At least once a week — let’s face it, at least once every day — the writers and editors across Refinery29 discuss the latest and greatest products in our lives, from some cool new water bottle that’s been absolutely saving our lives to a state-of-the-art sleep product that’s changed our eight hours for the better. And gatekeeping isn’t in our vocabulary, so we’re here to share the wealth and highlight our favourite products, just for you, each month.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Never did I think I’d race through a 700-page work of fiction at the pace I’m currently going. I’ve been warned this book will break my heart even more as I go on - it’s incredibly sad, painful, and horrid to read at times. But it’s also an exceptional work of fiction that’s truly worth the hype. I love how Yanagihara switches between voices and narrative angles so effortlessly. I love how every time you think a character has been left or forgotten about, they’re immediately picked back up with ease. It’s no small feat for a novel of this size and complexity. I highly recommend, but only if you aren't feeling fragile.
Amazon A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, $, available at Amazon
Spring might be on the horizon, but the weather in London is just as drizzly and cold as it’s been all winter. Running outside is a pain on days like these, but it’s made that bit better when I get to put this on before stepping outside. It’s so soft and comfortable, it’s figure-flattering, the pockets are big enough for my phone and keys, and it keeps me warm without overheating as I work up a sweat.
Lululemon Lululemon Define Cropped Jacket, $, available at Lululemon
My feet feel light as air when I run in these, thanks to how bouncy they are. They’ve become a staple part of my running kit, and I love the pastel colour design on them - they’re fun and functional. The only thing to keep in mind is they’re better for narrow/regular feet, rather than wide.
New Balance New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V13, $, available at Schuh
A friend recently gave me a copy of Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata and I found myself struggling to put it down. Most of us now readily accept stupidly fast-paced lives, which is why Murata uses her protagonist, Keiko Furukura to make us question it entirely. She’s been working part time at her local store for 18 years and she’s more than happy with this set up. But, of course, those around her aren’t. Gender politics and societal expectations thrust upon this 36-year-old make her even more defiant to do things her way.
Amazon Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, $, available at Amazon
This autumn I will be venturing to Japan. It’s a trip that I've been planning for quite some time and, frankly, I can’t wait to immerse myself in Japanese culture. So, I think sipping on some Roku Sakura Bloom in the meantime seems only fitting, right? It’s delicious mixed with a splash of tonic, touch of ginger and a handful of raspberries.
Roku Roku Sakura Bloom Gin, $, available at Sainsbury's
Slowly but surely I’m attempting to remove chemical-laden pans from my kitchen. It’s an expensive change but one I’m adamant to make happen. For Christmas, I treated myself to the Our Place Always Pan 2.0 pan in sage. Now, I’m in possession of its mini sidekick in the same shade. Both pans have been made without PTFEs, PFOAs and potentially other toxic chemicals too. I’m certain an Our Place pan will last me a pretty long time too.
Our Place Our Place Mini Always Pan 2.0, $, available at Anthropologie
I owe Loop my life (but mostly my ears!) I attend enough music events to likely have hearing problems in the not-so-distant future. If I don’t look after my hearing like many people I know in the music industry, I’m at risk of going that way. I'm at high risk as I’m often stood right next to speakers (at the front, where else would I be?!). Long-term or repeated exposure to sound levels above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing damage, and even hearing loss(!) – and I was shocked to learn that long days and nights at noisy festivals can severely damage your hearing. Eek! Loop have collaborated with artists like Andrew Footit to create art you can wear, sporting a “radically unique print, so no two pairs the same”. Top tip: they’re a relatively new thing, and so pretty easy to forget. I’m attaching mine to my keys so I’m never without.
Loop Loop Experience Andrew Footit, $, available at Loop
Having the ‘big light’ on terrifies me. So bright, so erratic, so offensive. I need mood lighting to be immaculate, in order to create the optimum chill ambiance. The lighting in my room is severely lacking (a Lumi alarm can only do so much on its own), so I’m on the hunt for another one to level up my lighting game. This iridescent projection lamp claims to fill the room with a calming sunset hues, at just £45, it’s worth a go. I can’t imagine it will be strong enough to do all the leg work, but if you add 1+2 more and build up the textures on a feature wall, you’re winning!
Urban Outfitters Iridescent Sunset UO Exclusive Lamp, $, available at Urban Outfitters
I have very few home non-negotiables (I am a woman of simple pleasures), but one of them is that I must sleep in a giant fluffy cloud. Pillows? Huge. Bedding? White, white. My friends are always laughing at me as I’m forever soaking my bedding, desperately trying to get coffee and nail polish stains out. I could switch from white, but I love it way too much. So I was super keen to try Toast’s washed linen cotton duvet cover – and it did not disappoint. The soft, textured cotton is a dream to sleep in. Super cozy, emulating that of a boutique hotel bedding. Warning: you will likely flop into it and never get out. Check measurements as sizing can differ too.
Toast Toast Washed Linen Cotton Duvet Cover, $, available at Toast
From swimwear to bike shorts, I’ve tried my fair share of one-size fits all clothing and every single item has been worth it and these period pants are no different. I just love the idea of owning clothes that fit and adapt to my body at whatever stage it’s in, and it honestly saves me money too! Available in two ‘multi-size’ sizes, these period pants from WUKA claim to fit all body sizes while still providing full coverage and protecting against leaks. At first, I was convinced I wouldn’t be able to squeeze into them but not only do they fit, they’re super comfortable too – a new firm favourite in my period pant rotation.
WUKA WUKA Stretch Seamless Midi Brief Heavy, $, available at WUKA
I want to be that person that has all of their jewellery beautifully on display in trinket dishes and bowls but… THE DUST! I simply can’t do it. I still have my everyday hoops and rings on a lovely blue ceramic dish but everything else is stored in this handy acrylic case from Muji. I love the simple design and the clear acrylic means I always have eyes on everything I have stored away so I don’t forget to actually use it.
Muji MUJI Acrylic Jewellery Case, $, available at Muji
There’s something so comforting about textured bedding, I was immediately sold when I came across these sheets from Piglet In Bed in this dreamy teal colour. Throw in some linen and I think we have the dream combo! I’d actually never slept in linen bedding before but it’s safe to say, I finally get the hype. These sheets are soft yet breathable – I feel so cosy every night when I get into bed.
Piglet In Bed Piglet in Bed Teal Waffle Chambray Linen Duvet Cover, $, available at Piglet In Bed
My old diffuser broke and the idea of doing my nighttime routine without a little cloud of fragranced air was clearly too much to take. Everyone has always spoken about how lovely Neom oil diffusers are and it turns out, they were absolutely right. The warm light function is my favourite feature and it can be controlled with little touch buttons - it even has a glowing ‘breathing mode’! Catch me trying to undo half an hour of bedtime doom scrolling with this lovely smelling night light from now on.
NEOM Organics NEOM Real Luxury Pod Starter Pack, $, available at NEOM Organics
While I never thought I needed a wristlet for my phone, now that I’ve been using this one from String Ting for a few months now, I don’t know how I went without using one. It’s so convenient to not have to constantly be searching for my phone in my bag or to have to find a place to put it when my hands are full. Bonus: It makes all my selfies look way better.
String Ting String Ting Cherry Blossom Wristlet Phone Strap, $, available at String Ting
I am a creature of habit who believes in investment purchases, so I’ve had the same headphones for the last 10 years. After they broke for good last year, I got this pair from Bowers & Wilkins that even got my sound editor husband’s stamp of approval and which I plan to use for another decade. In addition to having noise-cancelling abilities, these headphones are also sleek to wear in public and comfortable enough to sleep in on the many the international flights I take.
Bowers & Wilkins Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Headphones, $, available at Selfridges
Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
I’ve tried my best to use less single-use cleaning and kitchen products, but sometimes you just need a paper towel for big messes and quick cleanups. I love these are made from 100% recycled materials, plus the brand uses all plastic-free packaging for a little bit more peace of mind — the convenience of having a box delivered straight to your door is pretty nice too.
Who Gives A Crap Who Gives A Crap Forest Friendly Paper Towels, $, available at Who Gives A Crap
My flat overlooks an overground station. This is great for people watching, and for my general fondness for getting places quickly, but in terms of light pollution, it’s a nightmare: The place is lit up like a Christmas tree 24 hours a day. I’m a Venetian blinds person, so blackout curtains are obviously out of the question, which makes this sleep mask an absolute lifesaver for me. It’s super comfortable, and the socket design — which puts me in mind of a pair of goggles that you would wear should you happen to find yourself in a sidecar, but made of foam — relentlessly blocks out any skerrick of light that tries to infiltrate your slumber.
Earths Secret Earth’s Secret Original Sleep Mask, $, available at Earths Secret
Do you have an inner monologue that sometimes just won’t shut up? Is your beleaguered brain incessantly bothering you with mundane hypotheticals and endless speculation? Punch needle could be for you! Once you get the hang of it (huge caveat, that), this embroidery-adjacent craft activity is so soothing — something about the colours, and the tactility, really help me zone out. My first port of call in this new hobby era was The Modern Crafter, and now I wouldn’t go anywhere else: It’s independently run by sisters Rachel and Siobhán, and the packaging and presentation alone (complete with handwritten note), was enough to guarantee my loyalty forever. I’ve currently got my eye on the punch needle cushion kit — I think the cheerfully hued cushion would make a great gift for my two-year-old niece (at my rate of production, probably just in time for her 21st birthday).
The Modern Crafter British Wool Mountain Punch Needle Cushion, $, available at The Modern Crafter
I saw Etta Marcus as an indie artist at her very first show, opening for another of my faves, Tommy Lefroy, back in 2021. I fell in love with her haunting voice and poetic lyrics then, and now — signed to Polydor Records — she’s released her third EP on vinyl, The Death of Summer and Other Promises. I can hear that she’s taken inspiration from many of my other favorites: ‘Girls That Play’ is very Wolf Alice esque, there’s a riff on ‘Little Wing’ that really gives me Ethel Cain vibes, and her cinematic, cathartic musings on girlhood and growing up are very Florence & The Machine by the way of The Last Dinner Party. Likewise, there’s a whole mixture of genres mismatched here; a patchwork quilt of 90s Mazzy Star dream pop, Riot Grrrl grunge and Golden Age British indie. But Etta ‘s music is uniquely Etta. The highlight? How she’s able to weave her soulful, emotionally wrought lyrics around so many sounds and genres and keep the balance between nostalgia and modernity.
HMV The Death of Summer & Other Promises, $, available at HMV
I am so jealous of all the time that my dog Chicken Nugget got to spend in her donut cuddler bed when I am just getting the Plufl. It is that awesome of a bed. I put the bed together and fell soundly asleep in it that same night, to say that it’s comfortable is a gross understatement. Since we got the Plufl, my roommate, Chicken Nugget and I have now spent many hours a day in the bed, switching off who is lucky enough to occupy the cozy haven. I cannot recommend the dog bed for humans enough, it sounds and looks like a gimmick, but it is very much not. I highly recommend it to everyone, you will not regret it.
Plufl The Plufl Human Dog Bed, $, available at Plufl
I have had bad neck problems ever since I can remember, being glued to screens for work, being a tummy sleeper, and going prawn mode when working probably does not help my situation. I’ve never found a pillow that helps decompress my neck like the primo pillow does. The pillow forces me to sleep on my back, and I find I’m actually quite comfortable doing so as the pillow provides enough support for my neck and shoulders to do so. While it is a bit of a splurge as a pillow, a pain-free neck is priceless for the everyday comfort it’s provided.
Kanuda Kanuda Primo Air Pillow, $, available at Kanuda
There comes a certain point in life (in my case, promptly as I turned 30) where sleep becomes a treacherous journey. I tried nicer pillows, a diffuser, setting my phone to sleep mode an hour before my desired bedtime, and countless other recommended tips. But nothing worked quite as well as my mini white noise machine. With three timer controls and 15 noise options to choose from, this little guy will ease anyone with sleep difficulties into dreamland. The best part? It’s so compact, you can take it with you anywhere.
Babelio Babelio Mini Sound Machine, $, available at Amazon
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All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Over the last few years, many of us have embraced a pared down version of beauty. Whether you’ve ditched heavy foundation for just a touch of concealer or skipped your signature lipstick for a slick of balm or lip tint, it’s all about choosing lighter, more sheer products that make us feel a little bit more ourselves in seconds. It’s why brands like Glossier and Trinny London, both known for their natural and super speedy approach to beauty, are consistently popular among editors, influencers and makeup lovers alike. But there’s another selfie-worthy makeup brand vying for our attention. Enter: Saie.
Saie (pronounced ‘say’) aims to bring things back to basics, starting with glowing skin. Delectably named products like Glowy Super Gel and Dew Blush are infused with buzzy skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane for deep hydration, shea butter to lock in moisture, and glycerin, the most popular glow-boosting ingredient on the block right now. The Glowy Super Skin Foundation, can be considered more skincare than makeup as it combines 85% serum with 15% weightless pigment to lightly tint the face. Curious about what’s in each product? The brand also offers clear reasoning behind each ingredient and what it does for your skin.
Hoping to see whether the products truly live up to the hype, we tested out everything in Saie’s lineup over the span of two months. Is the glow really that good IRL? Do the products actually benefit your skin’s health in the long term? And do Saie’s lightweight formulas stand up to the hustle and bustle of modern life?
Read on to discover our honest thoughts (and which products we think are worth your money).
This stuff feels so good on the skin. It’s an ultra-light cooling cream gel and though it’s initially quite a wet, liquid texture, it absorbs in seconds. I find it works like a foundation primer and highlighter to blur acne scars and pigmentation but the shimmery pigment also bathes skin in light. It’s the ultimate multitasker.
Apply in a light layer and you’ll be left with a really nice dewy glow that makes foundation look better when applied on top. For comparison, I would say this is a more subtle version of Glossier’s Futuredew, £28. If you want to, you can layer up on Glowy Super Gel for more of a shimmer (which I do on my cheekbones).
While there are currently only two shades, Starglow (a light champagne gold) and Sunglow (a warm golden bronze), both are so sheer that they suit all skin tones — I swap to Sunglow in the summer for a light bronzed look that rivals the ever popular, ever sold-out Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops, £34. If you’re only going to buy one Saie product, I would recommend this one. It’s also a winner in my books because of how much product you get for your money. I’ve used my bottle almost every day for about three months now and it’s still going strong.
When you look at the ingredients in the Glowy Super Skin Foundation you would be forgiven for thinking it’s a skincare product rather than makeup. 85% of the formula is a mix of hydrating hyaluronic acid, skin-strengthening peptides, moisturising squalane and quenching glycerin, and the other 15% is lightweight pigment. Saying this, I haven’t yet noticed any dramatic changes to the condition of my skin. However, because it is so lightweight and breathable, it feels so much better; not suffocated or clogged up like it does when I use other foundation products.
Part of its skincare-as-makeup appeal is that Super Skin — like Super Gel — has a thin, watery formula that’s easy to blend so I’d recommend pumping out only a little on the back of your hand before applying. I’ve found that using my fingers to dot it over my face and then buffing in with a dense brush (Saie’s The Big Brush, £23) achieves the best results. Because it’s so lightweight it’s perfect for natural, my-skin-but-better looks and summer wear. If you want a bit more coverage, you can layer up if needed (it doesn’t pill).
However, because it’s so light, it exaggerated my dry patches. I’m naturally a dry gal so my skincare routine already includes oily, creamy serums and a thick day cream (my forever favourite is Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, £79) so this hasn’t been too much of an issue for me — you just need to prep the skin properly first. That said, because of my dry skin, I’ve found that I don’t need to set this too much with powder.
This is one of my favourite concealers. I’ve been using it for about a year now (it was the first Saie product I tried). I will note, it doesn’t have the highest coverage — rather, it’s more like a tinted eye serum. It works a treat on the dry, crepey skin around my under-eyes because it’s so hydrating and nourishing thanks to a combination of moisturising squalane and glycerin. This means it doesn’t settle into my fine lines. I’ve found that for long-lasting coverage, it’s best to let it ‘dry down’ a little before blending in. I use my fingers as it’s so creamy. It’s buildable, too.
One thing to note is that this concealer contains a micro shimmer (teeny, tiny light reflecting particles) which adds to its illuminating powers. Because of this I wouldn’t recommend it for concealing anything raised on the skin like spots as it could accentuate them.
This is Saie’s latest addition and though it’s generating a lot of hype (it’s won a fan in our senior writer, Karina), I’m not so sure it’s beaten Hydrabeam in my books. Like Hydrabeam, it is ultra lightweight and creamy, melting into the skin beautifully, and is made with hydrating skincare goodness (think niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and glycerin). Unlike Hydrabeam though, Slip Tint offers a higher, matte coverage and 12-hour wear. Personally, I’ve found that I need to touch up every few hours. Just like the Super Skin Foundation, skin prep is essential here for us dry girlies. As this concealer dried down it started to cling to and reveal my dry patches, especially around the under-eyes. Going forward, I’ll keep Hydrabeam for my under-eyes and Slip Tint for covering acne.
This is a saviour for my dry skin in the summer, especially those hot days when I can barely be bothered with skincare, let alone makeup. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and SPF35 to hydrate and protect the skin but it also has great staying power. It lends a subtle ‘boost’ to my skin, evening the tone and adding a glow.
Like Saie’s other face products, I love the pump function for ease and cleanliness but the formula itself can sometimes separate and come out either super oily or thick. All you need to do is massage the tube a little beforehand.
At first I wasn’t too fussed with the Airset Radiant Setting Powder. But as time has gone on, I’ve started to appreciate that because it’s so fine and light, it doesn’t leave my skin looking dry and powdery. It doesn’t add any coverage. I found that it didn’t dull the dewiness and glow imparted by the Super Gel and Super Skin Foundation. Once again, it’s one for those with dry skin and best applied using a fluffy brush like Saie’s Pinpoint Brush, £18.
I love, love, love this bronzer. Everything about it; how naturally it warms up my face without looking orange, the formula (it’s so light, blendable and buildable, and best applied with a big fluffy brush), the application (it never looks patchy), and how much product you get in the pan. It’s a great dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer, £45.
If you’re after colour payoff and a blendable, long-lasting formula, then Dew Blush is for you. Nudging it above similar products (like Glossier Cloud Paint, £22 and Rare Beauty Soft Pinch, £22), Dew Blush lives up to its name and adds a touch of dewiness and glow to the skin as well as believable colour.
While most Saie products work best applied with your fingers, the Glow Sculpt Blush — a shimmering, blush meets highlighter with a hybrid powder-cream formula — is best applied with a fluffy blush, just like the Sun Melt Bronzer. This is mostly because it is so sheer. Applied with my finger, I only got a whisper of colour but I could easily layer it for a really natural flush. It is more subdued than the Dew Blush and definitely not so pigmented, but once you nail the application technique, I’m almost certain you’ll be pleased with the natural glow.
Brow Butter is a pro vs con situation for me. I really like the brush — it’s a lot smaller than many others I’ve used for a tinted brow gel and perfect for delicately grooming each hair. The formula itself is where I’m umming and ahhing. My issue is with the colour payoff. I have dark hair, pale skin and sparse brows so I need a little more of a tint to balance out the two. I probably would repurchase the clear version of Brow Butter (for this story I tried it in Deep Brown) but I’d use a brow pencil first underneath. On the plus side, it boasts cacao seed butter, candelilla wax and jojoba oil to moisturise the hair and surrounding skin, leaving brows fluffy and natural-looking (not sticky or crunchy) all day.
Mascara 101 is a winner. It’s also pretty unique. The brush boasts extra combs at the tip to make defining even the tiniest of lashes easy. While it did take me a couple of coats to achieve length and volume, the product stays put pretty well without smudging or flaking (unless it’s really damp or humid) thanks to the star ingredient, beeswax, which moisturises the lashes. That does mean the brand isn’t entirely vegan but it does have cruelty-free status. For the way it really thickens and lengthens my fine lashes, I’ll take a light smudge here and there.
As someone who is lipstick-averse, I really like Lip Blur. It has a consistency more like a nourishing balm and looks really natural. The colour payoff is great, too. I tried the shade Modern, a brown-berry colour that looks just as great on my pale skin as it does on my housemate, who has a warm, light brown, mixed complexion (we drunkenly and giddily realised we were wearing the same shade on a night out once and spent way too long gushing in the club bathroom). It’s not transfer-proof and does need to be topped up throughout the day but I’m okay with this as I consider it more of a tinted balm.
Angels should be singing and light should emanate from some vague middle-distance every time I open this bottle. Glossybounce is the ultimate trifecta: it’s super nourishing and drenches my lips in moisture thanks to jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid. It also makes lips look super shiny (more like a lip lacquer) and the formula itself is highly pigmented. After the Glowy Super Gel, this is my favourite Saie product.
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Throughout the year, a few red carpets capture our attention, but there’s only one that has us talking for days afterwards. Of course, we’re talking about the Met Gala. Hosted at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Met Gala is the most exciting day on the fashion calendar and never fails to have everyone embrace their inner fashion critic.
The theme is different every year, and changes according to the theme of museum’s spring exhibition. The Met Gala red carpet is an opportunity for designers and attendees alike to take real chances with their fashion, crafting true show-stoppers that get everyone talking. When it comes to the Met Gala, bigger is always better.
Ahead, we answer all the questions you might have about this year’s gala, including what this year’s theme is (and what it means for the fashion), as well as where to watch it and who’s attending.
When is the 2024 Met Gala?
The Met Gala always takes place on the first Monday in May, This year, that is May 6, and red carpet arrivals will probably begin around 11pm (BST).
Like previous years, the Met Gala theme will be a celebration of the Costume Institute’s annual spring exhibition, which is ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’.
The exhibition, which will be open to the public following the Met Gala, from May 10 to September 2, 2024, will span 400 years of history, drawing from the Costume Institute’s permanent collection and featuring pieces rarely seen by the public. It will include designs from Elsa Schiaparelli, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, and many more.
Within the exhibition, there are around 15 historically significant and extremely rare pieces that are too delicate to ever be worn again, which Andrew Bolton, Wendy Yu Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute, explains are the “sleeping beauties” the exhibition is named after.
As for what this means for the ‘Garden of Time’ dress code itself, the most obvious interpretation is to embrace the “garden” aspect, with dark and moody florals (see, the exhibition’s “Tulipes Hollandaises” evening cloak worn by Charles Frederick Worth in the 1800s). Other attendees may lean into the concept of fleeting beauty or time — both key themes in this year’s exhibition.
Who hosts the Met Gala?
Since 1995, the Met Gala has been hosted by Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue and Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast. This year, she has named Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Chris Hemsworth as co-chairs for the event, which means they will officially be welcoming attendees to The MET on May 6. This follows last year’s co-chairs, Penélope Cruz, Michaela Coel, Roger Federer, Dua Lipa.
Who is attending the 2024 Met Gala?
According to Vogue, the Met Gala usually has roughly 450 attendees, including the biggest celebrities in the world and many influential people, including politicians and the who’s who of the tech and creative industries.
Celebrities like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga, as well as digital creators like Emma Chamberlain, are usually in attendance, but the actual guest list is kept under wraps until the day of, when the stars descend on the red carpet.
In 2024, TikTok is the lead sponsor for the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibition, so we can likely expect to see some of the platforms biggest creators in attendance alongside a-listers.
How can I watch the Met Gala red carpet in the UK?
Though the specific details on how to watch the Met Gala red carpet in 2024 are yet to be released, it’s usually easiest to view via Vogue’s digital channels. Last year, the carpet was live-streamed on the Vogue website, and on the brand’s Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter pages.
For a curated view of the red carpet, you can also visit the Refinery29 Instagram, as we’ll be live posting the best looks from the day.
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Welcome to Sky Sports Editions, where we meet remarkable sports women as they direct their very own cover shoot. Alongside all of the live sport coverage on Sky, this series provides a space for these extraordinary athletes to tell their personal journeys, in their own words. In this episode, we meet Charley Hull, one of the UK’s most celebrated golfers, who has won the Ladies European Tour three times and the LPGA Tour twice. She shares how fitness plays a crucial part in her wellbeing and managing her ADHD symptoms, and her hopes for breaking down barriers for women in sport.
Charley Hull has been playing golf for pretty much her entire life. That’s not an exaggeration — she first picked up a golf club when she was just two years old, when her dad introduced her to the sport at their local course, the Kettering Golf Club in Northamptonshire.
Now 28 and a professional golfer, Hull hasn’t really put her clubs down since. At nine years old, she proved her skills on the course when she beat her adult opponents and came out top at the British Ladies National Championship at Turnberry, in Scotland. Buoyed by her success, she started getting homeschooled when she was 13 so she could focus on golf and playing in amateur tournaments.
That decision paid off. Thanks to her undeniable talent, hard work and laser-sharp focus, Hull has gone from strength to strength. In 2013, during her first year as a professional golfer, she won the Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year award. That same year, she was selected to compete in the Solheim Cup, making her the youngest player to ever play in the tournament. These days, she competes in both the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour.
Throughout her career, Hull hasn’t let anything stand in her way. She brings the same approach to her style, which she describes as “unapologetic”. What other words would she use to describe her fashion sense? “Glamorous” and “sporty”, says Hull. She wasn’t always into the glam look, though. “When I was younger, I was just sporty, I didn’t have any interest [in fashion]. My relationship with style has got a lot better over the years. As I’ve got older, I really enjoy it,” says Hull.
On the golf course, Hull aims to strike a balance between comfort and style. “I like to wear pleated skirts — I think they are pretty, as well as being comfortable and easy to move in,” she says. But when it comes to downtime, she’s all about comfort. “If I’m chilling at home, I love to put on a sweatshirt and sweatpants.” When she isn’t in sweatpants, Hull loves being glamorous, but she isn’t concerned about following trends. “I have my own style. If something went out of fashion I’d still wear it,” she said. “I like to be glamorous but I’m sporty as well. I go to the gym a lot. I want to show my physique off and show how strong I am. I’m unapologetic — that’s me.”
Hull’s glamorous yet sporty approach to style is reflected in her choices for her Sky Sports Editions cover shoot. Her outfit — a co-ord skirt and top set — shows off her strong physique, and the pleated skirt is a nod to the kind of skirts she loves to wear on the golf course. The gold heels bring an extra dose of glamour.
As a professional athlete, Hull obviously needs to keep fit and eat healthily — but it goes way beyond that. For Hull, fitness is key to her wellbeing, both physically and mentally. “It’s good for your mind. It helps me mentally. I love going to the gym and feeling mentally switched on,” she says. “I feel fit and happy in myself.”
The mental health benefits of working out have become even more important for Hull lately. She was recently diagnosed with ADHD and says that exercising is a “massive thing” when it comes to managing her symptoms. “I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD this year. I’ve learnt a lot about it and I have ways to cope now. When I feel like I’m struggling, I go to the gym,” says Hull.
Since her ADHD diagnosis, Hull has developed an understanding of what works for her. “I decided not to take any medication as I feel that I can manage it myself. One of the biggest things for me is routine. That’s why the job that I have works well in that my days have a regular structure to them. When I’m away on tour, I can get into a really good routine and that helps me enormously.” Since being diagnosed with ADHD, Hull says she has become “more self-aware”, too. “I have a better understanding of myself in terms of what works for me and what does not,” she says. “I know how important routine is for me and I’m better at scheduling and planning so that I can be as healthy as possible. I put myself first. I know my triggers and how to cope. I just do me.”
The idea of being physically and mentally strong is crucial for Hull. And that mindset — along with her unapologetic attitude — has helped her build an impressive career in a sport that’s traditionally been thought of as male dominated. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind, either. Last year, a tweet of hers went viral after a male golf fan said he would “make every cut on the LPGA and be a top 20 player”. Hull responded to the tweet, saying: “Shall we sort this game out. I’ll let him play off the red tees while I’ll play off the whites” — referring to the distance of the tee-off point, and offering him the tees where beginners typically take their shots. Speaking about this at her Sky Sports Editions shoot, she says: “I find it quite funny. Everyone saw it and made a big fuss out of it. People want this game to happen,” she says.
Over the years, she’s made waves with her performances on the golf course — and helped to fly the flag for female athletes in the process. Hull is keen to make sure that women and girls feel like sport is a place for them. “Sport can give you so much and I hate to think of people missing out on the opportunities. Apart from the obvious health benefits, both mental and physical, it teaches you discipline, commitment, work ethic, teamwork, and it gives you a social network.”
If she could change one thing for women in sport, what would it be? “I just wish that there would be no barriers,” she says. Well, if Hull’s career so far is anything to go by, we get the sense that she isn’t done breaking down barriers just yet.
See Charley Hull in action at the Chevron Championship, available to watch on Sky Sports from 18 April.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Sky Sports Editions, where we meet cricketer Sophie Ecclestone. Coming soon on Refinery29. Catch up on all Sky Sports Editions here.
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Benefit Cosmetics occupies a special place in the hearts and makeup bags of R29 editors. The retro-inspired packaging and cheeky product names are enticing to begin with, but at the end of the day, it’s how each product performs which continues to impress us the most.
The brand’s bestsellers are the textbook definition of everyday makeup staples and they have been for years. Many of us have fond teenage memories of learning how to do our own makeup with Benefit classics (especially its brow pencils and mascaras) and they have occupied a spot in our GRWM routine ever since. If you are a Benefit devotee like us, here’s some fantastic news: Benefit has officially kicked off its Spring Sale Event, with many of its star performers priced at up to 50% off.
While recent launches like the Precisely, My Brow Wax won’t be part of the discount, there are still plenty of highlights worth watching out for. The items on sale are fan-favourites that have been on the block for a while and are adored for good reason. Think Hoola Bronzer, which has been a makeup icon for more than 20 years, or the They’re Real! Magnet Mascara, which received our seal of approval for its ability to instant lengthen lashes without clumps.
The sale ends on 19th April, and we’ve tapped our resident Benefit fans, aka our discerning beauty editors, to share exactly which on-sale Benefit products they will be buying to replenish their makeup bags ahead of the summer.
“I know Benefit is known for its innovative eyebrow pencils, but the Brow Pomade holds a special place in my heart. Some days, I want my brows to be a little more bold and while eyebrow pencils and gels are great, nothing can help you achieve that sculpted and defined brow quite like a pomade. I love this one in particular because it’s creamy and stays put, but isn’t drying. The shade range is also great (I’m a 5). A little goes a long way so one pot should last you a very, very long time. Just make sure to keep the cap on tight so it doesn’t dry out!” — Sara Tan, Beauty Director
“I’ve waxed lyrical about this mascara since it launched in 2021: It lengthens and beefs up lashes in just a couple of swipes, all without the need for a lash curler. It’s so good that my eyelashes are often mistaken for falsies when I wear it. For me, the markers of a really great mascara are how it feels on my lashes (I hate brittleness) not to mention how long it lasts (transfer is embarrassing). This dries down to an almost elastic texture, so my lashes aren’t rock hard, and I never have to hurriedly wipe it from my lower lash line on bathroom breaks.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Deputy Beauty Director
“As someone who will soon be marrying an ophthalmologist, even I admit that I don’t cycle out my eye makeup as often as I probably should. This is one reason why I love mini mascaras, but I also find that I can finish them before they have a chance to dry out! This trio comes with one of my OG Benefit favourite mascaras, Roller Lash, as well as ones if you want a bigger, bolder look.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
“Maybe it’s TikTok or the Katie Jane Hughes effect, but I’ve been swayed by brown liner lately — and this is one of the best. The nib occupies a cosy space between firm and malleable, which makes light work of achieving a knife-edge flick. I’ve also used it as a freckle pen!” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Deputy Beauty Director
“Whenever I get my brows done at Benefit, I vow to pick up one of these slant-edge tweezers — and forget. Don’t be like me. The precision is always second to none and it makes tweezing my very thick (and very stubborn) brow hairs easy. Even better? There’s a brush on the end which will help you to achieve that natural, fluffed-up effect.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Deputy Beauty Director
“Treasure Island is my favourite shade in this lip balm. It feels more like a glossy lip oil and deposits a pretty raspberry tint that doesn’t stain the lips when it wears off (a pet peeve of mine). The star ingredients are shea butter, which is known to soften and smooth dry skin, and sunflower oil, which moisturises deeply.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Deputy Beauty Director
“I’ve been using Benefit’s Hoola bronzer since my teen years, and it’s still one I consistently reach for to this day. The matte, neutral shade is perfect for a subtle contour, and I even like to dust it across my lids as a soft eyeshadow. I don’t usually see it on sale, and one full-size box lasts me easily a year, so I’d definitely recommend snapping it up. You won’t be disappointed!” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
“I lean towards a smudgeable eyeliner pencil rather than a liquid eyeliner pen, as I much prefer the smoky effect. The thing is, I have oily eyelids, so whatever I wear needs to stay put. A few months ago, a makeup artist used this on me ahead of a night out and I was really impressed with how well it held up. It didn’t make my eyes water, unlike others, nor did it get stuck around my contact lenses.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Deputy Beauty Director
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Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last penny.
This week: “I’m a 20-year-old finance degree apprentice living in Newcastle. I went straight into the corporate world from school because I bought into the corporate girlie lifestyle and lucrative future prospects. I’m lucky that my company sponsors my degree while also paying me a wage — although it does mean I have a very different life to many of my friends at uni. At the moment I very much focus on a ‘memories over money’ approach by prioritising brunches, holidays and silly treats. As my friends back home say, I am very much in my “city girl era” after growing up in the countryside my whole life. I honestly love it. I’m living up to the stereotype.”
Occupation: Finance (consulting degree apprentice) Age: 20 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Salary: £23,000 Paycheque Amount: £1,570 Number of housemates: Three housemates (S, D and C) Pronouns: She/her
Monthly Expenses
Housing costs: £540 rent (includes wifi) Loan payments: N/A Savings: I have £2,500 in various pots and accounts. I wouldn’t say I consciously save at the moment. Pension: I currently pay 5% into my pension and my employee matches this. Utilities: Bills package for water and electricity comes to £100 (although this is very convenient and easy it is definitely overpriced); £50 council tax. All other monthly payments: £3 Apple storage; £5 Monzo Plus; £20 gym membership. Subscriptions: £25 Skin+Me
Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it? I’m currently undergoing a BA (Hons) degree as part of my apprenticeship. This is paid for by my company and follows the same three-year process as if I were to go to university. Additionally, I get a professional qualification in chartered management as part of the degree.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Money was never a large topic in my household. My parents didn’t encourage materialism but instead allowed us to have every experience we wanted: taking us on holidays abroad, prioritising hobbies and education. They then separated when I was 11 and both adopted very different attitudes to spending. My mother came from a well-off background and brought us up with a good lifestyle, meaning she can often be impulsive with spending when trying to replicate this. My dad on the other hand is more cautious with money. Although I’m very aware he is very generous with money when it comes to his children, so I know he’ll always help me out.
If you have, when did you move out of your parents’/guardians’ house? I moved for this job opportunity when I was 18 — almost straight after finishing sixth form — and I rarely go back due to working full time.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself? Does anyone else cover any aspects of your financial life? Although I earn a wage my parents still help me out. My dad sends me £200 at the start of every month and frequently helps out with other costs throughout the month, if he approves. Additionally, I participate in athletics and have done so for years. My dad heavily supports this hobby and therefore pays nearly all expenses associated. My mother also pays for my phone bill.
What was your first job and why did you get it? I worked for less than a month at a restaurant at 17, baking for them and waitressing the occasional bottomless brunch. Sadly, it had very questionable owners and my parents encouraged me to quit by giving me an allowance instead. Eventually it got investigated by HMRC and shut down for illegal trading.
Do you worry about money now? Being in a finance-heavy world, I have become very aware of the cost of life and do worry about how my future looks in the current climate. Although I earn well for my age, my spending habits are very excessive and I have very high expectations for my future, with currently no money to support this. Additionally, I realise my parents won’t help me out forever.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? I was given £2,500 for my 18th birthday. I think I spent the majority of this on post A-levels holidays (I went away five times that summer) and moving to Newcastle.Day One
7:30 a.m. — I wake up feeling quite tired as my friend and I went to a concert last night, but I need to go to the gym as I skipped it yesterday.
7:45 a.m. — Arrive at the gym. As part of my athletics, I have an S&C coach who writes my gym programme. I’ve worked with him since I was 16, so I’m used to his plans. I am lucky my dad covers this cost as it’s definitely a luxury.
9 a.m. — Arrive back home. I have university today so it’s a later start. I shower quickly, tidy up my messy room and get ready to leave.
9:45 a.m. — Me and C leave the house and head to uni together. On the way we always pick up an iced coffee to help us get through. It comes to only £1, as I have a voucher.
10 a.m. — All our lectures are in person so I settle in. I don’t enjoy uni and if my degree wasn’t being paid for, I definitely wouldn’t have done it. I also realise I’m lucky to have this opportunity.
1 p.m. — The morning lectures are done so we head into the centre for lunch. I made a prawn Greek salad the night before, but I still get some chocolate eggs for a sweet treat, £1.25.
4 p.m. — Finish uni and head home. I come home to D who has been at work and listen to the gossip from their day. They work for a big company with a large amount of apprentices so there is always drama and rumours.
4:30 p.m. — I put a chicken Kiev into the oven. I would never usually eat this at this time, but I have an event tonight.
5 p.m. — One of my best friends, B, has driven three hours as we have a mutual friend doing fight night so she is staying with me. We catch up and she has bought me some treats from Selfridges Food Hall as we don’t have one near Newcastle.
5:30 p.m. — We start getting ready to go out as it is a black-tie event and it is always good to dress up.
8 p.m. — Head to the venue which is only a walk away — I’m lucky to live in the centre. We meet friends (B paid for my ticket months ago), and grab some drinks. B pays for a round and another friend for a second. I then manage to flirt with a promoter to get upgraded to the seated area.
11 p.m. — The fights are finished. Unfortunately he lost but was it was a fun evening. We have one more drink — again paid for by another friend — then head into Newcastle to go out.
12 p.m. — Head to a club where the entry is free with the fight night wristband. I decide not to have any more drinks and just dance.
1.30 a.m. — Decide to leave as I have work in the morning and B doesn’t want to drive back hungover. We get in and go straight to bed.
Total: £2.25Day Two
8 a.m. — Get up feeling a bit tired and with very sore legs from wearing heels all night. I quickly throw on a blazer and trousers as an easy outfit and walk to the office.
9:30 a.m. — Message C on Teams and grab an iced coffee before my first meeting. I have completed my loyalty card so it is free.
10:30 a.m. — Spend my morning in meetings and looking at pricing and approvals for new work. As an apprentice you are expected to do as much as anyone else in the business would.
12 p.m. — I head home for lunch as I didn’t bring anything in and want to save money. I get in and make eggs and bagels, although I’m not sure how old the bagels are.
12:45 p.m. — I get a call from W. We have been seeing each other for a while now but he works offshore and was meant to be coming back today, but has accepted overtime. I’m rather upset about this decision and make this clear. The last two weeks have been rough due to some personal issues between the two of us and I’d rather not spend another apart.
1 p.m. — Go back into work grumpy and tired. This is commented on in the next meeting as my pale face and tanned body don’t help. Sometimes being the youngest and only girl is rough.
5 p.m. — Finish work and head back home. I get into bed with D who has been at uni and vent about W. She agrees I should say something as I tend not to stand my ground and if it were the other way round, he would definitely be angry.
5.30 p.m. — Head to the shop with D and get some potatoes, a pepper and sweets, £3.40.
6 p.m. — Come back home, make tomorrow’s lunch and watch First Dates with D while eating jacket potatoes for dinner.
7 p.m. — W calls as he has finished work. He works long, odd hours, so arguments often cannot be solved when they start. We talk and he promises to come back on Monday. He says this extra money will go towards a holiday in May for the two of us.
9:30 p.m. — C gets home and the house gets loud. We start packing as we’re going away for the weekend; a girls house is often filled with shouting and laughing in the evenings.
11 p.m. — I shower, fake tan and get ready for bed.
Total: £3.40Day Three
8:15 a.m. — Get up late but I can get ready fast. Shower off my fake tan and chuck a dress on to save time. Head to work with D.
8:40 a.m. — I have been wanting a waffle maker for weeks but I thought it was silly, so one of my seniors has brought one in for me. A very sweet gesture.
9:40 a.m. — Me and H head out for coffees. I grab an iced latte and we have a good gossip about stuff on the way, £3.55.
12:15 p.m. — Stay busy in a two-hour meeting then meet the girls for lunch. They are all getting shawarma, but I made some food last night so I eat it instead.
1 p.m. — Back to work. The afternoon has a lot of meetings and I’m kept busy assessing the current state of some of our projects.
4:45 p.m. — I rush out to get home as me and D have a train to go back to my family home as we are going away tomorrow.
5:30 p.m. — Get to the train station after last minute packing. Grab a hot choc (£1 with a voucher) and then a Diet Coke and crisps for £2.80.
8 p.m. — Arrive at my hometown station. One of my close friends T is waiting to pick us up. Having long-distance friends is an adjustment I’ve had to make but I am so lucky to have people that always make time for me.
8:30 p.m. — We all head back to my house where my mother has put on Mexican food for everyone. We sit and talk about our last few weeks (she also knows D as we all got together in Manchester a few weeks ago).
10:30 p.m. — C joins as she had to stay later in Newcastle for a work event and we all head up to bed.
Total: £7.35Day Four
5:45 a.m. — An early wake-up call for our flight. As a group we love going away together and this will be our fifth holiday abroad together. I very much live by “memories over money”, meaning that weekends away and holidays occur monthly.
6:15 a.m. — My dad comes to pick us up and drive us to the airport. Although we haven’t lived together for eight years, he is always there for me and will do anything.
7 a.m. — We make it to the airport and my dad hands me £30 for breakfast. This is something he has always done when I go away without him which is a sweet gesture and I know I’m very spoilt by him.
7:45 a.m. — Go to Boots to grab conditioner, toothpaste, water, Diet Coke and mentos, £10.
8 a.m. — Our gate isn’t ready until 9 a.m. so I get a hot chocolate to avoid coffee and a pain au chocolate, £8.
9:30 a.m. — Board the plane to Bucharest and we all go straight to sleep.
3 p.m. — Our flight arrives, and we get a Bolt straight to our accommodation. They are very cheap here and it comes to £12 for a 40-minute trip, £4 my share.
5 p.m. — We check in, get changed and grab a pastry at a near by café for some energy, £2.
6 p.m. — We get another Bolt and head to a spa. This is the main reason behind this trip as we had seen it on TikTok; £4 my share.
7 p.m. — The spa is unreal with over ten saunas and all different pools and baths (paid for in advance).
9 p.m. — We grab some drinks from the pool bar which comes to £15.
12 a.m. — Get a taxi back, £4. We all go straight to sleep after a long day.
Total: £47Day Five
10 a.m. — We get up and get ready for a brunch we booked in advance. We go for brunch every weekend at home so we love trying different places.
12 p.m. — I get French toast at brunch and an iced coffee. It was nice but definitely overhyped, £15 each.
2 p.m. — We spend the day just walking around the old town as it’s really sunny and we have no plans. I buy some magnets (a tradition I have with my mum) for £6.
3 p.m. — We get sucked in by a shopping centre and I end up spending £8 on sunglasses even though W bought me two pairs before this trip. I also spend £7 on a silver ring, something I like to collect from every country.
4 p.m. — We sit on the main square and have an Aperol spritz. I pay for everyone but I’m charged 700 RON instead of 70. It was a shifty exchange and I have to request to see the receipt as something felt off — I’m glad I spotted it. It takes another 10 minutes for them to sort a refund; £4 for my drink.
6 p.m. — On the way back we stop off at a supermarket and get some snacks in: Diet Coke, watermelon and crisps. This will mostly end up not getting eaten, £6.
7 p.m. — Me and D wake up from a quick nap and get ready again. We have booked a highly recommended sky bar for dinner.
8 p.m. — We get a Bolt to dinner, £2 for my share. The views are lovely and so is the restaurant. I have the duck breast with truffle mash and an Aperol spritz, and then another cocktail. We also share some desserts. This comes to £40 each which is so cheap.
11 p.m. — Leave dinner and get an Uber straight to a club, £2. There is no entry fee which is rather shocking as it looks very nice so we head straight in.
11:30 p.m. — We get a round of cocktails which comes to £6 for my share. Everyone can smoke inside here and it is very dressy. A bit of a culture shock from Bigg Market.
12 a.m. — We get chatting to a group of men and they proceed to pay for our next round of cocktails, as well as two rounds of Jägers and a round of vodka and lemonades. We all are involved with someone in some way so after a bit we sneak away.
2 a.m. — Get a Bolt to the next club. They initially refuse us without a reservation but after some talking let us in. It is very impressive with dancers, so big and well looked after.
4:30 a.m. — We decide to head back and grab a Bolt for £3 each. We then go to McDonald’s and all grab a Happy Meal each for £4. In our drunken state we then get a Bolt home, only for it to take us 40 metres across the road — the driver found it amusing, at least.
Total: £103Day Six
11 a.m. — Wake up feeling a little rough, but nothing a brunch can’t fix. We all speed up and get out.
11:30 a.m. — Arrive at brunch and we all order pancakes and juices. The pancakes are cold as if they’ve been refrigerated and the mascarpone is odd tasting, so it’s not the best experience; £10 for my share.
12:30 p.m. — Head into the centre and grab an iced latte on the way for £4. We then look at a few of the TikTok-recommended must-sees.
3 p.m. — Go to the shopping mall to grab some bits. I try to resist silly treats but I end up buying a bag I don’t need and on reflection don’t really like, £18.
5 p.m. — We head for an early dinner at another recommended restaurant as we’re all lagging at this point. I have a salmon and caviar pasta with a side of truffle fries. I have a truffle obsession at the moment. This is only £20. I also send D £10 for today’s Bolts.
7 p.m. — We all get back and conk out.
9 p.m. — Wake up and pack as we have an early flight. Me and D get a burst of energy and can’t settle down.
11 p.m. — All beginning to regret napping as now we can’t sleep...
Total: £62 Day Seven
4:30 a.m. — Get up very tired. We pre-booked our taxi after D got chatting drunk to one of our drivers on Saturday night and took his number.
5 a.m. — Arrive at the airport, grab some pastries and water then board the plane, £4.
8 a.m. — Land back in the UK. We didn’t fly from Newcastle airport as the choices are minimal so we now have to make the journey back.
9 a.m. — Get on the bus to Leeds train station, £2. I get in a Vinted hole and spend £8 on some new running shorts for training holiday.
10 a.m. — At the station I grab some crisps, mints and drink, £6. We get on the train and all sleep.
12 p.m. — Arrive back in Newcastle and walk straight home. I quickly put some washing on and clean up the mess before hopping in the shower and getting ready to leave again.
2 p.m. — I am going to meet E to catch up after a week apart and also take part in her dissertation on athletes (we train together). I get an iced coffee on the way, £3.
4 p.m. — I sit on a bench as it’s so warm and catch up with my sister on the phone. She is my best friend and I see her rarely so it’s good to talk.
4:30 p.m. — I head to M&S as I think it’s the cheapest shop in the centre and grab some food for the week. I get chicken, tortellini, salad stuff, smoothies, yoghurt, cookie ingredients, wraps, cheese and squash, £25.
5 p.m. — Get home and clean the kitchen as it’s disgusting (we’ve been arguing for weeks over whose mess it is). We don’t own a mop or even a bin, so it’s a task. I then make tortellini for my dinner and bake some cookies for the flat.
7 p.m. — C gets in and we sit and catch up on TV together.
8:30 p.m. — W rings as he’s about an hour away after getting off the ship. He asks if I’ll pick him up a takeaway on the way to see him. I call up and get it on my walk; it comes to £23, but he sends me £30 for the effort.
9:30 p.m. — Meet W at the station after three weeks apart. We are in early stages, so it’s nice to see him again. We get an Uber to his as he has his own place. It’s always so cold when he’s been away for ages so it’s an igloo when we get in.
11 p.m. — We are in bed catching up when W leans over when I’m not paying attention and I manage to land my elbow straight in his eye, resulting in a black eye. I feel so guilty and nearly cry. Luckily, he takes it well.
“Given that this includes a holiday away I don’t think this is awful at all. Embarrassingly, I don’t think this would’ve been much lower if I had spent the weekend in Newcastle as there was a lack of shopping this week. I think my biggest issues are the small purchases like iced coffees. I don’t even view them as a luxury — something they should be on my wage. I definitely need to look at budgeting better and prioritising savings as I think my lifestyle choices can often be silly and unnecessary.”
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Just in time for your seasonal wardrobe refresh, Uniqlo and JW Anderson have released a spring/summer 2024 collection that’s filled with wardrobe staples. The latest drop from this long-running designer partnership is serving up practical, timeless pieces that will ease your morning dressing woes and keep your wardrobe looking fresh. Think: flowy midi skirts, light jackets and layerable tops — all with a designer-level attention to detail.
The collection — available to shop from 18th April — is all about simple transitional pieces that shine. “For this season we drew inspiration from 1940s through 1960s Britain to showcase garment craftsmanship and durability,” Anderson said in a press release while also referencing traditional British furniture (namely its simplicity and primary colours) as another form of inspiration.
The collection offers smart additions to any capsule wardrobe, from classic silhouettes like A-line skirts and relaxed-fit trousers, to spring-appropriate fabrics including sheer cottons and linen blends. To help you navigate the newness we’ve rounded up our five favourite items from the collection, along with our own styling tips, too.
Scroll on to explore the Uniqlo x JW Anderson spring/summer 2024 drop, plus all the pieces we’ve got our eyes on.
This jacket packs a lot of potential into one piece. While the oversized fit makes it easy to style, its versatility lies in the drawstring hem and adjustable silhouette (the collar can be worn up or down). Available in off-white and navy blue, you can breezily throw this jacket over any spring outfit.
A short-sleeved jumper is the spring layering hack we didn’t know we needed. As with all Uniqlo x JW Anderson pieces, details like colourblock stripes and subtle logo embroidery take it from a simple basic to a stylish staple. Plus it’s available in black, white and canary yellow— one in every colour, yeah?
Schoolgirl kilts, though on trend, aren’t always the easiest to style, especially in warmer weather. This skirt has elements of the same casual, youthful aesthetic, with more movement and breathability thanks to its linen-blend composition. Bonus points for the belt-strap detailing, which was all over the autumn 2024 runways.
This blouse ticks lots of boxes: it can be easily layered, dressed up and down, and has a trendy edge with its semi-sheer fabric. Pair with a vest or waistcoat, fitted trousers and platform loafers for an office look, or with a mini skirt or shorts for a casual weekend outfit.
Add a belt to a shift dress and you’ve got a timeless piece for years to come. This dress, which can be tied at the front or the back, is the quintessential throw-on-and-go style. Wear with knee-high boots and a leather jacket for cooler weather, and trainers and ankle socks for a casual, sporty look.
Uniqlo x JW Anderson’s SS24 collection is available on the Uniqlo site, here.
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H&M is back with yet another designer collaboration. For spring, the Swedish giant tapped Rok Hwang, creative director of emerging London-based label Rokh, for delightfully deconstructed wardrobe staples.
Launching on 18th April, the Rokh x H&M collaboration highlights the Korean designer’s signatures, from avant-garde detailing, complex tailoring, and layering techniques to detachable elements. “Rokh is at the forefront of a new wave of Korean designers whose conceptual-yet-wearable clothes are captivating fashion right now,” head of H&M womenswear design Ann-Sofie Johansson said in a statement.
The collection features elevated basics that boast modifiable details. You’ll find detachable-hemline cocktail dresses, asymmetric skirts with button-up seams, double-layer trench coats, and jackets that can be worn backwards. “I always focus on making my collections as timeless as possible, and one way of doing that is with customisable details,” Hwang said in a press release. “To see my clothes being interpreted by people in their own way is one of my greatest pleasures, and I can’t wait to see how customers engage with this fun and dynamic collection for H&M.”
Beyond clothing, this collaboration includes playful accessories like matching floral gloves and tights, two-tone jewellery, clear heels, and a monogrammed briefcase. Click on to take a look at some of the womenswear pieces from the Rokh x H&M collaboration. You can now shop the collection here.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
H&M x Rokh Cropped Twill Jacket, $, available at H&M
H&M x Rokh Belted Twill Skirt, $, available at H&M
H&M x Rokh Layered-Skirt Asymmetric Dress, $, available at H&M
H&M x Rokh Studded Wool Blazer, $, available at H&M
H&M x Rokh Corset-Style Velour Top, $, available at H&M
H&M x Rokh Jacquard Knit Bra Top, $, available at H&M
H&M x Rokh Wool Blend Asymmetric Skirt, $, available at H&M
H&M x Rokh Two-toned Baggy Jeans, $, available at H&M
H&M x Rokh Oversized Printed T-Shirt, $, available at H&MFor more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.
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All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Zara just dropped its bi-annual SRPLS collection, a luxurious spin on practical wardrobe staples, and it’s full of utilitarian styles with a fashion-forward twist. The spring/summer 2024 SRPLS collection marks the Spanish favourite’s twelfth capsule collection. And if we’re looking back at Zara’s recent SS24 Studio Collection (which Refinery29 readers helped quickly sell out), we predict that these pieces will fly off (virtual) shelves just as fast.
Drop 1, which is available to shop in stores and online on 18th April, features womenswear, menswear, and kids styles, starting from £25.99. Zara looked to the versatility and functionality of essentials and used them as inspiration to create a more customisable wardrobe. From cotton tops and dresses to leather skirts and pants, most pieces feature straps, zippers, and buttons that can be readjusted for the perfect fit or for various silhouettes. See: A button-down dress whose waist can be cinched or pants whose legs could be tightened with ankle buttons.
The versatile collection comes in neutral olives and khakis, as well as spring-ready pastel yellows that allow you to easily mix and match pieces together or style a monochromatic uniform. And to complete your look, you’ll want to cart up the collection’s adjustable handbags and two-toned jewellery selection.
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Zara SRPLS SS24 Tops
If you want the ultimate cool-gal spring wardrobe, you’ll want to cart up one (or two… or three) of these new Zara tops. They range from effortless basic tank tops, long-sleeves, and cardigans to more intricate vests, button-downs, and tunics with design elements that can be customised.
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Zara SRPLS SS24 Bottoms
You’ll then want to pair your top with matching Zara bottoms. Choose between breezy cargo pants, trendy barrel-leg trousers, belted wide-leg trousers, and utilitarian midi skirts — all with plenty of pockets and compartments for a fully functional and practical outfit.
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Zara SRPLS SS24 Dresses
This collection also has a small but mighty selection of spring dresses that are somehow both structured and flowy. From boxy button-down midis and belted styles to a pastel yellow draped dress (that we’re hoping to cart up ourselves), each one has unique details that add edge to otherwise classic silhouettes.
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Zara SRPLS SS24 Accessories
Style your spring outfits with this collection’s stylish bags and jewellery. For bags, check out the crossbody and pouch with cinch-able shapes. Or opt for a bold multi-belted handbag. And finally, if you’re here for the jewellery, there’s no going wrong with any of the two-toned pieces or the white leather cutout belt.
And be sure to check back on April 25 for Drop 2 of the spring/summer 2024 SRPLS collection.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
You don’t have to convince me to wear sunscreen, but if it happens to feel weightless on skin, not break me out, and come in cute packaging, well — count me in. Glossier did just that way back in 2017, when it debuted Invisible Shield, a chemical SPF 30 formula with a unique clear gel texture. In the immediate months, it sold out, was restocked, and then sold out again. Since then, it’s been somewhat of a sleeper hit among Glossier’s newer, dewier launches across makeup and skincare — that is, until now.
Seven years after Invisible Shield debuted, the brand is launching a highly-anticipated SPF 50 version — and as serious fans of all things SPF, we were immediately all ears. In terms of packaging, the plastic bottle has been replaced with a tube that encases a whopping 60% more product capacity than the original. (A price increase from £25 to £32 reflects this.) Ahead, keep reading to see three Refinery29 beauty editors put Glossier’s Invisible Shield SPF 50 through its paces.
“I’m a huge fan of the original Invisible Shield SPF 30 — the minimum number of protection recommended by dermatologists — but since discovering much more about the dangers of UV through our sun safety campaign, Sun Blocked, I’m now firmly an SPF 50 or higher person. I was excited to try this and it lived up to the hype. Though it’s a gel, it’s substantially moisturising. The first time I used it, I made the mistake of applying moisturiser first, but that felt a bit much on my skin. Now, I simply cleanse my skin and apply two finger-lengths worth of sunscreen (which takes mere moments to absorb), then do my makeup over the top. Actually, my test for a great sunscreen is how well it sits under the various layers of foundation, concealer and blush I wear every day. As per the name, it was undetectable. The finish is slightly silicone-y, but I love that it lends my oily skin a matte finish. Much like a primer, it anchors makeup. I’ll use this down to the last drop.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Deputy Beauty Director
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“I don’t usually like gel sunscreens. They leave me feeling sticky and the formulas aren’t always the most elegant. Glossier seemed to have heard my grievances because this Invisible Shield is so, so good. It is, as advertised, invisible, and despite its gel texture, dries down quickly giving a lovely skin-like finish: not dewy, not matte — somewhere in between. My skin type is ‘normal’ to dry and enjoyed how this sunscreen felt on my skin. It’s beautiful alone, but also incredible underneath makeup because it acts as the perfect primer for foundation. The icing on top of the cake? It’s SPF 50, which is my preferred level of protection for my face.” — Sara Tan, Beauty Director
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“I tend to prefer mineral sunscreens since my skin is oily and acne-prone, but I was willing to make a rare exception for Glossier. I live in Miami and spend a lot of time in the sun by default, so I was elated to see a higher SPF. It felt pretty much the same as the SPF 35 version — silky smooth with a soft matte finish — and I prefer the tube packaging since squeezing every last drop is much easier. It literally feels and acts like a makeup primer, so I love using it before applying foundation or concealer. I have a feeling it’ll be on repeat this summer for rooftop drinks, al fresco dinners, and beyond.”— Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
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