For over 65 years, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club has been the beating heart of live jazz in London. From Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone to Miles Davis, Prince and Dizzy Gillespie, its stage has carried legends and shaped music history night after night.
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the re-opening of Upstairs at Ronnie’s — and witnessing first-hand how this iconic Soho institution is stepping confidently into its next chapter.
For over 200 years, the National Gallery has been a place of stillness — long pauses in front of oil paintings, hushed voices, measured steps. The Arnolfini Portrait has witnessed six centuries of quiet observation. Van Gogh’s Sunflowershave absorbed generations of silent admiration.
Then last night, it welcomed something radically different.
On a wet Tuesday afternoon in London, as pavements glisten and the pace of Piccadilly Circus rarely slows, Art After Dark returns to the West End with a burst of colour, music and late-night energy. Running from 3–10 February 2026, Art of London’s annual evening programme launches with a striking new public artwork by Lakwena Maciver, transforming one of the capital’s busiest junctions into a place to pause, gather and feel something joyful.
Until recently, I wouldn’t have thought to either…
Kai Lutterodt at the Sake Food Sensations tasting, hosted by two-Michelin-starred Trivet | Image courtesy of JFOODO
A few weeks ago, I was invited to join chefs and sommeliers at two-Michelin-starred Trivet for an intimate introduction to Sake Food Sensations — a February-long campaign created by JFOODO, the organisation that promotes Japanese food and drink globally. Masaru Mizoguchi, Director at JFOODO, explains:
It was a recent LinkedIn post by a senior digital lead at a national restaurant group that caught my attention. It wasn’t alarmist, just honest. After months of preparation for the UK’s new “less healthy food advertising restrictions”, the anticipated “impact moment” came… and largely passed. Or did it? That question prompted a closer look at what has actually changed and who is affected.
A poll suggests that over 15 million UK adults were planning to go alcohol-free last January — that’s around 30% of the population. That sounds huge to me and definitely wasn’t representative of my own circle of acquaintances. In reality, the number of people who complete a full 31 days of abstinence is likely much lower. Regardless, it shows a growing interest in going teetotal during one of the most challenging months of the year.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
While there are long-term advantages to removing — or even reducing — alcohol consumption, some health benefits won’t be instantly visible. But what if you could rely on quick wins when it comes to skin health? Your skin is often a reliable indicator of internal health, from dehydration to hormonal imbalances, so why not use Dry January as a skin reset and see how quickly you notice these five improvements?
Why Alcohol Shows on Your Face
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose fluid and electrolytes. This dehydrates the skin, leaving it looking dull, lined and tired. It also dilates blood vessels and drives inflammation, which is why regular drinking is linked to redness, puffiness and flare-ups of conditions such as rosacea or acne.
Reduced Puffiness
Alcohol-triggered dehydration encourages the body to retain water, which often shows up as facial swelling and puffy under-eyes the morning after drinking. When you cut out alcohol for a few weeks, fluid balance normalises and facial swelling softens. As a result, contours look more defined and under-eye bags often appear less pronounced.
For fast-tracked results:
Neal’s Yard Remedies Gua Sha Glide it along your jawline to promote lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness. Consistent use is key, but well worth the effort — I’ve been using this one most evenings for 20 minutes while watching the latest K-dramas. Available here: £124.00
Byoma De-Puff + Brighten Eye Gel A lightweight gel with cooling cucumber, calming chamomile and hydrating green algae extract to depuff under-eyes by reducing swelling and improving circulation. Available here: £12.99
Calmer Redness
Alcohol widens blood vessels and can make them more fragile over time, contributing to persistent flushing, broken capillaries and the familiar “alcoholic face” redness. Taking a month off reduces constant vasodilation and inflammation, which can mean fewer hot flushes, less blotchiness and calmer skin — particularly if you’re prone to rosacea-type redness.
For fast-tracked results:
Pai Century Flower Barrier Defence Mist Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce flare-ups, this 100% alcohol-free (yes, teetotal right down to your skincare) soothing mist contains calming lotus root and balancing prebiotic inulin. Available here: £39.00
Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum A fragrance-free formula combining barrier-repairing and anti-inflammatory ingredients, suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Having suffered from eczema all my life, Aveeno and Neal’s Yard Remedies are the only skincare brands I trust during flare-ups. Available here: £13.99
Better Sleep, Better Repair
While alcohol may help you fall asleep, it disrupts deep, restorative sleep stages that skin relies on for collagen production, antioxidant repair and barrier rebuilding. During Dry January, sleep quality often improves after the first week, giving your skin more uninterrupted time overnight to repair damage, soften fine lines and restore a healthy glow.
For fast-tracked results:
Rituals The Ritual of Jing Pillow & Body Mist With an aromatic blend of sandalwood and lavender, this mist helps calm the senses. Spray lightly onto your pillow as part of your nighttime routine and breathe deeply. Available here: £24.00
Laneige Bouncy & Firm Eye Sleeping Mask Formulated with caffeine and niacinamide to hydrate and depuff the delicate under-eye area overnight — wake up with visibly rested eyes. Available here: £28.00
Improved Hydration
As a diuretic, alcohol suppresses the hormone responsible for regulating water balance, leaving skin dry, tight and more lined. When alcohol is removed, hydration levels rebound. The complexion appears plumper, dehydration lines soften and radiance returns — especially when paired with a hydrating skincare routine.
For fast-tracked results:
Laneige Bouncy & Firm Serum A watery, non-sticky serum delivering a boost of hydration, enriched with vitamins C and E, plus algae oil to nourish and revitalise the skin. Available here: £39.00
Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask A long-time favourite, this pale pink, fragrance-free mask with aloe vera deeply hydrates overnight for dewy, refreshed skin by morning. Available here: £42.00
Stronger Barrier Function
The skin’s outer barrier is rich in lipids such as ceramides, but alcohol-induced dehydration and irritation can weaken it over time. A month-long break allows the barrier to recover, helping it retain moisture and block out irritants. The result? Less flaking, fewer sensitivity flare-ups and smoother, more resilient skin overall.
For fast-tracked results:
Lavera Barrier Balance Serum A feather-light, vegan serum rich in prebiotic botanicals to support beneficial skin bacteria and create a healthy microbiome for stronger, more balanced skin. Available here: £23.95
Neal’s Yard Remedies Oat & Ceramide Barrier Repair Cream Like cashmere for your skin, this rich, unctuous cream is clinically proven to reduce irritation and replenish moisture. Available here: £38.00
Photo by Anna Shvets
Seeing the Difference
Dry January doesn’t have to be about deprivation. Whether you stick to it for a full month or simply reduce your intake, giving alcohol a break can deliver visible skin benefits faster than you might expect. From calmer redness and reduced puffiness to better sleep and stronger barrier function, even small changes can leave your complexion looking healthier, fresher and more resilient — proof that sometimes, the best glow-up starts from within.
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It’s January. Your fairy lights are flickering their last, the pine needles are falling like confetti after a Soho street party, and your Christmas tree — once a glorious beacon of tinsel, baubles, and hope — is now leaning dangerously into the radiator. The big question: when exactly should you take it down?
Looking for the best festive eye makeup and skincare this season? Whether you want show-stopping shimmer, long-lasting eyeshadows, or eye treatments that lift tired winter eyes, this curated guide rounds up our team’s favourite products for the festive season — all tried, tested and perfect for parties, dinners and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
From hydrating sprays to anti-ageing eye creams and bold colour sticks, here are the best beauty buys for bright, glamorous festive eyes in 2025.
Festive Glam Eyes
1. Elizabeth Grant Collagen Re-Inforce 3D Crepey Eye Lift
One of the best eye creams for crepey eyelids and fine lines, this treatment instantly tightens thanks to sesame protein while collagen, peptides and Torricelumn™ deliver long-term firming. A brilliant winter pick for tired, mature or drooping lids.
Why we love it: Instant smoothing effect + long-term results.
2. Peep Club Instant Relief Eye Spray
Best for: Dry eyes, irritation, screen fatigue £15 | Shop here
If cold weather or long party nights leave your eyes feeling dry, this eye spray for dry eyes gives soothing, clinically proven relief. Sea buckthorn oil and sodium hyaluronate hydrate on contact — even over makeup.
Why we love it: The quickest fix for irritated winter eyes.
3. Wonderskin IYKYK Eyeshadow Stick
Best for: Fast glam, long-wear colour £18 | Shop here
For easy Christmas eye makeup, this creamy shadow stick delivers high-impact pigment that lasts up to 20 hours. Cooling, hydrating and incredibly blendable — a festive makeup must-have.
Why we love it: No brushes needed, no creasing, no smudging.
4. Sacheu Eyeshadow STAY-N®
Best for: Liquid shimmer & crease-proof looks £16 | Shop here
This liquid eyeshadow for all-night wear glides on smoothly, blends beautifully, and dries down to a transfer-proof finish. Hyaluronic acid and squalane keep lids soft throughout winter.
Why we love it: Buildable pigment that lasts from day to night.
5. Katherine Daniels Essential Micellar Face & Eye Make-Up Remover
Best for: Removing heavy festive makeup £34 | Shop here
A powerful yet gentle micellar cleanser for eye makeup removal, this formula dissolves even waterproof mascara without rubbing. Cornflower water and witch hazel soothe sensitive skin.
Why we love it: Perfect for late-night festive makeup removal.
6. Katherine Daniels Global Eye & Lip Care
Best for: Puffiness, dark circles, lines £56 | Shop here
This all-in-one treatment targets the top signs of ageing around the eyes: fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles. Ideal for combatting winter dullness and party-season tiredness.
Why we love it: A hardworking anti-ageing eye treatment that doubles as a makeup base.
7. Ardell Extension FX – L Curl Lashes
Best for: Instantfestive glam eyes £6.49 | Shop here
These are great value false lashes for instant, wearable festive glam. Lightweight, flattering and ideal for hooded or mono lids, they add subtle definition without overpowering your look.
Why we love it: Reusable, easy to apply and universally flattering.
8. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Best for: Making eyeshadow last longer £22.50 | Shop here
Amongst the best eyeshadow primers on the market, this iconic formula keeps your eye makeup looking crease-free for up to 24 hours. A winter makeup essential.
Why we love it: Helps shimmer shades pop — perfect for Christmas parties.
9. Urban Decay Watermelon All Nighter Hyaluronic Setting Spray 118ml
Best for: Long-wear festive makeup, hydration £16.50 | Shop here
Lock in your festive makeup with this hydrating, sweet-scented setting spray. Hyaluronic acid boosts winter skin while the All Nighter formula keeps your look flawless for up to 16 hours.
This vegan brow growth serum helps create thicker, healthier-looking brows without harsh ingredients. A perfect treat if you’re shaping up your beauty routine for 2026.
Why we love it: Great results with gentle ingredients.
Wrap-Up: Your 2025 Festive Eye Essentials
From crease-proof Christmas eyeshadows to the best eye creams for bright, youthful winter skin, these products will help you achieve your most glamorous festive looks yet. Whether you’re going bold with shimmer or keeping it soft and lifted, these expert-approved picks are your go-to guide for holiday beauty.
Curated by My Soho Times Lifestyle Team. Includes PR gifted products
If you try any of these festive-season favourites, tag @mysohotimes — we’d love to see your Christmas glamour and New Year beauty looks.
Ready, set… glow! When it comes to Christmas shopping, you can’t go wrong with London’s unique Soho and Covent Garden districts and their festive offerings. From beauty mecca Space NK to the British institution that is Liberty, the rise in K-beauty destinations and the long-standing natural independent stores, here’s your definitive gift guide for festive shopping in the capital’s beauty heartland.
Seasonal changes can leave even the best skincare routines feeling off balance. Our Beauty Editor, Julia Ferrari — the expert voice behind Fresh Beauty Fix — shares her insider guide to restoring and protecting your skin barrier this autumn, with the hero ingredients and products your skin will thank you for.
MY SOHO TIMES 