Tabla de contenidos para April 2021 en Cosmopolitan UK

WHO? Animal rights activist, founder of Big Cat Rescue and Joe Exotic’s arch enemy. WHAT’S SHE UP TO NOW? Making the most of her new fame, Carole appeared on Dancing With The Stars (right) in 2020. She’s also become a fashion icon – Kim Kardashian even dressed up as her for Halloween. Carole still runs Big Cat Rescue and is a champion of the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which seeks to ban the private ownership of lions and tigers. WHO? The self-styled “Tiger King”, former owner of Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park and wannabe country singer was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2019 for animal abuse charges and paying someone to kill Baskin. WHAT’S HE UP TO NOW? After the series came out, he launched an appeal…

“I’m liable to sing Sia’s Chandelier at karaoke” What’s the most surprising rumour you’ve heard about yourself? I once read that I’d had my ears pinned back. If I have, they didn’t do a very good job. Dream way to spend a Sunday? A lie-in, which means about 8.30am, followed by pancakes with the radio on. Then a walk in the park in the sunshine, a pub lunch, and a relaxing afternoon at home with some football or a board game. Would you rather lose the ability to lie, or believe everything you hear? I’d rather tell the truth all the time. If you believed everything you heard, you would be vulnerable. You’d need special protection from con artists. You were on The Great Celebrity Bake Off. Tell us an…

USING NEXT BIOSSANCE SQUALANE + VITAMIN C DARK SPOT SERUM, £49 It takes a lot for a serum to turn my head, but Biossance has done it. This new formula is packed with vitamin C and soothing squalane, which means it brightens and decongests skin as well as calming inflammation. It’s become my favourite for applying after breakouts, as it helps prevent acne scarring while also keeping my face looking bright and glowy. USING UP DRUNK ELEPHANT C-FIRMA DAY SERUM, £67 This has been my go-to vitamin C serum for the past year – I’ve religiously slathered it all over my face every morning (and become as addicted to it as I have my morning coffee). It smooths any texture, minimises under-the-skin spots, brightens and helps fade pigmentation. The formula…

hi, I work in beauty, I have for years, and I don’t have clear skin. This is despite having access to the country’s best dermatologists and the most cutting-edge treatments. The most frustrating part? I’m no longer 16 – I’m a grown-up. A spotty-faced adult. For me, acne is like that one frenemy who just keeps popping back into your life. Here’s the hard truth: acne is almost always chronic, and it’s getting worse for adults – it’s not something you cure, but something you control. So buckle up, because I (and some people with actual, spot-fighting medical degrees) am going to show you how. First, it helps to know that there are two main kinds of acne, teenage and adult-onset, explains dermatologist Dr Shari Marchbein. The former typically shows…

Standard spot treatments aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. “Overusing them can dry out already infected areas around your pimple, creating micro-cracks in your skin’s barrier that invite more bacteria in, putting the skin at risk of infection,” explains dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner. Your new fix? A spot sticker. These non-irritating treatments are made from a hydrocolloid material designed to heal wounds. Also, they look cute, and help you resist picking your spots. Out of sight, out of mind, right? 1. Starface Hydro-Stars, £12 for 32 2. Zitsticka Killa Kit, £27 for 7 3. Dots For Spots, £5.99 for 24…

iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum, £15 † “I rarely hear about this brand on social media, but it has some of my favourite formulas of all time.” Origins GinZing Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer, £25 “Working as a make-up artist got me into skincare. This was the first moisturiser I ever bought.” bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturiser, £30 “While recovering from my eating disorder, wearing this was the first time I felt beautiful.” The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, £5 “Niacinamide is my favourite skincare ingredient – it’s simple, but super-effective.” CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, £12 “The response I usually get when I meet people is, ‘You got me hooked on CeraVe, you changed my skin.’” Shani Darden Retinol Reform, £80* “This is the best retinol I’ve found so far. There’s…

You know those nights when you stare at the ceiling, imagining to an outsider your eyes must resemble bloodshot Ren & Stimpy-style balls glowing in your skull? Yeah, those. If you’ve been experiencing more of them lately, don't worry. So has pretty much everyone. New research shows that the number of us struggling with our sleep rose from one in six to one in four last year – with anxiety named as the key culprit (hmm, wonder what could be causing that?), along with financial stress and the pressures of juggling modern life. So how can we ace something that should be so simple, but often isn’t? How long is a piece of sleep? We all know the golden rule of eight hours a night, but actually, it turns out…

Bag of tricks In this world, there are only a few universal truths we can all agree on. If you’re wearing a white shirt, you will drop pasta on it; Lizzo is a god among women; and rain and handbags don’t mix. Or do they? These colour-pop pouches by Berlin-based brand VeeCollective are water-repellent, so you can say goodbye to the soggy purse life. Better yet, they’re made from 100% recycled nylon and thread, meaning they’re a no-brainer on all fronts. Bags, £150 each, VeeCollective…

Glasses Eye strain isn’t cute. Grab yourself some prescription frames, or protect your eyes with a blue-light-blocking pair. Hair accessories Bad hair day? Pin your locks into a quick up-do with bejewelled clips, or sweep back greasy strands with a pretty hairband. Neck wear In a sweatpants a-jumper rut? Add a necklace that catches the light or a statement collar. Et voilà a real outfit. Almost. Earrings Big, bold ear bling frames your face and gives your complexion a boost. Not that any of us need that now… *pours fifth cup of coffee*…

Time to spring-clean You know what they say about “tidy house, tidy mind”? Well, there’s actually a lot of truth in it. Living in a cluttered home means you’re likely to have higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.* A recent study† also revealed that 61% of people feel “de-stressed” after tidying up, while 54% said it leaves them feeling relaxed. Ready, set, declutter……

SATURN IN ARIES A tendency to take control can mean you miss opportunities to go further faster by garnering the support of others. This will change as you mature and learn to temper your drive by listening to other people. SATURN IN TAURUS Taureans value quality and luxury, but are you living the right life to manifest these dreams? A natural laziness can be your worst enemy. Visualise your ambitions and use your determination to make them happen. SATURN IN GEMINI Despite Gemini being the zodiac’s greatest talker, when it’s in Saturn, it can mean you rarely voice your own opinions – and follow others’ agendas. Your confidence to act on your own desires will grow at this time. SATURN IN CANCER You’ve constructed a tough shell to protect yourself.…

Lovehoney Happy Rabbit, £79.99 This rechargeable vibrator is great value for money. It’s made from body-safe waterproof silicone, and has a really long battery life, too. Dame Products Pom Flexible Vibrator, £69.45 Made from medical-grade silicone, this waterproof, flexible clit vibrator is worth spending a little extra on. Lovehoney Magic Bullet, £12.99 Most bullet vibrators at this price have one speed – this has 10. It also takes AAA batteries – cheaper than the watch batteries bullets usually need. Satisfyer Pro 2, £44.95 There’s no point spending loads on a clit-sucker toy if you don’t know if you’ll like it. This one is a safe pair of hands in that department.…

SHAGGY CLAIMED: “IT WASN’T ME” Two decades ago, the phrase “it wasn’t me” entered our lexicon. It has been stuck there ever since, and we’ve got Shaggy to thank for that. It Wasn’t Me featured on his multi-platinum album Hot Shot, with risqué lyrics about him being caught having sex with another woman by his girlfriend. It went to number one in both the US and UK and is his biggest hit to date (yes, even more so than Boombastic). Shaggy has since released a collaborative album with Sting, 44/876, and a dedicated Christmas record. But… was it actually him?…

Caught in the act This issue, our creative team did their first remote photoshoot in LA with Pretty Little Liars star Ashley Benson (see page 70). Here, Ashley models what can only be described as “roadside chic” as she, er, nets herself the April Cosmo cover… Doggy style You know those days when you spend hours in hair and make-up for a fashion shoot (see page 104 for the finished article), only to have your locks upstaged by a pooch? If anyone knows the leave-in conditioner this pup uses, hit us up – we need it. Hobby buddies How do you fight lockdowninduced boredom and give your wardrobe a refresh at the same time? Knit, that’s how! Here, deputy beauty editor Laura shows off her new skill, encouraged by beauty…

TRUE DETECTIVE What’s it about? A different set of detectives is followed each season as they investigate crimes, unearthing secrets about themselves along the way. Who’s in it? Each of the three seasons features a brand-new cast – Matthew McConaughey, Rachel McAdams and Mahershala Ali have all starred. Will it really fill the LOD void? The only duo we could love more than Kate Fleming and Steve Arnott is McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. Series 1-3 are on Amazon Prime CRIMINAL What’s it about? This police drama takes place entirely within the walls of the interrogation room, with a group of exceptional detectives questioning suspects. Who’s in it? The cast includes Kit Harington, Sophie Okonedo, David Tennant and Sharon Horgan. Will it really fill the LOD void? We all love the…

2006 HANNAH MONTANA MAKES HER DEBUT Fifteen years ago, the first episode of Hannah Montana aired on the Disney Channel. The episode introduced us to Miley Stewart, who was living a secret double life as teen pop sensation Hannah Montana. It was an instant hit, and we all immediately gave ourselves ill-advised DIY fringes. 2008 MILEY RELEASES BREAKOUT Millennials the world over will remember Miley’s Breakout album as a seminal work. From 7 Things to Fly On The Wall, every track was an undeniable banger. The album reached number one on the Billboard 200, and has since gone platinum in the US and the UK. 2009 HANNAH MONTANA HITS THE BIG SCREEN The release of Hannah Montana: The Movie supercharged Miley’s glittering career. Plus, the soundtrack featured The Climb, which…

EDITOR’S PICK Institut Esthederm Intensive Propolis+ Purifying Mask, £28 Pore-clearing kaolin is teamed with soothing, antibacterial propolis – a Korean favourite for combating anything from excess shine to adult acne. I was left with a noticeable glow after only one use, and a few underlying spots even came to the surface. Silky to apply and with a subtle coconut scent, this purse-friendly face fixer ticks every box for me. Soak Sunday Rose Utopia Transformative Clay Face Mask, £16 There’s something therapeutic about mixing up a clay mask by hand. This pink kaolin powder offers a best-of-both blend of gentle white and more absorptive red clay, but despite drying quickly, left no tingling or dryness. I loved the subtle scent of lavender and rose petals, and more importantly, the soft, glowy…

“Online dermatology services like Dermatica can prescribe ingredients like Tretinoin, which has helped clear my skin.” Victoria Jowett, beauty director “I go for soothing, hydrating skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and an exfoliating acid every other night.” Cassie Powney, beauty editor “When I get a breakout, I use hydrating serums. I’ve made the mistake of drying out my spots before, and that just leads to flaking.” Laura Capon, deputy beauty editor “LED wands and masks, ibuprofen and oral CBD help with my cysts, and I love Gallinée’s prebiotic supplements.” Kate Pasola, beauty writer “If you wear a headscarf to bed, change it weekly. This will stop bacterial breakouts on your forehead.” Keeks Reid, beauty contributor…

A M Use a cleanser that won’t dry out your skin, like Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser, £11.50. Add vitamin C with Nip & Fab Vitamin C Fix Concentrate Extreme 3%, £24.95 – it contains pollution-fighting antioxidants. Apply a sunscreen like REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30, £32, which protects, but won’t pill under your make-up. P M Apply a retinoid such as La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum, £38, every other night after cleansing. On nights you don’t use a retinoid, give your skin a swipe with StriVectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads, £39, which promote cell turnover. Finish with a good moisturiser – Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream, £25, locks in moisture without feeling greasy.…

1 Buff it out “Exfoliation removes that upper layer of dead skin cells,” says Dr Mahto. “You’re effectively preventing everything from old cells to dirt and make-up getting blocked inside the top layer of pores. There are two ways you can do this – mechanical exfoliation, such as a face scrub, and chemical exfoliation, using skincare acids to dissolve the dead skin cells.” TRY: La Roche-Posay Ultra- Fine Scrub, £10 2 Ace your acids Not a fan of scrubs? Then it’s time to work with the acids in your arsenal instead. “AHAs, or alpha-hydroxy acids, are really good for treating blackheads – they’re your glycolic acids and your lactic acids,” explains Dr Mahto. “Then you have BHAs, or beta-hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid. They cause a chemical…

What not to say to someone with an eating disorder If you’re supporting one of the 1.25 million people in the UK with an eating disorder* this Eating Disorders Awareness Week (it’s 1st-7th March, FYI), finding the right words can be tough. But when we asked a group of people who’d experienced an eating disorder first-hand, one comment they said they wished people wouldn’t make was “You look well!”, adding that this reinforces the idea that eating disorders are purely physical, when they’re actually mental illnesses. Instead, show you care by asking “I wondered if you’d like to talk?” or “Is there anything I can do to help you?” Learn more at Beateatingdisorders.org.uk…

BIPHASIC Trialled by Fiona Hayward Pre-lockdown, I slept for eight hours a night, waking at 7am. Working from home (and not having to look presentable 24/7) gradually meant my bedtime slipped and I started setting my alarm for just 30 minutes before starting work – cue feeling sluggish and unproductive. Going to bed at 1am, I found the 6am starts a struggle at first, but by the end of the trial my deep sleep was 10 minutes higher on average (according to my Garmin watch) and I felt more alert. I also stopped working through my lunch breaks to take a guilt-free nap instead (that said, it took another 30 minutes to get back in the zone after). If done properly, this routine could offer a positive alternative to my…

The joyful dress Bold, swishy, and oh-so-comfy: find a throw-it-on frock that makes you smile and you’ll never have a wardrobe crisis again The bold print Go big or go home with painterly patterns and oversized motifs. Style it all out by adding some cool neutral pieces The statement sleeve Spring’s prettiest tops have one thing in common: eye-catching sleeves. Go on, treat yourself to some arm candy……

Time to stop working for free If you’ve ever found yourself working a bit longer than you should, you’ll know the hours really add up. New research* suggests we’re working an extra 42 days per year just by starting early and finishing late. Ouch. To avoid taking on too much, Paul Naha-Biswas of recruitment firm Sixley recommends letting your manager know “what other work you’d have to drop to take on a new task, or the extra resources you require to complete it successfully”. Having the confidence to communicate that you don’t have capacity – if you do it professionally – can enhance your reputation, he adds, because it shows awareness of time management. Now all you have to do is dream about how you’re going to spend the hours…

Scones are as quintessentially British as the Queen, Coronation Street, tutting and the Paul Hollywood handshake – but they can be divisive. Do you pronounce them “scown” or “scon”? Does the cream come first or the jam? Whatever your preference, the canvas itself is easy to make, with this foolproof recipe. MAKES 8 INGREDIENTS 450g self-raising flour 100g butter, cubed 100g caster sugar 100g sultanas (you can leave these out if you prefer) 2 eggs, beaten 100ml buttermilk Clotted cream and strawberry jam, to serve 1 Preheat your oven to 200ºC (180ºC fan). Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and rub with your fingertips until the butter dissolves and the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. 2 Stir in the sugar and sultanas and mix to combine.…

Sometimes, with our 24/7 access to news, the endless feed that changes by the minute, it’s easy to lose sight of the realities behind each story. To forget that, accompanying tales of packed-out hospitals, rising infection rates and the plummeting economy, there are real people living among the newspaper ink. A year has passed since, on 23rd March, we were told to “stay at home, save lives”. The months that have followed have taken their toll in so many ways that it would be impossible to zoom in (pun, unfortunately, intended) on every single angle, so we have assembled a group of people who have had a remarkable year within the crisis. Here are their stories. “YOU HAD TO CRY. THIS ISN’T A NORMAL SITUATION” Rebecca Hunter, 30, is a…

Is everyone astro-dating? Could finding your match be written in the stars? According to Bumble, a million UK users added the “zodiac” badge to their profile in just six months last year, implying that many single folk believe astrological characteristics may provide an insight into whether someone is right for us. Astro-dating might help us find people with traits we’re spiritually aligned with but, says astrologer Kerry Ward, take it with a pinch of salt. “Someone’s star sign is more of an icebreaker than a dealbreaker,” she says. Still, stargazing has never seemed so much fun… To discover your sign’s ideal astrological match, visit Cosmopolitan.com/uk/starsigndating.…

Dating apps can be a lifeline for the LGBTQ+ community – especially during lockdown – providing us with a platform to connect with those we might not encounter in our day-to-day lives. Shortly after becoming single, I took it upon myself to test some queer-friendly dating apps to see how good they really are… Her Her says: “From lesbians to queers, bois to femmes, trans to fluid, and everyone in between, Her is here for you.” How inclusive is it? The app connects people of varying LGBTQ+ identities with friends and dates. So yeah, pretty inclusive. What makes it different? It has four million users and claims to be the largest free dating site for lesbian and queer womxn. The verdict: Confusing to use, but very inclusive in terms of…

On yer bike More of us are embracing getting around on two wheels, with app Strava reporting a 162% year-on-year increase in cycling in the UK in 2020.* Plus, the number of people looking for staycations has surged (we’ll give you one guess why). Whether it’s part of a holiday (restrictions permitting) or just a way to get out and see some of your local area, cycling is great exercise for both your body and mind. Two wheels not your thing? Turn the page for our road-trip edit – Lycra not necessary.…

AC-12 are back on screen It’s been two long years, but finally Line Of Duty is back for series 6. And they’re straight on it, as the hunt for corrupt coppers continues. After 2019’s season finale revealed that “H” is actually four people – three of whom are dead or in witness protection – Ted Hastings, Steve Arnott and Kate Fleming (played by Vicky McClure, left) are still searching for the missing piece of the puzzle. Joining the show is Kelly Macdonald as DCI Joanne Davidson, whose unconventional conduct raises suspicions. In the words of Hastings, “Now we’re sucking diesel.”…

GET STUCK INTO... RBG This Oscar-nominated documentary is about the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the legendary associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She served for almost three decades and became an icon thanks to the trailblazing moves she made for women’s rights. Available on Netflix GIVE IT A LISTEN... Stuff Mom Never Told You Anney and Samantha, the hosts of this podcast, explore what it means to identify as a womxn today. They look at everything from activism to fangirling and much more. Episodes range from 15 minutes to over an hour. Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts now HAVE A READ... Alonement: How To Be Alone & Absolutely Own It by Francesca Specter Alexa, add “alonement” to our vocabulary. This handy guide…

NON-FICTION THE PANIC YEARS by Nell Frizzell, out now It’s the big decision that affects all the smaller choices you’ll ever make, and it’s one that’s impossible to take back: whether or not you should have a baby. In this memoir, Nell Frizzell unpacks her “panic years” (which, she says, can hit at any time between 25 and 40), all the while offering advice and feminist learnings on how to survive when it feels as though everyone around you is becoming a parent. THE MOTHER PROJECT by Sophie Beresiner, out 27th May After a cancer diagnosis stole her fertility when she was just 30, Beresiner began a decade-long journey to parenthood. Her rollercoaster entailed hope, despair, three countries and multiple surrogates, but – as her Instagram followers will…

1 Which clays won’t dry out my combination skin? Kaolin is the mildest form, meaning it absorbs impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Found in most clay-based products, it offers gentle exfoliation rather than hardcore pore-purging. 2 Are clay masks the natural alternative for acne-prone skin? You can channel your inner cavewoman and seek out the pure stuff, but most clay-based products are far from “natural”, often boosted with other skin-loving ingredients and (perfectly safe) cosmetic colourants. 3 How often should you be applying a clay mask? How regularly you apply clay and the length of time you leave it on for depends on your skin type (and the product instructions, obviously). But as a general rule of thumb, aim for a 10-minute session…

TOPICAL CREAMS Prescription antibiotic gels and anti-inflammatory creams like benzoyl peroxide can calm red, inflamed breakouts, while topical retinoids promote skin-clearing cell turnover and help with scarring. MEDICINES Birth control pills regulate the acne-causing hormones oestrogen and progesterone, halt ovulation (which can spike breakouts) and calm testosterone (which can send oil glands into overdrive). Spironolactone is another drug that dermatologists swear by – it’s used to treat high blood pressure, among other concerns, but also used off-label to keep hormones in check. “If a patient’s acne still hasn’t cleared, I suggest Roaccutane – an oral retinoid that’s very strong,” says Dr Marchbein. STEROID INJECTIONS Got cysts (aka deep, invisible pimples) or a giant red blemish that needs to go right now? Ask a dermatologist for a spot treatment. They’ll inject…

Why do we get blackheads? “We all have pores, and when those pores become blocked with debris, oil or dead skin cells, that’s when you get a blackhead,” says Dr Mahto. “The reason they look black is because all the oils in them become oxidised. It’s not the dirt that is black, it’s just oxidised oil.” OK, but how are blackheads different to whiteheads? “When it comes to blackheads, the pore remains open, whereas when you get a whitehead, the pore becomes blocked over – and then you get a little pustule.” Nice, eh? And why are they so damn hard to get rid of? “The underlying problem is the excess oil being produced,” says Dr Mahto. “So whatever treatments you do, blackheads will always naturally reform every 20 to…

Under-eyes explained Not-so-fun fact: The skin under your eyes is 10 times thinner than the rest of the skin on your face, making it more prone to swelling (caused by excess fluids) and discolouration (blood vessels visible through transparent skin). Other factors can play a part too – such as allergies, stress, fatigue, genetics and good old ageing. “As you age, your skin thins and your face loses fat, not to mention elastin and collagen, which give skin its support and fullness,” explains Dr Daniel Ezra, a specialist ophthalmic and oculoplastic consultant. It could just be that your folks passed on the gift of deep-set eyes (cheers, guys), something even an industrial-strength concealer won’t fix. “Pigmentation problems can also run in families of colour due to extra melanin in the…

On the left, a  woman stands in greying underwear or clingy gym gear, her shoulders slightly hunched. The lighting is perhaps less complimentary. The focus is meant to be on her shape – on her soft stomach or pillowy upper arms. On the right is a more toned version of the same body. The accompanying caption details the trick to which the poster owes their “body glow-up”. A new eating plan maybe, or a workout app. An increase in time spent on the rowing machine. The likes amassed are often in the thousands, the comments a flurry of flame and heart-eyes emojis. If sets of “before-and-after” images have ever appeared on your social-media feed, chances are you’ve stopped scrolling to take a look. But does doing so make you feel…

Zone3 Women’s Azure Wetsuit, £140 at Wiggle.co.uk The last time I wore a wetsuit, I ended up with burst blood vessels due to inadequate boob-fabric allocation. When I first tried on Zone3’s, I had flashbacks – but once I was in the lido, the fit felt divine, with super-flexible fabric. Kate, Beauty Writer Perfect Moment Imok Neo Full Wetsuit, £380 At first glance, this wetsuit looked incredibly thin, so I wasn’t convinced that it would keep me warm in the middle of December. I was wrong. It was also so breathable that it made moving in the water easy. Lottie, Entertainment Director Rip Curl Flashbomb 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit, £339.95 at Wetsuit Outlet I’m a wimp when it comes to outdoor swimming, but in this suit, I felt…

Andreja Pejic Having walked in both the menswear and womenswear shows for Jean Paul Gaultier in 2011, Andreja’s androgynous look has defined her career. She came out as trans in 2014, later becoming the first openly trans model to be profiled for Vogue, as well as one of the first trans models to secure a major cosmetics campaign when she signed on as the face of Make Up For Ever in 2015. Hari Nef The first trans woman signed to top modelling agency IMG Worldwide, and the first openly transgender person to appear on the cover of a British commercial magazine (ELLE’s September 2016 issue), Hari has since modelled for Interview, Vogue and CR Fashion Book. She’s also starred in the TV shows You and Transparent, as well as the…

Do you only log on to your online banking if you really have to? Hand over your debit card with your fingers crossed? We know, turning a blind eye to your finances feels much easier than getting to grips with them. But if the last 12 months have taught us anything, it’s that having a plan (and some wriggle room) when it comes to your money is No. Bad. Thing. Especially as money worries can snake into all corners of our lives – 61% of adults aged 18 to 34 admit they stress about their financial situation,* which in turn impacts their overall wellbeing and even their abilities at work. Being permanently skint, not having savings to fall back on, or being unable to afford big-ticket items has a tangible…

Born on or after: 29/11/82 Saturn return sign: Scorpio Born on or after: 6/5/83 Saturn return sign: Libra Born on or after: 24/8/83 Saturn return sign: Scorpio Born on or after: 16/11/85 Saturn return sign: Sagittarius Born on or after: 13/2/88 Saturn return sign: Capricorn Born on or after: 10/6/88 Saturn return sign: Sagittarius Born on or after: 12/11/88 Saturn return sign: Capricorn Born on or after: 6/2/91 Saturn return sign: Aquarius Born on or after: 21/5/93 Saturn return sign: Pisces Born on or after: 30/6/93 Saturn return sign: Aquarius Born on or after: 28/1/94 Saturn return sign: Pisces Born on or after: 7/4/96 Saturn return sign: Aries Born on or after: 9/6/98 Saturn return sign: Taurus Born on or after: 25/10/98 Saturn return sign: Aries Born on or after:…

1. AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT, HOW MANY NOTIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE? A Zero. I’ll take any possible opportunity to ignore the things I should be doing. B None, because the past 10 messages were from me. C Loads – I can never be bothered to open my messages. Sorry. 2. WHAT GETS THE FASTEST RESPONSE FROM YOU? A Any text ripe for a Kim K ugly-cry GIF. B When anybody is left blue-ticked for more than five minutes. C Someone sending a text to make sure I’m still alive. 3. WHAT DO YOU RELY ON THE GROUP CHAT FOR? A Distracting myself from the utter banality of everyday life. B Updating people on my daily activities, meals, screenshots from my ex’s IG… C Making occasional IRL plans. That’s it. That’s…

1 Do your research “Make sure you get to know the seller behind the pet,” says Dr Gaines. Run their name through Google, and check they’re licensed with the local authority to sell pets, if they’re a commercial breeder. 2 Ask for videos “Always make sure you see the puppy interacting with the litter, and their mum,” advises Dr Gaines. If the breeder won’t let you visit the puppy or see videos of it interacting with its mother, it’s time to walk away. 3 Sign a contract Ask the breeder to sign a Puppy Contract with you. This is legally binding, and helps you make sure your puppy has been bred ethically. You can download a contract template at Puppycontract.org.uk. 4 Report it If you suspect…

After a night at his, I woke up the next day to him announcing “great news”… he’d just got a text to say his STI test results were negative. NICOLA, 30 I returned from a walk to find my block of flats taped off. When I asked what was happening, the police officer turned around. It was a guy I’d been on a very awkward date with five months before. AMY, 35 He invited me for a drink but cancelled an hour before. When I bumped into him a few days later, he casually mentioned he’d had a partner for eight years. GEORGINA, 21 I went back to his after our date and his flat was filthy – pennies and tobacco were scattered everywhere, and the cushions looked like they’d…

LONDON TO LETCHWORTH Head north out of London on the A41 and, surprisingly quickly, countryside replaces buildings and your shoulders start to drop. Sweep past Hemel Hempstead into the glorious Chiltern Hills before arriving at Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire. After you’ve swooned at Ashridge House (below) and pretended the Duke of Hastings is promenading you around your new manor, it’s time to get a fresh-air fix. Route highlight The Ivinghoe Beacon Walk, a circular hike in scenic Ashridge National Trust territory, takes you through grassland and trees to the top of a hill with amazing 360º views. There are Bronze Age burial mounds and prehistoric earthworks, and in summer, the hill is like something from a Disney film, dotted with hundreds of wildflowers and rare butterflies. Eat & sleep From…