This week, our fashion and beauty experts are lusting after some new fragrances, winter wardrobe staples and hydrating beauty buys
In this edition of Weekend Wishlist, our fashion and beauty team is coveting a whole host of treats – and, dare we say it, looking ahead to the beauty Christmas collections. With a plethora of brands unveiling their festive launches, there is much to look forward to.
At the higher end of the price bracket, Jo Malone has unveiled three new scents: Sandalwood & Spiced Apricot, Ginger Biscuit and Orange Bitters. Meanwhile, Baylis and Harding have released a bath and body advent calendar ideal for cosy nightime routines as the weather draws darker.
For fashion picks, writer Lauren is lusting after a pair of straight-leg jeans from Goddiva, which are perfect for the cold climes of autumn and winter. While Nisha has her eye on a brown suede studded bag from Bershka, Eve is lusting after one of Nobody’s Child’s newest launches: its collaboration with TBCo, which includes gorgeous merino wool scarves.
So, without further ado, let’s look at the team’s picks of the week:
Lauren’s picks:
Trinny London’s Naked Ambition serum – £69
Trinny London has fast become one of my standout beauty brands of 2025 – the skincare is genuinely that good. See The Light SPF has earned a permanent spot in my morning routine, while The Elevator is a game-changer for firming my neck.
Now, Trinny Woodall’s ever-innovative brand has introduced a new vitamin C-infused serum, set to get skincare enthusiasts buzzing: Naked Ambition. It’s a clever cocktail that combines slow-release vitamin C with azelaic acid, a powerhouse ingredient that helps calm redness and boost radiance.
The combo is actually a global first, cementing Trinny’s knack for pushing beauty innovation forward. And true, at £69, it’s definitely an investment, but with the brand’s track record (and visible results to back it up), it feels justified.
Goddiva Straight Leg Denim Jeans – £45
Better known for its glamorous occasion wear and glittering evening dresses, Goddiva is switching things up this season with a brand-new denim collection – and the jeans look every bit as flattering as the gowns. The range spotlights contemporary fits and timeless washes, from sleek slim silhouettes to laid-back, relaxed cuts.
I’ve got my eye on the straight-leg pair in classic blue – they’re the kind of jeans that’ll elevate a simple outfit, especially when styled with black boots and a blazer. So far, Goddiva’s denim proves the brand’s knack for fit and polish extends far beyond the dance floor.
The collection doesn’t have any bold prints yet, though. For those looking for something more out there, I’ve been wearing these M&S animal-print jeans (£45) for more than a year now, and they’ve never let me down yet.
Saltair Santal Bloom Body Butter – £23
As a beauty writer, it’s my job to stay up to date on up-and-coming brands. And this week, I’ve added a new name to my roster: Saltair.
Founded by British model Iskra Lawrence, the label is all about celebrating different body types, skin tones and genders through its inclusive, sensorial formulas. It’s already achieved cult status in the US (its nourishing Body Oil collection has sold over 875,000 bottles), so it’s exciting to see it land in the UK.
The product line-up spans everything from lip oil balms to serum deodorants, but it’s the Santal Bloom Body Butter that really stands out. It smells fresh and creamy without being too sweet, and the almost-whipped texture feels silky and soothing on the skin – the kind of everyday luxury that lingers.
Another body butter I’m currently obsessing over is Ritual’s Dream Body Cream (£23.90, John Lewis). Infused with moonstone and blue daisies, it’s a great one to slather on before bedtime for a peaceful, self-care moment.
Jo Malone Sandalwood & Spiced Apricot Cologne – from £59
The release of new festive fragrances by beauty brands is truly exciting – even more so than the anticipation of the presents under the tree. I always look forward to Jo Malone unveiling its Christmas collection, and the brand hasn’t disappointed this year.
The much-loved British fragrance house has unveiled three new scents: Sandalwood & Spiced Apricot, Ginger Biscuit and Orange Bitters (each priced at £128 for 100ml). The star of the trio, Sandalwood & Spiced Apricot, combines creamy vanilla with the sweetness of sun-ripened fruit and a comforting, festive warmth, evoking cosy evenings and the inviting aroma of something delicious baking in the background.
Jo Malone isn’t the only brand embracing the festive spirit. A few of my other favourites have also unveiled seasonal releases, including Neom, which has reintroduced its much-loved Christmas Wish candle (£58) and a new Sparkling Joy scent (£58) to enjoy this year.
Nisha’s picks:
Baylis and Harding Advent calendar – £45
I have been testing out the new bath and body advent calendar from Baylis and Harding this week and have been enjoying the festive treats. It contains 24 bath-time luxuries ranging from bubble baths to bath bombs and moisturisers in varying scents, including Sweet Mandarin and Grapefruit, Midnight Cherry and Jojoba, Vanilla, and Almond Oil.
The latter is my favourite collection and includes soap, three bath and shower products, and even a shampoo and conditioner. The vanilla and almond scents are subtle and sweet-smelling, whilst the jojoba is nourishing for this time of year, when skin can tend to become drier.
The oil-infused products have a subtle scent and leave the skin feeling clean and hydrated. Other products worth mentioning include the bath bombs, each encased in gold foil, reminiscent of Christmas biscuit tins.
I was disappointed with the Midnight Cherry scent, as I wasn’t getting a strong cherry smell from the body butter as I’d hoped. It has more of a spa-like type of scent, which was underwhelming.
Dynessa Myricks Yummy Glow Serum – £39
As a beauty writer, I keep on top of new makeup releases, as well as trending must-haves. This Yummy Glow Serum is going viral on social media, thanks to its natural, glowing finish. This vegan, skincare-infused priming formula hydrates, preps, and protects while promising a lit-from-within finish.
It’s available in three skin tone shades: Freshly Pressed, Juice Boost, and Main Squeeze. The primer is a hit on Cult Beauty, where one beauty buff commented: “Love this! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered, but it’s great.
“Looks brown when it comes out of the bottle but doesn’t leave any noticeable colour on the face, just a really nice natural light from within glow, which is what I was hoping for.”
Another customer was underwhelmed, saying: “No glow, no pigment, expensive waste of time and money. Love the brand and those so many good products in the range, but don’t bother with this.”
A third buyer was more pleased, adding: “Love it on my slightly oily skin. Makes your makeup look flawless and gives that radiant look from within.”
Studded bag – £35.99
I am looking for a new autumnal bag and recently spotted this studded offering from Bershka. I liked the half-moon shape and the bag’s medium size, so it can actually be functional.
After years of buying mini shoulder bags, I am officially over the tiny ones that barely hold anything. Brown is always a staple trend during the autumn months, and I have many brown jackets that this will complement well.
The only downside is that it is made of suede, which may get ruined and damaged when the weather transitions from autumnal sunshine to wet winter weather.
Eve’s picks:
Subversive Scents Wild Horses – £99
When I find a new swoon-worthy fragrance, I will wear it to death. And that has been the case for me since getting the new Subversive Scents Wild Horses perfume. Coming in a neat, clouded bottle, one thing I enjoy is that this spray doesn’t have a cap per se – the top of the bottle twists before slotting into a position to press down and spritz.
Onto the scent, it’s so nice. While my typical fragrance is Floral Street’s Wonderland Peony or Issey Miyake’s L’Eau d’Issey, this is a gorgeous alternative.
It’s floral, but not too overpowering, and it has some musky depth, too. As described on the website, the perfume has top notes of rose, which come through nicely, while the heart notes are jasmine, peony, pink peppercorn, and salty tears (sea-like and fresh). Meanwhile, its base notes are musk, cedarwood, amber and tonka bean.
It also claims to be unisex, which is great – although I don’t see myself sharing it with my partner anytime soon.
Nobody’s Child X TBCo – £65
October is in full swing, and so is the chillier weather. While I’m not quite ready to crack out my chunky woollen scarves, it does warrant a smaller, dainty yet cosy one – such as Scottish brand TBCo’s designs. And the brand whose scarves were everywhere last winter have collaborated with one of our favourite high street brands, Nobody’s Child. Featuring scarves as well as cardigans and jumpers, naturally, we want it all.
For example, its NC x TBCo Brown Floral Wool Triangle Scarf, £65, is delicate and with its 100% Merino Wool makeup is inevitably warm. Decorated with yellow and blue embroidered flowers, this brown triangle scarf leans into the season’s colour trend. Being a chic, vintage addition, it is a great accessory to an outfit that needs a little something extra. This scarf on Nobody’s Child also comes in pink, blue and red.
They can be tied at the neck or styled as a headscarf. Being made from merino wool, it’s important to hand-wash the scarf rather than put it in the washing machine to avoid shrinkage, which would be its only negative point for me.
For those not wanting to spend over £60 on a scarf, Damson Madder offers a similar style for £32, available in a variety of colours and designs, such as this cobalt and baby blue design.
Blowfish Malibu Venice Double Buckle Boots – £75
Autumn and winter wardrobes call for warm, leather boots that can withstand wind and rain while still looking good. As soon as I spotted these Blowfish Malibu Venice Double Buckle Boots, £75, at Office, I fell in love and immediately added them to my payday wishlist.
With a biker style, the boots feature a sturdy synthetic upper that mimics the look and feel of genuine leather and a cosy faux suede lining. With this finish, they give us serious Claudia Winkleman vibes in The Traitors.
They have two adjustable buckles, ankle studs, and a wraparound style that’s unique and unlike anything I’ve seen. The boots come in brown and black and are versatile enough to wear with jeans, dresses and more. While the shoes themselves don’t have any reviews, some people on Trustpilot have reported that they haven’t lasted as long as they’d hoped.
One person wrote: “Would have given it five stars, as they are comfy and look great, but the soles split down the middle after only wearing them for 10 days. Not sure if I got a dud pair or if it’s a design flaw.”
If this style isn’t the right fit for you, the likes of ASOS DESIGN has the Casey leather hardware biker knee boots in aged black suede in a similar design for £98.
