Buongiorno (in fact, buonasera, here now) — HAPPY SATURDAY!!

As today’s edition falls on Ferragosto, the Italian national holiday marked by parties, picnics, celebrations and fireworks, BUON FERRAGOSTO to all Italian MBE friends, wherever you’re reading from (besides, what better perfect excuse to gather for aperitivi with friends, and enjoy an evening passeggiata later?).

The hugest WELCOME to everyone who has joined us over the last week! I’m so happy you’re here. And enormous apologies to all for the posting schedule going pear-shaped — our family holiday plans changed at the (very) last minute, we’ve had a poorly elderly cat (the reason for the former, but he’s doing much better), and family and friends visiting. But we’re back on track, and it’s lovely to have everyone home, and to relax/melt a little.

How are you? Is everyone just about coping with the H E A T ? One of my sisters, who lives in the Italian lakes, said it was 40 °C the other evening, and we got up to just over 30 on the south coast last night, which is unheard of. And I know it’s been hotter in London, and elsewhere in the UK.

What are you up to this weekend? We’re at home, but my heart is also in my family’s town in Liguria, where Ferragosto is in full swing. The holiday always falls on the Festa dell'Assunta (the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary), so there will be a special night time Mass in the church, followed by a candlelit procession through the old streets and fireworks after dark. I miss August evenings like this (below, from my phone, busking, local-style).

To be honest, it’s been an emotional week, too, being the third August without my beloved mother and, now, my dearest dad. My heart is having a hard time catching up. I almost didn’t mention this, but I do think it’s SO very important that we share this side of midlife, too, so we know that we’re not alone. And that, when it comes to key dates and anniversaries, it’s the small things like the sudden onset of intense heat, or the smell of tomato and onion salad, that will remind you of how much your mother loved summer.

Amid all the crazy of the last week, we also had my amazing mother-in-law to stay. I’ve written about Will’s mum before, because, now in her mid-eighties, she reminds me of who I want to be when I grow up. If I tell you that she arrived after a three hour, hot and packed train journey, totally unflustered, in wide legged black trousers, a white tee, slouchy grey blazer and a Panama, you get the picture. (She’s far too private to let me post a pic.)

She is totally low-maintenance, moisturises with E45 cream, and her signature look is black eyeliner, mascara, and a nude-ish lip. Beyond chic. After lunch, we ended up going through the contents of my make up bag at the garden table, with her swatching things on the back of her wrist (and noting the Chanel bronzer I mentioned here, which is really all I'm wearing at the moment, over SPF. She plans to give it a try). And it was SO special.

Proof that, as per RAYE ‘s iconic anthem, a Click Clack Symphony can also sound like the opening and closing of make up compacts and lipstick tubes, as beauty secrets are swapped, but, really, you’re sharing so much more. (And I definitely count my mother-in-law among my baddest women.)

Re: the bronzer, I did have to explain why I always go a shade or 20 darker than any beauty advisor would advise — the habit of a lifetime. I want it to actually show up on my sallow skin (and anything lighter doesn’t). And this week, I read Ruby Hammer advising us to do exactly this, as part of a myth-busting series on Instagram:

“Stop going paler as you age - there is a myth that as we get older we should switch to more muted, lighter shades of foundation,” she says. “It can actually wash you out.” I feel seen.

Also, this:

Colour therapy

Another friend whose style I massively admire is far from the traditional (and, honestly, outdated) image of an English Vicar’s wife, which she technically is (her husband, now retired, spent more time as a theology professor than a parish priest). Now in her seventies, she enjoys colour in a way that makes me realise how much I want to do the same. A walking mood boost, she arrived for lunch last week in hot pink ballet flats with a white midi-skirt, fuchsia cami, no make-up, her hair softly pulled back with a neon claw clip, and a teeny, sparkly slide. She was radiant.

OH, AND I WANT TO TRY THIS! ⤵︎

Still on colour pops, I spied a soft teal and cream slip skirt on the sale rail at M&S this week. I’d wear it with a white tee, and trainers. But I overthought it, was diving in for lunch, so I passed (and slightly regret it). What do you think — do you love it with the white shirt, too?

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Here’s the skirt! — annoyingly, it’s sold out online (it’s reduced to £11.99, and was originally £40, so not surprising) BUT there were a few left in store, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re passing?

Another reason why I'm a bit short skirt-resistant right now is that the scar on my calf is still healing from the mole removal I had earlier this spring. And I’d want to get my wash-off tan game on.

Spilling the tea

Getting ready to meet friends for dinner at record speed the other evening, I reached for the BY TERRY TEA to TAN FACE & BODY spray, which (fellow Italian) beauty and lifestyle writer Lucia Ferrari flagged on Instagram recently, and Jane at just wrote about, here.

The colour wasn’t as deep as I’d expected (for me, Vita Liberata Body Blur still reigns supreme there), but it gave a very natural-looking, golden glow, and was easy (if a bit messy) to blend. And if you prefer a matte finish over a shimmer, this fits that bill. Also: proceed with caution applying TEA to TAN around white clothes, towels and bathroom tile grouting.

As always, The Weekend Edit is mostly free to read, with extra content for paid subscribers as a way of adding extra value for those who support the MBE in this way (and THANK YOU!).

Sign up this weekend for a hair oil review, fragrance news, PLUS Midlife Style In The Wild. In addition, you’ll unlock the full archives, with over two years worth of glossy midlife beauty, health and style. Or if you’d prefer not to upgrade at this time, simply scroll down to the end of this edition, where I’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments. (Everyone is free to comment, on all posts.)

Have a wonderful weekend.

Please do drop a festive ♥️ below if you enjoyed reading this edition, to help spread the MBE love — and do come and say hi in the comments!

Weekday posts are on hold during August, while I focus on family (making the most while they’re all in the casa!), and prepare for some exciting new features, exclusively for paid subscribers for September. (I can’t wait!)

See you next Saturday!

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Products featured at the MBE are mostly bought by me, with the odd PR sample (always indicated with *). I sometimes add affiliate links, when available and only after writing. I only cover the stuff I genuinely love, and would recommend to my girlfriends (and will always tell you when I don’t, and wouldn’t).

How are you? I hope you’ve had a good week — mine flew, did yours? I’m so sorry there wasn’t an extra weekday edition, due to other writing deadlines, and getting ready for friends who are coming this weekend and I’ve done a big fat 0 around the house during the heat. One of our cats is long-haired but thinks she’s short-hai…

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Hello, HAPPY WEEKEND!

I hope yours is off to a good start. I’m writing this on Saturday evening, later than planned, with a Waitrose fake mini Magnum stage right of my laptop (might have to have another one, I me…

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Rather than unpublish the fragrance story, which had already been sent to those who subscribe by email earlier today, an edited version appears below. So very much thinking of all those who are affected by the situation in France.

Good morning, happy Friday!! How has your week been? It’s almost the weekend – and The Weekend Edit tomorrow! WELCOME to everyone who has joined us this week!

Today’s edition is the extra weekday post for paid subscribers. Join us today and you won’t miss tomorrow’s glossy mix of beauty, style and more, PLUS extra content for paid subscribers, including Midlife Style In The Wild.

Follow the fun! Become part of the lovely MBE community as a free or paid subscriber, to unlock this edition and over two years of glossy midlife beauty and style inspo, too!

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Pine scents aren’t just for Christmas.

Scents with warm, woody cypress and pine notes, balanced with bright citrus or soft floral accords, are the fragrance equivalent of blue zones, bottled.

6 pine or cypress scents to try this summer

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A massive welcome to all new subscribers, and a big thank you to those who have upgraded or jumped in with a paid subscription. I’m working on ways to add even more value for paid subs, while ensuring there’s still lots free to read. And I’d LOVE everyone to be able to leave comments, on any post …

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But I still don’t understand what offside means, and just today I learned that there’s on onside rule, too? And all this despite growing up with a Chelsea-mad family (we lived in South West London, and my brother sang Blue Is The Colour on repeat), and the being half-Italian bit.

And, tonight, I am HERE FOR IT!

Which leads me seamlessly on to jelly nail polish - except it doesn’t, other than I just applied Manucurist’s Green Jelly in Pink Sorbet, whilst waiting for the semi-final coverage to start.

So, to back up, the “HAZMAT nails”, as Jane referred to them in the comments last week, are no more. I love the colour, but just have to accept that my home mani skills are not up to that kind of scrutiny. I am passing on that (lovely) polish to my cousin Katy, who has a steadier hand, who fancies it for her toes.

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I’m tapping this to you with neon nails, having dipped into Superdrug this morning to pick up a polish after food writer ’s popping citrus mani caught my eye on an Instagram reel this week.

I do love a ridiculously bright nail in summer, although I don’t usually go neon, admittedly - and this is, very much, NEON. The closest match I could find was Nails Inc.’s Knightriders Street.

Acid green? Slazenger yellow (fittingly, this weekend)? Can’t decide.

I applied it very quickly, before tapping this to you and, considering

a) my mani skills are limited, as I’ve admitted many a post before, and

b) there’s no hiding place with neon, plus

c) my nails are wrecked after my last round of builder gel

it doesn’t look half bad. I can’t make up mind if it’s fun, or as if it looks like I’ve free-styled it with a toddler’s poster paints, but that says more about my application technique than the formula. I mean, Georgina’s look great. (I always find any home gel-a-like mani is improved by extra layer(s) of super-shiny top coat. I always use Essie’s Gel Couture one, in the white bottle.)

Speaking of, there’s been lots said about this again in the last couple of weeks about the pros and cons of nail salon gels. Mine just don’t do well with it, as you can see.

I should also add, my toes are freshly gel-pedi’ed (I do try and take breaks, but not as much as I’m sure I should).

I’m not getting into Gel Nailgate, but I’d love to know - neon mani’s, yes or absolutely not? Or are you French red forever?

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Speaking of pedi’s, shout out to for deep-diving the crazier (and not so much) corner of foot care this week (I am influenced, and will be reconsidering compression socks). And we are agreed that a post on sensible-shoes-that-don’t-look-like-sensible-shoes needs to be happen.

Or, maybe, we should work the sensible? These new, limited edition metallic mules from Jeanne Damas’ Rouje brand were an instant sellout, and billed as “the mules you stole from your grandmother!”.

These are absolutely the kind of thing I see in the Italian market in my family’s home town, and that my beloved nonna wore to pad around the apartment, making everyone eat. They’re restocking, if you’re tempted.

Meanwhile, if you’re in the market for a metallic sneaker, John Lewis has some Vejas in sparkling silver in the sale right now, at £60. I saw a girl wearing these in St Andrews the other week, with white, wide-legged linen trousers, and they looked 🤍.

Trop the mic

Back to all things French: if you’re been on the fence about buying a La Bonne Brosse hairbrush— I know, I just mentioned the comb on Wednesday — or holding out for the next limited edition colour to love, BEHOLD the new, tie-dyed Roseanna x La Bonne Brosse summer collection.

My review of last year still stands, and I use mine every day.

Now to a great new sunglasses discovery from the high street.

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Upgrade to read more — about those sunglasses, one of my favourite all-time bronzers that’s 40% off right now, plus Midlife Style In The Wild — and instantly unlock the full archive of MBE glossy midlife beauty, health and style. Or, if you haven’t already joined us, sign up for free and get the first edition of The Weekend Edit, in full, every month, plus a good chunk of The Weekend Edit every Saturday. I try to make as much free to read as possible, while also adding extra value, access to the archives, and sometimes more, for paid subscribers.

However you subscribe, I’m just thrilled you’re here!

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If you’re mid-heatwave where you are, I hope you’re finding ways to keep cool, and that today’s edition on styling hair without (even more) heat will be well-timed, on what’s apparently the hottest day of the week here in the UK.

Today’s MBE is the weekday edition that gets sent to paid subscribers, at least once a week, along with The Weekend Edit, every Saturday. Free subscribers get The Weekend Edit (minus a bit of bonus content, for paid subscribers), PLUS the first edition of each month, totally free.

Comments are always open to all! Whether you’re a free or paid subscriber, I’m so happy you’re here and LOVE hearing your thoughts, stories and recommendations.

So, how to tackle things when you can’t face picking up the blow dryer, irons et al, but don’t necessarily want to go full Beach Hair (unless you do, in which case, I’ve got tips for that, too)?

Scroll down for links to previous posts on sea salt sprays and holiday waves, with expert how-to’s - all in the MBE archives, and free to browse with a paid sub.

First, I must tell you about a product that’s changed the heatwave hair game for me over the last few weeks: OUAI’s Leave In Conditioner, a spray-in which is so lightweight you barely know you’re using it, BUT it kicks out the frizz, and smells delicious (soft and summery). It helps a comb to glide through wet hair more more easily, without pulling — especially key for more fragile midlife hair, especially if it’s colour treated and prone to breaking if not handled with TLC.

It also comes in a decently-sized mini version (hooray for holiday travel sizes), if you want to give it a try. Before I use this, I apply a few drops of OG Moroccanoil to soaking wet hair, before popping my hair up in a fast-drying towel, detangling and then applying the spray, gently scrunching as I go like it’s 1986.

I almost want to apologise for mentioning, too, the ice cream-coloured La Bonne Brosse wide-toothed acetate comb I couldn’t justify splurging on, but, for my birthday, my husband did at my helpful suggestion.

I love and am using it every morning, when I need some detangling (especially at the nape of the neck, where things get knotty). My curls have seen off many a cheap comb, and this does the job, without snapping and, oui, the colours and gold embossed logo are SO PRETTY.

3 tips for styling hair in a heatwave, from a top stylist

Mark Woolley, Founder and International Creative Director of Electric London, has worked with numerous glossies, and formulates and makes his ethically-minded hair care range from his home and farm in the Sussex countryside.

As temperatures rise, “more of us are ditching the straighteners and blow-dryers, not just for comfort, but to protect hair from further damage,” says Mark.

Mark’s top tips for going unplugged

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How and where to begin? Shall we just dive straight in?! I’ve MISSED YOU, I hope you and all of yours are well, and can’t wait to hear how everyone’s doing, after pressing pause earlier this spring to focus on home a…

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Hi, everyone, hope your weekend is off to good start! It’s another birthday weekend here — they’re a little like buses for us in Jan and Feb, which helps to keeps everyone’s spirits up after Christmas, and is a lovely excuse to have birthday decs up, and — as of yesterday — …

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Hi, everyone! How are you this Saturday morning? Is it sunny (ish) there? I’m looking out at blue skies from our kitchen window, and our little M&S Narcissus Tête-à-tête (yes, I did just dash to check the label) has just bloomed! Plus, the mimosas have started to appear. Signs of SPRING!

As I’ve spent the week at home, getting over the flu, I haven’t really worn any make-up to tell you about. But I have eaten a ridiculous amount of cheese on toast. Will has become a cheese and toast making machine (I’m not sure how much longer I can milk this). If you’re feeling a few degrees under, and are craving something salty and carb-y, I highly recommend. Also, is there anything cosier?

What I have done, however, is finally get around to sorting out my dressing table make-up/beauty/shove it all in drawer. Not only was it a useful exercise in working out what needed chucking — and what didn’t, but I’d forgotten about — it felt so good to get it done. And now I can actually close the drawer again.

If you’re hunkering in at home for any reason, and fancy doing something productive that keeps your hands busy — while listening to an audiobook or podcast — perhaps give it a go? Maybe this weekend?

In terms of storage ideas, I went down a bit of a Pinterest rabbit hole this week as well, looking at lovely dressing tables and bathrooms, and lots of imaginatively upcycled candle votives, baskets, glassware, silver trays and more.

A definite cue to go looking for little trays (like the silver one, above), bowls or mini vases that you rarely, if ever use, or maybe were given as a gift. Or to hit the charity shops.

I already use old Jo Malone and Diptyque candle holders for make-up brushes, pencils et al, and a gift basket I was given at Christmas is now holding my ever growing scrunchie stash. So, a special gift that keeps giving!

Love the positioning of the silver tray, with scents and trinkets, with the photo frame here.

And these hairbrushes and combs in the candle holder! (I spy La Bonne Brosse — and I can 100% recommend the handbag version, too, which makes light work of the curly tangles I always seem to get at the nape of my neck. A total splurge, but one for the gift wish list, or treat-to-self one?)

And, below, recycled glassware put to pretty use (a great idea for storing those tiny, travel-sized perfume vials and samples).

Just so pretty.

Speaking of old school beauty, I’ve LOVED hearing about all your old memories of The Body Shop — Coconut Shampoo! Japanese washing grains! LOTS of White Musk love!! – following last week’s newsletter. (And I’m so glad I wasn’t having a fever dream about the watermelon self-tanning lotion— thanks, Sarah, for co-signing that one!)

Oooh something else! , who writes at Findawaytravels on Substack, raved about DIY, pre-cured gel nail wraps in the comments this week, and I’ve just got some through to try. I’ll report back next week!

In other news, Kate Winslet stepped out in Giorgio Armani for the Windsor Castle premiere of Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision this week.

Stylist Cheryl Konteh styled Kate for the event, and Lisa Eldridge did her make-up. Kate’s double drop earrings, too, were by Lisa Eldridge Jewels.

Hair colourist Nicola Clarke, again, was behind Kate’s gorgeous golden waves — check out the exclusive MBE interview with Nicola here, where she talks about how to colour midlife hair (I’ll remove the paywall on this one, since I’ve paused paid subscriptions for the time being. FYI, if you’re a paid sub, you are not being charged at all during this time, and I’ll let you know before that changes, but you still have access to paid features — including the full MBE archives).

Have a lovely weekend, what are you up to? I am definitely taking everyone’s advice not to go and see Hamnet for the moment! Right now, all I can cope with is Monty Don’s sunny Alpine adventures in Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens, the new series on BBC Two. But do share any of your top recommendations, and how you’re keeping busy while we wait for spring. And are you team cheese on toast?

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And I’d love it if you’d leave a ♥️ below, if you enjoyed my ramblings about cosy cheese snacks and pretty decluttering. The MBE crew is truly wonderful, and I’m so glad you’re a part of it.

If you enjoyed this, you might love …

No sponsored mentions, ads, PR samples or affiliate links featured in this edition.

I hope you had a lovely weekend. We celebrated a family birthday on Saturday, which was just lovely, and (like so many, it seems!), I’m slowly gett…

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For 2026, I’m mixing things up a bit, with more frequent posts, throughout the week, for paid subscribers — whether it’s a product I can’t wait for The Weekend Edit to tell you about, a beauty news fla…

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Have you emerged from the gift wrapping whirlwind yet? Has the circulation slowly started to return to your lower legs?

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I’m so sorry for the unintended absence here. I’m very sad to share that we lost my beloved dad last week. We are heartbroken, but grateful for each extra day we had with him.

My dad was the biggest cheerleader of my writing, from the first snippets I wrote for Just Seventeen, …

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Tomorrow, it’s The Weekend Edit, but, as promised last weekend, today’s post is a special edition for paid subscribers.

I’m thrilled to welcome back to the MBE London and Surrey-based Women’s Health Personal Trainer Katy Simpson, whose clients include a number of high-profile midlifers (don’t ask her to spill the cannellini beans, she’s way too discreet).

Katy trains women of all fitness levels, one-to-one and in her famously challenging, yet strangely popular, indoor and outdoor bootcamp classes. She also specialises in peri and post-menopause fitness and well-being.

I asked Katy to hit us up with some timely ideas and inspiration for feeling our fittest, strongest best when there are fewer daylight hours, it’s cold outside — it’s been freezing, and showery all day here! — and the couch is calling.

She’s also got some ideas for maintaining festively-flagging energy levels, over the weeks ahead.

8 Ways To Stay Fit And Boost Your Energy Through Winter

l. Embrace the Chill: Layer Up and Head Out

Don't let the cold keep you indoors during daylight hours, says Katy. “Invest in breathable, moisture-wicking layers and get outside for your brisk walks, runs, or try bootcamp-style circuits. The fresh air boosts mood and immunity.”

If budget allows, consider investing in some motivation-boosting, winter-friendly workout wear. “Think practical yet fabulous — something that will entice you out of the house because you are excited about wearing it.”

Check out Vinted, too, for pre-loved workout clothing.

2.⁠ ⁠Create a Cosy Indoor Routine

“When it’s too dark or icy to venture out, have a go-to indoor workout plan,” says Katy. “Resistance bands, bodyweight circuits, or online classes can keep you moving without leaving the house. There are some brilliant You-Tubers, too, with free classes you can check out.”

3.⁠ ⁠Keep It Social

“Accountability is warmer than any thermal layer,” maintains Katy. “Join a group class, or start a winter fitness challenge. Shared goals help beat the seasonal slump. It all starts with a long walk and a good natter with a friend. For those who are feeling more adventurous and live near London, there are events like The Winter Run (in aid of Cancer Research UK). You can walk, jog or run the 10k route around the capital’s streets along with 15, 000 other people. It is very well done and a brilliant day out.”

4.⁠ ⁠Prioritise Mobility and Core Strength

“Winter often means more sitting and less movement,” says Katy.

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And happy Thanksgiving to all American MBE friends. I’m just back from a Mass for the first Sunday of Advent, and we’ve got the loveliest of blue skies and sunshine here in the UK this afternoon. I hope all’s well with you and all of yours.

Before I go on, thanks SO much for all the love and thoughts for my dad over this past w…

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Hope everyone is fine, well and keeping warm!

I’ve been quieter than I’d hoped over the last week or two, as my dear father’s health declined about ten days ago and things have been very difficult. I know you’ll understand, and I also know that what we…

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Happy Tuesday afternoon ,all!

How is everyone? I hope you’ve had a good start to the week. We were in the West End on Saturday, and London was at its crispest, blue-skied, Mary Poppins best.

The angels have descended on Regent Street!

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