Smiling Gives You Wrinkles

If you caught me on my Instagram recently, you might have seen me shaving my face: ie. dermplaning. It’s a treatment that I’ve had done in-salon before, and while I loved the results (smooth, glowy, not to mention hair-free skin), I’ve always been a bit nervous to do it on myself.
Until now…
Today, I’m diving deep into why I’ve started dermaplaning at home, how it’s helping me manage the "testosterone fuzz," and the expert tips I’ve gathered to make sure you don’t nick your face (or your confidence).
In This Episode I Talk About:
The Testosterone Side Effect: Why being on HRT for a year has been a game-changer for my muscles and energy, but has left me a bit hairier than I’d like on my face.
My First Time: Reminiscing about my 2019 treatment with Dr. David Jack in London and why I was nervous to DIY.
Myth Busting: Does the hair actually grow back thicker and darker?
The "Melted Butter" Technique: Step-by-step instructions on holding the skin taut and the 45-degree angle rule.
Post-Blade Care: How to soothe that "raw" feeling with Hyaluronic Acid and the right moisturisers.
Maintenance & Hygiene: How often to swap your blades and why "squeaky clean" is the only way to start.

Resources:
Dr. David Jack Clinic: The London clinic where I first had this done. David is an incredible aesthetic doctor (and former ER doctor!) with locations in Harley Street, Liberty, and Edinburgh.
Japonesque Dermaplaner & Cooling Eye Roller: The tool I picked up at Publix! I love the stainless steel Japanese blade and the little rollerball for de-puffing.
Hollywood Browzer: Recommended by makeup artist Nadira V Persaud. Founder Amy Anzel shares her tips in this episode on the "short feathery stroke" method.
The Beauty Ed® Substack: Subscribe for the full write-up, including the unretouched photos of my skin after my first treatment.

It’s been almost a year since I started on testosterone, and last year, I brought the brilliant Dr. Louise Newson onto the podcast to answer all our burning questions.
So today I’m giving you a full update on how it’s actually going for me.
In this episode, I’m sharing:
Why I was terrified of turning into a bodybuilder (and why that didn't happen!).
Why the mental clarity and focus that I gained was just as important as libido.
My exact muscle gain stats from January 2025 to now, and how my body composition has shifted.
Your DMs and questions like: Can you take testosterone on its own? What do you do if your GP refuses to prescribe it?
My tips for applying the cream, dealing with facial hair, and the "wrist trick" a follower shared with me.
Why I’m looking at diet, stress, and protein alongside my hormones.

Timestamps:
01:26 – Why "testosterone" is a scary name for a brilliant "blue" hormone.
03:02 – The libido talk: Feeling "complete" again and restoring my spark.
05:08 – Why I couldn't function as a writer or mother without that mental clarity.
06:16 – My OrangeTheory Transformation: The data behind my 4% muscle gain.
08:30 – Advocating for yourself: What to do when you hit a wall with your doctor.
10:26 – Do you need the "Full HRT Package" to take T? Louise clarifies.
12:15 – Let’s talk about the hair: Chin fuzz, leg hair, and my dermaplaning obsession.
14:38 – My final verdict after 12 months.

Resources:
The Balance App
Dr. Louise Newson’s Website
Orangetheory
Follow me on Instagram:

Technology may have tried to take me down this week (apologies if the audio is a bit wonky), but bringing back "Dear Donna", my beauty Q&A column from my days at Company and Cosmo Girl was the perfect recovery.
In this episode, I cover:
Dermaplaning vs. Threading: Which one is right for facial fuzz?
High-Tech Skin: The lowdown on CACI Facials and at-home Face Tools.
My honest take on Jones Road Makeup and the products to try.
Skincare Science: Navigating the world of Retinol and AHA Skincare.

Have a question for the next "Dear Donna" segment? Message me on:
Instagram: @thebeautyed
Substack: @donnathebeautyed
Email: [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review - it helps more than you know, especially after this week of tech-gremlins!

I was introduced to Bobbie Thomas, the Style Editor on NBC’s Today Show by a mutual colleague and as soon as we hopped on FaceTime, we hit it off.
We have a lot in common: we both started at teen magazines (me at CosmoGIRL, Bobbie at J-14), we both helmed long-standing beauty columns (Dear Donna and Bobbie’s Buzz), and we both share a fierce passion for helping women find confidence. Not through the ‘big sell’, but through thoughtful, considered conversations that go beneath the surface. And that is exactly what this chat is.
Bobbie is a wonderful person and a true inspiration. She has faced some of life’s most devastating hurdles, and we discuss everything from how she went from counseling rape victims to being on the road with the boyband NSYNC and then to being Style Editor at Today. We talk a lot about loss - Bobbie is currently navigating being a widow - and the unspoken realities of being an aging woman.
You can follow Bobbie on Instagram, and watch her #BobbiesBests series with @JennaSheinelle on NBC’s @todayshow. You can also buy her book, The Power of Style, on Amazon.
And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Tik Tok and Substack too!
A Quick Note for Transparency: Bobbie is a proud partner with Essilor, the world leader in vision technology and innovators behind #Varilux Progressive Lenses. But just to be clear: this is not a paid or sponsored episode. I invited Bobbie on because our mutual friend introduced us, and I knew her story of resilience, "professional girlfriend-hood," and mid-life hacks was something you needed to hear. I hope you enjoy!

I’ve had so many friends reaching out lately saying the same thing: "I’m in my 40s... why am I suddenly getting spots?!" and it feels like some sick joke to be dealing with fine lines and breakouts at the same time. To get some answers, I sat down with the incredible Dr. Sam Bunting, a dermatologist who has spent the last 15 years helping women navigate the complexities of adult acne and troublesome ‘grown up’ skin.
In this episode, Sam and I discuss:
The "U-Zone" vs. The "T-Zone": Why adult breakouts happen around the jawline and chin (aka the "Triangle of Doom") rather than the forehead.
Is it Acne or just a "Breakout"?: Sam explains why the label doesn't matter as much as the mechanism behind the clogged pore.
The 4-Step Morning Routine: We strip away the "skincare fluff" and get back to the basics: Cleanse, Activate, Hydrate, and Protect.
The Big Three Ingredients: How to use Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Retinoids without destroying your skin barrier.

I also shared how quitting alcohol changed my skin, and Sam gave us some brilliant advice on "emptying the stress tank" to keep our hormones - and our skin - clear and calm.
If you want to find more about Sam, book in for a consult or try products from her skincare brand, you can find her here:
Official Website & Shop: DrSamBunting.com
The Clinic: Dr. Sam Bunting + Associates
Instagram: @drsambunting
YouTube: Dr. Sam Bunting

Resources Mentioned in this Episode
Sam highlighted these as the non-negotiables for clearing adult breakouts while supporting the skin barrier:
Azelaic Acid
Salicylic Acid
Retinoids

Book Recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear. Sam mentioned