Welcome to FindingThirty

FindingThirty is a UK based lifestyle blog for women navigating their thirties, covering beauty, real life, relationships, money, mental health, and everything in between.
I write honest, long form posts rooted in real experience, not perfection, the kind of things you Google at 2am and don’t say out loud.
Expect depth, humour, and zero pressure to have your life figured out.

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FEATURED

How to Budget for the Year Without Hating Your Life

Let’s get one thing straight, budgeting doesn’t have to mean spreadsheets that suck the joy out of your soul, (although I do love a good spreadsheet) or living off beans and cheese while aggressively declining social plans.

4 min read

Hi, I'm Charlie.
UK based blogger, beauty therapist and skincare specialist of 16 years, award winning brand owner, and reluctant adult.

MORE ABOUT ME

the vault

Your streamlined archive of every beauty product I’ve tried, complete with ingredient breakdowns, some honest reviews, and a simple rating system.

FIND OUT MORE

LATEST IN BEAUTY

Tubing Mascara vs. Normal Mascara: What’s the Difference (and Which One Won’t Betray You at 3pm)?

If you’ve ever wondered what the actual difference is between traditional mascara and tubing mascara (beyond one acting like a loyal friend and the other acting like your toxic ex), let’s break it down properly.

4 min read

KAKE Cosmetics “Don’t Fake It” Serum Mascara Review - The Mascara That Actually Earned My Trust

Hands up, I was definitely influenced on Instagram to buy this, and though I'd never looked into the brand, the ethos or even the full range of products, I opted for the full essentials kit, go hard or go home right?

4 min read

OLAY Super Cream Review

After using consistently for 2 weeks, I noticed that my skin stayed hydrated all day, from being outside in the freezing cold, to inside a hot office, my skin never felt dry, or like it needed a drink, which as a serial mister, is for sure a win for me.

4 min read

LATEST IN LIFESTYLE

October Soundtrack - For When You’re Mostly Fine, But Not Really (Spotify Playlist #2)

October has been a strange kind of limbo month for me, part reflection, part rebuild. The nights are darker, the air feels heavier, and apparently, my playlist followed suit. It’s that beautiful balance between melancholy and motion, songs that make you ache a little, but keep you moving anyway.

2 min read

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People: The MLM Way

Here’s what they don’t put on the canva graphic with the motivational quote: MLMs aren’t built for your success. They’re built to make money from you, not for you. MLMs are not cute little side hustles. But let’s break it down properly.

5 min read

Review: Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

I’ve worn glasses for 16 years, not by choice, but because genetics decided my eyes should be decorative rather than functional. Until now, my specs have been glorified face shackles. That is, until I met these seductive little tech goblins disguised as Ray Bans - fancy.

4 min read

LATEST IN THE REAL SHIT

Discovering the Journey of Findingthirty

Let’s get one thing straight, nobody really has it all figured out. Not even those Instagram influencers with their perfectly curated lives and #blessed captions. Life in your thirties is less about having a master plan and more about embracing the glorious mess of trying to find one.

4 min read

A January Reset (Without the Toxic New Year Resolutions)

January has a reputation problem. Somewhere between the gym adverts, the new year, new you rhetoric, and the sudden urge to buy a £40 planner you’ll abandon by February, it’s become less about reflection and more about punishment.

4 min read

New Year Rebellion: Why I’m Not Fixing Myself in 2026

Here we are again. That weird pocket of time between Christmas and New Year where the days blur, the biscuits vanish, and everyone suddenly becomes a motivational speaker.

3 min read

CHARLIE'S EDIT

Charlie’s Edit is a curated collection of five favourites, and high scoring Vault products, updated regularly as my tastes (and obsessions) change.
Each completed edit becomes a giveaway, all five products gifted to one subscriber or follower as a small thank you for being here.
So make sure you're subscribed to our mailing list and following our socials to be in with a chance of winning some FindingThirty approved goodies.

KAKE Cosmetics - Don't Fake It Serum Mascara

This is the numbuzin No.9 NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner and she’s confusing in the best way.

Milky, but not milky.
Watery, but somehow still nourishing.
A ‘what are you?’ kind of toner, which is usually how I end up liking things…

The texture is ridiculously easy to use, sinks in fast, no mess, no tacky aftermath. The glow is INSTANT and it stays, all day.

It layers beautifully, doesn’t feel sticky, and plays very nicely with the rest of my skincare and makeup. No pilling, no drama.

This is my first ever PDRN product and I was sceptical (because I am tired and untrusting in my thirties), but between the abundance of peptides, hydration and that soft reflective finish, my skin just looks… healthier. Brighter. Less like it’s going through something.

Overall, it’s lightweight, hydrating, genuinely glowy, and very easy to fall into your routine. A really solid toner if you’re curious about PDRN but don’t want something complicated or overwhelming.

Would I recommend?
Yes. Especially if your skin is dry, dull, or feeling emotionally fragile (same).

Use Code: FINDING30 for % off at @yesstyle

#yesstyle #yesstyleinfluencers #numbuzin

@numbuzin_global

*Sponsored Product

Ultra close of up me trying out the @kakecosmeticsuk Don’t Fake It Lash Serum Mascara - mess ups and all - full review on the blog now!

#beautyreels #beauty #beautyreview #mascara #lashtips #lashesofinstagram #lashserum #beautyblogger #kakecosmetics #ukblogger #ukbeauty #indiebeautybrand #indiebrandmakeup #indiebrandcosmetics

Four weeks with the Pantene Grow Abundant Hair & Scalp Serum, and honestly… my hair is having a better character arc than I am.

Week 1: Nothing wild. No sudden goddess energy. Just me and my patience

Week 2: My hair started feeling healthier, like it secretly booked itself a spa weekend. I was as surprised as you are.

Week 3: Shinier, thicker, visibly healthier. Reawakening my faith in hair growth serums.

Week 4: New baby hairs sprouting along my hairline. Actual growth. Actual hope. I felt like a proud plant mum.

The scent is absolutely gorgeous, beautifully sweet, I had so many compliments on it, which was, new for me..

The formula isn’t sticky at all, and the best part is, you don’t have to rinse it out. Apply, style, and leave the house pretending your life is together.

Gifted, yes, but genuinely obsessed!!

@panteneuk @weareeves__

#PanteneHair #hairgrowth #hairgrowthjourney #hairtransformation #hairloss #receivedfreeproduct #thinninghair #thinhairstyles #hairlosssolutions

November Empties are in, and yes, i judge my products harder than my life choices. Full ratings and reviews on the blog. ❤️

@rimmellondon
@missha.official
@elfcosmeticsuk
@bareanatomy.haircare

#beauty #beautyreview #monthlyempties #beautyreels #beautycommunity #beautyroundup #skincarereview #skincarecommunity #ukbeautyblogger #britishbeautyblogger #realisticreviews #beautyessentials

AD
My skin and I have officially entered our “glow or go home” era, so I’ve been putting the new Olay Super Serum + Super Cream SPF30 to work.
Five powerhouse ingredients + SPF = one less thing for me to overthink in the bathroom mirror.
Glowy, hydrated, smoother, firmer and actually behaving? A rare win for my face.

✨ Use code ‘SUPER20’ at Boots for 20% off

#MyOlayDuo #OlaySuperDuo #OnlyOlayUK @olayuk @supersavvymeofficial

48 beautiful hours in Prague.

@museumbanksy
@iamprague
@praguecastle
@lowislandmusic
@e_e_
@sephoraczechrepublic

Google loved this - so have it;

Rare footage of me voluntarily participating in the beauty industrial complex, because this one actually works.

Turns out the @roseskinco IPL Lumi handset didn’t just roast my leg hair..it eviscerated it.

Smooth skin, zero trauma (when it comes to beauty treatments anyway)

Full brutally honest review with results, receipts, and slightly fewer screams than expected on the blog - Link in bio.

#BeautyReview #TriedAndTested #HonestReview #BeforeAndAfter #InfluencerFinds #BeautyMustHaves #SkincareSecrets #BeautyFaves #roseskinco #IPLDevice #AtHomeLaser #HairRemovalDevice #PermanentHairRemoval #SmoothSkinEveryday #IPLHairRemoval #LaserHairRemovalAtHome #NoMoreShaving #SilkySkin #lumiipl

Had the cutest little pressie planned for my mother’s *big* birthday!!

We went and got permanent jewellery at @weldandwore in
@lovemeadowhall (previously The Jewellery Lab)

I’ve been seeing these around for a while and knew that I wanted something really special for my mums birthday and i’m so glad i found these lovely ladies!

Even though permanent - these chains are so customisable, you pick your chain, pick as many different charms or connectors as you want, literally design your own little piece from start to finish and the girls are there to help you every step of the way - plus, you can go back over and over to add extra charms if you want!

It’s so comfortable to wear, I barely even notice it sitting there so perfect for stacking!

@weldandwore also have a range of fashion jewellery so it’s definitely worth having a visit!

I will never be over seeing @realstraykids at @tottenhamhotspurstadium - the production, the energy, the freebies and tears.

Shoutout to @sghotellondon for a gorgeous nights stay

and @raybanmeta for allowing me to record without being ‘one of those people’
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#straykids #straykidsworldtour2025 #straykidsconcert #straykidslondon #straykidsuk #straykidsstay #kpopconcert #kpopinlondon #straykidslove #stayville #staycult #staylife #concertreview #livemusicexperience #concertenergy #concertmoments #findingthirty

What good are wings, without the courage to fly? - @atticuspoetry

Never taking this off 🖤

𝟭̲𝟯̲ ̲𝘁̲𝗼̲ ̲𝟯̲𝟭̲ ̲

Still fumbling my way through life - heres to chapter 31

I swear my time outdoors now involves rain 90% of the time - so throwback to this cutie ❤️

Throw back to when I made an effort and didn’t walk around looking like a homeless person.

Bonus points for bringing tooth gems back and wearing an outfit that is literally the same colour as my wall - life is good 👍🏻

What an absolute rollercoaster this year has been already!

June update - London has practically become my second home with business trips, award shows and meetings.

This month sees @vcgwellness hosting our official launch party and open day, welcoming new clients and business partners

@charliebettyofficial hitting record sales this month and now being recognised for our work in the most amazing publications and opportunities.

And after 8 years finally getting a diagnosis for why silly brain is so silly.

Chapter 31 upcoming - let’s keep the high plz 👌🏼
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#london #londonlife #businessawards #awardsshowseason #charliebetty #charliebettybeauty #cosmetics #yorkshirebusiness #ukmakeupbrand #yorkshiremakeupartist #barnsleysalon #barnsleybeauty

Honestly can’t even describe what an amazing time we had in London at The Small Awards this week repping @charliebettyofficial - I’m very nearly recovered physically, grateful and blessed to be a part of such an amazing event and now raring to get back to work!
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#london #londonlife #businessawards #awardsshowseason #charliebetty #charliebettybeauty #cosmetics #yorkshirebusiness #ukmakeupbrand #yorkshiremakeupartist #barnsleysalon #barnsleybeauty

Did a walk on a mountain - props to @bigsam231
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#dronephotography #drone #dronefootage #landscapelovers #peakdistrict #travelphotography #travelblogger #mountainview #mountainlife

Take me to the ocean, let me sail the open sea.
To breathe the warm and salty air and dream of things to be. 🖤
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#ericabillups #poetry #cruiseship #cruiselife #carribeansea #seaadventure #sealovers #oceanphotography #cruiseshipphotography

Cant understand if I’m still feeling jet lagged or if I’m just exhausted with catching up on work. Get me back on that boat plz ⛴️

Finally, mere hours away from sleeping in my own bed, this past week in the Caribbean has just been such a blessing, I’ve met people who have touched my heart so deeply and experienced a week of pure nirvana.

Somehow we managed to get the Business Champion Awards with time to spare - landing from Jamaica into Manchester then onto London for a such a surreal and unexpected night, @charliebettyofficial took home the Hero Award in the Community Business Category - I’m so thankful to the support shown for this business and this award is just a huge thank you to the community that we have built.

My heart is so full it’s hard to put into words at the moment - this will be one week I will not forget in a hurry.

There’s a lot of work to be done in the coming weeks for me, so many exciting ventures I can’t wait to unveil, but as for now, I have two tasks on my agenda;

- Mcdonalds
- Sleep

X

My sunshine doesn’t come from the skies, it comes from the love that’s in my dogs eyes 💚

Does any one else feel like their plants are a bit of ‘them’ ?

Did you know that, constantly seeing and being around plants helps people feel more calm and relaxed, thus decreasing levels of anxiety?

Even on my worst days, just looking at my little babies makes me feel just that bit better. 💚

Say goodbye to this hot green mess.

Momma’s takin it back to 2008 🖤

Had another make up baby!!

Go follow @charliebettybeauty for the reveal 😇
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Jewellery;

Plugs @ukcustomplugs
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Make up;

Foundation - Conceal & Hydrate by @makeuprevolution

Brows - Brow Archery by @soapandglory

Eyeshadow - @wetnwildbeauty

Lips - @charliebettybeauty

I just had a baby and she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever made.

Go to @charliebettybeauty and show her some love

🖤 AVAILABLE NOW 🖤

Throwback to when red hair was a staple of psycho bitches.🤷🏼‍♀️
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Jewellery;

Rope bracelet by @thomassabo
Bangle by @newlook
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Make up;

Liner by @kvdveganbeauty
Shadow by @makeuprevolution
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Hair;

Colour by @schwarzkopfprouk
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Photography;

@flawlessphotographystudios
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Thank you so much again to @modelajnatattoo @morbid_pain_tattoo_zamosc - I’m so in love 😍

(Hamsa done previously)
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Top by @stradivarius
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We are the sum total of our experiences.

Those experiences – be they positive or negative – make us the person we are, at any given point in our lives.

And, like a flowing river, those same experiences, and those yet to come, continue to influence and reshape the person we are, and the person we become.

None of us are the same as we were yesterday, nor will be tomorrow.

Tomorrow is a new day, and with the new day comes new strength, and new thoughts and new chances to make things right.

This just is what it is 🤷🏼‍♀️
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Photo Credit: @rossmillerphotography

Have my side boob. It’s been a while.
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Photo Credit: @rossmillerphotography

Smoking is bad for you. But it does look cool tho.
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Photo Credit: @rossmillerphotography

Have half my face again cause I’m so in love with my new lippies 💋
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@plumpit
@jeffreestarcosmetics

Jus livin that fantasy HW lyf.
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Photo Credit: @rossmillerphotography

Anybody who knows me well enough will know that I have battled against my body for the best part of 12 years. From hating every part of my reflection and every inch of my body. Trying horrendous remedies to make myself look how ‘you should look’, going to extremes to make the scales look socially acceptable, and making sure I stay within a single figure dress size.
I have tortured my body, and tortured myself mentally, I now have to live with the consequences for the rest of my life. It’s taken 12 years to try and love myself, to try and accept that sometimes I may have a little overhang on my jeans, and sometimes I might have to buy a bigger size.

I have learnt to try and embrace my body. To fuel it with the right foods, to train within my limits, to help my body be the best it can be, and the healthiest it can be.
I have learnt to not obsess over calories and fat content, to empower other girls and other Women to love themselves, to be healthy and happy.
Starving yourself will not make you love yourself.
Purging will not make you love yourself.

Looking after your health, your well-being and your mental health is what will make you love the person you are, on the inside and on the out.
Be a better person to yourself, then be a better person to everyone else.

Your body does not define you - it will be with you forever. Look after it. Look after you.
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Photo Credit: @rossmillerphotography
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@juststrong
@bejuststrong
@soultrainhealthandfitness
@charliebettybeautyhub

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LATEST ON INSTA

Start Here

Most Read

FEATURED

How to Budget for the Year Without Hating Your Life

Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out on Giveaways and Special Updates

Tubing Mascara vs. Normal Mascara: What’s the Difference (and Which One Won’t Betray You at 3pm)?

KAKE Cosmetics “Don’t Fake It” Serum Mascara Review - The Mascara That Actually Earned My Trust

OLAY Super Cream Review

October Soundtrack - For When You’re Mostly Fine, But Not Really (Spotify Playlist #2)

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People: The MLM Way

Review: Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

Discovering the Journey of Findingthirty

A January Reset (Without the Toxic New Year Resolutions)

New Year Rebellion: Why I’m Not Fixing Myself in 2026

Start Here

Most Read

FEATURED

How to Budget for the Year Without Hating Your Life

Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out on Giveaways and Special Updates

Tubing Mascara vs. Normal Mascara: What’s the Difference (and Which One Won’t Betray You at 3pm)?

KAKE Cosmetics “Don’t Fake It” Serum Mascara Review - The Mascara That Actually Earned My Trust

OLAY Super Cream Review

October Soundtrack - For When You’re Mostly Fine, But Not Really (Spotify Playlist #2)

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People: The MLM Way

Review: Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

Discovering the Journey of Findingthirty

A January Reset (Without the Toxic New Year Resolutions)

New Year Rebellion: Why I’m Not Fixing Myself in 2026

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