Category: Beauty

TikTok’s Back-to-Basics Approach You Might Actually Stick To

Losing weight in 2025 feels a bit like trying to follow a Bake Off recipe while Paul Hollywood keeps swapping your sugar for salt — chaotic, distracting, and you’re never entirely sure what the end result’s supposed to look like. Between Ozempic hype, the carnivore craze, and TikTok’s ever-trending “miracle” hacks, there’s more noise around weight loss than an Underground platform at rush hour. Enter Bri Gale — a TikTok fitness creator who isn’t buying into the quick fixes. Instead, she’s dusting off the basics with what she calls the ABCD Method. No fancy powders, no secret biohacks — just good old-fashioned structure, science, and a bit of self-belief. And honestly? It makes a lot more sense than you’d think. But quick reminder before we dive in: you don’t need to lose weight to be valid, loveable, or worthy of your oat latte with extra foam. This article isn’t here to shout at you about body goals. It’s here to cut through the noise, debunk some myths, and give you factual info if weight loss is something you’re curious about. Because you, as you are, are already more than enough. (A)re – Your Mindset Matters If you don’t believe you can do it, chances are you won’t. Simple, right? Gale starts with mindset, stressing that self-belief is the foundation of any health goal. Think of it like giving yourself a pep talk in the mirror — cringey, yes, but surprisingly effective. Research agrees: boosting self-worth often leads to healthier, more proactive choices. Every 10-minute walk or protein-packed breakfast is your brain’s way of saying, “See? I’ve got this.” (B)asics – The No-Nonsense Foundation Forget detox teas and 30-day fads — the basics never went out of style. Gale lays it out plainly: eat whole foods, drink your water, move your body in ways you actually enjoy, and walk more. That’s it. The less complicated your plan, the easier it is to actually stick with it. Swap ultra-processed snacks for filling meals (hello, roasted veggies and salmon), hydrate like you’ve just finished a hot yoga class, and rack up your steps (bonus points if you look chic doing the Japanese walking routine). (C)onsistency – Where the Magic Happens Here’s the unglamorous truth: results come from doing the right things over and over (and over) again. Routine is your best mate here — from regular sleep patterns to sticking to your workout schedule. Start small: four cups of water before lunch, 30g of protein at breakfast, or lifting weights a few times a week. The more you show up for yourself, the more second nature it becomes — and suddenly, healthy habits feel less like a chore and more like part of your day. (D)iscipline – Because Motivation Won’t Always Save You Motivation is fickle (ask anyone who’s skipped the gym for “just one” Netflix episode). Discipline is what gets you moving when your brain would rather scroll TikTok in bed. It’s saying yes to the Pilates class you booked even though your duvet is whispering sweet nothings. It’s whipping up a home-cooked dinner instead of giving in to a Deliveroo craving. Discipline is about remembering your why: more energy, confidence in your clothes, or simply proving to yourself that you can. Final Word The ABCD method isn’t flashy, and it’s definitely not trending because it’s shiny or extreme. But that’s the point. It’s realistic, it’s sustainable, and it’s rooted in both science and common sense (a rare combo on TikTok these days). So no, you don’t need to follow every viral weight-loss hack. Sometimes the smartest move is to close the app, drink your water, take a walk, and trust that the basics still work.

7 Luxury Soaps That Deserve a Spot on Your Bathroom Counter

There are two types of bathrooms: the ones that quietly get the job done, and the ones that whisper “yes, I live here and I have taste.” Guess which one we’re aiming for? Luxury soaps are more than just hand-wash essentials—they’re like tiny, scented sculptures that turn a boring sink into a mood board. A chic soap says: I care about the details, I’ve thought about my hand wash experience, and yes, even my guests deserve a little pampering. From Italian pharmacy classics to Japanese skincare science and Parisian staples, here are seven luxury soaps that will make your bathroom counter look (and smell) like it belongs in a glossy interiors magazine. Santa Maria Novella Rose Liquid Soap Straight out of Florence, this rose-scented number feels like a love letter to your skin. Calendula extract soothes, the soft floral scent lingers, and the packaging whispers “refinement” without shouting. Edobio Masu Soap Tokyo’s gift to your bathroom. A cube of alkaline soap that works for face and body, packed with cherry leaf and green tea extracts. Basically, centuries-old Japanese rituals meet skincare biotech wizardry. Frederic Malle Hand Wash If chic minimalism had a scent, this would be it. Magnolia notes, a delicate cleanse, and packaging that’s quietly confident. Ideal for the bathroom you know your guests will snoop around in. Diptyque Do Son Soap Citrusy, creamy, and honestly a work of art. Inspired by tuberose flowers of Indochina, this almond oil–rich bar moisturises while looking like it belongs in an art gallery. Bathe to Basics Best Wishes Trio A Hong Kong-made set with Pomelo Leaf, Seven Flower, and Peach Blossom soaps—each symbolising prosperity, love, and longevity. Housed in a pinewood box, they’re as giftable as they are sink-worthy. Neal’s Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Hand Wash Botanical, bright, and proudly organic. Think clear bottle, cheerful fragrance, and a gentle cleanse that feels refreshing without going clinical. Officine Universelle Buly Savon Superfin The Parisian classic. Subtle scent, natural oils, timeless design. It’s the kind of soap that never gets hidden away, because displaying it is half the point. Luxury soaps prove that even the tiniest corner of your home can feel intentional. And honestly, there’s something delightful about turning a hand wash into a little luxury ritual.