We can all breathe a collective sigh of relief as payday is — or is almost — here, meaning our bank balances are looking a little bit healthier than the last few days. With the food in the fridge topped up, money stowed away for household bills, and the car filled with fuel, you've earned the right to spend some hours this weekend indulging in a smidge of retail therapy — without the added guilt.
Especially seeing as some of our favourite brands have not only released some gorgeous party and winter wear and make-up, but some early Black Friday and seasonal sales are lurking about that are too tempting not to check out.
From No7's new Pro Artist range — which we're fully in love with — to Tala's new winter wear and Jo Loves candles that'll make our home smell utterly divine, some things on our payday wishlist have us racing to our shopping cart to checkout.
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And if you need some shopping inspiration, enter Weekend Wishlist, a carefully curated list of what our fashion and beauty team have been eyeing up this week — whether it's been spotted on our favourite celebrity, has been doing the rounds on TikTok, or is an exciting new launch we can't wait to sink our teeth into.
So, without further ado, let's dive in...
Medik8's Crystal Retinal and the Advanced Night Restore
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Medik8)Skincare fans are in for a real treat this weekend as we've got an exclusive discount code for Reach readers only that'll give you a whopping 20% off some of Medik8's best products (sitewide). Lasting 36HRS, by entering the code NEWS20 at checkout you can get the likes of, for example, the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 (£69) and Advanced Night Restore Cream (£59) for £102, saving yourself £25.60.
A night-time dream team, these two are amongst the brand's most loved products with its Crystal Retinal being an award-winning age-defying vitamin A night serum. Acting up to 11x faster than your average retinol, the serum works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles (in just one tube) and deliver radiance to give your skin a youthful boot, improving texture, brightness, firmness and clarity.
Paired with the brands rejuvenating multi-ceramide night cream, the Advanced Night Restore, you can wake up with a more hydrated, moisturised complexion that is plump and 'pillow soft'. Plus, it's the proven to smooth the look of stubborn lines and wrinkles in just 7 days thanks to its ceramide rich formula. Together, they're a age-defying skincare dream which makes their results even sweeter when you can bag them for less.
Shop the Medik8's Crystal Retinal here and the Advanced Night Restore here — and don't forget to use the code NEWS20 at checkout.
FatFace Parker Brown Horse Print Half Neck Fleece - £40
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FatFace)The weather has well and truly turned now and I am living in fleeces and woolly jumpers. So when I spotted this adorable horse-print fleece from FatFace, I fell in love. With it being on sale for £40 down from £65, it's a unique take on the animal print trend that is everywhere at the moment — whilst remaining completely cosy.
With a half neck-zip, turn over collar and oversized fit, it strikes the perfect balance between style and comfort. It's 'ultra cosy' fabric is ideal for keeping the chill out on your winter walks or whilst you're stuck working from home and don't want to give in to turning the heating on. With your favourite pair of jeans and trainers, it a chic but casual look that'll ensure you don't feel the chill this winter.
SHOP HERE.
Allies of Skin Vitamin C & Omegas Cleansing Balm - £46
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Lauren Codling)As a beauty writer, I'm fortunate to try loads of quality products, making it tricky to pinpoint my favourites — but Allies of Skin has recently become one of my go-tos for premium skincare. For context, its SPF 50 Invisible Sunscreen Gel recently earned a permanent spot in my morning routine, protecting my skin from the sun and acting as a great makeup primer.
Naturally, I was eager to try the brand's latest launch, the Vitamin C & Omegas Cleansing Balm, and it hasn't disappointed. This luxurious, silky formula melts away makeup, SPF, and daily grime, leaving my skin feeling soft, smooth and oh-so-clean.
Like the SPF gel, it has a velvety texture that glides smoothly across my face. It effectively gets the job done, too — the proof is in my face cloth: damp but free of leftover foundation and mascara.
The only downside? It's a bit pricey. However, a small amount goes a long way, so I expect this to last me a couple of months, making it a worthwhile addition to my skincare line up.
SHOP HERE
Jo Loves Christmas Trees Candle - £55
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Jo Loves)As a self-professed home fragrance addict, I find it especially hard to resist treating myself to a new candle come payday—especially now that many brands have dropped their Christmas scents for the upcoming holidays. That includes Jo Loves, the brainchild of Jo Malone (yes, that Jo Malone), which recently unveiled its latest collection.
It's hard to decide on a favourite, but I was immediately drawn to its Christmas Trees candle, which has comforting notes of lavender, amber, and a sprinkling of fresh fir. I can vouch it smells divine, instantly conjuring up memories of crisp winter walks, and it's powerful enough to fill a medium-sized room. Plus, that charming ski-themed votive is a treat for the eyes, and will look stunning nestled among the rest of the Christmas decorations.
For a more affordable option, Yankee Candle always has lovely scents — including my favourite, North Pole Hideaway.
SHOP HERE
Blowfish Malibu Virtue High Leg Boots - £89
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Schuh)Colder weather is officially here, so it's time to warm up with a good pair of winter boots. I've been after some knee-high boots for ages, but I really struggled — all my picks either made my calves look huge or were so uncomfortable that I couldn't bear to wear them for more than twenty minutes at a time (not ideal when you're traipsing Oxford Street for Christmas presents).
Enter Blowfish Malibu's Virtue Boots, my new favourite fashion accessory. The Californian brand was previously on my radar in the summer when I stomped around Italy in its stylish Camden sandals, so I figured its winter line would be just as fab.
So far, these Virtue boots have lived up to expectations; they're flattering, excellent quality, and SO comfy — to the point that I've barely had to wear them in. Although my usual go-to is black, I braved the dark brown boots and have zero regrets; they have such a chic, autumnal vibe that makes me feel cool every time I put them on.
SHOP HERE
No. 7 Pro Artist Matte Muse Lipstick - £14.95
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No7)No7's new Pro Artist Collection launched this week, delighting beauty fans everywhere. The 12-piece range, curated by makeup artist Nic Chapman, features quality pieces at purse-friendly prices so everyone can enjoy looking gorgeous for less.
My top pick is the creamy matte Muse Lipstick, available in three shades: Modern Nude Chic, Rose Couture and Red Carpet Ready. As a girlie with a weakness for a bold red lip, the latter shade is my go-to — and I'm in love.
It glides on smoothly, leaving my mouth feeling nourished and hydrated (matte lipsticks have a tendency to dry out my lips — looking at you, MAC's Ruby Woo). The pigment is also impressive, lasting a few hours without any need for reapplication — and that was between eating a cheeky afternoon snack, too.
SHOP HERE
Tala's new Everyday Single-breasted Multiway Structured Overcoat - £199
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TALA)Whenever Grace Beverly and her team at TALA bring out anything new, it's immediately a hit and not only looks stylish, but covers all bases you could possibly think of and need. And so naturally, when its new winter wear line dropped at the end of this week, I raced to the website and fell in love with this camel coloured overcoat — which is designed with some nifty features that make it worth the £199 price tag.
TALA's description of this beauty reads: "Made from a high-quality, soft brushed twill fabric that’s as cosy and dependable as your favourite hoodie (which you could definitely fit underneath). With four outside pockets, two inside (including one zip and a key leash) and the belt loops so discreet you can choose to wear her with or without a belt — this coat isn’t just ready to elevate every outfit you own, she’s also seriously functional."
It's oversized boxy fit means you can fit plenty in underneath to keep you cosy when the icy weather rolls in, and it's back vent will keep you from overheating when it fluctuates. Its zipped internal pocket even has a loop on which to pop your keys for safe keeping and your purse, and its delicate belt loops can have you wearing the coat with or without some waist-cinching action.
Plus — iconic, structure, attention commanding shoulder pads. Need I say more?
SHOP HERE.
Wild Lovers Emily Pyjama Top and Trousers - £48 and £42
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Wild Lovers/Lauren Codling)You can never go wrong with a new pair of pyjamas, and this Wild Lover kimono set is my current favourite. Pretty-in-pink, it could easily be mistaken for outerwear, with its elegant two-tone floral design and flattering low neckline.
And as well as looking lovely, the set's viscose fabric is lightweight, so I never feel overheated at night. Meanwhile, the adjustable ties on the top and trousers let me customise the fit — looser or more snug, depending on my mood — and it has pockets, which is always a bonus.
A pyjama set that makes me feel sexy and comfortable? It's a total win-win. My only gripe is that the top and bottoms are sold separately, so hope and pray they're available in your size (the trousers are quickly selling out!).
SHOP HERE
Nobody's Child's Green Velvet Shirred Kylie Midi Dress - £110
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Nobody's Child)With Christmas in our midst, we all planning our outfits for our Christmas parties — be that work or with friends. And this gorgeous, velvet number from Nobody's Child is the ultimate festive dinner dress. While its colour is Christmas tree green, and its fabric is silky smooth velvet (a staple finish for Christmas wear), the shape and silhouette marries style and comfort so beautifully.
Its empire line skirt will be ideal for harbouring that food baby post dinner while its shirred bust will keep you looking chic and put together. It's square neckline too is super flattering and is perfect for showing off your favourite necklace.
Wear it with some knee high boots and a jacket for a more relaxed vibe or some sparkly heels to jazz it up a bit.
SHOP HERE.