Beauty

Perfume gift sets remain one of the most luxurious and appreciated presents for women, offering more than just fragrance — they include body lotions, shower gels, mini sprays, and beautiful packaging perfect for gifting. From Thierry Mugler’s iconic miniatures collection featuring Alien and Angel scents to YSL Black Opium’s dark, modern winter vibe with added mascara and liner, these sets provide variety and indulgence. Gucci Bloom brings fresh floral daytime elegance, Tom Ford Velvet Orchid delivers bold evening seduction, and Prada’s miniatures offer classic versatility. Each set is thoughtfully curated to impress.

Pixi Glow Tonic is a cult-favourite glycolic acid toner loved for refining skin texture, minimising pores, reducing blackheads and delivering a radiant, glass-skin glow without stripping the skin. The alcohol-free formula combines 5% glycolic acid with soothing aloe vera, ginseng and botanicals to gently exfoliate and brighten. Aldi’s Lacura Healthy Glow toner offers a strikingly similar ingredient profile and appearance at a fraction of the price, making it a tempting budget dupe. This side-by-side test compares real results on texture, glow, residue and overall performance.

Radiant, youthful skin starts from within — certain nutrient-dense foods deliver powerful antioxidants, vitamins and hydration that fight free radicals, boost collagen and reduce inflammation for a clearer, glowing complexion. Green tea is packed with polyphenols that protect against premature ageing, while manuka honey’s exceptional antioxidants help bind free radicals and preserve elastin and collagen. Tomatoes provide lycopene for internal sun protection, cucumbers offer intense hydration, and sweet potatoes supply beta-carotene that converts to skin-loving vitamin A. Fatty fish like salmon deliver anti-inflammatory omega-3s, berries flood the body with flavonoids and polyphenols, and plain water remains essential for plump, supple skin. Cutting refined sugar prevents glycation that stiffens collagen and accelerates ageing.

Your 20s is the perfect decade to build skin habits that prevent premature ageing and maintain a radiant complexion for years to come — collagen production naturally slows after 25, so protection and prevention now pay off later. Use gentle, non-stripping cleansers and introduce mild chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA) instead of harsh scrubs to encourage cell turnover without irritation. Establish a simple, consistent routine: cleanser, targeted treatment (vitamin C, antioxidants), moisturiser and daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to shield against UV damage and hyperpigmentation. Prioritise hydration, sleep, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, and avoid smoking/excess sugar which accelerate glycation and collagen breakdown. Start eye cream early to protect the delicate under-eye area.