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Taiwan minister visits contested island in South China Sea to witness coast guard drills amid regional tensions

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Taiwan minister visits contested island in South China Sea to witness coast guard drills amid regional tensions

A Taiwanese minister made a rare trip this week to a remote island in the South China Sea at a time when tensions in the region remain high.

Ocean affairs council minister Kuan Bi-ling travelled to Itu Aba – also known as Taiping Island – to observe exercises carried out by the coast guard.

Itu Aba is the largest naturally occurring island in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea – which is claimed by China, Vietnam and the Philippines. In a statement, Taiwan’s coast guard described the exercise as a “humanitarian relief, medical evacuation and marine pollution removal” operation.

Taiwan’s official Central News Agency said that it was the first time in seven years that a Taiwanese minister had visited Itu Aba. This visit by the minister comes amid tensions between the two countries. China claims Taiwan as its own while Taiwan says it is an independent, sovereign nation.

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One of the exercises that Ms Kuan observed involved a mock interception at sea. According to the coast guard, the officers simulated stopping a cargo ship that ignored repeated calls.

Armed personnel then boarded the vessel to take control. Authorities said the scenario reflected real risks in busy and disputed waters.

“In order to safeguard the nation’s rights and national security, the cargo vessel was escorted back to Taiping Island for further investigation,” the coast guard said.

A video released later showed officers in black gear moving through the ship and entering its control room. During the drill, one officer addressed a crew member directly, saying: “You have entered the waters under the jurisdiction of our country. Please cooperate with the investigation.”

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Ms Kuan’s visit coincided with large US-Philippines military drills, which had already upset China. While those exercises were underway, China responded by sending a new amphibious warship into the South China Sea and moving an aircraft carrier through the nearby Taiwan Strait.

Taiping Island is located roughly 1,600km southwest of Kaohsiung and falls under the administration of Cijin district in the southern Taiwanese city, according to Focus Taiwan media outlet.

Taiping Island has a runway capable of handling military supply flights and a recently upgraded wharf that can receive large patrol vessels. Around 200 people live there, mostly coast guard members trained for both security and rescue work.

Despite these facilities, the island is not heavily fortified when compared to nearby outposts controlled by China.

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Beijing has spent years expanding its presence across the South China Sea, building artificial islands and adding airstrips, radar systems and other military infrastructure. These moves have raised concern across the region and in Washington.

China maintains that its actions are justified and says it has the right to develop and defend what it considers its territory. Taiwan, however, rejects Beijing’s claims over it and continues to operate independently on the islands it controls.

The wider South China Sea remains one of the world’s most important waterways. Huge volumes of global trade pass through it each year. It is also a major fishing zone and is believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves beneath its seabed.

A 2016 decision by an international tribunal labelled Taiping Island a “rock” under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This means Taiwan can claim resources only within 12 nautical miles of it, rather than 200 nautical miles if it were recognised as an “island”.

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Taiwan presented its case to the tribunal, arguing that Itu Aba should be recognised as an “island”, saying it has the resources needed to support human life, including a supply of fresh water.

Both Taiwan and China have rejected the ruling of the tribunal and do not accept the arbitration case filed by the Philippines.

Taiwan argues Itu Aba can sustain life, while the 2016 tribunal ruled it does not, classifying it as a “rock,” which sharply limits its maritime rights.

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Hartlepool Labour MP urges party to ‘get a grip’ on GB News

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Hartlepool Labour MP urges party to ‘get a grip’ on GB News

The row over what the Prime Minister knew and when about Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US is fuelling speculation about the Prime Minister’s future.

Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash has said that he doesn’t think “anyone reasonable expects the Prime Minister to lead the party into the next election”.

Speaking to GB News after Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (April 22), Mr Brash said: “Ultimately, we are in a situation where I don’t think anyone reasonable expects the Prime Minister to lead the party into the next election and I think we have to refocus this Government on the priorities of the British people.

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“We have got fantastic Labour councillors, canvassers, activists up and down the country working hard and delivering for their constituencies like mine in Hartlepool, facing local elections in the shadow of this absolute mess.

“They just need to get a grip.

“I’m completely fed up about it and I think it’s got to the point now where I genuinely think, as far as the Prime Minister is concerned, it’s not a case of if, it’s when, and I just think we need to get a handle on this.”

The fallout from the row over Lord Mandelson’s appointment has intensified scrutiny of Sir Keir’s leadership, with some MPs questioning his judgment and future prospects.

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Sir Keir is facing calls to resign for misleading MPs about the appointment process, as news that Lord Mandelson was cleared for the Washington posting against the recommendation of security officials appeared to contradict his previous statements that due process was followed.

But the defiant Prime Minister told MPs: “Last week, they were all saying that it must have been shared with me. Sir Olly was very clear yesterday, it was not. I believe not sharing it was a serious error of judgment.

“That information should have been shared with me and other ministers, and if it had have been, Mandelson would not have been committed to post.”

Polly Billington, vice-chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party, declined to express confidence in Sir Keir’s judgment, saying only that Labour had a “mandate from the British people” to deliver change.

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Pat McFadden, Work and Pensions Secretary, said that Labour MPs should back Sir Keir.


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He said: “He’s been in office less than two years.

“He led the Labour Party to a very big election victory just under two years ago, and I think we’ve had far too many changes to Prime Minister in the UK in the last decade.

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“It hasn’t done the country much good.”

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Kobbie Mainoo has sent clear message to Marcus Rashford as bumper Man Utd deal agreed

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Daily Mirror

Kobbie Mainoo is set to agree a new long term contract at Manchester United just months after rumours circulated around a potential exit

Kobbie Mainoo’s impending new deal and resurgence at Manchester United show Marcus Rashford that redemption is possible. The forgotten star is currently on loan at Barcelona with reports suggesting that the academy hero would prefer to stay in Spain next season.

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The two clubs have a £26million fee in place for Rashford, with Barca failing to renegotiate the price. However, they have until June 15 to come to a permanent agreement. Another loan next season is a possibility.

Despite all signs pointing to Rashford leaving Old Trafford, Mainoo has shown that there is still hope for a return for the 28-year-old. The midfielder looked checked out in Manchester, with a six-month loan to Napoli on the table.

Ruben Amorim had been omitting Mainoo from the starting XI, with the 21-year-old playing fewer than 180 minutes under the former boss. The youngster considered searching for regular minutes elsewhere to fight for a place in England’s World Cup squad.

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READ MORE: Roy Keane issues brutal Man Utd verdict in Bruno Fernandes debate: “Really low standards”

But when Amorim was sacked and Michael Carrick arrived, Mainoo’s situation did a complete 180. The midfielder has become an integral part of the starting XI, helping United climb up to third place and in contention for Europe.

The interim boss is understood to have spoken with the club’s hierarchy to highlight Mainoo’s long-term value. Carrick also endorsed United’s decision to increase the midfielder’s wages exponentially to reflect his importance to the team.

Mainoo’s new contract is set to keep him in Manchester until 2031 and boost his weekly wages by £100,000. The 21-year-old currently earns £20K a week, meaning he will also pocket a huge increase in his annual salary.

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If Rashford returned to United, his £315,000-a-week wages would be reinstated. So, it seems like money is not the main driving force for the England international’s career decision.

It is clear that Rashford’s gametime is his main concern after joining Amorim’s ‘bomb squad’ last year. The 28-year-old was ostracised from the first-team squad for pre-season training in 2025.

Rashford – alongside Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia – were told to stay away from the team and to find another club. Garnacho joined Chelsea, Antony headed to Real Betis and Sancho is currently on loan at Aston Villa.

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Rashford headed to Spain on a temporary basis and has found his footing with Barcelona. The United academy graduate has reached 25 goal contributions this season, a level he previously achieved at Old Trafford.

Mainoo’s redemption arc at United is a clear picture for Rashford that fortunes can change for the better. Whether the Carrington hero can see past his previous struggles and return to his boyhood club remains to be seen.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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Body found in field is missing Robert Rees-Hughes

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Body of man in 20s found in Oakdale area of Harrogate

Police have confirmed that the body found on open land near Easingwold on Friday (April 17) has been formally identified as Robert Rees-Hughes.

 A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Robert’s family have been informed, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. 

 “Robert was reported missing to us on 29 November 2025, and extensive searches were carried out in the weeks that followed. 

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 “Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal or provided information. Please now remove any photos or details of Robert that you previously shared.”

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Stansted Airport staff set to strike in May amid pay dispute – see exact dates

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Cambridgeshire Live

Staff at the airport are set to strike over what they describe as an ‘unacceptable’ pay offer

Dozens of staff members who perform crucial jobs at Stansted Airport have announced they will participate in industrial action next month following a dispute over pay.

Around 100 workers for AMB are planning to strike as early as next week with many said to carry out important jobs across the airport, like escorting passengers on and off flights.

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The strike comes after what they say is an “unacceptable” pay offer, with staff to strike on May 3 to May 6 reports The Mirror.

Staff had been scheduled to take industrial action from April 17 to 20, but it was called off to allow workers to vote on a last-minute pay offer.

But the strike is now going to go ahead with Unite calling the situation “unacceptable”. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “ABM staff do a vital job for passengers at the airport, yet they are struggling with low pay while their employer makes huge profits. This situation is unacceptable and workers at ABM continue to have Unite’s full support.”

And a statement from Unite reads: “Industrial action by Unite members who look after passengers with disabilities at London Stansted Airport will go ahead next month, after they rejected a new pay offer.

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“Around 100 workers at ABM will now walk out from 3 May to 6 May, coinciding with the first May bank holiday weekend, after rejecting a substandard pay offer from their employer. ABM staff, who do a crucial job escorting passengers on and off flights and through the airport say the offer failed to tackle low pay.

“Many of the workers are paid below the London Living Wage of £14.80. Yet ABM is a highly profitable global company, reporting in March that it made $2.2 billion in revenue, an increase of 6.1 per cent on the previous year.”

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Shortage warning issued over high blood pressure medicine taken by millions in UK

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Manchester Evening News

A ‘serious shortage protocol’ notice has been issued for a certain dosage of ramipril

A shortage warning has been issued for a certain dosage of a high blood pressure medicine taken by millions of people across the UK.

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A ‘serious shortage protocol’ (SSP) notice has been issued for ramipril 1.25mg capsules, which says patients can only get one month’s worth of supplies at a time.

The medication, which can be taken as tablets, capsules or as a liquid, is taken by millions of people across the UK. The medication works by widening the blood vessels and making it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body.

According to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), three million items of ramipril are prescribed every month in England.

Pharmacies are now warning of supply issues and is calling on the UK government to take action.

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NPA chairman Olivier Picard said: “We are concerned by this recent shortage, with a number of pharmacies being unable to order some strengths of ramipril as well as seeing the cost soar in recent weeks, in instances where stock can be found.

“Millions of patients rely on ramipril and although there are alternative medicines available, supplies of these must be managed carefully by the Government to ensure subsequent demand can be met.

“The Government should allow pharmacists to make substitutions to ramipril prescriptions to ensure patients do not have to go back to their GP to find an alternative.

“Pharmacies are increasingly facing supply problems affecting everyday medicines on which millions rely every day.

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“Whilst the medicine supply chain is extremely complex, the rising problem of shortages across a wide range of medication is extremely worrying for patients and heartbreaking for pharmacists who go to great lengths to ensure they don’t turn them away.

“Fragility in the global supply chain is worsened by international instability and the fact that long term under-funding of pharmacies has driven down the price for medicines in the UK to unsustainable levels.”

The SSP was issued by the NHS on Wednesday (April 22) and covers the whole of the UK.

Ian Maidment, professor in clinical pharmacy at Aston University, said: “The NHS has just issued a serious supply shortage protocol for ramipril 1.25mg capsules, a prescription medication commonly used for high blood pressure and other heart conditions.

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“The protocol applies to all four devolved nations – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – and means that pharmacies can only supply a maximum of one month supply of medication at any one time.

“Ramipril is an Ace (Angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor and there are other Ace inhibitors available.

“It is vital that patients discuss any concerns with their community pharmacy team or GPs or pharmacy staff working in their GP surgery, but the key message is that there are alternatives.

“These supply issues are challenging for primary care to manage impacting on their overall workload.”

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The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.

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Premier League title race: Do Arsenal need to change goalscoring mindset to beat Man City?

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Kai Havertz playing for Arsenal

Arsenal have missed multiple chances this season to extend their lead at the top of the table.

They could have moved 12 points clear at one stage. But back-to-back defeats by Bournemouth and Manchester City mean the Gunners have now won just six of their past 13 league games and momentum has swung towards Guardiola’s side.

Arteta has said that “everything is still to play for” but now might be the time to let his attacking players express themselves.

Someone who knows all about a title being decided on goal difference is Wayne Rooney, who was part of the Manchester United squad that finished second behind City in the 2011-12 campaign.

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Talking on the BBC’s Wayne Rooney podcast, the former striker said his manager Sir Alex Ferguson “used to always say keep trying to score because it might be decided on goal difference”.

“At the time you’re thinking ‘it’s never going to go to goal difference’ but it did that one time.”

Kai Havertz is one of Arteta’s favourite players and he started instead of Viktor Gyokeres against City.

The German showed his ability to hold the ball up and link the Arsenal attack together but he is not a natural finisher and missed two crucial chances against City.

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However, despite the swing in momentum, Rooney said: “I’d probably still have Arsenal as slight favourites.

Arsenal have been trying to nick 1-0 wins but they need to change that mindset and go at teams and win by three or four goals.”

Arsenal have won 10 games by just one goal in the Premier League this season.

That means almost half of their wins have been by a single goal margin (10 of 21 – 48%), the highest percentage by a potential champion since Leicester in 2016 (61%).

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But that does not mean that the Gunners can’t win the title with that method. The average number of one-goal wins in a title-winning campaign is 10.7.

Sergio Aguero’s goal for Manchester City against Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the 2011-12 season snatched the title away from Rooney’s United in one of the Premier League’s most famous moments.

Rooney has also benefitted from narrow wins leading to league titles.

He played for the 2008-09 and 2012-13 United teams that won the trophy with the most victories by a one-goal margin – both 16 – 57% of their wins.

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Three people taken to hospital after serious A19 crash near Thirsk

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Three people taken to hospital after serious A19 crash near Thirsk

Emergency services were called to the major route, between Thirkleby and Hutton Sessay, near Thirsk, at around 7.55am on Thursday (April 23).

North Yorkshire Police closed the road for around two hours to allow emergency services to work at the scene.

The road has since reopened.

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The Yorkshire Ambulance Service has confirmed that three people were taken to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough for further treatment.

A spokesperson said: “We received an emergency call at 7.52am on Thursday morning to a report of a collision on the A19 between Thirkleby and Hutton Sessay.

“Ambulance resources, including three ambulances and a team leader, were dispatched to the scene, and three patients were conveyed to James Cook Hospital.”

North Yorkshire Police said that the crash was ‘serious’ and initially advised drivers to avoid the area.

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A spokesperson for the force said: “We are at the scene of a serious collision on the A19 between the turn-offs to Thirkleby and Hutton Sessay.

“The road is closed in both directions.

“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use an alternative route at this time. Thank you.”

The road has since reopened.

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Man dies at block of flats near Hampden Park in Glasgow

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Daily Record

Police Scotland confirmed a man has died after they were alerted to a report of concern.

A man has tragically died at a block of high-rise flats near Hampden Park.

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Emergency crews rushed to Cathkinview Place in the Mount Florida area of Glasgow this morning. An alarm was raised after police received a report of concern for a man around 3.30am.

A short time later after attending, a man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police Scotland has confirmed that enquiries are ongoing into the death.

Locals confirmed to Glasgow Live that a cordon is still in place around one of the blocks of flats.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 3.30am on Thursday, 23 April, 2026, we were called to a report of concern for a man at a block of flats in the Cathkinview Place area of Glasgow.

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“A short time later, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Officers remain in attendance and enquiries are ongoing.”

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Melanie C’s world tour heading to Manchester next month

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Melanie C’s world tour heading to Manchester next month

The Spice Girls star will bring The Melanie C World Tour to the O2 Ritz on Wednesday, October 21.

The tour follows the release of her ninth studio album, ‘Sweat’, which will be released on May 1 and marks a return to her early musical influences in dance and electronic music.

A spokesperson said: “Later this year, she takes Sweat worldwide with The Melanie C World Tour, a global run of shows set to bring her signature energy to stages across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.”

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The album reflects her ongoing evolution as an artist and celebrates themes of movement, joy, and community while honouring her roots in club culture.

The tour will see her perform in cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia before arriving in the UK in October.

Other UK dates include shows in Glasgow, Birmingham, and a headline performance at London’s O2 Academy Brixton.

Before the tour begins, Melanie C will also make an appearance in Manchester on May 3 for an album signing at HMV.

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A spokesperson added: “Renowned for her dynamic live performances, Melanie seamlessly bridges underground club culture and arena-sized pop, delivering sets that move effortlessly between euphoric dancefloor moments and the iconic hits that have defined her career.”

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Charlotte Tilbury drops 20% off code on best-sellers for London Marathon weekend

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Wales Online

Beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury is running a limited time offer on nearly everything on their site with the code ‘RACEDAY’

As the buzz builds ahead of the London Marathon, Charlotte Tilbury has dropped a limited-time treat for beauty lovers. In celebration of the marathon, the brand is offering 20% off nearly everything across its website, giving shoppers the perfect excuse to refresh their makeup bags just in time for spring. The limited-time offer makes it easier to get your hands on some of the brand’s most iconic products.

Using the code RACEDAY at checkout unlocks savings across a wide selection of bestsellers, like skincare and makeup essentials. Favourites like foundations, radiant highlighters and long-lasting setting sprays are all included, making it an ideal moment to invest in products that are highly praised by shoppers.

Here is a list of some of the popular beauty products incuded in the limited time offer:

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Airbrush Flawless 100ml Setting Spray, originally £33 now £26.40

The iconic Charlotte Tilbury product is described as “#1 Makeup Setting Spray in the UK Prestige Makeup Market.” The flawless setting spray promises up to 16 hours of set makeup and has ammassed thousands of 5/5 star reviews from satisfied customers.

One shopper said: “My makeup stays all day long, nothing is moving. Everyone compliments me and I know the reason for difference.”

Hollywood Flawless Filter, originally £40, now £32

The flawless filter from Charlotte Tilbury is another standout product. The “bottled glow filter” is available in 12 shades and is popular for ‘blurring, smoothing and illuminating’ the skin. One shopper called it: “beautiful finish on the skin it is not heavy and covers redness”

The product is a mix of a foundation and highlighter, leaving some shoppers confused on its use, one said: “Not sure how to use it, is it a foundation or highlighter. Still, I am sure I’ll enjoy using it once I have got used to it.”

Beautiful Skin Sun-kissed Glow Bronzer, originally £47 now £37.60

The large face and body bronzer, comes in four shades and comes with “hyaluronic acid and sunshine provitamin D3 for a beautiful, healthy looking, beachy bronzed glow!” A delighted reviewer said: “This is a repurchase. Only the second time because the first one lasted a good two years and I use it every day. Love!!”

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Pillow Talk Lip Liner, originally £22 now £17.60

Another popular makeup product from Charlotte Tilbury is the Pillow Talk Lip Liner, described as “#1 Prestige Lip Liner Brand in UK.” It is a ” nude-pink lip liner pencil that suits everyone for a defined, fuller looking Pillow Talk pout.” One shopper said: “Beautiful colour and very good quality, so soft and longlasting.” Another however said: ” I have the pillow talk lipstick which I love and is a great nude colour but the liner is far more pink and didn’t find the two go together.”

Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick, originally £32 now £25.60

The Unreal Healthy Glow Stick comes in six different shades and is a “skincare-infused formula clinically proven to help strengthen skin barrier.” The product is ideal for a natural ‘no-makeup makeup day’ and also can work as a glowy blush product for a full face of makeup. Elswhere, Boots is offering the New & Trending Beauty Box for £55, with £280 worth of products. Alternatively, Lookfantastic is currently running a 40% off YSL Beauty trio including, two lip prodcuts and a 7.5ml Black Opium Glitter Eau de Parfum.

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