9 FASHION, HOMEWARE AND BEAUTY ITEMS GUARANTEED TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY – ALL UNDER £50
We’re all about looking for ‘microjoys’: easily accessible, everyday moments of pleasure. And treating ourselves to something beautiful or useful that doesn’t break the bank certainly fits our definition.
Theses small but mighty finds carry the same mood-boosting power as a big ticket item – without the sting to your bank balance. They’re the details that make an outfit sing, elevate a beauty routine or add a pop of personality to your home. They also happen to make excellent gifts, should you be feeling generous (though we certainly won’t judge you if you keep them for yourself).
Whether you’re after a little treat or are embracing the colder weather, these fashion accessories, homewares and beauty buys may be just the thing. And the best part? They’re all under £50.
Snugrugs red wool cushion
Embrace the ‘unexpected red’ interiors theory via this extremely tactile sheepskin cushion. Tossed on the sofa, it’ll brighten up the gloomiest of days.
Shop Snugrugs Mongolian wool sheepskin cushion at Debenhams, £42.99
TBCo merino triangle scarf
When it’s too cool for a silk neckerchief but still too mild to break out a chunky knit scarf, a merino wool triangle scarf is the perfect middle ground. These chic monochrome stripes will go with any outfit; just add black sunglasses during the day.
Shop TBCo merino triangle scarf in black stripe at Dor & Tan, £49
Nails Inc Addison 1-Step Gel It’s Topless nail polish
We love this four-in-one nail polish for its time-saving practicality (it acts as a base, treatment, colour and top coat), but mainly for that glorious iridescent pink shade. The colour is named after new-gen pop star Addison Rae, and it’s just as playful and unashamedly feminine as she is.
Shop Addison 1-Step Gel It’s Topless nail polish at Nails Inc, £8.99
Suzette napkins
If you’re in your Sunday lunch hosting era, stylish washable napkins are a must. Suzette’s cotton napkins are made from fabric offcuts that would otherwise have been thrown away during the manufacturing of products, including luxury pyjamas and tablecloths. As a result, each colourway or pattern is limited-edition – this mustard print is our current favourite.
Shop Suzette napkins at Couverture & The Garbstore, £30 for four
Oliver Bonas borg Mary Jane slippers
Are your old slippers looking a bit ratty? Allow us to recommend this supremely snuggly pair. Thanks to the mary jane style, they feel a little bit fancy – making them the perfect upgrade to WFH attire, even if no one will see them on Teams calls.
Lisa Eldridge Beauty The Holiday Muse Kit
Lisa Eldridge’s lipsticks are some of our favourites ever. This covetable party-season kit contains a mini version of the acclaimed make-up artist’s True Velvet Lip Colour in Velvet Muse – a saturated, smoky rosewood shade that suits multiple skin tones. There’s also a mini Enhance and Define Lip Pencil in the complementary shade Muse. And how cute is that illustrated packaging?
Shop Lisa Eldridge Beauty The Holiday Muse Kit at Liberty, £37
Bodum x Moma Assam tea press
Cold season means sipping on hot drinks constantly, but there’s a limit to how much caffeine we can consume. Invest in some loose-leaf herbal tea and a teapot designed for steeping, and you’ll never look back. Created in collaboration with the Design Store at Moma in New York, this teapot is a work of art in its own right.
Shop Bodum x Moma Assam tea press with spoon at Selfridges, £40
Cos mismatched pearl earrings
Made with real freshwater pearls, these asymmetric silver-plated earrings feel suitably wintry. Wear with slouchy turtleneck sweaters for now and sleek, minimalist tailoring come party season proper.
Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser
If your skin is feeling dry and dull, it’s time to switch to a cleanser that makes a difference. Kate Somerville’s face wash is a classic for a reason: its creamy, cossetting formula and ultra-mild, hydrating ingredients leave skin feeling nourished and looking more luminous. This smaller 30ml size is ideal to try before investing in a bigger tube.
Shop Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser at Lookfantastic, £16
Images: courtesy of brands
2025-07-10T08:33:57Z
