PUBLICATION DAY SPECIAL: THE LOVE EXPERIMENT BY KITTY WILSON

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Sometimes I fall in love with a book instantly, and sometimes it takes a little while. This was one of the latter, but let me tell you, by the final chapters I was laughing and sobbing at more or less the same time, which isn’t the best of looks in a busy Starbucks branch.

The premise of The Love Experiment is deceptively simple; Lily won’t date – even staying the night after a hook up is too much like commitment, and Jay can’t date – he’s promised his sister he won’t in an attempt to show her that changing the habits of a lifetime is possible. But there the cliches end.

All the characters, large and larger than life, are drawn with an incredible eye for detail and a roundness that is often missing in romantic comedy. They were real and will stay with me for a very long time. And laugh? Did I mention a fair chunk of the action is set in a drag club? The names of the artists alone was enough to make me cackle. And don’t even get me started on the harpist…

This book is laugh out loud funny while at the same time dealing with serious issues and the horrendous scars they leave. The more I came to know about Lily’s past the more I ached for her to be able to move forwards. The more I understood what made her the way she is. The more I wanted to be her friend.

Lily’s backstory and what happened to her as a teenager really got to me. So much so I had to ask Kitty Wilson why she decided to shape her character that way:

Thank you. Lily is far from my usual heroine and is polished, successful and on the surface has it all but, underneath, is a scared young girl desperate for a sense of control.

When I was creating her, I initially wanted to highlight women’s health, I know so many women with periods that are completely incapacitating[1] and yet I haven’t seen it mentioned often in novels. That was my starting point but, as an author, it is hard not to be shaped by the things around you. As I wrote the first draft, the discussion of women’s safety was at its peak with the subsequent growth of Everybody’s Invited illustrating how schools and universities were often far from the places of safety that every parent hopes. This awareness worked its way into Lily’s story and when her body changes as a teen, things take a dark turn as name-calling in school morphs into something more sinister.

I did consider carefully whether these themes should be included but they are so frequent in women’s lives it felt wrong to cut them, so Lily was born, a high achiever who is privately carrying the weight of gynaecological issues and a related history of childhood bullying. These two things then shape all her life decisions; decisions that on the surface look like they are healthy, empowered choices but are actually indicators of deep-rooted scars.

But I love a happy ending – I write romance after all – and adore weaving through the joys in our lives, and hopefully The Love Experiment brings many, many moments of light and laughter to brighten Lily’s path as she learns to defeat the dark and open herself to life and love at its fullest.

 

 

[1] One in ten women in the UK have endometriosis and another one in ten have PCOS. https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/information

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/

 

 

 

 

Columbia community is one of which to be proud, Frost Magazine discovers as it celebrates ‘Community’

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Frost Magazine, as our readers will know, became particularly interested in the importance of community during Covid.

Thirsk’s wonderful community hub was highlighted as prescription deliveries, and every other form of help was provided. The small shops turned on a sixpence overnight, to make it easy for people to order, and out the vans would go. Bliss, a local cafe delivered meals, and always the neighbours… It was wonderful heartwarming evidence of community at work.

So, what about Thirsk’s sense of ‘community’ today, now the emergency is, we hope, over?  Again Frost Magazine has written of just one facet that continues, though there are many more. Thirsk has the Yarnbombers brightening our lives and raising money for causes various, latterly Ukraine. This gang of 100 knitters come in stealth overnight, and when we enter Thirsk the next day, the bollards, and assorted piller boxes and various town squares are dressed in a particular theme, see above, the Jubilee. Yes, the Queen’s foot is resting on the top tier of cakes, but heavens, after the year she’s had, why not?

Now let’s have a look at the response to Covid in other areas, and where better to look than at one of my absolutely favourite places; my mum’s birthplace, and home, and where I spent many of my childhood summer holidays – Brady Square in the pit village or perhaps town of Washington.  Washington in Tyne and Wear, is where George Washington’s ancesters were born and lived. (The Old Hall is well worth a visit – lovely tea room too)

     

Brady Square

My adored Uncle Stan and Auntie Isobel ran the family shop, called locally I think -memory is fickle – The Long Pull in Brady Square, featured above to the left of the white shop. A train ran through the square back in the day, just to the right of  Stan’s shop.  Uncle Stan had brown sauce on his breakfast fried bread and my sister and I were also allowed, and they took us, with David their son, to the seaside – oh, those endless beaches.  But on the downside we had to buy our sweets!  My mother was known as Little Annie Newsome in her childhood. She and Stan were orphaned when their da died when she was 11. Community was there for the bairns. Is it still?

Mum and Stan in hired clothes for an photographer’s photo following her mum’s death, probably for her da, who was still at 1WW war.

I was lucky enough to grab Marion Taylor’s arm, holding this powerhouse still for long enough to tell me how the community fared during Covid, and were faring now.

Marion is a native of Brady Square, Washington, and she tells me that:  ‘The local community did not waver during Covid and although people were house bound, we worked with a local business and delivered essential items over a five-week period of free food to over 400 houses a week. My husband along with other volunteers did the deliveries and I organised all the routes so we could cover the whole of Washington and not just Brady Square or Columbia as it is known today. Elderly people along the way were caring for each other and prepared to share a box of eggs or only accept a single apple so the lady next door could have one too. Although Covid was crippling it didn’t take away the community spirit and the need to care for each other.

     

Asked whether she had any special memories of that time, Marion didn’t hesitate: ‘Easter Sunday 2020 we delivered 3,000 Lindt chocolate bunnies to the elderly and house bound people of Washington. A team of volunteers worked from 8am until every bunny was delivered – a spectacular achievement which brought so much happiness to the people who couldn’t be with their families that day.

‘When the council eventually took over, we concentrated on delivering hand sanitizers and masks to the care homes throughout the North East, travelling as far as Morpeth to ensure people had the PPE they needed.

‘I created a facebook page “Polly’s Patter Page” and set various fun tasks and puzzles, inviting people to join in to help keep their minds active. We still have this page.’

So, obviously the next BIG question from Frost Magazine was: what now? Pollys Patter Page remains, but has the rest disappeared into the ether?

Heavens, I might as well have asked, have you sworn off gin?

‘Certainly not. To start with we have two Columbia pages where we share information, post photographs and advertise our events. These pages have contact numbers so people can contact any member of the committee if they need advice or help with anything.

‘Columbia uk Community Forum   and Columbia Community Association

‘We also have the Columbia Community Centre, and  our new committee used the facebook  pages to introduce ourselves to the community and invited them to visit the centre where we welcomed their input into what activities they would like and how we could move the centre forward. It was a case of bringing the people together after the social isolation they had experienced and make them feel part of the community again. Bit by bit we gained their confidence and their belief in what we wanted to achieve for the community.

‘Our Memories of Brady Square facebook page is  very popular, and is where we can reminisce and it’s great for the community to chat and see old photos of what it used to be like in Brady Square.’ 

So that was Little Annie Newsome’s daughter, Margaret, well and truly told! But wait: next week we will hear more about the Comlumbia Community Centre; its activities, and  fundraising to restore the building, the… No, that’s enough, read about it next week. I tell you what, though, my mum would be thrilled to bits to hear that community is alive and well in dear old Brady Square, now known as Columbia.

Columbia Community Association will be open Monday to Friday from 8am – 4pm from July 11th
This is to accommodate the residents who are having to vacate their properties during refurb.
Everyone is welcome to pop in.

Margaret Graham is editor of Frost Magazine, and an author of 28 novels and a couple of books on writing.

.She writes under her own name, and Milly Adams also Annie Clarke. Her latest as Annie Clarke is The Home Front Girls series (Arrow) set in a north east pit village. Her mum was amazed that her dilly daydream daughter managed to complete even one book yonks ago, and had to have a gin. www.facebook.com/margaretgraham4


					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
SKINTELLIGENT: What you really need to know to get great skin

			
						

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SKINTELLIGENT


What you really need to know to get great skin


By Dr Natalia Spierings


 


Published by Vermilion.


Trade Paperback priced £16.99




The first entirely evidence-based skincare guide written by a real expert that explains how skin actually works, how to navigate the confusing world of Big Skincare and what you really need to do to achieve healthy, glowing skin – throughout your life.


 


This is the first book about skincare based on fact, not fiction


 There is no such thing as ‘essential’ skincare; almost all skincare should be viewed as a ‘luxury good’ and therefore, in fact, absolutely not essential!


    

  • Scared of using Vaseline? Don’t be – it’s the best moisturiser on the market, also the cheapest, it doesn’t ‘clog pores’ or cause pimples and it is totally safe to use. Plus, it is in every single moisturiser on the market anyway.
    • 

  • You don’t need to buy a separate product to use around your eyes, just use your regular moisturiser around your eyes; ‘eye creams’ are a scam
    • 

  • Facials are a waste of time and money
    • 

  • When it comes to skincare, less is always more
    • 

  • Expensive skincare is never better than cheaper skincare
    • 



 


Consultant Dermatologist Dr Natalia Spierings of Channel 5’s Skin A&E has announced the launch of her new book, Skintelligent: what you really need to know to get great skin, published by Vermilion. Dr Natalia Spierings is here to shake things up in the skincare world and isn’t afraid to tell the truth and call out the BS about all things related to skincare. Drawing on a decade of work as a practicing consultant dermatologist, helping thousands of people achieve great skin, she will empower you with the knowledge to navigate the confusing world of skincare so you never get fooled into buying hundreds of pounds of disappointing cosmetic skincare products again. If you have a problem with your skin – whether it is pimples, pigmentation, overly dry skin, large pores or whatever – the problem you have needs to be viewed as a skin abnormality or even a disease and therefore cannot be corrected with a three-step skincare regime you buy at a department store.


 


Dr Natalia Spierings said: “I wrote this book with the aim of answering all the hundreds of questions I get every day from my patients and through social media about skincare; there is too much misinformation being thrown at us about skincare from people who just don’t know what they are talking about, merely to sell products. It’s time to empower the skincare consumer with facts and the correct information so we all stopping wasting our money (and our hope) on products that don’t deliver on their (often outlandish) claims.”


Using an unbiased, evidence-based approach and cutting through the pseudo-science, she explains:


–        how skin actually works


–        which skincare products are proven to be effective for all of major facial skin complaints


–        what trendy skincare ingredients do or don’t do what they promise and why


–        what you can do to manage everything from acne to rosacea to melasma as well as wrinkles and sun-damage


 


Bringing together years of experience treating a huge range of skin problems, Skintelligent is the only book you will ever need to read to get great skin.


 


“Buying this book will be a great investment; following Natalia’s advice will save you money on your skincare whilst helping you to look your best.”


Dr Andrew Birnie, Consultant Dermatologist & Founder of Altruist Sunscreen


 


“Dr Natalia Spierings is a terrific consultant dermatologist with a very clear – and utterly science-based — approach to skincare which many people will find refreshing.”


Alice Hart-Davis, founder of thetweakmentsguide.com


 


About the Author


 


Dr Natalia Spierings is a Consultant Dermatologist with a Master’s Degree in Aesthetic Medicine. A unique combination of technical skill, depth of knowledge, aesthetic sensibility and communication skills has positioned her globally as a leading dermatologist. She currently splits her clinical time between both the NHS and private sector in London, and at Kings College Hospital in Dubai. @drnataliaspierings


 


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
My Little Brother By Diane Saxon reviewed by Natalie Jayne Peeke West Country Correspondent

			
						

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It was an ordinary school day, the day I lost my little brother. One moment he was on the roundabout and then was gone. Gone. Missing.


They all blamed me. I was in charge. Even though I was only ten years old. They sent me away. The hurt, the shame, the questions. The not knowing. I tried to move on.  It’s been nineteen years in exile and now somebody wants me back.


Someone with a dark secret. They hold the keys, they know the truth.So, I need to return to the Welsh village of my childhood to find out who, because I have a secret, too…


I did something bad…


In reviewing My Little Brother I have to declare I have a very personal attachment to this book: during lockdown I attended a virtual book launch for Diane Saxon’s book ‘The Ex’. During the launch Diane revealed that some lucky attendees would have the opportunity to pick a name for a character and another would pick two random objects for her to sneak into her next book. I said to myself ‘If i get to pick a character’s name i would use my mum’s name ‘Caryn’ as she has never been able to buy things like a mug with her name on, as it is so rare.


In addition my mum spent the first half of her life spelling out her name whenever she made a appointment etc. and then when she married my dad her surname changed from Thomas to Peeke and for the last 34 years she has had to spell out her last name too. 


Lo and behold I won the chance to name a character and true to my word (all be it to myself) i chose Caryn. And as fate would have it my sister won the chance to pick two random objects. She chose darts as her husband plays darts and false teeth which is one of our memories of our great grandmother – she would keep them in a glass in her very pink bathroom and as children we found it hilarious.


You can imagine my excitment when Diane Saxon informed her readers of the book title and release date and that a Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) was available on Netgallly. I was ecstatic when my request to read it was approved. 


So, now you know my life story I will progress to the review.


 Diane Saxon is a sensational author and her latest book will have you on the edge of your seat because nothing is certain, except that you are questioning everything. 


My Little brother is a gripping, tear jerking, nerve racking and exciting read. 


The scenery is described with such empathetic detail that you are transported to the rainy valleys of Wales, and almost feel the rain. The characters are so diverse and strong but totally believable, and Saxon flawlessly includes Welsh dialect and accents which not only do not hinder, but actually contribute to the characters’ authenticity. 


Diane Saxon is a natural born story-teller and this is reflected in all of her books. Reading My Little Brother reminded me of watching episodes of Johnathan Creek and Poiriot because anything could happen, and frequently did, and it makes sense. This novel is far from predictable and you will not be able to put it down until all is revealed


If you enjoy a good ‘who done it’ then this book is for you. Read it, and see if Saxon has included the false teeth, the name and darts!


My Little Brother by Diane Saxon is available from 11th July in HB, PB. Audio and eBook.


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
As the final whistle blows on Wimbledon Joffe serves some aces…

			
						

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Joffe’s book of the week is THE COWES WEEK MURDERS, the latest utterly gripping detective mystery from bestselling author Pauline Rowson — out now for just 99p | 99c.


Renegade detective Andy Horton is on a sailing trip to France when he gets the news: Sergeant Cantelli’s nephew, Johnnie Oslow, is missing.


Then the charred remains of a body are discovered in a disused tunnel. Is it Cantelli’s nephew?


The search for a missing person soon becomes a hunt for a ruthless killer. And this killer is just getting started.


CLICK HERE TO BUY THE COWES WEEK MURDERS BY PAULINE ROWSON FOR JUST 99P | 99C.


           


The Secret of Bagnett Hall by Norman Russell   99p/99c


One dead heiress.

A fortune hanging in the balance.  A cunning guest who’ll do anything to claim the money for herself.  


The brand-new, completely gripping whodunnit from Norman Russell is filled with gripping twists, charming characters and old-school intrigue . Just my sort of read.


The End of a Journey by Grace Thompson    99p/99c


South Wales, 1953. Zena Martin and Jake Williams are happy, in love, and about to announce their engagement. Meanwhile, Zena’s brother, Greg, hopes to persuade the beautiful Rose Conelly to meet his family and begin the next stage of their relationship.


Everything seems to be going well for the Martins. Then their beloved father tragically dies of a heart attack and long-buried secrets come to light, changing everything. As secrets so often do but they are great for plotting, and this is no different.


.














 THE ROOMMATE BY CAROLINE MACON FLEISCHER


Coming soon from Joffe Books, THE ROOMMATE, really is one of the most nail-biting psychological thrillers of 2022 from debut author Caroline Macon Fleischer — available to pre-order now for just 99p | 99c.


Joffe  couldn’t be more excited to be publishing the debut novel from an exciting and original new voice in psychological fiction, perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Becca Day, Patricia MacDonald and Freida McFadden.


In the words of Joffe Books Associate Commissioning Editor, Steph Carey:


“The Roommate is an absolutely chilling psychological thriller. The plot is so dark and twisty, and the characters are so well drawn that you know deep in your bones it could happen to you, and that’s the most terrifying thing! It’s been so much fun working with Caro and I cannot wait for everyone to read this incredible debut.”


CLICK HERE TO WATCH AN ANIMATED COVER REVEAL FOR THE ROOMMATE BY CAROLINE MACON FLEISCHER.


CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER THE ROOMMATE BY CAROLINE MACON FLEISCHER FOR 99P | 99C.




Joffe told us exciting news that will appeal to any aspiring writers:


The Creative Writing Ink Short Story Competition 2022 is open to all writers writing in English across the globe, and is open for submissions until 4 p.m. (GMT) on 30 September 2022.


The first prize winner will receive a cash prize of £1,000, an online creative writing course with Creative Writing Ink and publication on Creative Writing Ink’s website.


CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CREATIVE WRITING INK 2022 SHORT STORY PRIZE.


 

























































					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
SUNDAY SCENE: AUDREY HARRISON ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM THE SPINSTER’S CAPTAIN

			
						

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I have been writing and publishing Regency romances since 2011, being fortunate enough to be a finalist in the Amazon Kindle Storyteller competition and the Romantic Novelists Association Award. I never thought I would write anything other than my regencies, but there was a story in my husband’s family history which has niggled in the background as I wrote in my genre. I had resisted it as it was set in the Victorian era and although close to the Regency, there were still differences which could be stumbling blocks for me.


The story was that In 1846, a spinster travelled to America from Scotland to be a housekeeper for her brother. Domestic staff were hard to come by, so what was more perfect than a spinster sister? Unfortunately for the brother in America, there was also a handsome captain on the ship which was to bring his sister to him.


Researching the story was fascinating, when I (finally) gave in to family requests to write it. Most of the action had to take part onboard ship and so I started down the rabbit hole which was seafaring life.


We consider history as a different world, the language, manners, and rules, but throw in life on the water and there is even more to contend with! In my view sailors were so brave stepping aboard ship, let alone spending their lives onboard. Even within the family history, there is more than one shipwreck. It was a harsh life, but one which could reap rewards, as in the case of our captain.


I do love research, it is the part that I have to contain myself, only so much factual detail can be put into a romance before it becomes a non-fiction book! It doesn’t matter that readers don’t know the hours of research which can go into one sentence.


My resources were hundreds of books I own, and visits to various Maritime Museums all give me the buzz to create the little snapshots of life onboard ship as in this extract:




The call “Who’s for the shore?” had rung out across the ship and through the levels below deck. There had been a final scurry of activity before Robert was approached by David as he stood at the helm.

“We’re ready, Capt’n.”

“Without a moment to spare,” Robert responded.

“Perfect timing then.”

“I was beginning to think we would be stuck in port another day.”

“Oh ye of little faith. As if I would be so tardy.”

“In that case, all hands to weigh anchor and make sail,” Robert instructed.

“Aye, aye, Capt’n.”


The story turned into a trilogy, using two of the other siblings of the spinster. In a family of eleven, they were at the forefront of moving because of the real changes caused by the industrial revolution and it was fascinating enough to keep my research flowing.


The final in the trilogy is set in America, when land was being developed and for the first time men could own the land they worked on, rather than be tenants. So, although I was hesitant to start these stories, I loved writing them.


I have now returned to my regencies, I love taking a snippet of history, whether the Foundling Hospital, the Napoleonic Wars or how they dealt with injuries and disabilities and weaving a romance around that. Always being one who has hovered on the edge of society because of shyness and chronic illness, I will always fight for the underdog to get their happy ever after. It just has to be set in the time in history that I love.


 


www.audreyharrison.co.uk


 


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
My Writing Process Lexie Elliott

			
						

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What you have written, past and present

I’ve written three stand-alone psychological thrillers, and my fourth will be coming out in February of 2023. My first novel, The French Girl, was published in 2018, followed by The Missing Years in 2019. How To Kill Your Best Friend was published in North America last year, and will be out in paperback in the UK in July. 


What you are promoting now

How To Kill Your Best Friend. It’s a psychological thriller, told through the eyes of Georgie and Bronwyn, who have been best friends with Lissa since they all met on their college swimming team—but somehow, despite her swimming prowess, Lissa has drowned off the coast of the remote island resort she was managing with her husband. Brought together on the island for Lissa’s memorial, Georgie, Bron, Lissa’s grieving husband and their mutual friends find themselves questioning the circumstances around Lissa’s death—and each other…




A bit about your process of writing

I used to write solely outside of my home (because otherwise I would find myself distracted by cleaning or laundry or really just about anything) but the pandemic lockdowns taught me to write at home; now I find I write there more than half the time. I don’t necessarily write every day, but I write most days (including weekends); I usually exercise first thing and then sit down to work after that. I stop either when my youngest son comes home from school or when I’ve simply run out of steam.


I find I write very slowly at the beginning of a new project – sometimes only 500 words in a day— because I’m having to make structural decisions at the same time; at that stage, it’s very useful to have a daily target to aim for to try to maintain momentum. By comparison, the words seem to leap out at the end of a project: I can write 10,000 or more in a week, and daily targets become unnecessary. I always seem to suffer an enormous crisis of confidence at around the 20,000 word mark, which by now is probably very boring for my lovely agent Marcy, who has to talk me down from it every time! I start each writing session by reviewing and editing what I wrote last time, before cracking on with the next section; consequently, my first draft is very clean, without many typos or grammatical errors. My first reader is always Marcy, who gives incredibly insightful editorial notes, and after that, the manuscript will go to my publishing editor. 


Do you plan or just write?

I plan; I produce a four-to-five page outline before I start writing. Partly this is because my publisher requires it of me, but I would do it anyway: I’ve learnt that it is far, far easier to make progress when you have some well-thought out guidelines to keep you heading in the right direction. Which is not to say that everything is set in stone before I start writing—far from it. Many elements of the finished novel can and do deviate from that outline, but I tend to find that the beginning and end of the finished product match quite closely with what I had originally intended—it’s just that the middle might take a different route!


What about word count?

The aim is around 100,000 to 110,000 words in the genre of psychological thrillers. It’s not something I worry about particularly—I’ve always come out roughly in that ballpark in the first draft, and anyway, that can be finessed in the second draft if need be. 


How do you do your structure?

I know some authors follow a rigid plan with a three-act structure or a save-the-cat beat sheet or something similar, but I’m not one of them. The outline I mentioned before will of course have a particular structure in mind, and those early chapters are crucial for putting in place the scaffolding that will provide the framework for the entire novel, but once I’m past that point, I’m generally more concerned with getting the pacing right. 


What do you find hard about writing?

It’s very solitary. You have to persevere on a daily basis without any colleagues to encourage you or reassure you that you’re on the right track. I really notice the difference now that I’m writing fulltime; until last year, I was also juggling a part-time job in fund management, which gave me plenty of professional social interaction for at least three days a week. But now, given that I’m in London but my agent and primary publisher are in the US, if I were to throw an office party it would basically involve me dressing up to drink a glass of wine in a room by myself…


I also find the social media requirements that are part of being a writer in this modern age quite difficult. I’m not a natural self-promoter—I’d really rather just get on with writing!


What do you love about writing?

A lot, actually. On a practical note, it’s an incredibly flexible profession—you can genuinely do it anywhere, and, looking to the future, nobody is going to force you out of the workplace when you reach 65! I also love the interaction with readers. It’s a real privilege that anyone would choose to spend their money and time on my novels, and I’m always incredibly touched when readers reach out to tell me they’ve enjoyed them. I received some particularly poignant correspondence during the pandemic from readers who were struggling and found some escape in my books: a lovely reminder of the power of books to connect people and allow them to experience a temporary sanctuary.


But the main thing I love is the writing itself. To me, language is a delightful sort of magic, and the fact that a story can be taken from one’s head and transported to the page with words is nothing short of alchemy. Every once in a while I get a sentence just right, and it feels like I haven’t so much written it as stumbled across words that were just waiting to be uncovered—that’s a very special feeling. 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Only One in Ten Brits are Happy With Their Skin | We Love Hada Labo Tokyo

			
						

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ONLY ONE IN TEN OF BRITS ARE HAPPY WITH THEIR SKIN

New Report reveals that women feel under pressure to look perfect all the time and explains how we can be kinder to ourselves


Hada Labo Tokyo 


British women constantly feel that they need to keep improving their appearance according to a new real world research with 1,000 women aged 35 and older, commissioned by Japan’s leading skincare brand, Hada Labo Tokyo, and the brains behind the next generation skincare innovation new to the UK.


On a more positive note, most women (60 per cent) say they want to look good for themselves rather than for anyone else, and almost two thirds want to look good for their age rather than trying to look younger. In fact, role models who have embraced their age were chosen as examples of women ageing well, with 57 per cent of respondents naming Helen Mirren as their skincare goddess, with Joanna Lumley second (42 per cent), and Davina McCall (40 per cent) third.


The pandemic and post pandemic living has caused more than a quarter of women (27 per cent) to drop their daily skincare routine, but over half (55 per cent) have managed to stick with it, with a surprising number of Brits (18 per cent) finding that their commitment to a routine has improved. Getting back out into the world without the Covid-19 restrictions is now prompting more of us (64 per cent) to bring our skincare back into sharper focus.


According to the survey 68 per cent of British women take time out for skincare with over half following the cleanse-tone-moisturise routine, while 38 per cent use a scrub or wash followed by a moisturiser. Around 17 per cent of women opt for plain soap and water, and 25 per cent use a facial wipe instead of a cleanser.


Common skin complaints


Fewer than one in ten of us (a paltry seven per cent) always feel happy with our skin’s appearance.[1] So what’s causing us to feel uncomfortable in our own skin?


Hada Labo’s survey poll[2] shows that women in the UK can experience a wide range of different skin health issues. For around a quarter of us, sunburn (27 per cent), acne (24 per cent), or eczema (24 per cent) are a problem, while almost a fifth of us (18 per cent) get cold sores and nearly one in ten suffer with psoriasis (9 per cent) or rosacea (8 per cent).


Even more concerning is that even women who don’t necessarily suffer from a skin disorder are conscious of certain issues with their skin including:


    

  • Dryness: 60 per cent
    • 

  • Dullness: 42 per cent
    • 

  • Dark eye circles: 35 per cent
    • 

  • Fine lines: 27 per cent
    • 

  • Uneven skin tone: 27 per cent
    • 

  • Redness: 27 per cent
    • 

  • Itchy skin: 26 per cent
    • 



 


The benefits of next generation hyaluronic acid innovation




As well as the natural ageing process both the perimenopause and menopause can have a considerable impact, with over a third (34 per cent) of women saying that their skin felt drier then. Skin expert, Gina Akers explains: “Dehydration of the skin is a very real issue, especially as we get older. To keep skin looking healthy and supple, we need to add hydration. We need water-lock formulas to ensure deep hydration that actually lasts.”


Leading women’s health expert Dr Catherine Hood points out that we do need to change up our skincare regimes as we get older: “With increasing age the body starts to produce less hyaluronic acid and what it does produce is lower quality. This results in drier, more dehydrated skin. To keep skin looking healthy, smooth, and supple, we need to add hydration and it is important to realise that a moisturiser alone will not do that particular job.”


Hyaluronic acid is a clear gel that’s made naturally within the body. Its job is to lock in water to keep our skin, tissues and eyes hydrated. An impressive number of us (43 per cent) do opt for skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid, with more than half (52 per cent) knowing something about the science behind this skincare ingredient. Seven out of ten women were aware that hyaluronic acid can help with skin appearance, with a third (33 per cent) of women deciding to incorporate it into their skincare routine after seeing it on social media.


The hero product: Beauty gurus Caroline Hirons and Nadine Baggott are both long-time fans of Hado Labo Tokyo’s next-generation approach to hyaluronic acid, and demand for the range’s products is such that one is now sold every two seconds around the world. Frost editor-in-chief Catherine Balavage is also a huge fan. The best-selling range in Japan Hado Labo Tokyo has been hailed as a skincare game changer due to its multi-layered hyaluronic acid formulas, which incorporate anti-ageing ingredients like retinol and collagen.










The Japanese beauty philosophy is rooted in the idea that products work best in harmony with the skin. Inspired by this philosophy, the Hado Labo Tokyo skincare range uses quality ingredients with no unnecessary extras which could overwhelm the skin.


Hada Labo Tokyo have created an exclusive multi molecular combination of different types of hyaluronic acid, called Super Hyaluronic Acid, which provides twice the moisture-retention capacity of normal HA by anchoring to the different layers of the epidermis. It’s no wonder that recent research data found that 80 per cent of women noted that after just four weeks of using the range their skin’s texture was improved while 74 per cent saw an improvement in skin elasticity.


FAST PRODUCT SUMMARY:




The Red Line


Hada Labo Anti-Aging Eye & Mouth Cream


Hada Labo’s Deep Wrinkle Corrector Eye & Mouth Area Cream has four types of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and retinol in a golden coloured cream that’s suitable for sensitive skin. Use it after cleansing in the morning and at night, patting around the eyes and mouth to help reduce deeper wrinkles.


Here’s a fast spot light on the clever, next generation hyaluronic acid ingredients used in the Hada Labo Red Line Range that the skin scientists as Hada Labo swear by:


Sodium Hyaluronate: A water-binding ingredient used for moisturizing and hydrating. The molecule can hold up to 1000 their own weight in water. Sodium Hyaluronate can replace some of the water lost in the epidermis.


Sodium acetylated hyaluronate: This is called super hyaluronic acid. It was developed with the aim of raising affinity with the skin based on hyaluronic acid. Compared with the same concentration of hyaluronic acid, it is characterized by a much greater capacity to retain moisture in the epidermis and good skin affinity. Because of this, it can keep skin moist for long times.


Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is hyaluronic acid broken into smaller bits. The small molecules can easily penetrate and help replace some of the water lost in the epidermis, and potentially fight wrinkles and other signs of aging.


Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer: A modified form of skin-replenishing hyaluronic acid attached to a polymer structure that keeps it within skin’s uppermost layers longer, allowing for enhanced hydration. This creates a “sponge” effect to restore the skin to its fuller, more youthful appearance and smooths out fine lines.


Hada Labo Anti-Aging Super Hydrator Lotion


Hada Labo’s Anti-Aging Super Hydrator Lotion is much more than a silky, fragrance-free drink of water for your skin. The power-packed lotion contains four types of hyaluronic acid Sodium Hyaluronate; Sodium acetylated hyaluronate; Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid; Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer; offering multi-layer hydration, plus anti-aging ingredients collagen and retinol. After cleansing, pat the lotion over your face, neck and decolletage before you apply your moisturiser.


Hada Labo Anti-Aging Wrinkle Reducer Day Cream


Hada Labo’s Anti-Aging Wrinkle Reducer Day Cream with Super Hyaluronic AcidTM, Collagen and Retinol offers multi-layer hydration with four types of hyaluronic acid Sodium Hyaluronate; Sodium acetylated hyaluronate; Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid; Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer; plus collagen and retinol. The supersmooth, fragrance-free cream is designed to be used in the morning, after the Super Hydrator Lotion to help lock in moisture for a glowing complexion.


Hada Labo Anti-Aging Repair Night Cream


Hada Labo’s Anti-Aging Repair Night Cream is packed with more than 20 carefully blended active ingredients, including three types of hyaluronic acid – Sodium Hyaluronate; Sodium acetylated hyaluronate; Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid; retinol and an intensely regenerating complex of tetrapeptide-5 and collagen to reduce wrinkles and restore radiance and hydration. With its ‘Lock-in Moist’ formula, skin retains more moisture.


Hada Labo Anti-Aging Facial Sheet Mask


Hada Labo’s Anti-Aging Facial Masks double the levels of skin hydration, leading to a tighter, brighter, and smoother complexion and a more youthful appearance. The best part is that it feels like a real facial, which gives you that radiant skin treatment look and feel, without having to leave the house.


The White Line




HADA LABO WHITE LINE HYALURONIC ACID SCIENCE: Here’s a fast summary on the smart, must have, hyaluronic acid ingredients used in the Hada Labo White Line Range bottled up by the Japanese skin specialists that users swear by:


Sodium Hyaluronate: A water-binding ingredient used for moisturizing and hydrating. The molecule can hold up to 1000 their own weight in water. Sodium Hyaluronate can replace some of the water lost in the epidermis.


Sodium acetylated hyaluronate: This is called super hyaluronic acid. It was developed with the aim of raising affinity with the skin based on hyaluronic acid. Compared with the same concentration of hyaluronic acid, it is characterized by a much greater capacity to retain moisture in the epidermis and good skin affinity. Because of this, it can keep skin moist for long times.


Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is hyaluronic acid broken into smaller bits. The small molecules can easily penetrate and help replace some of the water lost in the epidermis, and potentially fight wrinkles and other signs of aging.


Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate: A conditioning agent for skin and, helps deposit active ingredients on skin.




Hada Labo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser 


Hada Labo’s Gentle Hydrating Cleanser gives the rest of your skincare toolkit a chance to work their magic on a squeaky clean skin. This creamy cleanser contains three types of hyaluronic acid, formulated to cleanse, protect and lock in moisture, leaving skin silky smooth.


Hada Labo Super Hydrator Lotion


Hada Labo’s Super Hydrator Lotion is a light lotion that penetrates the skin within seconds. With deeply moisturising active ingredients, including Super Hyaluronic AcidTM, its LOCK-in-MOIST formula seals hydration inside the skin, stopping water from evaporating, to hold back the appearance of wrinkles.


Hada Labo Absolute Smoothing & Moisturising Cream (Day & Night)


Hada Labo’s Absolute Smoothing & Moisturising Cream may feel light and fluffy but it harnesses outstanding power. Its high concentration of Super Hyaluronic AcidTM allows it to intensely moisturise and smooth the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed, radiant, and super soft. Suitable for sensitive skin, it also helps put the brakes on the aging process.


Hada Labo Intense Hydrating Skin Plumping Gel


Hada Labo’s Intense Hydrating Skin Plumping Gel is a luxuriously delicate gel, combining the complexion enhancing properties of a cream and a serum. Its high concentration of Super Hyaluronic AcidTM makes it intensely moisturising, filling in the skin to create a smooth, ultra-soft complexion.


Hada Labo Smoothing Anti Fatigue Eye Cream


Hada Labo’s Smoothing Anti Fatigue Eye Cream intensely moisturises and smoothes the skin around the eyes. It contains Super Hyaluronic AcidTM, to reduce wrinkles and signs of fatigue, as well as collagen and pink silk tree extract to rejuvenate and firm the skin, and caffeine to eliminate under-eye circles and puffiness.


Hada Labo Moisturising Sheet Mask


Hada Labo’s Moisturising Sheet Mask is saturated with serum containing three types of hyaluronic acid to intensely moisturise, revive and smooth the skin. Simply unfold the mask and carefully position the eye, nose, and mouth openings as you gently press the mask to your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes before removing gently, with no need to rinse.