means a lot to know the work I've done is making a real difference. 'For many neurodivergent customers, visiting a careers centre can be overwhelming, so I wanted to create something that would make that experience more welcoming and less stressful. 'I hope it encourages more people to access the support that is available to them. 'We're now looking forward to organising and hosting the next inclusive jobs fair event.' Nikki Lawrence, chief executive at Careers Wales, said: 'We are thrilled that Bethan's outstanding work has been recognised on a national stage. 'Ensuring our services are accessible and supportive of neurodiverse individuals is essential for building a truly impartial and inclusive system. 'We want to make sure that each and every one of our customers can make informed career choices with tailored support that recognises their individual strengths and needs. 'We're incredibly proud of Bethan and delighted to see her recognised at a national level.' The 2025 CDI Awards ceremony took place at the Royal National Hotel in London, celebrating excellence in the careers development profession across the UK.
