As the weekend approaches, many of us are looking for ways to shake off the week’s doom and gloom (seriously, where has the warm weather gone?). With that in mind, it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to something special — and we’re here to help.
Every Friday, we share the best picks from the high street from the likes of River Island, Boots, M&S and more. Our team of shopping experts have trawled the new-in sections of your favourite retailers, spied on A-listers Instagram stories and set up alerts for restocks to help you work out where to spend your hard-earned pennies this weekend.
From Boot’s new beauty box packed with a wealth of travel-sized favourites to the latest drop from celeb-approved hair brand Living Proof, there are so many gorgeous products sure to enhance your wardrobe, makeup bag and home.
READ MORE: Frankie Bridge’s ‘simple but versatile’ designer dress that’s on sale at M&S and John Lewis
Here is everything we’re coveting this week:
River Island’s £30 go-with-everything sandals
Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen glimmers of sandal weather, and with more sun on the way, there’s never been a better time to treat yourself to a new pair – or two. Whether you’re looking for something to wear around the pool on holiday, or to add a bit of elegance to your warm-weather outfits, these beautiful Black Leather Flat Sandals from River Island will barely leave your feet all summer.
They boast cut-out detailing that reminds me of the iconic Hermes Oran sandal that retail at £610. But setting them apart from anything else I’ve seen on the high street or high end, they boast a dreamy stretch bracelet gold strap detail that makes them look way more expensive.
At £30, they’re significantly cheaper than the designer pair, and as a result, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’re not real leather — but you’d be wrong. The affordable footwear has been made from a ‘responsibly sourced’ leather material, with a square open-toe ideal for showing off fresh pedicures, and a flat sole that makes them incredibly comfortable to wear all day and night.
Coming in sizes 2-9, as well as wide fit, the stylish sandals can be styled with a range of outfits, from linen co-ords to satin skirts, maxi dresses and more. And if black doesn’t take your fancy, they also come in tan and gold leather varieties, not to mention beige and black raffia and even leopard print for those seeing more of a statement.
Alternatively, why not try these V.GAN Vegan Bok Sandals, £49.99 at John Lewis. The style also comes in a number of colours.
John Lewis’ summer-ready dress
This versatile sparkly maxi dress is perfect for summer getaways and will be going straight into my suitcase this summer. Retailing at £45, the John Lewis Anyday Metallic Thread Knit Midi Dress boasts a sunset-like copper shade, enhanced with a subtle shimmer thread running through it, making it the ideal piece for day-to-night styling simply by switching up the shoes and accessories.
Featuring a scoop neck and sleeveless cut, the dress is a breezy option for hot days, thanks to its lightweight fabric. It’s crafted from a stretchy, crinkle-effect material that requires no ironing and promises all-day comfort.
There are currently no reviews on the site but as it comes in sizes XS to XL, this dazzling number is an effortless way to inject some sparkle into your summer style. Team it with chunky flatform sandals by day or elevate it with gold heels and a clutch for night.
For something similar from another retailer, why not try this £69.99 Mermaid V-neck knitted dress from Aligne, it is popular though so some sizes have already sold out.
Beaverbrooks’ dainty gold bracelet
As a gold jewellery lover, I’m always on the hunt for pieces I can wear all day, every day and Beaverbrooks has recently launched a host of new styles perfect for elevating your summer looks immediately. One such piece is the 9ct Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Single Clover Bracelet, which I’ve not taken off my wrist from the moment it arrived.
Priced at £135, it’s a dainty chain in timeless yellow gold, complete with an elegant mother of pearl clover, which looks similar to the Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Sweet Alhambra bracelet, which costs £1,300, making it a more affordable way to get the designer look.
The retailer has also released matching earrings and necklaces for anyone seeking a cohesive look in their jewellery collection, but equally, they’d make a gorgeous sentimental gift for a school leaver or graduation gift. Alternatively, H Samuel sells a 9ct Yellow Gold Malachite Petal Station Bracelet for £159.
Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum
Celeb-loved hair care brand Living Proof has launched a new scalp serum designed to ‘reduce shedding’ and ‘promote hair growth’ in ‘as little as 90 days’. The Scalp Care Density Serum is a ‘lightweight, fast-absorbing’ patent-pending formula that works to visibly minimise the appearance of grey hair, and increase hair density.
Priced at £54, it uses an ‘anti-grey complex’ which helps protect hair against oxidative stress and maintain your natural colour, with 76 per cent of people in a user trial saying they experienced a decrease in new grey hair growth after using the serum. The full 100 per cent said they experienced thicker-looking hair, with 70 per cent noting a reduction in visible hair shedding.
It’s recommended that users apply 2-3 dropperfuls directly to dry or damp scalp per day, with a bottle lasting around 30 days. It’s said to not make your scalp or hair oily or greasy, with better results the longer you use it. Most people said their hair felt healthier but some said they did not notice a change in hair density.
Free from sulphates, parabens and silicones, it’s colour-safe and safe to use on both chemically treated hair and extensions. It’s already racked up more than 100 five-star reviews from shoppers, who have praised results from thicker hair results to its jasmine, bergamot and mint fragrance.
Alternatively, Boots sells Hair Syrup’s Pre-Wash Hair Oil, Vitamin C Me, for £12.40, the product is designed to strengthen and protect delicate strands and reduce future breakage.
Boots new £28 beauty box
Boots shoppers can bag themselves travel-sized favourites from Liz Earle, Milk Makeup, Rituals and more for around £3 each in the retailer’s latest beauty box. The Wanderlust Minis Collection is perfect for packing in your hand luggage or overnight bag for a weekend getaway, starring nine miniatures and deluxe sample-sized products.
Designed to enhance your summer glam, it contains setting sprays and body butters to multi-functional beauty favourites and moisturisers. Worth over £92, the edit is priced at £28, saving almost 60 per cent compared to buying the items individually. Packaged in a neat, zippable washbag, each item works out at £3.11 each at the gift set price — plus you also get a voucher for £10 worth of points on your next Ole Henriksen purchase.
Some of the products inside include the deliciously-scented Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum cream 25ml, worth £11, as well as the £13 Philip Kingsley Swimcap 40ml. But the most impressive is likely to be the Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Cream 50ml Tube.
A 50ml pot of this light but effective moisturiser is usually £28 – the price you pay for the entire box, essentially rendering everything else ‘free’. There’s the Glossybox Summer Beauty Bag, worth £150, you can get it here from £30 . Or you can pick up the Boots Wanderlust Minis Collection for £28 here.
Cheery swimsuit from Bluebella’s new Pride collection
Pride Month might be over, but that doesn’t mean celebrations are — far from it. Brighton Pride is already scheduled in my diary for August, and major cities, including Liverpool and Glasgow, are set to mark the occasion in July.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate and treat yourself simultaneously, lingerie brand Bluebella recently launched its multi-coloured Pride Swimwear collection. Several high-profile gay women (including Team GB Olympic rugby players Celia Quansah and Megan Jones) posed in the wares to support the brand’s initiative, and 10% of all swimwear profits from June went straight to LGBTQ+ charity Outright International.
Many stylish designs are available, but my pick is this yellow plunge swimsuit with an intricate strap-tie design. It’s sexy, fun and playful, with just the right amount of skin on show — ideal for summer holidays. Alternatively, this reversible halterneck swimsuit from Whitestuff is now half-price at £30.
Sienna Miller’s beloved freckle pen
Sienna Miller is undoubtedly one of the fashion icons of the 2000s, so naturally, when she revealed the contents of her makeup bag to the masses in a recent Harper’s Bazaar feature, everyone flocked to buy her top recommendations. So, didn’t I feel smug when she revealed that one of her favourite items is this utan Pen Freckle & Lip overliner, which is also one of my top beauty essentials?
Sienna said, “I get really freckly in the sun, but in the winter, my freckles fade, and I just have little brown smudges, so I like to add them occasionally (which is a big secret that I’ve just given away) with this Utan pen.”
This nifty pen, £17.99, is a quick and easy way to bring out your freckles and add contour to your lips —and even your nose, if you’re so inclined. I use it daily to create a natural, sunkissed look and can’t recommend it enough. However, it does take a little practice to get your look just right, with some buyers saying the “dots bleed” if not done correctly, so make sure to experiment before you show off your new freckles on social media.
Pull & Bear’s classic white linen waistcoat
It’s officially tennis season, which means strawberries and cream, Pimm’s, and, of course, choosing outfits for match day. I always look to elegant and chic monochromatic pieces to coincide with the famous sporting event — anything that looks stylish but still comfortable enough to sit courtside at Wimbledon (a girl can dream).
That’s why I love Pull & Bear’s white linen waistcoat, priced at £25.99. It’s classy and chic but also super comfortable and versatile enough to dress up and down — wear it on its own with a pair of tailored trousers and oversized sunglasses for match days, or layer it over a t-shirt for a more casual look if you’re more likely to be watching Djokovic with your pals at the pub.
If you have more of a budget to play with, French Connection’s tailored version is worth a look — and it’s currently in the sale, reduced to £44 from £65.
Glow Recipe’s protective sunscreen stick
We should all know by now that wearing SPF on your face daily is so important, but it can be challenging to find a formula that doesn’t make your skin feel greasy/gross. I recently discovered Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Dew Balm SPF 30, a nifty (and adorable) £27 stick I’ve taken to carrying in my handbag for top-ups on the go.
It keeps my skin protected from the sun and adds a little glow thanks to a clever combo of brightening niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid. It’s worth noting that some shoppers did find the formula a bit ‘sticky’ though.
Another SPF recommendation is Sun Bum’s Original Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Facial Sun Cream, priced at a slightly more affordable £17.49. It offers a little more protection with SPF 50 and is lightweight enough to pop under makeup. It’s suitable for everywhere too, not just your face.