A brief history of the engagement ring

The tradition of giving an engagement ring dates back centuries. Ancient Egyptians exchanged rings as symbols of eternity, while the first recorded diamond engagement ring was given by Archduke Maximilian of Austria in 1477. Over time, the solitaire diamond became a cultural icon, particularly after De Beers’ famous “A diamond is forever” campaign in the 20th century.

Fast forward to today, and while many couples still choose classic diamonds, the definition of an engagement ring has expanded. Modern brides, grooms, and partners are rethinking what feels right for them, prioritising individuality, style, and sustainability alongside tradition.

Why diamonds remain a classic

There’s no denying the enduring appeal of diamonds. Their brilliance, durability, and symbolism of eternal love make them a timeless choice. A diamond engagement ring is designed to last a lifetime, standing up to daily wear while maintaining its sparkle.

But what’s changed is how diamonds are sourced and produced. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined stones but come with a smaller environmental footprint and more transparent supply chains. Increasingly, couples are drawn to them as a sustainable alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Alternatives for the modern couple

Not everyone dreams of a traditional solitaire, and that’s the beauty of engagement rings today, there are no rules.

• Coloured gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and even fancy coloured diamonds bring personality and flair. Kate Middleton’s iconic sapphire engagement ring sparked renewed interest in vibrant stones.
• Moissanite has surged in popularity thanks to its incredible brilliance and ethical, lab-created origins. It’s a stone that offers both beauty and value.
• Unique settings such as east-west, halo, or toi et moi designs create distinctive silhouettes that stand out from the crowd.

This freedom to choose a ring that reflects a personal style has made engagement rings feel more inclusive and diverse than ever before.

The rise of bespoke

For couples who want a truly one-of-a-kind piece, bespoke engagement rings are an increasingly popular option. Working with a jeweller to design a custom ring allows to choose everything from the gemstone to the band, creating something deeply personal.

This approach not only results in a unique design but also allows couples to align their purchase with their values, opting for recycled metals or lab-grown stones. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate individuality while honouring sustainability.

Engagement rings for every style

Whether the preference is for timeless elegance or modern minimalism, there is a style to suit every taste:

• Classic Solitaire – forever chic and understated.
• Halo Designs – surrounding the centre stone with a circle of sparkle for maximum brilliance.
• Vintage-Inspired – art deco or antique-style details for lovers of history and romance.
• Contemporary Minimalism – sleek bands, geometric cuts, and unfussy designs.
• Bold Statements – chunky bands or unique shapes that demand attention.

Exploring different styles can be part of the experience, allowing space to discover what feels authentic rather than adhering to tradition for its own sake.

Shopping for an engagement ring: Tips to keep in mind

Buying an engagement ring is a big decision, both financially and emotionally. Here are a few practical things to consider:

• Set a budget early on to guide the search.
• Do the research into different gemstones, metals, and settings.
• Think about lifestyle, a delicate design may not suit someone who uses their hands a lot.
• Ask about ethics, sustainable materials and transparent sourcing are increasingly important.
• Work with trusted jewellers who provide certifications and clear information about their product

An engagement ring should be as unique as the love it represents. While diamonds and tradition still have their place, today’s couples are embracing individuality, sustainability, and style when making their choice.

Whether the preference leans toward a classic solitaire, a vibrant gemstone, or a bespoke design, the goal is to choose a ring that reflects individuality and meaning.

For inspiration, explore Lily Arkwright’s engagement ring collection, where timeless craftsmanship meets ethical values. From lab-grown diamonds to moissanite and bespoke designs, their pieces combine beauty with meaning, the perfect way to begin the next chapter.

The editorial unit

Suit Waistcoat with Buttons, £45.99, MANGO

For a bold take on sleek and sophisticated tailoring, try this cherry red waistcoat from Mango. Pair with the matching wide leg trousers and structured suit jacket for a statement look – or wear with a crisp white tee for a fresh city-cool vibe.

Aurelia Dress in Barbados Cherry, £89, Omnes

Oozing elegance and femininity, the Aurelia dress by sustainable fashion label Omnes is not to be missed. Crafted from recycled polyester satin, its cherry red hue, scoop open back and delicate lace cut-outs make it the very definition of a showstopper.

Second Skin Red Legging and Bra Set, £38.99 and £32.99, Another Version

Who says activewear can’t be fashion-forward? Another Version brings this season’s standout shade to their best-selling workout set. The buttery-soft fabric does exactly what it promises, delivering a barely-there, second-skin feel that moves with you for serious comfort. So, whether you’re off to pilates or grabbing a coffee with friends, this figure-hugging set brings serious style with every step. 

Cropped Poplin Top and Matching Maxi Skirt, £19.99 and £27.99, H&M

Sometimes there’s nothing quite as chic as a matching co-ord and this eye-catching patterned duo from H&M shows you can deliver effortless style on a budget. Made from crisp cotton poplin, this cute crop top and voluminous maxi skirt are the perfect holiday set.

Draped Sleeveless Midi Dress, £67, & Other Stories

With its elegant silhouette and stylish draping, this figure-hugging floral midi dress is made for balmy evenings in the sun. Just in case red isn’t your thing, you’ll find this in a range of other shades too.

Neoprene Scallop Plunge Swimsuit, £35, M&S

Scalloped edges and a flattering plunge V-neck make this M&S one-piece a standout pick for any sunshine getaway this summer. The neoprene fabric offers a smooth feel and flattering fit to seamlessly combine comfort and style. A timeless classic with a red-hot twist.

The Tate Beaded Bag: Fruit Edition, £98, Anthropologie

Who says you can’t make a statement with your accessories, too? It’s no surprise that this intricately beaded watermelon handbag has been causing a stir online when it looks good enough to eat. It’s the ultimate playful pick-me-up this spring.

Plain Knit Cardigan, £29.99, ZARA

Lightweight and layer-friendly, this knit top and cardi offers a failsafe way to work red into everyday outfits. Throw it over a slip dress or style with denim for a casual vibe.

Circle Detail Heeled Sandal, £130, Boden

Make your outfit pop from the ground up with these gorgeous heels from Boden. With a trio of colours – red, sorbet pink and tangerine – these heels will be sure to steal the show. Wear with a sundress or an all-white outfit to instantly elevate your look.

Red Bandeau Felicity Midi Dress, £89, Nobody’s Child

Flirty and feminine, this ruched strapless number is ideal for summer soirées and day-to-night dressing. The shirred bodice and full flowing skirt makes this the kind of throw-on-and-go piece that immediately makes you look put together.

Aspen Linen Top and Veranda Linen Skirt, £148 and £98, Reformation

Sustainability meets style in this luxe linen set from Reformation. This rich tomato red brings a beautiful burst of colour while the fitted bodice and matching mini skirt create a polished, fashion-forward ensemble that’s perfect for warm weather days. 

Red Short Sleeve Saint Maxime Print T-shirt, £22, River Island

Inject a touch of French-girl flair into your wardrobe with this printed tee from River Island. It’s an easy win for casual days or layering under blazers.

Alexandra Davis

Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply refreshing your jewellery collection for spring, their demi-fine jewellery strikes the perfect balance between modern sophistication and everyday wearability. From iconic bestsellers to their newest Timeless Hearts collection, here are nine exquisite picks that effortlessly blend sustainability and style.

Lab Grown Diamond Initial Necklace, £348

Surprise your mum or a loved one with a personalised 14k solid gold, pavé-set lab grown diamond initial letter, paired with a delicate fine chain necklace, for a truly special present this Mother’s Day. Physically identical to their mined counterparts, not only do they offer the same brilliance and durability, but these lab grown diamonds are also 100% traceable and SCS-007 certified – prioritising both the planet and the people involved in making them.

Heart Diamond Huggie Earrings, £298

From their gorgeous new Timeless Hearts collection, these delicate earrings are expertly set with 15 pavé lab grown diamonds per huggie. With a subtle sparkle, they’re a great option for both day and night.

Signature Link Slim Bangle, £250

Bangles are one trending jewellery piece making a comeback in 2025, and Monica Vinader certainly delivers with their latest release. This sleek geometric bangle is available in a variety of designs, including polished 18k gold vermeil, sterling silver and even pavé-set lab grown diamonds – offering a chic take on a timeless accessory.

Heart Mini Pearl Necklace, £138

Combining the classic allure of pearls with a dainty gold heart pendant, this is a piece that’s both romantic and modern. Make this a beautiful set and save money with the Heart Mini Pearl Bracelet, too. 

Deia Bold Medium Hoop Earrings, £150

Make a statement with these chunky hoop earrings, one of the brand’s all-time bestsellers. Whether you’re adding a touch of glamour to everyday outfits or styling with evening wear for a striking finish, it’s easy to see why these earrings continue to be a favourite among jewellery lovers.

Heart Stacking Ring, £78

Available in gold vermeil or sterling silver, this heart stacking ring is a truly elegant piece to add to your jewellery collection. Simple but effortlessly stylish, you can’t go wrong.

Siren Muse Bold Ring, £178

Perfect for wearing alone or as part of your everyday ring stack, the Siren Muse Bold Ring is a stunning staple for your collection. With a sleek yet striking design, the piece is lightly hammered to give it a refined finish. 

Gold Vermeil Heart Locket, £128

Capture your love with a beautifully handcrafted heart locket, cast from a heart-shaped pebble in 18k gold vermeil. With complimentary engraving, you can add a special message to the front, back, and both inner sides of the locket, to make your gift truly heartfelt. There’s also instructions on how to add your own photo, making this one classic keepsake that is sure to be treasured for years to come. 

Amy Powney Keshi Pearl Bracelet, £198

This gorgeous pearl and gold vermeil bracelet is part of sustainable fashion pioneer Amy Powney’s third collaboration with the brand. Inspired by nature’s imperfections and the beauty of asymmetry, freshwater keshi pearls make this a unique piece that is guaranteed to turn heads. Elevate your look with other standout pieces from the collection including the Keshi Pearl Triple Ring and Keshi Pearl Large Drop Earrings.

Alexandra Davis

As the festive season approaches, there’s no better way to create an unforgettable memory than with a gift from Creed. To help you find the perfect match, we’ve rounded up some of Creed’s finest creations, so read on to discover your new signature scent or a luxurious gift for someone special this Christmas.

For her

Carmina Eau de Parfum

Inspired by the haute couture fashion sketches of Henry Creed, Carmina Eau de Parfum is a vibrant blend of rich florals and sumptuous cashmere wood. Sophisticated and seductive, Carmina opens with notes of plump black cherries and pink pepper, balanced by the richness of rare saffron and the sensuous Rose De Mai. Anchored by an intoxicating base of precious amber, myrrh and musk, Carmina embodies feminine allure and charisma to create a strikingly modern floral fragrance. As with all Creed perfumes, you can add an extra special touch with complimentary bottle engraving, making this a beautifully thoughtful present this Christmas.

Royal Princess Oud Eau de Parfum

For women who adore luxurious florals with a touch of the exotic, Royal Princess Oud is a standout choice. Blended with concentrated infused oils and the finest ingredients, this opulent floral fragrance seamlessly weaves together rose, sweet violet and Sicilian bergamot, before giving way to warm notes of vanilla and iris to create a scent that is both regal and timeless. Encased in a ruby-red bottle, it’s a stunning addition to any perfume collection and a perfect statement of sophistication.

For him

Aventus Eau de Parfum

As arguably one of their most iconic scents, Aventus is the epitome of modern masculinity. Originally crafted to mark The House of Creed’s 250th anniversary, Aventus launched with immediate acclaim and to this day remains as popular as ever, proudly standing the test of time. 

With bold top notes of pineapple, Calabrian bergamot and blackcurrant, complemented by a smoky heart of birch and patchouli, this Eau de Parfum exudes power and success. Its rich, complex base of oakmoss and cedarwood adds another layer of unique complexity to guarantee a long-lasting impression, making it an ideal choice for the confident and ambitious man this Christmas.

In homage to the classic Aventus, the limited-edition Absolu Aventus packs the same punch as the original fragrance, but with another rich layer of dimension – perfect for fans of the original fragrance who are keen to experience a new interpretation. For the full set, try the gorgeously refreshing shower gel and aftershave balm to leave skin clean and lightly fragranced.

For the home

Vanisia Room Spray

If you want your home to smell as beautiful as Creed’s iconic fragrances, then their expertly blended room sprays are guaranteed to do just that. With its sweet and sensual blend of vanilla mixed with notes of amber, Vanisia is a well-balanced fragrance that has been designed to fill your home with a rich and inviting aroma that lasts for hours. A little goes a long way with these gorgeous room sprays, so use sparingly and enjoy the 150ml bottle for months to come.

Birmanie Oud Candle

Reimagined for 2024, Creed’s scented candles beautifully reflect the style and sophistication of the luxury fragrance house. Inspired by the far east, this hand-poured Birmanie Oud candle blends sweet styrax and fragrant tonka bean to completely envelope the senses.

You can choose from five candle fragrances in total, so there is plenty of choice to find a scent that perfectly suits your taste. Poured and packed by hand in France, each candle is encased in the finest white porcelain featuring a beautifully embossed step-and-repeat pattern, making this a gorgeous addition to any home.

For a gift

Carmina and Queen of Silk 30ml Duo

If you can’t choose your favourite scent, opt for a pair of beautiful women’s fragrances with this duo. Featuring two of Creed’s most loved fragrances, this is the ideal present for those who appreciate variety and sophistication in their scent collection. Queen of Silk brings a rich composition of heavenly florals, primarily derived from the decadent Indian tuberose while Carmina gives a playful touch with its mix of vibrant Rose de Mai and black cherries. Perfectly sized for travel, the set comes beautifully presented to make an unforgettable Christmas gift.

Women’s 3-Piece Discovery Set

Delight the special woman in your life with a curated selection of Creed’s famous scents. Housed in an embellished box reflecting the brand’s unique tailoring heritage and equestrian ties, the set features three exquisite fragrances, including Aventus for Her, Wind Flowers and Carmina. It’s a great choice for both newcomers to the brand and long-time fans seeking variety.

Wrapped in a gorgeous white box complete with embossed detailing and refined ribbons, a gift from The House of Creed offers an unwrapping experience as memorable as the gift itself. So whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, Creed truly captures the essence of festive indulgence to ensure every present is a celebration of luxury this Christmas.

Alexandra Davis

Prosecco & Champagne Advent Calendar, £124.99, Exclusive to Getting Personal

For something truly decadent, this prosecco and champagne advent calendar from Getting Personal is the perfect treat this Christmas. There are 24 mini bottles of prosecco, from renowned brands such as Bottega, Freixenet, Mionetto and Ca’neri, to open every day leading up to Christmas. Personalised gift card messages are available through the website to give your calendar an extra special touch if you’re sending it as a present to a loved one. Plus, with more and more prosecco advent calendars popping onto the market these days, this is the most affordable when compared with other retailers, making this one advent calendar not to be missed. 

Christmas Buds Advent Calendar, £125, LUSH

Time and time again, Lush delivers when it comes to their festive offerings, and this year is no exception. With not one, but three advent calendars to choose from this Christmas, there’s an advent calendar to suit every budget.

Packaged in an adorable red Christmas house, and made from 100% recycled board, this Christmas Buds advent calendar is the perfect choice for bath lovers with a carefully curated mix of 25 bath bombs, bubble bars and bath melts. There are several exclusive products too including a Chocolate Santa bath bomb, Snowman bubble bar and Snow Angel bath melt. As we settle into those cold wintry evenings, unboxing one of these bathtime treats each day is the ultimate form of self-care and pampering.

For those wanting to spend a little less, the 12 Days of Christmas gift is an ideal choice and offers a great selection of bath bombs, bubble bars, shower and body products. If you fancy spending a bit more and going all out this Christmas, the Lush Advent Calendar has 25 Lush favourites covering bath, body, shower and fragrance, all housed in a beautiful limited edition box, designed by Andre Williams, that can be reused year after year.

Lindt Lindor Pick & Mix Advent Calendar, £15, Lindt

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional chocolate advent calendar, and Lindt Master Chocolatiers are putting a new spin on their classic advent calendars with a Pick & Mix version. With 23 varieties of their indulgent chocolate truffles to choose from, this is the perfect way to customise your advent calendar and ensure each treat is one you’re going to absolutely love. Available to create in-store or online, it’s ideal for anyone with firm favourites – Raspberry & Cream, Milk & White and Champagne Milk are particular standouts.

Deluxe Advent Calendar, £120.90, Rituals

There are truly no advent calendars on the market as beautiful as those available from home and body cult-favourite, Rituals. This year’s Deluxe Advent Calendar is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit with 24 miniature houses lit up by LEDs to create your very own charming Christmas scene. Inside, there are some classic treats including the Ritual of Sakura body cream, Sweet Jasmine hand wash and the Ritual of Mehr Shower Oil.

Their Premium Advent Calendar creates another beautiful Christmas scene with 24 lit-up miniature cardboard houses, but this time including eight full-sized products. For a more affordable option, their Classic Advent Calendar has a total value of more than £150 but costs a reasonable £87.90 for another 24 goodies. Last but not least, for the men in your life, Rituals have created The Ultimate Men’s Gift Box with 12 luxury grooming essentials, including five full-sized products to see them through the countdown to Christmas Day.

Dr. Hauschka Advent Calendar, £99, Dr Hauschka

For skincare enthusiasts, this Dr Hauschka advent calendar is just what you will need to see you through the countdown to Christmas Day. There are 23 individually wrapped travel-sized goodies, with a special full-sized product waiting for you on Christmas Eve. With a total value of more than £120, this calendar is great for those wanting to sample some of Dr Hauschka’s most-loved skincare favourites as well as some brand-new launches, too.

Look Fantastic Beauty Advent Calendar, £99, Look Fantastic

Worth a whopping £565, this calendar from Look Fantastic is a beauty lover’s dream. Packed full of 27 treats, including 12 full-sized products, from fan favourites like Sol De Janeiro, Color Wow, NARS, MAC and Elemis, this advent calendar has everything you need in the build-up to Christmas Day. There’s a fantastic mix between cosmetics, skincare, haircare and body care so you’ll have all the essential must-haves this party season. Plus, The Box subscribers can save £15 on this year’s advent calendar to get it at the even better price of £84.

Alexandra Davis

Founded in 1989, Dutch brand Magic Bodyfashion has a long history of specialising in underwear, shapewear and accessories that empower women to be their most confident selves. So, to help you narrow down some choices, we’ve rounded up five of their best bras that guarantee wardrobe malfunctions are truly a thing of the past.

Va-Va-Voom Bra, £29.99

Designed to help create the cleavage of your dreams, this adhesive bra comes in five different shades, making it ideal to be worn under a variety of outfits. The bra itself is completely backless and strapless, with the coating seamlessly adhering to the skin to give you comfort and support all night long, whilst the drawstring front closure enhances the signature push-up effect.

Lift Covers, £14.99

For a more affordable alternative, these multi-use lift covers stick to the skin to give a push-up effect without the need for a bra. They’re the perfect accompaniment to a sheer top or a dress featuring a deep V-neckline, making them a staple item to help make the most out of your wardrobe.

Luve Bra, £39.99

The backless and strapless Luve Bra features a signature low U-plunge to give you flattering cleavage. The bra itself comes with an additional clear strap to attach, adding that extra bit of support should you feel you need it.

The same style also comes in a plunging body for those wanting smoothing shapewear combined with their strapless bra solution. The body features the same adhesive backless bra but provides medium shaping to the stomach and lower back – the perfect option for sexy low-back dresses.

Lift Its, £42.99

These completely invisible silicone cups are one of the most versatile choices for sheer outfits. Available in six different sizes to provide maximum support for women of all bust sizes, including those with fuller busts, Lift Its simply stick to the skin, creating a natural lifting effect. For each larger size, the bigger the cup and the longer the strip, to ensure every woman feels confident enough to wear these with any outfit.

Invisible Boob Tape, £19.99

If you want to go braless, this transparent and skin-friendly boob tape can be trimmed down to your designed length and easily applied under your outfit. Unlike the other alternatives, this is not multiple-use but it is the most creative solution – perfect for giving invisible styling, no matter the occasion.

Alexandra Davis

Update your dishwashing décor

Mari dish towels, $16, Anthropologie

If your go-to dishwashing setup consists of a bright yellow sponge, a boring old tea towel and a wire rack for drying, it’s definitely time for an update. Switch out your simple rack for a cute, bright one, get your hands on a pretty printed tea towel and throw out your sponge in favour of this beautiful, reusable set of 100% cotton dish cloths from Anthropologie!

Bin your bin

Sage green recycling bin, £26, Dunelm

An old plastic bin in the corner is hardly the most inspiring object. It’s time to try a brightly coloured design like this sage-green recycling receptacle from Dunelm. We promise it’ll work wonders for your kitchen space!

Go bold with a gallery wall

Candy Shop Galleria A Perete, £269.02, Desenio

Black-and-white gallery walls are super stylish, sure, but this summer we’re feeling brighter colours that make a statement and make us smile. This Candy Shop galleria set from Desenio, for example, is perfect!

Make space with mirrors

Metal window mirror, £160, Next

Okay, so mirrors can’t technically add space to a room. What they can do is reflect the light and make your space look bigger in an instant! Our advice? Get your hands on this stunning metal window mirror to liven up even the smallest of spaces.

Tackle your tired tiles

Subway peel and stick wall tiles, £19.99+, Homebase

Hate your tiles? No problem! Peel and stick tiles like these are easy to install, will transform your space, and are even renter-friendly!

Switch out your shower curtain

Abstract shower curtain, £33.28+, Etsy

Make your bathroom feel chic and unique and hang a decorative shower curtain in pride of place. Fun, stylish and super easy to do!

Beautify your bedding

Osmond duvet cover set, £35.99+, Wayfair

With a set like this reversible Osmond design by Wayfair, your sleeping space will feel cooler, calmer and happier for the season ahead!

Pick out some plants

Love green foliage wall art, £95, Next

Go for real plants if your place gets plenty of light or grab some faux foliage if your green thumb is lacking. Us? We’re obsessing over this stunning green foliage wall art from Next!

Sophie Cook

Anyone who’s ever tried to deep clean one by hand has probably also wished they could simply throw it into the washing machine. That’s where Ruggable has changed the market: the US sensation recently launched in the UK, and its entire range of rugs are machine-washable.

The brand’s patented system features two elements: a lightweight cover and nonslip base, available in an impressive selection of colours, patterns and styles that will transform any home.

With over 10 design categories, including Bohemian, traditional and geometric, as well as coveted collaborations with the likes of Jonathan Adler and Disney, there is something to suit every preference.

Meanwhile, rug sizes range from doormat to a 2.75m x 3.65m area. The largest option could be a great way to remodel a space, whether it’s a living room, dining room or bedroom – and it couldn’t be simpler to maintain.

For day-to-day cleaning, rugs should be vacuumed to remove pet hair, dirt and dust. In the event of a spillage, the top layer should be thrown into the washing machine, washed with a mild detergent and dried on low heat. Simple as that.

The brand’s outdoor range is equally pleasing: designs are crafted from a durable, fade-resistant woven material to withstand the elements.

What’s more, Ruggable’s top layers are interchangeable, so once a pad is purchased, they can be mixed and matched as desired, which is far more affordable than buying an entirely new rug.

Which design will you choose?

Rebekah Absalom

For further information on Ruggable visit the brand’s website here.

Super Shower Power Shampoo and Conditioner, £20 each, NEOM Organics

Known for their natural luxury fragranced homeware and skincare, NEOM Organics are delving into the world of haircare with their brand-new Super Shower Power Shampoo and Conditioner. Launching on 28^th March, the eagerly anticipated duo will join the much-loved Super Shower Power Body Cleanser as part of their Boost Your Energy range, sharing the 100% natural fragrance, which includes spearmint, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils.

The company are committed to using natural plant extracts to deeply cleanse hair without exposing the scalp to synthetic chemicals, silicones or SLS. Each bottle is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastics and is also 100% recyclable, too.

Dolce & Gabbana Sheerlips, £33, Dolce & Gabbana

Undeniably the most beautiful packaging we’ve seen in a long time, Dolce & Gabbana’s new Sheerlips Lipsticks offer radiant colour in a hydrating and illuminating lip balm formula. Available in four shades, each with their own unique and gorgeous floral design, this is the perfect addition to your makeup bag this spring.

Sea Daffodil Cologne, £76, Jo Malone London

What better way to count down the days until we finally reach a hazy, glorious summer than with Jo Malone London’s new limited-edition fragrance. Vanilla and sandalwood are infused with white sea daffodils and ylang ylang to deliver a fresh and clean scent, reminiscent of sun-drenched strolls along the beach. Each perfume cap is inspired by sea-washed pebbles, so is unique and individual for every purchase, making it worthy of a spot in a beauty cabinet.

MACStack Mascara, £26, MAC

The month of March sees MAC return with their self-proclaimed most significant launch ever, as they bring out a brand-new mascara. Labelled their “biggest breakthrough in mascara technology”, thanks to the new Superstack Mega and Micro Brushes, instant volume is guaranteed from the very first swipe.

The formula is designed to be layered while keeping lashes defined and feathery soft, without any clumping or flaking. 95% of testers said they saw instant lift and length and with stats like this, it’s hard not to add it to our most-wanted list.

Charlotte Tilbury Facial Oil, £60, Charlotte Tilbury

Tilbury’s new Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil comes in on the pricey side, but with an ingredient list, packed full of vitamin-rich oils, Cocoyl Hydrolysed collagen and plant extracts, it’s arguably a price worth paying. The non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula plumps and hydrates skin from within, making it the optimal canvas for makeup to glide on seamlessly. They recommend using it day and night for radiant skin and a firmer-feeling complexion.

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation, £37.50, NARS

Renowned for their foundations, NARS’s hotly anticipated launch has had beauty fans excited for months and it doesn’t disappoint. This makeup-skincare hybrid foundation blurs imperfections, smooths textured skin and conceals blemishes, dark spots and redness. The foundation feels incredibly lightweight but that doesn’t detract from the coverage, which is buildable and – most importantly – breathable. The natural finish doesn’t stop it from being long-lasting either, with minimal touch-ups required, even for oilier skins.

Alexandra Davis

For the bath

It wouldn’t be a Lush collection without some gorgeous new bath bombs, and the aptly named Flying Carrot looks so adorable on a bathroom cabinet that you almost won’t want to use it; but if you can bring yourself to, the zesty citrus scent that fills the room and overwhelms the senses makes it worth it.

For luxuriously soft skin, the two-toned hot pink and blue cotton candy Flamingo Egg unleashes a kaleidoscope of sparkly salts, transforming the water to a sea of shimmering purple as you lie back and unwind.

Other standouts include Follow the White Rabbit: a gorgeous little bunny with a multicoloured streak along its side – expect rainbow waters and popping candy for a fun bathing experience.

For the shower

Lush’s Gummy Bear Shower Jelly unleashes a mouth-watering tropical fragrance, with hints of mango and blackcurrant. Whilst the new What’s Up, Doc? Shower Gel is the definition of a perfect spring scent: sweet and fresh without being overpowering. Shoppers may want to stock up on the biggest bottle of this limited-edition offering.

For the body

Inspired by childhood classic Alice in Wonderland, the Down the Rabbit Hole Body Scrub is a grapefruit-scented feast for the senses to be lathered on in the shower for beautifully energised and polished skin.

The cute little Flowering Carrot hand soap makes the perfect addition to any bathroom. Infused with softening olive oil and carrot, it makes for lovely fruity suds. Sticking to the Easter theme, the Carrot Stick lip oil is another that’s high on the recommendation list. It is filled with soothing carrot oil, grapefruit and antioxidant parsley for super soft lips.

For a loved one

If Easter gifting is your thing, then Lush have four beautifully packaged gift sets to choose from. A Very Happy Lush Easter is filled with five bath treats from the range, including the neon yellow Disco Duck bath bomb and a shimmering, gold superhero-inspired The Easter Bunny bubble bar for a delightful juniper berry and grapefruit foam.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s also Follow the White Rabbit for those wanting to spend a little less. Inside, there’s a trio of bath, shower and lip products for an Easter treat, including the Funfetti Cake lip scrub and a delicious vanilla-scented scrub for luscious lips.

The Easter collection wouldn’t be complete without their iconic Knot Wraps, redesigned with Easter in mind. In 100% organic cotton, they’re made by the talented artisans of Re-Wrap, an Indian social enterprise focusing on environmental and social change. This Follow the White Rabbit Knot Wrap is particularly cute and colourful and fits into the seasonal Alice in Wonderland theme.

Alexandra Davis