Warning: this article contains spoilers for Fleabag season two

I fear I may be about to burst the bubble. Five episodes in and, ugh, is that a pair of rose-tinted glasses slipping down my face? "I can’t have sex with you because I’ll fall in love with you." "We’re not having sex." "Kneel." "We’re going to have sex aren’t we?" Christ. Eyes up, glasses down. We need to talk about Fleabag ’s sexy priest.

Actualising a taboo sexual fantasy with a priest is something that only Phoebe Waller-Bridge could pull off. We had no idea what we were in for when the sexy priest – to whom, like our beloved protagonist, no real name has been given – turned to Fleabag at that dreadful family dinner to ask what she did for a living. I was the last to assume that my insides would melt when sexy priest came outside for a fag and smiled up at us as we walked away. An arm touch here, a gin in a tin there. Not one of us could’ve predicted the wave of untamed emotion that hit when sexy priest uttered that word from the other side of the confession booth.

The last we saw, she’d finally done it. Well, she was in the middle of doing it. Fleabag shielded our eyes as she and SP writhed around in bed at long last. But was it a sense of release we felt when Fleabag finally bit into the forbidden fruit, or was it guilt? Is it still hot knowing that she’d de-robed the man of the very expensive cloth? I do have to ask the question. Is the sexy priest even sexy?

A quick poll among team R29 and the consensus is split, albeit leaning more towards "yes, I am sexually attracted to this priest man" than "no, there is something very wrong about this". But what is it about him that's so attractive? Well, actor Andrew Scott is an attractive man and a damn sight more charismatic as the nameless, flirty priest we shouldn't want to shag than Sherlock's Jim Moriarty, so that helps. Then there's the fact that he's a bit of a bad boy. A wolf in priest's clothing, if you will. He's as much of a rule breaker as Fleabag and revels in the naughtiness of each inappropriate joke, 11am gin tin and machine gun rattle of ungodly swear words. His lovely neck. He's in on the joke we're all having about the ridiculousness of it all. He loves it as much as he's tormented by it, and nothing gets a girl going like a fuck boy's inner turmoil, amirite?

SP gets us. He's on our side but then also has a foot in a world that we lowly heathens mightn't buy into. He sees Fleabag in a way that no one else does – tick. He sees us, or at least senses our presence on the other side of the telly screen – double tick. He knows we want him and kind of wants us too but knows that he really, really shouldn't – gold star. And then this bad boy with a direct line to the man upstairs nimbly dances around our unrealised sexual desires with expertly executed foreplay until we're so hot, confused and vulnerable that we'll slip down onto our knees at his command. Unsettling, isn't it?

That's the point. This fabulously written TV series is all about a buried discomfort that none of us – audience, Fleabag, priest – necessarily knows what to do with. That niggling feeling of being lost and yearning for things we're not entirely sure we need. At this very point in time, this confusion manifests in a handsome priest who, despite having the expectations of the world (and God, I suppose) on his shoulders, has finally been revealed as just another human being muddling through the same shit as the rest of us.

Of course, there's a lot of talk about the priest being a bad guy. The abuse of power, the manipulation, the knowing what Fleabag wants and dangling it right in front of her because he can. He pokes and nags and finally whittles her down to the most emotionally exposed she has ever been and chooses that moment to pounce because she won't have it in her to challenge. He gets what he wants – sexy tear-sodden kisses – until they're interrupted by God causing a racket at the other end of the church (love it when he does that) and so he scuttles away again, having been caught out.

I don’t understand this mindset of “the priest is bad”. The whole point of fleabag is damaged people trying to live. If you’re looking for morals, this show ain’t it.

— shantar (@audreyhorned) April 1, 2019

Phoebe Waller-bridge appreciation tweet. Fleabag series 2. Shitting hell!
When that priest said ‘kneel’ my Vagina exploded in a way a man has never quite been able to achieve.

— London Hughes (@TheLondonHughes) March 30, 2019

The inner conflict is widespread. Even in the sexy priest camp, are we really sure what to do with all the X-rated emotion we feel towards this man? Comedian London Hughes tweeted that her "vagina exploded in a way a man has never quite been able to achieve" when the priest said "kneel" – a sentiment shared by many, I'm sure. Another user expressed her confusion around the mindset that the priest is outright bad: "The whole point of Fleabag is damaged people trying to live. If you're looking for morals, this show ain't it."

small brain: the sexy priest in fleabag is hot
expanding brain: the sexy priest in fleabag is bad
galaxy brain: the sexy priest in fleabag is hot AND bad
universe brain: God is canonically real in the Fleabag universe

— Clare Patterson (@clarepttrsn) March 29, 2019

We've got one episode left for it to be resolved. One more episode before we're left in a Fleabag -less abyss trying to make sense of the sexual fantasy that's involuntarily been playing on everyone's minds. I think the rose tint is going to fade. When the lights come up and sexy priest is just a naked man on the other side of Fleabag's bed, we'll see who he really is. Whether it'll still be hot or just even more uncomfortable is yet to be decided but either way, when Fleabag turns to us one more time we're going to have to attempt to answer a couple of difficult questions with her – is it okay that I just fucked a priest and where on earth do we go from here?

The final episode of Fleabag airs on BBC One on Monday 8th April

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Ever since my first job at MTV working as a music programmer, I can't stop trying to match people with music they might like. So, I wrote a book calledRecord Collecting for Girls and started interviewing musicians. The Music Concierge is a column where I share music I'm listening to that you might enjoy, with a little context. Get everything I've recommended this year on Spotify, follow me on Twitter or Facebook, and leave a comment below telling me what you're listening to this week.

Amber Mark "Mixer"

I just want to be somewhere in the vicinity of as cool as Amber Mark: this video, those lyrics, the denim jumpsuit, THE HAIR — it's all goals. There's something timeless about her music, which incorporates elements of New Jack Swing from the '90s and '70s funk and R&B in equal parts to create a retro style worn by a singer who is so completely now. No surprise this catchy as hell jam was a co-write with Andrew Wyatt (a.k.a. Miike Snow), the guy who had a hand in "Shallow," Bruno Mars' "Grenade," and Lorde's "Perfect Places."

Kylie Rae Harris "Twenty Years From Now"

The open chord that this song starts on sets up the uneasy tone here. It's a gorgeous, classic country song about love and loss that reminds me of a lot of the '90s country ballads by great women singers. The Dallas singer wrote a lament for her daughter that any parent can relate to — which also reminds of me the subjects '90s country stars like Suzy Boggus, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Martina McBride explored. Those voices are few and far between on country radio today. Good for Harris for keeping the flame afire.

Minke "Too Late"

In any major city across the world, it's a rite of passage to go home crying openly on the subway. Maybe you're one of the lucky ones who hide behind sunglasses, earbuds in while your favourite sad song plays. Minke is here to soundtrack that moment after your next bad breakup. In her video, directed by Aisha Taylor, she busks and lives the fantasy, but those big bad major chords contain something a little more sad. Cue it up for the next guy who is already gone.

Claude Fontaine "Hot Tears"

If you love a good Jamaican-inspired beat, then Claude Fontaine will have you hooked from the jump. This song marries her French-chanteuse sounding vocals with classic Jamaican drums and dancehall trumpet for a longing, tragic song that embraces the summertime sadness we all fall into now and again.

Rosie Lowe "Pharoah"

There's so much going on in Rosie Lowe's stable of influences — that much anyone can glean from listening to this track. It's earthy and warm, letting the guitar lead in the first bars. Her voice spits out lyrics it a quick pace, less like rapping and more like telling a story — classic talk/singing. She's got an assured manner when she sings about her power that makes me want to slip into her groove. And this song has left me wanting to know more about what she can do, musically.

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I took a picture the other day. It was in the loos of a posh hotel in London, because it’s a crime not to outfit selfie in a full-length mirror. When I looked at the photo, I couldn’t see myself at all – I’d completely disappeared into the darkness, save for my red metallic boots. I’d just bought those shoes; they’re the only colourful shoes I own, actually. I kept looking at that photo because it seemed like a metaphor for how I’m feeling at the moment and as a lifelong wearer of black: pretty invisible, but with a glimmer of hope.

Black always represented counter-culture to me, but if I take a reality check and think about it, that’s not the case anymore because I now wear it as a uniform.

Black clothes have always been a huge part of my identity, from my earliest incarnation as a 14-year-old gothling to now, as a grown-up goth. I love the drama that black clothing can bring – a billowing cape dress with a Cruella de Vil vibe and sculptural Yohji Yamamoto shapes that look like a neo-gothic version of the future. Black has always represented counter-culture to me, except that if I take a reality check and think about it, that’s not the case anymore because I now wear it as a uniform. After a decade of working on women’s magazines, I just look like part of the crowd – most fashion people wear black or navy. Everyone at the bus stop is in black. Everyone walking down the street is in black. Black now feels conformist in so many ways; the very opposite of what it meant to me, originally, as a baby goth.

This has led me to my current situation, sat at my dining table with Jo Baldwin Trott, an image and personal brand expert who specialises in colour. When she turns up at my fairly monochrome flat, she’s resplendent in blue and red; I can almost feel the room liven up. But she doesn’t look bonkers, which is how I always think a colour expert will look; like somebody who not only tasted the rainbow but decided to wear the whole darn thing too. "Colour engages us on every level," Jo says. "It changes emotions, how others see us and our own energetic vibrations. All colours have an energetic factor; red increases your heart rate as it is seen as a signal of danger. Green, the colour of nature, is calming and creative. Ancient Ayurvedic principles even say that you should avoid black if you want to be more fertile because the energy of the colours your wear transfers to the cells in your body."

I do believe in energies and vibrations from colour – the instant zap you feel when you see neon or a really bright hue. And while some of you may be screaming 'pseudoscience' at the screen right now, the biggest decider for me is what works in practice, not theory. The one thing I know I need to overcome is feeling uncomfortable being seen. "I do think women wear black to not be noticed," says Jo. "That’s what we need to change – it’s not about hiding – whatever shape or size you are. What you have to get over by wearing colour is that you will be noticed." I don’t feel ready yet, if I’m honest. I worry that if I wear bright colours, I’ll have to perform a bit to 'match' the vibrancy of the shade – I am quite shy naturally and I’m going through a career transition that means I need to be a bit more of an extrovert – and I’m feeling the pressure. "You think you have to create another character," Jo says. "But you need to allow the hidden extrovert part of yourself to exist more; now it’s hidden underneath the black."

Deep down I do want to be more visible. I have a feeling I’m missing out by choosing black as a tick-box every time I do an ASOS haul. Is it finally time to step away from the darkness?

The right colours…

Jo begins my colour analysis, a process created by artist Robert Dorr which suggests that we are all 'seasons' of colour. To determine my season, Jo asks me to look in the mirror and uses different shades of fabric to cover up what I’m wearing, ensuring the fabric is around my neck so I can see how it affects my skin tone. She starts with blues, showing me that I really suit navy – a shade I’ve always deemed "black for wimps". She shows me a brighter shade of blue and again I’ve got a line: "cheap bridesmaids' dresses," I tell her. Clearly I’ve been talking myself out of colour for quite some time.

Jo reveals that I’m a ‘winter’ – which pleases my gothic heart immensely.

Once I get over myself, I start seeing that the colours she puts on me do change my face. Khaki makes my skin look almost patchy. Bright red works though, as does hot pink. But warm yellow? Forget about it – it makes me look a teeny bit sick. We move through the other shade groups and finish on neutrals; luckily black is one of mine. Phew! When we’ve finished, Jo reveals that I’m a 'winter', which pleases my gothic heart immensely. She creates a wallet of colours for me to take shopping, so I know what I’m looking for, and also points out 'zing' colours – those that suit me most – putting a sticker on those shades in the wallet.

Afterwards we go upstairs and open my wardrobe. It’s almost dark outside and I realise you can’t see inside; I'll admit that after 6pm in dim light, I do struggle to find things. But there are some colours I’m instinctively drawn to, a few of which do actually reside in my cupboard of darkness – namely green and bright pink. "Those are two of your zing colours," Jo assures me. "You picked them instinctively because you look and feel great in them."

That’s probably right – but what about the random bits of colour I have amassed? She pulls out a peach pussy-bow top from last year that still has the tags on it. "Hold it up to yourself in the mirror – you’ll see the shade doesn’t really light you up," she says, and she’s right. Peach doesn’t work at all, it makes me look washed out. Jo brandishes a brown and purple tartan jacket from M&S which I love but again, haven’t worn. She says it’s because brown isn’t one of my colours, which is evident when I put the jacket on to show her. But I do love this jacket, so she suggests getting the lapel altered with purple velvet – purple being one of my 'zing' colours.

One thing I am worried about if I do wear more colour is the loss of my 'alternative' identity. Deep inside I'm still that kid in the Slipknot hoodie with kohl-ringed eyes; I’ve been going to Download Festival for 15 years now, sandwiching it in between fashion months. Now that I've 'made it' professionally, wearing colour feels like cheating on that identity – I’ve always felt that black keeps me authentic. I may no longer have the blue hair and multiple facial piercings but I’m still that same girl who doesn’t want to conform. Can I evolve her into colour in a way that feels natural? I definitely feel more inclined to try.

At the end of the session I do feel excited by colour and the possibility of using it to express myself. Neon shades I’ve decided are a goer – I’ve seen this Collision jumper in neon pink that I definitely want. Jo suggests that when I do wear all black (that uniform won’t disappear overnight), bright shoes or accessories are a great choice to change the energy of my outfit. The next day I decide to remove a Vestiaire Collective listing for a hot pink MSGM coat I bought but put up for sale because it was so bright, I worried that everyone would look at me all the time. Now I can see that coat is actually a weapon. I’m beginning to see colour on other people more too – and Jo’s right, it’s an instant draw.

The following week I'm looking at colour more as an option – I wear brighter makeup and at a vintage fair, yes, I buy a black '40s swing coat, but I also buy a ton of bright scarves and a fluoro pink dress. I'm excited about colour in a way I didn’t think was possible, and I feel brighter and more ready to be 'seen' than ever before. I just wish I’d done this sooner, it really has changed my outlook.

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When it comes to acne and acne scarring, you might have looked into the benefits of treatments like laser and microneedling. But LED light (sometimes referred to as phototherapy by dermatologists) is gaining traction among those on a quest for clearer, more even-textured skin.

Not long ago, New York-based dermatologist, Dr Dennis Gross launched his targeted LED spot tool, which promises to "target and treat acne at all stages, even before it surfaces," using blue light, which "penetrates just beneath skin’s surface to fight acne-causing bacteria," and red light to "heal skin, reduce inflammation and redness." Since then, LED skincare has become even bigger, with Neutrogena launching an entire mask – the Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Mask – which harnesses both red and blue light to do virtually the same on a much larger scale. But are LED home devices like these effective at treating acne?

"Home devices are gaining popularity as they are non-invasive and can be fitted much more conveniently into people's skincare routines," explains Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible: Your No-Nonsense Guide To Great Skin. "There is some evidence that both blue and red light combined might be anti-inflammatory and reduce the number of inflammatory lesions (essentially inflamed, red spots) in mild acne sufferers. But what we don't yet know from rigorous scientific trials is variables such as the best light source, duration and frequency of use."

So are home devices worth it? "Home devices are likely to be far less powerful than clinic-based LEDs for safety reasons," adds Dr Mahto, "so the benefits might not be comparable." That said, not all of us have the time or money to book in for regular, professional skin treatments in clinic, and so look to home devices such as Neutrogena's acne mask for this reason. Having written about her acne on R29 before, social media assistant, Sadhbh O'Sullivan tested the mask every evening, on top of her acne skincare routine (which includes prescription strength Differin, prescribed by a GP) for a week to see if it could work as a quick fix and make any difference at all to her skin. Here's what she thought...

"I desperately wanted to try this mask, if for no other reason than it looks like what people in the '60s thought the future would look like. Retro-futurism that will allegedly cure my acne while making me look like a neon thumbnail is quite hard to argue against. In reality, though, I couldn't tell you if it actually worked. After cleansing (using the DHC pore cleanser (blue bottle), highly recommend) I'd settle in on my bed for 10 minutes of calming beautifying. What actually happened was either I was wearing my contact lenses and would endeavour to watch Derry Girls through the eye slots or I was wearing my glasses and therefore was temporarily blind and raging I couldn't watch Derry Girls.

"After 10 minutes there was no immediate noticeable difference except that my skin felt tighter and dryer and after a week there was no big change. Maybe on a couple of spots that have stopped being spots (if that makes sense), but my skin staining is really bad at the moment, so even if inflammation was reduced, the hyperpigmentation meant the redness was still there. Though, that's because of my type of skin not the product. I currently have more spots – the deep, painful cystic kind that stain your skin. Fun! However, I'd take that with a pinch of salt. My period was late so I had PMS skin for way longer than normal and I'm mid Differin purge. I might give it another crack once my skin has settled again. Or at least save it for Hallowe'en this year..."

If you're still intrigued about how LED can help with acne long term, Dr Justine Hextall, dermatologist at the Tarrant Street Clinic previously told R29 that LED light works better with an acne-specific skincare routine, rather than on its own. "LED is most effective as an adjunctive therapy in acne, so it is beneficial to combine it with topical treatment such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoid cream. A light peel prior to LED treatment may also help." Nurse Alice Jenkins at Harley Injectables hits home the importance of looking after your skin when using retinoids. "Retinol is a form of vitamin A, so keep in mind that it increases photosensitivity within the skin. It’s really important that if you are using it to also apply a daily SPF."

And like all skincare routines, consistency is key. In fact, most experts argue that it could take up to 12 weeks for a new routine to show the desired results, including new acne skincare routines, which could include LED treatments. Interestingly, the trials online allude to four months, with 98% of 52 Neutrogena mask users seeing improvements, according to the brand.

And finally, if you aren't seeing any improvements after 12 weeks of starting a new acne skincare routine, or if your skin is taking its toll on your mental health, it's worth visiting your GP or a qualified dermatologist (always check if they are on the General Medical Council register) for further help.

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Think about the cool-girl short haircut you've always wanted. Maybe it's the polished jaw-length bob you've saved on Instagram, like, a hundred times, or the loose curly pixie that would finally allow you to quit your blowout habit. Whatever your dream chop looks like — now's the time to pull the trigger.

And if the only thing stopping you is that little voice inside your head whispering, You'll miss your ponytail — we have the fix. Ahead, we've compiled a comprehensive roundup of the cutest short updos that will ward off any and all post-cut regret.

From half ups and barrette tucks, to delicate French braids and baby topknots — all styled by the coolest girls on Instagram — scroll through to find the photo that will convince you to (finally) go above-the-shoulder short.

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After what felt like an eternity, the final season of Game of Thrones is here — and, with just six episodes, fans can expect a lot of action from our favourite remaining characters. (RIP to everyone we've lost.) So far, the producers and cast have been extremely tight-lipped about what fans can expect in the eighth and final season, leaving everyone to anxiously ponder the most pressing question: Which Game Of Thrones characters are confirmed to return to fight for the Iron Throne?

While it's easy to fall for all of the solid Game of Thrones fan theories circulating the internet (not to mention, fun to read), we've learned after seven intense seasons of GoT that things in Westeros are hardly as they seem. People we thought would last perished (bye, Littlefinger). Characters we thought would never bend the knee did (we're looking at you, Jon Snow). Alliances are broken as quickly as they're formed (anyone up for a Tyrion Lannister-Jon Snow bromance?). The only things we can know for certain are that we can anticipate an epic Thrones season 8 battle between the humans and the White Walkers and that dozens of familiar faces will reappear this season, including the Lannister siblings (Tyrion, Cersei, and Jaime), accidentally incestuous lovers Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow, and the Stark siblings (Arya, Sansa, and Bran). The Game of Thrones season 8 trailers also reveal that favourites such as Brienne of Tarth and Samwell Tarly will make appearances.

Of course, we should know better by now than to rule anyone out. According to Entertainment Weekly, fans can also anticipate a handful of surprise Game of Thrones cast appearances in the finale, so start placing your bets now.

If gambling's not your thing, fear not. Ahead, we've compiled a list of confirmed cast appearances in Game of Thrones season 8.

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Just when you thought Brexit couldn't get any messier... it has. Though the date when the UK will actually leave the EU remains unknown, some people are already being issued passports without the words "European Union" on them.

Sharing a picture of her new, EU-free passport, which she collected from her local passport office yesterday (5th April), Susan Hindle Barone told Twitter followers that she was "truly appalled".

TRULY APPALLED. Picked up my new passport today - my old one expires in the next couple of months. See below: Spot the difference! pic.twitter.com/R7BW9lk6I5

— Susan Hindle Barone (@SpinHBarone) April 5, 2019

One follower replied: "Trying hard to look on the bright side, it might become a collector’s item of the future if we stay in.. I don’t understand how @ukhomeoffice can do this while still in the EU though."

So, here's what's happened: the Home Office started issuing passports which don't feature the words "European Union" on 30th March – the day the UK was supposed to leave the EU, but obviously didn't.

However, because there's apparently a bit of a stockpile of the familiar European Union passports, some people are still receiving the existing design.

A Home Office spokesperson told the press: "Burgundy passports that no longer include the words European Union on the front cover were introduced from 30 March 2019.

“In order to use leftover stock and achieve best value to the taxpayer, passports that include the words European Union will continue to be issued for a short period after this date.

“There will be no difference for British citizens whether they are using a passport that includes the words European Union, or a passport that does not. Both designs will be equally valid for travel."

So essentially, those of us applying for a new passport in the coming weeks won't know which design we'll get until it arrives.

However, burgundy passports are already destined to become a thing of the past, presuming Brexit eventually happens, of course. From October of this year, anyone renewing or applying for a new passport will get a dark blue and gold passport instead of the current burgundy version, a move that immigration minister Brandon Lewis has said will help the country "restore our national identity".

Dark blue and gold British passports were issued from 1921 until 1988 when the burgundy document began to be rolled out, in line with other countries in the European Economic Community, as the EU was then known.

The Home Office has said that the return to dark blue and gold passports will cost an eye-watering £500m.

Is all this adding to anyone else's Brexit anxiety?

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According to new research, Glasgow is the best city in the UK for millennials to live in.

The research by credit experts Totally Money takes into account 16 factors deemed relevant to millennials putting down roots – including graduate work prospects, employment rates, weekly earnings, the cost of a meal for two, population age, the percentage of Brexit remain voters and gym membership rates.

The research also factors in the price of buying or renting a one-bedroom property in each of the 63 UK cities included.

Glasgow places top of the pile thanks to its "decent weekly wages, innumerable entertainment hotspots, and house prices well below the national average". A typical one-bedroom property in the Scottish city costs a little over £90,000.

London places second on the list despite its eye-watering property prices: the average one-bed in the capital costs £450,000! However, the UK's biggest city has more graduate hires than any other in the UK and ranks number one for "lifestyle".

Aberdeen places third thanks to its high employment rates and low cost-of-living: the average one-bed property there costs a shade under £85,000.

Liverpool is fourth because it's "a city that can achieve the much-coveted millennial work-life balance thanks to good weekly wages" and a high lifestyle score.

Bristol has relatively high property prices, but still places fifth because of its high number of start-ups, high employment rate, and enviable weekly salaries.

Check out the top ten below.

1. Glasgow

2. London

3. Aberdeen

4. Liverpool

5. Bristol

6. Gloucester

7. Southampton

8. Cardiff

9. Cambridge

10. Middlesbrough

James McCaffrey of TotallyMoney said of the results: "There are some things millennials have had to adjust to that haven’t been experienced by past generations, and with this comes an entirely different set of priorities.

“Rising house prices, stagnant wages, and Brexit are just some of the hurdles this generation have to get over. But, that’s where our map could help, as it makes it much easier for millennials to find the places where those hurdles might be easier to jump.

“Of course, the rankings should be taken with a small pinch of salt, as some factors will be more important to some than others."

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Not all art is meant to last forever, but most artists would hope it would last more than a few hours. Unfortunately, not even the Louvre is an exception.

In honour of the 30th anniversary of the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, the museum commissioned an art installation envisioned by award-winning French street artist Jean Rene. It took 400 volunteers four days to make his vision come to life with thousands of pieces of paper arranged to create the optical illusion of the pyramid looking like a gigantic, rocky ravine. “Each day hundreds of volunteers came to help cut and paste the 2,000 strips of paper,” read a statement on the artist’s website.

The picturesque installation was revealed on Friday evening. Hours later, it was all but destroyed. Papers flew around the Louvre’s Napoleon Court as a flood of tourists walked over the commemorative attraction. “It’s perfectly normal for it to be degradable. We just didn’t know how fast it would happen,” a spokesperson for the Louvre told The Times.

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. 🇫🇷 @jr dévoile le secret de la grande Pyramide🔺 _ 👀 Découvrez le collage monumental de JR, en accès libre jusqu’à dimanche soir, et partagez vos photos avec les #30ansPyramide et #JRauLouvre ! ______ 🌍 @jr reveals the secret of the great Pyramid 🔺 _ 👀 You can now discover the monumental work by the artist JR until Sunday night! Share your pictures using the #JRauLouvre and #30ansPyramide _ 📸 ©️JR-ART.net . . . #Louvre #MuseeduLouvre #LouvreMuseum #InstaLouvre

A post shared by Musée du Louvre (@museelouvre) on Mar 30, 2019 at 1:42am PDT

While people may see it and think that it is a pity that such a time-intensive and beautiful work of art didn’t last longer, Rene expressed that the outcome was expected from the start. The artist reacted to the record-breaking degradation on his website, saying, “The images, like life, are ephemeral. Once pasted, the art piece lives on its own. The sun dries the light glue and with every step, people tear pieces of fragile paper.”

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Доброго весеннего вечера! В Париже к 30-летию пирамиды Лувра появилась огромная оптическая иллюзия. Но её разрушили в течении нескольких часов. Мы пришли уже на «руины» инсталляции ... #делюсьулыбкой🐵 #тaккрасиво#вpeмякайфовать

A post shared by ЛЮДМИЛА (@p.lyusik) on Mar 31, 2019 at 10:47am PDT

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Pyramid ✨ #louvre #paris #pyramidedulouvre #30anspyramide #jr #jraulouvre #parisian #bluesky #sunday #throwback #chilledsunday #flyingpaper #art #iphone #architecture #photography #travel

A post shared by Emma Roquier 👩🏻‍💻 (@emmarqr) on Apr 5, 2019 at 10:22am PDT

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Parce qu’il ne faut pas oublier certaines phases de l’œuvre éphémère de @jr. Ils étaient 400 bénévoles pour coller, ils sont 3 pour décoller. #jr #jraulouvre @museelouvre #pyramidedulouvre #paris #france #giletsjaunes #louvre #30anspyramide #art #streetart #pyramid

A post shared by Léo BALG (@leobalg) on Apr 3, 2019 at 9:00am PDT

This is the second time Rene has done an art installation involving the Louvre Pyramid. In 2016, Rene plastered the glass segments of the structure with black and white photos of the Louvre Palace. When looking at the building straight on, the installation made it look as though the pyramid had disappeared.

Though it is now gone, the work of art lives on in the countless photos taken by visitors, Rene, and the museum, proving that if you want a temporary installation to last forever, you just need to share it online. Ideally, before it starts peeling from people stepping all over it.

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When you're walking down the aisle, fingers wrapped around a bouquet of peonies that took you three months to settle on, you want the frame — your manicure — to be given the same amount of careful consideration. While French tips or any old nude polish may feel appropriate, there's an assortment of minimalist nail designs that are similarly classic, but with just enough individuality to keep you from feeling like every other bride.

Ahead, find a foolproof guide to your wedding manicure. Whether you're looking for that "something blue" with a pastel robin's egg polish, a glossy barely-there rose, or the skinniest stripe of sparkle to complement your cushion-cut engagement ring, scroll through to find the perfect final touch to wear on your big day.

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Action planet Mars travels through Gemini this week, increasing our ability to communicate our intentions. Work on your follow-through with the help of Sunday’s waxing moon in Taurus until Monday at 9.28am BST. Structuring your thoughts before you express them will be helpful on Sunday when chatty Mercury sextiles strict Saturn. Use the combination of this energy to get your ideas onto paper before presenting them to your intended audience. The moon waxes in Gemini on Monday evening at 10.15pm BST until Wednesday at 6.26pm BST, enhancing our connections with friends, coworkers and loved ones.

Lighten up your outlook on Wednesday when charming Venus conjuncts intuitive Neptune. It’s a romantic day for you to explore the possibility with your partner. If you’re single and seeing someone new, it may be difficult to get serious. Make time to count your lucky stars on Wednesday when Jupiter goes retrograde in Sagittarius. The planet of hope will be moving in reverse, but his path will help you to give thanks for the opportunities that have come before you in the past. Work on actualising those gifts to help you grow when Jupiter moves direct on 11th August. Watch out for rigid behaviour on Wednesday when the sun squares stern Saturn. It might feel like you can’t move forward, so take a moment to pause. The planet of rules and regulations is at odds with our collective need for action. Be patient — we’ve got plenty of Aries season left to fuel our fires.

The moon waxes in sensitive Cancer on Thursday morning at 4.31am BST through to Saturday morning at 12.32am BST. She goes void-of-course until 8.50am BST on Saturday morning. We’ll collectively seek the spotlight this weekend as the moon waxes in Leo for the rest of the day. Enjoy the company of your friends and loved ones as you entertain each other.

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If you ask us, there's a long list of things we would rather do on a Sunday than spend it in the kitchen – a duvet and Netflix day perhaps? A trip to a street market? Or maybe a wander around a new exhibition? As such, our Deliveroo app often sees a lot of action come the end of the weekend, a fact that is never kind on our bank balance.

This week we're giving our local takeaway a rest and trying this spicy and sweet spring curry from Marie Mitchell, founder of Pop's Kitchen and cofounder of Island Social Club.

It's quick and easy to make, and jam-packed with flavour. To feel like you've really got your life together, make extra portions for the week ahead.

Once all the ingredients are in the pot together, there is very little effort required on your part thanks to the amazing mix of spices. Marie suggests you use fresh tomatoes for their delicious sweetness – especially as tomato season is soon upon us – but if you can't source good ones locally or they're out of season, they can easily be swapped out for tinned tomatoes. Not a huge fan of spice? Simply add in the Scotch bonnet whole rather than chopping it up. This will lend the curry a gentle warmth and balance the sweet tomatoes. Just make sure that the Scotch bonnet is not bruised or it will end up being very spicy.

Marie Mitchell's Spicy Sweet Spring Curry
Serves 4

Ingredients

2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
2 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
6 fresh tomatoes, washed and halved or 1 tin of good quality chopped tomatoes
2 medium potatoes, washed and diced with skin on
Thumb of ginger, peeled, sliced and finely chopped
1 tin chickpeas, drained
1/4 Scotch bonnet, deseeded and finely chopped OR whole (must make sure the Scotch bonnet is not bruised), optional
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cumin
2 tsp curry powder (I used madras but you can use your preferred curry powder for a different flavour)
500 ml vegetable stock
1 tbsp olive oil
Coriander, optional
Lime wedges, optional

Instructions

Using a wide-bottomed saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil before adding your onions and shallots. Fry these for around 5-10 minutes until they are translucent, then tip in all your spices and ginger. Stir everything together until fragrant.

Add in the tomatoes and a dash of water – stir these in to make sure your spices are well mixed. Pour in the diced potato pieces and vegetable stock. Pop on the lid of your saucepan and bring the mixture to the boil, leaving it then to simmer for around 30 minutes (or until your potatoes are cooked).

Add in the chickpeas. Leave the lid off the pan for 5 minutes or so until the sauce is as thick as you like. Serve with either rice or a bread of your choice (we suggest naan bread), a sprinkle of coriander and a squeeze of lime.

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Endless photographers and artists have spent their lifetimes documenting their lovers as both public and personal venture. Time and again, the roles of lover and muse have folded into one and the same in front of the camera lens. The American photographer Sally Mann, for instance – who famously said she makes no separation between herself as artist and mother – has taken elegiac and haunting photographs of her family, including her husband, Larry, for decades. Lee Friedlander photographed his wife Maria for over 50 years, taking his first photograph of her in 1959. And Nobuyoshi Araki’s most seminal series, Sentimental Journey, traced his relationship with his late wife Yoko Aoki, in tender black and white portraits.

In among these short affairs and lifelong intimacies, loves lost and changed, those that lasted and those that didn’t, slots Michael Northrup’s project, Dream Away. It’s a beautifully honest and illuminating portrayal of Northrup’s former wife from the moment they met in the mid-1970s, and an ongoing visual reflection of their relationship as it unfolded across the years. It’s a dreamlike visual diary, a constellation of snapshots offering a moving portrait of their time together, from young lovers to parents.

"I grew up in a beautiful, historic, small, conservative Ohio town on two rivers," Northrup begins. "I had great parents and was given a lot of opportunities, even if I didn’t always know in what direction I was headed. I learned to love irony and humour from those early years – my dad, being a doctor, surgeon and coroner, would bring humour to the dinner table on things like bowel obstructions. My whole family was great at extracting humour out of tragedy and that has given me a way of seeing. For me, creating images is all about my daily life, those meaningful pictures I'm able to extract from it, and the personal vision I bring to those visual narratives."

Though the relationship ultimately wasn’t to last, the project remains some of Northrup’s most intimate and affecting work. The experience of making it helped him to picture intangible emotions and respond lovingly, through photography, to the things that happened around him. Here, Northrup picks out some of the images that defined the project, and tells us how his relationship became a playground for his creativity to flourish.

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Flashback to freezing early February, and you can imagine how unenthusiastic I was to embark on an eight-week fitness challenge that promised to upend my entire routine. The Deliveroos and Sunday night sofa sessions with three varieties of Lindt that I was using to self-medicate throughout winter were about to be replaced with daily HIIT classes, alcohol abstinence, limited caffeine and virtuous home-cooked meals. But it was too late to back out – a few weeks prior I’d innocently signed up for the F45 Challenge.

For the uninitiated, F45 is a worldwide Australian-born exercise phenomenon that’s spreading like wildfire throughout the UK and Ireland, with studios as far afield as Glasgow, Bath, Bristol, Oxford, all corners of London, and elsewhere, with more set to open this year. (Mark Wahlberg, whose own hardcore workout schedule starts at 2.30am daily, just bought a minority stake in the franchise, so you know it’s serious.) Its USP is its 45-minute circuit classes that combine interval, cardiovascular and strength training to build muscle and fitness. It holds four eight-week challenges a year, which involve training as many times a week as you can manage, while following a meal plan and monitoring your body composition (muscle, fat and more) at the beginning and end. Yeah, it’s a lot.

So why did I sign up? A fitness challenge was high on my goal list for 2019 – I’d never done anything like it and wanted to see how I'd feel, mentally and physically, from sticking to a structured exercise regime. My goal wasn’t to lose weight – if anything, I was keen to put on muscle and spice up my exercise regime while challenging myself. I was stuck in an exercise rut and bored of my unfocused routine – which amounted to a Pilates or kettlebells class here, a 10km run there, a few times a week – and didn't think it would be much of a sacrifice at a time of year when my social life wouldn’t ordinarily be popping off anyway (I was wrong, but more on that later).

Flash forward to now, just a week after finishing the challenge at F45 Farringdon, the endorphins are settling down and the novelty of being able to guiltlessly sip my favourite gin cocktails is starting to wear off, and I’m in a good position to reflect on what I learned. Whether you're considering doing the next F45 Challenge or another challenge (like Barry's Bootcamp's Face Yourself or Hellweek, the CrossFit Games, or marathon training), or merely looking to hop back on the fitness train for spring, you may find this useful too.

You really do get out what you put in

In a world where everyone’s Instagramming their workouts, and gyms flog their classes with the help of their Herculean superstar trainers' vast online followings, it’s easy to expect immediate results from the latest fitness trend. I’m as guilty of this as anyone. But the F45 Challenge hammered home the obvious, unglamorous truth: the more sustained effort you expel, the more likely you are to see the outcome you want. The days when I chest-pressed 10kg rather than my safer 8kg were the days I’d leave the studio feeling proudest and most satisfied. "People become braver and push themselves more with weights from week to week," says Honey Fine, a fitness coach at F45 Farringdon. "They learn that being part of a community allows you to feel comfortable in a safe environment to train, discuss the challenge and their concerns."

Equally, there’s no getting around the importance of dusting yourself off and trying again when you hit stumbling blocks. "Getting back into the swing of it after a holiday can be tough for people," Jake Hazell, F45 Farringdon’s studio manager, tells me, and yep, he’s right. In week three, just as I was hitting my stride, I went on a long weekend to Marrakech and everything went out the window (because YOLO and there’s no way I wanted to be That Girl who ruins their boyfriend’s holiday by eschewing the bread basket and leaving him to drink alone). I ditched the meal plan and broke the plan’s no-alcohol rule, and I drank a few other times later on in the challenge and ended up going more overboard than usual because of the novelty of it. While I don’t regret the fun I had (and wouldn’t have done anything differently on holiday), it was tough getting back into the #fitness mindset and annoying knowing I’d undone my progress. The key, though, is picking up where you left off and letting it go. The challenge is hard enough as it is, without the added mental anguish of regretting some fun experiences that can’t be undone.

A support system is surprisingly important

I’m usually an independent exerciser and have no problem motivating myself to work out – the thought of jogging with a friend to "catch up" brings me out in hives – but I seriously underestimated how vital others’ encouragement would be to get me through such a massive lifestyle change. "Team changing, life changing" is the F45 slogan and they’re not just empty words. Complaining about the meals and difficulty of certain classes with the same people each day was cheering. My now-friend Mervet Kagu, with whom I did virtually every class, also describes "the sense of community and support from fellow challengers and the trainers" as her biggest motivation throughout. As someone who usually avoids all eye contact with others at the gym, I surprisingly didn't mind having to make small talk with fellow challengers at 7am. I was also added to a WhatsApp group headed by the trainer who’d act as my mentor throughout (shout out to Jonah!), which I was grateful for countless times. Once I'd muted it, which I did within five minutes of being added, it was an invaluable source of challenge intel.

The first two weeks were the hardest for me – the meal plan means no coffee, alcohol or sugar – and on the first day (my first without coffee for at least a decade) I had the worst headache of my life and felt like I was outside my body, looking down on myself. The immediate impact of the cappuccino withdrawal amazed me, but the WhatsApp group told me I wasn't alone, and I ended up having one of the best sleeps of my life, so it wasn’t all dire.

On top of the support from the Farringdon studio, there was also the global network of F45 studios to get me through. Whatever fitness challenge you're doing, I'd recommend following others doing the same challenge on social media. Everyone on the F45 Challenge around the world does the same classes each day, and it was helpful looking at others’ versions of the same meals and the classes beforehand. My Instagram feed looked like the inside of a bodybuilder's kitchen, with all the chicken breasts and protein shakes on the challenge hashtags I was following, and I'd religiously watch the studio’s Instagram Stories for a glimpse of the workout I had to look forward to.

Variety is underrated

While it's important to be deliberate and consistent in your training, it's crucial to have diversity within each session (the same goes for healthy eating). The focus of F45's classes alternates each day: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are cardio-focused, while Tuesdays and Thursdays are weights-based, and Saturday is a slightly longer class (Hollywood, my favourite) that combines both. Classes are never repeated (and specific exercises are only repeated every now and again) so you never get bored, while recipes on the meal plan aren’t repeated week to week. I realised my diet was extremely lacking in diversity – as a veggie, I leaned heavily towards carbs and wasn't getting enough protein (I'm now a protein shake addict) – and I was too reliant on caffeine (see: the aforementioned crippling headache). I came away with a cookery book’s worth of recipes that I’ve already been recreating in my post-challenge life.

You have to make sacrifices if you want to see results

Sad but true. Call me a sheep, but I don’t enjoy socialising sober at night when everyone else is drinking. This meant I had to turn down invitations and plans where I knew alcohol would be involved (read: about 80% of them) to stay on track, because I knew I'd be miserable being the boring "healthy" one and having to explain why I wasn’t eating or drinking as normal. (You may find it easier to strike a balance between socialising and a fitness regime, but an all-or-nothing approach sometimes works better for me.) Thus, my social life suffered – badly. During the week I’d spend every evening at the studio, followed by meal prepping for the next day (three meals and two HOMEMADE snacks). Because my fridge is so small I couldn’t make a week’s worth of meals on Sunday like other people. (This being said, I’d never done a weekly online shop before the challenge and it’s a habit I’ll be sticking to because it is, crushingly, cheaper than nightly runs to Tesco Express. My mum was right.)

Fitness apps may have scored a bad rap recently (with critics claiming they're too number-heavy) but for me, tracking my habits, mood and workouts in the diary section of the F45 Challenge app became a key source of motivation when I was struggling, and I'd eagerly await the "drop" of the following week's meal plan on Mondays (how's that for a sorry glimpse into my life?). I stuck to the meal plan pretty staunchly and trained six times a week on average, giving me a huge sense of achievement and satisfaction that I hadn’t felt for ages. It was great having a fitness and nutrition plan laid out for me – it freed up mental space to think about other things.

Nothing's more important than your mental health

Too much restriction and life admin, I very quickly realised, is terrible for my mental health. In between the alcohol abstinence and nightly meal-prep, there were times when I felt pretty low. Luckily the encouragement from others and the classes themselves were enough to keep me going, but it's called a "challenge" for a reason: it's not sustainable long term. A challenge like this (if you're a fitness fanatic and can afford the hefty £200 a month) is fun, life-enhancing and the health benefits are amazing – by week eight my skin was blemish-free, I felt stronger and I'd shaved a year off my biological age – but it made me realise how much I value alcohol, meals out, and simply doing nothing (that is, not exercising) for my mental health. That being said, I learned you have to get through the lows to properly value the highs – and I've already put the dates for the next challenge in my diary.

The next F45 Challenge runs from the 29th April-23rd June 2019. For more information about the F45 Challenge or F45 Farringdon, visit their websites.

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New Jersey Superior Court Judge John F. Russo Jr. is facing a possible three-month suspension without pay for asking an alleged sexual assault victim whether she tried closing her legs to prevent the assault.

The Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct overseeing the case say he has violated the Code of Judicial Conduct with this line of questioning in addition to numerous other instances in recent years, the Washington Post reports.

In 2016, Russo was overseeing a case where a woman was seeking a restraining order against the father of her child, who she claims raped her and threatened her life. In the transcript from the hearing, Russo began a line of questioning by asking, “Do you know how to stop somebody from having intercourse with you?” According to the transcript, the judge had the woman list out ways to prevent an assault. She suggested attempting to physically harm her assailant, saying no, and running away. When asked if there was anything else she could have done, the woman responded, “That’s all I know.” To which, Russo asked, “Block your body parts? Close your legs? Call the police? Did you do any of those things?”

The committee found Russo’s line of questioning to be “unwarranted” and “egregious given the potential for those questions to re-victimise the plaintiff, who sought redress from the court under palpably difficult circumstances.” According to the committee’s report, Russo denied the woman’s request for a restraining order, citing her answers to his line of questioning as reason for his decision.

Russo stands by his line of questioning, saying that it was necessary to “demonstrate the element of force or coercion used during the assault.” He denies that the questions were inappropriate; however, the committee claims that Russo has agreed to not ask those types of questions in the future. In March 2018, Russo’s lawyer, David F. Corrigan, made a statement to the local NBC News station, saying, “Judge Russo looks forward to a public hearing in which he will be able to respond to the allegations against him.” This was right after the complaint was filed.

The committee's investigation into the matter includes interviews with Russo and two dozen other individuals. The recommendation for his suspension, a 45-page document, was released earlier this week. According to the New York Times, the New Jersey Supreme Court has set a hearing for July to determine what disciplinary actions will be taken.

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SoulCycle, the US fitness chain known for its high-intensity indoor cycling classes, is coming to the UK this summer.

SoulCycle's first UK studio will open in London's Soho in mid-June with over 60 bikes spread over 3,500 square feet. The studio will also have its own retail space.

SoulCycle, described as a "a 45-minute indoor cycling class that features high-intensity cardio, muscle-sculpting strength training, and rhythm-based choreography," was launched in New York City in 2006. Its classes are based on the teaching styles and techniques of fitness instructor Ruth Zukerman, one of its co-founders.

It's since grown to operate more than 80 studios in the US and Canada, and has attracted celebrity exercisers including Lady Gaga, Vanessa Hudgens and Michelle Obama.

"We’re incredibly excited to open our first SoulCycle studio in the UK,” SoulCycle's CEO Melanie Whelan said in a press announcement.

"SoulCycle is social and joyful and gives people a way to connect. Our classes are high energy and results oriented. We’re a community and a space where you can come as you are and celebrate who you are, to work through whatever you’re facing that day and emerge feeling stronger and inspired. Above all, SoulCycle is fun!"

Its new central London studio will be SoulCycle's first outside North America, but Whelan has said it won't be stay the sole London location for long.

"The launch of our studio in the heart of Soho is just the beginning," Whelan added. "We'll be announcing additional locations and experiences in London very soon."

SoulCycle operates on a pay-per-class basis rather than requiring a monthly membership, much like other popular exercise classes such as Barry's Bootcamp and Psycle.

Frankly, we're feeling the sweat forming already...

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In Refinery29's Sweet Digs, we take a look inside the sometimes small, sometimes spacious homes of millennial women. Today, 35-year-old Ria Smith and her husband Hugh share their luxe two-bedroom apartment in Newark, New Jersey.

When Ria and Hugh first got engaged, they were drawn to the idea of a loft apartment. But after two years of tiny windows, brick wall, and zero separation of living spaces, the couple got tired of it and started itching for something new.

So when Ria got an email saying a new development was open and looking for renters, she decided to check it out. "I was just being nosy, and wasn't planning on moving," she says. "Our lease wasn't up, and we weren't looking to move, we just heard there was a new building down the block."

After a tour of the apartment, the couple was sold, if only because of the floor-to-ceiling windows. "We got out of our lease a whole year early and moved in," Ria says.

Still, despite it being a new development, the couple behind the newly-launched e-design company Hunter Hue had to make some adjustments to make the space fit their modern decor. First up: Painting the walls a stark flat white. Watch the video above to see exactly what they left their loft for — and read on for decorating tips and the nitty gritty details.

Did you two have a broker's fee to deal with?

"We did not have a brokers fee because we came and checked it out ourselves. We also got one month free because it was a brand new building, which was just taken off from the deposit. The security deposit we did a traditional 1-month's rent, and we had also a dog fee which was $500 (£380), and then we have dog rent which is $40 (£31) a month per dog."

What is the most expensive thing in your apartment?

"The couch was the most expensive. It was about $3,000 (£2,300) we got it from West Elm. It’s leather, and it’s just a really beautiful couch and we just didn’t want to go with a standard material because we have two dogs and they sometimes have accidents."

Do you have any design tips or tricks?

"With art, we kept it to one art piece per room mostly. We like single, large pieces. It's clean and modern and sometimes if you put too much art on the wall, it clutters the space. Because we wanted an open feel, we decided to go with single large pieces."

What has influenced your home style?

"I work for an interior decorator and my husband just has a great design eye so we do it together. He honestly has a better design eye than I do, and has a lot of talent. Our style is pretty modern Scandinavian, open, clean, and simple. Ultimately, we want it to feel like a hotel, and if a guest comes they can feel comfortable."

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There's this dichotomy that comes with being a bridesmaid. On one hand, there's the stress of planning the hen party and finding the right wedding gift — not to mention figuring out how to pay for everything. But, on the other hand, there's the joy you feel when you're actually standing at the altar — feeling beautiful in your one-shoulder dress and perfectly-tousled, half-up hairstyle.

When you're tearing up as your best friend, sister, or soon-to-be sister-in-law walks down the aisle, it's easy to forget all the hardships of the prep. And to help remove one more thing from your very long pre-wedding to-do list, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to bridesmaid hairstyles. Whether you're the Type-A maid of honour or the begrudging bridesmaid who'd rather skip to the reception, scroll through for styles that are sure to please everyone in the bridal party — even the fickle bride.

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The US Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen has resigned from her post, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday. Her departure is reportedly part of a massive overhaul at the department, led by White House adviser Stephen Miller.

"Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen will be leaving her position, and I would like to thank her for her service," Trump tweeted. "I am pleased to announce that Kevin McAleenan, the current U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner, will become Acting Secretary for @DHSgov. I have confidence that Kevin will do a great job!"

Nielsen, who replaced Retired Marine Gen. John Kelly as head of DHS when he was tapped to become the White House's chief of staff, became the youngest person to occupy the role at the age of 46. During her confirmation hearing, she faced intense criticism because she had no previous experience leading an organisation the size of Homeland Security, the government's third largest agency.

Trump had a contentious relationship with Nielsen, at times blaming her for not being tough enough when it came to immigration enforcement and feeling frustrated that she didn't implement his hardline immigration policies with enough gusto. He repeatedly scolded her at Cabinet meetings, questioned her loyalty, and mockingly called her "Bushie" in reference to her experience working on President George W. Bush's administration.

Nevertheless, Nielsen was a reliable foot-soldier of the White House and became the face of the administration's outrageous zero-tolerance immigration policy, which led to the forced separation of thousands of migrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border last year. Nielsen's false claims and cold defence of the policy led to calls for her firing. She was even heckled out of a Mexican restaurant for her role in the border crisis.

Her resignation comes just days after President Trump withdrew his pick to run the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) department, Ronald Vitiello, without giving Nielsen a heads up. Trump reportedly wanted a nominee that would steer ICE in a tougher direction, according to media reports.

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'How to contour ' is up there with the most googled beauty questions, including 'how to apply foundation over acne ' and 'how to get fuller lips without fillers'. We've all seen the tutorials on YouTube but the results, whether pros use cream or powder products, tend to be pretty dramatic, and sometimes, not very wearable (we're talking stripes, splotches and muddy finishes). According to makeup artists, though, a different, more foolproof way to achieve razor-sharp features is gaining popularity in the industry: sculpting under your makeup as opposed to on top of a foundation base – and it might just revolutionise your makeup game.

"Contouring first, under your makeup, will result in much more of a subtle, natural finish," explains Jessica Blackler, makeup artist and founder of unisex cosmetics beauty brand, Jecca Blac. "It will help achieve a better blend without a single stripe in sight." The trick is to start on clean, moisturised skin without a scrap of foundation or concealer, and cream formulations work best. Try the Sculpt & Soften Palette, £30.

While you can absolutely use a flat or fluffy brush to essentially 'paint' the product on, Jessica prefers patting on cream bronzer (which should be up to two shades darker than your skin tone) with her fingers. "This warms up the makeup so that it melts and blends more seamlessly into your skin. Creams are great to use on other parts of your face, too, such as eyelids and under-eyes, where the lighter shade can be used as a concealer or brightener. They are also super buildable and easy to layer up so that you can achieve a classic daytime look or a more full-on dramatic effect simply by using more product."

According to makeup artist Ariane Poole, contouring pre-foundation isn't a brand new technique. In fact, it's been around since the '80s. But in our quest for understated makeup, it's making a comeback. "When it comes to this technique, you have to contour with quite strong colours because they then sit under makeup," says Ariane, "but the finished result looks a hell of a lot more natural."

Once you've drawn, patted or painted on your contour, apply your base on top. But you don't have to go all out with foundation. "While this contouring method is great for foundation wearers, you don't have to use anything heavy," explains Ariane. "You can even apply a BB or a CC cream over the top." Jessica seconds this: "I’d actually recommend using a lighter foundation instead of a heavier, full coverage product because you may hide the contour completely if the base is too thick."

To blend everything in, Ariane and Jessica advise stippling or pressing the contour and foundation into the skin. "You don't want to smudge the cream contour underneath," says Jessica, so enlist a relatively soft sponge, like a BeautyBlender. "This bit is optional," adds Jessica, "but to finish, you can apply powder on top of the foundation afterwards to set the cream base."

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