Here are all the items that we’re obsessed with – including buys from Free People, Medik8 and H&M
It’s September, and the change in month has brought a whole new weather system with it. To soften the blow of summer coming to an end, the Mirror’s fashion and beauty team are cheering themselves up with some fabulous new finds.
Lauren has picked out two exciting beauty launches to indulge in, while Tiff is raving about her Free People waxed jacket that’s ideal for countryside walks and autumnal activities. Meanwhile, Jess has been homeware shopping at Anthropologie, spotting the cutest cotton placemats to complete her tablescape of dreams.
So, without further ado, here’s everything we’re lusting after this week.
Tiffany’s picks:
NIOD Superoxide Dismutase 3 Enzyme Mist – £23
As pollution increases, our skin faces challenges, and not just dirt and grease; I’m talking about the harmful molecules embedded in pollutants, emissions and smoke. Over time, this exposure can lead to visible damage and signs of premature ageing, such as fine lines, dullness, uneven tone, dark spots, and sagging.
But I was lucky to come across skincare brand NIOD. It just launched an all-in-one antioxidant spray called Superoxide Dismutase 3 Enzyme Mist (or SDEM3 for short), priced at £23. It is a third-generation formula engineered to reinforce our skin’s ability to protect itself and reverse visible ageing.
Perfect for use in the morning as the first step of my daily skincare regimen, the mist works as a protection to guard against environmental aggressors before damage occurs. It also minimises signs of ageing by protecting the skin’s natural collagen.
Although the spray nozzle may not produce a fine mist, I recommend applying it to a cotton pad and gently wiping it across the face. It quickly absorbed into my skin without leaving any sticky residue.
The Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist (£22) is one of the few brands that delivers “ultra-fine” mist. It’s a beautiful blend of orange blossom, rose, and sage waters that restores hydration.
Mind Games Kingside Eau de Parfum 100ml – £360
Mind Games’ amber woody Kingside EDP intrigued me in many ways. As soon as I sprayed it, the kick of grapefruit zest came through, followed by a nutty pistachio (think pistachio gelato). The middle notes of my favourite peony petals and a hint of saltiness and nuttiness from the hazelnut flower made an interesting contrast.
Perfumer David Apel explained his concept of creating Kingside, mentioning two ingredients that are particularly special to him: Peru balsam and tonka bean. “Peru balsam, which is a balsamic note, resin of a tree that has an amazing finish to it,” he explained.
“It’s sweet, slightly spicy, very suave, warm kind of note. It lasts, ensuring your fragrance stays on for a long time. Tonka bean is super sweet, very warm, and sensual. I love it.”
However, I’m also tempted to try Miu Miu’s new fragrance, Miutine (£104, 50ml). Compared to Mind Games’ Kingside, this has a sophisticated blend of bright citrus, a floral heart, and a rich, earthy base of oakmoss and patchouli.
Free People Cori Waxed Jacket – £268
In case you haven’t noticed, autumn weather is officially here, and everyone is talking about barn jackets. The outerwear, once a staple for countryside dog walkers, has now dominated the high street.
Similar to the Barbour jacket, I fell in love with the Free People Cori Waxed Jacket. The checked print interior lining and the beige corduroy collar add warmth, while the weatherproofing treatment makes cotton durable, long-lasting and adaptable to changing temperatures.
I got it in medium, which has ample room for me to fit a chunky knit, but go for a size down for those looking for a fitted style. The jacket also features cuffed sleeves to block out the wind.
Uniqlo offers a barn-puffer jacket hybrid, the PUFFERTECH Utility Jacket, at £99.90. It’s comparatively lightweight and warm thanks to the ‘puffertech’ padding and warm brushed tricot in the pockets.
Lauren’s picks:
Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream – £79
A huge hit in the beauty world, Medik8 is the award-winning British brand known for its science-backed formulas that bring pro-level skincare into any bathroom cabinet. And now, it has dropped its latest launch: the Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream (£79), and the early reviews are pretty glowing.
The magic lies in its star ingredients: collagen, which helps keep skin firm and bouncy, and peptides, which give the skin’s natural repair process a nudge. Medik8 claims users will see clinically proven results in just seven days – fewer visible signs of ageing and the prevention of new ones. Yes, please.
It’s also super user-friendly. Fans can use it in the morning and at night, eliminating the need for separate day and night creams. It plays nicely under SPF and makeup, too, so it’ll slot into my routine without any drama.
For more collagen and peptide-infused products, I recommend Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide line. The gel-cream moisturiser (£41.65) feels luxe on the skin, and the gloss balm (£22.10) has become a staple in my bag – it leaves my lips feeling instantly smoother and seriously refreshed.
& Other Stories Mohair-Blend Jumper – £97
Mohair jumpers: they’re either cosy-cool chic or look like something out of grandma’s attic. But trust & Other Stories to take this decades-old trend and spin it into something you’ll actually want to wear out of the house.
The brand’s latest mohair number comes in a mottled grey-and-brown print that should veer into ugly territory, but somehow looks slouchy and cute instead – equal parts artsy and effortlessly cool. Personally, I’d love nothing more than to throw it over some brown jeans and loafers to lean into that chic-nerd aesthetic.
The only catch? It’s dry clean only (such a faff), but for such a fun, character-filled piece, it’s worth the effort.
bareMinerals Prime Time Original Pore-Minimizing Primer – £30
I used to skip primer and wonder why my makeup seemed to melt halfway through the day. A good primer really is the secret sauce, smoothing everything out and helping foundation stay put.
bareMinerals just dropped a new one that’s already getting buzz, and it sounds like it checks all the boxes. The mattifying gel is designed to glide on effortlessly for a natural, not-cakey finish. It’s infused with vitamin C and E for a complexion boost, and it’s suitable for all skin types.
As mentioned, it has already had great feedback with a solid 5-star rating via Sephora. This shopper said: “It can be worn under any foundation and gives my skin a soft, silky feel.”
Another primer worth considering is the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer (£8.77, Amazon), a bestseller that consistently gets good reviews. This five-star review reads: “I’ve tried countless primers over the years, but this one really is the best IMO. It grips makeup perfectly without feeling heavy, keeps everything in place all day, and gives a smooth, hydrated base.”
Jessica’s picks:
M&S Pure Cotton Lightweight Buckle Country Jacket – £90
M&S is one of my favourite places to shop for jackets, and their styles often go viral and sell out. I’m predicting this chic khaki country jacket will be next on that list, so I’m adding it to my basket ASAP.
At £90, it’s a little on the spenny side, but I know it’s a classic that I’ll wear long after the hype dies down. Personally, my one drawback is that the jacket isn’t easy to dress up, as it’s got a very on-trend laidback country vibe, and I prefer my jackets to be more versatile, so I can get the maximum cost per wear out of them.
However, I’ll still get a lot of use out of this beauty because it complements the rest of my neutral wardrobe well. I’d style it with jeans or leggings, depending on my plans, and I like the longer length for added comfort.
Anthropologie Madeline Cotton Round Placemat – £12
I love adding fun little touches to my home when a new season arises, and I’m a big fan of this cute placemat from Anthropologie. I love the chic wavy design, and I think they’re great for hosting nights with the girls.
Available in a variety of colours, I’d go with the navy as it’ll show less mess. One issue I foresee with the placemat is that it may stain easily due to the material and white detailing.
I try not to keep things just for special occasions, but this would have to be one of those items, as I’d imagine it may not wear well after multiple uses. That being said, I think they instantly elevate a dinner table and make it look like you’ve made loads of effort.
H&M Pointed Ballet Flats – £27.99
Most of my wardrobe consists of staple neutral pieces that I like to jazz up with accessories and jewellery. These fun leopard print ballet flats will instantly elevate jeans and a tee, and I love the chic design that looks way more high-end than its price tag.
These would also be a great evening shoe for people who don’t wear heels, as they look dressy but without the height. I’d wear them during the day throughout autumn and for as long as I could get away with it during winter.
One drawback is that the material isn’t very practical given the weather we sometimes get during the colder months, so they could end up being a high-maintenance purchase.
