After the longest January in existence, it’s finally payday weekend for most of the nation. Our online baskets are full to the brim with goodies we’re planning on snapping up.
Thankfully, the fashion world is gearing up for spring, so there are lots of new releases – think stylish jackets, colourful trousers and timeless printed midi dresses. Our latest round-up includes River Island’s Brown Check Cowl Neck Midi Dress, which we think would look lovely with boots; or the stunning Capri dress from Ghost that gives you an illusion of a slimmer waist.
For those who love a beauty gadget, this Silk’n Facial LED Mask is also on sale at LookFantastic. It’s made up of 1,000 LED lights and has four colours, which target different skincare concerns. Looking for something to give your skin a good detox? Tata Haper’s Nourishing Cleansing Oil is definitely one to try, the organic ingredients do the hard work to reveal a glow with nourishing benefits.
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Bethan’s picks
M&S Denim Drawstring Wide-Leg Trousers – £27.50
If you’re on the lookout for a pair of trousers that are as stylish as they are comfortable, then let me tell you about my M&S Denim Drawstring Wide-Leg Trousers . Priced at £27.50, they’re surprisingly affordable, coming in four colours, including black, light beige, indigo and – my personal favourite – poppy.
They’re designed in a wide leg fit with two side pockets for your essentials, plus two additional pockets at the back. But the best part about them has to be their high waistband and drawstring fastening. This makes them an ideal choice for those who might experience bloating or fluctuating weight, or simply want something that offers all-day comfort without feeling too tight.
Made from 70% cotton, the trousers are the ultimate smart-casual wardrobe staple. Super easy to style (especially with leopard print), the trousers come in petite, regular and tall so you can get a really personalised fit. They’re versatile enough to wear with both casual tees and oversized jumpers, but work just as well with a blazer or blouse for a more polished look. You can buy the trousers here.
River Island Brown Check Cowl Neck Midi Dress – £59
Is anyone else stuck for what to do now that The Traitors is over? One of my favourite parts of the series is seeing what Claudia Winkleman will be wearing, and it’s even inspired me to add some heritage flair into my wardrobe. As such, I’ve been eyeing up this River Island Brown Check Cowl Neck Midi Dress.
With its checked pattern and interesting cowl neckline, it feels like gorgeous contemporary take on heritage styling. Coming in at £59, it boasts a midaxi length and side split with flattering ruched side detail.
I think Claudia would style this with a chunky cable knit jumper and heavy boots, or an oversized dad blazer in a chocolate hue. It feels like such an accessible way to lean into that highlands vibe without it feeling like you’re playing dress up. Shop the dress here.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm – £49
There are few cleansers as cult-loved as the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, and now, it comes in a dangerously delicious Black Cherry fragrance . As soon as I saw it, I knew I needed it in my skincare routine – and as luck would have it, I was nearing the end of my OG tub anyway.
Skincare fans can expect the same dreamy formula boasting nourishing oils like Starflower, Elderberry and Optimega, alongside marine algae, padina pavonica, rose and mimosa waxes. But this time, as it breaks down makeup, SPF and grime, users are treated to a decadent scent of black cherry, almond and vanilla. It’s essentially dessert in skincare form.
Priced at £49, it’s not the cheapest cleanser, but if you are still craving that cherry skincare hit on a smaller budget, Fenty’s Cherry Dub Pore Purify’r Gel Cleanser is currently on offer for £25.60 at Boots.
Nisha’s picks
Silk’n Facial LED Mask, £128
I’ve wanted an LED face mask for the best part of a year now, and thanks to this deal at LookFantastic, I might bite the bullet. The one-stop beauty site has a knocked £32 off the Silk’n Facial LED Mask – you can buy it for limited time only for £128, instead of £160.
This luxe beauty gadget comes with four LED colours, each designed to target specific skin concerns. Red light aims to diminish fine lines, purple light tightens the skin, yellow evens out skin tone, and blue light contributes to a clear complexion.
You can tailor your skincare routine by selecting a specific light function according to your needs, or for a pampered experience, let the ‘automatic mode’ rotate through all four functions.
Collared Knitted Jacket, £29.50
I am counting down the days till spring and have spent the last week eyeing up new seasonal fashion drops. As usual, there are lots of new releases at Markies, but one item in particular has caught my eye.
The Collared Knitted Jacket is a hybrid of a jacket and a cardigan, making it the perfect in-between piece for spring. Plus, if you’re like me and live in jeans, it’ll pair beautifully with most washes and is super easy to style with a plain white tank top.
The £29.50 piece is available in four colourways: lavender, mocha, ivory, and dark grey. It’s made from air-spun yarn for a feather-light feel and has a relaxed fit.
Brown Suedette Jacket, £64
Suede jackets are seeing a resurgence right now, especially offerings in classic brown or tan colourways. This suedette jacket has a soft fabric with a boxy cropped length, featuring front flap pockets and a button-up fastening.
The jacket is available at Next. It has a relaxed collar and, thanks to its casual fit, can be worn day to day. The model pairs it with a neutral jumper and light blue jeans.
You can buy it here.
Tiffany’s picks
Laura Ashley Pink Ditsy Rose Pyjamas, £59
Cosy evenings in just got more stylish with these lovely pink-red pyjamas from Laura Ashley. The long-sleeve button through pyjama is made in a supersoft viscose that’s kind to your skin. The top with red lace detailing comes adds a nod of cuteness, wear it with matching elasticated waist bottoms to get yourself wind down from work.
One downside is that the matching trousers don’t come with pockets, which some might find it a crucial feature when it comes to loungewear. This sleepwear in all-over ditsy rose print will make you want to stay cosy and lounge at home. Sizes are available from UK6 to UK24 and it retails at £59 for a set.
MAC Sleek Satin Lipstick, £25
MAC has dropped a new campaign featuring Maura Higgins to celebrate the nude makeup collection; while nude shades might not be everyone’s cup of tea, this stunning red lipstick might be – it’s the MACximal Sleek Satin in shade 881 – Centre of Attention, which is a bright yellow red that brings the focus of makeup onto the lips.
The Sleek Satin finish does not appear dry like any matte lipsticks, the moisturising formula with camellia seed oil and rosehip oil deliver a richer and creamier texture that it glides on smoother – it’s almost like a lip balm but with intense pigment.
With Centre of Attention, there’s no lip liner needed and it has great pigment payoff, covering the dark lines on my lips. Given it’s a satin finish, it does rub off when coming in contact with food and drinks but you can reapply gently and build up the shade to your desired intensity.
Explore all the shades here
RMS Beauty Super Serum Hydrating Mist, £39
Clean beauty brand RMS has created a hydrating mist that leaves skin with a healthy glow and fans are loving it. The Super Serum Hydrating Mist does not more than drenching your skin with hydration, it also firms and lifts fine lines thanks to the peptides ingredients like Pea Extract and super fruit Kakadu Plum Seeds.
Instead of spring water, RMS Beauty uses mineral-infused sea water to work their nourishing and hydrating magic on the skin. Simply shake the bi-phase well to blend before use and apply AM or PM after cleansing and mist directly onto the face and neck with eyes closed or spray into the palms of your hands, then gently pat to lock in. If you don’t prefer to have oil-like serum for on-the-go touchups, this might not be the one for you.
Shop here at Amazon, £39
Tata Harper Cleansing Oil, £79
When it comes to removing makeup, I always double-cleanse by starting with an oil-based face wash, that allows you to massage and get the oil to wipe away the foundation or eyeshadow that’s stuck in tricky areas like the corner of your nose or along the hairline.
Tata Harper’s Nourishing Oil Cleanser has a gentle formula that attracts and dissolves excess sebum, grime and make up residue; purging your pores of impurities without compromising skin’s natural barrier function.
With antioxidant ingredients like beta carotene, vitamins A, C and E and strengthening Omega 3, the cleansing oil is like a cocktail of minerals to leave your face super-soft, resilient and radiant. It might be the best to take this with you on travel so oil-based products are easier to leak but it’s a cleanser that does not strip oil off your skin.
Shop here at Cult Beauty, £79
Ghost Ellery Blouse and Capri Dress
Bringing to you a bit of fashion newness, British fashion brand Ghost has dropped some stunning pieces just in time for the season of love.
If you ever feel inspired by Claudia Winkleman’s outfits in The Traitors, this Ellery Broderie Anglaise Cotton Blouse, £89, gives you the perfect “blouse, jeans, boots” look. The lovely broderie anglaise frill at the neckline adds a touch of femininity.
Thinking of a dress for a date? The new collection features some stunning midi dresses with slimming ruched effect around the waist like this Capri Crepe Short Sleeve Midi Dress, £149. Take it as an upgrade of a tea dress, the Capri dress has a neat V neck, gathering detail at the front and pleated short sleeve while a flattering bias-cut skirt is the perfect finishing touch to this versatile piece that will see you through spring, summer and beyond. The cuffed balloon sleeves can be restrictive but it gives a nice volume and gives a slimmer physique overall.
