The dating coach suggests following the simple formula next time you need an icebreaker

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Looking to add some showgirl flair to your underwear drawer? We may have found the perfect brand for you.

Despite being under your clothes, there’s no reason why your underwear can’t be show-stopping. That’s why Jenna Barnes, costume designer to the stars, created Raine & Bea.

Designed to bring you affordable lingerie that oozes glamour, Raine & Bea’s sensational selection of sexy everyday pieces are everything you need to upgrade your underwear drawer.

From pretty bralettes and corsets to standout bras and underwear you’d be hard pressed not to show off, this stunning underwear has been designed to celebrate and empower women – and won’t break the bank.

Think: sculpted silhouettes, satin bows, polka-dot frills, leopard prints and so much more…

Founded by Jenna Barnes and taking inspiration from her experience in the glittering world of musical theatre, celebrity style and costume design, Raine & Bea is the theatrical glam underwear brand every stagey girl has been looking for.

From crafting corsets for Cabaret to creating Victoria Beckham’s iconic green hot pants, Jenna knows star quality like the back of her hand – which is what makes Raine & Bea so special, bringing bold, show-stopper energy to your most intimate layer.

I got to try a piece of the stunning underwear out for myself, and rest assured this lingerie is as beautifully comfortable to wear as it is stunning to look at.

I’ve been loving and wearing the Spotlight Leopard Mesh Non-Padded Underwired Bra every day since it arrived and can’t get enough of it.

A best-seller from the brand, it features a lovely soft mesh custom leopard print fabric and the most stunning contrast purple trims and straps, this unique bra is an absolute show-stopper yet extremely comfy and practical for every single day.

The best bit? It costs just £30, which is super affordable for a piece that’s so standout.

Ready to find your own showgirl pieces? Explore our top picks from Raine & Bea’s stunning selection below.

Raine & Bea: Top picks

Spotlight Leopard Mesh Non-Padded Underwired Bra

A best-seller from the brand, this stunning leopard print bra features a lovely soft mesh custom leopard print fabric and the most stunning contrast purple trims and straps. It's an absolute show-stopper yet extremely comfy and practical for every single day.

SHOP £30

Spotlight Leopard Mesh Thong

Match up with the Spotlight Leopard Mesh Thong, designed with everyday comfort in mind and super stylish purple contrast trims to add a touch of glamour.

SHOP £15

Pillow Talk Black Lace Bralette

Sweet and subtle, the Pillow Talk Black Lace Bralette has been made with beautiful soft stretch lace, blood red velvet bows and double shoulder strap detailing. What's not to love?

shop £26

Pillow Talk Black Lace Thong

Perfect paired with the matching bralette, this Pillow Talk Black Lace Thong features a blood red velvet bow and sleek elasticated string design.

shop £14

Wardrobe Mistress Black Microfibre Harness Suspender

A modern take on the classic suspender, this stunning piece features leg harness suspenders which are adjustable to custom fit your thighs and stocking length. Pair with your favourite matching pants, bra and stocking for a sexy, cohesive look.

shop £34

Showstopper Black Mesh Rouched Slip

Define your curves with this stunning nightwear Showstopper black ruched mesh slip. The off the shoulder band reveals the bare shoulders for that provocative look, while the bra-style adjustable straps and gold metal hardware bring that added support.

shop £40

Wardrobe Mistress Red Microfibre Padded Balcony Bra

This Wardrobe Mistress picot trimmed microfibre bra skims the body to give a beautiful silhouette that's perfect for everyday wear. It features a padded, underwire design with plush straps for a comfortable fit.

shop £45

Pillow Talk Cream Lace Triangle Bra

Made using cream stretch lace, blood red velvet bows and provocative back strapping detail, this gorgeous triangle bra is the perfect adjustable piece for everyday wear and special occasions alike.

shop £24

Bubble Blush Pink Mesh and Satin Frill Knicker

Fun, frilly and flirty, the Bubble Blush knickers feature a pink satin contrast coloured fabric with spot mesh overlay, not forgetting the 1950s inspired back frill to add some extra cheeky fun.

shop £24

Costume design – but for your pants.

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As the bush once again grows in popularity, it’s left some with an unexpected problem in their pants.

Women who’ve abandoned the Hollywood or Brazilian in favour of grown-out pubic hair are reporting pain when their pubic hair gets long.

And TikTok has given this pube pain a name: whisker fatigue.

It was coined after one TikToker Jules took to the app to ask: ‘Does anyone else’s bush hurt when it gets too long? It feels like why you take down a ponytail after having it in all day but with spikes.’

One video on the topic hit 6.3 million views, with many in the comments dubbing the term ‘diabolical but unfortunately accurate’.

Others shared that so-called whisker fatigure makes them ‘feels bruised’ down there.

Why can pubes be painful?

‘Very long pubic hair can become uncomfortable because the hairs are coarse and curly,’ Dr Nikki Ramskill, founder of The Female Health Doctor Clinic, tells Metro.

‘They can then bend back on themselves, tug at the skin, or get caught in clothing and underwear. This constant pulling can feel like a sharp, irritating pain, a bit like when the hair on your head gets tugged.’

Dr Ramskill adds: ‘When hairs are pulled or bent, the tiny nerves around each follicle get stimulated, which is what causes pain or sensitivity.’

With 32% of Brits preferring and au naturel approach when it comes to pubes, you’re likely not alone if you feel this discomfort.

Why else might you get pubic hair pain?

When we grow our pubes long, the doctor explains this also increases the chance of ingrown hairs.

‘These can become sore, inflamed and possibly infected,’ Dr Ramskill, for Doctify, says.

‘It happens when long hairs curl back into the skin, causing red, painful bumps.’

If your hair is long it can also cause chafing and irritation if your hairs are rubbing against skin or fabric – especially when you exercise.

‘You may even experience tugging or pulling of the hairs during sex which can be painful it the pubic strands get caught,’ she adds.

The last problem that could arise with long hairs is more superficial. ‘They can trap sweat, bacteria, and discharge, making the area feel less fresh,’ Dr Ramskill explains.

What can you do to prevent this?

The simple answer is to keep your pubic hair trimmed to a length where you don’t feel discomfort.

‘That said, pubic hair itself isn’t unhealthy, it actually plays a protective role, reducing friction and providing a barrier against bacteria,’ the doctor says.

A trimmed style is actually preferred by 46% of women and it’s the most-liked pubic hairstyle for women by both men and women, with just 23% of women preferring to be completely shaved.

‘Whether someone chooses to trim, remove or leave their pubic hair is a personal choice, but if it starts to feel uncomfortable, trimming can help relieve the problem,’ Dr Ramskill adds.

Just know, whisker fatigue is perfectly normal, so style your pubes as you wish.

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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Coleen Nolan speaks to a reader who was sexually abused as a child, and Coleen opens up about how her own family coped when her big sister, Anne, revealed she had been abused by their father

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River Island has fast become our go-to retailer to shop expensive looking fashion pieces, but for a fraction of the price. 

So, it’s unsurprising the high street retailer has done it once again – this time with its footwear. 

The Perspex Mule Heeled Sandals resemble Amina Muaddi’s Glass Alexa Mules 95, though they come with a price tag that is £500 less than the designer alternative. 

These heels are available in two colours, including a brown Perspex and green, though the former has sold out due to popular demand.

Green Perspex Mule Heeled Sandals

Crafted from a PU upper, and rubber sole, these heels are chic yet durable.The mule design means it is backless, with an open toe front. The skinny heel measures 8cm in height. The pistachio green hue is available in UK shoe sizes 2 to 9, though sizes are selling fast.

BUY NOW FOR £36

River Island’s Perspex Mule Heeled Sandals have been crafted by PU on the upper shoe, and a rubber sole. 

The Perspex textured design offers an ultra luxe look, especially as it is a slightly sheer finish, which we know is a fashion trend right now. 

The open toe and backless mule elongates the legs, and makes these shoes easy to slip on and off. 

The stiletto heel measures 8cm in height, which is slightly shorter than the designer alternative from Amina Muaddi. 

Amina Muaddi heels look very similar, as they boast the same open toe, backless detail and stiletto heel, though this designer shoe measures 9.5cm in height. 

The premium design has been crafted from a synthetic outer fabric, and features leather sole and leather lining. 

While River Island’s design comes in two colours, those hues are quite niche, we must admit. Though we think that’s an asset as it can add colour to the simplest of outfits – even jeans and a T-shirt combo. Whereas Amina Muaddi’s heels are a clear perspex, which can show any dirt quite easily. 

Whether you pair these heels with jeans and a shirt, or a blazer, a dress, maybe even a jumpsuit, you are bound to be flooded with compliments. 

Let’s not forget that Amina Muaddi’s heels retail for £595, which is over £500 more than River Island’s affordable alternatives. 

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Many of you may have heard of the fitness space 1Rebel, and if you haven’t you may have been living under a rock, or you just haven’t stumbled across the workout franchise. 

Well, 1Rebel has changed that as it is expanding the workout space, and is set to open a new studio on London’s King’s Road. 

The King’s Road site will mark 1Rebel’s 12th studio, which is pretty impressive. 

1Rebel King’s Road is set to open its doors on September 17, which will see two of its most popular workouts available to book, including Reshape and Reformer. Reshape is a combination of treadmill intervals combined with strength training, but in a fun space that feels like you’re in a nightclub. While Reformer is a dynamic Pilates class – hence the name. 

1Rebel is also unveiling a brand-new rooftop space where its signature Reset class will now take place. This latest opening introduces a unique wellness experience too, allowing guests to enjoy a post-workout sauna and cold plunge on the rooftop — all while taking in panoramic views across Chelsea. It’s a fresh way to unwind, reset, and soak up the skyline.

Divine.

To mark the new opening, 1Rebel is offering a brand new deal to encourage fitness enthusiasts, fans of 1Rebel, and those who have never attended a class to give it a whirl. 1Rebel is running a limited time offer that allows customers to book three sessions for just £35. The deal is available from August 27 until October 1.

However, if the Chelsea location is too far for you, but you’re keen to sample a class and see what the hype is about, 1Rebel is also running a deal giving customers three sessions for £49 with access to any UK location – but this is only for newcomers. 

The expansion is just the start of a trio of openings. October will see the opening of 1Rebel Leadenhall, and by the end of the year 1Rebel aims to bring 1Rebel to Clapham. It’s safe to say 1Rebel has come a long way since it first launched in 2015, with sites popping up in London as well as other areas across the globe. So, watch this space. 

If you’re craving the high-energy playlists from a night out, but you’re in your wellness era, 1Rebel has you covered. 

So, with days to go until the grand reveal, book your trio of classes here.

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Earlier this month, the UK became the first country in the world to roll out a vaccine for gonorrhoea.

The breakthrough jab has been shown in trials to cut the risk of infection by more than 50% and is being hailed as a major milestone in sexual health.

Given diagnoses have more than doubled in the past decade and reached record highs in 2023, it’s severely needed — but there are a few regions where it’ll prove especially vital.

To highlight where the vaccine could have the biggest impact, Condoms.UK analysed NHS data to uncover England’s top gonorrhoea hotspots, with one London borough taking the unwelcome crown.

In the City of Westminster, 749 diagnoses of gonorrhoea – otherwise known as ‘the clap’ or ‘drip’ – were recorded last year per 100,000 people.

With a population of 211,500, that translates to 1,586 Westminster locals overall. However, it’s also home to one of the country’s largest STI clinics, 56 Dean Street in Soho, so non-residents who head to the city centre location for testing may be skewing the figures somewhat.

Next on the list is Islington, with 724 cases per 100,000 people, while Archway is third but has a far lower prevalence at 397 cases for every 100,000.

Outside the capital, Liverpool has the highest rate of any regional city, followed by Nottingham and Manchester. All three are university hubs with large student populations and busy nightlife scenes, which may contribute to increased transmission rates.

Major cities like Newcastle and Leeds also feature in the top 10, but seaside resort Blackpool also makes the list, proving that smaller towns are not immune to the spread of infection.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea? Everything you need to know

Gonorrhoea symptoms usually start around two weeks after infection, but they can lie dormant for months, or you could even be symptomless.

For women, keep an eye out for telltale signs like yellow or greenish discharge, burning when you pee, pain in your abdomen, and bleeding between periods.

In men, it can cause sore testicles, fluid or discharge coming out of your penis and burning when you pee.

The STI is spread through unprotected sex – including oral – and can affect the eyes and mouth as well as the genitals.

Oral gonorrhoea symptoms include a sore or itchy throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen glands in the neck, and sometimes redness or white spots in the throat or mouth, while gonococcal conjunctivitis may present as redness, pain or discharge in the eyes.

Although some strains are more resistant than others, most can be treated with a simple course antibiotics, so visit your GP or local sexual health clinic if you’re concerned.

In terms of the vaccine, Bexsero (4CMenB) innoculations are currently being offered to people at highest risk of gonorrhoea – primarily men who have sex with men who have had multiple sexual partners and a bacterial STI in the last 12 months – but clinicians can also offer it to other patients if they’re assessed to be similarly vulnerable. 

Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said: ‘This vaccine is already used to protect against Men B and is proven to be effective against gonorrhoea, preventing the spread of infection and reducing the rising rates of antibiotic-resistant strains.

‘That is why it is so important that everyone eligible takes up the offer through sexual health services alongside existing jabs for mpox, hepatitis A and B, and HPV, helping to ensure we keep each other safe.’

Even if you’ve had the vaccine though, it doesn’t eliminate your risk of contracting gonorrhoea entirely, so you should still use condoms and get regular STI tests.

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‘I am female,’ Jackie Blankenship says. ‘That’s the only body I know.’

The mum-of-one, from Michigan, USA, was raised as a girl and identifies as a woman.

But when she four years old, her parents were given a rare diagnosis: Jackie was actually ‘genetically male’ with XY chromosomes.

The now 40-year-old has complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), defined by the NHS as a condition which affects the development of a person’s genitals and reproductive organs.

Those with CAIS will have XY (male) chromosomes — and may have internal testes — but their genitals will appear female because their body does not respond to testosterone.

It took time for Jackie to come to terms with her condition, saying she ‘didn’t really face it’ until she was in her 30s.

Now, she’s on a mission to educate people about being intersex, and shares information on her TikTok page, @mrsjackieblanks. She even became the first ever intersex Miss America.

Jackie says: ‘It took age and maturity to talk really candidly. I get comments that I’m hoodwinking my husband or that I’m a man.

‘People don’t understand it, we are taught so little about how our bodies work. We’re only told black and white of male and female.

‘For the most part people are very intrigued.’

With so much misinformation about androgen insensitivity syndrome, here are four surprising facts about the condition.

It’s not always obvious when someone has it

When Jackie was born, there were no visible indicators of her condition.

While those with PAIS may not have genitals as expected for a boy or girl, most people with CAIS appear as female. ‘I looked like any other little girl,’ Jackie said.

However, Jackie’s mum is from a big family, and actually has some siblings with CAIS. Therefore, when she was four, they decided to get her tested.

A diagnosis was confirmed, but Jackie was nine when she learnt the truth, as her mum explained she ‘wouldn’t develop like her sisters.’

‘I took it well I think,’ says Jackie. ‘I didn’t understand the impact it would have on me. I never really asked questions. But doctors told my parents we wouldn’t want to tell anyone. They really scared my mum and dad. There was a lot of fear and secrecy around it.’

As she got older and her friends started to go through puberty, she started to notice the differences more, recalling: ‘Everyone was so stressed about having a period and where and when it would happen. I felt relieved. I didn’t understand why women have periods.’

Jackie then had to undergo surgery aged 15 to remove her testes due to a small risk that they can become cancerous if left in place throughout adulthood.

According, to the NHS, this procedure happens after puberty because the testicles produce hormones that help girls with CAIS develop a normal female body shape without hormone treatment.

It stops you from growing body hair

‘I don’t grow any body hair or public hair,’ Jackie explains.

This is because intersex people can’t respond to testosterone, which is the primary hormone that triggers body hair to grow during puberty.

She adds: ‘I don’t have pubes, and I don’t have underarm hair. I’ve never shaved my underarms a day in my life.’

Yes, you can still have sex — with a little help

It’s simply not true that people with CAIS can’t have sex, but some assistance is typically required.

Aged 18, Jackie was told she would need ‘vaginal dilation therapy’ (usingsmooth plastic devices with a flat or rounded tip in various sizes to widen and lengthen the vagina) or surgery if she wanted to have sexual intercourse.

She says: ‘I was born with a blind pouch — my vagina doesn’t have a cervix — instead it’s like a little pouch.

‘Some women have an almost fully formed vagina but many of us have an inch of depth. You dilate at home to create a vaginal canal.’

Jackie went through a year of dilation therapy, but still so young, she says it was ‘traumatic’.

‘I didn’t know what kind of sex I would be having,’ she adds. ‘I didn’t know what I wanted in that department. I felt a lot of pressure to be ready.’

Back then, Jackie says the focus was on ‘normalising her body’ for a future male partner, although she was told they’d ‘never know the difference’.

Although she now can have sex, she has to stay sexually active to avoid her vaginal canal from contracting.

People with AIS are generally infertile

Jackie is a mum to a nine-year-old daughter, Greenleigh. However, as she doesn’t have ovaries or a uterus, she’s completely infertile, meaning she can’t have biological children.

Speaking on her TikTok channel, she shared that she was eight or nine years old when she learnt she would never have children, but along with her husband, Jim, 37, always wanted to be a parent.

After briefly looking into adoption, the pair were able to have their daughter after Jackie’s sister, Danielle Martin, 38, offered to carry a baby for her.

The group went through three rounds of IVF using an egg donor before Greenleigh was eventually born.

‘I went to all the appointments,’ Jackie says. ‘It was the best way to be a part of the experience.’

She adds: ‘I went through a lot to be a mum… the road was not easy.’

Those who have PAIS may retain some fertility.

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The green flags could be helpful indicators that a relationship is progressing along the right tracks

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Marks and Spencer has had many of us in a chokehold over the checked short trench coat, which has yet to launch online (though when it does we will be sure to let you know). 

But we have found another ultra chic, and practical, short jacket to see you through the autumn and winter season from the high street retailer. Introducing the Waxed Look Short Utility Jacket.

M&S’ Waxed Look Short Utility Jacket caught our attention as it is almost identical to Barbour’s Classic Beadnell Waxed Jacket that fetches £249. 

M&S Waxed Look Short Utility Jacket

Made from a cotton and polyamide blend, with an acrylic polyurethane coating to achieve the waxed finish. The lining has been crafted from polyester and cotton lining, and it boasts a cord collar. It has also been crafted using M&S’ signature Stormwear technology that makes this a weatherproof garment essential for winter. Better yet? It's available in UK dress sizes 6 to 22.

BUY NOW FOR £75

M&S has crafted a stunning jacket that is perfect for all occasions, and, more importantly, the autumn/winter and transitional seasons. 

The Waxed Look Short Utility Jacket is a short length jacket that is ultra versatile. Don’t be put off by the word “short” in the title as it’s not a cropped jacket, but falls to the hips, so it is still flattering and provides the necessary coverage and warmth when the temperature drops. The length also sits beautifully whether you are wearing shorts, midi skirt, a dress or jeans. 

The M&S Utility Jacket has been crafted from a cotton and polyamide blend, while the acrylic polyurethane coating offers the waxed finish, similar to the iconic Barbour Beadnell Waxed Jacket. 

The M&S design also features Stormwear technology, which is essential when it comes to outerwear as it provides protection from the elements and makes this outerwear piece a reliable weatherproof staple to keep you warm and dry. 

This jacket also features a polyester and cotton lining, and a contrast cord collar, which is a nod to the premium label. 

The M&S Utility jacket boasts a regular fit, whereas the Barbour version is slightly more tailored and fitted for a feminine silhouette. 

Barbour Classic Beadnell Waxed Jacket

Crafted from cotton with a Sylkoil wax outer, cotton lining with a tartan print and Barbour’s iconic logo embroidered on the pocket. It features a contrast textured collar and two patch pockets – and available in UK sizes 4 to 22.

BUY NOW FOR £249

The Barbour version has been crafted from Sylkoil waxed cotton outer, which makes this a weatherproof staple, and a durable design you can rely on year after year. 

The Beadnell Waxed Jacket also features a cotton lining with the brand’s signature tartan fabric interior, which you can glimpse if you fold over the sleeves. This layer not only adds insulation, but is super comfortable on the skin too. 

Of course, no Barbour coat is complete without the corduroy collar, which this design features. Plus, it has a storm fly fastening at the neck, as well as a zip-front fastening to keep any draughts at bay. 

The patch pockets are deep enough to hold your valuables, while the moleskin lining provides added warmth to keep your fingertips toasty on those brisk winter mornings. 

The Barbour jacket is slightly longer in length than M&S’s jacket , as it falls just below the bottom for extra warmth and coverage. 

The M&S jacket is available in navy blue and khaki green, while the Barbour original comes in the iconic olive green hue. 

What we love about both fashion designs is how versatile they are. Pair with denim jeans, trainers and a T-shirt for the transitional period between summer and autumn, or layer a chunky knitted cardigan and heavy duty boots come the winter months. 

Considering the M&S Utility Jacket fetches £75, which is a saving of £174, it’s a no-brainer which jacket we are opting for.

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