When agency boss Liz posted on Instagram recently about her experience of menopause, her words struck a chord with many. At 45, she had been experiencing the signs of menopause, and discovered that she was well into her perimenopause years.
“I did what any sane, medically unqualified person would do, and Googled it for hours,” wrote Liz, who is the co founder of Good Culture Inc. “Wow. There is a lot about ‘what’ it is and ‘why’ it happens but very little about ‘how’ to be. Tactics. Strategies. Modes. Approaches. Very little.
“So I’ve decided to be myself. I’m choosing to talk about menopause because that’s what I’d do about any subject that affected my life and family. I’ll focus on the one thing I know how to do – bring it into the light.
“No more taboo. No more shame.”
Bravo Liz. The more that we all share our experiences of this time of life and talk about the signs of menopause, the more we’ll bust the taboos. It’s up to all of us to mainstream the menopause conversation.
So we asked Liz to share the five things that are in her Midlife Survival Kit. As we’d expect from one the UK’s leading fashion and beauty agency founders, with clients including Alexa Chung, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Pat McGrath Labs, Liz’s list is packed with the finer things in life. We’re sold.
Lyma supplements, from £199 for 30-days
This amazing brand only does two things, but boy do they do them well! The first, is an ultimate supplement. Nine peer-reviewed powerful ingredients, one pill. You take two, twice a day and they are genuinely transformative. I find it really helps with sleep, anxiety and focus. Having just discovered I’m well into the perimenopause, I’m struggling with all three of those things, and a few more…!
Lyma is expensive, but totally worth it, like a lot of things. It’s a total treat to myself. Their second product is a clinic-grade laser which is the first of its kind to be able to use at home, totally portable and works on all skin types. It’s my Sunday evening ritual.
Augustinus Bader The Cream, £205
OK, so this is another expensive one. Sorry! But, it works. On everyone. Every time. I have been using it for the last few years, because my partner was part of the team who launched it. It’s truly incredible.
I have tried most luxury moisturisers on the market and this is the one. It’s just called The Cream. It’s ultra lightweight and your skin drinks it in. People always ask me what I use on my skin and I definitely don’t drink enough water (who does, right?) so it’s clearly down to this magic cream. I’m just waiting for them to do a sun cream next.
Mother of Pearl, the Webb coat, £495
The coat that works with everything. I wear it from school run to work meeting to dinner out. It’s so chic, sustainable and I get stopped literally every time I wear it.
My friend (and client) Amy Downey is behind this incredible label and I love everything she does. Get the navy or black version and you will have it for life. Your friends will want to borrow it, and you should let them: Swap with one of theirs for a week maybe. Amy would love that!
Coco & Wolf duvet cover set, from £155
Sleep is such a luxury and it’s really affected in midlife for a myriad of reasons. I had never tried silky sheets until recently, and it’s next level comfort.
The prettiest ones I have seen are from Coco & Wolf. I went for ‘Betsy Grey’ with matching pillows – though some people mix and match. They are all handmade in Somerset and are in silky soft cotton.
Alex Eagle cashmere cricket jumper, £420
OK – so confession. I don’t actually own this. Yet. But it’s on my lust list. I’m such a huge fan of everything Alex does. She’s the ultimate tastemaker across fashion, interiors and luxury lifestyle.
If you have not visited THE STORE (Lexington Street, London or Soho Farmhouse, Soho House Berlin or the brand new one at 180, The Strand) you will want everything in sight. She sells the best sunglasses, earrings, coffee table books and especially her own line Cashmere. The only time I’ve ever contemplated a tracksuit is because it’s Alex Eagle and it’s cashmere.
I have eyes locked on this jumper, cream with a red trim. I’ve done the internal justification: It will go with everything, my fave jeans, thrown over a dress on spring evenings in the beer garden (soon!) and perfect for travelling. Again, soon.
One day you will be mine, dream jumper, and I’ll have you forever. Or at least until my daughter Wren turns 16!
