IndyBest Shopping news: From John Lewis’s handbag sale to M&S’s new-in autumn collection

When it comes to skincare, many of us don’t necessarily know what the ingredients in our products actually do or which ones are best for our skin. For years, the advice has been simple: cleanse, tone and moisturise. But with an ever-growing number of ‘wonder’ products hitting the market, figuring out what to use can feel a little overwhelming.

Retinol, in particular, has become something of a skincare staple, often recommended from your early 30s onwards. But what does retinol actually do for your skin? And is it really worth adding to your routine? We got the lowdown from a range of experts.

Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood to make your evenings feel a little more luxurious, I’ve been loving Luolai’s three-piece silk sleep set. It’s an easy way to bring a touch of indulgence to your bedtime routine. With the weekend in sight, why not carve out a little time for some at-home pampering, too? Our beauty expert has put the best under-eye patches to the test, while Sync Beauty’s matcha lip scrub is just the thing if the change in season has left your lips feeling a little worse for wear.

In the fashion world, autumnal shades are making their annual return, and there’s already a whole host of pieces on my wishlist. Hush’s new collection is packed with rich tones, alongside plenty of cosy cashmere and wool jumpers to see you through the season. Damson Madder’s checked trousers are another autumn must-have, giving vibes of Claudia Winkleman in The Traitors. Meanwhile, our fashion expert’s favourite winter boots cost just £45 at Asos.

Scroll down to browse our favourite picks from M&S’s autumn collection, plus top deals and more.

Editor’s picks:

John Lewis handbag sale

Fancy a new handbag? There are plenty of chic and practical options to suit all budgets and styles in the John Lewis sale right now. Whether you’re looking for capacious designs to carry all your essentials during the morning commute, a timeless everyday tote or a sophisticated clutch for a special occasion, you can bag yourself a bargain in the sale.

What to shop from M&S’s autumn collection

It can be tricky to find stylish, versatile pieces that work across the changing seasons but don’t break the bank. M&S recently made its London Fashion Week debut, showcasing a collection of wardrobe staples that combine timeless style with everyday wearability.

Our fashion expert had a front-row seat, exploring everything from easy-to-layer essentials and flattering silhouettes to statement pieces designed to elevate your autumn wardrobe. She assessed each piece for versatility, quality and value, highlighting the styles worth knowing about this season.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your everyday essentials, invest in a new coat or add a touch of glamour to your party-season outfits, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with half the collection’s pieces priced at less than £50, updating your wardrobe needn’t cost a fortune.

Kate Middleton’s chocolate brown trench coat

Kate Middleton’s Burberry chocolate-brown trench is the autumn coat on everyone’s wishlist right now. If you love the look but baulk at the price tag, we’ve found some equally timeless alternatives at a fraction of the cost. With styles from The Frankie Shop, M&S and more, we’ve got you covered when it comes to transitional-season staples.

The shampoo bars worth making the swap

Offering a more sustainable way to wash your hair (without compromising on performance), shampoo bars have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional bottled formulas. To find out just how well they rival their liquid counterparts, we’ve put a whole host of shampoo bars through their paces across different hair types.

We assessed everything from ingredients, lather and scent to how easily each bar applies, rinses out and holds up after repeated use. From nourishing formulas for dry and coloured hair to hydrating options for curls to gentle bars designed for afro hair to fragrance-free options, we’re highlighting the products worth knowing about.