Weekend wishlist: 9 fashion and beauty picks recommended by the Mirror shopping team
As the temperatures drop and the leaves start to fall, our shopping team has been finding the best new-in buys to help shoppers stay warm and stylish
With October well underway and the autumn chill setting in, our shopping team has been coveting everything from stylish new season buys from the likes of ASOS and FatFace, to beauty treats that will help us keep our skin and hair in tip-top condition.
Since there's only two pay days until Christmas, we've also been looking ahead at the high-street's festive offering, scouring the internet to share our favourite gift sets, homeware, and party outfits to ring in December in style.
Our fashion and beauty team are practically in hibernation this month, so we've also been adding some cosy buys to our wishlists to ward off the chilly weather.
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With Bethan waiting to exchange contracts on her first home, we're sharing the TikTok famous lamp that looks sure to sell out, and Jess is already looking forward to winter hosting thanks to some stunning Anthropologie glassware.
Without further ado, scroll to shop our top picks for this week, but be quick because we don't think these beauties will hang around for long.
Bethan's picks
M&S Metallic Gold Pleated Midi Skirt - £46
I have a real love for festive partywear, be it from sequins to sparkles and metallics. It really is the most wonderful time of the year where you can go all-out with your outfits. One piece I’ve been eyeing up is the Metallic Gold Pleated Midi Skirt from Marks and Spencer, which delivers high-impact glam without the hefty price tag.
Coming in at £46, the skirt is cut in a regular fit falling to a flowing midi hem that lends itself nicely to being paired with knee boots, heels, flats or even trainers. The soft pleats are polished but playful, and the metallic finish catches the light in a way that’s bound to turn heads.
One shopper described it perfectly in a review: “It’s a great length. Makes you feel confident and beautiful in wearing. Great with boots or high heels, ladies. The only downside is - go down in size. Then the pleats around the skirt will fall nicely and not give you big hips.”
Gold is a naturally warm tone, which makes it a great match for those with warm or neutral complexions. For cooler undertones, silver can be a better choice, and Boden’s Camilla Metallic Midi Skirt is a beautiful alternative. Originally priced at £150 and currently on sale for £60, it offers the same sharp accordion pleats and dancefloor-ready vibe.
REHAB. Hair Milk & Hair Towel - £28.50, was £38
When Stacey Solomon’s co-owned brand, Rehab, launched their much-requested Hair Milk in September, it sold out in less than 24 hours. Usually £24, the product has finally been restocked and is currently on offer for £19, but I’ve found a deal stack that gets it for less than £10.
The Hair Milk spray is a multi-tasking leave-in conditioner that doubles as a heat protectant. It protects strands from heat up to 230°C, smooths frizz, detangles, strengthens and locks in hydration for up to 72 hours.
And now, for a limited time, shoppers can buy the Hair Milk in a bundle at a discounted rate. The set features not only the multi-tasking leave-in conditioner, but a micro-fibre hair towel, too. Worth £38, the duo is available for £28.50.
If that wasn’t enough, the brand is throwing in a free Vital Wet Brush, worth £16, at the checkout. That means shoppers get three products, worth a total of £54 for £28.50 - almost half price - with each item working out at £9.50.
Boots Bobbi Brown Star Gift - £49, worth £148
The hotly anticipated Bobbi Brown Star Gift Set has launched at Boots and gets shoppers almost £100 worth of free premium, full-sized makeup essentials. The Bobbi Brown Ultimate Glow Up Kit is worth £148 , but is priced at £49, saving £99 on the contents.
Inside, there are four full sized products, including the much-loved Vitamin Enriched Face Base 50ml which usually retails at £54 alone. As part of the set, the primer works out at £12.25 - significantly cheaper than buying it alone.
This year, alongside the primer, shoppers will find a dual-ended cream eyeshadow stick, full-sized mascara and a lip gloss - everything required to create a gorgeous glam look for party season.
I worked at Boots for four years and have been writing about beauty deals for three and can confidently say that this set frequently sells out. It’s one of the most popular Star Gifts year on year, not least for its huge savings and impressive contents. The only downside is that the eyeshadow and lipstick shades are pre-selected, so while likely to flatter a variety of skin tones, they may not be to everyone’s preference.
Dunelm Beatrice Striped Table Lamp - £30
I have seen this lamp all over Instagram and TikTok and as someone currently awaiting an exchange date for their first home, I’m fully invested in trending homeware. This Dunelm Beatrice Striped Table Lamp is firmly on my wishlist for the house, and fits perfectly with my Pinterest moodboard.
The lamp is part of a wider Beatrice range, which means interior design enthusiasts can match other items from the range with the lamp for a cohesive feel. The pink and terracotta stripe design is on trend and feels really fresh, perfect for adding a pop of colour to a space.
For something with a little more weight to it, the Checkerboard Table Lamp, £49.50, from Marks and Spencer has been popular with shoppers, while Dusk’s Retro Table Lamp in Orange for £45 is another strong contender for my lounge.
FatFace Chocolate Brown Suede Bowling Bag - £59.50
It’s no secret that chocolate brown and suede are both the top trends to wear for autumn, so when we spotted this perfectly-sized handbag that ticks both boxes for under £60, we knew it was going to be a must-have. Hailing from high street fave FatFace, the Chocolate Brown Suede Bowling Bag is a guaranteed winner for autumn, and you can pick it up for £59.50.
It’s the perfect does-it-all bag that you could take everywhere from work to an evening out, and we’re already calling it as this season’s must-buy accessory. It comes in an expensive-looking chocolate brown shade, and is made from 100% real leather suede.
It’s just a nice size for carrying around all your essentials without being too big and bulky, measuring 16cm high and 30cm wide. Both ends of the Chocolate Brown Suede Bowling Bag have a zipped pocket that’s the perfect size for fitting things like keys or your wallet inside to keep them close at hand.
Jess' Picks
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops - £104
I've been glued to the Victoria Beckham Nextflix documentary, and I've been desperate to try the designer's beauty range. At £104, the Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops certainly don’t come cheap, but as a beauty writer I’m intrigued. Having seen them all over my social media feeds, I rushed to the Space NK website to find out more.
The change of season usually prompts me to switch up my foundation and skincare, and the foundation is essentially a hybrid product - containing a blend of high-grade vitamins, lipids, and proprietary peptides. It also stimulate cell renewal thanks to the inclusion of Augustinus Bader's TFC8, Trigger Factor Complex TFC.
I’ve started being more aware of little fine lines, so I like that this product helps to combat the signs of ageing and damage. The obvious downside of the foundation is the price point, however shoppers have hailed the drops for their natural finish, with one reviewer commenting: “Luminous finish - looks like skin.”
Alternatively, one of my favourite natural-looking base products is e.l.f’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter which can be shopped at Boots for £16.
ASOS Design faux suede pleated mini skirt in brown - £36
I’ve been looking for the perfect faux suede mini skirt to wear this season, and I like the pleated detailing on this ASOS design number. Perfect for teaming with a cosy cream knit and knee high boots, I think it’s ideal for weekend looks.
My one drawback is that I would have preferred the metal buckle detailing to be more gold-toned in keeping with the rich autumnal hue of the skirt, but overall I like the shape, cut, and colour of this buy and think it looks more expensive than its £36 price tag.
Sam the Sausage Dog Long Hot Water Bottle - £10
As a proud sausage dog mum, I need this fun hot water bottle from Dunelm. I’m glued to my hot water bottle during winter - using it at bedtime, for working from home, and chilling on the sofa.
I like that this one is long for maximum warmth and at just £10, it’s a reasonable price too. My only reservation is that it’s not ideal for moving round the house, so I also like this £18 wraparound hot water bottle that can be worn around the waist and is also shoppable from Dunelm.
Anthropologie Icon Stemmed Coupe Glass - £18 per glass
I know, I know, some might say it’s too early to be thinking about Christmas, but I’ve been looking at cute festive buys to get me through these dark autumn days. Plus, we all know the best buys tend to sell fast, so I don't want to be caught out this year by waiting too long to hit the checkout.
These gorgeous glasses from Anthropologie are stunning for hosting a cocktail party with the girls, but they’d also make a great gift too. They come in a variety of designs, but my favourites are the pink and green Christmas trees.
My one drawback of buying fancy glassware is that I have a tendency to be a little clumsy, so I’ve also got my eye on M&S’ pack of two candy cane tumblers for £15.