…for me! Christmas shopping can feel like guesswork for some people (looking at your other half, ahem). This guide makes it easier. Think of it as a gentle nudge in the right direction. The kind you might casually forward, leave open on the laptop, or mention over a cup of tea. If you’re hoping someone else takes the hint, this is your shortlist. Consider it festive delegation at its finest.

Of course, it works just as well the other way round. If you’re buying for a partner, a friend, or yourself, this edit is about ideas that actually land. Thoughtful treats. Gifts that feel chosen, and not panicked. It’s in alphabetical order, just to be a bit crazy about things.

What would you circle? What would you send? And what would you quietly keep…!?

Aveda Full of Wonder Hair Thickening Gift Set, £55

This is a strong choice for anyone concerned about thinning or fragile hair. Powered by Aveda’s Invati Ultra Advanced system, the set focuses on scalp health, strengthening, and visible thickness, all without feeling heavy.

It includes exfoliating shampoo and conditioner, a revitalising scalp serum, and a fortifying leave-in treatment. The formulas target breakage-related hair fall and help hair look fuller over time. As ever with Aveda, the scent alone makes it feel like a treat.
Get it here

Babyliss Style Secret Air, £120

Salon-style blow dry without any effort? Yes please. Effortlessly create defined curls, soft beach waves, or a soft blow-dry look with this automatic curler and waver. Enjoy safe, easy styling with long-lasting results and a high-shine finish.
Visit the Babyliss store

Balmond Hold My Hand gift set, £27

Includes: Intensive Hand Cream 50ml + Skin Salvation 50ml. Designed for hard-working hands, Hold My Hand combines Balmonds’ iconic, multi-purpose Skin Salvation balm with the beautifully rich Intensive Hand Cream, made with sea buckthorn and shea butter. Perfect for gardeners, crafters and anyone whose hands need deep replenishment during the colder months.
Get it here

Benefit Glam a Grams 5-piece makeup set, £52.50

Full-size brow wax, volumizing mascara, and tint plus mini primer and fun-size cleansing oil. Perfect gift for the Benefit fan, this VFM set contains at least two hero products. There’s Fluff Up Brow Wax, BADgal BANG! Mascara, the famous Benetint lip and cheek stain, and The POREfessional primer.
Benefit store

Champneys Slumber collection, £20

Want to feel like you’re at the spa without leaving the house?! Great value little set here, specially formulated with essentials oils, and a relaxing fragrance of organic lavender to help you relax before bedtime, this set is relaxation in a box. Inside you’ll find bath salts, an overnight facial balm, a mood mist, a supplement blend, and a satin eye mask. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who struggles to switch off at night.
Champneys store

Chanel Pouch Set, £162

Luscious lips and luxurious scent – what more does a girl need on the run? This lush set from Chanel includes Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum, 50ml, and Rouge Coco Baume 918 My Rose lip colour. A fragrance with a sensual trail has been paired with a tinted lip balm that offers a naturally luminous finish, revealing a sophisticated look. The selection is presented in a travel-friendly pouch. Comp treats at checkout too.
Get it here

Dermalogica warmth of the winter sun gift set, £65

We know it’s winter. Less light, cold wind, dry skin… but hope is at hand! This handy little kit includes some travel size versions of Dermalogica’s faves: Daily Microfoliant (13g), Biolumin-C Serum (10ml), and Heat Ageing Protector Moisturiser (15ml). A yummy kit for Dermalogica fans.
Get it here

Dermaworks Complete Anti-Ageing Transformation Kit, £66.40

Whilst we aren’t huge fans of the term ‘anti-ageing’ we do love skincare that support mature skin as you age. Featuring luxury cleansing cloths, three powerful serums (hyaluronic acid, retinol, and Vitamin C versions), and a hydrating moisturiser, this set covers pretty much everything you need to boost skin health and vitality. Eco-friendly, cruelty-free, reusable, and gentle for all skin types.
Dermaworks store

Eco Warrior Total Works set, £28

A fabulous gift for someone who has ethics at the heart of their beauty habits. This top to toe collection of bars includes face, hair, body, scrub, shaving… all in a neat little tower.

The formulas are plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free, and made with a high percentage of naturally derived ingredients. Everything is biodegradable, including the packaging, which makes this an easy win for low-waste gifting.
Get it here

Glow For It Ultimate Christmas Bundle, £90

This is exceptionally good value, with the contents adding up to an eye-watering value of £256.50. The Ultimate Christmas Bundle brings together everything in one show-stopping bundle. Includes Lash Serum + Brow Serum Christmas Cracker, Recharge + Grow Edit limited-edition lash growth set, Mini Lash + Brow Serum Duo, Lip Oil Trio (Original, Peach, Watermelon) … for full contents details check the listing.
Get it here

Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey EDT gift set, £108

Lovely set for fans: Issey Miyake’s exclusive set, designed in collaboration with Philippe Apeloig. The set contains an eau de toilette (100ml), moisturising body lotion (50ml), and a 10ml EDT purse spray (handbag, to us here in the UK). Fab for those who love this famous floral fragrance, with notes of white lily and lotus.
Get it here

Jimmy Choo I Want Choo gift set, £81

If you know this fragrance, you know. And this is a great little set that includes a parfum spray (60ml) and body lotion (100ml). This amber floral woody fragrance hits you with vibrant notes of pear and golden gardenia. The middle notes combine a creamy, warm heart with sweet jasmine, irresistible patchouli, and ambrette. The glamorous base notes, blending with moss, amber, sandalwood, and praline accord, give the creation a long-lasting trail. It’s like Christmas in a bottle.
Get it here

Leighton Denny Multidimensional Nail Varnish Set, £22.50

A festive-feeling trio with serious polish credentials. This metallic collection plays with light and depth, delivering colours that feel grown-up but still special enough for party season.

Glow is a khaki-taupe metallic with pink shimmer. Blaze is a warm terracotta with an emerald shift. Dazzle is a luminous bronze chrome with a molten finish. All are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated for long-lasting wear with a high-gloss finish.
Get them here

LUSH set – Little Snow Fairy, £12.50

Excellent stocking filler limited edition set from Lush. This Little Snow Fairy set embodies the phrase ‘small but mighty’ with its magical ability to fill a bathroom with the iconic scent of bubblegum and Persian lime. Get ready to be transported to a land of candy floss sweet bubbles and pink glittery waters with this bathing duo!
Get it here

Memoize perfume gift set II, £49

What a lovely gift set. This small size sampler type set has a range of four really lovely perfumes – we particularly love the Luxuria, and the Rose Luxuria, both of which lean musky, with vanilla tones, the latter having a citrus top note and rose middle. All phials are 7.5ml, and although Memoize is a gender-free brand, this collection is decidedly feminine.
Get it here

Mylee Gel Wraps, £13.99 each

If you want spanking new nails with very little effort, no trip to the salon, and no messing about with LED lights, these are for you. The UK’s first wraps of their kind, delivering high-shine, chip-resistant wear for up to 14 days, with no curing time required.  Application is quick, gentle and easy, simply prep, press, and file for a pro-level finish in minutes.
www.mylee.co.uk, Amazon, Boots, LookFantastic, ASOS, Sephora, Very etc.

Olaplex Full-On Shine Hair Gift Set, £58

This is one for those with fine or damaged hair. This is a six-step treatment kit, limited edition set with Hair Perfector, Shampoo and Conditioner, Scalp Treatment, Bond Smoother, and Bonding Oil for shiny, smooth, stronger hair. Salon results at home? We love it.
Get it here

Silver Skincare Pro-Ageing range, from £18

Obviously we’re going to be recommending our own pro-ageing skincare products. Natural, luxurious, 100% cruelty-free products that put a smile on your face, whilst keeping your conscience clean. Created by mature people who understand the challenges we face as we experience changes to our skin and body. Our heroes are the Stem Cell Regenerator Serum, the Collagen Face Cream, and the Collagen Eye Gel.
See the full range

TempleSpa Do Not Disturb gift set £55

This is all about switching off. Designed to recreate a spa experience at home, the Do Not Disturb collection combines TempleSpa’s signature calming scents with products made for deep relaxation. The set includes bath and body essentials, a pillow spray, and skincare for winding down at night. Bought separately it would cost considerably more (£95), which makes this a generous and indulgent gift, whether you’re giving it or keeping it.
Get it here

The Byron Vibe, £44.95

Before you point out that this isn’t a beauty set, let’s just remember what health benefits there are to be found in having orgasms, okay!? Get yourself a full-body glow-up with this vibe which mimics oral simulation. Water resistant, 10 speeds (ye gods!), fully chargeable. You’ll never leave the house again.
Get it here

The Silke 24/7 Set, £92

Round-the-clock care, done properly! Available in Black & White, Caramel, and Poppy, the Silke 24/7 Set is a beautifully considered ritual for hair and skin. Inside the set you’ll find a silk pillowcase, a large scrunchie, and a silk hair tie. Simple pieces, done exceptionally well, and a genuinely useful luxury gift for anyone who takes their hair care seriously. Each piece is made from 100 per cent pure mulberry silk, chosen to reduce friction, lock in moisture, and help minimise breakage.
Get it here

Weleda Skin Food The Glow Up Gift Set, £24

A great introduction to Weleda’s cult Skin Food range, or a reliable favourite for anyone already hooked. This trio of naturally nourishing products is designed to revive dry, dull skin from head to toe, using Skin Food’s signature blend of soothing botanicals.
The set includes Skin Food Ultra-Light Dry Oil, Skin Food Cream, and Skin Food Lip Balm. It’s practical, well-priced, and ideal for winter skin that needs a bit of extra help.
Visit the Weleda Store

ZIIP Halo All In One Microcurrent Facial Device, £379.99

We tried this with a Golden Gel (£119.99) and the results were very promising indeed. ZIIP HALO is a very clever all-in-one skin-boosting bit of kit. This app-connected microcurrent facial device transforms your skin through personalised electrical currents. With just one tap in the ZIIP app, each treatment targets exactly what your skin needs – so you can lift, tighten, brighten and more – all with one device. Effective for wrinkles, skin sagging, acne etc. Endorsed by a long list of celebs, we could see the difference after just one sesh.
Get it here

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We’re bubbling with excitement here at Silver HQ, because next week we’re off to Hickstead. Silver Skincare is exhibiting at the legendary Al Shira’aa Derby, and we can’t wait to be part of one of the biggest and best events in the British equestrian calendar. And yes, that’s me on the stand above, at a show we did recently.

From Wednesday 18th to Sunday 22nd June, you’ll find us right in the heart of the action – trading all day, every day – with our full range of gorgeous natural skincare products available to browse, try, and buy.

Our exclusive Silver Skincare collection has been specially developed to nourish, protect, and rejuvenate your skin. And it’s all made using natural, cruelty-free ingredients, with no parabens, sulphates, or nasties. We’re all about quality, integrity, and skincare that really works.

We’re also all about giving our lovely customers a little something extra, so read on to find out how you can get your paws on some fabulous deals, and a chance to win an exclusive luxurious skincare hamper worth over £250.

Read more about the Silver Skincare range

A unique shopping opportunity – at a special price…

One of the best things about visiting our stand at Hickstead is that you can buy all your favourite Silver Skincare goodies at a lower price. Zero P&P means we can afford to offer VERY special show rates that you won’t find anywhere else.

It’s the perfect time to top up your skincare collection. Or try something new and indulge in a little self-care.

PLUS – win a luxury beauty hamper giveaway

This one’s for those of you coming to Hickstead. Come and visit us at our stand (Stand 51) and you can enter to win an absolutely beautiful hamper, featuring one of every product in our range.

All nestled together in a sleek black presentation box and tied up with a bow, this prize is worth over £250 retail and makes a stunning treat for you – or a very generous gift. If you can bear to part with it!

All you have to do is pop by and fill in a quick entry card at the stand, or drop your business card in the pot. It takes less than a minute, and you could be walking away with a truly indulgent prize. Ts&Cs apply, natch.

What’s so special about Silver Skincare?

Our serum – hero product!

Our products are crafted with natural ingredients, eco-conscious practices, and a whole lot of love. We use plant oils, essential oils, herbs and botanicals to create skincare that is gentle, effective. And kind to both skin and planet.

Everything is made in the UK using natural ingredients. It’s 100 per cent cruelty-free, and almost entirely vegan-friendly. From our dreamy Collagen Face Cream, to our cult favourite Stem Cell Regenerator Serum, we create skincare that people genuinely love – and keep coming back for.

We’re proud to be part of Silver Magazine – the lifestyle brand that celebrates midlife and beyond – and our skincare range reflects that same ethos: smart, stylish, and refreshingly real.

Come and say hello

We’ll be at Hickstead from Wednesday 19 June to Sunday 22 June, and we’ll be trading all day, every day. Bring your friends, bring your mum, bring your dogs (yes, they’re welcome) and treat yourself to something special. See you there!

Hickstead Derby

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Silver Skincare heads to Hickstead showground appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Welcome to your salvation! If you’ve left it late to buy a certain someone a gorgeous skincare or beauty bundle, we have you covered. Last minute Christmas shopping ideas coming right up.

Here’s a range of gift set and selections we loved…

Silver Skincare – 30% off until end of Jan

Top of the list has to be our own products, naturally. We know which ones are your favourites, so we’ve popped a Christmas / New Year offer on those, particularly because we know skin needs a little extra help in the cold months too!
Shop Silver Stem Cell Regenerator Serum (vegan), £38.50 down from £55
Shop Silver Collagen Face Cream, £31.50 down from £45
Shop Silver Collage Eye Gel, £24.50 down from £35

ARK Skincare Age Defy Moisturiser and Night Treatments

Let these gorgeous products do the heavy lifting overnight whilst you sleep. This collection of formulations contains intensive collagen-boosting and skin-brightening ingredients. Formulated to combat the signs of hormone loss that we see in our 50s and onwards
Age Defy Nourishing Moisturiser £36.90
Age Defy Repairing Night Treatment £44

Visible Youth – Special Introductory Collection, £194

Gift the glow of youthful, radiant skin with this three-step facial routine featuring Hyoglass technology. This Special Introductory Collection cleanses, tones, rejuvenates, and hydrates from home. Experience the magic of Visible Youth serums and Moisture Shield, and enjoy deep hydration, smooth texture, and a luminous complexion, perfect for the holiday season.
Shop for Visible Youth products

Read more: Shop for last minute cocktails, champagne, and chocolates!

Architects of Renewal Set from Facetheory, £147

This is a cracking gift set for those who like their skincare on the sciency side. The Holiday kit includes:
Retinal Supreme Eye MultiBalm
Polypep Complex Collagen-Boosting Serum
Retinal Supreme MultiCream 0.1%
CeraNight Rejuvenating Night Oil
Shop the Architects of Renewal Set

Simon Ourian A-Lister gift set, £71

This set is a great gift that has a plush feel. Featuring a luxurious Apricot Seed Exfoliating Scrub, a deluxe sleep mask, and a chic skincare headband, all packed in a stylish gold toiletries bag, this set transforms your routine into a red-carpet-ready ritual for fresh, refined skin.
Shop the Simon Ourian range here

Floragy – The Glow Natural Set, £81

This festive set includes a choice of Clay Mask, Rejuvenate Face Oil, Bloom Toner, and Cleanse Oil-to-Milk Cleanser. Enhance natural beauty and achieve a glowing, rejuvenated complexion—perfect for yourself or a loved one this festive season.
Shop for Floragy here

Emma Coleman Rose Gua Sha facial massage kit, £39

Includes a Rose Quartz Gua Sha, Barefaced Beauty Rose Drops (50ml), and full massage instructions. Gua Sha, an ancient facial massage technique, relieves muscle tension and boosts blood flow, improving skin health. The antioxidant-rich drops combine Blackcurrant and Rose Hip extracts to reduce inflammation and fine lines, with Red Raspberry Seed to protect and nourish. Scented with Rose Absolute, Rose de Mai, and Bergamot.
Shop Emma Coleman products

The BUFARMA Christmas Box, £79

Three lovely skincare essentials to cleanse, nourish, and brighten. The Gentle Milky Body Wash leaves skin soft and refreshed, the Nurturing Face Oil provides deep hydration and protection, and the Bare Skin Day Cream revitalizes for a healthy, radiant glow. This is a really nice gift that is a bit different, gentle skincare solutions.
Shop the BUFARMA Box

DIEM Catching Dusk Eau de Parfum, £50 for 30ml

Love this as a genderless perfume option, good for everyone. Sun-warmed spices like cardamom and saffron draw you into the dusky magic. A woody base of oak and cedar keeps the feeling going for hours.
Shop Catching Dusk EDP

Note! At time of publication all prices were correct, all products would be available – we check this stuff carefully and cannot be held responsible if things don’t arrive on time or are priced differently. Happy Christmas.

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The post Last minute Christmas shopping ideas – beauty and skincare appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Sam on BBC radio, doing an interview, and talking all things Coming of Age, and why it’s worth hanging in there. Why things get better, and what there is to look forward to after 50. And the strength that comes from sharing that midlife is tough, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, and she’s living proof.

Click below to listen to the full interview. If you want to read Sam’s article, the one that kicked off this interview, you can read that here…

What is Midlife Coming of Age? It’s bloody brilliant, that’s what

Click here to listen to full interview

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The post Sam full interview on BBC radio – Midlife Coming of Age appeared first on Silver Magazine.

As you can imagine, we are all over this. The Silver Marketing Association (SMA) supports promotes best practice and ethical marketing to the mature market. This means everything from promoting causes like the Age Friendly Employer Pledge to undertaking important research work into the various aspects of the silver sector. They champion businesses in the sector – Silver Magazine included – and the business awards are a highly contested badge of honour for those who win. Here are the Silver Marketing Association awards.

About the awards

These awards recognise and celebrate the companies and organisations that have delivered a successful marketing campaign in the last year, focusing on the older demographic and showing creativity, empathy and measurable results. The entries are judged by a brilliant lineup of informed and impartial judges. The awards’ headline sponsor this year is Boom Radio – so the host for the event will be Boom co-founder and presenter David Lloyd (below). We’ve seen him speak before and he’s hugely entertaining – worth going to the event just for him!

In alphabetical order, the shortlisted entries in each category, together with the sponsors, are:

Best Radio/Podcast Campaign – sponsored by Senior Response

Shortlisted:

• Age Co – Things Get Better with Age Co
• Boom Radio & One Traveller – One Traveller radio campaign
• Intergenerational England – The Talking Generations Podcast
• Vintage Travel – Vintage Travel – Silver Awareness

Best Print Campaign – sponsored by Saga Magazine

Shortlisted:

• Age Co– Things Get Better with Age Co
• Alfa Travel – Alfa Travel 2024 brochure
• BlueStar Media & Silver Travel Advisor – Silver Traveller Magazine
• BlueStar Media & Ambassador Cruise Line – Ambassador Cruise Line – Fair Winds Magazine

Best Outdoor Campaign – sponsored by Mash Marketing

Shortlisted:

• Centre for Ageing Better - Age Without Limits
• The Kite Factory and Don’t Panic – Oxfam – Staying In The Fight
• YourStride – Grassroots Bowls Clubs

Best Direct Mail Campaign – sponsored by Eight Days a Week Print Solutions

Shortlisted:

• Audley Group – Audley Luxury Retirement Villages
• Granite & TREND Transformations – Merry Christmas
• McCarthy Stone – Time to open a new chapter

Best Social Media Campaign – sponsored by Silversurfers

Shortlisted:

• Accord Marketing & Ambassador Cruise Line –  Ambassador Cruise Line
• Ageism Is Never In Style – #ILookMyAge
• Granite & TREND Transformations – Sustainable Kitchen Makeover

Best TV Campaign – sponsored by ITV

Shortlisted:

• Accord Marketing & Ambassador Cruise Line Ambassador Cruise Line – Enjoy yourself
• The Kite Factory and Don’t Panic – Oxfam – Staying In The Fight
• TVADSWORK and Doro – The Doro TV Commercial’ Campaign

Best PR Campaign– sponsored by Marketing Radar

Shortlisted:

• Finn Partners & The Advantage Travel Partnership  – Travel Triumph: Targeting the Silver Traveller for The Advantage Travel Partnership
• LOTUS & Visit Guernsey – Visit Guernsey – Renoir in Guernsey; 1883
• Wallacea Living – The Time of Your Later Life

Best Digital Marketing / Age Tech campaign – sponsored by AgeSpace

Shortlisted:

• CareCall – CareCall
• Dementia Adventure and Freddie’s Flowers – Blooms of Connection: Celebrating Dementia Adventure’s 15th Birthday with Freddie’s Flowers
• Granite & TREND Transformations – Digital Lead Generation Campaign
• Mistral Hotel – Singles in Crete & Copywrite That - New Sunday Best Friend

Best Overall Multi-Channel Campaign – sponsored by Precision Platinum

Shortlisted:

• Accord Marketing & Ambassador Cruise Line – Ambassador Cruise Line – Enjoy yourself
• Centre for Ageing Better – Age Without Limits
• McCarthy Stone – Time to open a new chapter
• Wallacea Living– The Time of Your Later Life

Good luck to everyone taking part! The awards will be presented at a sparkling drinks reception on Tuesday 25 June 2024 at the Cavendish Centre, London W1 from 17:30 -18:30 following the Silver Marketing Summit.

Please contact enquiries@silvermarketing.org if you would like to attend the Silver Marketing Association awards.

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The post Silver Marketing Association business marketing awards appeared first on Silver Magazine.

In October last year we were contacted by the Good Housekeeping Institute. They were testing a range of products for mature skin, and wanted to include our serum. One of their beauty editors had spotted it, thought it would be a good fit.

We were obviously pretty excited about this, and although balking slightly at the (to us) quite large batch of free samples they wanted, we despatched them. We also completed the not-inconsiderable questionnaire about the product, responding to questions about the ingredients, sustainability, no-paraben status, vegan-ness, packaging credentials and so on.

I LOVE this product – I shouldn’t have favourites, but out of all our range, the serum probably is mine (don’t tell the others). So I was especially thrilled they came for this one. I knew it had a good chance of standing up to the testing; it’s all natural ingredients, cruelty-free, vegan, sustainable packaging… I was reasonably optimistic. So we answered all the questions, provided all the proof, sent off the samples, and waited.

Did you even know we did skincare? READ MORE

So how did the serum do?

After a couple of weeks, I hit the research team a little email to see how things were going. And they said the products were still being tested. A couple of weeks later I checked in again, same answer. I checked in one more time – towards the end of the year – before concluding that perhaps this was just going to disappear. I hadn’t heard anything back, and so slightly disappointed, I figured that was probably that.

So imagine my surprise and delight when I received an email at the end of February telling us that our products had been through the testing process, and made the grade. And what a journey our little serums had been on. The GHI email said:

We tested products on over 500 women who are currently going though perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause. Testers assessed the properties of each product giving a rating for the texture, packaging, and performance. In the lab we did extensive testing including using the VISIA Complexion Analyser to assess fine lines/wrinkles, skin texture and brown spots. We used the corneometer to measure skin hydration.

So the Silver serum is officially approved

After four months of rigorous testing, the serum has made it on to their approved products list, meaning that not only can we identify the serum as recommended by the Good Housekeeping Institute, it is also cleared to be featured in all or any Heart magazine, such as Red, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s, Women’s Health, ELLE and so on.

We know this could be huge for us

This testing proved what we always knew; that the serum is a fabulous product. But this is extraordinarily in-depth, unbiased testing of the product, over which we had absolutely no control. And now there is the possibility that this beautiful, beautiful product could be seen by millions of people. And hopefully end up on lots of happy faces.

Obviously this is amazing news for us, and would be a bit of a dream come true for me. I mean, I love the product and I know lots of other people do too. But for it to pass such rigorous independent screening is massive.

There will be writeup about this project at some point, on or in Good Housekeeping, I think, although I don’t know when. But if you see it, please do let us know! I’m dying to read what they say about our lovely serum!

In the meantime, if you’d like to see the serum, and what all the fuss is about, you can find it HERE.

To celebrate this excellent news, there is a limited-time offer of 20% off this product – and all our skincare range, until the end of April. Simply add the coupon code GOODNEWS at checkout. Enjoy! xxx

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Silver Pro-Ageing Serum wins Good Housekeeping endorsement appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Silver Magazine back in print, you say? Well yes! And not only am I doing this because I love it, but apparently so do hundreds of thousands of other people. I kid you not.

Friends and followers on social media will have seen me crowing about this already recently. It’s vulgar to crow, I know. But I don’t care, because something good happened the other day that was worth having a little crow about. Something that felt like a proper ‘sign’ from the Universe, you know?

This was my slightly cocky social media post:

“Today I crunched some Silver Magazine numbers as we’re going back into print (whoop!) and we need a new media pack. And I’ve managed to get hold of a bunch of media packs from competitors to have a nose, natch.

“And we are actually killing it. We’re blowing at least two of the biggies absolutely out of the water! Our reach is higher, our follower numbers are higher. I had no idea, until I actually worked it all out. So yay for us!

“Now I know this I’ve got my swagger right on. Look out!”

So yes, I have a bit more swagger again. And yes excitingly, Silver Magazine is coming back in print format. And while comparisons are odious, and probably odorous too, it was really encouraging to see that not only are we – as a very small business – fighting our corner with not inconsiderable zeal… we’re actually outshining publishers and magazines with budgets and manpower that I can only dream of. Little us!

Some of you will have had a print issue of Silver before. And many of you subscribed, and have been insanely patient, waiting for the print issues to be relaunched. God, I love you guys. Literally about two people have asked for a refund, which is extraordinary. The faith people have in Silver Magazine is humbling.

But I digress. Print! We’re back! Hurrah for print, print, print. With its lovely feel, and it’s new-print stinky inky smell. And as someone commented on my crowing post, that feeling of “thumbing through the pages.” I can’t wait to get into it again. Print will always be my first and biggest love.

WIN a year’s free subscription to Silver Magazine – hurry, enter now!

So why print and why now?

Every Christmas I take two weeks off. It’s a set-in-stone sabbatical, and usually the longest break I take all year. I tend to crawl towards the finishing line in December, absolutely shattered from another year of ALL THE THINGS.

I’m really scrupulous about distancing myself from work at this time. As any business owner knows, it’s virtually impossible to do this. My holidays and long weekends are always punctuated by emails and phone calls and texts. Even if I’m in a beach bar sinking a cold one, I’m still connected. I’m never ‘off the clock’.

But I can do it at Christmastime because everyone else is kinda in the same place. People don’t care if I don’t reply – in fact they’re probably relieved. So I can let go. And that’s when I’m truly able to stand back and look at what’s going on objectively. And after about three days something magic happens. I start to see things clearly again.

Over this Christmas I realised that I wasn’t happy

2023 was filled with the excitement of bringing new things into the Silver arena. I created a truly wonderful little Silver Skincare range, that I’m so, so proud of. And we launched our Silver Retreats, which I am also really excited about. But this meant learning a whole new set of skills, and delving into the world of ecommerce. And if I’m honest, I don’t find that stuff very sexy.

What I DO find sexy is making magazines. And after about a week of R&R, I realised this was where I needed to refocus in 2024. I didn’t care if it was hard to do, or if it didn’t make me rich. I just wanted to do more of the thing I love.

And so when I crunched those numbers, and discovered that we genuinely, honestly stand proud in our given arena, more than head and shoulder above many bigger brands, it was actually quite an emotional moment.

It also helps that one of my younger team members came back from Christmas and before I’d even said about print, told me we should be back in print. Apparently it’s what all the cool kids are doing because it’s trustworthy, and seen as classy. Print is BACK baby.

And so here we are

I’ve put literally everything I have – energy, heart, money, and soul – into making Silver Magazine work. There have been days – so many days – where I’ve felt like I’m banging my head against a brick wall. I’ve seen other startups in the silver sector moving faster than us, and felt inadequate. I’ve wept with frustration as global events have knocked us down, repeatedly. On a personal level I’ve soldiered on through the loss of my parents, the menopause, the end of my longest relationship ever… you get the picture. It’s been hard work.

But through it all I kept feeling like Silver was a good thing. And people kept telling me it was a good thing. And the other day was really wondering if I should keep going. “Give me a sign, please!” I asked the Universe. And I got a sign.

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Guess who’s back? Back again. Silver print, tell your friends! appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Having spent time asking you, we know that you feel skin, body, and wellbeing products are aimed at younger people. So we decided it was time to address this. Silver Lifestyle includes a new pro-ageing products range that includes skincare, shower and bath, smellies, hair stuff. The Silver Lifestyle brand also now includes Silver Retreats.

…we know that you feel skin, body, and wellbeing products are aimed at younger people

Those of you who already know us will know the Silver Retreats are not going to be like other retreats. Yes, there will be yoga and meditation, but we’re going to change up the dynamic a bit. Want to know more? Read this – and sign up for the Silver Lifestyle newsletter, where you’ll get info about all this first.

All the Silver Lifestyle options have been created with you in mind. That is, if you are over 45 and bored to tears of everything being focused on younger people.

There are MILLIONS of us!

As of 2021, there are approximately 20 million people in the UK aged over 45. And roughly the same number of people aged between 20 and 44*.

Arguably, that means nearly half the adult population is over 45, and it’s growing.

High time there were products and events created especially for you, right?

Want to be the first to know about the products and retreats before anyone else? Get money off stuff? Join the Lifestyle group newsletter list HERE.

Silver Lifestyle

We’re launching a beautiful range of beauty, body, hair, and happiness products. We made them with natural ingredients, 100% cruelty-free, and almost entirely vegan.

The range has been designed to be suitable for all skin types – we love it, and we hope you will too. We will be starting off with a small range, see what you all like, and build from there.

We’re not full of hot air

Let’s be clear though. We aren’t here to make any wild claims about ‘turning back the clock’ or working miracles. Nothing in a jar is going to make you look 25 again.

The Silver range is here to enhance your skin. To support, love, and nurture you. To make you feel lush; to plump your skin a bit, and make you glow. We treat you with the respect you deserve, and so do our products.

We are pro-ageing, not anti-ageing

Ageing is a natural part of life, and your skin is a testament to your journey. Give it some love.

Every little line on your face is part of you –the life you’ve lived; your adventures, your journey. We embrace our age, as it brings not only wisdom and experience, but character and grace to your face.

We don’t judge. You do you. But our beautiful skin and body range is here to love you, not fix you. Think of it as a heavenly-smelling, luxurious hug for your skin and body.

Silver Lifestyle Shop site

Get your Silver on! Sign up for Silver Lifestyle news, special offers, giveaways, all that jazz…

Read more: Want to generate more collagen using diet and nutrition?

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Silver Lifestyle has launched – skincare and retreats with a difference. Step this way… appeared first on Silver Magazine.

In the competitive world of business, finding ways to stand out and generate attention is essential. So if you’re working within the 40+ market, you need to know about the Silver Business Awards.

Beyond the allure of the trophies and accolades, there are a number of benefits to be gained from entering and, ultimately, winning these prestigious honours. 

Silver Magazine is very proud to be a sponsor of the inaugural Silver Marketing Association Business Awards. Let’s tell you a bit more about them and why you should enter…

Enhanced credibility and reputation

Participating in business awards instantly elevates your company’s credibility and reputation. By undergoing a rigorous evaluation process, you showcase your commitment to excellence and industry leadership. 

Winning an award – or even being shortlisted – demonstrates to clients, partners, and stakeholders that your business has been acknowledged as a trusted and exceptional player in your field. This validation builds trust and confidence, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships.

Amplified brand visibility and exposure

…social media platforms often showcase award recipients, giving your brand valuable exposure to a wider audience

Business awards provide an unparalleled platform to increase brand visibility and exposure. They attract significant media attention, allowing your company’s achievements to be highlighted across various channels. As an example, Silver Magazine will be live Tweeting the winners, publishing a full report after the event, and doing some focus features on winners and runners-up. And that’s just us.

Media outlets, industry publications, and social media platforms often showcase award recipients, giving your brand valuable exposure to a wider audience. This increased visibility can lead to enhanced brand recognition, increased customer interest, and expanded market reach.

Differentiation and competitive advantage

In a crowded marketplace, standing out from the competition is vital. Business awards offer a unique opportunity to differentiate yourself from your rivals. Entering the awards also gives you a chance to check into your own progress and plans. Through the application process, you delve deep into your business’s strengths, achievements, and unique value proposition. 

This exercise not only helps you refine your messaging but also uncovers areas where you excel. By emphasising your award-winning status, you establish a competitive advantage that sets you apart from others in your industry, attracting both clients and top talent.

Employee motivation and recognition

Winning a business award is not only a testament to the company itself, but also a recognition of the hard work and dedication of your employees. Being acknowledged for their contributions boosts morale, instils a sense of pride, and fosters a positive work culture. 

Employees become motivated and inspired to continue performing at their best, knowing their efforts are valued and recognised by the wider business community. The recognition generated by business awards can also attract talented individuals seeking to join an award-winning team.

Networking and industry connections

The relationships formed through business awards can have long-lasting benefits…

Participating in business awards offers invaluable networking opportunities within your industry. Award ceremonies and events bring together industry leaders, influencers, and fellow nominees, creating an environment ripe for forging new connections. Networking with peers, judges, and sponsors can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and future business ventures. The relationships formed through business awards can have long-lasting benefits, expanding your professional network and opening doors to mentorship, knowledge sharing, and growth.

So what are you waiting for?!

In the competitive world of business, seizing opportunities to shine is paramount. Business awards offer a multitude of benefits, from enhancing credibility and reputation to amplifying brand visibility and differentiation. They provide a platform to celebrate and recognise the achievements of your company and employees while creating invaluable networking opportunities. Embrace the power of business awards, and position your business at the forefront of recognition, success, and continued growth.

The awards will be presented at a sparkling drinks reception on Tuesday 27 June 2023 at the Cavendish Centre, London W1 from 17:00 -19:00, hosted by the inimitable and entertaining Derek Jones, and following the Silver Marketing Sunmmit.

Read more: How to make your business successful and competitive in uncertain times

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Unveiling the Silver Business Awards: unlocking success and recognition appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Alison decided it was time for living life to the full by swapping stability for excitement. From corporate office to exotic beaches…

What does ‘normal’ mean anyway?

“I gave up ‘normal life’ in a big corporation five years ago, after taking a Tantra journey and retraining as a sex coach. So pre-pandemic, my unusual normal was living in Hebden Bridge making a small living as a sex coach for one-to-one clients, and running events called The Sex Lectures in Manchester. I lived alone with no mortgage and had a fantastic group of friends. In 2019 I’d been to Bali and written a memoir which I was editing.

“I was living fairly comfortably and with a sense of stability. Excitingly, I had a writers residency in Sri Lanka lined up; I was already following my heart. As well as holding together financially, I had a small amount of savings for back-up.

While he was in love and thought he was ‘helping me’, I was dying of boredom, entrapped in conventional housewife mode

“At the end of 2019 I’d had a date with someone who was visiting the UK from Australia. He came back to visit in January 2020. I’d realised our hearts, minds, and personalities were incompatible, but as the first lockdown happened, he asked to stay. Overriding my instincts, I agreed.

“Although sex was a brilliant coping mechanism – as was my Tantra teacher’s advice about kindness and patience – by May I felt imprisoned in my own home with an older man who loved looking into the fire, telling repetitive yarns about bygone days in the marines and his childhood. While he was in love and thought he was ‘helping me’, I was dying of boredom, entrapped in conventional housewife mode.”

Taking a leap and travelling the world

“The pivotal moment during the pandemic for me to change my life was when a friend bailed me out of my metaphorical jail and took me to Corfu for a week. I came home, told the guy to leave, then decided it’d be better if I used this time to follow my instincts to live abroad in my fifties. So the ex turned into one of my two lodgers – both of whom are ex-lovers.

“My life looks so much better now; I’ve lived simply and cut down on spending. I went back to Corfu before heading to Italy for five months, to housesit with a friend I met on the beach. Unfortunately, I didn’t like the house or the location for the second winter lockdown, where I edited my memoir for the sixth time. I started an online Sensual Salon with a Tantric poet from Berlin: a speakeasy for sex-positive people to share experiences, vulnerability, and honesty. At the time, I was also on the teaching team for the UK Sexological Bodywork training in 2021.

“In spring, I moved to the Albanian riviera for three months. It was a revelation to be in an open country, and a time to enjoy living alone by the beach. From there I went back to Corfu for 90 days, before heading to Mexico for 90 days to work at a Tantra festival and live at the beach. I then lived in Oaxaca in an artist’s studio.

Read more: Reclaiming the rail. Why older people are interrailing and backpacking 

Living life on my terms

I’ve refused to let my attention be hijacked by the COVID narrative

“I’ve refused to let my attention be hijacked by the COVID narrative; I’ve ignored much of the news and just got on with creating what I wanted to create. I’ve lived life on my terms, which largely involved travelling when my 90-day visas ran out. And I’ve mostly been in the sunshine, learning to enjoy solitude.

“I’m becoming curious about living in intentional communities in the future. I’m currently here in a creative one in Colombia called Arte Sumapaz, as I would like to explore setting one up.”

Accepting losses

“The biggest loss is in the close friends I miss and the chances to be in relationship. While I am enjoying being single again and following my own path, I miss love, intimacy, kissing, being close.

I know my choices mean I’ll be something of a pleasure nomad for a while, so it’s hard to create something lasting

“I’ve had occasional erotic dalliances but as my body has changed and I discovered that sex is painful, then I’m wary. In the absence of a medical system to explore the prospect of HRT, my tantra and sex coach training mean that I can still have sensual choices in the moments of connection. I know my choices mean I’ll be something of a pleasure nomad for a while, so it’s hard to create something lasting. A brief foray into Tinder didn’t help.

“I’m in a sex positive community so emotionally-connected friendships – if not physical intimacy – has been a valuable constant. Although I’m alone, I rarely feel bereft. I’m flirting with polyamory knowing that when I’m back in the UK for the summer, there will be friends and former lovers that I can be intimate with, as well as new possibilities for love.”

Breaking even

“Financially, I’m just about breaking even with the rent, mentoring, and government grants of 2021. While there are no luxuries, I’m recognising that I’m in a fortunate position of living like a barefoot hippy while following ideas and impulses that – if I hadn’t broken out of the UK when I did – I’d have been a lot more vexed by restrictions.

“I haven’t touched a tax bracket in years which is a huge contrast to my successful corporate life. Letting go and becoming truly happy has a price, but when you make a living from teaching that involves touch, you’re unable to find the energy to create a new business beyond sex therapy and coaching.”

Appreciating the unknown

“Mentally, I’m mostly steady, though I have the occasional periods of homesickness, anxiety about the future, and regular outbreaks of ‘what the fuck am I doing with my life?’. Whenever I find myself in those natural moments of doubt, I acknowledge how grateful I am for my choices, the sunshine, and the freedom I’ve had in the last two years to live freely in beautiful places meeting like-minded people.

I know I need to go home at some point and do a bit of life admin, but for now, I’m enjoying Colombia and the discovery of a more beautiful world

“Having a spiritual practice, however patchy, allows me to feel a trust in this transition. I have no answers or certainty about the future, but the chance to experience this uncertainty in new places allows me to understand how much I value feeling safe, loved, and free.

“I know I need to go home at some point and do a bit of life admin, but for now, I’m enjoying Colombia and the discovery of a more beautiful world and myself; three years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined this was possible.”

Are you thinking of travelling abroad this year, or are you going play it safe with a staycation? Here’s our top tips for staycationing safely.

Carly Pepperell

Carly gets to do everything under the sun, including writing, editing, taking photos, creating stories, and swanning around at launches. She can down a glass of Prosecco without pausing for breath, and aims to be the youngest Pulitzer winner ever.

The post I’m over fifty and finally living life on my own terms appeared first on Silver Magazine.