The worst things to do when using retinol

Friday, November 6, 2026

Happy Friday!

When it comes to skincare, the sheer number of products on the market – combined with the endless advice on which routine is best – can make it difficult to know what you should and shouldn’t be doing. One thing that’s worth making room for in your routine, however, is retinol. Known for its ability to improve skin texture and tone, it can work wonders for your complexion but using it incorrectly can damage your skin barrier. We’ve spoken to dermatologists to reveal the worst things you can do when using retinol, to help you avoid the pitfalls while getting the most out of this popular ingredient. 

Meanwhile, with the winter blues starting to set in, many of us are looking forward to the Christmas holidays (surely it’s not too early to get excited?). Still on the hunt for a beauty advent calendar? If you love Lush, its Christmas calendar is packed with festive bath-time treats. Plus, if you’re a fan of a mince pie or three, our team has had the delicious task of blind taste-testing the best supermarket mince pies – and there was one clear winner.

It’s also that time of year when we start swapping lighter layers for cosy cashmere, chunky coats and plenty of winter layering. Our favourite affordable cashmere jumper from Uniqlo is a great budget-friendly buy, with a “super-soft finish”. If you’re looking to invest in something a little more special, our tester also loved this £300 cashmere cardigan from Jigsaw. When it comes to keeping warm in style, Passenger’s insulated parka is a great option for chilly days, while The White Company’s £600 funnel-neck coat is a timeless investment piece that will look chic thrown over your Christmas party outfits.

Finally, in the world of haircare, we’ve put nine of the best hot brushes to the test to help you achieve bouncy, salon-worthy locks. Featuring popular names such as Dyson, ghd and Shark, our roundup will help you decide which device deserves a spot on your Christmas wishlist. There are also some brilliant Kérastase deals at Amazon worth checking out, while this Olaplex hydration hair mask is currently reduced by 30%, so you can treat your tresses for less. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Written by Hannah Walton

Stock up on The Ordinary’s most viral products for less, thanks to this fantastic deal at Boots. This £26 gift set includes £52 worth of products.

Black Friday 2026 date tracker: When every brand and retailer will launch their sale

Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, offering the perfect opportunity to snap up everything from big-ticket tech and household appliances to beauty favourites. With retailers launching their discounts earlier than ever, the annual sale is no longer limited to a single day, with deals already appearing ahead of the official sale date on 27 November. But it can be tricky to know which discounts are genuinely worth your money and when the various sales are likely to start. That’s where our experts come in – we’re keeping track of the biggest Black Friday sales, highlighting the best deals and comparing prices to help you shop smarter. From must-have tech and kitchen appliances to mattresses, skincare and fragrances, there are savings to suit every budget and shopping list. Whether you’re getting ahead with your Christmas gift list or treating yourself to a long-awaited upgrade, our Black Friday tracker will help you find the best bargains without the guesswork.

The 2026 John Lewis Christmas advert is here, starring Kristin Scott Thomas. If her outfits have caught your eye, we've got the lowdown on her full looks.

Uniqlo x Cecilie Bahnsen is back – this time Scandi style gets a cosy makeover

Keen to update your wardrobe? The latest Uniqlo x Cecilie Bahnsen collab is bringing a cosy, Scandi-inspired twist to winter dressing, combining the Danish designer’s signature romantic details with the high street retailer’s affordable everyday essentials. Inspired by Nordic winters, the collection puts a feminine spin on cold-weather staples, with soft fleece fabrics, floral motifs and flattering silhouettes designed for effortless layering. Best of all, prices start at just £7.90, making designer-inspired style more accessible, without the luxury price tag. From flower-adorned fleece and sheer layering tops to gathered skirts and cosy separates, there’s plenty to tempt fashion fans this season.

Right now, you can snap up a 1l bottle of Baileys for £10 at Sainsbury's with a nectar card, reducing the price by more than half. It's the perfect excuse to stock up for Christmas.

Top Deal Picks

Lookfantastic's K-beauty advent calendar will save you £90.

Stay snug for less – this John Lewis ceramic heater is just £30.

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