Mail on Sunday

Raise a Mug to Macmillan ; Health Notes

Many of us have good reason to thank the charity Macmillan Cancer Support, now merged with Cancerbackup. For me, it was the Macmillan nurses (there are 3,000 nationwide) who made it possible for a close friend to spend her last days at home, and die gracefully. I remember a nurse gently urging me to talk to her, even though she seemed far away: 'She can hear you,' the nurse assured me. Macmillan offers a wide range of help. As well as information about different types of cancer and emotional ...

Win a Fabulous Inside-Out Makeover with Imedeen ; Do You Dream of a Gorgeous New You? With the Help of a Team of Hair, Make-Up and Style Experts, the Internal Skincare Brand Is Offering Three Readers the Ultimate Transformation During a Two-Night Stay in London - Plus a Year's Supply of Beauty-Boosting Supplements

We've teamed up with Imedeen, the world's favourite skincare supplement, to offer three lucky readers a fabulous inside-out makeover with a top team of experts - all devotees of Imedeen's skin- enhancing benefits. Between them they've styled a host of A-list names, but believe it's every woman's right to look and feel drop- dead gorgeous whatever their age. And that means you! ARIANE POOLE - celebrity make-up artist with her own range.

Contents

Let's Dance!

In Which I Pine for (Human) Company ; Liz Jones's Diaryi Am a Bit Sad, Having a Barbecue On My Own. It Is at Times Like These, When Everything Is Bathed in Sunlight, That I Wish I Had Someone to Share Things With

Iam typing this on a balmy August evening, sitting in my garden overlooking the 'wildflower meadow' (bare patch of scrub interspersed with shepherd's purse) where the ponies are snuffling and blowing in what is left of the grass. The only cloud on the horizon is that Veronica the former battery chicken is not at all well. I opened the henhouse as usual to let them out first thing (they do love to sunbathe; bliss is written all over their beaks as they spread their moth-eaten wings), and found...

Your Problems Answered

HOW CAN I STOP MY PARENTS' CONSTANT ARGUMENTS? I am 15 and have a problem with my parents arguing all the time. My dad is emotional and my mum isn't - they are really different people but great parents. They argue about everything, which really upsets me. There is never any violence, but they do threaten divorce a lot. My world would fall apart if they did break up. They are not working at their relationship - how can I make them? You can't make them, but you could have a lot of influence ove...

Horoscopes

VIRGO 24 AUG-23 SEPT Your ruler Mercury, planet of the mind, is about to embark on one of its retrograde phases, which means that there are bound to be holdups over the next few weeks when it comes to something you are working on - especially if there is money involved. The good news is that the influence of Jupiter, planet of good fortune, on the current solar setup suggests that all that is needed is serious effort and the right kind of planning to steer this particular enterprise into prof...

This Month's Choice ; Reading Group

THE GIRL ON THE LANDING by PAUL TORDAY (Phoenix, Pounds 7.99) Magazine journalist Elizabeth Bently doesn't embark on her marriage to Michael Gascoigne with any great enthusiasm. In fact, on the day of the wedding, she realises that it wouldn't break her heart if he didn't turn up at the church. But she considers him an acceptable match for what she imagines will be a 'workable' marriage: a wealthy landowner with a 30,000-acre Scottish estate and a flat in London. He may be withdrawn - dull, e...

The Bare Essentials

Have you ever wondered how some women achieve that elusive flawless finish to their skin? Discover bareMinerals SPF 15 foundation, the best-kept beauty secret in town, and you too will enjoy a luminous complexion bareMinerals SPF15 foundation offers a range of 15 luminous shades to suit every skintone, allowing users to match their shade perfectly and complement natural colour fluctuations throughout the seasons. And while traditional foundation can settle into the fine lines across the face,...

This Life ; Our Trip to Bhutan After Our Daughter's Death Brought Us Closer to Her and to Each Other, Heightening Our Awareness of the Magnificence of Life

U ntil ten years ago, Phillip and I thought our lives were perfect. Happily married, we ran a successful business and had four wonderful children. However, in 1999, our elder daughter Sophie, who was studying for her A-levels and a career in medicine, contracted a rare brain disease called encephalitis lethargica. Following complications and nearly a year in hospital, she came home severely brain damaged, quadriplegic and with no means of communication. All thoughts of Sophie's career ambitio...

Off the Beaten Craic! ; Ireland's Trails of the Unexpected Lead to Holiday Magic

Have you ever wanted a holiday where you trusted your instincts? When you just followed your nose to enjoy a real happy-go-lucky adventure? Ireland, a country blessed with more than its fair share of beautiful scenery, is an ideal place to let yourself go with the flow. The charm of the country lies in the endless possibilities for a good time, whether that is through sharing in the famous Irish hospitality, finding a wrong turn leading you to experience something you hadn't expected, or disc...

Hip Hobbs

High street retailer Hobbs has added another string to its bow with the launch of NW3, a collection named after London's Hampstead postcode, the place where Hobbs was first established 28 years ago. The younger, more contemporary collection of clothes and accessories has a great preppy-style section, including stripy knits, satchel bags and classic brogues, as well as a striking eveningwear offering; we've got our eyes set on these quirky classics... BROGUES, Pounds 159

The Kitsch List ; Fashion for Life

I fear I have never had particularly good taste. I mean, I get by - but I've always envied those women who can throw on a cashmere jumper and a pair of cigarette pants, or lay a table with perfect napery and heirloom roses. If I ever manage good taste, it's almost by default, an accident of fate that contrives to make me look halfway decent in a rather dim light. Equally, I have always quite liked a bit of trash- fashion - a tarty shoe worn with plain black trousers, a pair of false eyelashes...

Shoulders to Try On ; Fashion Forwardthe Season's Statement Shape Is Sharpening Up Jackets, Jumpsuits, Dresses... Muscle in On the Act

1 TOP, Pounds 6, Primark, tel: 0118 960 6300. SKIRT, Pounds 99, Helene Berman, from Fenwick, tel: 020 7629 9161. BELT, Pounds 30, Next, tel: 0844 844 8939. SHOES, Pounds 64.99, River Island, tel: 020 8991 4904. TIGHTS, Pounds 24.99, Le Bourget, from tightsplease.co.uk 2 DRESS, Pounds 70, and JACKET, Pounds 65, both Oasis, tel: 01865 881986. NECKLACE, Pounds 324, Mawi, tel: 020 7923 1414. SHOES, Pounds 80, Aldo, tel: 020 7836 7692 3 DRESS, Pounds 99, Marks & Spencer, tel: 0845 302 1234. SHOES,...

Execs Appeal ; Fashion

Power dressing is back, but forget the masculine tailoring of the 1980s. This time the silhouette is more siren-like, thanks to killer cuts, nipped-in waists, and clever, curve-enhancing drapes and folds OPPOSITE PAGE

Alamod ; Style Notes

As Twiggy turns 60 this month, her Swinging London chic remains as popular (and ageless) as she is. Ready, steady, go get the look SKIRT, Pounds 40, Warehouse, tel: 0870 122 8813

Frazzled? Dazzle! ; Beauty Newscounter Summer's Skin-Damaging Effects with These Restorative Treats

Things You Don't Know About...

VOGUE MAGAZINE If fashion is a religion, Vogue is its bible. Now a new documentary, The September Issue, throws a harsh light on the industry's most influential publication

Fall Forward ; Make-Up Masterclass Get the New Season's Look with My Top Autumn Picks

1 Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup, Pounds 24, tel: 0870 034 2566. This mineral foundation is light and blends seamlessly, giving thorough but natural coverage. Works best on dry or older skin. 2 Lancome Illuminating Smooth Powder in Goldenescent Glow, Pounds 32, available nationwide. A light dusting of this highlighting powder will give your skin a soft glow for evening.

Beverley Knight ; My Body & I the Singer, 36, Is Launching Her Own Make-Up Range This Month. She Lives with Her Boyfriend in North London

Desert island beauty essential? Vaseline as a moisturiser and protector for my skin and lips. What's your beauty regime?