Smiling Gives You Wrinkles

Donna Francis
  • 5.0 (36)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Award-winning Beauty Editor, Donna Francis has spent the last 25 years helping women feel comfortable in their skin and with Smiling Gives You Wrinkles, Donna shares relatable and inspiring stories and expert advice to help women age with unapologetic joy and self-acceptance.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Genevieve Turley’s Career Pivot From RAF Nurse to Instagram Makeup Star

    In this episode of Smiling Gives You Wrinkles, I sit down with the woman who swapped her RAF nursing uniform for a makeup brush: the incredible Genevieve Turley. I’ve always been fascinated by people who make massive pivots in their life, and Genevieve’s story is a standout. Before she was making us all laugh on Instagram, she was a burns and plastics specialist nurse in the RAF and we talk about how and why she decided to make that pivot, and she shares the story behind the viral video that rocketed her from 4,000 to over 100,000 followers in a matter of weeks. Genevieve is a breath of fresh air in an industry that can feel a bit too "perfect." She’s all about embracing real skin and - as you’d expect from our show - finding the joy in our wrinkles. We also talk about her upcoming live tour, Laughter Lines, which is part masterclass, part comedy show, and 100% relatable. I hope you enjoy! Follow Genevieve:On Instagram: @genevieveturleymua On Substack: Genevieve Turley Genevieve’s Live Show: Get tickets for 'Laughter Lines' at Leicester Square Theatre: Catch her live on May 10th, 2026! And don’t forget to follow this show for more genuine chats like this ❤️ And Follow Me, Donna, on: Instagram: @thebeautyed Substack: @donnathebeautyed

    55 min

  2. 8 JAN

    The Dermatologist’s Morning Routine: Dr. Sam Bunting on Skincare, Breathwork, and Efficiency.

    What does a world-class dermatologist actually do before 9:00 AM? In this episode, Dr. Sam Bunting shares her personal morning habits. From the "Othership" breathwork routine she uses to manage stress, to her streamlined 4-step skincare regime, Dr. Sam explains why efficiency is the ultimate beauty secret. PLUS! We discuss the "dopamine crash" of early morning phone use, why she avoids TikTok trends like skin cycling, and her "patchwork" approach to makeup for women in their 40s and 50s. Resources Mentioned: Othership BreathworkSkincare: Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser, Vitamin C, and Azelaic Serum.Makeup: Merit Beauty, Ilia Beauty, and tips from Lisa Eldridge/Caroline Barnes.Supplements: Nordic Naturals Omega 3, Simprove Probiotics. I really hope you enjoy it! And don’t forget to follow Sam on Instagram, and also follow me @thebeautyed and this podcast on there too. See you next week, Donna x

    20 min

  3. 1 JAN

    One Year Sober: Beyond Dry January and Finding Self-Love with Nina @WonderfullySober

    Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful break and managed to get some much needed rest.  For my first episode of 2026 I wanted to share a story that was not about new year, new you, but more about new year, and how to be more you! And my friend Nina, also known as @wonderfullysober on Instagram was the perfect guest to do just that.  This time last year, Nina decided to try Dry January as she recognized how alcohol wasn’t serving her anymore. And in this chat, she tells us how she got on, and why, now, one year later, she is 1 year sober.  This is as much a chat about self-love and confidence as it is about alcohol. It is not preachy at all - it’s just a really lovely, genuine and inspiring chat that whether you are doing Dry Jan or not, will hopefully help you feel inspired to recognise what is and what isn’t working in your life, and to do something about it.  I really hope you enjoy!  Don’t forget to follow Nina on Instagram, and also follow me and this podcast there too.  If you are interested in hearing more about my sobriety, and would like to watch this episode in full video format, then also consider subscribing to My Skin Type Is Sober substack. See you next week, Donna x

    1h 7m

  4. 25/12/2025

    A Christmas Message: My Reflections on Gratitude and Growth in 2026

    A heartfelt Merry Christmas to you all. As I sat down to record this mini holiday episode, I couldn't help but reflect on how truly grateful I am for you, my guests, and all of the support I have received for the Smiling Gives You Wrinkles podcast so far. For me, Smiling Gives You Wrinkles isn’t just a tagline - it really is a mindset that I’m leaning into as I approach my milestone 50th year. And in this episode, I touch on my realities of turning 50 and share a genuine wish for us all to keep inspiring each other and for us all to keep smiling as we age. See you next week, in 2026! Donna x

    5 min

  5. 18/12/2025

    How to Stop Feeling Tired This Winter: Light Therapy & Circadian Biology with Dr. Kelli Ritter

    In this enlightening (excuse the pun!) conversation, Dr. Kelli Ritter, known as the 'anxiety lady', discusses with Donna the profound impact of light therapy on mental health. She explains the significance of circadian rhythms, the necessity of natural light exposure, and offers practical daily habits to optimize mood and energy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Light Therapy and Mental Health 03:11 Understanding Circadian Rhythms 06:09 The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Mood 08:50 The Importance of Natural Light Exposure 11:56 Optimizing Daily Light Intake 15:01 Practical Tips for Light Management 17:57 The Role of Darkness in Mental Health 20:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 24:27 Understanding Blue Light and Its Effects 27:06 The Importance of Light for Sleep and Mood 30:03 Creating Healthy Morning Routines 34:23 The Role of Sunlight in Hormonal Health 38:24 Simple Actions for Better Well-being Connect with Dr. Kelli Ritter: Instagram Website Podcast Links for products discussed: Blue Light Blocking Glasses Use Discount Code: NOURISHED10 VivaRays The BEST sleep mask that actually blocks all light! Discount Code: Nourished Follow me: Instagram Substack 🧡 If You Enjoyed This Episode: Share it with a friend Leave a rating or review for the showScreenshot the episode and tag us on Instagram - we love hearing your stories See you next week!

    43 min

  6. 11/12/2025

    Donna Ashworth on Sobriety, Anxiety and the Moment Midlife Women Start Questioning Alcohol

    Poet and bestselling author Donna Ashworth joins me, your host, Donna Francis, for an honest, powerful conversation about sobriety, sober curiosity, alcohol and anxiety, and why so many midlife women are quietly rethinking their relationship with drinking. Donna shares what led her to stop drinking, how alcohol was affecting her anxiety, the mental load of grey-area drinking, and the surprising clarity, creativity and energy she found on the other side. This warm, relatable chat dives deep into the emotional and physical impact of alcohol, how to navigate social events sober, and why sobriety can feel like getting your life back in technicolour. Perfect for: sober-curious listeners, midlife women questioning alcohol, anyone exploring sobriety or struggling with alcohol-related anxiety. Want more? Join host Donna on her Substack - My Skin Type Is Sober - for deeper reflections - and watch the full video episode exclusively as a paid subscriber: 💛 Watch the Full Video Episode on my Substack: My Skin Type Is Sober 🔗 Donna Ashworth's Links & Resources Follow Donna Ashworth on Instagram and buy her gorgeous books here And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram too. 🧡 If You Enjoyed This Episode: Share it with a friend who’s sober curious Leave a review for the show Screenshot the episode and tag us on Instagram - I love hearing your stories See you next week!  Donna x Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Sobriety 07:21 Understanding the Impact of Alcohol 16:17 Navigating Social Situations Without Alcohol 20:23 The Impact of Alcohol on Well-being 23:19 Embracing Sobriety: A Journey of Self-Discovery 27:55 Mindfulness and Alternative Coping Mechanisms 31:52 The Gift of Sobriety: A New Perspective on Life 36:53 Navigating Social Situations Without Alcohol 39:42 Outro - With Music.wav

    44 min

  7. 04/12/2025

    Christmas Gifts And Chats With Friends of The Podcast

    Is it too early to talk Christmas shopping? Well in my world it is, but as I'm trying to be a bit more organised this year, I thought I'd ask for some inspiration from past Smiling Gives You Wrinkles guests.  Actress and TV chef Lisa Faulkner, menopause fitness coach Kate Rowe-Ham, Physician and menopause expert Dr. Louise Newson, and dermatologist Dr. Justine Kluk all kindly shared the gifts they’d love to receive - and what they plan on giving - this Christmas. There's some really thoughtful ideas in there! Enjoy! And happy Christmas shopping 🎄

    22 min

  8. 27/11/2025

    Eat Cake! A Nutritionist's Advice on How to Enjoy the Holidays Without Food Guilt,

    In today’s episode, Donna is joined again by nutritionist Karen Newby for a much-needed conversation about holiday eating, food guilt and why women feel so much pressure around this time of year. They chat about: Why the holiday season is so triggering for women around foodHow 80/90s diet culture still shapes our thinking (“sins”, calorie counting, food rules)The rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and how they’re shifting the conversationPractical, realistic ways to enjoy Christmas without shameWhy skipping meals backfiresThe power of protein, fibre, hydration and earlier dinnersEmotional eating vs true hunger - and tiny habits that actually workWhy celebration, joy and connection matter just as much as nutrition This is the perfect chat for anyone craving a calmer, kinder mindset around food this season. To learn more about Karen and her books, visit her website and follow her on Instagram too. You can also join Karen’s Natural Menopause Membership Retreat where SGYW listeners can get 50% off by using code DONNA50.   And don't forget to check out Donna's website, and follow her on Instagram and Tik Tok too.

    41 min
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Trailers

5
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Award-winning Beauty Editor, Donna Francis has spent the last 25 years helping women feel comfortable in their skin and with Smiling Gives You Wrinkles, Donna shares relatable and inspiring stories and expert advice to help women age with unapologetic joy and self-acceptance.

Information

  • Creator
    Donna Francis
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Donna Francis
  • Show Website
    Smiling Gives You Wrinkles

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