Smiling Gives You Wrinkles

The papers are full of stories about 12-year-olds demanding high-strength retinols, but from what I’m seeing with the brilliant young writers I mentor in The Beauty Ed® | THE LAB, the reality is much more nuanced. Our teens are savvy, they’re curious, and they love the "glamour" of a fun brand - but they also want to know what’s actually right for their skin.

After 28 years in this industry, I’m less worried about the headlines and more focused on the education. That’s why I’ve brought back the wonderful Dr. Justine Kluk, a consultant de...

If you’ve ever found yourself deep in an overthinking spiral about a work email, or confused about the hundreds of foundations on offer, then this chat with my gorgeous friend and makeup artist Donna May is for you! We also chat about Donna's Gua Sha disaster, why she hasn't applied her testosterone cream yet and what I really think about LED masks and LED helmets (!)

The Beauty Ed® Shopping List

I've rounded up all the hits (and a few misses) we discussed in this episode so you can find them easily too:

For this episode of Smiling Gives You Wrinkles®, I sat down with esthetician Emma Wedgwood, whose journey from the brink of losing everything to the heights of the beauty industry moved me to tears.

Emma bravely shares her experience with alcoholism and the "dirty little secret" of drinking in high-pressure careers like nursing. We talk about the shame of the "park bench" myth, the people-pleasing traps we fall into, and how she’s now using her skills as a "walking miracle" to provide free aesthetic care to women rebuilding their lives after addiction and abuse through her ins...

If you walked into my kitchen right now, you’d see a graveyard of supplement bottles - mostly half-empty tubs my husband bought on a whim or "marketing-heavy" brands that promise the world but I often wonder, do they really deliver? And after after 27 years in the beauty industry, I’ve learned that more isn’t always better; it’s just more expensive.

And that’s why I invited nutritionist Amanda Ryder back onto the podcast to talk about supplement overwhelm and share her 6 essential supplements for your 40s and 50s - and the ones she actually takes!

I’m freshly back from London and, true to form, I’ve brought back a hideous cold as a souvenir! But I also brought back a lot of chocolate, some Marks & Spencer treats, AND a tiny new "freckle heart" tattoo.

But for today's episode, it is my face full of fresh collagen that I've brought home with me that I'm mostly talking about. Because I’m taking you inside the treatment room for one of my absolute favorite procedures: Sofwave. As many of you know from my articles, like this one in The Sun and this one in HEL...

If your Mother’s Day didn't quite live up to the Pinterest-perfect expectations, you're not alone. In this episode, my lovely friend and makeup artist extraordinaire Donna May and I dive into Mother's Day expectations and why even just a cup of tea can stir a hormonal meltdown!

We also chat about the "grey backlash" that Donna has experienced since dying her hair (find out what her dad really thinks ), and share our honest experiences with HRT and testosterone. PLUS Donna shares her favourite sheer foundations that really work on midlife skin.

What We’re Chat...

I am excited to welcome back one of my absolute favorite dermatologists and a true star in the industry, Dr. Justine Kluk. As a beauty editor with nearly 30 years in the game, even I get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of products hitting the market. If I'm feeling it, I know you are too!

In this episode, I invited Justine to share the products that are actually on her bathroom shelf right now. Justine opens up about her own skin journey - from managing a history of acne to navigating that "deflated" feeling that can hit in...

Is collagen a scam? It’s a question I get asked more than any other. And when I first recorded some of these clips for a past episode with nutritionist Amanda Ryder, we were navigating the collagen supplement world with a healthy dose of skepticism.

But as of last month, science has caught up to our conversation, as a massive new study of 113 trials published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal officially labeled collagen a ‘legitimate’ treatment for skin elasticity and hydration.

So I’m republishing some sections of this deep dive with Amanda because her clinical...

In this episode, I chat with Karla Osborne, a specialized grey blending artist who is changing the way women view their silver roots. We talk about why the traditional "permanent color trap" is outdated and how you can transition to your natural color without the obvious demarkation grow-out lines.

We also discuss:

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).<...

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:

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:

Have a question for the next "...

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 i...

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:

In this episode of Smiling Gives You Wrinkles, I sit down with the woman who swapped her RAF nursing uniform for a makeup brush: the incredible Genevieve Turley.

I’ve always been fascinated by people who make massive pivots in their life, and Genevieve’s story is a standout. Before she was making us all laugh on Instagram, she was a burns and plastics specialist nurse in the RAF and we talk about how and why she decided to make that pivot, and she shares the story behind the viral video that rocketed her from 4,000 to over 100,000 foll...

What does a world-class dermatologist actually do before 9:00 AM? In this episode, Dr. Sam Bunting shares her personal morning habits. From the "Othership" breathwork routine she uses to manage stress, to her streamlined 4-step skincare regime, Dr. Sam explains why efficiency is the ultimate beauty secret.

PLUS! We discuss the "dopamine crash" of early morning phone use, why she avoids TikTok trends like skin cycling, and her "patchwork" approach to makeup for women in their 40s and 50s.

Resources Mentioned:

Happy New Year Everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful break and managed to get some much needed rest. 

For my first episode of 2026 I wanted to share a story that was not about new year, new you, but more about new year, and how to be more you! And my friend Nina, also known as @wonderfullysober on Instagram was the perfect guest to do just that. 

This time last year, Nina decided to try Dry January as she recognized how alcohol wasn’t serving her anymore. And in this chat, she tell...

A heartfelt Merry Christmas to you all.

As I sat down to record this mini holiday episode, I couldn't help but reflect on how truly grateful I am for you, my guests, and all of the support I have received for the Smiling Gives You Wrinkles podcast so far.

For me, Smiling Gives You Wrinkles isn’t just a tagline - it really is a mindset that I’m leaning into as I approach my milestone 50th year. And in this episode, I touch on my realities of turning 50 and share a genuine wish for us a...

In this enlightening (excuse the pun!) conversation, Dr. Kelli Ritter, known as the 'anxiety lady', discusses with Donna the profound impact of light therapy on mental health. She explains the significance of circadian rhythms, the necessity of natural light exposure, and offers practical daily habits to optimize mood and energy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Light Therapy and Mental Health

03:11 Understanding Circadian Rhythms

06:09 The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Mood

08:50 The Importance of Natural Light Exposure

11:56 Optimizing Daily Light Intake

15:01 Practical Tips for Light Management

17:57...

Poet and bestselling author Donna Ashworth joins me, your host, Donna Francis, for an honest, powerful conversation about sobriety, sober curiosity, alcohol and anxiety, and why so many midlife women are quietly rethinking their relationship with drinking.

Donna shares what led her to stop drinking, how alcohol was affecting her anxiety, the mental load of grey-area drinking, and the surprising clarity, creativity and energy she found on the other side. This warm, relatable chat dives deep into the emotional and physical impact of alcohol, how to navigate social events sober, and why sobriety can feel like getting...

Is it too early to talk Christmas shopping? Well in my world it is, but as I'm trying to be a bit more organised this year, I thought I'd ask for some inspiration from past Smiling Gives You Wrinkles guests. 

Actress and TV chef Lisa Faulkner, menopause fitness coach Kate Rowe-Ham, Physician and menopause expert Dr. Louise Newson, and dermatologist Dr. Justine Kluk all kindly shared the gifts they’d love to receive - and what they plan on giving - this Christmas.

There's some really thoughtful ideas in there!

Enjoy! And happy Chr...

In today’s episode, Donna is joined again by nutritionist Karen Newby for a much-needed conversation about holiday eating, food guilt and why women feel so much pressure around this time of year. They chat about:

In this chat, Donna sits down with consultant dermatologist, Dr. Justine Kluk to unpack the truth behind the beauty industry's most Instagrammable gadget: LED masks.

They dig into what LED light therapy actually does, whether at-home devices can compete with in-clinic treatments, and why consistency matters more than you think. Justine also explains the difference between red and blue light, the real evidence behind the claims, and whether an LED mask is a must-have in your skin ageing routine.

This episode is great for anyone who is LED-curious, skincare-obsessed, or simply trying to make smart...

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 men...

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 w...

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 subs...

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 sk...

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 dr...

In this warm and funny chat, celebrity make-up artist and founder of Donna May London, Donna May, joins Donna to talk about her second attempt at growing out her natural grey hair. From why she gave up the first time to what’s motivating her now, they talk honestly about the emotional side of letting go of hair dye.

Donna shares her experience of working with a grey-blending specialist, the unexpected challenges of the process, and why it’s not just about hair - it’s about embracing who you really are. They also chat about how your m...

In this episode Donna shares the most important lesson she’s learned after six years writing about and interviewing menopause experts: that you don’t need to fix yourself to thrive in midlife.

Instead, Donna explores how embracing your authentic self, owning your quirks, and using the tools you already have can transform perimenopause and beyond into a time of confidence, joy, and growth.

What you’ll discover in this episode:

* Why vulnerability is a superpower in midlife

* How to shift your mindset from fixing to thriving

* The beauty confid...

In this episode Donna opens up about her journey with hair thinning during perimenopause and shares the emotional toll of hair loss, how lifestyle factors like alcohol affected her hair, and the steps she took to restore its health - from upgrading her haircare routine to focusing on nutrition and holistic wellness.

Donna emphasizes that hair thinning is a normal part of aging and offers practical tips and product recommendations to help you strengthen, grow, and care for hair at any age.

Products mentioned:

Why does all the weight in midlife go straight to your belly? And what actually works to shift it? In this week's chat, Donna is joined by menopause fitness coach Kate Rowe Ham, who shares her own story of transformation and the practical steps every woman can take to feel stronger through perimenopause and beyond.

So whether you’re struggling with the stubborn extra 10lbs, wondering if it’s too late to start lifting, or simply looking for a more positive approach to your health and fitness, this episode is for you! 

Expect to learn:

...

What beauty products should you buy when you’re in the US that you can’t get in the UK? After four years of living in America, Donna breaks down the best places to shop for beauty across the pond - CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Sephora, and Ulta. From drugstore staples and prestige makeup to cult sunscreens, quirky collabs, and some random-but-essential American buys, Donna gives you the insider scoop on what’s worth picking up.

✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:

* The difference between shopping at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Sephora, and Ulta

* Mus...

In this week’s episode, to celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary, Donna is joined by her husband, Dan, who she first dated when she was 16! Donna wanted to find out Dan’s perspective on what he thinks makes a partnership work during midlife.

From finances and family feuds to hormones and sobriety, they reflect on the biggest lessons they’ve learned, plus the advice they’d give anyone navigating love and partnership in midlife.

You’ll hear:

✨ Why communication (and sometimes biting your lip!) is key to surviving midlife stress

✨ Dan’s very honest ta...

For years, Creatine has been marketed to male athletes and bodybuilders, but new research suggests it could be a powerful supplement for women in midlife.

In this episode, nutritionist Karen Newby joins Donna to unpack everything you need to know about creatine - from how it supports muscle strength and energy, to its emerging role in cognitive health, brain fog, and mood during perimenopause and menopause.

They discuss:

* What creatine is and why it could work for us in midlife

* What the science says about creatine for energy and brain health<...

At 51, Mia Maugé decided to do something radical: she stopped dyeing her hair.

What started as a personal act of defiance against feeling irrelevant quickly became a powerful statement. Long before grey hair was trending, Mia embraced her gorgeous silver hair and her life changed. She became a model in her 50s, a voice for women tired of being ignored by beauty and fashion, and a role model for anyone who’s ever felt invisible.

In this inspiring conversation, Mia and Donna talk about:

✨ The reality of internal ageism and how self-limiting beliefs can k...

In this episode, Donna shares the one thing that completely transformed her skin over the past year.

Tune in to hear how she tracked the changes, the small skincare tweaks that boosted the glow, and how you can try it too.

To see the differences that sobriety has had on Donna's skin, subscribe to her new substack, My Skin Type Is Sober which is a judgement-free and positive place for women who may be rethinking their relationship with alcohol.

And don't forget to check out Donna's website, follow her on Instagram and Tik...

In this episode, nutritionist Amanda Ryder, the author of Feel Good For Menopause and host of the How To Feel Like A Midlife Goddess podcast, shares her thoughts on the impact that drinking collagen has on midlife skin. 

With celebrity-backed brands flooding the shelves, collagen can feel like just another overhyped trend. Donna admits she’s been skeptical and is constantly asked, does drinking collagen really do anything for your skin, or is it just clever marketing?

This episode is not sponsored or in collaboration with any collagen brand. That means you’re getting real, unbia...

This week, Donna is joined by her friend Bridgette Mansfield who has been a hypnotherapist for over 17 years. 

Donna can personally vouch for the benefits of hypnotherapy as Bridgette has helped her overcome her own menopausal anxiety, hot sweats and fear of heights and in this chat you will find out how hypnotherapy can help you break free from anxiety and addictions too. 

They talk about how you’re probably already experiencing hypnosis during everyday tasks like driving or even working out and how your subconscious mind can become your greatest ally. 

Bridgette also...

Dr. Justine Kluk is London’s leading skincare expert and in this episode, she chats with Donna about retinol - the skincare ingredient that can be a game-changer for midlife skin - but only if you use it right.

This episode will unpack everything you need to know about retinol and how to make it work *for* you, not against you.

Expect lots of chat about:

* What retinol actually *does* for skin over 40

* How to introduce it into your skincare routine without the dreaded irritation

* The key difference between pr...