Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own. And
For a cosy and practical Christmas gift, check out the Polar Prints hat and neck warmer sets from Buff. Crafted from ultra-soft polar fleece, they offer warmth and comfort without being bulky. The hat fits nice and snugly without feeling tight on my head and the double layered bottom of the hat keeps my ears lovely and warm on colder days.
The neck warmer has enough fabric to bunch comfortably around my neck and can be pulled up over my face for extra protection against the elements. The fleece material is lovely and cozy but if you get too warm it will easily fit into a pocket.
Available in shades of grey, pink, and green, these accessories add a stylish touch to winter gear and look fantastic with my purple jacket and navy fleece. Each set has unique patterns, so if you’re buying for the whole family, no two will be exactly alike.
The Buff hat and neck warmer are perfect for any outdoor activities like hiking or skiing but are also a great choice for walking the dog or going shopping. Made of 72% Polyester and 28% Viscose the quick-drying fleece is ideal for those unpredictable winter days.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Christmas is a time to think about the people in your life and the type of gifts they deserve. Seola believe in finding joy in the little things and celebrating life every day not just a few days of the year. With that in mind, they have a gorgeous collection of jewellery for Christmas which is available now. The team at Seola sent us the necklace from their Clover Collection, part of a much bigger gift range featuring the clover leaf design.
The Sparkling Clover Necklace is 18K gold plated stainless steel, designed to be both waterproof and sweatproof so you can wear it whether you’re swimming, in the gym or even in the shower. With a length of 40 centimetres, it sits on the collar bone of the wearer where a stunning clover pendant is surrounded by 4 clover leaf cut outs along the chain. It’s a lovely gift for anyone who’s active and worries about losing jewellery especially if there’s sport involved!
I particularly like that the 5 clovers are set on a delicate chain which can be worn on its own or as a layer of chains, especially from the whole Clover Collection range. There’s also earrings, a bracelet and a range of different Clover design necklaces which over time, could create a personal collection for someone, or be a range given as one gift from different members of the family.
The Seola Sparkling Clover Necklace is a timeless piece, with the clover symbolising luck, which will be able to be worn for a very long time to come thanks to its waterproof design and enduring look.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Here’s a nice gift for anyone who is into any racquet sports – a proper racket backpack!
Most people carry their tennis or squash racket separately to a game or practice but now you can carry your racket with all your other sports equipment thanks to the Raquex Backpack, which is designed for racket sports.
The Raquex Racquet Backpack has its own racket compartment and an additional laptop compartment with a Velcro secure strap. There are several pockets too including a secure pocket for a wallet or mobile phone and a vented pocket for trainers which is separate to the main body of the bag. Water bottles fit in the side compartments and you’ll find other pockets are handy for loose change, membership cards or travel cards and anything else you need to secure. All of this in one backpack which has padded straps and back plate so that you can wear it with comfort and the racket won’t get in the way.
Not only for adults who like to play racket sports, the Raquex Racquet Backpack is also great for school aged children to take their PE kit into school. The multiple pockets are invaluable and the separate compartment for the trainers is a gift in itself for those muddy winter shoes but the main part of the backpack, if not used for a racket, is great for school books or a lunchbox too. The classic black look is easy to take to school and the racket compartment could be used for the project that won’t fit A4 size and needs securing on the way to and from school.
The Raquex Racquet Backpack is the type of gift you’d never think of owning yourself and one which once you have one, you won’t know how you did without!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
This one is for the jewellery lovers who love the water, especially freshwater pearls. Created by Carol is a one-woman business in designing and making silver jewellery, based in Yorkshire UK. Carol is a self-proclaiming pearl enthusiast and has won various TV competitions for her design and production of jewellery. Using real silver in the form of antique cutlery, buttons and anything else she can find, Carol is an advocate for those with disabilities and teaches metalworking, pearl knotting and stone setting. When she’s not working (which sounds like a lot of the time!) she’s repairing sentimental jewellery at her local repair shop.
Her website, Created by Carol, is a treasure trove of what you can buy an all of it unique. From spoons and buttons made into jewellery items or refashioned using their unique patterns, Carol has created a library of silver jewellery which you won’t find anywhere else. Her love of pearls is also evident in the great body of work she has which includes rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. We were sent this absolutely gorgeous handmade solitaire pearl necklace to review, but you can see from her website that there is a whole host of jewellery for you to discover.
Pearls have been harvested long back in history, even in Roman times but especially for monarchs throughout time, and mentioned in the Bible. For anyone who works with chakras, the pearl is especially meaningful with the third eye due to its association with balance and wisdom and wearing it at your throat chakra (or heart chakra depending on the length of the necklace chain) can bring purity and diving feminine wisdom too. In fact, there are a lot of lovely properties of pearls that make them great gifts.
This timeless freshwater pearl necklace comes on a chain, ready to wear. You can see it’s a natural, freshwater pearl because of the slightly irregular shape and texture of it, but the iridescent reflective surface reminds you that it’s real and totally wearable with anything. It’s exceptionally well made by Carol, as you’d imagine, with absolute precision and sympathetic to the beauty of the pearl. You don’t need more than just one pearl to make the statement as I found out as soon as I put it on! The silver fine chain and bar will never date and once you wear it, it’s so addictive to add more to your collection and have matching sets. The slight difference in pearl colour, sizes and textures make it almost a hobby in itself to hunt down the next piece for your collection.
In fact, you can’t go wrong with a pearl for a gift, and I am loving my first ever freshwater pearl necklace!
Disclaimer; We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own
We’re all familiar with the unpredictable nature of British weather, which makes having adaptable clothing a must for outdoor activities. The Helly Hansen Men’s Brono Softshell Zip-Off Pants have been my go-to walking trousers this this summer with the zip off legs being ideal for those typical British days which can be quite chilly to begin with but end up with unexpected sunshine (in between the showers!) The zips enable a quick and hassle-free switch, ensuring you’re always prepared for the weather.
Made from 4-way stretch softshell fabric, these trousers offer both flexibility and comfort. They are incredibly comfortable to wear and pack down small, making them ideal for backpacking and travelling when space is at a premium. The lightweight fabric is treated with Durable Water Repellency (DWR), allowing it to withstand light showers and it dry quickly when you get caught in a sudden downpour – particularly useful in the UK, where surprise rain showers are all too common.
In terms of design, the articulated knees and gusseted crotch provide excellent mobility, letting you move freely whether you’re scrambling up hills or navigating rocky terrain. Their smart design also makes them versatile enough to wear out and about, and once the legs are zipped off you have a pair of reasonably stylish shorts.
Practicality is another strong point. With two hip pockets and a zipped pocket on the thigh, you have ample secure storage for essentials like your phone, keys, and the all important emergency snack. The fit is true to size, and the inclusion of belt loops allows for an even better fit if needed.
The Helly Hansen Men’s Brono Softshell Zip-Off Pants are an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. Their versatile design, durable fabric, and zip off legs make them perfect for tackling whatever the British weather throws at you. Whether you’re on a long hike, a weekend camping trip, or just out for a walk with the dog, these trousers will keep you comfortable, dry, and ready for anything.
Available in five sizes (S to 2XL) and two colours, Ebony and Pebble
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
We’re holding onto summer here and enjoying this late heatwave that has everyone out at festivals, BBQs and the beautiful outdoor bars and restaurants that have become a part of British culture since the sun has been shining. Ruru Cosmetics sent us some reusable false eye lashes (and a bonus brow gel!) to keep us looking gorgeous all summer long and with a bit of practice, we have been trying them!
We were sent; Ruru Cosmetics False Lashes (Sunny, Ocean and Cindy) at £3.25 each, Ruru Cosmetics Olive and Alice (£7.99 each) and Luna (£3.25). We also received the Ruru Cosmetics Lash Adhesive (£6.49) and Ruru Cosmetics Brow Gel (£9.99). Obviously the Lash Adhesive is needed to fix the lashes but the Brow Gel is great for fixing your brows just how you want them and complimenting any of the lashes you use at the same time.
I have never used false eye lashes before, neither removeable ones you fix yourself nor the kind of lashes you go to a salon and have done. It’s intrigued me though and looks like a fun way to dress up when you go out! I started with Olive from the Ruru Cosmetics Faux Collection. The Faux Collection range can be used up to 30 times and come in their own box which can be used to keep each pair between the times you use it. After looking online at the free download from Ruru Cosmetics on how to use the eye lashes and using the Lash Adhesive that Ruru Cosmetics sent me, I found some tweezers and got to work!
To remove the eye lashes, I teased them out of the case, being careful not to stretch them out of shape. Then using the Lash Adhesive, you only need to dab a little along the lash band, but right up to the ends so that they stick firmly. Using the tweezers, attach the false lashes as close to your own lashes as possible, and dab them down. Once they are dry, you can add mascara if you wish. To remove, use the tweezers at the far corners of the eye and pull away, tracing the line of your natural eye lashes so as not to stretch them again, and replace them back on the casing to use next time.
It does take a bit of practice but eventually you get the hang of it!
They look very dramatic at first, but I did like the shape of them and how natural they look. These are brilliant for going out or for replacing your own lashes if they aren’t as full as you’d like, and with the range available on the Ruru Cosmetics website, you’ll find something that suits you. The only point I would recommend is that you practice putting them on before you are in a hurry to go out, but as the pairs can be worn up to 30 times, you’ll have plenty of chances to wear them again!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Add glamour to your summer with this timeless leather belt from Pampeano. Not heard of them before? Let me explain…
Pampeano means ‘from La Pampa’ – a region in Argentina famed for their stunning views and handmade leather goods. Argentina is famous for both horsemanship and their polo fields, which has inspired Pampeano to create an extensive range of leather good for sale all over the world, including these stylish belts. We were sent the Alba belt to review this week, which was quite a treat!
The Alba belt, like all the Pampeano belts comes in sizes from 80 centimetres to 15 centimetres (28-42 inches). The leather belts are adorned with different patterns and the Alba is embroidered with 6 colours of a typical Argentinian design, with a slight feminine twist. The variety of colours means it can be matched with a range of outfits or just with a plain white shirt and jeans. Don’t just stop at jeans for these hand-made Pampeano belts though, because they can just as easily be paired with a dress or a long shirt to create a waist that isn’t already there and the quality of the leather and the metal buckle means it can be used in a casual outfit or for very dressy. Think maxi dress, boots and a low-slung belt.
The belts are made to a high quality, with a beautiful design and durable stitching to ensure the buckle stays in place. It also arrives in a gorgeous presentation box to not only protect it but to keep it in great shape if you want to give it as a gift. The range of sizes online also make it a great present so that you can tailor each piece to different friends, not having to worry about whether it will fit or not. High quality leather belts like Pampeano will always be in fashion and last a long time and are well worth the investment.
I tried out the Alba Pampeano belt with a pair of jeans. It fit snugly in the belt loops of most pairs of jeans but the unique, understated design of the pattern stands out compared to other leather belts. Whilst using it, you can feel the quality and the weight of the buckle. The leather is of high quality and is treated so that it doesn’t crack or split easily and you can see the workmanship in the way the belt is constructed especially around the buckle which is where most of the wear is on a belt, and the part which is seen most often.
We often forget how important a belt is to an outfit and for some trousers (and skirts for that matter) a belt is essential. Pampeano have a beautiful range of not just belts but bags, purses and wallets which are also made to the same high quality and have distinctive, Argentinian designs you’ll love.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Yes, it helps to be Darn Tough when running, and these merino wool ¼ socks from Darn Tough stood up to my Park Run test today.
Socks are a nightmare to get right when you’re running. You can’t change them half way through a run and stopping to adjust them is a no-no when you’re on the clock and surrounded by people who would need to edge around you. So Darn Tough have brought out their running socks (and new versions come out every year) which are comfortable as well as functional.
From Vermont, Darn Tough manufacture walking, hiking, sports and running socks for men, women and children based on quality. Their socks are made from merino wool and a high quality Lycra for the best fit, no blisters and best of all, they have a lifetime warranty. Their socks may be expensive (these ¼ socks for running are priced at £20) but if you ever get a hole, or any kind of defect, they will replace them for you with a whole new pair.
If you look at their whole range online, you’ll see the socks aren’t boring either. There’s a whole range of colours, and each design comes in multiple colours too. Great for distinguishing in a household who the socks belong to if you have multiple runners or walkers! They’re pretty enough to not feel stagnant either with the range of colours that fit the running and workout outfits that are available today. I liked these blue socks which have a quirky yet not overstated design. It makes them easier to distinguish when you peer into the drawer and decide which pair to put on.
These socks are called Women’s Run No Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks. It means that they are designed for running because of the extra Lycra across the bridge of the foot (where the laces would be) and are lightweight for running. The Lycra is also a high quality to allow for more give and cushion and to compensate for the fact that these socks have less merino wool as they were making the socks and therefore the running shoes too bulky and uncomfortable.
Park Run this morning was hot and uncomfortable by the Darn Tough socks were no problem. There’s plenty of stretch in them, they’re durable and don’t pinch with the extra Lycra and there’s absolutely no slippage when running and no blisters. The lifetime warranty means I can wear these every week without having to worry about them every wearing out. I can’t guarantee that won’t happen to me though…
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
We finally have some sun! If you’re scrabbling to find your sunglasses though and don’t want to pay the earth and then find them (they’re in the glove compartment of your car by the way!) then GlassesShop have a one-stop shop for all your looking needs.
GlassesShop have cheap prescription glasses and sunglasses to order online and have delivered to your door, even in the UK. Choose from a range of frames which can cost as little as $19.95 (currently less than £16) on their website and the process is easy – you go through and choose the frame, then the use of glasses and finally enter your prescription. In the UK you have to provide a prescription by a UK registered optician so you also need to upload the prescription to the website.
We chose two sets of glasses, the multicoloured Vogt ($29.95) for everyday prescription glasses, and Road ($29.95) for sunglasses, but without prescription lenses. There is an additional cost for the lenses you require, but the process online takes you through everything and gives you a total at the end. If you’re paying by credit card, then the card will automatically convert the price to British Sterling, or you can Google the amount to find that day’s accurate rate. It literally took just a few days for them to be delivered by courier and each pair arrived in their own glasses case.
The frames are very sturdy, with the multicoloured Vogt frames we ordered as prescription reading glasses being a nice fit and not too heavy. The frames are just as described on the website. The Road sunglasses weren’t prescription but again are well made with the lenses being a slight blue tint. The arms are pliable so that you can fit them under a hat or sportswear and super lightweight for running, which is what I use them for! You can get prescription sunglasses too, which the website explains and there’s even an option of the colour of tint you want in sunglasses – orange, grey, blue or pink.
It’s super easy to order online, and if like me you get a free eye prescription for working on screens all day, you can just take your prescription from the optician and send it to GlassesShop. They may seem cheap for glasses, but in a world where frames and extortionate and the lenses require a second mortgage, GlassesShop have a solution for everyday glasses wearers that won’t break the bank! You can also get your first pair free using the code FIRSTFREE (frame & 1.50 index lenses)
Visit GlassesShop to see the range and even try some frames at home.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
As summer approaches, most of us are thinking of going on holiday and with the weather we’ve had until recently, I think we’d all like some sun now! The Swan ProSteam Foldable Garment Steamer is something I’ve been looking to try for a long time, but not had the motivation of a holiday to try it!
Rather than ironing everything whilst you’re staying in a hotel or rental villa, steaming clothes has become the new life hack. Shops use steamers to keep clothes fresh in shops and take out creases so it’s no wonder that steaming clothes has become a good alternative. The Swan ProSteam is a foldable steamer, specifically for travelling and being able to de-crease clothes whilst on the go. We were sent one to try this week.
The ProSteam is actually very lightweight and not very big. It stands about 30 centimetres tall and the ‘face’ folds in to make it more compact. It comes with its own measuring jug as the water tank can only take 150ml of water. It’s very easy to set up. It has a delicates brush affixed already so you just need to unfold it, add the water up to the Max mark on the tank and plug in. The light on the top shows when it’s ready which is only about 30 seconds.
I tried a test on this pillow case that I was going to iron. Holding the brush close to the fabric and always keeping the ProSteam vertical, I just led the appliance down the length of the pillow case and let the steam do its work. After going over the same area twice, I stated to see a difference so a third and forth time proved that some of the creases were falling out with the more steam that was applied. You can see in the photo where I had been using the ProSteam and where I still needed to work. Looks like it decreases beautifully!
The Swan Prosteam did run out of water pretty quickly so you will need to keep topping it up and if you’re in a hard water area like I am, it’s better to use filtered water. However, if you are using it in a hotel, then hotels nearly always have drinking, filtered or desalinated water in their bathroom taps so it’s less likely that you will get limescale on the ProSteam. You don’t need to take the measuring jug with you either as you can fill up the tank from the tap as long as you’re careful not to get water on the electrics.
The Swan ProSteam Garmant Steamer works a treat on the creases and saves having to take an iron with you or trying to set up an iron in a small hotel room. All you need is some hanging space and the steamer takes the same amount of time to steam an item as it does to iron it, but using less space and the ProSteam actually heats up quicker.
This is a must for going on holiday especially if you’re not sure what amenities you’ll have or are travelling. Don’t forget to take an adapter plug though!
Disclaimer: We received these socks free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Ordinarily a scarf isn’t something I would consider as a Father’s Day gift as June is supposed to be lovely and warm and sunny! Not this year though, it’s still quite chilly so we’re having to wrap up on our evening walks so I know my husband would really appreciate a lovely warm scarf to keep him cosy when he’s out walking!
The Softly Softly Mens Alpaca Scarfis made from 100% premium alpaca fleece from Peru and is lovely and soft against your skin. Alpaca wool is stronger, softer, more eco-friendly, and offers 85% greater wicking capability than merino wool so it is a great choice for outdoor activities, especially hiking, as it’s also breathable and wind-resistant too.
The scarf is nice and long which makes it ideal for wearing different ways, it can be easily wrapped twice around your neck, tied overhand or worn in the Parisian knot style the choice is yours.
Available in a fantastic selection of colours – black, oatmeal, sapphire blue, scarlet, dark blue, dark green and mulberry this scarf is not only a stylish accessory but practical too and will keep Dad’s neck warm and cozy on colder days for years to come.
Size 150cm x 30cm
RRP £45 but currently on sale for £18
Read our Softly Softly Alpaca wool socks review here
Disclaimer: We received these socks free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
May is National Walking month and the perfect opportunity to try out some great new walking gear like these alpaca socks from Softly Softly.
Softly Softly Alpaca socks are made from luxurious and sustainable alpaca fibre which not only feels lovely and soft on your feet but keeps them toasty warm in winter and cool in summer. Alpaca wool is stronger, softer, more eco-friendly, and offers 85% greater wicking capability than merino wool and being hypoallergenic means alpaca socks are a great choice for outdoor activities, especially hiking.
We walk hundreds of miles each year and socks are a lot more important than you might think when you’re out hiking as they are crucial for keeping your feet comfortable and blister free. I have been trying out the Ultimate Alpaca socks and the Luxury Alpaca Boot Socksover the last couple of weeks and I have to say I am really impressed, they are lovely and soft and incredibly comfortable to wear. The socks are quite thick so perfect for wearing in boots and the cushioned sole helps protect your feet on longer walks, trail runs and tougher terrains.
The socks are an excellent fit, sitting nicely on my foot and they don’t slip down when walking, the ribbed cuff is comfortable and not too tight around my leg and they are plenty long enough to tuck leggings or trousers into.
When I wear them on long walks my feet don’t seem to get as hot and sweaty as they do in cheaper socks and they have kept my feet cool on the one hot day we’ve had so far this month and lovely and warm on the cooler days! They can be machine washed on a wool cycle and after washing several times they have kept their shape and feel just as comfortable and luxurious as the first time I wore them.
Available in extra small, small, medium and large they will fit feet between sizes 1 to 12.
Whilst they are not the cheapest socks around they really are worth splurging on as you can’t put a price on comfortable feet. Whether you’re exploring the local countryside, conquering mountains or simply walking the dog make sure you have a pair of Softly Softly alpaca socks on your feet this summer!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
What I’m about to show you is a new gadget that is revolutionary in skincare. You might have heard of infrared LED light being used to correct flaws on facial skin, but the Omnilux Mini Skin Corrector takes it to a new level with the ease and versatility of this new product.
At first, I wondered where the actual Skin Corrector was. In this tiny box, a round, malleable disk with a tiny 2-pin charge point was in a box all on its own, with a USB 2-pin charger and a box of hydrocolloid Skin Corrector patches. I struggled to see where the actual appliance was but if you watch the video online (link below), you not only see how the device works but what it can do.
The Omnilux Mini Skin Corrector is a portable, very lightweight device which emits near infrared LED light onto your skin. It doesn’t need a lead, it charges from a USB port using the lead provided then once the charge light goes green, it’s ready to use. By placing one of the Skin Corrector patches over the 6 LED lights on the back, it attaches to your skin to emit healing light to work on the layers of your skin. You don’t plug it in, you don’t need to sit still with it. The light does its thing and all you have to do is sit with it on!
You only need between 3 and 5 treatments a week, with each treatment lasting 10 minutes. The lights work on the layers of your skin to boost collagen and reduce fine lines, inflammation, redness and pigmentation. The red wavelength (633nm) reduces inflammation, pigmentation, and redness and helps prompt cellular repair and circulation for a more vibrant complexion. The near-infrared wavelength works on the deeper layers of your skin to help produce new collagen and elastin products to help lump and firm the skin.
It’s completely painless and has no side-effects and gets to work straight away. I sat with it on in a targeted area under my eyes whilst I was typing or watching TV. It’s very slightly warm from the LED lights but that’s it, you don’t even notice it. The Omnilux Hydrocolloid Patches keep the device adhered to the skin so that you can move around easily (no one wants to sit there holding it!) but they also feed the skin with the infused Vitamin C and azelaic acid. Once the 10 minute session is up, it turns itself off so you don’t even have to worry about how long you’re using it for.
The Omnilux Mini Skin Corrector is 100% natural, using the power of light waves to generate collagen in the skin. Safe to use, it’s been cleared for use by the FDA (in the USA) and is brilliantly portable and able to be used by all skin types. I particularly like how small and lightweight it is so that it can even go on holiday with you or you can wear it without having to worry about the weight on your skin, which no doubt would damage the elasticity over time.
How did it work? Well, I’ve been trying it for a few weeks now and I can see plumper skin! There’s a luminosity to my skin that I wasn’t expecting and I really enjoyed being able to sit and have this painless, intervention free method to help me feel like I’m doing something productive with my skin care. Once I took the device off, there was a little redness from the adhesive, but I’m aware that it was also penetrating products into my skin. The area felt slightly warm, like I had been sleeping on that side of my face and turned over but underneath you could see the skin was plumper. Using it several times a week, you can see a slight difference after just 4 or 5 sessions and you feel a difference when you touch your face. It can be used under eyes, for pigmentation and for fine lines, so I have been moving it around and getting my mini-facials in whenever I’m sitting indoors. It’s genius!
More Hydrocolloid Patches can be bought on the Omnilux website as they’re one time use only, but the Omnilux Mini Skin Corrector works a treat, and feels like a real treat on the skin too. I can’t wait until the winter months when I can brighten my skin even without a holiday!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Cherry Blossom are synonymous with shoe cleaning and shoe maintenance. We all grew up with the Cherry Blossom polish being used on our school shoes on a Sunday night, but I wasn’t aware that the Cherry Blossom range now extends to a many more products including cleaners and protectors too. We were sent a 3-step shoe product gift box of the Cherry Blossom Platinum Eco Ultra Cleaner, Cherry Blossom Shoe Protector and the Cherry Blossom Shoe Protector.
The Platinum Eco Ultra Cleaner is a 200ml bottle of water based cleaning fluid, which dispenses as a foam which makes it really easy to apply either straight to the shoe or onto a cloth to clean. The Eco Cleaner is gentle to use on any type of footwear including leather and suede and is aimed at uppers, but you could easily use it on the soles of shoes especially trainers and durable boot soles. It’s non-abrasive so it won’t change the appearance of the shoes or leave any scratches but just gentle removes dirt, even ground in dirt. I tried it on my black leather boots which had some mud on but mostly scuffs and every day dirt. Along with the heel, the leather came up nice and clean! Which meant onto the next phase of shoe restoring…
The Cherry Blossom Platinum Regimental Gloss is 40 grams of high shine polish to be used on leather. I used the black colouring on my leather boots and was surprised at how soft the polish was compared to other brands which take a lot of work to get the polish out of the tin and onto the shoe! Using a rag, I applied the polish to all areas of black leather on my boots and left it overnight to see the full effect. The Carnauba wax in the polish leave an exceptional high gloss shine and nourishes the leather for longer. A quick buff the next day left my boots with a lovely new-looking shine. Along with Black, the other colours in the range include dark tan, mid tan, light tan and neutral.
Front boot has been polished with Regimental Gloss
Finally, the Cherry Blossom Shoe Protector is great for the extra protection which some shoes and boots need when worn all day. After I applied the Platinum Regimental Gloss Polish and removed the excess polish, I sprayed each boot with Cherry Blossom Shoe Protector. This protector is suitable for leather, suede, nubuck and fabric footwear as well as some accessories like handbags and wallets. It helps protect against rain to keep your feet dry, but also prevents stains and maintains the colour and look of shoes. This week has been great for testing the Cherry Blossom Shoe Protector with the amount of rain, and puddles there have been!
If you’re looking at this Cherry Blossom gift set for Father’s Day, then at less than £15 for all of them, they will prolong any pair of shoes at a fraction of the cost of a new pair. If you buy the set online at www.cherryblossom.co.uk and spend £20 in total, customers receive free shipping too.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Spring is here! Which is another excuse to start looking at your make up collection and trying out some new pieces from Annabelle Minerals. We were sent some pressed powders (which I’ve never tried before) to see how we like their summer shades and award winning foundation.
Annabelle Minerals work to the theory of natural make up to bring out your own natural beauty. The ingredients nourish the skin and help prevent clogged pores, inflammation and excess sebum.
The Annabelle Minerals Pressed Powder Foundation comes in a beautiful metal compact with mirror and a separate sponge applicator. The Pressed Powder Foundation is a concentrated powder which has a slightly different colour to their loose counterparts so it’s worth trying it out first – I put too much on the sponge and found that I had applied the foundation too thickly so I had to reverse the coverage. With a bit of time though, you can soon get the coverage as well as the colour. This is why it’s won the Global Green Beauty Awards in 2023!
No make up…With Annabelle Minerals Pressed Powder Foundation
The photos show my face without any make-up and then half my face with the Pressed Powder Foundation. As my skin is very light and it’s the beginning of spring, I have the shade Natural Light but with refills online and 20 shades available at Annabelle Minerals’ shop, you can change your shade throughout the year. You can see the coverage that just one application of the Pressed Powder gives, and with some blending and a proper base (I didn’t use any primer or foundation this time) you can see that the age spots and some of the blemishes are evened out. The make-up itself feels really light especially as you don’t need much of it to make a difference. Having the second colour (I was sent a refill of Natural Fair) you can blend both colours together to match your skin tone or the tone of the contour look you’re trying to achieve.
The Pressed Powder is a really good idea because of how concentrated it is and how easy it is to apply. It’s not a liquid foundation so you can take it on a plane with you but it’s so light that you don’t need much and can apply it quickly, in the knowledge that it gives great coverage. It allowed my skin to breath as well, giving a lovely glow as all Annabelle Minerals products too. A lovely new product to add to the handbag this year!
Pressed Powder Foundation (in Natural Light colour) £23.90 at:
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Treat yourself to a little luxury haircare as well as using the Nanogen features to repair and restore hair growth, giving you nourished locks for the summer!
Nanogen are experts in haircare but have also designed shampoos and conditioners for both men and women to give you thicker hair. We were sent a selection of products from their online range, for both men and women to try out. We were also sent the new Hair Growth Factor Treatment Serum which launched earlier this year, but more on that later!
The Nanogen shampoos and conditions work together to create thicker hair. As with any beauty products, you get the most out of them if you use all the products in the range, so I was eager to try out the Nanogen Shampoo Luxe for Women and Nanogen Conditioner. There is also the Nanogen Shampoo for Women (in the purple bottle) which I kept as an in between shampoo for when I was at the gym, but they all compliment one another. The Nanogen Shampoo Luxe is especially rich and adds to the hair thickening experience which is what Nanogen are striving for. This shampoo is silky and soft but still does an excellent job of cleaning and you don’t need much to get your hair squeaky clean, which is how I like it.
The Nanogen Conditioner (which is for everyone not just for women) is where the magic happens. Like any conditioner, it needs to go on for about 2-3 minutes but I have a timer in my shower so I like to keep it on longer, as a type of mask. The conditioner is also softly smooth and you can feel that the texture is fortified with lots of good nutrients that are going straight on your hair. The combination of both the Nanogen Shampoo Luxe and the Nanogen Conditioner leave hair soft, but over time it also keeps hair thicker by adding nourishment and stimulating growth.
We were also sent the Shampoo for Men and Shampoo and Conditioner for Men (2-in1) which works much the same, and has a different fragrance for men. The Shampoo and Conditioner for Men also works brilliantly if you are sharing shampoo and conditioner with your other half and are camping or taking cheap flights where the luggage is limited! The 2-in-2 also continues with the Nanogen treatment if you can’t take all of your bottles with you and creates a stop-gap for you to be able to keep up the good work until you get back to your usual Nanogen bottles.
We were also sent the Nanogen Hair Growth Factor Serum which was launched earlier this year. Using all the best Nanogen hair technology, the serum works on the scalp to stimulate hair growth over time so that as one hair is lost, another starts growing in its place as soon as possible. The Nanogen Hair Growth Factor Serum does this in 3 ways: Stimulates new cell growth, regenerates hair follicles and reduces hair shedding by increasing collagen around the hair follicle. The serum contains Pea Sprout Extract (to stimulate hair cells), Europaea Bark Extract (to revitalise hair follicles) and Peptides, including Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 to create more collagen around hair follicles.
With all this science involved, it still takes a few weeks or even months to show a difference as it’s working deep in the hair follicles for your hair to be able to grow, and as with all hair growth, it takes time! You can add the serum at any time though, not just during your hair wash and as the serum is non-greasy, you can add it during the day. Just use a full pipette amount of serum on your scalp and massage in. It’s not greasy so you can add it after you’ve styled your hair or at the beginning of the day and you can use it every day to give a more consistent approach.
I have been using it for this week and yes, it’s easy to apply and to massage in and it’s not greasy. It’s more like a tonic and you don’t need very much of it but the pipette means you can direct the serum to the area of the scalp which you think might need it the most. I’m looking forward to my hair looking thicker over the summer and coming months as well as stronger and shinier.
Shampoo, conditioner and Hair Growth Serum available online at:
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Hair Veda have taken a range of natural, organic oils and created an oil blend to promote hair growth in those with moderate hair loss.
With the antibacterial and antimicrobial oil properties, the scalp is cleaned and nourished to provide the best conditions for hair to grow. The anti-inflammatory properties increase circulation to the scalp which in turn increases growth of new hair, and the oils themselves condition the existing hair to leave it shinier and glossier with less frizz. The Vitamin C rich oils enrich hair growth and the oils also help prevent dandruff and further hair loss.
Containing Jojoba oil, Cedarwood oil, Thyme oil, Rosemary oil, Lavender oil and Lemon oil among other natural ingredients, the combination of the oils helps the scalp grow hair again after hair loss, plus strengthens new strands and your existing strands. To reap the full benefits of Avani Hair Growth Oil, leave it in for a few hours and let it work its magic like a hair mask and over several weeks, you’ll start to see a difference.
The instructions say to warm up the oil first to have the maximum benefit, which I did by placing it near a warm radiator. Then, using the pipette provided, drop it into sections of the scalp and massage into your hair roots. With the remaining oil on your hands, run it through the length of your hair to give a protective, nourishing coat. After a few hours, you just have to wash out with shampoo and then you can condition and style as normal. I find though, that you don’t need to shampoo more than once, the one shampoo application is enough to clean your hair and doesn’t strip out the good work of the oil.
Results are not immediate – not for hair loss anyway. What you will find is that after a few hours of your locks marinating in the Avani Hair Growth Oil, the smell is divine from all of the different oils in the blend, and your hair from root to tip is nourished. Your hair is nourished over time with each application so after you shampoo and condition, there’s a slight improvement each wash. The hair loss improves slowly with each application too, with your hair regrowth being stronger so that the strands of hair withstand the daily combing, styling and pollution of everyday life. Over months and years, this all adds up to healthier, stronger and more luscious hair!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Combine a watch, sports monitor and health monitor with the TOZO S3Ultimate Smart Watch for a stylish wear this summer.
Smart watches have come a long way with most of us using them on daily basis and replacing the mechanical watches that only tell the time and the date at best. The TOZO S3Ultimate Smart Watch contains multiple functions and the latest technology and at less than £50 it costs roughly the same as a cheap watch but with all the benefits. We were sent one to try this week and to see how well it worked and I tracked it during my Park Run and gym sessions to see how well it worked and whether it gave me what I wanted.
The first aspect of the TOZO S3Ultimate Smart Watch is the screen. It’s 1.83 inches, square and has the touch functionality that makes it distinguishable from the old-fashioned watch. The coloured screen shows information it gathers from throughout the day including date, time, bpm, steps, calories and your sleep information. Touch and hold the screen to see other displays that are available such as a conventional clock face (if you prefer to see analogue time rather than digital) and a sports display showing your number of steps, distance and calories. The other displays give a variation on the health data and time but in different configurations, depending on how you like to see your summary display.
The TOZO S3Ultimate Smart Watch also has a microphone and Bluetooth to connect to your phone (it works with both iPhone and Android) and allows you to call from it. Connecting to Bluetooth was easy – once the Smart Phone was charged, a QR code comes up and allows you to download the app. The app then takes you through the Bluetooth pairing easily. This makes workouts and running easy as you have free hands and can accept or make calls from the touch of the screen. The Smart Watch also notifies you of new messages and allows you to view older messages that come into your phone. If you swipe the face of the smart phone, you can view all sorts of information if you are link your phone via Bluetooth including the weather, stress levels and activity.
The health monitoring is up there with the best of the smart watches as just by wearing it, your heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen saturation level and activity tracking are stored. Particularly interesting to me was the blood oxygen saturation level so that I can compare it at rest, night and when exercising as I’ve never had this facility before. The distance and steps is not new to me, but it was refreshing having it on a different display and being alerted whenever I got to 3 kilometres. On the app though, you can change any of your goals, so I was able to change it to 5 kilometres once I had used the watch for a while.
The watch arrived with no charge at all so I was able to see how long it took. The cable is included in the pack and works as a magnetic point at one end to attach to the watch and the other end is a USB so you can plug into any socket or any laptop to charge. It took about 1 ½ hours to charge fully and you can see the percentage charge amount on the display screen. The first full charge lasted about 6 days which is longer than my FitBit and longer than my iPhone, but with different variations of use, the battery will last longer.
The app gives more detailed information on all your stats and includes data such as menstrual health, blood oxygenation and standing amount. One of the areas I was most interested in was the ability to record a specific exercise and see individual information. You can set the watch so that when you press the side button, it comes up with your favourite sport (in this case it was Outdoor Running) and it will calculate your time, steps, bpm and other information relating to your exercise. The more detailed information is on the app which you can look at later.
The TOZO S3Ultimate Smart Watch has all you need of a watch, the information that you see on your phone and a detailed health monitor, all in one small device. It’s easy to use, and when you get into the settings and how it works it’s really easy to set up and to make it work for you the way you want it to. For my Park Run, it gave me all the information of my FitBit plus Blood Oxygen Saturation which is new to me, and very interesting.
I would highly recommend the TOZO S3Ultimate Smart Watch as an alternative to the more high end watches which cost a lot, lot more and do the same job just as well. It looks stylish too with the black face and black strap, and dare I say it, looks like it’s a lot more expensive than it is!
Available on Amazon at a discount at the moment but usually £49.99:
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Things have changed a lot with period underwear recently. Have you seen the huge range of products at Modibodi and especially their range with Puma sportwear?
The new Puma X Modibodi Seam-free range is designed to eliminate the need for tampons and sanitary towels. The extra-absorbent lining is the equivalent to 3 tampons in this size (the one featured is moderate-heavy absorbency)
The Puma Active Seam-free collection is now VAT-free in the UK. With the combination of not having to pay for tampons and sanitary towels and the ability to wash the Puma X Modibodi underwear, the collection saves you a lot of money every month. It might seem like a novel idea to have the whole garment as leak-proof but it’s more practical than you think. These period pants are made of a recycled fabric with re-enforced areas that are super absorbent and don’t require a sanitary towel, or if you prefer, you can use a tampon and be completely sure that there will be no leakage. To help the environment, all the material used is recycled too!
I was sent a black pair to try, which is ideal for in the gym or running. The Puma X Modibodi collection was created out of a need to not have bulky underwear for doing sport, going to the gym or for athletics so it makes sense that they are designed with heavy use in mind. This pair of Active Bikini Briefs are a size Large (roughly size 14-16) and made of very stretchy material so you can wear them for sports easily. They’re also seam-free, which makes them so inconspicuous under Lycra or shorts! The seams are re-enforced as well so that there is a lot of movement.
I particularly like that in this seam-free edition, the absorbent material at the front comes up really high so that you can be sure there is no leakage and the material is really soft too. There’s actually loads of movement in the stretchiness of the material so you can move about easily, or as I lift weights, this is great for not riding up, or down when you’re bending. They create a nice shape under sportswear too.
I don’t know why this idea hasn’t been used a lot in the past because it’s really handy having this underwear spare in your gym bag, or being able to wear them at the gym and not have to worry about leaking. It takes a bit of getting used to not having a towel or tampon there but it’s really just the same as any other underwear, and you can wear it as a non-VPL pair of knickers at any time, not just on your period!
The Puma Active Seam-free collection is available in bright pink or light pink too, so you can match them to whatever outfit you’re wearing whether that’s at work or in the gym.
Spring is in the air and with the Easter holidays fast approaching it’s the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and explore the countryside. There are many forms of outdoor exercise that you can do but my favourite is hiking, a great all-round exercise that is suitable for everyone and best of all doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment.
If you are planning on starting walking then my advice is to invest in some decent socks, it really is amazing the difference a good pair of walking socks makes, having cushioning in the right places and wicking materials to draw moisture away from your feet is really important, helping to keep feet nice and comfortable and also prevent blisters – every walkers nightmare! I’ve been trying out a couple of pairs of HJ Hall socks over the last month and I’m really impressed, they’ve kept my feet incredibly warm and comfortable (and blister free) and I’m looking forward to covering many miles in them this year.
The Mountain Climb socks are a heavyweight sock with extra padding on the heel, toe and Achilles tendon areas. Made with an ultra durable, moisture wicking, scientific wool blend, the socks offer warmth and long lasting comfort and are the perfect choice for colder days. The socks are lovely and thick and keep your feet nice and toasty when the temperature drops. They are comfortable to wear, the arch support and ankle bracing keep the socks from moving about on your feet and they are a good length, coming up higher than the back of my walking boots. The socks are also long enough to tuck into trousers if you wish. This sock is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a heavy duty hiking sock, especially if you walk a lot in cold weather as they will keep your feet warm in sub zero temperatures.
The Adventure Trek are a middleweight sock, they are thinner than the Mountain Climb socks and are suitable for both boots or shoes. The breathability is excellent thanks to the mesh zones that run across the top of the sock and along with the cushioning underfoot they are very comfortable to wear in both warm and cold weather. The socks hug my feet nicely and I have worn them on both long and short hikes with no discomfort. Whether I’ve been on the fells, the park or a recent trip to London, when we walked an average of 12 miles a day, they’ve never slipped, sagged, or bunched up and my feet have been comfortable all day long.
I would highly recommend the HJ Hall socks for anyone who enjoys walking and hiking, they are good value for money and your feet will certainly thank you for putting them in socks as warm and comfortable as these are. So whether you’re exploring the local fells, conquering mountains or walking the dog make sure you have a pair of HJ Hall socks on your feet. Happy hiking!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
I will confess now that I love these products. As a woman of a ‘certain age’ I realised that my eyebrows and eyelashes were starting to thin and not be as long as they used to be. Lashings of eyebrow pencil and mascara were my only option, or something really drastic like make-up tattoos were going to be needed but I didn’t want to go down that route. RapidBrow and RapidLash came to the rescue though.
If you haven’t guessed what RapidBrow and RapidLash are yet, they are both serums for enhancing eyebrows and eyelashes without the use of make-up but instead work overnight to build up strength and therefore thicken brows and lashes.
The statistics on the front of the packaging tell the story of how well loved RapidLash and RapidBrow really are. 93% of people experienced improvement in the appearance of brows and 88% experienced improvement in the appearance of lashes with each respective serum. 91% experienced thicker, fuller and healthier looking brows whilst 86% experienced thicker, stronger and longer looking lashes. This information was gathered after just 8 weeks, but the serums last a lot, lot longer so you can expect the treatment to carry on for several more months.
Each of the RapidBrow and RapidLash serums are applied once a day, preferably in the evening, to clean lashes and brows that have had all traces of make-up removed. RapidLash should be applied to the base of the eyelashes on the top lid, and RapidBrow is applied to the full length of the brow. That’s all you have to do. The serum works its magic overnight and in as little as a few weeks you start to see a difference.
This is why I love these products. Within a couple of weeks, my eye lashes were stronger plus they were able to hold more mascara whenever I did wear make-up. My brows, which are starting to thin with age, were stronger and didn’t come out as easily. It may be my imagination but the colour was deeper too, meaning I didn’t have to add pencil to them. Within 4 weeks, I did a double-take in the mirror where I swear my eyelashes looked longer BEFORE I put mascara on, and my eyebrows looked like they had already had the eye brow fixer on them, or at least a little pencil colour.
Over time, I hope that the serum keeps working and keeps strengthening my eyebrows and eyelashes so that I have more of a base to add make up to, but also to give a more natural look. The serums are much cheaper than having any cosmetics done, and don’t have the initial ‘look’ that tattooing or permanent make-up have when they’re first done. It looks so much more natural having the lashes built up over time and gets you to a level where you can keep the hair strength. These serums last forever too, so are very cost effective plus they make great gifts!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
A few weeks ago, some girlfriends and I went for a makeover in a posh London department store. After buying a ton of new products, I was hesitant about buying the lip oil they had used on me. I had never heard of lip oil before and my usual lip covering is lipstick or sometimes a matt lipstick applied with a wand, so the lip oil was a new product to me.
Well, Aldi had other ideas! They sent me this Lacura Collagen Lip Oil (8ml) with Shea butter and Vitamin E to try, so after last weekend I was very happy to oblige! The lip oil is a tube with roller glass ball for ease of application and is only about 7 centimetres tall so can fit into a handbag or purse easily when you go out. The added shea butter and vitamin E are to protect and moisturise the skin and you can really feel the softness of both ingredients and taste the shea butter too!
Lacura Collagen Lip Oil applies easily and doesn’t leave your lips feeling sticky like a lip gloss. It’s more like a light oil, as the name suggest and leaves a shine on the lips. It’s colourless on application but seems to enhance your natural colour, or if you apply with a lipstick underneath, brings out the lipstick colour and protects a little from the make-up transferring onto glasses etc. It’s easy to wear on its own during the day or to mix it up at night with a lipstick as well and create a different look, especially if you’re really good with lip liner and can create a blend with the oil too.
I’m loving experimenting with the Lacura Lip Oil and being able to make a new look with it for both day and night. It’s so easy to use too and doesn’t need to be precise at all. A new staple for the make-up bag!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
What beautiful Mother’s Day gifts! Annabelle Minerals have been around since 2012 and founded in the UK to provide handpicked ingredients that are both minimalist and natural. The idea is that the ingredients pamper your skin so that you don’t have to suffer unnecessary layers of heavy chemicals just to look your best. The theme of the ingredients being natural also carries across into the style of make up – natural and understated but still with a flare for style.
We were sent some lovely lip make up for Mother’s Day. Annabelle Minerals have both lipsticks (with refills available online) and jumbo lip pencils which can be used as both lip liners and as a lipstick. There’s several colours online too, including these shades; Apricot for the lipstick you can see and Brown Fig for the refill.
The Shear Lipsticks are presented in these gorgeous gold swizzle sticks and come in Apricot, Brown Fig, Coconut, Dragon Fruit and Strawberry. The names of the colours give away the type of natural ingredients Annabelle Minerals strives for! The Apricot colour I received is a slightly darker shade of my lips, so it’s very natural and glides on superbly. The colour stays all day too, as I discovered when I went out one Friday night wearing it. Only a small amount of the middle of the lips was missing at the end of the night, and probably as a result of drinking.
Once you’ve bought one lipstick, you can buy refills in either the same colour or a different one, and saving not just the packaging but also a bit of money! I was sent my second choice of Brown Fig, a slightly darker shade with a touch of red in it. This was a great colour for when I was wearing a darker outfit and wanted my lips to pop.
The Annabelle Minerals Jumbo Lip Pencil is probably my favourite of all the lip products. I was sent the Marigold colour which compliments all the other lipstick colours in the range. I used it as a lip liner, then you can fill in your lips with that colour, or dab it on as a base before you add a lipstick on top to vary the colour. You can also do the opposite and put the lip liner on top of your lipstick and seal it in and also change the colour.
With each of the lipsticks and the lip liner, they glide on perfectly, don’t come off easily and keep a constant colour. I didn’t notice them on my lips as they’re not greasy at all and in fact, I didn’t even need to blot with each application. They travel really well too, with a pencil lid to the liner and magnetic locking lipstick cases. I’ll be exploring more of the range at Annabelle Minerals, and looking at what Mum would like for Mother’s Day.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Mother’s Day gifts are always hard to source especially if you veer away from the chocolates, flowers and wine tradition. Spode have a fabulous range of gifts for Mum, Nan or Aunty which are slightly unusual but very usable. Like most Spode products, they are hugely decorative and decadent and not something your Mum is ever likely to buy for herself.
Take for example this Spode Creatures of Curiosity Travel Mug. Made of ceramic, as you would imagine a Spoke piece would be, it’s a 0.31 litre travel mug that’s decorated in a beautiful dark floral pattern with curious snakes, bugs and pink roses. The cup itself is very hardwearing and both dishwasher and microwave safe. The silicone lid needs to be hand washed, but the manufacture makes it easier to place over the mug and doesn’t spill easily when knocked about in transport. As the ceramic mug is well constructed and robust, it holds the heat of your beverage really well and for a long time. It doesn’t burn your hands when you hold it, so no need to add a sleeve to carry it around. You can use it for cold drinks too of course!
At 15 centimetres high it fits into most car and buggy cup holders and has real longevity compared to the plastic mugs. The ‘curious’ pattern is a real talking point because it’s so beautifully detailed and very feminine, unlike most sports travel mugs that don’t have any character. This is not a mug to use whilst jogging; it’s more for long walks in the park, taking the dog out with friends or keeping warm on long car journeys. The baristas will love this too because it’s so easy to heat up and to put the silicone lid on quickly. It’s a classy piece that Mums or Nans who love their hot tea or coffee on the go and want something with more of an occasion to drink it!
There’s also a matching laptop sleeve and water bottle as part of the Spode Creatures of Curiosity collection.
Disclaimer: We received these socks free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Is there such a thing as a sock snob? If there is then I’m definitely one of them! Where I used to just pick up any old socks when out shopping, I now have more discerning tastes and I’ve discovered it really is worth spending money on a decent pair of socks – I’m on my feet a lot and the difference between a good pair of socks and a bad pair is quite astounding.
If you’re not a hiker the chances are that you won’t have heard of the American sock brand Darn Tough. Made in America the seam free socks are made from merino wool and are unbelievably comfortable to wear, I have a couple of pairs that I wear when hiking and it’s no exaggeration when I say it’s like walking on air when they’re on my feet. As well as being incredibly comfy the socks are very hard wearing, in fact Darn Tough are so confident about the durability of their socks that they offer a lifetime guarantee. Yes you heard that right, if they wear out you can send them back and they will be replaced free of charge without a receipt and no questions asked!
As well as the popular hiking socks they also make everyday socks called the Lifestyle range. These crew socks are thinner than hiking socks and are the perfect choice for everyday wear, whether that’s in shoes, trainers or boots. Made from a mix of 61% merino wool, 36% nylon and 3% lycra the socks are moisture wicking and more breathable than your average pair of socks and once you’ve worn a pair, I guarantee you won’t go back to those supermarket socks! The animal designs are cute and I especially love the ones with ducks wearing blue spotted wellies.
The Darn Tough Lifestyle socks are available in small, medium and large which will fit feet between sizes 2.5 to 9. They sit nicely above the ankle and are ideal for wearing in trainers or casual boots. The merino wool is not only soft against your feet but is also perfect for helping to regulate body temperature and won’t lead to smelly feet.
The socks are an excellent fit, sitting nicely on my foot and they don’t slip down when walking, the ribbed cuff is a comfortable fit and not too tight around my leg. I have worn these socks a few times now and they are lovely and comfortable both in trainers and casual boots, fitting snugly on my feet. They wash well, even on cooler washes and they are still soft to the touch and have not lost their shape.
So if you’ve run out of inspiration for all those hard to buy for friends and family members then a pair of Darn Tough socks are the ideal choice. With many different designs you are bound to find a pair to suit everyone and with the lifetime guarantee it it’s gift that will last forever!
The Review Studio 