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Metro
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Charli XCX has made smoking cool again - I wish she hadn't
I can clock the moment I knew smoking had ruined my life. I was lying in bed, wheezing and rattling like a broken engine, my mouth tasted like a pub gutter, and my 25-year-old fingers were yellow. I had officially given up. It was 2021 and I'd been smoking over 10-a-day since I first lit up as a lost teenager looking for a personality. Let's just say after a decade of smoking, there was nothing remotely cool-girl about it. I felt like a slug and resolved to quit. It was the moment I realised that actually, despite previous misconceptions, smoking was decidedly uncool. So I'm worried that now, one of pop's biggest names – Charli XCX – seems determined to make a cigarette this summer's hottest accessory. The Brat queen created a cultural movement behind a luminous green banner – and sadly I've come to realise that cigarettes are synonymous with it. The way she's doggedly glamourised such a dangerous act for a legion of impressionable followers is unforgivable. The Von Dutch hitmaker's wedding to The 1975 drummer George Daniel this weekend saw her handing out a tray of cigarettes on a silver platter for guests. It's all very grim, and a bit 80s. Frankly, in stark contrast to being cool, I think that smoking in 2025 is the biggest try-hard act of them all. It stinks of tar and desperation. When I see Charli lighting up a cigarette on stage, I feel sorry for her. She's one of the biggest, most exciting global megastars on the planet. Brat is genius. Her songwriting is world-class. I love the confidence she instills and inspires in her female fans. She is a rockstar. So why does it feel like she is still so desperate for social clout? What is she trying to prove? I would never judge her for an addiction, of course. I was that person once too. But that is not what's happening here. She's using cigarettes as a glamorous prop. 'It can be like, so trashy,' she said last year, describing Brat. 'Just like a pack of cigs and a Bic lighter. And like, a strappy white top with no bra.' She's explicitly telling fans smoking is Brat. And that's not right. Thankfully, when I stopped smoking through huge mental anguish, I came out the other side armed with wisdom and hope. I used cigarettes to try and fix a little insecure crack in my self-esteem. But they only exacerbated the problem, ripping it into a gaping hole, as I leant on them to make me feel whole. The more I smoked, the more I was left wanting. I was a slave to addiction. I felt tired the whole time, feeding my anxiety with more anxiety, like throwing petrol on a fire in the hope it will stop. I was sluggish, useless, and depressed. My self-esteem took a punch every day when cigarettes began to repulse me, but I would smoke them anyway, again and again, chasing the first-of-the-day high. Without the right support network, I could have easily sank deeper into an ashtray of slobbish self-hate and depression. So why are we allowing cigarettes to be romanticised so easily? They can be mentally and physically damaging. I'm too old and wise to be lured in by Brat aesthetics now. Being cool and clinging onto trends becomes less important when you have a strong sense of self. I did initially love the album, and the vibe. But what I thought was a euphoric celebration of unapologetic self-expression is turning into an uncomfortable, and unhealthy, watch. 32-year-old Charli may also be older and wiser than her legion of party girl followers. I'm sure her tongue is in her cheek, somewhat. But where is her sense of responsibility for her fans? While Brat was a much-needed festival of female hedonism, I am also conscious that many teens who latch onto Charli's wild persona could be vulnerable. They could be like I was: Never content, always looking for a party and the fastest dopamine hit, and desperately insecure. A movement like Brat with a charismatic figurehead like Charli could be the gateway for many young people to take up smoking. It's not just Charli peddling this dangerous smoking trend. I've seen Dua Lipa many times this summer reclined on some European pavement with a cigarette dangling out of her mouth. Addison Rae and Sabrina Carpenter aren't helping either by featuring cigarettes in their videos. Matty Healy is an infamous stage-smoker. More Trending The forced rockstardom of it all feels dated and embarrassing. Quite the contrary of giving off a devil-may-care aura, a cigarette when you're 32 feels like the most blatant indicator that you care so incredibly deeply about what people think, that you're willing to risk your life for it. Charli XCX said Brat will never die. But right now, it's wheezing its way into an early grave. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. 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The Irish Sun
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Some A-listers have revealed their plastic surgery secrets but there's a dirty habit wellness-mad celebs won't admit to
IT'S quite a smoke screen even by modern celebrity standards. I'm talking about the buff and beautiful quick to extol their clean-living credentials and - often commoditise them - while indulging in one very dirty habit. 10 Dua Lipa brazenly shows her smoking habit on her social media posts Credit: INSTAGRAM 10 Rochelle Humes back in 2021 enjoying a cigarette Credit: BackGrid 10 Bella Hadid pictured smoking cigarettes and has been known to also use vapes Credit: AFP 10 Bella Hadid's 10-step morning went viral on TikTok Credit: Tiktok/@babybella777 Yes, I'm talking about smoking. Take singer Dua Lipa – pictured lighting up in Paris earlier in the year and Not to be outdone, on-and-off again smoker And, what about ostensibly health-conscious Yes, even in these oversharing times when big names blab about their cosmetic procedures and namecheck their surgeons, the No one, it seems wants to be accused of thinking more about their waistline than their lung health or spark speculation that their lithe physiques are down to anything but iron will and Reformer Pilates. And inevitably things can be even more cloak and dagger when it comes to those raking in the big bucks from their uber lucrative side hustle. Step forward, Jennifer Aniston, whose health-oriented endorsements are rumoured to make up half of her current $20 million annual income. Remember when the actress's then-husband, Justin Theroux, posted a video of her smoking on her 53rd birthday in 2022? The incriminating footage – played out to the beat of Taylor Swift's 'Look What You Made Me Do' was hastily deleted, no doubt to protect a $300 million dollar brand that shows little sign of waning. Now at the age of 57, the former Friends star is back as the face of premium bottled water brand, Smartwater, and airing her ripped size two body in a new shoot for exercise brand, Pvolve, which she credits with getting her in the best shape of her life. 10 Jennifer Aniston returns as the face of smartwater in a new campaign Credit: The Mega Agency/Smartwater 10 Jennifer enjoying a smoke on the set of The Good Girl, in 2001 Credit: Getty Cigarettes may once have been welded to many a supermodel pout in the '90s without any judgement, but these days they are more likely to come with a trigger warning. New documentary, Oasis Definitely, to mark the band's 25th anniversary tour, felt it necessary to warn viewers of scenes showing 'people smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol throughout' – presumably for those sensitive souls who have only known a life since the indoor smoking ban. And I wouldn't put too much steer on singer Charlie XCX urging fans to embrace their inner brat with a 'packet of cigs and a Bic lighter'. It's a rare ripple of rebellion which will make little dent on those both riding the wellness bandwagon and buying into it as health titan Gwyneth Paltrow knows only too well. The 52-year-old former actress who founded her $250 million Goop brand in 2008 has, of course, been keen to distance herself from her heavy smoking youth. Well, that vice was never going to sit well amongst the endorphin oil, sauna blankets and mouth tape (used to promote nasal breathing during sleep) sold on the website. 10 Now she's a health, wellness and beauty guru Credit: Goop 10 Gwyneth Paltrow smoked a lot when she was younger Credit: PA:Entertainment In 2022, when interviewed by Holly Willoughby on her podcast, By The Light Of The Moon, Paltrow blamed her nicotine addiction on that age-old stress of being a multi-millionaire, Brad Pitt dating- Hollywood actress. She further revealed that she went on to allow herself a light American Spirit cigarette on Saturday nights in 2013 – before giving up completely – the kind of reformation lapped up by Goop fans awaiting every new hack and product drop. Meanwhile, it's worth noting that not-so-secret smoker and perennial party girl Kate Moss's beauty and wellness brand, Cosmoss folded last month. Launched in 2022 with products including 'aura mist' sprays and signature tea blends – it's a rare flop for the Croydon-born supermodel who usually has the commercial Midas touch. An authenticity fail? Perhaps her hedonistic reputation was simply too entrenched while being regularly snapped smoking and vaping away around the capital – and even just As many celebrity puffers have discovered if you really can't quit then you need to be discreet because you are only ever a puff away from being papped. 10 Kate Moss tried to move into the wellness industry with her brand Cosmoss, but it folded last month Credit: Getty 10 She has been a regular smoker for decades Credit:
Business Insider
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
These are the best last-minute back-to-school deals you can find before Prime Day ends tonight
As hard as it is to believe, both summer and the Prime Day deals are almost over. So, there's no better time to stock up on school supplies and back-to-school essentials than the last few hours of the of all the deals I found, I especially recommend the 34% discount on Paper Mate Felt Tip Markers. These markers, also known as flairs, are some of my favorite office supplies because they're colorful without smearing or bleeding. I'm also a fan of the 40% sale on a six-pack of Mead Spiral Notebooks, which is perfect for staying organized this school out our best Prime Day backpack deals page for huge discounts on backpacks, too. We'll also be updating our Amazon Prime Day hub with the best last-minute deals until the sale ends. These two-pocket folders are made of plastic rather than card stock, so they'll protect papers better and last longer. Choose from several six packs in bright or neutral colors. Dividers are key if you're using binders to organize materials. This deal gets you six packs of eight dividers, each with an erasable tab so they can be repurposed later on. These traditional 100-page wide-ruled notebooks are ideal for elementary school. This four-pack includes different colors for easy identification. With a padded laptop carrying case, multiple pockets, and a shoulder strap, the Case-it Universal 2-Inch 3-Ring Zipper Binder with Laptop Holder meets virtually any need. The Classic Notebook's cover protects pages from wear and tear, and pens and pencils glide smoothly over the paper. Additional features include a bookmark ribbon, an elastic closure, and a durable expandable folder inside the rear cover. You'll be set for the entire school year with this set of six spiral notebooks. Use a different color for each class to keep your notes organized. The Rocketbook Everlast is infinitely reusable because you can just wipe down the page after it's served its purpose. Bic's mechanical pencils write well and are easy to hold. They're also affordable, so it's no big deal if you accidentally leave one in your classroom or lose it in your backpack. I've used G2 pens all the way from middle school to graduate school to my job, and I truly believe they're the best pens of all time. They're smooth, dry fast, and have plenty of colors for color-coding your notes. Also known as flairs, these felt-tip pens are like if a pen and a marker had a baby. This 24-pack comes with a plethora of neutral and bright colors. Sharpie's gel pens are super smooth and resistant to smearing and bleeding. These highlighters have a clear tip so you can actually see what you're highlighting. This pack comes with six bright colors and two yellow, if you're a fan of the classics. This pack of 40 Expo markers come in 13 colors, including classic black, red, and blue, plus fun colors like teal, purple, and lime green. Wite-Out may not be an everyday school supply, but it has its place in everyone's desk drawer. This 10-pack includes different-colored dispensers preloaded with correction tape. Yes, there are plenty of college Prime Day deals. In addition to school supplies, we've also compiled the best dorm essentials deals if you're moving off to college this a full list of products we recommend for your dorm room, check out our dorm packing for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Prime Day deals, or browse Amazon's website for the full selection.
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
I went to my first British barbecue - and it was nothing like I expected
New Zealand journalist Vita Molyneux moved to London last year - and was shocked at how Brits run a BBQ The London weather has been absolutely amazing these past few weeks. With the sun beaming down and clear blue skies, it's been screaming "barbecue" at every turn. However, as a Kiwi who moved to London last year, I've made a startling discovery: Brits don't quite grasp the art of a good barbecue. I recently had my first taste of an English barbecue and was utterly gobsmacked by how it all went down. When the invite landed in my inbox, I was over the moon. It felt like a slice of home, where we New Zealanders know our way around a backyard bash, so I got straight to planning. I pinged off a message offering to bring a couple of salads, perhaps a jug of margaritas, and naturally, no barbeque would be complete without a sweet treat - a pavlova seemed just the ticket, reports the Express. Imagine my shock when the reply came back: "No, we don't need to make anything; we've got it all already." I was rather taken aback! Catering a barbecue for 15 is no small feat, so I enquired about the menu. The response? Sausages, burger patties, bread with tomato sauce, and a few veggie patties and skewers for the non-meat eaters. No sides? I ventured, though I suspected I knew the answer. No sides. I was utterly flabbergasted. The sides are the star of any backyard barbie, how on earth could one go ahead without them? In New Zealand, it's customary for guests to bring a plate to a gathering - and no, we're not talking about dinnerware, but rather a side dish. The host typically takes care of the meat and might whip up a salad or two, while everyone else contributes either sweet or savoury sides or perhaps the makings of a charcuterie board. The result is a veritable banquet with plates piled high not only with burgers but also salads, corn, fresh produce, cheeses and, naturally, an ample supply of ice-cold beers, wines and cocktails. I couldn't fathom having a barbecue without these elements, so I bucked the trend. I arrived with an orzo salad and my freshly made pavlova, despite being told not to bring anything else as it wouldn't be eaten. To the host's surprise, though not mine, both dishes were a hit. The second thing that left me scratching my head was the way the meat was cooked. To me, a barbecue is a luxury item. In New Zealand, they're gas-powered hot plates, large enough to cook at least 10 burgers at once, and if you've got one then you're the designated host for the summer. Here, I was taken aback by a circular knee-high contraption powered by coals, firestarters and the isobutane from a broken Bic lighter. How on earth can you cook that much food efficiently on something so small? The answer is - with military-like precision. I must admit, I was rather taken aback by the swift manoeuvres of the men in charge of the grilling - and to be fair, the burgers were quite tasty, though I could have done without having to constantly shift upwind to avoid the smoke stinging my eyes. Despite it not being quite what I had anticipated, my inaugural British barbecue was a delightful affair. At its core, a barbecue is about gathering with those you hold dear, sharing a meal and savouring not just the weather, but the sense of community. Nevertheless, I am resolute in my decision to host the next one at my place, and demonstrate how it truly ought to be done.
RTÉ News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
The Summer of CMAT - how Ireland's gobbiest pop star conquered the music world
It's out with the cigs, the Bic lighters, the "strappy white tops with no bra" and all the other garish lime green accoutrements; time to drag out the cowboy hats and boots, tooth jewels and brightly coloured tights from storage. 2024 may have been 'Brat Summer' thanks to Charli XCX, but there's a new pop hero in town: 2025 is shaping up to be the Summer of CMAT. How did a young musician from Ireland become the kind of performer that can play to tens of thousands of fans (as she did last week), encouraging them to do the 'Dunboyne, County Meath two-step" at Primavera Sound? Barcelona has never seen the likes - but if anyone can achieve such a feat, it's Ciara Mary Alice Thompson. The 29-year-old musician's rise has been a slow but steady one over the last five years. Considering she launched herself as a solo artist at the same time as a pandemic - which gave her little to no opportunity to promote her debut single Another Day (KFC) - she's doubly defied the odds. I remember interviewing her around the time that that song (a heartache-addled tune inspired by her debit card failing in KFC after being dumped) began to gain traction. "I feel if you make the song good enough, structurally and sonically, then you can literally do whatever you want with the lyrics," she said. "I also find that if you make a song really funny, you also free up a lot of space to talk about serious issues without coming across as po-faced. I think a lot of people, when they write a song, they put it on a pedestal – and it shouldn't be. Music should not be that serious, it should not be treated as such a high art form – because a lot of the time, it's not." Even in those early days - although she had previous experience in the industry as one-half of indie duo The Bad Sea - CMAT's vision was striking. She was referring to herself as a 'global pop star' long before anyone else did, but she also had the musical chops to go with the self-confidence. It was clear that she was an artist who knew her onions, speaking about influenced by Dory Previn and the McGarrigle sisters as well as Villagers, and writing songs about people like comedian Rodney Dangerfield and actor Peter Bogdanovich - figures that most of her fellow Gen Z brethren would be baffled by. Despite her prowess on record, it's arguably CMAT's dogged touring schedule and her reputation as an outstanding live performer that has been key to spreading her gospel. She was also a journalist's dream: an interviewee eschewing the bland media-trained responses of her young peers and unafraid to speak her mind. It's something that she has continued to do to this day. In a recent interview with The Guardian newspaper - which referred to her as "pop's gobbiest, gaudiest star", she spoke about the fallout from cancelling her set at last year's Latitude festival due to its sponsorship by Barclays. "They ghosted me," she said of a planned endorsement deal with a big brand that fell through. "I lost a lot of money. But who f**king cares? I'm aware of the fact that my career is going to struggle as a result of this stuff, but I also think everyone else in music needs a kick up the hole. Where's all the f**king artists? Where's all the f**king hippies?" Listen: CMAT introduces her favourite songs for RTÉ Radio 1's Mixtape Born in Cedarwood Avenue, a subsequent move to Clonee and then the aforementioned Dunboyne saw her spend her teenage years languishing in suburbia and honing her songcraft. In her early days as a solo artist, following brief spells living in Denmark and Manchester and after the break-up of The Bad Sea, she used an out-of-hours yoga studio on Camden Street as a makeshift rehearsal and recording studio, sharing it with fellow artists Aoife Nessa Frances and Rachael Lavelle as she worked a humdrum day job. Her 2022 debut album If My Wife New I'd Be Dead made her a star in Ireland, thanks to hits like the country-pop-infused I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!, but it was 2023's Crazymad, for Me album that made international audiences sit up and take notice. High profile appearances on the BBC's Later with Jools Holland and The Graham Norton Show, as well as radio hits like the wistful pop rollick of Stay for Something, saw her plant her flag on UK territory. Suddenly, there were BRIT Award nominations (including a red carpet kerfuffle with that fabulous bum-baring dress); Robbie Williams was calling her duet with John Grand 'majestic', and Elton John himself was heaping praise on the album, calling it "All the things I love… bold, eccentric and a touch mad!" Despite her prowess on record, it's arguably CMAT's dogged touring schedule and her reputation as an outstanding live performer that has been key to spreading her gospel. Her 5-star homecoming gigs at Dublin's Olympia Theatre in November 2023 were the real signifier that something special was happening. Here we had not only a woman who could write pop bangers with emotional depth, but who knew, alongside her excellent band, how to entertain an audience. In simple terms, she had star quality - and a forthcoming sold-out 3Arena gig this December to prove it. Fame, of course, has not been without its pitfalls. In true CMAT style, however, she has spun at least one of them into something positive with her new single Take a Sexy Picture of Me - a song written in response to the online trolling she has had in response to her body - and it's even spawned its own TikTok dance. The Apple Dance? That was so last year, babe. On his recent appearance on Louis Theroux's podcast, Ed Sheeran said that you need three things you need to succeed - work ethic, personality and talent - and if you have the first two, the third doesn't quite matter as much. CMAT possesses all three in abundance, so who knows where she might land with her forthcoming third album Euro-Country. She has, by her own admission, been living life on the edge in recent times: "The kind of headspace that good songs come from is one of extreme emotion, extreme depth of feeling," she said, "which has an impact on my life. I do live in that really heightened state of emotion all the time. I'm crazy and I do crazy things, and I have crazy relationships with people." Hopefully she's savvy enough to recognise when it might be time to step back from the madness. For now, at least, we can relish the Summer of CMAT. Giddy up.
