The bank holiday weekend is finally here, giving us more time to rest, relax and treat ourselves.

If you love a beauty bargain, your local supermarket could be a haven for budget-conscious makeup lovers, with our experts finding the best beauty under £20 at Sainsbury’s.

When it comes to skincare, I’m always on the hunt for wrinkle-busting formulas. One of my current favourites is Trinny’s the elevator neck cream. At £69, it was a splurge, but one I’m very pleased I made. The results have impressed me. Meanwhile, beauty expert Lucy Smith has also put an “anti-ageing” body sunscreen to the test.

Away from the world of beauty, if you’re looking forward to a tipple this bank holiday weekend, we’ve asked the experts to round up the best supermarket wines on the shelves right now, as well as the best wine glasses to help you taste top vinos in style. One of our reviewers has even sampled the Rolling Stones’ new rum – it’s perfect for late-summer cocktails. Prefer a spritz? A bottle of Aperol is currently just £9.50. Cheers!

Editor’s picks:

Topshop launches new collection with Cara Delevingne

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(Getty)

Topshop’s latest collection with supermodel Cara Delevingne follows in the iconic footsteps of Kate Moss’s 2007 collection with the brand. It had people queuing outside the flagship store on Oxford Street – ah, the glory days pre-iPhone and internet shopping.

Delevingne’s 16-piece capsule feels very much rooted in the 2000s, but brings enough freshness to deliver pieces you’ll want to wear for years. IndyBest writer Alice Reynolds got her hands on the collection.

Read the full Cara Delevingne x Tophop collection review

12 best Korean skincare products, tested by a beauty writer

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(Lucy Smith/The Independent)

Korean skincare has taken the beauty world by storm, thanks to its focus on hydration, gentle formulas and carefully considered multi-step routines. From cult-favourite snail mucin and nourishing moisturisers to overnight lip masks, SPF and blemish patches, there’s a K-beauty product for almost every skin type and concern.

While the famous 10-step routine may sound daunting, there’s no need to overhaul your entire regime – many Korean formulas can be added to the mix along with products you already use. Beauty writer Lucy Smith put a selection of Korean skincare favourites to the test, looking at everything from skin-barrier support and hydration to immediate and long-term results. She’s written a full guide to the Korean skincare products that actually work.

Read the full Korean skincare review

This clinical-strength retinoid is a game-changer

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(Helen Wilson-Beevers/The Independent)

We asked 42-year-old beauty journalist Helen Wilson-Beevers to test Renew+Me’s retinoid formula, to find out if it’s worthy of becoming an anti-ageing staple. The brand provides dermatologist-prescribed skincare. The formula promises to smooth lines, improve hydration and help with breakouts in 12 weeks. But does it?

Read the full Renew+Me’s retinoid review

Bake Off 2026 is almost here – and we’ve reviewed baking kit worthy of star bakers

Nigella Lawson (second right) with fellow judge Paul Hollywood (left) and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding ahead of the new series of The Great British Bake Offopen image in gallery
Nigella Lawson (second right) with fellow judge Paul Hollywood (left) and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding ahead of the new series of The Great British Bake Off (Channel 4/Love Productions)

With The Great British Bake Off returning to our screens this September, baking enthusiasts are getting ready to create their own showstoppers at home. From stand mixers and sturdy baking trays to saucepans and bread makers, having the right kitchen equipment can make everything a little easier, whether you’re kneading dough or perfecting your pastry skills.

The appliances used in the Bake Off tent, including KitchenAid mixers and Neff ovens, have found fame on the show. While more affordable alternatives have also delivered impressive results for our reviewers. With so many baking gadgets and appliances to choose from, the options can feel endless when you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen. That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up some of the best baking essentials – from a highly rated non-stick oven tray and a versatile stand mixer and more – to help you create your own Bake Off-worthy treats at home. A great bank holiday activity, if you ask me.

Read the Bake Off-worthy kit round-up

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