W&H shopping edit: What to buy in April

1. Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Volume Foam

RRP: £32 

The year is 2023. Indiana Jones is slated as one of the summer's biggest blockbusters, Madonna's kicking off a huge world tour and hairdressers have decreed that liberally-moussed hair is very much A Thing again.

We can confidently say that at least one of these offerings will be superior to its previous iterations and that's good old mousse (or in modern parlance, foam). This one is the best we've tried – light and airy, completely unsticky, reliably root-boosting and pretty on your dressing table. How about a return to '80s-era product pricing next eh, zeitgeist overlords?  

2. By Far Daydreams Eau de Parfum

RRP: £180

The best perfumes for women can be many things, but innovative is not usually one of them. So we have to hand it to cult celeb-loved accessory brand, By Far, for doing something fun and exciting with fragrance. 

For a not-inconsiderable outlay, you get quite a lot in return: A refillable 100ml EDP and a cute designer charm to decant it into. Said charm is customizable – gold or silver hardware? Chain or leather strap? Chic cream or zingy green? The seven French-made scents are all fresh and springlike, with the excellently named Daydream of a Bingo Queen being our pick.

3. Tweezerman Facial Razor

RRP: £16

Our beauty routine can't be all lipstick and loveliness, sometimes it's just troubleshooting – by which we mean dispatching that one oddly dark chin hair or peach-fuzz 'tache as safely and efficiently as possible. 

Enter: Tweezerman. If you've tried this brand's tools you'll know they are invariably the absolute business, and this dermaplane tool holds its own in the range. Made of weighty stainless steel, it's easy to control and a doddle to clean. The unique slanted head works smoothly in facial contours, plus the three included blades will keep you fuzz-free for months.

4. Beauty Pie Re-Energizing Skincare Routine

RRP: £175

Sponsored

If you've recently taken stock of your skincare routine and decided it needs a bit of a spring clean, you're not alone. With warmer weather on the horizon, simplicity feels a bit more important, as well as the crucial addition of everyday SPF (if you're not already doing it).

This Beauty Pie four-step routine brings it back to basics with key players for brighter, more hydrated skin, including a cleansing milk, a face scrub for use a couple of times a week, a super-glowy hyaluronic acid serum and a vitamin C moisturiser. You'll be well on your way to skin that feels and looks refreshed - just remember to add an SPF after.

5. Acqua di Parma Italian Moments Boungiorno Candle

RRP: £73

Acqua di Parma has really done us out of a job with this new limited-edition candle. It's unlikely you need 100 words of waffle on why you might want to buy it... just look at the thing. 

Here's what you can't see: that rolling Italian landscape was designed by rising star, Lucrezia Viperina. It smells glorious, like cut grass, lemons, and mossy herbs. There are two other designs, should green not be the best scented candle color to match your home decor. Oh, and in our experience with these ADP collections, it won't be around for long. Phew! Our journalistic raison d'être has been restored.

6. NEW Limited Edition ghd SUNSTHETIC Collection

RRP: from £169

Taking inspiration from beautiful sunsets, ghd has launched a brand new colourway for some of their bestselling tools, influenced by summer's golden hour. The limited-edition tools come in sunkissed shades, including one of the best ghd straighteners, the ghd Platinum+. As well as the Platinum+ Styler, the collection also includes the Gold Styler, Glide Hot Brush, Max Styler and Helios Hairdryer and each come with a free travel bag worth £21.95.

7. Beauty Pie The Body Overhaul Kit

RRP: £250

Sponsored

If you're worried about sun damage or fine lines, we've got you: The Body Overhaul Kit includes three products which work to repair the skin barrier, even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of sun spots.

The neck and chest serum can be sprayed onto clean skin every day, while Youth Bomb Body 360 is a more intensive, targeted treatment for brightening and smoothing, to be used 2-3 times a week. Last but not least, the hydrating vitamin C body lotion boasts firming and tightening properties while rejuvenating dull skin.

8. Beauty Highlight & Contour Sticks

RRP: £28

There’s no denying ‘beauty sticks’ are on the rise, with shoppers on the hunt for hard-working, multipurpose beauty products that last longer and cut down the number of products in their makeup bags. Beauty brand 19/99 have jumped on the trend by adding four new complexion enhancers to their range, offering buildable coverage for all skin tones to define, highlight and seamlessly blend for the perfect dewy, spring/summer glow. Launching on 28th April at SpaceNK. 

9. Silk'n SilkyAir Pro Hair Dryer

RRP: £250

We can confidently state that this powerful hair dryer includes one of the best diffusers for curly hair, which attaches magnetically to the dryer with ease. Cycling through the six temperature modes is a breeze, with the LED display alerting you to what temperature you're using (we personally like to diffuse on the coolest and lowest setting, so as not to disrupt the natural curl pattern and avoid frizzy hair).

10. Glossier You Candle

RRP: £37

We already love the scent of Glossier You, one of the best solid perfumes, so we were delighted to find out that our living spaces can now be infused with the same fragrance. The Glossier You Candle is made with soy wax, and like the perfume, features notes of pink pepper, ambrette and iris. The glass vessel can also be used to store trinkets or makeup brushes, once the candle has burned out.

1. Uniqlo Nylon Cross Body Bag

RRP: £19.90

If you live in London and have left the house over the past couple of months, chances are you’ll have spotted at least one of these cult Uniqlo bags. One of the best crossbody bags in a unisex design, there are two sizes available, but we opted for the slightly larger version, which fits a book, purse, keys and glasses case; there’s two pockets on the inside for storing essentials like lip balms and hand creams, while the zipped pocket at the back perfectly fits a phone and gives you that extra security when travelling.

2. BDG Carly Maxi Stretch Split Skirt

RRP: £59

It feels like long, denim skirts are everywhere at the moment, signalling a practical and on-trend transitional piece that works with boots as well as sneakers or sandals. With stretchy denim fabric, handy belt loops and several pockets, this is one iteration of the low-waist revival we can get on board with.

3. Phase Eight Georgie Tiered Maxi Dress

RRP: £129

Sponsored 

Ah, the ever-tricky question of what to wear to a wedding: with the season of nuptials looming, it's a dilemma that can take up a frustratingly large portion of our time. For unreliable British weather, this tiered maxi dress plays it safe with printed florals and a tie around the waist. The floaty sleeves are ideal for comfort and add an on-trend bohemian touch.

4. Sloggi Body Adapt T-Shirt Bra

RRP: £30.80

Comfortable bras are a must, and while it can feel daunting to forego underwire, Sloggi's new range of bras are super-supportive, for smaller and larger busts alike. Wearing this t-shirt bra genuinely feels like you're wearing nothing at all, and the seamless material is buttery-soft.

5. M&S Collection Pure Cotton Striped Shirt

RRP: £25

Sponsored

We’re pretty much always on the hunt for the perfect shirt, that elusive item that can be so hard to get right. This pure cotton shirt is available in three colours, but the blue-and-white stripe makes for the perfect spring-to-summer piece, that would look just as chic in the office with some smart trousers as it would over a basic mini dress, or tucked into denim shorts on hot days.

6. Carousel Delicate Opal Hoop Earrings

RRP: £100

We love the subtle way these iridescent opal hoops reflect the light, with hues of pale blue and rose gold visible at different times, depending on how the light hits. They’re made with sterling silver and finished with vermeil gold, and the best part is that for every order placed, Carousel Jewels plants a tree; the brand also donates to a marine conservation organisation. We’ve received so many compliments on these sustainably made hoops, and they really feel like they’re made to last.

7. Phase Eight Lindan Ribbed Knit Midi Dress

RRP: £89

Sponsored

One of the best midi dresses, this knitted option is the perfect ribbed piece to dress up or down. Pair with hoop earrings, sandals or trainers and a denim jacket for a simple spring outfit, or wear with the best cowboy boots when temperatures are a bit chillier.

8. Lucy & Yak Sunflower Skirt

RRP: £44

Can you tell we're thinking about summer yet? This stretchy maxi skirt (with pockets!) is giving us all the sunny vibes, but the print's dark background means it would look just as cute in autumn with some chunky boots and a cropped jumper. If you're wondering how to shop sustainably, Lucy & Yak is dedicated to ethical fashion practices and reducing its carbon footprint, making it one of the best sustainable clothing brands to buy from.

9. Roman Pink Sleeveless Cotton Midi Dress

RRP: £48

Sponsored

Wondering what is Barbiecore? Propelled by the anticipation around the upcoming film, pink hues from fuchsia to coral are one of the biggest fashion trends of 2023, and it's safe to say it's not going anywhere soon. This bright pink cotton dress is certainly a bold shade, but it's balanced by the simplicity of the dress's shape and fit, with button detailing and a subtle A-line skirt. 

10. Lavender Hill Merino Wool Socks

RRP: £14

With a hiking trip on the horizon, as well as a pair of the best hiking boots for women, we’re planning on packing plenty of these sweat-wicking socks. They’re made from a blend of merino wool and nylon, which is an ideal combination for both comfort and warmth when you’re on walking holidays in the UK.

11. M&S Collection Pure Cotton Printed Midaxi Dress

RRP: £45

Sponsored 

We may not be jetting off anywhere hot right now, but best believe we’re already mentally packing our bags and dreaming up holiday outfit ideas. The ideal vacation dress is one that’s breathable, soft, and can be thrown on at any time of day, whether we’re heading out for a day trip or setting off for dinner, so we're obsessed with this midaxi option. The shirred material of the bodice provides even more comfort, too.

12. Blythe Fine & Links Chain Bracelet

RRP: £19.50

If you’re looking for 21st birthday gift ideas, this Oliver Bonas bracelet features a unique double-layered design: one row is a slinky golden chain which sits beneath a chunky, chain-link layer that subtly sparkles. And voilà, the appearance of stacked jewellery is achieved with just one piece. 

13. Henley Boating Brodraise Dress

RRP: £149

Whether you're spending a day at the races or jetting off for a holiday in the sun, up the style stakes this summer with this flattering and stylish Brodraise Dress from Crew Clothing. 

We love that the dress comes with a matching belt that nips you in at the waist and a knee-length hem making it easy to wear for a number of occasions, from garden parties to Wimbledon. 

1. On Running Cloudsurfer 

RRP: £150

Recently reviewed by woman&home's digital health editor, the On Running Cloudsurfer running shoes are a must-have if you're looking to update your pick of the best running shoes for women. Complete with innovative Cloud pods that offer supreme cushioning, an engineered upper mesh for extra support, and with a good range of colors to choose from, they're a real highlight of the month. 

2. Lumi Therapy Portable Recovery Pod Ice Bath

RRP: £75

Outdoor swimming has never been more popular and now the weather's getting (slightly) warmer, there's never been a better time to try it and explore all the benefits of ice swimming for yourself. 

With Lumi Therapy's Portable Recovery Pod, you can do it from the comfort of your own home. The bath is available in varying sizes, only needs tap water to fill, and comes with a protective lid to keep the elements out. 

3. Warrior Crunch Birthday Cake Protein Bars

RRP: £19.95

Warrior Crunch protein bars are a favorite here at woman&home. Large enough to replace dessert, with plenty of delicious flavors to choose from, and 20g of protein per bar, what's not to love? 

The brand's latest flavor addition is Birthday Cake, a classic white-chocolate bar, filled with protein and topped with a strawberry-flavored layer, then decorated with hundreds and thousands. It's the perfect sweet treat. 

4. Papier Reading Journal

RRP: £26

If you're constantly annotating all the best book club reads with fervent scribbling, and you also know how infuriating the Goodreads app is to use, the new Papier reading journal might be for you.

There's space to log, review, quote and make notes on 32 reads, as well as a tracker to jot down who's currently borrowing your beloved books, and pages of recommendations from the Papier team. You can customise the journal with your name (or any other words), so this would also be a sweet 18th birthday gift for a BookTok-obsessed teen.

5. Elizabeth Scarlett Sun Coin Purse

RRP: £20

Elizabeth Scarlett pouches have been on our radar for a while now, and the brand has now partnered with Anthropologie for a range of summery, vibrant pouches and cases to store all your essentials. Made from 100% cotton velvet, this affordable purse is ideal for keeping makeup in when travelling, or for keeping all your favourite pieces of jewellery safe.

6. Plantopia And Relax... Face & Space Mist

RRP: £18

When we find ourselves in need of one of the best sleep aids, this Plantopia mist spray is immediately calming: either spritz it on your pillow, on your face and neck for a boost of hydration at the end of the day, or both. The turmeric and geranium scent is addictive, and it's always refreshing to find a genuinely useful wellness product that's incredibly reasonably priced.