Get the glow with liquid highlighters
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1. Rare Beauty Luminizer Liquid Positive Light £24, spacenk.co.uk 2. Vieve Nova Glow Liquid Light £27, vievebeauty.com 3. Saie Glowy Super Gel £22, cultbeauty.co.uk 4. Dior Forever Glow Maximalist Highlighter £36, dior.com 5. Ilia Liquid Light Serum Highlighter £42, sephora.co.uk
There is a small part of me that is cynical about the efficacy of a lot of the skincare gadgets around. Not to mention that the constant 24/7 manipulation of our faces cannot end well – there is only so much the face can withstand and still look normal. Also, there is a part of me that is really irritated by the labour of beauty – sacrilegious for a beauty editor, I know. Why do we have to work soooo hard and soooo constantly to make our faces 'better'? For what? For who? But the more basic argument than all the above is, at heart, when it comes to beauty I can't be bothered with anything that isn't easy. That said, I will go to lengths to discover a good facial, and I am always open to trying new ones. It's not with its perils – a recent not-so-good facial left my skin looking as clogged up as it did when I walked in. Happily, it coincided with me receiving the Sarah Chapman steamer. My easy saviour. You fill it up with water (a bit like you would an iron) and within seconds it emits steam that penetrates your pores, cleansing and declogging your skin. Using a mask afterwards will take the (Glowy! Clearer! Healthy looking!) results to the next level. It takes just five minutes (you can do it up to three times a week) and, honestly, I am obsessed. This is one gadget I can really get on board with. Sarah Chapman Pro Hydra Mist Steamer, £138, sarahchapman.com
The multitool Doubling up as an exfoliator as well as a dark-spot corrector, this mask will give your skin a smoother, clearer texture and make the rest of your skincare work much harder. Dr Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask, £50, dridriss.com
The equaliser Anyone battling dullness, dryness and hyperpigmentation should make a beeline for this lightly textured arbutin and niacinamide mask. Paula's Choice Radiance Renewal Mask, £36, paulaschoice.co.uk
The reviver One by an A-lister facialist. You can expect great things from this brightening, dark-spot diminishing mask. Kate Sommerville Mega-C 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial, £63, johnlewis.com
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The Guardian
11 hours ago
- The Guardian
The best college dorm essentials in the US: experts pick 17 practical and fun ideas
Prepping for college doesn't mean you have to opt for disposable junk destined to end the semester in plastic shards. And as Ilana Drake, a recent graduate of Vanderbilt University who lived on campus for four years, advises, it is better to move in with fewer items. 'A lot of people get inspiration from social media or have a Pinterest board [of college dorm decor], but you don't need everything,' she says. 'People tend to overpack for college.' The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Whether you or someone you know is university-bound, I've curated a list of the most helpful (and sometimes overlooked) essentials that are high-quality enough to bring back every academic year, whatever your budget. These suggestions are rooted in experience. I have served as a longtime mentor for young people who are about college-going age, so I asked more than a dozen current students, recent graduates and their relatives to recommend their favorite dorm picks. Read on for our choices by category, as well as what you don't need. But first: the top three items that kept coming up over and over again. All prices current at the time of publication. Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds $89.00 at Amazon$89.00 at Nothing Carlos Lerma, a Columbia College student, swears by noise-cancelling headphones. 'Dorm walls are thiiiiiiin, and things can get chaotic fast if your roommate has friends over, plays video games late into the night, or if music is blasting from down the hall,' writes Carlos. 'I go to a film school, and there was a short film being shot in my building … at 3am. Having headphones on standby was clutch. Total lifesaver.' The Guardian reviewed these Nothing earbuds and reports they 'offer great sound and noise cancelling for an even more competitive price'. Sleepyhead gel memory foam topper with CoolTech classic cover $249.00 at Amazon$299.00 at SleepyHead 'Dorm beds are so comfortable,' said no one ever. Across the board, students sang the praises of a mattress topper, and Sleepyhead is a popular, college-student-founded brand committed to the climate-friendly production of gel mattress toppers. 'Oftentimes the mattresses that are provided in the dorms are hard, so a topper just gives you an extra cushion for comfort', says Olivia Shen, a student at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Baggu small cosmetic case (for building a first-aid kit) $38.00 at Baggu Illness spreads like wildfire at a college dorm building – so nearly every source has suggested bringing a first-aid kit. For building your own, I suggest a Baggu cosmetic case and filling it with what you need. A Baggu can be easily repurposed and is made of recycled plastic. 'When your child is away and gets sick for the first time, you'll know the call – it starts with a panicked 'Mommmmyyy'. I've been there,' says Nita Talwar, a mom of two recent college graduates. 'We stocked our kits with NyQuil, Emergen-C, headache and allergy meds, Band-Aids, and Uppy electrolyte drink mix.' Cotton sheets from Boll & Branch or The Company Store $638 at Boll & Branch$75.20 at The Company Store For when not pulling an all-nighter, a good set of bedsheets will be appreciated. Deborah J Cohan, a professor at the University of South Carolina Beaufort and the author of The Complete U, a college success guide, has these Boll & Branch sheets – and recommends the twin XL bundle for incoming students. (It comes with a comforter, sham, flat sheet, fitted sheet and a pillowcase. All are made of 100% organic cotton.) While pricey, 'these sheets are like a warm hug that will lull you into your best sleep,' she says. If you're looking to spend less than $100, the twin XL organic cotton percale sheet set from The Company Store is a solid bet, and it comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet and pillowcase. Modern Innovations bedside shelf $17.99 at Amazon$26.99 at Walmart Dorm beds – especially if it's lofted or in a shared space – are not exactly set up for nightstands. Maggie Morris, a West Kentucky University student, has found a cheeky solution: 'This bedside tray is like a loyal sidekick that holds your phone, water bottle and midnight snacks, and it doesn't judge your 2am scrolling habits! It clips right to your dorm bed like it was born to be there. It makes my life so much more organized and easier while living in a dorm!' Pottery Barn Teen dry-erase calendar $129 at PB Teen Time management: it's a challenge for many of us, and not least college students on their own for the first time. 'Years ago, the mother of a Smith first-year hired me to be her daughter's time management coach because she had missed multiple assignments,' says Dominique Padurano, a college counselor and adjunct professor at State University of New York. Padurano's solution for the student? A dry-erase board as 'a daily visual reminder of when things were due, so you don't slip into the digital morass of your phone calendar'. Belkin 12-outlet surge protector $27.99 at Best Buy$27.99 at Amazon 'We got my sister a portable charger and a plug extender because dorm outlets are never where you need them,' says Joanna Gołacka, who moved her sibling into a Boston school recently. This model has 12 outlets and an 8ft (2.4-meter) cord. Surge protectors are an extra level of protector for your electronics and may be required by the college. JBL Clip 5 portable waterproof bluetooth speaker $49.99 at Walmart$59.95 at JBL Despite its compact size, this portable speaker from JBL is powerful. This particular style is made from 90% recycled polycarbonate and is certified waterproof and dustproof, perfect for blasting tunes in the shower or to take with you outdoors. 'Music is such a good way to bring people together, and having a speaker I could carry anywhere was a total gamechanger,' says Ella Cason, a student at Northeastern University. 'From getting ready for a night out with my roommate to laying out on the quad with friends, it allows me to connect with the people around me. It's one of my favorite freshman-year purchases.' BN-Link dimmable floor lamp $32.99 at Walmart Dorm room lighting can be vibeless, so Tracy Roy, a mother of a Roanoke College student, recommends a dimmable floor lamp – with a small base to fit in tight spaces. 'It makes the room so much homier since the overhead is usually terrible. My son was so upset when his plug broke and he was without it for a couple weeks,' she says. Woozoo five-speed fan $49.99 at Costco$64.95 at Amazon What no one tells you about dorm life is how difficult it is to thermoregulate, which is why Woozoo has become a cult favorite product. It's sleek, compact, has multi-oscillation and speed options, and can generate airflow up to 82ft. 'Be sure you get the five-speed model for maximum air circulation and cooling,' says Lara Becker, a mom of two college students and founder of The Dorm Guide. 'Fun fact: moms who try out the fan to see what all of the hype is about tend to pick up one up for themselves – it's just as useful for midlife temperature swings as it is for hot dorm rooms.' Pottery Barn Teen recycled laundry backpack $49.50 at Pottery Barn While there are many laundry hampers and bags to choose from, Doreen Nunez, a mom of a student heading to Denison University this fall, recommends one with backpack straps since it's 'easier than juggling a bulky basket', she says, especially if getting to the laundry room is a hike. This one also happens to be made from 100% recycled polyester from water bottles. As for detergents, these Blueland tablets are plastic-free, easier to lug than liquid jugs, and less messy. The Container Store three-tier rolling cart $39.99 at The Container Store A rolling cart is a quiet MVP when it comes to organization, and it's never too late to acquire one. 'I only got it as a senior, but it was a great way to access my reading materials next to my bed before I went to sleep,' says Drake, the recent Vanderbilt graduate. Of course, the sky is the limit – you can also store snacks, toiletries, utensils and more. 3M Command large utility hooks and adhesive strips $8.88 at Target$8.88 at Walmart It has to be said: bare walls are depressing. That's where Command adhesive products come in. These sticky strips can hang posters and framed art, and the hooks can handle jackets and coats (up to 5lbs) – all without damaging the walls. When it's time to remove them, all you do is pull the strip tab downward until it peels itself off. 'Command strips are absolutely essential for my college-bound son. We can send him to school with bits of home to hang on his walls without risking a security deposit,' says Nunez, the mom of the future Denison student. (For the small stuff, Scotch wall-safe tape will do the trick.) Okabashi Maui women's flip-flop sandals $29.99 at Okabashi, multiple styles 'College showers can get messy so you'll want to keep your feet and personal items clean with sandals and a caddy,' says Luca Persistent, a Middlebury College graduate and education consultant. While any waterproof sandal will work as shower shoes, I particularly love Okabashi for its commitment to zero-waste manufacturing at its Georgia factory. You can even send back worn-out Okabashi shoes to be recycled and then receive 15% off your next pair. Pottery Barn Teen recycled shower caddy $29 at Pottery Barn The options for great caddies are limited – metals get rusty, bamboo can get moldy, and plastic ones … are yet more plastic in the world. This alternative from Pottery Barn is made from recycled water bottles. The material is quick-dry and if anything's looking funky, a quick rinse in cold water will do the trick. 15-piece tool set $15.99 at Ikea 'I fought with my mom on a tool set for a while because I never thought I'd need them, but she was right,' admits Kyle McCartney, an Arizona State University graduate. 'Not only did I use these tools a ton, but everyone on my floor did too, especially after realizing the furniture they bought had to be put together.' Glasslock oven-safe food containers $20.50 at Walmart College schedules can be wildly unpredictable, which is why reusable glass food containers are a must for busy students. 'These changed the meal prep game for me. I always had a fresh meal in the fridge, which took one thing off my plate on days when I was stressed about exams or projects, or just didn't want to cook,' says Gabrielle Finora, a 2024 Cornell University graduate who is now a health and wellness coach. 'I would opt for glass lids instead of a natural fiber like bamboo or cork to protect against mold growth.' What do you not need? Avoid fire hazards (butane stoves, candles, incenses, halogen lights, etc). Space heaters may be banned for this reason – check with the college. Also confirm if any cooking appliances are allowed. They might be superfluous anyway if there is a communal kitchen, or if the college provides mini fridges and microwaves. What if you're traveling by plane? Cody Kirkpatrick, a student affairs professional at a New York-based college, recommends packing everything you can in suitcases and shipping one or two boxes filled with the rest of your essentials. 'Then once you get there, see how much space you actually have. Buy additional items locally, online or send a list to your parents of items to ship you from home,' he says. 'I see out-of-state students ship their entire bedroom in boxes and once they move in, they realize they only have space for 10% of what they shipped.' Are there other ways to get these kinds of items? Some residence halls now offer sustainable initiatives – but it varies from school to school. 'There might be a donation drive at the end of the previous academic year where these sustainability offices collect reusable dorm items that students are getting rid of like lamps, rugs, kitchenware, cleaning products, etc,' Kirkpatrick says. 'Just remember to pay it forward when it's time for you to move out.' And don't forget: you can split the costs and responsibilities. If the room is a double, triple or quad, have a discussion with the roommates so you can divide and conquer the communal items. Jinnie Lee is a New York-based culture and shopping writer who specializes in fashion, lifestyle and home. She has made product recommendations at New York Magazine, Refinery29 and many others. You can send additional questions to
The Guardian
2 days ago
- The Guardian
‘Your nether regions will know if you've skimped': 16 summer cycling essentials
Cycling is one of the most rewarding activities around. It's good for your physical and mental health, offers a carbon-free way of getting from A to B, and can often be the quickest and most cost-effective form of transport – particularly if you live in a city. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Once you're hooked, there are a few bits of kit that will improve your experience immeasurably, whether that's comfortable clothing to curtail chaffing, or a water bottle to help you hydrate without stopping. In summer, the longer days and generally favourable conditions mean you can forgo additional accessories such as bike lights, mudguards and head-to-toe waterproofs – although they can't be avoided forever if you become a year-round, all-weather rider. Another bit of good news is that while cycling has a reputation for being an expensive pursuit, it doesn't have to be, and many of my favourite bits of kit have more affordable price tags. In the almost three decades since I set off stabiliser-free for the first time, I've dabbled in all types of cycling – from a teenage fling with BMXing to inner-city commuting and ultra-distance off-road escapades. In that time, I've tested all manner of clothing, tools and accessories, pushing them to the limit during races, events, training rides and the daily grind. Here's my favourite gear that I reach for before setting off on a summer ride. Although it performs a similar function to a generic sports base layer, a jersey is the first 'proper' bit of cycling gear worth investing in because of the additional comfort it offers. Made from a lightweight, breathable fabric, a jersey will wick away moisture from hotspots, while a full-length zip means you can 'ventilate' on the go. Three rear pockets store essentials such as food, tools and a phone, and unlike a running or gym top, the cut is slightly longer at the back for extra coverage when riding leant forward. My favourites, which perform well without breaking the bank, are Italian-designed Sportful SRK, which includes an extra zipped compartment for keys; the 100% recycled Rapha Core; the DHB Blok and its women-specific range, Moda; and the sub-£40 Madison Flux, which comes with a lifetime guarantee. Rapha Core women's jersey Sportful men's SRK jersey DHB Moda women's short-sleeve jersey 2.0 DHB Blok men's classic short-sleeve jersey Madison Flux men's short-sleeve jersey Bib shorts might seem like an indulgent (and expensive) purchase, but you get what you pay for – and your nether regions will let it be known if you've skimped. Fitted with a saddle-shaped section of foam in the crotch (known as a chamois), the shorts add an extra layer of padding beneath your perineum that keeps the area dry and cushioned on long rides. Just don't wear underwear, as this can negate the benefits. The straps may make the item resemble a wrestler's singlet, but they keep the shorts in place more comfortably than a waistband, which can dig in over time. As the male and female anatomy are quite different down there, it's worth opting for a gender-specific set. Albion's ABR1 are my go-to for ultra-distance exploits, arriving with handy pockets on each thigh and one at the rear for extra storage. The Gregarius Essential from Q36.5, meanwhile, are soft and supportive against the skin, and breathable too. And for women, 'Petrichor Projects' PP002 offer unbeatable comfort, with a cargo pocket, easy-pee design and sleek aesthetics,' says Katherine Moore, author of Gravel Rides South West England, who also recommends Velocio's Luxe line for all-day epics. 'They're made from a super-soft, compressive material with a built-in base layer front and lovely raw-finish leg hem. A thicker-style chamois pad is the go-to for longer rides.' Albion ABR1 men's pocket bib shorts Q36.5 Gregarius Essential bib shorts Petrichor Projects PP002 women's bib shorts Velocio women's Luxe bib shorts If you'd rather cover your modesty with a normal set of shorts, then opt for a pair of undershorts instead. Secured at the waist, rather than the shoulders, this padded set from Endura will soften the sting of any terrain (as I found out when mountain biking in Colorado), while the stretchy mesh fabric minimises the buildup of sweat, even when worn under non-technical clothing. Endura men's padded Clickfast liner shorts Endura women's padded Clickfast liner shorts Cotton caps were originally designed to protect bare heads from the sun, although today's peloton professionals will rarely wear one. Since you're unlikely to be chasing every watt on your commute, though, a cycling cap under your helmet is a good way to shield from the sun or take off the chill on cooler mornings, all while adding a splash of colour to your riding wardrobe. Prendas specialises in vintage cotton caps, with the Mapei design of the 90s and early 00s team one of the loudest around. The Giro d'Italia-inspired cap from the General Classification is a bit more subtle but oozes style. Mapei retro cotton cycling cap Tour of Italy cotton cycling cap Helmets are a source of contentious debate, but if you want a model that goes above and beyond the EN1078 European standard (which every cycling helmet sold is required to pass by law), the ARO3 Endurance by Oakley is a good choice. It includes an internal Mips (multi-directional impact protection system) layer, which can move independently of the outer shell in the event of a crash, helping to protect the brain. Its 19 vents keep the air flowing even on the warmest days, and the antimicrobial liner minimises odour, ride after ride. Oakley AR03 Endurance Mips helmet Although your feet are fairly static when riding a bike, all of those revolutions will soon have you working up a sweat inside your shoes. Any sports sock will do the job, but a cycling-specific pair will be much more comfortable, providing ventilation on the tops of your feet and padded toes to support every pedal stroke. Like caps, socks can enable you to add a splash of personality, and the fluoro finish of Aussie brand Maap's training sock is sure to get nods of approval at the traffic lights. Maap training sock Oversized sports sunglasses are a must-have fashion accessory this summer, but if you're more interested in conquering hills than the catwalk, you should prioritise a set that provides good coverage against sun, rain and unsuspecting insects – as well as ventilation to prevent you from fogging up. Decathlon's Van Rysel brand is renowned for its premium products, and its RoadR 900 shades can stand up to models from Oakley for a fraction of the cost. This pair comes with a photochromic, UV-filtering nylon lens that automatically adjusts depending on the sun's intensity, meaning no need to swap between lenses and cover them in grubby fingerprints in the process. The lens has also undergone an oil-repelling treatment that helps rain and road spray run from its surface. Decathlon Van Rysel RoadR 900 Perf sunglasses Most riders will need to drink at least 500ml of fluids an hour when cycling, and even more if it's hot. You can use any water bottle, but a bidon comes with an easy-to-open valve that allows you to refresh as you ride, so you don't need to stop to unscrew any lids. The Camelbak Podium is a time-honoured design that can carry up to 710ml, allowing you to ride for longer without running dry, and its insulated version keeps contents cold. Camelbak Podium water bottle Road cyclists take pride in their tan lines, but protecting your skin is more important than chasing a golden glow. A sports-specific sunscreen will handle sweat better than an everyday cream, and Ultrasun's Sports Gel does the job without leaving any greasy marks on your clothes. The fast-absorbing gel is easier to apply than a spray, and means you can quickly see whether you've covered all your exposed skin before setting off. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Ultrasun sports gel SPF30 Instead of forking out for a dedicated cycling computer for navigation and tracking, your phone can perform a similar function if you arm it with the right apps (see below). To keep an eye on directions or distance covered, you'll want to attach it to your bike front and centre with a mount on your stem (the part that joins your handlebars to your fork). Quad Lock's offering might look simple, but its twist and dual-lock system means you can trust it will hold your phone in place, and the included cable ties will fix it firmly to your bike. Quad Lock Bike Mount Pro stem mount Quad Lock Mag case for iPhone Cycle enough and you'll eventually come a cropper with a mid-ride mechanical. A puncture is the most common culprit, so it's a good idea to arm yourself with the tools and knowhow to fix one. Tyre levers and a pump are a must, and carrying an inner tube or two that are the same size as those installed on your wheels will be the quickest fix. A puncture-repair kit is always a good backup too. For other issues, such as loose fittings or a broken chain, Crankbrothers' pocket-sized F16 multitool has the hex bolt bits to get you out of most scrapes. If you have any carbon fibre components, Topeak's Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ includes a torque gauge to stop you overtightening (and damaging) your bike. Crankbrothers F16 Multitool Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ Pedro's tyre levers Decathlon inner tube repair patch replacement kit Lezyne V2 ABS pressure-drive hand pump A solid pair of shorts will go a long way to helping you avoid saddle sores, but applying a layer of chamois cream to the area pre-ride is a belt-and-braces approach. You need to apply only a small amount of this cooling, rehydrating formula from Assos to keep everything supple and chafe-free – even after 12 hours in the saddle. Assos chamois creme There's a cycling bag for every type of ride – from panniers perfect for the daily grind to the office, to big bikepacking setups that could survive a round-the-world expedition. For everyday exploring, though, you can't beat a handlebar bag. The 3.4l Lil Presto Barrel Bag by Wizard Works can comfortably carry a waterproof layer, nutritional provisions and a multitool, and its hard-shell Cordura construction will keep contents protected from the elements (with the rigidity making it easy to unzip on the go). Wizard Works Lil Presto barrel bag The cafe stop is a sacrosanct staple of any bike ride, and can sometimes be the sole motivation for saddling up. But cycling longer distances will require you to refuel well before you can tuck into your cappuccino and cake. Sports gels deliver a convenient, compact and easy-to-digest hit of carbohydrates, with a dose recommended every 20-30 minutes. Veloforte's energy gels are half the size of those from most other manufacturers, while the use of concentrated fruit juice rather than flavourings means you won't suffer from the flavour fatigue of more synthetic-tasting alternatives. Clif Bloks are a good option for those who prefer a more solid sugar hit. Veloforte Primo natural energy gel Clif Bloks Energy Chews Looking for some local ride inspiration, or planning something farther afield? There are a host of navigation apps that can suggest tailored tours based on duration, distance and difficulty, and their cycling-specific nature means you're rarely led astray (or on to a dual carriageway). Komoot is great for finding off-road-leaning trails and has its own easy-to-use route planner that includes user-recommended highlights. And if you already subscribe to Strava, in addition to tracking and displaying your speed and distance, the app has a route tool that can generate a loop based on the most popular roads and paths. For those who prefer printed guides, Jack Thurston's Lost Lanes books are a brilliant resource and offer well-researched routes with accompanying downloadable directions. Komoot Strava Lost Lanes Southern England Pounding the pedals can leave you with sore muscles, so ramp up your recovery with a massage gun. Theragun's third-generation Mini packs an almighty punch considering its size, and is small enough to stow in a pannier if you're out on a multi-day adventure. Its three-head attachments can delve deep into aches and pains in your quads, calves and lower back, and its guided routines are handy for those new to knot-busting. Theragun mini third generation For more, read our roundup of the best massage guns Charlie Allenby is a health and fitness journalist who puts running and cycling gear through its paces on increasingly ridiculous endurance challenges
The Guardian
4 days ago
- The Guardian
From chilli-spiked watermelon to a DIY Aperol spritz bar: what top chefs bring to a barbecue
Depending on your temperament, having a Michelin-starred chef drop by with something to throw on your back-garden barbecue might be a dream come true, or a bit of a nightmare. Will they judge us for buying ready-made coleslaw? Will they notice how excessively charred the drumsticks are? But chefs are people too – and they like being invited over for a burger and a beer just as much as the rest of us. It's just that their burgers might be made from dry-aged steak, minced by hand that morning, paired with a carefully chosen low-intervention wine. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Chefs also like thinking beyond burgers, sausages and all the other traditional barbecue favourites, which is why, when we asked 18 of the UK's best chefs what they would take to a barbecue, they recommended everything from chilli-spiked watermelon salad and intensely flavoured Korean marinades to dry non-alcoholic aperitifs and beautiful tins of spiced salt. (And not a tub of coleslaw in sight.) I always bring a large head of cabbage – hispi if I can find it, but napa or white work well, too. I cut it into thick wedges (keeping the core intact so they don't fall apart), brush them with olive oil, season generously, and char directly over the flames until the outer leaves are blackened and blistered and the inside goes sweet and tender. Then I make a dressing: either whisk together tahini, a bit of yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic and water to make a creamy sauce, or simply use some creme fraiche with lemon juice and garlic stirred though. I spoon this over the cabbage and finish it off with whatever chilli oil or chilli sauce happens to be around, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs (only if I have them).Yotam Ottolenghi, chef, restaurateur and food writer Barbecued prawns with harissa mayo make a perfect barbecue starter: place 1kg of raw shell-on tiger prawns in a bowl with two teaspoons of crushed cumin seeds, two tablespoons each of rose harissa paste and olive oil and the zest of two limes. Leave for 30 minutes. Make a sauce with 150g mayonnaise, two teaspoons of rose harissa paste, the juice of a lime and one tablespoon of chopped dill. Barbecue the marinated prawns for 2-3 minutes each side over the hottest part of the grill, until cooked through and lightly charred. Serve with the mayo and lime Kerridge, chef, restaurateur and author of The BBQ Book. His newest pub is The Chalk in London In Italy, when we have a barbecue everyone brings something. My favourite at the moment is spring onions wrapped in streaky bacon. I wrap 20-30 individual spring onions in streaky bacon, chill and then transfer them straight on to the grill. The stems are perfectly salted due to the bacon and are delicious with a homemade spicy Locatelli, Michelin-starred chef, who has a new restaurant at London's National Gallery I would never arrive at a barbecue without ají (chilli) sauce: I always have a Kilner jar of it in the fridge. I make it with six large ripe vine tomatoes and 10 red chilies, blackened over the barbecue or in a hot dry pan, then mashed or blitzed with the juice of a lime and plenty of salt. I would also bring a spice mix from Field Blends: they do a delicious maple chilli salt, perfect for sprinkling over meats and salads and they come in handy little tins, so easy to pop in your Ortiz, chef/co-founder of Fire Made in Somerset I love taking an Aperol spritz station to a barbecue. A rigid coolbox – so the lid can double up as a table – filled with ice, sliced oranges, Aperol, San Pellegrino and sparkling wine. I have a stash of Bonne Maman jam jars to use as glasses. I get no enjoyment from drinking anything – even champagne – from a paper or plastic cup. Sturdy glasses all the Iyer, chef and author of The Green Barbecue A particular favourite is chicken or lamb kebabs, marinaded in yoghurt with spices overnight and then skewered with slices of lemon and red onion. With a salad of roast aubergine, cucumber, tomato, red onion and mint finished with a splash of red wine vinegar. And then sauces and flatbreads are king of the barbecue – tahini or chermoula work particularly well here. To drink, I love Small Beer or Jubel peach Roberts, chef, farmer and author of the Farm Diaries newsletter and the book The Farm Table My father carried watermelons as gifts to parties long before Baby in Dirty Dancing ever did. At this time of year when the weather is very hot, they are a perfect, big-bellied crowd-pleaser – so refreshing and rehydrating. They can be chopped up and turned into salads, too. I'm partial to a dressing made with smashed garlic, birdseye chilli, palm sugar, fish sauce or soy, tamarind and lime juice; then add roasted cashews and fistfuls of Thai basil. To drink, I don't think you can do better than rosé.Ravinder Bhogal, chef-patron of Jikoni and author of Comfort and Joy I would bring a whole turbot: it's one of the best things you can cook on a barbecue as its high collagen content keeps the fish moist, creating rich, gelatinous juices under the skin. Pat the fish dry and brush it with olive oil, season with salt, then place in a fish grill. Barbecue for about eight minutes a Ekstedt, Michelin-starred chef and founder of fire-based restaurant Ekstedt at the Yard in London To make a barbecue go down a storm I arrive with a pot of Cornish smoked sea salt, which has a big smack of smoky flavour, and some Chimac sriracha caramel sauce, which you can glaze vegetables with or dip straight into. Condimaniac does brilliant rubs and sauces, but their best is an onion gravy ketchup. For drinks, Knightor vermouth is delicious – serve with an orange slice, olive and ice. Otherwise Yew's rhubarb-flavoured sparkling water is great if you're not Chef (AKA Martyn Odell), chef and TikToker Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Cortas pomegranate molasses is a perfect one-bottle marinade. It works its magic on chicken (wings in particular), lamb (we're thinking chops), pork or beef, or as a post-grill drizzle on your meat or vegetables for an instant sweet and sour Srulovich and Sarit Packer, chefs at Honey & Co and authors of Chasing Smoke: Cooking Over Fire Around the Levant I love a good old potato salad at a barbecue. New potatoes boiled whole, thinly sliced fennel and red onion, lots of fresh dill and a dressing with unrefined sunflower oil, mustard, lemon and honey. Carrot and red pepper tapenade is also ideal with anything grilled. It's very simple: thinly sliced onions, red pepper and grated carrots are cooked down to a jammy consistency, seasoned with salt, sugar and smoked paprika, doused in olive oil and some red wine vinegar, then rested in the fridge Timoshkina, chef, food historian and author of Kapusta Botivo is an alcohol-free drink for grownups, made from cider vinegar with botanicals. It's low in calories so it's quite healthy, but it can also be mixed with tequila. Also Slap ya Mama is a seasoning rub that I like to use liberally Turner, chef, director at Bodean's and co-founder of the Meatopia barbecue food festival Trenel's red beaujolais, made from the Gamay grape, is perfect for grilled meat, fish and vegetables. I think it's wonderful chilled, so it's perfect for outdoor summer Roux Jr, Michelin-starred chef at Chez Roux and TV presenter In season, I take peas in their pods. You can grill them whole on the barbecue and then toss with sea salt, plenty of soft aromatic herbs, such as mint and dill, and serve to be eaten a little like Parry, Michelin-starred chef of Brat and Mountain restaurants I would take a big beany salad, one you can make at home and then take with you. It uses ingredients that will sit happily wallowing in their juices for at least a couple of hours and taste better as the flavours develop. Chopped fresh tomatoes, different colours and sizes, plus lots of fresh herbs, a good dressing, some jarred peppers or artichokes, and not forgetting my favourite – some big creamy butter beans. It only takes minutes to mix it all together, but you look like a hero when you place it on the Thomson, chef and author of One Pan Beans In Sicily, they bake whole unpeeled onions wrapped in foil, like potatoes, nestled in the embers, and let them get so soft they are almost a relish. I also often take peperonata, a multipurpose marinade, side or relish which is a cooked mix of tomatoes, onions and Roddy, Rome-based chef and author of An A-Z of Pasta Whenever I'm going to a barbecue, the first thing I put in the cool box is Ssamjang Korean soybean paste. Made from a mix of gochujang and doenjang (fermented pastes), sesame oil and garlic, it makes a great marinade and is the ultimate dip for grilled meats, fish or vegetables. It's even better if you wrap it all up with raw chilli and garlic in a fresh salad Jeon, chef-owner of Korean restaurants Bokman and Dongnae I always take a homemade dip. My favourite is a crispy spring onion one. I crisp a chopped bunch of spring onions in olive oil, add a half a teaspoon of turmeric, the same of dried chilli and a pinch of salt and sugar, then take off the heat. Once cool, ripple it over about 300g of salted thick Greek Jones, chef and author of Easy Wins
