Black Friday is finally here, and it’s perfectly timed with payday for many of us – a dangerously tempting combination. This week, our Weekend Wishlist is brimming with everything from party-perfect dresses to winter must-haves and beauty bargains.
Whether you’re on the hunt for Christmas gifts, an outfit for the upcoming party season, or just feel like treating yourself to something special, this roundup has you covered. We’ve scoured the high street for the best deals and hottest new-in pieces from some of your favourite retailers, including M&S, Boots, Roman and more.
If it’s a Christmas party outfit you’re after, Bethan has been swooning over an embellished shift dress, while Laura has a 20s flapper-style number in her basket. If you’re in the mood to splurge, Rachel is coveting the Barbour x GANNI Wax Duffle Jacket, while Eve’s just ordered a shearling jacket to keep her cosy this winter.
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I worked at Boots and these are the best early Black Friday deals to shop now for Christmas
We’ve also got our eye on some Black Friday-exclusive deals, like the LookFantastic beauty box, which packs an impressive punch for its price, and Benefit’s Star Gift set—perfect for the makeup lovers in your life (or your own collection). Scroll down to see what’s caught our attention this week—before it sells out.
M&S Embellished Mini Shift Dress – £69
With just a couple of weeks to go, I’ve been on the hunt for a dress for the work’s Christmas party, and this Embellished Mini Shift Dress from Marks and Spencer is a serious contender. The high street retailer has really impressed me with their elevated partywear pieces this season, and this dress feels way more expensive than its £69 price tag would suggest.
The shift dress has a slight vintage feel to it with a 60s silhouette. It’s designed in a regular fit which I love, nipping in at the waist slightly. It’s finished with a classic round neckline and a flattering mini-length hem, adorned with little gems that add sparkle to the look.
The dress would look really elegant with tights and a black kitten heel. However, if you wanted to get more wear out of it, you could add a jumper over the top to give the illusion of a skirt for a more casual vibe.
LookFantastic Black Friday beauty box – £32
A LookFantastic Black Friday beauty box, valued at £175, could be yours for just £32 in a limited edition deal. Originally priced at £40, the box of goodies has been further discounted in a special offer. It’s the ideal pick-me-up treat for the gloomy weather, or you could buy it as a Christmas gift for a loved one.
It’s packed with six must-have essentials, including five full-sized products featuring skincare, bodycare, beauty treats and even a fragrance. You’ll discover products from top brands like Sol de Janeiro, Rituals and Anastasia Beverly Hills (ABH).
Standout items include Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa 62 Fragrance Mist (30ml bottle), boasting warm and sweet notes of pistachio, almond, caramel and sandalwood. The Black Friday Edit beauty box also includes a full-size tub of Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Extreme Hold Laminated-Look Sculpting Wax, worth £23.
It’s the ideal self-care treat during the hectic Christmas season or a perfect gift for a loved one.
Personalised brown bomber jacket – £192
The idea of having a made-to-measure leather jacket feels like the ultimate luxury and the kind of expense that, much as I’d love to, I couldn’t really justify. So seeing Phoebe’s review of her experiences of commissioning The Jacket Maker to personalise a versatile brown leather bomber with a meaningful quote from her favourite novel left me intrigued.
The final result is not only stunning, but with The Jacket Maker’s Black Friday deals taking 20% off any purchase it works out at £192 down from £240 until the end of Black Friday weekend. An investment piece definitely but for a truly unique coat it’s definitely a tempting prospect and top of my wishlist.
Boots Benefit Fresh Baked Beauty Exclusive Star Gift – £34.50
This year, I’m trying to be very organised when it comes to Christmas shopping and get it all done early. Boots have a number of Star Gifts that are better than half price and they make a lovely present for pretty much anyone on your ‘to buy for’ list.
The Benefit Fresh Baked Exclusive Star Gift includes some of their bestselling products, as well as a few of my personal favourites and it’ll be ideal for my 13-year old niece. Now better than half price, the £34.50 set is worth a whopping £96 and comes in fun packaging meaning I won’t even need to wrap it.
Inside the set you’ll find a full size Badgal Bang! Mascara and the Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain, as well as mini sizes of the POREfessional Face Primer, Hoola Powder Bronzer and 24-HR Brow Setter. You can create an entire look with this set and it’s sure to be a winner under the Christmas tree for any makeup-mad loved one in your life.
Refy Hero Collection – £20
Jess Hunt’s beauty products have gained rave reviews from influencers to makeup artists and if you are looking for ways to help you look younger – whether it’s a “less or more” approach or a “no-makeup makeup” trend – this Refy Hero Collection can be your perfect starter pack.
Currently reduced from £25 from £20, the Hero Collection is a discovery set of three minis – including a Glow and Sculpt Face Primer, a Brow Sculpt and a Clear Lip Gloss. They are to offer a well-maintained look without having too many products on the face.
I enjoyed using the Brow Sculpt and it’s my go-to travel brow product – it’s dainty but it comes with two brushes and the wax gel formula won’t dry out my skin. The primer, which comes with a roller minimises the contact I have to touch my face. The set has great values and it’s definitely one to try if you are interested in Refy.
M&S’s Shearling Jacket – £69
Having been eyeing this jacket up for a few weeks, I took the plunge and treated myself when payday arrived and I’m so excited to wear it when the rain clears up a bit. Made from a soft borg material, the jacket is said to have a luxurious feel with both suede and teddy borg details on the outside and looks to have a similar lining on the inside.
With a comfy regular fit that some shoppers have said is relaxed enough to fit a jumper underneath, it’s a lovely option for winter that won’t make you feel quite as bulky as a puffer does.
The collarless design is great for when you want to wear a scarf comfortably too and its fluffy and suede finish will give your look a touch of class and cosiness. With five star reviewers declaring it is ‘wonderfully warm’, it’s a fabulous option for winter.
Barbour x GANNI Wax Duffle Jacket – £545
If there’s one thing I’m seriously tempted to buy this week, it’s the Barbour x GANNI Wax Duffle Jacket. Priced at £545 at Fenwick, it’s definitely not the cheapest of coats out there, but given it’s as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing, it’s a price I’m willing to pay.
The Wax Duffle effortlessly combines Barbour’s classic, heritage feel, with designer Danish brand GANNI’s playful, colorful, and bold take on fashion.
I grew up on a farm, so Barbour has been a wardrobe mainstay for much of my life – and a brand I know will stand the test of time. Now I’ve become a city girl, working as a fashion and beauty editor, and streetwear is my main port of call when it comes to dressing.
The Barbour x GANNI Wax Duffle Jacket is the perfect amalgamation of both of these worlds, and I can’t think of anything more suited to my aesthetic. Plus, it’s waterproof, so can withstand the Manchester rain.
Gold Art Deco Sequin Flapper Dress – £60
With a Christmas dinner dance just weeks away, I’ve been scouring the internet to find a dress that looks million dollars, but definitely doesn’t cost it. With more than a hint of 1920s glamour, this Gold Art Deco Sequin Flapper Dress from Roman is serving up Art Deco diva at every turn.
I love the eyecatching black and gold colourway and I’m hoping the cap sleeve design and graceful neckline give a nod to old school Hollywood. The flowy flapper-style hem falls to the knee, adding a touch of movement without flashing too much leg, and I love the longer line with asymmetrical details – a flattering way to hide unsightly lumps and bumps.
I’ll be pairing it with a faux fur bolero for even more film star vibes, and I’ll even break out the strappy sandals for this special festive occasion. With 25% off, my dress of dreams is reduced from £80 down to £60 – a price I’m happy to pay for a uniquely timeless piece that is sure to become a party favourite.
