The Weekend Wrap-Up #4
A (minimal spoilers) review of the M&S Beauty Advent Calendar, autumn hair inspo, Diptyque's London pop-up, and midlife style in the wild.
Happy Saturday! How are you?
I hope you’ve had a good week. It’s been a tricky couple of days here - my dear dad has been poorly, and had to be admitted to hospital yesterday. I’ve been writing this by the seat of my pyjama pants today, as we were back and forth from various A&E/ER departments on Friday, watching incredible nurses, doctors and health workers move from bed to bed; someone’s beloved to another. The MBE is all about navigating midlife together, and I know many will resonate (if this does right now, I’m sending MUCH love). And isn’t it the smallest things—a chocolate-coloured nail polish, or celeb hair pic that inspires a style change—that can bring a little lift, a welcome lightness, in tough times of waiting and overwhelm?
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It’s a lot of fun!
A few weeks back, I flagged Halle Berry’s gorgeous, jaw-skimming bob, and stylists have told the MBE how choppy layers are a great for midlife style option, adding texture and body (speaking of a loss of volume, see ‘s deep-dive, The most important thing you need to know about hair loss and thinning hair, this week).
I love Julia Roberts’ mid-length, piece-y waves at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame last week.
With natural waves and curls, after air-drying or diffusing, taking just a few, random pieces to tong/curl can sometimes be enough. A light mist of hairspray, et voilà - definition, without further frazzling.
Love Julia’s centre part, too, and the fact that there’s some natural, softer-looking darkness at the roots. Rock n’ roll indeed.
We’ve talked about ballerina-style buns being one of the hair trends on the spring/summer 2025 catwalks, and how simple, slicked-back looks work work for autumn styling, with BIG sweaters (who wants to faff around with your hair when you’re wearing a chunky funnel neck?).
90s Super Carolyn Murphy’s cosy new campaign for Banana Republic—behind-the-scenes video clip below—is another great example.
The M&S Beauty Advent Calendar has dropped.
For presentation, value for money and festive-fabulousness, I think it ticks all the boxes. And I’m sure that this one, as always, will sell out fast (find it in store now, or order online. No affiliate link, fyi - I bought mine to review for today’s edition, so not a PR sample/ad, either).
This year’s Home Of Beauty calendar (£50 when you spend £35 on full-price clothing, homeware or beauty) is filled with 25 great treats. I didn’t open one which screamed “filler”, or that I wouldn’t like to use.
You get a mix of full, mid and mini sizes (and not a sachet in sight).
The navy, velvety vanity case itself is lovely - festive but not specifically Christmas-sy - and would be great for travel, or storage (nail polishes, maybe?).
You can view the contents at the website, and they’re listed on the packaging. But, rather than spoil all the surprises, here’s The Midlife Beauty Edit of 8 favourites (I was aiming for six, and could’ve kept going).
This Works Deep Sleep Body Whip. This intensive, cream-like lotion smells DELICIOUS. In case you missed it, last Tuesday we took a deep-dive into bath soaks and shower washes to help you sleep, and this gorgeous aromatherapy range was in the mix. Hemp Seed Extract and magnesium assist with encouraging a better night’s Zzz. You get a big, 200 ml tube.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day. This 5-in-1 hair styling cream is iconic—volumising, smoothing, conditioning and heat protecting, as well as boosting shine. This is a decently sized, 60 ml tube.
BeneFit Fan Fest - Fanning & Volumising Mascara. Worth £27, this full sized lash-booster has a fanning effect, thanks to its 40° curved brush. It lifts and adds volume, without clogging. You can build the drama as desired.
Dr. PAWPAW Tinted Ultimate Red Lip Balm. A vegan, cruelty-free favourite. The red is surprisingly pigmented, and can be used on cheeks, too, for a pop of sheer, dewy blush to-go. (ICYMI, get the MBE guide to how and where to apply cream and balm blush.)
Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid Eau de Parfum. I first came across British perfumer Floral Street back in the summer (via the coconut-y Arizona Bloom - sooo lovely). Hitting a warmer, softer, (not too) sweet seasonal note, the key notes here are vanilla bean, cassis, citrus, jasmine and sandalwood.
This 10 ml purse-sized spray usually retails at £29.
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. This mini, 10 ml pot of the bestselling, lightweight cleansing balm would be a great way to try a balm formula for the first time, or, if you’re already a fan, to have on standby for travel (saves having to lug a giant pot of balm away for a weekend!).
Margaret Dabbs Nail & Cuticle Serum. Scented with essential oils including tea tree, this troubleshooting nourisher is a favourite with beauty editors, and more of a lotion than a serum. Squeeze the (full-size) 15 ml pen gently—a little goes a long way—to tackle dry spots, and keep an autumn/winter mani (or pedi) looking fresh.
Cowshed Calming Bath & Shower Gel. More soothing vibes for a de-stressing soak or shower, with lavender and eucalyptus. Dreamy.
Out and about
Speaking of things festive, Diptyque opened a London Christmas pop-up yesterday, at St. Pancras International train station.
The event is showcasing the new limited edition holiday collection, which Diptyque dreamed up in collaboration with British felt artist Lucy Sparrow.
How sweet? The pop-up will stay in place until the New Year.
In other London beauty news, Kew Gardens—a place close to my heart, as I grew up nearby—has partnered with Herbal Essences, for the new bio:renew range of shampoos and conditioners.
Scientists at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, have authenticated the botanical extracts in the products, identifying the plant ingredients using a process called botanical 'fingerprinting'.
(On a totally different note, the Christmas At Kew illuminated trail, which opens next month, is spectacular).
Midlife style in the wild
When Kate met Jane, at the Women In Film Gala on Thursday.
Kate’s hoops and slicked-back style for the win!
SJP in black lace, with Kristin Davis at the Golden Heart Awards.
Amal Clooney, colour blocking in style + ☕️🕶️.
Uma Thurman shines in a chocolate gown at the Academy Museum Gala.
Uma’s stunning smoky makeup was by Jillian Dempsey, and her swept-up hair the handiwork of Richard Marin.
And finally, Helena rocks a red lip at a celebration for Giorgio Armani.
I am so sorry to hear about your father — sending healing wishes and love. xx
Hi Jen! Sorry I've been MIA on socials and here lately - lots going on. I am so so sorry to hear about your lovely dad! How is he now? I hope that things are better - I'm sure it's been so stressful for you all and hope you're feeling ok.
Now...Julia R's hairstyle! I am taking that pic in with me to the hairdresser on my next appointment - it looks gorgeous on her and the lighter shade suits her really well too...actually, what doesn't look fab on Julia anyway? Love you round up as usual and big hugs to you and your family xxx