Category Archives: Life & Style

Interview With I.S. Berry Author, The Peacock and the Sparrow

Posted on by

Did you always want to be a CIA agent?

Not at all. I wanted to be a writer! But I studied at London School of Economics in college, and fell in love with living abroad and foreign affairs. It was the 1990s and communism had collapsed, which was a fascinating time to be in Europe. After I graduated, I edited a newspaper in Prague, then worked as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. government in Cambridge, England, shuttling back and forth to the Balkans. I found I was passionate about intelligence work, so I applied to the CIA. While waiting for my application to process, I attended law school and studied international law. 9/11 happened while I was in law school, and I felt grateful I was on a job track that would serve my country.

When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

For as long as I can remember! I’ve always loved books and words. My adolescence and young adulthood are littered with failed attempts at novels. While traveling Europe in my twenties – exploring, trying to figure out who I was – I remember musing in my journal that, while I’d probably follow a more practical career path, my secret dream was to be a writer. But it wasn’t until I’d worked as a spy that I had something really meaningful to write about, that it all came together.

What do you think is behind the world’s fascination with the CIA and the world of spies?

The secrecy, I think. Espionage is an entire world beneath the surface, a netherworld. And spying is a profession of high stakes, where lives and geopolitics – the fate of both people and nations – are on the line. Also, espionage involves inherently colorful characters – people willing to commit the ultimate betrayal.

Your characters are so vivid. Do you base them on real people?

My characters are mostly composites, except for the station chief, who was inspired by a real person. Also, the expat community is based on real people, and much of the dialogue is taken verbatim from actual conversations.

Can you describe your writing routine. 

I try to go for a three-mile run each morning. Then I either go to my local coffeeshop or set up camp in my study and write for a few hours. I can’t write too much without printing out and editing, because things read differently to me on paper, and I need to get the story right before I proceed too far.

The book is negative about the CIA. Where you disillusioned?

A bit. I joined the Agency a few months after 9/11, and it was a time of transition and, at times, chaos. My first tour, as a counterterrorist case office in Baghdad during the apex of the war (fall 2004 to fall 2005), was challenging: we weren’t making much progress, the work environment was stressful, and most of us – myself included – returned with PTSD. I made decisions in a fog of war and espionage that haunted me and carried their own trauma. The fundamental skill required for the job – manipulating people – never sat easily with me. Now, years later, with the dust settled, I have a softer view of that time. I wouldn’t say my book paints the CIA in a negative light so much as it paints espionage in a negative light. For me, spying was an uncomfortable, debilitating profession, and that’s what I wanted to convey.

What are your thoughts on the CIA now. Did you find writing the book healing?

I think the CIA has made a lot of progress. The war on terror is over, and the Agency has had time to take a breath, evaluate its operations and internal culture. It’s more introspective and self-critical now. When I was there, the Agency was a bit of an old boys network. Since then, the “Me Too” movement has had an impact: there are rules about and awareness of sexual harassment; female officers speak up about inappropriate treatment; and women fill more leadership positions. I do think writing my book was cathartic. When I finished, I realized how many of my ghosts had come out on the pages. They’re still with me, but now I can better articulate and make sense of them.

The book is unflinchingly honest and brave. Did you ever have a moment of doubt about putting your heart and soul on the page?

Thank you! Yes – though more so after my book was published. I wrote my manuscript in a vacuum (CIA rules prohibit me from showing my writing to anyone until it’s been cleared), so I didn’t even think about getting my story out in the world at the time. Exposing my inner turmoil was still an abstraction. Once I was published, I realized that now everyone could see my scars and the effect espionage had on me. But so many former intelligence officers have found my book resonant, I’ve felt more reward than apprehension in telling this story.

Joseph Weisberg, creator of the TV series The Americans, called your book the “the most realistic espionage story I’ve read.” How did that feel, and do you agree?

Well, I haven’t read all the spy novels out there, so I feel unqualified to judge! But I take Joe’s blurb as a huge compliment, and was honored to get such an amazing endorsement from the creator of a masterful, iconic series. I do think many spy novels skew toward the sensational – car chases, roof scaling – and mine is based more on my own experiences, and the tradecraft and operations I conducted. Also, tradecraft is fundamentally psychological, not technological or gadget-based, and I think my story reflects this. Above all, I wanted to convey a visceral sense of espionage, and insiders tell me I’ve succeeded at that.

What books, films and TV shows get the spy world right?

For film, Beirut, Spy Game, and Ghosts of Beirut are some of my favorites. For novels, Graham Greene’s The Quiet American and most of le Carré books (The Little Drummer Girl is my favorite) – all written years ago, but, in the most important ways, as authentic today as they were then.

It’s nice to have a female voice in the world of spy novelists. Do you think you’ve paved the way for more?

I hope so! It’s shocking to me how few female spy novelists there are (though, we’re out there – I’m in good company with Merle Nygate and Alma Katsu, to name a few).

What’s next?

Another spy novel! This time, a female protagonist. It’s about the intersection of spying and writing…and I think that’s all I can say for now!

Interviewing I.S. Berry was both a pleasure and a privilege. You can read my review of her stunning novel, which was named as the The Times thriller of the year, here. You can buy The Peacock and the Sparrow here. I.S Berry’s website is a great resources and her socials are below.

Buy now – Simon & Schuster Web: isberry.net X: @isberryauthor IG: @isberryauthor

CrimeFest, one of the UK’s leading crime fiction events hosted in Bristol each year, has announced 2025 will be its final convention.

Posted on by

Adrian Muller, Dame Mary Perkins and Donna Moore – image: Gary Stratmann

In a statement announcing the closure, Adrian Muller, co-founder, co-host and director of CrimeFest, said: “It is with sadness – but great pride – that we announce that our sixteenth CrimeFest, which takes place from 15-18 May 2025, will be the final one.”

Inspired by a visit to Bristol in 2006 of the American Left Coast Crime convention, the first CrimeFest was held in June 2008. CrimeFest is a convention run by fans of the genre, initially organised by Myles Allfrey, Liz Hatherell, Adrian Muller, and Donna Moore, and more recently hosted by the latter two.

Whereas most crime fiction events are invite-only, with a fixed programme of authors, CrimeFest offers a more democratic model. As a convention, any commercially published author can sign up to appear on a panel. Adrian Muller said: “CrimeFest provides many authors with a platform they would not have been offered elsewhere in the UK. And, subsequently, readers discover and meet writers they otherwise may never have heard of. During CrimeFest, all delegates – be they authors or readers – come together as equals to celebrate the genre they love.”

Taking place across four days, each year CrimeFest showcases around 150 authors across more than 50 panels; over the years, 1,100 authors will have appeared at the event. CrimeFest also invites Featured and Highlighted guests, securing major authors including Cathy Ace, Lee Child, Ann Cleeves, Martina Cole, Michael Connelly, Jeffrey Deaver, Sue Grafton, Anthony Horowitz, P.D. James, Lynda La Plante, and Ian Rankin.

Lee Child attended the very first convention, and was a Featured Guest at the fifth and tenth anniversaries of CrimeFest. Lee Child said: “Sadly all good things come to an end – and Adrian Muller’s Bristol CrimeFest was one of the very best things ever. It was a warm, friendly, relaxed and inclusive festival, hugely enjoyable for authors and readers alike. Myles, Liz, Donna and Adrian, their team of volunteers – and Dame Mary from Specsavers – have my sincere thanks for many delightful weekends over the years.”

The event is sponsored by Specsavers. Co-founder of Specsavers, Dame Mary Perkins, who will be attending again next year, praised the event: “I am an avid reader and fan of the genre, and I always look forward to CrimeFest. It is so friendly, and it feels like all who go are welcomed as part of a big family, connected by a love of books, and reading. We are proud sponsors and I will miss CrimeFest and the camaraderie very much.”

Adrian added: “Thanks to the support of Specsavers, our highly valued sponsor, we introduced reduced cost Community Passes for UK school and public librarians, students and for people on benefits. In 2021 we also created an annual bursary for crime fiction authors of colour. We’ve run community projects at local schools in the community; donated books to many schools and libraries across Bristol and the UK; our anthology Ten Year Stretch and our raffles each year have raised thousands of pounds for the Royal National Institute of Blind People, and the seven awards we present each year celebrate crime fiction, non-fiction, TV and crime fiction for children and young adults – the latter two being the first in the UK. We are immensely proud of these initiatives.”

Author and co-host of CrimeFest, Donna Moore, said: “CrimeFest is a labour of love for us and our volunteers. We are immensely grateful to the authors, readers, publishers, booksellers, sponsors, volunteers, and a whole host of other people who have supported us over the years.”

The organisers promise to say goodbye “in style” with the attendance of some big-name authors to celebrate its 16 years. The final CrimeFest takes place 15-18 May at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel. CrimeFest – Bristol’s Annual Crime Fiction Convention

Sometimes the magnificence of a book takes away one’s breath: The Great Mughals: Art Architecture and Opulence – is one.

Posted on by

This absolute cracker of a book is one that needs to be read from cover to cover as it is chock-a-block with evidence of the fascinating opulent internationalist culture of Mughal Hindustan 1556 – 1658.

Edited by Susan Stronge, The Great Mughals: Art Architecture and Opulence presents for the first time the age of its greatest emperors: Akbar 1556-1605, Jahangir 1605-1627 and Shah Jahan 1628-1658. Stronge sets out a compelling narrative which describes the origins of Mughal art; it explores the huge Iranian influence that permeated the sophisticated craft traditions of the Indian subcontinent to create a distinctively Mughal style, further modified by interactions with Jesuit missionaries and European traders.

All the arts of the Mughal court are included: from contemporary portraits to jewelled gold vessels and magnificent carpets. In chapters that conjure the unique dynamics of each reign, essays with historical sweep combine with texts focused on important objects to tell unexpected stories about a dynasty perhaps best known for commissioning the Taj Mahal.

As someone whose grandmother was Hindu, I find anything like this fascinating, but this book is broad enough in concept and presentation to enthral everyone, not just me. It is visually impressive, and promotes a train of thought that pursues the sheer magnificence and creativity of all that was produced during this epoch. But not just that, it is also the revelation of the absorption of the influence of outsiders such as Jesuit missionaries that reminds us that we have much to learn from one another.

A wonderful book, though that seems too narrow a term. Let’s say it is a cornucopia, a revelation, one which accompanies the V&A exhibition The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence to perfection. The exhibition is underway and closes Monday, 5 May 2025. V&A South KensingtonCromwell Road London, SW7 2RL. Gallery 39. £22.00Concessions apply. Advance booking recommended. The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence is available here and also the V&A Bookshop


Have you ever considered a Christmas Break? This year we thought why not, but where, and would Santa find us? Had we been good enough for such a treat? Frankly, yes. So we booked. Oh yes we did and it was sublime – by Lyn Taylor

Posted on by

You see, we had longed to drive a shortish way, and find another part of the country as lovely as the Thirsk area where we could drift about, meandering in glorious British countryside , and then eat, and drink – a little of course. Ho hum. But where?

We had paid a fleeting visit some while ago to Cumbria, and found Ullswater, a glacial lake, which is part of the Lake District National Park, and then onto the village of Glenridding which is situated at the southern end of the lake. We learned that each year on Easter Monday, a duck race is organised by the local mountain rescue team to fundraise. It had all sounded as quirky as Thirsk… so we booked for three nights from Christmas Eve at the newly renovated The Ullswater Inn, nestling beneath the fells, with stunning views of Ullswater.

We duly arrived to a warm welcome at the Inn, which had been decorated for Christmas just as had The Golden Fleece in Thirsk. The Ullswater Inn is dog friendly, people friendly, with, we discovered wonderful food, and a totally relaxed atmosphere. How could Santa possibly miss slipping down their chimney?

The bedroom was, I kid you not, a suite, and we slept like logs, then up on Christmas Day, and a bit of a saunter in the fresh air with stunning views all around.

We had opened our presents before breakfast. Well, OK, I admit it, we brought them with us as, of course, I tricked you, we are just a bit too old to believe in Santa. We ordered champagne with our Christmas Day meal ( our choices, turkey and slow roast venison) and chatted, relaxed, sipped, trotted into the bar for more chat, then slept like logs – again.

Turkey

Slow Roast Venison

On Boxing Day we took a trip on one of the ‘Ullswater Steamers’ of which there are five operating from the pier at Glenridding. Interestingly, the company was founded to provide a transport link for goods from Glenridding to Penrith via Pooley Bridge. Oh yes, there is also the Helvellyn Triathlon held at Jenkins’ Field by the shores of Ullswater which must be interesting to watch, but meandering round the glorious lake, and the foothills of the fells were quite enough exercise for us, thank you very much.

It certainly enabled us to tuck in again once we returned to The Ullswater Inn. As we ate we promised ourselves we would return for a weekend in the Spring to be a bit more energetic, and of course, to eat, and sip. Oh yes, indeedy.

Did we enjoy it? I should cocoa we did. Every single minute: lovely Inn, lovely people, lovely countryside, lovely boat trip. We returned to Thirsk refreshed, and all set up for 2025. To find out more about The Inn Collection Group which was formed in 2013, and some more of their amazing Inns : https://www.inncollectiongroup.com/ullswater-inn

Aladdin, The Panto At Elgiva, Chesham – All My Wishes Were Granted – by Award-Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

Posted on by

I’m always super excited to see a pantomime. Last year I saw Elgiva’s Cinderella with Frost Magazine’s editor, Margaret Graham and hubbie, Dick. We had a brilliant time and so I simply couldn’t wait for this year’s Aladdin, this time with the family, including my two grandkids.

What I love about the Elgiva Theatre is the attractive environment, comfortable seats, friendly staff and bar, shop and cafe. It’s cosy size means that wherever you sit you’re close to the actors, putting everyone in danger of ad-lib comments from the stage – the two ladies who tried to sneak in five minutes late were very publicly roasted by Widow Twankie, even telling them exactly what they’d missed. In fact the fun-loving panto cast took great pleasure in interacting with the audience at every opportunity, shouting lightning fast ad libs and wandering amongst us spraying powerful water pistols, much to the enjoyment of my grandkids. And where else could five unravelling toilet rolls have all the children, and a few adults, let me tell you – OK, OK, I was one of them – screaming and shouting with laughter for a good ten minutes?

Elgiva always attracts well-known and highly talented actors and this time was no different. Celebrity singer and actor, Nicki French starred as the Empress and Frost Magazine’s very own Drama Critic and professional actor, Paul Vates was the hilarious Widow Twankey. Oh how we love him. Oh yes we do.

The execution was slick, the scenery and special effects stunning, the dancing and singing spell-binding and adults and children were roaring at the jokes, screaming ‘He’s behind you’ and booing and hissing very loudly at Abanazar (or maybe that was just me? I can get a bit over-excited in the presence of greatness, as you must have already realised).

Aladdin has two performances daily until 5th January so if you want to have a seriously fun time at this traditional Christmas performance book here. Be quick though, seats are selling fast.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

]

Christmas Tree Syndrome 

Posted on by

The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Holiday Décor

A Christmas tree lights up any room or space and brings with it joy, cheer and happiness. But did you know that the Christmas tree for some allergy sufferers brings nothing but misery? If you are an allergy sufferer and find that the annual Christmas tree can spark a collection of allergy issues from a runny nose, sneezing, coughing to itchy, red eyes, then you could be suffering from what is termed – Christmas Tree Syndrome.

Pharmacist Sultan Dajani an advisor to GoldenEye – the experts behind a range of pharmacy eye drops and eye ointments to treat conjunctivitis, styes and blepharitis – explains: “Christmas Tree Syndrome is a real thing.[1] It describes allergic reactions people may experience when a real Christmas tree is in the home.  As a result, it can cause symptoms just like hay fever where  people experience runny noses, sneezing and coughing as well as itchy, watery and/or red (pink, aka conjunctivitis) eyes and in some cases blepharitis. Itchy eyes can sometimes lead to styes too as it is often very hard not to rub an eye once it starts itching. 

“Conjunctivitis, sometimes known as pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin skin on the inside of the eyelid. It is often caused by infection from a virus or bacteria or an allergen. When it happens, the blood vessels of the sclera (the white of the eye) become dilated, giving us that red-eyed appearance. The eyes may also feel gritty, itchy, sticky, burning or be watering more than usual.”

Sultan Dajani continues: “Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids. This can either be anterior blepharitis, inflammation at the base of the eyelid which can be caused by bacteria like staphylococci, or seborrhoeic dermatitis (a condition that causes a red, flaky and itchy rash on your skin. It affects areas of your skin that tend to be greasier, like your face, scalp and chest), or posterior blepharitis, an inflammation of the meibomian glands, which help to produce tears.[2]

“Symptoms may include soreness, itching, a gritty feeling, flakes, or crusts around the roots of the eyelashes and eyelashes sticking together in the morning when you wake up. Such eye conditions are very uncomfortable and require immediate treatment to prevent them from getting worse.”

For those with asthma, being around or having a real Christmas tree in the home can trigger asthma symptoms too. In addition to this, people can also develop a skin rash which is known as Christmas Tree dermatitis.”

Sultan Dajani adds: “It’s worth noting that artificial Christmas trees can also steal the Christmas joy and cause allergy symptoms to flare up as well.  They tend to be stored away for around 11 months of the year, and during this time, artificial Christmas trees can amass dust and mould.  They are then unpacked and put up in the home where the allergens from dust and mould spores can become airborne triggering allergy symptoms.”

But Why Does The Humble Christmas Tree Cause These Allergy Symptoms?

Pharmacist Sultan Dajani explains; “There are several reasons why Christmas trees can cause these allergic reactions, but it is mainly down to pollen, mould and dust. 

“Before they are cut down, Christmas trees collect pollen from other plants around them which stick to them and are then brought into the home. 

“Mould is a huge issue and is most likely to be the cause of watery, red, and sore eyes, runny nose or trouble breathing.

“Real Christmas trees carry mould[3], and it thrives in warmer conditions – and during the winter months when the central heating is on, it has the perfect environment to grow.

“In fact, research[4]  found a 6-fold increase in mould when a Christmas tree was brought into the room – and mould levels did not fall until the tree was removed. Another study [5] found more than 50 kinds of mould on samples researchers brought in from their own Christmas trees.”

Sultan Dajani continues; “Dust mites are one of the most common respiratory allergens as well. They can be carried into the house on real and artificial Christmas trees as well as on the decorations and lights.

“And while pollen, dust and mould from a Christmas tree cause challenges for allergy sufferers, so too does the scent. Many of us love the smell of a real Christmas tree, but the characteristic pine scent is down to a class of chemicals called terpenes, which are found in tree sap – and some people can be allergic to these compounds too.

“Chemicals used at Christmas tree farms may also trigger allergic reactions. Whilst such chemicals may not be true allergens, they can cause similar symptoms.”

Helping To Soothe And Treat

If Christmas Tree Syndrome does strike,  Sultan Dajani suggests: “It’s really important to treat the symptoms straight away, to help stop them from developing further, so see you pharmacist for advice.”  

For eye health issues such as red, itchy, watery eyes, styes, conjunctivitis or blepharitis, sparked off by an allergy borne out of a real or artificial Christmas tree then GoldenEye® Eye Drops can help to soothe and treat. They contain propamidine isetionate which work by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying, which controls the numbers of bacteria causing an infection.[6] This eye drop also has antifungal properties. 

There is also GoldenEye® Eye Ointment: Containing dibrompropamidine isetionate, GoldenEye® Eye Ointment is for conjunctivitis (red eye), styes and blepharitis (infection of the lid margins and eye follicles). GoldenEye® Eye Ointment contains antiseptics (not antibiotics) which help to stop bacteria from growing and multiplying.

Both are available over-the-counter from the pharmacy. 

GoldenEye® Antibiotic Eye Ointment contains the antibiotic chloramphenicol. This product is intended for acute bacterial conjunctivitis in adults and children aged 2 years and over. It should be reserved for acute infection to limit the spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics (antibiotic resistance).

Sultan Dajani adds: “Consult your pharmacist also for symptoms of runny, itchy nose which may require treatment with a non-drowsy antihistamine or a steroid nasal preparation.”

Jingle All The Way: 7 Self Care Tips On How To Tackle Christmas Tree Syndrome

  1. Shake It. Shake down the tree to remove as much dust, mould, and pollen as possible before bringing it in the house.
  1. Hose down. Hose down live trees before bringing them in the house. Mould spores thrive in the damp so dry your tree thoroughly by leaving it in the sun if possible.
  1. Dust free. Wipe artificial trees and ornaments with a soft dry cloth to make sure they are dust free. Ornaments made of glass or plastic are easier to clean than those made of soft material.
  1. Treat eyes quickly. If you are an allergy sufferer and whether a real Christmas Tree or artificial Christmas Tree sparks a reaction then you can easily self-treat at home with products from the pharmacy. Conjunctivitis, blepharitis and styes are some of the incredibly common conditions that can easily affect the eye and cause misery to boot. If you have a minor eye health problem, the pharmacy should be your first port of call.  The pharmacist can use their clinical expertise and practical knowledge to provide advice and treatment recommendations.
  1. Timings. Minimise the time you keep a natural tree in the house, so not too long before and after Christmas. Mould spores continue to multiply when the tree is in the house.
  1. Storage. Store artificial trees and decorations in a cool, dry place. Seal tree sections and decorations in well-sealed boxes to prevent the accumulation of dust.
  1. Mask-Up. Wear a mask when you retrieve artificial trees and decorations ready for Christmas.

The Most Thoughtful Gift For The Women In Your Life

Posted on by

I love the period revolution. Your period can be hassle-free and environmentally-friendly. WUKA period pants are a perfect present for the women in your life this Christmas. They also have a wearable hot water bottle.

Discover the revolution in feminine hygiene with WUKA this Christmas, a brand that is known for its no-holds barred approach to women’s health and tackling the stigmas surrounding them. Why not surprise your loved ones with the ultimate gift of comfort and confidence? Not just any gift, but a gesture that empowers, revolutionises, and elevates the way we think about periods and feminine care. 

The Stocking Filler 

This festive season, give the gift of comfort, style, and sustainability with WUKA’s Limited Edition Christmas Crackers – the perfect stocking filler cover! 

Special Offer: The WUKA Christmas crackers are FREE with any purchase of WUKA Stretch™ period pants (from the multi-size range). Simply add them to your order and get your wrapping sorted – for free!

Whether it’s a midi brief or high waist, the WUKA Stretch™ period pants are engineered to last, offering ultimate comfort and support for UK sizes 6-26.

Priced from £14.99, WUKA Stretch™ launches in three absorbencies (Medium, Heavy Flow and Super Heavy Flow), two styles (Midi Brief and High Waist), and offers a choice of two colours (Black and Light Nude).

Key features of the WUKA Stretch™

  • Stretch™ Microfiber Technology – Sculpts to Fit All Body Shapes
  • Super Absorbent Gusset- Full Coverage, Perfect for Heavy Flow Days.
  • Seamless Construction – Figure Flattering Fabric, No VPL.
  • Soft, Breathable Cotton – Kind to Skin, Hypoallergenic
  • Leak-Proof Protection – Up To 24hr Wear (Super Heavy)
  • Reusable – Eco-Friendly Period Care. 

Limited stock – get yours before they’re gone!

Available in a festive pink or white! 

The Ultimate Accessory 

Are you looking for the perfect gift to complete your Christmas shopping? Consider adding a soothing hot water bottle to provide comfort and warmth during those cramp-filled days. The WUKA® Extra Long Limited Edition Wearable Hot Water Bottle (£29.99) comes with a tie to hold it snugly around your tummy or back to ease and sooth period aches and pains. Available now with a limited edition cosy cover and pom pom detailing – this Water Bottle offers a fun, festive aesthetic. 

wuka.co.uk  | @wukawear

WUKA Extra Long Limited Edition Wearable Hot Water Bottle (£29.99) and Stretch Range (from £14.99) are available to buy at wuka.co.uk

Discover your ‘sleep in a jar’ night cream to protect, treat and support your skin with Dr Somji Skincare

Posted on by

Newly launched Night Recovery Cream from Dr Somji Skincare is perfect for Christmas. It’s the perfect treat for your skin while you enjoy a quiet night in, preparing for the Christmas cheer ahead. 

Night Recovery Cream, £85 

Available from drsomjiskincare.com

Did you know that the best time for skin rejuvenation and regeneration is while we sleep? As the holiday season gets busier, with late nights filled with festive fun and all the classic holiday havoc, it’s easy to forget to pamper our skin. This is exactly why a nurturing nighttime routine is essential to keep us looking and feeling our best.

Packed with powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and squalane to lock it in, this cream boosts your skin’s hydration while you rest. Its unique formula, including encapsulated retinol, Indian gentian extract, and probiotics, works to smooth wrinkles, even out skin tone, and strengthen your skin’s barrier. It supports your skin’s natural repair and regeneration process overnight, helping restore balance and reduce the effects of internal stress.

Think of it as your “sleep in a jar” – a multi-tasking wonder that protects, treats, and restores your skin while you dream. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting it to a beauty lover, it’s the perfect holiday skincare essential for anyone looking to streamline their nighttime routine with one transformative product.