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PODCAST

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles

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.

health & fitness fashion & beauty

All Episodes

26:36

What do dermatologists say about LED masks?

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/11/20

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

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23:57

Best Skincare Products For 2026 - Honest...

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/11/13

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

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30:45

Free Appointment With A Trichologist: Solving Hair...

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/11/06

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,

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01:10:03

How It Feels To Stop Drinking In Your Forties - with...

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/10/30

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

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23:41

Make-Up Tips At Midlife: products to ditch with...

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/10/23

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

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01:01:36

Juggling Perimenopause, A Career & Toddlers with...

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/10/16

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

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15:43

Why I’m Growing Out My Grey Hair: with celebrity...

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/10/09

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

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18:33

The #1 Lesson I’ve Learned About Menopause

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/10/02

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

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16:24

Tips for Thinning Hair in Menopause

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/09/25

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

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33:22

Meno Belly & Weight Gain: A Realistic Fitness Guide

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/09/18

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

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45:50

What to Buy in the US: A Beauty Editor’s Guide

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/09/11

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

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21:46

Marriage in Midlife: What 23 Years Has Taught Us

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/09/04

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

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22:52

Is Creatine A Supplement We Really Need At Midlife?

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/08/28

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

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36:01

Feeling Invisible at 50? Model & Content Creator Mia...

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/08/21

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

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08:03

I Quit Alcohol for 7 Days: what sober skin looks like...

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/08/14

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

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28:31

Is drinking collagen actually good for your skin?...

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/08/07

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

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28:30

Can hypnotherapy fix me? Learn how you can break free...

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/07/31

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

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39:34

How do I use retinol in midlife? A consultant...

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/07/24

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

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31:08

1 year sober at midlife: Donna answers your questions

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/07/17

This time last year, Donna decided she'd had enough of hangovers, the 2am post-wine anxiety and the shame spiral that came with trying to keep up with her 'grey area' drinking. So she stopped. In this episode, Donna shares the story behind why she quit and what helped her get through the hardest days of her sobriety.Donna really wants this chat to be helpful, not preachy. It's not about insisting that you quit, it's about helping you understand what it's like to be sober at midlife, especially in

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27:48

Should You Be Taking Testosterone? Dr. Louise Newson...

Smiling Gives You Wrinkles ·

2025/07/10

Dr. Louise Newson aka @menopause_doctor is a leading voice in women’s hormone health, and in this episode, she chats with Donna about a topic that’s often overlooked: testosterone therapy.Many women think that taking testosterone is just for libido - but it’s a hormone that impacts so much more - energy, mood, motivation, muscle strength…and it’s an important one for every woman, at every stage of life.In this chat, expect to learn:* What testosterone is and the crucial role it plays in women’s

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