Glitter transfers easily and is tough to wash off, which is why women are using it to leave a message – and for revenge

Lipstick on the collar, a stray earring tucked into seat cushions: women have long relied on makeup and fashion to catch cheaters. Now, there’s a new method for singles who want to ensure a date doesn’t have a secret spouse at home – provided they aren’t afraid of microplastics.

In a TikTok posted this month with more than 2m likes, the fitness influencer Dalia Grande spritzed glitter all over her body while getting ready for a first date: “bc I’m at the age where they could be married (Married men HATE glitter)”, she wrote in the caption.

Stock up on wig tape, plunge your face in icy water, prepare your poses – and get ready for some really tricky interview questions

Awards season draws to a close this weekend, with the Brits on Saturday and the Oscars on Sunday. At both, stars will face the red carpet – a gauntlet of fans, photo ops and rapid-fire interviews, which involves being scrutinised from every angle.

They make it look effortless, “but it’s an intimidating thing, especially if you’ve never done it before”, says Niamh Eastabrook, a publicist at Multitude Media, who helps actors prepare for red carpets. “People forget that this side of the job is not why anyone becomes an actor.” The makeup artist Lisa Eldridge agrees: “It’s such a nerve-racking experience for most actresses. A lot are quite introverted and they have to walk out and be analysed by the world.”

Two of my red-carpet looks: gold gown by Edeline Lee; green dress by Self Portrait, rented from Rites. Photographs: Linda Nylind/The Guardian