While this week may have left us all feeling a little deflated as a result of the seemingly never-ending rain (although the football result has definitely perked us up), the weekend is in our midst, bringing us a hopeful, small dose of sunshine. But, if the weather forecast is anything to go by, it won’t be the summer spectacular we’re all hoping for and so you may be in need of a bit of a boost – the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a new top, pair of shoes, bag or even a garden parasol.
And that’s where we come in. Every Friday, our fashion and beauty team share our top picks from the high street that we’ve spotted and loved, from the likes of M&S, H&M, Lookfantastic, Nobody’s Child and more.
Having trawled the internet in search of the perfect holiday staple or gadget to make your life that little bit easier, we’ve scrolled through the latest new-in sections of your favourite retailers, have earmarked incredible Amazon deals ahead of Prime Day and have become pro-detectives at finding out which A-listers have worn what on their Instagram feed – all to help you decide where to spend your hard-earned money this weekend. You deserve it.
Read more: I’m a fashion expert and these are the brands I predict will be in the Amazon Prime Day sale
Read more: My sister and I got welded ‘forever’ bracelets using H Samuel’s new permanent jewellery service
From stress-relieving skincare and Cat Deeley’s comfy yet chic jumpsuit to the Amazon’s reduction on some epic hair stylers, we’re here to help inspire your next shopping trip with things that are sure to brighten up your wardrobe and makeup bag.
M&S Pure Cotton Square Neck Midi Waisted Dress – £39.50
This dress has been hailed as a summer must-have by one of our fashion editors, and we wholeheartedly agree. The stunning square neck midi dress comes in a powder-blue colourway as well as black and is made from cotton to make it gorgeously breezy. Having just launched online, the vast majority of sizes are still available in petite, regular and tall in the blue option and all sizes in the black version.
With stunning puff sleeves – so on trend, thanks to the recent release of Bridgerton on Netflix – the shape of the dress is flattering and slightly fitted. Fashion editor Lauren Goodwin-Grafton explained why she loved this dress so much: “I particularly love these dress silhouettes as they flatter most body shapes and don’t cling to any lumps and bumps. If like me you don’t like wearing figure-hugging dresses but still like some shape around the bust area this design is ideal for you. I’ll be wearing it to tons of summer soirees I have booked in my diary and taking on my next trip to Italy- I’ll dress down with a pair of sleek sliders.”
Glow Hub’s new Super Shroom skincare set
Viral beauty brand Glow Hub, which is before the TikTok-viral ‘the Scar Slayer’ facial serum and Baby Beam primer, has just launched a new three-piece “Super Shroom” collection to ‘microdose’ your skin with goodness, health and hydration whilst protecting it against external aggressors that often cause skin stress. Not to mention reducing inflammation and hindering the signs of ageing.
With three new products that create a “spa for your face”, the new Glow Hub trio is a dreamy new addition to skincare and has been made with a complex of reishi, cordyceps and chaga mushrooms – which I was massively intrigued by. I managed to get my hands on the new mud mask, serum mist and skin trip treatment lotion and I must say, my skin has been left feeling glorious and looking luminous – really. Not only does the mud mask, £13, make you feel super relaxed (how could you not with a face mask on?) but it leaves your skin with a lovely glow and super soft feel.
The skin trip lotion, £12, is a bit of a treat too as it is packed with hyaluronic acid and kombucha to strengthen the skin’s natural ability against environmental stressors – plus, it really forced me to take my time and slow down my skincare routine to gently pat into my face. But my favourite is the serum mist, £13. It really wakes my skin up and can be used throughout the day to add hydration and plumpness.
After using the products for a few days, what I did notice was that not only was my skin soft, smooth and my breakouts had diminished, but by the end of the day my usually shiny T-zone wasn’t so oily. The power of the Super Shroom? I believe so.
Costing £12 and £13 each, get the set here.
Frankie Bridge’s H&M linen shirt – £27.99
With summer here, everyone needs a versatile, timeless and classic white linen shirt to chuck on when the weather is warm but you want that extra bit of protection. And this H&M one loved by Loose Women Frankie Bridge is a gorgeous option. Made in an airy linen weave, the shirt features a chic collar, buttoned cuffs and elegant dropped shoulders – not your average white shirt.
The rounded hem gives it a lovely feminine edge and its lightness makes it the perfect garment to take away on holiday with you in your carry on because it’s “easy to pack”. The former Saturdays singer added: “A white linen shirt is a perfect day look or cover up to add in.”
Priced at £27.99, the shirt comes in sizes XS to XXL and is available in four other colourways including khaki and pink, and has racked up a number of five-star reviews, with an overall rating of 4.5 stars. One said: “Love this shirt. Can be worn casual with jeans, shorts, skirts or dressed up for the office. Very versatile. Love the colour.”
Although those who gave it a lower score almost all had issues around sizing, some saying it’s too big, others saying its too small – the website, however, does suggest sizing down as the sizing it on the larger side.
Redken One United Multi-Benefit Treatment – £17.70
Currently on sale, this hair treatment a multi-tasking joy that delivers 25 benefits to protect your hair, hydrate it and give it some real nourishment. Great for when your hair has been out in the sun – which can cause dryness and frizziness – as it conditions your tresses to leave them softer, stronger and easier to manage – not to mention shiny and frizz-free.
It not only helps the appearance and manageability of hair but also helps prevent hair breakage (during brushing), heat damage, split ends and helps shield against external aggressors.
Usually retailing at £23.60, the salon-approved treatment has now been reduced to £17.70.
Zara McDermott’s linen Nobody’s Child dress – £79
Show us a more summery dress – we’ll wait. Decorated in stunning yellow and blue flowers and green leaves, this spaghetti strap dress from Nobody’s Child is crafted with cotton and linen – making it a comfortable option for warmer climates because it’s light and breathable. With a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice and flowy skirt, it’s the ultimate holiday date night outfit – and one we spotted on former Love Island star Zara McDermott. Available in sizes 4-18 the silhouette is flattering on all shapes and sizes.
Cat Deeley’s Lyocell jumpsuit
With summer in full swing, many of our favourite brands are slashing prices in their seasonal sales and one jumpsuit favoured by This Morning’s Cat Deeley has been massively reduced to more than half price.
The Reiss Liliana Lyocell Wide Leg Jumpsuit was originally £248 and was spotted on the presenter back in May but it’s now been reduced to just £118. Oozing elegance, the khaki jumpsuit is made from a smooth lyocell fabric that just means it drapes beautifully down the body and flatters the figure with a gorgeous wide leg. Featuring a safari-style relaxed shirt on top – which blousons slightly at the middle – Cat wore the look with a vintage brown belt and gold sandals. Read more on it here.
It’s the perfect option for when you need something chic – and fast.
Redken All Soft Shampoo & Conditioner Duo – £33.80 down from £41.50
Add moisture and hydration to brittle or dry hair with this nourishing duo from premium hair care brand Redken. Originally £41.50, the set has been reduced to £33.80 ahead of Amazon Prime Day.
Packed with nourishing ingredients including argan oil, the All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner works to instantly detangle hair, leaving your locks smooth and shiny. The hair care brands claim the duo will leave your hair 15 times smoother after usage.
It is suitable for coloured, bleached or natural hair types. Alternatively, this Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle Kit has been reduced to £31.50 from £35.
The sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner contain Argan oil, coconut and avocado oil. The brand claims that the products can help to thicken your hair texture after continuous use.
Nobody’s Child Linen-blend co-ord – £45
We are lusting after this new-in linen co-ord from Nobody’s Child. Perfect for easy, breezy beach days and warm UK climes the set is made up of a pair of floaty wide-leg trousers and a matching boxy, swing top (top and trousers sold separately).
The swing top is £45, and has a round neck and dainty buttons at the back. The top has an oversized fit, so if you want it to be more figure-hugging it might be worth sizing down. Available in sizes 4-18.
Meanwhile, the matching trousers are £65. The loose trousers have a wide-leg style and a drawstring detail around the waist. They also have side pockets. The model pairs them with brown open-toe sandals. Also available in sizes 4-18.
Get the top here and the matching trousers here.
ELEMIS Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser – £38 down from £46
Want super glowy summer skin? Look no further than this Elemis primer. The primer can be used underneath makeup, or apply it on bare skin, on the high points of your face, on no makeup days.
The hydrating primer has an iridescent finish, which leaves your skin looking plump, glowy and hydrated – personally, I’m on my third bottle and couldn’t be without it. Usually £46, you can get it for £38 on Amazon right now, ahead of Prime Day.
Alternatively, these Glow Recipe Niacinamide Hue Drops have a slight tint, plus they’re slightly cheaper at £32. Perfect for days when you want a slight coverage or a little glow to your face, the serum helps to prime, hydrate and add a healthy sheen to your skin.