Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 898 i Grazia

Email us at feedback@graziamagazine.co.uk Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @GraziaUK DEAR GRAZIA, YOUR beauty team looked stunning in their new makeovers in Beauty Counters On Trial (23 December) and demonstrated that even beauty enthusiasts have more they can learn. Please can we have a feature on make-up for natural redheads? It’s hard to find products that suit our natural tones and the brands that specialise in this area (Redhead Revolution, Just for Redheads, etc) seem to only be available via mail order, which presents obvious challenges. Thank you! Jennifer…

AUSTRALIA IS TO ban social media for 16-and-unders, which I think is great news; a precedent, hopefully, for the rest of the world – with the small stipulation that over 16s are banned too. This is not because (unlike with the 16-and-unders) I worry for our brain development, our mental health. It’s because if adults keep behaving the way they are doing on social media, I may have to… not slap them. But certainly, start saying what I think about them in Comments. Latest on the list of Grievous Crimes Committed On Socials: the memes, grids and stats on culture consumed in ’24; the rigorously curated testimonies to what a friggin’ fabulous year the poster just enjoyed and (by extension) how much better they are at just being alive than…

The investment bag Not all luxury labels are included in the sale, so finding one that is makes it all the more exciting. Opt for classic colours and shapes that will work with every outfit. IT’S OFFICIALLY SALES season and, while it may be tempting to treat ourselves, it pays to be cautious, lest we be left with a mulled wine-induced purchase that never leaves the back of your closet. Our advice? Sales shop with an investment state of mind. Look to five timeless items to avoid buyer’s remorse: a wear-with-anything coat; cosy cashmere jumper; great pair of jeans; designer bag (with a chunky price cut); and winterbusting boots. Multi-brand retailers are a goldmine for bargain buys: try Net-A-Porter, Liberty, Selfridges and Farfetch. They can feel overwhelming with options, so…

IT’S THE MOST wonderful time of the year, especially for those looking to get down on one knee. As alongside the turkey, movie marathons and tins of Quality Street comes the proliferation of proposals. In fact, engagement rings make up 70% of jewellery brand Kitty Joyas’s sales from September to November, with the majority of these pieces set to be whipped out at Christmas. So, if you’re soon-to-be betrothed, it’s never too early to start planning – and saving, considering the average cost of a wedding is set to reach £25,625, according to Compareweddinginsurace.org. Luckily, there are plenty of brilliant bridal launches to drag your eyes away from your bank account, if only for a moment. London-based Nobody’s Child is stepping into bridal for the first time with 12 looks…

KERRY WASHINGTON rarely plays it safe with her roles. The Emmy-winning actor is perhaps best known for her six years playing Olivia Pope, a talented professional in charge of extinguishing political fires in Shonda Rhimes’ hit series Scandal, a role that set her up for a career playing nuanced characters battling more than meets the eye. Starring in everything from Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar-winning western Django Unchained to Reese Witherspoon’s TV adaptation of Little Fires Everywhere, Washington has proven herself a versatile and impactful star. Now she’s taking on a war drama in Netflix film The Six Triple Eight, which tells the true story of America’s only women’s army corps unit of colour in the Second World War. Written and directed by Hollywood heavyweight Tyler Perry, ‘a dear friend’ who she’s…

AS CONTROVERSIAL as it is to say, a weight-loss jab has changed my life. We’ve all heard of Ozempic, the drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. I’m on Wegovy, which has the same active ingredient (semaglutide) but, unlike Ozempic, is licensed for weight loss in the UK. And because of it, I’ll always remember 2024 as the year I got thin. Both drugs have been seized upon by those looking for a quick fix weight-loss cure, but Ozempic has become the catch-all word for anyone injecting themselves with semaglutide. It’s not a quick fix. For me, it’s been a slow, sometimes debilitating, process. I started taking it in January, after signing up with an online pharmacy and waiting on a list for two months. The drug stunts your appetite,…

LOUNGEWEAR LUXE Perfect the art of all-day lounging. The dress code? Snuggly socks and a fresh set of bougie PJs. BRAVE THE OUTDOORS Blow away the cobwebs and wrap up for a mandatory Boxing Day walk. Clad yourself in Toteme’s espresso brown quilted jacket and a Fair Isle knit. GET PARTY-READY Go out with a bang with perfect party pieces to see in the New Year. Think sequin statement skirts and faux fur jackets in the perfect shade of mulled wine merlot.…

SEARCHING FOR THE perfect piece of jewellery is no easy task when there’s a seemingly limitless number of styles to choose from. But for those after something truly timeless, Tiffany & Co is the brand to turn to, especially its Icons collections. HardWear by Tiffany draws on a 1962 design inspired by New York’s bold energy. Signature rose, yellow and white gold gauge links create a chunky statement style, particularly when hand set with pavé diamonds. Looking to elevate your white tee and jeans? After years of dainty pendants, we’re ready for something more substantial. Lock by Tiffany – worn by Hailey Bieber and Anya Taylor Joy – offers a more minimalist, everyday design, while Knot by Tiffany is all about unbreakable bonds. Inspired by an elegant bow crafted in…

WITH CHRISTMAS AND its associated excess in full throttle, self-improvement might be the last thing on your mind. But a new trend sweeping social media suggests that getting ahead on a few of your health goals will pay dividends. The Winter Arc trend has taken TikTok by storm, with the hashtag #winterarc being used almost half a million times in November alone. While winter has traditionally been a time for hunkering down and enjoying cosy nights in front of Netflix, the Winter Arc – a term that originated in gym culture to describe bulking up and building muscle in winter – turns this on its head by encouraging us to adopt new routines that will benefit our health, wellness and fitness goals for the year ahead. Some people are even…

Entitlement by Rumaan Alam Loved Succession and Industry? Then this is for you. Brooke leaves her teaching job to work for Asher Jafee, a one percenter committed to giving away his fortune. But no one’s motives are entirely altruistic in this tale of what it means to acquire, maintain and ‘deserve’ wealth. THE FOODIE MEMOIR What I Ate In One Year by Stanley Tucci The name-dropping is as delicious as the food in The Tooch’s year-long diary, spanning on-set catering in Italy, picky-eating kids, family get-togethers and famous friends dropping in for dinner – expect everyone from Blake Lively to Robert Downey Jr. Pour yourself a cocktail, fix some snacks and relax. Life Form by Jenny Slate Being haunted by the pressure of the dishwasher needing to be emptied is…

The last book I read… Throne Of Glass by Sarah J Maas. I adore her work, she’s a storytelling genius. The book follows Celaena, a skilled assassin navigating a deadly competition, court intrigue and a mysterious power. I loved the mix of action and suspense and the depth of the characters. The last song I listened to… Almost (Sweet Music) by Hozier. It’s such a soulful track with lyrics that stick with you long after the song ends. The last gig I went to… My brother-inlaw, Joey Myron, is a musician and I had the chance to watch him perform in Nashville recently. It’s always special to see family doing what they love. The last box set I binged… I’m obsessed with New Girl and always find myself rewatching it – it…

Ahhh, betwixtmas…. That glorious in-between period from Christmas to New Year, when you don’t know what day it is, is the perfect time to nest. So, if you’ve bought this issue of Grazia, then thank you – and I hope it gives you an excuse to curl up on the sofa or run a bubbly bath and indulge in a few moments of peace. I’m sure by now you deserve it. There’s plenty to help you make the most of this downtime, from the savvy way to approach sales shopping to our festive TV guide, plus our head of beauty’s top tips for how to look less tired in just 10 minutes (for those days when you’re going to have to leave the house). And if you want to go…

1. Up SUSAN WOKOMA Cheaters is just the sweetest, truest thing you’ll ever see on the subject of marital infidelity, thanks – in no small part – to Wokoma’s character Fola. 2. Non-mover BEN WHISHAW He is Paddington. He is an ethically compromised assassin for hire in Black Doves. We adore him, either way. 3. Down THAT CELEBSONLY DATING APP Its stock is falling after Vanessa Feltz quoted an unnamed soap star who’d described it as ‘full of 18-yearold Russian prostitutes and David Walliams’! 4. New in AZEALIA BANKS VS MATTY HEALY Involved in a complex X spat, which started because of something to do with Charli XCX and ended with Healy deleting his account – quite charmingly retro. 5. Up GARY OLDMAN Golden Globenominated for Slow Horses, because: flatulent…

‘I LOOK QUITE pretty,’ is what Keira Knightley might have thought every day of the press tour for her new Netflix hit Black Doves. And rightfully so. While quite some time has passed since the actor won our hearts in Love Actually, Knightley’s made her return to our screens count this month. She’s proven that, two decades on, she still harnesses the power of fashion to captivate the crowds. Together with long-term stylist Leith Clark, she’s showcased a series of head-turning ensembles, reminding us why she was once pinned on everyone’s noughties mood boards. One of Karl Lagerfeld’s original muses, she still wears Chanel – for Black Doves’ London premiere she wore an A/W ’24 Chanel couture look, complete with patent coat, floorlength skirt and her signature bob; once a…

Ozempic (semaglutide) is licensed in the UK for the management of type 2 diabetes, helping to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. While clinical trials have shown that it can also lead to significant weight loss, its use for this purpose is off-label in the UK. This has led to concerns about supply shortages, potentially depriving people with diabetes of a vital medication essential for their health. In contrast, Wegovy, another formulation of semaglutide, and Mounjaro (which works in a similar way), are specifically licensed for weight management in the UK for adults with obesity or those with weight-related health conditions. This distinction is important because prescribing a medication outside its licensed use should only occur after a thorough clinical assessment and under medical supervision.…

THREE KEY ITEMS WILL LIFT ANY OUTFIT, AS LONG AS YOU KNOW HOW TO STYLE THEM A blazer, a well-tailored coat and statement shoes are essentials, but it’s not just about a single item. Sometimes, it’s the styling tricks that make all the difference, such as changing the shape of the blazer by popping the collar and casually pushing up the sleeves or mastering the half-tuck of the T-shirt underneath. I love the Phoebe Philo Relaxed Cotton White Shirt (£950) and my Loulou de Saison Mona Loafers (£460). WORK OUT WHAT COMFORT MEANS TO YOU Comfort means different things to different people. For me, it’s about the serenity that comes with being able to move freely. A big part of personal confidence comes when all the elements align, and the…

WHETHER YOU VIEW 1 January as license to indulge in some legitimate bed rotting or see it as the perfect opportunity to commit to grandiose self-improvement goals, there’s something to be said for reflecting on the things that are working for you and those you’d like to improve. So we asked our panel of beauty experts for the (achievable) resolutions they think will make the biggest difference to how you look and feel for the year ahead. CHILL OUT says make-up artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis ‘My top tip for boosting your complexion is cold therapy with cryotherapy wands or rollers. Typically stainless steel or glass, they are filled with cooling agents and, when applied to skin, they trigger responses that aid skin health and cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing puffiness.’…

MATERNITY CARE IS BROKEN - NO WONDER WOMEN ARE PUT OFF GIVING BIRTH One in four women who have given birth in the UK have reported having a negative experience, according to new research by campaign group Delivering Better. Of those, more than half (54%) said they were less likely to want to have more children and more than a third of all mothers said their birth experience left them with long-term mental health issues. With thousands of women traumatised by childbirth, campaigners are calling on the Health Secretary to take urgent action to fix a ‘broken’ system. Giving birth shouldn’t break a woman. We need proper care and action – not empty promises – and for our voices to be heard.…

‘MY FEET HAVE not touched the ground yet,’ Tasha Ghouri says of making it to what many consider to have been the best ever final of Strictly Come Dancing. ‘It’s been a magical experience.’ Pre-Strictly, Ghouri was best known for being the first deaf contestant on Love Island. In 2022, she and Andrew Le Page came fourth on the show and the couple now live happily with their dog Luna, and have many fashion and beauty ambassadorships thanks to their enormous social media followings. So far, so classic Love Island trajectory. But everything changed when Ghouri, 26, was partnered with Aljaž Škorjanec on Strictly, going on to become the highest-scoring couple in the show’s history. ‘That was a dream come true,’ she says. ‘Winning Strictly wasn’t necessarily the goal. It…

IF YOU WERE planning on enjoying a pint of Guinness in your local this Christmas, perhaps wearing a newly purchased £890 JW Anderson x Guinness sweatshirt, be warned that you may have to settle for a lager instead. Pubs across the UK are facing a shortage of the black stuff, with Diageo, the multinational behemoth that owns the stout brand, limiting the stock to pubs in a bid to manage what it terms ‘exceptional demand’. It tops off an extraordinary 2024 for Guinness, during which it has acquired an extra 500,000 drinkers in the UK alone, attributed to a surge in popularity among women and younger drinkers aged 25 to 34. Once associated with older male drinkers, Guinness is now a hit with younger consumers, with ‘Guinnfluncers’ seeking out the…

IT MAY BE the season of goodwill, but the festive period does not always lend itself to being the season of good skin. ‘Festive face’ – the term coined by cosmetic doctor and dermatologist Dr Nyla Raja – has nothing to do with resurrecting your shimmery eyeshadow and everything to do with the pallor that too many late nights and a five-a-day Quality Street habit has brought to your skin. You may have seen the term ‘cortisol face’ doing the rounds, which refers to facial puffiness and swelling associated with high levels of the stress hormone coursing through our systems. But its premise is a little overblown, according to consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. ‘The idea of cortisol face has gained traction on social media but, as with any online…

THIS MONTH MARKS five years since Harriet Shearsmith took the decision to cut her mother out of her life. ‘Christmas is a difficult time of year when you’re estranged from a family member, let alone your mother,’ says Shearsmith, author of new book Unfollowing Mum: Break Unhealthy Patterns And Be The Parent You Wish You’d Had. ‘Christmas adverts and social media are full of portrayals of big family Christmases and there can be feelings of loneliness, guilt and shame. People say, “But it’s Christmas! Can’t you put your differences aside?” When really they should be asking, “What did that person do for this to happen?”’ In her book, Shearsmith unpicks the painful complexities of becoming estranged from a parent. In her case, she speaks of her relationship with her mother…

1. RETHINK YOUR WORKWEAR APPLYING THE OLD ‘new year, new me’ adage to your wardrobe would hardly be a sustainable suggestion. But as betwixtmas looms, there’s no harm in spending some of that free time thinking about how to bring fresh energy to the first (very grey) weeks of the new year. The quick fix to changing things up (without getting a drastic new haircut) is to tweak your wardrobe. What do the runways suggest? Think C-suite meets the great outdoors. New silhouettes take inspiration from timeless tailoring and allow you to go handsfree thanks to girl scout-reminiscent pockets all over. The key to nailing it? Juxtaposition. Match parachute pants with a crisp white shirt and kitten heels, or wear your multi-pocketed parka over a razor sharp suit. 2. SHOP SMART From…

‘Hey! How are you?’ ‘Good! Tired, but good,’ has been my routine response for the past 18 months (coinciding with the birth of my son). Now, if there’s one thing being sleep-deprived 24/7 has taught me, it’s some foolproof tricks to looking more energised (read: less knackered) in mere minutes. So here goes… The first thing a terrible night’s sleep steals from me (along with my sanity) is any sign of glow. Instead, my skin feels dry, lacklustre and the fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes are much more noticeable (I feel eyes are the first thing to give the sleepless game away). In lieu of decent rest I swear by Vieve’s Skin Nova, £31; a primer with skincare-grade ingredients, it’s essentially a good night’s sleep bottled…