Louise Whitbread

Metro recommends eight affordable high-street maxi dresses for staying cool during a heatwave. The selection emphasizes lightweight, breathable and loose-fitting fabrics such as cotton and linen, while covering options for everyday wear, offices, weddings, holidays and outdoor events. Prices range from £12.99 to £139, with retailers including Tu Clothing, COS, Topshop, Nobody’s Child, Next, H&M, River Island and New Look.

Metro recommends eight beach bags for summer 2026, highlighting spacious, soft or structured designs suited to carrying towels, water bottles, books and suncream. The selection includes raffia, mesh, canvas, terry cotton, crochet and quilted totes from brands including Damson Madder, M&S, Katie Loxton, Next, White Stuff, Oliver Bonas and Arket, with prices ranging from £29 to £64.99. Several bags are also presented as versatile enough for commuting, travel or everyday use.

A Metro writer recommends Havaianas Una Acai sandals after wearing a black pair for two years, including on long walks across London. The sandals are praised for their cushioned sole, secure straps, grip, versatility, quick drying and durability. Although they cost £45—more than basic flip-flops—the writer considers them good value because they avoid blisters and have remained comfortable over time.

Metro’s beauty team recommends eight hydrating serums across a range of budgets, from E45 and Olay to premium options from FaceGym and Summer Fridays. The roundup focuses on ingredients including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides, panthenol and squalane, with products selected for concerns such as dryness, sensitivity, heat-stressed skin, pigmentation, texture and fine lines.

Skincare products generally should not be stored in the fridge unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it, because excessive cold may destabilize formulations, reduce effectiveness or separate ingredients. During a UK heatwave, experts Andrea Pfeffer and Ikè Muotoh recommend lightweight serums, oils and hydrating face mists, while continuing vitamin A products and prioritizing broad-spectrum SPF. Exfoliating acids should be used cautiously on hot, sweaty skin, and sunburn or heat rash should be treated with cool water and simple, barrier-focused products while avoiding fragrance, alcohol and strong active ingredients.

Linen clothing is presented as the best solution for staying cool during an upcoming heatwave, with recommendations spanning versatile tops, dresses, shorts, shirts and trousers from high‑street retailers including Marks & Spencer, H&M, Uniqlo, Next, Cos, Oysho and others. Each item is highlighted for breathability, comfort and styling flexibility, offering options suitable for work, holidays or formal events.

A curated selection of mini, midi and maxi hen‑do dresses for brides‑to‑be highlights a range of styles suited to various celebrations, from elegant structured midis to beach‑ready knits. Options cover multiple budgets and aesthetics, featuring designs from Nadine Merabi, Club L London, Marks & Spencer and other fashion brands, with notes on fit, comfort and ideal settings for each dress.

England's progress to a World Cup semi-final against Argentina is presented as the occasion for an outdoor watch party. Metro recommends discounted essentials including a drinks fridge, slushie maker, oversized beanbag, inflatable projector screen and trophy-shaped beer mug, highlighting their sale prices and suitability for hosting guests during the match.

Beauty journalist Louise Whitbread recommends Berlin-based makeup brand Kess after testing its range on acne-prone, oily combination skin. Founded by Kaspar von Mellenthin, Kess focuses on uncomplicated, sheer and buildable “no makeup, makeup” products that are multifunctional and refillable. The review highlights the Blush & Glow Duo Stick, Concealer Stick SPF 20, Jelly Treat Lip Oil, CC Cream SPF 30 and Lengthening Day Mascara, praising their natural finishes, ease of application and suitability for quick everyday routines.

Boohoo’s summer collection is presented as an affordable solution for dressing comfortably and stylishly during a heatwave, highlighting a selection of dresses, skirts, jumpsuits and co‑ords suited to a range of occasions and budgets. Key items include polka dot skirts, corset tops, sheer mini skirts, and maxi dresses, all positioned as versatile wardrobe staples that help manage high temperatures while staying on trend.

Rimmel expands its Oh My Gloss! Butter Me Up lip balm line with four mocktail-inspired summer shades featuring hydrating ingredients like squalane, peptides, avocado butter and hyaluronic acid. The new colours offer high shine without stickiness and are available at a discounted price of £7.99 at Superdrug until August 11. The shades provide easy, low‑effort wear and align with the growing mocktail beauty trend.

The Perfume Shop is offering three limited-edition Bridgerton-inspired 50ml Eau de Parfums—Dearest Graceful Hydrangea, Dearest Rebel Vanilla and Dearest Tempting Peach—for £29.99 each, reduced from £42. The fragrances feature floral-woody, vanilla and fruity scent profiles, respectively, with ornate Regency-themed packaging and masquerade motifs. The collection is exclusive to The Perfume Shop and is promoted as a limited-stock opportunity.

Jelly bags return as a major 2026 fashion trend, with colourful and practical designs available from high‑street and designer brands. Retailers including H&M and Kurt Geiger offer affordable options, while labels like Diesel, Farm Rio and Staud provide elevated versions. Recommended styles range from playful totes to embellished shoulder bags, catering to occasions from weddings to beach trips.

A remote-controlled oscillating tower fan is discounted from £100.99 to £49.99 amid an approaching UK heatwave. The fan offers 70-degree oscillation, a 12-hour timer, an LCD temperature display, and a child mode for quieter use. It is marketed as a practical and compact cooling option, with all settings adjustable via remote control, making it suitable for bedrooms, living spaces, and nurseries.

Fans attending Pitbull’s sold-out BST Hyde Park show are snapping up an £11.99 Amazon costume kit that includes a bald cap, sunglasses and a soul patch. The set, already a bestseller in fancy‑dress headwear, is promoted as an easy and fun way for concertgoers to match the performer’s signature look, with thousands purchasing it in the past month.

A reviewer with sensitive skin tested E45’s new HydroCell bodycare range for 30 days, finding each product effective and gentle. The smoothing lotion improved texture within days, the glow serum spray offered quick, non-sticky hydration with a subtle radiance, and the firming gel cream provided a luxurious feel and became the standout favorite. The range is praised for fast absorption, sensitive-skin suitability, and good value.

Sainsbury’s introduced a 25% discount on three or more bottles from its Taste the Difference wine range, covering white, red, rosé, prosecco and Champagne options priced above £6. The article highlights several recommended bottles, including shopper‑favoured whites, reds and rosés, along with customer reviews praising quality and value. The promotion allows purchases of up to 36 bottles, making it suitable for events and summer gatherings.

High‑street brands including Uniqlo, M&S, Next, Abercrombie and Oysho offer a range of supportive built‑in bra tops under £30 designed for comfort and warm‑weather wear. Options include racerback, V‑neck, halterneck and scoop‑neck styles, many supported by strong customer reviews and available in multiple colours. These tops aim to replace traditional bras by providing integrated support, breathable fabrics and versatile styling for summer.

A selection of six aftersun lotions, gels and sprays is recommended to soothe sunburn during the UK heatwave, highlighting hydrating and anti‑inflammatory formulas from brands including Nivea, Eucerin, Dior, Heliocare, E45 and Vaseline. Each product is described in terms of texture, suitability for sensitive skin and cooling or restorative benefits, with options ranging from budget picks to luxury treatments.

A frequent traveller praises The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 22-inch suitcase for its durability, spacious design and ease of use. The bag’s recycled polyester shell, robust handles, smooth wheels and practical compartments are highlighted as key strengths after years of use across multiple destinations. Despite its higher price, its longevity and performance are emphasised as offering strong value.

A selection of anti-chafing solutions is recommended for easing discomfort during the summer, including balms, moisture‑wicking shorts and multi‑use deodorant creams. Featured products from Megababe, Body Glide, Uniqlo, Kiehl's and M&S are highlighted for their effectiveness in reducing friction, managing sweat and improving comfort in hot weather.

A discounted Amazon Prime Day offer reduces the price of a 24-pack of Diet Coke to £7.50, making each can 31p. The article highlights the limited-time nature of the deal, notes its popularity with over 60,000 recent purchases, and encourages shoppers to act before the price returns to nearly £14.

Recommends a curated selection of cooling face mists designed to soothe heat-induced skin issues such as redness, sensitivity, heat rash and sunburn. Highlights formulas featuring thermal spring water, ceramides and hypochlorous acid, with guidance on how each mist supports hydration, calms irritation and offers refreshing relief during hot weather. Provides price points for budget to premium options and suggests storing mists in the fridge for enhanced cooling effects.

Multiple handheld fans are recommended as affordable and effective ways to stay cool during UK heatwaves, with options from John Lewis, M&S, JISULIFE and Shark highlighted for portability, battery life and performance across various budgets.

Regatta’s Summer Shop highlights discounted warm‑weather clothing and accessories suited for travel, beach days and outdoor activities, with options ranging from tote bags and dresses to waterproof jackets, sandals and cover‑ups. The collection emphasizes lightweight fabrics, practical design and inclusive sizing, with many items offered at reduced prices.

Shokz’s OpenDots 2 wireless open‑ear headphones deliver strong sound quality, excellent comfort, long battery life and fast charging. Lightweight and secure during commuting, workouts and travel, they allow awareness of surroundings while offering clear audio. Despite a premium price, their design, performance and practicality make them a worthwhile upgrade.

A roundup of recommended packing cubes highlights sets from Antler, M&S, Periea, Next, Dunelm and Anthropologie, noting features such as compression zips, mesh tops, varied sizing and stylish designs. The products are presented as practical tools for keeping luggage organised, maximising space and simplifying travel preparation.

Wimbledon spectators are advised to follow a smart-casual dress code, avoiding oversized hats and any offensive clothing as outlined by the AELTC. Recommended outfit ideas include pieces from the official Wimbledon clothing collection and a range of designer and high-street options such as polo shirts, cotton midi dresses, linen styles, and subtle tennis-themed accessories. The guide highlights versatile, weather-appropriate clothing suited to the event’s traditional aesthetic and summer conditions.

A discounted eight‑piece beauty bundle from Give Me Cosmetics is promoted as an affordable way to enhance self‑care, featuring hair, skin and lip products including shampoo, conditioner, a hair mask, facial tools, masks and lip treatments, all presented as good‑value items that support an easy at‑home pampering routine.

A selection of SPF lip balms is recommended for protecting lips from sun damage, spanning budget-friendly sticks, glossy oils and luxury balms. Options range from under £5 essentials to high‑end formulas featuring hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter and ceramides. Brands including Nivea, E45, Naked Sundays, Hello Sunday, Ultrasun, Bondi Sands, Lanolips and Kopari are highlighted for their protective qualities, textures and scents, offering choices suitable for sensitive skin, gloss lovers and those seeking everyday sun care.

Advice from tanning expert James Harknett outlines how to prepare the skin, choose suitable self‑tanning formulas, apply products evenly and avoid streaks. Brush exfoliation, cool showers, and using a mitt for long sweeping motions help achieve smooth results, while makeup brushes aid precision on hands and feet. Recommended products include mousses from Three Warriors and Isle of Paradise, and bronzing drops from Dr Barbara Sturm. Consistent moisturising and cool showers extend the life of the tan.

A detailed review highlights the Kurt Geiger Kensington Fringe Bag as a stylish and practical choice for summer events, praising its denim design, fringe details, floral accents, and adjustable top handle. The bag is described as both eye-catching and functional, featuring multiple compartments and a secure closure. Positioned as an ideal accessory for weddings and seasonal occasions, it blends statement aesthetics with everyday usability.

Ann Summers’ Miami Dreams bikini set is highlighted for its supportive fit, flattering shape, adjustable features, and wide size range, with both top and bottoms offered at discounted prices. Customer reviews praise the comfort, lift, and fit, making the swimwear a popular choice for upcoming holidays.