Swears By: Mumsnet recommends - August 2018

[HannahGMumsnet]

Hi everyone,

August already - and whether you're loving the hot weather or starting to get sick of it, we're back with plenty more style and beauty recommendations to tickle your fancy.

Some of you may already receive our weekly Swears By newsletter, which is a round-up of products that Mumsnetters have been recommending to each other, but we thought we'd also collate them here.

You can take a look at last month's Swears By thread here.

If you want to be first to know about the next cult product, you can sign up to the newsletter here and you can also check out the Swears By page here.

Mumsnet Swears By is free and independent from advertising but if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale. You can find out more here.

But anyway - here’s what MNers have been swearing by this month to help beat this neverending heat wave:

iShine Women's Casual V-neck Maxi Beach Dress, £7.79

This cool, casual beach cover-up is also perfect for lunch by the pool or a picnic in the park and - best of all - it's an absolute steal. Plus, it comes in so many designs you're sure to spot one that's just right for you.

“For wafty comfort I've bought a few of these from Amazon - they're great and dry in minutes” KaliforniaDreamz

ASOS Wide Fit Leather Flat Sandals, £16

The perfect wide-fit solution when all the other tan sandals don't quite cut it.

“I recently bought these. They come in wide and normal width. They're very comfortable.” badgeronabicycle

Believe it or not, according to ASOS these are in fact real leather - for less than 20 quid!

Body Shop Aloe Protective Restoring Mask, £11

Give your sun-kissed (definitely not burnt) skin the TLC it deserves.

“Body Shop aloe mask is the nuts. Love it. You slather it on to clean dry skin, leave it 20 minutes, rub it in and tissue off the excess. Or leave it on overnight. It’s calming, soothing, plumping and amazing.” AnneLovesGilbert

Boden The Silk Shirt, from £58.80

Inject some colour into your summer office attire.

"I own around four from previous seasons and I do wear them a lot when I travel with work. I like that they’re unstructured and flowy so you can tuck in or leave loose. I go for a 14 and they’re very roomy - because the fabric is flowy they don’t add bulk." SoyYo

Nivea Post-Shave Balm, £5.35

Bear with us on this one - MNers swear by this post shave balm as an excellent primer replacement.

“I'm a make-up artist and I know this sounds silly but Nivea post shave balm is the only thing that has worked on myself as well as other people! It lasts such a long time and it's not too expensive." TheClientList

“I second the Nivea post shave balm. Get the sensitive one. Way better than any brand I've ever used (and I've tried a lot in my quest for long lasting make-up!). I totally rate it.” Ostagazuzulum

Protected Species Waterproof Mac, £225

The return of the rain means our thoughts have well and truly turned to dressing for autumn – time for a new rain mac, anyone?

“I bought a mac yesterday and it arrived today. It's beautiful. Very excited to wear it, I really needed a smart waterproof coat.” russiandwarf

“Last year my lovely parents gave me a Protected Species mac for my birthday and I really love it. Being tall, I am pleased that the sleeves are a good length. It's totally waterproof and a very flattering design.” 0ccamsRazor

“My mac arrived today, it's a storm grey one and a perfect fit. I really like it! I'm so glad I bought this, even though I'm not really 'feeling it' yet regarding autumn clothing (who is in this weather?)” NigellasGuest

Until 14 August, get 40% off any Protected Species coat with the code MUMS40

New Look Ribbed Wrap Front Jumpsuit, £19.99

Ready to dive into the world of jumpsuits? This one comes in lots of colours and is very flattering.

“I'm 40 and got this for my hols and I've loved wearing it. The wrap front is really flattering. Bargain price, washes easily and doesn't crease if you take it away.” hopethisworks

Tripp Cabin-Size Four-Wheel Case, now £44 (was £55)

This nifty case is the perfect size for the overhead storage on your flight.

“I’ve got a Tripp cabin-sized suitcase and really like it. It’s a good few years old now (over five) and still looks good despite quite a lot of use.” YukonGold

Available in a rainbow assortment of colours.

BaByliss Diamond Heated Straightening Brush, now £53.01 (was £80)

A shortcut to smoother hair? Sign us up, please.

“I have got the Babyliss one and I love it. The finish is softer and less severe than with GHDs.” MrsPatrickDempsey

“I picked up a Babyliss one as a Black Friday deal. It is fabulous! I find it way easier and much, much quicker than straighteners (and no burns!) I like the fact that you can use it to turn the hair under at the ends. The effects last until the next wash.” CointreauVersial

Kiss My Face SPF50 Face Suncream, £16.97

Keep your face and neck protected from the sun's rays.

“I have really sensitive skin and Kiss My Face SPF50 is great. It's also cruelty-free.” Mercurial123

Also available in SPF30 and handy spray bottles for sun protection top-ups.

George Double Layer Camisole, £6

Whatever weather the next month brings (it's anyone's guess at this point) these camisoles are the perfect option for layering.

“I am an apple and this summer these have been my saviour. The black, the red and a patterned one. Wear with a skirt or denim shorts on warm days or with slim cropped trousers or skinny jeans.” Lidlfix

“I've got a couple of those George tops, they've got great smart/casual versatility.” flutteryleaves

“I swear by those camisoles from ASDA. You can dress them down with a cardigan or dress them up with a jacket.” Lallybroch

There are lots of other colours and patterns available, too.

Parlux Compact Hairdryer, now £75.90 (was £105)

Mumsnetters swear by the Parlux for longevity and sheer drying power.

“Had my Parlux for 10 years and it's still going strong!” MyBeloved

“I love my compact Parlux – I've loads of fine hair and it dries it all brilliantly.” Fayrazzled

“My Parlux has massively reduced the drying time on my long thick hair. I despair when we go away and I have to use something else. Six years on, it's also as good as new.” cloudtree

Next Navy Floral Printed Tunic, £34

Perfect for the transitional weeks, tunic tops look great over skinnies or a pair of leggings.

“I have had a couple of nice tunic tops from Next in the past couple of weeks. This one is a bit autumnal.” DiabolicalMess

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo, £12.50

With the constant drizzle our hair needs some serious attention.

“Liz Earle Botanical Shine – it’s worth every penny, transformed my hair! It’s pricey but lasts for ages. It’s got no nasties in but the shampoo still lathers really well – I hate the non-lathering ones.” KateAlexander

And for double the luxury, there's also a conditioner.

M&S Soft Padded Full-Cup T-Shirt Bra, £16

A bra which is both comfy and looks good? M&S have done it again.

“Seriously comfortable. Wide back straps so no back fat, really soft cups and straps, looks great – I bought one in each colour.” binkybub

“I bought one a couple of weeks ago and it is very, very comfortable. I'll be going back for another one!” Floridagirl

No. 7 Radiant Results Hot Cloth Cleanser, £13

Make taking the day away less of a chore with a hot cloth cleanser.

“I like the Boots No. 7 one. It's a medium-sized pump action bottle with creamy cleanser inside that you apply after removing make-up, and a cloth which you can run under hot water and lay over your face so that it steams slightly. I find it quite mild.” LockedOutOfMN

“I prefer the No. 7 one, it's the best cleanser I've ever used.” sureitsgrand

Dr Martens Polley Smooth T-bar Shoes, from £71.40 (RRP £115)

Don't be put off by the hefty price tag – these shoes are renowned for being tough, watertight, and still bloody fashionable. Just what we need for autumn.

“They're one of my favourite pairs. They're very hard-wearing and comfortable (once you've broken them in) – I'll still be wearing these in five years' time. I wear the them with everything, they look really nice with tapered utility type trousers. I'm now having to stop myself looking on the Dr Martens website.” RoryGillmoresEvilTwin

“I have Polleys – wear them with jeans all the time.” FairfaxAikman

Uniqlo High Rise Cigarette Jeans, £34.90

These slim leg jeans are a chic, comfortable alternative to skinnies.

“Hail the solution: Uniqlo Cigarette High Waist Jeans. They don’t cling or grip like skinnies but are still cut neatly to look chic.” PaulHollywoodsSexGut

Collection Lash Surge Mascara, £4.99

This bargain mascara rivals the high-end brands.

“I was converted from Benefit to this Collection Lash Surge by Mumsnet. It gives long full lashes, and lasts all day.” WinnerWinnerChickenDinner0

M&S Pleated V-Neck Shell Top, £17.50

Perfect paired with ankle-grazing trousers for an autumnul office look.

“I recommend these tops from M&S. They wash beautifully and don't need ironing, and look great with a plain skirt or trousers.” EthelThePiratesDaughter

Available in a range of colours and patterns.

Muddy Puddles Children's Waterproof Jacket, from £14.50 (were £24)

Let's face it – the rainy season is almost upon us.

“Muddy puddles do good, properly waterproof coats. The fleece-lined ones are warm enough for my kids all winter, and they are cut baggy enough that there is room for layers on freezing days.” bumpertobumper

Boots Essentials Curl Creme, £1.99

It's time to tame those curls.

“(Disclaimer: I work at Boots) I don't have curly hair, but loads of customers recommend this as its cheap and apparently works very well. Apparently not all Boots stores stock this, and I've seen some quite excited people stock up when they saw that our store did.” britnay