Alice Reynolds

Boots is launching three 2026 beauty advent calendars on 2 September: a £150 luxe beauty calendar valued at more than £700, a £70 skincare calendar valued at over £300, and a new £90 fragrance calendar valued at £345. The luxe edition combines make-up, skincare, haircare and fragrance from premium brands, while the skincare edition focuses heavily on Korean beauty, hydration, barrier repair and glow, making it best suited to normal, dry or dehydrated skin rather than acne-prone or oily skin. The fragrance calendar offers 15 products across 12 doors, with a floral and feminine emphasis led by Givenchy L'Interdit. Waitlist customers receive 24-hour early access, and Boots Advantage Card members can earn £5 in points.

The Instant Pot mini is a compact multi-cooker aimed at solo diners, students and people with limited kitchen space. Its 3.8-litre pot makes up to four portions and offers seven functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, egg cooking, yoghurt making and keeping food warm. Dishwasher-safe components, four recipe presets and the Instant Connect app add convenience, while Instant Pot claims the appliance uses 80 per cent less energy. It is available in soft blue, black and white for £67 from Amazon.co.uk.

Wine expert Luke Flunder recommends ten supermarket canned wines for picnics, festivals and other occasions. The selection includes organic whites, reds and rosés from Vinca, premium varieties from Canned Wine Co., French rosés from Bijou and Mirabeau, and English sparkling wines from M&S and The Uncommon. Vinca is highlighted for value, Canned Wine Co.’s grüner veltliner and gamay for premium quality, and M&S’s Bramble Hill English sparkling as the top-value fizz option.

Wine expert Luke Flunder recommends ten supermarket canned wines for picnics, festivals and other occasions. The selection includes organic whites and reds from Vinca, premium varietals from Canned Wine Co., French rosés from Bijou and Mirabeau, and English sparkling wines from M&S and The Uncommon. Vinca is highlighted for value, Canned Wine Co. for premium quality, Mirabeau and Bijou for rosé, and M&S Bramble Hill English sparkling as the top choice for portable fizz.

John Lewis’s 2026 beauty advent calendar costs £250 and contains 41 products across 25 drawers, with 23 full-size items and a stated value of £1,160. Highlights include the Foreo UFO 3 Mini, products from La Mer, Dermalogica, Charlotte Tilbury and Fenty Beauty, and a range of skincare, make-up, haircare and bodycare. The writer praises its breadth and value but finds some Rituals, Nuxe and This Works products overly familiar and questions the inclusion of a glittery nail polish and Versace fragrance miniature. John Lewis is also launching its first 12-day fragrance advent calendar, priced at £99 and valued at £305, featuring niche and luxury scents from brands including Maison Margiela, Essential Parfums, Jo Loves, Frederic Malle and Nishane. Beauty-calendar pre-orders are available to MyJL Beauty members, with general sale from 7 September; the fragrance calendar opens to members on 21 September and general sale on 25 September.

The article presents Marks & Spencer’s £32 cotton-blend crochet-style collared cardigan as an affordable, versatile layer for summer and autumn. Six outfit combinations are suggested, pairing it with jorts, Bermuda shorts, a textured midi skirt, barrel jeans, denim shorts and satin wide-leg trousers. The cardigan is praised for its chic appearance, adaptability and ability to complement both casual and tailored pieces.

A comparative taste test of eight supermarket mature cheddars names Tesco Finest Mature English Cheddar the overall winner for its balanced tang, creamy yet crumbly texture and depth of flavor. Aldi Emporium is the best budget option, Sainsbury’s is recommended for versatility, Waitrose Duchy Organic for organic shoppers, and Aldi’s West Country Vintage for cheeseboards. The review also highlights differences in sharpness, texture, maturation and value, with several milder cheeses considered particularly suitable for children or cooking.

The review tests a range of ASOS wedding guest dresses priced at £50 or less, assessing fit, quality, versatility and value. It highlights floral, satin, casual, high-neck and animal-print styles, generally finding ASOS offers attractive and wearable options across different dress codes and body types. Some dresses have drawbacks including thin or less-premium fabrics, limited bust support, awkward bra compatibility and restrictive or overly long cuts, but the collection is judged to offer strong value for weddings, holidays and other occasions.

Wine experts Luke Flunder and Jane Peyton recommend seven bottles from Sainsbury’s across sparkling, white, rosé and red categories. Highlights include a balanced crémant d’Alsace, traditional-method cava, aromatic gewürztraminer, rich South African chenin blanc, two refreshing rosés and a fruit-forward Brouilly. Sainsbury’s broad selection and a 25 per cent discount when buying six or more bottles add to the recommendations’ value.

Sainsbury’s sells an 1180ml beige travel cup for £12, compared with £50 for Stanley’s Quencher. The tumbler has a similar large-capacity design, vacuum insulation, grip handle and options for drinking through a pop-up cover or straw. Customer reviews reportedly praise its ability to keep drinks cold and its leak-resistant cover, making it a lower-cost option for days out or desk use.

The Independent’s IndyBest team reviews ASOS wedding guest dresses priced at £50 or less, assessing fit, quality, versatility and value. The selection includes floral, satin, polka-dot, maxi and casual styles, with testers generally finding the dresses stylish and adaptable for weddings and other occasions. Common drawbacks include limited bust support, thin or less-premium fabrics, long lengths and restrictive or difficult-to-style silhouettes. Overall, ASOS is presented as offering strong value across a wide range of dress codes and body types.

A taste test of supermarket pizzas in the UK ranks eight products across categories including overall quality, dough, flavour, crispness, cheese toppings, vegan suitability and Neapolitan style. Morrisons’s The Best mozzarella, cherry tomato and basil pesto pizza is the overall winner for its flavoursome toppings, soft sourdough-and-rye base and value. Co-op’s wood-fired margherita is a close second, while Tesco is recommended for thick-pizza fans and Doughboys for premium dough. The main weaknesses identified across the range are bland or overly sweet tomato sauces, insufficient pesto and, in the vegan option, an artificial-tasting cheese substitute.

Wine experts Luke Flunder and Jane Peyton recommend seven bottles available at Sainsbury’s, covering sparkling, white, rosé and red wines. Highlights include Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Crémant d’Alsace, Codorniu Vintage Cava, Alsace Gewürztraminer, Bellingham Old Vine Chenin Blanc, two rosés and Château de Pierreux Brouilly. The selections are praised for quality, food pairing potential and value, with Sainsbury’s offering 25 per cent off when customers buy six or more bottles and an additional Nectar discount on the Mirabeau rosé.

A taste test of supermarket dark chocolate finds Asda’s 73% Madagascan bar the best overall because it combines an approachable, buttery flavour with high cocoa content and good value. M&S’s 85% Peruvian bar is the premium choice, Aldi’s Moser Roth offers the best budget option, and Sainsbury’s 85% cooking chocolate is recommended for baking. Co-op performs well for a milder 85% bar and orange-flavoured chocolate, while M&S’s 55% bar is best suited to people new to dark chocolate. The assessment considers flavour, texture, cocoa percentage, sustainability credentials and price per 100g.

Archies flip flops are reviewed after weeks of testing in London and Madeira. Their 2.2cm arch, moulding footbed, raised toe contours and adjustable one-piece straps provided notably better support and comfort than traditional flat flip flops, reducing foot and calf strain during prolonged wear. The straps required loosening initially, and the shoes showed slight scuffing after two weeks, but their lightweight construction and durability were rated highly. Despite costing £35, the reviewer considers them worth the investment for frequent flip-flop wearers.

A review of NYX’s Caramelt Mami and Coconut Cutie hair and body fragrance mists finds both affordable, appealing options for summer. Caramelt Mami received 4.5/5 for its rich caramel, amber and cedarwood scent, while Coconut Cutie received 4/5 for its nostalgic coconut, vanilla, amber and sandalwood fragrance. Both lasted around two hours, with Caramelt Mami named the overall favorite. The review notes that the £12.99 mists offer good value, while cautioning against over-applying them to hair because alcohol-based fragrance can cause breakage.

EasyJet’s standard fare includes one under-seat bag measuring up to 45 x 36 x 20cm and weighing up to 15kg. Passengers can pay for a larger 56 x 45 x 25cm cabin bag, which includes Speedy Boarding, while oversized or unbooked extra bags may incur a £48 gate fee. The guide compares EasyJet’s allowance with those of Ryanair and British Airways and recommends an Antler cabin bag for its sturdy construction, smooth wheels, airline compliance and lifetime guarantee, despite its £185 price.

Wilfred’s non-alcoholic aperitif is selected as the best overall alcohol-free alternative to Aperol, offering a complex bittersweet blend of rosemary, rhubarb, clove and orange. Crodino is recommended as the best pre-mixed option for its punchy Italian aperitivo character, while Bottlegreen bitter orange is the budget choice for its light, refreshing citrus flavour. The review finds that none fully replicates Aperol, but all provide an appealing alcohol-free summer drinking experience.

EasyJet allows one small under‑seat bag measuring 45 x 36 x 20 cm, with larger cabin bags available for an extra fee and accompanied by Speedy Boarding. Oversized or additional bags incur a £48 gate charge. Compared with other airlines, EasyJet’s limits fall between Ryanair’s stricter policy and British Airways’ more generous allowance. Recommended luggage options include durable premium brands such as Antler and more affordable choices from retailers like Amazon and Primark, with an Antler cabin case highlighted as a top-performing option.

A nutritionist-informed, taste-tested guide ranks nine protein bars for different needs, including overall quality, fibre, organic ingredients, low sugar, whole-food composition, low carbohydrates, hiking fuel and high protein. The review favours recognisable ingredients and minimal processing, while cautioning that protein bars should generally be an occasional convenience rather than a replacement for protein-rich whole foods. Pip & Nut is selected as the best overall, while BodyMe, Form and Bio & Me receive particular praise for their ingredients and nutritional profiles. The guide also flags trade-offs such as dryness, high sugar, palm-derived ingredients and the use of bovine collagen in Veloforte, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.

The Independent reviews standout pieces from M&S’s 2026 summer collection, praising the retailer for making runway-inspired trends affordable and wearable. Recommended items include a £34 drop-waist mesh skirt, linen-blend tailoring, puff-sleeve tops, dresses, beachwear, sunglasses and a statement kaftan, with the collection positioned as suitable for holidays, weddings, garden parties and everyday summer dressing. Several items are noted as selling out quickly, while some dresses are advised to be bought in a smaller size.

Aldi is launching its £69.99 Ambiano ice cream maker in its limited Specialbuys range on 16 July. The machine uses a rotating blade and “smoothify” technology to make ice cream, sorbets, milkshakes and frozen cocktails, and includes three preparation cups, ten preset programmes, dishwasher-safe accessories and a self-cleaning function. It is positioned as a significantly cheaper rival to Ninja’s Creami range, although stock is expected to sell quickly. The article also highlights Lidl’s similarly priced alternative and recommends the Ninja Creami Deluxe, Ninja Creami and Cuisinart Solo Scoops as tested options.

Alice Reynolds reviews the Simba cool foam mattress topper after testing it for two months, including during two summer heatwaves. The 6.5cm topper is comfortable, soft, easy to fit and effective at transforming an old mattress, with a removable machine-washable cover and a 200-night trial. However, its cooling and breathability performance is only moderate, particularly when sharing the bed, and the reviewer suggests considering less synthetic materials for stronger temperature regulation.

Aldi introduces a £69.99 Ambiano ice cream maker as a budget rival to the Ninja Creami, offering similar features, multiple preset programmes and easy upkeep. The release arrives in stores on 16 July as a limited Specialbuys item. Comparable kitchen appliances will launch the same day, while higher‑priced alternatives such as the Ninja Creami and budget options like the Cuisinart solo scoops model are highlighted for comparison.

Aldi is releasing a budget Ambianu ice cream machine priced at £69.99, positioned as a cheaper alternative to the Ninja creami and featuring self‑cleaning, adjustable blades, and preset programmes. It will be available in stores on 16 July as part of a limited specialbuys range. Comparisons highlight the Ninja creami deluxe as a top-performing but more expensive option, while Cuisinart’s budget model is noted for ease of use and consistently creamy results.

Three alcohol-free alternatives to an Aperol spritz were tested for taste, ease of preparation and value. Wilfred’s was found to best replicate Aperol’s bittersweet complexity, followed by Crodino for its strong Italian aperitivo character. Bottlegreen offered a lighter, budget-friendly option with less bitterness. The reviewer evaluated each drink served chilled and prepared as recommended, selecting Wilfred’s as the closest alcohol-free match.

Asda’s second Gym Locker collection, created with Ashley Roberts, offers trend-led women’s activewear and loungewear from £14. The range includes sculpting capri leggings, flared leggings, sweat sets and cycling shorts designed for activities such as Pilates, yoga, running and strength training. The pieces are compared favorably with similar Alo styles costing up to £128, with affordability, versatility, sweat-wicking fabrics and inclusive sizing highlighted as key advantages.

TUI passengers may bring a main cabin bag weighing up to 10kg and measuring no more than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, plus a smaller under-seat bag limited to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm. The guide recommends choosing luggage designed to fit these restrictions and highlights the Tripp Holiday 8 cabin suitcase as an affordable, functional option, while noting that it may not provide lifetime durability.

A comparison of supermarket picnic foods for summer gatherings identifies Asda’s pil pil king prawns as the overall winner for their smoky marinade, juicy texture and strong flavour. Other recommended products include Sainsbury’s olives and ’nduja sausage rolls, Aldi’s budget egg bites and houmous, Waitrose’s harissa couscous salad, M&S’s calamari and pretzels, Tesco’s potato salad and vegan sausage rolls, and Co-op’s mozzarella pearls. The testing assesses taste, texture, picnic suitability and value, while noting drawbacks such as high prices, excessive sweetness or pesto, undercooked potatoes, runny dip and palm oil.

A curated guide recommends women’s activewear brands across high-street, luxury and sustainable categories. It highlights affordable staples from H&M, Marks & Spencer, Adidas, Nike and Under Armour; premium labels such as Lululemon, Sweaty Betty, Vuori and Alo Yoga; and sustainability-focused brands including BAM, Girlfriend Collective and Tala. The recommendations emphasize flattering fits, technical performance, comfort, versatility, inclusivity and the use of recycled or lower-impact materials.

Jet2 passengers can take one free cabin bag weighing up to 10kg and measuring no more than 56 x 45 x 25cm, plus a smaller under-seat bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm. Infants may have up to two permitted items and an additional 10kg allowance, subject to individual weight limits and excess charges. The article recommends an M&S cabin suitcase and Antler Discovery backpack as suitable options that fit within Jet2’s restrictions.

Aldi is launching Le Grand Poulet, a 1.5-litre magnum of its popular Le Petit Poulet Provence rosé, in UK stores for £11.99. The wine is described as refreshing and fruit-forward, with strawberry, raspberry and white-peach notes, and is positioned as a cheaper alternative to the £17.50 La Vieille Ferme rosé magnum. The bottle will launch on 6 July and is expected to be popular for summer entertaining.

Kate Middleton completed the Three Peaks challenge by climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within 24 hours to raise money and awareness for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The article details the practical hiking clothing and accessories she wore, highlighting high-street products from Fjällräven, Härkila, The North Face and Spells of Love, along with their features and listed prices.

Experts recommend standout sparkling, white, rosé and red wines currently available at Sainsbury’s, highlighting flavour profiles, value, and suitability for summer gatherings. Luke Flunder and Jane Peyton praise options ranging from crémant and cava to chenin blanc, Provence rosé and Beaujolais, noting balance, character and strong pricing, especially with the supermarket’s multibuy discount.

Marks & Spencer’s latest summer collection emphasizes versatile, trend‑driven pieces including linens, jorts, drop‑waist skirts and tailored co‑ords, alongside standout accessories such as sunglasses and swimwear. The reviewer highlights several recommended items for events and everyday wear, praising the quality, comfort and design across the range, while also noting sizing guidance for specific pieces.

Aldi offers the cheapest strawberries among the supermarkets compared, at 99p for a 227g punnet. Lidl, Morrisons and Asda follow at £1.19, while Sainsbury’s, M&S and Waitrose are more expensive. UK strawberries are generally in season from May or early June through late August, and strawberries and cream at Wimbledon costs £2.85 this year, up from £2.70 last year.

Guidance from wine expert Jane Peyton outlines ideal serving temperatures for red wines based on body and tannin levels, recommending cooler temperatures for lighter varieties and slightly warmer ranges for fuller-bodied reds. Expert Lily Thomas contributes tasting notes and recommended serving temperatures for several specific red wines, with suggested temperature ranges aligned to each wine’s style.

Experts say electrolytes are unnecessary for most everyday workouts but become useful during prolonged exercise, hot conditions or for people who lose significant sodium through sweat. They can support hydration and fluid balance during long-duration training, with additional benefits when food is not consumed after exercise. Recommended options include Precision Fuel & Hydration products, SiS Go electrolyte powder and Ancient and Brave true hydration, all noted for their formulations and suitability for endurance training.

A wide range of Amazon Prime Day discounts remain available across tech, beauty, home appliances and fitness products, including savings on devices from Apple, Google and Dyson. Expert reviewers highlight strong performance, design and value across featured items such as the MacBook Air, Google Pixel 10 Pro, Ninja appliances, and Oura Ring 4. Several beauty and personal care products, including Elemis and CeraVe favourites, also retain significant reductions. Many deals match or exceed Prime Day pricing, offering continued opportunities to save across major categories.

A four‑month test of the Vivobarefoot Gobi II leather sneakers finds them lightweight, comfortable and supportive of natural foot movement. The wide toe box and thin sole enhance stability and reduce fatigue, while the cork insole provides antibacterial benefits. Despite creasing and dirt retention on the white leather, the shoes offer strong everyday performance and sustainability credentials, making them a recommended entry point into barefoot footwear.

Aldi is releasing a £39.99 globe fan through its limited Specialbuys range, offering a lower-cost alternative to Meaco’s top-rated £99.99 MeacoFan Sefte. The Aldi fan has three modes, including settings for sleeping and drying laundry, while the supermarket is also selling a portable air cooler and a £6.99 flexible tripod fan. The globe fan will be available in stores from Thursday 2 July and is expected to sell out quickly. With the Meaco model unavailable, the Levoit pedestal and desk fan is recommended as an alternative, particularly for its broad coverage, strong turbo airflow, versatile design and sturdy construction.

Testing five supermarket bedding sets for comfort, quality, design, durability, ease of care and value, Alice Reynolds selects Sainsbury's Home crinkle bedding as the best overall choice because of its exceptional softness, relaxed appearance and £22 price. George at Asda offers the most affordable trend-led option, while Marks & Spencer performs strongly with a refined pure-cotton striped set and breathable pure-linen bedding. Tesco's F&F floral set is praised for its reversible design and dependable performance. The main trade-offs are breathability, warmth, fabric quality, price and linen's tendency to crease.

The MeacoFan sefte 10-inch table air circulator is presented as a strong option for cooling UK homes during heatwaves, particularly because many lack air conditioning. Expert tester Joanne Lewsley praised its powerful yet smooth airflow, quiet operation, energy efficiency and suitability for bedrooms. Running at 22.5W on its highest setting, it costs less than 1p per hour, while an eco mode adjusts fan speed according to room temperature. Priced at £100 from Meaco, it was selected as the top fan in the tester’s buying guide.

The Lake District’s Grasmere, Cartmel, Troutbeck, Ambleside, Keswick and Coniston are recommended as attractive bases away from the region’s busiest areas. The guide highlights each location’s scenery, walking and watersports, literary and artistic heritage, historic sites, local food and accommodation, including Grasmere’s Wordsworth connections, Cartmel’s Michelin-starred restaurants, Keswick’s family activities and Coniston’s quieter lake and boating opportunities.

Alice Reynolds tests Rhode’s pocket bronze and highlight milk, finding that both deliver easy-to-use, skin-like glow-enhancing effects suited to minimalist make-up. The pocket bronze provides buildable, streak-free warmth with light coverage, hydration and good day-to-night longevity, while the highlight milk creates a fluid, radiant sheen across the face and décolletage but can appear glittery or greasy in some conditions. Neither product is revolutionary, and their prices limit their value, but both are recommended additions for fans of barely-there beauty.

The Cotswolds’ most appealing towns and villages are recommended for their honey-coloured architecture, historic sites, scenic countryside, independent shops and traditional hospitality. The guide highlights Kingham, Snowshill, Broadway, Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter, Painswick and Stow-on-the-Wold, while also suggesting notable hotels, pubs and attractions. Visitors are advised to avoid peak summer crowds or choose smaller villages for a quieter experience.

A buying guide compares supermarket peonies from Sainsbury’s, Aldi, M&S and Waitrose, with prices starting at £4.49. Aldi is identified as the cheapest option, while M&S is recommended for gifting and Waitrose is noted for flowers that last well. The guide also explains how to extend peony life by trimming stems, removing leaves, avoiding direct sunlight and draughts, and changing the water every other day.

Laundry expert Matt Connelly recommends using less detergent and fabric softener, washing towels at moderate temperatures of 30–40°C, and tumble-drying them on low heat with wool dryer balls to preserve softness. The piece also highlights tested products, including Ecover fabric conditioner, Lakeland towel softener, and bath towels from Scooms and Dunelm, with each receiving favorable evaluations for softness, absorbency or value.

Karen Millen’s ready-to-wear bridal edit offers wedding dresses, suits, trousers and heels at prices starting from £150, positioning the collection as a more affordable alternative to traditional bridal boutiques. Featured pieces include satin and jacquard maxi dresses, a crystal-appliqué mermaid gown and tailored trousers styled with an asymmetric blazer.

Kate Middleton’s yellow Karen Millen pleated midi dress, worn during a 2022 visit to Royal Surrey County Hospital, is highlighted as a polished and versatile high-street wardrobe staple. The style remains available in black, ivory and magenta, with Karen Millen donating £5 from each magenta dress sale to Breast Cancer Now. The brand’s broader collection, created with ambassadors Elizabeth Day, Louise Roe and Sharmadean Reid, features tailored suits, structured dresses and coordinated separates.

A buying guide highlights celebrity-backed wines that offer more than name recognition, covering bottles from Kylie Minogue, Gary Barlow, Alex James, Elton John, Gordon Ramsay, Snoop Dogg, Graham Norton and Idris Elba. The selection spans rosé, sparkling wine, red and white wines, including alcohol-free options, with prices ranging from about £6 to £98 and products available through UK supermarkets and retailers. Kylie Minogue Wines receives particular attention for its quality-focused development, broad range and strong sales, while Graham Norton’s partnership with Invivo & Co is noted for its award record.

Kate Middleton wore a red silk Rodarte midi dress with a white heart polka-dot print to a Cancer Research UK anniversary reception at St. James’s Palace. The piece highlights the dress’s design details and accessories, then recommends several lower-priced alternatives from brands including Nobody’s Child, Dorothy Perkins, Finery London and Reformation, with prices ranging from £35 to £278.

Alice Reynolds tests Merit Beauty’s make-up, fragrance and skincare range over a month, assessing formula, blendability, longevity, packaging and value. She names the Bronze Balm the best overall product, praising its natural, buildable finish, while also recommending the Flush Balm, Clean Lash mascara, Brow 1990 and Retrospect fragrance. The Complexion Stick offers versatile light-to-medium coverage but can cling to dry patches, and the Great Skin Moisturizer provides a smooth make-up base without being deeply hydrating. The Shade Slick lip tint, Day Glow highlighter and Great Skin Double Cleanse perform well for natural, comfortable results, though the fragrance is expensive and shorter-lasting than claimed, and the cleanser struggles with stubborn eyeliner.

Spider-Noir, a live-action series starring Nicolas Cage as private investigator Ben Reilly in an alternate-universe 1930s New York, is available in the UK on Amazon Prime. All eight episodes have been released, with subscribers paying £8.99 per month or using a 30-day free trial. The series can also be viewed in black and white, and its cast and performances have received positive critical attention.

Wellness expert Emilie Lavinia names Fussy’s refillable natural deodorant her best overall choice after testing it against other products. She reports that it kept underarms dry and odour-free during workouts and long days. The vegan formula uses coconut oil, baking soda, magnesium hydroxide, probiotics, tapioca starch, shea butter and sunflower seed wax; a baking-soda-free version is available for sensitive skin. The deodorant comes in 16 scents, with refillable cartridges intended to reduce waste, although its case is partly plastic. The product is priced at £26 through Amazon.co.uk.

The Coway Airmega 50 is recommended as the best budget air purifier after testing by Joanne Lewsley, receiving four out of five stars. Its strengths include effective purification, low noise, compact dimensions, a real-time coloured air-quality indicator, automatic fan adjustment, a built-in nightlight and low energy consumption. The filter lasts around eight months, and the purifier is suitable for rooms up to 31 square metres, though its fan noise reaches 44dB.

The Beldray cordless wet and dry hand vac is a lightweight, budget-priced cleaner that effectively handles crumbs, dirt and small liquid spills. Its approximately 15-minute cordless runtime and ability to clean wet and dry messes make it useful for cars, tight spaces and everyday household accidents. However, its suction is lower than that of some tested alternatives, so it takes longer to complete larger cleaning jobs and cannot replace a full-sized wet-dry vacuum.

Marks & Spencer’s M&S Trouble Cloudy Rosé is an organic, vegan and naturally cloudy French wine priced at about £12.50 per bottle. Made by Gérard Bertrand from hand-harvested grapes using slow fermentation, it has yeasty, funky aromas alongside strawberry and raspberry notes, with a tart and dry finish. Wine influencer Candace recommends it for picnics and says its robust fermented character pairs well with food, while warning that it may not appeal to traditional Provence rosé drinkers.

Barbecue expert Marcus Bawdon recommends using high heat to burn off grease and residue from gas or charcoal grills, followed by scrubbing cooled grates with heavy-duty foil and wiping them with vegetable oil. He advises against bristle brushes and chemical cleaners inside the barbecue because bristles or chemical residue could contaminate food. Exterior surfaces can be treated with a degreaser, while moving parts benefit from a little oil. The piece also includes recommendations for barbecue equipment and Weber’s BBQ enamel cleaner.

The second season of Rivals, adapted from Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles, follows renewed conflict between Rupert Campbell-Black and media mogul Lord Tony Baddingham over a local television franchise. The season continues its satirical exploration of sex, power, rivalry and affluent rural society, introduces several new characters and relationships, and has received strong reviews, including five stars from The Guardian. It premieres on Disney+ with 12 episodes released in two six-episode batches.

Hailey Bieber’s first collection with Mango, titled “Craft your own story,” brings her minimalist Californian style to accessible summer fashion. The range includes micro-shorts, crop tops, tailoring, oversized jackets, mini dresses, colorful pieces, accessories and sandal heels, drawing on Bieber’s summer wardrobe and positioning Mango as a lower-priced alternative to designer fashion.

Outdoor rugs are presented as an affordable way to make patios, balconies and terraces more comfortable and stylish. The recommended options feature bold stripes, natural weaves and earthy tones, while weather-resistant materials make them suitable for muddy shoes, pets, rain and everyday wear. Several budget-friendly options are listed from retailers including Dunelm, Argos, Asda, Fableroom and La Redoute.

Boots is selling the Liz Earle Cleanse, Smooth and Glow Collection gift set for £35, despite the products having a stated combined value of £110.50. The set includes a limited-edition neroli and rose cleansing balm, a supersize illuminating gel moisturiser, soothing eye lotion and exfoliating tonic. Boots customer reviews praise the cleanser’s soothing qualities and the usefulness of the travel-size products, while the article suggests the set may sell out quickly.

Claudia Winkleman wore black Capri pants, a blazer and white heels to the BAFTAs, demonstrating a formal red-carpet approach to the revived cropped-trouser trend. The piece outlines the style’s origins and history, notes its renewed popularity despite criticism, and highlights high-street alternatives from retailers including Marks & Spencer, ASOS, River Island, Next and Nobody’s Child.