From River Island to Lookfantastic to TALA, our beauty and fashion writers have curated a list of all the products they’re wanting this weekend
Gird your ice cold loins folks, we’ve another heatwave on our hands. With the weekend proving to be a real scorcher and temperatures looking to exceed 30 degrees in some places, we need all the help we can get to cool down – whilst we remain looking as fabulous as possible doing so.
So with that in mind, our fashion and beauty writers have curated a desirable list of just some of the things we’re loving or yearning after this weekend.
Some items from this round-up include Bare By Vogue Clear Tanning Water, the Color Wow Money Mist and fashion buys that’ll keep us cool when we’re sipping on an iced latte in the midday sun – like TALA’s white maxi skirt and the linen gingham maxi dress from Gap x DÔEN.
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We’ve also included a few home improvement bits that’ll helo make life that extra bit easier, like a Ninja Airfryer. Read below for more.
Eve’s Picks:
Next’s Straw Drop Brim Western Hat – £22
This weekend is set for a heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach over 30 degrees celcius in some parts of the country. And while many of us will be taking the opportunity to (safely) top up our natural tan, some are looking for ways to help us keep cool and well protected. For me, a staple in a heatwave is a hat – and one that looks pretty.
While my top choice of the yellow and black spot sunhat from Damson Madder is out of stock, I found a stunning option at Next: this drop brim western number. It’s decorated with rainbow coloured beads that surround the brim and create a neck tie. While these hats are practical, they don’t half make the wearer look utterly glamorous – with the right outfit.
Made from 100% straw, the £22 hat will do the job at keeping your head and face protected from the sun. With no negative reviews to go off – and only one glowing one that says it’s the ‘perfect fit’ that looks ‘really good’ – the only thing we can see being an issue is hat hair. So maybe keep a brush with you, or let your locks run wild and shake them out when you have to take the hat off.
Color Wow Travel Money Mist 50ml – £12.50
Many people tend to look after their skin when the sun shines, but our hair is also in need of a bit of TLC from the sun’s UV rays, which is why having a good heat protectant spray when travelling (and during heatwaves) is pretty essential. Now, I’m a big fan of Color Wow’s Dreamcoat spray and have been seeing the brand’s Money Mist advertised everywhere on social media, with people spritzing their hair poolside to keep it protected, it sounded like just what I needed for my upcoming holiday.
The leave-in spray is packed with proprietary Baolyzed Amino Complex (breakthrough Amino Acid and protein and peptide complex) and is ‘supported by blue sea kale, kelp and red algage’. While it has heat and UV protectant in its formula, it also helps to keep locks hydrated, bouncy, strong to the core and detangles.
Available at LookFantastic, Color Wow says of the product: “The formula minimises the risk of breakage for hair that looks and feels stronger. Thanks to its brightening properties, the mist leaves the strands with visible luminosity.”
Those that have snapped it up love how soft it leaves their hair as well as its scent. One person said: “Smelt amazing, made my hair feel lovely and loved the fact it protects your hair against uv exposure.”
Another added: “I don’t usually like leave in products, but this is light and doesn’t weigh my hair down. Perfect companion for my holidays, travel sized lasted me 2 weeks on shoulder length hair. I’m now a convert & full sized product has been purchased!”
But one shopper was underwhelmed, adding: “it makes hair very soft when applying it, I don’t really see or feel any difference once it’s dried unlike other products I’ve tried.”
H&M Padded-cup High Leg swimsuit in leopard print – £22.99
With the prospect of a heatwave and any upcoming holiday, a new swimsuit is a must and after spotting this relatively new leopard print one piece from H&M, it went straight on my wishlist. Costing £22.99, the one piece has an animal print that amps up any beach look and is fully lined so there’s no potential of see-through soaks.
It has flattering narrow shoulder straps and has cups with removable inserts that help shape the bust area as well as delivering ample support. The high cut design elongates the legs and makes for a flattering beach fit.
Tala’s Poplin Maxi Skirt – £27.50
Every summer wardrobe needs a white maxi skirt. It’s a staple piece that goes with everything, looks classy and effortlessly sophisticated (or grungy, depending on the accessories, top and shoes) whilst also keeping the wearer cool. This skirt from Grace Beverly’s fashion brand TALA has been on my wishlist since it launched a while back, however when it went on sale for £27.50 down from £55, it firmly secured a spot in my basket and I can’t wait to wear it.
With a relatively thick waistband (that looks like it gives gorgeous support to the lower tummy), the skirt has been made with organic cotton for maximum breathability, gathered full skirt for drama and side pockets to make it practical as well as stylish. Great with baggy t-shirts, the skirt will certainly be dressed up in my wardrobe with some block heels, lippy and a white blouse for when I want to really look smart. Get it here.
“This is everything and more,” said one happy shopper who raved: “I’ve worn it with t-shirts, smart tops and trainers and it works for everything. Fabric is amazingly soft and sturdy, and it’s SO comfortable. Pockets are an unreal addition too.”
The only negative comment to be seen on TALA’s website it one which says it’s a little too see-through for their liking, causing them to send it back. They said: “I love the look of this skirt but apart from the waistband it’s so see through so I had to send it back. It’s also just a bit too big with too much material for it to my comfy.”
Jess’ Picks:
River Island’s Premium Beaded Grab Bag – £25
I’m normally a neutral kind of girl when it comes to fashion, but this summer I’m adding a pop of colour to my look with some fun accessories.
Beaded bags have been having a real moment this season and are giving me Ibiza holiday vibes. This fun River Island blue grab bag will be a cheerful addition to my summer dresses, and I love that it’s in the River Island summer sale for £25 too. It also comes in white or brown, both of which I’m also putting straight on my wishlist.
My personal drawback is that as it’s relatively small, it will be hard to fit all of my evening out essentials in. I’d also prefer a zip closure for extra security while the bag only has a popper. That being said it’s an easy way to update my evening wardrobe for holiday, and it would look gorgeous catching the sunset light too.
Dunelm Emmy Frilled Stripe 100% Cotton Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set – £30
I’m partial to anything with a frill or ruffle, so this gorgeous Frilled Stripe 100% Cotton Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set from Dunelm is right up my street. My general home decor is neutral but I love adding a summery touch that brightens my day whenever I see it, and this candy striped set fits the bill perfectly. It’s reversible meaning you get two looks for the price of one. I also love that it’s cotton, making it breathable on warm nights.
One shopper who purchased the set said: “Such a delightful bedding set! Really pleased with this. True to colour and great value.” Another happy customer wrote: “Absolutely exquisite, superb quality and arrived very quickly, looks fantastic.”
However, one shopper wasn’t as impressed, writing: “Love the pattern… love that it’s reversible. What I don’t love is that the frill edging isn’t double lined so when pink stripes are showing on the bed, the frill doesn’t look great. The frill also needs ironing after every wash. 3/5 stars for me.”
Bare by Vogue Clear Tanning Water in dark – £16
I fake tan all year round and lots of my friends have recommended various Bare By Vogue fake tan products to me. Fake tanning in the heat is no-one’s idea of fun (especially not for my poor white bedsheets) but I’ve got my eye on this Clear Tanning Water which I’m hoping won’t transfer too easily as it has no guide colour. It’s currently on offer at Boots with £7 off, making it £16.
One shopper said about the product: “Love this tan water! The shade is gorgeous and comes out super even. I love that I can put it on and get dressed and it won’t ruin my clothes or sheets. It doesn’t have a strong smell, dries quickly and fades nicely.” My personal drawback however would be that with no guide colour you have to be pretty thorough not to miss a spot when applying.
Alternatively, I also like the look of the Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water that one LOOK FANTASTIC customer reviewed saying: “Leaves a nice glowy tan to skin and feels really lightweight.”
Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer – £125
I love my trusty air fryer but I’ve had it for years now. It’s used on a daily basis so I’ve been considering buying the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer. It’s an investment but is currently reduced on Amazon to £125 for Prime members.
What I love is that it has two drawers meaning you can cook multiple things at once. It also has six cooking functions allowing you to max crisp, air fry, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate food. Personally I think my cost per use on this would be really low.
Amazon customers have rated it an average of 4.8 stars out of a possible five and there’s over 37,000 reviews. One happy shopper said they were ‘loving it.’ That being said, another reviewer noted it was a bit of a faff to clean saying: “Excellent product, easy to use. The extra crisp setting means things like samosas or croissants are light and crispy, I love the dual baskets too. The only problem with all air fryers is washing up the drawers, perhaps they could make inserts as the handles of two baskets fill the dishwasher.”
Tiffany’s picks:
Jurlique Limited Edition Intense Rose Hand Cream and Balancing Mist – £39
The hot weather has dried up my skin and to bring the lustre back to my hands, I have been using the Jurlique Intense Rose Hand Cream. The Aussie brand sources natural ingredients from their very own biodynamic farm and to celebrate their 40 years of rose expertise, they launched the limited edition hand cream and balancing mist with their Intense Rose – a vibrant purple rose with a deep yet delicately rosy scent.
I am a big rose fan, not only does it smell nice, it’s also the queen of plants when it comes to skincare. It provides hydration and promotes elasticity and cell regeneration, leaving skin soft, supple and beautifully scented. The Intense Rose Hand Cream is also packed with Marshmallow Root, Chamomile, Oris Root and Vitamin E to soothe and protect skin from environmental aggressors and free radicals.
It does not leave a greasy feeling on skin and it is like a big drink for my hands. I also got a comment from my friend who said: “Your hands are so soft, like baby soft skin.” For £36, the Jurlique Intense Rose Hand Cream is great for value and the 100ml tube lasts me a long time.
But I wish it came with smaller 30ml or 50ml sizes so I can put it in the bag and top up when I’m out and about. L’Occitane has a travel size Rose Hand Cream (30ml) available to purchase and it retails at £10.
QVC is currently selling the Jurlique Intense Rose Hand Cream and Balancing Mist Duo for £39 instead of £45.
Gap x DÔEN 100% Linen Gingham Maxi Dress – £180
When Gap dropped the second collaboration with ‘cottagecore’ fashion brand DÔEN, I knew it’s going to be another sell-out collection. This summer collection includes a lot of DÔEN’s signature styles like square necklines and ruched fabric but this Linen Gingham Maxi Dress has caught my eyes.
I can see myself wearing it on repeat whether it’s for weekend lunches or summer soirées. The navy and white gingham pattern is meticulously arranged so the waistline appears smaller and the flattering Empire silhouette (think Bridgerton style) elongates the body for a slimming look.
The sleeves protect the shoulders and give less of a ‘milkmaid’ look. Nobody’s Child’s bestselling Starlight Midi Dress is also available in a black and white gingham pattern and it retails for £89.
