Boxing Day bargain hunters across the UK braved the queues yesterday as they took advantage of lower prices across stores that have slashed goods in a desperate bid to lure online shoppers to the high street.
Retailers launched their sales online in the morning, but it didn’t stop savvy shoppers lining up outside in a bid to get their hands on the best bargains.
However, despite queues of desperate bargain-hunters snaking out of shop doorways, early estimates suggested stores had taken a hammering, with the number of customers coming through the doors thought to be down by up to 10 per cent on last year.
Inside leading stores, shoppers were seen furiously browsing through rails of clothing, while in some department stores, people also had to wait in line on escalators before being able to reach their desired floor.
Even though many shoppers were pictured lining up today, footfall was reportedly down by 10 per cent across high streets and shopping centres due to the bad weather.
Online sales today are expected to rise by 10 per cent on 2018 to £1.14 billion. To combat this, big-name stores slashed prices yesterday, with retailers such as Debenhams offering savings of up to 75 per cent. Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser also started their sales early.
Huge reductions were on offer for discount hungry shoppers, with stores sitting on a mountain of stock – particularly winter clothes and shoes – that failed to sell for Christmas.
Savvy shoppers in Edinburgh were pictured browsing the rails in Next this morning after waiting outside to be let into the Princes Street store
At Manchester’s Trafford Centre, eager consumers were seen lining up behind security barriers this morning as they waited for shops to open
Boxing Day bargain hunters were seen flooding Birmingham city centre today as they took over shopping centres in the area
Successful shoppers were seen in Leeds city centre this morning as they walked away with bags full of items from the Next sale
Shoppers walked out of Next this morning with bags full of shopping after getting up early today to brave the boxing day sales
Shoppers on Oxford Street this morning were darting from store to store this morning as they worked out the best shops to bag a bargain
One woman in Cardiff was pictured this morning holding a wall decoration with a large Next bag as she triumphantly walked out of the store
Shoppers in areas such as Merseyside said many arrived outside stores such as Next as early as 5.45am, to be ready for when it opened at 6am.
Despite prices being drastically cut eco friendly shoppers across the UK are set to spend less in this year’s Boxing Day sales as many worry about the impact fats fashion has on the environment.
Savvy shoppers braving the early morning queues today will spend £200 million less than last year with two thirds of shoppers saying they won’t be making as many purchases as previous years.
Around four in 10 adults are set to spend an average of £186 each and £8.7 billion all in all, according to research from Barclaycard.
Shoppers in central London were pictured inside Selfridges today with their cash and cards at the ready as they prepared to splurge
Many had managed to grab a bargain early this morning but had continued to shop well into the afternoon in London today
However, due to concerns about the environment, 62 per cent intend to make fewer purchases, rising to 68 per cent of women.
Almost seven in 10 consumers, 67 per cent also plan to spend less on ‘fast fashion’ because of the potential environmental impact of its production.
The predictions will cause alarm at the end of another tough year for the beleaguered UK retail sector.
Store closures, business failures and job losses have continued as online has continued to drive growth and competition in the sector.
Barclaycard, which processes nearly half of all credit and debit card transactions in the UK, said Boxing Day spending was 4.8 per cent higher in 2018 than 2017, but a record Black Friday this year could mean that shoppers may have already made the majority of their purchases.
Just 33 per cent said they planned to spend more on Boxing Day than they did during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
Amongst those who did hit the sales this morning included friends Hollie Gregory, 50, and Julie Lee, 51, from Wirral, Merseyside, who said they had arrived at the Next store on Church Street in Liverpool at 5.45am and there had been about 160 people ahead of them in the queue before the shop opened at 6am.
Keen shoppers in London were seen picking up clutch bags as they worked out what items they wanted to take home from the shop
As shoppers were let into Selfridges in London today many looked poised to get a bargain as they made their way to their favourite floors
Lined up and ready to pay. Customers were seen waiting at the check out in Selfridges today as cashiers bagged up their purchases
Shoppers were pictured sat on some sofas in Selfridges this afternoon as they took a break after searching for bargains
Ms Gregory said: ‘We come every year, it’s like a tradition, but we have been buying less as years go by because we’re trying not to consume as much for environmental reasons.
‘My children used to get piles of stuff for Christmas but now we try and limit it to three or four presents.’
The pair had bought gifts for family members and homeware in the sales.’ Queues also formed outside the Marks and Spencer store in Liverpool before it opened at 9am and outside cosmetics store Lush, which was due to open at 10am.
One woman in the queue for Marks and Spencer, who did not want to be named, said she had arrived in the city centre at 5.30am and had already bought clothes and underwear from Next.
She said: ‘I come every year. I have definitely noticed it hasn’t been as busy the last few years, I think a lot of people do their shopping online.’
Sian Scanlon, 30, from Bootle in Merseyside, said she had arrived outside the Lush store in Liverpool at 6.30am, three-and-a-half hours before it was due to open.
Picking up some pretty bargains! People at a River Island store in Leeds were seen browsing the rails this morning as they navigated the hoards of shoppers
Success! These shoppers in London were seen outside Selfridges with their shopping bags this morning after getting there early to shop
Ready to go! Sales on most Oxford Street stores in London started at 9.30am including at Topshop (pictured above)
Shoppers in London (pictured above) were browsing the shoe selection, where there was up to 50 per cent off trainers
Others were seen looking at the handbag section in Selfridges in London as they debated over the best bargains of the day
Several people compared prices during the sales today as one woman was seen looking at a pink tote bag and matching purses
Shop till you drop! These two people were seen looking at the price on a pair of trainers as they browsed in London this morning
Add these to your shoe collection! A swarm of people are seen around one of the shoe sections in Selfridges earlier today
Dreaming of summer sun? This customer seemed to be preparing for her summer holidays as she tried on some sunglasses this morning
What to buy? This woman looked as though she was weighing up her options as she browsed the shoe section in Selfridges today
She said: ‘It’s 50 per cent off all the Christmas gift sets so I’ll spend about £200 and get about £400 worth of stuff.
‘I get here at 6.30am every year and normally the shop doesn’t open until 11am.
‘I’ve layered up, so I’m not too cold!’
She said she expected the Lush shop to be ‘mayhem’ once it opened.
Online spending is also predicted to overshadow in-store receipts, with 60 per cent of post-Christmas sales shoppers making the majority of their purchases from the comfort of their homes.
Rob Cameron, chief executive of Barclaycard Payments, said: ‘Despite Boxing Day remaining a key moment in the retail calendar, savvy shoppers have been planning their large purchases throughout the entire festive sales period, which begins long before December.
‘Our data for Black Friday and Cyber Monday revealed a huge jump in transaction volumes this year, so it’s not surprising that consumers expect to have less money to spend after Christmas, so retailers need to take that into account.
‘What’s more, our research shows that shoppers are increasingly thinking about how their purchases impact the environment. Forward-thinking retailers should be making a conscious effort to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, in order to boost their appeal – and their revenue.’
VoucherCodes.co.uk and the Centre for Retail Research have also predicted that shoppers will shun the high street on Boxing Day, with in-store sales set to drop by more than 12 per cent on last year.
The study suggests that in-store spending will total £3.25 billion – a decrease of 12.4 per cent on last year – while online spending increases by 10 cent year on year.
Consumers had shown signs of ‘promotional fatigue’ for the last two years after the ‘many’ discount events by Boxing Day, including Black Friday.
The report says: ‘We expect the numbers attending the sales to reduce.
‘However, it is anticipated that average spending per household in the sales will still be around £459.’
Opinium Research surveyed 2,002 UK adults online for Barclaycard between November 29 and December 3.
This is while experts have also warned that the Boxing Day sales could also see people being drawn toward ‘fake bargains’.
NetVoucherCodes has said keeping a clear head during the sales is important as you could be sucked into purchasing things you don’t really need, and things that aren’t priced much differently to their original retail cost.
The escalators in Selfridges were packed this morning as many made their way to the fashion floors of the department store
One woman in Cardiff was seen with a large bag of clothing while she was also carrying a woven bag and other items in her hands
One woman was seen leaving Next carrying a fleece blanket and other bedding items, while many were still browsing the store
Customers rushed through the store during the Selfridges’ Boxing Day sale in London today as many looked to get a bargain
Customers in London were seen entering Selfridges this morning as a guard was also waiting at the door to let people in
Savvy Brits staying in won’t need to worry about wrapping up warm, but those who want to brave the sales on the high street could face a wet and windy day if they want to take advantage of the cut price items.
A huge deluge of rain is expected to sweep across the UK on Thursday, with some parts of the south west of England likely to experience up to 1.2 inches of rainfall.
Other regions could see as much as 0.8 inches as the weather front travels across the country.
The Environment Agency has issued 35 flood warnings – where flooding is expected – and 93 flood alerts – where flooding is possible.
Coastal areas in the south west are also forecast to be hit by winds of up to 50mph.
The conditions are set to put a dampener on what was a mostly pleasant Christmas Day for the UK with Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill predicting that ‘pretty much everywhere’ will see some level of wet weather.
‘For most places there is going to be a lot of cloud and some rain around too,’ Mr Burkill said.
‘The heaviest will be in south-west England and Wales.
‘Because of the amount of rain we have seen this month there could also be some localised flooding.’
There is some good news for London shoppers however, with the skies expected to clear by the afternoon as temperatures reach 12C in the South and 5C further north.
Looking ahead, the rain is expected to persist until Saturday in the north west of England while sunshine should return for the south east in time for the weekend.
Today many people could also be returning gifts they received, with research also suggesting that 95 per cent of people fake a positive reaction when opening gifts on Christmas Day.
The study by Firebox.com found that four per cent of Brits could see their Christmas celebrations ruined by those who don’t appreciate their presents.
This is while over a third of people quizzed said they opened their gifts in private as they were so anxious about receiving a bad gift.
One in 10 admitted that receiving a disappointing gift has caused a row, while four per cent said it had ruined Christmas all together.
The sales this week comes as many shoppers struggled earlier in the week as they battled their way through supermarkets up and down the country.
On Monday many were seen lining up around stores such as Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s as they piled their baskets high with last minute items.
Shoppers in Cardiff queued from the early hours of the morning for the annual sale with Next opening its doors to customers at 6am this morning
Customers in London were seen lining up outside Selfridges on Oxford Street this morning as they waited in the rain for the doors to open
They came prepared! This group were seen sat on camping chairs this morning as they waiting for Next to open
Shopping rails in one store were seen with just hangers being left on them as people were seen with large bags of shopping
A small crowd was gathered outside a Zara store on London’s Oxford Street this morning as they waited in anticipation for the clothing retailer to open
In London this morning the streets seemed a little bit calmer than in other parts of the country which saw many getting to shopping centres before 6am
Over 3000 bargain hunters queued up in a huge long line around the Silverlink Retail Park in North Tyneside for the opening of the 6am Next store Boxing Day sale
Umbrellas at the ready! Shoppers in London didn’t seem to mind the rain this morning as many waited outside Selfridges
Shoppers at the Next Boxing Day sale at the Next store on Queen Street in Cardiff, Wales were pictured above this morning
Hundreds of people in Liverpool lined up this morning to bag a bargain and in some areas security teams were seen handing out large plastic bags to shoppers
Shopper are set to splurge £1.14bn online today, forcing high street stores into panic sales: We reveal the best bargains on everything from beauty products to tech – with many items reduced by up to half price
By Claire Toureille for MailOnline
Stores have launched unprecedented Boxing Day panic sales to lure shoppers hunting for deals online rather than queuing in the cold and rain.
Online sales today are expected to rise by 10 per cent on 2018 to £1.14billion. To combat this, big-name stores slashed prices yesterday, with retailers such as Debenhams offering savings of up to 75 per cent. Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser also started their sales early. Huge reductions are forecast, with stores sitting on a mountain of stock – particularly winter clothes and shoes – that failed to sell for Christmas.
An estimated 11million of us – one adult in four – were thought to have been browsing for bargains yesterday. Spending is expected to have hit a record £1.19bn, which would be up some 20 per cent on 2018, according to a Centre for Retail Research (CRR) study for discount website VoucherCodes.
It will turn the screw on retailers who rely on sales in shops at a time of crisis on the High Street. Spending through high streets, retail parks and shopping centres is predicted to fall by around £460m to £3.25bn today.
With retailers such as Debenhams and House of Fraser planning store closures across the UK in the New Year, the range and scale of price cuts are likely to be particularly eye-catching. A CRR spokesman said: ‘By Boxing Day people will have experienced many discount events, such as Black Friday, and we expect the numbers attending the sales to reduce.’
Barclaycard, which processes nearly half of all credit and debit card transactions in the UK, said Boxing Day spending was 4.8 per cent higher in 2018 than 2017, but a record Black Friday this year could mean that shoppers may have already made the majority of their purchases.
Time to bag a Boxing Day bargain!
To help bargain-loving Brits in their search for the best deals, FEMAIL has rounded up a selection of this year’s best offers, from the High Street and online with reductions of more than 50 percent.
Interior design fans will find prices slashed by half at Habitat, meanwhile those hoping to upgrade their gadgets will find amazing deals at Currys and Carphone Warehouse.
From beauty buys at Superdrug and Escentual to a range of fashion at Debenhams, there’s something to suit everyone if you fancy treating yourself to a belated Christmas present.
FOR THE HOME
Habitat’s Tabitha gold metal wire lounger is perfect for those who like minimal design around their house. Crafted in India with metal rods, the chair is both visually appealing and comfortable.
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Made of mango wood brass, this black and gold chest of drawer is stylish and warm. This statement piece will stand out in any room of the house. It comes with three drawers and one large cupboard, offering plenty of storage
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The Sooty smoke grey large glass vase from Habitat is oversized for full effect, with a rib design which catches the light and reflects it. It can add a dash of style to any room.
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This memory foam mattress offers significant comfort thanks to its Visco Elastic memory foam and natural latex. Finding the perfect balance with firm and soft, this orthopaedic mattressis crafted with high end materials and is anti-dust mite, ideal for those who suffer from asthma.
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With rounded corners and oversized feet, the drawer can accommodate a variety of items from small to large.
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This lovely stool can add a touch of sophistication to any room. In comes with a luscious velvet fabric and a golden criss-cross base. No assembly is required and the stool can be used for extra seating, at a dressing table or even as a sofa footrest.
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This beautiful grey upholstered armchair would be a lovely addition to a study or living-room. Its deep and plump seating gives it a modern silhouette, and makes it a perfect chair for lounging. It comes with dark wood legs with gold accents to add a touch of luxury.
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This three-seater is sure to make an impression with its rounded corners and grey upholstery. Its attention-grabbing detail doesn’t compromise its comfort, and the sofa and its dense and rich fabric makes it as good for a nap as it is to receive guests.
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This drawer bed is both practical and stylish, thanks to its sophisticated aesthetic and side drawer. It is clad in a luxurious mink fabric and comes available in a beautiful cream colour.
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With its seamless four-drawer-design, the Fullerton by Happy beds is great to optimise space, and offers complete comforts as well. Its timeless frame is modern and practical and will answer your needs for storage as well as a good night’s sleep.
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Bring some colour to your home with this large rug from Habitat which features bold shapes in a palette of pastels and brights. Handmade in India, the rug will be sure to be a focal point of attention wherever you put it.
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This beautiful coffee table’s art deco-inspired design makes it a winner. Each piece of the table is handcrafted, and the delicate gold arch detailing gives it an elegant and luxurious touch.
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This washing machine is equipped with a smart sensor technology which weighs your laundry at the start of the cycle, than adjusts wash time water and electricity consumption to help you save money. It also provides a range of 16 wash options to choose from.
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This American fridge is smart and packed with features, and comes with a anti-fingerprint stainless steel look. It comes with three separately temperature controlled compartments to adjust according to your needs.
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This vacuum cleaner devours dust like no other! Lightweight and cordless, it can trap up to 99.9 percent of dust and allergens. Its filters are contained in a completely sealed vacuum cleaner unit to make sure nothing slips out.
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This mixer was originally designed in 1937, and impresses with its rounded, durable design. It’s a perfectly adaptable cooking tool that will help you in your culinary adventures.
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Easy-maintenance and equipped with a zoned spring system, this mattress uses a greater amount of springs in the middle portion. The zones are designed to align your spine with support and added pressure relief. It also features an additional soft pillowtop layer of plush for extra comfort.
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Whether you’re ironing sweaters or jeans, this Bosch iron will deliver brilliant results in no time. The CeraniumGlissée soleplate distributes steam evenly, so it’ll straighten out really stubborn wrinkles.
And, with i-Temp Advanced technology, it uses the perfect temperature and steam combination for smoothing any fabric.
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Make meal preparation easy with this superb empire red food processor from KitchenAid. It comes with 4 attachments, so whether you’re chopping meat for a home-baked pie or slicing vegetables for a delicious salsa, you’ll always have the right tool for the task.
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The Kensington floor standing radiator from Better Bathrooms is an elegant heating option for the most stylish of bathrooms. Compatible for use on all UK heating systems that are tank fed or combination systems. It measures 963 x 493 x 230mm and outputs 2023 BTUs.
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Reach those carefully stored items safely with this stylish bamboo ladder that can also be used to artistically to display scarves.
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Evoke the heights of classy 60’s style with our Ivanno dining table. Influenced by sculptural design, the fibreglass base makes for an eye-catching centrepiece, topped with a durable grey glass surface for that sophisticated edge.
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The Airstream Memory 6000 responds and adapts to the contours of your body by gently exposing you to the natural elemental health benefits of our Copper Infusion Technology.
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This three-seater leather sofa welcomes you home with its low armrests, high back and deep cushioning. Finished with elegant chrome feet and neat stitching detail, it brings contemporary style straight to your living room.
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FASHION AND BEAUTY
This gorgeous cami and short set comes in soft satin, with a delicate leaf motif embroidered in a wrap-around design on the cami. Its cut in a simple and loose, offering plenty of comfort thanks to its A-line shape.
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This beautiful dotted dress will ensure you kick off the year in style, thanks to its flattering knotted centre and slimming shape. It features a mix of spots in a striped design that’s also silky smooth.
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This dress from Principles is cut to a flattering midi length. Cut from chic satin, it’s covered in a paisley print and elevated with ruching. Add height with heels at your next formal event.
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Perfect for everyday wear, this coat presents a vintage-inspired dogtooth pattern with a textured finish, it’s fitted with two pockets and double-breasted button fastenings. Layer over smart or casual edits for instant sophistication.
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Cosy and soft, this jumper from Red Herring is a knitwear essential. Cut to a relaxed and stylish oversized fit, it’s shaped with a v-neckline and detailed with ribbed trims. Perfect for teaming with denim.
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Bring the pamper party to your bathroom with this bauble set full of cocktail-inspired bath time treats,including Gin and Tonic Bath and Shower Crème and Pink Fizz Bath and Shower Crème.
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This across body case is made of vegan leather for the cruelty-free wary buyers. Its unique design combines an intelligent magnetic clasp and a flawless finish with its rose gold colour.
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Featuring the stylised florals of Ted Baker’s Hedgerow print, the opening of the case reveals a mirror, so you can admire yourself as well as your new accessory. An electroplated back shell keeps your iPhone safe and secure.
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Create a new signature eye look with Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils The Curler Gift Set, YSL’s 2-in-1 mascara that matches wand technology with a curling formula, offering a breathtaking lash curling effect that lifts and volumizes lashes.
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Treat a loved one to the luxurious Nuxe Magique Prodigieuse Gift Set containing the very best of the iconic Prodigieuse collection. Includes Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil Spray, Precious Scented Shower Oil, Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse Boost Multi-Correction Gel Cream and a Nuxe Bougie Prodigieuse Candle.
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Get starry eyed and create makeup looks that are out of this world with the luxe vegan and cruelty free 5-piece Zodiac brush set and pouch. Consisting of the perfect brushes to create an all-over flawless makeup look.
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The collection includes an exclusive palette of rich, warm earthy tone shadows. Brand new palettes of 8 shades of highlighters and 8 blushers and everything you need to complete your everyday look. Pick your lip out of 3 stunning matte shades and set the look with powder and illuminating spray.
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Skeek and chic, these ankle heel boots come in a lovely maroon shade and patent design to start 2020 on the right foot.
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With a delicate combination of lace patterns and mesh, this body is a perfect addition to any wardrobe. The double hem on the legline creates a softer, flattering line. On the front of the body, eyelash lace was used for a finer finish around the cleavage.
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Why not splash on a whole set with a bra, a tong and a set of suspenders? The bra’s Swan neck fastenings secures the trio of backstraps, whilst adjustable shoulder straps ensure the perfect fit and feel.
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This Braun face device offers two facial treatments in one thanks to its removable attachments. It can both precisely remove undesired hair as well as deep cleaning the pores. It’s also waterproof and can be used in the shower.
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This ‘reverse-air’ dryer uses suction to dry and smooth your hair quickly. It can be used on straight, wavy and curly hair and promises an easier blow-dry for healthier hair.
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One of the latest entrees in anti-ageing tech, this wearable led mask improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles thanks to its anti-ageing red and near infra-red light therapy.
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Get your hands on this eco-friendly makeup remover. One of them can replace 500 single-use makeup wipes. There’s no need to scrub or rub, the cloth removes all makeup gently, perfect for any skin type or sensitive skin.
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Why not make the jump and opt for an IPL epilator, which offers safe laser removal at home, and promises permanent hair removal in just four weeks of us?
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This crafty little product will give you a face lift in just five minutes for instant results. Its non invasive, works on the jawline and neck and is perfect for when travelling.
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This ILP hair remover can treat your whole body in under 20 minutes for impeccable results and adapts to your skin tone.
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The Braun Braun Silk-épil 9 is the brand’s fatest epilator so far, and provides four weeks of silky smooth skin. The set includessix extras to best reach those hard to reach zones.
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This kit includes a highlighting palette of 8 dazzling powder shades which you can apply with the powder brush for an intense glow, or sweep onto the high points of the face with the fan brush for a subtle highlight.
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Let your body and mind unwind with this pamper collection in a lovely grey and copper-coloued vanity case, complete with vegan skincare products.
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A selection of brushes to ensure that you achieve the perfect look, that can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water.
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This 12-pan eye shadow palette, inspired by the sparkling lights of NYC’s Fifth Avenue, comes in festive packaging with a mirror and features neutrals, golds and jewel tones in sparkle, metallic, chrome metal and matte finishes for all your Christmas party looks.
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A versatile piece that’s guaranteed to jazz up your wardrobe, this stunning lace layered dress deserves a place in every woman’s wardrobe. With fitted bodice and short sleeves, this dress also features chic all-over lace for an elegant and sophisticated finishing touch.
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The belted style of this coat makes it easy to wear with anything and the collarless element is super flattering. Wear over jeans and a top for the perfect daytime outfit or dress up with a little black dress and heels for those night out vibes.
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This burnt orange jumpsuit with black floral print is a show-stopper. With a V-neck front and a fun sporty belt, it is a fantastic occasion piece. Rock it with your favourite strappy sandals, or dress it up with some barely-theres to look stylish whatever the occasion.
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Turn heads this season in our floral high neck pleated maxi dress. This sleeveless dress features a back neck button fastening and is fully lined, with a full-length pleated chiffon skirt. This dress is sure to be a wardrobe favourite and is perfect for any special occasion.
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This comfy, cosy, fur-lined, waterfall suedette jacket is perfect for day time wear and night out vibes alike. Featuring a flattering waterfall front and a soft suedette fabric, this statement piece is easily worn with all of your favourite outfits and is sure to make you feel fabulous.
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TECH
These Beats by Dre headphones offer incredible sound quality and luxurious design. It also provides Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling tech that actively blocks external noise, so you can focus purely on your tunes.
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Crafted from premium taupe leather, this stylish power bank is easy to use and will keep you fully charged throughout the day. Simply place your phone next to the Hoppi power bank in your handbag to charge, or connected with your usual cable.
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Lovely for a home office, this wireless phone charger comes in real leather, in a beautiful taupe shade. Just leave your phone on its surface for a quick charge.
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