W&H shopping edit: What to buy in May

1. Chanel Les Beiges Summer To Go 

RRP: From £32

Sure, cake's great and all, but have you ever feasted your eyes on a collection of iconic Chanel makeup in newly-dinky travel size? Pure deliciousness. 

This limited-edition range offers just that - sweet, shrunken versions of the cult Chanel Les Beiges Water Fresh Tint, Illuminating Body Oil, and the best cream bronzer on the market. Chuck in a pair of shimmery liquid shadows and glam lip balms and you've got yourself an irresistible slice of summer-ready beauty. 

2. Hershesons Zhoosh Foam 

RRP: £14

Few beauty debates divide opinion like the spelling of zhoosh (zhush? Joosh?) - aka the act of teasing one's hair into a voluminous state. So fair play to Hershesons for putting a stake in the ground and attempting to settle things with this smart styler's name. 

What's inside is clever too - a light and bubbly elixir that can be used in so many ways: wet or dry, roots-only or all over, scrunched and left or heat styled in. All of the above give strands that indefinable, zhooshed-up cool-girl oomph. Come to think of it, zhoosh does feel right, doesn't it? 

3. Jo Malone London Highlands Collection 

RRP: £58 for 30ml 

Here at woman&home.com, we try to give national stereotypes the swerve. But as our Scots beauty editor, Fiona Mckim says, show us a Celtic fragrance fan who can resist Jo Malone London's new Highlands Collection and she'll show you a sour-pussed dafty.

In truth, everyone should love these. Evoking the rugged, romantic beauty of going way up north and then some, these four unisex fragrances lean mossy and woody rather than pretty or floral. Warming Highland Heather is our top pick although fresher, botanical Melancholy Thistle wins on name alone. 

4. Beauty Pie Awesome Bronze Sunkissed Bronzing Cream & Brush

RRP: £80

Sponsored

As we (hopefully) head towards warmer weather, one of the best bronzers will give you a sunkissed glow even if you find it difficult to pick up a natural tan. This cream bronzer is ultra-light and also features ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, so it’s great for both greasy and very dry skin, with the cream-to-powder texture suiting all skin types. Even better, the formula is vegan and cruelty-free, and the pot comes with a soft brush to make application even easier.

5. BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF30

RRP: £14.99

If you haven’t already seen this viral SPF all over social media, first of all, where have you been? And secondly, here’s what you need to know: this lightweight SPF30 moisturiser has a gel feel, doesn’t leave a dreaded white cast after applying, and includes ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan, and ceramides, to hydrate, plump and renew skin. The popularity of this product causes it to regularly go out of stock, so snap it up soon if you’re after one of the best facial sunscreens.

6. Bellissima Steam Elixir Straighteners

RRP: £149.95

If your hair is feeling damaged and you’re wondering are ceramic straighteners bad for your hair?, this hair tool uses innovative steam technology to protect strands from heat damage: just fill up the water reservoir and the steam will be released, preventing breakages and frizz as you glide the straighteners over your hair. There’s four temperature settings, an auto shut-off function, and even an integrated comb for smooth, tangle-free tresses.

7. Virtue Healing Oil

RRP: £42

If you struggle with frizzy hair, a good-quality hair oil is a must: this serum-oil hybrid from Virtue is definitely not cheap, but we’ve found it does wonders for our split ends. The key is the keratin-infused formula, as well as the hydrating oils activated by shaking the bottle before teasing a small amount of the serum through dry, brittle hair.

8. Q+A Ceramide Body Lotion

RRP: £10

Ceramides are a hero ingredient for skincare, but did you know they also do wonders for your body? Working to repair the skin barrier, the ceramides in this Q+A body lotion result in a highly moisturising, soothing cream that can be applied to dry or damp skin. It smells delicious, and the added squalane provides even more hydration for particularly dry skin. As with all of Q+A’s products, this lotion is incredibly affordable, and the funky bottle looks great in the bathroom.

1. Ariat Round Up Square Toe Western Boots

RRP: £150

If you’re keen to jump on the Coastal Cowgirl trend, you’ll need a pair of cowboy boots. These Ariat boots feature a squared toe, detailed contrasting stitching and a small heel, and the brown shade means they’re not so bold in colour that they’ll only go with a couple of pieces. If you’re wondering how to wear cowboy boots, try pairing them with a floaty, printed dress or boyfriend jeans tucked in.

2. Tailored Linen Trousers

RRP: £85

Finding pieces that suit summer weather while also feeling office-appropriate can be tricky, so we’re all over these tailored, lightweight linen trousers, with a relaxed fit and a high waist. These are the kind of trousers that can easily be taken from the office to canalside drinks or a pub garden in summer, as they’ll look great with a simple white tee and statement jewellery.

3. Phase Eight Lissia Jumpsuit

RRP: £139

Sponsored 

If you’re struggling with what to wear to a wedding, this light green jumpsuit will make you stand out from the crowd whilst still being understated and ideal for warmer temperatures. With a wide-leg fit and a chunky belt, this flattering jumpsuit will look good on anyone.

4. UO Pink Floral Super Awkward Mesh Midi Skirt

RRP: £36

This pretty skirt combines several of the fashion trends we keep seeing at the moment: pastel pinks, florals, and a noughties-inspired fit. If you’re wary of the low-rise, the stretchy skirt can be worn higher up on the waist, too. We can see this with a chunky knit jumper and a pair of cowboy boots, or a pair of sneakers and an oversized tee, if you’re wondering what to wear to a festival.

5. M&S Collection Pure Cotton Jersey Midaxi T-Shirt Dress

RRP: £19.50

Sponsored

This affordable t-shirt dress is ideal for taking on vacation if you’re struggling for holiday outfit ideas, and it’s available in a goes-with-everything black colour or a burnt orange shade. The high, round neck and relaxed fit make for a really comfortable option for slipping on when you’re in a rush, and the midaxi length means you could just as easily wear this with a big coat and chunky boots in colder temperatures.

6. Triumph Flex Smart Padded Bra

RRP: £46

Available as a non-wired bra or a bikini top, this balconette-esque bra with subtle in-built padding is so comfortable it can even be worn as one of the best sports bras for low-impact workouts. The material is temperature-controlled, so it’s great for warmer days, and the soft shape of the cups is easily mouldable, moving and stretching with your body.

7. Phase Eight Sage Pleated Ruffle Mini Dress

RRP: £129

Sponsored

Ruffles both big and small are one of the biggest fashion trends of 2023, and this short dress features bold, tiered ruffles around the neckline that draw attention to the V-neck shape and continue down the length of the dress. While this dress can’t really be dressed down, it is a sleek, fun option for a summer party or wedding.

8. Creaseless Hair Clips

RRP: £22

We love these cute hair clips from Anthropologie, which are available in a mix of pastel colours or darker, animal-print-style shades. The brass clips won’t leave creases in your hair, and the shiny accessories will catch the light to give an iridescent look.

9. Roman Black Ditsy Floral Print Lace Midi Dress

RRP: £50

Sponsored

One of the best dresses to hide a tummy, this midi dress is perfect for both weddings and a day at the office, but it could also be dressed down with a pair of white trainers for a more casual look. The short puff sleeves and lace-up back provide sweet, subtle detailing, and the ruched effect on the chest is also super flattering for larger boobs.

1. Merrell Women's Antora 3 X Sweaty Betty

RRP: £115

The latest collaboration from Merrell and Sweaty Betty isn't one to miss, given the hot pink twist and new technical features. 

The Antora is one of Merrell's best-selling trail running shoes for women, now complete in the latest model with a durable upper for over-foot protection and a springier midsole with foam strategically placed around the heel and forefoot for additional support. Ideal for navigating across potentially slippery and unstable terrain, whether in forests or in parks, they're the perfect summery addition to your fitness kit.

2. Columbia Women’s Back Bowl™ Casual Fleece Jacket

RRP: £70

For those chillier spring evenings, there's nothing better than a fleece so the release of Columbia's new ICONS range is perfect timing. 

Our pick of the bunch is the super-soft Women's Back Bowl Back Bowl™ Casual Fleece Jacket in this bright purple and pink colourway, featuring hints of turquoise. Complete with pockets exactly where you need them, making this an ideal buy for the upcoming festival season as well, it's an excellent choice. 

3. These Days The Venetian Spritz

RRP: £14 for 4

Looking for the best low calorie alcoholic drinks in a can, speaking of festival season? These Days' Venetian Spritz is the true taste of summer, with its flavours of bitter peach and honey, topped with white wine. 

Complete with a tactile orange packaging, these deliciously fresh cocktails are the best accompaniment to picnics in the park and back garden barbeques. 

4. Portobello Road Flower Market Print

RRP: From £4.50

‘70s-inspired interiors are everywhere at the moment, but if you’re not up for splashing out on a decadent velvet armchair or a funky oversized rug, this print is a good first step. Add a frame for easy hanging, and grace your kitchen, living room or bedroom with the colourful, eye-catching design.