For many of us, the moment we first wake up in the morning isn’t pretty -from messy bed head to drool on our chin and a gross taste in our mouth.

But why is it that we get morning breath even though we haven’t eaten anything in hours and brushed our teeth before bed? 

According to dentist, Dr. Sofina Ahmed, there are several reasons why and it turns out your saliva, how well you slept and your sinuses could all be playing a big part. 

If you’ve been struggling with weird tastes in your mouth, here’s everything you need to know about what’s causing it, as well as some top tips to smell fresh as a daisy in the morning…

Why do we get morning breath?

When we sleep, our production of saliva lessens and only continues to decrease if you sleep with your mouth open or breathe through your mouth. 

This lack of saliva means that your mouth doesn’t clean itself as it should, allowing bacteria that has an odour to thrive, especially around your tongue. 

‘This paves the way to not only morning breath but also a bitter taste,’ Dr. Ahmed, from Viva Dental, says.

Why do I taste salt or blood when I wake up?

A salty or ‘bloody’ taste in your mouth first thing in the morning is linked to your nose and could be a sign that something is wrong with your sinuses.

You could have an infection, an allergy or a condition like rhinitis which can trigger pot-nasal drip – this is where mucus drips down the back of your throat during sleep.

‘This mucus can carry bacteria, inflammation byproducts, even tiny traces of blood from irritated tissues. This often leads to the lingering salty and metallic taste,’ Dr. Ahmed explains.

What does a sour or metallic taste mean?

Throughout the night your saliva becomes acidic as bacteria in your mouth breaks down any leftover sugars or food debris. This acidity can impact your taste buds, tooth enamel, and the overall ‘freshness’ of your mouth.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux, also known as silent reflux, can also play an ‘instrumental role’ in this causing an odd taste in your mouth. This is a condition where stomach acid and enzymes travel back into the throat and voice box, but without causing the typical heartburn or indigestion of acid reflux. 

‘Even without usual symptoms, stomach acid can sneak up into your throat and mouth at night, coating the tongue and leaving a sour or metallic taste that lingers into the next morning,’ Dr. Ahmed warns.

Your sleep hygiene could be impacting your taste buds

If you aren’t suffering with any of the conditions above, you might want to consider how well you’ve been sleeping lately, as Dr. Ahmed reveals that ‘poor sleep hygiene can distort how you perceive flavour’. 

She shares: ‘If you find that you wake with a dull taste in your mouth, snore, gasp when you sleep or feel like your sleep isn’t restorative, it may signal that your sleep is affecting your taste as well as your energy.’

Those with a sleep apnoea have it the worst though, as they can lose sensitivity to foods that are sweet, salty, sour and bitter, according to the dentist.   

How to avoid morning breath

Dr. Ahmed claims there are several thing you can try to make ‘a significant difference’ to how fresh you feel in the morning. Her first top tip is to stay hydrated by drinking a glass of water before bed and having one on your bedside table.

‘A dry mouth increases a bad taste by letting bacteria proliferate. Ensure that you keep hydrated throughout the day,’ she advises.

Next stimulate saliva in the evening by chewing sugar-free gum. This encourages saliva production and helps flush out debris.

She also recommends adding a tongue scraper into your nightly routine when getting ready for bed.

‘Brushing the tongue helps remove tongue coating (dead cells, debris, bacteria) shown to correlate strongly with bad morning taste,’ Dr. Ahmed adds.

And finally, don’t forget to floss and use antibacterial or neutral pH mouthwash to clean the inside of the cheeks and under the tongue.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

A husband discovered that his wife had been having an affair with her boss, but in an unusual turn of events, he went on to marry the boss’s daughter soon after dating

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

Blazers are having a fashion moment again and honestly, we’re not mad about it. They’re the ultimate throw-on piece for autumn when the weather can be a little bit unpredictable to say the least. 

But there’s no need to spend a small fortune on a designer version when there’s incredible options at bargain prices on the high street. 

And it’s none other than Tu Clothing’s Dark Red Co-ord Ultimate Relaxed Blazer that we’re obsessed with right now. 

In this season’s hottest colour, the burgundy blazer is a must-have for throwing over your shoulders to keep the chill off and it’s priced at just £30!

Tu Clothing Dark Red Co-ord Ultimate Relaxed Blazer

With a relaxed fit, single breasted style and double button fastening, the Tu Clothing Dark Red Co-ord Ultimate Relaxed Blazer is perfect for throwing on when the autumn chill hits. In a deep burgundy colour that’s everywhere this season, it looks great styled with white linen trousers for a more casual look or paired with its matching tailored trousers for dressier occasions.

Buy Now for £30

But, we’re not the only ones who are praising Sainsbury’s for its fashion find, various influencers have been spotted, wearing the chic burgundy blazer and followers have been quick to LOVE the whole look. 

In fact, one follower wrote on someone’s post: ‘Love this blazer’ with another commenting: ‘This blazer is unreal!’. 

We couldn’t agree more. 

If September’s unpredictable weather leaves you scratching your head over what to wear, you’re not alone. One minute it’s warm and sunny, the next it’s gloomy and chilly, which is exactly why the Tu Clothing Dark Red blazer is an absolute dream for this awkward in-between season.

Its relaxed fit makes it ideal for layering over everything from a crisp white tee to a cosy roll-neck once the temperatures really drop. Wear it to the office, out for dinner, or while running errands and still feel like you’ve got your life together.

Not a fan of burgundy? Don’t worry, Tu Clothing’s got you covered as the blazer is also available in black and grey. 

So if you’ve been on the hunt for a blazer that can see you through autumn without breaking the bank, this might just be it. Stylish, versatile, and seriously affordable at just £30, it’s the ultimate piece for autumn. 

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: This £70 M&S leather blazer will be the most worn item in your wardrobe this season

MORE: The Borg jacket is back for autumn – and this M&S design gets our approval

MORE: From Lush candles to dresses from Rails – this is what a shopping expert is buying

While out shopping one day in October 2017, I noticed an incredible rainbow puffa jacket in a department store window and it stopped me in my tracks.

‘Wow, this is sensational,’ I thought and went to try it on immediately. As soon as I saw my reflection in the mirror, I knew I had to buy it. 

Unlike my other coats – which were all a bit boring, dark, and very plain – this one made me feel alive, bold, happy, and just more me.

I didn’t know it then, but I’d just stumbled across something known as dopamine dressing.

What is dopamine dressing?

As the name suggests, this way of dressing is all about wearing clothes that boost the happy hormone (aka, dopamine).

Often, that means opting for brighter colours, which have been proven to have an effect on us both on a psychological and emotional level.

For example, greens are thought to help lower your heart rate and blood pressure, while warm tones like orange and red give some energy and sass. Yellows bring joy, meanwhile blues and pastels bring calm and soothe stress.

But joyful dressing can also mean wearing clothes that you love, that express who you are, and that make your personality shine through. 

And it’s fair to say that, prior to 2017, my wardrobe definitely didn’t do any of those things.

At that time I worked in the corporate world, which meant that for 18 years I wore nothing but the classics – neutrals, greys, navy, and blacks.

While these shades undoubtedly served their purpose – I never had to think too much in the mornings when getting ready, I could just grab something professional looking and go – looking back, I realised they also shaped the way I showed up in life.

I never thought to ask ‘Does this suit me? Does this feel like me? Am I happy wearing this?’ because it didn’t seem to matter. I was quite happy to slot into the background. After all, I was there to get the work done, not to be noticed.

In reality, these dark clothes were muting my personality and stopping me from expressing who I really was.

Only after leaving the corporate world to start my own professional decluttering and organising business, This Girl Can Organise, did I feel empowered to experiment with colour. That’s when I bought the rainbow puffa jacket and in the process I discovered a whole new Nicola.

From that moment on, that jacket became my iconic look and dopamine dressing became my way of celebrating who I am.

I started shopping in places like Never Fully Dressed, Joanie and Coast – brands known for bold patterns and colourful attire – and even found some wonderful coloured vintage pieces in thrift shops.

Before I knew it, my wardrobe had transformed from dull and drab, to fun and fab. It’s so colourful that, when I open the doors, I feel like a kid in a candy store and it makes me excited for the day ahead.

Now, instead of just grabbing something easy to wear, I choose my outfit based on how I want to feel. If I need energy, I reach for reds and oranges. If I want calm, I’ll lean into greens.

Generally speaking, dressing in colour every day really does boost my mood and that’s become even more important of late.

I recently turned 50, so there are days when menopause takes over and has me overthinking everything. But wearing colour always gives me confidence. It makes me feel radiant, happy, assertive and complete – and who wouldn’t want to feel that way daily?

I also love that my wardrobe has the ability to bring joy to people I meet.

I’ve been stopped in the street by people who comment on my outfits or tell me I look great. Some will even ask where I’ve purchased my dress or suit from so that they can buy it for themselves.

Every now and then I will meet someone who is a little unsure about stepping out in colour. Often they’ll say that it doesn’t suit them, that they don’t have the confidence to wear it or just don’t know where to start. My advice? Start small.

Remember, dopamine dressing isn’t about following trends, it’s about asking yourself what colours and pieces make you feel like you. I’d rather have a wardrobe full of clothes that I feel amazing in than the latest fad any day.

For me, it all began with a rainbow jacket. For you, it might be a patterned blouse or even a colourful lipstick. Whatever the shade, you have to be brave enough to try.

I promise once you do, you’ll never look back – unless it’s in a mirror.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

When it comes to proposals, it can be hard to decide when and where to do it, but one man took his bride-to-be to her favourite eatery and secretly hid the ring inside his meal

The rise in technology has made it even easier for people to cheat – and one private investigator has shared there is one innocent app used by adulteres to do the dirty

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

Uniqlo never fails to impress us with its array of basic staples, such as the bra tops, and chic designs namely the flattering barrel leg jeans – let’s not forget it’s J.W. Anderson collections too. 

We have found another classic fashion staple for the effortless capsule wardrobe at Uniqlo we plan to live in forever more, and it’s the Oxford Boxy Shirt, which is part of Uniqlo’s collaboration with designer J.W. Anderson. 

Considering this shirt is under the designer collaboration we are surprised by the affordable £29.90 price tag, which we anticipated would be much higher.

Uniqlo x JW Anderson Oxford Boxy Shirt

Crafted from a cotton and viscose blend, this button front shirt offers a boxy fit that falls to the hips.It offers a collared neckline, patch pocket on the chest, and subtle JW Anderson logo on the hem. Available in XXS to XXL sizes, as well as three colours including white, blue chambray and cobalt blue.

BUY NOW FOR £29.90

In our humble opinion you can never have too many shirts, but this Oxford Boxy Shirt is certainly one you need in your roster. 

The design features long sleeves, but offers a boxy fit that falls to the hips. This shorter length is ideal for those who often feel swamped in longline oxford shirts, or find the material bunches when you perfect the French tuck. It is also ideal when you want to show off your bottoms, whether it’s a pair of leather trousers, printed jeans, or barrel leg jeans, alternatively if you want to layer under a gilet, jumper or dress. 

The length and box cut are the standout differences, as this design features the classic collared neckline, button front fastening and patch pocket you will often find on the classic shirt. 

Of course, as this is from J.W. Anderson’s collection you will find the logo embroidered on the front hem, which is super subtle. 

It is available in three colours, including white, chambray blue and cobalt blue, all of which are available in sizes XXS to XXL. 

We live in shirts, whether it’s to the office, a casual throw on at the beach, or for everyday wear. They are comfortable, breathable, yet make you look instantly smart and put together.   

Team with jeans and ballet pumps, layer over a knitted Ganni sweater vest and trainers, or slip it under a crew neck jumper, with a pleated mini skirt, tights and heeled boots for a preppy aesthetic. 

The style options are endless. And for £29.90 you can’t go wrong – we’ll take all three! Turns out, we’re not the only ones thinking that way. 

One shopper, named Dida, gushed: ‘I have bought three Oxford Boxy Shirts in different colours so far. Absolutely love them. The material is very comfy, not like poplin, it’s easily pressed and shirts look very stylish.’

Bekah praised: ‘I love the shape and the quality of the fabric, thick and doesn’t easily wrinkle. I would love one of these in red!’

While Rose weighed in: ‘Loved this shirt. Quality is so good. Colour is lovely and I got so many compliments wearing it. Ideal for work, or wear open as a casual shirt with tank top underneath.’

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: Uniqlo’s £50 Windproof Jacket is the lightweight layer to keep you dry this festival season

MORE: Uniqlo launches ‘timeless’ satin trousers for £24.90 – and we predict a sell out

MORE: The best-selling bra top range from Uniqlo has expanded ahead of summer

When Alex Sprackland caught Covid-19 in March 2020, he thought he’d be back to normal in no time. Yet, five years on, the 34-year-old still grapples with the severe, life-limiting effects of the infection.

‘I was diagnosed with long Covid seven months after my initial illness – my life has never been the same,’ Alex, from Tunbridge Wells, tells Metro. ‘I had to leave my flat, I lost my relationship, and I moved back in with my parents. I also dropped out of university when I became too sick to finish the course.

‘I can’t even work, but there’s no support for me. No treatments. Nothing.’

After contracting the virus, Alex developed a series of symptoms that included an irregular heartbeat, breathlessness, ongoing pain and digestive problems. Initially he was misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and prescribed ‘graded exercise’ by his GP, which only worsened his symptoms.

Alex bounced between numerous specialists, none of whom could help. ‘It was demoralising, especially when people didn’t believe me about the symptoms,’ he remembers.

Six months later Alex was finally referred to the NHS long Covid service, but says, ‘no one knew what to offer me. I ended up going to a private clinic instead and they started some experimental treatments.’

However, the decision cost him his place at the NHS clinic, as he was pursuing ‘off-label treatments’.  

Although 120 specialised long Covid clinics opened in England and Wales in 2021, today there are less than 50 – and Alex is now paying for private healthcare out of his limited savings and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to find answers.

He is one of approximately 2million people in the United Kingdom with the condition, a chronic, systemic disease that can cause a range of long-term health issues, such as severe fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pain and memory problems. 

‘It’s all a gamble to find trustworthy information; no one knows enough,’ says Alex, who relies on a wheelchair. ‘I spend 99% of the time in my room and haven’t seen most of my friends for five years. I’m watching all their lives pass me by, which is probably the hardest thing to deal with, over the symptoms.’

School became impossible

Avalyn Godfrey, 16, knows the feeling all too well. After catching coronavirus in October 2021 at age 12, she developed long Covid with symptoms of debilitating fatigue, breathlessness, dizziness, sensory issues and brain fog.

Once a super active kid, Avalyn’s energy slowly disappeared, making lessons impossible to keep up with. After transferring to a more understanding school, where a teacher who also had long Covid advocated for her, the teen’s worsening symptoms made homeschooling the safest option. 

She has since completed six GCSEs at home, but finds it hard to maintain her social life. 

‘When you are not in school as a teenager, there aren’t many ways to keep contact with your friends,’ Avalyn tells Metro from her home in Cheshire. 

After fighting for over a year to get an official diagnosis, which was delayed by doctors dismissing the teen as ‘looking for attention’, shewas referred to an NHS long Covid clinic. 

However, Avalyn’s mother, Donna McParland, says treatments were limited and the clinic initially insisted she meticulously log every activity, which her daughter didn’t have the energy to do. 

Then, they moved on to teaching Avalyn about ‘pacing’ – an activity management technique used amongst people with chronic illness to help people balance symptoms with everyday life – and carrying out numerous tests, which all came back normal.

‘When we have appointments, they tell us about new medical studies or tests they’re doing and for a second, you think, “Oh, that’s great,’ says Avalyn. ‘But then nothing happens.’

Avalyn hopes that her symptoms will improve over time and that one day, better treatments will be discovered. In the meantime, she’s focusing on achieving her dream of becoming a primary school teacher.

‘I’ve always wanted to be a teacher and I love working with kids; it just feels like something I’m good at,’ she says, hopefully.

‘I had to go through an ill-health dismissal’

Mum of two Jenny Sullivan has also navigated the challenges of long Covid support. A dedicated English teacher with boundless energy and a fierce passion for her work; when she caught coronavirus in September 2023, everything changed. 

After developing severe long Covid symptoms, Jenny was left unable to stand due to dizziness, while also suffering from frequent fatigue and a marked decline in her overall health. She also lives with MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), a rare disease that results in a range of allergy-like symptoms. 

After nearly three months of worsening symptoms, Jenny, who lives in Tonbridge, went to the GP for the first time, starting a long journey to diagnosis and treatment for long Covid. 

‘I was signed off work but thought I would be returning soon – then I found out there was a six-month waiting list to see the cardiologist for my symptoms,’ she tells Metro.

‘It was excruciating to realise, over time, that I wasn’t well enough to work and I had to go through an ill-health dismissal – then it was even worse to realise there were no decent treatments to help me.’

Jenny was referred to her local NHS long Covid clinic, but found they couldn’t offer her any advice except pacing and some limited treatments for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that causes rapid increases in heart rate and has been diagnosed in many long Covid patients. 

Eventually, she decided to seek help privately and now travels to Liverpool to see specialist Dr Binita Kane, who also treats Alex.

‘The problem is, long Covid specialists are so rare and I have to travel so far to see mine to get stabilised just a little,’ says Jenny from her home, having transitioned from a desk to bed to preserve energy while speaking.

‘The lack of NHS treatment means that some people pay thousands to untrained and unqualified individuals promising ‘miracle cures’; it’s easy for opportunists to oversell when there are no alternatives.’

Now unable to work for nearly 18 months, Jenny uses a mobility scooter for outings, which has given her more access to the outside world. However, most of her life is still centred around resting in bed, and she is investing in private care in the hopes of improving her quality of life.

But she is limited by time, cost and distance. A single private consultation can cost up to £500, wait times are still up to six months, and Jenny has to travel for access to care, sapping her already diminished energy. 

Despite the need for long Covid care still being apparent, many sufferers are facing a dearth of support with doctors who don’t have the funding or knowledge required.

Dr Nikita Kanani, MBE, a GP with extensive experience working with long Covid patients, says that ‘GPs are doing their best, but they’re often working without the tools or capacity they need.

‘There’s been some education and guidance, but it’s not consistent, and many are managing complex cases without access to the specialist support or multidisciplinary pathways they need to refer into.’

While NHS England initially delivered long Covid funding through a centralised national programme, this was passed on to 42 integrated care boards (ICBs) in March 2024. However, many have since shut down clinics or never had one to begin with, according to research by Long Covid Support.

An NHS England spokesperson told Metro: ‘More than 100,000 people have been supported by specialist Long Covid clinics since 2020, with NHS staff helping them deal with the physical, cognitive, and psychological effects of Covid-19. 

‘National guidance and funding has been issued to local health leaders to help them create Long-Covid services which best meet the needs of their local area.’

Looking for answers

However, Alex says he has had to become his ‘own doctor in many ways.’

He explains: ‘I am reading the latest research, finding new potential treatments, and then looking for doctors who will prescribe the medications or try the new protocol I recommend. It’s exhausting.’

While energy-draining, Alex admits that being proactive in his treatment helps alleviate some of the frustration. As part of the Long Covid campaign group, Not Recovered UK, he has also helped raised upwards of £12,000 for research.

Avalyn, too, has directed her attention toward raising awareness, working with organisations like Long Covid Kids and writing her own children’s book, called ‘Star Dizzy Lizzy’, to educate young people.

Andrea from Long Covid Support believes the answer lies in improving research and maintaining the precious few clinics that remain.

‘Research is essential; we need it for diagnostics, for treatment, before we even think about rehabilitation,’ she says.

Dr Kanani agrees: ‘the scale of suffering from long Covid should justify faster investment in trials and early access schemes. We need a system that can act with urgency, rather than waiting for absolute certainty before supporting patients.’

Beyond stopping the closure of these much-needed clinics, Alex says, too many people think ‘Coronavirus doesn’t exist anymore’.

He adds:  ‘we are the unfortunate aftermath of the pandemic that people don’t want to think about. They just want to put their things in their ears and move on with life. We can’t do that though, because we’re living with long Covid.’

Resident agony aunt Coleen Nolan has advice for a reader who has met a new guy but he has more money than her and she can’t afford to go on the dates he suggests

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

The weather may not be able to make up its mind this week, but our shopping expert is feeling pretty definite on what she’s been loving since last weekend.

Whether it’s a new jumper for the colder weather (because you can never have too many), skincare to keep your complexion from drying up in the cold or homeware upgrades to make your space properly cosy, we’ve found the best of the best this week.

But firstly, housekeeping – because this week has been packed with news and newness you’ll want to hear about.

Bringing together facial health and bodily wellness, FACEGYM, the global leader in facial fitness, has partnered with wellness brand SWIISH to bring functional hydration to all FACEGYM London studios throughout October.

From the 1^st to the 31^st October, every FACEGYM client will receive a SWIISH electrolyte drink to be enjoyed in-studio or taken away, designed to help supercharge hydration and enhance the results of your ‘face workout’.

The collab is the perfect way to tend to your inner health as FACEGYM’s incredible facialists look after your skin, celebrating a holistic approach to skin and performance.

I mean, you’d neck an electrolyte drink after a workout in the gym, so why not after a face workout at FACEGYM?

In other, more fashion-related news, Omnes, a London-based fashion brand designed with sustainability in mind, has just dropped its autumn range – and it’s absolutely to die for.

Filled with cosy knits, staple denim and even winter wedding guest pieces (currently at the top of my ‘to buy’ list), the collection has everything you could need to give your cold-weather wardrobe a spruce (pardon the pun).

On a different note, England’s women’s rugby team, the Red Roses, play France in the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final tomorrow (Saturday 20^th September), and we’re pretty darn excited.

If you wanted to score a skincare must-have to commemorate our girls’ spectacular performance thus far, Clinique are selling a Limited-Edition Red Roses iteration of their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ – and it’s absolutely iconic.

Finally, Benefit has dropped their newest Christmas gifting collection centered on the joy of playing games with your loved ones during the festive season, and with it three unmissable ‘Beneland’ pop-ups in Selfridges across the UK to celebrate the stunning range.

While their Manchester foray has already come to an end, you can take advantage of glam gifts and huge deals at both the Selfridges London pop-up (11th-24th September 2025) and the Selfridges Birmingham pop-up (1st -28th September 2025) coming up. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it.

Ready to check out our shopping expert’s top picks for the week? Explore below and find the cream of the crop.

This week we’re loving:

Omnes Eugina Cardigan in Merlot

The perfect autumn layer, this adorable Eugina Cardigan from Omnes has everything you need in your staple knitwear. Designed in a rich merlot wool-mix, it features a textured knit that adds depth and warmth to its easy-wearing silhouette, while blue bow details at the shoulders bring an adorable touch.

shop £69

Clinique Limited-Edition Red Roses Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ 125ml

To celebrate Clinique's partnership with the England women's rugby team, the Red Roses, you can now shop the brand's iconic Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ in a limited-edition, rose-printed bottle. This deeply hydrating daily moisturiser delivers instant, soothing moisture for skin in need of comfort.

shop £37

Kate Somerville HydraKate Pro-Collagen Lip Oil Elixir

My new favourite lip product, the Kate Somerville HydraKate Pro-Collagen Lip Oil Elixir is a hydrating and comforting product I now can't go without. The silky, fragrance-free formula glides on easily, leaving a smooth, glossy finish that feels comfortable and is conditioning from the very first application.

shop £25

Berghaus Women's Explorer Down Jacket – Red

If you've been after the perfect winter jacket then Berghaus' new Autumn Winter 25 collection is sure to fit the bill. We, personally, can't get enough of the Women's Explorer Down Jacket – perfect for the cold weather with all its squidgy goodness. Made from 650 fill Berghaus Hydrodown®, the jacket keeps you cosy even when wet, while water and wind resistant Pertex® Quantum fabric makes it perfect for any storm.

shop £270

Benefit BADgal Royalty 2-Piece Mascara Gift Set

The perfect festive gift for the beauty lover in your life (and yes, that can be yourself), the Benefit BADgal Royalty 2-Piece Mascara Gift Set features two full-sized mascaras to help deliver your most gorgeous lashes yet. Inside you'll find the BADgal BANG! and BADgal Bounce mascaras, presented in the most adorable chess piece keepsake tin.

shop £34

Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream 50ml

Medik8's new moisturiser is designed to stop the clock on your skin, featuring a lightweight, pillow-soft finish that's set to leave it instantly quenched. It's been formulated with a next-generation Growth Factor MiniProtein to visibly reduce the appearance of deep-set wrinkles, blended with a unique peptide to restore skin structure and prevent the formation of new lines.

shop £79

M&S Collection Wool Blend Argyle Crew Neck Relaxed Jumper

Perfect for cold weather styling, this Wool Blend Argyle Crew Neck RelaxedJumper has me totally smitten, made with a wool and alpaca-blend and knitted with brushed yarn for a luxuriously soft feel. The all-over Argyle pattern is to die for, while the relaxed fit and a touch of stretch give that extra comfort.

shop £55

St Eval Christmas Tealight Advent Calendar

This stunning St Eval Christmas Tealight Advent Calendar has totally captured my heart, featuring a breathtaking scene of the North Cornish coast with all the magical sea creatures that reside there. Behind every numbered door you'll discover a selection of 24 gorgeously scented tealights, as well as a gold-dusted tealight holder.

shop £50

Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free Open-Back Knit Midi Dress

The Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free collection has been on my radar for a while, but this dress has me instantly reaching for my Apple Pay. This comfortable midi dress has been made with soft AF cotton-modal fabric and features high neckline, flattering ruching details along the bodice, an open back with a twist detail, plus a seamed-in bra with removable pads.

shop £62

nere Venture Dual Open Cabin Suitcase

Pack smarter with the stunning Venture Dual Open Cabin Suitcase, the luggage upgrade your collection has been looking for. Lightweight and durable, this 36l suitcase boasts a dual opening system which enables easy access and organisation, letting you pack smarter and find your essentials with ease.

shop £119

River Island x Olivia Attwood Red Handmade Wool Blend Scarf Coat

The scarf coat trend is back this season, and this Red Handmade Wool Blend Scarf Coat emulates it perfectly. This long coat boasts a scarf neckline, double-breasted front and waist belt for a cinched finish we simply love.

shop £169

Mafalda Dominic Black Patent Leather Loafer

I only discovered Mafalda and its stunning, hand-made shoes this week, but I'm already totally obsessed. The Dominic loafers are a slingback style made of black patent leather, featuring a square toe and a smooth, structured upper. The result is a shoe that's stable, comfortable and totally chic.

shop £229

MCoBeauty Miracle Flawless Setting Spray

Lock in your look and quench your skin with radiance and hydration with this Miracle Flawless Setting Spray. This beauty essential features a superfine mist and custom atomiser to deliver the perfect amount of product every time.

shop £12

Truly, there’s been so much to love this week.

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: Everyone is raving about Abercrombie & Fitch, and these jeans are hailed the ‘perfect’ pair

MORE: Charlotte Tilbury’s 2025 beauty advent calendar contains all her best-selling products

MORE: M&S has created the versatile designer-looking LBD for every winter occasion