Best Skincare Products For 2026 - Honest Recommendations From A Beauty Editor
As we head into Black Friday and Christmas, it feels like everyone online is telling you what to buy - but not everything is worth your money, so in this episode Donna shares her honest, tried-and-tested skincare recommendations that she is taking with her into 2026.After 26 years in the beauty industry, Donna’s tried it all - from gold-flecked serums to budget moisturisers - and knows exactly which products deliver. This episode is your trusted skincare shopping guide, featuring the products she actually uses and believes are worth investing in. No ads, no gimmicks. Products mentioned:Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing BalmElemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing BalmLiz Earle Superskin Advanced Nourishing Cleansing Balme.l.f. Woah Glow SPF 30 (Sunbeam)RoC Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer SPF 30Beauty Pie Traceless Mineral SPF 30CeraVe Daily Moisturising LotionMedik8 Crystal Retinal 10Beauty Pie Youthbomb Extreme Retinal Triple Renewal SerumCeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol SerumClarins Double SerumEstée Lauder Advanced Night RepairCeraVe Hyaluronic Acid SerumAlpha-H Liquid GoldKyushi Soothe & Calm Night Recovery Face Oil*Some of these links are affiliate Follow Donna on Instagram, Tik Tok and subscribe to her substack, My Skin Type Is Sober too. And please, if you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share, follow and leave a review. It really helps!
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Free Appointment With A Trichologist: Solving Hair Thinning, Shedding & Scalp Issues
Think your hair’s changing in your 40s or 50s? You’re not imagining it. In this episode, Donna sits down with trichologist Kate Holden for what feels like a free consultation on midlife hair health - from thinning and shedding to oily scalps, dry ends and hormonal shifts. Kate explains exactly what’s happening to your hair during perimenopause and menopause, why estrogen and testosterone play such a big role, and what actually works to get stronger, healthier hair again.They talk HRT, supplements, scalp serums, bond builders, nutrition and stress, plus how to tell when it’s time to see a professional. If you’ve ever stared at your widening part in the mirror and wondered what’s going on - this one’s for you.Follow Kate on Instagram and Donna on Instagram, Tik Tok and subscribe to her substack, My Skin Type Is Sober too. \And please, if you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share, follow and leave a review. It really helps!
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How It Feels To Stop Drinking In Your Forties - with 1 Million People Watching
What happens when you go sober at midlife - and over 1 million people watch? In this week's chat, Donna sits down with Alicia from @champagnetochange to talk about her viral Day 1 reel that resonated with women around the world. From letting go of champagne to finding clarity, glowing skin, and self-respect, this is an open and honest conversation about the freedom that comes with sobriety, the connection, and the courage to change.Follow Alicia’s journey on her Instagram and Tik Tok. You can also follow Donna on Instagram and Tik Tok and subscribe to her substack, My Skin Type Is Sober too. And please, if you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share, follow and leave a review. It really helps!
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1:10:03
Make-Up Tips At Midlife: products to ditch with Celebrity Make-Up Artist Donna May
Are you still using the same makeup products you swore by in your 30s? In this episode, Donna sits down with her friend and celebrity makeup artist Donna May to reveal the truth about midlife makeup - and the products that could actually be ageing your skin.Donna May, founder of accessories and makeup brand Donna May London, shares her expert tips on how to update your makeup routine for mature skin, what to ditch after 45, and how to get that natural, glowing complexion without piling on the products.So whether you’re navigating menopausal skin changes or just ready for a makeup refresh, this episode is packed with real, expert-backed advice that will transform how you see your face - and your makeup bag.Follow Donna May on Instagram and don’t forget to follow (the host) Donna on Instagram and Tik Tok and subscribe to her substack, My Skin Type Is Sober.
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Juggling Perimenopause, A Career & Toddlers with Broadcaster & Entrepreneur Sarah-Jane Crawford
In this week's chat, Donna is joined by radio and TV broadcaster and entrepreneur Sarah Jane Crawford, who is a mum of two and founder of the non-toxic haircare brand Clean Curls. Sarah-Jane opens up to Donna about what it feels like to navigate perimenopause in your early forties while still parenting young children all while growing a business. She also shares the routines that keep her steady - early mornings, movement, resistance training, vitamin D - and the mindset shifts that turned her vulnerabilities into strength.So if you’re juggling little ones, big dreams, and changing hormones, then this conversation is for you! Please follow Sarah-Jane on Instagram and Tik Tok and you can follow Donna on Instagram and Tik Tok and subscribe to her new substack, My Skin Type Is Sober too. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow the podcast and leave a review. Disclaimer: This episode discusses personal health experiences. It’s not medical advice. Please consult a qualified clinician for your own care.
Award-winning Beauty Editor, Donna Francis has spent the last 25 years helping women feel comfortable in their skin and with Smiling Gives You Wrinkles, Donna shares relatable and inspiring stories and expert advice to help women age with unapologetic joy and self-acceptance.
Ireland