Weekend Wishlist: 10 must-have shopping finds from Charlotte Tilbury, New Look and more

Payday weekend is finally here, and our team of fashion and beauty experts are finally thinking about hitting the checkout button on some of our favourite buys from our (rather full) shopping carts.

From a smocked white H&M mini dress that’s perfect for everyday wear to a fancy diary to keep us organised, our shopping team has rounded up our favourite buys for payday weekend. Whether you fancy a new candle for a self-care treat or you’ve got a new dress or beauty buy on the brain, there are plenty of picks to choose from.

So, without further ado, here are all the gorgeous buys we’re coveting this week.

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Bethan's picks

Papier Foiled Academic Year Diary - £30

My favourite thing about 'back to school' season was always getting a new academic diary, and even now I still favour the August-to-July format. My go-to brand for notebooks, planners, and diaries, both for myself and for gifting, is Papier, and for anyone looking for something to keep them organised post-holidays, then this is it.

There are plenty of designs to choose from, but I like this vibrant 'B' designwith foiled accents. The hardback diary contains an 'about me' page, as well as space for timetables, deadlines, weekly overviews, goals, to-dos, key dates and notes of gratitude.

Others have also praised the diary, commenting on the product: "Stunning diary. Same format as the one I got previously, and I'm really glad about that because it's a great layout. Will purchase each academic year."

"It's even more beautiful than I imaginedit to be," another wrote. "I'm starting a new job and hoping this planner will keep me organised, looks very useful anyhow."

A third added: "This is great, but I wish this could be combined more with the daily planner." By comparison, the daily planner offers 365 undated daily pages, including space to write down your to-do lists and priorities.

Elsewhere, on Amazon, there's this Busy B A5 Mid-Year Academic Diary for £14.99,where shoppers can schedule their week on one side and jot down notes on the other. The design is ideal for professionals, students, or anyone looking to stay organised throughout the year.

Pink And Red Striped Starlight Midi Dress - £75.65 from £89

The starlight design is one of Nobody’s Child’s number one best-selling silhouettes, and after finally bagging one for myself, it’s not difficult to see why it’s so universally loved. This particular version of the dress, currently available in 17 patterns and colours, is the red and pink stripe, designed with puff sleeves and the brand’s signature cinched waist that flatters the figure.

The v-neck isn’t too low, the skirt is suitably swishy and perhaps the most exciting thing is that it has side seam pockets, perfect for popping your phone in without it looking bulky. Usually £89, the retailer currently has a code, TREAT15, where shoppers can save 15% off on the new-in piece, taking the price down to £75.65.

Commenting on the dress, one shopper said how it garners compliments, but she wishes the brand offered more plus sizes. They wrote: “I love love love the starlight dresses. They fit beautifully, and I always receive lots of compliments. I would love for all of the dresses to be available in the plus size range, as I would buy so many more, but I'm limited on which ones are accessible.”

Boots x Love Island Beauty Box - worth £290, now £55

Whether you've been keeping up to date with the latest season of Love Island or not, one thing related to the ITV dating show that shouldn't be missed is the Boots x Love Island beauty box.Brimming with makeup, skincare, fragrances and haircare products favoured by the villa contestants, the haul is worth more than £290, but is priced at £55 - a saving of more than 80% on the RRP.

Inside, there are 17 products, of which 13 are full-sized from renowned brands such as Milk, Kayali, Iconic London and Sol de Janeiro. And, what's more, some of the products are brand new launches from 2025, including the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Setting Spray and the trending No7 Good Intent Water Cream.

Shoppers looking for alternatives to the Boots X Summer Love Island Beauty Boxare in luck, as there are other beauty boxes available that offer significant savings on beauty essentials. The OK! Beauty Boxis available monthly, with this month's box valued at over £90 but priced at £8.99. LookFantastic currently offers four different travel-inspired beauty boxes, each priced at £45. These boxes focus on either skincare or haircare, perfect for your holiday needs.

Lauren's picks:

By Rae's Selina Hoops and Heart Necklace - £35.20 and £22.40

It's safe to say I'm a sucker for jewellery. From Hey Harper's tarnish-free wares to Abbott Lyon's personalised charms, my collection is constantly growing - and recently, I've addedBy Rae to the roster.

A female-founded brand that prioritises quality, By Rae uses stainless steel and PVD gold plating, meaning none of that unsightly green tinge you often get with cheaper pieces. I was instantly intrigued and snapped up theSelina Hoops and the Heart Necklace, and after two months of solid wear, I can officially say: I'm obsessed.

These pieces have seen me through various festivals, a sun-soaked holiday to Madrid, and more than a few full-day outings, and they've stayed looking brand new - no tarnish or fading, just compliments. The necklace is dainty and perfect for layering, while the Selina hoops bring that cool-girl polish to literally any outfit. It's an understated, effortless style without the upkeep.

By Rae is one to watch if you're after everyday jewellery that actually lasts. But for more options, I still loveHey Harper - I've had a few designs for almost two years now, and they look as good as the day I bought them.

Rodial Glass Powder - £45

When I discovered that Rodial's Glass Powder - a product that has sold out six times and is said to fly off the shelves at a rate of three units per minute - was finally back in stock, I knew I had to see what all the hype was about.

This ultra-fine finishing powder has gained popularity in the beauty world for its ability to blur pores, reduce shine, and leave behind a soft-focus, almost airbrushed finish. It amassed a 5,000-person waiting list, and fans claim it gives skin that elusive 'glass skin' glow without any shimmer or cakiness.

Upon trying it, the results were immediate. My pores appeared blurred, my skin tone more even, and the finish was natural, not too matte and not too overly dewy. It felt lightweight, didn't cling to any dry patches and gave me a soft, filtered glow.

My only complaint is the packaging, which features a sifter top with tiny holes designed to prevent the powder from spilling everywhere. While I appreciated that it didn't make a mess, I found it tough to extract enough powder for my entire face.

Joanie's Pipette Gingham High-Waist Shorts - £27.50 from £55

Finding a pair of shorts that comfortably fit both my waist and hips has been akin to an Olympic challenge, one at which I've been failing spectacularly. So when I spotted the Pipette Gingham High-Waist Shorts from Joanie in the sale, I quickly grabbed them, albeit with little hope. I've been disappointed before, having returned pairs from Stradivarius and Nobody's Child.

However, much to my surprise and joy, the organic cotton shorts from Joanie actually fit well. They're high-waisted and slightly structured, with a silhouette that flatters all the right areas.

There's ample room at the waistband for comfort (even on a bloated day), and they don't dig into my thighs or ride up when I sit or walk. They're snug without being constricting, and as someone who's never favoured oversized or baggy shorts, I was relieved not to have to sacrifice style.

Saying that, they aren't perfect They crease easily - a common trait of cotton - but the gingham print does a fair job of masking it, so it doesn't bother me loads. And considering the confidence boost they give me, it's a minor inconvenience I'm willing to overlook.

WoodWick Terra Haze Candle - £24.99 to £34.99

OK, I know it's still technically summer, but the rain is starting to come down with a vengeance (get your brollies ready for the weekend). And while I'll be mourning the sunshine, I'm also excited to lean into the cosy vibes: a good book, face mask and a cosy candle flicking in the background.

The candle in question is WoodWick's Terra Haze, which is inspired by petrichor - that nostalgic, earthy scent that rises when rain hits soil. It's calming, grounding and instantly evokes that post-rain freshness that makes everything feel more peaceful.

Terra Haze also features notes of mossy earth and cedarwood, which gives it a deep, woody richness that makes my space feel like a cosy cabin in the woods. Plus, I'm a big fan of WoodWick's signature crackling wick, which sounds just like a fireplace.

I'm also forever obsessed with Neom for its spa-like candles that feature essential oil blends. They're ideal for self-care moments.

Jessica's picks:

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick - £30

I can't wait to try the new Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Sticks. I think I have 'blusher blindness' daily, but these sticks look easy to swipe on and give a glowy finish that's perfect for summer. They've even been spotted on Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh's Instagram so I know I'll be in good company.

One drawback for me is that I'd likely get the blush filthy with foundation if I applied it straight from the applicator, so I'd have to use a brush to apply it. That being said, I'm currently eyeing the peachy and rosy glow shades that would look beautiful on holiday.

H&M Smocked Dress - £22.99

I don’t think you can beat a little white dress in the summer, and I lovethis smocked one from H&M. I like how simple it is, and I reckon it’ll be pretty versatile too, as it could be dressed up or down.

Personally, I’d team it with strappy sandals, an oversized jacket, and a slouchy suede bag for an effortlessly cool daytime outfit. In the evening, I’d add some gold jewellery and thong heels for a look that wouldn’t feel out of place on a city break. It’s also made from 100% cotton, so it’ll be super breathable on hotter days.

One slight reservation I have about the dress is that reviewers say it’s oversized, so I think I’d have to size down once or twice to get the fit I’m after.

New Look Tan Faux Suede Panelled Shoulder Bag - £25.99

I'm really into pieces that will see me through the rest of summer and well into autumn, and this New Look bag is no exception. Styled with denim shorts and cowboy boots, it now gives festival vibes. However, when paired with wide-leg trousers and a chunky knit, it adds texture and interest to a staple outfit as autumn approaches.

The £25 price point is decent, as I think it looks more expensive than it actually is. One New Look shopper said it's got 'plenty of room inside' which I also love because it means I can shove my makeup, a hairbrush and other essentials inside without it spilling over.

One drawback for me is that I prefer bags with zips, but this one has a popper closure. Although it lacks the functionality of a zip, it certainly makes up for it in style.