Quick Laddering Tights Fix

In a rush on the way to work and you realise your tights have laddered? It’s happened to the best of us – but hairspray can help you out! It can’t fix the ladder itself, but a light spritz of hairspray will stop it from getting worse and save you from the small ladder turning into a huge one. Carry a small can of hairspray in your work bag to rescue you next your tights let you down.

Setting a Face of Makeup

You might have heard this one before, but hairspray can be a great substitute for setting spray when you’re out and about. Go for a light spray across your whole face to ensure your makeup stays in place for the whole night. This works great in a pinch, but try to avoid using it every day – your pores will not thank you for it!

Holding those Eyebrows in Place

This might seem like a wild one, but hairspray can hold your eyebrows in place just the same way that you can use it in your hair. Obviously, don’t just spray the can directly into your eyebrows – this will definitely leave you in tears. Rather, spray some on a spoolie brush and run it through your brows to achieve the desired style. You’ll find your brows stay in place all day!

Getting Rid of Static

Do you ever find that your silk or satin skirt won’t fall right and keeps clinging to your legs? This is because of static energy, and hairspray is the perfect remedy. Spray a small amount on your hands and run them over any static clothing you have to ensure it falls perfectly.

Achieving the Perfect Manicure

This one is so quick and easy – you’ll be surprised you hadn’t thought of it before! After painting your nails, spray a light coat of hairspray over each fingernail from about 10 inches away. Wash your hands after 10 minutes and Voila – your polish will be set and will last all day and night.

Getting Shoes to Fit

Struggling with a pair of heels that are slightly too big for you? It happens all the time, so if you’re worried about slipping out of your shoes while you’re trying to dance all night, we have the perfect solution. Spritz some hairspray on your feet before sliding into your shoes – you’ll find they stay put for way longer, and you won’t need to worry about any Cinderella moments at midnight!

Lacing your Trainers Properly

After a long time, your most beloved trainers can get really worn and the laces can become loose. If you want to keep wearing your favourite kicks but find they won’t stay put like they used to, just give the laces a quick spritz of hairspray once they’re tied. They’ll get rigid and stay tighter for longer.

Pinning your Hair up

Okay, it’s obvious that hairspray will hold up a hairdo, but do you find that hair pins tend to slide out of your hair after a long day? Try this simple hack to make them stay secure in your hair for hours on end. Spray them with some hairspray before sliding them into your hair – your hairstyle will last for as long as you do!

Banishing Red Lipstick Stains

Red lipstick on your favourite shirt – an absolute nightmare! But it doesn’t have to be if you have a can of hairspray to hand. Just spray some on the stain, leave it for a few minutes, then wipe off. If the stain isn’t totally removed, toss it into the washing machine straight away and it should come out in the wash thanks to the hairspray.

Keeping your Shoes Shiny

Have you ever spent ages polishing your shoes only to find the shine goes away in a day? With a light spritz of hairspray after polishing, the shine on your shoes will last way longer, plus it will keep your shoes better protected from scuffs and marks!

Pretty Little Thing Black Leather Double Strap Mule Sandals – £16

These simple but classic sandals are a holiday must-have. Whether you’re strolling to the nearest beach or exploring the city’s sites, these sandals will keep you cool and comfortable all day. Even better, they’re made from real leather, so they will last well and won’t dig into your feet after a long day of walking!

Matalan Tan Double Buckle Mule Sandals – £12.50

Matalan’s affordable summer sandals are a versatile option for day and night looks. The buckle detailing adds a chic flair that elevates the sandals to look super expensive. Dress them down with shorts and a top for a casual look, or style with a dress for the perfect dinner outfit. 

Missguided Peach Tie Strap Sandals – £19

These peach sandals will add the perfect pop of colour to any of your summer looks, not to mention the tie-up detail is so flattering. The woven strap is unique, so you’ll definitely stand out among the crowd! At just £19, plus up to 45% off with a student discount, these are too good to pass on.

H&M Pink Block Heel Sandals – £17.99

These statement sandals a clear choice for a girl’s night out in summer. These bright heeled sandals are perfect for dinner and drinks on the beach – just style them with a neutral skirt and top combo or an oversized blazer for an on-trend going out look.

Pretty Little Thing Black Thong Flatforms – £18

Flatforms are the sneakiest way to add a few inches to your height without anyone realising. These black flatforms are perfect if you want to feel a little more statuesque while hanging around the pool or beach. Plus, they don’t put a strain on the arches of your feet like a regular heel does, meaning you can feel taller without the pain of high heels! 

Zara Havaianas – £19.99

If you’re looking for top quality sandals at a reasonable price, look no further than the Zara collaboration with Havaianas. Available in pink or white straps, these simple flip flops are perfect for chucking in your beach bag or car for a trip to the coast. Havaianas are known for their great quality, so these flip flops should last you a lifetime.

George at Asda Tan Dalmatian Print Mule Sandals – £8

Shopping in supermarkets for your holiday clothes may seem like an odd choice, but stores like Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys are working really hard to keep up with the latest trends while staying affordable and attainable. These dalmatian print sandals are a great example of a wearable but trendy sandal that can suit anyone. Just the small print detail makes these sandals unique without making them too loud, so you can rewear them for loads of summers to come!

Pull & Bear Rubberised Sandals – £17.99

Inspired by the Yeezy 2022 summer range, these rubberised sandals are perfect for anyone wanting to keep up with the latest trends while lounging by the pool. Stay comfortable while making a statement with these rubberised sandals from Pull & Bear – style them with a neon bikini for the ultimate summer 2022 statement!

Pretty Little Thing Chocolate Wide Fit Strappy Sandals – £18.50

These heeled sandals are another great going-out option for any holiday. With a small block heel, these sandals will add a hint of glamour to your look while still being comfortable enough to walk in for a long time. Pair these with a simple midi dress for a timeless look that radiates effortlessly chic vibes.

ASOS Jelly Heeled Mules – £18

The jelly sandal trend is here to stay this summer, so join in with these fun but classy sage green sandals! Versatile enough to wear the beach or out to dinner, these are the perfect summer shoes to chuck into your suitcase and wear with anything. Plus, if you’re new to ASOS, you can use code HIFRIEND to get up to 15% off your first purchase!

Whittling down your wardrobe to just some key staples may sound daunting, but we guarantee that you’ll end up saving money, space, and time getting ready in the morning! We’ve got some top tips on how to create a cheap capsule wardrobe this Spring that will last you a lifetime.

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a limited range of clothing and accessories that all complement each other, meaning you can create an endless range of stylish outfits that fit together and look stylish. 

These select pieces should generally be timeless and classic, rather than super trendy. This way, your capsule wardrobe will last forever without seeming dated. Similarly, the colour palette of a capsule wardrobe tends to be neutral, rather than full of bold patterns and colours, so that you don’t have a problem with clashing when it comes to creating outfits.

Why Should I have a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe has so many benefits to you and to the planet. In a society where up to 84% of clothing ends up in incinerators or landfills, it’s really important to start thinking about the life cycle of the pieces we’re buying. A capsule wardrobe cuts out the need for flimsy fast fashion purchases, streamlining your wardrobe to contain just staple pieces that you can re-wear time and time again.

You’ll find that a capsule wardrobe will undoubtedly save you money in the long run, since clothing purchases should be less frequent and more thoughtful. Rather than flippantly buying a new top before every night out, you’ll begin to see clothing as a long-term investment. By cutting out these unnecessary fast fashion purchases, you’ll notice how much money you can save!

Lastly, you’ll notice that creating outfits becomes far easier than it once was. Facing a huge mass of clothing choices every morning can definitely result in fashion fatigue – having more options doesn’t necessarily make it easier to build an outfit! With a few versatile and buildable staples, your mornings will move a lot faster.

How Small should a Capsule Wardrobe be?

It is difficult to put an exact number on how many pieces your capsule wardrobe should contain. For some purists, roughly 20 pieces are enough for a solid capsule wardrobe, but if you’re a beginner, we would recommend aiming for around fifty pieces. It may sound like a lot, but the average woman has over 100 items of clothing in their wardrobe, trimming it down to 50 might be more of a challenge than it initially seems.

Start with a Spring Clear Out

The most difficult part of this process for many of you may be letting go of some existing pieces in your wardrobe. It’s important to streamline your existing wardrobe to ensure you only have items that you really love to wear; as you take out each item of clothing, ask yourself – ‘when was the last time I wore this?’ and ‘when is the next time I will wear this?’. If you can convincingly answer both of these questions, it’s a piece worth keeping. 

To make some extra money when you come to getting rid of some old pieces, why not sell them on? It’s a super convenient way to make some extra money and give your clothes a new life with an appreciative owner! Check out our guide to second-hand fashion for some tips and tricks on fashion reselling.

Of course, you might want to keep hold of certain pieces that don’t get a ton of wear – dresses for special occasions or swimwear, for example. These pieces obviously can be kept, but consider putting them in a different section of your wardrobe for storage. This way, these pieces are on standby when you need them, but they don’t take up space in your day-to-day routine.

Take a Spending Break

Once you’ve cleared your wardrobe, avoid the temptation to buy a whole new pile of clothes to replace it! Take some time and consider what pieces you feel truly in need of. Just like any other addiction, it’s great to break the buying habit for as long as possible to prove to yourself that you can survive without it. Once you come to buy a new item of clothing, it will feel like an intentional investment as opposed to an addictive urge!

Don’t Punish Yourself

Always remember that a capsule wardrobe is supposed to be fun and beneficial! If you love colours and patterns, don’t just throw everything away and swap it for beige knitwear – keep your individual style alive in your clothing! As long as you slim down your wardrobe and make intentional and thoughtful purchases, you’ll be well on your way to making a great capsule wardrobe.

Buy Wisely

When it comes to buying new clothes to go in your capsule wardrobe, versatility is the key thing to remember. Think of all seasons, climates and occasions to ensure you have outfits for any situation.

Typically, it helps to begin with some neutral tank tops, one or two pairs of denim jeans, and a few options of neutral layers to stay warm all year round.

Make sure to think of your specific lifestyle and requirements for your wardrobe. If you work full-time in an office, you’ll need to have some workwear options, whereas if you’re a stay-at-home mum, opt for plenty of athleisure.

If in doubt, go for simplicity. Simple pieces can be re-worn and restyled in a million different ways, whereas bold, statement pieces will age quickly. A capsule wardrobe should reflect your personal style while also lasting you the whole year round!

Clear out your Existing Area

The most important step to organising your beauty space is to have a big clear-out. You have to streamline your makeup collection if you’re working with a small area. Those neon lipsticks you’ve been holding on to that you secretly hate? Chuck ‘em! The moisturiser that made you break out into severe hives? Bin it! You don’t need to toss everything, but be ruthless and make sure you are only holding on to products that you really intend to use.

If you’re worried about things going to waste, pass them on to a new loving home. Provided that they’re sanitised and not expired, you can offer it to a friend or family member who will get way more use out of it than you did.

Check the Expiry Dates

It’s not commonly known, but makeup and beauty products expire just the same way that food does. The little symbol on the bottom with a number in it displays the number of months you can use the product for before it becomes potentially harmful to your skin. Pay special attention to products that go near your eyes or mouth – you definitely don’t want those products to be out of date!

Organise into Categories

It’s really important to organise your products into different categories to avoid chaos when it comes to getting ready. Even with just a small amount of space, you can divide up your products into the basic categories – skincare, makeup, and hair. Whether it’s different drawers, different sections or just a few separate areas on your dressing table, this categorising will keep your beauty station calm and clear as you get ready.

Prioritise your Sections

Not only is it important to organise your products, it’s also important to think about the way you use them. Some products get used every single day, such as cleansers, moisturisers, or foundations, whereas exfoliants, spot creams, or bold eyeshadow palettes are only reached for on some occasions. To reflect this, ensure that you have easy access to your most-used products, then keep your less-used choices nearer the back.

Allow for Spills

As much as a makeup station should be a place for beauty, it can definitely get a little messy sometimes! With potential foundation spills, eyeshadow fallout, or mascara smears, it’s key to keep your area clean and sanitary wherever possible. If you can, it’s helpful to cover your beauty station in a cloth or cover to keep it as clean as you can. Similarly, before you begin any ambitious makeup looks, maybe pop down a towel onto your chair or floor to keep it tidy and clean. This may not seem important, but an area looking clean will make it feel so much bigger!

Hang your Extras

If you’re running out of surfaces or drawers, consider looking up to your walls for more storage! Using floating shelves, hooks, or even magnetic strips against a flat wall can be so useful for hanging jewellery, makeup brushes or tools. The added storage will make a huge difference and you’ll feel like you have so much more space on your table. Find loads of options here.

DIY a Makeup Brush Holder

Your beauty area can quickly become super messy when your makeup brushes are scattered all over the place, so make sure you have a dedicated pot or holder to keep them all organised. It’ll keep your space clean and tidy, as well as ensuring your brushes remain sanitary rather than picking up germs from your desk. You don’t need to spend a fortune on a brush holder either – a simple jar, mug or pot that you already have will make a great container!

Add Extra Lighting

Good lighting is an absolute necessity to ensure your makeup looks radiant and natural. If you can’t place your desk near a window with good natural lighting, add some of your own! Strip lights or fairy lights are a cheap way to add some glamour to your area and make sure you avoid any cakey foundation or blotchy blusher!

Invest in a Quality Vanity Mirror

Similar to your lighting, a high-quality mirror can be the difference between an average makeup look and a stunning one. Make sure that your mirror is large enough to suit you – it’s impossible to do a cohesive makeup look with a compact mirror! This budget-friendly one from Dunelm is a great option. Make sure it’s also as clean as possible. Smudges and splatters all over your mirror will make the space look messy, so keep some glass cleaner handy at all times!

Add some Decorative Touches

It’s important that your beauty space feels clean and spacious, but it’s also important that it feels like yours. Even if it’s just a few touches, you want your area to feel unique and personal, rather than just like every other beauty space. Photos of friends, special memories, maybe even some fresh flowers – make the space your own!

Beanie Hats

A beanie may seem difficult to make stylish, but when styled with the right outfit, they can look fun and youthful and edgy, while also keeping you warm. With the latest trend of checkerboard patterns, this beanie from Collusion at ASOS will keep you current and cool without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for more of a classic and hard-wearing choice, perhaps the North Face’s Salty Bae beanie is the way to go. At almost £30, it is a steep investment for a beanie, but it’s sure to keep you warm, and its neutral colour will ensure you can style it with any outfit. 

Slankets

For those cold nights curled up on the sofa watching a film, a slanket is the perfect companion. With all the warmth of a blanket and the convenience of added sleeves, you can move around and stay warm at the same time. There are loads available to buy online – we’ve picked out this one because you can choose from loads of fun patterns and designs. It’s also machine washable and has a front pouch to keep your phone close by!

Trench Coats

If you’re looking to invest in a coat this winter, a trench is a wonderful way of staying stylish and keeping warm all through the colder months. Perfect for transitioning from the office to a night out, trench coats are versatile and sophisticated, and there’s plenty available out there at loads of different price points. If you’re able to splash out, this borg trench from ASOS is perfect for a trendsetter – make sure to opt for the ‘tall’ option to really make a statement. If you’re looking for a cheaper, more classic choice, opt for Boohoo’s classic trench in the shade stone. Either way, a trench is an absolute must this season, and it’ll keep you looking sleek and sophisticated too.

Thermals

It may be a boring one, but thermals are key to any layered look, plus they can keep you seriously warm on a cold winter morning. You can pick up some thermals from plenty of good outdoor clothing shops, but the big name brands will often cost you a ton just for one or two polo neck tops. The more cost-effective choices can be found at M&S – for just £12, their Heatgen polos are super soft and come in loads of different colours. Perfect for layering under any jumper or t-shirt on a chilly day, you’ll feel the benefit of these in your wardrobe for many winters to come.

Knitwear

If you’ve been relying on your novelty Christmas jumper to keep you warm so far this year, it might be time to splash out on some new knits. Pop along to your nearest Primark to snap up some cute knitted cardigans and jumpers, like this heart v-neck. If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, head to John Lewis and pick up this simple but bold cashmere jumper for only £44.50 – an absolute steal for pure cashmere! There are a ton of different colours to choose from, plus these jumpers can be styled a million different ways, so they’ll keep you stylish for the whole winter.

Knit Dresses

It’s always impossible to find a chic outfit to wear for a special occasion during the winter – seventeen layers and bundles of scarves and gloves don’t make for the most glamourous outfit. A simple knit dress is the perfect solution. You can stay warm while also looking sleek and sophisticated for a night out. This River Island midi knit dress is perfect for a day-to-night look; style with a pair of dark boots, a long coat and a loose scarf for a chic and stylish outfit.

Set the Mood

Although you may not be in your favourite salon, that doesn’t mean you can’t feel just as luxurious! Depending on the vibe you want to create, you can use loads of things you already have at home to create a pampering experience in your living room – light some candles, grab your softest towels, queue up a playlist of chill-out songs, or put on your favourite movie in the background while you set up your manicure tools and get ready to zen out.

Cleanse your Base

There’s no way you can end up with the perfect manicure if you’ve still got last month’s nail polish on. Make sure all old polish is gone with a swipe of strong nail polish remover on a cotton pad over every nail – even if you don’t have nail polish on, this can help to cleanse nails really thoroughly and ensure you’re starting your manicure with a really clean base.

Soak your Stresses Away

Now, this is the really relaxing part. Fill a large bowl or dish with warm water and gentle soap. If you’re experiencing dry skin on your hands after the harsh winter months, add in any kind of oil (we recommend olive oil to strengthen nails) to hydrate and soften your skin. Place your hands in the bowl and soak for ten to fifteen minutes. This will soften your skin and allow your nails to heal. As you soak, use a nail brush to ensure your nails are completely free of dirt and grime. If you have extra time, exfoliate with a sugar scrub to buff away any dead skin left on your hands.

Moisturise

Once you’ve dried your hands, use your favourite body moisturiser to hydrate your skin and allow it to soak into your skin for a good ten minutes. Make sure that you use this time to give yourself a hand massage to nourish your skin and improve circulation. If you want to go an extra step further, soak your nails in olive oil to repair any breakage and strengthen your nailbeds. Again, allow 10 minutes for your nails to absorb the oil, then wipe off the excess with a towel.

Cut, File and Shape

It’s time for the real manicure skills to come out. Firstly, push back your cuticles with manicure sticks, but be sure to go carefully – our cuticles protect your nailbeds and keep your nails strong, so don’t push too hard and don’t attempt to cut them. Treat them to a cuticle cream or, if you haven’t got any on hand, just massage in a small amount of oil again.

After your cuticles, cut and file your nails to your desired shape. If you’re looking to be practical or you’re a beginner, aim to just keep them short and uniform. If you’re a little more experienced, do some research and experiment with different shapes or lengths – an almond shape is always sleek and classy, while a stiletto shape is more daring and bold.

Buff, Buff, Buff

This is my favourite part; it’s time to add some shine by buffing those nails. Invest in a good nail buffer if you don’t already have one. It may seem easy to skip this step, but you’ll really notice the difference when it comes to applying polish. Buffing removes ridges and dirt in the nail, leaving a smooth surface. Buff gently until you see a shine on every nail. But make sure to not get carried away and over-buff; too much buffing can weaken your nails and cause breakage at the nailbed. 

Pick your Polish

Finally, it’s time for the polish! You can apply a base coat if you have one to hand, but if you have done sufficient nail prep, you should be able to achieve a salon-worthy manicure without it. Pick out your favourite polish and go to work applying your first layer. If you’re using quite a sheer polish, you’ll likely need at least two coats, if not more. If you’re ready to take it a step further, have a go at some exciting designs or varying shades to make your nails even more eye-catching.

Go slow and steady if you’re not used to painting your own nails, and correct your mistakes with a cotton bud and some nail polish remover once you’ve finished. Top tip – if you’re feeling unsure, always apply thin layers of polish. You can build up colour steadily, but too much polish at once can become a big mess that will leave you frustrated.

Seal the Deal

Now you’ve finally finished applying your desired amount of polish, you’ve got to lock in the colour with a top coat. After all your hard work, it might seem like an unnecessary step to apply your top coat, but trust me, you’ll notice the difference in the following days if you choose to skip this step. This top coat from Sally Hansen is a game-changer for keeping your manicure going. This coat doesn’t need to be as neat and careful as the others, but it will add protection and shine to your nails that will allow it to last way longer than usual, so it’s worth it!

Dry Time

Now it’s time to chill out and just let your nails dry in their own time. If you’re unsure how long to leave them for, try not to rush – this is your chill-out time, remember? Give at least half an hour to touch dry, but avoid doing any intensive jobs with your hands; i.e., leave the washing up for someone else tonight! If you want to speed up the process a little, after 15 minutes of air-drying, dunk your fingers into a bowl of ice water to harden the polish super-fast. It might not be the most relaxing way to dry your nails, but it will get the job done fast!

Pretty Pleats

We already saw pleats creeping back into the trend zeitgeist in 2021 with the popularity of tennis skirts and sporty skorts, but in 2022, they’re coming back in a big way. Already seen gracing the runways of Alexander McQueen and Burberry, pleats are your new spring 2022 must-have. Bored of the good girl look? Don’t be afraid to push the boat out with pleats by pairing your cutesy tailoring with a boxy blazer or leather jacket. A swipe of bold lipgloss or a graphic liner can take a pleated skirt from frumpy to fashion-forward in the blink of an eye.

Rising Hemlines

As we emerge from almost two years of sitting indoors, cancelling parties, and keeping our distance, the world is ready to get a little more daring in its fashion. Mini skirts have been gradually coming back into trend amidst the noughties resurgence, and 2022 is going to be their year in the sun. This spring and summer, embrace the mini skirt again and if you want to go even further, opt for sequins or bold colours for the ultimate post-Covid party look. 

Going Green

For the interior designers amongst you, it’s time to pick up your paintbrushes. A new year means a new wave of home trends, and this year, we’re all green with envy. This trend has been in the making ever since we saw Dakota Johnson’s house tour for Architectural Digest and fell in love with her green kitchen. Bringing a bit of nature into your home is the hot new thing, and a lick of green paint is the way to do it. For maximum effect, don’t be afraid to lean in with a really bold emerald; when accentuated with pops of bright colour or copper tones, you’ll have a room ready for its own Architectural Digest cover.

Bleach Those Brows

Okay, this one is definitely not for the faint of heart, but bleached brows are getting ready to be big. Already seen on trendsetters like Iris Law, bleached brows are the coolest way to capture some attention and stand out. Not sure you can pull this one off? We recommend mixing it with some really bold makeup looks – think graphic liner, dewy skin, and ‘Euphoria’-esque party looks. If you’re too scared to take the plunge, use a spoolie and some heavy-coverage pale concealer to test it out and see what you think. Set with translucent powder and your bold brows will be in place all night!

Bold and Beautiful

After a long-lasting adoration for Scandi-fashion – pale colours, no patterns, clean lines – the world is finally waking up to colour again. Prada has opted for neon looks on the runway this year, while Carolina Herrera has delivered sublimely clashing bright pinks. But bold isn’t limited to just a colour palette in 2022; Gucci goes for tulle, Fendi for all-over monogram-print, Marques Almeida for netting – texture and experimentation are on the agenda for 2022, and we can all join the ride. Try out an avant-garde tulle skirt with some rugged accessories if you’re ready to step into 2022 feeling like a style icon and don’t forget – fashion is always about pushing limits.

Noughties for Now

Missy Elliot, the Spice Girls, flip phones – the noughties gave us so much, so why not relive it through your wardrobe this year? Yes, the Y2K resurgence has well and truly begun, and we’re ready to welcome it with open arms. Perhaps there are some trends you would rather leave behind (dresses over jeans, we’re looking at you…), but indulge in some low-waist looks, butterfly crop tops, and belly chains as a fun homage to the decade that gave us so many great memories.

The Bigger, the Better

Much to the relief of girls who like carrying more than one lipgloss with them, the era of the tiny bag is over. Wave goodbye to the Jacquemus tiny bag and say hello to convenient holdalls. If you’re unsure of how big to go, think back to the noughties – could Paris Hilton carry a chihuahua in this bag? If the answer is no, it’s probably not big enough. But don’t worry, this is likely to be a sound investment – bulky totes are already being seen on the runways of Max Mara, and they look set to sweep across fashion houses in 2022. 

@matildadjerf

Big on: Instagram

Perfect for: Fashion Aficionados

With almost 2 million followers on Instagram, Swedish-born Matilda Djerf serves up amazing looks with Scandi-style influences and aesthetically pleasing photos. If you’re looking for fresh fashion inspiration or a tutorial on how to achieve stunning blow-out waves, she’s the influencer for you. Drop her a follow to brighten up your Instagram feed and bring some cool vibes to your wardrobe.

@jessicarose_makeup

Big on: TikTok

Perfect for: Eyeliner Pros

With half a million followers and over 6 million likes on TikTok, Jessica delivers amazing eye makeup looks that will amaze you. Intricate detail, vivid colours, and beautiful lines result in phenomenal tutorials that are so much fun to try – although it might take a while to be as good as Jessica’s looks! She can recommend all the right products and tips you need to achieve makeup as flawless and sharp as hers, so you can look amazing too!

@NymaTang

Big on: YouTube

Perfect for: Product Recommendations

Nyma started her YouTube channel back in 2017 with a series called ‘The Darkest Shade’, where she tests the darkest shades on offer from a whole range of brands and gives honest reviews on what makes the cut and what doesn’t. Her channel offers really useful tips while also educating on super important issues like racism, colourism, and inclusivity in the makeup world. Drop her a follow for killer nail inspo, dewy skin how-tos, and loads more!

@yogawithadrienne

Big on: YouTube

Perfect for: Zen Seekers

With over 10 million YouTube subscribers, Adrienne is probably the biggest name in the world of yoga. Whether you’re a total novice or a yoga expert, Adrienne has loads of tutorials and lessons to help you find inner peace and improve your fitness. Even just 15 minutes in the morning can change your whole outlook and incorporate tranquility into your life.

@veanad

Big on: Pinterest

Perfect for: Sleek Aesthetics

Veanad is the best place to find sleek aesthetics in architecture, fashion, and lifestyle. With over 5 million followers on Pinterest, you’ll be able to find inspiration for all aspects of your life – so follow and start pinning your favourite looks!

@destineewiththehair

Big on: TikTok

Perfect for: Natural Hair Looks

With over 2 million likes on TikTok, Destinee serves up amazing tips and tutorials on taking care of natural hair. Her wash day tutorials, haircare hauls, and product reviews will guide anyone who’s looking for help and advice on how to care for their natural hair. Plus, some of her content is so funny – you’ll love to follow her and laugh along with her videos!

@iramshelton

Big on: Instagram

Perfect for: Nail Fanatics

Iram, a manicurist to runway models and celebrities alike, posts all her beautiful designs on her Instagram accounts for her followers to admire. With over 60,000 followers and a TikTok account that is rapidly gaining followers, Iram curates her account beautifully and answers her followers’ questions in the highlights section of her Instagram. 

@theglowupsecrets

Big on: TikTok

Perfect for: Wellbeing Tips

Canadian influencer Elicia offers a path towards weight-loss and fitness with a focus on self-love and self-esteem. While encouraging eating well and exercising, Elicia focuses on the motivation for these goals, and reinforces the point that staying mentally healthy is the most important priority. Self-care should be at the heart of all our workout routines, and Elicia champions this across all her content.

@getthegloss

Big on: their website – getthegloss.co.uk

Perfect for: the budget-savvy stylist

This might not technically count as an influencer, but Get the Gloss offers expert advice on all things makeup, health and wellness, and their section on budget beauty offers amazing finds from the high street. They can give great tips and advice, as well as telling you what items are worth splashing out on, so check them out!

@daniellemarcan

Big on: TikTok

Perfect for: Glam Lovers

Danielle’s fun and trendy videos have a total of almost 70 million likes on TikTok, and her cool New York looks are an amazing source of inspiration for anyone who wants a fun, glam makeup tutorial. Her bold eye looks would be perfect for a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party, so get practicing!

Sign up to these, and you could be testing and keeping full-size products from luxury brands – some of them which won’t even be available to the public yet! All they ask for in return is your feedback, it really is as simple as that.

Here are the top 10 beauty product testing sites: 

1) Elemis Review Panel

If you’re one of the lucky ones to get chosen to be a part of Elemis’s review panel, you’re in for an absolute treat. They’re one of the most sought after beauty brands with a price tag to match, so if you can get their products for free – why not?

2) Boots Volunteer Panel

Have you always wanted to try Boot’s best products, but for free? Then sign up to become a volunteer on their product testing panel. They open up testing every 3-4 months and we managed to get in when they opened it. Once you are in you’ll get access to lots of amazing free product testing opportunities. 

3) Debenhams Beauty Club

Sign up to be a Debenhams Beauty Club Cardholder and you will be able to join their product testing community by heading to the ‘New on You’ section. Here, you find posts advertising product tests for exciting new products as well as old favourites

4) Home Tester Club

While not a product testing website just for beauty, Home Tester Club offer products from Tefal frying pans to Nivea gift sets and more for you to try and review. Just sign up for an account then register for the products that you’re interested in.

5) First Beauty

One of the newest beauty websites to join the game, First Beauty offer exciting beauty trials where you can test and keep their new products.

6) Savvy Circle

SuperSavvyMe have their own product testing community, called the Savvy Circle. Sign up and you could try all sorts of things, beauty or otherwise. You’ll see from the photo below what kind of products will arrive. They normally send quite big bundles so you will like this free beauty product testing panel. 

7) Life Points 

Head over to LifePoints for the chance to test all kinds of products and get rewarded in vouchers to spend at your favourite retailers, such as ASOS, Amazon, Starbucks and more. We’ve received lots of free products over the years. 

8) Mingle Beauty Product Testing

Register for free with Mingle and you could answer surveys or test products in return for rewards! This means you could not only get products for free in return for feedback, but you would also get rewarded for doing so, for example we’ve received £5 vouchers with our tests. 

9) Pinecone Research – Free Beauty Product Testing

Sign up for free today to Pinecone Research and they’ll send you free products to test directly to your home. They have lots of regular beauty brands who ask their members to test for free. Plus they’ll even pay you up to £3 for each beauty product testing that you complete! So make sure you join this one today! 

10) Glamour Beauty Club

Glamour Beauty Club are a new site where you join and set up a profile and they will send you beauty products to test and review based on your profile. They will hand pick products depending on what products you are looking to try. We’ve received lots of products in the last year so it’s definitely worth signing up to it! 

Gosh – it’s getting pretty chilly out, isn’t it? To keep you warm if you’re pinching pennies, here are our top 5 affordable winter coats. As the cold weather approaches, you might be thinking about expanding your wardrobe to include some stylish and cosy winter jackets. You don’t have to sacrifice your style in order to save – we’ve got these great recommendations for you to browse today!

1. Dark Green Faux Fur Longline Coat, New look, £45.99

This dark green faux fur coat from New Look looks like the warmest thing on earth! You’ll never be cold again with this lovely thing wrapped around you all winter. It’s so versatile – dress it up with a jumpsuit and heels, or go casual with some trousers and a cute top for a chilled day out. Plus, at a bargain price of just £45.99 for such a beauty, you won’t be out of pocket either.

Dark Green Faux Fur Longline Coat, New look, £45.99

2. ASOS DESIGN Parka with Detachable Faux Fur Liner, Asos, £70

Stand out with this stunning pink parka for £70. It has everything you need – style, warmth and lots of pockets. This classic fit coat will suit just about anybody, and let’s be honest; parkas never go out of style so you’ll have this number for many years to come.

ASOS DESIGN Parka with Detachable Faux Fur Liner, Asos, £70

3. Funnel Neck Pocket Detail Puffer, Boohoo, £22

Look chic with this LBD of the coat world – everyone needs one. It looks great with jeans and trainers while also looking oh-so-fabulous with a dress and boots. Warm and cosy, it also has room for warm jumpers inside for extra snugness.

Funnel Neck Pocket Detail Puffer, Boohoo, £22 (on sale – usually £55)

4. Khaki Faux Fur Hood Belted Puffer Coat, River island, £60

This parka-puffa jacket hybrid is hot – in both senses of the word. Warm and cosy while also being hot to trot, this fabulous coat will see you through winter and back again. You can also detach the fur trim so that you can wear it in autumn and early spring.

Khaki Faux Fur Hood Belted Puffer Coat, River island, £60 (on sale – usually £85)

5. Quilted Parka Coat, Monki, £60

We are in love with this coat – it’s like a duvet that you can wear out the house! It’s oversized, meaning you can fit lots of lovely, warm jumpers inside without looking like a stuffed olive. It’s black, which, of course, goes with everything so whatever your outfit, you’re covered (literally).

Quilted Parka Coat, Monki, £60