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Smiling Gives You Wrinkles

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles

By: Donna Francis
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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.Copyright 2026 Donna Francis Art Hygiene & Healthy Living Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 5 Ways to Survive the Summer Heat & Still Look Half Decent
    Jun 25 2026

    As a veteran British Beauty Editor now living in hot and humid St. Pete Beach, Florida, I have officially had to abandon the standard "textbook" beauty advice. Surviving real humidity is a daily masterclass, and after surviving two back-to-back hurricanes with zero air conditioning or running water, I know exactly what the real hot-weather pain points are.

    So in this episode, I’m tackling the unfiltered summer beauty issues you shared with me on Instagram - from upper lip sweat and melting makeup to chub rub and the dreaded Monica from Friends hair frizz.

    📝 Shop the Episode Routine

    You can find the full list of every product, insider tip, and expert routine mentioned in today's episode right here on my Substack:

    👉 Read the Full Summer Heat Survival Guide on The Beauty Ed®

    Key Takeaways & Products Mentioned:
    • The "Less is More" Base: Ditch heavy foundation. I break down why lightweight, glowy face bronzers are your best friend.
    • The Perfect Cheek Flush: Why you should completely step away from powder blushes as you age.
    • Melting Makeup & Smart SPF: How to stop your base from balling up or "pilling" in the heat.
    • Chub Rub & Boob Sweat: The zero-BS truth about dealing with friction when the weather gets sticky.
    • Sore, Dry Eyes & Mascara-Free Hacks: My personal tips for handling scratchy, sensitive eyes in the sun without looking bare.
    • The Ultimate Anti-Frizz Air-Dry Method: Exactly how I nail a sleek, crunch-free look in the relentless Florida humidity.

    Connect With Me:

    If you loved this episode, please subscribe to The Beauty Ed® Substack. It is entirely free to join, and your support keeps this independent content going! Also follow and support me on:

    • Instagram
    • You Tube

    And don't forget to:

    • Email me with any of your questions: donna@thebeautyed.com
    • Listen & Review: If you enjoyed the chat, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - it helps more women like us find the show!

    Next week, I am celebrating a massive milestone - it’s my 50th birthday! My best friend is flying in from London, and I'll be back to talk all about entering this incredible new decade. See you then!

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    26 mins
  • F*ck It, I'm 50: Standing in Your Worth & Career Pivots in Midlife
    Jun 18 2026

    I often get DM's from followers that go something a bit like this: "You've been smashing it lately." Or "We love what you're doing." Or, "What an inspiration - keep doing what you're doing."

    And while messages like these keep me going, behind-the-scenes, I’ve been facing a massive internal struggle, and in this incredibly raw and honest episode, I’m opening up about why this has financially been my worst business year to date, and why I am officially refusing to wait around for the beauty industry to see my worth.

    🎧 In This Episode, I Cover:
    • The Outside vs. Inside Reality: Reflecting on a year of major professional highs (writing for Allure, taking part in a Channel 4 TV show, and being invited to speak on top podcasts) while quietly navigating an internal business struggle.
    • Why the Beauty Industry is Broken for Midlife Creators: The reality of how AI is shifting brand spending and why the industry’s obsession with younger demographics leaves experienced experts feeling undervalued.
    • Stepping Into My 3.0: Why I’m diversifying my career and helping my husband grow his Florida real estate business.
    • The "Fuck It, I'm 50" Energy: How I'm taking control and the power and beauty of standing in your truth as you age.

    ✨ Connect With Me:
    • Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get unfiltered product reviews and midlife beauty secrets at thebeautyed.com.
    • Follow the Journey on YouTube: Watch my weekly Florida vlogs at The BeautyEd Vlog on YouTube.
    • Instagram: @thebeautyed

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    20 mins
  • NEW No7 Skincare, What's In My Makeup Bag & Those CeraVe Headlines
    Jun 11 2026

    After an incredible brand trip to the gorgeous Inns Of Aurora in upstate New York with No7, I’m back - despite a chaotic, storm-delayed layover at Detroit airport last night! So in this week’s chat, I’m taking you inside the stunning Aurora Inns, giving you an insider peek into the two new No7 skincare lines, and opening up my travel makeup bag. Plus, I’m chatting about those viral headlines surrounding CeraVe too.

    Head over to my website to get the full list of every product and range mentioned in today's episode:

    CLICK HERE (don't forget to subscribe ❤️)

    And also as promised:

    Click here to read my full Victoria Beckham Foundation Drops review

    And...

    Read my report into the scary CeraVe headlines.

    You can also:

    Watch the Trip Vlog: Catch my weekly life-in-Florida vlogs including this No7 trip one, the England vs. New Zealand football match at Tampa stadium, and my behind-the-scenes beauty routines on YouTube: @thebeautyed Vlog on YouTube

    And don't forget to follow me on Instagram: @thebeautyed

    See you next week 🐞

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
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