The sun is shining, the work week is coming to a close and summer sales from our favourite high street brands are in full swing. Whether you’re off out or have a chilled weekend planned, if you’re a bit of a fashion fanatic or beauty buff – as we at The Mirror are – you may have etched out some time to do a bit of online shopping.
With holidays on the horizon, many of us are after the perfect piece to make our vacation wardrobes pop, make-up that’ll withstand the tropical temperatures of the impending heatwave or a suitable suitcase that puts our old luggage to shame.
Thankfully, Weekend Wishlist is here to help give you some inspiration for your next retail therapy trip. Our roundup includes staples our fashion team have been eyeing up, beauty buys we have currently got in our shopping basket or things we have already bought and want everyone to know about.
Read more: Shoppers ‘can’t resist’ FatFace’s ‘gorgeous’ cotton cargo trousers that ‘fit perfectly’
From Charlotte Tilbury to Marks & Spencer, we’ve got an incredible edit for you this weekend, so without further ado – happy shopping.
John Lewis Shirred Bodice Asymmetric Dress – £42
If you’re on the hunt for a summer dress you’ll never want to take off, then John Lewis shoppers have been raving about a dress that ticks so many style boxes. Part of the John Lewis ANYDAY range, the Shirred Bodice Asymmetric Dress is the epitome of a ‘minimum effort, maximum impact’ outfit. The £42 dress comes in two summer-ready shades, including a light blue and brown, both of which are bang on trend this year.
Made from 100 per cent cotton, the lightweight dress will keep you cool on balmy evenings or sunny mornings, while the shirred bodice is insanely comfortable to wear. Coming in sizes 6-20, the dress boasts a fitted, figure-hugging top and flowing skirt that skims the body for a flattering finish and is perfect for teaming with sandals, layering with a denim jacket and crossbody bag, or glamming up with strappy metallic heels.
KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner – £15.75
If you’re a fan of a winged liner, then let us put you on to what is widely considered one of the best on the market by shoppers and beauty experts alike. And did we mention it’s on sale? The KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is usually £21 however you can get 25% off when using code KVDEYE25. That brings the price down to £15.75 – a price you’d be hard-pressed to beat for such a high-end brand.
The eyeliner comes in a luxe aluminium pen that is weighted to allow for a more controlled feeling in your hand, with a 0.01mm tip for precise application. The ink comes in a paraben-free formula that promises a ‘smooth-yet-steady glide without bleeding, feathering, skipping, dragging or drying up.’ Plus it’s transfer proof, flake free and most importantly waterproof, making it ideal for days by the pool.
Frankie Bridge’s Nobody’s Child dress – £59
With forecasts of sunnier spells as we reach the end of June, many fashion fans will be itching to get out their summer dresses in preparation for garden parties, summer weddings and more. And if there’s one person we can rely on to help us find the best high-street picks, it’s Frankie Bridge.
This week, the mum-of-two flaunted her pins in a pretty mini dress that’s as cool as it is chic, while dressy enough for those more special occasions coming up this summer. She styled the Green Linen-blend Flower Print Bryony Mini Dress from celeb-loved fashion brand Nobody’s Child, hailing it as ‘so cute’ for the summer season.
The £59 dress is made from a combination of cotton and linen, which are two of the best fabrics to wear in summer for keeping cool. It boasts a round neck and mid-length puff sleeves which are perfect for balancing pear body types. Frankie wore hers with beige platform heels and a buttermilk yellow bag, but added it ‘would look really cute with pumps’.
Charlotte Tilbury’s new ‘no-foundation foundation’
With the summer weather teasing us more and more (hello summer solstice), you may be in the market for a lightweight foundation that is perfect and weightless during the warmer months – and we’ve found the perfect option. Charlotte Tilbury has just launched a brand new foundation that comes in 20 different shades and is ideal for those of us who prefer a lighter, natural coverage over a more medium base. It not only masks blemishes, redness and dark circles but also boosts your skin with gorgeous natural ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, daikon radish seed oil and plant-powered collageneer.
Our beauty writers tested it out and this is what Lucy Addicott had to say: “Any foundation that promises to give a ‘ring light effect’ I’m here for, so I was excited to try Charlotte Tilbury’s Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint. The hydrating foundation stick is formulated with hyaluronic acid, known for its skin-quenching benefits. When I applied it to my skin it didn’t cling to drier areas and left my complexion bouncy and bright. Described as having ‘sheer to light coverage’, I found the foundation was buildable if you did want more coverage. I applied using a makeup brush, but the formula could easily be blended with your fingers if that is your preference.
“If you’re looking for a lightweight foundation for the warmer months, it ticks all the boxes, providing a glowing, radiant and smooth finish to your skin. It’s also easy to top up while on the go thanks to the stick applicator so would be great for travelling.”
Glow Hub’s new Glow Balm
We love a multi-tasking product here on The Mirror’s fashion and beauty team – even more so when it’s affordable, like this £12 glow-boosting cheek and lip balm from Glow Hub. Claiming to deliver a beautiful ‘dewy wash of colour’ to your cheeks and lips, the balm is enriched with rosehip, avocado, castor and sweet almond oil to moisturise whilst injecting a subtle flush into your complexion.
Our own Laura Mulley tried it out and said it was a budget alternative to the Jones Road Miracle Balm. She added: “The product is lovely to apply, if you love cream blushes, going on well with fingers as with a brush. It’s easy to blend into the skin, and gives a light sheen with a wash of colour.”
The balm is available in three shades – a deeper, red hue, a baby pink one and a pinky brown tone.
Marks and Spencer’s strappy heeled sandals – £22.12
Fashion fans looking for a way to elevate their wardrobe can do so by adding one affordable accessory into their collection – a pair of black strappy heels. And I’ve found the perfect pair on the high street for under £25. Marks and Spencer’s Wide Fit Strappy Block Heel Sandals were £29.50, but have been reduced to £22.12 in a flash 25 per cent off sale.
The sandals come in black and beige colourways and are a sure fire way to transform your daytime look into an evening ensemble. Featuring a stylish block mid-heel, customers have hailed them as ‘easy to walk in’, while their wider fit keeps them comfortable.
A pair of mule sandals like this prove you really can dress up any outfit. Complete with easy buckle fastenings and antibacterial padding for freshness, the sandals are designed with Insolia technology, which works to reduce pressure on your feet and increase ankle stability. For something even more elegant, these Meadow Strappy Block Heel Sandals from Charles and Keith cost £65.
Carl Friedrik Carry On X – £465
For anyone looking to upgrade their luggage this year, then we really love the look of the Carl Friedrik Carry On X. If it looks a little familiar and you’re not sure why, we’ll jog your memory – you may have spotted these stylish suitcases on Netflix’s The Gentleman, or perhaps White Lotus or Succession, as they’re pretty popular with the stars.
The case has an aluminium frame with Italian leather detailing and a front pocket that’s great for storing your laptop, pens and anything you might want to access quickly on your travels. There are TSA-approved locks built in so you don’t have to worry about adding a padlock and, according to the brand, you can pack up to 5-days worth of outfits.
Our very own Jada Jones has tried the case herself and said: “Living in a different city to most of my family, I find myself travelling a lot. We used to joke that I found myself living out of a suitcase half the time and it’s certainly shown the wear and tear with some older carry-ons I’ve had. My CF case puts them all to shame. It has a handy sleeve for me to put my laptop in – and even a case I can put it in too.”
The sleek designs and suave features scream quiet luxury. What’s more, with a lifetime warranty you don’t have to worry about any bumpy journeys you encounter as the brand has your back.
M&S’ ‘flattering’ cotton rich knitted v-neck midi dress
With the warm weather finally making an appearance, many of us are updating our summer wardrobes with gorgeous pieces that’ll see us through the more tropical temperatures. And one dress from M&S that previously sold out due to its flattering fit and elegant style has been restocked and is selling out fast.
Costing £39.50, the Cotton Rich Knitted V-Neck Midi Dress is available in sizes XS to XL and is perfect for those days when you just want to throw on something ‘easy-breezy’.
Featuring a V-neckline and midi length, the dress is semi-sheer thanks to its knitted overlay and has a cami-slip underneath to keep you covered up.
Shoppers are loving it for its versatility with one fashion fan stating: “Perfect length. Casual enough fie a day dress, but smart enough for warm summers evening.” Although they stated for them its an option for abroad, rather than at home in the UK.
Another shared: “Absolutely fabulous dress. Surprised how flattering it is and very wearable. It can be worn out for dinner or casual drinks with a denim jacket.”
Elizabeth Arden’s ‘Plumping’ face cream
If you’re a skincare buff, you’ll know the household beauty name Elizabeth Arden. The brand behind the famous Eight Hour Cream, £35, and Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules beloved by the likes of Reese Witherspoon. Currently, the cosmetic powerhouse is offering 50% off its whole Visible Difference collection including a Refining Moisture Cream Complex that now costs £19.50, down from £39. It’s also currently on sale on Amazon for £16.30.
The plumping formula is praised for its strong moisturising powers that cushions skin and fans love the silky smooth results. It’s said to also ‘provide an occlusive barrier to help prevent moisture loss’.
Beauty buffs are loving the cream, which can be used day and night and offers not only hydrating but anti-aging properties too. With over 300 glowing reviews on the brand’s website and a 4.6 star rating, it’s a hit with shoppers. One happy customer shared: “I am using this product past 25 years and very happy I am 72 yrs skin looks i am 63 yrs old.”