Weekend Wishlist: 12 fashion and beauty buys our team is coveting this Bank Holiday

Daily Mirror

02-05-2025

This Bank holiday we have our eyes on everything from a new dress to skincare must-haves, but shoppers will need to be quick if they want to bag them
The first May Bank Holiday weekend is here and our beauty team is busy getting summer ready. Glowy, bronzed skin is all the rage at this time of the year, and some of our writers have been upping their skincare and make-up game with trending and talked-about products.
Highlights include a glowy SPF by Australian brand Ultra Violette, which specialises in body and face sun protectors, as well as a string of viral Maybelline lip products that are going viral on TikTok. Another favourite is a Dermalogica hydrating mist which helps keep skin refreshed on hot days - ideal for taking on holiday.
But its not just complexions we're looking to upgrade, but summer wardrobes too with picks from Nobody's Child, Dr Martens and more in our shopping baskets. We also share our tips on holiday packing including Charlotte Tilbury's exciting mini face set and handy Geske hydration refresher.
Now, for those that are new here, Weekend Wishlist is all about helping our readers and shoppers find the best new buys, viral products or sharing the tried and trusted items that have changed our life. Each week, our shopping team comes together to curate a special list of what we're loving.
Nisha's picks:
Ultra Violette's Supreme Screen SPF 50+
I've had my eye on Ultra Violette's SPFs for some time now, and decided to buy the Supreme Screen SPF 50+ ahead of summer. I have been using it for around three weeks now, and I love it. I sometimes break out when I try a new SPF and was pleased that I didn't with this one.
It has a lightweight texture and doesn't leave a white overcast. It sinks into the skin quickly and leaves a glowy finish. Despite its slight tint, it sinks into the skin clear, at least in my experience. I bought mine at the airport, but it's currently on offer at Boots for £28.90, or Sephora for £34 (RRP price).
This is one of my favourite SPFs I have ever tried; the only thing that comes close to it is Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen SPF30. I have nothing but praise for this SPF, but not all users have had the same experience.
One buyer took to Sephora, writing: "I have loved this sunscreen previously, but the latest version seems to be greasier, thinner and with less tint. A little disappointing."
Dermalogica's Multi-active Toner
This hydrating toner (£45) is refreshing and feels like a drink for the skin. I have been using this throughout April but more so as a mist when my skin feels a little lacklustre - although it can be used as a traditional toner prior to cleansing.
It works to condition and prep skin. I have also used it before makeup application, and it makes my skin feel supple and soft. Some of its key ingredients include soothing arnica, balm mint, and lavender.
As much as I enjoy using the product, the packaging falls short. The applicator doesn't spritz out an even amount of mist. Instead, I am left with small blotches of products splodged across my face. I wouldn't use it as a make-up setting spray for fear that it'd ruin my make-up.
Maybelline lip products
I've recently been on holiday and prior to my trip I picked up some new beauty bits, including a few of Maybelline's newest lip products (after heavily being influenced by social media). I bought three products in total, and I have mixed reviews.
The first Maybelline lip product I bought was the viral Lifter Gloss in the shade Stone (usually £8.99, now £5.95 on Amazon), which is by far my favourite. The colour is a nude pinkish shade, and the pigment shows up well on me - I have a medium to tan skin tone. The gloss has a thick texture but isn't gloopy or sticky, and the large doe-foot applicator picks up a generous amount of product.
It also contains hyaluronic acid to moisturise the lips. Overall, I really like this gloss, however, the packaging is misleading. The chunky tube makes it appear that there's more product than there actually is, but it's mostly just chunky plastic casing - I'd prefer less packaging and more product.
The next two products I picked up were from the Superstay lip colour range. I bought the Teddy Tint in the shade Current Mood (£11.99) and the Vinyly Ink in Cheeky (also £11.99). Despite swatching them both on my hand in the shop, these two shades didn't work out for me.
Both are warm-toned neutrals, but they look incredibly cool-toned on my lips - even with a liner and gloss on top. The Vinyly Ink also has a chalky finish, which I wasn't a fan of. Out of the two, I prefer the Teddy Tint, but I was hoping for a more pinkish finish.
Eve's Picks:
Nobody's Child's Butter Yellow Bandeau Bela Midi Dress - £72
The positively tropical temperatures this week have made me want to embody sunshine in every outfit I wear. And this new in dress from Nobody's Child helps to do exactly that securing it a spot in my wishlist. Costing £72, the Bela dress is available in sizes 4 to 16 (with 18 already sold out) and also comes in a pink printed version.
With a swishy midi length, the dress is ideal for a whole host of occasions thanks to its romantic frills and flattering A-line skirt and silhouette. Comfort, too, is a welcome feature as the bodice has surround shirring, making the dress expandable, and bloat-friendly.
The bandeau style is ideal in warmer temperatures and will help obtain that seamless tan (no strap lines here!).
While the shirring offers a more casual look, it can easily be dressed up with some statement jewellery and heels. Dress it down, however, with sandals and a jacket or, for those who want to break up the yellow, pop a T-shirt over the top.
Dr Martens Josef sandals - £120
With a heatwave in our clutches still, I've been lusting after these Josef sandals from the trusty Dr Martens. Coming in a goes-with-all tan brown hue, the slider shoes are a great alternative to the more popular Birkenstock Arizonas and cost £5 more (at £120).
The shoes have a dual strap design and are fitted with two adjustable buckles and a suede-covered foam footbed, making them super comfortable.
Made from 100% leather, the shoes are certainly built to last and have been touted as ideal for holidays.
One shopper said: 'Just love them, I cannot wait to wear them on holiday in Greece in June, will probably wear in evening with either chino's or jean shorts for that casual look, keep well away from pool area as flip flops for that job, these are good looking and will get many summer days casual ware out of these bad boys for years to come me thinks. As for fit, I am a seven and these fit perfectly.'
Now, as the shoes are made with a Bronx Suede - 'a heavyweight, firm handle suede' - they may take some breaking in, so keep that in mind on first wear.
Heliocare sunscreen - £23.19
With summer in our midst, we're all snapping up suncream, mist and SPF protection left, right and centre. But one product I discovered last year that saved me from burning in 35 degree heat on a holiday to Italy is the Heliocare 360° Invisible Spray SPF50+.
Currently on sale at Lookfantastic for £23.19 instead of £28.99, the spray is designed to protect as well as nourish the skin and does a fab job of covering the wearer from top to toe (although mind the face, it's not suitable for that part).
Made with SPF50+, the sunscreen mist is a non-greasy formula that is 'invisible' - ie, it doesn't leave that dreaded white cast many other suncreams do. Plus, it has quite a sweet smell, not chemically.
It's packed with Fernblock+ antioxidant technology 'to help protect the skin from daylight and environmental free radicals'. It leaves skin feeling soft, nourished and protected - I say this from experience.
While I found it great for full coverage, some people used it as a sunscreen to top up throughout the day, rather than their only sun-protection product. They said: "I'd say this isn't strong enough to be used alone and should only be used to top up your sunscreen throughout the day. Oh and it smells amazing.'
Coco & Eve's Express Tanning Antioxidant Mousse - £28
We all want to be exuding that healthy, natural sunkissed glow when we wear mini dresses, shorts and our swimsuits come summer. But living in the UK, the sun isn't out enough for us to achieve our desired bronze - although the sun has been beating down this week, helping us start off our summer tan, it's inevitable we'll be plummeted into cloudy weather soon enough.
While fake tan is the easiest solution and is pretty effective (with the right brand), waiting 8 plus hours for it to develop is a real faff. It takes planning and often leaves bed sheets stained with an orange hue in a bid to leave it develop to the max.
However, one product I've got my eye on to try out is Coco & Eve's newest addition to its fake-tanning range that claims to take just one hour to do its magic. Rinse it off after the hour and it'll continue to develop for the next 24 hours.
As well as leaving shoppers with a bronzed glow, the Express Tanning Antioxidant Mousse, £29, is powered by nourishing coconut extract, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to give skin a good glug of nourishment and keep tans strong for longer.
Shoppers who have already got their hands on this product love how 'natural' it looks, with one person raving: "Huge fan of the Express Tanning Mousse! First, the scent is incredible without the typical fake tan smell. The application is a dream—super smooth, non-streaky and very comfortable. Within 1 hour, I had a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow which boosted my confidence. 10/10, this is my new go-to tan!"
Although not all found it quite so powerful as one disgruntled three-star reviewer said: "The colour when you initially apply is great! But after you wash it (I waited an hour and a half) it washes off and you're left with a hint of tan only." They added how until they washed it off it was 'sticky'. However, after a second application, their tan was 'better'.
Tiffany's picks:
TirTir Milk Toner, £25
As a first step of skincare after cleansing, toner can remove the remaining traces of makeup and preps skin to enhance absorption so the skin can benefit from the serums and creams. TirTir, hailed from Korea, launches a vegan-friendly toner that has rice bran extract and chamomile flower to calm irritated skin for a radiant and healthy glow.
When it comes to skincare, prevention is always better than curing. TirTir's Milk Toner includes panthenol and ceramide to strengthen the skin barrier to provide a 'better foundation' when it comes to ageing. But this is also suitable for those who suffer pigmentation as hydrating agent niacinamide works to reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone. One shopper said: 'This product has hydrated and brightened my face. I highly recommend it if you have very dry and dull skin.'
But another customer with sensitive acne-prone skin regrettably said: 'Does an amazing job in hydrating the skin, would be perfect for you if niacinamide works well for your skin but my skin doesn't.'
Teva Hurricane XLT2, £70
Hot weather alert and it's about time to swap trainers for sandals. Teva sandals are known for durability and comfort and with fashionistas showing interest in 'fisherman core' outfits (think about mesh vest, cargo skirt, bucket hats), shoppers are opting for sandals that are built for outdoor activities.
I have my eyes on the Hurricane XLT2 and these £70 pair come with a wide range of colours. But the supportive midsole with a robust footbed can provide comfort for all-day wear without getting blisters while the rubber outsole is outfitted with grippy traction.
The quick-dry webbing strap and the easy hook-and-loop closure also have me gearing towards Teva over fancy flat-sole mule sandals and I can see myself wearing them to music festivals or a walk in the park. Merrell's Speed Fusion Web RMX, £85, is also another popular hiking sandal that keeps shoppers comfortable and stylish no matter what the day brings.
Boux Avenue Rivoli Monochrome Swimsuit - £52
Lingerie brand Boux Avenue has brought the Italian Riviera closer to home this year. Its new swimwear range is full of elegant and timeless pieces designed with comfort in mind. The Rivoli Monochrome Swimsuit reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, with a mix of black and white that's giving off a classy Chanel look.
Retailing at £52, the Rivoli is available between 30B and 38G, with two colour options: a Black Mix or White Mix. The balconette shape and padded design will surely boost the wearer's confidence while the wide adjustable straps offer comfort and support.
In a similar design, New Look's Black Tummy Control Contrast Trim Underwired Swimsuit, £32.99, is designed in a halterneck style but the cups are crafted with non-removable, lightweight padding.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Glow & Set Travel Kit - £54
When travelling at any time of the year, travel-sized makeup buys make packing a whole lot easier.
Charlotte Tilbury launched her Super Nudes collection this week and as I was browsing the website, I came across this Airbrush Glow & Set with three hero products in mini size - the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, Hollywood Flawless Filter and Airbrush Flawless Finish.
The three items fit in a carry-on toiletry plastic bag and shoppers won't have to transfer them to smaller bottles. Compared to the full-size bottles, the foundation shades are limited and only available in four options - Fair, Medium, Tan, Deep.
e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter, a popular alternative rival to the Charlotte Tilbury one, provides 12 shades and they are on Amazon offer for £12. But when it comes to setting powder, the mini Airbrush Flawless Finish is a 'game changer'. The smaller-than-my-palm size goes in perfectly into any micro bags and customers can achieve a soft glow look by buffing the T-zone area with the powder.
Geske Facial Hydration Refresher, £29.95
The sunny weather might give us a bit of colour but the strong rays can also reduce moisture in the skin. Hydrating products are important for protecting the skin barrier and delaying signs of ageing.
The Geske Facial Hydration Refresher is a smart face mist that allows customers to fill with water or a formula with skin benefits such as rose water or calendula water. The egg-shaped tool will emit ultra fine mist to instantly refresh and relieve dryness.
Amazon shoppers said they enjoyed using it on warm weather days as one shared: "The small 'egg' is filled with water and then creates a super light and pleasant mist at the push of a button, which is applied to the face. Super refreshing and highly recommended for summer. The skin feels fresh and soft."